Search Posts
And my apologies, I was all gung ho on my replacement character, then work got insanely busy, then I got pulled into being a replacement GM. BUT, give me a couple more days, and I can be ready to jump back in. Want me to PM you, or just post info here for your perusal and approval?
AefPakka was never quick clicking and reaching his potential, so I'm ok with it. If the DM will still have me (I know I did have some lags in posting), I'd be happy to roll up a new PC. Got some ideas in mind, as always! Good luck clearing them out!
With the first claw strike, AefPakka stumbles and the second creature's slam knocks the kasatha to the ground. It's tongue then greedily drains the remaining life from him. Karma always comes back around. AefPakka Shantiss, four-armed alien space hippie, is dead.
AefPakka winces, but then sees that he's unscathed from the attack. He then tries again to strike the creature.
Unfortunately, they just stand there swinging at each other but striking nothing but air.
A blue energy flows from AefPakka into his weapon as he invests some of his essence into his weapon. The kasatha then charges up and strikes at one of the creatures.
AefPakka agrees and starts climbing back up.
AefPakka's usual upbeat demeanor is shaken by being knocked unconscious again, but is quite pleased for everyone to understand each other. He will provide first aid to the bleeding bahgra and sit with him/her while the fast healing works its magic.
Bahgra:
"You help us? You help us hurt bad two-feet? Or you stay? We go and you not hurt us good two-feet?" AefPakka thinks for a moment and looks at the bahgra at his feet. He points to the bahgra. Bahgra:
"How you speak this? Speak like that two-feet? You home near two-feet's home? Or you teach -- no -- you learn speak this?" Then he adds in, "Getur þú skilur þetta tungumál?"
Draconic:
"Can you understand this language?" "ඔබ මෙම භාෂාව තේරුම් ගන්නේ කෙසේද?"
Kasatha:
"Can you understand this language?" Then, kind of struggling because he isn't as practiced but trying to be thorough... Gal.Common:
"You talk this?" Common: "You talk this?"
AefPakka yells up the shaft, "It taken like us taken. It not bad.... maybe not bad. It scared and mad." A large door-panel, ten feet wide, covers the southern wall at the east end with red, spiky runes painted on the door's exterior.
Bahgra:
"Um... not all two feets? We good two feet." On a whim, AefPakka slowly leans over onto his hands and feet. Bahgra:
"Me two feet and six feet! We all different feet." Then realizing he has no idea where he's going with this, he decides to go back to keeping it simple. "We good two feet." He then points to the desk. "They BAD two feet. Where did BAD two feet go? We HURT bad two feet!" Draconic: "I trust that it's captured just like us. Says one of the bad ones sits there and tortures this creature and steals it's children. Definitely sounds like the nasties we met upstairs. I'm trying to find where they went from here. Do any of you want to... SLOWLY... search around the desk or room maybe? Don't let your guard down - it's learned to not trust anything with two feet."
"Segir að þeir rænt börnum sínum. Ég held að þetta skepna var tekin eins vel og er í sömu stöðu og okkur." Draconic:
Says they kidnapped their children. I think this creature was captured as well and is in the same situation as us. Bahgra: We not takers. (points to bahgra) They not takers. We all... taken. You see others?
"Já ... kallaði okkur mannræningja eða eitthvað." Draconic:
Yes... called us kidnappers or something. AefPakka clears his throat and tries reasoning with the creature. Bahgra:
No child take. Mean people take us. No hurt us, no hurt you.
AefPakka tries to glance quickly at the bahgra on the ground by him to see if he or she might be well enough to speak at all.
AefPakka weaves his lean form through his companions and drops down through the opening, drawing his starknife. Hurrying to stand over the bahgra, AefPakka hisses up at the bug creature, his weapon held defensively in front of him. Although the sight of the large bug creature takes some of the fire out of the kasatha, he still lowers himself to a fighting stance, ready to dodge any attacks from the creature, but hoping to shield the bahgra. While he does this, faint blue wisps drift through the air from AefPakka up to the creature.
