Lost Souls & Midian
Death in a Living Game World
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Archive _12f850650804 Day 2 - Accidentally stabbed hand with nail. It hurt. I wish I had some clean water and a clean rag. This town is so messy. Day 3 - Starting to feal sick, why won't my jaw work right? I dont' feel well enough to write more. Day 4 - I don't want to write much. I feel so bad. Maybe I should see a doctor. Day 37 - Brush with death responsible for lack of journal entries. Will write more tomorrow. ë 7aca74d5ecLetters From Ceascea <Mandy's Elf of David's Campaign> Since the time of whispering farewells on the shore of the Elven land, fortune and grace have shone upon the path that drifts away from all that has been known to me. The dreams and aspirations held,the hope of learning and studying amongst great artists has rapidly become reality. The journey has been paused in the town of Gnopolis, where an indescribable amount of talent overflows the gallery with such variety of style and beauty. Such a collection of splendor has never seen throughout all the rest of the world. And it seems that the amazement of this city and the Guild here are unending, for an invitation has been extended for a selections of works from the fragments of dreams that have been captured onto the easel by my own hand to be displayed amongst the wonders that grace their halls. The images of the city and it's people, the throngs of brilliant hues against the background of shimmering metals and textured stones cause fingers to itch for brush, or charcoal... The captured moments are as a wave, caught in the wind and unable to crash a against the shore, twisting and fightings against each other to slip through the tiny fissure that my limited skill creates. Each moment, memories are captured, encapsulated and tucked away until they can be set upon paper and easel for others to behold. The ogre, crouching low to converse with the stout and stalward dwarf... the poorest of beggars dining off of the same sumptuous plate as the wandering noble... My only sorrow comes when I long for you to be here by my side, to see such sights through other than the words set forth upon this paper. But the moons are but tiny slivers in the darkening sky, and the dancing flickers of my candles grow dim and low. I will seal this letter with my love, until the sun rises... But by then my fingers will be itching for a brush... Blessed Be, Ceascea 6a1193b73c 66effea2b9 Day 38: I woke up late today, around noon. Someone told me to "Get a job, freeloader!" when all I did was ask if they had some change. Gosh, some people are so rude. I found some food behind a pub today. You wouldn't believe the stuff some people throw away. It's like they think a little mold ruins an entire crust of bread. Someone fell off his wagon and hit his head right in front of me in the street. The others tried, but I got there faster. He had nearly twenty guilder on him! I think I'll take this money to seek my own fortune. I just know that I could strike it rich as an adventuror, just like all the heros in those books I keep stealing... Well, the sun is going down now, so I don't have any light to read by... cbd10eb602 Ë Jaykov shakes his head. What was that? It felt like a strange voice in his head. "Maybe I drank too much," he tells himself. Blurily, the events of the past night come back to him, jumbled and hazy. V 3c3a6dbd67 D The thought is always on the tips of the tongue, slipping and sliding along the lips. It is only a single breathe away, to be tasted on the thresh hold of sanity...or foolishness, only time shall tell upon that one. But of course the chaos is still running amuck, oh yes, I do hear, even while I stand guard, "serve and protect" is My vow. What I lack in experience, I make up far enough in will power. He knows of course, hense why a silly little demon hasn't made himself made to my sight. No matter, I still smell him, thick in stench upon the air, running amuck within the folds of a fallen city. And others too, linger in this air...shifting themselves into foolish beings on the whim of nonsense except to themselves. Don't they realize the dangers in playing with gods, demons, or even someOne like Myself? Ahhh...No they don't...surely they don't, and of course even the foolish of peons can achieve God's grace....like Me finding that goth girl that fateful evening...she must have fallen from the roof, how she got over the small fence along the edge is another matter...God does work in mysterious ways when it comes to His sense of humor....and I checked...she was fragile...busted up badly, and I almost laughed...almost....the sight of one that simple has no reason to her falling...falling into the hell of herself where I am sure if God gives her more grace, she may even dream of all the men who's scent is constantly upon her. But carefully, I picked her up, extremely mindful of her bruises, busted limbs. Such things I must do on My daily ground guarding...and I carried her so carefully up to her room...shaking My head the whole time...this is what happens when those that should be put on a leash have free will. I laid her softly upon that bed, covering her up lightly, checking once more that no additional pain was given to her by being moved. Naturally, the butler appeared after the hard work was done. Figures. That damn smile on his face once again, the hand itching out, waiting the coin to be pressed into that greedy palm. He is marked I am sure. But neverless, God's grace commands great things, and coins were given to the devils delivery service, and a doctor will be found, and brought back. I watched him walk way with a glimmer in his step, shaking my head, I glanced back in at that pathetic goth girl once again laying ill in this house. Grumbling...I brought some guards up, not to protect her as much as to protect her against herself. This is what I do, I serve and protect, this is my single vow I live by, where the fullest extent, is not even purely realized. 39669acbdb m I may have some unsettling news for you. It seems in my need for power and respect, I will be making the rounds around Formour to aquire Citadel as my own. Well maybe not as mine, but to at least be the helmsman of that great town. You of course will play an important role in my ranks there. You see I can only entertain so many guests at once. I will need your help in entertaining them. Also I will need you to help lead the city council once I get it in place. The main reason I am doing this is I have the influence, the power and the reputation to pull this great city out of it's funk and into the new renaissance. Leander and myself see a great vision for this planet, a time of enlightenment and peace. Once I am done with the king and queen of Formour I will be paying you a visit to discuss future plans for Citadel. You have spent the most time in the city so I will be relying on your knowledge of the city to decide where best to begin my plans of action. I am sorry if you feel like a small pawn in this grand scheme, but I hope you realize you are more than that. Archmagus Volgor e8d83fa4fc F ¿ At least one small vile cult amongst the Orcks have taken this one step further and more directly, by eating the flesh of their fallen foes as part of their religious observance. They feel that they are consuming the life and the strength of a worthy enemy. The typical Orck view on death is much more simple: dead is dead. The Orcks don't have [i:b76f6b85cf]any[/i:b76f6b85cf] views on the afterlife. These pragmatic folk don't see a corpse as anything other than an object... or possibly dinner. While one's deeds may live on in stories, their corpse is just more junk to throw into the river. Orcks do not have the same care for how they are perceived after death that the Heldanns do--after all, you're dead, what would you care? How would you care? They generally find the thought of trancendence to another level after death just as distasteful as a Formourian athiest. It's not a form of selfishness, but rather one of practical apathy: death is the end of worries (and everything else). More specifically from an Orckish perspective, the death of an enemy means that you no longer have to worry about him. It is even more interesting that reports of spectral activity are also rather rare from them--Orck children don't tell ghost stories around the campfire. They have more immediate concerns with problems from the living. [/quote:b76f6b85cf] a204d93a78 Armour Maintenance(light) Intimidation Fist Aid Heraldry: Dwarven, Heldannic Freeholders 2 Weapon Proficiencies Swimming Melee Weapon: Battle Axe, Warhammer, Rapier Sailing Walking( Marching) Weapon Maintanance Shield Skill Cost: 7 Skill Points Requirements Heldann, Dwarf, Gaijin Training Time: 6 Months, 2 Year Enlistment Minimum of 14 Stamina Minimum on all other Physical or Mental Attributes +1d8 Hit Points +2 While Berzerk +3 Stamina Bonus Contact: 2 Reaver Contacts( 1 Buddy, Associate level) Bonus Equipment: special-See Reaver Equipment Section Special: May take Berzerk Background Special: If Retired from Active Duty receive 2 gold per month retirement pay, Free Hospitalization and medical benifets at local VA Hospital Tent (note all cities/towns do not have VA locations and you must travel to the nearest location to receive benifits.),loose all Hierarchy Standing, Able to keep primary battle weapon and clothing from service as a sourvenior. Level Bonuses 1. 2. 2 Additional Martial Skills 3. +1 to all Melee Weapon Skills 4. Gain +1 HP per Level 5. Gain Military History or Tactics Skill or +2 to Both if Already Known 6. Gain Lightning Strike Skill 7. +1 to all Martial Proficiencies 8. Increase all Martial Apprentice Skills 1 Level 9. +2 to all Physical Attributes 10. Status. at 9th Level Gain Signature Combat Move Skill 11. Gain +1 Status per Every 2 Levels( GM Descression) 12. +3 to Willpower, Stamina, Awareness, and Common Sense 13. Status : Powerful 14. Double Life Points 15. Gain Ambidexterity or Rear Defence/Back Protection (Choose One) [/u] 12720a1ea9.Lawnmowers and Weedwhackers have nothing on me Absitian Granitsol> "Walking along in the underbelly of the Inner-City sewer system what a nasty place filled with ruin and decay of past eras..Aye if it were us Dwarves we would not have letten it get so discusting we would have built it much stronger, better in every way..huh what is that up ahead!!! Rats!! I hate rats almost as much as Elves...Ahhh prepare to meet your end filthy rodents!!!!" ...pausing a moment for a quick meditation, removes the twin bladed Battle Axe from his back and with the scream of an enraged Berzerker starts swinging mowing through them with the precission and efficency of a John Deer.. After dispatching several groups he came upon one of the King Rats..." ARRRAGHHH take that you spawn of dirt and filth!! " Kills the beast with a single blow of his mighty axe...the rest scatter leaving one chubby Rat ..the lost souls voices are calling BIG Johnney..." I'll Show you BIG !!!" and in a berzerk rage swings his double edge of death..The Battleaxe hits its mark with a natural critical hit leaving Big Johnney in alot of little pieces... " HA HA !! that will teach you to mess with a Dwarven Warrior!!..ARGH what is that smell revolting what in the name of ODIN is that stench? " rotten insides of Big Johnney everywhere.." does some one have some deoderizer or maybe a Stick-Up??Even the Minty Vomit Sprinkle would be an improvement!!!...Starting to loose control stomach is rolling and feeling faint must move quickly..BUT I HAVE WON THE BATTLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 61b06e6d65 JI am making an offer to the Howling Blood company. I am offering to merge our guilds into one. They will have to be able to accept their siritual side of being shapeshifters. We will merge the names as one as well