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Of Winding Ways and Cunning Devices

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[X] One of the first.
-[X] Fascination, here is one who even in defeat is great and lordly, one of the blood of those lesser men call gods (Cost 1 Bonus Point Gain Trait Black Numanorian, you are one of those who saw the wisdom of Sauron earely and in some small way benefited from his rise +6 Learning +3 Intrigue Can learn some of the dark arts he brings to the land)
-[X] The Library, books are more fragile than gold and silver, but rarer than gemstones... and unlike them you can both take them in your mind and pass them on (Rare tomes on subjects mundane and arcane Roll 2d6 for subject)

Redemption arc.
I like them.
 
I am not very fond of redemption arc, but I am more calmer knowing that it is possible.
 
I'm not sure about redemption arc, I'm against going full dark lord that for sure. Anyway I think it lot easier to move MC from being good\heroic to being more in gray area then from dark to grey.
 
OK, looks like we are going Black Numenorean with a friend among the Faithful. Never would have guessed this at the start. I love that about quests
Adhoc vote count started by DragonParadox on Nov 11, 2022 at 2:02 AM, finished with 94 posts and 21 votes.
  • [X] One of the first.
    [X] One of the first.
    -[X] Fascination, here is one who even in defeat is great and lordly, one of the blood of those lesser men call gods (Cost 1 Bonus Point Gain Trait Black Numanorian, you are one of those who saw the wisdom of Sauron earely and in some small way benefited from his rise +6 Learning +3 Intrigue Can learn some of the dark arts he brings to the land)
    -[X] The Library, books are more fragile than gold and silver, but rarer than gemstones... and unlike them you can both take them in your mind and pass them on (Rare tomes on subjects mundane and arcane Roll 2d6 for subject)
    [X] Palacendo
    -[X] Revulsion, a trick of the light perhaps, a grain of sand in the eye, but as you blink he seems to you kin in spirit to the most loathsomeness men you have ever faced in a duel, killers with a bitter smile oiling their blades with poison (Cost 1 Bonus Point Gain Trait Clear-Sighted, they say the Edain saw through the deception of Morgoth long ago and turned their face from him, perhaps some glimmer of that wisdom shines in your gaze +1 Diplomacy +25 to all rolls to reveal trickery and deception.)
    -[X] The stables, you stumble in and there you find... (A New Friend?)
    [X] Visit to library
    -[X] Revulsion, a trick of the light perhaps, a grain of sand in the eye, but as you blink he seems to you kin in spirit to the most loathsomeness men you have ever faced in a duel, killers with a bitter smile oiling their blades with poison (Cost 1 Bonus Point Gain Trait Clear-Sighted, they say the Edain saw through the deception of Morgoth long ago and turned their face from him, perhaps some glimmer of that wisdom shines in your gaze +1 Diplomacy +25 to all rolls to reveal trickery and deception.)
    -[X] The Library, books are more fragile than gold and silver, but rarer than gemstones... and unlike them you can both take them in your mind and pass them on (Rare tomes on subjects mundane and arcane Roll 2d6 for subject)
    [X] Palacendo
    [X] Visit to library
    [X] Moar Friends
    -[X] Vindication, behold one of those who was right hand of the Great Enemy as he kneels and begs for mercy of the King of Numanor (Gain 1 Bonus Point)
    -[X] The treasury, seat of wealth beyond the dreams of avarice, the merest fraction of which would be enough for a temperate man to live a life of easy for life, a less temperate one perhaps less so (Gain Wealth with which to found a small mercenary company, found a merchant house etc...)
    -[X] The dungeons, most would not think of the opportunity, but there is sure to be profit in freeing the prisoners of note within (Roll for friendly contacts with one of the other powers of Middle Earth)
    -[X] The stables, you stumble in and there you find... (A New Friend?)
Click to expand...
 
Well, at least we have decent Learning now...
*Morally preparing for Redemption Arc Battles*
 
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Arc 0 Part 5: In Hidden Halls
  • Threadmarks
    • In Hidden Halls ​

    Deep is the lore of Sauron who was defeated but stands tall and even his chains he bears with lordly grace. While others rushed to fill their hands with gold and silver you and a few others of your company whom you know as wise of thought and careful of deed seek out the sorcerer's lore, though again Ular warns against. It in the end he relented 'so as to keep you from worse trouble.'

    The familiar words draw a laugh from you in memory of that day in Nindamos when you had almost lost your head from trysting with the legate's daughters. Alas there are no beautiful women with lips that taste of cherry pits and eyes that promise delights in the halls of Sauron, it is a dark and gloomy place abode of blinded archivists who by touch alone may find the scrolls they cannot read.

    Many are put to the sword in the sack that follows, but by chance and boldness you manage to find find one of the eldest of them who knows how the shelves of slate are ordered and who knows the tongue of Westernese to tell you.

