- Location
- Leeds
I could believe there was a time difference but I doubt that it would be enough to significantly influence our lifespan without someone remarking on it.
By the process of elimination: Low humidity then.
Blades without a Banner
- Thread starter Shine
- Start date
By the process of elimination: Low humidity then.
No I mean, what part of the prophesy is it referring to? (in relation to Geln)
and then why is it barring our progress?
Is it... because our culture grants us increased resistance to divine magics that Geln doesn't recognize, or is it because the concept of the Islefolk being a SUSSSY secret Elf magitech research station on humans is so distressingly heretical that Geln's unconscious muscles refuses to move the door for that sweet conspiracy lewt!
Or it' simply because
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How
why
what
a flash of inspiration immediately dissolves into a farce
Edit: That was too harsh, actually.
I'm sorry.
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- Location
- Leeds
So we're in a roll under system, the -1 reduces the bar we need to get under, meaning Islefolk have a harder time resisting, and are more susceptible not less.
Ah, I see...
I'm used to seeing the opposite in most systems, my bad.
- Location
- Leeds
No worries and don't worry too much about Shine, quite a few people made the mistake once but not everyone actually read the thread to see those previous corrections.
[x] 'I don't know. I don't think I'll ever know. The priests will understand, though… I wonder how they'll stop us from learning from them as well.'
[x] Dilettante
[x] Dilettante
- Location
- Germany
Divine Magic?
(Divine Runes?)
[X] 'I don't know. I don't think I'll ever know. The priests will understand, though… I wonder how they'll stop us from learning from them as well.'
[X] Survivor: +1 Armour
Farewells
Mother. Father. Tamara, Silvyn, Varos, Heln.
I am alive and well. When this reaches you, I will already have spent some time upon the Far Continent, and although it is cold and very foreign, I think I will survive.
————————
Silvos.
I'm sorry.
There's not much I can say that I haven't already said to you. Iwill am wish I had more time at the end, to try and make it right by you. I didn't mean to hurt you with my recklessness, but my intentions didn't spare you.
I will follow your example, and try to make a better man of myself in this new place, instead of attacking every moment head on.
You are strong and patient; you will recover. I'm sorry you have to.
I had some things I couldn't take with me. Knowing our parents, they're keeping it for me. I entrust them to you to distribute as you see fit and fair; I would prefer if you kept whatever you wanted. I understand that you might not want gifts at this point, but I think you should receive the blood-price. You were his family too, and I should have remembered that first.
Maybe one day, I will see you again. If it is not better by then, I will do what I can to make it so.
—————————————
I Can Has Will there be you
It feels strange, because I cannot possibly expect a return letter, but I cannot write without asking.
Mother, Father, I hope that you will not move. We have disagreements with Yonai's kin, but they cannot possibly be so brash to make trouble for their elders. If they do, and you wish to settle it outside of court, remember to ask my friends for aid. Whatever they think of me now, Itrust regret know that they can keep you safe. Five of them are worth his entire family. Tell Tyr goodbye for me; he doesn't understand anything, and will miss me. At least, he always did like your garden better than my apartment.
I promise even in this foreign land, I will not dishonour you further, and will remember how you raised me. I do not know what the future holds, but I can only hope you would be proud of how I face it.
Illaoi, Harkos and Pelyta will not ask it, but if it comes to it, tell them to consider the favours they owe me settled.
Tamara, how is your son and your husband? Do the Lazarites understand our ways; do you understand theirs? I wish your family all the best. I still think your son has talent for magic, even if you do not believe in it. It might not be something you can teach yourself, but at least one of your neighbours must know how to read.
When you have more children, I pray you and them will be well.
Silvyn, thank you for looking out for your twin. You and he don't see eye to eye on many things, but I know you will do the right thing.
When you do go adventuring, take it easy at first! You will need time to adjust. The sun and the heat and dry are worse than the sailors boast! Bring water and extra food, and be careful not to wear your steel too much. The first few weeks, I was drinking like a fish, and still almost passed out! Even now, I think I'm going through water near half again as fast as back home. If not for all this snow, I don't know what I'd do.
I'm sure you'll find good friends on your travels. Journeys are far easier with them, no matter to where or why.
Varos, how's your business going? I admit that I still don't know what to make of it, this idea of 'loaning' books out instead of just selling them, or why you think Kalastur would be such a good place for it, but you are much better at maths than I am, so I'm sure your chances are good.
