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Messages - Shrowd Umbra
1
« on: July 19, 2010, 09:31:12 PM »
Still available
2
« on: July 18, 2010, 09:38:53 AM »
That's reasonable enough for me. I'll have them ready for you in Vehl.
3
« on: January 24, 2010, 08:45:38 AM »
An acceptable offer. As usual I am most often found in Hlint or the Harpy when you are ready to trade.
4
« on: January 22, 2010, 08:51:29 AM »
Since I was born they couldn't hold me down
Another misfit kid, another burned-out town
Never played by the rules I never really cared...
5
« on: April 10, 2009, 06:05:42 PM »
Not yet dead, just minus internet access to play. Posted this by "borrowing" a neighbor's wireless signal (we did help him set it up after all). Back as soon as I have internet. On the upside, I can never be accused of leveling too fast.
6
« on: March 11, 2009, 10:30:47 AM »
I've been trying to find my way to Highpass but so far all I have for my efforts is some hobbit weed, roast crag cat, and a severe beating from the Storm Mountain giants. Can I get directions to Highpass?
7
« on: March 11, 2009, 10:25:57 AM »
I have successfully crafted the Exceptional cape I wanted however there are still two cloaks left over to be sold at the above price or best offer. Thank you for your patronage.
~S.U.
8
« on: March 10, 2009, 08:04:19 PM »
A new generation of adventurers has arrived in Hempstead it would seem. I met three though only a Rann McClow stayed. A tiefling like myself, he made the same mistake I did of letting his devilish features show. I quickly crafted a cloak and hood for him and gave the names of a few friends. It seemed a good start for the mage.
Met Rann again along with Fleur and Ash. We were debating a trip north when some crazed monk began dropping wealth around the square. Rodlin showed up and convinced us to turn it over to him so he could return it to this 'Silverhand' monk. Rodlin had his quest and we had ours. The others agreed to help me mine some of the gems from the kobold caves on Black Ice. I was a bit hesitant to take Rann along but he proved to know what he was doing and gave all he could muster in the fight.
The deal was sweetened by an eccentric Xeenite whom paid me to leave him nameless. He wanted some rare flowers from up north and agreed to pay a handsome sum. So we agreed to pick flowers, some five petaled pink thing. We saw none of it in the countryside so pressed onward.
The assault went well on the cave's exterior. Fleur's spells pack quite a bit of punch and Ash has never lacked in combat of which I know. Even Rann managed a few spells in edgewise before resorting to his crossbow. It seemed done when we spotted two kobold rogues trying to escape. I struck down the first, a perfectly reasonable reaction for that part of the world I think, while Fleur did something to knock the other down.
Tried to question it but the kobold shook loose and ran. Chased it, pinned it down and tied its legs. Tried to question it again with all manner of unusual interrogation methods but a raider band returned to find us questioning a very upset kobold. Threw darkness, ran, regrouped, broke the reinforcements and decided to camp in the cave. Heard a little girl screaming for help though and after much fruitless searching outsider, determined the noise was an echo from inside.
Heard a man, then a woman yelling. Suspected it was a kobold trap. Suspected it further when a kobold came out on the higher rise inside the cave to taunt Tanal. True to form, the kobolds had a number of nasty traps and ambushes in store for us. Fleur and Rann took the archers from on high while Ash and I broke the ground defenders. I am pleased that my wards held as well as they did, that many magic missiles would have ended me otherwise.
Ambushed at our second camp, chased the little bugger down the tunnel. Stepped in one trap, stopped before the other and flagged it. Blasted kobold trapsmiths. I hear they're holy in kobold society and I can see why. The little wretches wouldn't have been so threatening without their ambushes and traps. As expected he tried to lead us into an ambush. Tried to draw the ambushing forces down a side canyon to safely dispose of them but the canyon was trapped.
Broke the ambush with methods to have done Volga proud, disarmed the canyon trap and avoided the forces around the ore veins. Ambushed again by archers while in the canyon. Stupid kobolds matching bow for bow with mages and rangers. Even Ash was handy with whatever he was throwing at them. Decided to turn south at the canyon's end for fear of being flanked by north and south forces. Found our little mimick kobold still trying to immitate a small village. Showed him our appreciation then set about trying to get to the cliff above him where I spotted some of the pink flowers we needed.
Fluer turned to a pixie and flew up, wish she'd thought of that before falling on me, while we debated the chances of making a ladder. She returned before the ladder could be finished. Took the half-ladder apart and broke camp to hike back to Krashin. The client was very pleased, handing out large sums of money especially to keep his identity quiet.
