Post-level up changes:
+1 Warpriest level
+5 HP (class)
+3 HP (constitution)
+1 BAB
+1 CMB/CMD
+1 Ref save
+1 stat bonus: Strength
Bonus feat (combat only): Improved Sunder (goes well with Artificer's Blessing)
Spells: 1 more 1st level spell
+5 Skill Points (2 Class, +2 int, +1 favored class)
Heal +8 (+3 class, +2 Wis, +3 ranks)
Knowledge (Engineering) +8 (+3 class, +2 Int, +3 ranks)
Profession (Soldier) +8 (+3 class, +2 Wis, +3 ranks)
Sense Motive +8 (+3 class, +2 Wis, +3 ranks)
Spellcraft +8 (+3 class, +2 Int, +3 ranks)
Action 1:
”My interest is not specific to Dagruun, but more to ruins in general. They are history incarnate and filled with all manner of things, dark and aberrant. Most people don’t like to research these things. They think if they lock history away in tomb, nothing will ever come creeping out. Those people are fools.”
Even though the campfire was burning, Bronwyn began playing with a flame in the palm of her hand. ”Seeing ruins in person is definitely more interesting than reading about them in books, I’ll give you that much. I can’t tell you how many times I fell asleep in the library reading history tomes assigned for class. Of course, history is only written by survivors and so can be inaccurate, incomplete, or redacted depending on how they want things remembered. Some ruins may contain things dangerous enough that there aren’t ever survivors or things so unbelievable that it's better to be forgotten. Just saying.”
Action 2:
"Dinner's ready" Squeak called "I had the chance to take some of the ingredients from the ruin, but we didn't have any real mains, except the kibble for the wolves. I took some of that because I thought they would be coming with us. Anyway, I present to you cassole de kibble, with a garlic sauce and fried peanut crust. As Squeak whipped the cover of his creation, it spontaneously burst into fire, the garlic sauce crackling in a spectacular light show.
Bronwyn clapped her hands in delight at Squeak’s showmanship in presenting dinner. Of course she would be enamored with anything involving fire. ”That is something you’ll definitely have to employ when you start doing this for a living.” She tasted the food with some hesitation because the ‘forged had used kibble but the rumblings in her stomach made her less picky than usual. She made an appreciative noise as she chewed her food. ”Once again, you do not disappoint. You may want to choose a different protein next time but definitely keep the pyrotechnics. We could even use different elements so that the fire burns different colors based on what dish you order.”
"I really want to buy some new supplies..." Squeak wheedled "Surely we could just make a quick trip to a weaponmongers? And an apothecary? Maybe a butcher? And a grocer?"
Bronwyn crossed her arms and had a slightly annoyed look on her face because they were being forced to wait in a place she didn't want to be. ”Why not? Apparently we have two hours to kill so why not use it to get you a few things. Although I would wait until we get back to Sharn before visiting a butcher or a grocer. I have a feeling that you’d only be buying questionable meats and other food here in the goblin city.”
Squeak's eyes blushed red, but he looked uncertain "Is there a meaning behind different colours of flame? I wouldn't want to offend anyone, especially after that incident with the flowers..."
"Can we get eggs?" pleaded Squeak "I would kill a man for some fresh eggs."
So Dragonhide breastplate for 300 gp and a regular wooden shield painted black.
That would bring your total to 1,887 gp (including your common pot share), meaning you have about 4,000 gp to spend.
Sound about right?
Squeak should be updated now
Ok, you've convinced me. You know only have 3,700 gp to spend. :)
Eberron is as magical a setting as they get so magical things should be pretty available. Unless something totally out of the ordinary, you may assume you can buy it. I'll let you know otherwise.
Game on!
