HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Howard, if you can get Seamus to stay, I'll keep playing with you, for the sake of being a decent person. There are good elements to this game, I could see enjoying it going forward, just seems unlikely.
Mort, when you say that "when two parties think they are right - it devolves into a shouting match that ends up no where," are you trying to say that people can't ever have discussions about things that lead to changed viewpoints? I don't think that's what you mean, but it sounds like what you're saying. Maybe you're saying that most of the time when people argue they don't get anything done?
At any rate, I'll pretty much never feel like shouting at you, or almost anyone. I like to think I've changed my viewpoints from time to time as a result of arguments, and I know for a fact that I've changed other people's minds in a variety of situations, including over the internet.
Why not respond to your earlier points about setting an example, what's the harm? I don't have a paper that I'm avoiding writing by doing this instead anymore, and I'm also getting sleepy, so my argument won't be as well developed or supported as my previous one was.
You said that your views on the matter were that you could let us diplomacy our way out of it, but that would set a bad example. The bad example, to be specific, is that we can attack people and murder NPCs then roll high and convince them it's a terrible mistake.
I don't think that's a particularly strong argument.
The first reason for me thinking that is that us convincing them it was a terrible mistake is essentially a good thing. It was a terrible mistake, and we ought to be friends with the acid pit guy.
The second reason is more general: I don't understand why it would be important for you to signal to us players that it's not okay to murder NPCs. We already know when it is and is not acceptable to murder NPCs, and we can control our characters in a reasonable way so as to avoid committing a long series of intolerable atrocities to the NPCs.
Edit: oh Mort, you don't need to be sorry. Don't beat yourself up too much, just try to learn something. I should probably go to sleep, huh? Maybe just a little while longer...
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
To be honest, Howard, I'm not too excited to try to keep playing. I'm not really able to understand why Vincent and Mort are both interacting so irrationally, or to empathize with the emotion behind the decisions that led to them posting as they did. This experience reminds me a lot of how my parents used to get irrationally angry at me, and now I feel somehow less safe trying to interact in a long term way with the people in this game.
I don't mean to try to judge anyone's character, I generally think that pretty much everyone is a good person, and no one in this game has challenged that perception. I just don't really want to play with you any longer.
I'd love to discuss anything if you like, since arguing is fun and because I'm right eventually I can try to get you to agree with me.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Escalation of conflict is not always evil. In fact, it's pretty rare for anything to be always evil, instead, the specific and nuanced circumstances of the escalation of conflict must be examined. Was Seamus's decision to shoot the acid guy essentially evil, and if so, does it warrant an alignment shift? By examining Seamus's thoughts, respecting them, and thinking more broadly about the Pathfinder alignment system, it seems clear Seamus's actions do not warrant an alignment shift.
Why did Seamus shoot the acid guy? According to Robert Henry, the player of Seamus, he did so because he felt the acid guy was evil, and had somehow taken control of the elves. Without delving too deeply into real world philosophy that I don't understand adequately, and in any case wouldn't apply on Golarion, we can draw a comparison between Seamus's behavior in this case and his behavior in past cases. We've got a long history of killing people based on somewhat limited evidence that they are evil and having it work out well, not just for us but also for society as a whole. More to the point, these actions have not been seen by any of us as largely problematic or evil, indeed, they've been framed as the correct things to do. Based on this comparison, it seems like Seamus is fairly justified in his actions.
An argument could be made that Seamus's escalation of conflict in this case is essentially different from our past escalations of conflict, thus invalidating this comparison and making his behavior evil, but I think this argument essentially deprives Robert of his agency as a player. Seamus, as has been noted numerous times, has a very low level of intelligence. Even further, he's not fully aware of everything we've been doing (actually, none of us are, but Seamus to a much higher degree). While it might never cross Leonard's mind that the acid guy is not an evil wizard who is exerting mental control over the elves, or even that such a thing could be possible, Seamus could, as a result of his different perspective, be utterly convinced that the acid guy is another evil wizard. Robert makes the decision about whether or not Seamus believes that the acid guy is evil. Robert determines how Seamus's low intelligence affects his perception of reality. Robert, as a player, should be given a high degree of freedom to determine Seamus's actions. By making the argument that Seamus does not perceive the scenario as Robert has described, and is therefore committing an evil act, one is depriving Robert of the freedom to determine Seamus's perception of reality.
