Strange Lands, and Stranger Times.
- Thread starter IcePickLobotomy
- Start date
- Original
edmantgoog
init high just high
[X] Accept. You trust Jurgen, and his advice has always been good, throwing the bow away notwithstanding. Aside from that he has always had your best interests in mind.
- Location
- Seattle, Washington
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Accept. You trust Jurgen, and his advice has always been good, throwing the bow away notwithstanding. Aside from that he has always had your best interests in mind.
The fire snaps and crackles casting flickering light across the clearing only to fade into the murky darkness of the forest. Smoke and embers scatter up to the sky beneath a waning moon.
You answer immediately. "I'll do it. But Jurgen?"
He looks up from the fire "Yes?"
"This is safe, right?"
"Err, yes" He responds weakly "Its not without risk, but not as dangerous as you may think." He pauses for a moment and feds another stick into the coals. "It won't be comfortable, it's going to be strange and off putting, even scary, but you can't panic. Your own state of mind effects what happens." He leans back, following eying the moon. "I wouldn't suggest this if I didn't think it was safe."
You nod your head "I'll remember that, thanks." Holding your hand out Jurgen passes you a canteen of warm water and the small pouch. He wishes you good luck before you walk along a small trail.
You quickly find the pond and a gnarled oak tree standing on its edge. A breeze rustles the leaves as a few crickets chirp faintly in the distance and the distant hoot of an owl echoes through the trees. The clearing is foreboding and desolate, completely bereft of any kind of in habitation, physical or spiritual.
Setting aside your reservations you quickly sit against the oak tree and prepare the drink to Jurgen's instructions. You drain the bitter concoction and close your eyes, focusing on your breathing. Then things begin to change. Sounds distort and colors change and soon they blind together. You could taste the cold blue of the night sky and feel the sounds upon your skin but soon the experience begins to pass as you feel the world slip away like sifting sand through your fingers before it seems to fade away completely. Your vision fades away as your eyes slip shut and you slump against the tree.
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Memories and emotions flow unbidden. You rest upon your father's knee as he tells you a story late one night. Your mother trying to teach you how knit, but is unable to keep your interest. You scramble up to the highest branches of a tree to prove that you can as your friends shout for you to go further. Your cheeks flush as you bring your lips to his out of sight from your father.
You tentatively slide your hand forward. tensing, you half-expect the skeleton to lunge out at you, but it remains still as you take the bow. You feel happy, accepted, whole. You say a few words to the dead. Empty platitudes to the forgotten, a waste of breathe.
The arrow flies true, and strikes the swamp-troll in the eye. It runs. Glee suffuses your form, your superiority affirmed.
The warning is called out, warning the troll in the woods to come out slowly. A foolish waste of time serving only to give away your position. Your arrows bite deep in response to the creatures arrogance. The man-beast fights savagely but falls. Taking advantage of the opertunity your cripple the creature further. Approval and satisfaction at this choice despite the sting of needing another to do this.
The boy is saved from the pests. A weak and foolish act, you cannot approve. His words further prove his worthlessness. And then you stay behind so that he may live. Foolishness, why should you risk yourself for his mistakes? This went against everything. Yet it was not for naught, the ensuing fight proved your better qualities.
Within something not unlike a mind, something not unlike amusement was perceived. It had taken too long for her to notice your presence, and this attempt at contact was ill-conceived. Your nature did not lend itself to such easy communion, but you would not let her go unanswered either. She was weak. You will fix that.
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Your eyes slowly peel open as the first shade of dawn becomes apparent. A few fleeting memories waft through your mind, but most of what happened after falling asleep is a haze. You remembered little, and it failed to make sense. The bow had wanted something from you, but you weren't able to get a clear idea on what that was. Running your finger over the bow you get a vague sense of. . . something. Frowning you try to concentrate further but gain a headache for your trouble. Honestly you weren't sure if you knew more about the bow or not.
Working the kinks out from your back and briefly washing the bitter metallic taste of the potion form your mouth, you make you way back to Jurgen.
The fire has dwindled to a few low coals, but Jurgen is still awake. A piece of wood resembling a bird is held in one hand, wood shavings litter the ground beneath him.
"Good to see your back. How'd it go?" he asks.
How do you respond?
[ ] Open. The bow is changing you, for some reason, and you don;t know how. It seems to have a mind of its own, but you weren't able to really understand it or communicate.
[ ] Mostly truthful. You want to leave some details out.
- What do you leave out?
[ ] Lie. Your didn't sense anything in terms of it having mental influence or having its own will.
[ ]Other.
- Write in.
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Ok so between midterms, a essay and the flu I found it very hard to motivate myself to write the update. In other news I did manage to (eventually) do so! anyways, you guys now know (a little) more on the bow. Now the reason for making you guys write in is three fold. 1. I don't want to color your ideas on the bow with my own input. 2. I want to see how you do articulate your thoughts. 3. I'm lazy
. Anyways, wanted to say this section took a while but I had a lot of fun writing it, and you guys will get to plan out you next month during the next update. As I said before, update schedule will be erratic still due to school and the like.
The fire snaps and crackles casting flickering light across the clearing only to fade into the murky darkness of the forest. Smoke and embers scatter up to the sky beneath a waning moon.
You answer immediately. "I'll do it. But Jurgen?"
