Excellent idea. I approve whole-heartedly and would like to see it fleshed out more as an idea. A few things to keep in mind: 1) make sure that the types of bonuses you are giving can't be stack-abused. (ie: only one spellcaster may be bonded to a specific target at one time)
2) make sure that the bond levels up smoothly without major power-leaps. (ie: don't give it all away at first level, build up the bonuses as the bond increases)
3) you may wish to give generic benefits in exchange for a spell slot rather than changing the targeting of learned spells. I think that would be easier to track for the player and less prone to abuse.
This is very appealing to me. I will have a submission soon. Since you have a magus and a rogue already, I am considering a monstrous druid with a focus on casting. I think this would fit nicely.
I would say there are several ways to deal with a situation like this. First, it's time for a serious sit down chat about mutual respect. She brought you to tears with her mistreatment of you and that should not be. This can be a group discussion, or it can be delivered by the GM privately. In either case, it should be a simple process of saying that things are not working out and that people are not enjoying things like they're supposed to when the group is incomplete/changing due to lates and absences. Whether or not you decide to keep her in the group, her treatment of you should not be so bad as to harm you. This is the first concern.
Second, to get closure with the attendance, which you have recently and repeatedly addressed already, let her that you're concerned about her missing meetings and that it is affecting the group. Here you may find more than you bargained for. Judging by the hostile response and the unusual behaviour, I wonder if there is something private/secret that your player is doing around game time that she can't get out of/doesn't want people to know about. With that being said, I'm not a professional psychologist, and I'm going only off what you've posted, so I could be out to lunch. What we do know is that there is some reason that she is not able to make the meeting times.
thanks much man. I would be honoured to play with you again. You're the only character who's stuck with it right from the beginning, and I really appreciate it.
I'm sorry guys, this has just become too inconsistent, and too far in between posts. We had some great moments, but I think this story isn't going to reach its proper ending.
Edelle continues along. She finds herself ascending stairs invisible to the eye. It is a bit unnerving to be uncertain whether the next step up will fall through. Nonetheless, Edelle is brave and presses onward and upward.
Teriwyth continues to play his bagpipes and begins to follow the rest of the group down the invisible path. The Stag continues to advance, passing very close by underneath Edelle.
Alric rushes to catch up with Edelle. He notes that she is climbing up and actually passing over the creature. Alric moves with more confidence, knowing that he is following Edelle's path.
The orb floating above the group charges again and fires a shot at Thervold. The beam just barely misses, grazing his ear and melting the floor behind Thervold. The spot where the beam hit glows a molten red for a moment before cooling.
After seeing that, and already being quite beaten up, Thervold takes no more chances. He summons up six illusory copies of himself to act as decoys.
Teriwyth's song modulates momentarily and crescendoes suddenly He mumbles something between breaths and waves his hand about wildly. His arm appears to become molten for a moment and spreads forward like a steaming foam against the elemental. It is able to shield itself in time to avoid the worst of the spray, but it still smolders for a moment and the crystals composing the beast become less sharp and more smooth
Thervold manages to launch his attack despite the elemental's attempt to disrupt him. This is enough to finally dissipate the elemental. Its joints fuse together as they melt under the heat of Teriwyth and Thervold's attacks. It is now frozen statue like in a pile.
Next Round.
Edelle leaves the rest of the group to handle the elemental, she moves along attempting to find the path through the invisible maze. Her natural speed allows her to move along quite quickly. She rounds the first curve this turn.
The Crystal Stag continues to advance forward toward the group at a trot. The sparks it sets off along the walls are multicoloured and form a strangely beautiful display.
Edelle repositions and prepares to attack. She stumbles a bit making her way out of the spiked crystals where the elemental previously attacked. She cuts her leg on a spike. 3 damage and misses her opportunity to get in a good swing.
Alric is well prepared and waits for his opportunity to strike when the elemental lashes up next.
Teriwyth continues surging air into his bagpipe and the deer in the distance perks up to this and begins to approach. As it does so, you see its large antlers scraping against invisible walls, leaving them marked with a hot glow.
