Of Battle, Wolves and Winter.

Game Master GM Drachenfels

Sorry for the quiet...been a bit busier at work lately, plus my desk got moved around the office.

I kind of got caught in a snowball of procrastination. You posted that little tidbit from Rekstahl which threw me off a little, heh. Kind of scary knowing you've decided a Champion of Chaos is communicating with Lutke Prof. X style. I started to think up a scenario to accompany that, but I took too long apparently and you made the appeal for dwarven epicness to end the combat and I put off posting again, lol.

I will work on getting something up soon.

Ok, just good to know that you're alive and well. I know a lot of people have been really busy with work and the like, so it's understandable that things will move in flux with our Play by Post. Sometimes we'll zip along quickly, other times not so much. I've just decided that I'll go with the flow and simply match the current energy level for the story with my own. If everyone is updating and adding a lot, I'll do the same. If we're only able to post replies every week or two, then that's what I'll offer up as well. No biggie!

But really all I need to play off of is small updates anyhow. A couple lines here or there from the characters would be nice to keep things going:

Captain Biedelmann looks around the scene of the fight and salutes his men, "Well done, soldiers! You've fought bravely for the Empire."

etc etc.

Total and absolute silence is tough to contend with as a storyteller.

Almost everyone has gone silent the past week which is unfortunate because I enjoy seeing at least one or two updates a day. Hopefully that will change as things settle down for everyone.

Consequently, Njord has raised his Toughness 5% with his XP.

PINVENDOR: Other good examples of what I was talking about above (and in the case of Lutke) could be:

Lutke is stunned by strange warning he receives from the Choice Giver! Stammering, he takes heed of the warning nonetheless as the Squid attacks.

You do your agility check and maybe a couple other rolls and bam! Off we go. I really don't need a lot in terms of content, I just need something to play off of and I'll type up novels in response.

Anyhow, I think I've made my point so I digress. Hope to see some updates soon from everyone!

XP Spent!

Lucas spent 200 XP and raised Willpower from 42 to 47 and Intelligence from 34 to 39.

Lutke spent 300 XP raised Strength from 29 to 34, moved into Engineer career, and acquired official recognition for his Academic Knowledge of Engineering.

Ah, waking up to updates makes me happy. Will read/respond soon :)

and acquired official recognition for his Academic Knowledge of Engineering.

He got a degree!

Quote:

and acquired official recognition for his Academic Knowledge of Engineering.

He got a degree!

Straight from Prospero's Certification by Post University, my little sunshine, my little angel, my funny happy boy. >:-D

Yeah my mom loves me what of it!

PINVENDOR: Well, in keeping with tradition, Corporal Steinmann has been given the Avatar treatment. To me it's fun to bring these soldiers to life. It makes it that much more interesting WHEN/IF they meet grizzly and terrible fates :)

Note: I'm gonna randomly roll up what might or might not be in those tomes you said I got? Like d6 number of books, they each have a 5% chance to be something (maybe outta the Realms of Sorcery book?) or Tome of Corruption? i dunno. Thoughts?

ODV: You can do it that way if you like. Maybe roll a D8 for the 8 schools of magic. Or you can choose as well if you like, perhaps aiming for something that fits the story, ie: Black Winds of magic? I was talking about Necromancy and all that. Could be a fun tie in.

I trust you. Have fun with it :)

Indeed. I shall retire to my study with my books and reemerge with a leveled up Albrecht and perhaps some magical goodies.

Or cookbooks. Nothin wrong with cookbooks.

1s10 obviously. Got account for Chaos Lore and Necromancy as well as the 8 winds of acceptable magic.

Hey guys, guess who forgot how to properly play wizards. Yeah me! I shoulda been able to cast fire magic til I went into Journeyman Wizard, doyyyyy. Oh well, I'll be one now but whoooops.

I am the master power gamer.

Albrecht has never properly obeyed the rules of a sane society anyhow. He's special, haha!

So here's how I did it. D10 books. Got 6. Rolled percentiles for each of them got a 77 and a 4. No fumbles so the rest have an even chance of being tomes containing other lore spells. Rolled 4d10s as per pin endows suggestion. Got Fire,Shadow,Shadow, and yes, Chaos. (3,8,8,9 which going by their appearance in the realms of sorcery/players handbook matches them up as that.) now I figure I'll roll a further die to determine if maybe they give me access to a single spell from the lists?(which I of course will have to buy with xp but it gives me acces?) or maybe they are just scrolls and each have a lesser magic (probably less game breaking)

In fact. Maybe the 77 should give me access to a whole lore, the 4 a single spell rom a randomly rolled lore, and the rest access to different lesser magics? Though I technically have access to all of them already, I just have to buy them individually.

Thoughts? Or should I scour the internets/books for a crazy magical tome for the 77?

EDIT

Actually, looking back, that's a lot of stuff for barely any work. Too game breaking in general. The rest of the rolls after the 4 and 77 will just be random books il come up with ideas for later, nothing directly related to awesome. So that leave the 4 being a tome of some sort and the 77 being god knows what.

