If you don't believe in an afterlife, in God, etc, sure - people can come back from terrible misdeeds or incredible misfortune with humility, hard work and accountability to a group of supporters. I would argue first, that's the system God designed in us for overcoming adversirty, so there's going to be some level of success pursuing those things. Certainly people who don't work hard at personal growth but make half-hearted claims about faith don't much get anywhere.
Since I do believe in Creator, and in a sin nature and redemption, I'd argue that there has to be both external hard work and support, and internal faith and supplication to the will of God.
As regards the linear scale for how good or bad we are, BNW, I don't think God sees it that way. God designed us to be perfect and worship him. He designed us with eternal natures. To him, a mortal life here is not as important as an eternal life overall. To Him, he thinks about Steve or Kirth from birth to eternity, and suffering of injustice during the brief mortal period doesn't mean the same thing. To us, a few years in a tough marriage or a bad month at work is torture.
Similarly, our willful separation feom God is what matters to Him. Sure, if one of us is ordering genocide, God judges that more harshly and its impact on the world is more severe than if one guy believes but can't remain in control of his lechery, or another guy pads his expense account. And the Bible is pretty clear there are varying degrees of punishment or reward based on those decisions while we live. But the path to forgiveness is equally short (or long, sometimes) regardless of our sins. A mass murderer might have to stay in prison to satisfy mortal justice, but his redemption is no more difficult (to God) than yours or mine. Chrsit died once for all sins, and God is not willing that any should be punished but that all enjoy eternal life.
And while I might rank as morally better than some (maybe just the mass murderers), I do not rank as morally better than others. So I am grateful for God's reconciliation. Without it, and without it being on his terms, I'd be screwed.
Indo muses as the camp brekas in the morning. If we are going to try to scare away the workers, we must do it at night, or in the early morning mist, when superstitions run high and acumen is low. If we are simply going into the tomb, we should go now. Anything we elect to leave behind might be distracted by them if they come back to work.
He looks at the rider with sympathy. You must answer us. If you respond slowly, we might be able to understand you, though you have no voice. If you speak aloud, do it softly.
Hearing Bedu's littany of questions, Indo adds, If we take you into the tomb, will you attempt to journey into the next life, rather than brave its dangers?
Later, planning the eerie caper that should leave us alone with the tomb, Indo suggests a few courses of action:
I have some chalk we can powder, and some ash from their campfire will help as well. I propose we offer them visions and sounds of tribal ghosts. When one of them ends up dead, and their number seem to diminish, they should scatter easily enough.
I want to be clear, my friends. These are simply slave workers. They are under duress as are we all. I would not kill them if we can avoid it.
Rob:
Spoiler:
Is it acceptible for the jungle tribes to have some sort of reincarnation component to their beliefs? If so, I'd like to name the banishment I described earlier dari datang kembali (Indonesian for 'from the jungle you came, to the jungle you return'.
If Bedu and I are going to be a minority in sparing the lives of combatants, maybe a form of this belief will ease Indo's conscience.
My friends, I cannot force you into an action. My people prize free will too much for that. However, I cannot allow us to kill him. It is a tradition among my people that if someone chooses to be a danger to the tribes, he must be exiled to the jungle to make his own way.
The big man pours water over his hair and wrings out his top knot. If he is not willing to go to the tomb, we can exact a promise from him. We will leave him in the jungle,to head towards whatever town he wishes. Here, the jungle wizard turns and speaks directly to his captive.
He will likely be presumed dead once the forces of the rani discover we have beaten them to their quarry. He will not be pursued. He can amke a new life in any city,should he survive the jungle. In exchange, he tels us al that he knows of the tomb, what is being sought, what they have encountered, and more. If he keeps his word, I am satisfied by Bedu's third option.
He turns his soaked head back to his companions. Who among us is capable of divining whether he will keep his word?
Indo hears the discussion of the rani and the destiny of Liet to assist his god-kings. Abruptly, he stands and heads toward the trail the rider was intent on. As he leaves, he says to the priest, It will be exciting to compare notes with your holy tomes, Liet. I wonder if my people have always observed different gods or if we can identify your god kings as the same heroes our tales remember.
Moving to the trail, Indo gets down on all fours and begins to look for wheel and hoofprints. He focuses on the similarities between the rider's marks and older ones.
I'd like to know from the demarkation of the trail, how often does a rider come or go to give these reports. If such events are few and far between, perhaps this rider bore very specific news. If they are fairly regular, maybe we can expect an inquiry when he doesn't show up.
Once his companions are on the ground below, Indo loosens the ropes around the tree. Doubling up the rope, he rappels down the jungle wall until he has used his rope halfway down. He then lets go of one end, bounding down with the same momentum until the rope clears the tree completely as he nears the bottom. He lands hard, but appears unhurt by the last few feet of freefall.
