Kyras Erodel's page

"I would attend as apparently the creature knows where my sister is." He said, before abruptly realising his rudeness. "I realise I have failed to introduce myself. I am Kyras. I hail from Warbane."

He bowed, the action looking stiff. "I have suffered a number of wounds, and I need the attentions of a physic, I believe." He continued, his tone strained. "Furthermore, I would suggest that we examine the bodies of my assailants. Mayhap they will have something on them that will clue us in to the greater machinations at hand." He suggested, turning to head back into the courtyard. "And we should do it before looters get here. Bring the fool, and we can go visit Xun Rui Bao when we're done here."

Perception Check ->1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

"So he was being truthful! Kyras said as he spotted something higher up. "Regardless of if this man is truly dimwitted or not, which I have no proof of other than your word, mind you, master Bao steered me right." He said, a look of pleasure crossing his face. "I must speak to a woman in those apartments." He pointed at the building where he had seen the face. "Will you wait for me?"

Perception Check: Looking for things of interest on the bodies in the courtyard ->1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Before making his way into the apartment building, Kyras rummaged through the semi-melted corpses, a flicker of dark glee running through him as he examined his handiwork.

Kyras rubbed a hand over his face, as if trying to wipe the weariness away with his hands. "I...did not mean to kill the boy. But what I do while the Dragon is awake is hard to direct. It is not something a I call lightly, but once unleashed, it must be allowed burn out. I take no pleasure in the carnage I wrought, I can assure you of that." He said, his tone apologetic as a cleaned and sheathed his blade.

"And as for the moniker 'Dragonborn', it is accurate enough, I guess. If you could not already tell by the scales on my body and the powers I wield, the blood of dragons flows in my veins." He explained, his form shimmering back to that of a unarmored and cloaked man.
"I did not come to the Empire looking for trouble. I have been...away, and I have come for my sister. Although by the reckoning of that devil-spawn, she may not be where I expect. And I assume they have invited me to the palace in order to recruit me. An offer that I have no intention of accepting." His tone was assuring - there was no guile in his voice or bearing.

Bluff Check ->1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Kyras had followed the others into the alleyway, his legs barely holding him up. His face looked haggard, like he hadn't slept for days, and his eyes blinked slowly. It was almost like he wasn't fully there. But when he saw the guide, he stood to his full height, and spoke to the woman who had aided him in the courtyard.

"Hold!" He exclaimed, his blade forgotten and still in his hand, covered in blood and ichor. "He is harmless. He brought me to this place on the orders of his master, who was helping me. He is not in league with the fury."

So I'm in the apartments, and I lack my invitation, right?

Hey guys, sorry for dropping from the face of the earth for a few days. I've been doped up on medication for about four days, and barely conscious for most of that time. Hooray for painkillers and a rebellious body. Anyway, I'm back, so assuming Kyras hasn't been killed, let me catch up, and I'll jump right back in. Cheers.

The ruling class? The darkness whispered. It is where you belong... The Dragon ignored the whispers, focusing his ire on the devil that was attempting to position itself to attack him better while ignoring the one that charged.

"It is a shame, really." The dragon taunted her, as he swung his blade at one of the offending devils, his arms rippling with the effort. "It is the mark of a poor general who throws her soldiers away. Feeble tools or otherwise."

Attack Roll ->1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Confirm Crit ->1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Damage Roll ->1d10 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Aww, no crit. :(

Did the devil-boys take damage again this turn?

The map helps. :)

Woot! You didn't miss much - I've just been melting faces is all...

"So then, you want me to kill your allies, in exchange for the location of my sister? A strange offer, but I will accept, regardless." The Dragon said, supremely confident in his prowess.

As he turned his attention back to the devils on the ground, he continued his banter with the flying devil. "But why would you make such an offer? Surely one such as you has little to gain from aiding me. Unless of course you're assuming I won't end you as payment for your information." The Dragon asked, half-taunting her.

