The shaman leans back and enters a trance like state. He begins to mutter to each of you.
@Terry "You will become a great master of locks and a seeker of treasures not accessible by many. A fortune in this world you will find and a master you will become."
@Trent "Many armies your father leads. In the land of red , white, and blue. Armies wielding guns, ships, planes, and tanks. For you it is much different. A great leader you may one day be. If you push for it will be yours. Armies of men and other races at your command. This could be within your hands."
@Ashley "You seek to be more than you are. For in your home you are nothing more than a tree bearing fruit. Parasites latch on and destroy. They say they're your friends when all they want is your fame. Here you start as nothing but there is much to achieve. You will finally be what you want, not what others want."
@Reggy "Cars are a thing of your world but here there are greater, faster, and mightier steeds. Look for them young master of earth. They are waiting to here from you. Your affinity with nature allows to find such beast the likes of which few here have ever seen and no one of your world HAS ever seen."
Once the shaman hangs his head and sways it side to side. He then raises his head to examine you all. "Yalm lied to you. There is no prophecy concerning four sorcerers from another world. No prophecy at all. Yalm brought you here because people from your world have a natural connection to the spirits. I am not sure what motivation he had to bring you here. Maybe he does want to save this world. It interests me. Regardless. You are here now. Yalm is not. You must acquire more power in order fight Xivasar and prove your worth. If you do not, then what will you do?" He looks to each of you for an answer.
Terry listens intently to Savelok, not only what's addressed directly to him, but what the shaman has to say to his fellow sorcerers. He's thinking about that and misses Savelok's next statement at first. Yalm lied to us about the prophecy? He duped us into his world to fight by telling we were destined to succeed...oh, fsck. No more script immunity for us! But we have power of our own, that'll have to be enough.
Terry sits, mouth agape, at the shaman's revelations. When Savelok pauses after asking his question, it takes Terry a moment to realize that he was expected to say something. His mind awhirl with thoughts, he replies, "If we don't get more power, we die. We're stuck in Kellmanor without Yalm. Nowhere to run that Xivasar won't eventually get to. Even if Yalm lied about the prophecy Drethrum is still after us. And just because we were duped into coming here doesn't mean we shouldn't fight Xivasar.
"I'm not going to speak for Ashley, Reg, and Trent, but I'll work on getting more power, so I can take the fight to Xivasar. I won't let Yalm's lie poison what I think of Kellmanor. This is a great place, and it's worth fighting for."
Reginald's interest in the shaman's prophesy is strong, as he wonders what sort of beasts people of this world would consider special. Surely it must be something great indeed. He thinks of dragons, and his excitement almost makes him miss the next part.
The shaman's curt presentation of such a huge thing takes Reggy by surprise, and you can see him jump forward in his seat when he realizes what was just said. A protest which he nearly shouts dies in his throat as the shaman continues, and Reginald sits backward, a mix of shock and anger apparent on his face. However, as he silently contemplates while the shaman finishes and Terry talks, he comes to a decision. Even if the prophesy was a lie, Yalm wouldn't have brought them here if he didn't think that the four of them could do something to help. He says to the shaman, "Even if I am not an invincible hero, and I am just another soldier, I want to fight Xivasar. I want to free this place, to see Kellmanor in all its glory." He looks like he might keep going, but Reggy stays silent, looking to the next teen for their bit.
Trenton remains silent listening to the other two boys his frown deepening all the while. Yalm lied, why why would he lie to us? To give us inspiration? Maybe if he hadn't given us a fullproff prophecy to fall back on we wouldn't have come? That has to be it....but if he lied about that...what else are we not being told because we are only kids? What can we do? The others....they want to fight....I want to fight this mad man. I want to free this place from this evil....I want to see the dwarves the elves, the orcs the lizardmen free to go anywhere they want not just hiding from this creeping darkness ready to turn them all to slaves....I want to see Arastil regain her magic...but he says I can lead....can I lead these diverse people? Can I even lead our paltry group when all they see is some shy angry boy? Trentoin thinks of all these things before looking up to the shaman once more.
"How do we gain this added power? Do we follow the plan to go on to the elves through Xivasar's land or somewhere else? Or do you have some other plan for us to follow. How do we rally the people of this land if they will not follow us because everything we have been told is a lie? They won't follow us for some false prophecy so how do we gather them? Like the others I won't leave, hell don't even know if we could if we wanted to now with Yalm gone. So I have one question for you. What will it take to gather the people of this world and follow us?" Trenton finishes a stubborn set to his jaw his newly changed eyes flashing an icy blue.
As the Oracle shares his predictions Ashely feels something powerful wash though her. She has difficulty identifying it, even to herself, but if she had to pick just one word to describe it, it would be...Freedom. A sense or release. To be the full and complete mistress of her own destiny, not beholden to the whims of others, how many times had she prayed for that very same thing. The fact that the prophecies of the boys all spoke of much greater power, fame wealth, ability and leadership than did her own did not disturb her in the slightest. In part because none of those things were of much import to her, well, except power, but no matter. For she knew, deep inside of her and without any doubt, that freed to walk her own path, her power was limitless and that there was nothing that she could not be, do or have.
Out of all of her companions Ashley by far seems to be the least concerned about the revelations about Yalm. In fact, she is nodding along slightly as the old lizard relates what for the others is shocking news. Waiting patiently for the others to finishing expressing their thoughts and feelings after Trent speaks she explains herself. "I am not surprised by your words at all of great one. I have had a strong feeling all along that there was in truth no prophecy. I tell you this so you can know clearly and truly that it has not been any prophecy that has kept me her and guides me like a deadly arrow towards Xivasar's throat. In my short time her I have come to truly love this beautiful, oh so differant and engaging land. I even like most of the people I have met so fat."
Pausing for a moment she looks the mystic lizard directly in the eyes as she finishes with "I will grow in power and knowledge and magic. I will even train with weapons. And once I have grown strong enough, I will hunt out and destroy Xavasar, removing his evil taint from this world forever. This I Will do. And I believe my fellow sorcerers will be right along beside me.
