Give me Clegg any day, Ascaria. :P
The suspense of not knowing what's under those spoilers is killing me! :)
Did you not go with the party Oathday evening? If so, then you can read all the Silken Veil ones. You don't start gathering info till the next day.
Lol Iscarel, you little s*@t stirrer. Love it. Don't hate us Marcus, please.
Totally loving this development. Muahahaha
Oh there WILL BE BLOOD!
I hope Iscarel realizes there will be violent repercussions for this.
Sometimes Marcus really toes the line between "gruff bastard" and "dangerous psychotic". Perhaps Iscarel and his 8 wis think they're genuinely helping?
'cmon, live a little. :P Marcus wouldn't hurt a lady, right?
I never said anything about the ladies. Iscarel is a different matter. Remember the character is based off Enterai.
Think of it this way. You're in love. Said love is brutally murdered. You meet a girl your starting to feel for after a long grieving period. Then a person you see as a jackass rival arranges to have you forcibly (magically in this case) do something you don't approve of. Less about the act, more the whole, not of my free will type of thing.
I'm actually unsure how you thought this was a good idea. Were they actually friends and Marcus was into paying for it, maybe. But he's displayed fierce independence right from the start.
Not that *I* don't see where Iscarel is coming from. I had a chuckle when I read it. But now I'm struggling to see how MARCUS is gonna deal with this without severely breaking char type.
I don't see any of the others (as yet) attempting to stop the situation.
I'm pretty sure Ethaniel would. He knows Marcus doesn't approve and is probably the closest thing to a friend Marcus has in the group (except for Ascaria).
Wait and see.
And yes, it was not a very wise move on his part but hey, he's right. It is an appropriate action with a WIS of 7. You just need to make it crystal clear about where you and him now stand I guess.
I'm pretty sure Ethaniel would. He knows Marcus doesn't approve and is probably the closest thing to a friend Marcus has in the group (except for Ascaria).
Wait and see.
That is honestly what I was expecting to see when i went ahead with it.
Waiting on Ethaniel then.
Off to bed now.
Night fellas.
Hope our Kingmaker gets up soon.
Same for you in Crimson throne Maslen. (Megan just got a new job so maybe slow for a day or 2)
Night Ranger. Me too.
Ah, that's quite a different matter, then. If you hurt the ladies you'd have more than Iscarel to answer to.
Also I must confess I'm not entirely sure who Enterai is (perhaps you could enlighten me?), and Marcus hasn't seen fit to share his backstory in character (understandable, considering how he feels about Iscarel) so I've not payed it any mind. As for the whole ethics of enchantment magic, that's an entirely different matter, but that isn't what Iscarel had in mind with this particular bit of mischief (but unfortunately there's no such thing as a "will save against seduction", to my knowledge :P) Were we crossing the line here, though? Given that Marcus recently converted to the faith, I really don't think so, but the last thing I want to do is spoil anyones fun.
But figuring out how your character is going to react is one of the many joys of roleplaying. The beauty of PbP is that you have time to think about it. (Right now I'm glad I checked the discussion thread first so I can think seriously about the one last jeer in my next post...) Were we crossing the line here, though? Given that Marcus recently converted to the faith, I really don't think so. This is probably one of the most fun game for inter-party relationships I've played in now or since, but I think this merry war between Iscarel and Marcus is a fairly new development, isn't it?
You just need to make it crystal clear about where you and him now stand I guess.
I think the easiest way to blow this out of proportion is to discuss it here, but I really can't resist a chance to get into our characters heads. If you want to talk this one out tomorrow you'll find me more than willing.
You don't know who Enterai is???
How can a fellow DnD nerd not have read any of the books by R.A. Salvatore. He has about 15 odd Forgotten Realms novels, featuring the most famous Drow elf in all fiction, Dizzt Du' orden.
Drizzt is the Dual Scimitar wielding elf whose char used to get copied on the old Wizards boards. In the books- his arch enemy was one Artemis Enterai, a Human Rogue/Fighter/Assassin who fought with Sword/dagger.
Were drizzt.is all fire and passion, Enterai is a souless killer.....
No, I'm gonna stop. Surely you are having me on.
...pray tell, how much nerd cred would I lose if I said I haven't touched a Salvatore book (or indeed any D&D novel) in my life? I even asked my home group, and not a soul knew. Short of being able to tell you who Drizzt is, I couldn't tell you a thing about 'em. :P
Bah. So much for that essay.
Here now. You are right, Ethaniel will try to stop it. He is already conflicted about the role of lust in Calistria's worship, but he justifies it as another aspect of personal freedom. He would be fine with Marcus seeking to sate his desires with the abbesses (it's somewhat chauvinistic, I think, but Ethaniel isn't concerned with the abbesses right to pursue lust...he figures they get plenty of opportunity).
To see it forced, though, taps into some instinctual stuff from his background - he has spent the majority of his years as a slave, basically. He won't abide this happening to one he has begun to think of as a friend, especially done in the name of his goddess.
