Sorry about this, but due to some real life problems, I have to drop. I just don't have the time and energy to properly contribute as this beautiful world deserves. My apologies, and feel free to bot Shizuka Sebecloki.
Search Posts
My condolences, take the time you need.
The blind man nods, heading back to grab his helm. Taking a moment to turn the smooth helmet in his hands, Shizuka states, "Talking all the history in existence will not stop what's coming. Let us at least speak on the move."
Well, I'll certainly have no trouble keeping these newcomers separated. Though the scent of ozone is certainly curious. Another disciple of the storm perhaps, or a mage? At the elf's words, Shizuka cracks a wry grin. "I believe this is over our heads like a giant over a toddler, but that doesn't mean the child can't stab the creatures toe." Cracking his knuckles, the old man's grin turn feral, the thought of combat getting his blood running. "I'll have your back. Success is best assured through through mutual survival" Canaan's presence unsettles the blind warrior, who quickly hides his unease with a quip. "Surely you can't expect an old man like me to stay awake on such a wonderfully warm day now?" Stifling the lone arc that emerges from his skin like goosebumps, Shizuka hold's his face calm. Another bard? The question is, who does she serve? She's obviously well supplied, given her appearance and strong scent. Do we trust him to solely explore and keep us from dying? Damn this, it was suppose to be simple, not stopping nascent gods. Lifting his hand, blind man adds, "I can serve as a runner between Slavathras and the rest of the group. I'm fast enough to outrun most threats, and my armor should keep me in one piece long enough to relay any message." As the bolts begin to emerge, the lightning warrior suddenly darts in an attempt to avoid the bolt of energy, only for the bolt to strike him dead center. Instead of blinding pain, Shizuka only feels the familiar tingle of electricity as his entire body starts arcing, lightning tracing across his form. Hunched over kneeling, the old man gasps. The world is so...clear now. Every bit of energy and air near me is clear as can be!"
My apologies, I forgot to mention I would be out of contact for the weekend. May I ask for some time to catch up and level?
Watching the lightning, or more precisely feeling its might, Shizuka dips his head. "Count me in as well. I don't understand everything, but I can comprehend doom across the horizon." The old man smiles, "Even being without sight of it." Looking at his helm with a wistful purse of the lips, the lightning warrior asks, "How exactly do we stop it? Or, prevent it I suppose." Thankful his senses didn't require obvious tells to observe, Shizuka filters the wind and ambient electricity to discover more about the new arrivals.
I second Rokan. Sebcloki's posts are amazing in detail and word choice, but seeing 6 paragraphs just from him and more from the players can leave you in a lurch as to where to proceed. I'll admit, my personal lack of familiarity with Athas has hurt my participation, because I've only ever played on Golarian.
Nodding at the Thri-Kreen's words, the blind man halts as the group enter's the Lawbringer's presence. By the breeze, he seems as much disease and death as a living creature. I can't imagine what it's like to have to see such things. Moving near the monk, the armored aerokinetic whispers nearly silently, "Who exactly were the Lawbringers?" At the rewards offered, Shizuka purses his lips. "This rewards may help our survival, but this seems much more a matter for the bard than us. After all, Vordon stand to gain more than any." At Faalcuun's cryptic ending, Shizuka tense up.
Sliding near the Thri-Kreen, Shizuka gently and slowly taps one of her arms. "Their language has a similiar clicking noise as how you speak. Are you able to understand any of it?" That's one of the most trumped up titles I've ever heard, and I used to have to listen to the announcers prattle off all the stupid nicknames gladiators got.
Wincing as his sensitive ears are assaulted by the strange and booming voices, Shizuka lifts his helm from his face. Setting it carefully besides Kuro's bow, the old man lifts his hands to show a lack of weaponry. "Shizuka, The Blind Bastard from the Gulg fighting pits." With the closest thing to a title he has announced, the warrior follows Archer up to the throne.
