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Death in a Living Game World
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Archive 85fdb40f293 Chapter Three: Reunions and Pain Druin some time after your town is finished, the heldannic confederation pays you a visit. They ask if you would like to be part of the confederation. Being part of the confederation means that if you have a squabble with your neighbor (not like you have any) that is your business. But if the confederation goes to war as a whole you are a part of that war. Also your land is your land to do with as you wish. They also want to know what your plans are with the coal and fresh water you have on your lands. Also are you going to have any laws in your land? If so they need to be documented. As for Jaethon he has completely recovered from his knock back two years ago, both mentally and psychically. The guild in your town seems to be heading off into the farreaches a lot and bringing odd things back with them. Blackguard what are your plans now that you have some men below you? Jorkrond wants to be your second in charge and he voices this often. He seems like a strong fighter and leader. That may be all part of his background, but you are not sure. One day Druin you see a familiar face in town, well a familiar robed hop. abceb6566f The people who tell these tells know not of his name, but have heard whispers calling him The Great Scourge. It is rumored that he conquers small groups of orcks making his army larger each time he does so. He then moves on to the next tribe and does this over and over. Noone is sure how large his army is but it is feared. þ 16b9b2c365 Once I feel that everyone is fully ready, we will investigate the remains of the town & the wizards' battlesite. This will be a training mission as well as reconnaissance. When I am not training with my own troops, or gurarding master Claxxon, I am studying heavily. A good warchieftan needs to know much. I am relying on Jorkrond to handle training while I am otherwise occupied. By the way, Claxxon, I heard that you are travelling to elsewhere. Will you still be needing my services? Will you need me to guard your residence, or travel with you? b191640fce BlackGuardWYour sources are correct, BlackGuard, and surprisingly so--I have kept my travel plans as secretive as possible due to recent circumstances. I would rather not state my destination or other plans just yet--if ever. I will only require your assistance while in transit. After that time, you are free to do as you please until I send for you. « c46de1412b Even after two years the smell of blood lingers in the air. Many corpses can be seen strewn about that look rather fresh. Some buildings are still smoldering from what looks like a recent battle. You can make out two abandoned camps one with a skull on a post in front the other with a flame on the post in front. In either camp it looks like there was lodging for three or five people. There are a few items in the camps that are salvagable; bed rolls, cots, some food not yet spoiled and books. How hard are you going to scout Blackguard? d2363e5480 2e10fc6afa aa980d6c4f Aurifaber--Goldsmith. Avenator (Plantifene)--Hay and Forage Merchant. Barker--Tanner. Baxter--Baker Belhoste--Tavern keeper. Belleyetere--Bellfounder. Bowyer--Bowmaker. Brasiler--Dyer. Burneman--Carrier of barm or water for brewers. Cancellarius--Chancellor. Cardmaker--Maker--of cards or instrumets for combing wool. [b:aa980d6c4f]Carnifex--Butcher.[/b:aa980d6c4f] Carpentarius--Carpenter. Chaloner--Dealer in shalloon, a material made in Ch Chapman--Merchant. Chirugion--Apothecary or Surgeon. Cissor--Tailor. Clericus--Clerk Cocus (Keu)--Cook Combere--Woolcomber Corvisor (Cordewanarius, Cordwainer)-- Shoemaker, originally a worker in Cordovan leather. Cotiler--Cutler Cuhreur (Cunreur)--Currier. Cuper--Cooper; a barrel maker. Dexter--Dyer. Dubbere--Cloth dubber, i.e., one who raises the nap of cloth. Dudder--Probably a maker of coarse cloaks. Daunsel--Gentleman in waiting, groom or squire. Dysshere--Probably a ditcher, or in some cases a disher. Elymaker--Oilmaker. Faber--Smith. Ferur (Ferator)--Farrier or blacksmith. Fisher (Fishdryver)--Victualler. Flauner--Confectioner. Fleshewer--Butcher. Fletcher--Arrowmaker. Forestarius--Forester. Frereman--Servant of the Friars. Fuller--One who trampled cloth. See alsoWalker. Furber (Furbour)--Furbisher of armour. Furner--Baker. Garcifer (Garcio)--Groom, attendant. Garlekmonger--Dealer in gaarlic. Glassewryght--Maker and mender of glassware. Gynour--Engineer. Hamberghmaker (Hamberow)--Horse collar maker. Harper--Musician (?). Hetheleder--Provider of heather for fuel. Hosteler--Innkeeper. Husbandman--Tenant farmer. Kepegest--Innkeeper. Latouner--Worker in latten, a metal resembling brass. Limner--Draughtsman or Artist. Lokeer--Locksmith. Lorimer--Bridlemaker. Macun--Mason. Marescallus--Marshall. Medicus--Leech, Doctor. Mercator--Merchant. Molendinarius--(Muner)--Miller. Mustarder--Growerandgrinderofmustard. Nedder--Needle-maker. Palmer--A Pilgrim, one who had been, or pretended to have been, to the Holy Land. Paneler--Saddler. Pannarius--Clothier and Draper. Pannebeter--Pan-hammerer, or perhaps clothdriver. Pardoner--One licensed to sell Papal Indulgences. Parmentor--Probably a parchment maker, or tailor. Parcheminer--Parchment maker. Pattenmaker--Maker of iron-rimmed pattens for footwear. Pelliparius (Peltarius)--Skinner. Perukemaker--Wigmaker. Pictor--Painter. Pinder--Keeper of the Pound or Pinfold. Piscarius--Fishmonger. Piscator--Fisherman. Pistor--Miller or Baker. Plantifene (see Avernator). Plomer--Plumber. Pynner--Pin-maker. Roper--Ropemaker. Rotarius--Wheelwright. Safernman--Grower of Saffron. Samitere (Samite)--Maker of a kind of heavy silk suff. Sauntere--Probaby Salt maker. Sausere--Salter. Seinter--Girdlemaker. Seler (Sellarius)--Sadder. Serviens--Sergeant. Servus--Servant. Sherman (Shearman)--One who raised the surface of woolen cloth and then sheared it to a smooth surface. Shether--(See Vaginarius). Sifker--Sievemaker. Sissor (Cissor)--Tailor. Sleymaker--Maker of instruments to part threads in weaving. Soper--Soapmaker. Spittleman--Hospital Attendant. Spicer--Grocer. Spurrier--Spurmaker. Stabler--Ostler. Stasyon (Stawsun)--Probably a Stationer. Sugarer--Dealer in sugar. (Grocer ?) Sumner--Summoner or Apparitor. Sutor--Shoemaker or cobbler. Tabernarius--Taverner, Innkeeper. Tannator--Tanner. Teinter--Dyer. Textor--Weaver. Tinctor--Dyer or possibly a painter. Upholder--Upholsterer; also a cheapjack and seller of secondhand goods. [b:aa980d6c4f][i:aa980d6c4f][u:aa980d6c4f]Vaginarius, Sheather--Scabbard maker.[/u:aa980d6c4f][/i:aa980d6c4f][/b:aa980d6c4f] Venator (Venur)--Huntsman. Vintner--Wine Merchant. Walker (Same as Fuller)--Cloth trampler or cleaner. Webster--Weaver. Whittawer--Preparer of white leather. Yeoman--Freehold farmer. baef387a15 Vaginarius7 Let me repeat: [b:baef387a15]Vaginarius[/b:baef387a15] · fa06a295a5 The idea was to make them more like resumes. Some people feel that 6 pages is a bit much--although this is only 3 sheets when printed front/back. The problem is that how the character sheet gets used depends largely on the character in question. For example, many don't need much space for backgrounds, but others need several extra pages because they list every worthwhile experience on their character sheet. Others only need a small space for the two or three people they know (contacts), but others list the whole web of interpersonal relationships ("You'll tell two friends, and they'll tell two friends, and so on, and so on, and so on."). Variable character sheets that produce a printable final result once the form fields are filled in, but this isn't really feasible for PDF files ("F" overload). Besides, that takes more programming than what I really know how to do, I'm a graphics girl by choice--although I find myself doing more on the word-processor outside of my day job. If anyone that knows more about that l33+ h4Xx0r stuff, please let me know. Funny, I had envisioned a small post... Anyway, what does everyone else think about changing up the character sheets? Please post your comments & ideas. 54d81e6b61 Leander has learned a lot of lessons in life. DON'T buy strange trolls drinks. DON'T help strangers load wagons. DON'T hang out with a big guy with a flaming sword and stove-shaped armor. He has also learned zombie dogs hurt, falling hurts, living HURTS. But through it all he has persavered to live a long happy elven life...is there any other kind. He has become one of the prominent members of two guilds, the shadowed skulls and the Iron Men. He has helped take down much of the Stratos army when they threatened Byzzant. And whenever you need him he is there to help..just never ask him to visit Vridtown. Congratulations Leander on being a complete moron and a learned friend. š 3657bb97ed Pain sucks! I graciously accept your rather backhanded tribute, and, in the spirit of the occasion, would suggest a few further survival tips: Don't eat shrooms and drink ale, especially if you have a Killian chef. Don't eat yellow snow. Know your flammable chemicals/potential firehazards and their effective blast radius by volume. This is very, VERY important, particularly if you happen to be operating a high-explosive weapon in a grain warehouse. Not that I ever do that. Or have done that. Always seek legal counsel <for reasons that should be clear from the previous suggestion>. In the event of any sort of emergency whatsoever, RUN THE FUCK AWAY. Sure people will call you a coward, but not the people who run slower than you. Trolls may seem like big, lovable bears, but have you ever smelled one? If you haven't, I would suggest you skip it. Seriously, it's really bad. Particularly the thong. Speaking of trolls, stay the hell away from psionic trolls, Particularly in boats, and on the battlefield. This is a good rule to apply daily to your life. Just ask Kvird. And last but not least, you can pick your friends, and you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friend's nose. You'll all be fine, but remember this: just because you're immortal, it doesn't mean you're gonna live forever. -Leander Darkmouth Survivor, Technomancer, fucking Debbie þ 84e0bbd0bb A lone robed figure walks into Charitynaeya. He is given little grief by the soldiers even though he has many weapons on him. He flashes a piece of paper and they wave him through. The robe only covers his body. His head is exposed, it is green and scaley. He has no external ears and his eyes are a grey in color. the parts of his body that can be seen seem to have a gleam on them. He asks a local townsperson where he might find a weapon's merchant. They point down the street and tell him to see Sil Matthis. He plods down the street with his bags across his shoulders and back and a small wagon in tow. He leaves the wagon outside the store and tries to open the door. To his dismay it is locked. He leaves a note on the door reading "Sil, If you are interested in weaponry or have some you might be looking to unload find me at the blacksmith. My name is Vrudash." He then leaves the store front and looks for the local blacksmith. Upon finding him he enters and grees the big man. "My name is Vrudash, i am a travelling merchant. But I have wish to train as a blacksmith and weaponsmith. If you will teach me I can provide protection in return or can give you a very large discount on some of my finer weapons." x "Focus your mind, Youngling." Matthia's legs ached from the position he sat in; having been there for four hours already. "By body screams, Teacher. A moment's break?" Nomark smiled. "No." Of course not. There was no break, although why the Guild wished him to learn the talents inherent in meditation made no sense to him. Why would he need this? "You will need this for all other things, Merkelias Drake." He instinctively looked around, as if to make sure that they were, indeed, alone. Drake was a name he no longer used, nor claimed. It was his father's name, and name of responsiblityand finances. A name of the confines of his House and home. It was not a name he used. Oh, he understood duty and responsiblity, like the kind he paid to the guild every month in 'taxes', or the adherence to whatever they set before him; like this. Sil sighed. "But how, Teacher? I do not understand." Nomark leaned down to look him in the eye. "Think, Youngling, if you've that power of your mind alongside your telekinesis. What must you do to create an excellent bow?" The gothic man thought on that for a moment, not wishing to answer in haste and further embarasses himself with his enigmatic teacher. He thought of the crafting; making the curve of the bow, perhaps? To fire properly. Or would it be the string, that without it, the bow became a staff? Or the grip? If you cannot hold onto what you use, it becomes so much dead weight. What answer did the man want? Pondering, Sil could see and almost feel the man watch him. He would wait, days if he needed, until Sil gave him an answer. The fact that he could keep this man waiting for hours or days did not please him, because he knew full well that the man's discipline was much more then his own. He would grow tired and impatient first; and so he racked his mind over the various things to make a fine bow. Finally, after what seemed an eternity in his own mind, Matthias responded. "The Wood. You must start with a good peice of wood to make a fine bow, else all is lost." Nomark's face, oddly slack for a moment, smiled and nodded. "Very good. The Youngling can think when he needs to." While his pride bristled at the insult, it was also assuaged that he had chosen the right answer. "Teacher is wise," came his sarcastic responce, "but what does that have to do with learning how to meditiate?" He never saw the knuckle that rapped him on the forehead a three times in the span of a moment; but he felt the sting of the hits afterwards. "Because, Youngling with the lagging tongue, we shall turn this rotted wood that is your mind into something better...." cf95193fdc He keeps dominating over tribes and bringing them into his ranks. Some have even said it seems as if he is working his way westward. 