Salveok
Salevok speaks softly. "It is good that you have chosen this path. We now have hope for our survival. In this world, Sorcerers are the most powerful beings in the world. One of you has the potential to gain magic power to rival the armies of any normal kingdom. Sorcerers are extinct now. And you are the last. You are gift that no one would see fall. Many who still fight for this world will lay down their very lives to serve and protect you. It is a heavy weight but it is one you have all chosen to bare. Now I shall offer a seeing of the journey ahead. Your road must take you to them Melven nation for it is they alone that can advance your training to greater levels."
Suddenly Salevok enters a trance like state. He hangs his head and begins to sway it side to side. He sits up right. "The obelisk. The obelisk lies somewhere on your path. Hidden. If you find it, you will have the opportunity to destroy it. Do so and the power of your allies will double while Xivasar's would be cut in half. Should you miss it, you will find the final conflict very difficult and costly. You may even fail outright." Salevok hangs his head again and begins to sway again.
He straightens up suddenly again. "A dark power is among you but it is an asset, not an enemy. It must be cultivated for it will aid in your survival in many cases on your journey. If it is let alone, many among you WILL die." He slumps for and then begins to sway once more.
He pops up again his eyes glowing. The mountain! There is a mountain in your path that will prove to be your most challenging foe on this journey. To go over it means to enter the frozen land to face giants. To go around means to increase your journey by double or more. To go under, and your strength of will shall be pushed to it's very limit. All paths are dangerous. Choose wisely or it will lead to the ruin of all."
He slumps forward once more as though he has fallen a sleep. Suddenly he sits up. "I am unaware as to what I have just told you. Trust that the information I gave is accurate and the spirits have spoken through me. I cannot answer any questions about the visions. But there is something I must tell you. You will need to be ready to leave here in a week. No sooner. No later. Once the week is up our army will march to the border of the dark lands. There we will face the gnolls in battle. We will try and open a way through for you and your comrades to get in. It will be a vicious battle so you must prepare yourselves to fight as well. Me and my people will offer whatever training you may need. Now is your chance to ask me any questions you have. If you have none please nod and I will have Kershak see you back to the guest house. Now, any questions?"
Forgot to mention the details of the tea in a mechanics sense. Languages work normally now. You can add one language to your arsenal for each modifier you have in intelligence. Also, Linguistics is a skill you can take and everytime you take it you add a language as normal. Now you can only learn languages you have heard. You all will get Liziak as a language to start. The other choices available to you are, Cherep, Dwarven, Delven, Gerkan, Orc, Pteron, or Relven. You can withhold learning a language until you encounter one you wish to learn. To roleplay this, simply have your character concentrate on the phrase he has heard in the language. He will instantly find he can peace together the rest from there and bam! He knows the language.
Ashley's right. We're free...free to fail, but that'll make our success all the sweeter.
"There is one thing. Our guide Leorn got really sick, but Reg was able to bring a healer. Kershak told me to ask you what we should do if something like that happens again."
Reginald feels a mix of pride and embarassment when Salveok speaks of the power that Sorcerors are capable of, and wonders at how powerful Xivasa must be to be able to bring about their end before. Truly, he must be more a force of pure evil than a man.
At the mention of the obelisk, Reginald perks up, realizing this is the object which they've been told controls the minds of the people. He definately sees the worth in destroying that, and is heartened by the news that they may get such a chance.
The dark power confuses him for a moment, and he thinks of Arastil for a second, but then he realizes the shaman must be speaking of the necromantic book. He looks to Ashley intently, though he says nothing. He thinks of what she may have gotten herself into by choosing the book, and almost regrets giving it to her, though at least the lizardfolk is saying it will help them in the long run.
Reginald's demeanor becomes much more grim at the final omen, as this portends a terrible struggle on their part. He can't say for sure which of the paths described would be the best one to take, but he agrees that all sound deadly.
When the shaman is done, Reginald says, "I know you don't recall anything from the vision, but do you personally know what these obelisks look like? Is it big or small, is it a literal obelisk or is that name meant to deceive?" The questions may sound simple, but Reginald wants a definite picture of this thing in his head, as finding such a thing would free many from Xivasar's clutch. After that, he says, "I thank your people for the great sacrifice they are making in waging this battle. I will personally make sure that their sacrifices will not be made in vain." The words are spoken with determination, so that it seems less like someone else has taken hesitant Reginald's place for a second. He puts his hand over his heart and bows a bit in salute, even though the motion is rather awkward sitting as he is.
Later Reginald seeks out Leorn, wanting to receive more complete training in the druidic ways for the fight to come.
A Dark power? An Assest but the will to harness it? And a mountain and three choices? To go over or under definately not around....to gover and encounter giants....wouldn't that mean snow ice? Could I learn from them at all? Maybe Arastil would have a way to go below the mountain? I will have to ask her. But this battle....I could help with that....I know I can.
Trenton listens to the shaman and the other's for a minute wondering on everyone's words before standing and bowing to the large shaman.
"If there is to be a fight I want to prepare for it and help in anyway I can. My father taught tactics in a place called West Point. He told me a few things I want to help but first I need to talk to my teacher. I think the others will want to ask some other questions but....well some things we can't decide right now but I will prepare." He bows again his eyes scanning the others waiting for anything directed at him before making his way down to check on Leorn recuperating and then seeks out Arastil in need of counsel.
When Salveok mentions the incredible power that they will one day wield, something flares in Ashley, a hunger, and this time she doesn't choose to repress it. But the spike is momentary, and it seems the less she fights it, the quicker it fades away.
When the seer goes into his trance, her thoughts follow along with his words. 'The Obelisk, we must destroy it. Perhaps Reggy's connection with animals or my connection with the undead may help us find it.'