Aether Ties: (Su): By taking 1 point of essence burn as a free action, a vayist can infuse the air himself around with a rarified form of essence and send it flowing across the battlefield towards a particular target. The vayist chooses one target within 60 feet and creates a bond that lasts for a number of rounds equal to the vayist’s Wisdom modifier. As long as this bond is active the targeted enemy takes a –2 penalty to all attack rolls that do not include the vayist as a target. Whenever an affected enemy misses the vayist or makes an attack that does not include him as a target, the vayist recovers 1 point of essence burn. The vayist gains a dodge bonus to his armor class and a competence bonus on reflex saving throws equal to the number of aether ties he currently has in effect against all attacks made by enemies not currently affected by this ability. The vayist can have one aether tie active at a time, plus one additional aether tie for every 5 levels he possesses, but each tie must be activated and paid for separately.
As much as AefPakka wants to get down as quickly as possible to help others, seeing Aurexil's crash gives him pause. His heart tugs at him to risk his own life to help others, but his mind tells him that it may very well make the situation even worse. He had no idea how bad Aurexil was hurt and could imagine losing his grip and landing on top of her, hurting her even worse. The kasatha kept climbing down to a relatively safe distance before trying to drop with a tumble.
Toddler Bahgra:
"We go down! Save buddy-pal!"
The 4 armed alien space hippie is still here! :)
I am so sorry. Be with your family, and be sure to take care of yourself.
Are we waiting on anything :). I didn't do an exact count, but it looks like all or nearly all of us climbed up, so we're waiting on GM response. That sound right? Also, since the start of the new year, I have found almost all of my games have really slowed down. Dunno if it's just my luck or a busy/illness-filled time of year. *shrug*
"Er ástæða Neve er að vera á bak við? Við ættum ekki skipt upp." AefPakka confidently starts to climb thinking it will be quite easy, but slips slightly, unused to the unusual material. Draconic: Is there a reason Neve is staying behind? We should not split up.
AefPakka nods his head in agreement with Aurexil and points toward the elevator for those who don't understand them. "Förum! Ég er spenntur að sjá hvað er þarna uppi!" Draconic: Let's go! I'm excited to see what's up there!
"I agree that splitting up would be unwise. Besides, I'd miss all my new friends. I lean towards opening them, but I see the wisdom in both sides. If we can secure whatever this is that we are in quickly, then the best option might be to leave them and come back. However, do any of you have a guess how large this might be? It may be fast to secure it or it may go on for some distance. "If this even is a ship between stars, how big are they normally? Unfortunately, I do not know enough about star ships or water ships to know if they are small or big. If they are usually small, then I agree with Neve, and let us finish this off first. If they are very large, then I say let's not leave these poor beings to a fate of awakening confused and possibly killing each other. "So... uh... that's not helpful is it? I guess it's up to the rest of you, and I will support whatever is decided. Well, except about not splitting up. I do agree with Neve on that regardless of how big whatever this thing is."
"Also, don't forget that in two of the rooms, the tubes opened on their own and the result was conflict. Leaving them to open on their own may lead to death and more enemies that could have been friends. With many more of us, it will be quite cramped, but hopefully we will be more than a match for any of these captors we encounter. "*IF* we can open them safely, perhaps we should try to look as friendly and welcoming as possible? But, of course, ready for conflict if necessary." AefPakka smiles broadly, "Maybe I could play a song!"
"No worries, Fraejia, I'm interested in as much or as little as you are willing or able to share. But Neve is right, let's make sure we are safe first. There are many of us and these hallways are tight. So, although we should not split up, we should at least perhaps spread out to both avoid getting in each other's way and to watch for more of those creatures coming up behind us." He turns to the bahgra that is speaking with them. "Do you want to have some of your people watch those doors - I think Neve called it an elevator? The rest of us and whoever from your people you want, can see where this other door leads."