Action 2:
Bronwyn returned Lady E's hug before she realized where they were and that people hugging was probably considered odd. She quickly tried to re-assume her mercenary persona and gave a curt nod. "We acquired what you requested along with something else that may prove useful. The most important thing you need to know is that it isn't just the Lord of Blades who is after the schemas. Most of our trouble on this trip was courtesy of the Emerald Claw. Either they're working separately for their own purposes or they've joined forces. Either way, it doesn't bode well. I hope that Rathan is still with you or someone just as capable." Bronwyn continued by telling Lady E about the undead - the Karnathi skeletons, the zombies, and the vampire. "Thankfully House Cannith thought well enough to make a perfect duplicate schema to the one we secured. We had to trade it for Failin. With the fake schema, the vampire mentioned that it would be the third one they attained. That suggests that they have the other two schemas that you may need."
The wizard looked around the sketchy tavern before pulling out the schema which she passed to Lady E under the table. She then grunted as she heaved the large adamantine disk covered with mithral-laced runes and symbols out of the bag. "This is what we weren't expecting but the fact that it contains sockets for four schemas suggests it may also be important."
Action 1
Val was tense as they moved purposefully through the streets of the goblin city. He knew his group could hold their own, but he would be glad when this country was behind them, and the towers of Sharn were rising on the horizon.
That being said, there were no shortage of buyers for their scavenged weapons and armour. Val had no trouble negotiating fair prices, and soon their purses were bulging nicely. Because they'd turned out to be so useful so far, he bought a few more tanglefoot bags.
"Seeing as that we've been stalked by a vampire, is there anything we should buy in case he turns up again? I have some holy water, but wasn't able to use it because he was invisible. Can we get something that makes people visible? Or makes sunshine or something? Just in case he hasn't heard that we're done with all this."
Action 2
Val took a backseat as Bronwyn described their adventures to Lady E. Although E had previously recognized him as a changeling, he didn't volunteer his identity this time, as she didn't seem to require it.
Regarding items..
I'll resist the urge to buy the kitchen equipment as a magic bonus to cooking.
I don't know - a + bonus for his armour, perhaps? A cloak of resistance? Seems a bit boring, but good, solid stuff. Happy to save up to buy constructs later. Is it possible to individually opt over to the reduced magic rules by paying for things?
Unless adamantine armour DR stacks with his natural DR... in which case, that. All the that.
Oooh - or, an Amulet of Might Fists (Undead Bane) flavoured as Squeak getting himself enchanted vs the undead? Is that too broken?
"Seeing as that we've been stalked by a vampire, is there anything we should buy in case he turns up again? I have some holy water, but wasn't able to use it because he was invisible. Can we get something that makes people visible? Or makes sunshine or something? Just in case he hasn't heard that we're done with all this."
Bronwyn mentally paged through spells she had read about during her studies. "A fairly easy way to make the invisible visible is to outline them in glitter. It is one of my favorite accessories. I should be able to pick up a scroll that will allow me to make that happen should we need to."
"Can we get eggs?" pleaded Squeak "I would kill a man for some fresh eggs."
Palisade appeared preplexed. ”Query. Why kill a man for eggs? This one suggests you ignore the middle man and terminate the chicken herself so she can no longer protect her eggs. Hesitant addition. Or lizard. Query. Does it have to be a bird’s egg? Or any particular bird’s? This one believes there are any number of birds and reptiles that reproduce via eggs,” Palisade said with the firm conviction of someone who had heard of a thing called “taste” but never had nor would experience the phenomenon personally.
"Nice trick, boss. Never thought glitter might save us, but glitter it is." Squeak gave a single 'thumbs up' as he spoke. "Don't vampires hate paprika, or something?"
Squeak stood around, on high alert. There were TWO foes who had tried to take the schemas. They both had a habit of waiting to pounce until after the schema was recovered, and he didn't intend to get caught by surprise again.
Action 2:
The wizard looked around the sketchy tavern before pulling out the schema which she passed to Lady E under the table. She then grunted as she heaved the large adamantine disk covered with mithral-laced runes and symbols out of the bag. "This is what we weren't expecting but the fact that it contains sockets for four schemas suggests it may also be important."
Her eyes widened in surprise when the creation pattern was given to her.