He looks up from the fire "Yes?"
"This is safe, right?"
"Err, yes" He responds weakly "Its not without risk, but not as dangerous as you may think." He pauses for a moment and feds another stick into the coals. "It won't be comfortable, it's going to be strange and off putting, even scary, but you can't panic. Your own state of mind effects what happens." He leans back, following eying the moon. "I wouldn't suggest this if I didn't think it was safe."
You nod your head "I'll remember that, thanks." Holding your hand out Jurgen passes you a canteen of warm water and the small pouch. He wishes you good luck before you walk along a small trail.
You quickly find the pond and a gnarled oak tree standing on its edge. A breeze rustles the leaves as a few crickets chirp faintly in the distance and the distant hoot of an owl echoes through the trees. The clearing is foreboding and desolate, completely bereft of any kind of in habitation, physical or spiritual.
Setting aside your reservations you quickly sit against the oak tree and prepare the drink to Jurgen's instructions. You drain the bitter concoction and close your eyes, focusing on your breathing. Then things begin to change. Sounds distort and colors change and soon they blind together. You could taste the cold blue of the night sky and feel the sounds upon your skin but soon the experience begins to pass as you feel the world slip away like sifting sand through your fingers before it seems to fade away completely. Your vision fades away as your eyes slip shut and you slump against the tree.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Memories and emotions flow unbidden. You rest upon your father's knee as he tells you a story late one night. Your mother trying to teach you how knit, but is unable to keep your interest. You scramble up to the highest branches of a tree to prove that you can as your friends shout for you to go further. Your cheeks flush as you bring your lips to his out of sight from your father.
You tentatively slide your hand forward. tensing, you half-expect the skeleton to lunge out at you, but it remains still as you take the bow. You feel happy, accepted, whole. You say a few words to the dead. Empty platitudes to the forgotten, a waste of breathe.
The arrow flies true, and strikes the swamp-troll in the eye. It runs. Glee suffuses your form, your superiority affirmed.
The warning is called out, warning the troll in the woods to come out slowly. A foolish waste of time serving only to give away your position. Your arrows bite deep in response to the creatures arrogance. The man-beast fights savagely but falls. Taking advantage of the opertunity your cripple the creature further. Approval and satisfaction at this choice despite the sting of needing another to do this.
The boy is saved from the pests. A weak and foolish act, you cannot approve. His words further prove his worthlessness. And then you stay behind so that he may live. Foolishness, why should you risk yourself for his mistakes? This went against everything. Yet it was not for naught, the ensuing fight proved your better qualities.
Within something not unlike a mind, something not unlike amusement was perceived. It had taken too long for her to notice your presence, and this attempt at contact was ill-conceived. Your nature did not lend itself to such easy communion, but you would not let her go unanswered either. She was weak. You will fix that.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your eyes slowly peel open as the first shade of dawn becomes apparent. A few fleeting memories waft through your mind, but most of what happened after falling asleep is a haze. You remembered little, and it failed to make sense. The bow had wanted something from you, but you weren't able to get a clear idea on what that was. Running your finger over the bow you get a vague sense of. . . something. Frowning you try to concentrate further but gain a headache for your trouble. Honestly you weren't sure if you knew more about the bow or not.
Working the kinks out from your back and briefly washing the bitter metallic taste of the potion form your mouth, you make you way back to Jurgen.
The fire has dwindled to a few low coals, but Jurgen is still awake. A piece of wood resembling a bird is held in one hand, wood shavings litter the ground beneath him.
"Good to see your back. How'd it go?" he asks.
How do you respond?
[ ] Open. The bow is changing you, for some reason, and you don;t know how. It seems to have a mind of its own, but you weren't able to really understand it or communicate.
[ ] Mostly truthful. You want to leave some details out.
- What do you leave out?
[ ] Lie. Your didn't sense anything in terms of it having mental influence or having its own will.
[ ]Other.
- Write in.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok so between midterms, a essay and the flu I found it very hard to motivate myself to write the update. In other news I did manage to (eventually) do so! anyways, you guys now know (a little) more on the bow. Now the reason for making you guys write in is three fold. 1. I don't want to color your ideas on the bow with my own input. 2. I want to see how you do articulate your thoughts. 3. I'm lazy
. Anyways, wanted to say this section took a while but I had a lot of fun writing it, and you guys will get to plan out you next month during the next update. As I said before, update schedule will be erratic still due to school and the like.
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Well, the bow an asshole who want to be the best around. Then again, it'S a bow, a weapon made for killing.
- Location
- Seattle, Washington
- Pronouns
- He/Him
OK so it looks like leaving that as a write in only was a mistake. I edited the second to last paragraph a bit and added in some voting. choices. Hopefully that will help.
Hm. I'm thinking []Open, but not entirely sure. Is there anything we haven't told Jurgen, and that we don't want him knowing?
- Location
- Seattle, Washington
- Pronouns
- He/Him
At this point the only thing you haven't told him is about the deal you and with Sigri. The only way to bring that up at this point is to add it to a option or put it in the write-in. By default rose won't mention it.
- Location
- The evergreen land of clouds and rain.
-Write in: It was... Strange... I could tell it wanted to make me stronger. Able to go forth on my own and defeat my foes. It seemed rather ruthless, and it did not seem to poses any empathy... It cared nothing for the fate of anyone besides myself...
