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Gravedigger Quest

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[X] [gate] She waited to pass the Gate of the Sword. She felt particularly tiny and frail among the burly fighters there, but she knew it was her place. She would find hardy, genuine companions there, and fight bravely at their side. Honor is all. Chivalry is all.
[X] [horns] the lichen-covered ram-like horns that started from behind her ears.

SV choosing to sword things?!? SIGN ME THE FUCK UP

Also Lirra is just the cutest and coolest thing ever with those huge horns and plate armor.
 
Nottheunmaker said:
[X] [gate] She waited to pass the Gate of the Sword. She felt particularly tiny and frail among the burly fighters there, but she knew it was her place. She would find hardy, genuine companions there, and fight bravely at their side. Honor is all. Chivalry is all.
[X] [horns] the lichen-covered ram-like horns that started from behind her ears.

SV choosing to sword things?!? SIGN ME THE FUCK UP

Also Lirra is just the cutest and coolest thing ever with those huge horns and plate armor.
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We'd need to be careful because of the "Iron" thing.

Oh, that's a question.

@Renu , how literal is the "Iron."
 
To be fair, actual plate armor usually had thick padding in most areas. Plain metal plates against skin is just asking to get horrifically chafed. Still going to be an issue until we can get the magical special snowflake armor, though.
 
Plus I'm sure we're far from the first changeling to require armor of some strip. There must be options out there, and even if there isn't for some strange reason Renu has said we'll find a work around somehow. As for iron blades, well, I'd be more concerned about them chopping off limbs and other important bits then a mere touch.
 
[X] [horns] the lichen-covered ram-like horns that started from behind her ears.
[X] [gate] She waited to pass the Gate of the Sword. She felt particularly tiny and frail among the burly fighters there, but she knew it was her place. She would find hardy, genuine companions there, and fight bravely at their side. Honor is all. Chivalry is all.
 
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[X] [horns] part of the leaved antlers that crowned her head.
[X] [gate] She waited to pass the Gate of the Sword. She felt particularly tiny and frail among the burly fighters there, but she knew it was her place. She would find hardy, genuine companions there, and fight bravely at their side. Honor is all. Chivalry is all.
 
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What can we do? Maximum knight!
  • Threadmarks
    • [X] [horns] the lichen-covered ram-like horns that started from behind her ears.

    [X] [gate] She waited to pass the Gate of the Sword. She felt particularly tiny and frail among the burly fighters there, but she knew it was her place. She would find hardy, genuine companions there, and fight bravely at their side. Honor is all. Chivalry is all.

    -------------------------------

    Lirra hesitated an instant. By crossing the gate of the Staff, she could finally step away from death and learn how to actually save people. Everyone loves healers. This is an undeniable fact. However, she eventually turned away from this gate and walked towards the cluster of muscular men - and other people of course, but the sheer mass of these giants made it hard to see anyone but them - that were waiting for their turn to pass the gate of the sword.

    She had always admired the valiant knights of Emoulin and tales of their bravery had kept her awake far too late at night whenever she could find a book that spoke of it. Sadly, the taverns where bards spoke of their exploits would have emptied as soon as she stepped inside, so she never could enjoy them as they were supposed to. Even so, the idea of an unfaltering protector of the weak, appearing when dark threatened the innocents, only to disappear as soon as they were safe, already on its way to others in need, had been what helped her cope through the solitude and prejudice that was her role's heirloom.

    'I protect them as well, just in another way', she had thought all these nights.

    And now, trembling with excitement, she realised that she could do more than just admiring the idea of this protector. She could become that protector, and meet others that were on the same path. That in mind, she impatiently waited for the line to advance.

    As she had nothing else to do, she spent the time to look at those around her. As she already saw, a good part of them were tall and muscular, often clad in at least some light armor and with a weapon. Looking at them, Lirra was painfully aware of how under equipped she was. She only wore patched, second-hand clothes, that obviously didn't protect their first owners, given she had acquired them on the job, as her elder would have said. And as far as weapons went, she only had one knife, carefully wrapped and hidden in her sack, the burns of the one time she tried to keep it somewhere more easily accessible still clear in her mind, even though it had scarred a long time ago. Other than this knife that she used to prepare her meals rather than defend herself anyway, she only had her shovel.