Lady E hissed for a second as she realized that the Emerald Claw now had three schemas, "So it is true then that the Emerald Claw has found a schema. Time grows short for us all."
He looked around the table, "You have all been more helpful than you can ever imagine. I have petitioned Failin here to transport me to Sterngate. Will you come with me and then escort me back to Sharn?"
tag?
--------------------
Answers...
Squeak: Tiny constructs or any reflavoring is fine. However, remember that constructs here are powered by magic and not batteries.
Vi: the available loot did not get you to WBL so I hand waved the while thing. Each of you as the money to spend in your individual columns so Vi only has 1,200 gps.
Squeak: let's keep everyone on a regular WBL. Adamantine warforged DR and natural armor DR do NOT stack.
Amulet of mighty fists undead bane is fine.
Game on!
BTW, call me a sucker but I have a soft spot for old 'dead settings' (like Eberron).
Anyway, I am getting ready to run a game set in Dark Sun, one of my first loves.
I would be happy to have any of you as a player so please consider your time and interest.
Game on!
"Is there some book we can buy or something? Vi's right. The more weaknesses we know, the better we can prepare." Squeak looked over to Vi and nodded in acknowledgement "You've got a knack for this sort of thing."
"Nice trick, boss. Never thought glitter might save us, but glitter it is." Squeak gave a single 'thumbs up' as he spoke. "Don't vampires hate paprika, or something?"
Val laughed. "It's garlic, I think. Assuming that's true. We should definitely start carrying some. And a mirror. And a holy symbol too. Though, I don't know how much it counts if you're not really devout. Still, can't hurt. I wonder whose I should pick..."
Palisade appeared preplexed. ”Query. Why kill a man for eggs? This one suggests you ignore the middle man and terminate the chicken herself so she can no longer protect her eggs. Hesitant addition. Or lizard. Query. Does it have to be a bird’s egg? Or any particular bird’s? This one believes there are any number of birds and reptiles that reproduce via eggs,” Palisade said with the firm conviction of someone who had heard of a thing called “taste” but never had nor would experience the phenomenon personally.
Val shook his head. "No, lizard eggs are nasty. Most any bird egg will do, as long as it's not fertilized. That's the trick. Cracking open an egg to have a half-formed chick fall onto your plate is a great way to kill the appetite. Though I've heard they're a delicacy in Karrnath." He shuddered visibly.
He looked around the table, "You have all been more helpful than you can ever imagine. I have petitioned Failin here to transport me to Sterngate. Will you come with me and then escort me back to Sharn?"
Val nearly leaped up in his eagerness. "Host Above, yes please. I was dreading having to work our way back to the lightning rail. Can we leave today? Right now?"
"Is there some book we can buy or something? Vi's right. The more weaknesses we know, the better we can prepare." Squeak looked over to Vi and nodded in acknowledgement "You've got a knack for this sort of thing."
Val bowed in acknowledgement. "It keeps a guy alive. What about the Karrnathi? Any weaknesses we can exploit?"
Val bowed in acknowledgement. "It keeps a guy alive. What about the Karrnathi? Any weaknesses we can exploit?"
The wizard tapped her chin thoughtfully, "I did learn a variety of things when in school. If I spend enough energy trying to remember, I may be able to put together a list of weaknesses. Or I could do a little research when we get back to the city."
Val nearly leaped up in his eagerness. "Host Above, yes please. I was dreading having to work our way back to the lightning rail. Can we leave today? Right now?"
Bronwyn vigorously nodded her agreement, "I would much rather travel by landcart than to have to work another caravan back to the lightning rail. I've had my fill of camping for now."
I intend to move things along later today.
Val shook his head. "No, lizard eggs are nasty. Most any bird egg will do, as long as it's not fertilized. That's the trick. Cracking open an egg to have a half-formed chick fall onto your plate is a great way to kill the appetite. Though I've heard they're a delicacy in Karrnath." He shuddered visibly.
