- Pronouns
- He/Him
Well then you shouldn't have made a fucking stupid plan.
He gets it!
Well then you shouldn't have made a fucking stupid plan.
He gets it!
wdango
Storyteller
- Location
- Bali, Indonesia
What the actual fuck, mate. I crafted a plan that would let us plan in advance and give use more breathing room to use what skills we have to handle whatever comes our way.
I made a note that that leaves us with somewhat reduced ability to actually handle those things head on, but we don't actually have, you know, zero ability to handle things. We do have a few ranks in everything.
I also believe that GM @Tempera will give us the opportunity to improve ourselves as the game moves on, and reckoned this plan would give us more time to actually get there -- and to make sure that we land ourselves in shit as little as possible, be it through bad info or whatever.
As a matter of fact, there's no reason Percipience, Augury, and Occultism can't be used to leverage ourselves into a better position to utilise our skills to subdue or foes. We'll know where and when to strike as opposed to relying on fighting prowess.
You don't like the plan? Fine. Don't vote for it. Argue against it.
But just because you don't like it? That's no call for being intentionally rude or abrasive.
- Location
- Canada
1. That was uncalled for
2. While not my preferred plan, it isn't all that bad. knowing what is coming is very useful, as we can just avoid situations we can't handle. Also considering that we are getting skill points instead of XP, spending it to raise a skill to 7 gives the most total XP-value gain. If we are looking to save XP down the road raising things to 7 now is a good idea.
- Location
- Singapore
I like Ford's plan. Let's go with that one.
[X] Ford's Plan
[X] Ford's Plan
- Location
- Australia
I've noted this argument cropping up a couple of times now, so I guess I have to address this.
--------------------------------
What do ranks mean?
This is a bit of a tricky question.
As I noted earlier in the thread, First Impressions doesn't quite run on the typical abstraction used in RP's and RPG's. Most of the time, the concept of 'levels' is used as an abstraction, denoting increases in skills and capabilities that come through repeated practicing of various elements of a character's skillsets. Most games handle this abstraction terribly, but let's set that aside, as this isn't the thread for that.
In First Impressions, skill levels denote something else entirely.
Hazel is a predefined character with a predefined skillset. She has been learning the ins and outs of magic from the time she learned to read, almost before she was toilet-trained. As such, the idea that Hazel might simply learn entirely new dimensions of her skills while out in the field, far from her arcane texts and reagents is... odd.
No. The skills in First Impressions denote the quest players' influence on things outside of their control. Specifically, high ranks in skills mitigate poor circumstances that will lead to consequences for Hazel, both foreseeable and completely unforeseen.
What does this mean in mechanical terms, though?
Well, for the most part, be aware that I'm likely to fudge this, turning it into something I think is interesting more than following a set list of consequences written months before an encounter. Still, let's see.
A skill rank of 1 means that the players' ability to influence the world around Hazel is minimal. Consequences will crop up all the time any time Hazel attempts something beyond the mundane; attempting to do anything significant will likely carry permanent consequences for Hazel. These consequences will range from the inconvenient, such as losing limbs or the trust of allies, to the severe, such as failing to gather information or having major characters of consequence die.
A skill rank of 3 means that the players' capability to change and affect the world around Hazel is scarce. Consequences will crop up when Hazel attempts to do anything beyond minor usages of a skill; attempting to do anything significant will likely carry permanent consequences for Hazel. These consequences will range from the inconvenient, such as losing her ability to hear or taking injuries likely to leave visible, heavy scars, to the severe, such as having arcane resources be destroyed or being permanently blinded.
A skill rank of 5 means that the players' capability to alter the course of the world around Hazel is notable, but not yet significant. Consequences will crop up when Hazel attempts to do anything major with her skills; while she may get away with doing something significant once or twice, repeatedly dancing over the line will carry permanent consequences for Hazel. These consequences will range from the inconvenient, such as becoming mute or gaining severe burns across a limb, to the severe, such as seeing enemies take Hazel's blood or being forced to make a vow with a Fey creature when she is not in a position of power over it.
A skill rank of 8 means that the players' ability to bend events to their will is significant. Consequences rarely crop up at this stage, allowing Hazel to tackle things she would normally never do, such as alter the very laws of physics or summon Fey entities with presence greater than her own. However, acting on anything that requires a skill equal to or greater than her current skill at this stage always carries with it a major consequence- ranging from the inconvenient, such as having her legs broken or being captured by witch-hunters, to the severe, such as seeing her arcane texts burned or having to pay creatures in blood-and-bone.
A skill rank of 10 means that the players' ability to warp the rules of the story is potent. Consequences for acts almost never crop up at this stage; it is only things that require skill greater than her own, such as summoning Death or binding storms to her will, that will carry consequences. However, at this stage, the consequences run to the unconsciable- performing such acts bears a very real risk of pushing the consequences off to Serene. As such, players should think very carefully about using skills such as those.
