Working with the experts, the Aasimar provides overall guidance and is firm in his will to accomplish the reconstruction, but he allows the experts to BE the experts. He does beginning apprentice-level work for each of the experts, learning some aspect of their trade in order to contribute to every step of improving the ruin.
One of the unexpected directions from the experts was to take pickaxes and create a small, flattish field near the structure. The scree created during the work would be used as filler if needed, but also it would be used (after being further pulverized) to help make mortar for the stonework.
Helping lay the lines showing where the walls were to be built was one of the easiest tasks Dinenen helped with in the early stages. Moving stone to build those walls was probably the toughest.
Spent the weekend supporting my wife's desire to play the Diablo Open Beta, which meant I was watching the grandkids more than usual. Sorry.
Honestly, Dinenen wants to get to working on the tower. He's going where it seems he can contribute, because he believes he should. Continued exploration or the induction is simply about putting things along a timeline, as far as he can tell.
The monk shakes the proffered hand. "General Elken. I am glad to see you still healthy and with the time to stretch Tharil's wings without needing to face opposition."
"I wouldn't trust that one as far as he could throw me. But I agree, we had to let him go after our other choices. So, back in the saddle? Which way next?"
As the bolt passes near his form, Dinenen takes note of where it goes. Not because he finds that especially interesting, but because that indicates where it came from. Turning in that direction, he begins moving towards the ambushers, trying to spot them so that he can select a target.
"As I understand what has been said, the mudmen are trapped, but could be dangerous if loose. This huge sinkhole was apparently caused by the moving water which is still visibly present. So, the primary risk, after we've built the warning fence, is that the sinkhole will continue to grow, and it may provide a climbable slope at some point, letting the mudmen loose. The choices are hope and aggression against creatures which may well never do any harm. Is it wrong to want to choose hope?"
He runs parallel to Lykan as Lykan charges the one ettin, looking as though Dinenen intends to go past the ettin, but at the last minute he turns and charges into that ettin from the side!
"Well, if they have been down there long they will be looking to fill their bellies when they get up here. Not like their mud men companions could serve that purpose, but we could. What can we offer them better than rations to avoid the conflict?"
"You've seen these md men before? What can you tell us about them?"
"Too deep to just jump down. Do we have the rope most of us will want to get down there? Seems the bottom is a fairly soft mud. Means there will be more trouble moving around once we're down there."
As they ride towards Talon peak he asks, "Dinenen, what are your plans? Will you be working on the foundations, just want to check the area out, or will you be exploring with us?"
"Given that I have no building supplies with me, I was planning to take some measurements, see how the foundation was laid out, if it is still reasonably solid. I want to be able to talk to engineers about the condition of the site and what we need to do to get started making it a secure structure again. Find out what supplies we need, and which we will need first kind of thing. I had assumed I was supposed to be coming with on the exploration? It will take time to get the work on the tower properly started. I plan to be labor during the work, of course, as I don't know enough about engineering to plan the details of what to do, but there is time before that will begin."
The Aasimar chuckles. "Some pieces are easier than others. I was more concerned about the more scattered people who don't consider themselves of Varnhold, for instance. The family up-river who live off the land and send logs downriver in exchange for some goods received once or twice a year. The small community that formed around an inn catering to travelers, who think of themselves as a small, strong, independent people. The ones who do not associate themselves with the people you have already saved. The ones who normally ignore the very existence of someone claiming to rule over them. The normal people leading normal lives who aren't likely to directly feel the kind of assistance you've offered Varnhold. They don't see any of us as their heroes. They don't see any of what you have done as important to their lives. We are others they have to watch to be careful we don't accidentally hurt them, that they can happily forget after we leave. They are the actual people of the land."
"Prepared speech or heartfelt speech, it will only matter if anyone who hears it cares that you claimed the land. Claiming territory and having the people in it claim you are very different things. The first is almost irrelevant compared to the second. How do you hope to win the people?"
Yeah, but Dinenen is as fast on foot as the normal mounts . . .. Unless there's cause, he really does need to work on his cardio. 8 hours of walking is still a workout!
"I understand that you're using mounts. I'm trying to ask if you mind if I walk with you instead of using one of the animals?" He grins as he tussles his own hair. "Or am I not furry enough?"
"Are we looking to take any ethereal jaunts or other forms of special travel? If not, I'll be fine on foot. I've been getting less exercise since joining your efforts, and need to get back into better habits if I am going to work myself into a better me. Besides, elk aren't really THAT fast."