Palisade cocked its head to one side as it mulled this over. "Query. How does one judge an egg's disposition? What part of it signifies nastiness over pleasantness?" Not that the 'forged expected an answer that would make sense to it. It had long since decided most people were strange at the best of times and trying to understand their actions on a logical base was often futile.
Eating was a prime example, and it had had a great opportunity to study that aspect of human behavior from behind unit Squeak's back as its companion spent a great amount of his free time immersed int he alchemy of food preparation. After all, when one came down to it, it was merely a question about providing sustenance to the body's organs and muscles. Much like one refueled an oil lamp when its reservoirs were running low. Thinking logically, shouldn't levels of sustenance be the prime factor when putting together a meal? Followed by processing the food to make it more easily digestible? Palisade knew its medical knowledge was severely lacking in that area, but from what it had figured, cooking generally helped, and since what people's teeth generally did was grind the food down than processing it to a puree should make the feeling process more efficient. Possibly with vegetable oil added in liberally to expedite swallowing.
Yet still the people went to great lengths to craft veritable transient works of art, spending ages on things like presentation or matching together colors and textures. Inexplicable.
Yes, that can be done but it would take a day or two to make sure it's done properly so not here in Darguun but back in Sharn if the sentiment is to leave with Lady E right away.
Action 1:
Even though the campfire was burning, Bronwyn began playing with a flame in the palm of her hand. ”Seeing ruins in person is definitely more interesting than reading about them in books, I’ll give you that much. I can’t tell you how many times I fell asleep in the library reading history tomes assigned for class. Of course, history is only written by survivors and so can be inaccurate, incomplete, or redacted depending on how they want things remembered. Some ruins may contain things dangerous enough that there aren’t ever survivors or things so unbelievable that it's better to be forgotten. Just saying.”
”Yes. That’s what everyone always says, isn’t it. ‘Some things are best forgotten’.” She sighs. ”But then what happens when someone else remembers? Someone vile or insane? All those people realize that they know nothing...”
"Nice trick, boss. Never thought glitter might save us, but glitter it is." Squeak gave a single 'thumbs up' as he spoke. "Don't vampires hate paprika, or something?"
Val laughed. "It's garlic, I think. Assuming that's true. We should definitely start carrying some. And a mirror. And a holy symbol too. Though, I don't know how much it counts if you're not really devout. Still, can't hurt. I wonder whose I should pick..."
Lucina nods in confirmation. ”Most tales describe vampires as having an aversion to garlic. Paprika would be entirely useless…Though a book on the matter could be fascinating. Vampires are very interesting creatures…”
Action 2:
When the group moved to meet Lady E, Lucina just followed along quietly. I suppose I haven't been explicitly uninvited. She continued to remain silent for most of the discussion. However, at one of the lady's comments, she felt the need to remark "Ah hem." She interjected. Time grows short for us all? What does that mean. What can he do with these schemas?"
Val shook his head. "No, lizard eggs are nasty. Most any bird egg will do, as long as it's not fertilized. That's the trick. Cracking open an egg to have a half-formed chick fall onto your plate is a great way to kill the appetite. Though I've heard they're a delicacy in Karrnath." He shuddered visibly.Palisade cocked its head to one side as it mulled this over. "Query. How does one judge an egg's disposition? What part of it signifies nastiness over pleasantness?" Not that the 'forged expected an answer that would make sense to it. It had long since decided most people were strange at the best of times and trying to understand their actions on a logical base was often futile.
Eating was a prime example, and it had had a great opportunity to study that aspect of human behavior from behind unit Squeak's back as its companion spent a great amount of his free time immersed int he alchemy of food preparation. After all, when one came down to it, it was merely a question about providing sustenance to the body's organs and muscles. Much like one refueled an oil lamp when its reservoirs were running low. Thinking logically, shouldn't levels of sustenance be the prime factor when putting together a meal? Followed by processing the food to make it more easily digestible? Palisade knew its medical knowledge was severely lacking in that area, but from what it had figured, cooking generally helped, and since what people's teeth generally did was grind the food down than processing it to a puree should make the feeling process more efficient. Possibly with vegetable oil added in liberally to expedite swallowing.
