While point of the debate seems to be somewhat perpendicular to the following, nonetheless, now is probably a good time to say it;
You are very far from the point anyone would really care to make a distinction. As far as people are concerned, you grow feathers. As far as most wizards of the era are concerned, you are growing feathers.
...As far as most mutants are concerned, you grow feathers. In fact, as far certain people who know a little, but not a lot about such things are concerned - you fit into a certain stereotype.
While point of the debate seems to be somewhat perpendicular to the following, nonetheless, now is probably a good time to say it;
You are very far from the point anyone would really care to make a distinction. As far as people are concerned, you grow feathers. As far as most wizards of the era are concerned, you are growing feathers.
...As far as most mutants are concerned, you grow feathers. In fact, as far certain people who know a little, but not a lot about such things are concerned - you fit into a certain stereotype.
Not really, Tzeench does not like necromancers, because Nagash scares the feathers off him and he really does not like people trying to become a changeless immortal, a path which we are on.
Not really, Tzeench does not like necromancers, because Nagash scares the feathers off him and he really does not like people trying to become a changeless immortal, a path which we are on.
Yet the botched spell, that got the character his brand new hairstyle is a constant reminder that all magic comes from the Warp, even Necromancy, since a Chaos Manifestation still occurs at random.
Not really, Tzeench does not like necromancers, because Nagash scares the feathers off him and he really does not like people trying to become a changeless immortal, a path which we are on.
Yet the botched spell, that got the character his brand new hairstyle is a constant reminder that all magic comes from the Warp, even Necromancy, since a Chaos Manifestation still occurs at random.
And then we shall rise from the ashes like an undead phoenix!
Vampires rise from their grave after dying and get called inhuman monsters, phoenixes do the same and get to be called beautiful creatures of magic. Unlife is just not fair.
And then we shall rise from the ashes like an undead phoenix!
Vampires rise from their grave after dying and get called inhuman monsters, phoenixes do the same and get to be called beautiful creatures of magic. Unlife is just not fair.
Wanted to post some more lore while we wait. Possible inspirations for the statutes, athletics, and discussion on which gods of the empire may mirror the gods of Nehekhara.
Nehekharan Gods
Ptra- Nehekharan god of the sun, creation, and immortality.
Basth - Nehekharan goddess of cats, grace, and love.
Qu'aph - Nehekharan god of subtlety and snakes.
Djaf - Nehekharan god of war, death, and jackless.
Asaph - Nehekharen goddess of beauty, magic, vengeance, and asps.
Geheb - Nehekharen god of the earth and strength.
Khsar - Nehekharen god of the desert and the desert wind.
Neru - Nehekharen goddess of protection and the moon.
Phakth - Nehekharen god of the sky, justice, and hawks.
Sakhmet - Nehekharen goddess of Morrslieb and jealousy.
Sokth - Nehekharen god of scorpions, poisoners, and thieves.
Tahoth - Nehekharen god of knowledge, scholars, and wisdom.
Usirian - Nehekharen god of death and the underworld.
Ualatp - Nehekharen god of scavengers and vultures.
I will say, I am very curious how we can experiment with undead, well, with stone constructs. Can we make them even stronger? I think the most definite thing we should do, it make stone construct of the body of ghost architect, that is one of the bigger side-projects. Of course I believe we need to research human body a lot to have good reference because that kind of construct would be very much be something totally different.
I will say, I am very curious how we can experiment with undead, well, with stone constructs. Can we make them even stronger? I think the most definite thing we should do, it make stone construct of the body of ghost architect, that is one of the bigger side-projects. Of course I believe we need to research human body a lot to have good reference because that kind of construct would be very much be something totally different.
It will take time, but I assume we will attempt a sort of lesser ushabti, similar to the Arabyan ushabti, where we take a strong soul, although not a hero soul since I doubt we have any of those, carve a body that mirrors that of a skeleton, give it the head or features of one of the animal representation of the gods (snake, vulture, bat, etc...) or a skull/face of the man they were in life, and the capability to wield a weapon.
To fit the aesthetic of Sylvania I think we should also attempt to build gargoyles, those statutes that are common in graveyards (to stand guard over the dead so that we control who has access to such prime real estate), various deceased nobility (no one will question nobles commissioning statutes of other nobles), or archers.