The acquaintance can wait. The Dragon thought to himself. These devils could cause serious problems...

"My sister?" The Dragon said aloud to no-one in particular. "Considering I never saw her use magic, I don't consider that a compliment." He continued, turning his attention to the winged devil above him.

"I assume by your words that you hold my sister in your custody? Return her to me, unharmed, and I will consider the matter dropped. If not, perhaps I'll send you back to your masters with my regards - and without your pretty wings. Would you like me to bring you pain, dark one?" A terrible smile crossed the Dragon's face, and a heat-like shimmer covered his body, revealing his true form.
Gone were the clothes typical of a spellcaster, to be replaced by a sleeveless tunic under a finely wrought chain shirt. His bare arms rippled with muscle, and glossy black scales crept out from under his garb, covering his shoulders and flowing partway down his arms, ending at his biceps. The same scales covered the back of his neck, and one could assume that other parts of his body were similarly covered.

Perception Check ->1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Out of the corner of his eye, the Dragon spied the humanoid lurking in the shadows. A lazy (and wicked) smile crossed the Dragon's face. "And what's this? Another flunky for me to slaughter?" He asked her, a hand pointing at the shadowy figure.

Oh yeah, I love the personality shift of his 'rage'. For those that have noticed, yes, I totally stole Drizzt's description of his rage. But, instead of 'the Hunter', Kyras becomes 'the Dragon'. Yeah, Kyras is going to hate himself later.

Sense Motive1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

In his fury, the Dragon refused to believe this pathetic excuse of an assassin. For his crimes, he deserves death. the darkness whispered. The Dragon agreed. Calling forth his power for the third time against his enemies, the Dragon focused his raw killing intent on the six foes that were scattered about the courtyard.

"You seek to anger me further, devil?" The Dragon said aloud, incredulous at her temerity. "Very well. But don't be upset when I break your toys, and then come after you."

Making good on his promise, the Dragon, turned in place, sweeping his free left hand at his enemies, starting with the disarmed fool, and ending with the final spellcaster. As he began his movment, the Dragon spoke fell words that may very well be familiar to those present now. "Gethrak Eshrin."

As he spoke those words, six jets of black, hissing acid sprang forth from his outstretched hand, covering his would-be assailants in the stuff.

Ranged Touch Attack ->1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage Roll ->5d4 + 5 ⇒ (1, 1, 1, 4, 4) + 5 = 16

I counted the squares, and I can get the lot of them this time. :)

We have hero points, right? Would you mind if I used one to get access to the Moment of Clarity rage power? I want to cast a spell without dropping my rage and becoming fatigued, basically.

But unlike those other times, Kyras welcomed it. Embraced it. Drew that rage, that power, around himself like clothing. It suffused every fibre of his being, and his eyes changed, turned dark. Not just dark - black, jet black.

His eyes bored into the two men in front of him. These- Insects. They are unworthy to spill the blood of one such as you. That darkness whispered to him. A dragon in all but name, and they dare? Kyras was fearless, he was elemental. He was dragon.

With deliberate slowness, Kyras finally drew steel, and leveled it at his nearest foe. "You. You die next." With that, he whirled the blade in his hands, and struck out, the steel gleaming in his powerful two-handed grip.

Attack Roll ->1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Damage Roll ->1d10 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

What's happening with the gangsters?

I was attacked by six, originally. Two spellcasters, and four melee types. On the round the four extras arrived, the four melee guys bit it.

That would leave six. Unless I misread a post somewhere - which, in all the excitement, is totally possible.

@Daveth & DM DRA: It is a pretty sweet build. The fact that I get +1 damage per die on my acid spells is what really brings it home for me. No longer to I have to manipulate my builds just so I can get Energy Substitution (two feats). It makes Draconic bloodlines other than Fire and Cold ones viable, as I can make all of my damaging spells trigger my bloodline arcana.