to become the Cross Blood company. Their Alpha will become the combined companies Beta and I will remain Alpha. f3c9b47b09 ¡ "Is Wayne Brady going to have to choke a bitch?" (Sorry, I just love that line) From my perspective, Ceekay, the forums seem to be rather lively, everything considered. I for one would rather see fewer--but quality--posts than a great deal of "hi lol i si teh s00persaijan and i kan beetz all ass." All forums have high and low tides, it's part of their nature. Adding new elements (like game ideas, campaign posts, and the like) seems to help kickstart them when they are down. { ¢ Why do people promise to contribute something to the 'zine or the game, but never deliver? * That's why I don't make such promises. Life keeps getting in the way. Honestly, most of my Midian ideas are story-arcs for my campaign. I'm not as good at coming up with new skills, items, etc. but I can craft a mean story. Fortunately, my players are all fiction-junkies, and all in their late 20's to early 50's, so they grew out of the "biggest and baddest with the most toys" phase of gaming... mostly. Why don't people look over their posts for spelling and grammatical errors before hitting the "submit" button? (Thank God this board is better than most.) * Amen. Why won't Kinslayer release the previous version of Death & edit it later (like he did with Famine)? * I suspect that he will tinker with it for months afterwards any damned way. Why is there so much time between supplements? (OK, I know the answer to this one--I'm on the inside--but as a fan, I want it all right now.) * As someone whose fan-site is horribly small, I can understand how new content takes time to add. Fortunately, Midian is a superior game, in my humble opinion. It isn't the kind of game where you can just throw new monsters to kill, or new magic items based on existing spells. I like the fact that the bad guys are bandits and wolves. I like the fact that magic items are unique (mostly, there are a few with some numbers, but they still fit). I like the fact that this is a low-magic game without the sheer unneeded bulk of games that constantly produce hordes of "Monstrous Compendium volume 6078" and the like. Mostly I like the fact that everything is [b:098ff51a69]VERY[/b:098ff51a69] carefully considered before inclusion. Whatever happened to the fan-net book? * Now I feel Kinslayer's lament all the way here in IL "But I'm just one brother trying to keep food on the table--you want more in the game, then help me add it." I'll tell you guys what, I'll try and consolodate that thread, and see where we stand at least... £ 59b75916ad Good save. ¥ ---Duncan Š I am sure that the Way of the Blade Guild will be found completely innocent on all charges. Besides, the Orck tribes don't have any legal jurisdiction in Formour. We aren't going east anytime soon, and the Crown isn't going to deport us--we're just too valuable here. We had nothing to do with Scirje's mind control over the Orcks; in fact, we helped keep the situation from exploding. 6bcedcfeac O Drackonius brings up a good point. I thought that Alpha Packmaster was just a class. That is, there could be more than one in a Company of Werewolves. Is this the case? The write-up in Famine doesn't say anything about Betas. In my campaign, one Company had an elite squad of Alpha Packmasters who kicked much ass. š © 4f2586ca3f Þ I often wonder when I read some of these posts if it's someone doing a pure PBP, or using the forums as an adjunct to their tabletop campaign. Figuring out what's going on in the latter case is fun, like solving a puzzle. « ¬ My suggestion is to have them restricted to a minimum character level. That is, only Elves above 6th level can apply (or whatever, 6th level just seemed reasonable). Of course, at least some of these skills and such will already be possessed by that time, but the class skills would still get the bump from additional studies. This not only makes them more "elite," but it prevents them from being diluted as starting characters, makes NPC rangers that much more badassed, and fits in better with real-world rangers--it's not just their training, but the weeding-out process to select only the best [i:271287c127]for[/i:271287c127] that training. c6c5b9ab58 ³ Yeah Kinslayer and I are in FL. The Volgor stuff was wrapped up after an actual game session. WE had time to sit around and B.S. so we did and got a lot of stuff done. That was the same night the Scirje was killed. ¯ I did find this however. Take some of the modern stats in the Hunter books, trasfer them over to Medeival stats and BAM you got one fuckin good game. ca57f1a225 I never really saw the Heldanns as having a proper standing army. I thought that their conflicts on a national level were handled the same way as they are on the smaller scale--just get up a bunch of your buddies and family, and go hook up with other like-minded folks. Since they are a warrior culture, it seems that nearly every teenager and adult would be veterans. 2 gold per month (which I didn't know they used a gold standard) and free medical care would rapidly bankrupt the Confederacy. Weren't the reavers supposed to be more Viking-like, as a sort of mercenary marine/pirate? Why the racial restriction? I understand that Dwarves and Gaijin (and by extension, other Heldannic Humans) are able to berserk (a class bonus), but I think that the image of a one-horned Troll at the bow of a longboat, seeking into the mist for his next target, to be too cool of a visual to just throw away. I know that Trolls might be something of second-class citizens in the Heldannic Confederation, but if the reavers are in fact the default standard warrior in that land, wouldn't there be at least some Trolls? These are just minor nit-picks, this is otherwise a good, solid class. I like the addition of the rapier as a standard side-weapon. That really makes them seem more unique and colorful than typical Viking knock-offs. Having 6 weapon proficiencies makes them a really good warrior class addition. ± I think that the idea is fabulous myself, except that my jerkwad players never use this great resource. I can fully call the jerkwads jerkwads, since they [b:b7ba1db4e9]never fucking seem to read the boards.[/b:b7ba1db4e9] There are a few people who post here that I have my suspicions about, but they are always denied when I ask in person. Fuck them. I'm going to try and remember to post something about our campaign. If someone misses a session (and they do...) then I'm just going to tell them to check the "campaign journal" and then get back to me. Hell, I'm even going to post some straight lies, to see if anyone catches on. ² This is something that I do, and I know that Kinslayer says that he does, and I'm wondering how many other people do as well. Do you integrate previous campaigns into your current one? I see each campaign like a novel, or a movie. Characters and events from previous campaigns (novels, movies) can make an impact on your current storyline. In other words, I run my games like Kevin Smith's View Askew movies, where things are at least tenuously linked, rather than like episodes of the Simpsons, where the world can be destroyed, but that doesn't matter next week. Does anyone else do this, or do you allow "let's just start over with new characters?" I used to do that. I had a single world (back when we all played Gurps Fantasy) that had set areas and people, but it was very static. None of the NPC's ever got older or changed jobs, nothing the players did had any affect beyond that campaign. Of course, things still changed and carried over from week-to-week, but whenever someone decided to burn down the tavern, it was there the next campaign, with the same bartender. It was a real shock to my players who--again--ruined the campaign when they just said "fine then, let's just start again with new characters next week." Of course next week rolls around, everyone introduces themselves as their new characters outside of town (instead of in the tavern). When they went into town to buy supplies (Gurps, like D&D, just gives you starting cash, instead of starting gear like Midian or Palladium), they were all shocked to see the carnage left by their previous characters. I had them enter during the last stages of the clean-up, but the tavern and stables were burned down, and the general-store owner was now wary of strangers so he charged them double prices. Of course, by this time I had discovered Midian, and had read about the "living game world" idea. I realized how static my game world was, and how dynamic and cool this new one could be. It took a lot of convincing to try and get these assholes to play a new system. I even lost many of them, but my new core group was that much stronger without them. Good riddance. Since that time, I have gone through 3 major campaigns. I define each with all new characters, a new main theme, and a title: Raiders Among Us, Into the Woods, and On Death's Door. There's been a few times when only one character survived, and times when the sub-campaign took over the storyline for a long while, but that's part of Midian's charm. Now, all of my games integrate with each other. I could run any game system the same way, but this one's the first to give me the excuse to do so. ì ³ I've discussed this before, but recent posts reminded me again. Of course, rereading some old KODT's really got me thinking. I would like to see more intercampaign action. Geography and expense prevents us from mixing players from various Guilds (like Patty's Perps, the Blackhands, and the Knights did when they started an intercampaign war). I know that there are people out there who would be interested besides me. I want to see more intermixing between games, dammit. If any of my players reads this, I am offering 15,000 experience points plus a sweet magic item each, and I'll finally allow the castle you've been trying to build to be completed (although I still say it's not physically possible). If you don't mention this at game (and I'm giving you three weeks) then I'm only going to tell you that the reward is 1500 points, with no material reward. I'm also starting a campaign journal in the Battle Scars forum. I will lie. If no one who knows better (WotB players) posts a counter, then it will become factual for the [i:eda93ec864]Immersive Game World[/i:eda93ec864] and I may even adjust our tabletop game to reflect this. I will also start mixing bits I take from the forums and the Rumors page (that means you need to start updating it GK, I'll email you some stuff). If you miss out, then fucking tough. I encourage other GM's (and players) to do likewise. This is a great idea, made even greater by all of us sharing the vision. ¶ af41bca947 Here's my addition to this. I know that part of the whole "shared world" bit is that each GM can take whatever he or she wants, and fuck the rest. So here is Caliban's Intercampaign Conversion: Not every thing allowed by one GM will be allowed by the other. My GM allows ANYTHING to be a lycanthrope, so there are Changing Folk that were born wolves instead of Human, and we've even encountered a wolf-shark. One of the players is a Elf-Werewolf who rides around on his wolf-born "brother" (ideas stolen mostly from Elfquest). I know that Liam wouldn't allow this in his game, so anything that this character does to interact with the outside "Immersive Game World" could cause problems. So, either ignore the fact that he's an Elf, or ignore the fact that he's a Lycanthrope, whichever is more appropriate AT THAT TIME. That is, if his immorality is a factor, then ignore the wolf; if his shapeshifting is comes into the story next week, then now ignore the Fae. This works for "unbalanced" classes, new spells, "monsters," and powerful technomantic items. Note: all "quoted" words in the previous sentence should be read