This is one of those uncanny, strange situations when Real Life takes precedence over gaming :D Just today I started on a new job, a real challenge that I think may actually change things for me (and my family) in the future, so I find myself in the despicable situation of having to drop similar lines in many of my games.
My job is IT related [one if my areas of expertise I guess ;)], and most likely means soon I will be sitting in front of a laptop on my own, with enough autonomy to spend my time as I see fit - improving on my ITIL knowledge, posting on one of my numerous PbP games, whatever...
The thing is, I need to commit to this one, so it means some serious decisions regarding my games - I simply cannot stick with all of them, so I have taken the decision to stick with my oldest games, ones I have committed to long ago, and which have stuck with me for a looooong time.
DMshrodingerscat, what you are doing is simply amazing. The level of commitment to a homebrew such as this one is something honestly out of the ordinary, and I can only hope to someday live up to it. But not right now - I am going to drop out of your game, in spite of admiring your work, and the group of players you have managed to gather.
I can only hope me leaving will be something quickly assimilated, and look forward to the chance of having an opportunity to play with you all in a near future, RL permitting.
I am honestly sorry for dropping out... I wish you all a great game (and I am sure it will be so), DMshrodingerscat thanks for giving me a chance of playing in your game - it was honestly worthwhile.
"I'm the badass? Nah, that would be Luc", looking over to the male in question and winking. "But thanks for thinking so, Lydia."
"Oorah" - Lucian states with a smile, opting for not shouting the typical marine battle cry, for the sake of discretion.
Retrieving the handaxe, he swings it once or twice for good measure, then grips it with both hands, and swings again. Frowning he adds to his companions - "This axe is of no use with two hands - I cannot put enough weight behind the swing... If you find a shield, let me know. I may put it to good use" - he adds to their 'infiltrators'
"We'll have to improvise on this one" - Lucian begins - "IF we manage to get all the weapons from the goblins, we are in an advantageous position to simply move up to that pit, pepper the creature from above, and simply keeping it from climbing up" - Lucian smiles.
"This is an optimistic perspective however - so my suggestion woould be on the one hand, retrieving as many weapons as possible from the goblins, and on the other draw them away from their encampment" - the man grabs a stick and starts drawing in the dirt - "If group retrieving the weapons is detected, they should draw them to the right side of the encampment" - he draws a rough arrow to the right - "On the right side, we'd have the 'hen group' - ready to take them on a merry go round, while the strike team puches through the center up to the pit"
Standing up, he looks at his companions - "If the group relieving the goblins of their weapons is not detected, it reverts to their choice positions - strike or hen - and the plan remains the same - hen drawns, strike moves in"
He looks at the encampment in the distance - "I am still not sure what each one of us can do... So you guys tell me if you are 'hen' or 'strike'"
Lucian had indeed been silent, debating to himself as he had always done when a chance for a deadly, decisive strike was upon his platoon, against defenseless opponents.
"I don't want to simply move in on them and murder them while they sleep" - he comments - "So I agree with the idea of instead taking their weapons" - he nods.
"But... I don't think this will deter them from continuing in the region, and harassing Robyn further, perhaps even more aggressively" - he ponders - "I agree with most of the plan - stealing their weapons, and if they notice us we hammer them" - he pauses for a moment then adds - "But I think we are tip-toeing around the main issue - we need to take care of that ogre. I think that has a good chance to break up the goblin's organization and resolve in staying in the area"
Apologies for the delay people - last couple of days have been really busy with job hunting.
On a side note, I will be travelling today with the family, and until about midday Tuesday - internet access will be limited to phone, so posting will probably be irregular.
She focused her gaze on Paul, the faery, and returned to the issue of the acorns...er shots she given to Luc back in the forest. "How will these shots work on the ogre or goblins? What does it actually do and how can it aid us? What advantage will it provide us?"
"Exactly" - Lucian reinforced Miya's words.
Miya Casten wrote:
Phillip had mentioned that they check out the goblins and then figure out what to do next. Miya was concerned that if they did that, then they would be noticed and a fight would ensue ... She was not afraid for herself so much as for some of the others like Adam. "There is a large group of goblins, Phillip. I have a feeling that if we all go and check them out, that we may have to fight them. The faery did say she'll take us to them when they sleep. I don't like going in with so little protection. But if that if the will of the group, then I will defer and protect you as best as I am able if something were to happen."