01b76c6690 Blackguard? Druin no word from you yet either? Hmm seems like I can get away with anything now. e5bf10260c 3922c4ffe9 12cb6c3d02 The ChestsM Check them; if there are no keys or they cannot be easily picked, smash them. f6f2941931 J There seems to be an increase of baldness in the local Dwarven population. 47d9b4f3fa As you try to open the chests they seem stuck. The elementalist with you steps forward to check the two in the one camp. After reciting some words the two chests pop open. Inside one is a lot of books in odd languages. In the 2nd jewels lots of jewels. Mainly diamonds, emeralds, jade, rubies and sapphires. the other two chests can't seem to be opened as well. After some beating on the lock you get them open. In these chests as well in one you find books in other odd languages. In the other raw gold. 141f3799f9 Player Knowledge Only: Mainly posting this for Liam as a GM I think he might get some use out of it. My tower resides on the mountains right outside of Vridtown's borders. It is on the edge of the mountain on a cliff against the ocean. It stands 5 stories tall and is about 60 feet in diamater that is including the outside of the walls. On the inside it is 30 fee in diamater...damn thick walls baby. The tower itself is a kill zone for stupid adventurers. The only time it can be seen is if a hurricane force wind came through and blew the fog off of it. Yes I had Leander construct fog machines. Every floor of the tower holds another danger for an wary aventurers who happen to wander in. The first floor is mainly a library, no immediate danger unless you happen to be a certain someone. The stairs leading to the second floor are lined with trip sensors in the floor. It is a little pressure plate that is pretty much unnoticable to the eye. If it is tripped blades come out of the wall at various points (every 5 steps) to slice it's poor victim. To undo this trap there is a scribing on the first floor by the first step in the wall, this must be traced with your finger. It is a pressure sensitive plate as well as you finish the tracing the trap is unarmed. The second floor itself is a zombie haven. Behind each door on this floor and there are 5 doors lie 30 zombies. You do the math. The steps leading to the third floor are unarmed but there is a trip wire. If this trip wire is tripped all is fine and dandy. But if it is not tripped, then the next stair up will shift slightly under someone's weight causeing the trap on the third floor to be triggered. On the third floor is the trap is triggered when you first walk in you see nothing but a statue of me in the middle of the room. The wary adventurer would be wise to look at this statue. Once the step has shifted on the stairs below you have exactly ten minutes to figure out the riddle on the statue of me. Around the room are unlit torches. One on the north wall, one on the south, one on the east and one on the west. The riddle reads "Kneel before me you silly fool and you shall not face my wrath. The answer you seek is left of north. Place that fire in my hand and I will spare from the undead land." The answer to the riddle is East not west. As you are facing the statue North is behind you and east is to your left. Get the torch put it in his hand there is a pressure button in his hand the stops the trap. If this is not figured out then the room is filled with poisonous gas. You die and get added to my zombies thanks for playing. Steps to the fourth floor don't do a damn thing. They are steps. On the fourth floor there are small holes in the walls. On this floor though the walls are made of wood and not stone. Thats beacause there is space behind those walls to the stone wall behind. The holes are spaced 7 inches apart all around the room at various heights as low as 1 foot and as high at 7 feet. When the pressure plate is tripped on any side n,s,e or w the opposite sides crossbows fire. There are two pressure plates in the middle as well one on the north side and one on the south. The one on the north trips all the crossbows making for filet o' adventurer the south one disables the trap for an hour. The steps to the fifth floor are untrapped as well as the fifth floor. On the fifth floor is another statue of me (both are made of stone by the way.) On it is a plaque that reads. "Congratulations you have made it this far, but you still have yet to find me. Haha." On extensive search of the first floor in the library is the wonderful sliding bookcase trick. You know the one in scooby doo and all the other hookey 80's cartoons. Where you pull on a book and the bookcase slides over. Well that is there. Behind it is a stairwell that leads to the basement. In the basement is a lock. With the proper key (only three in existence) another passage opens to a series of caves, WELCOME TO THE NECROMANCER'S LAIR. The caves lead down to nothing special to my domicile, library, lab, morgue, and from there tunnels to my secret exits in the mountain. One leads to the catacombs in Vridtown, and the others lead to the other side of the mountain in the unsettled parts of Byzzant. I am not a mad scientist in anyway and if someone is foolish enough to think I am and want to kill me I hope they don't survive long. Any GM's if you need any more specs on it if you want to use it just PM me I will be happy to answer them. The man known as Sil Matthias had forgotten how long he had been sitting in the Grove; this stretch, at least. He'd originally fought the boredom of being told to sit in one place and think for hours on end by actually thinking. Of situations, of people, of place, of the barmaids undercloths, and of the makings of bows. Sil had ticked away the time in his head, trying to keep track of the days and nights in the never-changing Grove. He'd stopped caring after the fourth day of being told to sit and think until his mind wakes up. His mind rankled at this, the condescending nature of his teacher, Nomark, the odd way that he could not tell the way out of the formless Grove, and the fact that the Guild could keep him here forever. Eventually, these thoughts faded away from him, sliding back one by one, almost as if a flower coming into bloom. And then now. Everything had washed away, and he found he could not quite recall how long he had been sitting there, his teacher's last stinging barb faded in his ears. In fact, he heard nothing, at first, save the sound of blood rushing in his ears. It was only then he realized he could hear more, beyond that. he oculd hear the wind blow through the tree, the odd chirps of the birds, the buzzing of a small bug some twenty feet away, and he could he the movements of Nomark as he padded through the grass. His teacher's steps, before this, had been silent, and now they rang through his mind like anvils. In another moment, he could feel a sense of total calm come over him, everything seeming to slip away from him until all that was left was the blackness in his mind and the feeling of his body, distant and suddenly foriegn to him, remaining. It was an odd feeling for him to find, and Sil could strangely understand the various mantras and Koans that Nomark had taught him, puzzling questions that had no answer, and yet now that his mind ha focused, he understood. He knew he would never be able to explain what it was he suddenly understood, or how it was he suddenly felt this strange sense of peace come over him, as if his entire body were recharging in the few minutes that he felt so concentrated. "Come, Youngling. You've gotten this lesson. It is time for you to go." The voice seemed near to him, and yet far away as he focused his thoughts on his hearing and voice. When he spoke, his lips cracked and his voice was parched and soft. "Wh... what?" "It is time to go back to your store, my Little Thinker. The fact that you've remained there for four days says you have mastered this lesson." Four days? It had been no more than a few moments ago when he... "Four.... four days, teacher?" Sil's voice croaked in his throat. Nomark nodded. "Yes. Congratulations. You may now think, and go back to your store thinking, and think until next we meet." Matthias moved to rise, surprised in the odd stiffness of his legs and back, and was grateful when his teacher was at his side, helping him rise. "Never do it for this long again... generally you can get the same as a night's rest in only a little bit of time." Sil nodded. "How do I get back?" He was surprised when Nomark pointed, showing a direction through the tree that he had not seen beforehand. How had he missed that before? Nomark laughed, one of the few times Sil could recall seeing that feat. "Because I did not wish you to see it... now go, my Youngling..." e067e12e61 II've seen the stats on this as it was being designed. The tower really is a remarkable piece of engineering. To give you an idea of the level of detail, the designer included the variable densities of granite into consideration. I know that there is truly no such thing as an unsiegeable keep, but this comes damned close. # 2fb5d43456 The Harbinger Blade's previous owner was slain (& eaten) by the Ultras of Stratos. Through various means fair & foul (mostly the latter), Duncan has been able to secure the blade. The methods you employed have borne fruit. For Duncan's sake, let's hope that the curse does not continue to its new owner. There was a lot of work to be done. Once Matthias had managed to find his way back to the small town, the first thing he did was deliver the bow to the Gaurds Captain; who in true fashion chided him on his latness and threatened him with physical force. "You're late." Sil sighed. He could not exactly explain that his Secret Criminal orginzation had decided to take him away from Story Time. Outwardly he smiled; knowing full well that he would have to bear his pride, let this fool storm on and on, insult his work and probably his lineage as well. "Good work takes time, my friend. You would not wish to have your Nephew go into battle with a shoddy piece of workmanship, nor would I wish to attach my name to such poor work." Sil hoped that the man would leave things at that, but it was obvious that this fool would pour his eyes over every inch of the bow in his hands. Amazingly, he even caught the small inscription just below the topmost tip of the bow, signing the name ~Matthias~ in small letters. The Captain growled. "You made me wait for this? The time I had to wait for this you oculd've made a master's work." Sil only chuckled. "A Master's work would have taken half the time, and double the money. Would you like one commisioned, my Good Captain?" ----------------------------- Eventually the sputtering arguements of the Captain ended, and Sil made his way back towards his shop. So much work to catch up on, both in his mundane work and secret training. He paid no mind to the note on his door at first, simply taking it and walking in; the look of chagrin flying to