I meant to do this earlier but I forgot.
Edit: Vote Change
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- Location
- Canada
[X] Other
-[X] I'm not really sure what I saw in there. It was confusing, and jumped around from place to place, from memory to memory. <Short pause to gather thoughts> From what I can make sense of, the bow definitely has a mind of its own, or at least something similar enough. It is obsessed with its own superiority, and looks down on everyone else. It doesn't approve of me either, although it seems to view me with a bit more tolerance than others. It seems to care for nothing but fighting, and showing strength, looking down upon helping anyone in need.
I saw the first fight with the troll, and the bow's glee as it hit its target. Then there was the second fight, where we fought it together. It was still happy with victory, but detested the fact that it needed your help to win. When I led the goblins and orcs away, the bow seemed angry that I would help someone it perceived as weak. It only seemed to calm down when I displayed strength in the fight against the last orc.
While it seems to tolerate me, the bow seems to view me as weak, and it wants to change that. I think it wants me to act more like it would act on its own. <long pause> I don't know how much this thing can influence me, but I don't want to be the sort of person it wants me to be. I don't want to be heartless, to be a monster only concerned with myself. I... I'm not sure what to do...
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OK, I would have done this earlier, but I had an exam earlier today, and had a lot of school projects coming due, so this is the first long stretch of free time I've had since the post came out.
The basic jist I'm trying to get at with this, is that Rose is scared by what the bow has shown her. She knows that it is doing something to her with the energy transference. However given that from the bow's perspective strong seems to imply heartlessness, there is a strong possibility that it will start impacting her character. It hasn't yet - given our continuing good-aligned tendencies - but perhaps these effects take time to manifest. I figure that she wants to be a good person, and the possibility of losing that side of herself scares here in a way little else could.
-[X] I'm not really sure what I saw in there. It was confusing, and jumped around from place to place, from memory to memory. <Short pause to gather thoughts> From what I can make sense of, the bow definitely has a mind of its own, or at least something similar enough. It is obsessed with its own superiority, and looks down on everyone else. It doesn't approve of me either, although it seems to view me with a bit more tolerance than others. It seems to care for nothing but fighting, and showing strength, looking down upon helping anyone in need.
I saw the first fight with the troll, and the bow's glee as it hit its target. Then there was the second fight, where we fought it together. It was still happy with victory, but detested the fact that it needed your help to win. When I led the goblins and orcs away, the bow seemed angry that I would help someone it perceived as weak. It only seemed to calm down when I displayed strength in the fight against the last orc.
While it seems to tolerate me, the bow seems to view me as weak, and it wants to change that. I think it wants me to act more like it would act on its own. <long pause> I don't know how much this thing can influence me, but I don't want to be the sort of person it wants me to be. I don't want to be heartless, to be a monster only concerned with myself. I... I'm not sure what to do...
____________________________________________________________________________
OK, I would have done this earlier, but I had an exam earlier today, and had a lot of school projects coming due, so this is the first long stretch of free time I've had since the post came out.
The basic jist I'm trying to get at with this, is that Rose is scared by what the bow has shown her. She knows that it is doing something to her with the energy transference. However given that from the bow's perspective strong seems to imply heartlessness, there is a strong possibility that it will start impacting her character. It hasn't yet - given our continuing good-aligned tendencies - but perhaps these effects take time to manifest. I figure that she wants to be a good person, and the possibility of losing that side of herself scares here in a way little else could.
- Location
- Canada
Also, because I forgot to add this to my prior post, leaving it as a write in wasn't a mistake in my opinion. The main problems were 1. I was busy, and thus my write-in was delayed until today, and 2. there aren't too many people in this thread. problem 1 won't be a problem for a while, as my exam is over, and problem 2 is something that can likely be solved by throwing up a request for more players in the recruitment thread.
Leaving it as a write in allows us to say exactly what we wanted, and write ins have been the only votes so far anyways, so clearly that wasn't the problem. Similar things should probably be left as write-ins in the future, so that we can really define how our character will act. It's moments like this which define our character, and leaving it completely up to the players is a good choice in my opinion - provided you don't run into the problems mentioned above.
edmantgoog
init high just high
[X] Open. The bow is changing you, for some reason, and you don;t know how. It seems to have a mind of its own, but you weren't able to really understand it or communicate.
Hydroplatypus' writein sounds nice, but doesn't work with this part:
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- Location
- Canada
From what I got, the update summarized the parts we did remember. The parts we don't remember were presumably not written into the update, so that we wouldn't use knowledge that we wouldn't have IC. Plus the entire sequence jumped around a lot, and was generally incoherent, further indicating that what was written was only a small sub-section of what actually happened. As such, I feel justified in what I have written so far, given that I have good reason to think we remember everything actually written into the update.
- Location
- Seattle, Washington
- Pronouns
- He/Him
That is correct.
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[X] Hydroplatypus
-[X] Although... you do kind of like the idea of being the best. Being better then the other kids was always a motivation of yours.
-[X] Although... you do kind of like the idea of being the best. Being better then the other kids was always a motivation of yours.
