The World of Layonara
Character Development => Development Journals and Discussion => Topic started by: MadHattan on October 17, 2006, 07:06:53 PM
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Sojourner's Journal: Omer
Omer Narmocano Birthday: Freas, Mai 13, 1334
Class: Wizard
Race: Elf
Alignment: Neutral Good
Omer was raised where the edge of the forest encroaches on treeless slopes of the mountain range. Omer lived in an elven community with his parents and 5 elder sisters, all of whom now have their own families. In spite of the distractions and responsibilities of the mountain community, thoughts dwell on the brother who was lost to him. The idea of an older brother who he barely remembers, occupy his thoughts with a deep compulsion he can not seem to escape. His parents refuse to speak of his brother but stories are whispered of his brother Mercas, an excitable youth with little respect, little discipline and a great pension for trouble. It is whispered that His father had sent Mercas away to live with the ancient hermit wizard named Amroth, but why, none would say. Neither Mercas nor Amroth have been seen in many decades and the thought of a brother, beyond the small mountain valley obsess the young Omer.
One day, while gathering herbs for the annual winter festival, Omer discovered himself within sight of the valley where Amroth was said to live. Not being able to resist, Omer left his friends and spent the day climbing up the long valley following a very small and cold mountain stream. A dense fog rolled in as Omer climbed up the steep valley. The afternoon fog became a drizzling cold rain. As the sun set early behind a mountain ridge, sleet set in and eventually became a slow falling snow. Through the night, Omer climbed, listening to the silent valley now being covered in a white and an eerie light bathed the valley where darkness should have set in long before.
Reaching a relatively flat ledge, close to the trickle of the small stream, Omer settled in for the night, covered in simple oiled leathers from his pack. Tired from the long climb Omer quickly slipped into a deep sleep, at first dreaming of becoming a wizard like his brother surely was, and following his brother through the vast lands. Then the dream shifts suddenly to the image of a dragon, or was it a dream? The date was Freas, Mai 13, 1406, Omer awoke in the town of Hlint on his 72nd birthday.
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- Sunra, Jenra 22, 1408: I am quarantined to the house in 118 Llast, awaiting the onset of symptoms of the Wasting Death. I will enjoy having the time to enjoy this library and finally start this blasted journal. Perhaps I shall reflect on my explorations of Mistone, Dregar and Isles of the Kingdom of Roldem. So what has brought me into this state of quarantine? Apparently some unwise adventurers disturbed a black dragon that then attacked Hurm in retaliation spreading destruction as well as the Wasting Death. The disease was spread to the citizens of Hurm in the attack and Ferrit Pandorn brought the disease with her from Hurm. I do not blame her how was she to know she carried the Wasting Death. She could not. Most of the guild is in quarantine until either no symptoms develop or till death takes us one by one. The healer in Seilwood told us that a cure exists, but so far it is a dream. If any in the Guild survive it will be as hard on them as those who pass.
- Mulnari, Febra 9, 1408: All my joints ache and my black skin is starting to crack in places. I fear these will be my last words. If this journal is found before it is burned; Let it be known to all that I had a good life I have not a single regret.
- Tunar, Febra 24, 1408: It is miraculous I am healed! Plenarious, a strange winged man came to visit at the house today. Plenarious a cleric and mystic healed the blackend husk of a body. Plen was my first real visitor since the quarantine stated, I wondered if anyone would come to see me before I expired from the disease. I must tell the Guild and find out how Daniel fares. Plenarious told me all others in the Guild had been saved except poor Daniel.
- Tunar, Febra 24, 1408: As I walked into Hlint from Llast, snow began to fall . It has become obvious to me the world becomes colder. It reminds me how thankful I am to have a warm house with a strong fire to keep me warm at night. Now that I am in Hlint I noticed that it has become a ghost town, few venture into the streets. Rumors abound of adventurers who traveled to Hurm and refuse to be tested. Many fear that the disease is reaching a full blown epidemic and hide in their houses opening their doors to none, not friend nor family. Plenarious cannot save them all.
- I have decided to leave cities, towns and villages in general for awhile. I have no wish to huddle in my house, so tomorrow I start on my trek to the Isles of Roldem to harvest materials used to make various oils.