When he mentions the Dark Power among them a jolt shoots through and her hand reflexively moves to her bag containing The Book. 'He must be speaking of me, but if this Dark Power can be used for good, and to save lives, then I shall use it!'
And then the mountain 'Over or under it must be, we have no time to go around. But I would face snow giants any day rather than be stuck miles underground.' and she shudders involuntarily at just there very thought of all those tons of rock hanging above her head.
Much on her mind, once again Ashley waits until the others have asked their questions asked and answered and have left. Finally, alone with the seer she speaks
"Great Salveok, I...I feel it was destined that I meet you. There have been so many strange thoughts and feelings in my mind of late and odd things happening. Sometimes...sometimes I hear voices in my head, it is...it is sort of like all of my ancestors are trying to speak to me, or through me, at once. I haven't spoken of this to anyone because I didn't want them to think I'm crazy but...I have been thinking maybe I am! But..just now what happened to you, is that..is that what it is like for you? Is this why I hear the voices? Am I to follow the same path as you as well?"
Knowing her questions sounded confused and crazy, she looks to the large lizard with a desperate hope shining in her eyes.
As Terry leaves with Trent and Reg, he'll motion them close. "We better not tell Leorn about what Savelok said--you know, about Yalm lying to us. At least, not until he's healthy."
Okay here we go.
To Terry. "Sickness and disease has never effected Sorcerer's in the past. You wont have to worry. Nor will the Delves or Dwarves among you. The Revles are resistant but Welves Like Leorn aren't as such. Normally, Herbs will aid in the case of such diseases. I should recommend that if any of your party is good with nature, you should visit our herbalist. They will set you up with ingredients for making proper cures."
To Reggy. "The obelisk is a large stone that mirrors it's environment. It is large but not easy to see. Best way to describe it is a really tall pillar with runes etched into it. It produces a subtle eerie noise. Though the noise is quiet, you are liable to hear it before you ever see it."
To Trent "It is honorable that you would want to aid in the battle. Best to lead your companions through the hole we make and then through the dark lands. Once in Xivasar's lands, you will be beset constantly by forces far greater than you may have anticipated. Gifted thinkers and tacticians will be needed in these future engagements. The Welf, Leorn is no leader. He is your guide and nothing more. The Dwarf Dunnely is a mighty warrior but cannot lead more than a small squad and he leads by example but cannot motivate or inspire. The Delven woman is no leader. Her followers are mindless and do her bidding. She is a good warrior and intelligent but very inexperienced in battle. The Relve Ashal is brave and wise in the ways of battle. However, when battle begins, he will only be able to lead his own and those like him. He cannot lead other cultures. Kershak is our best leader and though he is not a people person, he is a good salwart leader and tactician. He will need help to inspire others not of his own kind. I will send him and a small team with you on your adventure. He can teach you the art of tactics, strategy, and leadership."
After everyone is dismissed.
Salevok nods. "Nay my child. The voices you hear are the spirits of this land. Your ancestors stay in your world and cannot follow you here. It would seem the gift to hear the spirits can be gained by outsiders as well. Interesting. There are those who have atunement to the spirits. They feel and hear it in all things. It is a gift. All can learn to commune with spirits but only a few have a knack for it. If you'd like I can show you how to select a spirit to align with. However, you need to think carefully on this. To align with a spirit is costly. The cost may at some point be remedied by your own abilities through discipline but it will hinder you for some time. You have the gift though. Most people cannot choose their spirit(Mystery) or their sacrifice(Curse). You are lucky indeed. Now. Think on it. There is much power to be had in becoming a spirit oracle but there is also the weakness you must accept. Are you ready to live with the burden that accompanies great power?"
As listens intently to Salveok's words, the very sound and weight resonating through her. Thinking on the choice before her, she picks up the cup filled now with simple water that the servant had given her. Just as she goes to take a sip though, the cup suddenly leaps out of her hand and it's contents spill all down her front. Sighing, she tries to dry herself as best she can with what is available. With a rueful look and tone she looks up to the large lizard "It seems my curse has already chosen me. So far the effects seem to be minor and merely annoying, but it seems certain that some spirit has chosen to cause what mischief with me that it may. Although I certainly do not enjoy it, this is a sacrifice I am willing to accept. As for my connection with the spirit, if it is as you say, and these are not the voices of my own ancestors which are speaking to me, then it appears I have been chosen by the dead of this land to be their voice unto the world. This I will accept as well, for my friends and I are all strangers to this land, so whatever deeper connection to it that we can forge, shall only help us in our quest."
And with a solemn nod, she makes her will known, and waits patiently to discover what comes next.
Curse: Haunted[/ooc]
Salevok shakes his head. "No young one. This is not a curse. Curses are horrible afflictions caused by dark magic used by witches. What you are likely suffering from is simply spirits drawn to what you have in you pack. That book is like a beacon for them. There is a spirit that influences those long past though and you are right, he seems to be quite interested in you. Your sacrafice will be your control then(Haunted) You will no long be in control of your environment. You think this book is a beacon now, it will grow much worse when you accept this weakness. All of us have a natural barrier against this force. You will give up yours. Life will be difficult but the power will be great. Now the spirit is the spirit of the souls. It allows you to commune with the souls of the undead and siphon their powers. You can call them to you and give you various forms of aid. Now come with me." Salevok begins to lead you outback.
Ashley nods and silently follows her new mentor outside
In response to the bit about the obelisk: "Well, how are we supposed to destroy a giant stone like that? It's not as if we have dynamite or anything..." He seems to be back to his normal, quiet and stuttering self.
Reginald nods at the shaman's suggestion that one of the group who is linked to nature should go the the herbalist, and thinks he should be the one to do it. He says, "Eh, which house is the herbalist's?" Saying this brings back a pang of his earlier guilt, when he realizes he may very well have seen the inside of the herbalist's house already. He adds on after getting an answer, "Oh, could you tell all the people I'm, ah, really sorry about intruding on them? I wasn't really in my... ah... right mind..." He ends off scratching the back of his head, glancing nervously down, talking in a rather feeble tone.