If you still need a bit more seed money for it, you might want to chat to Silvos about it. When he's ready, anyways.
I like your stories better than these foreign ones, though. Less ridiculous. Just sell (or.. lend?) those, really!
Heln, how's your apprenticeship going? I know that you don't really plan on being a cliff-walker, but it's still a useful set of skills to have. I should be proof enough that life can be strange sometimes, so it's always good to have a back up plan. Plus, you shouldn't waste your uncle's time, even if he's near retired nowadays.
I still think you should follow our dreams, though. Thane Erik is a better man than you and I; that's why he's Thane. He will not judge by blood, and if your fellows do, beat them into the floor until they don't. They will not respect you otherwise, and I know they will respect you.
But those are distant dreams. I know you won't listen, but try be more like a child; it will not last forever.
For myself,this place is not too bad.
I should tell you everything I can. Even travelling here has been extremely strange; I doubt it'll improve on land! Mere weeks after we set out, we encountered a sleeping sea-giant. Tamara, you would have bled to see it- it was like we had stepped into an ancient story! Its eye alone was as tall as me. Upon its back were the ruins of a war beneath the sea and carcasses of Continental ships, guarded by magical beasts. We killed dozens of those beasts and pillaged nearly three hundred in salvage before we realised the island was all part of some greater titan…
We are very lucky it was only annoyed.
And that's not all, even! We rescued another foreigner ship, which had been crippled by the mere wake of such a monster; then, we found yet another mysterious island, clearly an outpost of the Elves, left to rot. As one of the best blades present (as if I needed flattery), I had the privilege of going down there….
What we found it.. it was dangerous. Horrifying. Worst, it was something I'm not sure I'll ever explain; how we fought it was a miracle alone, let alone that no one died.
It is dead, and that is a great thing. Blessed Kolo bars me from saying more, and if you knew what I do you may not wish to know. Knowing certainly hasn't improved my life.
We were also attacked by slaving hobgoblins. Yes, hobgoblins! The peoples of this new world are very different, but they are no kinder than the foreigners over there. The priests think that there are worthwhile allies nonetheless (the non-slaving hobgoblins- yes, multiple groups!), so I trust their hearts are greater than first impressions tell me.
They are brave though, and stronger than you'd think. Perhaps unprepared to face us, but who is?
But… despite all these adventures, those are not the strangest things. Maybe one day, I will forget, and only recall the quests, and even then only as half remembered dreams, but I assure you that mere violence against strange creatures is far from the most eery thing.
The most eery thing is living. It is the sun, that rises in the morning like a blinding flame, so consistent it can measure time; it is the sunshine that cooks you like boiling water, the air so thin and dry it feels like you could tear it. It is the snow in summer (!?); it is the absence of cover in every direction, replaced by glittering seas, pure blue like gemstones, instead of sensible tones. It is waking up on a hammock instead of a mattress, eating with faces I do not know and never will, doing work I don't understand in between learning a foreign tongue, and the knowledge that it will not get better, because I cannot go back. Here, I am amongst our kin; friends, even. What will it be like in truly foreign lands?
I am homesick.
There is nothing to be done about it, though. The tide goes out, and I must follow.
I am not sure if it will help, but thank you for thinking of me while I am so far away. I hear that Darkwater and Dale have other interest groups further south, and if I find them, I will try to speak to you again through them. Perhaps there is a place for people like me here; it's certainly big enough. Or maybe I will change instead, and the next time you hear from me, you will not know me; I doubt it, but if this proves anything, it is that the future is never what you quite expect.
Goddess protect you, in everything you do.
Goodbye.
Your son and brother, Geln.
I am alive and well. When this reaches you, I will already have spent some time upon the Far Continent, and although it is cold and very foreign, I think I will survive.
————————
Silvos.
I'm sorry.
There's not much I can say that I haven't already said to you. I
I will follow your example, and try to make a better man of myself in this new place, instead of attacking every moment head on.
You are strong and patient; you will recover. I'm sorry you have to.
I had some things I couldn't take with me. Knowing our parents, they're keeping it for me. I entrust them to you to distribute as you see fit and fair; I would prefer if you kept whatever you wanted. I understand that you might not want gifts at this point, but I think you should receive the blood-price. You were his family too, and I should have remembered that first.
