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Topics - Nehetsrev
21
« on: July 15, 2010, 10:52:52 am »
Bioware Account: LiannaJoy Character: Calley Joy Details: I don't know how this has happened unless someone is using a stolen NWN CD Key, or there's been some sort of error in how characters are stored in the Server Vault. However, this morning as my daughter was logging in to play her character Calley Joy, she noticed a new character listed below her own after signing in-game. That character's name is Muradin MacInnes, a recent submission by some other player under the forum account name of MacInnes. I know for a fact my daughter's NWN CD Key is legitimate, we bought it for her birthday last November from Amazon.com and received it in a boxed package with CD and all. So, if someone could look into this and find out why Muradin MacInnes is showing on my daughter's account, and straighten this out, I'd be very happy. I'm sure if this is some error of the Layonara Character Vault, the player of MacInnes will likely also be happy, since he won't be able to play his new character whenever my daughter's logged in with hers. Thanks in advance!
22
« on: July 09, 2010, 10:06:05 am »
Firstly, let me state that since I'm posting here in the "Ask A Gamemaster" section it means I'm seeking only answers and input from those members of the community who are in fact active Gamemasters.
Secondly, I'd like to make it clear I'm not trying to hurt anyone's feelings, nor get anyone in trouble, nor ask for a ret-con of any events that have already occurred in-game. I am simply seeking statements to clarify how a certain ability should be used and handled for future reference, to help better the community by hopefully eliminating some potential misunderstandings. I will use a specific recent in-game occurance as an example, but not to point fingers or anything like that.
Now to address the heart of the matter. I'll start by explaining a recent in-game situation. On a quest there was a rather evil-acting child NPC who was the sole survivor of a camp of presumeably evil persons. In the group of PC's was a paladin, as well as a Nuetral Evil character, and of course a number of various other characters. The paladin at one point questioned via Tell the intent the Nuetral Evil character had toward the presumeably evil NPC child when the NE PC was offering to 'find the child a home'. This was explained to be a use of the paladin ability to Sense Evil.
Admittedly, I should have answered the Tell with a simple "yes" or "no" answer at that point, but felt I wanted to explain my character's intent somewhat instead. So, when asked if my PC's intent was evil I answered via Tell something along the lines of, "not unless you count wanting to sell the child into slavery as being evil." Taken out of the context of the PC's motivations behind such thoughts most would agree that's definitely an evil intent. I intended to explain further that the NE PC reasoned the child would be given a home, and taught discipline, respect and humility (qualities the child aparently lacked entirely) and have his most basic needs cared for, with the additional motive that the NE PC would make some good True from the transaction herself. I don't recall if I had the opportunity to follow up the first tell with that explaination though as the quest moved on and my focus became more centered on what was going on. Anyway, I feel in the eyes of the NE PC the intent would not have been thought of as evil and my simple answer should have been "no".
I learned from a conversation with the paladin's player a few days later that the paladin no longer wished anything to do with my NE PC because of the evil she sensed on the quest. Fair enough, in my opinion, logical RP extention of the situation. However, what surprised me was that the other played had relayed my response to the DM to ask for a ruling, and the DM ruled the intent was evil without taking a moment to confirm directly with me the motivations of my character. I suggested to the paladin's player that for future Sense Evil checks they might go to the DM as a mediary and have the DM contact the other players of characters whose intents are being questioned and have the answers relayed that way. Another surprise, the paladin's player informed me they had been told by the DM that players should ask other players directly (as had been done) rather than go through the DM.
In summary, I guess I'm trying to say that it makes more sense to me for such abilities to be routed through the DM (in situations where DM's are available) for the following reasons:
1) It might help to avoid the feeling that "because a player knows my PC is of Evil alignment they're only using their paladin ability on my PC." Sort of an 'alignment profiling' metagaming effect.
2) The DM gains insight on the thoughts and motivations of characters which would be useful in determining the awarding of alignment points, and in support of alignment based judgements for character development as a whole.