Met another tiefling by the name of Kol. Working on becoming a tailor, I offered to sell her one of my panther cloaks (I'm pleased to have already had business after shortly posting the ad) to which she was a bit light of coin. Took her out hunting kobolds and bugbears to both get in practice and get her business. I think she'll buy next chance she gets. I know my panther gear is invaluable to my work.
Other items of interest, Benjamin the strangely relaxed father of a Roferienite found a ring for combating magics and offered it to me. Trivial to him but invaluable to me. Asked him for the price of a Belt of Eluding, a most handy device I plan to make much use of in the near future provided I can afford it. Panther cloak sales should help me on that.
9
« on: March 10, 2009, 04:49:19 PM »
Done and a pleasure.
10
« on: March 09, 2009, 04:17:04 AM »
I'll agree with you all that the risk of a true death makes our heroes and heroines much more heroic in the end. And there are some characters that become so ridiculously powerful that they're no longer as much fun to play. Since I've gotten to play I've met older players with low level characters started for that reason. I've also visited the Tomb in Weeping Willow, which I think a very nice addition to the world, though perhaps disturbing in the number of vacancies left open.
While it is true you should know by level four roughly how not to die, it can still be a bother finding older players to teach you. In some respects I got lucky my first few levels, and in others I'm still making up for mistakes made through early ignorance with her. And then there's just plain misfortune with lag spikes, one of which nearly killed me today with no forwarning and a relatively simple single griffon.
Rather than just state old suggestions can I put a new one forth? One of the more successful game mechanics I've seen for dealing with death and reanimation was insanity rolls. If your character dies and comes back, they make a save to not go insane, or lessen the severity. We have a whole listing on a series of tables for real psychological disorders ranging from obsession with objects to homicidal behaviors. Granted this works great around a table top with paper and pens but maybe that might be translated to Layonara's scripting? Likely not for the NWN version but something to consider for the MMO? It could be just as simple as the characters suffer a fear effect in combat if they fail a will save.
Eventually through magic and therapy (yes we have some psionicists in our group that specialize in this for very good reasons) Characters recover from the ordeal months of time later. Like real life though, success is not guaranteed. Making deaths prolonged hassles for players rather than perming them I think is a good deterrent, especially if it eats up in game time so they can't just log and come back fine the next day. It lets us keep the work we've invested in the game while still making death something to be hated and cursed and generally feared. And inspires others to quest for a means to save their favorite fighter's shattered mind.
11
« on: March 09, 2009, 03:57:19 AM »
I try to use the World Time Clock for all my quests, myself. That's one of my favorite bits too.
12
« on: March 08, 2009, 01:03:57 AM »
Success. I spoke briefly with Alatriel today and for whatever reason she has given me the name I need. A performance group by the name of the Veiled Dancers taught her to blend with shadows. She suggested I seek the same. She also said I have no skills and to tell them Alatriel sent me. She also told me to quit calling her Sensei and to call her Anailnyiram. I think my pronunciation of it offended her. I am going to pester Emry for Elvish lessons now.
Let's see, it's been a while since my last lesson. I know shadows are needed for the power to work, that's why Tod always has such an easy time dancing about the Gnolls in the mine. They love the dark almost as much as the halfling. Light is problematic. I've seen Tod briefly appear directly beneath torches. I was hounded by two of the black gnolls when I made the mistake of being too well lit once.
Hiding, keeping silent, and moving with acrobatic grace are part of the Shadow Dancer's calling. The ability to dodge well, especially when caught awkwardly, are requirements. The last I still have not mastered, too much time spent upon my rapier. Blasted thing. But still needed. I will redouble my efforts and spend the extra seasons to learn it.
Alatriel seemed ready to tell me no this time. Perhaps she wanted to be sure of my dedication? I can never tell with her. I offered her the enchanted amethyst I'd crafted, it took a bit to sneak into the haven mine and cut it out without being killed. She asked me if I was bribing her. All in all I think my sincerity was proven. She is a hard teacher, though she does not let me call her such. I cannot help but admire her.
Tod is here trying to look over my shoulder. I will pen more after we finish our games. I think Desert Giants today.
