heck yeah, we should go on adventures to get better building materials. this is a cultivation quest, so focusing on our foundation should bring benefits.
So, just to be clear, these are pretty literal building materials, things like limestone and marble. You can 100% get them from quests, but mostly in the sense of being rewarded with them or getting wealth to buy them, you're unlikely to actually find them sitting around.
So, just to be clear, these are pretty literal building materials, things like limestone and marble. You can 100% get them from quests, but mostly in the sense of being rewarded with them or getting wealth to buy them, you're unlikely to actually find them sitting around.
At least not in Wessex. On the Continent, you can definitely find some wacky, cultivation grade materials that someone left somewhere and forgot about.
Cultivation grade materials that are compatible with your cultivation, that is.
So, just to be clear, these are pretty literal building materials, things like limestone and marble. You can 100% get them from quests, but mostly in the sense of being rewarded with them or getting wealth to buy them, you're unlikely to actually find them sitting around.
So, with regards to actual Bead progression, are we simply locked from going to 4th Decade before we finish building this thing, or can we go up a Bead each 10% of it we finish, or do we need to finish it before we can go to the first Bead, or do we need to finish it before we can put any Zeal towards the first Bead at all? Or some other thing?
So, with regards to actual Bead progression, are we simply locked from going to 4th Decade before we finish building this thing, or can we go up a Bead each 10% of it we finish, or do we need to finish it before we can go to the first Bead, or do we need to finish it before we can put any Zeal towards the first Bead at all? Or some other thing?
The beads are there to gauge someone's Zeal progress towards the next Decade. They are, effectively, an artificial measurement system applied to the semi-innate Decades system.
So, you can progress on beads without constructing the temple, but cannot progress to the Fourth Decade without having done so.
So, what does the temple actually do? and is this something we need to spend actions/zeal to actually construct or is it assumed that so long as we get the materials its being done is the background?
Also, you might want to add a note about this to the advancement rules.
So, what does the temple actually do? and is this something we need to spend actions/zeal to actually construct or is it assumed that so long as we get the materials its being done is the background?
If it's anything like the Norse system's homesteading, it's about cementing your place in reality. Making your soul more real and giving it weight in the written world, as well as giving it the properties of the building you're turning it into. With the Norse system, you turn your soul into a farm and you can use it to grow cultivation herbs and raise animals. My guess is that a Christian's temple gives them places to store relics and worship more intensely?
So, what does the temple actually do? and is this something we need to spend actions/zeal to actually construct or is it assumed that so long as we get the materials its being done is the background?
It's assumed that you build it as you get the needed materials. No actions or other stuff necessary. As for what it does, well, the better it is, the firmer your foundations, which can have a lot of potential mechanical advantages, though details will vary a lot based on the specific materials. Expect things effecting Grace, Fervor, and Zeal in various ways, but other bonuses are possible as well.
Substandard materials could effect these things badly, to be clear, just as exceptional ones could improve things.
and is this something we need to spend actions/zeal to actually construct or is it assumed that so long as we get the materials its being done is the background?
The actual construction process is done automatically, your soul 'knows' the proper shape to be in—a perk of having it all mapped out ;P—all you have to do is infuse materials with Zeal (which does cost Zeal unless you're buying pre-infused materials, which are much more expensive) and then accept said materials into your soul.
Gosh, can you imagine a cultivation style where you had to design your own inner soul structure? Constantly hoping that you hadn't forgotten something, and fearing that what you did have was insufficient to withstand whatever unknown forces or transitions your soul would encounter as you progressed?
hmm. assumiong they use a similar system, the people in the papal state must have awesome temples, IIRC there was marble around there which should be a pretty good one.
How is quality determined? The base material? The amount of zeal infused in it? would chiseling inscriptions, biblical tales or even just things that mean a lot to Audrey improve said quality or dos that have no effect?
The actual construction process is done automatically, your soul 'knows' the proper shape to be in—a perk of having it all mapped out ;P—all you have to do is infuse materials with Zeal (which does cost Zeal unless you're buying pre-infused materials, which are much more expensive) and then accept said materials into your soul.