"They should be asleep now" - Lucian nods at Phillip - "Correct Paul?" - he adds, turning to the faery.
"Would you say we should scout them out first, maybe just one or two of us, before moving in decisively?" - he again turns to Miya - "We could all move into a safe distance, then one or two of us scout ahead and report back. Then we make a decision"
Lucian is puzzled, as he understands part of what the faery tells them, but not fully - "I still don't know what these 'shots' are for..." - he actually smiles at the notion, then turns to the others and the faery - "Well then, I guess first things first - are we going to take care of those goblins now or what?" - he questions.
"That 'hole' that allows travel" - he tries to address it as if it was but a common thing - "Even if we could use it to go somewhere and grab some additional gear, how would we pay for it - I mean... I've got a few dollars in my pocket but... That's it - and somehow I doubt they would be accepted here" - he shrugs.
Lucian looked back and forth between Miya and the faery - "I don't know Myia... Maybe we should grab the chance and move head on against these goblins" - Lucian comments - "They know we are here, and they can decide to retaliate at any moment - if they do so and we are gone into town..." - he looks at Robin - "I don't know how things may pan out"
"They should be mostly asleep, and Miss Faery has a gift that should help us, right?" - he then turns to the beautiful winged creature - "May we know what is the gift you intend to provide in our assistance? It will go a long way in helping us make a decision" - he requests.
Even though his intent was fully honest, Lucian knew he could not guarantee the safety of his companions, not when he didn't even knew where they were, nor the threats that might be forthcoming - but he would try it as best as he could.
Miya's touch was a welcome and comforting reinforcement of his own will. He looked down to her hand, then at her blue eyes, sketching the barest hint of a smile, acknowledging her support.
"Perhaps we can pass by travellers or merchants if needed? A troupe of some sort?" - he answered, the immediate considerations at hand offering real matters to be concerned about, a respite from the many things they did not understand.
"There will always be someone trying to push you around Adam" - Lucian comments, still staring out the window - "That much I learned in highschool, even better than Mathematics or Chemistry" - his voice trails off somewhat - "It always seems some others have an agenda, but one for you to follow, and not them - it doesn't matter if they are a college jock, a punk wannabe, a drill sergeant, or a dragon... If they push you, you push back, until it breaks if necessary"
His eye never left the window - "You are my friends, my touch of real in all of this - I'll be damned if I let anything bad happen to any of you in 'here' - wherever it may be" - Lucian's hand squeezes the window sill so hard it seems the wood will splinter at any moment, then his muscles ease up and the turns to Adam.
"Honestly? I hope your 'spacing out' were indeed visions of this place - it means we may have clues as to what is going on. It means whatever you can remember is valuable" - he smiles at his companion.
Sounds like a plan - I know a couple, but I've spoken with them recently and they are already quite busy GMing and playing in other games, so I think it is a no go...
After the faery flew away with her prize, Miya turned to Luc with an apologetic expression on her face, "Sorry about your watch, Luc. Next time they want something, I have my comb to trade."
"No worries" - he smiles at his friend - "Not sure what use it would be around this place... Huh... Here" - he stammers a bit.
Miya Casten wrote:
As she walked through the forest, she glanced at Luc. "Maybe the acorns are magical, like Adam's said. Or they grow acorns as weapons in this place ... We'll ask the faery when she comes for us or perhaps Robin knows what this shot is."
"Magical..." - he ponders, looking at the acorns again - "You mean magical, magical? Like, you eat them and... Grow, or shrink, like Alice in Wonderland" - his eyes take a gleam to it - "That would be amazing" - the man adds, then turns to his companion also - "What do you mean magical Adam?"
----
Back at the cottage:
"I guess now we wait" - Lucian sits down, staring through the window - "And hope the 'faery' will make good on our deal, right?"
Lucian's eyes dart from one side to the other, following the small, fluttering creature with attentive eyes.
In spite of its non-threatening looks, he moves ovr closer to Miya as she offers the apple to the creature - "Trading is good" - he offers - "Would you be trading information with us, or are there any additional wares we could talk about?" - he begins, then notices the apple - "Fine looking piece of fruit that one" - he adds with a smile.
Lucian stares at the marking on the tree - "They seemed half feral when we encountered them, but they were no animals - I found them smart enough to be more than capable of marking their territory, or at least mark a path for when and if they want to return here?" - he comments with his companions - "If that is the case, they are also leaving markings for us to follow them. Without knowing our strength, that is a stupid mistake"
He thinks on it a tad more - "If, as Robys said, they keep pestering him, this may simply be a way to know where their preys are - follow the X to get back to his farm whenever they so wish"
At Miya's suggestion, he starts looking around for more such markings.