At this point, I have to note that while Havocfett is being rather abrasive, he has supported and demonstrated his arguments, and as such I will not step in and ask him to tone it down. The tone of arguments matters little to me; it is only the strength of an argument that will incline me to feel swell or indifferent towards a given poster.
Night_stalker
Slava Ukraini!
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Ford's Plan
logiccosmic
the Prince of Word Crimes
- Location
- the Hague, formerly
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[x] Plan Rivercrossing Ford
The reasoning behind them is sound - and we are currently not a realitywarping powerhouse. So yes, some physical skills are important now - because that's an instant loss if we fail a fight (AKA dagger to the neck)
In addition, all of our magical skills, from the Tempdump above me, say that doing anything major with magic is a BAD IDEA atm.
So let's poke things with our stick.
The reasoning behind them is sound - and we are currently not a realitywarping powerhouse. So yes, some physical skills are important now - because that's an instant loss if we fail a fight (AKA dagger to the neck)
In addition, all of our magical skills, from the Tempdump above me, say that doing anything major with magic is a BAD IDEA atm.
So let's poke things with our stick.
Last edited:
- Location
- Australia
Woops, super late updating this. I got distracted doing up a writing advice thread and beta'ing some stuff, haha.
I hope you enjoy this post.
--------------------------------------------------------
You tapped your chin with your finger, your insolent smile settling into an indolent smirk as you considered what you knew.
"I'd like to start at the beginning, please. My orders were filtered through several parties before being given to me; no doubt I am missing context severely. Explain to me what the issue is, please?" You tried to keep the condescension out of your voice. (You probably failed.)
Amaranth paused, then sighed and looked down, rubbing his forehead. "That's fair," he muttered. "Elisa, would you kindly lay out the situation for our guest?"
The Sherrif leaned against the side of the Duke's desk, likely seeking a more comfortable position now that the earlier charade had ended; the Guard-Captain was doing the same, moving to the side to learn again a book-cabinet.
"The first reported incident happened several months ago." The woman's voice was clipped, although whether she was hiding anger, disappointment or frustration, you couldn't say. "A creature appeared in the market sector, at approximately noon-"
"What was the creature, do you know?"
She shot you an irritated glare for interrupting her, but reluctantly answered the question. "According to reports from my subordinates, it appeared to be bipedal, possessing an unusual nine limbs- a pair of legs, two pairs of arms, a pair of wings, and a prehensile tail. It stood approximately waist-high on me, and was capable of utilizing magicks allowing it to summon and control lightning."
Likely either an imp or a lesser oni, then. Few creatures possessed the capability for Expression magicks and the potential for flight; fewer still stood so small. It was possible it was something else, but unlikely. Unless you obtained information that made you doubt your conclusion, you would continue to assume the simplest conclusion was correct.
"Eight days later, another creature appeared the lower industrial region- and I do not have a detailed description of later creatures prepared," she preempted you firmly. "I apologize, but at the time I was more concerned with dealing with the fatalities, and the increase in the number of attacks forced me to consider examining every creature to be a pointless waste of effort." She sighed deeply, then closed her eyes and pinched her brow as if recalling a painful memory. "After the second creature's appearance, I operated under the assumption that the incidents were not isolated. Not an incorrect assumption, as it turned out."
"They've been happening more and more often." The Guard-Captain took over now, ignoring the Sherrif's look of irritation. "Yesterday, we only had two confirmed creature attacks, but in the three prior days, we had three apiece."
"Hmmm," you drawled. Then, without giving them an answer, "What do you think is the source of the miasma over the town, Duke Amaranth?"
He narrowed his eyes, fingers drumming on the table. "That is a question I have been pondering for some years," he replied softly. "Never fear; the moment I realize for myself the source of this malaise, I shall alert you of my suspicions."
"Very well then." You hadn't actually expected him to answer. "Do you have any idea where the source of the problem lies?"
He shook his head, shoulders falling again. Guilt rose in your stomach, or perhaps that was annoyance; you often mixed the two, typically with disastrous results. Instead of letting loose the cuttingly sympathetic reply hanging from your tongue, you asked another question.
"Is there anybody who may know more about the issue?"
Crowen straightened, tugging at the stiff, embroidered coat she wore over her chain. The noise cut easily through Hillesbred's pathetic attempts to dissuade you from asking further, allowing her soft, rasping voice to fill the interior of the room in the silence that followed.
"You may wish to speak to Ser Eynharst." Her mouth flickered downwards, a brief frown quickly hidden by an impassive face once more. "He is the leader of the Dioma's presence here in Lyen's End. For some months now, he has been proselytizing, preaching against the practice of witchcraft and the sage arts. Notably, he began mere days before the first attack. Perhaps, coincidence. Perhaps not."
