Have fun! No GenCon for me this year... :(
Search Posts
Valarius reels back in pain, his psyche momentarily overcome by the deluge of knowledge blasted through his mind. He had previously spent time studying intensely, and it was like that... only to an exponential level. Indeed, if this process could be replicated in Promise, the cross-diversification allowed would present even more talented citizens. Shaking off the haze, he looks toward the others. "I have heard of arcane spells with the ability to mask, or even remove a memory. This image seems to have unleashed the opposite effect on us. Why it has chosen us as allies to its cause I can't be sure. It seems active in the moment, for it referred to this creature Hellion. And more importantly, an impending explosion if we don't stop it's minions."
Class: Magus
Abilities:
+1 0th, +1 1st spells/day spells learned: blade tutor's spirit, long arm
Valarius swings his morningstar into the darkness at his assailant, missing the beast, then lunges away toward his allies in hopes that he cannot be pulled further into the darkness.
Ducking the swing of the undead corpse, he instinctively draws a deep breath as though about to plunge into a river. Grasping his morningstar in both hands, he swings it viciously at the Immured, smashing bone and rending dessicated flesh as he connects.
Getting ready to swing my morningstar...!
"Hold." Valarius declares forcefully as Simeon moves toward the door. Blasted Themostila, curiosity always kills the cat. They can't seem to help sticking their heads into trouble. Still, perhaps these corpses will provide some information... Shouldering his rifle, he drew the morningstar hanging from his left hip. A curious, archaic weapon that was little more than a spiked, reinforced club, Valarius had grown a fondness for the weapon while confronting the many undead faced in the ruins of Golarion. He was admittedly a little anxious to put it to work here at home. Closing both hands around the haft, he stepped to the side of the door. "Remember, the dead can at times be quite restless."
Valarius waits calmly while Dryth works on drawing what he can from the terminal. As the holographic image is called forth before them, Valarius draws closer, examining the layout for potential bottlenecks and ambush points. So many separate compartments, there could be hostile forces hiding everywhere.... it would be easy to be assaulted from multiple directions. As he considers their options, he looks about the company. "Gentlemen, this facility poses some major challenges for us. Given the many individually separated chambers, we are presented with a situation where, if we move too aggressively, we could easily be surrounded and overpowered. It would be wisest for us to move around the outside of the third level, sweeping in and taking it room by room. Additionally, in confined quarters our firearms will prove less useful, so be prepared to engage in hand to hand combat."
Valarius follows his more research-oriented comrades and steps through the visual facade. "Strange, not a hint of magical signature on this illusion. Perhaps masked, or possibly generated in another way. Keep your guard raised, this room has been damaged, though by what is unknown." True, he was used to exploring unknown locations, and recovering unique artifacts, but those would be single samples amidst the wilds of the lesser world. The outer world intrigued him at times, and his talent with both the arcane and the blade made him feel as though a throwback from Hermean culture to the more brutal yet fantastical nature of Golarion. And he always carried the small comfort that he was a product of a far superior society. Now, viewing the strange technology around him, he was not sure, and almost instinctively, he found himself considering putting aside the rifle and switching to his sword. He held the instinct in check, and instead continued to search for hostile subjects. At Dryth's words, Valarius quickly replies, "If you can call up any surveillance that would be most beneficial. We are hunting blind, a dangerous game to play. Barring anything else, can you call up a map?"
Valarius keeps his rifle at his shoulder as they survey the strange crater. The options race through his mind as the alien landscape unfolds before them. illusion... dimensional portal... interplanetary portal... insanity... which explanation is most likely? Kneeling down to analyze another of the skeletons, he notes the lack of any kind of trauma. "They could've have been claimed by old age, illness, or magic. Regardless of the source, we know they can die some way, so take that as a small comfort." He picks up a bone from the skeleton's leg and tucks it in his satchel for later analysis. If they have superior technology, the flaws of their anatomy will be the key to defeating them. This will be the start of sample collections for the others, until a full specimen can be recovered. Moving into the cave, he takes note of the warriors in the paintings. "Strange don't you think? They had the power to craft fantastical skyships, yet still utilized archery for hunting. That is, unless these four-limbed creatures are not the source of the technology, but rather the lesser followers of a greater race?"
My apologies as well, as I have been the worst posting offender. I will get back to the more in depth posting, though my question is how far are you okay with us creating on the fly in those posts (regarding backstory and world details)?