- Location
- Seattle, Washington
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Hydroplatypus
"Well it's not as bad as I feared." Is the first thing Jurgen says. "Based on its displeasure with your actions it would seem that is currently unable to overtly influence you." He listlessly pokes at the embers before tossing you a water skin. You drink greedily, both to sate your thirst and wash the foul aftertaste from your mouth.
It takes Jurgen a few moments to collect his thought, but when he does he speaks pensively. "This isn't the first time I've dealt with this sort of thing so I have a rough idea of what to do. First, meditate often, everyday if you can manage. That should help you better connect with the bow."
You wrinkle your brow in confusion. "Isn't that what we're trying to avoid?"
"No," he shakes his head "We're trying to avoid having the bow influence your mind. By better connecting with it you become more aware of its actions. If you know what it's trying to do you can better fight it."
You nod "That makes sense, anything else? That seems somewhat simple."
"Aye, but it's harder in practice. Still, you may not need to fight it." He looks up from the fire and meets your eyes "From your description the bow is intelligent, perhaps you'll be able to reason with it, reach an accord. If not then I'd suggest burning it."
The two of you sit quietly until the first rays of sunlight begin to thread past the trees. You speak up, unable to withhold your curiosity.
"Jurgen, you said you've dealt with this kind of thing?"
"Yeah," He replies "This was back a while ago; I'd only been a woodsman for about two years. Me and three others had been sent to a small village that no longer exists, some strange beast had killed several people already and most their flocks had been ripped apart. Our job was to find and kill the monster responsible." He pauses and puts away the carved wood and replaces it with a pipe. You wait quietly as he lights it. This was a familiar scene, your father was found of the pipe as well, despite your mother's objections.
"It took us several weeks to figure it out. A locale villager had been cursed by a spirit of some variety for some reason. We never did find out why" he adds bitterly "He was turning into some monstrous creature at night and killed everything in sight out of blood lust. We did manage to kill it, but by then the village was too depopulated to survive the winter.
Admittedly that's an extreme case compared to yours, but I later made sure to find what I could on the subject of spiritual contamination. Each case must be judged by its own merits, and in many cases it's up to the victim themselves to decide on the best method. That said I think you have a pretty good chance of dealing with this, you've got a good head on your shoulders, a good heart, and a strong spirit."
"Jurgen," you say "Thank you. I appreciate everything you've done for me."
"You're welcome. I'd rather have prepared someone so that when they do something foolish they're more likely to walk away."
'Thanks. . . I guess."
You spend the next hour chatting amicable about nothing of any particular importance. Eventually the two of you head back into the city. Jurgen needed to speak with Commander Salmer, and you needed to do some shopping that could no longer be put off.
Is there anything else you want to ask Jurgen or say to him?
[ ] Yes.
- Write in.
[ ] No.
----------------------------------------------
After returning from the Merchants quarter, you drop your purchases off in your room. The few days pass quickly. To your disappointment Jurgen will not be able to teach over the next month, as he, Sal, and Allen are going out to try and hunt down the orcs. Any learning you do will be self-directed, or you'll have to find someone else to do it.
You pick up a few rumors as well. The orcs had apparently redirected to the north, into the lands of Lord Garamount. Duke Hanler set aside his conflict to assist his neighbor. The goblins went with them. Children continue to go missing, despite the curfew. The mayor promises that the culprit will be brought to justice soon. The Black Shark's power struggle continues, violence leaking out from the back rooms and alleys and into the open street. Unrelated is arrival of a platoon of Hospitalers lead by one Sister
Elinbern, a skilled swords-woman. No one knows why they have arrived, but it has made a number of people rather nervous, some even say a inquisitor has arrived incognito. Any yet despite all this you can't help but shake the feeling that someone, or something knowing your luck, is watching you.
Personal Enrichment (Select 3)
[ ] Archery. Continue your practice with the bow.
[ ] Survival. Learn more about nature, how to use the various resources within it.
[ ] Fighting. Your fight with that orc was close, too close.
[ ] Tactics. Fight Smarter, not harder. Maybe if you knew what you were doing you wouldn't have been trapped.
[ ] Stealth. You'd been trapped and would've died without the wisps. Next time you won't need their help.
[ ] Meditation. Learn how to better focus your mind, and hopefully get closer to your bow.
[ ] Other. Write in on what the skill is and why Rose is going to learn it.
Lodging
[ ] The Lazy Flee. Cheap and cramped. Plus the inn keeper is a little odd, not bad but something is strange about him. (2 silver, 5 coppers)
[ ] A (nicer) inn. A bigger room, a less rowdy clintal, but a bigger price. (4 silvers)
[ ] An Apartment. A small apartment, while sparse you will be better able to make it a home. (6 silvers. 2 additional silver per month due to living expenses.)
The Bounty Board. (select up to two)
[ ] Menial Labor. Safe, but low pay. Do odd jobs around the city such as cleaning, delivering messages, etc. (2 Silvers. Very Safe)
[ ] Forest Work. You've learned enough on the woods to make a living bringing in useful herbs, hides, and other things. (Earnings vary somewhat. Minimum of 4 silver, moderate danger)
[ ] Lost in the Woods. A young girl has gone missing, last seen chasing a light into the woods. Her parents are offering a reward to bring her back. (5 silver for retrieval of body, 10 if alive)
[ ] Escort Duties. A newly anointed priestess is making a pilgrimage to an old abandoned temple. Escort her safely. (5 Silver, increased reputation with The Church).