If we concluded that Seamus had, in fact, acted evilly, would an alignment shift then be justified? Because an alignment shift requires repeated changes to behavior and not merely isolated acts of evil, it seems that the answer to this question is no. Pathfinder's alignment rules state that a character may have "their alignment changed if they continually act in accordance with an alignment other than the one they chose." In other words, a history of behavior at odds with a character's alignment may, after repeated acts, be changed. In order to shift Seamus's alignment, a case would have to be made that the CN alignment better describes him that his current alignment of CG. As is stated in the Pathfinder rules, "few people are completely consistent," indicating that such a case would need to do more than point to an act which is not described by his alignment. An argument for an alignment shift would have to demonstrate that Seamus's acts taken as a whole are more frequently neutral or evil than they are good. Imagine a scatter plot of Seamus's behavior, in which every morally significant act he has committed is represented by a dot. In order to shift his alignment, an argument would need to demonstrate that these dots generally cluster closer to evil than they do to good.
Seamus, however, has not consistently acted at odds with his alignment. A moral graph of his behavior would likely show a greater cluster of dots located closer to good than to evil. He has been very clear in defining his thoughts and intentions, and as far as I know in every case he has described a character who is behaving in a wholly good manner. As he has stated, Seamus trusts Howard to guide him through morally difficult situations, naively assuming that the smarter man will always take the morally best course of actions. I do not believe that a sufficient case has been built that Seamus's behavior is consistently evil. As a result, it seems incorrect, even if in this case his shooting of the acid guy is evil, to shift his alignment.
I'd prefer if we at least discussed things adequately before making significant, lasting decisions.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Sailor
"No, that's alright, I don't think Damien can help me." Leonard carries on, staying relatively close to Seamus and not doing anything stupid.
Kitchen
"My eyes work, my mind doesn't. That's how it seems, at any rate." Leonard takes a step away from Seamus and turns slightly, so that he's closer to a corner and so that he's between Angiliath and Darja. He's standing nearly sideways.
"I was conducting a magical exploration in the guest room, there are a few unimportant details. Suffice it to say that we encountered difficulties and I failed to protect myself properly, resulting in rather unfortunate consequences." Leonard turns slowly towards the centre of the room, changing the subject abruptly. "I don't suppose you've got the ingredients for pie, do you?" Leonard shakes his head, "no, not at this time of night, better to wait till tomorrow."
Captain
"Stardust Augurs...hmm...I can't say I've ever heard of them. But if it's that close, perhaps we can make a short detour...I should speak with my companions." Leonard continues leaning against the wall for a moment, then straightens himself before turning sharply and taking three steps forward. He reaches out with a groping hand, looking for the doorknob for a moment before finding it.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Actually, I wasn't asleep, I was awake in bed waiting, since yesterday a one hour nap turned into a five hour nap which apparently means I'm not allowed to go to sleep.
I think it's more because I made a pretty eggregious error while playing Magic: The Gathering which cost me a match. Stayed awake replaying everything that happened and wondering about my self-worth. Maybe a little bit because it's cold and I was having trouble getting warm, too.
Guess I'll make breakfast today...sigh.
I think your build has some pretty low saves, right? What's your defence against dazing blade barrier? Didn't actually look into it yet.
Anyway, let's see what's going on in the kitchen...
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Seamus was there eventually
"I think I'll be alright, Seamus, but if you're going to be going up anyway...well...um. Sure." Leonard walks over slowly and places a hand on Seamus's shoulder, following him around. Angiliath is still clearly giving him some direction.
Sailor
"In fact, I cannot see you even now," Leonard says in the man's general direction. "Gone a bit blind, but it'll pass with time.
I hope."
Leonard makes his way to the kitchen first, finding the cook. Is Seamus here?