Yet still the people went to great lengths to craft veritable transient works of art, spending ages on things like presentation or matching together colors and textures. Inexplicable.
Val's almost laughed, but bit it back. The Warforged seemed to be earnestly asking, and the question was part of the larger issue of sensing pleasure, and emotions. Looking thoughtful, Val asked, "How much do you experience emotion, Palisade? Do you ever feel happy, or pleasure? You seemed to be pleased when you received Bastion. Was that pleasure? It's impossible to describe taste without a basic understanding of pleasure."
"Holy symbol, you say." Squeak thought for a while "Hmmm. Palisade, Elder brother is the head of your order, right? Any chance we could turn me into a holy symbol? We could plate me in silver, then inscribe the words of the Holy Tome all over me in tiny letters. Do some sort of consecration, maybe?"
Squeak stopped by a weaponmongers, carefully looking over the blades and shafts. "Hmmm. I prefer Yew, but Oak is a good choice. This one seems defect free. Palisade, do you mind looking over their hammer heads? I think you were right about cast iron last time, but I'm interested in the quality of their steel."
Squeak sighed "If we're going to give our enemies a chance to hit us while we sleep, can we place take some elementary precautions? Guards. Some spells. Perhaps some alarms. We should be able to do some rudimentary reinforcement of the walls and door..." he trailed off, looking towards Palisade "Do you think we'd be allowed to glue broken glass into the window frame?" he caught himself "Sorry - I didn't think that through. None of the people chasing us have to worry about poison or cut fingers. But a serated saw blade..."
Action 1:
"Hmmm. I prefer Yew, but Oak is a good choice. This one seems defect free. Palisade, do you mind looking over their hammer heads? I think you were right about cast iron last time, but I'm interested in the quality of their steel."
Bronwyn was starting to get bored. Usually she loved shopping but Rhukaan Draal did not sell what she normally looked for. She was beginning to think that color was outlawed in the city. However, she perked up when Squeak mentioned yew. "Get yew, definitely yew. If this weaponmonger doesn't have that, we can look somewhere else."
Action 3:
Perhaps some alarms.
The wizard suggested, "I can go back to where I bought that glitterdust scroll and pick up an alarm scroll. We can also get some string and some bells. If we connect the bells to the string and then thread it across the windows and door, we'll be alerted if anyone bothers us."
Looking thoughtful, Val asked, "How much do you experience emotion, Palisade? Do you ever feel happy, or pleasure? You seemed to be pleased when you received Bastion. Was that pleasure? It's impossible to describe taste without a basic understanding of pleasure."
Palisade gave the Changeling a considering look. ”Explanation. Emotion is unnecessary in a weapon. Thus, this one was not equipped with any,” it answered simply. ”Addendum. Is satisfaction an emotion? If so, this one confesses it has felt it after successfully accomplishing an difficult objective. Perhaps that indicates an error in the manufacturing process,” Palisade hazarded, although the mere thought of accepting its Creator-Goddess’ work was anything short of perfect was… troubling. It seemed most likely Palisade merely wasn’t ready to understand Her divine wisdom.
"Holy symbol, you say." Squeak thought for a while "Hmmm. Palisade, Elder brother is the head of your order, right? Any chance we could turn me into a holy symbol? We could plate me in silver, then inscribe the words of the Holy Tome all over me in tiny letters. Do some sort of consecration, maybe?"
”An excellent question, unit Squeak,” Palisade replied. ”One moment, please.” Palisade rapped its breastplate with a metallic knuckle in a respectable fashion, waited patiently for Bastion to emerge from his nest and shared a long intense look with the rodent. A few seconds later Bastion twitched his nose in a meaningful fashion and turned around to stare at Squeak. ”Elder brother suggests that before blessing becomes relevant, you should first convert. This one is sorry to say it does not yet have any leaflets to give you but will see to designing and ordering a patch printed upon our arrival to Sharn.”