[ ] Night Watch. A local business man wants someone to keep a eye on their merchandise before its shipped. You'll be doing so at night. (4 silver)
Special Events. (Select Two)
[ ] Walking back home one evening you hear a woman screaming as something darts past you into an alleyway. A few splatters of blood had dripped onto the ground, so you take chase.
[ ] Sigri's Tooth. You plan on getting his tooth back, although you'll need to consider your approach.
[ ] One night a veiled and robbed woman sings for her meal at the Inn. She has an utterly enchanting voice and form what little you say beneath the hood is rather comely. After she leaves you see a group of men follow her out. You decide to intervene.
[ ] Investigate Rumor.
- The Black Sharks
- Missing Children
- The Hospitallers
- The Inquisitor
- Your Watchers?
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Whew, so this update puts me past the 25,000 word mark. I feel proud, longest piece of writing so far. Ok few notes as I want to explain a few things that I may or may not have touched on previously but am doing so just to make sure we're all on the same page. If you guys have any questions that I failed to address or just in general let me know and I'll address them as best I can.
On skills and training. Keep in mind that skill ranking is just a way for us to know how good Rose is a various things. Now going form rank B to A is very hard, and is unlikely to happen in one month of training. Rank D is akin to someone who had a little bit of training or some experience, C is someone who is trained and competent, B would be someone who is a well trained professional in that skill, A would be a expert who is at the top of his field. Rank S is supernatural good. Now by training a skill that is at Rank B you have a fair chance to pick up a talent, so for survival you may pick up Expert Tracker, or Poison Creator. All of your skills have associated Talents that represent further specialization without that field.
On money, 25 copper to a Silver, 100 Silver to a gold. 4 Silver is the living wage for a single person. Rose managed to get a fair bit of coin due to the fact that she has/is/will risk her life and be rewarded as such.
On rumors, I just want to say that they may not be true, or even worth investigation. Just wanted to put that out there. I included the shopping in a sperate post so that I can refer back to it on the first post.
"Well it's not as bad as I feared." Is the first thing Jurgen says. "Based on its displeasure with your actions it would seem that is currently unable to overtly influence you." He listlessly pokes at the embers before tossing you a water skin. You drink greedily, both to sate your thirst and wash the foul aftertaste from your mouth.
It takes Jurgen a few moments to collect his thought, but when he does he speaks pensively. "This isn't the first time I've dealt with this sort of thing so I have a rough idea of what to do. First, meditate often, everyday if you can manage. That should help you better connect with the bow."
You wrinkle your brow in confusion. "Isn't that what we're trying to avoid?"
"No," he shakes his head "We're trying to avoid having the bow influence your mind. By better connecting with it you become more aware of its actions. If you know what it's trying to do you can better fight it."
You nod "That makes sense, anything else? That seems somewhat simple."
"Aye, but it's harder in practice. Still, you may not need to fight it." He looks up from the fire and meets your eyes "From your description the bow is intelligent, perhaps you'll be able to reason with it, reach an accord. If not then I'd suggest burning it."
The two of you sit quietly until the first rays of sunlight begin to thread past the trees. You speak up, unable to withhold your curiosity.
"Jurgen, you said you've dealt with this kind of thing?"
"Yeah," He replies "This was back a while ago; I'd only been a woodsman for about two years. Me and three others had been sent to a small village that no longer exists, some strange beast had killed several people already and most their flocks had been ripped apart. Our job was to find and kill the monster responsible." He pauses and puts away the carved wood and replaces it with a pipe. You wait quietly as he lights it. This was a familiar scene, your father was found of the pipe as well, despite your mother's objections.
"It took us several weeks to figure it out. A locale villager had been cursed by a spirit of some variety for some reason. We never did find out why" he adds bitterly "He was turning into some monstrous creature at night and killed everything in sight out of blood lust. We did manage to kill it, but by then the village was too depopulated to survive the winter.
Admittedly that's an extreme case compared to yours, but I later made sure to find what I could on the subject of spiritual contamination. Each case must be judged by its own merits, and in many cases it's up to the victim themselves to decide on the best method. That said I think you have a pretty good chance of dealing with this, you've got a good head on your shoulders, a good heart, and a strong spirit."
"Jurgen," you say "Thank you. I appreciate everything you've done for me."
"You're welcome. I'd rather have prepared someone so that when they do something foolish they're more likely to walk away."
'Thanks. . . I guess."
You spend the next hour chatting amicable about nothing of any particular importance. Eventually the two of you head back into the city. Jurgen needed to speak with Commander Salmer, and you needed to do some shopping that could no longer be put off.
Is there anything else you want to ask Jurgen or say to him?
[ ] Yes.
- Write in.
[ ] No.
----------------------------------------------
After returning from the Merchants quarter, you drop your purchases off in your room. The few days pass quickly. To your disappointment Jurgen will not be able to teach over the next month, as he, Sal, and Allen are going out to try and hunt down the orcs. Any learning you do will be self-directed, or you'll have to find someone else to do it.