1d10 ⇒ 10 10.... That means necromancy. gulp

So looks like I now have access(or maybe if I study it. Just straight up have it? Since wizards can always learn a dark lore) to a dark lore. Grrrrreat. As for 77 I'm open to suggestions on what to do with that?

As for his leveling up Albrecht took two advances in INT bringing it up to 47, advanced into Journeyman Wizard and increased his magic characteristic to 2. Yeeeeeuuuuppp. It's gonna start looking bleak for him I'm sure.

Albrecht has never properly obeyed the rules of a sane society anyhow. He's special, haha!

Ain't that the truth.

It is grim work in making sure the dead do not return to life, but somehow you have been put in charge of it. You think perhaps the Captain gives you too much credit. You are not a Necromancer after all and have never made a study of the black winds of magic. Still, you suppose you are the best suited for the job when it comes to matters of a supernatural nature.

Like I've long said, "Warhammer knows". It's eerie how that works, but true enough, that's the reality of it.

I have a great idea. I'll write up a little description.

I'm not sure how you want to handle things. It all seemed really complex. What I'd suggest is that this new book opens up an entire new school of magic: Necromancy. You will not require a teacher at all. The book is that detailed! You'll need to purchase your spells etc, but they will be available to you in whatever way the progression of magic works. I've always left that arcane knowledge up to you as a player.

And as for the 77? is that where your great idea comes in? The book basically then gives me the talent Dark Lore: Necromancy? I can dig it!

Read my latest update. Hit refresh. It's epic :)

And yes, the 77 will basically apply to finding one of the rare and original texts of Nagash! The roleplay/story potential here is endless. I think we'll have a lot of fun with it, and it'll be very different from Chaos magic that we've explored in the past.

HOLY SNAP

HOLY SNAP indeed! I look forward to seeing what fun you're able to conjure out of this.

And In other news...

PINVENDOR: I think you'll enjoy Private Aimes little side story. It's not common knowledge to anyone in the group, bug having dealt first hand with the insidious Lady Gravin, you'll certainly understand the poor Privates personal hell :)

Also, to make sure its clear, Albrecht think Lutke has some warpstone of some variety, he doesn't know Lutke has a bogbaby. Thats the failed perception check working. He was looking for the source of the feeling (the statue) failed, instead thinks its Lutke.

Good stuff guys, very entertaining. I can't wait to get back in the action as soon as work lets up. I'll keep following till I can rejoin :)

ODV: Ah, ok that makes sense! I'll make sure to take that into account when I add my own description, though I'd like to see Lutke play off what you've wrote most of all.

STAVO: Nice! We can do something with Jurgen if you like. Someone more capable of handling himself in the combat oriented scenarios we find ourselves at the moment. Up to you. Hope work lets up soon :)

Slow but sure I'm working on tying the various elements of the story together (see latest posts). I have some devious ideas where this is all going to head. It'll be interesting to say the least.

Our story has certainly evolved nicely over time. I'm putting Gretta on a collision course with the Gravin. I don't know how that's going to end to be honest. But I think it will make for a really fun side story.

Well the "cleric" was stifling what was within, heh heh. That being the hedge wizardry Gretta was displaying, or so I was referencing, but you can play it off however you would like.

Incidentally, I am shocked no one said anything about Lutke nonchalantly feeding a dismembered arm to the bog octopus baby. Makes me think you guys aren't reading my posts, lol. I guess they're too long for you guys, eh? I even threw in a reference to one of Lackey's favorite NPCs. Oh well. :P

I find myself concerned about the whole Lutke/Rekstahl situation...I am just not sure how sane he can remain with a Champion of Chaos invading his mind, lol. I had hoped to keep playing him, but he might be headed for NPC'dom sooner than I anticipated...

The verses of the song can be bent and twisted to fit the story. I thought it was inspired of you though and I wanted to use it again, this time running through the mind of Caspar.

And I read every word you guys post. I wasn't shocked about Lutke feeding the arm to the bogbaby at all. It seemed quite fitting to be honest. I was trying to figure out the reference you were making with the tattoo but I didn't get it. Now that you clarified that it was one of Dana's old characters, it makes more sense. I knew you were getting at something.

But yes, I understand your pain when it comes to the general feel that no one is reading, heh. I put up these painstaking posts with epic scenes and no one says anything. I was hoping to get at least a couple OOC responses about the Gravin's latest update. Well, in Dagon's defense, he did post a salute about my use of the NPC's. That was nice :)

As far as Lutke/Rekstahl goes, we can amp that up or tone it down as necessary. Lutke is a fun character, so if you want I can ratchet down the influence Rekstahl has and how often he communicates with you.

I do try to let my posts indicate the influence of your own words, but if I haven't said it recently, you add great flavor, Drachenfels. I think we are very used to your epicness, so we sometimes forget to commend you for it. Good show!