The elfin aasimar looks confused for a second. "I don't fly. It is just a jump. If you were willing to spend the time, you could learn to jump as far . . .."
Dinenen can jump 38' forward on a Take 10, and 58' on a Take 10 by spending a Ki point (from a flat-footed start). That translates to his feet 9.5' off the ground for a simple high jump or 14.5' off the ground with the Ki point. We should forgive the baron for thinking he can fly. <wink>
"You are planning to travel with a portable hole-sized library? If choose to indulge me, that could simplify my packing for the road. Irori expects me to spend at least 20 minutes a day reading something I have never read before. That kind of library should trivialize finding something new . . .. If you are willing to share, of course."
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori brought forth a war chest for Greenwatch, for their progress with the Nomen centaurs and other accomplishments, 10,000 gp and 5 BP worth of materials for a new tower's construction. She winks and points at Dinenen with that stated.
The young aasimar is unable to avoid recognizing the obvious gift.
This leaves him feeling obligated to seek out the benefactor.
Looking about, he spots some sweet crossed buns and grabs two. With those in hand, and a bad idea in his head, he goes looking to see if he can find Lady Jamandi again in the crowd. Eventually he does, of course.
Moving towards her through the crowd, once he's near 10' out, he'll loft one of the buns in an arc, aimed to come down on her shoulder, calling out "Jamandi, catch!"
He continues approaching, the second bun held out towards her as he moves.
I figure we have 4 variants. I miss/she moves. She misses/the bun hits her person. She draws and cuts it out of the air. She catches it.
"I thought perhaps something both unexpected and non-threatening would draw your attention. I have another bun if you would rather have one without the delivery method?" He smiles weakly as he offers the treat. "I find myself indebted to you and need to thank you for your generous gift towards establishing a place of contemplation and study. As weak an offering as a free treat in a faire makes, still, it seemed a better choice than showing up truly empty-handed as I try to express my gratitude. I hope that we will be able to expand your gift into more teachers, more educated people in the community, and helping people to improve themselves, even if they chose not to follow in The Master's shadow. Is there something you would like to see included? A physical feature, or focus of study, perhaps?"
Quince's story of S'ala gets Dinenen to make eye contact again. "Only one thing truly connects followers of The Master of Masters: their desire to improve. I do not understand how S'ala thought losing or hiding his identity would help him improve. Each of us follows a unique path, with only our own conviction helping us to understand if the path is heading towards the goal. I can see how a place teaching the ideals of The Perfect Man is a place to begin this journey, but once you are on your path following another's journey seems unlikely to help you progress on your own. I hope Nightwing, S'ala, and the others have found a path that works for them, but it makes no sense to me, at least for now."
As the Duke discuss the process of gaining control over the area, the Elven Aasimar grins.
"As I am effectively begging for financial support, I can hardly complain about your timeline. It seems to me, though, that the process you describe is all after-the-fact, as you already have both possession and the acceptance of the residents. They could deny the request, but would that change the truth?"
The monk is heavily distracted, and almost fails to acknowledge the presentation of the Greenwatch Ring or the coming and goings of the others. He's researching the details he can find on this ruin at Talon Peak, the logistical difficulties in getting building supplies there, and trying to find teams to coordinate the acquisition and transport of the required supplies.
He's also looking to find what is available about the ruin itself, about the layout and foundations, and discussing how to build on top of what's there to create the environment he's after. Plenty of storage for the library. Some hopefully naturally well-lit spaces for transcribing and reading. A large exercise yard. And all the other details required for people to live in a space. Things like personal rooms, a kitchen, toilets, a water supply, food storage, gardens, etc.
Then, of course, there are masons and carpenters. Not to keep Dinenen from needing to do the work, but to help him get the work right, as he has little expertise in either skill, and both have to be done properly for the structure to survive for long.
Part of this, of course, is estimating how much money will be required to do all of the above.
----
Quince Medvyed wrote:
Once back in Varnhold he smiles at Lykan's efforts. He smiles as Sulvanii gives out the rings, "You both have earned a place among the wardens if you want it."
"My lord." Dinenen bows properly. "I have had a vision of me rebuilding the facility on Talon Peak. I'm not sure how this fits into your perspective of me taking a place amongst the Wardens. An Iroran monastery would serve as a protected library, a source of copied texts, a source of potential teachers, and a place for those who are willing to work at improving themselves. From what I have been able to work out, however, rebuilding the facility will be quite expensive."