his face. All the food... all the bowstrings. Gone. Eaten by the mice that were now scurrying back to the walls, look of shock and terror on their furry little faces. His hand flew to the crossbow pistol in the shoulder holster and fired, amazingly hitting one rather slow mouse. Or rat. Whichever. He'd always hated these small things, even as a childe in the manor-home of his father. Sil shivered one, with revulsion, recalling when, as a child, a seemingly enormous rat had crawlen into his small bed, perched on his chest, and sniffed him. Granted, his mother had been there momentarily, hearing his cry, and striking the rat from his bed. Sil shook his head. That was a different time, and a different place. He had been a different person. Reaching down, he hefted the small rat on the skewer that his bolt had become. Dinner was served. He would cook this rat, for numerous pruposees to his cold mind. The first, to get used to the taste should he have to eat it on the road. The second? To show his mastery over the creature and take a part of it into him. There was work to be done.... · Groaning, the man called Sil Matthias rolled out of the cot and onto the floor. It was still dark outside, but he knew he must rise early today, the list of things that he must do already forming in his mind. Unfortunetely, three hours of sleep was not quite enough to do everything on, and so he lowered himself to his knees, slowing his breath and focusing his mind. His Teacher had told him it would allow a substitute for sleep, on short notice, the focus and recharging of his body, and ordering of his mind. To the Gothic man's already cold and sharp mind, it was only honing the edge of that mental blade. After a few moments he rose, the calm and order in his mind allowing him to use his special abilities slightly better, and he pulled the chest to him, floated his two blades into his hands, and the other into the air. His eyes were closed, he did not need to see where the blade was coming from, image of it floating inside his mind as he parried in and out, getting used to the weight of the smaller blade in his left hand, and the larger one in his right. It was a matter, he found, of pushing the attack out with the large sword, and striking ith the smaller one, the thrusts and slices going cleaning through where his opponent should have been. Pausing a moment, Sil exerted another thought, pulling the second short sword from his chest. It was the last of his blades, and he wanted to practice against another two-bladed fighter. He knew that such skill was rare outside of the Orginization, but that there were some fighters who had learned the talent, and that he would eventually meet, or need to kill, one. Sil had attempted this before, but now the meditiation's focus held him through, moving his mind in both his body, and the phantom one that held the two swords suspended midair. The two sets of blades rang on each other, and he managed to have one of the suspended blades slip by his guard, softly tapping him in the midsection. He'd parried one, but not the other... this was going to take some practice.... --------------------- As dawn arose, he walked outside, the small target he'd placed on the tree gleaming red in the morning light. It would do him no good to be skilled with swords he would only carry when performing his... duties. He normally only carried the small crossbow pistol, and would need some training with that, as well. Frowning as his first few shots continually missed, Matthias began to focus his mind again, loosing himself in the pattern of fire, reload, fire, reload. His shorts were coming closer, hitting on the edge, and once he even made it towards th center of the target, although he could not quite repeat the feat. Eventually tiring of that exercise, he began to practice the climbing again, moving up and down the tree with ease. It was not longer a challenge, and he frowned. There would not always be a near-by tree to scale, and so he walked over to the side of his building, eyes scanning the wall for handholds and toeholds. Sil could see where there were a few, bricks that jutted out at odd angles, drainpiping, and even the ledge of his window. It would make for a challenge to scale the wall, and yet he felt he could easily enough. Given enough time. And time was something he had in plenty; thankfully no one was yet awake in order to see the slender and pale man start trying to scale the side of his house, moving inch by inch over bricks and outcroppings. ----------------------------- He was pleased to see that his hands no longer bled from the exertions as he walked back into the shop, intinctively looking at his desk for some sign from the Guild. There was none, but that was where he had dropped the note from Vrudash..... The robed figure of Sil Matthias made his way swiftly through the town, coming to stop at the local blacksmithery, owned by, thankfully, a good friend of his; Hilvan Nilgat. Or as close a friend as Sil ever kept. The door to the main shop opened, and Nilgat was sitting behand the counter. He smiled slightly, and nodded. "Hello... my friend." Matthias knew he had tried to pull his name from memory, and he both blessed and cursed whatever innate nature of magic in his blood that made people forget him. When he spoke, it was soft, the voice carrying across the building. "Hello, Hilvan... I'm looking for someone. Vrudash? You know him?" bb5539a4e0 1: Theft/Robbery is against the law and those caught in the act will be hung by the wrists outside my tower in shackles for the space of three nights. If the criminal survives for those three nights then they are let go back into the town. However, the second offense will result in the loss of the criminals right hand and expulsion from the town. 2: Murder will not be tolerated. The penalty for murder is "eye for an eye." If by trial you are found guilty of murder then you have signed your own death warrant and are to be swiftly executed. If you kill someone in self-defense then that will be taken into consideration and you will not face death as a sentence. 3: You must pay your taxes. Taxes are collected every three months. The rate at which you will be taxed is 15% of all your income accumulated during the three month period. If you fail to pay your taxes you are allowed a one month grace period to make the payment. If you fail to pay your taxes then you will first be given a warning, second you will be evicted from your home. However, I am willing to work with people on payment plans if times are rough, but I will determine based on your records whether or not you are elligable for a payment plan. Yes all citizens must keep a record of their earnings. 4: You are allowed to carry weapons as long as they are sheathed. If you are caught brandishing a weapon withing the town walls then you will be thrown in a jail cell for a week. If you harm someone with a weapon then you will be hung outside my tower in shackles for the space of four nights. If you survive that then you are allowed back into the town as an indentured servant for three months. If you complete your community service without mistake or folly then you are allowed back into the town as a regular citizen with all your rights. 5: If you are found or caught fighting/brawling then you will summarily be brought before me to be beat into submission. "These rules and laws are for your own good folks. Be nice to one another after all, you have suffered much at the loss of your previous homes. You owe it to me to be a peaceable people for all that I have done for you. I'm not askin much, so just please abide by the laws that have been set forth here today and I promise you all that we well live much more happier lives." . ed39da39d4 The fresh water is to be barreled up and exported to towns nearing the far reaches. The coal will be packaged in boxes and exported as well to neigbooring towns for the use of making fires and such. As it stands I really have no trade relations with any towns besides the one where I get my own supplies. So, I will send riders to the East and to the North bearing messages about the sale of fresh water and coal that way I can establish a connection with the other towns in the Heldannic Freeholds and near the Farreaches. 9a44ceb20a "I would like the lot of ya, to select representatives to speak on yer behalf about your concerns and such. Divide yourselves into groups of 30 and select a representative for each group. Every two weeks I will hold a council with those representatives so that I may be aware of the citizens desires and complaints and the like so that I might deal with them more affectively. The representatives will serve for one year and at the end of that year new representatives will be elected for the town. After ye have assembled yourselves and selected your representatives I want you all to think of a name for the town. I will then hold said council to determine the name by which this town shall be known throughout the Heldannic Confederation. Thanks for yer time." Ô eced59986e They routinely practice their fighting and weapon skills in the courtyard behind their guild hall. Their leader Clargh comes up to you one day. "Lord Druin, we have protected this city from vandals and theives. And now you say we cannot practice our fighting skills and tactics? I am sure you are a reasonable man and can see our concern for this. I hope you can make special arrangements for me and my men." The first time you try to send water to the Farreaches the caravan is jumped by hobgoblins. The caravan comes back empty handed and tells you of the travesty. They say they refuse to go out again unless they can be provided with guards. As for the elected representatives the town is having trouble deciding. They have many meetings and finally agree on spliting into groups based on what end of town they live. The first representative is elected for the north-enders it is a familiar face one you already spoke to, Clargh. The south-enders also elect a representative she is a human, her name is Breanta. The west-enders and east-enders are still deciding but hope to have a decision soon. 1ef8f8720a4 Vrudash hears his name come from the front room. He stops his practice and walks out. He walks out of the back room covered in sweat there is a sword in each of his four hands. He stands about 5'6" and has green scales. The top of his head haas a ridge of spikes. His eyes are silver and he seems to give off a slight glimmer. He puts three of the swords down but one he sheaths on the scabbard on his back. "I am Vrudash, may I help you? And please excuse my sweaty appearance. I am trying to learn to use all four of my hands for sword practice. I am skilled with two but my others are not well trained. They keep getting in my way. But as I first stated how may I help you?" ìSil glanced over at the large seeming reptile, numerous things floating through his mind. The man was a fighter, obviouls from the way he walked as well as the blade strapped to his back. Some part of his mind ticked away, registering that he would be no match for this man in open combat. Assasination, if it came to that. "Actually, my friend, I was going to ask you the same thing?" Smiling slightly under the hood of his cloak, he idly drops the note from his door onto the counter. 4 776ee6ab46 "Ahh you must be Sil. I was looking for a local weapons dealer. I was seeing if you had any "interesting" weapons for sale or if you would be interested in some of mine. So being a weapons dealer you must be a bit of a swordsman yourself am I correct? And if so and you would like to spar sometime let me know. As for now I can be found here with Sir Nilgat. He is teaching me blacksmithing and weapon smithing. I just need to find a Vaginarius so I can make my own scabbards as well." It seems as if Vrudash might be sizing up Sil as an opponent. "But like I said if you do have any odd weaponry I'd at least like to take a look at it. My proficiency as a weapons dealer is exotics, just like Cleaver here." He reaches back and puts his one hand on the sword strapped to his back. / & "I'm a Boywer, good Sir. What need have I for a sword? You are Vrudash, I take it?" Matthias smiles slight, the grace and charm lent from his family coming through. There was something different in this one. It was rare to find someone who recalled his name, and this man had piqued his interest. 