As Kaede tended to the prisoners, checking for wounds and pulling the pins that held their shackles in place, she couldn't miss the look of wonder and confusion in their eyes. "Only decent thing to do," she mumbled, as much to herself as to anyone else. "And the defenses need every soldier they can get."
She looked at the next man in line and started as she recognized the clear blue eyes and thin, hawkish nose of the young stablehand she had spoken with back at Fort Portolmaeus. "Besides, it isn't just your commanders that miss you."
Sir Ilivan's horse already occupied, she offered Pakad to the weakest-looking of the soldiers, helping him into the saddle. Taking the reins of both horses, she went on foot back to the fort, leading both animals gently to avoid disturbing their cargo.
Kaede stiffened at the surprise embrace - her family hadn't been prone to hugging - but couldn't hold back a smile as she patted his back (only slightly hesitantly). "Keep it, if you want. I imagine it won't be the last foray your dad goes on - you may need it again.
And besides, the eagle is a good symbol to carry with you. They're wise, and always paying attention to their surroundings. That's why they're such good hunters - they keep their eyes open, and they know how to use the gifts nature gave them when the time comes for the hunt. You listen to your dad and your masters, and soon enough you'll be hunting demons just like the eagle hunts his prey. They won't even see you coming."
As the boy retreated, clutching to his father, Kaede's expression began to fall. Is that why I couldn't be of more aid earlier, in that last battle? Have I let these crusaders change me too much? Have I gone too far from who I'm meant to be?
Though Kaede partook of the food and wine brought in, her mood was even more dour than usual, and she spoke little. When Commander Manaria asked for the story, though, she finally looked up, her eyes dark and sharp as chips of obsidian.
"Tell them we won. Show them the trophies, point to the soldiers who have returned. What more is needed? What good are flowery speeches and grand words of inspiration? It's actions that matter - the rest, for all anyone knows, is empty boasting or a storyteller's fabrication.
"Words, words, words - you crusaders thrive on your words, don't you? Grand tales of gallantry, hours of sermons extolling your Inheritor's glory, the formalities and ranks and elaborate posturing you call 'culture'. But Ilivan was never my leader until he spent his dying breath to protect those in his care. It's what he did that earned him his importance, not the sunburst and shield you put on his shoulder or the stories you’ll tell now that he’s gone."
Suddenly she rose from the table, bending toward Commander Manaria in a clumsy imitation of a formal bow and upsetting her wineglass as she stood. "Thank you for your hospitality, and I'm truly glad those soldiers will dine with their friends and families tonight. But no amount of storytelling will change the fact that a man died to bring them here, and more were lost because the rescue came too late. Tell all the heroic stories you like, twist their lives into your next inspiring speech - but my business right now is with them, with truth. My task is here - I’ll be back. But in the meantime, don’t come looking for me."
Her wineglass still upset, the blood-red wine flowing across the table, Kaede left the dining room in stony silence.
Removing cavalier level (cavalier 1/druid 3 to druid 3)
-1 BAB
-2 Fortitude save
-Challenge 1/day
-1 animal companion level (effective druid level 3 for animal companion)
-Bonus to track aberrations/outsiders
-Tactician
-Shake It Off bonus feat
-Heavy armor proficiency
-Several weapon proficiencies (druid weapons only)
-6 HP (class)
Druid 3 to druid 5
+1 BAB
+1 Fortitude save
+1 Will save
+12 HP (10 class, 2 CON)
+2 effective druid levels for animal companion
+Resist Nature's Lure (+4 to fey abilities)
+Wild shape 1/day 5 hr
+1 1st, 1 2nd, 1 3rd level spell slot from druid list
+Natural Spell feat
+6 skill points (4 class, 1 INT)
+1 rank Perception
+1 rank Acrobatics (because, you know, jumping is hard :P)
+1 rank Heal
+1 rank Knowledge (nature)
+1 rank Knowledge (planes)
+1 rank Ride
@ Kaede: I have no issues with this. I'll adjust my character sheets and let you know if I have any concerns.
Great post, BTW and I'm looking forward to you downtime play.
@Kazmuk: no problem, thanks for letting us know.