You inclined your head towards her, a more genuine smile spreading over your face now. "I will make note of that," you replied.
She looked at you for a moment, eyes flitting over your face before settling on your own eyes. Indecision was prominent in them, as was wariness, and no small measure of hostility- but as you looked, the hostility faded somewhat, became more muted, even as the indecision vanished from her eyes.
"You may wish to speak to a woman known as Ophelia Cadot," she rasped out again, ignoring Hillesbred's choked sound of refusal. "She is a witch-hunter by profession, but in the wake of our King Nathaniel's proclamation of the legality of witchcraft, she has been acting as a mercenary. For some time now, the guard been hiring her to help slay the monsters terrorizing my city."
You hummed. "Very well," you said eventually. "I shall make seeing her a priority, then."
Approval and amusement flickered briefly over her face, matched by a look of stubborn annoyance on the part of the Guard-Captain. You dismiss them both, turning back to the Duke.
"I imagine you have been keeping records of the various disturbances across Lyen's End. Could I have access to them, please?"
He blinked, then nodded thoughtfully.
"I suggest you see my Archivist, Terrenthian," he advised you. "He can be found quartered with the servants, but this early in the day is like to be found in his office in the Library here. Any of my servants will show you the way."
------------------------------------------------------
[X] If you have any other questions to ask, now would be the time to ask them.
After that, where would you like to go first?
[X] Go to the Church here in Lyen's End. You need to speak to Ser Eynharst and see if the Sherrif's suspicions hold any validity.
[X] Go and visit the witch-hunter Crowen mentioned. You will ask Crowen where to find her before you leave. She may be vital for verifying the validity of the information presented to you, and for gaining additional context on the events you heard.
[X] Ask a servant here to take you to the Library, where you will speak to Terrenthian and access the Duke's records. You are unlikely to be allowed to leave with them, but the opportunity to study them for an appreciable length of time will be of great benefit to you.
[XP gained this update: 1]
[Current XP: 6]
I hope you enjoy this post.
--------------------------------------------------------
You tapped your chin with your finger, your insolent smile settling into an indolent smirk as you considered what you knew.
"I'd like to start at the beginning, please. My orders were filtered through several parties before being given to me; no doubt I am missing context severely. Explain to me what the issue is, please?" You tried to keep the condescension out of your voice. (You probably failed.)
Amaranth paused, then sighed and looked down, rubbing his forehead. "That's fair," he muttered. "Elisa, would you kindly lay out the situation for our guest?"
The Sherrif leaned against the side of the Duke's desk, likely seeking a more comfortable position now that the earlier charade had ended; the Guard-Captain was doing the same, moving to the side to learn again a book-cabinet.
"The first reported incident happened several months ago." The woman's voice was clipped, although whether she was hiding anger, disappointment or frustration, you couldn't say. "A creature appeared in the market sector, at approximately noon-"
"What was the creature, do you know?"
She shot you an irritated glare for interrupting her, but reluctantly answered the question. "According to reports from my subordinates, it appeared to be bipedal, possessing an unusual nine limbs- a pair of legs, two pairs of arms, a pair of wings, and a prehensile tail. It stood approximately waist-high on me, and was capable of utilizing magicks allowing it to summon and control lightning."
Likely either an imp or a lesser oni, then. Few creatures possessed the capability for Expression magicks and the potential for flight; fewer still stood so small. It was possible it was something else, but unlikely. Unless you obtained information that made you doubt your conclusion, you would continue to assume the simplest conclusion was correct.
"Eight days later, another creature appeared the lower industrial region- and I do not have a detailed description of later creatures prepared," she preempted you firmly. "I apologize, but at the time I was more concerned with dealing with the fatalities, and the increase in the number of attacks forced me to consider examining every creature to be a pointless waste of effort." She sighed deeply, then closed her eyes and pinched her brow as if recalling a painful memory. "After the second creature's appearance, I operated under the assumption that the incidents were not isolated. Not an incorrect assumption, as it turned out."
"They've been happening more and more often." The Guard-Captain took over now, ignoring the Sherrif's look of irritation. "Yesterday, we only had two confirmed creature attacks, but in the three prior days, we had three apiece."
"Hmmm," you drawled. Then, without giving them an answer, "What do you think is the source of the miasma over the town, Duke Amaranth?"
He narrowed his eyes, fingers drumming on the table. "That is a question I have been pondering for some years," he replied softly. "Never fear; the moment I realize for myself the source of this malaise, I shall alert you of my suspicions."
"Very well then." You hadn't actually expected him to answer. "Do you have any idea where the source of the problem lies?"
He shook his head, shoulders falling again. Guilt rose in your stomach, or perhaps that was annoyance; you often mixed the two, typically with disastrous results. Instead of letting loose the cuttingly sympathetic reply hanging from your tongue, you asked another question.