"Well I'm blind," he says matter of factly, stopping in the middle of the room. "I've known a few blind people before, they were functional and could cook. I don't suppose that describes me yet, but we'll get there." Leonard keeps his left hand fixed on Angiliath while he speaks, which he normally only does with strangers.
After that exchange
Leonard leaves the kitchen and heads above deck, searching for the captain with Angiliath. When he finds her, he approaches and then, after an awkward moment of fumbling, leans on the nearest solid object, trying to look casual while also steadying himself against the boat's rocking. "I'd like to inform you that I've gone blind," he begins, "which I'm telling you so that you know that it wasn't your fault. We were engaged in a magical practice belowdecks and I made a poor judment which resulted in lasting consequences." Leonard nods once, which is awkward because he's not really looking at the captain.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
I don't think spell resistance is as good on me as it is on Vincent. If I die the long term consequences are worse, but if Vincent is disabled we have just Claude to stand in front. I suppose it does appear that we'll be inside for most of this next section, so Claude can take up space just fine by being large.
Hmm...I think targeting Leonard is generally a bad idea for our opponents, since I'm much less dangerous than Vincent. I think Vincent should get it.
Leonard would make an effort to walk bravely, but he's also not been blind long enough to know what he's doing. So he'd pause a lot, then move in a short burst with some confidence, then pause some more while Angiliath helped him out. You'd probably be able to tell even if you couldn't see his face, and if you could you'd pretty much instantly know that he's not using his eyes.
Mort wrote:
Anything that requires targeting will fail. So don't bother with magic missile.
I meant that I also have burning hands in my spellbook, and can therefore prep it instead of magic missile. It does something.
Haste is good on Seamus and reasonable on Claude, since a lot of the time whatever's near Claude is just dead anyway. It's pretty strong on Vincent, especially when he has long arm active. I don't think I can be adjacent to Vincent and Claude all the time, but it should be doable some of the time. Hmm...I've also got heroism, if that's any good, and fireball, which I think should work since it basically targets squares.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
"Well, I suppose I'll go let a few people know I've been blinded, then we should probably rest, prepare, and see if we can't be done with this dreamlands business." Leonard stands up confidently, walking slowly out of the room and nearly bumping into the doorway. He keeps his hands low and casual, except when the boat rocks.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Leonard is going to go let the cook know, and potentially the captain, unless anyone objects.
Then I think we're about ready to head back out to the dreamlands. I actually have burning hands in addition to magic missile, so I can just use that instead.
Web you've said is iffy, can I get a ruling one way or another. Perhaps it works and I just have a miss chance? Up to you.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
But why is the back of the head swollen? That would only happen if something superficial to the skull was swelling, which I don't think is the case.
Also, neuroscience is kindof new. A lot of times the answer to a question is just "we don't know yet".
"Well, I guess that means I'm blind. At least for now." Leonard's knuckles turn white against Angiliath, "shouldn't be insurmountable." He shrugs nervously, "I guess I'm alive, right?"
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
After some time, Leonard makes his way to a sitting position. "Well this is unfortunate."
Don't worry, friend, I'll help to show you the way. Stand now and sit in your chair. Up.
Leonard, on shaky legs, slowly stands. He moves slowly but surely, stopping and listening regularly, until he arrives at his chair, where he sits. "I don't suppose we've another scroll, perhaps we should speak to the captain and see if there isn't a convenient port which might sell us one."
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Why did they name it psychosomatic and not psychosensory? Anyway, I'm pretty sure that means my occipital lobe isn't working right, not that my eyes are having problems.
Oddly, blind people who could see at one point in their lives often have dreams in which they can see. In fact, it's even quite common for blind people whose eyes still work (like Leonard) to still be able to see and simply not have conscious access to the visual information. That's how I'll choose to interpret this.
To average the result of rolling a 1d4, add all possible results together and divide by the number of possible results. E.g. 1+2+3+4=10, 10/4=2.5
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
My earlier statement was assuming it was going to be as easy to cure me as it was to cure Seamus, if it's not, I'd rather try to contribute.
I'm not really sure how inspiration is supposed to work with such checks, but it seems like it would to me. It definitely doesn't work in this game, though.