13
« on: March 05, 2009, 08:30:16 PM »
I agree with you Shrowd that an official story/reason/explanation would be nice; but that's true for a lot of things in the game. Sometimes you just have to satisfied, and decide how your character would behave given the information you do have. I think you may be over-analyzing the alignment issue a bit - (again, my opinion only) the way your character views nature is probably more relevant to the issue than alignment. Good point. Shrowd's not a cuddly ranger that hugs trees. She runs with wolves and goblins for fun. I'll leave it at that and get back to playing now. Thanks everyone!
14
« on: March 05, 2009, 04:09:48 PM »
The hide armor is mechanically prevented but has no description. The Leather version has nothing mechanical but has a description that includes permission for GMs to drop a hammer on ranger powers for wearing it if you're of good alignment.
That said, we have to look to Gygax's source for Druids, druids. Teh orriginal druids were Celtic priests and did a good deal of nature worship. There was also drinking the blood of human enemies and Beltane sex rituals (Which are expressly banned on Layonara for good reason!) involved with the old druids. They skinned and ate certain animals -because- they were holy. The modern druid of D&D has the modern twist of being a nature protector. Not very much like the old druids.
That being said, Shrowd has enough sense to always tell Milo that the animal was sickly before she made it into armor or boots. Not so much out of fear but out of not wanting to upset her friend. I asked around some of the druids and clerics of Layonara and the general consensus comes to this: The white stag is somehow special and killing it for any reason is evil. No one has yet given solid reason to this fact. It could be the reincarnated lover of Xeen or just a special animal that's some how off limits because it's white.
If this thing is holy to druids, can we put something up about it? I searched the forums and asked a World Leader and still this is all I have to post. That said, would shifting Shrowd to Chaotic Neutral fit her wearing the armor? I can put in for a CDQ for that if need be though honestly, I'd rather wear my armor and move on to something else in fictional life.
Edit: Is there an official story behind the white stag and where it comes from? I would like to hear/read it if possible as the bard in me thrives on details like that.
15
« on: March 05, 2009, 02:36:28 PM »
Much has happened and much leaves me questioning old things I had thought settled. I have come to even wonder if I am perhaps not too hard in my approach to life.
It began with Emry. We were walking another tour of Dregar together, a chance for me to see the area around Vale. We came across the hidden path to Folian's temple, a wondrous place. The animals were at peace, the wolves howled their serenade in the distance, and all the world seemed at peace. The temple was breath taking in its own way, a secluded glade with free running water and a wild berry orchard. I may yet visit again.
From there we traveled to the deserts, made fools of the giant watchmen. Though we parted ways in civilization I pressed on, and even discovered a cave I have long heard of but never seen. It holds everything I expected and more. Now I need only devise a means to safely mine it.
My return to Mistone reaquainted me with Ash, a monk of growing skill, and introduced me to Rodlin, a ranger of considerable experience. Together we traveled from the Black Dog moors to the temple of Elements. It gave me a chance to gather the last few panther pelts, and to learn of Folian and the history of Rodlin somewhat. He is the one of the few I know that has seen a dragon face to face, and he has the scars to prove it. He says they are near impossible to kill, like fighting a scaled mountain with wisdom and intelligence beyond compare. I still feel compelled to prepare for the coming battle.
We talked of Folian as well, even after Ash departed to study in the temple of elements. I must admit, Aeridin is not my calling and I would wish to know what it is to walk with faith. I see it in Lyr and others like him. Clerics and druids do more than call upon magic, they almost seem to have another presence with them inspiring them. I told Rodlin I wanted my life to carry on more than just my pack, not that I begrudge Tanal and the wolves. I want to do something lasting in this world, for this world.
The next day I caught up with Unther Hardhammer, and joined him and his friends in a quest through the Village of Mists. Dan Hardhammer was there as were Maran and Fleur. I had the chance to meet a new face, an assasin I expect by the way she moved. I know now to be respectful of the woman with the fox medalion, she fights with grace where Dan fights with dwarven ferocity. The bandits were a force to be reckoned with, I only managed to strike killing shots on two out of hundreds. Fleur was kind enough to give me a Cloak of the Watchers and a book on ranger magic for my share.
Though our numbers dwindled to the lovers and the Hardhammers, we delved into the great rift. Like the village, this place was devoid of magic and filled with danger. Giants, spiders, beetles and in the very deepest parts where magic once again thrived we met the Dark Elves. The venture required making camp at least once but we each came away with a diamond.