@DM DRA:There were seven? I thought there were just six. Oh well, you seem to have targeted the ones I wanted anyway. :)

Just realised that I failed to actually give the descriptive text of how the spell manifested. *facepalm*

Assume I wrote that the spell crated six bolts of hissing black acid, which sought out his assailants, and completely bypassed the two palace guards.

Oh yeah, that was epic. And by my count of squares, all six of the bastards can be hit by my next casting (they're all within 30ft. of another target).

A darkness in Kyras exulted at the sheer devastation he had caused with his magic, and the roaring in his ears meant that he almost didn't notice two women join the battle in his defense. But these men were his. They would experience what fear and death this day.

He almost laughed when four of his attackers dropped dead from his horrific spell. Serves them right. Part of his mind whispered. They should know better than to anger a Black.

Still neglecting to draw his weapon, Kyras pointed his open hands at the different groups of thugs, one hand at those closest to him, and the other at the more spread out group to his left.

"Fools." He said, practically snarling to word. "Gethrak Eshrin." He didn't scream the words the time, but the words pull at each person's mind. It feels like a semi-familiar language to all who hear it, but none can place it's origin. But it feels old. And although the pure rage isn't in his voice anymore, it has settled into something much darker. Something truly worthy of fear.

Spell Rolls
Ranged Touch Attack ->1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage Roll ->5d4 + 5 ⇒ (1, 3, 4, 2, 2) + 5 = 17

Perception ->1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Seriously, one off the roll? Lame.

FRICKIN' AWESOME! Love it, man! So glad you went with this build.

You're glad? I'm frigging glad! They got to taste pain! And to top it off, I got to look awesome doing it. Just one of those times when the Dice Gods give you EXACTLY what you need. That spell is insane.

If only those casters had been ten feet closer. I could have gotten all six! The 'Mass' target word gives me one target per caster level, and, thanks to excellent trait selection, I count as a full level 6 Sorcerer for my spells. Which is insanely badass.I would have thrown the 'Spook' word in as well, but I can only get 7 points into a second level spell. Not that I mind - that was hectic. And I can pull of spells that badass 4 times a day (thank you 18 Charisma)!

Assuming that nets me some Touch AC action, how's THAT for exploding onto the scene?

So the answer is: No, the spellcasters are 40ft. away from their allies in melee? Okay.

Status:
AC: 18
HP: 46/63
Emotional State: PISSED
Actions: Using Corrosive Bolt Power Word (5 points), Mass Target (2 points) 7 points max (2nd level spell), casting defensively.

The unexpected assault caught Kyras largely unawares, but the temerity of his assailants woke something within him. The dragon was waking up. He could feel it rising in his veins, and words of black fire began to burn themselves into his mind.

"You dare?" His voice was incredulous. The audacity of these people!

"You will rue this day. I swear it on the blood in my veins!" He exclaimed. And, instead of reaching for his sword like most would expect, his hands came together before him, fingers splayed out.

"GETHRAK ESHRIN!" He cried, the black words in his minds eye were released in an instant, and a wave of hissing black liquid burst forth, washing over the assailants that had tried to surround him, sticking to clothes, weapons, armour, anything that would hold purchace for the acidic substance.

Defensive spellcast DC 19 ->1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Ranged Touch Attack ->1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Spell Effect: 5d4+5 Acid damage against the four guys in melee with me. They take the same damage again in the following round.
Damage ->5d4 + 5 ⇒ (4, 1, 4, 3, 2) + 5 = 19
19 Damage. 19 Damage on next round.

Something, like that, yes. But I think you forgot to account for my Acid Resistance. Also, there's 6 targets, right? how far apart are they? ie. are each of them within 30ft of at least one other? That will affect my combat choice for this turn.

Nothing for 'the dragon'? *bursts into tears*

Kyras finished his tea, and then stood, bowing at the waist to his helper. "You have my thanks." He said, reaching into the pouch on his belt, and tossing a silver coin onto the table.
"For the tea. And the help. I will ensure that your employee has pleanty of time to make it back before dark."