He is as confident and calm as you have seen him. His words flow smoothly and slowly. But after he notes the concern of money, he stops making eye contact.
"I assume Sherm and Selena will handle the financial details if you approve the project. Perhaps Lindrila would be kind enough to help me lay out the structure, ensuring we provide adequate space for learning?"
1) is a brainless upgrade.
2) is just kinda cool.
3) is a generic good thing.
4) is simply dedicating an opportunity to gather something else related to Irori.
5) is stacking the deck for Gestalting to Paladin.
Long-term, I could combine #2 with either money or an additional wish to cover the ongoing need new reading material for his obedience. A truly private library, if you will.
I'm also very entertained by the idea of "locking" the library by having somebody else put, say, a folded portable hole in the non-extra-dimensional space of the bag.
I would say it looks like GM Wolf wants me to do it myself on Talon Peak. <grin>
I think I would opt for a split, then, with a dedicated monastery on Talon Peak, which can include a library of the more specialized or concerning texts, and another facility with more standard educational materials, and possibly even classrooms, in Varnhold itself.
Teach the people to read and write. About the world beyond their farms and shops. Additional languages and geography, and more.
Sorry to hear you got the rona! I am glad you are feeling better, what symptoms do you have left?
Still some sinus drainage (and thus a mild cough) and minor fatigue, but I was really only hit hard for less than a day. Brain fog is realted ot the sinus stuff, though, a normal complication of sinus pressure, at least in my experience . . ..
Even if vaccination does not equal immunity, it does generally mean you'll have a much easier go of things . . ..
Quote:
Dinenen you have one more wish if you want it.
We need to gestalt you... ohhhh use the wish to know where you can gestalt with Irori!
Heh! Certain logic to that. Is that one beyond the amulet or instead of it? <wink> More about paperwork than anything else.
And implementing those assumptions, I have completed Dinenen's leveling to 7.
He can now perform a standing vertical leap of 7' without significant effort, or a die roll, and of 12' by spending a Ki point without needing to roll a die. A standing horizontal jump of 28' without significant effort or die roll, and 48' by spending a Ki point without a die roll. In both cases, I am assuming a die value of 0, BTW.
And he gained his first iterative attack.
One more game I haven't looked at yet, on the forum, anyway.
"I wish for a Holy Amulet of Mighty Fists which is also a Holy Symbol of Irori, sized properly for me to wear comfortably as an amulet and without any shortcomings, curses or other negative traits that should make me regret this Wish."
Just so that we have a record of him formally making the wish.
"I would caution that the lich is more likely to have alternate phylactries than to have a single phylactry fail so permanently."
---
"I appreciate the offer of another Wish, but what I desire is still to better perfect myself. I am no less conflicted now than I was previously."
Edit "Perhaps a tool which would have allowed me to better help in the last fight, but would still have dependend upon my own skill to matter? A Holy Amulet of Mighty Fists?"
The Amulet of Mighty Fists description explicitly calls out that the +1 enhancement is NOT required before special abilities can be included.
---
"I do not require much in the way of sustenance. What I carry will last me another two weeks or so. Let these have my share of the bounty you currently provide."
---
"I acknowledge the need for you to verify your authority for these new subjects, but handing the hunters not to Lykan but to the centaurs to deliver punishment could help solidify your intent to treat them as equal members of the land."
Sorry. Was playing Santa, then came down with COVID. Coherent enough for simple posts again. Had to sit out the last 5 days of the season in isolation. Yep. Includes today.
Not been counting wishes.
IIRC, the Monk's robes with acidic attack was a wish. I believe you gifted everyone Cloaks of +5 when we got here.
I am currently wearing a Ring of Protection +1, so one of the Ring of Protection +2 and maybe the Ring of Freedom of Movement?
Not much on that loot list that works well for a Monk. Never is, usually. <grin>
Level to 7? Gets me Evangelist Level 2 and Monk abilities of Level 6 (part of the Evangelist class level). Need to go through that.
83 gameplay messages I haven't read, yet.
Dinenen's thoughts towards improvements would include a monastery where the monks care for a library. Of course.
Dinenen joins the group, restored and surrounded by the Baron's servants.
"I'm afraid I wasn't much assistance in that conflict. The paralysis was beyond my experience, but my inability to strike the foe was more alarming. I have another trick I could have tried to solve that, but there was this whole paralysis thing, again. How did you avoid succumbing?"