Valarius ponders their scenario for a moment. "Where did all this technology come from? I cannot imagine some fringe sect of dissident cultists produced it, not out here on the farm. And having traveled a great deal abroad, there is nothing of our technical level beyond Promise. This, quite simply, shouldn't exist... what are we up against?" Unshouldering his rifle, he checks the bolt before leveling it forward. "Given the tighter nature of these halls, I will probably serve best taking up a lead position. I trust you two can fire well enough over my shoulder? And though I will still be leading off with this," he holds up his rifle "I will likely be switching to my blade. Cold, hard steel can be very effective in tight quarters. Now, onward."
From the shadows... he returns. My apologies all for my extended absence. Been dealing with a lot of issues at work. Things SEEM to have calmed down now.
The rhythmic chanting cutting in and out cut into Valarius' mind. His eyes went wide and he started to sway slightly, with the pulse of the voice. Lost in the melody, he was not aware of the horror that was conveyed with- The message cut short as Artemios turned off the display, freeing Valarius from the hypnotic sound. Shaking his head, he checked around at his companions, noting who amongst them was also affected similarly. Damned, mindbenders, I'll need to be more vigilant, both in guarding myself, and the others. I will not let any of us fall to this cult's corrupting curse. Looking down at the prisoner, he looks over the traitor's wounded form. "Simeon, do you have the materials necessary to reawaken him in the moment so we need not tarry any longer? Let us get what we can from him then move on to the research facility. The more time passes, the more vulnerable we become."
Cleaning his blade then recovering his rifle, Valarius surveys the scene. Approaching Dryth and Simeon, he loads replenishes the missing rounds in his bolt-action rifle. "Three foes defeated, one of our own critically wounded - difficult odds to play. And Archeleos had struck me as one of the more competent in combat. Guess his confidence was more an act. Regardless, these men suffered wounds that should have killed them easily, but they fought on. Do we take our wounded and the prisoner back to the carriage, or with us? Shall I dispose of the bodies as best the environment allows?" Messes he was used to. But the chaos of this attack... here... on Hermea... did not sit easily with him.
What?! The dead guys can totally prod us along... My apologies, post imminent.
As Archelaos collapses to the ground before Valarius, the spellblade drops his rifle and charges forward. The wrath swelling within him at this heretic's betrayal of all that Hermea stands about to burst, Valarius draws his sword and swings it viciously at the traitor with both hands, cleaving him in twain. -------------------------------------------
As the Watcher that slew Archelaos crumples before him, Valarius draws the bolt back on his rifle then drives forward another round. Damn, already lost a man. I have little I can do for him, though others might. I must protect them, for Hermea. For Promise. Breathing smoothly, he sights the last Watcher, takes his aim, and pulls the trigger. The bullet leaps forward, striking the Watcher in the thigh, though leaving him standing. These forsaken bastards can take a beating...
Damn. Valarius utters as his companions close in around the traitors. Why are they breaking rank and collapsing in on them? Hold a line, stay unified. Curse taking this flank, I am completely out of position for what I do best. Still, I will put this to work... Valarius lifts and draws back the bolt, ejecting the spent cartridge then slamming another one forward. Out of position for a clean shot, he hurries closer before drawing a line at the unengaged traitor and fires his second shot. Though a powerful rifle in itself, Valarius' hasty aiming leaves much to be desired as the bullet streaks out and over the shoulder of his intented target. I will be in blade range shortly he muses as he prepares to engage.
Valarius' heart accelerates as Artemios takes his first shot and several arrows fly out in response. He quickly calms his breathing, evening his center of focus. Though he had been educated in the use of firearms like all those of a militant persuasion in Hermea, his focus in the use of blade and spell combined with his long missions on the continent left the weapon feeling slightly unfamiliar in his hands. Despite that, he reverted to his training. inhale... sight target... exhale... adjust aim... pull trigger The hammer strikes the charge, sending the bullet spiraling toward its target where it slams into the Watcher's shoulder.
It was a really bright plan... take cash out of the communal register and stick it in their aprons... right underneath the night vision camera. Sometimes they would hunch over so you couldn't clearly see it go into their aprons, but more often then not they just blatantly took it. Impressively bright, right?
What makes the loss of your chef and two cooks and a server worse? Having to have two more employees (one host, one server) removed in handcuffs for larceny. Yup, its been a grand last month. But now the house has been cleaned, and we are running lean and tight with a positively motivated staff. Posting will now return to regularly scheduled volume. My appreciation for everyone that has put up with my absence over the last couple weeks. Really excited to keep this game going!