Shizuka stifles his mirth with a mild shaking of his armored boots. All that power and twice yet a fool. I'd hardly call myself a youngling, and it's only my self aware wit that gives that appearance. Most wouldn't begrudge a man a moment to vent to the winds. Shaking an arm, the blind man gives a vicious smile beneath his helm. I'm pretty sure I even kept a pair of brown pants around just for such an occasion. Quietly, the old man throws his proverbial hat into the ring. "I need someone to guide me after all, otherwise I might just wander into a pit or some other trap." The sarcasm is heavy on his tongue. To the half giant, Shizuka shrugs. "That question is probably best not voiced around our obsidian friend."
Damn fool. The old man sighs, before making sure to keep the elf's position in the back of his mind. If he's alone and hidden, chances are one of those dead beasts may decide to attack him. That's if he's correct." At Nacaros's words, Shizuka sighs. "You know, I'd rather not have to deal with otherworldly beasts summoned by Kalid-Ma." Trusting his helm to hide his small facial twitch, the old man stays silent in regards to the missing personage, besides blowing some air over Malkear as if to state the message is directed at him. The pit fighter hears the Bard antagonize Nacaros with lifted brows. Yes, taunt the man with a probably soul deep connection to flame along with giant undead minions. The overblown self flattery is grinding at the blind man's nerves. An existence focused around fighting has left little room for niceties.
Nodding along, the blind man murmurs an agreement. "Please don't let one marred fruit spoil the stand." Feeling Malkaer slip outside the group, Shizuka quickly moves besides the magic wielder, his voice partly obscured by his helm. "Act on what? By the scouring sands what are you planning?"
Someone who follows the way of the flame perhaps? Heat is definitely a part of him just as the wind is with me. Though his guardian's are strange. Are they undead and simply following orders, or has someone created an unholy fusion of flesh and machinery? Pausing to stare at the orbs, Shizuka shakes his head. "To imitate the movement of the wind without any of it's grace. "
Navigating the halls with preternatural ease, Shizuka takes note of the byzantine pathways. All the more alcoves and hidey holes from which to strike. I best remember that. Lettings the winds and the small invisible currents tell him of the word, it's the stench of rot that takes the pitfighter by surprise. Undead? Damn, that's one foe I haven't tested my current against. Hopefully another knows of their weaknesses. With care, the old man makes sure the creatures scent blows towards him, along with Nalcaros's scent. Better to endure a stench than be caught unaware. The faint humming and power flooding the air does little to assuage the blind man's nerves, especially as the wind picks up. Forcing the wind through channels and groves carved into his armor, Shizuka takes careful stock of what's going on with whispering winds and invisible currents. At Malkaer's comment, Shizuka frowns beneath his helmet. "Greed kills as surely as a blade. Let us move indeed, the air carries a tone which I quite dislike." The irony of the winds carrying an unwelcome energy was not lost upon the warrior.
Sorry about my absence, life decided to rear its ugly head. I should be back on track now.
Watching everyone he had gotten to know volunteer, Shizuka sighs before lifting a hand to the sky. "I may as well go along."
Letting his body's natural current run free, Shizuka frowns. "A powerful defiler, just happening to appear after an unknown, powerful phenomena?" His tone carries just how unlikely a set of coincidence he believes such events to be. Adjusting his arcs to not his his companions, the old fighter dons his helm, the blank, white, plate helm soothing the lightning wielders nerves. "So who's getting tossed to the sand wolves?"
Chuckling at the elf's words, Shizuka snarks. "You cannot catch that which pushes you away. Also, I'd like to test your speed at some point. A friendly race perhaps?" Pausing at the disturbance in the air, the pit fighter grimaces. Great, more unknowns. More importantly, unknowns able to hide their approach from me. Pushing air away from his, and towards the other carriage, the old man spins through his memories. Surely, someone mentioned some factoid in the pits, while wishing for home instead of a blade in the throat. Damn, it's moments like this I wonder what it's like to see rather than feel the world.
Hearing Garavel speak, Shizuka's face takes on an expression similar to eating a lemon. And what have you accomplished, besides becoming another slave? The death of your house means little to me. At the sound of the others volunteering, Shizuka sighs. "Considering my speed, I could probably manage it. Granted, someone capable of seeing would be helpful."