However, she perked up when Squeak mentioned yew. "Get yew, definitely yew. If this weaponmonger doesn't have that, we can look somewhere else."
”This one is pleased to be of assistance,” Palisade said, reaching out a hand for various implements of bodily harm and trying them for size, weight and balance. ”Suggestion. Try this one. Further suggestion. If you find a hammer head that pleases you you could always have a shaft made for it in Sharn according to your specifications.”
"Do you think we'd be allowed to glue broken glass into the window frame?" he caught himself "Sorry - I didn't think that through. None of the people chasing us have to worry about poison or cut fingers. But a serrated saw blade..."
”We should not discount the possible use of living minions by our enemies,” Palisade answered piously. ”This, broken glass seems a sensible precaution. This one regrets we do not have time to consider more effective preventative measures. Suggestion. Perhaps some bear traps could be acquired?”
Palisade gave the Changeling a considering look. ”Explanation. Emotion is unnecessary in a weapon. Thus, this one was not equipped with any,” it answered simply. ”Addendum. Is satisfaction an emotion? If so, this one confesses it has felt it after successfully accomplishing an difficult objective. Perhaps that indicates an error in the manufacturing process,” Palisade hazarded, although the mere thought of accepting its Creator-Goddess’ work was anything short of perfect was… troubling. It seemed most likely Palisade merely wasn’t ready to understand Her divine wisdom.
"As to the discovery of my elder brother..." Palisade went silent, considering the matter at length, perhaps struggling with the concept although it lacked the facial features to express it.
"It was a blessed moment, being reunited with with him, the first great work of the Creator-Goddess. This one... is unable to explain the experience. But this one would... would... words fail."
Palisade gave the Changeling a considering look. ”Explanation. Emotion is unnecessary in a weapon. Thus, this one was not equipped with any,” it answered simply. ”Addendum. Is satisfaction an emotion? If so, this one confesses it has felt it after successfully accomplishing an difficult objective. Perhaps that indicates an error in the manufacturing process,” Palisade hazarded, although the mere thought of accepting its Creator-Goddess’ work was anything short of perfect was… troubling. It seemed most likely Palisade merely wasn’t ready to understand Her divine wisdom.
Bronwyn crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes slightly, "So if I were to die or be kidnapped or run away then you'd feel nothing? You wouldn't be sad or worried or angry?"
Bronwyn crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes slightly, "So if I were to die or be kidnapped or run away then you'd feel nothing? You wouldn't be sad or worried or angry?"
"Declaration. If you were kidnapped this one would free you. If you were killed this one would avenge you. If you ran away this one would chase you. None of those things hasn't occurred yet. Hesitantly. How could it tell you how the experience might affect it before it had happened?"
”We should not discount the possible use of living minions by our enemies,” Palisade answered piously. ”This, broken glass seems a sensible precaution. This one regrets we do not have time to consider more effective preventative measures. Suggestion. Perhaps some bear traps could be acquired?”
Palisade gave the Changeling a considering look. ”Explanation. Emotion is unnecessary in a weapon. Thus, this one was not equipped with any,” it answered simply. ”Addendum. Is satisfaction an emotion? If so, this one confesses it has felt it after successfully accomplishing an difficult objective. Perhaps that indicates an error in the manufacturing process,” Palisade hazarded, although the mere thought of accepting its Creator-Goddess’ work was anything short of perfect was… troubling. It seemed most likely Palisade merely wasn’t ready to understand Her divine wisdom.
Val tilted his head, looking at the Warforged quizzically. "I don't think you're just a weapon, Palisade. I don't think the Creator-Goddess intended that. Why would a weapon be granted the divine ability to heal? And from what I witnessed, what you experienced upon entering the workspace of the Creator Goddess, and upon meeting Bastion, was an emotion that I would call "rapture". I think there's more to you than you realize, and I don't think it's a flaw."
"Declaration. If you were kidnapped this one would free you. If you were killed this one would avenge you. If you ran away this one would chase you. None of those things hasn't occurred yet. Hesitantly. How could it tell you how the experience might affect it before it had happened?"