I will say, I am very curious how we can experiment with undead, well, with stone constructs. Can we make them even stronger? I think the most definite thing we should do, it make stone construct of the body of ghost architect, that is one of the bigger side-projects. Of course I believe we need to research human body a lot to have good reference because that kind of construct would be very much be something totally different.
We should also try to learn as much from our ghosts as soon possible. Namely the local nobleman since etiquette, local customs, and knowing which nobles are important will be very important. Unfortunately, vampires and politics (vampolitics) go hand in hand.
Mortuary cult is a poster child for "With money and political power, everything is possible." They tend to leak their secrets like sieve to the rich and powerful.
It will take time, but I assume we will attempt a sort of lesser ushabti, similar to the Arabyan ushabti, where we take a strong soul, although not a hero soul since I doubt we have any of those, carve a body that mirrors that of a skeleton, give it the head or features of one of the animal representation of the gods (snake, vulture, bat, etc...) or a skull/face of the man they were in life, and the capability to wield a weapon.
I think the elf might count as a hero soul, it's been a long time since there were last elves in Silvania. Any soul that lasted the almost 4000 years since the War of the Beard has to be pretty damn strong.
[X] In Search of Arcane Talent
-[X] "There are signs that a small group of spellcasters is operating nearby. -[X] Seeking new recruits
-[X] Space in the dungeons.
-[X] Pluck the newly-grown feathers faintly poking out of your hair.
-[X]Tomb Banshee
-[X]Local Nobleman -[X]Hierophant himself.
-[X] Death and Sky Bargain
-[X] Faint Embers Rebirth -[X]Daughter
The dungeon was exactly as expected; cold, unfriendly, and full of abandoned corpses. Also, full of Amethyst wind.
It took some convincing, but, in the end, you managed to claim the space as your own. A small group of mortal servants cleaned up the space where, presumably, the jailer of this keep lived. It didn't too much to move your current belongings, humble as they are.
There is a lot of things to be done before this place is worthy of you, but for now, it'll suffice.
***
"Jerked around like a petty wisp. What a disgrace."
She was a strange visage, a thing of mists and pale light. Wielding a strange harp, dressed in ornate grave-robes - you knew not of her origins, besides the fact that when you called upon Usirian for help in the moment of dire need, she was the servant that arrived. Against your expectations, she remained.
"You agreed to serve, Lathain." You are almost completely sure that is yet another pseudonym that everyone seems to be so fond of, these days - but that is how she introduced herself when you met.
"So I did. " Her whole figure radiating displeasure, the banshee floated toward the only table in your newly acquired dungeon. Sitting down, a harp in hand, idly plucking the strings she makes for quite a picture - although incapable of many physical comforts, she always cared about appearances.
" Did you have to go from one half-destroyed tomb to another? There are still abandoned corpses in the cells, Nerfertari. What are you doing? Did you anger your new lord already?"
" I had my reasons." You follow in banshee's stead and get comfortable on the only bed in the room. Try to, at least. " The meeting went about as well as it could have expected. The vampire is very much like the Kings grandfather described. Vain. Self-aggrandizing. Ambitious."
"Your ancient Kings served the gods. Feared them. Respected them. Vampires care not for anything but their bloodthirst, ambitions, and petty whims." The tone of the banshee's whisper is haughty, but you think you can hear the undertone of concern. "And you should know your value and hold onto your dignity, servant of Usirian. If you intend to live here, turn this place into something worthy of your station."
"I know. I know." You exhale. "There is a lot of work to do."
"Let's get to it, then. What a disaster. I leave you alone for one day, and you stuff yourself into a genuine hole in the ground. That dusty old tomb at least had gold and gems embedded in the walls."
***
The second significant spirit in your retinue required much more effort to summon properly. While you felt their presence after the summoning - their mind failed to wake up.
So you were now standing over a carefully cleaned skull of a stranger, weaving shyish into sacred patterns meant to stimulate recovery of the three parts of his soul that suffered the most. It was a difficult and monotonous work, demanding much of your attention if not terribly much power; even with Lathain's ever-present melody providing sharpness of focus.