with a slight degree of sarcasm. This works with the time angle of the forums, so why can't it work with the rest. In other words, since we don't worry about what year or month it is in each individual campaign, then why should we worry about characters' factors that aren't as important? If there's something completely disruptive, and that wouldn't be allowed by the GM's, then the action is completely ignored. That is, while you can ignore either the Elf part, or the Werewolf part in the above example, if he used his kamehameha blast to destroy one of the moons, then THAT is what is ignored, even if it happened in his (our) campaign. Fortunately, that player HATES DBZ, but we have a pretty lenient GM... for Midian at least. To recap: Ignore the disruptive factor. If the time between letters posted to the forums is disruptive, then ignore it. If 20 years lapses in one campaign, while mere seconds pass in another, then ignore the difference. If someone kills the King, then ignore it, or call it an assassination ATTEMPT (to quote Kinslayer). , 7258ada81c What we have done: Miniatures, Initiative modifiers for packrats, and language notes (at least mostly done). We at least have a couple of lists of what class/race combos we want. Come on people, it's making characters, I know that some of you love to do this. Is the problem that you can only make twinks & can't make a real character? Sample/archetypical characters definately seems like something that we all want. They need to be complete with as many details and explanations as possible. As near as I can tell, the votes are 1 for lite (Paris), and 1.5 for Regular (Debbie). The half point is because Yrth seems to want full rules, but with D6's. I'm personally in favour of Debbie, we are trying to reach new people, teaching them one system should be easier than teaching two--even if they are learning a simpler one first. I guess that makes the current vote 1:2.5. I think that we can integrate some of these ideas together. See if you follow me here. We start off with a single character, and explain everything about the character sheet in detail. We then show how this same character can be created, then changed and developed through various levels. Then we include the archetypical/sample characters, starting with an explanatory template. That is, instead of [i:7258ada81c]each[/i:7258ada81c] character sheet repeating that the "Attack bonus is added to your D20 roll to hit something" which would be very crowded and harder to read, just put that on one at the beginning. Or could we just cover this with the first sample character? This is also a good place to put the stuff about dice, here at the end of the sample character section, or maybe just before the archetypes. I definately think that the quickstart rules should be first, with all of the other stuff afterward. This would be the background/trait bundles, new skill suites, and nameless's idea to have the competency affect skill choice--we can even tie that into specific skill suites, or suites-plus-choice-lists. We can also do new orientations like "spoiled princess," "geek," or "big dumb jock" instead of just mental, physical, etc. The sample names nameless is creating can be added here too (the irony isn't lost on me). Stereotypical comments (like in the Goth section of the Almanac) will finish this section. Then we start with the sample town. Everything about this sample town can be put into this third section, including a sample guild--the guild guidelines can be included here, too. We finish this section with more about campaigns, like sample events and stuff. I think that next general GM & player tips can go, with the rest of the stuff (the miscellaneous rules, skill redo's, miniatures, and the like) can go afterward. I don't think that we need to restate the rules, most of them are short enough, it would mostly just be stripping the examples out of the Hunting & Escaping chapter, anyway. What we still need to finish is a great deal. I was going to recap it, but then I realized that that would just be reposting almost all of this thread. ¶ That's a great idea. Not only does it solve a potential problem--using an existing concept of the game, I might add--but it also acts as a social censure. People that are constantly wanting to pitch their unstoppable half-dragon ninja at us, are going to be so completely ignored, that they will either get with the program, or just give up. While I'm not one to throw away perfectly good players, I know that there are certainly those who are disruptive just for shits and grins, and those who are simply incorrigible & cannot fathom that they are anything other than winners of the "game." I feel that this will help correct problems far more than it pushes aside players. After all, we also stand the risk of losing good, long term players if they are driven out by those whose characters are disruptive. Great... now I sound like "the old forum jerk" ranting about "n00bz." I'm just saying that the censure aspects of this are an added bonus. I actually like introducing new people to Midian, really. · There will intentionally be some "journalistic indiscretions." In other words, some of this might not be true. OOC notes will be in {brackets}. This will admittedly be updated infrequently... ~~~ In brief: Jaq and Zoe are having an affair. Zoe may be pregnant, but she doesn't know yet if it is Jaq or her {NPC} husband. Tameriquay might have contracted lycanthropy while fighting the recent epidemic. She did receive some nasty bites and scratches, and she has been having some very odd nightmares lately. There is evidence that she may be leaving her room at night. Micha, the Merchants' Guild is on to your scheme. They have already brought evidence to the city watch, who are now under orders to arrest you. Your contact in the watch is away visiting relatives in another town. Trog Ironsmith has received an invitation from a Dwarven King to visit him for some type of formal affair. You can bring guests. It is implied in the invitation that he may be some sort of relation to the King. Perhaps you have finally found what happened to your real parents? 8821a9b0d2 - I even tie in Kinslayers campaigns with mine. 5f35a2982c Feel free to use any of my posts for this. Either under Ceekay, Volgor, Drackonius or Gravity-Hurts. Anything you do to Volgor though you need to run by me. I am cool with it. I know Kinslayer had us hit Argent once in his campaign. Did you ever catch the demon Volgor set lose? As for anyone that wants to help in the clean up of Citadel let me know. Volgor will welcome the help. And you will be rewarded if I must. º » Œ Normal wolf/dog packs form specific "pecking orders." It would be reasonable for some Lycanthrope companies to follow suit. œ fa94c1886c X À [/quote:575c29355c] Thank you very much, Korven. This is a worthwhile addition to the game, and is very much appreciated. Do you have any adjustments to this new background that you would like to add? ¿ 2f5fce6b03 have alwyas been a beacon of light to guide my way home from amongst the clouds in which I tend to fly. But I stray from what you would read from these pages. So shall we begin? My last letter was penned from a hall.. A Guild hall far different from the shimmering cathedrals of mithrail and glass that grace the skies of our land... Though beautiful in it's own right, this place was created of skulls and bones, the darkness seeping from every smooth inch of ivory that were woven to form the very walls that surrounded me. You can imagine the visions that danced-- or rather careered through my dreams as I slept in the hall of the dead. And besides, their quarters were dreadfully damp and dark. The light was dreadful, as well. Then the gallery displayed the first few of my paintings. Not a week passed before someone had bought them, and requested additional works as well. Noone will tell me who commissioned the additional paintings, but whomever it is has no concerns with parting from their money. They have arranged for a suite of rooms- and oh, they are magnificent! Windows everywhere, from floor to ceiling... and doors of window panes that lead to a balcony with such a view. The skyline of the city in the distance, the crowd below mingling as they hurry about their daily duties. Already, canvases are filled with thoughts, images captured in charcoal and paint... I am hopint to have some completed within the upcoming days to send home for you to see. But onward to the rest of your letter. I have met many people, most at the Guild hall and the gallery. Much talk of art and techniques have passed between us. However, the one with whom I truly wish to speak remains clouded in mystery. I wonder who he is, this patron of mine. He keeps me in such splendor as the Lord of our House keeps his Mistress! And yet he keeps his face from me... And as to the proise you seek, I will swear to you to obey. Just reading your words has caused such a wave of loneliness, you can't even imagine. To see your face amidst the well known streets of our childhood antics... But every artist must suffer for their art.. and if this is my due, then I will suffer, and hold my tongue. But I promise my letters will be frequent, now that I have settled. And please, send Brennan my best wishes. If he would care to write or to send any of the books which he cares to discuss, please have him send them. If he sends them to Gnopolis, care of Maris at the Shadows SKulls Guild, she will ensure that I receive it. It would be lovely to carry out another one of our lengthy discussions- although it will not be the same without the goblets of elven wine in front of the blazing fires in one of our many town haunts. Oh, Vantescia.. I miss you all so very much... I find myself on the verge of tears... And your Mother, bless her, her tales of elven lore- I ache to hear them from her lips. I beg you to send me a copy of her epic. If you found it glorious, I'm sure it's excruciatingly beautiuful. And as for Daramie.. What can I say? His passion, so fierce and bright, the clouds of emotions that surround him... ANd the way he gaze at me, the dark eyes, the pouty smile... the words that flow as music upon the wind... To think of those words wasted upon the ears of one who has no concept, no true understanding of the depths of his thoughts. And he- of course he is oblivious. His gaze lays upon the good in all, he is blind to the selfishness and pettiness of one such as her. I shall think upon this situation.. and I will find some way to tell him true. There is so much more I wish to say, I do not know how to find the words to express it all. I find my days filled with such business, between the time of drawing, the paintings... Sketches of all I see. The markets, filled with tumblers, and fortune- tellers, and those shouting out their wares... It is almost heaven... Ah, and the debut. There is an art display tomorrow-- and oh, I must find a dress to wear. Oh, I must go, there is shopping I must do. Love always, Ceascea ) 8f8d723e92 f f21729d2dd2Loony bin.... Heaven... Its all the same to me..." I disturb them somehow.... For every time they see me, it reminds them that they could be me-- under the right, or wrong circumstances. That they could be the ones trapped like a rat in the cages of their ward. So lightly referred to as a loony bin from the outside... On the inside, whispered words of hell and other such endearments. Not that I pay much attention to such whispers. If I listened to the words spoken by these foul, wild creatrures that beat against the walls of their padded cells each time I walk down the halls, bound at wrist and ankles hobbled, then I would be a bitch, a whore, demon spawn, sinner, murderer... Well, perhaps there are some truths to such rumors. But as for this place being hell? I cannot help but laugh. Warm- although nnot necessarily