'Why had he come looking for me', Sil wondered. "I can make most of what you might have a need for... perhaps you would consider a bow for your two other hands, yes?" ! Bows...blah "A bow is of no use to me. I rely on my hands and swords for my protection. Well, since you seem to be a bowyer instead of a weapons dealer it seems I have little use for you. But if you ever have need of some weaponry or just wish to learn how to use a blade let me know. I am rather proud of my skills. Or even if you just wish to learn some hand-to-hand combat I can teach that as well." Vrudash looks the man over once again and shakes his head. Tis a shame for such a powerful person to waste their time on bows. "Well if we are done and you have no desire to train or interest in my weapons then I shall get back to learning smithing. If I do come across any unuaual bows I will let you know though." Vrudash stretches and then flexes his muscles. He begins to walk to the back when he turns around. "Sil, personally I think you are letting yourself go to waste if all you do is bowery." " Mandating a 15% income tax could become problematic as the economy is almost exclusively based on [i:f395e45553]barter[/i:f395e45553]. For currency, Heldans use either foreign coins or [i:f395e45553]hacksilver[/i:f395e45553]. I didn't know your community was walled. # ~The bigger the smile, the sharper the knife.~ In the moment, Matthias was glad the clothes he wore loose and flowing, and his own body lean and hard under it. It would be difficult for this man to guage his strength, and he sublty shifted his posture, almost in deference, but only to mask what strength he did posses. "You do me too much honor, good Sir Vrudash. I am no fighter. Just a merchant. Just a bowyer. I would much prefer to stay away from fights altogether..." Sil was glad then for his aristocractic upbringing. It filtered into every word he spoke, an almost verbal sneer at the idea of dirtying his hands with fighting. ë $ I have dealt with many people in my life Sil, and you are no mere bowyer. I can tell this from your smile and politeness. A normal bowyer would have left long ago at the mention of melee weaponry. I still think you have some interest. If you do, I would be willing to teach you for the mere fun of it. And if I taught you I would appreciate if you gave me a good store to sell my wares, that is all I would ask for my teaching services. There are other things than bows that can do damage from a distance my friend and I could teach you how to use them." % ~Damn him! Time for a new tack.~ He did not bother to change his manners or motions, doing so would have been an instant admission of guilt, but Sil knew there was something odd in this one, and that he must obfuscate his path, and then be gone. "Or perhaps I mock you, my large friend? You are new the this town, that much is certain. And you know little of this place, it would seem. Or perhaps tis me simply being friendly to a new face, you do not know, Good Sir. And it shows poor breeding to assume. But, if you wish me to act a proper Bowyer, good eve." Sil knew he could simply vanish from sight, there was enough to distract the man, but that would also give away an edge he was unwilling to admit. He took his time in smiling to Nilgat and exiting, air of haughtiness about him. & Vrudash thinks to himself that there is more to Sil than he lets on. He plans a small mission that night. When night falls Vrudash dons his black cloth tunic, black cloth pants and his black cloth mask. Yhe only thing that can be seen through the mask are the eyes and head spikes. He leaps from building top to building top until he gets to the "bowyer's" store. From there he looks around for what might seem like a bedroom window. When he finds that window he finds the closest tree and uses his hiding skills to perch himself there unknown to anyone. And he waits. He plans on staying in that tree for a full day just to learn more about this man. Sil peaks his interest and he must know more. There has to be more to this man than just a bowyer he is too proper and secretive. When morning comes Vrudash sees Sil sparring with two blades suspended in air. At this he is amazed. Vudash pulls some paper and a quill from his pant leg. He then cuts himself and uses the blood to write on the paper in Goth and Bizzanite. His script is very flowing. The letter states: "Sil, your secret is safe with me. But as I said earlier if you need more training see me I have much I can teach you. -Vrudash" At the bottom of the paper is a symbol which mainly looks like lines formed together. He places the note on Sil's window and taps on it with his fist, Vrudash then Disappears into nothing. It is time for him to return to the shop and work some more. ' The tap at the window made him start, and curse the odd timing of it. The blades midair dropped to the ground as he moved towards the note. ~Someone has seen. Damn.~ His mind spun out into icy coldness, as he read over the note. This would not do. He did not know much of this man, but he had every intention of finding out, soon, and assesing this threat. ~Unacceptable. How did I not notice? Damn. I would not stand a chance against him in open combat. Why such interest in me, I wonder?~ He frowned. He'd slept too deeply, and obviously had been seen by th odd four armed man. Time would come in plenty. One thing he was, was patient. ( A legacy character is one that was either an NPC, forum character, relative, or other secondary character of your PC. When you have rolled your last "[b:ee31da002c]1[/b:ee31da002c]," and it's time to roll up a new character, a Legacy character could give you an advantage over a fresh-start character. The advantages of a Legacy character are that he or she already has a place within the campaign, and would more easily fit in with the (surviving) PC's that will have considerably more experience than ZERO. The disadvantage is that you don't have as many options to create your new character. For example, you couldn't replace your Killian swordmaster with a Dwarven wizard by claiming that he is the deceaced's brother & thus entitled to all of his stuff. The process of creating a Legacy character is only slightly modified from the normal fresh-start process. This is much simpler if the Legacy character had already been fully fleshed-out prior to being promoted to full PC status. Many players enjoy creating new characters just for the Hell of it; others want to know exactly how capable their hirelings are. Other players will need to do some work before the Legacy character is ready. First, you must find what has already been predetermined. If you are playing a relative of the old PC, you will have the same species; if playing a henchman or minion, the class & some of the skills will already have been determined in play; the GM may have already mentioned that your squire has a particular trait; etc. Note these items, as you do not need to roll or select them. Of particular note are backgrounds & skills, as both of these can increase quite easily during game play and may not match up with what a starting character may have. Backgrounds are different for Legacy characters that are related to their predecessor. Determine what backgrounds will be the same for the family--[i:ee31da002c]wolf blood [/i:ee31da002c]or [i:ee31da002c]orphan[/i:ee31da002c] will be the same, but [i:ee31da002c]veteran[/i:ee31da002c] or [i:ee31da002c]merchant[/i:ee31da002c] probably wouldn't. Roll 1D6 for additional backgrounds, discarding any that couldn't apply, such as any genetic-based backgrounds. You don't get the [i:ee31da002c]reroll or discard[/i:ee31da002c] option, but you do get to add backgrounds that would have been gained in play. That is, after you determine the pre-chosen backgrounds, and the random 1-6 (dropping the inapplicable ones), you may add such backgrounds as [i:ee31da002c]familiar with area[/i:ee31da002c] or [i:ee31da002c]blooded[/i:ee31da002c] as applicable. With skills, note which ones the character has used prior (as with all other elements of creating a Legacy character), and how much the skill point cost for them would be if selected for a fresh-start character. Factor in the results of experience on skills after you spend the remainder of those skill points. It is possible for a Legacy character to have more pre-chosen skills than what would be possible to "buy" with skill points (especially for less-than-smart characters or when the GM uses that NPC as a "save your ass" character who always seems to know whatever needed skill the PC's are lacking). If you do have more pre-chosen skills that what a fresh-start character could have, you do not lose any of them--you just don't have any extra points left to play with. Equipment is the main reason why many players will want to use this option. This is largely a role-playing issue--the GM could mandate that you will need to draft a last-will-&-testament (made [i:ee31da002c]before[/i:ee31da002c] you die), but that is her decision. Many GM's will likely allow the Legacy character to inherit the wealth property of the other without too much fuss--although inheritance taxes can be a bitch. Other character generation items, such as attributes or contacts, are determined normally. Experience--the actual points rather than just the effects on backgrounds & skills--must also be determined. The GM can either arbitrarily add levels to bring the Legacy character near or equal to the other PC's, or make the Legacy character start from zero experience. If the Legacy character has free levels, he will be more capable and better match the other PC's in power levels, but this encourages high character mortality. Starting from zero is just a bit harsh--especially for characters that were in-play as an NPC. An optimal middle ground is to award experience based on what was earned (as a forum character or secondary character/NPC). ) Ok... here's what Sil is doing as far as Vrudash. First, he'll have a message boy take a message to Nilgat asking the man for a private meeting in Sil's store. The man is an associate level contact for me. once he's there, Sil will ask him about vrudash, what he knows of him, and offer to buy him dinner. The important question does he live at the blacksmithery, as an apprentice? If so, follow this. He'll tell him to go on ahead to the tavern, that he'll be along in a few moments. Once that is done, he'll move upstairs, donning Ye Olde black Clothing, two swords and face mask, and make his way through the shadows to the blacksmiths He'll case the place, and just for prupsoes of checking, he's got Hiding and Sneaking both at 4, he's moving slowly as to not make any sound, and he's Stealthy, giving a +2 to his checks. If he finds vrudash asleep, he's going to try and sneak in. if he can get close enough, he'll slit his throat with both blades, striking with both, a la florentine/ambidexterous style. If not, he'll wait in the shadows outside for him to sleep, and then proceed as planned. When he does strike, he'll also use his Telepathy to hold his limbs down, if that's acceptable. At least the four arms, pressure on the wrists. it'll be a simultaious action, telekinesis and twin slice. Now... if he does not live on site, and Nilgat does not know where Vrudash lives, he;d wait a day and tail him home, using said skills at IV and +2. Then proceed as planned. If all else fails, he'll simply apply all 64 lbs of pressure on his thraot attempting to crush his breathways and strangle him * he'll take the blade, Cleaver, and return to his home quickly, moving through the shadows. Once there, he'll change back to normal clothes, leaving the weapons, except for his crossbow pistol, at home, and rush to the tavern where he's to meet Nilgat. he'll apologize for that wait, and say that a last minute customer kept him away. + _ , Œ - He'll replace the blades in the chest, as well as putting the black clothing in there as well. The chest will then get buried four paces to the right, and four forwards from the tree. he'll contact his associates in the orginization, informing them that he had to remove someone who was onto him, and that the law will be cracking down soon, so to hide and lower their levels of activity. As well, keep an ear out for anyone looking for him, and whatever they might hear on the matter. 