"Picking up wanderers on the side of the road." Even when using most of her strength to assist you, she still finds the effort to continue whispering in your ear "What would grandfather say..."
You hush the evil spirit at your side just as the unfortunate soul of a man you found stirs - first, as a brief trick of light, then as a gathering mist, and finally - as a disheveling image of a man, covered in blood. Typical of spirits who died traumatic death. What isn't typical is Dhar lingering on him, spread through his damaged soul. Dark magic was involved in his death.
"Where am I? What happened? Where is Leopold? Where is the traitorous dog?!"
"Peace, peace. Remember your oath. Remember your promise to the God of the Dead." You covertly signal through the winds for Lathain to exert her abilities and hope remind yourself that you assembled the ritual circle correctly. The ever-present subtle melody becomes a lulling call to melancholy and peace.
" Promise?.. Ah." The furious energy drains from the ghost as quickly as it comes. The banshee's uncanny ability to manipulate the winds and minds through her voice and music is ever-useful. " You are the one who brought me back, correct? You are the one who arranged..." He paused, clearly incapable of putting his brief contact with the divine into proper words. "...The bargain?"
It often takes ghosts like him some time to realize their newly disembodied state, or to remember such details - this level of mental acuity immediately after awakening is a good sign. "Yes. You begged for justice, and I needed somebody who knows these strange lands."
"A necromancer, then." He looks at you, gaze evaluating. Left to wonder about what sort of thoughts were going on in that head of his, you continue.
"Your Sekhem... Your soul is weakened, some parts of it are fragmented. Somebody used dark magic on you. Do you remember what happened?"
"Yes... I was with Leopold on a hunt. I wanted to talk with him about Otto's health and... " He picks his words carefully "the future of Sylvania. I waited until we had an opportunity to talk one-on-one... and then... He shot me." He falls silent, his face contorting into an expression of pain.
You heard enough. Just as your grandfather told you, the games of nobility are the same everywhere.
"Enough. You need not to torture yourself further. Now, if you wish to persist on this plane, instead of going to whatever afterlife you deserve - you shall obey me. My master stands at odds with the current rulers of this land - so serve me well, and you'll have your vengeance. "
You do not know what this man thinks about this, as a person of barbaric religion and member of local barbaric tribes of man; surely the proposition is unpleasant for him. None of it showed on his face when he straightened up and looked you in the eye.
"...Alright. My name is Helmut Von Drak, and in the name of revenge, I shall serve. What do you need me to do?"
***
You wish you had better maps.
"Helmut, what do you know about... This settlement?"
"Been wiped out for generations. Who drew this map? A child?"
"And this one? With an unpronounceable name?"
"Never existed. And you should practice your Reikspiel more. Where did you find these?"
"Alwin got them from somewhere."
"Whoever that is, never ask them about maps ever again. Listen" He points at what is, according to the maps, a space in the middle of nowhere. "There is a large village here, arguably a small city. You can reach it by the road... here."
After a brief period of rest and recuperation, you decided to ask the man to help you understand the lay of the land. You have things to do here, after all. With ancient maps, Alwin procured from... somewhere... at your request, you tried to make sense of the region - which would've been an entirely fruitless endeavor if not for Helmut's help.
"Gablitz is a small village under the control of Baron Detlev Nägelein. Quaint little village, we hunted ghouls there a couple of times. They trade furs with their neighbors, farm a little, and occasionally suffer attacks from the beasts of Hunger Forest... "He stays silent for a moment before steeling himself. "And it is a home to a witch. She mostly provided cures and blessings to the locals and asked little in return. Lived there for as long as I remember."
"A kindly old woman, living alone in Sylvania. Doing nothing but charity, paid with nothing but gratitude..." You mutter, thoughtfully. A spellcaster living humbly like this? You find it hard to believe. One who commands the winds should live in luxury and respect.
"The villagers provided her with the food and necessities. Besides, she earned enough goodwill that the locals keep her safe when witch hunters come around. Even the Baron is in on it, I think. Sylvania knows how to hide their own."
Ah, sponsored by local nobility while projecting an image of humility and frugality. Understandable.