How much zeal? In relative terms. Also why have money if not spend it? I'm willing to go for more expansive already infused materials (so long as we can ensure quality) for a good portion of it.
Its basically buying zeal with gold and zeal is our main advancement resource.
How is quality determined? The base material? The amount of zeal infused in it? would chiseling inscriptions, biblical tales or even just things that mean a lot to Audrey improve said quality or dos that have no effect?
Quality of the material is determined by the base material, mostly, though Zeal is also important. Decoration to the best of Audrey's abilities is assumed, but a truly impressive artisan hired to make it really special might offer increased bonuses.
How much zeal? In relative terms. Also why have money if not spend it? I'm willing to go for more expansive already infused materials (so long as we can ensure quality) for a good portion of it.
Its basically buying zeal with gold and zeal is our main advancement resource.
Gosh, can you imagine a cultivation style where you had to design your own inner soul structure? Constantly hoping that you hadn't forgotten something, and fearing that what you did have was insufficient to withstand whatever unknown forces or transitions your soul would encounter as you progressed?
Resources are not a major factor in every cultivation system in this world but any one where only certain people cultivate, well, there's usually a reason for the limited number of cultivators. Resource scarcity is definitely a part of it for the Carolingian system.
Audrey understood Gilbert's position. He was small, not physically gifted, and yet elevated to a high position in a martial culture that was expected to wage war at need. She could not honestly say she didn't understand where he had been–because she knew full-well what it was like to be the one who stood out in a crowd of rambunctious youths.
True, she had surpassed them all and left them in her wake, as was proper, but she could beat them at their own game, in a way that they understood–and the activities of a Squire were held to higher standards than that of Pages. Their behaviour reflected on the Knight who patronised them, and Gilbert had few options that wouldn't make him look like the aggressor.
He was in a rough position, and she sympathised.
"Very well, you have my word, I won't speak to any of the Knights about this matter, but it cannot be left unchecked. Tell me who is responsible."
Gilbert looks her in the eye for a moment, and deflates somewhat from his prior panic. "It was Holman Waering." He exhales, defeated. "He's been coming after me since day one, whenever I try to break off from the group. He seems to have a chip on his shoulder, and has decided I'm the easiest target of his ire."
Audrey's mouth furrows, as she recalls what she knew about the young Thane. A little older than she was, a little more experienced, considered promising–but with a bad attitude. Still, he was a Waering, and here in Warwick proper, that effectively made him close to nobility. It wasn't a good sign, but the fact he was focusing on Gilbert suggested that he didn't have confidence trying his nonsense on more than one at a time.
"Very well." Audrey nodded. "As promised, I won't speak on the matter." She says. "That doesn't mean I will do nothing–if he fears challenging any of the rest of us, all that remains is making sure that you are no longer such an easy mark for him, is it not?"
Gilbert seems confused for a moment. "I'm already training with you and the others though, and that hasn't stopped him, right?"
"Yes, yes." Audrey waves it off. "The fundamental issue is that your physique isn't very intimidating" His gaze darkens, but freezes as Audrey continues. "That's not unusual, I didn't precisely begin my path as a paragon of chivalry myself!" She puffed herself up, her confidence buoying her. "So I'll simply instruct you!"
"Uh…" Gilbert blinks, concerned. "Instruct me in…"
"How to fend off pesky boys who think they can bully you, right this way!" She grasps Gilbert's hand, and happily drags him off into the distance. "The first rule you need to keep in mind is how to hurt them without actually damaging them, because the monks really get snitty when you do that. It gets a little complicated when they have Maegen, but my mother said that…"
Why was Gilbert getting all red all of a sudden? A little jog like this couldn't possibly have been enough to have him winded yet! They were barely even moving!
0~0~0
Good exercise, warm sunlight, and an open field to practise with! It was always a great time to get a little work done, and while Gilbert seems to have melted down at some point in her lecture, he was still there, and still listening to her. Perfect!
"~~and finally, you always have to remember that a pinch to the ear can drag even someone stronger than you to their knees." she concluded, crossing her arms as she surveyed the training ground. "Nobody wants to lose their ear because they'd look silly even if it can be grown back, so they'll do half the work for you."