@Sabola: I thought you were gone? Let's think about about you going barbarian since I'm not so keen on having a raging barbarian do precision damage so those two activities are not compatible in my book. However, if you're OK NOT doing sneak attack damage while raging, I think that would work. I'm also listening for you to convince me otherwise. And I'll also want to hear an interesting story as to why Sabola has 'gone wild'. :)
Questions?
Game on!
re: Sabola the Barbarian - I've seen rage reflavored as a kind of hyper-focus or battle trance before (getting so into fighting that you tune everything else out), so it's not incompatible in my book, especially with the unchained-style rage that explicitly works on attack rolls rather than simply brute strength. Clearly your decision, Fabian, but as far as I'm concerned, it works and doesn't seem unbalanced. Maybe he's learning some tips from his friendly neighborhood bloodrager and the druid with anger issues. ;)
I Escassius is that b+!~$y angel then by all means,go for it!
I'll wait for Hedda/Kazmuk and move this forward.
Game on!
Action 1:
Their eyes only had one question, “Why did you risk coming to our rescue?”
Hedda shrugged, ”We were asked so we came. No one deserves the fate that awaited you.”
Action 2:
Hedda felt both guilty and angry when she saw the disappointed faces of the soldiers when not all of them came back. Did they really expect all of us to come back? If so, they will not last long out here. Unrealistic expectations would lead to poor decisions.
Action 3:
Hedda welcomed the wine when it came. She would have preferred something stronger but she took what she could get. While she ate, even though she enjoyed the quiet, she noticed that some of the others were quieter than usual. ”I didn’t realize that Sir Ilivan meant so much to the rest of you. I respect what he did and I intend for all the crusaders to hear his story but his life should be celebrated and not mourned. What’s with the sullen faces?”
Tag Kaede and anyone else
After the Commander came in, Hedda continued to drink and eat. Words were not her strong suit and so she left it to the others to tell her what happened. Her eyes widened somewhat at Kaede’s outburst but at the same time, she completely understood. Actions always spoke louder than words.
There was awkward silence after Kaede left the room. After a few moments Hedda said, ”We’ve all had a rough day. Yes, words can often seem hollow but don’t discount the power of loss to motivate. Sir Ilivan’s sacrifice proves to your men that Iomedae hasn’t abandoned you. The loss of your men during this whole ordeal will fuel actions driven by revenge against the demons. And the fact that people came back shows that it isn’t impossible.”
Sorry - wasn't this a longer than normal turn?
Sorry - wasn't this a longer than normal turn?
It is. I'm not recapping tonight but would like to do so tomorrow night (24 hours more).
I'll then leave it open for the downtime turn (or turns).
Questions?
Game on!
Arodric fumbled for the Sword as something woke him from his sleep. He rolled off the bed into what he hoped was a fighting stance - his left hand desperately rubbed sleep from his eyes, and his right foot landed in the chamberpot.
The room glowed with golden light and power, all emanating from the magnificent figure of the Angel Ecassius - six feet from Arodric.
"Greetings Arodric!"
"Oh my god!" said Arodric "You nearly scared me to death!"
The Angel's head swivelled, birdlike, to look from the sword to the man "Your God is dead, Wielder. Iomedae is your patron now. Do not presume that exemplary success yesterday excuses Blasphemy now!"
Arodric decided not to move his right foot and risk soiling the floor further. "Exemplary success? Because we killed a Vrock? Half the people we tried to save died! Illvian was killed! Why didn't Iomedae just send someone like you to save them! Why not send you to destroy them all!"
Ecassius drew his flaming sword. The golden light tinged red and the temperature in the room seemed to rise noticeably "Thou art a fool, wielder! It is not your place to question the Goddess, wielder. The death of the Vrock was inconsequential."
The Angel paused, as if listening to someone else, looked at the sword, then lowered his sword. "Very well, Arodric. Thou art bound to this monkey-faced fool. If it will ease your burden I will explain."
Arodric blinked as the Angel turned back "So. What would you have the Lady do? Perhaps put some mythically powerful godslaying item in some deep dungeon. Have it wait for a hero to claim it, then use it to kill Des'k'ri and seal the Wound? Save the world?"
Arodric looked around a little "Uh. Sure. Yes. That'd work. Yeah."