You pick up a few rumors as well. The orcs had apparently redirected to the north, into the lands of Lord Garamount. Duke Hanler set aside his conflict to assist his neighbor. The goblins went with them. Children continue to go missing, despite the curfew. The mayor promises that the culprit will be brought to justice soon. The Black Shark's power struggle continues, violence leaking out from the back rooms and alleys and into the open street. Unrelated is arrival of a platoon of Hospitalers lead by one Sister
Elinbern, a skilled swords-woman. No one knows why they have arrived, but it has made a number of people rather nervous, some even say a inquisitor has arrived incognito. Any yet despite all this you can't help but shake the feeling that someone, or something knowing your luck, is watching you.
Personal Enrichment (Select 3)
[ ] Archery. Continue your practice with the bow.
[ ] Survival. Learn more about nature, how to use the various resources within it.
[ ] Fighting. Your fight with that orc was close, too close.
[ ] Tactics. Fight Smarter, not harder. Maybe if you knew what you were doing you wouldn't have been trapped.
[ ] Stealth. You'd been trapped and would've died without the wisps. Next time you won't need their help.
[ ] Meditation. Learn how to better focus your mind, and hopefully get closer to your bow.
[ ] Other. Write in on what the skill is and why Rose is going to learn it.
Lodging
[ ] The Lazy Flee. Cheap and cramped. Plus the inn keeper is a little odd, not bad but something is strange about him. (2 silver, 5 coppers)
[ ] A (nicer) inn. A bigger room, a less rowdy clintal, but a bigger price. (4 silvers)
[ ] An Apartment. A small apartment, while sparse you will be better able to make it a home. (6 silvers. 2 additional silver per month due to living expenses.)
The Bounty Board. (select up to two)
[ ] Menial Labor. Safe, but low pay. Do odd jobs around the city such as cleaning, delivering messages, etc. (2 Silvers. Very Safe)
[ ] Forest Work. You've learned enough on the woods to make a living bringing in useful herbs, hides, and other things. (Earnings vary somewhat. Minimum of 4 silver, moderate danger)
[ ] Lost in the Woods. A young girl has gone missing, last seen chasing a light into the woods. Her parents are offering a reward to bring her back. (5 silver for retrieval of body, 10 if alive)
[ ] Escort Duties. A newly anointed priestess is making a pilgrimage to an old abandoned temple. Escort her safely. (5 Silver, increased reputation with The Church).
[ ] Night Watch. A local business man wants someone to keep a eye on their merchandise before its shipped. You'll be doing so at night. (4 silver)
Special Events. (Select Two)
[ ] Walking back home one evening you hear a woman screaming as something darts past you into an alleyway. A few splatters of blood had dripped onto the ground, so you take chase.
[ ] Sigri's Tooth. You plan on getting his tooth back, although you'll need to consider your approach.
[ ] One night a veiled and robbed woman sings for her meal at the Inn. She has an utterly enchanting voice and form what little you say beneath the hood is rather comely. After she leaves you see a group of men follow her out. You decide to intervene.
[ ] Investigate Rumor.
- The Black Sharks
- Missing Children
- The Hospitallers
- The Inquisitor
- Your Watchers?
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Whew, so this update puts me past the 25,000 word mark. I feel proud, longest piece of writing so far. Ok few notes as I want to explain a few things that I may or may not have touched on previously but am doing so just to make sure we're all on the same page. If you guys have any questions that I failed to address or just in general let me know and I'll address them as best I can.
On skills and training. Keep in mind that skill ranking is just a way for us to know how good Rose is a various things. Now going form rank B to A is very hard, and is unlikely to happen in one month of training. Rank D is akin to someone who had a little bit of training or some experience, C is someone who is trained and competent, B would be someone who is a well trained professional in that skill, A would be a expert who is at the top of his field. Rank S is supernatural good. Now by training a skill that is at Rank B you have a fair chance to pick up a talent, so for survival you may pick up Expert Tracker, or Poison Creator. All of your skills have associated Talents that represent further specialization without that field.
On money, 25 copper to a Silver, 100 Silver to a gold. 4 Silver is the living wage for a single person. Rose managed to get a fair bit of coin due to the fact that she has/is/will risk her life and be rewarded as such.
On rumors, I just want to say that they may not be true, or even worth investigation. Just wanted to put that out there. I included the shopping in a sperate post so that I can refer back to it on the first post.
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- Location
- Seattle, Washington
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Note: If there is anything not included in the list that you want to but or price check say so in the thread and I'll add it to this. For anything that needs a description I have added a section after the main gear list to add that.
Weapons
Long Sword: 8 Silver
Short Sword: 5 Silver
Hatchet: 2 Silver
Dagger: 1 Silver, 15 copper
Knife: 20 Copper
Throwing Knife: 1 Silver
Arrows (5): 1 Silver
Refurbish your armor: 6 Silver
Miscellaneous Items
Climbing Gear: 5 Silver
Spy Glass: 15 Silver
Foresters Cloak: 2 Silver
Antidote Kit: 12 Silver
Bear Trap: 3 Silver
Lantern: 2 Silver
Oil (4 hours per selection): 10 Copper
Fine Clothing: 4 Silver
Rations: 5 Copper
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Foresters Cloak: A thick mottled grey-green hooded cloak made of wool. It is both warm and waterproof, and thick enough to protect the wearer from thorns, brambles and other environmental hazards. The coloration is noted for its ability to easily blend into many environments, especially the forest.