Let's see...Magic Missile x6, Mirror Image x3, Web, Haste x3? Haste saves Seamus spells and actions, and I think web is probably better than a fourth mirror image. Magic Missile doesn't require an attack roll, just a target, so I'm not sure if I can use it. 5d4+5 is like 17 damage, and I can even recover it with pearls of power, or maximize/empower it with class features. I've also got access to heroism, vanish, and long arm, so if someone really wants me to cast those, I can do that.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
I could be blind until we get to civilization, I think we'd be alright. Angiliath can tell me where to attack just fine, no need for Vorq. In addition to half speed and 50% miss chance, my AC is even lower than normal.
I don't think I can do a whole lot while blind, I can't take hits well and I can't do damage well. But we're mostly done with the dreamlands segment anyway, shouldn't be too long.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
The Not Vincent Club:
Leonard rolls around, feeling his body and making sure everything is okay. "Well that was...unfortunate." He starts to stand up, then lies back down. "Um...huh. This is very confusing." He rolls around some more, trying to figure out what's around him.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
I too thought it was odd that they'd attack me, but if someone gave them instructions then that makes sense.
Anyhow, time for a bit more surgery, I suppose.
BAC is affected by how much blood you have. So if you're heavier and have more blood, you get less drunk. I can't really have more than five or six before it starts to become a negative experience. The most I've ever drunk is about nine or ten, which I do not wish to do again.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Yeah, I thought I'd do okay, but to be honest it was probably better to use mirror image.
I have a pretty low tolerance and I normally try not to have more than five or six drinks at the most, so I almost never get hungover. In this case, I stayed awake long enough to be sober for some time before sleeping, so I was fine.
Although I did sleep for 12 hours, which is disappointing.
If I do get to stand back up, I'll probably use mirror image.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Earlier, while still talking with Vincent
"What costs had to be paid? Is that why you do the floor thing with the opium and all that?" Leonard sips his glass carefully, worried about spilling it.
Then after the most recent comment from Seamus.
"That's good, that's good, that's good, let me just be alone. I'll be alone and alive and alone." Leonard gets up and walks away to his bed. After about a minute, you hear him sobbing gently, and after about another minute he suddenly exclaims loudly "Wait!" He stands back up and walks outside, "I'm not supposed to sleep. Where's Howard?" Leonard seems proud that he remembered not to sleep, and though his eyes are still red and puffy, it's almost as though he never broke down at all.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Sorry for not posting earlier, but at least I'll be awake for the next few hours, which oughta let us do okay.
Anyway, we might be in a bit of trouble since I didn't beat spell resistance, but I doubt we're actually dead, since they can't even hit very hard without sneak attack. Will we see what lies ahead, Vincent? Seems low enough risk since we can wake up fairly easily.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
"Ouch, that hurt," Leonard cries, Angiliath practically glowing with power. "Guess I'll just have to go through your electricity resistance the hard way."
Swift action enhance Angiliath with +2 and keen, as all I really care about is connecting on the denizen but I can't go higher than +5. Using maximize preparation ritual from the Book of Harms to maximize shocking grasp.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Leonard once again casts defending bone before entering the portal. This time, eyeing Vincent, he touches his breast and mutters an oath softly, a hard glint appearing in his eyes, the same one that burns in Vincent's. "Learned one of your tricks, eh?"
Wanted to write, "Learned one of your tricks, eh buddy?" But I'm not actually sure how Vincent's conversation with Leonard goes before Leonard gets sidetracked and then the rest of the alcohol hits him.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
"A bodyguard? Seamus, I would love to, but I'm not allowed. I'm not allowed to say that I want to do that, I'm not allowed to...allowed...what?" Each time he says the word allowed, it's with more force, more drawn out anger. Leonard suddenly looks down at Angiliath. "Not a book, friend, a...like a book." He downs the last of his drink. "I think I should probably stop, eh?" He chuckles uneasily. "Dolt...dolt dolt dolt." Leonard stands up on shaky legs and swaggers over to Seamus bravely. He stops moving, nearly falling over until he leans against a wall.