"It should fit you, if you are going to wear the armour, Luc."
Listening to Luc discuss plans to scout ahead and waiting out the goblins' next sheep heist, Miya added, "They saw us, Luc. I suspect more goblins will come calling next time. But you're right -- we need to start evening the odds in our favour. Maybe set some traps around the farm..."
"And Luc, I can help with the scouting, if you want some company."
"That would be great Miya" - Lucian nods at his friend - "I have the feeling teamwork will get us through this. We have to lean on and support each other at every chance" - his tone has grown more serious as he speaks, perhaps considering further the path ahead of them - "Let me see if I can get into this" - he adds, picking up the chain shirt - "And perhaps we can start by trying to track down, at least a ways, where those goblins came from?"
Lucian looks amazed as the armor seems to stretch to fit Miya's size - "Spandex armor?" - he jests - "Wow, that is incredible..."
He nods in agreement with her words - "In fact, while we finish our preparations, I would not mind scouting the area around us - those... Creatures... Are bound to return, correct Robyn?" - he adds to their host - "If they do so, and we are prepared, we can perhaps start by dwindling their numbers using the terrain to our advantage"
Lucian nods at Miya's suggestion, his military mindset taking over as he approaches the weapons, appraising their quality.
He picks up the handaxe, expecting a heavy cumbersome thing, but it feels extremely light in his hands - almost too light. He raises an eyebrow in consideration of what such a small weapon could do to something like what an ogre should probably be, but reminds himself of the hospitality offered by Robyn, and turns to thank him - "A fine weapon, and definitely an upgrade from my knife" - he smiles - "I will put it to good use, as a reminder of it being swung in your hand"
He then turns his attention to the chain shirt, rolling it over and recollecting what he had learned about body armour - "I think I could use this, but I do not know how it is supposed to be worn" - he turns again to Robyn with an apologetic nod - "Would you assist me?"
What do you think guys, should I take the chain shirt?
"Well... Yeah" - Lucian retorts at the idea of facing the ogre - "Why not? But our logistics is a tad under the weather - I've got my knife, but if he is packing anything bigger than harsh words, he'll be at an advantage - I mean him, and the others with him" - he seems to ponder, looking at their own sparse gear - "Unless you wanna lend me your sword" - he winks at Miya.
Lucian's eyes go wide as he sees his friend - "Josh..? What the..?"
As he goes on his tirade about time-space continuum, and multicosmological considerations, the soldier simply stares at him - "Hold your guns there man" - he pipes in, moving closer and hugging him. Not that he and Josh were ever the best of friends, perhaps they were even only acquaintances, but it was a comforting feeling to find another friendly face amongst all this.
Holding him at arm's length, Lucian adds with a stern look - "It is good to see you, and as you can see we are not dead. At least not on this end of the polyuniversal core" - he adds with a wink.
Looking back at Miya, he nods - "Hours even... I have the feeling everything has simply happened in the last couple of hours..." - then remembers where they are and catches himself, turning to their host - "Apologies, this is an old friend Robin, someone we hadn't seen in a while"
"An ogre, yes. Though I've never heard of this 'Shrek.' It's bad enough having one ogre around, gods forbid there could be another."
He takes a sip of the wine himself, smacking his lips afterwards.
"Ahhh. That's the stuff. Well worth the wait."
He looks back at the group, a friendly smile on his face, but there is also desperation and worry in his eyes. He is putting on a brave face, but clearly this old man is near his wits end.
He seems to think of something,
"Oh! Bread, I'll get you some bread too...I think I still have some rolls..."
and he begins looking through the cabinet.
Lucian stands up and paces around the room somewhat, peering outside the window once or twice as the man is speaking. As he turns to get some bread, he adds - "Faetouched you say? I guess we can call it that since definitely we've been touched by something" - he looks around at his companions, then back at the man - "I've had some martial training..." - he continues - "But I am not sure how well we could fare against an... ogre" - his mind beggining to race through some of his military knowledge, grasping at something concrete to plod on - "We don't have weapons apart from Miya's sword and my knife" - he reaches down to his boot drawing the blade and staring at it.