The elemental rises up out of the ground to strike at the three casters all lined up. It strikes Thervold first, then continues the swing through and hits Teriwyth. 16 and 17 damage respectively.
Alric seizes his opportunity and unleashes a flurry of attacks against the elemental. Two strikes hit and the third just barely misses. Alric takes out a large chunk of the creature and severs it, but the creature keeps moving.
The orb lighting the large chamber lets off another beam, this time targetting Teriwyth and hitting. 11 fire damage
Thervold attempts to cast his spell with the elemental right next to him, but unfortunately, the creature is ready for him, and knocks Thervold to the side, potentially interrupting his spell. 16 damage, DC 29 concentration check (d20+13)
Round 1
Alric prepares himself for combat, sheltering himself in a soothing cool glow that will protect him from the heat.
Edelle whips about her bardiche at the earthen arms sticking out through the ground, she makes contact with each strike, but the elemental's tough skin protects it from any penetration.
Teriwyth:
Did you want to use your new instrument, or your normal oratory?
begins to recite a poem ? of inspiration to bring his allies vigour in the battle. He tells the story of Theseus and the Minotaur in the labyrinth.
The hulking elemental glides underneath of the ground and circles around to Edelle. It stays underneath of the surface, safe from your attacks for the moment. However, it's reach is long enough to launch an attack from this safety. The elemental swings a fist upwards toward Edelle, as though moving through water. As it breaks the surface, there is a shattering sound and the terrain sharpens into dangerous shards of crystal where Edelle stands. She takes 6 damage from the impact and risks further injury moving out of the broken square.
You all hear the orb overhead creating a rising glissando. It needs a turn to recharge between attacks apparently. You hope that is what that means anyways.
Thervold, moving a bit slower than the rest, attempts to fry the assailant hand with a bolt of lightning. The target moves slowly, and takes the full force of Thervold's blast.
As you progress deeper down, the sounds of the heart become more powerful. The slope of this hallway steepens and you almost begin sliding downward on the slippery crystal. Finally you come to a large chamber lit from above by an ornate orb. Across the room, you see the source of the pulsing. It resembles a young child curled in fetal position, though it is much larger than any child would ever be, and it appears to be a mixture of both crystal, flesh, and energy.
As you enter the room, you bump into another invisible wall. Feeling around, you note that this one does not completely block your path, but instead it appears to be the start of a maze that covers the room. Finally, you hear a groaning noise as three creatures present themselves to you.
The first is a crystaline deer in the centre of the room that stirs as you bang against the wall. It does not approach, but it appears to be observing you curiously. The second and third are not seen, but felt. From beneath you, a fist reaches up through the earth to try and grab Teriwyth, but misses. From above, a ray of energy is released from the orb. It is refracted through a series of invisible walls and narrowly misses Alric's head.
initiative and actions please. Map will be posted today or tomorrow depending how school goes
The cavern shifts slightly to harmonize with Alric's performance. As he continues to perform, a larger rumbling begins and the hall shifts down. With a release of warm air, you see that the hall now leads deeper down into the earth. It is warmer here and you can immediately hear a throbbing noise, like a pulse, emanating from further down. The noise passes in waves which overwhelm your hearing intermittently.
Your group leaves the room, passing by Castiel in the next chamber. Edelle nods towards the eastern tunnels. Castiel looks at you with disdain and turns purposefully to the north into the Chamber of Destiny. As you continue along, you hear a small voice from behind you. It is Jingles, flitting through the air at top speed to catch up with you. The creature puts small arms up in the air to show peaceful intent. Jingles speaks with a hushed voice.
"To be set free you need a key.
Find the heart for a good start.
This place is meant to bring joy, but I have seen so much sorrow.
I know that I don't know what there will be tomorrow.
But I see your passion and I know that it's true.
Break this prison, do what you must do.
And if music is love, and love must be free,
then maybe music can save the world."
You are almost shocked at the lack of rhyme in the last phrase. It hits with extra emphasis. Jingles speaks once more and then turns and flits back. " Good Luck."
Hey folks. Do I still have interest in continuing? I expected things to slow down a bit during the holidays, but I had hoped things would be picking up again right about now. You're very near to a possible end point, so if you're all still interested we can at least go out with a bang. Thoughts?