"Seamus, friend I think I really am really am drunk. But I want you to listen, because I won't talk to you later, and I don't think...I don't think I'll remember this." He's clearly making an effort to stay focused, eyes open wide and staring at you intently. "I don't think I'll remember this, but thank you." A hand reaches out rests itself on your shoulder. "You're supposed to offer, but it's not...I'm not allowed...not allowed...I'm sorry. Please don't...please let me go to bed alone, let me be alone...wait, no, I need. I need nothing." Leonard slowly slides to the floor without noticing, "I don't want to be in your way. Please, I am nothing, just forget me, just forget.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Monty
"If you don't want anyone to be higher than anyone else, well, I don't think the human life is for you." Leonard had traversed the social order, from low to high and back down to low again. It became a strange thing to him, after a while, the way some people had more value than others.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Well, currently I'm alone, and drinking alone is usually a pretty bad call. I'm less eloquent when I've had a bit to drink, but I'm probably a bit better to interact with in person after a drink or two than after none. It depends on the context, actually, but I used to be a lot more shy.
Edit: also, they were good brownies, though the middle was a bit more like soup/fudge/a bit too soft.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
"Sorrow? Suffering? Why would you do that?" Leonard peers at Vincent, right hand reaching out independently to grope around for another glass of rum. "Umm...your search for what?"
To expedite things, when it turns back to Leonard again,
"Me? I just uh...I grew up an orphan, then I learned how to kill people. There are a lot of people who are worse at killing people than I am, so that's a life. I guess." Leonard looks down at his rum, pouring in a lot of pineapple juice. "Huh, this isn't fun, I don't want to talk...wait..." he looks back up, "yes I do. So then I just...um...went around...from place to place. I was alone a lot, I've been alone a lot, I don't like it anymore.
Oh, but, no, but I wasn't alone. I had Angiliath, Angiliath is a bit like a person. Sometimes, I suppose he's not as...alive. More like a journal than anything, really," Leonard glances down at his sword, "sorry old friend, you're a book." He taps his glass against the table, "Anyway, I guess we're in this together, so horay. But what I want to know is...wait...do I? Yes, yes, what I want to know is, when you're...when you're...done...with Lowls. And we've all got what we're in this for. When that's happened..." Suddenly Leonard sits up straight, placing his glass on the table beside him and folding his hands in his lap. His gaze is icily calm. "What am I going to do then?"
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Sorry, I had a window of time in which to post, and I made brownies instead. But I had promised a group of people to make a baked good, and would've felt bad if I came emptyhanded.
Anyway, let's see here, shouldn't be too hard to tell Vincent Leonard's life's story.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Aklo
If you stick to one cave, and make the plants grow a lot, you can consistently end up with more food than you need. Imagine that, always having a surplus, never being hungry. Now imagine what you could do if you employed six or twenty other people under you. You wouldn't have to work at all, you could exist purely on the fruits of their labour." Leonard looks down at the imaginary peasantry, "just think about how strong you could become with so much time."
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Hmm, guess I was imagining it was a spell from any list, which I was confused by, because that seems ridiculous.
Anyway, that makes that decision, I think heroism is better than most of the other arcana I could get.
It's now 3:40 in the morning and I have class tomorrow, got sidetracked by the Decameron. I'll be pretty busy tomorrow, but I should be able to update my sheet at some point after about 5.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Which one is a yig?
To take spell blending now for heroism, or tough it out and get heroism+barkskin at level 11? On the one hand, my AC is low and barkskin is good. On the other hand, by then I might be able to spend all this gold and buff it up a bit anyway. I like being greedy, and it's greedy to wait and get an extra spell.
Barkskin is a nombo with my amulet, although it's still decent.
What's the arcana I'd get instead? Hmm...how much endurance do I need?
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
It's nice to have opportunities for character development and growth. That's much less likely to happen if you only ever interact with the other characters for one day.
Also, the troll fellow isn't necessarily making the world a worse place. It's good to debate the same issues, especially when they are subjective, repeatedly, so that you can continue to gather a deeper understanding of the subject. New books about the second world war are constantly being published, and the historically accepted narratives are changing constantly. That's how it should be.
I do think two threads in two months is egregious and unnecessary.