Lastly, when I looked up the Paladin class in LORE, there is no mention of the Paladin Sense Evil ability. I would suggest a LORE page be added to explain the proper use of the ability and its extents and limitations.
Some other questions about the ability that come to mind which might need to be explained on such a LORE page:
Is the Sense Evil ability targeted, meaning useable on specific individuals one at a time? Or, is it a ranged area of effect, meaning the paladin senses Evil (or not) from all persons within a certain range, leaving no one's intents un-checked within that range?
Must the ability be focused upon or 'activated'? Or, is it automatic, in effect at all times?
Is the ability limitted to sensing only the present intent of an individual, meaning it only gives feedback on the target(s) current state of mind? Or, is it based on the overall alignment of the target(s), meaning that an evil character is detected as such, regardless if their current intents are not evil?
How is the alignment of an intent determined to be good or evil? Is it based on the actual result that acting on the intent would have, rather than the reasoning or justification behind the act? Is it based on severity of ill-will, meaning a character might intend only to cuss at another person (an evil act, even though it has little meaningful effect, does not cause physical harm) and thus would return a 'positive' result on the Sense Evil check? Or must the target intend actual physical harm to someone?
If the ability to Sense Evil is automatic, always active, and based on present intent wouldn't the paladin sense evil from almost every PC and NPC they encounter at some point?
23
« on: June 09, 2010, 01:31:01 pm »
24
« on: June 03, 2010, 02:45:13 pm »
*Her thoughts voice a narative as she remembers scenes from her lifetime. This set is filled with anticipation of the possibility of great things to come...*
"There it was, Port Hempstead, one of the jewel's of Mistone city-wise, at least by some opinions. In my journey here I've heard rumors both good and bad about the city, but mostly about the wealth and culture it houses within it's walls. Sure, it was hit by the "Years-long Storms" when I was still a child, but they've rebuilt a great deal of it since and much of it stands in better condition than it had ever been in before, or so I'm told."
"The guards let me right in, no need to stop a young lady who was too covered by road dust to be very appealing, and looked too underfed, tired, and generally worn out to be much threat with the single rusty old skinning knife tucked into her belt. Or at least, that's what I thought they were thinking about me from the bored gazes that they passed over me with. I must confess, I was a little impressed by the huge gateway and towering stone walls. I'd never been to such a big city before."
"Of course, if you've been to more than one town you begin to realize they're all a lot alike once you get past differences in architecture. The "Haves" flaunt their wealth and power over the "Have-Nots" with showy, tidy, well-kept homes that look built to last and look good doing it, all laid out in beautiftil measured rows and even plots. Meanwhile the "Have-Nots" live in relative squaller by comparison. Run-down second, third, fourth or more hand homes or rickety shacks some leaning this way or that as though about to fall over with holes in the thatch that rain finds its way in through. All kept far away from the "Haves" side of town, of course. Aside from that, it's the people who make every city and town so similar at the core. The same old types and arch-types play out the same stories and wicked politics, love stories, or lust stories in more cases, pretentious do-goodiness... Aah! But I do enjoy the do-gooders, easy marks mostly, willing to give up what they've worked hard for to people who simply make an effort to appear worse off than themselves."
"I was sure Port Hempstead with it's wealth would have a goodly portion of such marks, and I'd enjoy living off their good-will like a leech. Not that I wouldn't look for better ways to get my own store of wealth, mind you. The point is, I knew I could be fairly secure living off what scraps Port Hempstead might offer me, even if I could find no grand scheme or paydirt to set me up for life. Maybe I'd even become some wealthy sap's mistress, if I could find one that I could stomach."
"So, there I was, walking across the open cobbles of "The Crimson Eagle Memorial" which was even painted with the image of a large eagle. Next thing I know some odd woman in brightly colored blue and red leathers carrying a banner of Ilsare walks up to me. I had the feeling she wasn't entirely brainy, if you know what I mean? Still I figured there might be a way I could take advantage of her some time, so I acted friendly. You catch more flies with honey, right?"