- Satari, Apreal 28, 1408: From the Lorindar Town Crier, "Hurm was attacked by three black dragons and large parts of it were completely destroyed! Some say it is because a group of adventurers angered a dragon by entering its lair uninvited."
- Satari, Apreal 28, 1408: I have not heard much of the plague on Mistone in weeks. I will venture back and work on the study of enchantments.
- Satari, Apreal 28, 1408: As I sit here, I prepare my case to propose the Wizard, Scribe and dear friend Elohanna to the Guild for Membership. Any serious Guild needs a scribe and she has the dedication to become one of the best in all the land. Scrolls sold by scribes are purchased for a good profit. I hope the guild sees the wisdom in my proposal even if from just an apprentice. I also plan to appeal to the Guild to advance from apprentice to master I doubt I will have success in my appeal but it will give me a platform to press for it later.
- Sunra, Mai 15, 1408: I am now a full voting member of the Guild. No longer an apprentice, I have new responsibilities.
- Mulnari, Junar 2, 1408: Dora Mars took me mining for fire opals today. What a trip with the giants attacking from us around every corner. I am not sure how but Dora somehow kept me alive. I brought back seven opals! Seven! She even mentioned mining diamonds! I do not feel I am ready but it makes me think about it a lot.
- Wedlar, Jular 4, 1408: While walking and exploring Dregar I discovered Tegan, Voon, Keti in the Thunderpeaks. Although the others left Keti agreed to show me around the Iron Hills. I found a nice vein of Topaz on the trip but I do not think I shall be returning soon. The Ogre stronghold is well guarded.
- Tunar, Oclar 10, 1408: Elohanna...Elohanna, I am so sorry. I only pray you do not learn to despise me.
- Wedlar, Oclar 25, 1408: I met a new human girl, Janice Stellar, on the shore of Corax Lake on Dregar. We decided to travel together for awhile. It was not long before we were attacked by giants. Her tactics are unconventional at best, amazing to watch and exciting wow was it exciting. I have never seen a sorcerer go to battle like that ever. She did not know know many spells but she could sling them fast and often. Note to self: Do not anger this human.
- Satari, Decilar 14, 1408: Tegan,Dora, Rain, Daniel and I were walking back from a successful trip to the Berhagan Moutains in southern Mistone. On our way out of the moutains as weapprochedFort Velensk when we were attacked by Drow. There wereDrow clerics,wizards, archers and warriors all intent of killing us all it appeared. The Drow obviously grossly underestimated the streangth of our group.
- Sunra, Jenra 1, 1409: Daniel, guild brother today stands accused buy the Rofirein Temple ofnon-compliance of edict 33. Requiring him of notifying the temple of the location of the "Seed of Change". The temple did not hold a hearing but asked thoes present to locate a group of dwarves who had disappeared in the battle fens cave system. The Vorax followers, the dwarves, had locaed a recipe for the seeds. After a long journey we located and recovered the bodies of the dwarves and the recipe they had hidden.
- Threas, Oclar 5, 1410:Trip to Vanavar Caves with Dora.
- Satari, Novlar 7, 1410: Trip to the Litch Elo (sp?)Tower on Rilara. Beware the animated swords.
- Sunra, Novlar 22, 1410: Second trip to Vanavar Caves with Dora and party discovered machine like the one in Red Light Caves
- Tunar, Decilar 24, 1410: Trip to the Goblin Log House.
- Wedlar, Jenra 11, 1411: Trip to the Cave of theBroken Horn Minotar Minotaur Clan trip aborted at the entrance.
- Mar 15, 1411: Trip to the Cave of theOutlaw band of Monks nearTibum.
- Junar Mar 27, 1411: Trip to Mad Wizards Tower near Karthy.
- Junar 6, 1411: Trip to Mad Wizards Tower near Karthy.
- Satari, Junar 2, 1411:Elohanna and I traveled to Leion Armsto get her fortune "read".
- Satari, Junar 19, 1411: Trip to the Firesteep mines
- Satari, Junar 21, 1411: Elohanna tells me that Melanna is back but avoiding her. Eghass reported seeing her in Leion.
- Freas, Seplar 6, 1411: Trip to Rift with Elohanna, Lyleand others...Lyle fell and I hold a polished diamond for him.
- Satari, Seplar 15, 1412: Trip to Rift with Silverhand...Lyle fell and I hold a polished diamond for him.