    Which scrolls and tomes do you recover from the wreck of Umbar and the fall of Sauron's realm?
    Choose One (1):

    [] The Humors of Flesh, how to brew potions that heal the body and inflame the mind, potions to kill without a mark or in unspeakable pain, cordials to fortify one though the long journeys, incense that brings forgetfulness or nightmare (Roll 1d6 diplomacy and 1d6 intrigue)

    [] Spells of Steel and Blood, how to forge hate into as sword and spite into an arrow, leaving the battle half won before it is begun (Roll 1d6 Martial and 1d6 Learning)

    [] Gifts of Fire, how to unleash the wrath of flame and ruin from charcoal, sulfur and the leavings of man as well as how one might guard against it with high and cunning walls (Roll 1d6 Martial and 1d6 Stewardship)

    [] Scrolls of the Forsaken, how to bargain and even to bind the dark spirits that linger in the world of flesh, Houseless elves that deny the call of the Western Shores, petty spirits of spite and rage cast off from the ruin of Angband (2d6 Learning; 1d6 Intrigue -1d4 Diplomacy)

    [] Tablets of Song and Ruin, writ upon stone for no parchment could bear the weight of it, the deep wisdom to fear an echo of the world's song and by great effort of Fea change some small note of it. Power in its purest form and for men its most perilous(+1d6 to all stats; Dangerous to Use)

    OOC: Well you rolled interesting, between the synergy with Fascination, meaning that Sauron's servants guided you and Ular on the other side keeping you safe from some perils. Rule One of using magic (magia or goetia), Eriol is a human and thus not really that well equipped to use it so the more degrees of separation exist between him and the magic the safer he is especially as Guldur is inherently unforgiving. I thought about also including the vote about what you do after the war, but not everything I have in mind is synergistic with every option so better to just let this stand on its own and then once that is rolled up and you see the stats taking shape you guys can decide where you want to take Eriol.
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • This is a surprisingly tough choice.
    [X] The Humors of Flesh, how to brew potions that heal the body and inflame the mind, potions to kill without a mark or in unspeakable pain, cordials to fortify one though the long journeys, incense that brings forgetfulness or nightmare (Roll 1d6 diplomacy and 1d6 intrigue)

    [X] Gifts of Fire, how to unleash the wrath of flame and ruin from charcoal, sulfur and the leavings of man as well as how one might guard against it with high and cunning walls (Roll 1d6 Martial and 1d6 Stewardship)
     
    [] The Humors of Flesh, how to brew potions that heal the body and inflame the mind, potions to kill without a mark or in unspeakable pain, cordials to fortify one though the long journeys, incense that brings forgetfulness or nightmare (Roll 1d6 diplomacy and 1d6 intrigue)

    This seems by far the most useful personally. Magic medicine in medieval Europe? Kings would stand in line for our attention.

    I assume the ingredients wouldn't be something native to ME, cuz that would suck majorly.

    [] Spells of Steel and Blood, how to forge hate into as sword and spite into an arrow, leaving the battle half won before it is begun (Roll 1d6 Martial and 1d6 Learning)

    My personal favorite. I like me some martial characters and martial spell casters.

    [] Gifts of Fire, how to unleash the wrath of flame and ruin from charcoal, sulfur and the leavings of man as well as how one might guard against it with high and cunning walls (Roll 1d6 Martial and 1d6 Stewardship)

    Probably most useful for our future domain.

    But we all know what we have to pick...

    [X] Tablets of Song and Ruin, writ upon stone for no parchment could bear the weight of it, the deep wisdom to fear an echo of the world's song and by great effort of Fea change some small note of it. Power in its purest form and for men its most perilous(+1d6 to all stats; Dangerous to Use)

    Having to find balance between hubris, arrogance and fear of failing would be absolutely amazing.
     
    [X] Spells of Steel and Blood, how to forge hate into as sword and spite into an arrow, leaving the battle half won before it is begun (Roll 1d6 Martial and 1d6 Learning)

    I would prefer this, although every choice has its advantages...
     
    [X] Tablets of Song and Ruin, writ upon stone for no parchment could bear the weight of it, the deep wisdom to fear an echo of the world's song and by great effort of Fea change some small note of it. Power in its purest form and for men its most perilous(+1d6 to all stats; Dangerous to Use)

    [X] The Humors of Flesh, how to brew potions that heal the body and inflame the mind, potions to kill without a mark or in unspeakable pain, cordials to fortify one though the long journeys, incense that brings forgetfulness or nightmare (Roll 1d6 diplomacy and 1d6 intrigue)

    Full sorcerer of alchemist.
     
    [X] Tablets of Song and Ruin, writ upon stone for no parchment could bear the weight of it, the deep wisdom to fear an echo of the world's song and by great effort of Fea change some small note of it. Power in its purest form and for men its most perilous(+1d6 to all stats; Dangerous to Use

    Huh looks like we're a simp for Sauron. Oh well, might as well go all the way.

    This is just phenomenal stat gain even barring the ability this lets us to change parts of Eru's song. We wouldn't even need to use it that much.
     