"Anyhow, eventually I lost her and headed in to the temple of Deliar where I'd heard there were also a merchants market and a full-service bank. With the few Trues I had scavanged on my journeys so far I bought some needed gear. This included a new set of leather-hide, a new dagger with a nicely wicked looking curvey blade, and some other essentials. I bought some stuff for writing too, but I'll have to find a tutor to teach me how to read and write before I'll get much use from it. I also bought a set of new casual, yet stylish clothes, in case I need to hob-nob with middle-class or wealthier folks. I noticed the guards at the gate gave me second glances the next time I passed by them, new clothes and all cleaned up. Let them drool, I say, as long as they don't do more than that. I don't want any trouble with the law, you know?"
25
« on: May 06, 2010, 11:46:31 pm »
*Some folks in Port Hempstead gossip about a big scene that played out in the Hall of Reconstruction.*
[SIZE=10]Tailor - "Can you believe that! I think that woman left nail marks in the poor child's arm!"[/SIZE]
Jeweler - "Oh, indeed, I was shocked at her brutality with the young man."
[SIZE=16]Tailor - "Aye, I didn't know what to think when he burst in and nearly knocked over Deila in his panic. And then he hid behind that trash barrel, but she found him quick enough when she came in seconds later."[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18]Jeweler - "Quite! I'd thought he was just a street-urchin seeking shelter from someone who's pocket he'd picked until she burst in screaming his name at the top of her lungs like an angry mother might, "Gerrald Edmund Mortarman! You come home right this moment!"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=16]Tailor - "She throttled him good too, I thought his poor little neck was going to break the way she grabbed his collar. Then she went on screaming something about him having to clean up his filthy writings, and that she was going to wash his mouth out with soap and bind his hands if he couldn't stop making those horrid gestures with them." *nods to the Jeweler in agreement*[/SIZE]
Jeweler - "Well, I'm just glad my mother was never like that with me, I tell you." *walks on across the square with the Tailor and their voices fade into the distance.*
[SIZE=10]Tailor - "Aye, that Missus Mortarman ain't been the same since ol' Gerrald senior was blown up in that odd explosion..."[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10][/SIZE]
[SIZE=10]--[/SIZE]
Perhaps some investigation into the place the boy was last seen might be in order...?
26
« on: April 29, 2010, 10:19:17 pm »
I don't know how many other folks here have checked out the link in Hellblazer's signature to his music on Youtube, but I wanted to let good ol' HB know I was checking it out myself tonight, and that I'm still a fan of his tunes. If you haven't checked it out, you might give it a listen... Hope HB doesn't mind me posting a link here. 
27
« on: March 15, 2010, 06:25:42 pm »
Quest: "Current Flow Null and Void" Start Date: 03/12/10 End Date: 03/14/10? DM: osxmallard/praecurrie This thread references events pertaining to the Current Flow Null and Void impromptu and single-session callender event run by oxsmallard/praecurrie. Summary of Events: Emwonk arrived to Port Hempstead and made his way directly to the Angel's Guild there in order to pay off his remaining debt with them. He turned in to the guild a few items he'd collected that were of sufficient value. Daniel Benjamin Poetr oversaw the transaction from the Angel's side. As Emwonk exited the Angel's Guild, he was immediately confronted by a Silverguard lead there by an unidentified Dwarf (later the Dwarf would be identified as Hurk). The Dwarf had lead the Silverguard to Emwonk expecting a 10,000 True reward. Using a wanted posted with a likeness of Emwonk drawn upon it, the Silverguard confirmed Emwonk's identity and attempted to apprehend him. Emwonk, of course, refused to be taken and as the scene developed several other witnesses arrived. Daniel Benjamin, Bella Rogue, Ferrit Pandorn, and Jako Stonehill were among those at the scene. Bella seemed fairly able to interpret Emwonk's strange mode of speech for the Silverguard who were intent on his capture. Emwonk had summoned his familiar, an Ice Mephit named Freeze, to aid in protecting himself from capture, though