Back at the man, he adds - "You have no idea of what your hospitality means to us - your roof, wine and food in what is a strange land for us makes a huge difference - so I have to thank you again for it - the region seems dangerous, so I am guessing not many would take a couple of strangers into their home at face value" - he nods at the man - "I am sure we are all willing to contribute in whatever way we can to repay your hospitality, but we need more intel... Huh... Information regarding this ogre, like Phillip just pointed out - what more can you tell us about him? And please... This will sound strange but... Where we come from, ogres are green, strong and big, but not necessarily ill-intentioned - would your ogre fit this bill?"
Haven't really looked at Josh's crunch yet, but as far as applications go, am I wrong or has Tsiron actually been the only one with a full application so far?
His participation in the recruitment thread is already a plus on my end though ;)
As the crossbow clicked, Lucian's muscles tensed as he readied himself to lunge at the creature, whatever it was. But as the whole contraption fell apart, and the creatures took flight, he was able to relax for a moment.
Just then he realized what they had been battling - those were not humans for sure but... What were they? Deformed people with some sort of sickness? His eyes never left them as they ran off into the distance, his thoughts broken only by Miya's words, turning back to face her and the others - "That was tense"
He added nothing, as his companion introduced herself to the shepherd, waiting for his reaction, blade still drawn out.
Lucian dashes after Miya, his army knife drawn and ready for... Whatever... He really has no idea of what may be happening, but the sudden rush of action and movement at least make him snap from metaphysical considerations, and paying attention to the matters at hand.
What are these..? - he ponders - Midgets?
Noticing their attention focusing somewhat on the dog, he strays somewhat towards that direction, making sure he stands between his companions and the cloaked figures, while still trying to close the gap to the animal, wanting to keep him safe - "Easy now boy, no one is gonna hurt you" - he tries to calm the beast, lest it get confused and try to attack him, while he keeps his eyes locked on the small ones ahead of him.
He can hear the crystalline voice of Miya behind him and to the side, and from the corner of his eyes he spotted her fighting stance - somewhat surprising but... Not really, after all the changes they had been through.
Fumbling over what to say, Lucian really stammers - "I can't seem to focus" - he starts with an excuse, but then stops short - "There is just too much going on..." - he stops staring at his friend, and suddenly feeling quite self conscious, puts his clothes back on.
"If we're not dreaming, then what happened? I've seen the Chronicles of Narnia but... come on..." - he shakes his head - "It can't be, right?"
Looking again at the cabin, he adds - "Then again, you're right - we've really got no better option than asking around I guess" - he concurs, moving out of the way - "I'll just stand over here, before my boots erase any trace of a track..." - he smiles.
Dang, and I was looking for a chance to shine - at least Lucian got to show off his six-pack :D
As Miya starts scouring the area for tracks and clues, Lucian falls in place next to her - "I learned some tidbits about tracks in the army Miya, but nothing like what I feel I can do now" - he is actually smiling at her as he speaks, and somewhat mesmerized by her hair it seems, but quickly focuses his attention on the task at hand.
Lucian was about to say something to Miya, but his voice could not be heard as the clicking sound rose impossibly high, the reality around them simply mutating and changing.
As it stopped, he felt overwhelmed by sensations - the warm sun on his skin, the grass brushing against his leg skin, the smell of saplings brought by a breeze, and from afar a brook running by.
He could feel it all, and so clearly that somehow he could not believe he was dreaming, but he had to be, right?
"Wait, wait..." - he stammered - "What is this..? Miya... You look" - he searches for the right words - "Amazing... Beautiful... I mean, you were already, but..." - he stops short, before embarassing himself, looking at the others - "And you guys, and ME?!" - he stares at his own rippling musculature, taking off the tanktop for added effect - "What's all this?"
He keeps looking all around himself - "And this place? Wow..." - is the best he can articulate.
Miya's words seem to bring him back to reality - "I guess we can move along yes, at least try to find out where we are, because I doubt anyone will have any further explanation - we gotta be dreaming..."
Lucian stares back at his friends, but he cannot see them – his head suddenly invaded by a barrage of feelings and thoughts, his body first burning as if he had a fever, and then dropping to a freezing cold that makes him shiver – and suddenly it is all gone, as if it had never happened.
He notices Lydia’s stare, and lifts his arms in front of him – they felt strange… Light. His eyes go wide as he notices the muscular tone they have taken – he had worked hard on his physique in the army, but nothing like what he was looking at.