The big man smiles broadly. That, my friends, is how you should climb!
Looking more serious, he approaches the form of Hammurabi as the group ministers to him. With friends such as we have here, we might all live forever! How is he?
I apologize for not comeing back to the game more quickly. I guess time passed by while we were on hiatus. Hope everyone had fun.
If we can get down to the river and follow it to our desitnation, we should do so. It is easier to travel and fish the river than it is to brave and hunt the cliffs.
What would it take to acid splash the web the spider is hanging by. If the spell ignores hardness, can that do enough damage to drop Skittle and the spider? Hopefully the gnome can tumble away from it if the web gives way. I'm going to see if I can look it up, but I imagine we need a ruling instead of a rule.
His preparations for the camp interrupted, Indo looks about for his bow. Not finding it within reach, he draws his sword and aims it toward the descending spider. Let nu krocia! he murmers as a series of tattooes (mage armor) glows over his dark skin and then vanishes. He assumes a stance in case it drops to meet him.
Indo helps keep trck of everyone's condition as the party travels, and climbs into the lower levels of the canopy to get his bearings when the party breaks for meals. Unfortunately, the heat and extra exertion appear to take their toll on the big man over the course of the day. Not long after lunch, the weary warrior works a small spell over himself, as he did with Lotus earlier in the day. He takes a bit of moist earth and holds it under his tongue while he speaks and moves his sword through the air by its pommel (this last part you don't remember from the spell he casts for the young girl). After he concludes and spits out the mud, he seems to feel more refreshed.
[ooc]Rather than have a ranger falter in the outdoors every day, I'll cast endure elements using the sword on any day that Indo lets the heat get to him. So that's a first level spell and the bonus focus spell down for the day.
Indo rolls up his spellscrolls and puts them away, his mouth half full of stale cheese.
A good word, my friend. Once we get near the tomb, we have to be prepared for whatever guards it. Sometimes, creatures claim the land for themselves, sometimes those who passed away leave something behind.
He lowers his voice and looks off into the distance. When my grandfathers grandfathers began exploring the old cities for knowledge and riches, they learned many lessons the hard way. The first lessons were that every lesson will be different. We will do our best to be prepared.
I'd like to cast endure elements on Lotus to help keep her out of exhaustion. I will save mage armor until we are near a place of likely danger, or until the beginning of my watch. Does anyone else really need magical help?
Spoiler:
For today's rolls, I'd like to use my knowledge of Survival to aid the party - especially those who seem troubled by the heat and terrain. I forget if this lets me augment the Fort save portion, but it looks like I'm going to need it!
Lastly..if it helps and makes sense, I'd like to occasionally cast resistance on those who look like they are about to falter, or during rest breaks. Cinematically, this would be like encouraging and offering water to someone who looks like they are about to pass out. Indo will simply pass along some water, say a few words, and gesticulate. Certainly, I don't mean I'll be casting the spell every minute.
Indo softens a bit, pulling a bloody towel from his wound to see that it has healed completely. He turns to Liet.
I will allow you to return to sleep, or to finish my watch as you wish. If you need the rest, I will be fine, thank you.
He nudges a carved, wooden box with his toe. The lid flips open and severl rolled strips of hide, tattooed with unusual symbols, are revealed within.
Of course, whatever we do when we keep watches, I must have time every morning to devote to my studies.
Walking back to his pack, he stands next to the huddled form of the female rogue. You have courage, little one. You are safer with us, and we with you.
I think for a group of guys who, far as I know, have never met, we're building a good gaming rapport and fnding good voices for everyone. I know I have been busy AFK, but I am thoroughly enjoying this game and everyone in it. Thanks for letting me whine my way into it! : )
Indo clutches the open wound at his breast and tries to stop the bleeding. He nods to Liet, We are all fortunate then. These beasts, they kill the watch and then have their way with the rest.
If we stay clear of the poison sacs, are they fair eating?
Indo throws off the weight of the beast and steps back, raising his father's blade and looking for an opening. After grimacing at the lateness of Liet's advice, the tribesman throws his weight into his swing and hopes to strike true.
Indo harshly whispers Alarm! as he steps to Bedu's defense. Pulling the sword free as he advances, the big man swings at the beast, trying carefully to avoid hitting the dwarf.
Indo listens to everyone speak. He nods empathetically while Lotus and Liet share their tales. When all have been quiet for a few moments, he begins in his trademark low whisper, as if sharing stories with his people around the fire.
My people have taken from, and given back to the land for many generations. They descended from those who left the great cities in the jungle, and wander from place to place, keeping the old places safe, learning from the writings they have left behind, and living in peace.