"So, what could have made act out? Strange lights, ailing cattle, noise, tales of monsters..." If she had a good thing going for her - what changed? Small-time practitioners like this cannot afford to gather the ill will of their small communities. " Perhaps, an unwise choice of apprentices? Or a rival encroaching on her territory?"
"That... Could be it." The man nods. "Inexperienced magicians do often fall into overambitious foolishness. So, what do you want to do?"
"Nefertari, we should learn more before doing anything rush." The banshee whispers in your ear. "Visit the local graveyard, let us question the dead..."
"We could directly approach the baron." Suggests the nobleman. "Locals might hide things from the outsiders, but the baron surely knows something."
Or you could bargain with Usurian and Ptra, and simply level the whole place with the tides of time. Decisions, decisions...
***
As you toss and torn in your bed, you admit to yourself that perhaps, you were overambitious with your choice of accommodations.
The dungeon is cold and unprepared for habitation, you faintly hear what might be some sort of vermin gnawing on the bones, and the draft is annoying. Your elixir-enchanted flesh should allow you to endure without having to deal with little indignities of flesh such as common cold or lesser afflictions - but that doesn't make it pleasant.
And then there are your capricious companions.
"This is no better than living in a stable." The noble spirit does not even feel anything, and yet he is complaining. The wicked banshee is only happy to add fuel to the fire.
"The tender mercies of the afterlife had more dignity than this."
You moan into what passes as your pillow. "Have some dignity in death and stop complaining. We'll fix the place later. Now, Lathain - help me sleep."
"Tsk. How mighty have fallen..." Nonetheless, she starts humming a familiar melody. You feel your eyes get heavier and heavier, until...
***
...You wake up to heavy knocking. It almost sounds like someone is trying to break the door.
"One person. A man, from the north. Angry, but not furious. Take care."
You throw on your robe and prepare yourself quickly, before opening the door. To the credit of the red-haired man you see on the other side, he does not barge in immediately the moment you open the door.
"So, you are the witch."
"...And you are?" You ask carefully, mentally sorting through incantations you could use to get rid of the man. He was impressively large - but a little bulk shouldn't be a problem.
"The person whom Ferdinand is supposed to consult before inviting more strays into his inner circle. Mikhail is the name. The spy, the knife the darkness, and the person who'll probably be saddled with trying to provide you with warpstone. You ilk loves their warpstone, right? " He stays still, silent, for a couple of seconds; watching for your reaction.
You show none. Was this the reason he woke up you just as you were trying to get some rest? Finally, he grunts. "So, you are going to let me in or not?"
Somewhat reluctantly, and, perhaps, against your better judgement you allow the man inside. Lathain did not whisper further warning into your ears, so this man is not planning on murdering you immediately, at least. It is somewhat hard to tell, with the local barbarians and brutes.
"When I heard that somebody decided to live in the dungeon, I almost didn't believe it. So, what's your deal? Summoning fell spirits as a hobby? Stealing the dead? Dining on children? What sort of nastiness do I have to prepare for?"
"I am a priestess of the gods." You answer, tone glacial. Why do you have to bear with the indignity of expectations these crude tribesmen have? Was this really worth disturbing your rest?
" So... Priestess, huh." He hums, and looks at your robe, so unlike most local spellcasters wear. " That's not what most two-bit hedge mages call themself. So, what's your poison? The Wise? Or Perfect General?" He carefully watches your reaction. "No... The crow? The snake, perhaps? "
You almost sic the spirits on the man that very instant. The amethyst winds come in motion. The thin light of candles dim. The shadows get deeper, as your anger grows.
"Patience, patience..." you hear the banshee whisper. " The silly man is just trying to show due diligence, in his own silly way...Do you see the features of his face? He is from the North. He is used to the fell gods and their idiotic servants."
"...No. Don't ever compare me to the servants of the Four, if you value your life."
"Ah. Alright." The man had the graces to at least look apologetic. Or intimidated, you really couldn't tell. "Then tell me about your gods, then."
Is this person insane. "Why should I explain anything now? Is this really the time? I was trying to sleep." Your attempts to convey how deeply unwanted the presence of this man here are, sadly, go ignored.