0 Word has been sent back to Vrudash's family. The Killian martial arts teacher will be missed. Vrudash's master and students hold a day of mourning for him once word gets back to them. Vrudash's former pupils attend as well. Tis a sad day in that community. O 1 He'll also bring a small dagger with him, as well as the bloodstained cloth. If any blood remains, he'll smear some on the blade. Moving through the shadows, Sil will find one of the street urchins, he'll attack from surprise in the shadows, using his telekinesis to strangle the boy. With the larynx closed, no sound should be able to escape, and he'll quietly suffocate. That done, he'll strap the dagger to the boys waist, and plant the handkercheif on him, as well as strapping the sword to him. That done, he'll walk out of the alley, doing his best to appear shocked and shaken, and call for the Local Guard. "Summon your Captain, Sir d'Balten! This boy lies dead in the alleys... but... I know this sword he carries. I saw it just yestereve on the back of the newcomer to town, Vrudash.... oh lord, Summon your Captain!" His manner will be one of fear and adrenaline shock, as if he had never seen anyone dead before, and was simply a merchant. Oc note: D'Balten is an Associate level contact for me, whom I have recently done a good thing for, in crafting the bow for him. On top of that, my reputation is at aplus 2, which means for a Bowyer I would be known at least enough to know he's not an assasin ;) 2 The walk back to his house after the meeting with Vrudash seemed to strech into a length unknown to Matthias. His mind was concerned that this man remembered him, could recall him clearly, and worse yet, seemed to somehow ken there was more to the young Goth than met the eye. However, he knew he was fairly safe. Not many would make the odd jump from aristocrat to Assasin. This Killian might know something was odd about Sil, but he had no idea what it would be. And providing he did not push forward to learn his secrets, there would be no worry. Matthias' mind cleared slightly as he neared his shop. This man, this fighter, seemed smarter than a normal bumpkin. And smart people knew to let others keep their secrets. He walked into the shop, and began the slow process of restringing the bow that had been chewed through by the rats. His mind idly turned over the various things that he had just seen, the odd gait of the four armed man, the shock of realizing that for some reason or means this man had taken an interest into him, enough to leave a note on his door for him to seek him out. Weapons. He was a weapons dealer, and Sil idly wondered about the sword he had called Cleaver. A Named sword could simply be a favored possesion, and yet it could also be so much more. Was it magical? He had no way of knowing. Still, something in this Vrudash bothered him. It was on the side of his odd interest in the Goth, and more in the manner of the interest. He seemed curious, that much was certain, and yet he'd offered to teach him, to show him certain skills. Appealing, but unacceptable. He could not let someone know what skills he had, else it was a skill that could be countered. Anything he would need he could learn on his own, or petition the Orginization to learn. He was used to learning things on his own, the travelling Caravan Merkelias Drake grew up in having no time to stop and explain everything to the eager and exiteable child. And so he got used to the idea of learning on his own, used to staying hidden and unobtrusive, and very used to learning the way of a thing by watching others do them. This Vrudash would take much watching.... ¡ 3 In the morning, Sil rose in his normal fashion, sliding into a pair of his slim breeches and pulled the chest from under his bed. He'd been away too long, and looked forward to the practice once again. It was slowly becoming easier for him to manipulate both the blades in his hands as well as the blades that he held midair with the power of his mind. The motions came smoother, faster, with more grace that bespoke little of dance, and much of death. Smiling after the exertion, Matthias let the sus[ended blades float softly over to the bed and settle there; his ears suddenly picking up a small sound. There was a tap at the window, and he spun, long and short swords coming into a defensive guard, mind crystalizing from thought into action. No warlord burst through the glass of his window, nor did anything actually seem amiss until his eyes caught the small, rolled, peice of paper that now rested on his window ledge. Sil sighed. The Darklings again, it almost had to be; a subtle reminder to not practice where he could be watched, as well as a further enigmatic message from them. Setting the two swords in his hands on the bed, he went over to the window, opening it and being careful to not dislodge the small sheaf of paper. He had no intention of trying to search for the note on the iced ground below. His hands darted out, taking the small scroll and closing the window before more snow than was needed could filter into the warmth of his room. Sil tossed the note on the bed, taking the two blades and replacing them next to their mates in the chest, and slid the lock box back under the bed. Turning his attention to the note, he smiled, unwrapping it. He was expecting some small admonition, as well as a further mission or test. It was an admonision all right. ~Your secret is safe with me.~ ~Secret~ The word crackled in his mind, as well as numerous emotions. He was not generally one to allow his emotions to carry himself away, but there was a floodgate opened in him. Anger, pure and simple poured out of him. He'd been outdone by that spikey-headed, green skinned, four armed freak. This. Would. Not. Do. Somehow he had seen, but what had he seen? He'd obviously had followed Sil back to his home, and watched him from there. His mind, frozen into a icy block of logic ran over every action he had done since returning home. With the exception of swords and floating objects, there was nothing to say he was not 'just a Bowyer'. Thankfully, nothing he had done would have given away his alleigence to the Darklings. This Vrudash knew something, and anything that he knew would be bad. He idly wondered if he could trust this Killian, trust his words that his secret was safe. And yet Sil knew that if the Orginization found out of this, that he had been so easily followed and observed, he would have a very short career. Sil's secret was indeed going to be safe. Dead men told no tales.... 4 The message boy would bear his wish the next evening to meet with his friend, the local blacksmith, Hilvan Nilgat. Sil hated doing anything this blatant, and yet he knew he must solve this problem with quick and brutal effiecency. He had no doubt that the eyes of the Orginization were upon him, watching and measuring how he solved this problem, what road he took to completion. Nilgat, true to his small friendship and mercantile alliance with Matthias, came, alone to his shop. "Hello, my friend... what can I do for you? I do hope the words of Sir Vrudash gave no offense?" Sil smiled. It was a mask of a smile, but thankfully this one, Sir Nilgat was most fooled by such. Whatever gift of mind or magic that gave Vrudash insight into him, Nilgat was, mercifully, full under the idea that 'Sil Matthias' was just a Bowyer. "No, of course not, my friend... but I'll admit he had piqued my curisoity? He is a new apprentice of yours?" Nilgat nodded, smiling. "An excellent worker, those four arms of his let him do the work of two lads. It's most enterprising." Sil chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. "He is new to town, I take it? You've given him a place to stay for the moment? I would not wish to think of someone as ... enterprising as him out of the streets to be harrased by the local guard." The bulky man, obvious under his tunic. smiled widely. "Yes... he stays at the Smith, just as any apprentice. I could not let someone with his skills go cold under the stars... especially because of his blood." "His blood?" ~What was this? A weakness in his armor?~ Nilgat nodded. "Yes... he's essentially reptilian... the cold is particularly foul for him, as he has trouble waking. It is one of the reasons he stays close to the Forge." Sil seemed to consider this a moment before smiling. "Come, Hilvan. I've a few proposals for you for a caravan. Shall we discuss it over dinner? I know a wonderful Inn just down the road... my treat, of course." Hilvan's eyes gleamed and he smiled. "Of course... my friend." 5 The man called Sil Matthias maintained his outwardly friendly manner, though his mind had spun into a deathly calm. He had found a way to distract Nilgat, and knew if he could be free for but a handful of minutes, he could cut off this threat before if became more of one. Swift. Merciless. He was a Phantom, and though a Youngling, Sil knew he was soon approaching the time where he would join the ranks of the Mystical Assasins. The path before him was clear. "Hilvan? Go on ahead. I'll be there shortly. Just want to straighten a bit and close the shop." Nilgat nodded and stepped outside, saying "I'll get us a table, good Sir." ~There. One part is done.~ ------------------------------------ In a few moments he had moved swiftly upstairs, donning black tunic and pants, soft boots that would not thump upon the floor boards, a slender black facemask in the shape of a Dragon's head, and the cloak that covered over it all. None saw him steal softly from his house, and move through the shadows of the town, making his way softly and quickly to the Blacksmiths shop. It was not snowing at the moment, but he had to make sure to conceal the soft crunch as his footsteps fell upon the whit powder. Reaching the Forge, he smiled, feeling the heat come from the building. ~There is no time to stall, Drake! You must do this and be back to the Inn as alibi. Move!~ The back door was locked, but thankfully it was a simple matter to slide the lockpicks from the pouch in his cloak and turn the tumblers. He was pleased when the door swung open silently and he made his way into the house. His steps made almost no sound, although he moved slowly. He could not risk the thump of his weight on the floor chancing to wake his target. He had one chance at this, and knew that if he failed, he must run or hide. He was not a fighter, and in truth not a swordsman, though the skills of one he was quckly learning. In open combat, the Killian would make short work of him. He could not fail. If he failed in this, even if escaped, he knew the Orginization would send one of the Assasins for him. The Darklings do not tolerate failure. Vrudash was sleeping on a straw matress, sword and robe set to one side. His brething was shallow, and Sil idly thought that he had not rested close enough to the forge for it's benefits to be clearly felt. Dead Asleep, then. And soon to simply be dead. His made no sound as he moved around the body, drawing the swords silently, the oiled sheaths not giving him away. As he gazed down at the sleeping form he was only mildly surprised to see the sense of calm and utter peace on this man's face. ~Let me preserve his thus. Forever calm. Forever at peace.