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Note: 25 Copper to a Silver, 100 Silver to a Gold, 1 Silver is equal to a week's worth of wages for unskilled labor, which would put 4 silver a month to the living wage.
Decided to include this as a separate post for future reference. If you guys decide to buy something, just add it in as apart of a action. I'm no economist so if there is anything nonsensical in here let me know and I'll address it as best as possible.
Weapons
Long Sword: 8 Silver
Short Sword: 5 Silver
Hatchet: 2 Silver
Dagger: 1 Silver, 15 copper
Knife: 20 Copper
Throwing Knife: 1 Silver
Arrows (5): 1 Silver
Refurbish your armor: 6 Silver
Miscellaneous Items
Climbing Gear: 5 Silver
Spy Glass: 15 Silver
Foresters Cloak: 2 Silver
Antidote Kit: 12 Silver
Bear Trap: 3 Silver
Lantern: 2 Silver
Oil (4 hours per selection): 10 Copper
Fine Clothing: 4 Silver
Rations: 5 Copper
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Foresters Cloak: A thick mottled grey-green hooded cloak made of wool. It is both warm and waterproof, and thick enough to protect the wearer from thorns, brambles and other environmental hazards. The coloration is noted for its ability to easily blend into many environments, especially the forest.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: 25 Copper to a Silver, 100 Silver to a Gold, 1 Silver is equal to a week's worth of wages for unskilled labor, which would put 4 silver a month to the living wage.
Decided to include this as a separate post for future reference. If you guys decide to buy something, just add it in as apart of a action. I'm no economist so if there is anything nonsensical in here let me know and I'll address it as best as possible.
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- Location
- The evergreen land of clouds and rain.
[X] No.
(Can't think of anything to ask him.)
Personal Enrichment (Select 3)
[X] Fighting. Your fight with that orc was close, too close.
[X] Stealth. You'd been trapped and would've died without the wisps. Next time you won't need their help.
[X] Meditation. Learn how to better focus your mind, and hopefully get closer to your bow.
Lodging
[X] The Lazy Flee. Cheap and cramped. Plus the inn keeper is a little odd, not bad but something is strange about him. (2 silver, 5 coppers)
The Bounty Board. (select up to two)
[X] Forest Work. You've learned enough on the woods to make a living bringing in useful herbs, hides, and other things. (Earnings vary somewhat. Minimum of 4 silver, moderate danger)
[X] Lost in the Woods. A young girl has gone missing, last seen chasing a light into the woods. Her parents are offering a reward to bring her back. (5 silver for retrieval of body, 10 if alive)
Special Events. (Select Two)
[X] Sigri's Tooth. You plan on getting his tooth back, although you'll need to consider your approach.
[X] Investigate Rumor.
- Your Watchers?
To start off. We're not the greatest in a fight. We do need to level this quickly. Because as the fight with the orc showed, we can't always keep enemies out of melee range. For the other two skills, I'm thinking we're going to need stealth to get Sigri's Tooth, and Jurgen recommended that we start meditating.
Sticking with the Flea for now. I don't really see a reason to change yet.
For jobs. The well paying forester work, and the chance to save a kid. How can we pass up the chance?
Events. Going with Sigri's Tooth. Always a good idea to keep our bargains. And I want to know who's watching us. Even if I half expect it to be the young guy we saved. (Can't remember his name.)
Purchases:
Arrows (15): 3 Silver
Refurbish your armor: 6 Silver
Foresters Cloak: 2 Silver
Lantern: 2 Silver
Oil (2) (4 hours per selection): 20 Copper
Total - 13 silver, 20 copper
Seeing as how archery is our primary combat ability, we should have more arrows. Probably would be a good idea to fix up are armor as well. If I'm correct about the Foresters Cloak, it will be fairly good at keep the weather out, as well as offer some camouflage. Lantern and Oil is incase we ever need some light. We could even use it to lure people who are tracking us away. (Or we could just light them on fire.
)
Thoughts?
(Can't think of anything to ask him.)
Personal Enrichment (Select 3)
[X] Fighting. Your fight with that orc was close, too close.
[X] Stealth. You'd been trapped and would've died without the wisps. Next time you won't need their help.
[X] Meditation. Learn how to better focus your mind, and hopefully get closer to your bow.
Lodging
[X] The Lazy Flee. Cheap and cramped. Plus the inn keeper is a little odd, not bad but something is strange about him. (2 silver, 5 coppers)
The Bounty Board. (select up to two)
[X] Forest Work. You've learned enough on the woods to make a living bringing in useful herbs, hides, and other things. (Earnings vary somewhat. Minimum of 4 silver, moderate danger)
[X] Lost in the Woods. A young girl has gone missing, last seen chasing a light into the woods. Her parents are offering a reward to bring her back. (5 silver for retrieval of body, 10 if alive)
Special Events. (Select Two)
[X] Sigri's Tooth. You plan on getting his tooth back, although you'll need to consider your approach.
[X] Investigate Rumor.
- Your Watchers?
To start off. We're not the greatest in a fight. We do need to level this quickly. Because as the fight with the orc showed, we can't always keep enemies out of melee range. For the other two skills, I'm thinking we're going to need stealth to get Sigri's Tooth, and Jurgen recommended that we start meditating.
Sticking with the Flea for now. I don't really see a reason to change yet.