Trenton's mind whirls with ideas as he makes his way down the street like limbs of the trees only half listening to what the others say. "Oh what Terry? That sounds fine...I'll be right along..." he mumbles in reply to Terry before going back to his thoughts ancient battles and books flipping in and out of his head...
We have dwaves, delves, lizardfolk, Leorn, and the Relves...and us but we can't really count on ourselves when we are untested in battle in every way. Leorn and Dunnely are probably our best range with the other dwarves...what were they wielding?..guess I wasnt paying attention... if they are anything like other dwarves in the books they would make a very good shieldwall to form the line....Arastil and her people would make good quick in and out skirmishers I believe...Kershak and his people definitely could hold the line with the dwarfs being heavy troopers...Ashal, definitely shocktroops, hate to see them come screaming out of the woods first minute of the fight. And then there's us...how do we fit in? Would the others know anything about a fight like this? Damn I wish I could have some cavalry...Maybe the Relves are horsemen? Who knows..I need to talk to Arastil...and Kershak. God is this really happening? He asks himself finally as he touches the ground only aware of how his feet were not going down anymore.
Trenton dismisses these thoughts and makes his way over to where the divere group of their friends have been making camp and wanders over to Arastil.
"How has everyone been holding up? No more fights I hope?" He asks her quietly.
Terry raises an eyebrow at Reginald. "The Earth sorcerer asks how? Work on your elemental manipulation, and by the time we find the thing you can turn it inside out. Me and Trent, we can erode it, and--" He grins. "--get Ashley mad enough, and she'll melt it."
Reginald doesn't seem as confident in his powers as Terry is. He replies, "Well, I guess so, but what if we find it too soon? Like, before we can do any of that?" He then turns to the shaman. "Do you know of any way we could destroy it without our powers?" He wants to have a backup plan, as he really wants to destroy this obelisk. It would mean freeing tousands, maybe even hundreds of thousands, and giving them their freedom and their life back. He doesn't think it would hurt to be sure about being able to destroy it, if they have the opportunity.
Before the rest of you go, Salevok answers Reginald's question. "The Dwarves have dynamite. You will pass many dwarven settlements on your journey. Dwarves not only have dynamite but they are also experts at dechanting objects. Keep dwarves with you and you should be able to destroy it. Otherwise another method may present itself. Also, you need not worry about my people. You know the base language so you can apologize yourself. Take care."
You all make your way through the winding walkways heading back down to the longhouse. About half of the Relves are missing as is Arastil. All the dwarves are present. They are eating food. Apparently the lizards fed everyone while you were away.
There is food but it looks...and smells strange. Dunnely points out three different dishes. First he points out what looks like slimy slabs of half cooked fish. "Dat dere is mudfish fillets." He then points to a platter with various funky smelling vegetables. "This is mixed greens, sug lilies, Bat weed, and cattails. Also some glofungus." He then points to a large bowl containing a pale creamy looking substance with little orange wedges in it. "An dat is desert, Leeches n' Cream. Enjoy yer dinner hehe."
Those present:
Gene, Reyha, and four other Relves
All the Dwarves
Two Delven men.
Leorn is resting in a hammock. He is sleeping peacfully.
You follow Salevok to a spot behind his hut. "Now we begin the training. I am going to give you a mixture that will accelerate the training a bit so we can accomplish in eight hours what it would take many to accomplish in years. This will be very strenuous so we are going to have to bind you for it."
With that he proceeds to tie you to a tree. He then puts together a mixture and helps you drink it. The mixture starts messing with your instantly. The world scues and you suddenly go into a dream like state. You still hear Salevok but it sounds like a dream Never the less you are able to follow what he is saying. "This is where you connect with your spirit. The body and mind have many barriers that keep the spirit from joining with you. It takes years to drop those barriers but this potion does the work for you. Now you have to call out to the spirit and then the joining will begin."
You mentally reach out to the Spirit of the Ancestral Souls. After only a couple of hours you hear a voice say is a soft whispering voice. "You have summoned me and those with me. You are now my vessel and while you have my power, I have you. The other spirits will now linger around you. They are not here to help you. They are here to simply dwell. While my power is yours, theirs is their own. You will need to gain their trust to control them, or to at least ask to borrow their powers. But they wont make life easy for you hehehe." Suddenly you feel a brief pain followed by a euphoric sensation of ecstasy. You feel real high. Your body feels similar to the time you had first received your fire powers but with some noticeable differences. You can feel the spirit inside of you. By no means is this a benevolent spirit. You can feel him working you over like a lustful man at a brothel. "My I will enjoy being a part of you ehehehehe." You feel him become a part of you. The rush is exilerating. Your heart is racing and you feel helpless but excited. The sensation lasts for hours before you finally come back to yourself. You are right where you are. Sweating from exhaustion. It is dark and you are alone tied to a tree. Not even a minute and the large figure of Salevok returns. "How do you feel? Did it work?"
Soiled and cleansed, disgusted and ecstatic, worried and exhilarated. Ashely felt all of these opposing emotions and more. And now, along with the Element of Fire within her, she felt another Presence as well. How many more influences could she have within her and still be herself? When this presence had been...taking her, a part of her, the Feminine part of the Fire within her had responded eagerly. She had felt herself wanton and wild in a way she never had before and the lust within her had made her feel she was about to explode. But now that the sensation was fading, her normal North American sensibilities were starting to make her feel somewhat guilty and dirty. But those feelings were fairly faint as the Fire had been continuously burning away more and more of what she had been before. No, the main problem now was the Masculine part of the Fire within her. Feeling it's territory was being encroached upon, already she could feel the two energies within her, Fire and Spirit, circling each other, like two predators, or warriors, carefully gauging their foes' strengths and weakness' before making their strike. But, instinctively, she knew she could never allow this, understanding that if they ever truly came to battle inside her it would tear her apart.