Staring around at the others, he seems to be taking it all in, he can hear Miya’s breathing, and the hesitant steps of the others – in the air he smells…
Adam wrote:
"WHat the F??!?"
Lucian has no answer – he simply shrugs at his friend, taking a step forward. He cannot deny it though – as strange as it may seem, he feels… Well
Jonas Burke wrote:
"Dude."
Jonas is staring at Lucian. Still fairly disoriented by the explosion-thing-whateveritwas. As the others had moved about he was just stunned. The oddity of the situation had grasped him after he made his stupid comment. And he tried to snap out of it but it hadn't happened until Luc plunged his hand into the watery stuff.
"I'm with Adam. What the hell is happening? Why the hell aren't we in the library? What's with the damn glowing stuff and this creepy cave we're in?"
Jonas gets up and heads towards the exit of the room, and the corridor that continues past it. He stops and looks over his shoulder at his friends, being torn by his emotions and this craziness about him.
"We should leave, try to find our way home. What do you say, guys?"
”No…” – Lucian finds himself speaking – ”I don’t think so Jonas… There is something here – look at me man… I… I mean… Look at me!” – he finishes with a smile, as if it was enough, but knowing it is not.
DMshrodingerscat:
Level up done, and in the crunch (except for the languages – not sure how you wanna do those)
Wow, such a cool start ;)
I’m just going with the flow and improvising – hope that is ok.
Lucian is completely mesmerized by the bluish glow, and his eyes go wide when he notices the metallic glint - My dog tags? - his mind races before he can register it.
The pull to siply reach in and grab them is unbeliavable, and his hand begins inching towards the liquid, then he hears Miya's voice and turns around.
Miya Casten wrote:
Lifting her finger up to the ceiling and pointing to the symbols cast there, above each pedestal, she asks, "What are those symbols? And Lucian, why is is the one above you almost clear?"
"I have no idea Miya... And also, I think my dog tags are in..." - turning to point the pedestal to his friend and realizes he never stopped moving his hand, and it was now completely immersed in the liquid, still reaching for the metallic object - "There" - the boy stops dead in his tracks, not wanting to move away, but hesitant in pressing on.
Are we hallucinating? - Lucian's mind races, as he looks all around them. When his eyes meet Miya's he stops and stares, his friend's look reminding him it is time to do something, instead of simply sitting and staring - with a nod to her, he moves towards one of the pedestals.
Approaching it, he studies where the light may be coming from, his senses on full alert.
Lucian's senses all flared up at the same time, and he tried instinctively to reach for the knife in his boot, just to be blown away like a rag doll.
--------------
Still lying down, he finds himself reeling, trying to shout but his voice coming out only a trickle - "What the %$#&...?
Miya Casten wrote:
"Lucian? Adam? Jonas? Lydia? Phillip?" She called all their names respectively, like a roll call, hoping to hear each voice in turn (or something of a reply).
"I am here" - he responded from atop what was left of a table that broke with his impact - "I think I am ok... How is everyone?! Guys?!" - he started recovering his voice, trying to stand up and looking for the others.
Jonas Burke wrote:
"Oooowww! he exclaimed in short burst of frustration. "And who threw a flashbang right at us? I mean, I've never actually seen one before, except for when playing Modern Warfare, but y'know, what just happened kinda fits the effect, don't you think?"
"That was no flashbang Jonas - those don't impact like this... And we would have seen it..." - the soldier in Lucian remembered his army training - "But what was it?!" - he stands up in a state between fury and fear, looking all around.
As Miya looked at Lucian, she found him staring back at her with his jaw muscles showing from the tension - "NOW I want to find out what's going to happen - I'm not moving from here" - he half growls - "It is impossible that the others are not hearing this - we haven't been here in some time, so maybe they know something that we do not"
Shifting his stance, and again feeling if his knife is in place, he adds - "Stay close..."
"Now, THAT I heard" - Lucian stands up with a frown on his face - "A countdown?" - unconsciously he could feel his skin crawling - countdowns in the army were not a good thing.
"The sound can only be coming from the speakers" - he looks all around, then hears Miya's suggestion - "We shouldn't be made to leave because someone decided this would be a good day for a practical joke. It just won't go down like that"
Turning to the others, he adds - "Any of you guys know where the control room, or whatever is located? I'm gonna have a word or two with these jokers - if they want to start a countdown, maybe I'll just have to finish it"