Indo whispers strange words prestidigitation and the smoke and embers begin to dance in concert, illustrating the tribesman's narrative. The wind and pops from the fire serve to imitate, simply, the sounds of war and cries of his people.
When the rani sealed the borders and began to look inside her new lands for those who might oppose her, she grew paranoid of our freedom. Though we lived far from her oppressive cities, she determined to silence even the potential threat. We had no allies, we knew little of affairs outside our lands. My grandfathers fought, but were unprepared.
Her goblins drove us from the best lands so she could desolate them in her search for more power. When she learned that some of us could read the ancient words and practiced simple magics, she commanded what my people called il ratbi - a cleansing. We use that word to describe the eradication of cannibals and monsters from our midst. They put old women and children to the sword. Because our women are fierce warriors, we did not have generations ready to replace our fallen. My own father, here Indo hefts his fine sword and looks along its blade, as if appraising a new gift, gave his life so that I and my cousins might escape. If we can return to our people with knowledge of the rani or how to defeat her, or with power reclaimed from the ziggurats of our ancestors, we will enter as kings and lead them against the rani.
Indo appears to come back to the present, a somber look on his firelit face. The sounds fade and the fire and smoke return to normal.
When my people regain their strength, it would be wise of her to leave these lands forever.
Indo drinks lightly from his water skin and wrings the sweat from his topknot. He appraises the wilderness beyond while Bedu and Liet speak.
It is as you say, my friends. I can protect myself better, but the spell only lasts an hour or so. It often feels that a moment spared to call on the aid when I need it is a moment that cannot be losed.
He takes a longer draught of his water skin. Magic is a funny thing. Even for a tribesman who studies old secrets, there is always more work to do - another layer of the mystery to unlock. Perhaps I can practice with the spell and learn to increase its duration.
If I may.
Spoiler:
I know this was over due, but my intention was to purchase some supplies. We mentioned it, and I think I was the guy with the most gold to spare, but I never saw a list. My intentions were to buy these supplies:
6 extra waterskins (6g) 6 sunrods (12g)
6 extra blankets (3g) 12 days' trail rations (6g)
2 shovels (4g) 3 ropes (3g)
4 hooks and lines (4s) 10 candles (1s)
flint and steel (1g) grappling hook (1g)
small iron pot (5s) 10 empty sacks (1g) gold cost: 38
We'd discussed shelling out 2500 for a bag of holding. I can contribute 1000gp if we can make up the difference. Otherwise, I guess we have to carry everything the old fashioned way.
Finally, every day I'll cast endure elements on the person that seems least able to survive the environment (Bedu? Lotus?) I will cast mage armor during my watch if I have not cast it already in the day. I'll try to do that at the first serious sign of trouble.
I am really sorry, folks. Life has been all work and no play the last several days. Should be looking better now.
Indo tries to help Hammurabi plan a route through the jungle, but after sharing some information with him, says This is not a place I have been to, my new friend. It seems that much past the Serpent Vineyard, our fate is in your hands.
The big tribesman surveys the small bits of gear before him and determines what will help his friends survive in the jungle.
Indo wipes his blade before returning it to its simple scabbard.
I agree..we cannot stay any where we might be expected. A flop for the night, and then into the jungle.
Eyeing the Legionaire gear, he chews his lip before saying, It is a dangerous business to even consider. But if we hide these things, they may prove useful to us later. Perhaps we should consider a way to transport such things?
Indo turns his head in the direction of the Sister's voice. Barking out a few quick words, his eyes glow an azure blue and he quickly scans the back of the alley-way.
I cast detect magic,and I'd like to use that and a Perception roll to approximate her square. I am not looking to pinpoint her square or identify her aura. I am looking for magic as I look down the alley, and I will head toward that grouping of squares. The bonus to my Perception roll is because she is a favored enemy.
Perception (sound) 1d20+8=22.
If the legionaire is not down:
Spoiler:
Indo steps away from the legionaire, focused on the Cerulean Sister as she taunts his friends.
Same thing, only I cast defensively and then move away from the legionaire if I get a lead on the Sister's location.
href="http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2005140/">DC 15 Spellcraft check to cast defensively. (1d20+7=18)
Indo turns to finish the legionaire next to him. As he does so, Bedu notices the sizable gash in his left side. The loos of blood appears to affect his swing as he misses the legionaire widely and stumbles a bit.
Indo assumes a defensive posture (just fluff), but seems woozy.
Indo sees the man step toward his dwarven friend. Despite his focus on the fight in front of him, he has time to reach behind with the dagger and pierce his adversary. I don't think so, my friend.