No! This was her body, and her will would dominate them all. Gritting her teeth, she pushes aside her Fire for the moment and concentrates on the 'newcomer'. 'Who are you? You speak with a voice inside me so you must have an awareness, and if you have an awareness you must have a name. Tell me what it is, now, or I shall simply give you one, like "Bob", or "Barney" or "Bozo" perhaps.' Again, instinctively she knew that she must assert dominance now, immediately, or she would be forever simply a pawn to this great power within her. Expecting, demanding an answer, she waits impatiently.
When Salevok arrives a minute or so later, despite her appearance, on the outside at least, she appears completely in control. Smiling sweetly she answers "Well, to begin with, I shall be Much better when you untie me."
rubbing her ankles and wrists to get the circulation back, the new Sorcerer and Oracle arranges her appearance and makes herself as presentable as possible. When finished, she looks to the big lizard and says "That was...different. I barely have the words to describe it. It was horrible and wonderful, disgusting and divine. And now I feel...this presence inside of me. Is that how it was for you? May I ask you what your Mystery is Salevok? To what Spirit are you attached? And now that I have begun this new path, what advice can you give me to help steer me best along my way?"
Reginald eyes the display of food warily, not sure if his stomach can take all this... strange food after all the upset and commotion of the day. He decides to skip the food, but sits and chats with Gene. He starts by asking her about whether Xivasar has control over any of her people, and how she personally feels about the journey that lays ahead of the four sorcerers. He decides to himself, he likes her company.
Trenton looks about the others eating but deigns not to have any as he is not very hungry. Something about the drink the shaman had given him seemed to fill his stomach. Crouching down he asks Dunnely
He looks around him and studies the dwarfs curious on their weaponry, did they all have firearms or did just Dunnely being their leader only have the privilege?
Perception
Despite his skepticism at the appearance of the food, Terry will join the others who are already eating. In between mouthfuls, he'll try to strike up a conversation with the others. "So, you all probably know already that we're not from Kellmanor. Yalm only showed us a little bit of the land when he talked to us about coming here--what are things like where the relves and delves live? How do you generally get along with each other, and with the humans, melves, lizard men, and welves? Are there any other kinds of people we haven't met yet?"
I'm guessing from what the shaman said that there isn't a lot of interracial cooperation here...let's see if I can find out more about that.
Salevok unties Ashley. At her comments he sighs. "The spirits are horribly malicious. That is why each body is born with a natural defense against them. You let down your defense and allowed the spirit to have it's way with you. My spirit is of the heavens and sky above and beyond. He stole my vision from me so I can no longer see. However, I have aquaired great insight and power as a result of it. It is both a blessing and a curse and one those like you and I must learn to control. It will take time. You have the curse of sub spirits. Soul's children as it were. They will not help you. If anything, they will hinder you greatly. Always believe that the power you have is not yours. It provides much but it also hurts too. You will have to contend with the being of the spirit. Fortunetly you have a natural affinity for this. I didn't. You may be able to gain control of your curse and turn it into a benefit. Also, the power of the fire spirit is within you. The fire spirit is greater than the soul spirit. There will be no contest between the two. I feel the soul spirit got more that he bargained for within you as soon fire will dominate him as the elemental spirits dominate all lesser spirits. You are very fortunate"
As you walk away from the post you were tied too. One of the loose binds quickly wraps itself around your ankle causing you to trip and fall on your face. Salevok sighs and helps you back to your feet. "And there is your curse at work. Do be careful. They won't hesitate to do things like this at the most inconvenient of times. Now you should head down and meet your friends. We will talk later. Due be careful.
You sit down with Gene. She smiles. "You don't like the food either?" She offers you some jerky. She asks about your visit and you explain what you will. Rather than ask questions she merely listens and nods. In conclusion she announces. "I am sworn to protect you and I will follow you to whatever end to see that it be done. Even if it is into the dark hall of Xivasar, I will be there at your side." She seems very proud and dead set to be your bodyguard.
At your questions about Xivasar's power she sighs heavily. "I don't know to much about it. Ashal says we must keep our hearts pure so as not to fall to his power. I guess many of our kind fell to his service as ours is the only clan I know of. I know our history says we would war with one another all the time. But tribes aren't abundant. Instead of fighting, we study and try to be more civilized. I was raised in a city school and not as apart of our tribe. I may be a good warrior but I will never be as good as the older members of our clan because I have not spent as much time fighting as they have. I want to be a proud Relven warrior but it seems that dream is beyond me." She seems very depressed. She shakes her head. "No! I have to be a great warrior! I must! I want to protect Reginald so nothing less than the best will do!" She turns to you. Her eyes filled with determination. "I will be the best. I promise you."
Dunnely shrugs. "Da lizards left when we got here. The delf woman scoffed at the food and stermed off somewheres and half the relves decided to scout the area wit dat Kershak fella. Side from dat. Not sure."
You see the dwarves are all wearing scale armor that looks real sturdy. It is also a yellow/gold sort of colour when clean giving the impression that it is not a traditional metal. Also. they are all packing battleaxes, shields, greataxes, and muskets. Dunnely has a great two handed maul and dual pistols and a shortsword. He also has spikes on his gauntlets and really sharp looking horns on his helm. The dwarves not only wreak of B.O. but also a great deal of gun powder.
If you take a gander at the releves, they are wearing little to no armor. They look extremely agile and any amount of armor would obviously impair their full fighting potential. They also have an assortment of weapons. Nothing consistent which gives the impression that they have mastery beyond simple soldiers with whatever they happen to be wielding.
The Delves are clearly mindless muscle warriors. They are "disciplined" for sure. No fear and nothing will phase them. They look tough and precise. Any errors they are likely to have on the battlefield will be physically limitations and possible the lack of instinct. Otherwise they are fearless and unlikely to loose their cool or focus in any given situation.