It was hard to tell with his eyes of white flame, but Arodric was pretty sure Ecassius rolled his eyes. "Aroden set such an item upon the land. He had it wait in case the Demons struck again. It awaits only a hero sufficiently strong in morals and skill. When the power and the hero are joined, the Wound can be sealed and the world saved. Art thou happy now, mortal?"
Arodric sensed a trap, but continued "Alright. So, where is this item then? Why hasn't someone used it? Aren't there any heroes?"
Ecassius looked grim "Indeed, not. No hero has yet arisen. With the Power of Prophecy destroyed, the forces of Light are reduced to waiting for one such to arise. The wait is long, Wielder. Rest assured that one day someone of sufficient strength, conviction and understanding will arise and save the world. Till then the world can do nothing but wait, and strive by mortal means to survive."
Arodric looked flatly at Ecassius "It's me. Isn't it? You're talking about the damned sword."
"Damned? Hardly that. The Blessed Blade Arodric was the last sword forged by Aroden, the Ascended Swordsmith, to be wielded by a True Hero and destroy Des'k'ri. You pray for deliverance? You are that deliverence." The Angel paused, then continued "Well. Perhaps not you."
Delivering the rest of his missive in the choral tones of a celestial language, the Angel vanished. The room plunged back into darkness, and Arodric remembered where his foot had fallen.
Unwilling to let the men see the truth in his own eyes 'I'm a dead man anyway', Arodric turned away as the heroes he accompanied answered for him.
Ardoric's discomfort had only increased on the trip back. His repeated mental mantra 'It can't be this simple' had proven incorrect, and he finally relaxed as they crossed the threshold.
He still felt as if he had, somehow, cheated his way to a fame that belonged to someone else. He told the crusader riding her to take his mare to the stable. "I'm headed straight for a bath."
Blocked by the commander, Arodric found no polite way to refuse. His teeth ground as his anger rose.
What words? he thought That we're all doomed. That they keep coming back, and every time they take a little more. That we just have to stay here because at least then we can slow them down? He stayed sullenly silent through the meal. When Kaeda berated them and left, he took the opportunity to join her
"Kaeda!" he looked around "I'll go after her."
He rushed out of the room, catching hold of the shaman's sleeve when they were in the courtyard. "Wait!" he grinned at her - but there was no humour in his grimace "I'm glad you left, I was ready to scream at someone in there."
Arodric fumbled for the Sword as something woke him from his sleep. He rolled off the bed into what he hoped was a fighting stance - his left hand desperately rubbed sleep from his eyes, and his right foot landed in the chamberpot.
The room glowed with golden light and power, all emanating from the magnificent figure of the Angel Ecassius - six feet from Arodric.
"Greetings Arodric!"...
very nice, thanks!
Game on!
"Kaeda!" he looked around "I'll go after her."He rushed out of the room, catching hold of the shaman's sleeve when they were in the courtyard. "Wait!" he grinned at her - but there was no humour in his grimace. "I'm glad you left, I was ready to scream at someone in there."
"And I did scream at them, apparently." Kaede heaved a heavy sigh and looked back at the door she'd just burst through. "I'm just so...tired, of all of this. She was so ready to turn their deaths into simply another glorious story to inspire more young people to break themselves upon the demons' lines...Arodric, there's none more dedicated to fighting those monstrosities than me. But it seems...I don't know, like deception, to draw soldiers in with these promises of glory and splendor in the heroic fight.
There's nothing glorious about this fight, nothing grand and inspiring. It's predator and prey, and as often as not we're the rat struggling against the eagle's talons. Kaede sat down heavily on the edge of an ornately carved fountain, fidgeting with the seed heads on a few small weeds struggling through the cracks of the cobblestones. And I'm just the same. The totem I gave that boy has some power, it's true. But all that about using the eagle's wisdom to become the hunter...
She looked down morosely at the heavy bands of dragonskin encasing her. And it's not just that. Look at this - a crusader's armor, though it's made of a dragon's skin. A crusader's weapon, she says with a jerk of her head toward her hammer's haft. When we were in Nerosyan, all I could think about was getting a cinnamon sticky bun...I didn't get you at first, Arodric. You seemed just like all of the rest of the crusaders, soft, spoiled in your civilized ways, hung over and b$&%&ing about some sniffles - but now, I think you understand me best of anyone. I have a purpose, whether I originally chose it or not. And spending the last three days doing nothing but trip over myself and try not to throw my weapon from my hands in battle...