Moving to the door, he gestured to his guide, smiling at him. "Lu, is it? Lead the way!"

Removed a SP from my sheet.

Welcome aboard!

Don't forget to use the character alias!

Damn.

"A trip? Did she say where she was going?" He asked, obviously somewhat disappointed. "If this 'Vu' can help me get in touch with Betha, perhaps I should see her. Yes, I would be greatly appreciative if you could supply me with her address."

Kyras sipped his tea some more, thinking about what he had learned so far. Although she seemed to have moved on to somewhere else, at least he had a solid lead. Hopefully this assistant would be able to shed some light on Betha's whereabouts.

"Erodel. Kyras Erodel." He smiled, and knelt on the mat opposite Xun. When in Katapesh... Went the old saying. Taking a sip of the tea, Kyras was delighted to find that it was full of subtle flavours, the combinations of which tingled on his tongue.
"My thanks for the tea."

Taking a moment to sip his tea some more, Kyras dove right in to his story. "I am from Warbane, yes. You have a good eye, master Xun. But I came to you in search of my sister. The last I heard of her, she had come to the Empire in search of new trading partners, and goods that would be in demand back west." He explained, pausing to sip the delightful tea again. "Her name is Bethayne. Bethayne Erodel. I was given to understand that you and her had worked together before, and that you may have some idea as to her whereabouts..." Kyras trailed off, hoping that the tradesman would jump in to help him out.

Kyras nodded a wordless greeting to the old man before speaking up, pulling back the hood of his cloak so that the man could clearly see his face. He might have been asleep for a century, but he hadn't forgotten his manners.
"Good morning, sir." He began, unsure of exactly how to start. Then again, the simple truth was probably best. "I am looking for a man called Xun Roi Bao. I need his help in finding someone." He explained.

"Would you be he?" He asked, hoping that his search would be over soon.

@DMDRA: Do they actually look like birds? Or do they look like humans with big-ass wings?

Strange.
The Empire was definitely a strange place. abnormally large birds, strange mists, and stranger customs. It takes all kinds. He supposed. Just up ahead, Kyras spotted the sign pointing him to his destination. Hopefully he'd get some answers now. He missed his sister.

Shaking the strange birds, and stranger voices from his mind, Kyras carried on.

Didn't have much for this one. Just keeping on keeping on.

Xun Rui Bao. Not the sort of name that just rolls of the tongue. Even if that person was skilled in the modern version of the language. Any Kyras was certainly not that.

Then again, the changes in dialect from a century of evolution were the least of his language problems. Total fluency in Varesh'makai, or "Draconic" as it was more commonly known was what troubled him. Mainly because he'd never bothered to learn it. But now, it seemed, he could read it, write it, and speak it with the fluency of one's native tongue. In fact, sometimes he found himself partway through a sentence, only to find he was speaking in the dragon's tongue, or writing it down. It troubled him deeply. There was knowledge in his head that should be there. And it wasn't going away.

Pulling himself from his own thoughts, Kyras' sharp eyes spotted something, and on instinct, his hand had reached for his sword before he'd had a chance to think about it.

Perception check ->1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

We had a drop?

*cries*

Oh well, we shall soldier on!

Since Kyras was last awake a century ago, I am planning on his speech patterns being slightly off. Case in point, he will not use contractions. That may change over time, but he's still using an older dialect of Common, so he may misunderstand what you say from time to time...

@Tokine and @Kyras: Great first posts, you guys! I love it! Let's rock the bells, everybody. :-D

Thanks! I'm seriously excited!

Kyras had been dreaming again.
This time it hadn't started off so badly. He had dreamed he was flying, the pure majesty and power of his flight was intoxicating. How tiny did those below seem. How insignificant. The powerful beat of his wings matched the slow rythym of his heart, and he exulted in the feeling, letting loose a roar of pure joy. In this distance, he could hear an answering bellow.