By the winds I didn't think my old bones even knew the feel of arthritis. Not to mention making my hairs stand on end. I've spent years casually maiming with lightning and have never felt something quite like that. Hearing the half giant and the Thri-Kreen speak of running off, Shizuka's warm demeanor disappears. "A fool rushes in blindly, and while I may be blind I'm not a fool." Shaking his head, the blind man pauses at the lady's proclamation. "Surely letting a scouting party explore can't hurt? Worst possibility is they die instead of us." The old man's face is uncaring at the idea of a search party losing their lives.
Smiling, Shizuka bows in the direction of the voice describing the location. "My thanks Lady." Pausing as some air flows around his hand, the blind man adds, "I don't recognize you. May I ask your name? I am Shizuka."
At the news of their village's razing, Shizuka bows his head. "I'm sorry for your losses. It's never easy to lose a home." His eyebrow raises at Gaanon's outburst. Ah, someone forged by the fires of a trouble youth. Chains do often make the best garrotes. As the others enjoy the view, the blind man pauses. With a slightly sardonic tone, he asks, "I do not suppose someone would be willing to describe the scenery to me? I'd take it in myself, but all the sands seem to whistle the same anymore." As the group chuckles about looking the same, Shizuka nods along with a jesting smile. "I'm lucky I don't have to worry about everyone looking the same. I just have to smell you all." Chuckling, he makes exaggerated fanning motions while pinching his nose.
The blind man shrugs, the well meant smile meaning little to Shizuka. Doesn't matter much to me, many speak more than they think. As for the sorcerer kings, everyone wants power plain and simple." Snorting as the elf leaves, the blind man waits until he's outside earshot before mumbling, "That man's more irritating than a handful of hot sand stuck in one's breeches. Also, he's a pompous ass." Considering the archer's question careful, the man's response is measured. "The world is cruel, and tends to make cruel people. Not to mention, he's let knowledge inflate his sense of worth. Besides, for all we know the elf just enjoys mocking Thri-Kreen." At Memnon's approach, the pit fighter waves, before noticing the change in Kuro. This is interesting. Maybe I should give this exchange some attention.
The blind man smiles at the thought of a green world. Perhaps there would be something of worth in the world. Or the wine would improve at least. Hearing the man blabbering behind Kuro, Shizuka nudges the archer with an armored elbow. "He a friend of yours?"
Sorry, I've been busy with finals and moving out of my dorm.
Sometimes I wish I could tell a bit more detail. Ah well, useless wishing gets us no further into the sands. Still at the end of the bard's tale, Shizuka starts clapping, his armored hands giving the noise a sharp edge. "Not a bad way to spend an afternoon." At the Thri-Keen's movement, Shizuka frowns internally, his grandfatherly smile still on his face. Is that a longing for a fabled lost power? At Archer's words, Shizuka nods his head. "I too am curious as to if there is any substance to such a tale."
Oh joy, a knowledgeable and pompus ass with a love for the history of the dragon kings. Out loud, the old man shakes his head. "The fop of a bard is trouble, mark my words. I at least plan to keep a sharp ear and a sharper bolt at the ready." At the sudden appearance of the lady, Shizuka grins. Now that is impressive. Not many hide from the invisible threads the air carries. I wonder what the bard and her have to say away from prying ears such as myself? Adjusting the air currents to flow through the passages of his armor, the lightning wielder listens with half a mind to the bard's stories.
I will admit, the phased combat seems like a mess for a PbP format, though I'm only familiar with block initiative and traditional initiative. Honestly, I'm not sure I have enough system mastery to debate the fine points of the two.
As he listens to Tkk Tkk speak, Shizuka carefully tugs at the winds so the sounds are carried to his ears. It'd be a shame to miss out on something interesting. "Hmm, spoken like a hunter. However, often the ability to live is its own reward. Mostly, that is the reward of fighting, that and the rush of combat."
As the boy's knife begins to form, Shizuka's arm begins to crackle with latent electricity. The bow catches the blind man off guard however, and he quickly stifles the white arcs. "Those instincts will serve you well. No need to bow, I'm just a man." Pausing at the name, Shizuka raises a bushy white eyebrow. "Archer? That doesn't seem much like a name. But I won't inquire into it." Without turning his head, the warrior addresses Tkk Tkk, "You spoke of the rewards and risks of fighting no? I'd be interested to hear your take on it."