But I guess the key question is, does Ethaniel know how to stop it? I don't want to meta this. I think his instinct would be to pull Marcus's feet out from under him via whip, but I'm worried that course is too based in me, as a player, knowing that attacking the target of a charmed spell often breaks the effect.
Doesn't sound bad to me. No different than slapping a drunk companion to his senses (and that works cause I've done that)
(Btw it's sad how early we are all up)
For the record Iscarel you lose a massive 10 nerd points.
Next you'll tell me you have never looked at LOTR
Better mark those nerd points off for me as well. I think I read a Star Wars novel by R.A. Salvatore years and years ago, but I might be wrong. I've never touched Forgotten Realms at all, save for playing Baldur's Gate for a few hours once or twice. I do know who Artemis Entreri is, but only because I used to play the D&D minis skirmish game, and I had that piece.
I do know my Tolkien, though, and I am on the third book of Song of Ice and Fire.
As for in game action...yes, I do think that Ethaniel would be certain that Marcus was being compelled against his will, considering what he knows of him (although he was not privy to his flirtation with Ascaria). His Spellcraft might be nil, but he is trained in Sense Motive.
I'm just hoping Tam doesn't knife him when he uncoils his whip.
I have one Salvatore book in my collection but never got into it. Read about quarter of it. No idea who Enterai but he sounds cool. Drizzt, we all know him as an iconic drow but I don't know him like I know Pug or Malus or Thomas the Revenant or ........ A shame. I had the best of intention but now my interest has shifted to Pathfinder novels. Need to get my hands on that for I wish immerse myself in Golarion content and lore. Watched Lotr, never played it, no interest. Only played 3.5 and a dabble in 4.0 but i quickly shucked that oyster, mouthed it and spat it out. I also don't research how to optimise my pc's through multiclassing etc. I think of all i am the least qualified for a nerd title but I bloomed late i guess.
I must say, i recently discovered Treantmonk guides and will put some effort into his class guides as I did for Korgun Doomspray (PC).
The solution to Marcus' situation is in the very words that compelled him.
Huh?
(Btw you guys gotta read the Drizzt novels if only to get to know Enterai. Drizzit is all 'oh i am so torturted because everyone thinks i am evil.' Enterai is much deeper. For like 6 novels he's just a stone killer who for some reason hates drizzt. Later we find out its cause his childhood was just as horrific as drizzt's. Enterai lost his feelings as a matter of survival to become this unfeeling killer. People fear him. Nobody can touch him. The reason he hates drizzt is because the elf endured but kept his humanity. Enterai NEEDS to kill him to prove he's better. To prove losing his soul was worth it.)
Sick. Sold!! I like Enterai already. Man, now I reckon he should be the icon.
As for in game action...yes, I do think that Ethaniel would be certain that Marcus was being compelled against his will, considering what he knows of him (although he was not privy to his flirtation with Ascaria). His Spellcraft might be nil, but he is trained in Sense Motive.
Heh. I thought that would be a lot to ask of poor, shy Ethaniel. Now I wonder how he'll react with half the eyes of the city on him?
Sick. Sold!! I like Enterai already. Man, now I reckon he should be the icon.
He did get his own spin off series. Marcus's avatar is Enterai's picture.
As for in game action...yes, I do think that Ethaniel would be certain that Marcus was being compelled against his will, considering what he knows of him (although he was not privy to his flirtation with Ascaria). His Spellcraft might be nil, but he is trained in Sense Motive.Heh. I thought that would be a lot to ask of poor, shy Ethaniel. Now I wonder how he'll react with half the eyes of the city on him?
I'm guessing he'll be pretty paranoid about the whole thing.
Treatmonk is awesome.
Yeah, I really enjoy Treantmonk's stuff. Iscarel's being a Treantmonk brand bard from the get-go, and the fact that his guides are core only is a big plus in my eyes.
Tam's last post was awesome.
Agreed. Glad to have Tam on board!
LOL. Thanks...please excuse the typing errors! {snort} :)
I'm actually somewhat relieved that's over. I'm enjoying butting heads immensely, don't get me wrong, but it's escalating in a way I don't like at all.
You might want to step it down a bit, STR Ranger. You've managed to shatter Iscarel's opinion of you in a matter of two days, and I'm having trouble reconciling Iscarel's reactions. In the two days of game-time since our quiet spell you've threatened his life three or four times and now insult him and his honor in his own language (or worse, that of the Drow). These are much more serious slights than a cruel joke or two (although Iscarel was convinced you two would bond over the experience. :P), and I'm not certain how to react. Even if these threats aren't serious (I hope not) I'd really wonder what place the "good" has in Marcus' alignment.
I guess what I'm trying to say is Iscarel isn't the only one who's taking issue with Marcus' tone. I just want to be assured we can find a way to settle the bad blood between them before either of us pushes the other too far.
Back from the long weekend. Seems I have missed a lot of stuff. Originally I was planning to leave Ascaria out of the trip to the Silken Veil. Thus, I did not read the spoilers. But judging from your comments something Ascaria-related was going on there. Any advice on how to handle this? Was she supposed to be there? Or would it be cooler if she would not have a clue what happened there?