"As I said, It is my job to know about people Ferdinand invites into his house. Besides- it is not that late, and one should always know about the gods of their fellows. Especially in places such as this."
"And what about your gods?" Please, be unwilling to talk.
"I paid respect to many gods - but in these lands, I sacrifice to Ulric, the wolf. Now, you turn."
Another follower of local barbaric faith. No matter, at least it isn't Morr.
"I pay respects to many gods, but Usirian... God of the Dead is closest to my heart." You grudgingly allow.
"God of the Dead? In the court of a vampire? How did that happen."
You were about to suggest to the man to find a different time for your interrogation in more forceful terms when the door into your dungeon was kicked - do they really have to do that - open by yet another unwelcome visitor.
It was a woman. She was huge. She was... green. With numerous small bony growths jutting out of her body, not-at-all concealed by her tattered gambeson.
A ghoul. You tensed.
"Mikhail. We are in the deep shit." The voice is like a hiss and growl combined - you ready yourself, words of power once again on your lips. "Albert fucked up. The food shipment did not arrive."
"What? " the man looks toward the newcomer, his face is much like that of a man who suddenly discovered that he, indeed, found himself in a pile of shit. "It should have arrived yesterday. Did he fuck up again?"
"He did. The ghouls are getting restless, Mikhail. Ferdinand just stuffed them into the barracks when they got rowdy and that is not enough. What the fuck are we going to do come night, when the hunger and the madness are going to become impossible to control? They haven't had their fill of flesh in weeks. And who is that?"
"Our new court mage. Or priestess. It is a bit of a mess."
"Spellcaster, huh? " The monster-woman takes a long look at you, and you can almost see change her opinion of you change from "strange person somewhere they shouldn't be" to "fellow companion in dire misfortune." Then she speaks.
"Here is the deal; we got several dozen hungry half-feral ghouls in the barracks that have had human flesh in weeks. They are getting hungry, they are getting antsy, and normal rations are not sufficient anymore. Any longer, and we'll start having problems. Can you do something about that?"
"If you need them alive, I have the means to calm them down, perhaps. Maybe put them to sleep." You tentatively offer.
"...Anything would be good. Let's go. Prepare to fight for your life if things go badly."
As you hastily walk through the castle she continues the explanation. "It is typical ghoul-madness. After consuming human flesh for too long, you cannot go without for too long. That Bestoloch Albert was supposed to negotiate access with a temple of Morr nearby -"
"He did." Mikhail interrupts. "Whatever happened is a breach of contract. Albert promised me that he extracted a proper agreement from the temple."
"As if this is the first time he relies on promises of someone unreliable. Whatever happened, we are left with animal dry meat and bread. I hope you are up to the task, newbie - because otherwise, we'll be neck-deep in hungry ghouls I cannot control anymore. Gods help us if Ferdinand learns about this."
***
You are led to the decrypt barracks, hastily refit for habitation. With your witch-sight, you see the agitated souls inside - dhar-soiled wretches, barely human, barely living, existing in the grip of hunger. The sounds coming from inside are indescribable.
"The ghouls are inside. The door is locked, not that it is going to stop them once they lose control. If you can do anything, do it now." The ghoul-woman's stress is seeping off her every demand. She expects things to go badly.
You exhale. Time to impress on these people that you are no two-bit conjurer of tricks.
"Come, Lathain."
"As you wish."
The banshee manifests slowly - a purposefully dramatic gathering of mist and light. Immediately, Mikhail reaches for the axe resting at his hip, while ghoul-woman merely freezes. The gentle melody, an ancient promises of peace fill the air. You prepare to wait; more delicate applications of banshee's skills typically take time. You don't have to.
Almost immediately, you feel through the witchsight how ghouls calm down, the ghur and dhar of their souls pacified - and then they fall, one after another. Barely a few manage to rail at the blocked door, before succumbing like the rest. It takes very little time. Perhaps, these unfortunate souls are weak to this sort of influence?
"Taal's teeth. That's a fucking banshee." The look of horrified awe on the ghoul-woman's face is gratifying, even if she seems to have forgotten about your existence. "For how long she can keep that up?"