What if I'm losing that purpose, Arodric, by taking these soft ways too much to heart? What if, inside, I'm forgetting the truth of things? I need time - time away from all of this, to reconnect with the reality of the world. Standing, she reached for one of the fetishes at her waist, taking it in hand with a deep breath. Thank you for coming after me - but I need one more thing of you. I'm leaving for a time; let me go, and don't try to follow.
"Sure Kaede. Sure...." despite his words Arodric's voice was far from sure when he spoke. Watching the strange woman walk away to be alone, he felt the weight of all she'd said crashing down to join the burdens already on his soul. Had she turned back, she'd have seen him standing there looking at her walk away from him. Had she turned back - but she didn't.
Kazmuk, not used the implicit thanks in those men's eyes, just crossed his arms, letting his companions to do the talking.
As the boy rushed to hug Kaede, Kazmuk smiled and instinctively step behind, just in case the boy decided to hug him as well. When he saw he was out of 'danger', he looked at Kaede.
Well... I can not blame him for hugging her instead of me...
Kazmuk enjoyed the food and drink, despite the lack of a strong dwarven ale and food. At Kaede's burst, his face turned grim with disapproval. He watched as she left, soon followed by Arodric.
"Don't pay attention to her words, commander... each one deals with grief in a different way. She may not see our mission as a success, but it was... for we brought back not just men, but hope as well."
Retraining Elemental (earth) school to Sin Magic Specialist (Transmutation - Enhancement):
-Earth Supremacy (+2 vs. bull-rush, drag, reposition, trip, and overrun while touching the ground)
-Acid Cloud
+Physical Enhancement
+Augment
+1 1st level slot
+1 2nd level slot
+1 Refl (Physical Enhancement to DEX)
+1 AC and +1 touch (Physical Enhancement to DEX)
+1 Init (Physical Enhancement to DEX)
+1 ranged attacks (Physical Enhancement to DEX)
+1 CMD (Physical Enhancement to DEX)
Wizard 4 to Wizard 5
+8 hp (5 class, 2 CON, 1 fav)
+1 5th level feat (Improved Initiative)
+4 3rd level spell slot (+1 class, +1 INT, +2 school)
+2 spells known (dispel magic, haste)
+Wizard Bonus Feat (Extend Spell)
+6 Skill points (2 Class, 4 INT)
+1 Knowledge (arcana)
+1 Knowledge (history)
+1 Knowledge (local) - and +3, since was unranked before
+1 Knowledge (religion) - and +3, since was unranked before
+1 Linguistics (ancient thassilonian)
+1 Spellcraft
Turn 032 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
PS: Great stuff by everyone, but I must commend both Arodric and Kaede, who take the cake this turn recap. :)
Still withdrawn, Kaede couldn't even seem to muster the energy for her usual belligerence, let alone lengthy formal briefings. While the others spoke with Sergeant Boyd, she sat at the room's edge, fidgety, nervous, and somber. When she spoke, it was mostly of the corruption she had felt at the wardstone and the weakness it was causing - she left stories of the battles and the soldiers' recovery to others.
Kaede's expression did respond slightly to news of the possible weapon, but soon it began to fall again. After all, it wasn't in their hands yet. "These teams - you think them capable enough to retrieve this weapon? And honest enough to return with it if they do find it? If it's powerful enough to stop this demon horde, it seems there's a whole world of people who'd like to turn it on other foes."
Kaede's expression did respond slightly to news of the possible weapon, but soon it began to fall again. After all, it wasn't in their hands yet. "These teams - you think them capable enough to retrieve this weapon? And honest enough to return with it if they do find it? If it's powerful enough to stop this demon horde, it seems there's a whole world of people who'd like to turn it on other foes."
Wait a minute...
Have you been reading my campaign notes? :)
Game on!
I didn't read your campaign notes...you said nothing about reading your mind...;)
Hmm - Kazmuk, does that mean we'll have practically no trickery magic and three buff specialists?
Hmm - Kazmuk, does that mean we'll have practically no trickery magic and three buff specialists?
I'm Ok with you guys discussing party make-up but remember that in the end, a player must be playing something they are enthusiastic about and enjoys playing.