For jobs. The well paying forester work, and the chance to save a kid. How can we pass up the chance?
Events. Going with Sigri's Tooth. Always a good idea to keep our bargains. And I want to know who's watching us. Even if I half expect it to be the young guy we saved. (Can't remember his name.)
Purchases:
Arrows (15): 3 Silver
Refurbish your armor: 6 Silver
Foresters Cloak: 2 Silver
Lantern: 2 Silver
Oil (2) (4 hours per selection): 20 Copper
Total - 13 silver, 20 copper
Seeing as how archery is our primary combat ability, we should have more arrows. Probably would be a good idea to fix up are armor as well. If I'm correct about the Foresters Cloak, it will be fairly good at keep the weather out, as well as offer some camouflage. Lantern and Oil is incase we ever need some light. We could even use it to lure people who are tracking us away. (Or we could just light them on fire.
)Thoughts?
edmantgoog
init high just high
Personal Enrichment (Select 3)
[X] Archery. Continue your practice with the bow.
[X]Survival. Learn more about nature, how to use the various resources within it.
[X] Meditation. Learn how to better focus your mind, and hopefully get closer to your bow.
Lodging
[X] The Lazy Flee. Cheap and cramped. Plus the inn keeper is a little odd, not bad but something is strange about him. (2 silver, 5 coppers)
The Bounty Board. (select up to two)
[X] Forest Work. You've learned enough on the woods to make a living bringing in useful herbs, hides, and other things. (Earnings vary somewhat. Minimum of 4 silver, moderate danger)
[X] Lost in the Woods. A young girl has gone missing, last seen chasing a light into the woods. Her parents are offering a reward to bring her back. (5 silver for retrieval of body, 10 if alive)
Special Events. (Select Two)
[X] Sigri's Tooth. You plan on getting his tooth back, although you'll need to consider your approach.
[X] One night a veiled and robbed woman sings for her meal at the Inn. She has an utterly enchanting voice and form what little you say beneath the hood is rather comely. After she leaves you see a group of men follow her out. You decide to intervene.
[X] Archery. Continue your practice with the bow.
[X]Survival. Learn more about nature, how to use the various resources within it.
[X] Meditation. Learn how to better focus your mind, and hopefully get closer to your bow.
Lodging
[X] The Lazy Flee. Cheap and cramped. Plus the inn keeper is a little odd, not bad but something is strange about him. (2 silver, 5 coppers)
The Bounty Board. (select up to two)
[X] Forest Work. You've learned enough on the woods to make a living bringing in useful herbs, hides, and other things. (Earnings vary somewhat. Minimum of 4 silver, moderate danger)
[X] Lost in the Woods. A young girl has gone missing, last seen chasing a light into the woods. Her parents are offering a reward to bring her back. (5 silver for retrieval of body, 10 if alive)
Special Events. (Select Two)
[X] Sigri's Tooth. You plan on getting his tooth back, although you'll need to consider your approach.
[X] One night a veiled and robbed woman sings for her meal at the Inn. She has an utterly enchanting voice and form what little you say beneath the hood is rather comely. After she leaves you see a group of men follow her out. You decide to intervene.
Personal Enrichment (Select 3)
[X] Archery. Continue your practice with the bow.
[X]Survival. Learn more about nature, how to use the various resources within it.
[X] Meditation. Learn how to better focus your mind, and hopefully get closer to your bow.
Lodging
[X] The Lazy Flee. Cheap and cramped. Plus the inn keeper is a little odd, not bad but something is strange about him. (2 silver, 5 coppers)
The Bounty Board. (select up to two)
[X] Escort Duties. A newly anointed priestess is making a pilgrimage to an old abandoned temple. Escort her safely. (5 Silver, increased reputation with The Church).
[X] Lost in the Woods. A young girl has gone missing, last seen chasing a light into the woods. Her parents are offering a reward to bring her back. (5 silver for retrieval of body, 10 if alive)
Special Events. (Select Two)
[X] Sigri's Tooth. You plan on getting his tooth back, although you'll need to consider your approach.
[X] One night a veiled and robbed woman sings for her meal at the Inn. She has an utterly enchanting voice and form what little you say beneath the hood is rather comely. After she leaves you see a group of men follow her out. You decide to intervene.
[X] Archery. Continue your practice with the bow.
[X]Survival. Learn more about nature, how to use the various resources within it.
[X] Meditation. Learn how to better focus your mind, and hopefully get closer to your bow.
Lodging
[X] The Lazy Flee. Cheap and cramped. Plus the inn keeper is a little odd, not bad but something is strange about him. (2 silver, 5 coppers)
The Bounty Board. (select up to two)
[X] Escort Duties. A newly anointed priestess is making a pilgrimage to an old abandoned temple. Escort her safely. (5 Silver, increased reputation with The Church).
[X] Lost in the Woods. A young girl has gone missing, last seen chasing a light into the woods. Her parents are offering a reward to bring her back. (5 silver for retrieval of body, 10 if alive)
Special Events. (Select Two)
[X] Sigri's Tooth. You plan on getting his tooth back, although you'll need to consider your approach.
[X] One night a veiled and robbed woman sings for her meal at the Inn. She has an utterly enchanting voice and form what little you say beneath the hood is rather comely. After she leaves you see a group of men follow her out. You decide to intervene.