"I'm not sure what's more amazing - that we are from different worlds and stars, or that your worlds have enough water for vehicles to go on! Wow. I have always been most at peace gazing up at the stars, and now I travel between them. This really is a day of wonders! Thank you for explaining that to me, Fraejia. When we have time to rest, I would love to hear more of the Espers and these other worlds."
AefPakka's face beams at being able to all understand each other. He looks at his hand, still resting on Andretta's arm, "It seems only right that it would be a simple touch that could bring us together in understanding." He gives Andretta's arm a gentle squeeze before letting go. "You are a blessing." He holds his 4 arms wide, addressing the group now, "Friends, I am AefPakka Shantiss. We must have been gathered from quite far away from each other, because I have traveled far with my clan but have never encountered those like yourselves. True, the circumstances of our gathering may have been... less than ideal and sadly, death has visited us. But can we take a moment and appreciate how wonderful it is that *we* were brought together? If not for this, we would likely have lived our entire lives never meeting one another." AefPakka puts his arms at his sides and looks at each person and smiles broadly. "As for how I can assist, I have some magic ability but would take an hour or so to prepare. It isn't anything as spectacular as what some of you have been capable of, so it can wait. (Wow, you really are an amazing group. You should be proud of your talents.) "Otherwise, I can fight... some... but do seem better skilled than much of my clan at subduing opponents without killing them if that can be of help. I can play some music as you heard earlier, although nothing particularly special. (Apparently, I also tend to talk at great length, my apologies) Mostly, I seem to get along with people really well, but that's because people are generally pretty decent folk once you get to know them, like our furry friends here." Turning to the bahgra, AefPakka says, "I'm glad you are here with us. Your people are brave and strong. You represent them well, my friend." AefPakka looks back to the rest of the group, awaiting further introductions before remembering something, "Oh, and Neve... what's a 'ship'?"
AefPakka nods and turns to the bahgra. "Ggrargle glargaga buragoo rullarago lalariggeru grr." As he says this, he points first at the newcomer, and then mimics touching his arm, and then points to the lady and then touches Aurexil's arm, and then points to the various people and finishes with spreading his arms wide, indicating everyone. Toddler Bahgra: Nice lady touch us. We talk same. Many we.
AefPakka steps up and tries to help calm the situation as well. He says mostly to the new bahgra they have encountered and partially to the previous companions, "Grargle garra burruuuu. GarRowr rullarg roro." He points to the room with the strange creatures they just defeated. Bahgra:
Stop fight, buddies. Not pretend meanies there.
AefPakka stands back, lamenting the fact that he is so unprepared for such close-quarters fighting. He has his nine-section whip out and ready should one of the bahgra fall.
AefPakka moves up to get a clearer view of the new creatures, drawing his starknife as he moves. Quite happy to let the bahgras charge into melee, AefPakka tries to throw his starknife at the creature in front of him - hoping he isn't throwing away his only ranged weapon.
AefPakka slings his musical instrument onto his back and gets his nine-section whip out. He points to the new creatures and says to the bahgra, "Rargle grrr... ragle lan ruprup!" Toddler Bahgra: They bad... they lock us!
With the instrument (and his voice) rather out of tune given their recent treatment, AefPakka is making sure to stay back and not be between the groups.
Unsure of what is being said, but reading the mood very clearly, AefPakka holds two of his hands out, trying to calm everyone, while he takes out his tiltik - a kasatha musical instrument. "සන්සුන්, මගේ මිතුරන්. ලේ අවශ්ය නෑ." Kasatha:
Calm, my friends. No need for blood. He then starts to play and sing a traditional kasatha folk song to try and calm the mood. අද උදෑසන නැඟිට,
ගායනය - දෙයක් ගැන කරදර වෙන්න එපා,
AefPakka looks Artirian's shoulder at the panel. Saying to anyone who understands him, "Ef við viljum að bíða smástund, ég galdra sem gæti hjálpað okkur við þetta." He nods over to the bahgra, "Ég get athugað með þeim aðra eins og heilbrigður." Draconic:
If we want to wait a while, I have magic that might help us with this. I can check with those others as well. AefPakka turns to the bahgra. With two hands he twiddles his fingers at the panel mimicking working on the vines while his other two hands point at the door, "Rurr... lar Ruarr?" Then he mimics hitting the door with his shoulder as if to bash it in, "GrroOWwl lar ruarr rurr?" Toddler Bahgra:
Open... lock door? Hit lock door open?