If you look at any lizard warriors moving about in the village, you will see they are quite a formidable warrior. Power, speed, and toughness. They also wear bone armor and wield bronze weapons. Their scales give them natural armor too. They have weapons, claws, teeth, fully functional tails, and size to their advantages. Truly an army of these would give even the most season American general pause for concern.
Dunnely decides to fill you in. "Well relves live anywhere in open or rocky wilds that they can set up camp. They're communities are usually quite small because of their warlike nature. They war constantly with each other and will intentionally split their own tribe to produce foes. They love fighting with orcs and on plenty of occasions, us. Most races see relves as pests because of their warmonger. However, many of them joined Xivasar when he took over. Now they are scarce in the safe lands. They hate delves due to the times of enslavement." He pulls out a pipe and lights it up.
Once the pipe is going. "The delves are underworld dwellers. They live down their. We're cool with them now because they often have quality ores to trade us and we do a lot of business. The fact that half their race is mindless doesn't bother me in the least. Makes things easier. They don't get along with most surface races because of their history but that's what they get for being too ambitious. The fact that most of them joined Xivisar isn't helping them currently."
He takes a few puffs. "Lizard folk usually keep to da swamps and don't really bother anyone. They're nice enough ifin ya treat em with respect. Wouldn't want ta get on their bad side though. I admit that one of their warriors is equal ta five of mine without guns er great weapons. Guns don't actually even da odds much either. Now da Humans and welves? Well, the welves are near extinct. Dat Leorn fella is da only livin welf I know of an trust me, my know how covers quite da geographical distance. Thing is, welves are extraordinarly resistant to the obelisk. Fer's I know, not a one join ol Xivy, so he wiped em. They are usually very anti social so no one cared when they were gettin wiped out by da dark man. So only ones still alive er far away from him and still hidin in da woods somewhere. Humans also highly resistant to the obelisk and similar too the welves, Xivy decided he needed ta wipe em too. Thing is, unlike da welves, hummies had friends, helves, melves, deongans, dwarves, hotriarchs, servians, and da list o allies goes on. Many hummies survived da great hunt thanks to their allies. Honestly, I hope our crew gets a batch of hummie warriors at some point. They are like the wildcard bunch. They are quite adaptable, more so dan any other race in all of Kellmanor. After all, Xivy's human, an so are you. Any other questions?"
All cool! I'll make the changes to her now. Is she first level Oracle now?
But just to confirm, are you saying that the spells per level as spell-like ability are bonus spells On Top of the normal spells per level that an Oracle gets, or are they the Only spells the Oracle gets? And also, how many times a day can she use these spells as a spell like ability?
Finally, Oracle just draws from the Cleric spell list and you can always find the full spell list HERE on the SRD.
So, does this look right?
SPELLS:
SORCERER:
Known: Cantrips 2, 1st-None (X=Spell Already Cast)
Cantrips DC14: Light, Spark (1/Day each)
Level 1 DC15: (None)
ORACLE:
Known: Osirons 4, 1st 2 (X=Spell Already Cast)
Cantrips DC14: Blowing Dust, Guidance, Stabilize, Resistance to Fear (At Will)
Plus Bonus: Hide from Undead (SP) ??/Day
Level 1 DC15: Bless, Command (4/Day)
He listens intently as she explains a bit about her people, and then suddenly switches to talking about her own insecurities. He is about to interject and give her a little pep talk but she quickly does that for him. When she's done, he replies, "I... I'll feel safer, knowing I've got you watching my back." He smiles at her, taking in the details of her soft elven face. He gulps down a lump in his throat and says, "Thank you. I... I've really been scared, thinking of how I'm supposed to fight Xivasar when I can't even look at his minions without getting sick. But..." His face gets a little redder, but he keeps looking at her, into her eyes. "But with you around, I feel like I can do it." He feels like he should do something now, but he doesn't really know what. He moves his hand closer to hers, trying to be cool about it but ending up rather obvious with what he's intending.
"Could you send someone to go gather everyone? I need to tell everyone something important which may influence somethings, please before you ask, it is better if everyone is here so I can tell everyone at once. At least the leaders of each people." He says quickly before bowing to the dwarf and standing .
Trenton notes everything about the various races before making his way over to Terry seeing he is talking with some of the Relves. Nodding to the assembled Relves Trenton leans in to whsiper to Terry.
Trent looks solemly at Terry before moving to get up though he would wait to reply to anything Terry has to say first before going to stand at what loks like a good place to speak to everyone once they arrive.
Salevok unties Ashley. At her comments he sighs. "The spirits are horribly malicious. That is why each body is born with a natural defense against them. You let down your defense and allowed the spirit to have it's way with you. My spirit is of the heavens and sky above and beyond. He stole my vision from me so I can no longer see. However, I have aquaired great insight and power as a result of it. It is both a blessing and a curse and one those like you and I must learn to control. It will take time. You have the curse of sub spirits. Soul's children as it were. They will not help you. If anything, they will hinder you greatly. Always believe that the power you have is not yours. It provides much but it also hurts too. You will have to contend with the being of the spirit. Fortunetly you have a natural affinity for this. I didn't. You may be able to gain control of your curse and turn it into a benefit. Also, the power of the fire spirit is within you. The fire spirit is greater than the soul spirit. There will be no contest between the two. I feel the soul spirit got more that he bargained for within you as soon fire will dominate him as the elemental spirits dominate all lesser spirits. You are very fortunate"
As you walk away from the post you were tied too. One of the loose binds quickly wraps itself around your ankle causing you to trip and fall on your face. Salevok sighs and helps you back to your feet. "And there is your curse at work. Do be careful. They won't hesitate to do things like this at the most inconvenient of times. Now you should head down and meet your friends. We will talk later. Due be careful.
Ashley listens to the Shaman, taking in what he says to her. For a moment she feels dizzy and overwhelmed with the immensity of the path she has taken. She had willingly allowed herself to be possessed, an intelligent, foreign being now dwelled within her. Could it even be possible that only a few short weeks ago her biggest worry was to think up a new cheer for the big game and whether or not she was getting a zit?
