And the last few updates were about a month apart. I don't blame you. I'll wait and see if this dies a natural death.
It was fun and sure, see you around.
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Tzacol considers further questioning of the evasive captain, but then catches the stench. "What is that!?", she asks loudly to whomever is in earshot. She then immediately begins seeking the source.
Tzacol continues to assess and measure the man's words.
"That is plausible. The Bedool do tend to be proud of their seafaring ways. Do you have any specific tactics to help dispense with common pirates swiftly? With such practice, you must surely have a few."
Tzacol nods, taking in what she can. "A man of accomplishment such as yourself must have particular foes who would seek to ambush your vessel. Do any come to mind?"
I've been ill the last few days. @Arik, sorry for your loss.
Tzacol appreciates the captain's tales, while silently trying to work out what truths and advantage she may glean from them. Later in the voyage, she seeks Embergloom again, hoping to assess him when less hungover. Should she find him, she will ask: "So, what do you make of this voyage? The darkness and the isles of ill-repute to the Bedool?"
Good luck with your finale. And more regular posts here would be great.
Tzacol attempts to discern Embergloom's true colour as he speaks.
"If not histories, then how about grand tales of the sea? You surely must have encountered cultured people and finery on your travels."
Tzacol does pay close attention to the not-so-foppish captain as he speaks.
"A 'strongarm' is not inaccurate, though it is a lacking label. Any brute with sufficient strength can tear a man to pieces. I can do so with efficiency and effectiveness.", she says, grinning.
Still amused by this captain's ways, she continues, with genuine curiosity entering her voice. "I would know of you, Captain Embergloom. Who are you? And how did you come by this vessel?"
Cheers for the heads up, Lo'tan.
It's good to hear that the NPCs and game in general will resume. Tzacol is more interested in speaking with the higher echelons of the ship crew, the expedition staff, and her companions. I'm not opposed to keeping conversation going in gameplay for a while longer, and if anyone wants to push lines of inquiry, I say go for it.
Tzacol cocks her head slightly, certainly considering and weighing Lo'Tan's words. "I can understand that. If those above you are incompetent or weak, there is reason to replace them. If the elders are truly leading us as falsely as you claim, then it would be right to tear their hearts - to end them."
@GM: So, are we moving on soon?
Tzacol pauses, considering the weight of her actions. And decides. "Very well - Lo'tan. It does sound that you still wish to prove yourself correct to them. Convincing me would be good practice."
Tzacol gives Shanga a cool, appraising gaze. He is sincere, but is still avoiding answering me in any detail. Of course, his secrets he would keep if they held value - or he thought they did. "I have felt wounds ease and begin to close after devouring the right flesh. I have struck harder blows, and not necessarily immediately afterwards like an adrenaline surge would suggest." Now, a pitch. "How about this, Shanga? I will provide tangible evidence of these benefits during and after battles, and in return you get to study my channeling power, while describing alternatives to me. If my rituals are mere falsehood, then you will be in a position to point out exactly how I have deceived myself, which I imagine would be most satisfactory to you. Do we have a deal?"
Tzacol will approach the captain. "A luscious, cool breeze, isn't it? I am glad to finally make your acquantance, Captain."
Tzacol hears out Shanga. Clearly irked. "Shanga, you dishonour the fallen foes that we devour. Perhaps the Night-Born have gone too far into their magics and do not gain as much from the flesh of foes. But I can tell you, for a fact, that eating flesh makes me more powerful than eating even a fine meal. I see clearly why you were thrown out." Perhaps, *perhaps*, this heretic knows something of worth to me. But for the sake of my soul, I must tread carefully. She composes herself. "That said, you imply that there are other ways our energies can pass on. How? I would know."
Tzacol nods as she listens to First Mate Cinderwake. "I see. So a talented man...with one glaring flaw. That is a better prospect than I had imagined, so you have done me a service by telling me so.