"The need to avenge definitely stems from an emotion. A sword would never feel the need to slay the one who made its wielder drop it."
***
Strax: Sir, permission to express my opposition to your current apathy.
The Doctor: Permission granted.
Strax: Sir, I am opposed to your current apathy.
The Doctor: Thank you, Strax. And if I'm ever in the need of advice from a psychotic potato dwarf, you'll certainly be the first to know.
***
The Doctor: What are you doing here?
Strax: Madam Vastra was wondering if you needed any grenades.
The Doctor: Grenades?
Strax: [thinking] She might have said help.
Lady E nodded, “Yes, sounds good.” He looked at the companions, “Stay close and don’t get into any trouble. We’ll meet up at Failin’s landcart come dawn. Oh and I’ll make it worth your while, of course.”
Val raised an eyebrow. "You said that about this trip. I assume you have our payment squirrelled away somewhere?"
**
After the separated from the others, Val said, "A good night sleep sounds good to me. How about we find what passes for a good hotel around here, and crash until tomorrow. It's hard to get in trouble when you're sleeping. Alone."
Bronwyn crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes slightly, "So if I were to die or be kidnapped or run away then you'd feel nothing? You wouldn't be sad or worried or angry?""Declaration. If you were kidnapped this one would free you. If you were killed this one would avenge you. If you ran away this one would chase you. None of those things hasn't occurred yet. Hesitantly. How could it tell you how the experience might affect it before it had happened?"
"The need to avenge definitely stems from an emotion. A sword would never feel the need to slay the one who made its wielder drop it."
Bronwyn put her hands on her hips as she continued her point, "Vi is right, why avenge if you're not angry? And I didn't say killed, I said die. What if there is no way to avenge my death? Or what if I was just gone and you had no way to know how to find me? My point is that you are not just an unfeeling weapon. You have emotions but whether you recognize them as such is a different story."
Lucina watched their conversation with interest before finally interjecting, "She is right. The question is not what...but why. The eternal struggle between obligation and free will is something all humans struggle to reconcile. The warforged are not unlike us in this matter. As a designed creature you are beholden to obligation, but unlike your mindless cousins you have also been programmed to have will. You speak of defending Bronwyn here as pure obligation. Logic only. But what if your obligation was to destroy her? Does that thought give you pause? Would you hesitate? That is your will speaking...or your emotions, I suppose, if you want to get sappy about it..."
--
Action 2:
Lucina frowned, as the Lady gave her explanation. This is not quite adding up for me. "You make the Emerald Claw collecting these schemas seem dire. What is so dire about them having plans to make a defective warforged?
Turn 175 – On the Lightning Rail Again
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Squeak grunted, then interjected "I am not sure that I agree with your arguments. While Warforged are made for war, we have a talent for a number of other activities. Warforged are - generally speaking - tougher, stronger, more reliable and more talented than humans. For example, if I was a human I would..." he paused "Have just mastered basic motor skills and have started learning to speak." He looked around "Additionally, this defect could simply be how they are raised. With no broader understanding of the world, but created with simple language structures embedded, it is very easy to convince them of anything. Your house, lady, convinced us it was our purpose to fight and die on command for money. I believe it would be easier to convince a Warforged to fight and die for more sound ideological reasons, such as Warforged supremacy."
Action 1:
Bronwyn looked at Palisade with large, round eyes like those of a puppy. "Would you really ever destroy me?" Turning to Squeak she asked the same question, "Would you?"
Action 2:
“A good night sleep sounds good to me. How about we find what passes for a good hotel around here, and crash until tomorrow. It's hard to get in trouble when you're sleeping. Alone.”
Bronwyn gave the rogue a puckish smile, "You obviously haven't been hanging around with me long enough because one can always get into trouble. And do you not remember what happened on the train the first time? Nothing is much safer than a moving train and yet we had unwelcomed undead company."