Funt continues to nervously bang on the bongos. He looks around to see what you will do next. The rest of your hosts join Funt in song, evidently airing their discomfort about the whole situation.
Castiel's eyes alight at Thervold's comment.
"Have we not treated you with kindness? Shown you beauty beyond your wildest dreams? Yet still you wish to depart for the world of corruption." He turns to go towards his own chamber. "You will eventually come to change your mind, but I will not stop you at this juncture." He leaves you alone with the others. They avoid eye contact with you and try to go about their business normally.
"Haven't you been listening?" Castiel is becoming frustrated. "Music is only dangerous if those who would abuse it know. Here within these halls, we can guard its power and keep it pure and protected."
Aniya seems confused by your question. "What do you mean? Music is beautiful, so use it." She pauses, perplexed and mutters to herself a moment. "Beautiful, and we share it, but we don't share it with the world because it will be corrupted. "
Castiel speaks up. "We are not protected from music. We are it's guardians and vessels. Through us music is preserved and protected from corruption in the outside world. That is our duty. "
Teriwyth finds Aniya and Castiel together in one room performing together. he asks them a question that resonates throughout the halls. "Hey, why don't you share music with the world?" Aniya is hesitant. She looks to Castiel fearfully for approval to speak. "We can't. We don't talk about such the things. Home is where we live and we protect music from corruption here. Home protects the world from music too. "
HAPPY CHRISTMAS! Hope everyone is enjoying their holidays. Things have been understandably slow around this time of year, but I am hoping to get the momentum going again in the new year.
After a few moments of confusion, you are able to calm your mind and concentrate on the voices that are relevant to your question. The first is a low voice, male, speaking with some uncertainty. "Danger. Creatures of crystal made by Home. Maybe trying to keep us from leaving." The next voice is a higher male, an elderly man, perhaps. You recognize the draconic language. "This gem will become the heart of your prison. Your power will never been heard in this world again, and I shall be free to tear apart the cosmos without your interference." The same voice begins a rebuttal against itself (which you find odd), but is cut off by something like the sound of an explosion follows and a magical "whoosh". The following voice is higher still, androgenous, yet familiar. You think it may be Castiel's voice. "The heart of Home must be protected. No one is to go down the eastern tunnel anymore. The maze is off limits. One last thing, we should. change.. our... introduc...." The voice fades away and is drowned out by a high pitched screech that nearly breaks your focus. "HELP! I can't make it out of the hole! It's closing! I can't escape! Run!" After this, there is nothing more that you can discern from the resonance chamber.
You see the rolling hills gradually flatten out into a plateau, the trees being projected fade as though into mist. You see the physical layout of the grounds, but none of the structures or people. It is as though the projection is editing out the human influence.
you hear a flurry of voices accosting your ears. It is difficult to focus on any one voice or to discern language at all initially. one will save and one perception check, please
Your music on the table increases your desire for more. You take a few larger samples of the red liquid, and you begin to reconsider staying here. "Maybe this end of the world stuff is blown out of proportion. Why should I be responsible for all of those people? This all feels so good, I don't want it to end. " These thoughts and more seem to press against your consciousness.
As time passes, you slowly allow your mind to wander and the shapes and colours created by the instrument begin better reflecting your mood. A question arises amidst your thoughts, and it is given clear form. Why is it here at all? This cavern? If music is so beautiful and powerful, why is it trapped here and not shared?
Aniya nods and smirks slightly "Certainly, I'd be happy to show you. "
She then takes your group through a series of rooms. In each she provides a brief explanation, and allows you to explore at your leisure before moving on. She is happy to answer any other questions you may have. The first room you come upon contains Thervold, already out exploring on his own.
Observatorium:
In this room, the crystalline walls, roof, and floors display images of beautiful outdoor scenes. As Thervold has been standing here, the images have shifted towards his native land across the sea. Most of you are unfamiliar with the plant and wildlife being depicted, though some are familiar enough. Aniya offers for Thervold to join the group in exploration.