The travel across Hermea had been oddly surreal for Valarius. He had been on multiple missions before, serving the good of his glorious nation, yet one on the island struck him as... strange. As too did the use of common equipment and arms. True, these were the things that he used when venturing to the continent, yet he did not expect to use them here. As they unloaded from the autocarraige he checked over his gear. After running his finger down the length of its razor sharp blade, he hung the finely honed sword from a scabbard at his left hip. Checking its ammo load, he slid the rifle onto his shoulder next to his pack. -------
Even from the left flank Valarius spots the small company of skirmishers approaching. As they call out their threats, he unshoulders his rifle and and moves up into the nearest bush, taking cover as he draws aim on the first assailant. He waits calmly for Soractus to play out his role while he draws aim on one of the assailants. Are they are part of great Hermea, or are they fools and that which would seek to harm it? In a moment, they decide their fates...
My humble apologies, still here, still dealing with anarchy at work. Will post this morning.
Thats what I figured, thanks for the clarification.
Given the drastically limited historical presence of "pepperbox rifles", the presence of revolvers, and Hermea's technological advancement, can we reskin the "rifle, pepperbox" as simply a rifle with a small internal magazine? Second question: is the 200 gp worth of gear (+listed items) in addition to the 150 gp starting gold you discussed us planning on having, or in place of? Just checking for clarity.
Hi guys, I would like to apologize in advance. I had to terminate my chef, two cooks, and a server in the last 24 hours. As such, I am very short staffed at work and my posting with probably dip for the next week. I will try to get on as much as possible, but if I have not posted in a timely fashion, welcome the GM or another player to post on my behalf.
Valarius was caught off guard by Soractus's suggestion of insurrection. Would the petitioners living on the farms, whether they be those who had yet to take the Test, had yet to be placed, or had perhaps failed the Test, so desire to bring down Hermea? If that is the case, why would they even be here? And why does the Consul even consider such an uprising as a possibility? What has gone on in Torch? Valarius shakes his head slightly, knocking all the questions out of his mind. Looking to Soractus, "While the nature of the researcher's mission was secret, I am sure their presence was known. That being the case and their lack of recent communication, I believe it would be perfectly reasonable for us to be checking on the status of the research team, and the town as a whole, while there. As far as discussion with others outside this room, or cursory interactions as already addressed above with those in Torch, we have been assigned a task under the Unity Principle that we must complete for the good of Hermea. Plain and simple."
How are we handling the requisitions? Is this the standard "150 gp" purchasing items from the PHB (hence the 'conventional guns and blades' line), or do we have access to other equipment? Is anything at a different cost if we are limited to a total?
Valarius has stood quietly toward the side for the last bit. With the entrance of Dolga sun-Origines, his demeanor took on a more serious tone. Listening intently, he has processed each piece of information she has provided. Upon her prompting, he speaks, "The devil is in the details - I would like to inquire about the number of personnel present in Torch? How many citizens oversee the farmstead? How many petitioners reside there? How many total members were there in the research team?"
Arriving on the Transport, he greets Thymus appropriately then follows silently afterward. Though he normally received his orders elsewhere, he was accustomed to the protocols. He once again took observation of the palace halls, amazed by how beautiful, how dynamic, how different it wall was from the outside world. Could they not understand the amount of advancement Hermea had made? Shaking off such thoughts, he examined his new companions as they were each introduced in term. He offered a nod of recognition to Artemios, the pair had both served under Constantine ex-Epaphras on an extended missions abroad, and had developed a strong respect for each other. "Well met, all of you. I am Valarius ex-Epaphrus. I am one of the Order of Seekers, field agents sent abroad into greater Avistan to locate and recover items determined to be of value for the good of Hermea. I am skilled in all forms of combat, though an specialized in the used of blades at close range. I have also been trained in the use of the arcane as it pertains to success in battle, and am working to master combining blade and spell in an artful balance. Beyond my martial abilities, I am learned about several topics and have a decent eye for examination." After offering is curriculum vitae, Valarius responds in turn to the topics proposed by the others. "Artemios and I have worked together in the past, on several assignments in Golarion and I can speak to both his tactical acumen and his talent with firearms. Dryth, your deeper understanding of the farms will most definitely be of use. As to your part, Archelaos, if you have a broad range of training, that may be precisely why you have been assigned to the task. To supplement where we as a unit have weaknesses. And as a trained performer, is it safe to say you are good with your words ~ every unit needs a voice. Beyond that, you strike me as an athletic man, can you carry your own in a fight?
Those are the worst moments.