Lotus, if you have a BAB of +1 or better, you could attack that skeleton you're flanking. Draw the weapon during your move. I think you'd need acrobatics to get past him without an AoO,
Indo looks past the zombie before him, frantically trying to make out footprints or otherwise divine the Sister's location. Not really, though. He's fighting this turn. : )
Almost as an afterthought, he brings his sword down on the zombie next to him. If it falls, he sidesteps into its square.
I guess I'll have to delay, since I was counting on him going first and hoping for the skeletons to suffer. If I can't make it to the human troops, I'll swing at the wolf, or one of the zombies.
Indo hopefully sidesteps the crumbling bones of the skeletons, stepping from 7C, 8D, 9E in front of one of the human soldiers and throwing colored sand in his face. Subtle words of magic give away his talents to his enemies, and hopefully buy time for his allies to advance.
He looks past his adversary to the Sister beyond, committed to eliminaing the threat she poses.
I want to color spray the two humans at 10E and 12C. Hopefully the concealment or positive energy will safeguard me from AoO.
Grateful for the assistance, Indo swings down mightily into the skeleton on his right, hitting solidly. He does not turn to his companions, but speaks.
By my father's will, we do not run from these tyrants.
If the skeleton goes down, Indo steps into the fallen skeleton's square and prepares to stand for his tribe.
Seeing things proceed poorly, Indo considers that backing down from the Sister would only raise interest in their party. He sways slowly behind Bedu, choosing his path mentally as he prepares to charges if arms are raised.
If there is still talking, Indo will hold his action to charge the Cerulean Sister. If there is combat by his initiative, he'll charge the Sister, or the closest living combatant if he cannot.
What time of day is it? Unless you can re-prepare cantrips in the middle of the day, there's not read magic until tomorrow.
Indo seems disappointed he can't give you more, but he tells you what he knows about the scrolls.
If any of you have knowledge of such writings, perhaps we could know more right away. I fear it will tkae some time to study tomorrow morning to give you more.
It appears I have one less, because I didn't put another rank in at l2. Not sure why I wouldn't do that.
What have we here? exclaims the big tribal man as he taps at the bottom of the crate. He obsessively pries the false bottom out of one container, then another. When he has finished, he sits back in disbelief.
To be sure, these could come in handy, but then did we bring the wrong crates back?
Indo studies the runed hilt of his father's sword for several seconds, then lays out the book and pages from Samir's in front of him. He examines all three works with intensity.
Indo realizes that Hammurabi was not prepared for the charred corpse on the floor. It occurs also that he never really knew much about Samir.
He murmurs with an apologetic shrug. Samir possessed an amulet we were asked to find, though he claimed it had been stolen from him. He was also cursed to burst into flames, much as the odd politician or priest here in the city. It is those occurrences which first brought him to our attention.
Watching Lotus work, he then replies to Skittle. I am no great judge of your funerary customs. We take what looks valuable, but I have no input. I will merely help gather and carry the coffin.
So long as we do not take too much, any valuables we can put in here, says Indo as he gestures toward the sarcophagus. We can carry this thing out quickly if there are no more attacks.
Indo surveys the room, looking for anything he and his friends might have missed earlier.
Indo lifts a leg to escape the beast, seeing his friends strike it hwile it moves toward him. Already off balance, Indo goes for broke and descends with all his weight on his adversary.
Indo ?? Is that 18 supposed to be for initiative? Because you have a +1, not 6...
Sorry...the 18 is an attack roll, which is why it's followed by a damge roll. The Initiative total is 10. Fort save result is 18. Sorry for the confusion. Do I still miss with an 18 attack?
The animal's unexpected attack spalshes filthy water directly into Indo's eyes. He blinks, carefully holding his sword out in front of him to ward of the beast.
Go around it, he says. I will keep its attention.
As the thing comes into focus, Indowipes more water away from his face and strikes.
Indo spins the ring on his fingers for a few seconds. I can always use such a thing in the jungle, but I am also experienced with poisonous animals. I would take it, but I am just as happy to leave it for someone who might not be prepared to face poison.
He hefts his sword comfortably, The temple blade is a fine weapon, but this one belonged to my father. I could not part from it. I must awaken its secrets and use it for the good of my tribe.
Later, in the tunnels, Indo seems to wrestle with something. He picks his way through the catacombs perfectly, explaining that his people have explored the ruins in the jungles for centuries. Still, he is obviously nervous about something - perhaps his recent brushes with death in these very same tunnels.
That's three of us. If it is sufficient to carry the coffin back up to the alleys, we'll go when Lotus is ready and continue to add to our profits. From there, we'll see what we need to outfit our next journey.
Should we give the amulet to this Tanish? What do we know of him? I want to please our employers, but also I would rather see justice done, if that matters.
Now that we are through with the catacombs, will anyone go with me to retrieve the sarcophagus and other things from the sewers?