~ He wondered a moment if he could trust this man, if he should let him live, see what skills he could offer; after all, he had made it this far once, he could do so again. But he knew that was not to be, Assasinations are three parts luck and two parts skill. Perhaps he would be able to get in again, but the timing of this was too good, too clean, too precise. Another time, and it might be summer, the Killian's sleep much lighter, and his blades more ready to kill the intruder. No. It had to be now. Sil focused a moment, splitting his attention, and in one movement swung both blades downwards along his throat, mind splitting to push down on each of his four wrists should his strike not kill. Vrudash never woke from his slumber, the blades sliding clean through and his blood pouring out quickly. Not a sound had been made. Sliding the blades back into their scabbards, he took the one Vrudash had called Cleaver and stole softly from the Forge. Vrudash had been right. Sil's secret was safe with him. ------------------------------- None saw him enter again, making his way towards his rooms, and stowing awat the gear that had just been used, as well as the sword that seemed to refuse to leave it's scabbard. No matter. He would tend to it later. Concealing it all in various hiding places in his room he changed back into the fine clothes he was accostomed to wearing, the light cloak over his shoulder, and glimmering signet ring on his hand. It was perhaps a total of thirty minutes by the time he entered the Dancing Dragon Inn. The irony was not lost on Sil, and he smiled slightly, moving to the tabel where Nilgat had already began to eat. "I am so sorry, my good friend Hilvan. A last minute customer detained me...." 6 7 8 ¬ 9 Claxxon someone arrives in Charitynaeya for you. He knocks on your inn door and waits for a response. It is rather early in the morning. When you open the door you notice he very closley resembles you. He tugs on your sleeve and hands you a note. Then he turns to dust. The note reads: Claxxon, I may have need of your services soon. First please help the Iron Men guild with their "finances." I believe Drackonius may have a new project he wants to work on and he may need your help. Once that is done come to my school in Vridtown my student Grearic will meet you there and call for me. Till we meet friend. Regards, Archmage Volgor : Clargh reports back that there seems to be a small epidemic in his zone, but the HowlingBlood guilds witchdoctors seem to have it under control. - ; A villager directs him to Blackguard and the HowlingBlood guild. First he meets with the HowlingBlood and Clargh and tells his story. Now he is looking for Blackguard. < What financial assistance is needed: advice, loan, accounting, investment, taxes, equipment, expert hires? I have a capable proxy in Vridtown, who is able to act and speak on my behalf in most matters. Please contact him. My absentia assistant is named Antonius Tsarin; he may be located via the council chambers in Vridtown. $ = ... Yes?... > In fact any ships sent never seem to come back either. After months with no word a ship docks in a port town near the Heldannic lands. With one word carved on the side....SKIRJE. When the villagers investigate the ship it is filled with the dozens of bodies all decapitated and maimed horribly. ? He tells you of Skirje a horrible warrior and leader fo the Orcks in Osterre. Brosh tells you he was sent by a council of humans, ogres and firps to seek out strong warriors. He tells you this is the first time ever that any of those races have worked together for anything at all. He says he has contacted the HowlingBlood guild and that they will send 6 of their best men if Brosh could find anyone to lead this mission. He gives you a letter. The letter states: Sir or Madame, We of Osterre require your help. There is a terrible Orck raping our lands and pillaging our towns. For the first time many of the races on this continent have gotten together to try and rid ourselves of this plague. We have all but been defeated. We now call upon you and any men you can bring. We have sent Brosh to Formour to find skilled warriors. He has been told once he finds enough to bring them back to our port town of Gojia. There we will work out more of the details of compensation and tactics. If you will accept our offer please follow Brosh, if not then return this letter to him. Sincerely, Hoshkar Emperor of Gojia @ I will gather my men. Everything will be sold for supplies for the journey. I will need horses, wagons, food, & materiel. I do not suspect that I will be able to find enough horses for every man, nor will they be needed, most will ride in the wagons or marching. Dissenters/those unwilling to leave home & travel to fight: I will give them their warning-order for the campaign collected in formation. The first person who comes boldly & respectfully will be allowed to live--not remain amongst the Freeholds, but be allowed live. The second one who wishes to remain--or if the first verbal dissenter is disrespecful, cowardly, or whining--will be slain instantly as a deserter. Once underway, they will be allowed to grumble all they want--this is their right as long as they continue to promptly follow orders. Again, all will be sold, houses, personal posessions, everything. There will be nothing remaining to tie any of us to the Heldannic Freeholds beyond surviving family. We will either return as conquering heroes, or not at all. Thus, there can be no farm that needs tending; no safe home to escape to; either we return after the potentially quite long military campaign with new status, or we will have no further need for material goods. Further training will continue on the march. Once we reach the sea, the wagons & horses will be sold for further provisions & we will secure a ship. I have a small vessel, but this too will likely be sold as it is incapable of a long journey deep at sea. w A My studies of military history has shown me that when different groups are in the same army, they crystalize along faction lines & can drive down morale--all too often fighting among each other. This will be avoided by integrating the troops; Dwarf will fight alongside Hobgoblin, Killian alongside Changing Folk. They will become a cohesive fighting unit. D B Seems word has gotten to them as to what is going on, and they wish to join his ranks. You have various warriors and hunters within the troll community. Also Clargh has sent out his fastest messenger and 60 more changling have joined your ranks. Clargh's father is one of them his name is Forand. He states that he will lead his men as best as he can. Also Dwarves have come into the ranks. They have sent some of their best warriors, beserkers and tradesmen. There are approximatly 50 dwarves. Upon appraisal of the items you brought back from the other town you would have 200,000 byzants once it is fenced off. Jorkrond will take care of this for you if you like. Once all your preparations are done two weeks will have passed. Your men are ready and you have the supplies you need. After one week of travel, you make camp in the night your guards alert you to strangers outside the camp two sets in fact. One coming from the west and one from the south. ) C D The other group seems to have disappeared. A lone figure walks out of the trees. He has four arms and greets you politely. He is wearing all black cloth and his face is covered. He presents himself as Master Tang and he offers the assistance of his well-trained students. There are 40 of them. E Onward, to battle. × F Many of the partygoers have gotten sick. Some of the Dwarves mining the gold have even died; the rest have left. The Emperor will not be building a coin mint in Vridtown. There are already rumours of Vridian gold being cursed or poisoned. On a more positive note, Vridtown is one of the first cities freed of the unusual snowy weather. Heavy snowfall & bitter cold did not affect Vridtown nearly as much as the surrounding communities. In fact, the run-off from the melting snow has deposited new soil on previously barren land. This next year promises a great growing season for Vridtown, provided not too many crops (or farmers) died in the frost, and the warming is not merely a fluke. G This list applies to both critical hits & catastrophic fumbles, both attacker & defender. [list:ccce0e5d03]* business-end broken: just a hilt/handle remains * tip broken: useless for stabbing, still useful for hacking * edge chipped/blunted: blades can cause only one point of damage * blade bent: weapon less than useless until repaired * stabbing weapon--stuck: can be stuck either in armour or a wound & is pulled out of the wielder's hand; also keeps any wound it caused plugged up (no additional damage from blood loss) * smashing weapon--jarring: vibrations from impact (hit or parry) numb the wielder's arm for two rounds; -4 to hit * slippery when wet: weapon slides out of the sweaty grip & flies away grip unravels: -2 from all combat rolls; as much from visual distraction as loss of grip * heavy armour--strap cut or busted: -6 to all combat rolls (or more, up to total inaction), -3 armour class * medium armour--ring bent: pinches for 1 point of shock per round * medium armour--hair caught: loss of one action; if it isn't freed, the hair will be painfully & distractingly be pulled out * light armour--slashed section: that area is unprotected until the armour is sewn back together * bowstring broken: useless until restrung * sights misaligned: -2 to hit until repaired * ammunition jam: (for firearms & choko-no) weapon useless until cleared[/list:u:ccce0e5d03] H Most magic skills however, involve a lengthy ritual that must be performed before the spell takes hold. If the PC has the mystic skill in question, and is able to witness the casting, then he or she should be able to recognize the spell. Of course, there is the possiblility that the NPC is using a variant ritual, perhaps from a different culture or tradition. Those with the Magic Lore skill have a chance to recognize a spell in use, even if he or she does not know that particular ritual. This is a judgement call based on the experience & skill of the PC; that is, a master at the Principles of Magic has a greater chance than an apprentice, as does someone familiar with the tradition behind the spell (elementalism, alchemy, necromancy, etc.), or who has had wide exposure to many forms of magic. I I have started working on my epic weaponry, which is nothing compared to the medeival weaponry from my younger days. But there is another in the guild a sub-par character if you will that is also doing their epic. Now I feel like it is some sort of fucked up competition for this stupid ass weapon. Well, why not give up you say? I cannot my whole life I have been a competitor. I must get this before the other person does. Ok so get your ass moving you say? Well I am stuck at a roadblock. I have four pieces to go and all require a huge force, which is hard for me to pull together. So here is my solution. I am looking for some other pack members that want to join me for a little fun. It's a game I like to call hunt the pathetic goth. We release said person into the woods and chase him down. I know some of you have done this before with werewolves and the such, but this will be more interesting. He won't be hard to catch so I say we toy with him, kind of like the horror movies from the 80's let him think he has escaped and then chase him some more. Who is up for it? I have the perfect location behind my estate, but I must warn you the feeding in this town is pretty bad. I am not one to usually complain but the air and water here tend to put a funny taste to these cattle. J Classic. ¯ (OOC: This all took place late last night with Kinslayer. This will take a long time to complete, but time can be fast forwarded.) I have moved on to run Citadel. Elissar is in charge of the Gnopolis guild hall. Grall in charge of the Groves Bend guild hall. My tower has been purchased by an anonymous buyer. It has also been cleared out and the items are being shipped to Citadel. My first plan of action in Citadel is to clear out the remaining zombies from the Inner City. Then the Crossstars and Howling Blood guild along with some hobgoblin warriors sent from Byzzant will help me rid the demons. The survivors still there will be put into a psychiatric hospital in hopes of rehabilitation. Once the clean up is done we will search for the key to the inner city gate. I have learned the key is in the sewers supposedly in the possesion of a demon octopus. (Can Kinslayer say tentacle rape? I knew you could.) Thanks to Drackonius' daughter the octopus is slain and we have the key and two odd gems. Now that we have the key the inner city gates are opened and the true work can begin. The engineer of my tower will use one of the existing skyscrapers and will fortify it for my new palace. The guild hall will be put in the mansion next to the tower and the Shadowed Skulls will run out of there. We have also found an existing library. It is surrounded by a circle to keep out undead. But with help from the Crossstars I am able to get it broken and enter the building. There is a large demon inside reading. I offer him a job as librarian. He will do it as long as I supply new books and students to help him do the work. Continued later. 689e64874a New Elf Only Class in the works. Kinslayer and others let me know what you think. Elite Elven Rangers Class cost - 14 skill points Requirements: Must be full elf Must be lvl 6 hunter or Formourian Scout. Min Strength: 16 Min Agility: 15 Min Stamina: 15 Min Awareness: 20 Bonus: +1D4 hp Class skills: Heraldry: Military Apprentice Bow Maintenance First Aid Alertness-I Hiding-I Sneaking-II Land Navigation-I Ranged: Bow-I walking-I disappear Recognize Tracks-I Running survival-Elven Homelands Tracking-I Travel Sense Fletching Bowyer Field Improvisation-I Level Bonuses: 2: Gains Animal Training-I (Choose animal) 3:+2 sv vs disease 7:Gain disappear:Advanced 8:+1 to class proficiencies 9:+1D6 hp 10: 1 retest per game against getting lost 11:+1 to stealth proficiencies 12:+1 to weapon proficiencies 13:Gain Eavesdropping Apprentice or add a level to it. 14:Cannot get lost 15:+2 to all class proficiencies 16:Basically has the trait Eiditic Memory on travelled directions and ovrheard conversations. 