    As sad as it was, this shovel was actually the most valuable thing she owned, passed to her by her elder. She was told was enchanted never to break, rust nor dull, and as far as she knew, it was all true. Then again, she never had another shovel and knew nothing of how to care for one, so maybe it was just a story made up so she would take care not to lose it. Still, its nature mattered little at the moment, only that it was a heavy lump of sharpened steel at the end of a solid wooden stick.

    Eventually, Lirra was brought out of her thoughts as she arrived to several tables near the Gate. As one was freed, she walked forward to the man waiting on the other side.

    "So. You want to be a fighter, huh?" he said as greetings. "Don't look like much, I must say. You sure 'tis the right gate for you?"

    Taken aback by his sudden question and, quite honestly, not used to talking, Lirra only managed a nervous nod in answer.

    "Eh. I can already see the brave warrior in you with that answer. That's for sure," he commented. This gave Lirra some courage, to have someone believe in her, even though she didn't really know how he could hear bravery in her answer. Then again, he worked for the Academy, so he probably had an understanding of such matters far beyond her own.

    "Whatever," he continued. "Just answer a few questions and you'll be free to pass. So, what's your name and where are you from?"

    "I- I'm called Lirra, and I was born in Emoulin."

    "No other name?" You shake your head. "And Emoulin's a big place. You don't have a village or something?"

    "I t-travelled a lot," she manages to say.

    "You travelled, huh?" He reaches behind him. "And that's where you got these horns? You think I'm an idiot who can't spot a dem- ow!"

    He's interrupted by a jousting spear descending on his head, the heavy shaft stopping him as surely as the tip would have, if not as definitively.

    "Stop it, you idiot! Can't you make the difference between a Changeling and a monster?!" yells the holder of the spear.

    She was a woman in heavy armor, with long blond hair in a ponytail. On her chest, Lirra could see heraldry embroidered upon a tabard, which meant… she was an actual knight! And she came to rescue her!

    Turning away from the man, the knight walked towards Lirra and got down on one knee. Surprised, the changeling did nothing when her hand was taken and a lips pressed upon its back.

    "Forgive my companion's behavior, my lady, he acted not with malice, only ignorance," the knight said. "If I could, I would gladly take over your enrolment, but sadly I am needed elsewhere. Be assured, however, that he will now treat you with the respect you deserve." She turned her head away from you and her voice lost its smoothness and turned harsh. "Did you hear me, you idiot? You better watch your tongue!"

    "With that, I am afraid I must away, my lady. If you need something once inside, do not hesitate to call upon me," she said, rising up to her feet, her voice again warm and smooth. Putting a hand to her heart, she then bowed and left to another table.

    Lirra watched her leave, a faint warmth upon her cheeks. She usually didn't like the reactions to her nature as a Changeling, but the lady knight had been so gallant, she couldn't help but remember her knightly tales. She did not look to be much older than her, so did that mean she would be Lirra's upperclassman when she entered the academy?

    "So, um… your highness or whatever." Lirra was brought out of her reverie by the man's rough voice, so different and aggressive compared to the knight's. "As a changeling, do you have any particular skills we should take note of?"

    "Well..." Lirra started before telling him what she could do thanks to her being a changeling.

    -----------------------

    (note that the skills not chosen are still there, but very weak)

    [] [changeling] You can lay particularly potent geasa, allowing for greater boons than others, as well as more dire consequences should they be broken.
    [] [changeling] You are a beloved child of the forest, and nature shall never impede you. As a matter of fact, roots and lakes will not only allow you passage, but ease your way.
    [] [changeling] As one born of the wilds, wild beasts recognise you as one of their own, and shall never attack you, and even heed your words and serve you.
    [] [changeling] Your blood is that of the fae, and while you cannot say outright lies, trickery still flows through your veins. Be it to offer fool's gold or to hide behind a pebble, illusions are as easy for you as breathing.

    ----------------------

    "Mh… aye, I can see how that could be useful, but uh… will all due respect, are you sure you want to pass the Gate of the Sword? It sounds like you'd have an easier time with the other..."