If that means that I DM a group of five wizards then be it. :)
Oh, and I'm also OK with any of you bringing in a new PC as well.
Game on!
Kaede wasn’t at dinner in the Battle Tower’s mess hall. Pakad wasn’t in his roomy stall in the tower’s stables. A stunning set of scintillating green armor hung at the nearby armorer’s stall, and a fearsome-looking spiked hammer leaned in a stand at the weapon master's. And when her companions reached their rooms the night of their return, they each found a small, faintly glowing vial of pale oil with a crude bone carving and a hastily scribbled note: Maybe you’ll make better use of this than I did.
A bear watched over Hedda’s vial, its arms raised preparing to maul its unseen prey; Kazmuk’s was guarded by a fierce-looking badger, and Sabola’s by a dog snarling mutely into the air. Standing next to Arodric’s was a lithe wildcat - but an intricately detailed dove made of silver lay beside it as well, a sharp contrast against the rough bone carving, and his was the only note to continue past the first terse sentence. If you have need of me, simply speak my name to the dove and tie a note to his leg. It’ll see the message safely to me. Thank you again, friend.
-------------------
By the time her companions found her peace offerings, Kaede was already riding into the stillness of the Mendev night, Pakad’s hooves thundering beneath her in their familiar drumbeat.
Hmm - Kazmuk, does that mean we'll have practically no trickery magic and three buff specialists?
No, is all good. I thought sin mages couldn't even scrollcast opposition schools without serious UMD.
You're right about demons being a pain to affect with arcane spells, though.
No, is all good. I thought sin mages couldn't even scrollcast opposition schools without serious UMD.
You're right about demons being a pain to affect with arcane spells, though.
Okay - so scenes I'd like to look at.
(A) Scene with Hedda about her possession confession
(B) Something with Sabola and/or Kazmuk helping to tie the PCs together.
(C) I'm interested in maybe having Arodric go off and loot purify a dungeon, get his stuff from there. Ideally something far enough away that it makes sense it isn't part of a Demon Hunters campaign log. Maybe kill Undead in Ustalav? I'd like to write this as the 'between the action' scenes, as if it was in a tv with no budget for a complete new bad guy cast. Sounds weird, I know, but I think it will work. Anyone else interested?
(C) I'm interested in maybe having Arodric go off andlootpurify a dungeon, get his stuff from there. Ideally something far enough away that it makes sense it isn't part of a Demon Hunters campaign log. Maybe kill Undead in Ustalav? I'd like to write this as the 'between the action' scenes, as if it was in a tv with no budget for a complete new bad guy cast. Sounds weird, I know, but I think it will work. Anyone else interested?
So many great scene ideas from everyone; this is great!
Arodric, will this 'looting' be done in 7 days?
If not, you can tell us about it by 'reminiscing'.
And as long as you guys keep me 'entertained', I won't crack the whip and give you another mission. :)
BTW, what's everyone's schedule over the holidays?
I'm around and should be able to play as normal.
Game on!
Once he had the opportunity, Kazmuk stepped forward and introduced himself. "Greetings Sergeant. The name is Kazmuk Doortsgarf, a former Blue Warden from Tar-Kazmukh. My short legs and bad luck were not able to get me here to start the expedition with the former group, but I managed to meet them anyway... if it is of your interest, I would like to continue, if not, I'll understand."
As Kazmuk heard about the lost weapon from the Third Crusade, he instantly tried to remember if he had already read anything about it.
1) Scene with Kaede about the wardstones (stone, magic, protection runes... everything Kazmuk loves!), where he is interested in her knowledge to try to duplicate its effects in a smaller scale, possibly a totem-like protective device.
2) Scene where he would find an ancient Thassilonian book, from which he would learn spells and glyph-like knowledge. (his way of acquiring new spells and inspiration to write new scrolls)
3) Knowledge about the lost dwarven fortress of Jormundur (also, if you plan an adventure there... :D)
4) To the scene with Arodric, we could talk about your sword, for knowledge reasons, or you could 'consult' Kazmuk for any knowledge he acquired from his time in Tar-Kazmukh (the biggest dwarven library in the Golarion)
5) The scene with Hedda would be fun, since she is not the brightest one and uses magic instinctively and he is completely methodical with his own magic.