Sorry I've been absent recently. Jumping back in today. If the PCs want to wait an hour, AefPakka can get a little skilled at Disable Device. No tools tho. His strength is passable but nothing special.
I need to finish picking mine! (Whoops!) But barring anything going wrong, I imagine AefPakka is all set.
AefPakka hurries over and ducks into the room. He grabs the nearest weapon that looks like there are several of, and holds it out carefully in two hands offering it to the nearest bahgra. "Wargle?" Then with his other two arms, he motions the bahgra to approach, then gestures to the shelves of equipment, and finally points to the floor outside this room. "Gragglarug gurigga?" Bahgra:
Yours?
Help move?
To the others, he says "Myndi þetta fara hraðar með línu fötlun burt við hvert annað? Við ættum að tryggja að það er meira af okkur fyrir utan herbergið en í henni ef við getum ekki haldið dyrunum opnum." "Ó, og ganga úr skugga um að við arm upp áður en þeir gera ...", nodding slightly at the bahgras, "Aftur, bara í málinu." AefPakka then starts trying to help pass along equipment down a line, keeping an eye out for his belongings. Draconic:
Would this go faster with a line handing off to each other? We should make sure there's more of us outside the room than in it in case we can't keep that door open.
Oh, and make sure we arm up before they do... again, just in case.
AefPakka moves up slightly, trying to keep an eye on the other doors in case they suddenly open. He motions to the bahgras to join them, "Ro! Mrrg'gr." Toddler Bahgra: No alone.
AefPakka grabs one of the poles as well but waits to follow the others out, "Ekki viljum við að bíða eftir að aðrir vekja, eða bara láta þá á bak?" Draconic:
Do we want to wait for the others to awaken, or just leave them behind? Then looking at the Bahgra, pointing first out the door and then back to the sleeping bahgras, he asks, "Grrrrowwll.... ra raarrruu?" Toddler Bahgra: Go... or stay?
With the heat of battle clearing, and the kasatha's mind calming, he thinks he might recognize a few words of the other languages being spoken. Even some of the canine speech has familiar intonations and patterns as one of the races AefPakka encountered on his homeworld. AefPakka holds his arms out and looks at the Bahgra that's awake. Clearing his throat, he attempts to imitate some of their growling language. "St- stop hurt." Then pointing to the door, he tries, "Help run?... නැත...uhhh...Help....uhh...help go?" Kasatha: No...
The way I see it, you can pick up "toddlerspeech" in about one or two minutes of conversation, so you'd be able to convey simple/primitive messages to anyone in the room at this point. Awesome, thanks!
Neve approaches the four armed being a little hesitantly and touches him.. her.. it? on the shoulder. AefPakka gently takes Neve's hand in between two of his, if she will let him. Then bowing his head, speaks a traditional kasatha thanks, "ඔබේ අත මගේ ආශිර්වාදය රැගෙන යන්න." Kasatha:
Carry my blessings in your hands. The kasatha then stands up and starts searching the room. He responds to Aurexil's question with, "því miður, það mun taka klukkustund. En ég get séð hvað ég get gert vegna með vopn hér." Draconic:
Unfortunately, it will take an hour. But I can see what I can make due with a weapon here. AefPakka searches the room for anything that could be used as a weapon. He checks the tubes they pulled out of themselves to see if they could be used to adequately tie up the bahgras, or even are attached to or could be tied to something heavy as a makeshift flail.