eventually he was talked into sending Freeze away. In the end, after repeated refusal's by Emwonk to be taken elsewhere, Emwonk made an amazingly agile escape by scaling the side of a building, then jumping from it's rooftop to the top of the city's outer-wall, and 'sliding' down the exterior of the wall to freedom. Unfortunately for Emwonk, his woes wouldn't end after that escape. Exhuasted, he lay down to sleep near a large tree, still relatively close to Port Hempstead and not far away from a campfire at which rested Bella Rogue. Plagued by nightmares and terrible memories of his past in the hands of the Wardens, Emwonk began to cry out in his repose, drawing Bella's attention. She found him quickly enough, though he'd concealed himself well using clumps of moss and handfulls of tall grass, and when she gently toed him with her boot, he started awake. As the two faced eachother, Emwonk soon dropped to the ground again, having heard the approach of Daniel Benjamin. It was a mistake. Bella used the opportunity to place a foot firmly on Emwonk's back to keep him from running, while she sounded out with Daniel how he felt about turning in fugitives for reward money. Emwonk realized Bella's treachery after a few moments of the conversation and began to struggle to free himself. It took both Daniel Benjamin and Bella working together to subdue and secure him before Daniel Benjamin sought out the Silverguard to turn Emwonk in. Now in the hands of the Silverguard Sergeant White, Emwonk was roughly secured within a cage inside the Port Hempstead jail. Meanwhile Bella asked for her reward for Emwonk's capture, only to be told she'd not receive any reward until after Emwonk's trial for the crimes he had allegedly committed of robbery, and attempted murder. It was not long after his capture that Lady Saida Rothsford entered the scene, asking to speak with Emwonk alone. Her request was surprisingly granted by Sergeant White, a decision regarded as most peculiar by Daniel Benjamin (as well as others who witnessed the occurance). During the private interview with Emwonk, he seemed to recognize something about her from his past, and exclaimed the name "Destiny entity", as though thinking the two might be the same person. Lady Rothesford enspelled Emwonk and directed him to confess to the charges against himself, then bragging about how she would return him to the Wardens after his execution when everyone believed him to be dead. Unknown to both Emwonk and Lady Saida Rothesford, Lana Poetr had climbed the review stand beside the jail and had watched and listened to the whole conversation. Emwonk languished within his cage for several days, refusing to eat or drink anything brought to him by the Silverguard, calling it "Bad Soup", as he suspected it would contain drugs. Also during his initial arrival to the jail, Silverguard White had taunted and cajoled Emwonk, going so far as to rake his iron hammer across the bars of the cage. This was a mistake Silverguard White would quickly learn to avoid, as Emwonk's quick grab of the cage bars channeled an electric shock right up the hammerhaft, giving Sergeant White quite a jolt. Periodicly during his confinement Emwonk yelled loudly the phrase, "Emwonk requires Emwonk's good grounding Jennara!" His efforts did indeed bring Jennara to his aid, and she agreed to act as his defense. Some of their conversation follows: Jennara
*Jennara visits Emwonk to discuss whatever he is charged with, how he came to be arrested, and whatever he would like to talk about. She listens carefully and tries not to upset him if she needs clarification.*
Emwonk
*Emwonk becomes nearly joyful for just an instant as he see Jennara arrive. Quickly his face grows serious, however, and he begins babbling semi-coherently with haste and fervor.*
"Jennara good grounding! Emwonk experiences postive flow causal Jennara's proximity! Wardens! Wardens flow joint Saida entity! Saida entity verballed Emwonk! Cognate?" *he doesn't pause for an answer as he rambles on excitedly* Emwonk requires null Al'noth proximity Emwonk's court ceremony! Saida entity probable facilitate Emwonks locality transferance subsequent court ceremony, subsequent Emwonk's flow disruption! Emwonk null flow negative! Jennara entity accepts Emwonk's verbals equal positive? Emwonk requires Jennara entity flow joint! Current requires Jennara entity flow joint Emwonk!"