- Mulnari, Jenra 23, 1413:Trip to the Riftwith Storold, Tyrian, Mylindra, Rhynn, Dorena, Angela, Alantha, and Ralindafor diamonds.
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Wedlar, Decilar 4, 1423: After much deliberation I decided to pursue formal weapons training. It is obvious my skill deficiency with the long sword has made me a liability. I am eager to discover how certain battle wizards, being also expert swordsmen, can use their blades to manipulate the weave.
Freas, Decilar 6, 1423: Steel, agreed to be my instructor in the use of various weapons, armor and war. We spent the evening reviewing Axioms of the Dread Blades (author: Cole Norseman) and recounting times where we faced foes shoulder to shoulder. Steel seemed impressed I remembered the Cole was a wizard. I remember a night long ago in the area when Steel brought life to the Dread Blade and taught Cole Norsemans Axioms with Kalin the sorcerer. I do understand the Axioms and the need for them, though I will not be known as a Dread Blade myself. One, I am not nor ever will be a mercenary as I have higher motivations, two, my own principals preclude me from believing I willingly do anything inherently evil as the Dread Blade Axioms subscribe. Regardless, I will get some of the best training available. I endeavor to be the most focused student Steel will ever encounter.
Steel seems to want to address the use of chainmail first. He mentioned he had a cobalt chain shirt for me to start with but I have some chainmail stored somewhere. We discussed the axes, long sword and great sword that I have used extensively in the past. When he sends word I am to meet him in the arena.
I have my great sword, long sword and chain mail ready. I am still looking for those blasted axes. I shall be ready when he calls me to the arena. [NOTE: 2 GM witnesses 500exp for RP]
Mulnari, Decilar 16, 1423: Finally I located my axes and the daggers Steel mentioned he like me to try. I couldn't help but to enchant the new daggers for a little extra shock.
Mulnari, Decilar 16, 1423: Clarissa spotted me walking around Hempstead in new chainmail. She wanted to know why I was wearing the armor. I told her how I was trying to get use to wearing it and I told her about Steel training me in the use of weapons, armor and war. She got quite interested and offered to teach me about the use of heavy armor, her expertise. We journeyed to the arena in Fort Vehl and she gave me an excellent lesson in the use of heavy armor. Good friends, the elixir of my life.
The following are paraphrased notes from Clarissas Training Session at the Fort Vehl Arena.
Clarissa on Armor:
The primary advantage of the lighter armors is that they allow you to move quicker and have a larger range of motion. People like me are not that quick in the first place, so it is better to have the armor absorb the blows to prevent damage rather than having to move quick to avoid them.
It's good to have a working knowledge of all types of armor if you are going to be in the fray so you can know how best to choose. These armor plates overlap to cover the joints so that you have some mobility without the joints becoming vulnerabilities. So in a heavy armor the objective is to have every vulnerable area covered with a sturdy plate that can deflect or absorb any blows.
In order to take full advantage of heavy armor one must be strong enough to support the extra weight. This suit weighs about 50 pounds and the shield another 20 pounds so it takes training and endurance to be able to fight in heavy armor. The trick is to control your momentum.
Clarissa on Armor and Balance:
When you are in heavy armor posture and balance are important. If you lean too much the weight will get you off balance like you saw and it's even more important with a shield and weapon. When you attack and defend with the shield you have to balance the movements. Your center must stay over your feet so when you lunge you must adjust your base. The shield can be used as a counter balance in some techniques. You have to decide if the additional range is worth the lesser defensive capability. Over committing on an attack is one of the basic problems people have when learning to use heavy armor. You have to trust the armor to protect you and wait for your opportunity to strike. The masters can actually use the momentum of the enemys blows to get the motion that they need for the next attack. When an enemy strikes it will push you even though it may not damage you. You have to adjust your base to compensate for that as well. There is an art of making the enemy make a mistake to your advantage. You don't have to be quick you do have to be smart and balanced to be effective in heavy armor.
Clarissa on Expertise:
Knowledge and experience combine to give expertise.
Clarissa on Balance between Offence and Defense:
What you want to figure out, and its different for everyone, is the best balance between offense and defense. First you need to stay alive so you must be able to avoid damage. Second you have to be able to inflict damage. Experiment with various combinations and see what works best in practice then once you find the best balance perfect your style.