"That's… Terrifying…" Gilbert gasped out. "Is that why mothers are so strong?"
"No idea, but it worked for me when I was younger!" Audrey chirped happily. "Now, we'll do some practice here, I'll demonstrate some of the safer moves first, so you can see how they work." She cracked her knuckles together. "Gently of course, no real force so it won't hurt, but you'll get a feel for how it works, and nobody will ever admit to being beaten with these kinds of moves anyway, so you should be able to ward off even the most dedicated pursuit with…"
Her web snaps
Audrey's attention snapped to the corner, a hand resting on the pommel of her sword. "Who's there? Show yourself!"
She senses the susurration of quiet voices, and hears a few muffled phrases–but nothing clear enough to overhear at this distance. But a moment later, who should emerge from the path the two Squires had just taken but the very same Holman Waering, flanked by two retainers, with two more at his back… No real arms or armor on them beyond the usual work knives—not Thanes, then. Just… Just helpers? Minions, maybe?
The smug prick looked much like the cat that caught the canary as he sauntered forward, his gait full of bravado and mien that of a particularly snide toad. "Well, well, well. Here I was thinking you'd keep hiding behind your Master's shield, Audrey Eotenslaga!" He laughed with dark mirth. "But no, here you are, trying to salvage a waste of space and you didn't even have the decency to come prepared!"
His minions stepped forward, burly sorts, but they didn't seem to be proper Thanes, not professional fighters. Porters maybe? Irrelevant. Why was he starting a fight here? Against two Squires? Was he going to ignore the Ealdorman's decree? What gave him the courage to…
The rustle of her shirt in the wind made the answer abundantly clear. Of course, she could hardly wear her plate when she was trying to be discreet! He might be wary of challenging a Squire who was ready for action at a moment's notice, but a soft spoken target and a 'Girl?' Especially one who had recently stood out? That might have been a bet he was willing to take.
Was he an idiot though?
"Do you really think that I'm just going to let you cause problems while I'm right here?" Audrey deadpanned, stepping between Holman's toughs and Gilbert, lowering her grip to be ready to draw at a moment's notice. "We may have orders not to start a battle, but none in Wessex would dare blame one for acting in defence of another."
"You're absolutely correct!" Holman grinned wolfishly. "Ealdorman Rothulf was very clear to us, that we shouldn't sabotage the King's efforts. I'm just here with my associates." He gestured to his still advancing toughs, who hesitated for only a moment until they continued advancing. "They've got some debts that they need to pick up on, just business you see, but if they should find themselves harassed by some upjumped Cornish tart."
Tart?
Tart?
"Well, then I won't have any choice but to interve…."
Her blade screamed outward, black-red lightning coating as a great stroke was to cast both heaps of trash to the dirt, only to be met by an outstretched spear.
"Goodness, temper temper, typical of an Eotenslaga" Holman grinned. "I had a great speech in mind, and I didn't even need it." Audrey felt the encroachment of an opposing Hama field fill the air. "You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this."
0~0~0
You are taking out the trash right now, these peasants are barely able to stand let alone meet you in battle! Regardless, the top of the garbage pile in question is Holman Waering, armed with a spear and shield like the coward that he is. He likely has respectable reach, and like many Thanes is skilled at throwing weapons. He also outnumbers you, and if he wasn't going to use his little dust-mites to inconvenience you, he'd have let you bring them to their knees to make it absolutely unambiguous that you were the aggressor, therefore, he is likely to fall back and let his goons soften you up while revealing your techniques to him, possibly preparing something that needs time to warm up maybe?
Either way, minions are not going to be a great obstruction on their own, a nuisance at best, but one that might rapidly become a problem once Holman starts to act. That you lack your plate means that you can't completely dismiss them as a potential hazard though. Chaff, really, but you have to separate it from the wheat if you're going to have a good harvest.
Holman himself is significantly more dangerous, a step beyond the bandits you've encountered. Cleaning him up will be more challenging, you don't know enough about him to determine specifically how he fights, though the Waering are known to have a piercing gaze that can bind the body of their foes, which could be problematic if he uses it at the wrong time.