How do you have a species of one? Who created the yig? I feel like either argument would require some research.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Vincent
Leonard stumbles his way back emptyhanded, but looking rather satisfied. He pats you on the shoulder, "don't worry, fellow's on the way," he says, then falls into the chair next to you. He's slightly slumped for a moment, then suddenly sits back up, "so, Vincent, you were going to tell me your life's story? Something about trapping people in the floor? To be honest, I think that's kindof weird." It is extremely difficult to tell if Leonard is being serious or not.
Monty
That looks tasty, but to be honest, I sometimes just eat seawead plain. It's pretty good if it's dry.
Aklo "That's exactly the point. It's grassy, and, like a potato, you can grow it in the ground. Otherwise, you have to live out in the hills like a wild fellow, and move from place to place in order to keep harvesting food from the savage wilderness." Leonard cracks his knuckles, "it's much easier to live in houses when you grow plants."
Trying to write from the point of view of someone who has seven ranks in history but who also exists at a time when the field of history is much less developed than it is today. Also trying to avoid later Victorian narratives about culture and civilization.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Short post little time, more time in two and a half hours
Kitchen
"I'm not making a bigger mess, why would I do that? I just, I just, I just came for a little rum." Leonard holds up a finger to stop the man from replying, "and," he begins, now having successfully lifted a pot with his sword, which he holds up in the air, "some pineapple juice."
Conversation with Monty
In aklo "Have you ever tried eating seaweed or other plant life?" Leonard replies offhandedly, turning to Seamus. "I think teaching them to be puppets is a different sort of problem.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Leonard points with Angiliath at the pots, "I was cleaning up a terribly in the way mess. I think I tripped over it, actually, wanna help?" Leonard reaches down, trying to hook the handle of a pot with the tip of his sword.
This is not what I was made for.
Monty
Leonard shakes his head, "It's okay, we humans are different. I don't think you can understand easily." He finishes his fish. "I'm built for a family. I look at a face, a human face, and I wonder why they don't love me." He taps the table quietly with one hand to fill up the silence that comes with not being able to speak. "Gotta have something to give my life meaning. Otherwise I could just fall off the planet and it wouldn't matter. But that's alright, I got some meaning. Vinegar, eh? Vinegar indeed, I'll have to remember that..." Leonard looks at his uneaten fishskin, pushing his plate away and putting his arms behind his head.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Monty
In Aklo "No, no need for green sauce. Not today, today we're celebrating the first day in my new life." Leonard takes another large bite of potato, swallowing the last of it quietly. "I used to be the weakest person in any given room, forced to subsist on catfish and potatoes. Then I broke free, and became a wanderer, roaming from place to place, no home, no family. And then...there are hazy memories and old thoughts bouncing around my head. But then I went to sleep for a long time, and now I'm waking up again. I've spent my life leaving people I used to know, but I think I'm going to be done with that now." Leonard takes a deep breath, holds it for a second, and then goes back to eating the last of his fish. "So tell me, what did the sauce taste like?"
Vincent
"Mysteries of life? What about the mystery of life, eh?" Leonard grunts, swaggering off to the kitchens with his chest puffed out and his left arm on the wall. He finds the kitchens and walks inside, eyes wide open, right hand outstretched...how did Angiliath end up in his hand? Must just be muscle memory. "Oh cheeeff," he calls, to what is most likely a dark and empty room. "Chef? Cook. Cooook, where are you misses cook?"
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
I've written out every one of my posts today at least twice. Also, side note, typing welsh sucks.
Leonard returns Monty's thumbs up with one of his own, "good job. Keep it up, one day you'll know what I'm saying."
He repeats himself in Aklo, after a moment.
Potato
"Yn wir, da newydd dywedodd Gymrawd unwaith, bob amser, eu bod yn iachus. Wholesome. Beth yw eich barn am y psygod?" Leonard grabs a bite of catfish and stuffs it in his mouth. It is highly unusual for him to eat in a way that cannot be described as dainty.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
It definitely hurts more when you look, although it doesn't really hurt much either way. The nurses were complaining to one another about past patients flinching a lot, which is apparently a really bad thing to do.