    Kairos said:
    [X] Tablets of Song and Ruin, writ upon stone for no parchment could bear the weight of it, the deep wisdom to fear an echo of the world's song and by great effort of Fea change some small note of it. Power in its purest form and for men its most perilous(+1d6 to all stats; Dangerous to Use

    Huh looks like we're a simp for Sauron. Oh well, might as well go all the way.

    This is just phenomenal stat gain even barring the ability this lets us to change parts of Eru's song. We wouldn't even need to use it that much.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Well you would not be changing Eru's song... there were two of them you know. Melkor's Discord still resounds through the Arda and his scattered essence is in all things, bringing them to ruin.
    *Yes technically all evil may yet be good, but that is a question for when you look upon the Fall
     
    [X] Gifts of Fire, how to unleash the wrath of flame and ruin from charcoal, sulfur and the leavings of man as well as how one might guard against it with high and cunning walls (Roll 1d6 Martial and 1d6 Stewardship)

    This seems like a reasonably sane alchemy.
    Blackpowder and architecture will both be extremly useful in future endevours.
     
    [X] Tablets of Song and Ruin, writ upon stone for no parchment could bear the weight of it, the deep wisdom to fear an echo of the world's song and by great effort of Fea change some small note of it. Power in its purest form and for men its most perilous(+1d6 to all stats; Dangerous to Use)
     
    [X] Gifts of Fire, how to unleash the wrath of flame and ruin from charcoal, sulfur and the leavings of man as well as how one might guard against it with high and cunning walls (Roll 1d6 Martial and 1d6 Stewardship)

    OR

    [X] Tablets of Song and Ruin, writ upon stone for no parchment could bear the weight of it, the deep wisdom to fear an echo of the world's song and by great effort of Fea change some small note of it. Power in its purest form and for men its most perilous(+1d6 to all stats; Dangerous to Use)
     
    DragonParadox said:
    Well you would not be changing Eru's song... there were two of them you know. Melkor's Discord still resounds through the Arda and his scattered essence is in all things, bringing them to ruin.
    *Yes technically all evil may yet be good, but that is a question for when you look upon the Fall
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Hey, got to learn how to play the Music somewhere. What better place to start then Melkor's freeform jazz?
     
    [X] The Humors of Flesh, how to brew potions that heal the body and inflame the mind, potions to kill without a mark or in unspeakable pain, cordials to fortify one though the long journeys, incense that brings forgetfulness or nightmare (Roll 1d6 diplomacy and 1d6 intrigue)

    Gotta be this one for me. It allows access to capabilities which are otherwise inaccessible- magical healing, enhancement, mental alteration. That's something we just otherwise won't have.

    In contrast, Fire or Steel&Blood are mostly about Fight Good. However I already expect us to be able to Fight Good to all the extent we will need to, so the capability feels redundant. Forsaken has a stat penalty, so no, and the Tablets are so dangerous that I worry they would be nothing but the stat bonus (even if it's a very nice stat bonus).
     
    DarkLight140 said:
    It allows access to capabilities which are otherwise inaccessible- magical healing, enhancement, mental alteration.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Oh, I've remebered "Star Wars: The Old Republic" and my healer Sith-Inquisitor. I think this magical healing will have something the same :D
    I am not saying that it is bad – it is still healing after all.
     
    Adhoc vote count started by No7sHere on Nov 11, 2022 at 5:26 AM, finished with 13 posts and 9 votes.
    • [X] Tablets of Song and Ruin, writ upon stone for no parchment could bear the weight of it, the deep wisdom to fear an echo of the world's song and by great effort of Fea change some small note of it. Power in its purest form and for men its most perilous(+1d6 to all stats; Dangerous to Use)
      [X] The Humors of Flesh, how to brew potions that heal the body and inflame the mind, potions to kill without a mark or in unspeakable pain, cordials to fortify one though the long journeys, incense that brings forgetfulness or nightmare (Roll 1d6 diplomacy and 1d6 intrigue)
      [X] Gifts of Fire, how to unleash the wrath of flame and ruin from charcoal, sulfur and the leavings of man as well as how one might guard against it with high and cunning walls (Roll 1d6 Martial and 1d6 Stewardship)
      [X] Spells of Steel and Blood, how to forge hate into as sword and spite into an arrow, leaving the battle half won before it is begun (Roll 1d6 Martial and 1d6 Learning)
    Click to expand...

    Come on guys, we can't be a proper creepy advisor without a secret lab with ominously bubbling concoctions.
     
    [X] Tablets of Song and Ruin, writ upon stone for no parchment could bear the weight of it, the deep wisdom to fear an echo of the world's song and by great effort of Fea change some small note of it. Power in its purest form and for men its most perilous(+1d6 to all stats; Dangerous to Use)
     
    [X] Tablets of Song and Ruin, writ upon stone for no parchment could bear the weight of it, the deep wisdom to fear an echo of the world's song and by great effort of Fea change some small note of it. Power in its purest form and for men its most perilous(+1d6 to all stats; Dangerous to Use)

    Looking interesting. I imagine after the fall Eriol will be very very reluctant to use something so very tainted.
     
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