"Is there anybody who may know more about the issue?"
Crowen straightened, tugging at the stiff, embroidered coat she wore over her chain. The noise cut easily through Hillesbred's pathetic attempts to dissuade you from asking further, allowing her soft, rasping voice to fill the interior of the room in the silence that followed.
"You may wish to speak to Ser Eynharst." Her mouth flickered downwards, a brief frown quickly hidden by an impassive face once more. "He is the leader of the Dioma's presence here in Lyen's End. For some months now, he has been proselytizing, preaching against the practice of witchcraft and the sage arts. Notably, he began mere days before the first attack. Perhaps, coincidence. Perhaps not."
You inclined your head towards her, a more genuine smile spreading over your face now. "I will make note of that," you replied.
She looked at you for a moment, eyes flitting over your face before settling on your own eyes. Indecision was prominent in them, as was wariness, and no small measure of hostility- but as you looked, the hostility faded somewhat, became more muted, even as the indecision vanished from her eyes.
"You may wish to speak to a woman known as Ophelia Cadot," she rasped out again, ignoring Hillesbred's choked sound of refusal. "She is a witch-hunter by profession, but in the wake of our King Nathaniel's proclamation of the legality of witchcraft, she has been acting as a mercenary. For some time now, the guard been hiring her to help slay the monsters terrorizing my city."
You hummed. "Very well," you said eventually. "I shall make seeing her a priority, then."
Approval and amusement flickered briefly over her face, matched by a look of stubborn annoyance on the part of the Guard-Captain. You dismiss them both, turning back to the Duke.
"I imagine you have been keeping records of the various disturbances across Lyen's End. Could I have access to them, please?"
He blinked, then nodded thoughtfully.
"I suggest you see my Archivist, Terrenthian," he advised you. "He can be found quartered with the servants, but this early in the day is like to be found in his office in the Library here. Any of my servants will show you the way."
------------------------------------------------------
[X] If you have any other questions to ask, now would be the time to ask them.
After that, where would you like to go first?
[X] Go to the Church here in Lyen's End. You need to speak to Ser Eynharst and see if the Sherrif's suspicions hold any validity.
[X] Go and visit the witch-hunter Crowen mentioned. You will ask Crowen where to find her before you leave. She may be vital for verifying the validity of the information presented to you, and for gaining additional context on the events you heard.
[X] Ask a servant here to take you to the Library, where you will speak to Terrenthian and access the Duke's records. You are unlikely to be allowed to leave with them, but the opportunity to study them for an appreciable length of time will be of great benefit to you.
[XP gained this update: 1]
[Current XP: 6]
- Location
- National Capital Region, USA
[X] Ask a servant here to take you to the Library, where you will speak to Terrenthian and access the Duke's records. You are unlikely to be allowed to leave with them, but the opportunity to study them for an appreciable length of time will be of great benefit to you.
Seeking a pattern is always a good first step in intelligence gathering. And examining the records will give us more questions to ask the others after we leave.
Seeking a pattern is always a good first step in intelligence gathering. And examining the records will give us more questions to ask the others after we leave.
- Location
- UK
[X] Ask a servant here to take you to the Library, where you will speak to Terrenthian and access the Duke's records. You are unlikely to be allowed to leave with them, but the opportunity to study them for an appreciable length of time will be of great benefit to you
Semi solid records that likely have the bare facts instead of prefiltered stuff from the other people seems like a better bet for making conclusions.
Semi solid records that likely have the bare facts instead of prefiltered stuff from the other people seems like a better bet for making conclusions.
[X] Ask a servant here to take you to the Library, where you will speak to Terrenthian and access the Duke's records. You are unlikely to be allowed to leave with them, but the opportunity to study them for an appreciable length of time will be of great benefit to you
Semi solid records that likely have the bare facts instead of prefiltered stuff from the other people seems like a better bet for making conclusions.
Semi solid records that likely have the bare facts instead of prefiltered stuff from the other people seems like a better bet for making conclusions.
- Location
- The Hague
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I agree. Having a command of the facts, however basic, will be worthwhile. I'd like to have more information at hand before testing them against other people.
[X] Let's check the records.
[X] Let's check the records.
logiccosmic
the Prince of Word Crimes
- Location
- the Hague, formerly
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Records.
For the reasons stated above. However, after we have finished,
[X] Witch hunter
Because seriously, some muscle, especially some with experience with magic would be really handy. She's probably getting less glamorous or well paying jobs since witchcraft was legalized, so it shouldn't be too difficult to acquire her services.
For the reasons stated above. However, after we have finished,
[X] Witch hunter
Because seriously, some muscle, especially some with experience with magic would be really handy. She's probably getting less glamorous or well paying jobs since witchcraft was legalized, so it shouldn't be too difficult to acquire her services.