On the verge of passing out again, suddenly a great heat seems to swell within her though, serving to balance her centre and calm her swirling emotions. As the rest of what Salevok had said to her finally begins to penetrate the young woman stands straighter and taller. 'Yes, I am fire. And I will come to rule this power! I have done what I have done for for the sake of the Land, and to defeat Xivasir and I will not fail!'
Facing the aged Shaman again she says "Thank you Salevok, for everything. You have given me much. I can only promise that I shall do all in my power to live up to the gifts you have helped me receive. Beyond all other concerns, Xivasar must be defeated. I can put up with the minor annoyances and inconveniences of some wayward spirits this power has given me if it means that this power can help me in my task." as she says this she casually brushes the dirt from her fall off of herself.
"I think it is time now that I join the others. Do you come with me? It would be my pleasure to help escort you there." she asks as she gently takes hold of the elbow of the much bigger Oracle.
"Sorry Terry I never got to see that one, father had us move around a lot. But, don't give up on Yalm, I like to think of "The Two Towers" when Gandalf just shows up after being killed by the Balrog." Trenton smiles and claps Terry on the shoulder afterwords and moves to get up.
Trenton looks out nervously meeting the eyes of each leader of the assorted races in-front of him. He takes a deep breath closing his eyes gathering his racing thoughts.
"Over the last few days we have treaded through swamps, besieged by swarms of bugs and sickness. All of this on the words of our guides to speak to their shaman. You must have all wondered why we were told to come. Moments ago we were told something that concerns not only us but all of this world.
You have all come for many different reason. Some for friendship (looks to Arastil), some for revenge (looks to the Relves), so from mere boredom at not having someone to kill(smiles looking towards Dunnely). You are all from different cultures and races and we do not agree. But we are united by the hope that we four, were foretold to come and liberate this land with your help.
What we were told by the shaman of these people(he pauses taking another breath) that there is no prophecy, there was no legend foretelling of us and there is no guaranteed triumph over our enemy. When we were told this we did not know how you would react. But I did not feel it was right to hide something that we very well will be betting our lives on.
We come from a world that has seen many wars. Hundreds of thousands have died as our race learned to make better and more effective weapons. Our country was made by the power of farmers and merchants banding together to throw down a tyrant king that dared to rule us from across the ocean. Our forefathers threw off his power and banded together to face the strongest army in the world. They won because they came together and over came their differences much like how we have to now. I tell you that king is Xivsar,and if mere farmers can win why not us? With an alliance of Elves, Dwarves, Lizardfolk and all the free people of Kellmanor, we can win but we must hold.
I would understand if some of you wished to leave. Perhaps this is not the fight you were led to believe. For that I will not begrudge you for I have no right to. What can we mere kids do against the power Xivasar? However, you have a choice now, to go home and wait for Xivasar to come into your homes and steal your families. Or to stay the course, fight with us. We four do have power given to us by the Elementals themselves. Yalm believed in us even though he was forced to lie to all of us to gain our allegiance. We have power, power enough perhaps to win Kellmanor free. But we can not do it alone. "
Trenton looks around once more over the assembly and swallows. "I wish to see this world free as the one I came from. I wish to see not a world gripped in war but one in peace. And I shall be damned if I let Xivasar steal that vision away. In a week we will be leaving this place to march to the lands of the Melves. The shaman has promised us a force to breakout through a gathered army of of Gnolls. I will let all of you talk amongst yourselves to decide what you deem best for your people. Thank you." Trenton finishes and then bows to everyone and makes his way towards the door but not without trying to catch the eye of Arastil beforehand trying to gauge her reaction.
Gene smiles and nods with pride somewhat oblivious to Reggy's true intentions. "Good to know I am doing more than merely serving as your bodyguard. I am glad to have met someone like you. You care a lot about your duty and your mission. Your a great person and whatever challenges await." Suddenly she takes your hand in both of hers and holds it up. She is now looking deep into your eyes with an expression of shear excitement. "I will be by your side to face them with you. Together we will accomplish many great deeds I am sure of it." She grin with great pride.
"Thank you for the gesture but it is unnecessary. I have to meet with the other leaders and begin preparations for your entree into the dark lands. We have to plan our battle against the gnolls after all. Witless as they are, a different force organizes and drives them into battle. We must be prepared. Now return to your friends. They are probably worried about you.
Ashley returns before the leaders are assembled. The other leaders return and now everyone save for Kershak and his squad are present. By the time they are all together it is evening. Several torches have been lit and as usual, the mosquitoes are out in force.
Dunnley walks up to Trent. [b]"Cuddn't find dat dere lizard captain fella so we gonna have ta make do wit out em."
You figure since the Shaman told you the prophecy was a lie, Kershak must either already know or will soon be told by the Shaman himself.
You proceed to give your speaks. The reactions are as follows
Arastil: "Honestly I had never heard of the prophecy to begin with. I am in this for the long haul." She gestures to the Delven men with her. "You wont hear any complaints from them either. We will follow your lead."
Dunnely:"Heh, taught dat old wizzy guy was full of hooey. Doesn't matter. Challenge was never any different wedder you was foretold ta win er not. Honestly, Aye never did much believe in fate and dat stuff. Ma hammer an skill decides ma fate an dey tell me ta stick wit cha."
Ashal:"One way or another, you are our best chance at defeating Xivasar. We will do our best to protect you against any threat."
The leaders all nod in agreement. In the mood of the moment, each leader makes a point to shake each others hands.
As Trent begins to speak, Terry can't keep the worry from his face as he rocks back and forth in place nervously. If they walk, we are so screwed. And I should really research a breeze-conjuring spell to keep the bugs off.... Listening to the responses he calms down visibly, and after they're done moves through the group of various races touching shoulders and shaking hands. He murmurs an aside to Trent, "Well, that went better than I expected. Nice job!"