17:Map Making expert - Can make a map from memory. This includes the drawing skill if you do not already have it. 18: 19:? 20:? 21:? 22:? 23:? 24:? 25:? 26:? 27:? 28:? 29:? 30:? L The Iron Men Request any information as to the brutal slaying of a local merchant and an indogent outside a smithy here in town. Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated in this matter. Please respond at your earliest convenience. -Leander Darkmouth Officer, Iron Men Guild î M 'Greetings again, Nilgat. I am seeking further information on this heinous crime. Though death is not exactly a stranger to Charitynaeya, we had hoped to keep it an extremely occasional visitor. The method of the slaying suggests some skill, and from what I understand of Vrudash, no small measure of personal power. I would appreciate it if you could tell me if Vrudash had any visitors while he was here. Please understand that any detail you can recall, no matter how small, may hold the key to the investigation.' Having interviewed Nilgat, I make my way to this district's Guard station and request an audience with Captain D'Balten. 'Captain, I have been investigating my own leads, and appear to be at an impasse. I'd like to talk to whoever first found the poor child outside the smithy. Also, we have met with just about everyone who had dealings with Vrudash before he was slain, and they all seem to have an alibi for the night of the killings. All except for this Sil Mathias, whoever he is. Frankly, I don't remember seeing him around town at all, and cannot even recall the man's face. I've attempted to contact him, however he does not seem to be in residence in his shop any longer. Perhaps he, too, has fallen victim to this silent killer. I believe we should at the very least investigate his residence. As far as I know, he does not have any relatives here in town, but if we can find any clues as to his whereabouts I believe he may be the keystone on which this mystery rests. I would appreciate your assistance in this matter, as the death of a member of my guild demands that justice be done.' 'And Captain, don't forget to vote Darkmouth'. -Leander N [size=26:c26bbc7acb]A Vote for Darkmouth is a vote for Survival![/size:c26bbc7acb] [size=18:c26bbc7acb]Vote Darkmouth![/size:c26bbc7acb] [size=12:c26bbc7acb]Do you remember the horrible plague of rats, all but wiped out now?[/size:c26bbc7acb] [size=18:c26bbc7acb]Vote Darkmouth![/size:c26bbc7acb] [size=12:c26bbc7acb]Have you noticed? The streets are cleaner, and the water tastes better![/size:c26bbc7acb] [size=18:c26bbc7acb]Vote Darkmouth![/size:c26bbc7acb] [size=12:c26bbc7acb]Have you noticed that you haven't been dismembered by an inhuman bloodthirsty creature lately?[/size:c26bbc7acb] [size=18:c26bbc7acb]Vote Darkmouth![/size:c26bbc7acb] [size=24:c26bbc7acb]A Vote for Darkmouth is a vote for progress.[/size:c26bbc7acb] O Oc note: Um... incorrect? He does have an alibi, that he was eating dinner with the blacksmith whn Vrudash was killed. I'll probably be posting on this later this week. Bear with me here, going to both school and work is not my friend... P Before contacting Leander, Sil will send word back up the Darkling guild, asking them to see if they can find out who is looking for him within their own ranks. Afterwards, he'll send a message to Leander "Greeintins good Sir; I wish there was some way I could be of more assistance, but I will help as I may. From what the news tells me, on the night Vrudash was killed I was discussing business with Nilgat over dinner at one of the Taverns. Other than that, there is very little I know of the death, as much as it pains me. Did they not already catch some theif, dead in the streets? If that was not the killer, how could the waif have gotten that od sword of Vrudash's? ever, -Sil Matthias." Q Cat and Mouse* 'Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated. We would rather appreciate a face-to-face meeting to discuss any possible dealings you might have had with the deceased. The discovery of a penurious child also murdered outside the site of the crime is unsatisfactory considering the unusually brutal nature of the slaying. Besides, if the child killed Vrudash, then who killed the child? No, good sir, there is still a killer loose either on our streets, or out of town somewhere, and my guild dictates that I must find this cold-blooded <pardon the pun> monster wherever he is and avenge Vrudash's untimely demise. Please meet with me, either here at the Iron Men guild hall, in my workshop, or at a location of your choosing. And don't forget to vote Darkmouth in the next election. Leander Darkmouth' The dwarf will wait outside Matthias' shop until the letter is delivered. The dwarf will also hand the recipient a 'Vote Darkmouth' pin. R It was not admonition, simple warning that any others that they sent to him as teacher be told of their duty, as well as he. Else how was he to know friend from foe? The cover of night brought him digging up the odd sword, as well as the cloth that still bore the Killian's blood. He would frame someone, then, try and provide a normal cover to the death. Simple theivery, perhaps? He slid a dagger into his belt, moving along the shadows of the town before finding what he was looking for. A Dupe. The boy was a waif, a street urchin and likely as soon to starve to death as come to any other, more pleasant, end. In a way, this child reminded Sil of when he first ran away, huddling, cold and near starvation in the shadows of a road, watching and waiting for some chance to improve his life, for some chance to change his world. 'Sil Matthias' had gotten that chance. This boy would not. Old enough to live alone, old enough to die alone. In a way, he considered it a mercy. He would not kill the boy painfully, and it would be better than starvation or the cold.The chance he had gotten, roaming with the odd circus had been a fluke, a strange twist of fate that brought him out of the gutters. It was also very rare, and he doubted that this boy had the gifts needed to survive otherwise. Death, then. Quick and painless. He never knew what touched him, the firm grip of Sil's mind holding his airways shut as the boy tried to gasp for breath. In a few short moments, he had passed on to the next world, with a small saying for peace in death to follow him from the lips of the Assasin. Another moment, and the sword, the dagger that he had smeared with Killian Blood, and the cloth had been planted on the boy. Now came the hardest part. Providing an open and shut case for the local Guards. Hopefully they would think him killed by another theif, who, unable to open the odd sword, had left it. If he knew the Captain well enough, he might just be able to get him to believe it. Stepping out into the light after making sure there was no sign of blood, no tell, no give-away, the Phantom called out. "Guards! Come Quickly!" S As morning arises the next day I will head back to the city guard and examine the blade farther. With their permission and (they will give it to me) I will take the blade into a sealed room. First I will call on Vrudash and ask him many questions. 1.)Who did you have contact with in this town? 2.)Why were you here? 3.)Other than to sell your weapons, why were you here? 4.)Who sent you here? He will have to tell me the truth for as a newer Shadowed Skulls member he has a blood-bond on him to tell me the truth at all times. I was betrayed once and now all of my guildmates must go through this ceremony. I will be performing it with my guildmates here in Charitynaeya before I leave. Once done with the blade I will give it back to the guards and tell them I will need to see it later. I go meet Leander in Crazy Eddie's workshop to help him with some of his experiments. T No matter, he was becoming used to people having odd knacks of finding him, or of him finding them when he least wanted to see them. He did not know what Nomark was going to say about his small, unplanned, excursion. It was only afterwards that he'd found out that the Killian was supposed to teach him skills, show him. Instead, he'd been followed, the now dead man having seen too much, and as opposed to asking for orders he'd moved on his own, takens teps to protect both himself and the orginization. And now his new teacher lay dead, and he very well could be caught for it; he knew it would be more difficult, now that the Iron Men had become involved. Their fighters were strong, and he would be hard-pressed to match them. He slowly began to consider pulling 'Sil Matthias' out of the city for some time; a change in name and cut in hair, and he would become someone else, perhaps hone some of his other skills. All that aside, he glanced over at Nomark, the older man's expression unreadable. "Well... congratulations, Youngling. It was well done, and I'm glad that you know I'm sent by the orginization." For a moment Sil was tempted to bask in the priase, but he knew his teacher better than that. "However... never shit where you eat. Something happens in this city, you call one of the outsiders to help, much like you'll be called one day. You'v caused no end of problems now. If you're thinking about this persona leaving the city, it's a good idea. Tie up what loose ends you can, leave the shop as it is, close up, and come with me." Sil sighed. He'd always wanted to learn how to craft melee weapons, to be able to make his own swords, custom designed for style and grace in combat. No time like the present. "Where?" "First? Away. You are called for an Audience. And then back, different clothes, different style, different job." Matthias blinked, glancing around the shop. "An audience?" Nomark nodded, a sliver smile forming on his lips. "The Darkling Lord calls you, Merkelias Drake." U "Of course I would be more than happy to assist the Iron Men Guild in any way I can. I'm going to be leaving soon, matters of both business and family calling me away. However, I will make time for you this evening, if you would meet me at the Dancing Dragon Inn for dinner. My treat. Ever, Sil Matthias." After sending that, Sil will send word to one of his contacts who is a local theif to be at that Inn, and waiting for Sil to issue a signal. Once he gives that signal, the contact is to make some kind of distraction, providing Sil enough time to escape should the need arise. He'll include a gold Byzant, withy the promise of four more for the assistance. V 4 W Another quick note arrives for Captain D'Balten: 'Captain: The investigation continues and I still have questions regarding Sil Matthias' exact whereabouts at the precise time of the murder. I am meeting with him this evening at the Dancing Dragon, however he has expressed to me that he is planning on making a trip out of town. Is it not customary that in the event of an investigation, particularly one of such import, anyone with information possibly critical to said investigation would need to be available for questioning should new information come to light? I do not believe it would be unreasonable for you to request that Mr. Matthias remain in town until this investigation has been concluded. Thank you for your time and consideration. -Leander Darkmouth' X "Captain; I understand the need for any and all information here, my friend. However, matter both of family and Business will shortly be calling me out of the city. I will leave you an address to which you may send any questions you might have regarding the investigation and I will, of course, co-operate to the fullest extent. Ever- Sil Matthias C Y Occam's Razor$ 'This Sil Matthias is quite a slippery serpent, Volgor. We should expect the unexpected tonight at the Dancing Dragon. Sorry to have to drag you all the way out here for this, but there's something about this guy that just doesn't ring true. Like how noone really remembers where he is, or what he looks like. Nilgat was just about useless as to the information he provided, so it looks like we'll have to go straight to the source. Our other suspects checked out, he's the only one left on the list. I hate to say it, but we really have no evidence against him, it's basically my gut reaction against his ability to obscure the extremely limited evidence. It doesn't help that he seems to be in good with D'Balten. That imbecile is hardly worthy of consideration, he seems to be willing to simply let it go. Perhaps if I'm elected I'll be able to do something about the rampant nepotism in the city guard, however until then, we'll have to keep this matter in guild hands. I would appreciate