Place of Feasting:
This room is a central area to main structure. Here, a fountain spurts out a blood-red liquid at a constant rate. Aniya takes a cup from nearby and fills it with this liquid. You recognize that is the same stuff you had been offered earlier to drink. She explains: "This is the life-blood of Home. With it, we are nourished and healed. Our desires of taste fulfilled. She gives us this gift in exchange for her sustenance through music." Aniya then pours several small pools of the liquid onto the table, asking each of you to sit before one. Those who do will see the pool before them sizzle in reaction. After steaming and popping, before you is exactly the meal you wanted at that moment.
Bedrooms:
These bedrooms are lit less brightly than the rest of the cavern. The beds appear to be simply slabs of crystal in the midst of the room. Aniya explains that as you rest, the bed warms and shapes to you, providing you with warmth and comfort, like a big hug. Thervold notes that this hallway appears to have expanded, as though more rooms have been added to accommodate you.
Dark room:
Aniya pulls open a small door, and ducks to enter, gesturing for the rest of you to come inside. She pulls out her violin before closing the door again. It is instantly black inside and your eyes can't adjust. She begins to play. As you listen, you begin to relax in the darkness. Being along with the music allows your mind to focus more deeply. Soon, you begin to notice small flecks of light, perhaps reflecting off of a surface on the violin? As you contentrate on these, you realise that these are the sounds of the violin themselves. You are seeing the music as it is created, and it is beautiful. Colourful displays swirling through the air enhance the beautiful feelings stirred inside you. After she finishes, there is a moment of silence before light slowly begins to leak into the room and you gather yourselves to leave again
Resonance Chamber:
This grand sphere of a room is a marvel of architecture. The curves and angles of the walls and floor are magnificent and precise. Aniya does not say anything upon entering, but instead waits for your mind to move to the question. Suddenly, you hear a call from across the room. There is no one there, but you know you heard it. " This is the Resonance Chamber. Here, all that is heard, remains. Any conversation, any music performed within Home is preserved forever in this room. It is a testament to our longevity, and a connection to our ancestors." Aniya then speaks, the voices in the room doubling her in a way that is both awe inspiring, and unnerving. "Let us continue."
Chamber of Destiny:
Aniya pauses before entering this room, offering a short prayer, and gesturing solemnly. Opening the double doors wide, she walks in a ways and turns, raising her arms in welcome, she says, "This is the Chamber of Destiny" Entering, it appears to be very much like a temple or a church. Several rows of pews lead up to a pulpit. There is a small font in one corner of the room, and lining the walls at even intervals are what at first appear to be statues of men and women holding more instruments, poised in playing position. Upon closer examination, these are not statues, but indeed actual people. Inscriptions next to each alcove allow you to figure out that these people were once residents, but they have since passed away. You note that their lifespans are exceptionally long, no one living less than 200 years. Aniya tells you that this is their most sacred place. [b]"It is here that we pay respect to the lives past, and that we give thanks to Home in a more formal way.
With that, the tour is effectively concluded. You note that there are some hallways and corridors that have been skipped. Aniya explains that these lead far afield and that they do not often travel there, so she cannot tell you what is there.
Right now, I think that's how many of us feel. With finals for college students, and the holiday season for everyone, it's perfectly normal to take longer between posts and check ins. I have not been the most active GM myself lately. Nonetheless, if you think that this is not the place for you right now, I will say thank you so much for your commitment and time up to this point. It's been a pleasure gaming with you. :)
that type of request would be more of a sense motive roll in future
Edelle:
It seems that Jingles and Castiel are the most vigourous in their protection of their ideals. Castiel is most strongly motivated by tradition, but Jingles seems convinced by emotional appeal. The weakest link in the chain is Aniya. She seems the most reluctant to admit how bad the situation sounds.
Thervold:
You find several regions of the cavern complex immediately, The structure is enormous and complex, but this region is most civilized and lived in. You come across about a dozen sleeping chambers, a room that appears to be projecting an image of the outdoors through it's walls, a large temple-like room with a dozen or so people encased in crystal along the walls (an open casket graveyard, if you will) You also pass by a long room with a chandelier hanging overhead and an extended table and chairs next to a fountain. (a banquet hall, you presume) There are a handful of hallways that lead a distance away as well, but you're not sure if you should travel too far afield without a guide.