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Satari, Decilar 28, 1423: Today marks twelve strait days wearing chainmail and two 3 hour practice sessions. I hardly feel the weight of the chainmail now but I need to have Kyle take a few links out for a better fit.
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Wedlar, Mar 11, 1424: At the Fort Velh Arena I met Clarissa for basic weapons training. I started off by showing off the adamantium chain mail shirt and dragon skin buckler I acquired.
Clarissa on Armor Materials:
My full plate is cobalt. It is a harder metal so it can withstand a stronger blow before it will deform. Cobalt absorbs damage better than most other metals. Mithril is the best as it is lighter than any other metal and harder as well.
Clarissa on Wielding Two axes:
Wielding two axes is very advanced technique, being able to swing them and being able to do damage with them are two very different things. Here hold your two axes, try to hit me. This is where all but one attempt to hit Clarissa misses, as Clarissa dodges and my blows glance off her strong armor.
Clarissa had me switch to one axe. I hit Clarissa at least six solid blows. Clarissa started in again --You can target better not having to worry about the second weapon thus the shield and one weapon is a better balance of offense and defense.
Clarissa examined my two axes and two long swords and from the four picked my favorite long sword and asked me to use it while giving a verbose description of the features of the long sword and why I should favor it over all other weapons. Note: Discuss this with Steel.
Shiff on why he is better suited to teach swordsmanship
Clarissa told Shiff, --I was just explaining some things to Omer about swords and different weapons he might choose to use.-- Shiff retorted, --Arent I someone who would know more about that kinda stuff?-- Clarissa stated, --Maybe about a greatsword but I could teach you a thing or two about the long sword, Shiff.-- Then Shiff responded with --Hardly.-- This is where my training lost a little of its focus as Clarissa responded with a little challenge, --Want to give Omer a demo?--
Clarissa asked for my long sword, my chainmail shirt, and shield. As I watched Clarissa take her defensive stance, I tried to mimic her as she switched from the defensive stance to offence in a fluid motion and gave poor Shiff a beating.
Clarissa on Shields:
See how his larger shield gives him more protection. Switching your attacks to the side away from his shield can help them penetrate. Almost anything that makes a better attack will in turn reduce your defense and vice versa. Sometimes even reducing you defense is ok if it means you can defeat your opponent faster. The quicker the battle is done the less opportunity the enemy has to hurt you. As long as you stay alive that is. Again it is a delicate balance.
Clarissa on Spells in Battle
You know this already Omer but spells can make all the difference from something hitting you every time it tries to being safe from harm. Although knowing when to disengage to heal can be critical sometimes you have to just stay the course.
Reducing the enemies effectiveness is as good as having better armor.
Swordsmanship practice on various beasts in the arena (DM witness HAPPY)
Firebeast
About that time a firebeast appeared in the arena (Splintered Mountains Firebeast), I did not have much time to consider how or why but Clarissa and Rose urged me to prepare and use my training to fell the beast. I prepared and did not hesitate to attack the formidable firebeast with all I had. I hit the beast twenty one times, to the encouragement of Rose and Clarissa. Shiff got in close and dealt the killing blow. I am not sure why he felt he needed to do that.
Trolloc
Then on the other side of the arena, the biggest trolloc I have ever seen appeared (Trolloc Commander of the Thundering Hoof). I immediately started my opening attack moves and my blade sank deeply into the trolloc flesh *critical hit* on the first swing. Four more blows and the trolloc lay dead at my feet.
Yeti
Panting from exertion of two heavily contested battles I noticed yet another beast at other end of the arena, this time a Yeti surrounded by an aura. Before Shiff could reach the Yeti I rushed the Yeti and gave the battle all I had. Ten successful strikes later the Yeti lay dead and I nearly as well. Shiff and Rose were quick to tend my wounds.
Giant
Still un-rested from the last three battles, what looked like a giant with a huge maul appeared (Defender of Milaras Path) and Rose propelled me forward into the fight. In the battle I experienced an intense focus where the Maul seemed to move in slow motion and my blade answered it in a dance of death. With no shield, the maul smashed my bones but before I succumbed, Torans healing touch restored me to continue the fight. All I could see was me and the giant, his moves and mine. After many misses and seven solid strikes, Shiff stepped in and knocked the giant to the ground. I struck the beast another three times before Shiff stepped in again, with the killing blow.