your presence tonight, as I suspect foul play is afoot.' That said, Volgor and I will spend the afternoon discussing the matter in my workshop. Also I'll show him what I've been doing recently with mechanical prosthetics: Better, Faster, Stronger! -Leander Z After having met up with his contact, Sil will enter into the Tavern, and get a table for himself and for Leander. For the most part, he'll ignore his contact on the other side of the room, but both will be keeping an yee on each other, as Sil has paid him half of the gold, with the promise of the other half should he survive the interview. With that, he'll wait, and scout out the bar, taking notice of what places he can use to hide in, such as any nooks or crannies, as well as what possible back doors there might be, should he need to escape from the bar. The distraction, if needed, will be the contact starting a large barfight. [ I have sent out my little mystery man as an interception as well. \ I have been keeping tabs on my fellow phantom Sil Matthias. (Using Eiditic memory and my drawing skill so I have a sketch of him for phantoms are sneaky bastards.) I follow him to a house where he talks to someone, using my eavesdropping skill I find a cracked door or window I can listen in on. "Hmm a distraction for escape?" As the the "distractor" leaves I takle him and with my rope tying skills bind him. Before doing so I remove his clothes and dress myself in them. Escape my ass. I also alert the phantoms to the fact that Sil may be a wanted man in Charitynaeya for his actions. If he is the culprit. If not he is more than free to leave and do as he wishes, but I refuse to let a fellow phantom live if he has done these crimes. Before setting up at the Inn as the distractor, I meet some of my contacts in Charitynaeya. I ask them to help me for a good reward. I ask them to pose as the patrons at the Dancing Dragon. If Sil tries to escape the signal will be given by him. I tell them the signal. They are then to capture him and bring him to me or Volgor, if they cannot I will find him. I will tell Drackonius and the rest of the Iron Men guild to ait outside all the doors for anyone running out. And to grab them if they seem suspicious. I have given them all my sketches of the man. Drackonius has orders that if he sees the man run to follow. Once outside the city he is to shift into wolf form and chase him down. If he cannot be caught then to just tag him once with his claive and retreat. ] ^ Sil, you notice someone in the tavern as you enter that is wearing distinctively ill-fitting clothing. He stands out as such immediately. Volgor, your reading reveals: confusion, darkness, the scent of copper & iron, panic, and a sense of discovery; as near as you can tell, the last living person to handle the blade was an Elf; and the blade carries the subtle tang of psychic power mixed with the familar savour of death. _ On noting the odd individual, dressed in the cloths his contact wears, Sil will be on his guard. He'll rise, and make as if to go to the privy in the Tavern, and conceal himself within ghe barcrowd, watching for Leander, whom he plans on identifying by the "vote Darkmouth" politcal apparel. If Leander appears alone, he will meet with him. Should any come with him, or he manange to see the assembled guards outside, he'll conceal himself within the crowd to wait them out and watch for when they leave. ` Either way it is all good. ( a I have a few other things to attend to Leander. I will be late for our meeting at the inn. As for the blade seems someone with psychic power handled this blade. If only my trackers were here or Drackonius was a little smarter. I am going to ask Crazy Eddie if he has a device that can track psychic powers. Once I am done there I will head to the tavern and stay seperate from Leander. I will use my Eavesdropping (Master level) to listen to his conversation. Also using my detect lies which is at VI while listening in. (Sil will not now this character, he has never met Volgor nor anything about him. He does have a 50 percent chance to hear about me but all he would know is I am a necromancer. Tonight I will dress in casual garb not my usual robe that reeks of death.) b I refuse to let a fellow phantom live if he has done these crimes. [/quote:602a074f00] That's player knowledge. Cardoren has no way to know that Sil is a Phantom. c That's player knowledge. Cardoren has no way to know that Sil is a Phantom.[/quote:c93529ebe0] I believe you told me this when I was in the Sunday game. My contacts gave me that info. Fine if I don't know he is a phantom I keep tabs on his ass anyway since I did receive his name several times from contacts involved in this. ` d 'I apologize for the inconvenience, but I will not be able to attend our little soiree this evening Mr. Matthias. I am sending a capable representative who has been well briefed on the situation in my stead. I hope this causes no ill will, however I am certain we will meet sometime. Please allow me to purchase the meal, it would be my pleasure. And don't forget to vote Darkmouth.' I have fully briefed Elessar on the situation, and will stamp this note with the symbol of the Darkmouth, a cerulean crystal set against a blood red sky. I have also reminded him that Matthias has never met me in person, and if he feels it necessary he need not even show Sil the letter. I'll leave it up to him as to how he handles it. -Leander Chicken, Coward, and STILL ALIVE AFTER ALL THESE SESSIONS! e f That's player knowledge. Cardoren has no way to know that Sil is a Phantom.[/quote:bedb270694] I believe you told me this when I was in the Sunday game. My contacts gave me that info. Fine if I don't know he is a phantom I keep tabs on his ass anyway since I did receive his name several times from contacts involved in this.[/quote:bedb270694] Nope, in fact if you enquire further, those that you ask seems amused with the idea of Sil Matthias being a member of the Darklings--or even involved with them at all. The typical response, however, is "Sil who?" g I am leaving the bar with a glazed look in my eye. Plain and simple. i h i My bad. r j Elessar goes to find his thief contact Uzziel to ask him if he will watch his back while he goes into the Dancing Dragon, he offers Uzziel a couple bezants to do so, with that being said and done I ask Uzziel to head in first and i will follow him after waiting a few minutes, i tell him to make sure he keeps on the DL. k l Do you plan on arriving at the specified time, later, ten minutes earlier, thirty, sit there the entire afternoon? PM me if you want to with this information. m n _ o Cardoren apologizes for his mistakes nd Volgor has reprimanded his as best he could. For fuck's sake this is shitty. Hell from a player standpoint this character took me a day total time to flesh out and I know the fucking system. Pretty shitty Sil killed his own teacher ain't it. Mr. Paranoid seems to use a little player knowledge but he puts it in flowery writing so he can get away with it. Oh well. Just my two cents from beyond the grave. I do not mean to attack anyone, but just needed to blow steam. Night folks. Kinslayer you do a great job with us load of fuck sticks keep it up. I know it sucks, I take the whole GM route on saturdays. p q A message is sent back to Leander before Sil leaves town. "A shame, but also wonderful co-incidence, my friend. Sadly I was called away, though I am glad your personal time was not wasted. At least it was only a servant of yours, no? If you need to reach me, you can by sending message along courier to a location I will provide. I wish you luck in the upcoming elections, good sir. Ever, -Sil Matthias r Come visit tower Volgor sometime Sil, I will be sure to make a place for you with my other guests. Well since this utter bullshit is over does this mean we can move on in the Sunday game? Because hey live it was great but it's kinda hard to do this shit over the forums. Especially with someone who refuses to do anything. And since I know what Sil was gtetting exp wise per post do we all get that per post on this since we all played along like good kids? Just an observation. Oh and has Drackonius's letter reached the military yet, I hope it did. Other than that this sucked on the forums, I vote we never ever do this again mixing forum crap with Live crap. It's kinda fun and all but in the end frustrating as dick. Oh yeah I want to use detect lies on the note Sil sent to Leander. If only it would work it would reek of them. Have fun with Ceto' Kai in hell man he hates phantoms who fuck up. Oh wait that is player knowledge. Ok here we go. Forsooth, I hope ye have fun with Ceto' Kai in the fiery pits of hades. For he doth not stand for those that hide themselves in shadows and fucketh up. How's that? Oh wait better yet let me play Nomark. I never get to play my own NPC's, well henchmen but they get ganked faster than lightning striking a priest on a golf course. Oh no wait I realised I was out posted on my own forums oh pity oh woe is me. Wait why do I give a fuck? A few more levels and it will be Demi-God Volgor. I want to be Stryfe's right hand Necro/Alchemist/Apprentice Wizard/Elementalist. Dude ther eis some multi-classing for ya not everyone can deal with that shit. And why do I always multi-class? Speaking of which cause I fucked up Cardoren's drawing skill and made it proficiency instead of apprenticeship. I am using the extra points to buy one level of syndic. Eat my ass baby double my contacts fuck that's 40 contacts. Wait is that mozerrela I smell? Well at least I brought the cheese to go along with the whine tonight. Nite all. /rant off h s Psychometry isn't highly accurate, like the other psionic arts. That's why we work in teams of at least 3 Trackers (and 2 Psi-Slayers). The area reeks of psychic taints. The same taint permeates the second site. This establishes two facts: 1) the same person committed both crimes, 2) the murderer was a psion. Only 0.0177% of Midian has natural psychic ability. Those that have received training in them are even rarer. According to Cardinal Kinslayer, Charitynaeya has a population of 10,000--a fairly good-sized city. This results in an expected "gifted" population of only 177. The total expected number with active psionics (that is, could affect the environs) is only 42, and most of these aren't going to have the needed skill or experience with them to use their powers fully. We have 2 murder scenes, one with the victim's blood, an item likely carried by the murderer, and a unique psychic scent on each to track. This evidence, coupled with the limited number of possible suspects/accessories (42), narrows our search significantly. According to S. John Ross, [quote:580bd5d149]"Cities and towns of the Middle Ages cover one square mile of land per 38,850 people, on average. This is a density of about 61 per acre or 150 per hectare, so the land within the walls of a typical city of 10,000 would be 165 acreshardly a city by modern standards, in terms of population OR size."[/quote:580bd5d149] This isn't much ground to cover for a team of psychic Trackers. We should be able to identify our suspect within a day or two; this time does include some mundane legwork to narrow the search a bit. Non-detection will prevent us from identifying the killer directly, but nothing states that it covers your tracks. Even a visitor to the town, or one that left afterward, will still be tracked down. In fact, the lowered "background noise" from the lesser population density following someone on the open road will make things much simpler for the Tracker assassins. Once we have uncovered the murderer--and we will--the Psi-Slayers go to work. Since I know that the killer is psychic, and to generally improve our odds, the weapon of choice is a slingshot firing small sponges wrapped around a stone. The trick is, the sponges are soaked in ethyl ether (discovered in 1275 in the RW, and not hard to create). This makes the target lightheaded & makes focusing on psychic abilities--or anything else for that matter--quite difficult. The remainder of the capture should be quite simple. When ambushing the target, we can overcome any psychic or mystical detection abilities as all of the Psi-Slayers are skilled in Non-detection. Once the target has been safely incapacitated and imprisoned--kept further impaired by forced-ingestion of various natural depressants and hallucinogens (yes, I have a list by both and chemical name)--he will be returned to Archmage Volgor in Vridtown. (I have no IC way to know that he has travelled to Charitynaeya.) t |