Jennara
Jennara repeats to make sure she has understood correctly.* The Wardens are working in conjuction with Saida. She spoke to you. The court room should be free of magic to eliminate her influence. Saida is going to try to take you away before the trial and kill you.
*She scowls, then calls for a guard.* I request and require assignment as a legal defender for this prisoner. There is a danger of illegal interference of a magical nature from other parties. I request permission to remain with the prisoner. If you cannot give such permission, please find someone who can. I will be here.
Emwonk
*Emwonk nods to most of Jennara's interpretations, only correcting the last statment with the words, "subsequent, null prior". He thinks a moment longer than adds, "alternate probable flow pattern, 'prior' additonally viable." He looks slightly releived for a few seconds and adds, "Emwonk offers Emwonk's good grounding infinite gratitudes."*
Jennara
*She smiles.* I will do my very best.
As we have time, please tell me why you have been arrested. What are the charges, where did the event occur and when, and who else was present? These answers will help us prepare for the trial.
Emwonk
*Emwonk stares at Jennara trying to gather his thoughts, and aparently trying even harder to put them into words.*
Emwonk null cognates! *throwing up his hands frustrated* Emwonk flowed locality Angel's Guild facilitating even flow, debt cancellation. Subsequent, Emwonk flowed exterior, badges with spoons, additionally singular alternate entity flowed joint Emwonk's locality, opposing. Subsequent, badge with spoon verbals requirement equal verbal querry Emwonk alternate locality. Emwonk denied acquisition of Emwonk. Additional entities flowed locality, inclusive Daniel bird, Bella bird, Ferrit good grounding, Jako good grounding. Emwonk verballed Freeze flow joint Emwonk's locality additionally. Emwonk recycled Emwonk's verbals, denied acquisition of Emwonk. Badges with spoons recycled verbals requiring acquisition of Emwonk, null parameters offered. Alternate, Bella bird recycled Emwonk's verbals format intelligible facilitate cognition of badges with spoons. Emwonk querried parameters of required acquisition of Emwonk. Subsequent multiple recycled verbal querries, badges with spoons verballed Emwonk acquired conduits null authorization, additionally verballed Emwonk failed flow disruption alternate undesignated entity! *he pauses for breath* Saida bird flowed locality, verballed identifier indication Emwonk equaled required entity, verballed fabrication Emwonk acquired conduits null authorization, additionally failed flow disruption. Badges with spoons accepted Saida bird verbals equal positive, null querries! Emwonk flowed verticle, exterior, alternate locality... *sighs* Emwonk recycled cognition Butterfly, Wardens, birds... Emwonk flowed null Emwonk's cognition... Subsequent, Emwonk required recharge. Bella bird acquired Emwonk's locality, Bella bird acquired Emwonk null Emwonk's authorization. Daniel bird facilitated. Badges with spoons altered Emwonk locality equal this locality. Subsequent, Saida bird flowed singular this locality, null alternate entities, badges with spoons flowed exterior. Saida bird verballed negatives to Emwonk. Verballed recycle Emwonk's locality flow joint Wardens! Specified directly, Wardens! Verballed acquisition transference Emwonk queued subsequent Emwonk's court ceremony, subsequent Emwonk's flow disruption, subsequent multiple variable alternate entities null recycle cognition inclusive Emwonk. Jennara entity cognates Emwonk's verbals this infinitum? Cognates Emwonk negative situational?