Teriwyth learns about the mechanics and maintenance of his instrument before playing. He catches up with the above conversation.
Jingles flys up to and embraces Edelle, sobbing. "Your beautiful verse has moved me to tears.
Truly you understand the power that is here.
It is for this reason you must stay.
To leave with knowledge of music would betray.
There will always be suffering above
It shall not penetrate our Home.
Here there is no suffering, but love.
So within this pace, contemplate and roam. "
Aniya suggests "I know this is difficult. When I arrived here,..." She hesitates, looking for approval from Castiel. He nods his approval cautiously. "When I arrived here, I was full of suffering and fear. For others, for myself; but now I realize that none of that matters. We must live when we are, not in another time. That is the power of music. It can slow us down and allow us to reflect. I urge you not to fight this, but if you need more time, take it. Go explore and think. We can wait. "
Jingles seems upset, and sobs a mournful ballad
"But woe, have we not shown you love?
This place has made you happy.
You can't return above,
not without making me feel crappy."
Aniya tries a different appeal "Is the world you left really worth returning to? Each of us has come to find that this is a better life. There is no war, no suffering. Home has protected us for generations upon generations. I doubt even the ending you talk about up there will reach this place. "
Seeing that you are firm in your position of wanting to leave, Castiel final breaks the conflict.
"I am sorry. This has happened before, but even if you wanted to leave, you can't. Home is meant to protect us and to protect music from corruption. She can't do that if we leave her, so we are not permitted to depart. You remember when you came here, and the tunnel behind you collapsed? That was Home embracing you closer as her own. You don't have to partake in the ceremony now, but you will eventually come around, as they all do."
You can't help but feel a bit threatened by the last part of that speech, especially as Castiel's deliver was cold and programmed.
Aniya takes the stick this time to answer. "Each of us, upon coming here symbolically places our possessions in the centre to show our willingness to release the past and to look into the future. In exchange, Home provides us with everything we could ever need. Joy. Company. Music. Love. We of course respect your right to wait until you are comfortable before making a decision. " Other comments/questions?
You are brought into a large round room, and seated in a circle in the centre. On the walls, the crystals shimmer and you can make out images of beauty and emotion brought forth by the musicians of the past.
Alric:
You recognize the people depicted on the walls as those who have been preserved in the Chamber of Destiny
In the centre of the circle is a large crystal flower that sits open. The centre of the flower is concave, like a large bowl or receptacle. Each of your hosts quietly plays their instruments in concert. In this room, when someone speaks, they are asked to wave a baton and to lead the music of the rest of the group. This looks to each of you like a most powerful magic indeed. Castiel begins, leading with his baton gracefully and with passion "It has been a long time since we have had new guests. We welcome you here, and we share our gifts. In exchange, we ask that you join us here to help us preserve, protect, and enjoy the power of music. This flower represents a new growth for each of you. By casting aside your earthly goods, Home will provide you with a rebirth. For some, this process takes longer than others, but everyone will come to be a part of the music eventually." Castiel pauses, offering the baton to any of you who wish to speak. takers?
As you each progress through your sessions, you feel the crystals around you resonating with each note you play. It is a rush of emotion and understanding as you progress. You absorb the techniques, the knowledges, and the sounds like a sponge. It is as though the more you quench your knowledge, the more you realize your thirst. You wildly crave more and more experience, more music. Until finally, your instructor pauses. Another member knocks on the door and says: "It is a good start. Let us go now to the initiation." With that you rise and are taken to another large chamber to reunite with the rest of the group.
You all gain one skill rank in perform for your chosen instrument. Perform is now a class skill for you if it was not before. Finally, you may chose to transfer ranks in another perform skill to your chosen instrument at this point.
Jingles leaps from Castiel's pocket and gleefully proclaims [b]"Hooray! Good choice! " Jingles leads you to the Observatorium. In this room, scenes of nature are apparent through refracting light in the crystals. After staying for a moment, you really start to believe that you are in a misty glen. You can even smell the flowers and feel a breeze flowing through. from the hilltops. It is a near perfect illusion.