Maybe one day, I will see you again. If it is not better by then, I will do what I can to make it so.
—————————————
It feels strange, because I cannot possibly expect a return letter, but I cannot write without asking.
Mother, Father, I hope that you will not move. We have disagreements with Yonai's kin, but they cannot possibly be so brash to make trouble for their elders. If they do, and you wish to settle it outside of court, remember to ask my friends for aid. Whatever they think of me now, I
I promise even in this foreign land, I will not dishonour you further, and will remember how you raised me. I do not know what the future holds, but I can only hope you would be proud of how I face it.
Illaoi, Harkos and Pelyta will not ask it, but if it comes to it, tell them to consider the favours they owe me settled.
Tamara, how is your son and your husband? Do the Lazarites understand our ways; do you understand theirs? I wish your family all the best. I still think your son has talent for magic, even if you do not believe in it. It might not be something you can teach yourself, but at least one of your neighbours must know how to read.
When you have more children, I pray you and them will be well.
Silvyn, thank you for looking out for your twin. You and he don't see eye to eye on many things, but I know you will do the right thing.
When you do go adventuring, take it easy at first! You will need time to adjust. The sun and the heat and dry are worse than the sailors boast! Bring water and extra food, and be careful not to wear your steel too much. The first few weeks, I was drinking like a fish, and still almost passed out! Even now, I think I'm going through water near half again as fast as back home. If not for all this snow, I don't know what I'd do.
I'm sure you'll find good friends on your travels. Journeys are far easier with them, no matter to where or why.
Varos, how's your business going? I admit that I still don't know what to make of it, this idea of 'loaning' books out instead of just selling them, or why you think Kalastur would be such a good place for it, but you are much better at maths than I am, so I'm sure your chances are good.
If you still need a bit more seed money for it, you might want to chat to Silvos about it. When he's ready, anyways.
I like your stories better than these foreign ones, though. Less ridiculous. Just sell (or.. lend?) those, really!
Heln, how's your apprenticeship going? I know that you don't really plan on being a cliff-walker, but it's still a useful set of skills to have. I should be proof enough that life can be strange sometimes, so it's always good to have a back up plan. Plus, you shouldn't waste your uncle's time, even if he's near retired nowadays.
I still think you should follow our dreams, though. Thane Erik is a better man than you and I; that's why he's Thane. He will not judge by blood, and if your fellows do, beat them into the floor until they don't. They will not respect you otherwise, and I know they will respect you.
But those are distant dreams. I know you won't listen, but try be more like a child; it will not last forever.
For myself,
I should tell you everything I can. Even travelling here has been extremely strange; I doubt it'll improve on land! Mere weeks after we set out, we encountered a sleeping sea-giant. Tamara, you would have bled to see it- it was like we had stepped into an ancient story! Its eye alone was as tall as me. Upon its back were the ruins of a war beneath the sea and carcasses of Continental ships, guarded by magical beasts. We killed dozens of those beasts and pillaged nearly three hundred in salvage before we realised the island was all part of some greater titan…
We are very lucky it was only annoyed.
And that's not all, even! We rescued another foreigner ship, which had been crippled by the mere wake of such a monster; then, we found yet another mysterious island, clearly an outpost of the Elves, left to rot. As one of the best blades present (as if I needed flattery), I had the privilege of going down there….
What we found it.. it was dangerous. Horrifying. Worst, it was something I'm not sure I'll ever explain; how we fought it was a miracle alone, let alone that no one died.
It is dead, and that is a great thing. Blessed Kolo bars me from saying more, and if you knew what I do you may not wish to know. Knowing certainly hasn't improved my life.
We were also attacked by slaving hobgoblins. Yes, hobgoblins! The peoples of this new world are very different, but they are no kinder than the foreigners over there. The priests think that there are worthwhile allies nonetheless (the non-slaving hobgoblins- yes, multiple groups!), so I trust their hearts are greater than first impressions tell me.
They are brave though, and stronger than you'd think. Perhaps unprepared to face us, but who is?
But… despite all these adventures, those are not the strangest things. Maybe one day, I will forget, and only recall the quests, and even then only as half remembered dreams, but I assure you that mere violence against strange creatures is far from the most eery thing.