Finally the day for Emwonk's trial approached and delegates from Fort Vehl where the trial would be held arrived to transport him there. Emwonk refused to be shackled during transport, at first, fearing Lady Saida Rothesford was planning to have him abducted en route. Eventually, Jennara convinced him that the shackles were nescesary, but that he could choose to be shackled to her, and that she would protect him. Emwonk's fears proved not to be unfounded, as at some point between Port Hempstead and the Stormcrest Shack within the Dapplegreen a small force of 'bandits' attempted to attack. They were quickly dealt with by all those accompanying the procession, however none remained alive to be questioned. Finally Fort Vehl was reached and Emwonk delivered to the courthouse there for his trial, Lady Saida Rothesford and her entourage having arrived two days prior. Prior to the trial's proceedings, there was debate of how best to ensure Lady Rothesford, a known enchantress, would not and could not influence the court with her spells. Finally, acknowledging the wisdom of such measures, Judge Grant agreed to allow Elohanna and Daniel Benjamin set wards and monitor Lady Saida Rothesford's activities for signs of use of the Al'Noth. A complete list of those present for the trial and played some role in it follows: Officers of the Court Judge Grant - Presiding Judge Baliff Mahalani - Chief Baliff Trey Minnow - Prisoner Transport Oversight Prosecution Apryl Meador - Prosecuting Attorney Lady Saida Rothsford - Plaintif Hurk (the Dwarf) - Witness for the Prosecution William Greddy - Witness for the Prosecution and Lady Rothsford's Personal Bodyguard James Riker - Bodyguard with Lady Saida Rothsford Defense Emwonk T'noduoy - The Accused Jennara Creekskipper - Defense Attorney Lana Poetr - Witness for the Defense Elohanna - Arcane Warding and Monitoring Argos Stargazer - Bystander, Supporting the Defense Others Present Daniel Benjamin Poetr - Divine Warding and Monitoring Bella Rogue - Bystander Next the trial got under way and the prosecution called it's first witness, the Dwarf Hurk. Through Jennara's skilled questioning Hurks testimony was quickly poked full of holes and deemed coerced by promises of rewards from Lady Rothsford's staff personel. The next witness, William Greddy was called to the stand, and again through skilled questioning Jennara revealed that Greddy indeed had not witnessed the alleged crimes at all first hand, and his testimony was thrown out as hearsay. Finally, the defense was allowed to call it's first witness, Lana Poetr. As Lana Poetr began to testify about the conversation she overheard when Lady Rothsford came to 'interview' Emwonk while he was completely alone with her in the jail, the prosecution became quite obviously frightened of what might be revealed. A plea-bargain was offered to Emwonk that the charges would be dropped if he agreed to work at Lady Rothsford's home to pay for the alleged damages to her property. Emwonk refused the deal flat out, of course. The case was then dismissed, and Emwonk was cleared of all charges and pronounced free to go. After exiting the courthouse the Dwarf Hurk was found bashing his head against the back of the building. He was quite obviously under the effects of magical influence, and Lady Rothsford of course the chief suspect as the source of that influence. Unfortunately, before Hurk could be aided he'd damaged himself severely enough that he would never be able to remember or speak again, let alone testify as to who had done such to him. It is suspected Lady Rothsford will attempt to continue to persue Emwonk outside the legal system, and may almost certainly also begin to target Lana Poetr as well.
28
« on: October 28, 2009, 01:03:22 pm »
[SIZE=16]Bug Report - Spell Description Error: Ultravision
[/SIZE]Description: In the LORE description of the Ultravision spell, Sorceror is not listed as a class the spell is available to. Location: LORE: UltravisionVerified: Yep, see this thread, for discussion and confirmation. Reproducable: Yes, just look at the LORE page using the link above.
29
« on: October 22, 2009, 09:01:47 am »
Just curious after recently leveling up Emwonk I discovered that Ultravision isn't available to Sorcerors, but it is for Wizards (and many other classes of casters). So, after thinking over whether to bother or not, I've finally decided to go ahead and ask, why isn't Ultravision available to Sorcerors?
30
« on: October 15, 2009, 08:52:42 am »
Quest: "Jungle Fever"
Start Date: 10/13/09
End Date: 10/13/09
DM: Phoenix
OOC
This thread references Emwonk's actions and some of the thoughts behind them from the Jungle Fever quest run by DM Phoenix on 10/13/09.