My armors were soon finished. Lion leathers, Leopard leathers, and even some panther leathers all came out wonderfully. It will be another season before I can wear such things but the wait will be worth every bit I think. My dilemma is the White Stage armors, two of them. One was made of hide but too awkward to wear without more training so I made a more supple leather variant. The armors glow softly with an almost holy radiance. The magic invested into them protects against disease and lessens venoms, both qualities one wants in magical armor in my line of work. Yet I look at them and wonder if the White Stags are more than simply deer of a wintry color.
I came across Dan once more, and Caerwyn the druid(Editor's Note: Shrowd has trouble telling the diferance between high level druid and high level Ranger/Wiz though the not shapeshifting should have been a clue). The hunting was difficult but nothing that was not overcome with nature's aid. It gave me a chance to ask Caerwyn about the White Stag problem, though I did not admit to making the armors myself. He said the story about them involves Xeen. One of her lovers she reincarnates as the White Stag. I doubt this very much as I have very real numbers as to how many Stags there are in Mistone, more than one but less than many. Still, I would not want Xeen's wrath upon me. He suggested I ask Sophia myself, as I recall she owes me no favors and with good reason. We did not meet well.
My usual routines continued. I sold off my cougar hide armor cheaply to a thief by the name of Sekko. I needed the money to fill an offer from Lance as to some jewelry of a magical nature. I should not have sold so low, my armor was worth well more than that but still, he had no more to give and I got what I needed for the time. My rounds of knocking over bandits and goblins for true brought me across three others of note. A cleric of Katia, another of Aeridin, and a dwarf with a wonderfully endearing violent streak. Together we put down a number of monsters and bandits. We even ventured into the Haven mines a bit. It gave me another chance to again ask about the White Stag. I think Victoria, the cleric of Aeridin, about fainted. Cardan of Katia seemed sick. Both agreed anyone who would do such a thing was evil.
And here I am now, wondering where to tread from here. I would love to live in peace as Aeridin teaches us to live but that is so impractical. Someone has to invoke violence if nothing else to defend life. Goblins do not respond well to peace offerings, dark elves seldom bother with the meaning of the word. My own kind while capable of doing good never go about it in a peaceful manner. Toran and Roferien are hardly pacifistic about pursuing what they feel is good. Doing what is good and doing what is right seldom seem to come together for me. A harder edge is needed for dealing with some things.
While delving again into the Haven mines as part of a quest, I came across an elven prisoner and ogre prisoners. Freed the elf and shot the ogre, to Maran's disgust. He berated me as doing something wicked but what am I to do? Let the Ogre wander free and hurt someone before I kill it? It was not Grovel cheerfully introducing itself, it was a prisoner of the war between Gnoll and Ogre. It very much wanted to beat the bars down and throttle us even before I shot it. Instead we left it to the mercy of the Gnolls, something I am certain is a worse fate than a few arrows.
I very much wish I had someone to tell me where to go from here. Someone whom had stood where I stand and knew the course to take. Then again knowing myself as I do, I think I will be happier choosing my own course. I am not merciful like Aeridin and Az'atta. I do not take the world in black and white like Roferien and Toran. I will just take it as it comes, and I think I will make use of the armor. The meat fed my pack so why give the hides to waste?
16
« on: March 05, 2009, 01:55:12 PM »
Shrowd takes from the more animal side of being a ranger. She runs with wolves, hunts with them, and fights as part of a pack. At first she admired their beauty but eventually went back to the standpoint of "deer are food" and made armor while she was at it. It's hard keeping a pair of grown direwolves fed.
This is still argueably evil on her part to have made the armors. On the other hand Shrowd will push her pack to near death to save Hlint. She's rescued a lost little girl from Vehl's crypts, spared a panther that was friendly when she didn't need the kill, and gives freely to other adventurers that can make better use of something than she.
Shrowd walks the fine line between good and evil. She absolutely will shoot a caged ogre in the Haven mine rather than let it loose to hurt people -then- shoot it. On the other hand, she listened when she first met Grovel the Goblin and came to know him for the good druid he and his other goblinoid friends were.
17
« on: March 02, 2009, 01:31:03 AM »
Disaster. Utter disaster.
The day had started out well enough. After being kindly asked to leave Toranite matters in Toranite hands (I think credit for not simply sneaking along is due on this point) I came across Tod Fellow, an old friend with a charming humor about him. He agreed to help me enter the Haven mines, a feat I had attempted with some success before in the company of Xavier and Tyra. We both agreed to try stealth over force, and found it much to our liking. We not only disposed of the tribe's leader and his warrior guardsmen, but mined a good portion of iron ore, something I need desperately. The trip went so well we even spread out my cloak to have a picnic at the bottom of the mine.