As far Lutke is concerned, he should be fine as long as we don't get to the point where Rekstahl is the one calling the shots. Then it would just be you playing Lutke by proxy, lol.

I kind of envision Rekstahl as the ultimate tempter. He never forces anyone to do anything. It's always presented as a choice directed at a person's weaknesses or in a weak moment. Something that is almost in line with the person's own thinking, but just askew enough to lead them down a path which benefits his master. I don't even assume he is trying "corrupt" anyone. Just manipulate and maneuver people. Maybe his goal isn't to corrupt Lutke or Albrecht or Krak or any of our PCs...maybe his goals are much higher. *shrugs* You decide, Drachenfels. He is in your control now. ;-)

In regards to Gretta, I am glad she is getting some screen time. I like her and was looking forward to her trying to reconcile her suppressed "nature" with being an initiate of Shallyah. but it seems like that isn't going to happen now, lol.

Well, to start, thanks for the props! I was pretty proud of my side story updates so I'm glad you're enjoying them :)

I like your concept about Rekstahl a lot. It makes a lot of sense. I'll keep that in mind when I post updates with him. A subtle, clever, tempter with a mind to slowly turn events in favor of the Great Architect seems right in line with a champion of Tzeentch. His relationship with Lutke should make for a good story. I'm not certain what fate Lutke is destined for, but I do commend you on creating a very different and complex character.

As far as Gretta goes, I like her a lot too. I'm putting her in a dangerous position with this new initiative to set Caspar free from the Gravin's clutches. I honestly have no idea where that story is going to go. Let's hope Gretta is luckier than most who cross the Lady of Ambosstein.

So to be clear, you want us to describe what's outside the door?

Describe what goes through your mind as the door opens. Last thoughts, actions, etc. I'll handle what lies beyond :)

The book I am reading about Nagash is inspiring my "transformation" of the hag. Nagash had what is described as a "spectral cloak" of souls. A multitude of captive spirits who were at his command. Since you had already invoked him, lol, I figured I would help add some Nagash-esque atmosphere around Albrecht.

I kind of see the hag is somehow tied to the stone Albrecht has, and her soul is trapped into haunting the bearer which is why she was able to interact with Albrecht before. Now that he is opening another portal to a realm of sorcery, it seems fitting that she would gain something from it, and she will be able to alter her appearance to manifest as she would prefer to be remembered and seen. In essence, if Albrecht wishes and you allow, she would almost become a familiar, or perhaps a resource like Bob the Skull in the Harry Dresden books.

Cameos are just that so don't freak out Justin jeeze. Or I will gore you to death. GOOOOOORRRRRREEEEEE!!!!!!

Cute goat. Lol. I love Targo.

Targo is an epic NPC-Goat! Just don't mess with him, or Kendrick will roll a 77 an impale a giant eagle...

Oh pinvendor, you wish to tempt Albrecht with such powers! I like it!

I admit I have had my eye on Albrecht as a possible partner in the eventual dungeon building Lutke will (hopefully) become renowned for. Who better to assist than a wizard willing to throw caution to the 'wind' and learn more colors of magic than he should?

I kind of hope once they have departed in into NPCdom, Albrecht and Lutke will remain in contact while still pursuing their own dreams. I see that their needs will largely be beneficial to the other. Albrecht will probably need to pillage and plunder many tombs, ruins, other wizards' towers and libraries, run from the witch-hunters, clerics, other wizards in his quest to gain more magical knowledge. Lutke will need and want to study traps, locks, construction and gain the kind of knowledge one gets when one needs to pillage and plunder many tombs, ruins, other wizards' towers and libraries, run from the witch-hunters, clerics, other wizards. It just seems that their needs and goals would often align, so I can imagine they would remain compatriots of like minds if not bosom buddies.

I imagine a rather synergistic relationship and Albrecht will assist Lutke in constructing dungeons and tombs, while Lutke will assist Albrecht in the "destruction" of dungeons and tombs, lol.

Plus he's played by a little sunshine, a little angel, a funny happy boy. Who can deny such wonderment and whimsy?

:-P

If i am taking Gespana too far, just tell me Drachenfels. I can turn her over to you if necessary

BaaaWhattttsss aBah KendrickBahhhh no-one ever said kendrick was there. Just some unlucky portly fellow.

Pinvendor: As long as Albrecht is fine with it, you two are more than welcome to develop the side story. I shall watch, and play off it as events permit.

Looks like its time to concoct furthering adventures of Albrecht and Lutke...if we survive that is.

Looks like its time to concoct furthering adventures of Albrecht and Lutke...if we survive that is.

If I have my way you won't.

So....so much seething hatred. Harlen Phineas Vesh is always a worthy adversary of the growing brains of Wizardry!

I hope to see those brains all over the streets of Wolfenburg.

LACKEY: Roll Agility please. Check latest post. If you don't, I'll roll it for you. Take that! ;)

I want to try to update the thread one more time before work.