Ok, I never thought I would say this but...
Let's not go crazy with the downtime scenes here. :)
It's only supposed to be a like a week of downtime and there will be more downtime later (if you survive of course). :)
I would say you each pick no more than two scenes and develop them.
@Arodric: that scene sounds really good but I would think it's not appropriate for this downtime. Are you saying it occurred before and you are telling us about it?
Questions?
Game on!
Oh, I picked the are because it was so close. About a day riding away from the WW, then three days 'holiday', then a day riding back.
Basically the local cultists assume Arodric is there in his official capacity to investigate, try to play it cool, then when they think he's catching on they ramp it up.
The scene would be mostly reminiscing. It'd explain where he got the extra loot from, and annoy him by stopping him getting to have a nice holiday while "on call".
If it's too much, all good.
I think the scene with Hedda would be better for the game. We can go get drunk again too!
Oh, I picked the are because it was so close. About a day riding away from the WW, then three days 'holiday', then a day riding back.
Basically the local cultists assume Arodric is there in his official capacity to investigate, try to play it cool, then when they think he's catching on they ramp it up.
The scene would be mostly reminiscing. It'd explain where he got the extra loot from, and annoy him by stopping him getting to have a nice holiday while "on call".
If it's too much, all good.I think the scene with Hedda would be better for the game. We can go get drunk again too!
If you can fit it in within the 7 days of downtime then go for it. I love reading about these things.
Game on!
I sleep and everyone goes and starts planning without me. :) As for schedule, Sunday through today was supposed to be my big holiday plans, but weather (and having the wrong snow chains) forestalled them. I'm free as usual all through next Monday, and can still be on some next Monday and Tuesday. Christmas is probably one of my most open days. :)
Kaede's away from Nerosyan for at least a few days, although the main part of her downtime fits into one fairly intense night, which is the first night she's away. (By the way, you each have a gift in my "Action 3 Part 1" above.) It's basically a spiritual retreat for her, and she'll be learning how to control her new wild shape ability she's being surprised with.
She could theoretically be back in time to BS with Kazmuk about wardstone theory, which could be fun. Theory talk between Kaede and Kazmuk could be interesting - Kazmuk's a studied, methodical arcane caster and Kaede's highly superstitious and ritualistic, believing that the energy of spirits flowing through the earth is the source of all magic, Kazmuk's included. Wonder how he'd respond to that. :P
As for hooking up with anyone else, Kaede's roaming pretty much all over the area outside of Nerosyan, which means it wouldn't necessarily be too hard to accidentally run into her, and I did leave behind a way of contacting her as well. Although at this point she might be a little harder to recognize in a random run-in. ;)
Ok, I think I'm mostly finished with my downtime scenes. It would up being about six pages typed out in Google Documents - Fabian, would you prefer it posted (possibly in different parts) in the discussion thread, or would it be better to simply post a link to the document?
Ok, I think I'm mostly finished with my downtime scenes. It would up being about six pages typed out in Google Documents - Fabian, would you prefer it posted (possibly in different parts) in the discussion thread, or would it be better to simply post a link to the document?
Send it to me and I'll add it to the turn recap. That way it will make people want to read the turn recap quicker. :)
This brings me to another question: schedule.
Usually people take a more relaxed approach when no deadlines are set. I'm not saying this is your case but... :)
Seriously, how about you all finish our scenes by end of day Friday so I can recap Saturday morning?
Oh, and please send me the updates for your new level as well.
On Saturday, I will recap all downtime scenes and start the new part of our campaign.
Thoughts?
Game on!
Sounds good to me, but I also have a much more open holiday schedule than some may. For my part, recap on Saturday works. I'll send you the link probably tomorrow, to give me a chance to do last-minute edits.
Sounds good to me, but I also have a much more open holiday schedule than some may. For my part, recap on Saturday works. I'll send you the link probably tomorrow, to give me a chance to do last-minute edits.
That's fine; I guess I can wait for Kaede gone wild for another day. :)
If others find the schedule is too aggressive, please speak up but I think it's good to have something concrete to strive for.
Game on!
It should actually be easier for me to post once christmas shopping, house stuff and being sick is done.