good- food... A bed... and plenty of ones to torment. And, now, of course... my journal. It only took me a week to 'convince' one of the nurses to convince to convince the doctors it would be beneficial therapy. The way she trembles when she walks by is far more deliscious than the way the ones trapped within their cells do. Mmm... Yes, most satisfactory quarters- especially considering the fact that I pay nothing. * 56bba77085 M'Lord Volgor, I would like to extend my thanks to you for the assistance that you and those within the Shadowed Skulls Guild have offered me upon my quest. I also greatly appreciate the housing and monetary aide given to me as a member. I also would like to apologize for the actions of myself during our first meeting. I find myself embarassed when I think back upon my flustered and childish attitude, and again. I apologize. During my time spent within your service, and in aiding with what little I can do to restore the Inner City, I have seen much that causes me pride to have any small role in this effort. One thing that I have noticed, however, is that there has yet to be anyone stepping forward to begin any type of art gallery or museum. If you would even consider it a possibility, I would like to offer my meager talents towards taking steps to gather resources to begin such a task. If you would choose to consider discussing such a project with me, I would be more than pleased to speak with you, at your convenience. I hope to hear from you or one of your may representatives. Until such time, if there is anything I may do to further aide you, all you need do is say as much. Your servant, Ceascea Nahmoen 638a73e31c Warnings... My dearest and oldest friend- Forgive my writing throughout this letter, but my body trembles in fright. my heart pounds as if it would burst... We are all in danger. Myself, you, all of my family and friends, all of these in the Shadowed Skulls Guild. I have been accosted, threatened by a creature who we, as children, whispered about in only the brightest lit rooms in the midst of day. Horrid fangs and claws, snarling speech, towering over me, his face as large as a beast of burden! Paws, meaty and rough wrapped around my throat, suffocating me... Words growled in anger, demanding, threatening. The runes, the ones we stumbled across- they are His. And he wants them back - all of them. And he holds me responsible. FOr all of them. I must find them, or everyone I've ever known or cared about will suffer and die. I am so frightened! You must warm them all. Find those with the ability to cast the spells of protection around our lands. Strongest possible. For I have since learned that he is a king of demons, and a murderer of millions. Oh, I do not know where to begin! Oh, I must speak to the alchemists in the town before we leave for Scientius. Please be careful, and warn all in our home. They must be wary! Ceascea 5263c1ed3e I have already provided you space. That is all I can do for now. I am a very busy Viscount with little time to get all of my current projects done. So I do apologize for the briefness of this letter, but there is much more to do. As to what you do with these penthouses, that is up to you and you must come up with that funding. Let me know if you need any artwork and if I have spare time I will make some paintings for you. Archmague Volgor Obsidrian - Master of the Undead ( 8dedbac834 M'Lord Obsidrian, I have just reviewed the space that you were so gracious enough to set aside for me, and oh, I cannot express the span of my gratitude. I would never have dreamt that such a gift would have been granted in all of eternity. I will do y utmost to get the gallery opened as soon as possible, and I can only hope to be worthy of your trust in me. Are there any particular requirements that you would have of me? Do you know of any artists of patrons that would be willing to aide me? And as for your offer of artwork, oh, I would consider it a tremendous honor to display or sell anything your magnificent talent can create. But, if it does not seem too bold, may I request that there be none that produce demons amongst the guests? I currently have enough demons within my life. I do need to know, as well, how much I will pay for the gallery and the penthouse, and to whom should I pay? Again, thank you for your generosity, and I am at your service if I may do anything to assist you. Ceascea Nahmoen f28c62a9cf Ceascea, I have no cares what you would do with the property. As for rent, the first four months are free. As for after that, rent and taxes come to a grand total of 200 guilder a month. Unless I have figured the taxes wrong, then my accountant will bring you proof, a copy of the revised amount. As for payment, I will have a group of dedicated collectors. They will have a letter from me stating the amount to pay. I wish you well and will rush out some demons to you pronto. Archmagus Volgor Obsidrian e257e237e2 I can only hope that your last line, of the demons to be sent my way, was in jest. I have had my fill of mindless undead and other worldly creature amongst precious art to fill a lifetime - several, in fact. I have begun to get estimations for repair, and the basic preperations. My unknown patron whom I first knew of in Gnopolis has been so kind as to agree to cover a large portion of the beginning costs. I hope to have the gallery open before the four months grace period has passed. When I have determined the date of the opening, I would be honored for you to be amongst the small guest list. Respectfully, Ceascea 74ccf9ed10 I have also added a tattoo to myself. Not the traditional Lost Souls pack tattoo. I found it unbefitting of my persona. Instead I stole a Chris Coop devil girl and that is my insignia of doom. AS for everything else, un-life is good. Though my stable grows thin, maybe it is time to move again. Ë heheeee....... *wanders away, dreams of blood and breasts floating in front of her gaze* Oooohh.... Pretties.... Ì The large troll walks into the room. His large eyes black as coal covered in soot. His large fangs are reddened from all the flesh he has eaten. "you elf, you wrote asking for a favor? Or did you write in error, and now I will have to devour you alive?" [i:892031074e]She pauses in the midst of her writing, setting the quill carefully upon the parchment, settling back into her chair. The shimmering blonde hair loose and flowing, the gleaming gaze of emeralds sweeping over him for a silent moment. she rose, bowing slightly, the skin tight garments of maroon velvet pants and a loose flowing sheer shirt which hung off her shoulders. "Yes, indeed M'Lord I do seek a favor from one as powerful and influential as yourself." Her voice was rich and sultry almost beconing him to take her. Her form was slender, curvy and her movements were sure and graceful.[/i:892031074e] He looked at her and crossed his arms, his muscles bulging showing off his strength. "Look, I am not here for pleasentries. I received your letter and I am answering. Now what is it you want?" [i:892031074e]At is short response, she settled herself upon the corner of her desk, long legs crossing, hand raising to gesture towards a chair if he should so choose to sit. Then her fingers clasped resting on her thighs, her gaze met him evenly as she answwered the one word softly but cool. "Money."[/i:892031074e] At this his eyebrows rose. "Well this is more my style." He sat in the chair and leaned forward, his breath hot, moist and carrying the smell of decay. "how much are you looking for? Oh yeas and do realize this will consist of a return favor." [i:892031074e]A low laugh slid from her at his last words. "I have heard...rumors." slender fingers tucked a few strands of golden silk hair behind long pointed elven ears. "As for the amount..." her voice trailed off, eyes glinting for a moment. "As much as you can spare."[/i:892031074e] "Ok let's get this deal done and over with, because right now you are acting weird. Ok I can provide you with 15,000 guilder every ten years. In return I want a V.I.P. room in the Screamin Jester. You will do whoever or whaever I tell you. Whenever I want. You will be my slave through and through. In fact you will carry children for me. I select the father and you carry the child to term. Once that child is born it will be taken away from you and given to someone else to raise. Once you do give birth I will give you a repieve of six months before asking you to carry another child. You will not screw anyone unless I approve them. There will be no amendments to this contract. Now do we have a deal?" [i:892031074e]She raised a brow faintly, considering the words for a long quiet moment. Her fingers trailed over the bare flesh along her collarbone, long tapered nails glinting...15,000 every ten years...and oh how he would seethe and squirm in anger... A dark smile slid over her lips and her gaze rose back to meet his. "And while I carry these children of which you speak, will there be protection provided for the unborn?"[/i:892031074e] "That is up to you. Now do we have a deal?" his eyes show a gleam of red and his faces shows frustration. [i:892031074e]"One last question, and then I will answer. Will there be penalties if an unborn is miscarried?"[/i:892031074e] With that he reaches over and grabs her by the chin. His claws rake her cheeks and draw small trails of blood. "NO!" [i:892031074e]The smallest spark of anger flashed in her gaze, but she did not react in any other way. She spoke her voice slightly chilled. "Then yes. We have a deal."[/i:892031074e] "Good then and now you will feel what you are in for." With that he jumped upon her and began removing her clothes. "Now you will do me, so I can brag as to how good your talents are." [i:892031074e]Taking no moves to stop him, indeed, aiding him in the removal of her clothing, she obeys, doing what he would ask of her. After he finished, she dressed, staying quiet, watching him. She opened one of the boxes on the desk revealing the holders of cigarettes, cloves and matches, turning it towards him.[/i:892031074e] He removes one of the Vridian cloves, recognizing the giant black "V" emblazoned on the filter. He lights it up and returns the matches to her. "Well looks like I do have something to brag about. Seems I made a good investment." [i:892031074e]"I am pleased you find the arrangement satisfactory." She said dryly, settling her weight back on her chair, a bit gingerly.