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Tzacol gives Shanga a long look with all three eyes. [b]"I would know what truths or theories you found that enraged the Elders so. Perhaps to avoid them, perhaps to judge them for myself. I am not so blind as to have not realised that there are strange things in the dark corners of the world, and in our societies. I do not know if the elders know of all these themselves. But I do not know what they do, or you do, so I cannot judge in truth. I do know that I am in a position to learn much of the outside, and to devour many fine enemies, which will put me in good standing for my return."
Tzacol turns and with a slight smile replies to Shanga. "A fair question, Night-born. No travesty, no sin. Quite the opposite really. Are you familiar with the Order of the Sun? I am an Initiate. The Elders told me she was to be sent out into the world on a task to ready me for my final Trial. I would be told the details in stages, similarly to my prior tasks. It is...unusual...but the Elders knew they could rely on me being strong out here." She looks Shanga in the eye. "And what of you, Shanga? I do expect those outside the Order to be as faithful as us, especially not the Night-born. But you seem especially dismissive of our ways. I would know why." On the Order of the Sun. Shanga would likely know this, as would anyone else likely who knows Togani culture well: The Faith of the Sun tends to be quite martial as a rule. The Order of the Sun are especially zealous. Progression in their ranks is incredibly competitive, involving preparing for and undergoing a series of Trials pitting Initiates against challenges and each other, ending in the Trial of Zeal, thus becoming an Elder themselves. They are rarely seen outside Altepetl Tonaltzintli, and never without good reason.
Tzacol seeks out Cinderwake. I approve of the orderly ship. But the top position is of unknown quality, and I must ascertain what that. "First Mate Cinderwake. I must commend you on running a tight ship. The discipline and skill on display here is a credit to you. I am concerned that the captain has apparently not yet left his quarters. Is that truly just a bad hangover, or is there a matter that you could use assistance with?"
Understandable.
@Brimleydower: Will there be an update soon?
Enjoy. And Izluth's mouthing off has given us some food for thought!
Tzacol listens intently to the human's tirade. After a quiet moment, she replies, looking at Izluth. "There is a dark mystery on the island, that much seems certain." She turns to take in Kadlitz, the other explorers, and her companions. "I would tear this mystery open and bare its heart to the light of the Sun. I am not swayed from this matter."
"Kadlitz, as Arlk says, it is possible this is a...Volskwoo." The Togani turns to face Izluth, all three eyes focused on him. "Izluth, do you have any other ideas as to what we might find there?"
After the introductions, Tzacol seeks the closest bunk to the door that remains unoccupied.
I will be away for both of the next two weekends. I should still be able to post at points during both, but less regularly than usual for me at weekends.
Tzacol strides into the room and quickly scans it with her three-eyed gaze. This seems to her standard protocol when meeting new people in a confined space: keep an eye out as if expecting ambush. Seemingly satisfied with the situation, she relaxes her posture somewhat. Turning to each occupant in turn as she speaks, she says: "Greetings.I am Tzacol, from The City of the Sun. What will you require of my colleagues and I?"
Tzacol smiles. "First Mate Cinderwake then. A pleasure. So long as we can board and meet the geologists, we need not 'inconvenience' the captain right now. I am Tzacol, hailing from The City of the Sun."
"Hail, Captain of Mirael's Destiny."
Tzacol raises her mug to Ruloo. "I shall take your advice on board." She turns to the others: "Let us drink up and get going. I would not wait here any longer."
Tzacol smiles at Reep's questions. "You should know by now my skills. I can smash foes with hammer, or skewer them with arrows. And I have some skill in sneaking up on them if needs be, unhampered by my armour. Even more so in the wilds." The Togani snorts at Ruloo's comments. "Clearly, we were chosen for a task that is unsuitable for most. I would know of it though."
"So long as we have worthy foes!", Tzacol retorts, though with some humour, just before she sips more ale.
Tzacol turns to him. "No word yet on that, Ooduls. We are all stuck speculating and waiting."
Tzacol would have read through the contract quite thoroughly. What is the penalty for fratricide in the Azure Wake?