Werewolf
Chest heaving from four intense fights, a werewolf (Ferocious Werewolf), appeared. Again I charged and pushed my body to the limit trying to make a strike. It moved so fast, like Krys or Silverhand the werewolf was a blur before me but if I focused on it I found I could anticipate and strike. The werewolf seemed to have an equally difficult time clawing and biting me and for that I am thankful. After what seemed like hours my strikes were not doing enough damage, Clarissa decided to join in the struggle and Shiff and Rose joined soon after. Rose finished it off with precision.
Soon after we all departed the arena. What started out as a simple weapons training turned into five highly intense sword fights. I have become much better at swordsmanship than I ever dreamed possible. I was still exhausted.
(Thanks Clarissa, Rose, Shiff and HAPPY)
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Threas, Jular 12, 1425: My account of the nightmarish events at the hunting lodge of Baron Ram Larks:
Malkor, Val, Berak, Randi Tyne, Brina and I were on our way to through the Brech Mountains to Brenuth. A violent snowstorm moved in quickly, blinding us. We were in great peril of freezing to death when we happened on the hunting lodge of Baron Ram Larks, a minor noble of Hempstead.
The Baron invited us in for a meal and to warm up while we waited for the storm to pass. We met Lady Kina Larks, Rachel Larks, Bob Morst the Baron's chamberlain, Calear the family healer, and other staff over our meal. The Baron was clearly not happy to have guests but was gracious.
The quiet warm respite from the storm was shattered soon enough. Screams filled the hall as a member of the Barons staff was slaughtered just inside the main doors. He was eviscerated and nearly cut in twain by some unknown creature. Although others of the staff clearly fought with the creature they completely failed to describe it.
The Baron attempted to convince us to pursue, in the raging storm, the creature that killed his staff member. We agreed to investigate once the violence of the storm abated.
Additional screams led us to discover Baron Ram Larks own son, Roland Larks, hidden in a room upstairs. He appeared to be quite mad as he repeated over and over that he would -get- his sister, Rachel. Although to harm her or save her I am uncertain still.
The main doors were breached several times, each resulting in the slaughter of additional members of the Barons staff. --Note: I believe that the Baron, his daughter and the healer may have breached the main doors from the inside as they escaped the lodge.-- A search of the lodge discovered wolves of various breeds in the store room. This discovery was additional evidence that lycanthropes were involved, or at the very least therianthropes.
The doors were breached by force from the outside and our party was attacked in earnest by great numbers of lycanthropes. We were successful in repelling the attacks but at great cost. Malkor and Val were both inoculated by bite with the agent that will eventually cause lycanthropic transmogrification.
Upon additional searches, the son, Roland, was discovered dead in his room, the Lady Kina Larks was dead as well as were all the rest of the household except three.
The Baron Ram Larks, his daughter Rachel larks, and the healer Calear, were all suspiciously missing.
Freas, Jular 27, 1425: The authorities posted a notice that I am to report to answer questions.
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Satari, Augra 28, 1425 Clarissa learned at a Black Dragon was killed on Alindor. The carcass collected was taken to Katherian by a merchant who knew that that dragon parts are used to make armor and as components in magical rituals and being very rare he could charge the highest prices.
Clarissa discovered that a dealer was selling peices of a black dragon and she purchased what she could before Baroness Imjam of Erylin confiscated what remained of the carcass.
Clarissa requested that I study what she was able to purchase in the hope that I would discover a weakness, a secret of the dragon anatomy that can be used against them. Clarissa gave me three items to study: a dragon scale, sliver of bone and a tooth.
Dragon Scale Notes: This blackish, small and ragged piece of hide must have been torn from a black dragon. This bit of scale contains the remarkable strength and toughness of all dragon hide.
Bone Fragment Notes: This lightweight bone fragment appears to have been removed from a larger bone. The original bone may possibly have been hollow. The bone fragment has hard elongated protrusions in the inner matrix structure that may serve as reinforcements for the tremendous loads that the light weight bone must bear.
Dragon Tooth: This elongated and hand-sized tooth defiantly belonged to a dragon.
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I obtained a copy of of the "Five Secrets of Five" by the infamous lich Mechidil. I wrote a report of my thoughts on the book and gave it to Verideth. I hope it helps.
- Omer