[/i:892031074e] with that he dresses. "You will either see me in person or get a letter from me directly to know who your clients are." with that he drops the bag of guilder on the bed. da67670b8b Oh, how they amuse me, these so called doctors and healers. They think to put me back together, they believe they can fix me. Can you imagine such a trick? To put together pieces shatered so long ago; to repair what theysee as damage. You should see their eyes when I answer their never ceasing questions. "How do you feel when...." "Do you like it when....." "What are you thinking when...." "Do you remember..." They have begun to ask less and less, either my answers have confounded or frightened them. Probably both. I do not think they understand why I am so at ease. Each time they move me from room to room, they bind me as if I were chattle... And wonder why I laugh, lounging, loose and calm in this place. I have no desire to leave this place. Not yet. Indeed, I have heard rumors of some new therapy that they wish to try. Somewhat about energy... shocks.... They have sparked my interest. We shall see if this has any more effect than the fucking never ending train of potions and concoctions they give me. I do not know what their idea of success is, but they've failed their trials thus far miserably. Oh yes, I have no desire to leave. Does the hound flee when the rabbit has dropped, bleeding, screaming? Î My Gracious Patron- I have always said, and will continue to speak your praises to any that will listen, and even to those who may not care to. Your generosity and continued support of myself and my art has been a tremendous blessing. Your gifsts have allowed me such a freedom to practice, and create without the constraints or worries of monetary influence. We have lately arrived in Citadel to aide Archmagus Obsidrian in repairing the Inner City. It seems that I will be needed for some small amount of time. I am waiting for a response from Maria of the art gallery to see what fees would be involved to have my supplies and painting materials shipped to me. Once I have received estimates, I will send another letter with such information I may have received to you, to see if you would choose to aide me in this venture. I would ask those with whom I have become fast friends with, but they are either concerned with business affairs of their own, or unable to assist. I also have been speaking with Archmagus Obsidrian, and might be able to ask him for some aide. With this letter, I have included several sketches of the many sights that I have seen in my travels. Including a sketch of the demon whom has claimed my service as seeker and searcher for his own. Aye, but I stray. I have several paintings at the studio apartment that you had so kindly set up for me that I am having Maria arrange to be sent to you. I hope you enjoy them. As for the apartment, I am not sure when I will be returning to Gnopolis, and I do not wish for you to incur any unnecessary expenses on my behalf. Again, I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for me. I hope I have the pleasure of meeting you face to face someday, versus parchment to pen. Please let me know if there are any other works, paintings, anything that you would care to commission as I am always eager to serve. Your humble servant, Ceascea U Ï ec14a51e9a . Especially if they are wearing party hats..... Q Ñ e383801fc5!To Maria of Shadowed Skulls Guild Maria- I hope that this letter finds you, and all of the Guild Hall well. I have missed you since our departure, and hope to come back for at least a short visit soon. I write to ask a favor of you, and hope that it is not too much to ask considering all you have done to help me. May I impose on you to determine from who ever you may choose fitting, the amount of fees that would be required to have someone pack up my things from the studio my patron has set up for me, and have them sent to me here in Citadel? Once you have found the fairest price, contact me so that I can sned the money required. IN the meantime, there are three paintings in my studio that I had finished directly before my departure. However, they still required several days drying. If you could have those sent to my patron, I would be extremely grateful. Let me know if there is anything that I may do for the gallery there, and I will be happy to assist. I look forawrd to hearing from you soon. Ceascea u d98ee20ec4 c Of course, there is a significant difference between a little jello wiggle and a full seismic wave. Ô Posting Guide Just to keep things a bit straight (I know, that's sometimes a bit hard to do around here), but posts to this board don't necessarily merit responses. That is, if you post your character's personal travel journal, then someone else commenting on it in character isn't cool, that's like they were reading your diary. Of course, that doesn't mean that all non-originator replies are off-limits, but let's keep the interactive roleplaying to the PBP board. I don't know all--or even most--of the members. I will assume that a post on this board isn't meant to garner a reply, but a post on the PBP board is fair game. In other words, if you post something to another character to the PBP forum--and someone runs with the idea, playing that other character as an NPC--then I don't expect a reply back of "we resolved that in-game already." That same post/reply on this board (Battle Scars, in case you forgot) would be completely justified, as this forum is more for character journals, bragging, and such, with the back-and-forth between characters appropriate to the PBP board. It just makes things easier on all of us. Everyone now (should) know not to expect a reply to a BS post, but can readily expect one for the PBP posts. E 4c03248c7c 3 A worthy assassin wouldn't limit himself like that.Q de88286e9d ?Actually, an update to the Dark Horse book detailing such social details would be greatly apprciated. I for one would like to know more about important leaders among the Hobgoblins, characteristic Changing Folk companies, and life, such as it is, in the Farreaches. Hell, even including bears & wolves would be great. × [*:658c6545d6] Create such work yourself--we'd all like to see it, no matter who wrote it. [*:658c6545d6] Wait until current projects are completed--Famine has already been re-written twice, Death is far enough behind. [*:658c6545d6] Give up, it isn't happening anytime soon. [*:658c6545d6] Realise in-character that the Farreaches are a deathtrap, and that information from there isn't going to be common, current, or even always accurate. [/list:u:658c6545d6] 99682e0658 p Gotta be jelly, 'cause jam don't shake like that. Um, is it okay for a non-packmember to post here? ! 343acdba78 ec8b7874d5 7cf2f2c1a9 ¿ bfe5f583bb 8eac6503ba 4 DEFINATELY looks we're getting alot of posts lately. 1d3b88b0d5 j And I thought that nameless was a tease. It's interesting, though. I want more--gimme gimme gimme.© a10370de81 Okay, now I see something. The minimum level 6 is cool, and I understand how the hunter & scout classes would make sense from a character niche perspective to transition into this class, but don't the Elves have their own country? Wouldn't Formourian Scouts not really fit socially then? Other than that, it's really sweet. I'm going to try and think of some things to help pad out the high level bumps. 15361d2401 6 This is something that would work well in the Netbook. 9e30ce4a2f s Cool, got it. "Keep it in the right spot." That makes sense. BS, Battle Scars, Bull Shit, okay I get it now. 04ce20b7e3 2108a64b49 The training then begins for the second-circle student after the ceremony. This is when the student begins to study history, philosophy, and the writings of the great Swordmasters who came before him. The student is moved to the second-circle initiates' barracks, and work for the school still continues, but is less as they have their studies to attend to. Upon finishing this level, the student is brought into another ceremony, this time with the entire staff. The Headmaster unsheathes his blade at the end--this is the first time that the student has seen a naked blade at the school. At this point, the now third-circle initiate begins the physical portion of her training. She is moved to the third-circle baracks. Solo katas begin anew, and both work and studies continue, albeit at a slightly reduced level. At each level of training, the student's responsibilities and total requirements slowly increase. The physical training consists of running, weightlifting, calisthenics, and other intensive exercise. The completion ceremony for this circle has the initiate again meeting the Headmaster alone, who hands her his blade to unsheath, hold, and study for a moment. The fourth-circle students baracks are at the armoury. The student, armed only with the single moment's experience with a quality blade, must then begin learning how to forge and polish the swords that the school sells as a source of secondary income. Once the initiate has developed enough skills to create her own practice swords, then she may progress to the next rank. This circle ends when two progressing students meet together each with his or her best sword. The students are then instructed in the most basic techniques and instructed to spar. It is expected for some minor injuries to occur, especially self-inflicted. All of the student's training so far is geared to develop a deep respect for the blade. This is why they must gradually earn priviledges such as being able to see a blade, then see one drawn, etc. Their first time paired off in mock combat is with live steel; this is part of the plan towards respect of the blade, and the reason why students are honestly expected to injure themselves while doing so. This way they know first-hand how a sword can cut. Many students fail to progress beyond any given circle, they become the laborers, cooks, swordsmiths, and other non-teaching faculty of the school. Fifth-circle students are no longer allowed access to blades. This level is marked by combat training beginning in earnest. They are given weapons wood and bamboo for practice. They now are fighting in pairs and in groups. The students spend much of this level performing various mock missions, where they leave the school to go out into the woods, retrieve a token, invade or repel invaders (each other) in simulated battles. As fifth-circle students routinely leave the school grounds (other students are not so honoured), they are the ones who run errands in the nearby town. These errands are treated by the staff with equal importance to the mock missions, even if the "mission" is only to go into town to pick up the mail. The final ceremony ends quite informally, with the master simply handing the initiate that student's best sword, crafted while in the fourth-circle. Sixth-circle students are allowed to carry swords. They have a great deal of freedom about the school grounds--they can go to the library, or to the forges, or outside to the wilderness training areas, but they must do so when initiates of lower circles are not around. Sixth-circle initiates are given more administrative tasks around the school, but they must still perform chores, study, exercise, and practice, just as they did while in the junior ranks. These students are solely instructed in katas: solo, paired, and groups, but freestyle sparring is not allowed. Progress from this rank is with all of the prospective seventh-circle initiates meeting in a large circle and demonstrating their mastery of the katas taught to them. Those who are deemed worthy by the Headmaster and other instructors then move to the next rank. Seventh-circle students learn a variety of weapons. While the emphasis is still on the sword, all manner of attack methods are learned. The students are allowed to study different types of swords, and craft the form that they prefer best. Hand-to-hand training is increased at this level as well, and integrated into the other training and sparring. No new katas are learned or practiced, as the initiate already knows them all, and has already demonstrated mastery. Progress from this level is in the form of freestyle sparring with live steel with other seventh-circle students, with their master as a final bought. Eighth-circle students have exactly two weeks to prove themselves, or else they will never be allowed to graduate. Students are not told what to expect, simply given two days without any guidance from their masters. However, what they do during this time is still carefully observed and considered. What follows is a gruelling period where they are worked, exercised, tested (including written tests), and sent on seemingly endless waves of missions that usually change or end midway through. The instructors, including the Headmaster who now takes a very devoted interest, hound the initiates mercilessly, striking them with weapons for the slightest failure, or simply from failing to defend from an unprovoked attack by a beloved and trusted teacher. The weather always seems against the students during this period. Part of the test--never explained to those undergoing it--is that cooperating and helping one another is part of the challenge. Those students who do not give up, or