Quietly listening, Shizuka snorts. This bard reminds me of a Grand Champion. Self assured and arrogant Making a mental note to investigate the turbaned male wearing metal of all things, Shizuka considers ways to kill time until the haughty elf actually performs. Running through his catalogue of persons, the blind man realizes he has yet to talk to the both the Thri-Kreen and the young archer. Moving though the crowd with sharp, quick movements he soon is standing within easy distance of them, outside the range of fists and blade. "I don't believe I've been acquainted with either of you. I'm Shizuka."
Making a chuff of assent, Shizuka feels his companion head off to meet the new denizen of the shaded enclosure. A mountain of corpses, with a stench of lightning and death. And I'd do it again and again. As the scout asks about the decoration the blind man shrugs. "I'd offer aid, but I lack both sight and knowledge. Surely someone here knows their meaning." Taking a moment to take a deep breath, Shizuka begins to take in the impulse of everyone present, engraving each note of electricity into his mind. Exhaling, he lets the electricity flow down his body, taking it's natural course as he approaches the new arrival. "Seems House Vordon has gathered quite the mix of individuals." Pausing at the presence of metal, the warrior cocks his head, his lips pursed tight. "I forgot how the ores of the earth sing to my senses. May I ask where you got such a treasure?"
Smiling viciously underneath his helm, Shizuka opens his hands. "Indeed, but some stack towers of advantages, and even a tiny child with barely a card can topple a stack if they fight hard enough, and have a fraction of luck." Quieter, the pit fighter adds, "My ears are sharper than most. Don't feel too bad about it. Let us go see if this bard can sing as well as they can play the game of webbed intrigue." Entering the hall, Shizuka pulls the wooden helm off, tucking the armor in the crook of his arm and revealing his face. With skin like worn leather, long, stringy, white hair and empty gray eyes that never moved, one may take him for a poor old beggar. Only the scars that decorated his face, faint markings of a past life, and his armored appearance warned of his dangerous nature. "Not quite the image of the rampaging beast of lightning eh?"
Live dangerously. Hop on my back, and we'll do a 30 foot dash straight up.
Sorry, Blind Swordsman (Samurai/Oracle VMC Archetype) with Kineticist. I'm running Champion. Also, I'm mildly fast, so I should be able to reach the edges of fray well.
Shrugging, Shizuka lets a short arc strike between his palms. "I think the way the lightning aids me leaves them angry, as well as the fact I can't see. There's nothing people hate more than being bested by a cripple." At the approach of Tkk-Tkk, the blind nods. "Indeed. There is but one life to hold."
"Worry not about decorum. Wasn't ever something I cared much for anyway." Holding out a hand, Shizuka smothers the lightning running along his arm. "Memnon Bash'ra, it's nice to meet you. I'm surprised you're a fan. Most dislike my habit of fighting." Cocking his head at the distant words of someone, Shizuka turns towards Rokan. "Indeed it is a numbers game, but one that can be stacked towards one side or another. Foolishness kills just as well as luck."
Without moving his head laterally, Shizuka nods his head. "The sun is a harsh master, with the brightest of whips. Many with wealth would not last long without it's power." Dryly, he adds, "Brightness does not have much meaning to me." A crackling fist knocks on the curved face plate, the sharp scent of ozone coming from the hand. "Ah, that does not sound much like an arena name. Taking a moment of silence, he gives a muffled sigh. "My apologies. I am Shizuka, or you may know of me from my arena name, The Blind Bastard."
Facing the vast sands of the desert, the white wooden armor of Shizuka glares with the sun's rays out. The sealed mask hides his features well, aside from the long strands of white hair at his nape, as he bounces arcs of electricity between his open palms. I may as well fill the empty hours with the bard's voice. Turning to move towards the Chariot, the old arena dog notes some other members of the expedition. Striding up alongside them, Shizuka starts a light breeze running perpendicular to their path. Mask facing ahead, he speaks quietly, belittling the massive armor he wears, "You're a large one. I don't suppose you spent any time in Gulg by chance?" P
No worries. As for healing, nope. Nothing.