But in the way of dreams, this scene was fleeting, and replaced with a familiar one.

Underwater, he struggled for air. Struggled to reach the light above. But the binding chains would not let him go. And then those chains turned into hands. Cold grasping hands, holding down their betrayer. He saw the faces of those he'd sworn to protect. Those he had betrayed in blood, steel, and fire. At the exact moment when he could hold back no longer, and his mouth opened to take in the soothing water, he awoke.

Ugh, again. Standing, Kyras moved to the washbasin, and splashed his face. Using the supplied cloth, he wiped the sweat from his body, focusing on the mundane task until his hands stopped shaking. As he dressed himself, he pondered the dream, still fresh in his mind. He hadn't dreamed for over a century, and it was like he was making up for lost time. At least this time it had started pleasant enough.

Kyras headed downstairs into the inn's common room, and ordered up some breakfast. The smells from the kitchen were appealing, and his stomach growled in anticipation. He'd had to leave his last resting place in a hurry the previous day. The demands by various magicians were getting more insistent, and he wasn't sure how long it would be before they lost patience - and he didn't want to be around when they did.

At least today would be more fruitful, he hoped, as he tucked into a solid breakfast. He had a lead on his sister's whereabouts now, and he should be able to find her soon, hopefully. As much as he missed her, it wasn't a reunion he was looking forward to. Knowing her, she'd probably try an kill him for vanishing the way he did.

After breakfast, Kyras has a man to talk to in the markets. Apparently the guy has moved good for his sister, so he should be a good lead.

Also, sorry for the monster-post, I just needed to get his voice on paper, and set his tone.

Unfortunately Warbanians have no clout in the Empire and would not be able to access owed monies. Hmmm... So you're aiming for some kind of financial independence here, then.

How about this; you are retained at a school of magic, teaching wizards, magi, sorcerers, samurai, etc. your techniques of Power Word that no one here seems to know. You receive a fair salary and occasional sabbaticals which you invariably use to continue your search for family.

It's possible, I suppose, but I hadn't planned on him being awake for very long. somwhere between a year or eighteen months or so (since he would have left Warbane as soon as he could afford a boat to Katapesh or something).

He could always fall back on mercenary skills, since he definitely possesses some talent in that area.

Assuming Katapesh is a port city, it's possible that he sailed there from Warbane/Stormfare, and then hired onto a trade caravan heading into the Empire - which would have paid reasonably.

EDIT: Kyras doesn't really understand his magic. If you've ever read the book Magician, there are several moments where Pug uses magic by 'speaking words that burn through his mind'. That's sort of how it manifests a lot of the time. So perhaps he allowed a magical school to test what he did, in exchange for 'considerations', or something similar? It would also serve to help him control his powers (although I'd ideally like his magic to be unique).

@Kyras, what are you doing in the Empire to stay busy? I know you're looking for your family, but how are you paying for room and board?

I was thinking of something like this: Kyras' sister set up an money account for him, so he would never be desperate for cash. She stopped depositing money in it a year or so after the expedition left, but interest has left him with a tidy sum.

Alternatively, since Kyras can porove his status as a Warbane mercenary, he's owed quite a bit of back-pay. Thus he currently has enough resources to live on.

Is there any kind of banking system in the campaign world at all? If not, I suppose I'll have to come up with someting else...

Okay, gear is done. Magical gear anyway. I just need to do mundane gear, and condense my fluff into the profile, and I'm set!

Just dotting the thread.

I'll be back shortly, hopefully when my profile is complete.

I'm looking forward to playing with you all!

And I'm on Australian Eastern Standard Time (GMT+10). I usually post between 9AM-5pm, and then later, after 9PM till anywhere up till 2AM.

Okay, the build is here in the profile. I just need to add his Power Words and gear, which I'll do when I get home from work in about three hours.

I'm not looking for plot-spoilers, but would being the son of a black or white dragon come up more often in the plot? Because I'd like some (however slight) plot relevance there.