simply fail to make the grade, will never again be allowed to graduate or carry a blade. After this two week period is over, those students who failed or surrendered are consoled rather than admonished, and constantly reminded that not everyone can be a Swordmaster of Al'Keira--just progressing to the final circle is a worthy accomplishment that few may boast about. Succeed or fail, all are sent to secluded areas in a special grove to relax and meditate as long as they need. Now that the initiates have passed into the ninth-circle, they are informed that the ninth is the final circle--all of their teachers, and even the Headmaster himself are all ninth-circle initiates. This circle isn't mastered or progressed through, it is the one that they spend the rest of their lives perfecting. As full-fledges Swordmasters of Al'Keira, they are free to leave and go about the journey of the rest of their lives. They are forever part of a strong brotherhood--only death may break these bonds. What started out as individuals working towards individual goals now is a tight group who will always look out for one another. ~~~ I'm going to try and work on game-mechanics for this class. I just don't know where to start them, since they must spend much of their time at the school. They leave the school pretty skilled, knowing quite a bit about swords, maybe a bit too powerful for first level. I'm thinking about making starting characters fifth-circle students. These are allowed to leave the school, and can be used in some campaigns, much like soldiers & scouts in all-military campaigns. I just like the idea that someone with "Swordmaster" in the name of their class doesn't have any idea how to use a sword in combat. This was created to be allies to Gareth Strongbow in our "conflict." These are sort of the aristocracy in the neighboring state. A million thanks to Kinslayer for his incredible help with this, through weeks of e-mails & PM's. I gotta say that most of the ideas were his, I just threw it together. ß à A quick way to create stats for NPC's is with [b:8809276287]Menace Levels[/b:8809276287]. This is a number that is added into all rolls for an extra-threatening NPC. In other words, the Menace Level is added to attacks, skill checks, saving throws, etc. It might not be added to initiative &/or damage, but this is up to the GM, and based on how threatening she wants the encounter to be. This is a number that can be added to prerecorded "generic" stats for a leader-type or most-skilled warrior. That is, if you have typical bandits that have short melee weapon III[/i], their leader might have a Menace Level of 5, giving him an effective weapon skill of VIII. An even quicker method to create enemies on the fly, is to add a Menace Level to average attributes for that species, and assume that it is also the skill level for any used skills. A moderately threatening challenge for a group of 4-6 or so, is a Menace Level equal to the highest experience level in the troupe. A minor threat (otherwise stat-less) may only have a 1-3. A more serious threat might have a threat level greater than the total levels in the troupe. It's something of a judgement call by the GM anyway, so don't be affraid to alter it up or down for the desired danger of that encounter. This is meant to expedite the game, if it's going to get in the way--like if you already have prerecorded stats for a particular enemy--then don't use it. This is for the times when you only have stats for the typical foe, and one of the players challenges the "strongest warrior to a mano e mano-winner take all duel," or if you don't have anything at all prepared because your players did something totally unexpected... again... Note that this doesn't have to be used exclusively for combat. Dealing with someone in a court setting, who's Menace Level of 8 gives him effective 18's in all his social attributes, VII or master level in any skills he possesses, and 8 retests instead of looking up his Grace retests. Rough. f411e80202 The building, a shimmer of glass and stone stretches high into the sky, coming to a stop some twelve stories up... Gigantic cretures grunt and strain at the ropes of the elevator, causing it to be a luxury, rather than an automatic assumption that one would be granted to ride upon it... Stairs stretch and wind, tracing their path amongst the floors, lately reinforced, metal railings repaired or replaced as need be. As you walk up the stairs, each landing holds two doors. One leads towards the next flight of stairs, the other leads to the rooms held upon the current floor. The door to the tenth floor is locked, a sign upon it reading: Coming Soon Art Gallery and Museum Artist, sculptures... Soon to be opening Art Gallery in Citadel searching for artists to display work on commission. Write or visit Ceascea Nahmoen at Skyscraper, 11th floor, Inner City Citadel or send sketches/letters to Ceascea Nahmoen c/o Shadowed Skulls Guild, Citadel. WANTED: Builders, Architects, Painters, Carpenters, etc. for 1100 sq. ft. Gallery Penthouse in Citadel, Inner City. Reasonable prices only need apply. Apply at Skyscraper, 11th Floor. Ask for Ceascea Nahmoen. Copies of the wanted ads so recently published grace the door, with a small note penned in beautiful script asking anyone here in reference to the ads to please go up one more flight. If you ascend the stairs for one more flight, and follow the door that leads to the rooms upon the eleventh floor, a hallway opens before you. Partway down, on the left hand side, rests a door. Locked... Yes, but the chain perhaps? The metal chain slides through a hole in the wall, and if you pull it, you would hear the ringing of a pure silver tone of bells echoing through the rooms inside... And then you would hear the soft, satin voice of a young woman as steps draw her near the door. "Just a moment, please." [img:f411e80202]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SACQAh4Wey*3zGqojoJlY7kXxYLRl538roONVCJA2RDPNiJ6ig1XFcKajKoWApfaGv2YFoYP8BxDysP19gyrLPJrWZBCrI1YnBh2m0BnpKVPAAAAynIMAg/Ceascea.jpg?dc=4675471620818857000[/img:f411e80202] fc541df06aSketch of Vantescia Included in Second Letter from Gnopolis 7f2384ca6a [img:7f2384ca6a]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAAAOoW9Gank3MWKKpPQBj2FEgd71HArPAx6UXx5ryEw4kLokvdczjFOTnjwF03ZWwo*fdIcBFDHxEF0Y5JsU8QEz02lp3RXg!22ks*Bk!ddpYyKEs3xQ/artwork.jpeg?dc=4675456713328769990[/img:7f2384ca6a] [img:7f2384ca6a]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQDbAsMWFF0zoxvdnl9sH7yhGCzCpBezuZB!g9Qd64bc1CRiXZIpnV0YrsqMSqw6CbznxJC3VhP!qwCw6MQXuEASmMFr36vJVUGC6vOjSzM8UYtIYqYXUQ/Werewolf.jpg?dc=4675456265130951056[/img:7f2384ca6a] ë Hello everyone. Kinslayer invited me to drop in and contribute what I can to the game so here I am. I'm not entirely familiar with the story-arc of the game so bear with me if I say something stupid or patently impossible within the parameters of the game. I do know the overall tone of the game, however, so aside from the occasional glaring error, I think the stuff I have should fit. In order to keep from stepping outside of the parameters of the game, I'm keeping my first few hundred posts or so confined to this Beastiary. I shouldn't run into too many problems by tossing creepy crawlies out there for everyone to review and consider. My creatures will come with generic descriptions instead od detailed stat sheets because...well, I don't know the game mechanics well enough to draw any. Anyway...look here for boogums, ghosies and three-legged beasties. Whatever don't fit, we'll change or toss out. $ ì My Dearest Ceascea, Darling, what in hell were you doing sleeping in such a place? A hall made of bones? I hope you are not getting in over your head But you have found a patron! Ah, I am so happy for you! And an apartment with such light! Strange that they will not reveal themselves, but then the rich are known to be eccentric. You shouldnt assume, however, that it must be a he. I know many ladies who are interested in the arts and painters of vision such as yourself. And the one you sent home! It is absolutely, positively beyond words. I wept when I saw it. You flatter me too much! Oh, but you must paint the apartment and the view from the balcony. It sounds absolutely glorious I am glad to hear you miss me as well, though I cannot think that it is as much. You seem to be having far too much fun. *soft smile* Perhaps a visit I will tell Brennan to write, but I doubt he will. Hes never been big on calling his attention to how much he misses someone, but maybe he will send a book, though they are scare to be found with the library burning down. It happened last week, and he's been in a horrible skulk about it. He thinks it was arson, and I think there was no reason to assume such. It was quite sad though, watching the flames devour that beautiful small building. Like the death of knowlege itself, screaming and crisping in painful crackles. Such beautiful works, gone in smoke... Speaking of beautiful works, I have enclosed a bit of mothers epic that I liked. It is where Laucian Meliamne praises and mocks the beautiful Astrianna Naїlo. I found it enjoyable, at least, though I wouldnt quite call it glorious. The rest was fairly dull, but perhaps I shall send more later, knowing how you like it. I wouldnt quite say that Daramil is blind to Drusilias ways, simply that hes looking a little further down. But if you can bring him back from this idiotic foolishness, I would certainly thank you for it. Especially after how her sister turned out. And on that note, dear, do me one favor: avoid the wine for now. I dont quite trust your judgment without me there, and you are such an easy drifter! One glass of wine will send you off, quite far from your usual self. Im sure you must have looked beautiful at the gallery display. Oh, my dear, I so wish I could have seen you. Ah, the days are too long with you gone! Come back soon, and safe! Vantescia B 4d73791e65Mother's Epic - "From The Scorned Heart To The Coy Maid There is nought to compare thee to, Oh maiden of my soul. There are not wonders in the earth Of equal to thy whole. All the stars of Heaven's realm Are nothing like thine eyes; Thy lovely face would make the finest Painter cease to try To capture beauty with his brush; Where thou art joy is there. The sunbeams of the sweetest dawn Are dull when near thy hair. The nectar of the gods is not Sweet as the wine that flows From thy lips of scarlet velvet, That shame the reddest rose. The frankincense and myrrh that men Brought to the Holy One Is nothing like the fragrance That swirls around my love. The silk of all the Byzanites Is not softer than thy skin. The brilliant gold of deepest earth, The dwarves' brightest gems, And all the riches of the earth Are not enough to buy thee. The most evil of human men Could never bear to chide thee. Thy soul is pure as angel wings, This poet's pen imparts, Yet all the ice of Northern lands Are not near cold as thy heart. x î What on earth do you mean? King of demons? All you know in danger? I remember the runes, I believe, but why must you find them? Why are you responsible? Darling, how am I to tell anyone? Do you really think they would believe us? Your letter is horrible! I am unsure of what to do... I showed it to Brennan. He says he will ask mother to send us to the Great City for a vacation, to study in the library there, and we will try to find out more about thes runes. He told me to tell you not to worry, we will find out for you, we will all be safe... As for me? I have no such confidence, and desperately want you home! Oh, please, my darling, stay safe! No harm must come to you! I care too much for you to live if you die... No, it will be alright. We will find them if I have to scour the earth myself! A Very Troubled Vantescia ï Groovy. Welcome, WyldKarde, and don't mind the local wildlife, they can be an insular and clannish bunch--but they mean well--and we were all new here once. Any picking apart of ideas isn't intended to be mean, it's only because everyone here truly wants the best for the game. As for game mechincs, don't worry so much about those yet; they're just numbers. Feel free to wait until you are more comfortable with the system. I'm much more worried about how the creatures will fit into the existing ecology of the world (as discussed briefly at rpghost.com). As long as it all makes reasonable sense within the game world, it should work. Also remember that subtle is often creepier (and thus better for storylines), just like [i:31443323c9]Psycho[/i:31443323c9] and [i:31443323c9]The Shining[/i:31443323c9] were scarier than [i:31443323c9]Godzilla[/i:31443323c9] or [i:31443323c9]King Kong[/i:31443323c9]. I can't wait to see what you've got for us. abf2dd70f8 7 ñ By the way, from what Kinslayer described Citadel to look like Venice's stacked buildings mixed with Verona's layout--or some other really old cities in Italy with big, crowded buildings. fe663583ac df38e53d7c y That could actually be one of their class/level bonuses, Ceekay. They could gain a special skill to carve things on the arrowheads & shafts (keep your mind out of the gutter, people) without damaging them or affecting their flight pattern. This would allow them to make the proverbial "bullet with your name on it" or send message arrows. Of course, using this ability with Lunaruen... ô 850cb4ac69 570b05a41d × Yes, but that represents a possible 133% increase in a given trait in the population. In a nation the size of Formour that means a difference of almost 8 million people whether they do or do not have a given trait. 