Valarius smiles broadly at Helios, the slight imperfection of his facial injury turning the smile into something of a wry smirk. "Ah, yes, three of the last ten, but no more. Truly, Lucarus is entrusted with the leadership and defence of Hermea, yet they have never been truly tested. For all the drills, training, and practice, no foe has actually challenged Lucarus' ability to defend and lead. Thus it is in the Games ~ though glorious, they are games. Now, Epaphrus deals with the threats of Golarion, on enemy soil. Not that the average Avistanian out there poses much of a threat, but there are monsters and fiends a plenty to test our mettle against. And I hear this Games is supposed to be more challenging, more real, so we shall see who comes out on top." Valarius begins to chuckle, "Indeed, to the ludus we should head. Cicerius is a truly superior swordsman, one who understands the flow of form, mind, and blade. Though I have no doubt that you may eclipse him one day. Perhaps you should challenge him to a duel, eh?" Climbing aboard the transport, they head off, clashing their wits against each other just as they will soon do with blades.
My humble apologies, had to terminate two employees this weekend at work so things got crazy picking up their slack in the kitchen. Working on a fleshed out post now. Given the innate cultural, technological, and biological superiority demonstrated by the Hermean people, they make look at the rest of humanity, and other civilized races much as the European explorers and colonists viewed the native populations of North and South America (as a lesser form of being; uneducated, savage, backwards, in need of guidance) and thus treat them with a combination of pity and contempt.
"...nothing outside Unity..." The words reflexively rolled off his tongue, as they had for the past twenty-five years, yet they had never been spoken in apathy. The Unity Doctrine is the core of all that is Hermea, all that had allowed them to accomplish so much, outdistancing the other nations of Man to levels other had never dreamed of. And the upcoming Games would be a celebration of that. As he moved up the lift toward the rail carriage, people were abuzz discussing the chances for each champion to succeed. Yet for all the pomp and circumstance of the coming days, Valarius' mind was looking beyond, to his next chance to serve in his duties as a Seeker. No longer was he just a shadow to his mentor, now he would be dispatched on his own missions. He had spent the day as he had spent the last several, pouring over manuscripts, maps, and clues to identify potential targets for investigation. These 'targets' could vary wildly in nature, for ancient ruins to modern scholarly colleges, seeking wealth in the form of material goods, items of myth and legend, brilliant minds, cutting edge ideas, and anything else that could benefit Hermea. He had several promising leads, which he had submitted to Arturus just before the end of the day. He would likely not hear back from Arturus regarding his proposals for several days, several long, frustrating days of uncertainty. At least the Games would help Valarius cope with the waiting. Feeling a tapping on his shoulder, Valarius spun around to find his friend Helios. Helios smirked, "I hope you realize that House Lucarus will bear the Champion's Laurel for the next year, Epaphras is going down Valarius, it's just that simple." Valarius laughed at Helios, "Helios, everyone knows that Raxius is a great warrior, but lacks the intellect to compete on a higher level. We may need to make a wager on that. As for this eve, care for a few rounds of sparring? It's been a while since I have crossed real steel, and I could use a solid workout to clear the mind."
I am totally okay with Magnus becoming Constantine. That being the case, Artemios and I have likely traveled together for the past couple years and have a substantial relationship. Given our different roles and capacities, I would expect a complimentary friendship to have formed, rather than any kind of rivalry. Sound good to you, Artemios?
He doesn't get the black blade until 3rd level, so it is yours to play with as you will (that is what I was hoping for in fact). That is just a plain old longsword he is statted up with (the rapier in gun culture historic reference makes sense, except that Hermeans don't fight each other but rather the big dumb brutes in metal armor back on Avistan, so I figured a classic longsword, though admittedly perhaps styled like an early renaissance cut & thrust sword, or perhaps a scottish backsword). I will get an appearance up shortly.
@Archelaos, there is no Chelaxian language, Common (which is Taldane in Avistan) is spoken there. Recall that Cheliax was, until rather recently, a part of the Taldan empire (having been conquered in 3007). Now, given its recent cultural turn, learning Infernal would make sense for someone interested in Cheliax. @Dryth, its definitely a possibility with Magnus being involved in both of our development, which would in turn provide a chance for us to have met. Given that possibility, any further ideas to intertwine ourselves? I think Valarius is ready to rock, @DM_Barcas, care to offer any feedback?
Considering final feat and gear and I came to the question of what melee weapons are common in Hermea? Are we using classic medieval blades beside our laser guns, or have bladed weapons been advanced as well? Is the focus perhaps the falcata, strange esoteric blade of Taldor? Do they wield more modern blades, perhaps fencing blades like rapiers or cavalry sabres? Given that the katana is widely viewed as a superior blade in many ways, would such a weapon exist on Hermea? Just trying to figure out the specifics. Your insight would be appreciated. |