Make a combat plan for Audrey, these options assume she fights with her sword still in its sheath to keep things…relatively nonlethal:
[ ] Sample Combat Plan
-[ ] Stance: Pick 8 Prayers or Feats to use in this combat (from the Stance Options list below).
-[ ] Martial Style: Audrey has time to select what Martial Style she starts out in. List that here, put any planned changes in Tactics below.
-[ ] Expenditures: As an optional entry, you may state how much Zeal you are willing to expend in this combat and on what.
-[ ] Tactics: Describe what you are going to do.
For ease of reference, here are the possible options for a Stance, arranged by category with costs and a brief summary of effects (including current equipment bonuses). Full descriptions may be found on the character sheet. For reference and comparison purposes, basic attacks deal 10 Damage (with Audrey's sword sheathed and lacking armour).
Ongoing Effects:
-Litany of Resolve (No Cost): Provides increased mental defences.
-Perfect Footing (No Cost): Never trip normally, provides resistance to being tripped or having your footing messed with.
-Prayer For Perseverance (5 Fervour per turn): Lets you ignore Stamina and fight forever.
-Strandsense (No Cost): Allows perceiving stuff within a nearby area via invisible web.
-Vanguard's Prayer (6 Fervour per turn): Grants +1 Speed and a +2 bonus on attacks.
Attacks:
-Darting Strike (3 Fervour): Draw a weapon, charge, and attack. Provides movement, +1 initiative as an opener, deals 15 Damage. (Damage halved for using sword-in-scabbard)
-Faulty Ground (5 Fervour): Trips an enemy. Deals 10 Damage ignoring most resistances and renders them prone.
-Francisca Toss (8 Fervour) Tosses a francis…I mean a rock, it tosses a rock, as a ranged attack.+1 initiative as an opener, deals 20 Damage. (Using a rock, this does less damage and does not destroy shields)
-Giant-Killing Blow (15 Fervour): Big attack. Deals 60 Damage (including a minimum of 30 to armour). (Damage halved for using sword-in-scabbard)
-Horde-Breaking Charge (8 Fervour): Charges and body checks one or more people. Provides movement, knocks people prone, deals 20 damage.
-Limb-Breaking Hold (10 Fervour): Wrestling hold (so needs a hand free). Deals 20 Damage ignoring most resistances and breaks a limb.
-Sweeping Slash (8 Fervour): Multiattack. Hits up to three nearby targets for 15 Damage each. (Damage halved for using sword-in-scabbard)
Defences:
-Clever Deflection (3 Fervour): Defends and, if successful, creates an opening in the opponent's guard.
Remember when you folks took the Enemy Drawback? Well...
On a mechanical note, everyone should remember that, as Audrey is not wearing her Knightly Armour, her stats are reduced accordingly, including (most relevantly for combat planning) her Replenish being halved comparatively.
If these guys aren't cultivators then Hordebreaker should be able to no sell them. That leaves keeping Gilbert safe and dealing with Holman.
he seems to be planning on painting us as the agressors, but there's no way anyone would go out to pick a 5 on 2 fight without their armor. That simplifies things because as long as we can keep it nonlethal we should be fine from a PR perspective.
Horde breaking charge should let us bash right through their screen and go after Holman. Gilbert is bad at combat but there's no way he actually loses against a few mortals.
so as far as stances go, I think perfect footing, strand sense, vanguard's prayer, and prayer for perserverence, and horde breaking charge and clever deflection are good.
that leaves two other slots open. Faulty Ground+Giant Killing Blow has been pretty reliable, but the decrease in damage means that that is probably not worth it .
instead I propose Faulty Ground + Limb Breaking Hold. Taking him to the ground hard and fast should help deal with whatever weapon tricks he has and the armor negating damage is good against his hama field and minimizes how much this fight will actually cost the war effort since no one will actually have to repair his armor. Wrestling on the ground should be a pretty good location for Faulty Ground, I'm imagining conjuring rock like protrusions from the ground as we try to slam his head into them.