The most eery thing is living. It is the sun, that rises in the morning like a blinding flame, so consistent it can measure time; it is the sunshine that cooks you like boiling water, the air so thin and dry it feels like you could tear it. It is the snow in summer (!?); it is the absence of cover in every direction, replaced by glittering seas, pure blue like gemstones, instead of sensible tones. It is waking up on a hammock instead of a mattress, eating with faces I do not know and never will, doing work I don't understand in between learning a foreign tongue, and the knowledge that it will not get better, because I cannot go back. Here, I am amongst our kin; friends, even. What will it be like in truly foreign lands?
I am homesick.
There is nothing to be done about it, though. The tide goes out, and I must follow.
I am not sure if it will help, but thank you for thinking of me while I am so far away. I hear that Darkwater and Dale have other interest groups further south, and if I find them, I will try to speak to you again through them. Perhaps there is a place for people like me here; it's certainly big enough. Or maybe I will change instead, and the next time you hear from me, you will not know me; I doubt it, but if this proves anything, it is that the future is never what you quite expect.
Goddess protect you, in everything you do.
Goodbye.
Your son and brother, Geln.
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- Location
- Leeds
Something got messed up here.
Kinda interesting the link between literacy and magic there, perhaps Gelyn was planning to be a wizard before finding out he didn't have the talent.
Historically people chained library books to their shelves because books were so expensive pre printing press.
I have a hard time imagining where they could be that books are too expensive to buy, cheap enough to trust to be lent, and literacy is widespread enough that theres a significant interest in renting.
I suspect this isn't a great business idea.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Depends on the business model. If it's more 'rent' than 'lend' (and it sort of has to be, since it's a business) and the owner can copy out books themselves and is careful never to lend out their last copy, it could work (assuming a big enough market). Possibly with some aggressive responses to overdue books and/or debt collection...
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Thanks man.
The knowledge and practice based progression of Islefolk artificing means being an illiterate artificer would be a serious problem.
And I never said that the Islefolk were very economically literate, considering their entire lifestyle.
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- Location
- Leeds
I know its rent. However unless Geln has gotten confused and the renting in question is done at Varos's buisness then at the end of the day he's trusting that being a stranger in a unknown land, he can lend an asset worth days/weeks even months of labour to some stranger, and that he won't get ripped off, or it won't get damaged in some way in someone elses home, specifically in a city of foreigners built on stilts over water. Far from ideal circumstances for keeping books in good condition.
I guess that shoots that theory in the foot then, Geln still appears to have learnt to read because he's a weirdo and not any deeper reason, and fair.
Also why I have I begun spelling Geln with a y?
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I mean, you can pretty readily just say that people have to leave collateral to borrow a book. If people abscond with your books or bring them back damaged, you have just momentarily transitioned from library to bookstore rather than getting ripped off. This is pretty easy to manage, really.
- Location
- Leeds
Doesn't that bring us back here though:
If renting requires a significant collateral, then renters need to have enough in liquid assets that they can afford to put down. So the market is "People with enough fluid funds they could pay for a damaged book, but not enough that they want to pay for a permeant library."
Its a pretty weird overlap which is my point, not that the problem can't be solved, but that its not a good business idea.
You know entirely setting aside my other point.
Varos is probably going to Kalastur because it has the one of greatest concentrations of literate people in Haven, being a city who's sole purpose of existence is to enrich the Islefolk by selling off their functionally endless supply of organic goods, strange and otherwise, without breaking the divine law of no foreigners stepping foot on Haven.
(Sanso boasts the School of Songcraft, but they're probably not short on books, and the idea of sullying the Isle of Regrets with mortal business is…. not done.)
A lot of specialty shop keeps or merchants to be go to Kalastur first, since it's a taste of foreign business while still having their native support network to fall back on.
Knowing that all these aspiring business folk are very possibly not good at business, the local Peerage and Clergy maintain committees of retired Islefolk merchants, to explain what prerequisites they have to understand and help them have better (or not terrible) ideas; they might suggest for Varos to try and team up with other Islefolk, for example, for both economy of scale, mutual protection, and to keep the library manned around the clock.
Needless to say, upon being told their ideas are shit (or that they'll need to learn to read), quite a few aspiring merchants stop aspiring. Better than being fleeced, though.
(Sanso boasts the School of Songcraft, but they're probably not short on books, and the idea of sullying the Isle of Regrets with mortal business is…. not done.)
A lot of specialty shop keeps or merchants to be go to Kalastur first, since it's a taste of foreign business while still having their native support network to fall back on.