"Now that they are subdued? The whole day, and many days in a row. This would interfere with my other responsibilities, however." You try very hard to convey your opinion of the idea without saying anything else. You think you are successful.
"A day should be enough for me to figure out something to keep us going." Mikhail speaks. "I know a guy. A couple more, and I figure out what's the hold-up. "
You look toward the ghoul woman, who seems to be entranced by the visage of the banshee. It takes her a little longer to notice your glare - strange. You don't think Lathain intended to affect her.
"Call me Yulia. I am responsible for taking care of all these unfortunate souls, as any beasties Ferdinand picks up. If you need a force without scruples, without a need for pay, utterly ruthless, and hungry for blood - come to me."
With that, your first unexpected incident was over. Gods willing, it'll be the only one. Hopefully, now you can rest uninterrupted.
You have five (5) Action points. Turn length is variable according to the circumstances, four months is standard.
Personal actions:
[] Try to learn more about one of your retinue.
-[] Who?
[] Socialize with other significant servants of Ferdinand.
---[] You could specifically seek out someone whom you already met, or leave it up to chance.
[] Establish regular contact with the Mortuary Cult. Or attempt to, at least. As of right now, you'll probably have to work with the northerner on this one. Damnation.
[] Take up a pseudonym? Your appearance could pass for a local, but your name surely does not. A pseudonym should help you stick out a little less. (Free, if taken)
-[] Specify. Vaguely ominous names like Heinrich Kemmler or Vlad Von Carstein are traditional, but not mandatory.
[] You aren't here for your majestic communication skills and saintly patience, but, perhaps, there are some other propositions you should entertain. (This is a write in option.)
-[]Specify.
Your studies:
[] Ask Ferdinand to teach you vampiric magics.
[] Try to iterate on one of your spells.
-[] Specify which.
[] Derive new spells from the spells or concepts you are familiar with.
- Specify which.
[] Test Faint Embers on the ghouls. You have an idea...
[] Try to learn more about local divinities. Sigmar is a god of hammers, right?
[] Try to learn more about local culture. Presumably, it consists primarily of trying to burn you and your people. And complaining about Von Draks.
[] Seek out materials for animated statuary. The low-quality stone you can find nearby is insufficient for something worthy of your skills.
[] Study the flow of winds in the region. A map of the leylines and notable anomalies would be intensively useful for both your studies and seeking out other practitioners. Needless to say, you could use a consistent stream of arcane power.
[] Bind a spirit to a vessel.
-[] Specify spirit, specify vessel.
[] So many ideas, so little time. Perhaps you should study something else? (This is a write-in option.)
-[]Specify what.
Your job:
You are expected to deal with strange happenings in Gablitz and to craft some war statuary.
[]Visit the Baron of Gablitz. Surely he knows what is the cause of the magical disturbance in his lands?
[] Try to speak with the local villagers. They must know something.
[] Discreetly visit the local graveyard. The dead know great many things.
[] Turn the village into ashes and mortals into ghosts. No village, no villagers, nobody left to complain. Simple solutions.
[] Attempt to craft war statuary. Without better materials, you wouldn't be capable of making anything like the vaunted Ushabti, but if Ferdinand simply needs a dumb brute to carry heavy things or suppress undisciplined bandits, you'll manage.
[] Seek out a source of materials for the Mortuary Cult. You need stone, gems and corpses, on a scale that dwarfs the needs of a single modest practitioner like you.
[] Find whoever is responsible for drawing up the budget - you need money to operate properly. Hopefully, it isn't Ferdinand.
[] You have an idea. (This is a write-in option)
-[] Specify the idea.
Very soon you shall encounter a person of non-insignificant skill or means, who'll for one reason or another, decided follow you through hell and worse. Who are they? Choose one (1).
[] Masterful thief.
[] A jaded investigator.
[] A lonely monstrosity.
Every person on this exceedingly short list is a heroic character in their own right. No spellcasters.
Alright, we are out of setup phase. Almost.
Everyone rolled like shit on introduction rolls and random events, so everyone were suspicious, tired, angry and uncourteous while there was a box of angry ghouls in the courtyard. Then you rolled very well on dealing with problems. All that ends well, I suppose.