My elation lasted through the Silkwoods on a trip to gather silk for my latest ambition. It turned foul when one of those dratted cockatrices trailed me unnoticed. I had the pleasure of not only being turned to stone but ravaged by one of the great beasts of the forest. The spell ended just as it was losing interest. I dragged myself away in terrible shape, only to have it chase me down and finish its work. Then I felt something rip at my very soul.
I have heard stories of the soul mother and her reaper. Heard whispers among adventurers of those gone on to face her one last time. No words can describe the feeling. Dread does not seem sufficient a word. After this my path is clear.
I am going to pluck every cockatrice in the forest bald and sell the meat to gnolls.
18
« on: February 27, 2009, 03:10:23 AM »
Funny thing about Shadowy organizations, they're hidden in shadows. Shrowd was at it a while before finally making contact with her interests. Not that they'd call themselves an organization I'm sure. There are tricks I learned from my days as a PnP thief (of all my non-layo characters, he's died the least) for finding your first guild.
*Don't ask for guilds, ask for work with no questions. Being part of organised crime is all about the Truthes. When people figure out you're more interested in money than honesty, you're at a start.
*Don't gossip, ever. Rogues are distrustful of everyone, the trusting rogue seldom lives to level. Listen and pass along to those that are in the habit of returning favors. Favors are worth more than gold.
*Don't be a villain. Rogues aren't Snydley Whiplash and they don't do business with anyone like that, at least not the good ones typically. You're just trying to get a little ahead through some legitimate business. If the Toranites and Rofies have a problem with your practices then it's a matter of Theology, not morality.
*Make friends, join groups. Rogues can out power most classes for this reason alone, they have friends. The best rogue knows who has a grudge against him and three people that have grudges against the grudger. Help out and earn favors, save them up for when the dice roll low. Rogues are a very social class. In a city a good rogue should be nearly untouchable from streetwise habits and friends that keep you informed.
19
« on: February 27, 2009, 02:47:41 AM »
Dregar was worth the trip. I have only begun to walk the roads outside of Hurm and already I have seen sights to take my breath away. Twin towers atop thundering falls, a rift so deep one might drop a city inside, and North Point. Here I have found a new home. A smal town suitably wild and free with all the facilities my crafting requires. The best point is the local Diety, Aeridin. Here Tanal and I can walk a little more freely for the pacifist god dictates all life is precious, even that of a Tiefling and wolf.
The Tomb of Lost Heroes is quite a sight. A great tower upon a hill to house the bodies of those whom went before. I only stopped to read one inscription, a story about a barbarian nearly slain by dark elves only to die later under a giant's club. It gives pause to contemplate the soul mother and our mortality, especially given how much room they have yet to fill.
I have vivid recollections of the giants in the Hammerfell mountains. They were brutish and many, the range had been fortified for their own brand of defense. The Giants of the Mountains of Storms do not boast the same level of sophistication, but they are none the less frightening. I was nearly cut off when one began to wander about the only pass leading from the mountains. Fortunately giants do not have lengthy attention spans. Still given their size it does lead to wonder just how the half-giants were possible.
There is nothing so surreal as watching a halfling defeat a mountain of rock four times her size.
New lion leather gloves fit like their namesake. Now if that blasted stag armor would come together as easily. Still working on new boots, need to kill off more Ettercaps. Ought to make my old home a little safer in the process.
20
« on: February 25, 2009, 05:54:40 PM »
I have made friends of Toranites and fought alongside Rofereinites, an oddity given my heritage. My opinion of the later though has waned as of late. In Hlint Tanal and I were challenged by a pair of Rofereinites, claiming Tanal's presance was against the law. I have yet to hear of such law, especially given I have taken Tanal to town in the presence of other Rofereinites and we frequent Hlint often.
They would not listen to reason, they would not relent. They drew steel against me when I drew nothing. They persued me into the bank when I tried to vanish. I sent Tanal away then, not wanting harm to come to him. They took it for a yeild. I corrected them with a ray of frost. I doubt the paladin was expecting my second darkness, I managed to escape then, and found Lorn of all people.
Our hunt of the Goblins was amusing but not as much as a fight Lorn got into for fun. A humna was giving a pair of elves a hard time, with swords brandished. We didn't take kindly to that but Lorn seemed to have a run of bad luck going fist to fist with the human.
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