Arodric read the note, then read it again. Speaking aloud, he sighed as much as said "Don't waste words, do you Kaede. I hope you know what you're doing. Shouldn't be out by your self, though." he picked up the dove, then hesitated "On the other hand... If I call you back now what am I telling you." he stood undecided, then convulsively returned the dove to the table. "Better not get yourself killed out there, my friend."
As soon as they are dismissed Arodric clapped a friendly hand on Hedda's shoulder. "Well, we're relieved. Shall we head back to that pub? I think the next round was yours!" Despite the fact he did his best to sound casual and friendly, there was an undertone to Arodric's words that showed he was serious about something.
Seven drinks later - seven watery beers for Arodric, though that was more due to the bar's quality than any deliberate moderation - he coughed, and came round to it.
"So! You're tough Hedda. You... Look, you said 'Yes'. Ilivan nearly went mad from it. Do you want to talk about it?"
"So! You're tough Hedda. You... Look, you said 'Yes'. Ilivan nearly went mad from it. Do you want to talk about it?"
Hedda stared into her drink not really knowing where to begin. "The short answer is 'no' because I never like to talk about it but it's something I need to quit running from." The bloodrager took a long swig from her glass and then was quiet for a moment before saying in a soft voice, "I rended my family to pieces. They were barely recognizable in the end. There's no redemption from that."
tag Arodric
Hooves thundering beneath her in their familiar drumbeat, she borrowed her companion’s strength and endurance and ran to the Diamond of the North, more ready than ever to fulfill her calling.
-------------------
It was quite a stir in Nerosyan when the riderless horse came galloping in, charging through the streets with a certainty that was strange in an animal with no guide, especially one with no saddle or bridle. Through the winding alleys and bustling markets the beast ran, and those who recognized it began to worry. For Pakad was difficult to confuse for any other beast - where, then, was Kaede?
Curious watchers from the Battle Tower soon had their answer. For in front of the Tower’s doors, Pakad suddenly stopped and shied, rearing back slightly and stamping his hooves. Then his form began to melt and shift. His long snout compressed into itself, and long ears migrated downward, shortening and rounding as they went. Shoulders shrank, and hooves softened and split apart. Soon, where the large brute of a horse had been stood only Kaede.
But something was different from when she had left Nerosyan five days prior. Where once she had prided herself on the solid armor she wore, she was now protected only by a heavy wolf’s hide, protective enchantments glowing faintly in tracework beneath the fur. The hide’s claws rested on her knuckles, and there was no sign of the heavy hammer she had once carried. Beneath the hide was a leather vest, covered in stylized animal illustrations and lines of a strange text. Her hair stood straight out from her head, even dirtier and more unkempt than before.
Of all the differences, though, the biggest change was in her expression, her stance, the way she looked around the city. The transformation from horse to girl had left her on all fours; she stood slowly and glanced around, eyes darting from stone to stoop to stall. Even standing, she remained ever-so-slightly bent in an expectant crouch, and her nostrils flared slightly as her eyes danced. As a cart passed by, her head swiveled to follow it, and she bared her teeth slightly as it came close to bumping her.
And the look on her face was one of pure, unrivaled confidence and assurance.
Like I posted in my other game...
I think it may be too brutal for the way the encounters are 'balanced'. However, I like the concept. How about if once you are below 50% hitpoints, you get a -1 penalty on 'stuff'?
Thoughts?
"So! You're tough Hedda. You... Look, you said 'Yes'. Ilivan nearly went mad from it. Do you want to talk about it?"Hedda stared into her drink not really knowing where to begin. "The short answer is 'no' because I never like to talk about it but it's something I need to quit running from." The bloodrager took a long swig from her glass and then was quiet for a moment before saying in a soft voice, "I rended my family to pieces. They were barely recognizable in the end. There's no redemption from that."
tag Arodric
Ardoric blinked - he'd prepared himself for something bad, of course, but not this bad.
"That's... that's awful." he paused for a few seconds, collecting himself and obviously shaken "Look, you can't hold yourself to blame for what happened while you were possessed. You didn't kill them. That's what the demon probably wanted, you know, that you'd blame yourself for the rest of your life. Don't let it win! You were just as much a victim as they were!"
BTW, Kazmuk PMed me and told me that he won't be able to post until Monday the 28th.
I'll see how I can move this along sometime tomorrow.
Questions?
Game on!