Tzacol nods at Arlk's intervention, after taking another sip of ale. "I adhere rigorously to any agreement that I make. And our contract is quite clear on the penalties for fratricide."
I am unlikely to be able to post this weekend.
Tzacol nods at Reep's words, and speaks, mainly in the direction of Shanga. "Aye, the Meerk speaks wisdom. I understand that even other Sunwatchers do not adhere to my sect's teachings, let alone the Stargazers. I do not blame you for not understanding the proper ways to honour our ancestors. I would fight alongside you, not with you. And the same goes for you, Servius. The Mak'hor have made for many of our worthiest adversaries and I am glad to have one on this side of the battleline." This is by Tzacol's standards, diplomatic.
Tzacol is very obviously a Togani. And her gilded armour and shield suggests her Sunwatcher heritage, even if her sun necklace did not confirm it. Her skin is pale, barely tinted blue but clearly healthy. Her tall, lean, and muscled figure tells that much. Her youth and few scars tell another story, one of great skill of arms. Because she does not appear subtle enough to avoid conflict. Her three eyes are watchful however, so she would likely see angered Makhor coming first. She leans her shield by the left side of her chair, and places her silvered warhammer onto the table, just by her right hand. She looks straight at Arlk and replies, shaking her head: "Arlk, I know not. I would have battle soon, I tire of idleness. I can only practice arms for so long before losing my edge." She then sips at an ale before placing that mug back on the table "A palatable drink.", she says with a hint of pleasure, "The Elders would encourage us to live before death. Joy before the end."
I think I've Tzacol's personal information sorted out. Will post soon.
Tzacol is a fairly recent addition. She strictly abides by a contract once explained clearly to her. Enthusiastic in battle, though not shy about her zealous branch of her people's faith.
Holy symbol 5g
@Brimleydower: Is there much you'd like me to expand upon with Tzacol? As for purchases, could I swap out chain mail for 75 gold? Purchasing: Breastplate 400g
Cheers! I'm fine with average hp. The notion I had for Tzacol is that she sees other initiates as competition, but is open to alliances even then. So she's used to allying with other people, and respects ability.
Tzacol's mechanics are done, still hashing out the wording of her background. The basic idea is she is an initiate from a particularly martial group of Sunwatchers who ready their initiates for the "Trials of the Sun". Tzacol has been sent out into the world on a task to "ready her for her final Trial". While she relishes the challenge, a part of her is coming to realise that something is wrong with the world. Maybe even her home... Traits:
Personality Trait: I’m constantly sizing up everyone around me, thinking about what kind of opponent they’ll be in the final Trial. Ideal: Zeal. Anything worth doing is worth throwing my whole self into. (Any) Bond: I carry a memento of my time as an acolyte, and I treasure it above all other things. Flaw: I think I’ve figured out that this world is not what it seems. Something dark is going on here.
Mechanics: Tzacol Female Togani (Sunwatcher) Fighter 3 Lawful Evil Height: 6' 7", Weight: lbs, Age 19 Init +1; Passive Perception 13 XP: 0 Inspiration: 0 -------------------- DEFENSE -------------------- Armor: Chain Mail and shield AC: 18 HP: 12 -------------------- OFFENSE -------------------- Speed 30 ft. Warhammer +5 1d8+3 bludgeoning Versatile (1d10+3)
Ranged
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Hit Dice: 1d10 per fighter level.
Proficiency Bonus +2 Proficiencies
Saving Throws: Strength, Constitution
Languages: Common, Togani Gear: Chain mail, a warhammer and a shield, two handaxes, an explorer's pack, a simple puzzle box, a scroll containing the basic teachings of the gods, a gaming set, a set of common clothes. Coin: 0 PP, 15 GP, 0 EP, 0 SP, 0 CP
Unerring Accuracy
Relentless Training
Consume Power
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Second Wind
Action Surge
Martial Archetype: Champion Improved Critical
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Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Intimidation
Feature: Trials of the Sun
Suggested Characteristics
Making a start on Tzacol, a Togani Sunwatcher melee fighter. |