Bronwyn went to grab Lucina's hand to drag her along with them but stopped herself. The dark woman didn't seem like the type who like being touched. Instead she said, "Lucina, you'll come with us of course, yes? You'll be able to get a good night's sleep because Palisade and Squeak don't have to sleep and they're good at keeping watch. Safety in numbers and all that."
Action 3:
Once back on the Lightning Rail the first thing Bronwyn did was shed her mercenary appearance. Thanks to them traveling in first class, one of the cars contained baths which she readily found and made use of. She undid the cornrows and scrubbed every inch of herself, removing all traces of Rhukaan Draal and the Mournland. She threw out the tattered uniform and donned one of her dresses. The scar was now gone and she was feeling more like herself when she rejoined the others. Flopping down on one of the luxurious cushions she sighed and said, "Now that's better."
"Conversion seems reasonable." agreed Squeak. "As for the inscriptions, I have approximately 22 square feet of surface area. 325 square inches. About..." he pauses "45000 words in 6 point font."
"I strongly counsel against sleeping alone." Squeak stated "It would be better for us to get a larger room, and you can sleep together in the middle while Palisade and I keep watch. Alternatively, you can sleep in shifts and take watches as well."
Bronwyn put her hands on her hips as she continued her point, "Vi is right, why avenge if you're not angry? And I didn't say killed, I said die. What if there is no way to avenge my death? Or what if I was just gone and you had no way to know how to find me? My point is that you are not just an unfeeling weapon. You have emotions but whether you recognize them as such is a different story."
It was a day of difficult truths, Palisade was beginning to think. What would it do if, for whatever reason, its current mission to protect Lady d’Deneith came to be concluded or failed? The thought was… uncomfortable. It needed a reason for its existence.
The end of the Last War had robbed it of its previous one, but luckily the order to safeguard Lady d’Deneith had occurred at around that time, allowing a seamless enough a transition to new duties. But would it be so lucky the next time? The Warforged were young as a race, and often met their ends early on the field of battle, but were it to outsmart or outfight its opponents, were there any natural limits to its own life span? It knew not and would rather not find out. Not without a clear goal to pursue while its body slowly turned to dust over the millennia.
Bronwyn looked at Palisade with large, round eyes like those of a puppy. "Would you really ever destroy me?" Turning to Squeak she asked the same question, "Would you?"
Palisade was beginning to twitch slightly as it preparing itself for fight or flight as the bombardment of difficult questions continued and culminated to a distressing logic puzzle. It needed to have master, it needed orders. Orders were to be obeyed at all costs, although some on-the-field tactical alterations was allowed when events progressed to a point that made the intended end results impossible to achieve while adhering to the letter of said orders. But… if the order to protect Lady d’Deneith had never been given, and its lawful commander were to issue an order to terminate her...
The silence from both 'forged made Bronwyn uneasy. She had always been certain of their devotion to her safety but maybe she had been wrong to assume it was because on some level they liked her - not just because they were ordered to. Her eyes got wider as neither Palisade nor Squeak said anything. "So you both would terminate me? That was not the response I was expecting." Her voice broke as she added, "Good to know."
If they hadn't been in the goblin city, Bronwyn would have stormed off but even though she was flighty at times she still recognized the danger of going off alone here. Instead, she distanced herself as much as she could from the two 'forged and turned her back. Part of her was surprised to learn that she was actually hurt by the fact that they didn't actually like her and that she was just an assignment.
Val was watching the reactions of Squeak and Palisade so closely that it took a moment for her to realize that Bronwyn had removed herself from the conversation. Moving to his friend, he realized that they had hurt her feelings. Grabbing her hand, Val pulled Bronwyn into a rough hug. "Hey, I don't believe for a moment that they would harm you, even if somebody with the authority to do so ordered them to do it. Squeak already told us that he thinks you're cute, and I think you may have just broken Palisade by presenting him with the question. Look at the poor guy - he's practically smoking. Give him some time to come to terms with the question, and I think you'll get the response you're hoping for. Now come on, let's find a hotel and you can spend a few hours playing in the fireplace - you'll feel better in no time."