I built essentially a blind pitfighting lightning bender. Perhaps a guide for Shizuka, to help him navigate the desert?
Gaanon, depending on what you want to build, you're welcome to collaborate with me. Sounds good to me.
The post requirement sounds fair to me. Sometimes all it takes is a single person to start the next step of a campaign. I've played a few games where no one posted for a day or two, and everyone (myself included) sat and didn't post. And to be fair, it's better to have a well crafted short response than a page of contradictory actions and half rattled thoughts Sebecloki. This is your game though, so I respectfully defer to you.
I currently am letting my mythic feat float, because there's nothing I can use it on at the moment. But since the spirit of the game is basics, I'll give mine
(Defensive)-With an AC of 25 and 9/9/4 saves, he shouldn't have to worry too much, and can frontline relative well. (Healing)-He has nothing sir, this is not the character you are looking for. (Face)-With a +5 intimidate and SM of +8, he should be able to be determining if people are trying to backstab. The only problem is his +8 perception is he autofails visual checks, so warn me about cliffs. (Other Skills)-Using +8 survival, water should be at least somewhat approachable, and he can sneak and jump with +8 Sleight and acrobatics (Path)-Shizuka is a champion, because his job is to be a hammer :D Overall, Shizuka is meant to work as the ultimate alarm, using his speed and blindsense to catch anyone and anything unfriendly that approaches, and at least stall it. At higher levels, he'll be able to buff and handle temperatures using air/water abilities, and basically function as a knowledge book using the trance ability. I've done backstory, but I'll add his appearance
Appearance/Personality: Often, all most people see of Shizuka is his trademark white wooden armor, with the very distinctive solid mask warning others of his blindness, and of his danger despite it. Often, small crackles of electricity bleed from his hands, with combat making him into an angry ball of electric energy. Outside of the armor, Shizuka is a middle aged man with grey hair contained in a ponytail. His face is rugged and often blank, a trait his dead pale blue eyes share.
Shizuka cares about two things in life, his survival, and the survival of his wife. Beyond that, little concerns the blind warrior. Defiler or preserver matters little to him, only their intent towards him. The arena does not make room for the kind, and Shizuka is very much a product of the arena.
I'm nearly done Sebecloki, just a few little choices and Shizuka will be ready to stalk the sands. Backstory:
Born in a Gulg area pit, Shizuka never knew either of his parents. As soon as they discovered his lack of sight, he was left to the hidden section of the pits, to scrounge and earn his own survival. For a majority of his early years, the young blind child lived underneath the feet of area fighters, taking scraps of food and stealing sips of water where he could. One day however, a lesser pit champion was enraged by the discovered theft of his water skin, and soon traced it back to the small child crouched in a dark corner. Few expected the runt of the area to survive the first blow, none expected him to return the favor with a bolt of lightning in hand.
Not soon after, Shizuka was thrown into the arena by the Pit Master, to placate the master about the loss of his champion. There, the white haired human discovered his skill at the art of war, and began to build a body of fallen foes built with the sharp scent of ozone and unnatural awareness. Several handicaps were placed on the 'Blind Bastard', as he came to be known. Weights found themselves ensuring his limbs, and his foes became steadily more ferocious. Still, nothing could hold back Shizuka, and eventually he caught the eye of a ruling noble. The noble realized the utility of a warrior like Shizuka for serving Gulg's purposes. Cladding him in the wood from their rival city of Nibenay, and allowing him relative freedom, including a wife of his own, the noble slowly earned his loyalty. Sorry if the backstory seems vague, I don't have any specifics to work with at the moment. @Malkaer-Someone's got to beat you and your magic blade to the punch ;)Besides, if the lightning master isn't blindingly fast, something's wrong.
Out of curiosity, does anyone know what Heavy Armor would modify a move speed of 70 feet to?
Sorry, I've just been busy handling IRL stuff. I'll work on finishing up the fluff for Shizuka. I have a question. As far as I read, there are no dragons in Darksun correct? Telepathic Lash
Out of curiosity, is there any mythic paths besides the default six of paizo and the dragony goodness? I swear I saw some sort of gunslingery path, but I can't remember.
Thank you very much. Would there happen to be any martial orders in Nibenay? |