Isn't low blood pressure a good thing? It's pretty easy to raise your blood pressure if you need to by getting more angry, stressed, and salty.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
I seem to have successfully gained 5 lbs last semester, but visually I think I look more cut than ever. Horray for being young! *Waves arms in celebration*
Also, I donated blood today. It was kindof interesting, I'm a little bit more tired than usual, the backs of my hands do not have veins popping out of them like normal, and I spent all of today alternatively sweating and being cold. Also I'm really hungry even though I just had a lot of cheese and managed to eat three meals today.
I was able to convince myself that I should not go play Frisbee tonight, which was probably a good decision.
HP 63/63 {72/72} | AC 21{25}/T14/FF18{22} | F+10/R+7/W+8 {+2 from heroism}| CMB +6 | CMD 21 | init +4 | Perception +6 {+8} |
Active effects/Limited use abilities:
Active effects: Defending Bone 45/45, Heroism 90 minutes Arcane Pool 10/10 | Black Blade Pool 3/3 | Maximize Spell 1/1 | Empowered Spell 1/1 | Reach 1/1
Copy paste is crashing my browser, and I typed out the links. Also, I was eating at the time.
Monty
"Cinio yn wyr, ond mae'n teimlo fel cinio. Erioed wedi tatws cyn." Leonard points to the potato which he is unscrupulously eating, "Po-ta-to. Canfum yn edrych yn od eithaf y buopith dwi erioed wedi gweld eliffant ychwaith. Roedd yn llawer mwy ac yn dalach na'r disgwyl, mae popeth bob amser mor fawl a tal..." Leonard pokes his right arm a few times. He is disappointed.
Aklo:
"Lunch indeed, though it feels more like dinner. Ever have a potato? The buopith's were quite odd looking, I'd never seen an elephant either. It was much larger than I expected, everything is always so big and tall..."
[/spoiler]
Seamus
"No, never found out, though perhaps one day we might." Leonard pulls out Angiliath and lays it across his thighs, "Angiliath. I don't know if you speak elvish, but that's what they called it. Iron of the stars. It's an enigma, but one I think I was at least reasonably close to solving, before...well...before Lowls." Leonard examines the hilt for what must be the thousandth time, "It's rather soft spoken with me. It interjects itself in conversations and asks questions about those around it." He pokes the blade with a finger delicately, "it's...been a bit quieter recently. I'm not used to spending time with the same people for so long, in the old days, it was just us and strangers." He sheathes the sword, stretching out again and relaxing in his chair.
Vincet
Leonard takes another drink, discovering that the bottle of rum is now empty. "Like you were having a conversation with a person in the floor? I don't...I don't...I don't..." he repeats stupidly, looking at the floor. You don't hold your liquor very well, apparently."I don't know what that would be like," he finally says anticlimactically. "And anyway, it looks like we're out of rum. Don't worry, though, I know the cook, we can find more." Leonard stands up, keeping one hand on the table, just in case.
Leonard stretches out rather languidly in his chair, satisfied after a night's work. "They were elves, actually. Rather odd, only big group of elves in the city, and they turned out to be cultists." He gazes down at the ornate staircase, it's fifty steps which his hands have now been over countless times. "They had too many beds, it was very confusing. At the time we figured we only got half of them, but..." Leonard's left hand twitches slightly, and he folds them behind his head. "Well, I guess we'll never know." He nods once, looking up at Seamus. "The only surviving prisoner babbled and talked about things that weren't there."
Leonard takes the pan, holding it over the fire rather awkwardly. He adds a little butter, but no olive oil. "We're going to keep it nice and simple," he says to himself, almost as though he's alone.
Maybe some more to say. After catfish and potatoes are done.
Leonard takes two plates and fills them each equally with two large potatoes and half a catfish, heading back to the cabin with them. He looks around for Monty, "Monty, I found some buopoths...then I had to go get a hat." He looks at the Voonith, sitting down with his two plates in front of him and pushing one towards Monty. "Just like you said, small trunks, small ears, big bodies." He picks up a potatoe and takes a bite, not bothering with utensils.