Reginald is nervous during the meeting. He's glad it isn't him who has to deliver a speech like that. After the speech is given, he holds his breath in anticipation, crossing his fingers and waiting. He breathes a sigh of relief when Arastil is the first to accept, and his nervousness dissolves with the other two's acceptance as well. He grins as he shakes their hands as well, and slaps Dunnely on the back, saying, "I hope you get another chance to show Drethrum your gun."
Trenton blushes and takes the compliment from Terry bashfully, "Same here. I just hope this works."
He finds Arastil in the crowd and smiles thanking her for her support. "I hope you are feeling better. Soon we will be out of these swamps. But I to speak to later in private, something the shaman said." Trenton smiles again and finally escapes outside.
Unless something happens to distract him, Terry's going to get back to work on fist of wind.
Ashley says thank you goodbye to Salevok and rejoins the others. Her Pathfinder High friends and Leorn can tell there is something very different about her, but they are not sure what that is exactly. She moves to check on Leorn's health and sits down beside him.
As Trent makes his speech, Ashley sits straight and calm, nodding and smiling her agreement and approval. As the leaders make their agreements to continue to aid them, she gets up and gives her thanks to them all, shaking hands or giving a quick hug, as seems appropriate.
She then moves to Trent and gives him a big hug and peck on the cheek saying "That was excellent Trent! We'll make a war leader out of you yet! I'm very proud of you."
She makes her way back to Leorn but very soon after indicates she is very tired and makes her way to bed to sleep.
For that week she will consult Arastil, Salevok and any other magic user in the village and practice on mastering her Sorcerer & Oracle Powers. She will continue to read the Book of the Dead (if there is anything left to read or be gained from it?). And as well will ask her Relve friends to teach her how to use a bow and arrow and defend herself with a dagger and/or rapier.
Knowing there is very little time before the next big fight, she will work very hard, spending every single waking moment getting as prepared as possible. Every night she collapses into bed, exhausted and sore all over her body.
Without me laying out time speed rules, Ashley is a bit ahead on that.
Now you are all going to be in a sort of summery, if you were watching this, it would be a montage.
Now in this up coming week, these are the things that will be happening.
For the first six days people are training.
1. Dunnely is running his boys through some drills on how to do battle in marshy environment. They are put the most intense military training any of you have ever seen. Never would you have imagined that you'd see a grown Dwarf cry.
2. If Arastil isn't with Ashley or Trent, she spends much of her time in the tree top lodge as opposed to the free one you are all staying at on the ground. She practices her sword play constantly and otherwise complains about everything else she can't control.
3. Ashal and his people emerse themselves in the lizardfolk culture and work hard with the strategists. Gene spends every waking moment "protecting" Reginald and strangely him alone. Indeed it is difficult to separate them. No matter where he goes or what he does, Gene is not far off.
4 Kershak is aware of the false prophecy but has been ordered by Salevok that he must see you through the dark lands regardless. He understands like the others that prophecy or no, you are their only hope of victory.
5. Leorn is still ill for much of the time and is asleep 3 days out of the week. Fourth day he awakens and is able to eat. Fifth day he'll be up and about, and final day he will be ready to go.
6. The leaders all hold daily strategy sessions with the lizardfolk. Arastil does her best to explain what will happen.
Now it is up to you to play out your character's business during the week. Once you are satisfied we will move on to the day before the battle is to take place.
These are your options:
Each day offers the opportunity for accomplishments. Unfortunately, there is no one present to teach you the ways of a sorcerer. Salevok nor Arastil have any knowledge or expertise on the matter. Anything you learn must be completely on your own. Learning spells can take a while but you should at least be able to learn one or two spells.
Also you can study more on combat and maybe earn a feat or two. Or add more to your secondary class as needed.
You can also further RP plot by posting in Spoilers conversations and questions to NPCs or simply converse with one another.
Each whole day you spend on that book will yield more knowledge a little at a time. Real soon you will start learning actual spells. There are 80 levels to the book so to study the WHOLE thing, you need to spend 80 days worth of time on it. There are that many secrets to be learned.
Now again, once you are satisfied with the events of the Week, let me know. Once everyone has had their fun, we will move on to the anticipated battle. Take some time to think on it, there is really no real rush to finish
On the first day of the week, Reginald will seek out Kershak and make sure that he's still on board and ready to fight with them. He wants to make sure that the lizardman actually wants to do this, and that he is ready for the upcoming battle. Reggy found his absence at the original meeting a little unsettling, and wants to make sure he's not having second thoughts. After that's settled, Reggy goes with the relves, and apologizes to as many lizardfolk as he can for his previous intrusions. He listens carefully at the strategy meetings, and even though he has some things to say, stays silent and focuses on what the experts have to say instead. He knows in this area he is a novice, but he will need to learn the art of war, and soon. The rest of his day is spent sparring with Gene, using clubs.
The second day, Reginald focuses on working out his body, and although he doesn't do all the insane exercises the dwarves are doing, he stays alongside them and does other exercises. It helps him to push himself further with the others nearby; he stays working out until dusk. When one set of muscles wears out, he works another, pushing himself way harder than he ever has before. He eats a huge meal that night, and goes to bed early, wincing and hurting all over, but falling quickly to sleep.
On the third day, Reginald, sore and tired from the day before, decides to concentrate more on his sorcerer powers. Now that he knows the basic Elemental Manipulation spell, he should be able to start crafting his own spells. To start, he will need a weapon in the coming fight. He finds a fairly large boulder and uses his power to try and slowly and carefully carve a weapon out of it. On his first, second, and third attempt, he accidentally cracks the weapon down the middle as he's forming it, but on the fourth try he finally has a hefty mace made entirely of stone in hand. However, as he tries to give the heavy weapon a swing, the large head snaps off the thin handle easily, and he's back to square one.
Sadly Reggy, you failed the fort check. Training the spell wore you out before you could master the spell. You need another try for the next day. DCs will be lower for each consecutive day