2ef5894307 LOr current average is 1.92 posts per day. That's just short of two posts every single day. That's pretty good, considering that this is a fairly small community devoted to an indie-published game and a scattered group of Packmembers (who don't really post here... fuckers). This is even after you pruned all of the Hunter boards. ab3ab156e0 Œ Glares little dark daggers of death from her gaze to nameless, a very sarcastic smile upon her face. "Ha." "Ha." "Ha." <meanwhile, her mun is laughing her @ss off. lol....> 58bc58d541 Ceascea, Demons, demons, round your head, Demons, demons, in your bed. Demons, demons, eating skin. Demons, demons, held within. They come to you at night, They come to you in dreams. You watch them take flight, And hear their evil schemes. --A. fc234536bd | Hmm still not enough for me dammit. I think it is time to start sacrificing people to the demons of higher post counts heh. c77b191f27 I have so much to tell you, so much has happened since the last time I wrote, several months ago. I have been quite busy! Many of the members of the Shadowed Skulls Guild whom I have met upon my travels, and myself have had many projects to occupy our time. Between restoring, and cleaning buildings, searching for what few survivors exist, and assisting Nyx with her child, and her newest project of the Skreaming Jezter, I have had a rather full plate. And within the last few days, my plate has been filled to overflowing! I have been gratned the privilege of opening an art gallery and museum within the Inner City of Citadel. And I have already been given the penthouse suites in which to stay, and to hold the gallery in. They have been gratned to me with a four month's grace period, after which they will be 200 guilder per month. They are held within a twelve story skyscraper, with the gallery upon the tenth floor, and my quarters on the eleventh. The gallery floor is in fairly good condition, although the layout does not to be latered. I have already posted an advertisement to receive estimates on rebuilding the floor to my specifications. I know that you have already done much for me, and i hate to ask for any more from you, but the Archmagus Obsidrian has no funds available. Is there any way that you can send any funds to either help me with the preparations, or the grand opening, or with the rent, or supplies? Anything at all would be greatly appreciated. I hope that you enjoyed the last paintings I sent, and there will be several of my own on display at the gallery opening. I have asked for other artists to place their work on commission, but have yet to gain responses from any except from on young human who is eager to aide in any way he can. If you know of any other artists that would care to contribute, please have them write to me. I will be sending out invitations to the gallery opening as soon as I have determined what date it shall be upon, and yours will be one of the first sent out. I hope to be able to meet you then. Until such time that I hear from you, Indebtedly yours, Ceascea 6e833c7439 W f64586e961-Ship Entry #1- <Pre-Citadel, Post Gnopolis, Post Scienti Before we left upon this long journey, I thought it wise to purchase a journal to write down my travels in full detail, so that I may relate them in full detail to Vantescia once we have reached land-- for heaven knows if I skip one moment of my trip, I shall never hear the end of it.... So. Here we are, a week passed upon nearly dead waters, the incessant murmurings of the zombie galley salves chanting "row.... row.... row...." constantly, unceasing in my head. Be there any surprise that my nights are filled with restless, fitful dreams of nonsense and rubbish? I find my nights filled instead with me seated upon the deck, spinning tales of glory and past horrors of the races of all those on board. Epic poems... stories.... tales of magic, enchantments, never ending struggles of good versus evil. And my days are busy as well, betwixt speaking to the other travelers, listening to their tales, exchanging poems and bits of culture and lore. And once the rumors of my fateful runs, and my skill at reading them spread, I have spend many hours with passengers in semi-seclusion of a nearly empty corner of the deck casting runes, or reading my cards for them. They are mostly grateful, though a few mildly suspicious as they watch me. I have earned some funds, though I always beg those I read for now to press gold into my hands, but it is their way of saying thank you, and I would not deny them that... For me, knowing that I may have given some insight into a dark and foggy path is payment enough.... As for the group which I boarded with, we have spent much time getting to know one another. They are a very... interesting group, the four of them. Talon... he indeed drinks far too much. To watch him in the midst of his antics explains much of why elves view humans in such a comic light. And as for Nyx... Well, her behavior has been less erratic since the incidents in the tower... Although it seems the men aboard the ship have taken some fancy to her. Which she does not seem to appreciate. Although all in all, she takes things in a fairly well humor, considering some of the vulgarities the crew whispers behind her back. As for the human male, and the half elf, they seem to prefer being mostly to themselves... I speak with them for brief moments, but allow them what privacy they can find on board such a crowded vessel as this. Although I must admit I keep a rather close gaze upon the human, he must not come to harm until I have collected the rune from his flesh.... Oh, what a mess I have gotten myself into... þ c69c03c6059Krystalee ki--- I mean--- Curiosity Killed The Cat......; [img:c69c03c605]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0UACFApYZZjUabHiWLGCOLjIHPfW04KpxMTV3oELT3tiBY3HfADaJLpfXcgHpLv1nFuv5NTMXdY5wDXAT6ertm!VMhpTWKT3I8QTlI6T3Qm!h37!cnjvlsHSCFBcAcBQX/KrystaleebyNite.jpg?dc=4675459179323284241[/img:c69c03c605] 9 6c76b5a01d ' DEMONS DEMONS DEMONS DEMONS!!!!! BOO!! © 55659516ca *Beats him to a bloody pulp, laughing gleefully the entire time.... Then puts him back together, and does it all over again. Just for the fun of it.* e8ffcd6468 7dfe961e80!Ceekay's Friday campaign time fix (OOC: Kinslayer let me know if you have anything to add in for Citadel. This is mainly to fix my time fuck up. Also let me know what you want to do for your campaign on Sunday time wise.) One year has passed since we last checked in on Citadel. The rebuilding is going slowly but surely. Merchants are reopening in the town even with all the construction going on. Most are drwn by Volgor's four months free rent with a lease. Talon has been prosperous at his winery. But at times his health fails him a bit. Seems he has a chronic cold of some sort. he has also met a very attractive Byzzanite her name is Serrala. She spends a lot of time with him at the winery helping out and even making subtle passes at Talon. Ceascea had a meager turn out for her gallery opening. But with more people now moving back into Citadel she has taken in some more business. Xerorian has asked her to marry him when he finishes his training. The Skreaming Jezter had a sensational grand opening and now has steady clientel and is almost always full. It has become the premiere goth club in town and has even driven some others out of business. Nyxxis and Carissa are still together and playing their games. As for Lillith in the year she has been on this earth she now looks like a 5 year old. The arenas are slowly coming about. The first one is near completion and the foundation for the second has been finished. the years taxes for the city were paid by Volgor from his own pocket. The money he has taken in for taxes has been set aside for other building projects or next years taxes. Volgor again has petitioned the King of Formour to become the Duke of Citadel, but he is still waiting for that response. It seems the original four adventurers that set out from the Shadowed Skulls guild have grown apart, but something is about to bring them back together. Something so large none of them could have seen it coming. cb2e3b3fa5 379b48ff17 The boss says that it looks like you have things well under control in Citadel, and he doesn't want to spoil any surprises for his table-top campaign. 25fe381111 Arright, I'll play with formats until I learn a good way to lay out the ideas for monsters and such. I don't have much experience coming up with charts for critters so I'll poke around until I come up with a good way to lay 'em out. I'm also aware of the overall lack of "PowerGaming!!!" in the system so I'll try to keep focus on the wrongness of my nightmarish constructs instead of their hideous power. I'm working with a Dark Fantasy setting now where man is pitted against horrible creatures from beyond the veil of reality. So...tuning down the world-shattering uber-powers is gonna be tough. Anyhoo, enough apologizing for something I haven't screwed up yet. The next post will posess some form of unholy terror, I promise. M 22d16db54e [i:22d16db54e]Those who die, shall die again.