You each select your instrument and one of your hosts leads you to a different area of the complex. You see that this is a large and ornate location. Each room lights as you enter. The crystals are warm and welcoming. Anything you need, it seems is at your fingertips.
Alric:
You are led by Castiel to the Chamber of Destiny. It is a large chamber like a church, including several pews. The pulpit is a perfectly square block of crystal. Inside is an opaque object obscured by the refraction of light. As you look around, you also notice that the walls have several display cases. Inside are creatures of varied exotic races. Each of them is posed with an instrument. They looks to be perfectly preserved and their faces are all very content and serene.
Thervold:
You are led by Funt to a large bedchamber. The slab of crystal looks like it will be very hard, but you find that it sinks to conform to your body. Funt offers you some herbs and drinks to have before starting. He excuses himself for a moment and upon returning asks if he can touch your hair...
Guthar:
Aniya takes several objects in her hand and leads you to the next room. This is the place of feasting, she explains. You note a bare table of ornate crystal and a chandelier hanging overhead. You also see a fountain of the blood-red liquid you have been drinking. Aniya asks before beginning if you are hungry. She scoops some of the red liquid from the fountain and splashes it on the table. The crystal foams for a moment and then forms into small multi-coloured balls. Aniya plucks a ball from the table and puts it in her mouth, smiling "chocolate, yummy". She then lays out the instruments she has taken on the table for you to look at. "Many choices here. Let's get started"
"As soon as you select the instrument that interests you. Would you like a brief demonstration? " With that each of your hosts in turn perform a selection of instruments for you to learn what they sound like. You may select broadly from woodwinds, strings, percussion, voice, keyboard. Or you may choose a specific instrument. Assume that anything is available. I invite you to try and describe the device without using musical language.
"Indeed. We keep the sounds of music alive at all times. When one is silent, another performs. Now that you are here, you are welcome to join us and learn of music." Castiel glides back from another chamber carrying several different instruments. He displays them for you each to choose one. "We shall instruct you in the ways of music. We ask only that you respect its power and that you share in our joy. We shall begin presently."
You would first download the photo you want onto your computer, then select a square in the grid, and go to "insert" on the toolbar, and scroll down to "image". Follow the prompts from there.
Aniya goes to answer, but Jingles loudly interrupts, unleashing burst of colour while speaking.
"Myewzick is great! Myewzick is grand! When you fall down, it makes you to stand! Keeps us alive, here in our Home." At this, Castiel chimes in. "Yes... thank you, Jingles. Very enthusiastic." He grabs the flying creature and stuffs him in a pocket, to much protest. Aniya is able to answer finally. "It is much easier to show you than to describe. Music is power through sound. " Aniya takes one of the strange contraptions you have seen in her hands. The closest equivalent you have is a loom. This object has four strings all stretched tight over a board. Aniya holds the board to her shoulder and then lets hold the thin end. She takes a bow with straight wood. and presses its string at a right angle against the strings of the other part. the resulting sound is beautiful. Like nothing you have ever heard before. The cave itself lights up in response and the humming seems to work with the sound of the instrument. Funt joins in by hitting several drums nearby at repetitive times. This repetition lulls you into contentment and deep focus. After a moment, she picks up the conversation again, continuing to play. "This is music. It is what sustains us here in this place. We perform and the crystals provide."
Thervold drinks from his glass and immediately feels much better. His pupils grow wide, and his headache dissipates. He stands taller and breathes deeply, down to his gut. All wisdom damage from the humming hills is healed, you gain a +2 euphoria bonus to perform skills, and perception checks for the next hour.
A tall half-elf woman, you learn later her name is Aniya, seems a bit put off by your question, though she is not surprised by it. "We simply call this place Home. It is not often that we have people coming to join us. Right now, you are in the resonance chamber. Here, the power of myewzick is enhanced the most, and you can hear the whispers of the past, if you listen well. "
The half-orc, Funt, passes out the glasses to his fellows as he waits for your group to decide if they will partake. Funt drinks his own almost in one gulp, and impatiently waits for an opportunity to refill his own glass.