    "I-I'm sure. I want to be a knight," Lirra answered with what determination she could put in her voice.

    And while it was true, there was another reason for her to pass the Gate of the Sword, a skill coming from what she was keeping hidden.

    ------------------------

    (You only get the one you choose there)

    [] [Keeper of Gray] You grow with death. With each burial, your strength grows as the echoes of the dead finds home in you.
    [] [Keeper of Gray] Your sense of death is keener than most. As such, you will see deadly blows before you suffer them, and be able to act so they do not come to pass.

    -------------------------

    No doubt that if he knew about that, he would change his mind, but there was also no doubt that he'd hate Lirra, and so she kept her mouth shut about her most powerful boon.

    "Well, if you're sure, you're done here. Take one of these markers and pass the Gate," he said, pointing to a box filled with wooden badges upon which a sword was engraved.

    Lirra did so, and as she was about to move away from the table, she felt something heavy on her back, as an arm went over her shoulders.

    "Soooo… I'd gather you'll extend the same respect to another horned gal? 'cause I ain't sure tall, blond and armored will pass again and I'd rather not fight before even crossing the Gate."

    Turning her head, Lirra saw that the arm's owner was a tall girl with short, crimson hair from which emerged a pair of sharp horns twisting in sudden spikes. She also was rather well endowed, as Lirra couldn't help but notice given the difference in size.

    "Uh… c-can you let me go, please?" she asked shyly, as the situation was quite embarrassing for her.

    "Ah, sorry, friend, I just wanted to be sure he didn't swing anything in me direction," the newcomer said as she removed her arm and took a step back. "Say what, I'll buy ye a drink inside for being a nice shield."

    "Ah… uh… sure." Lirra answered before leaving, not knowing how to act around someone outgoing.

    It was only once she finished walking past the Gate that she realized.

    "Wait, did she call me her friend?"

    It worked! She hadn't even stepped inside the academy and she already made a friend! Coming here was the best decision she ever made!

    -------------------------

    Senpai, so cool, so strong, so chivalrous... <3

    If you have questions about the skills, don't hesitate to ask. If you have something you think would fit, you can propose a write-in, but it might be refused.

    And in case you're wondering, yes, the Gravekeeper skills are "getting XP" or "save scumming".
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • [X] [changeling] You can lay particularly potent geasa, allowing for greater boons than others, as well as more dire consequences should they be broken.
    [X] [Keeper of Gray] You grow with death. With each burial, your strength grows as the echoes of the dead finds home in you.

    Growth sounds awesome, and although it would take a while getting a lot of stacks would help in our career as a Knight?
     
    NemoMarx said:
    Growth sounds awesome, and although it would take a while getting a lot of stacks would help in our career as a Knight?
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    Have this quote instead of an actual answer:

    "Soul of the mind, key to life's ether. Soul of the lost, withdrawn from its vessel. Let strength be granted to the world might be mended. So the world might be mended."

    (or, if you prefer "Bear seek seek lest")
     
    [x] [changeling] Your blood is that of the fae, and while you cannot say outright lies, trickery still flows through your veins. Be it to offer fool's gold or to hide behind a pebble, illusions are as easy for you as breathing.
    [x] [Keeper of Gray] Your sense of death is keener than most. As such, you will see deadly blows before you suffer them, and be able to act so they do not come to pass.

    I like this combo, we could effectively vanish, spam illusions that keep our enemies confused and evade their blows as though we were as illusory as everything else, striking only when they realize too late where we truly are.

    T'would be fun I think, unconventional, but effective and entertaining.
     
    [X] [changeling] You are a beloved child of the forest, and nature shall never impede you. As a matter of fact, roots and lakes will not only allow you passage, but ease your way.
    [X] [Keeper of Gray] You grow with death. With each burial, your strength grows as the echoes of the dead finds home in you.

    Well, I did say I want something simple when I picked this path. No overt trick - just we are very at ease on forest, and we gain EXP by killing. Or around death.
     