[/i:22d16db54e] [i:22d16db54e] - The Black Turbot - [/i:22d16db54e] [b:22d16db54e]Description:[/b:22d16db54e] Few who leave this world, do so peacefully. The beggars of Jarim-Sha live in constant hunger. The cities sprawling wealth towers hundreds of feet above the burning wastes where the poor live in shantytowns erected at the pillars of the gleaming city. In order to accomodate the expanding city, it's engineers built constantly skyward, leaving the poor behind to scratch out a harsh existence on the ground below. Hunger is the second most terrifying way to die in the Jarim Wastes. Death from hunger is slow and terrible, but it pales in comparison to death at the hands of The Wailing Dead. The Wailing Dead are revenants who appear to be chained to the world of the living through their hunger. Rising from their shallow graves every night, Wailing Dead go through the last hour of their life, moaning in agony and viciously attacking and devouring anything that happens across their path. [b:22d16db54e]Appearance:[/b:22d16db54e] Unlike most revenants, Wailing dead to not show prograssive signs of decay. Instead, they appear mummified and dry and remain so regardless of the environment where they are found. Wailing dead are rarely clothed, but sometimes wear whatever clothing they died in. This clothing is not immune to the effects of decay and will usually rot away in time. Wailing dead also move very quickly, which is probably how their rotted clothing falls away. [b:22d16db54e]Society:[/b:22d16db54e] Wailing dead have no social structure, but due to the nature of their origins, they can be found in packs, roaming aimlessly through deserted areas of the undercity where famine has wiped out entire enclaves of homeless. Victims of the wailing dead are generally devoured completely so the rumor that those killed by them are doomed to join their ranks is unlikely. [b:22d16db54e]Combat[/b:22d16db54e] Wailing dead posess no combat skills. They are infused with supernatural strength that is perhaps twice that of a common zombie and they use that to great advantage. Lone wailing dead have been reported tearing horses limb from limb. Their jaws are incredibly powerful and their bite is strong enough to shear bone and ruin finely crafted plate mail. Wailing dead can be killed by fire, but will eventually succumb to injury from weapons. The preferred stretegy for eliminating them however, is to destroy them in their graves before the hour of their death, or avoid them entirely. f 5740b5687e T Not too far away--in the aforementioned state, but before its unification--a roving city known for its devastation and cannibalism was brought down in part due to an army of self-replicating zombies and living warriors of reknown, including the infamous Harbingers of Chaos. The Wailing Dead definately sound like the sort of horror that could have arisen from that cataclasm. 5d5a6384f3 Something WyldKarde mentioned was a lack of a formal layout/format for non-PC species. This is something that I have been putting off for years now (Famine was supposed to have detailed wolves, bears, and other northern animals). We could use the sentient species format as a starting point, but what information should be covered in an animal's write-up? Just a few semi-random ideas:[list:5d5a6384f3][*:5d5a6384f3] Diet[*:5d5a6384f3] Activity cycle[*:5d5a6384f3] Terrain/habitat[*:5d5a6384f3] Social organisation (formal group name and how many are found in this group)[*:5d5a6384f3] Frequency[*:5d5a6384f3] Market value (as a pet, food, beast of burden, pelt, bounty, useful parts)[*:5d5a6384f3] Creature type (carnivore, Demon, magical creation, etc.)[*:5d5a6384f3] Pseudo-scientific name (I'm not sure if this would end up being neat, or just silly)[*:5d5a6384f3] Variations[*:5d5a6384f3] Behaviours/tactics[*:5d5a6384f3] Aggressiveness[/list:u:5d5a6384f3] 6bbd78564a pack tactics, defend nest/den/lair, defend young, defend territory, defend kill, ritual defence options for all of these (deer fight each other for ass, but run from everything else), curious, cautious, attacks when provoked, attacks only when cornered, pack hunter, solitary hunter, ambush predator, selective predator (attacks: weak, old/young, wounded), scavenger, warning behaviour (growl, rattle, stomp feet), aggressive when afraid, aggressive when injured, aggressive during season (winter, rutting, mating, birth), willing to fight to the death, will pursue to fight to the death (super rare--even humans aren't usually this violent/stupid), can learn behaviour/patterns, behaviour taught from parents (mammals & birds mostly, others instinctive), ] 548de4126a 4c7e383d80 Ship Entry #23The winds have picked up some into the second week of our journey... which is a bit of a mixed blessing. For the faster we go, the sooner we get to where we need to be -- and the sooner my feet will be upon steady land. But oh... until my feet stand upon firm ground, my stomach shall pay the price.... a15c069b6b Ship Entry #3 I have found my saviour! One of the soldiers on board has taken pity upon me and has given me a multitude of hardtack. And while it may taste atrocious, it has been of tremendous aide to my stomach. We have spent much time together the last few days, and he enjoys making me blush by singing many of the bawdy soldier tales they chant upon their long marches. But he is kind, and his heart is true. He has shown me a small portrait of his love, in Byzant, and she is indeed a pretty young maid. I have read the cards for him, and their path looks content and steady. He was rather pleased by that, and over the last days he has slowly begun to try and teach me the art of fighting double-handed with daggers. It has raised some ribbinb from the other soldiers, but I have heard he heas been very quick to defend my honor. Perhaps my culture has been too quick to label all of the human racve. After all, even elves have their outcast.... 29516bebbf Ship Entry #4± 5221eda8e9 There is so much to tell you... BUt I shall begin with a response to the letters which I have receieved you. As for a painting of my apartment suite, I am no longer there, but I have included a charcoal sketch to show you som eof the views from the balcony. NAnd I am as well gald that our Mother Seline had convinced my parents to let me travel away from the Elven lands. I find the elven lands rather boring at the moment. Xarorian and I have finished quite a few bottle of wine amongst the last few hours atnd at the moment, the boring land of our forefathers seems rather conservative for my tasted. Burning down? What do you mean burning down? Who would dare commit such an atrocity against our lands? If you have any idea who might have done such a horrible crim please let me know so that I might give the infor to Volgor. Oh, by the way. I met Volgor. Not quite as bad as everyone makes him out to be. Rather handsome, in fact, considering his situations. And kind enough as I can see. I glanced over your mother's poem, but was not able to read it in depth as my concentration is rather muddled at the moment..... And on that note, I think I shall finish this letter tomorrow.... With my love, forever and eternity, Ceascea G 73b66c612c Ceascea, I am getting ready to have a celebration of the planting of my vineyard for the season, and also of the more profitable year on the horizon from the business deal I have with the Guild. I would like your assistance in the creation of invitations for the guests I will have at the celebration, yourself included. If you would be willing to give your assistance in this reagard, I would be most grateful, and should you ask anything in return, I would be more than willing to hear your price. With Respect, Talon Caldreya g 9d03ff0ebe U I would be more than happy to be of any assistance to you in this matter of invitations for your celebration. And as for a price, our friendship that has been growing steadily over the last months would not allow me to ask anything for such a request. Please let me know when the party will be, and what you would like the invitations to say. I will create a few samples with the information you give me, and them you can choose which one you prefer. I will then crate the invitations and I will need the guest list so I can properly address them for delivery. Ceascea w 1b1638ea88 e Thank you very much for your gracious acceptance of my request for aide during this celebration. Below are the names of those who will be invited as well as a basic outline of the invitation. All else I leave to your capable hands of creativity. Nyx Ceascea Jarek <Jade> Dear <Guest> You are invited to a celebration of the planting for a new season. This is both a celebration of life and of the brighter possibilites that lie on the horizon. I ask all who are invited to join me in reflecting on the events that have brought us together in this time of our good fortune, and to join me in a celebration of the future and the present. In short, let us all get drunk. For those of you who for any reason cannot attend, do not feel heavy of heart, for I understand the business of this time, and this invitation will stand. With Respect, Talon Caldreya P.S. Those of you who have a companion who you feel would have been good to be included in this event, feel free to grand them the honor of joining you. And that is that.... (You may reword this as you please) Talon 8344fcd908 [b:8344fcd908][u:8344fcd908]Kravath[/u:8344fcd908][/b:8344fcd908] [i:8344fcd908]Fear the darkness of Naru Bahl, for it has teeth[/i:8344fcd908] [i:8344fcd908]- The song of the Elder Gods -[/i:8344fcd908] [b:8344fcd908]Description[/b:8344fcd908] Kravath are found in the deep caves of the Naru mountain range. They use their sharp claws and teeth to burrow into the mountains where they nest. Kravath have been the stuff of mystery and legend until only a century ago, when the Heldanic mining outpost of Kono Naruda was wiped out during a Kravath mating frenzy. [b:8344fcd908]Appearance[/b:8344fcd908] In appearance, Kravath are not easilySociety compared to anything else. Their long legs are spiderlike in appearance but are muscular and each leg ends in three sharp claws (Males have four on their rear legs, the additional claw housing a sperm depositor). Their skin is grey and leathery in appearance, but their backs are covered with long, poisonous quills that the Kravath may launch at an enemy using their hind legs. The head of a Kravath is the stuff of nightmares. Roughly two-thirds of the skin on a Kravath's head can retract to reveal four rows of razor-sharp teeth imbedded in gum tissue that releases a corrosive bile if punctured. Kravath have no eyes, but their entire body is covered with slits that seem to act as nostrils, sensing not only odors, but heat and magical fields. Females growth is restriced to the size of her birthing chamber. During mating, a female Kravath will utilize all of the sperm deposited in her ovaries. This causes the female to grow until she fills the nest, upon which time, her body will instantly begin metabolizing the "surplus" young. As a result of this unique trait, female Kravath do not weaken during gestation and retain every measure of their fearsome strength. Male Kravath grow to about the size of horses. [b:8344fcd908]Society[/b:8344fcd908] No living thing has ever looked on an Kravath nest filled with young and lived to tell the tale. The Kravath mother guards the brood, killing anything that approaches, even the males that sired the young. When the brood hatches, they overwhem and devour their mother, then kill and eat one another until only one female is left. The remaining males dig deeper tunnels and hollow out a nest for their sister. In ten years, they will mate with her and the Kravath life cycle will begin anew. [b:8344fcd908]Combat[/b:8344fcd908] Kravath are methodical killers. Their labyrinthine caves are filled with deadfalls, crumbling walls, and boulders that can be triggered to fall at the slightest vibration. In close combat, Kravath will slash and bite with their teeth and claws. At a distance, they will hurl their poison quills at an intruder. Fire seems to agitate Kravath into a frenzy. While this gives a minimal tactical advantage, it should be noted that the destruction of Kono Naruda began shortly after a hasily built brewery accidentaly caught fire. 3283786e2f 2813136ffc Copywrongà 7f643be330 Actually, they eat another creature that lives deep in mountain caves. It's an aquatic creature that lives subterranean lakes. That creature, in turn, lives off of insects that eat fungi that grow on mineral deposists when they are exposed to water. I'll have those fun little buggers in the next two entries. And the fungi...not an enemy, but they're a problem for adventurers for a reason other than being the anchor in this hellish food chain. |
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