Also how are these matters typically settled? I think we're a bit past sharing a drink at this point. Perhaps a duel? I'm looking forward to our next clash with equal parts delight and trepidation. I'm just hoping it's a little friendly than this one.
A duel (to third blood?) in Saul's fighting pit sounds nice. It could settle your feud and would tie in nicely with the location. Plus you could stop pestering each other all the time. :-)
Okay, perhaps I misinterpreted a line from Marcus. In particular when Tam approached and Marcus said, this one is taken.
Ascaria, what ever you decide is fine as you will probably learn of the events IC anyway. But if you don't find out, you may just become fed up with the feud between the two and step in.
I don't encourage duels or martial means of resolution. Nor do I appreciate it getting to a point where steel is drawn or damaging spells are cast.
My suggestion would be to manage this through another who is common to both. Either Ascaria takes the reigns which I do enjoy, being such a young flower reigning in two much older than her.
Or Iscarel confides in Ethaniel for council who aids Iscarel and reveals something that Iscarel could assist with out of Marcus' knowing. Maybe a lead to more information about Marcus' backstory if he thinks it necessary.
It needs to be something that warms the hearts of both, not belittles one to favor another.
I played it as though she wasn't there. I was just way out of my league dealing with Shorafa Pamodae and would've taken Clegg any day. :P
It was a fun ride, so give em a read, but they'd probably be OOC knowledge for Ascaria by my book. :)
ACHTUNG!! I am back at work as off Monday 4th June. I have had much time over the last few weeks to post regularly. There will be an adjustment period as I return and posting in that period may be affected. I do hope it is not.
It needs to be something that warms the hearts of both, not belittles one to favor another.
I think this is pretty much the crux of the matter. The problem with our word-games and banter (which I by no means want to stop) is that, due to the nature of PbP, we'll always be vying for the last word.
I'm with you on the duel point, in retrospect. If we did come to arms, I'd probably want to play it out like Ascaria suggested, but it seems like a very un-calistrian affair. I think in the scheme of things, our reconciliation will happen naturally, after a particularly nasty battle or turn of events puts things back into perspective. I think I decided early on (long before Marcus and I begun this little feud) that the party members would have to earn Iscarel's respect. For the most part, they have, but Iscarel is increasingly worried about having Marcus at his back and is so far thoroughly unimpressed by his threats.
As for the others stepping in, or voicing their opinions... Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!
That's what I've been looking forward to the most! I don't feel like I've built much of a rapport with anyone else so far, so I'm hoping to turn my focus on the rest of the party in the coming weeks.
Well, well. Not to worry everyone. I was gonna have Marcus getanother night visitation from that disembodied voice.
Coming together has been exceedingly difficult for Marcus.
And altogether the whole issue was that Iscarel imposed upon Marcus's WILL. Something vitally important to the ranger. Marcus believes free will to be the most important right of a sentient being. We choose to be good or evil. Iscarel took away his free will. Nothing frightens the man more.
What'smore he doesn't so much as have 'faith' in Calistria. It's more like he feels as if he has been 'Marked' by her the way some people feel trapped by thier religion.
3rdly Marcus feels as though he's is at the start of a love triangle all over again. Perhaps not quite that. Iscarel actually helped Marcus begin to see some separation from that scenario when he said he wasn't interested in Ascaria.
Ethanial is acting as a guide/conscience for Marcus. He has the greatest insight and knows the most about what is happening to him.
Don't worry. It won't come to blows.
Iscarel took away his free will.
I'd still protest this notion. But that's good to hear. :)
Alright. I've read up on the Silken Veil encounter. Great stuff! Let's say Ascaria did not accompany them and that she does not know of what happened unless someone tells her IC. I guess that by now she will be able to sense if something is wrong with Marcus (that is more wrong than usual...)
Hey, brilliant. The silken veil stuff should wrap up soon, I think. I'd hate to steal the thunder from Tam's entry.
Of trust me, Tam has far better roleplaying chops than I.
I'm sure we' ll see the odd.sweet monologue soon.
;)
Posted.. you guys post...A LOT! lol.. not a bad thing but I get somewhat lost in the mix.. no problem.. Tam is not Ashe.. so he would prefer to stay in the background. but I try to give some insights into his personality in my 'monologues'. Hope you enjoy it.
Also Tam is a worshipper of DESNA he does not like strife in his life or int he interactions with others..."Its far easier to ask for forgiveness than to plot a revenge or prepare to receive a coming vengeance..." is his opinion. He's not a priest but he is basically a nice guy.. if a little dour, so he will try to give advice off-handedly to spread peace love and happiness...DESNA' ethos. but it will be couched in dry wisdom. I hope I can pull it off well.
Ah, nice position to take. A little DESNA would inject nicely into this vengeful group and maybe play to the good in those who still cling to it.
I'm enjoying everything going on right now. Nice bridge building Marcus. Can't wait for Iscarel's in room reply.
Ascaria will rejoin you the next morning and accompany the group to the Cypher Lodge if she may. I'll just wait for the nightly encounters to be wrapped before I post.