Knowing that all these aspiring business folk are very possibly not good at business, the local Peerage and Clergy maintain committees of retired Islefolk merchants, to explain what prerequisites they have to understand and help them have better (or not terrible) ideas; they might suggest for Varos to try and team up with other Islefolk, for example, for both economy of scale, mutual protection, and to keep the library manned around the clock.
Needless to say, upon being told their ideas are shit (or that they'll need to learn to read), quite a few aspiring merchants stop aspiring. Better than being fleeced, though.
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- Pronouns
- God
I have this image in my mind of a different take on "Librarians" ones armed with plate and shield, with a team hoisting a battering ram to collect overdue books.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
'This is a much fairer place than you expected, isn't it?'
His bodyguard, as always, didn't deign to respond, the fencer patiently trailing him as he made to open the door, which exploded off its hinges.
'WHERE IS IT!?'
There was a sword.
In his face.
A very sharp sword, held by a very angry native.
Alessandro audibly swallowed.
'What my brother meant to say', Varos offered diplomatically, 'is that your return is five hours late and counting, and we'd like to know why.'
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Dilettante brings it home by inches.
Geln slants further towards being a guile hero with every level up. and that's actually kind of cool. Travelling really does broaden the mind, it seems.
Hysterically, I think you picked the only xenophobic option.
It's not actually very xenophobic- Geln doesn't disdain or hate foreign traditions, and holds no particular grudge. He fears them, however, and will make active effort going forwards to maintain cultural orthodoxy, even at the expense of forgoing further cultural exchange.
Priests, guided by heaven's will, may be adept at doing such things… but Geln is not a priest, and is well aware he does not approach their wisdom. What price can you put on who you are?
(The first option would actually have Geln be slightly preachy when faced with people who his behaviour he disapproves of, but not so much that it demands hostility. However, it means he'd be openly engaging with other people's philosophies, to try and convince them that the Islefolk's stringent honour code is Good, actually.)
(The third option would have Geln be wary, cynical and introspective, with outright low expectations regarding foreign honour.. which would be pretty justified, honestly. It's kind of on the in between for 'will this prompt Geln to be more extroverted?', leaning neither this way nor that. It would mean he'd probably keep his religion and values very private unless prompted, though.)
I suspect that that… probably wasn't voter intent. It's certainly an interesting exercise though, to mix it with Geln's established steadfast faith.
Geln slants further towards being a guile hero with every level up. and that's actually kind of cool. Travelling really does broaden the mind, it seems.
Hysterically, I think you picked the only xenophobic option.
It's not actually very xenophobic- Geln doesn't disdain or hate foreign traditions, and holds no particular grudge. He fears them, however, and will make active effort going forwards to maintain cultural orthodoxy, even at the expense of forgoing further cultural exchange.
Priests, guided by heaven's will, may be adept at doing such things… but Geln is not a priest, and is well aware he does not approach their wisdom. What price can you put on who you are?
(The first option would actually have Geln be slightly preachy when faced with people who his behaviour he disapproves of, but not so much that it demands hostility. However, it means he'd be openly engaging with other people's philosophies, to try and convince them that the Islefolk's stringent honour code is Good, actually.)
(The third option would have Geln be wary, cynical and introspective, with outright low expectations regarding foreign honour.. which would be pretty justified, honestly. It's kind of on the in between for 'will this prompt Geln to be more extroverted?', leaning neither this way nor that. It would mean he'd probably keep his religion and values very private unless prompted, though.)
I suspect that that… probably wasn't voter intent. It's certainly an interesting exercise though, to mix it with Geln's established steadfast faith.
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- Location
- Leeds
Guile hero/ Murder blender. Men will do anything to avoid improving their defence.
As for the xenophobic option, I've viewed this as an entire extended character creation, so I'm satisfied with this as a good place to start char development from.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Guile hero/ Murder blender. Men will do anything to avoid improving their defence.
I was really tempted by the mechanics of Survivor (which are amazing) and almost voted for it, but went with Dilettante because the thematics seemed to make for a much more interesting character. Hopefully we'll have at least one more opportunity to increase our defenses in the future.
- Location
- Leeds
Unfortunately not
Alas the opportunity is gone forever.
Unfortunately not
Alas the opportunity is gone forever.
Bloody hell mate, scared me for a moment!