Yes, Ferdinand's servants are not exactly top-tier material. You are not the inner circle of Vlad Von Carstein, and Vampire Quest shinies went... places.
If anyone has preferences for a public dice roller that is not SV in-built dice, then let me know. I know of Dice Rollz rooms, aaaand that's pretty much it. I don't really care for posting every single roll, but it'll enhance the integrity of the game if you know for sure that I am not fudging the rolls on important stuff. And spare me the headaches.
I exercised my modest but tyrannical QM powers to provide a name for the player character; given to her by the Cult. If you prefer her to be known by some other name in the story, vote for a pseudonym, which you'll be using henceforward. Depending on how things go, it might even end up truer than the other names; such is typical for people you'll be dealing with. New beginnings as dire masters of the night, all that.
The votes shall remain open for 48 hours. I intend to speed up the vote-update cycle and dropped some other projects for that purpose.
The character sheet is incoming. You likely could infer some of the stats in advance using the update and choices available for your further actions.
If you see anything strange, or think that I forgot something do not be afraid to tell. Or ask questions. I am ashamed to admit there was some trouble with drafts.
I'll stick around for... 30 minutes or so. It is very late around here.
[X] Plan: No rest for the dead
-[X] Find whoever is responsible for drawing up the budget - you need money to operate properly. Hopefully, it isn't Ferdinand.
-[X] Discreetly visit the local graveyard. The dead know great many things.
-[X] Test Faint Embers on the ghouls. You have an idea...
-[X] Try to learn more about local divinities. Sigmar is a god of hammers, right?
-[X] Study the flow of winds in the region. A map of the leylines and notable anomalies would be intensively useful for both your studies and seeking out other practitioners. Needless to say, you could use a consistent stream of arcane power.
-[X] A jaded investigator.
The basic plan is to focus on the cemetery/mages issue and get a budget while maybe helping with the ghoul issue and getting a bigger budget by saving costs there. Religion could be useful for the cemetery visit, while winds are always useful to know for practitioners.
[X] A New Chapter, A New Name
- [X] Take up a pseudonym? Your appearance could pass for a local, but your name surely does not. A pseudonym should help you stick out a little less.
-- [X] Natalia Drachen
- [X] Find whoever is responsible for drawing up the budget - you need money to operate properly. Hopefully, it isn't Ferdinand.
- [X] Seek out materials for animated statuary. The low-quality stone you can find nearby is insufficient for something worthy of your skills.
- [X] Try to learn more about local culture. Presumably, it consists primarily of trying to burn you and your people. And complaining about Von Draks.
- [X] Discreetly visit the local graveyard. The dead know great many things.
[X] Plan: Funerary Goods
-[X] You aren't here for your majestic communication skills and saintly patience, but, perhaps, there are some other propositions you should entertain. (This is a write in option.)
--[X] Fix up your dwellings. Your retinue have made it clear that the appearance of the place is demoralizing, and there's a difference between a terrible hole in the ground and a comfortable hole in the ground that clean floors and a lack of (unwanted) dead bodies can do much to bridge.
-[X] Try to learn more about local culture. Presumably, it consists primarily of trying to burn you and your people. And complaining about Von Draks.
-[X] Visit the Baron of Gablitz. Surely he knows what is the cause of the magical disturbance in his lands?
-[X] Seek out a source of materials for the Mortuary Cult. You need stone, gems and corpses, on a scale that dwarfs the needs of a single modest practitioner like you.
-[X] Find whoever is responsible for drawing up the budget - you need money to operate properly. Hopefully, it isn't Ferdinand.
This is six boxes but five actions - I had to write in the option to not live in a (terrible) hole, but four months is a long time to spend with both of our people complaining about the decor, and I think it'll help with our internal actions later if we have a better workshop.
The rest are about establishing our resources and doing our job. Getting the local culture is important to figure out who we can talk to without getting burnt, and who we can expect to deal with us without stealing our money. Visiting the Baron does our job, and the source of materials for the Mortuary Cult does double duty on finding sources of materials for us, which is also our job.
Finally, we explicitly take the money option, which is the biggest problem in the way of doing our job.