    [X] [changeling] You are a beloved child of the forest, and nature shall never impede you. As a matter of fact, roots and lakes will not only allow you passage, but ease your way.
    [X] [Keeper of Gray] You grow with death. With each burial, your strength grows as the echoes of the dead finds home in you.
     
    That girl who passed by was totally the demon, kek.

    Anyways, for votes-- hm, let's see...

    [] [changeling] You can lay particularly potent geasa, allowing for greater boons than others, as well as more dire consequences should they be broken.

    This is pretty neat thematically for a paladin archetype, but not sure that Lirra has the right sort of personality to make full use of it, even with our "guidance".

    [] [changeling] You are a beloved child of the forest, and nature shall never impede you. As a matter of fact, roots and lakes will not only allow you passage, but ease your way.

    How strong is this effect? Could we part a river or walk across it like certain biblical figures, or is it more like helping us swim across without getting swept away? Will it also apply to anyone following close behind us, or only ever to just us? Could allow us to double for a ranger-type, if so. It's amazing how much time you can save by being able to ignore underbrush.

    [] [changeling] As one born of the wilds, wild beasts recognise you as one of their own, and shall never attack you, and even heed your words and serve you.

    How broad is "wild beasts"? Like, are there any direwolves to worry about, and does this apply to them? Regardless, this is pretty generally useful. No one says no to not needing to worry about wild animals.

    [] [changeling] Your blood is that of the fae, and while you cannot say outright lies, trickery still flows through your veins. Be it to offer fool's gold or to hide behind a pebble, illusions are as easy for you as breathing.

    This is great, especially in conjunction with the Gravedigger blessing to avoid death, but again, will only be useful if Lirra has the right sort of personality to make full use of it.
     
    [X] [changeling] As one born of the wilds, wild beasts recognise you as one of their own, and shall never attack you, and even heed your words and serve you
    [X] [Keeper of Gray] Your sense of death is keener than most. As such, you will see deadly blows before you suffer them, and be able to act so they do not come to pass.
     
    [x] [changeling] As one born of the wilds, wild beasts recognise you as one of their own, and shall never attack you, and even heed your words and serve you.

    [x] [Keeper of Gray] You grow with death. With each burial, your strength grows as the echoes of the dead finds home in you.
     
    [x] [changeling] Your blood is that of the fae, and while you cannot say outright lies, trickery still flows through your veins. Be it to offer fool's gold or to hide behind a pebble, illusions are as easy for you as breathing.

    [x] [Keeper of Gray] You grow with death. With each burial, your strength grows as the echoes of the dead finds home in you.
     
    DeepWaters said:
    How strong is this effect? Could we part a river or walk across it like certain biblical figures, or is it more like helping us swim across without getting swept away? Will it also apply to anyone following close behind us, or only ever to just us? Could allow us to double for a ranger-type, if so. It's amazing how much time you can save by being able to ignore underbrush.
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    It only affects you, but that makes you basically Tom Bombadil. You can't part a river, but you could walk or not be swept of you swim.

    DeepWaters said:
    How broad is "wild beasts"? Like, are there any direwolves to worry about, and does this apply to them? Regardless, this is pretty generally useful. No one says no to not needing to worry about wild animals.
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    For wild beasts, it's, well... any bests that are wild (though creatures of dark don't count as beasts even if they look like it). Do note however the wild part, which means that a wolf would obey but not a trained one. Also, some evil spider from evil land wouldn't obey either (though a giant spider that isn't made of pure evil would).
     
    [X] [changeling] Your blood is that of the fae, and while you cannot say outright lies, trickery still flows through your veins. Be it to offer fool's gold or to hide behind a pebble, illusions are as easy for you as breathing.
    [X] [Keeper of Gray] You grow with death. With each burial, your strength grows as the echoes of the dead finds home in you.
     
    [X] [changeling] As one born of the wilds, wild beasts recognise you as one of their own, and shall never attack you, and even heed your words and serve you
    [X] [Keeper of Gray] Your sense of death is keener than most. As such, you will see deadly blows before you suffer them, and be able to act so they do not come to pass.
     
    I'm actually disappointed that everyone is going with the Grow with Death option. The evasion sounds way more interesting and useful...
     
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