GM question: Xenopidgin: While many people dabble in a wide range of hobbies, you’ve explored a wide range of languages and dialects. When exposed to a new language, you may make a Linguistics check against a DC of 15. If successful, you gain a very rough understanding of the nuances of such conversation. This understanding only amounts to an informed hunch, but is usually enough to give the same level of understanding as a human toddler would be capable. What would you rule as time frame for that? Would it just be initial exposure, so I can already make checks for the various language we are speaking (including the bahgra)? Or would it take a certain amount of time? I guess it comes down to, is it learning the real basics of a new language quickly (which would take at least a little time), or is it immediately recognizing certain similar roots and possibly obvious commonly used words like "I" and "You" (which can happen pretty much right away)? I didn't want to roll some checks without first getting your interpretation.
AefPakka takes a step back away from the remaining Bahgra and then slumps to the ground. Taking a deep breath, he crosses his legs, closes his eyes and appears to meditate - two arms on his lap, the other two moving in slow circles. Motes of blue energy emerge from the gaping wound on his neck, closing it up slightly. As the kasatha comes out of his trance, unfortunately, the wound only looks marginally better and still rather severe.
"Telur þú að við höfum tíma til að hvíla í stuttan tíma? Ég gæti betur að undirbúa mig fyrir öðrum hugsanlegum ógnum. Ef þú og aðrir held að við ættum að fá að færa strax, ég get stjórnað." He then looks around at the others and listens for a moment, "Einnig erum við öll fær um að hafa samskipti við hvert annað? Það virðist sem við höfum 3 kannski 4 tungumál? Ég get tekið upp nokkur orð hvers, en mun taka nokkurn tíma til að raunverulega vera fær til að tala beint." Then adding while nodding towards the remaining bahgra, "Eru einhver ykkar fær um að tala við hann? Ég get ekki." Draconic: Do you think we have time to rest for a short while? I could better prepare myself for other possible threats. If you and the others think we should get moving right away, I can manage.
Also, are we all able to communicate with each other? It seems we have 3 perhaps 4 languages? I can pick up a few words of each, but will take some time to actually be able to talk directly. Are any of you able to talk to him? I cannot.
AefPakka works with the icy woman to attack the canine from both sides and working with the other strange two-armed woman, bring this one down with numbers.
AefPakka puts one of his hands to his throat, to cover the wound. With a saddened sigh, he states in his native tongue, "මම අපේ හමුව මෙම එන්න ඇති බව දුක්." Kasatha:
I grieve that our meeting has to come to this. Then he lashes out, trying to punch the bahgra that struck him.
The kasatha suddenly stops and stares at the others. "Þú bæði tala drekinn tungumál! Ég skil það." Draconic:
You both speak the dragon language! I can understand that. AefPakka then starts to take in the room and realizes the mood of it is far different from what he first thought. Looking at the canine creatures, he gives a small bow and stretches his arms out, hands open and palms up, trying to look as nonthreatening as possible. "Ég get talað við þá og sjá hvort ég get róa þá niður. Þeir eru sennilega hræddir." Draconic:
I can talk to them and see if I can calm them down. They are probably scared.
AefPakka awakens in the tube and thinking how peculiar this is. Certainly not comfortable, but definitely something extraordinary. As the tube drains, and the kasatha pulls the tubes out, he sees the others emerging as well. Astounded he asks, "ඔබ කව්ද?" Kasatha:
Who are you? Hearing the others speak in strange languages, and all with strange two-armed forms (including one with wings!), AefPakka smiles broadly and proclaims to himself, "මෙය ඇත්තෙන්ම විස්මයජනක ය! අපි තෝරා ගෙන ඇත. අද මහිමාන්විත දවසක්." Kasatha:
This is truly amazing! We have been chosen. Today is a glorious day. He raises his four arms up and dances in a circle, very elated and very oblivious to the angry canines.
|