Summary of Events
Emwonk arived in the port city of Stort, seeking to explore the area and harvest some of the spotted mushrooms he'd heard were rumored to grow in the nearby jungle swamps. Upon disembarking from the ship he'd sailed upon from Lor, Emwonk encountered some old acquaintences, and as he spoke with them, other adventurers showed up as well, many of whom Emwonk didn't yet know, and he was suspicious of.
After introductions, the group of adventurers noticed guardsmen moving into position for a quarantine lock-down of the port. It was discovered through keen observation, careful listening, and interaction with the guardsmen that a vessel named the Sea Sprite had brought some sort of plague into the port. Using his harmonic crystal (from the Elemental Mysteries adventure), Emwonk overheard a ship captain and a guardsman arguing on a ship below in the harbor and picked out snippets that indicated the Sea Sprite was likely at the northern docks of the harbor, and it was possible it would be incinerated soon (possibly with infected crew and passengers still on board?).
Seeing an opportunity to make off with some potentially valuable goods, should he be able to get them off the ship, Emwonk aproached a guardsman and attempted to convince him the he'd been a stow-away on the infected vessel, and needed to get back on board to retrieve his own belongings (with the thought that the guards would wish to contain all possible infected persons on board the ship and so would escort him there). He of course got in trouble for admitting (untruthfully) to be a stow-away in this instance (though he has stowed-away in the past, see his inititial character submission). Shiff Dragonheart paid for Emwonk's release with a diamond, and the group was cleared to board the ship after it was anounced by another guardsman that the infection had already spread to the townsfolk anyway.
After boarding the ship, Emwonk could see that it's crew and passengers were still aboard, and many were still alert, even if distressed and anxious by the situation of the spreading plague. He knew that would make retrieving larger or more valuable commodities nearly impossible, so he changed his tactic to aiding in trying to examine the plague victims and find the cause, and hopefully the cure so he might profit from 'being a hero'. In the course of his examination of the Sea Sprite's captain, Emwonk himself contracted the illness which set on very quickly. However, it was through this that it was discovered that the prayer or blessing to Remove Disease would work to cure him and other afflicted individuals.
Meanwhile, another part of the party lead by Pallena discovered another, druidic potion derived cure for the plague that could be implemented on a far larger scale than the available priests and priestesses of the faiths could handle on their own. The potion cure would require a rare plant from the surrounding jungles and swamps which could be found growing only near running, flowing water. Emwonk volunteered to help search for the herbal remedy in hopes that he'd profit from being part of saving the townsfolk from the plague.
Once in the jungles and swamps Emwonk resorted to using his well developed skills of stealth to evade detection by the pygmies and most other dangerous flora and fauna of the area. However, his ability to hide didn't help when a rare and dangerous Malar Panther ran across him, nearly killing him before moving on to it's next victim. Emwonk however did recover from his wounds, and tracked the beast back to where Pallena had turned to face it down and dispatch it. Since she didn't seem to be claiming the beast's valuable hide, Emwonk took a few moments to skin it himself while discussing what to do next with Pallena. It was decided that she'd stay put and he'd return into the jungle swamps to continue the search for the curative plants.
The rest of the party, aside from Pallena, lost in the landscape of the jungle swamps, Emwonk moved out on his own. In the course of his searching he was forced to confront an ooze-like bog beast, and then eventually found his way to the entry of a cave hidden behind a waterfall. Emwonk slipped into the cave and proceeded to scan what he could see of it's interior for signs of more of the curative herb. He spotted some in one corner that also appeared occupied by some form of aquatic humanoids he'd never seen before. Emwonk snuck along the shoreline, using it as cover to avoid their detection, and easilly managed to pick the herbs. He then backtracked and found more herbs in a few more locations of the cave, collecting them as well. When he reached a point where he couldn't carry any more of the herbs without being serious weighed down, Emwonk exited the cave and returned to join Pallena. From there they made their way back to Stort and the curative potion was mixed up in a large cauldron. Emwonk had even managed to collect more than was needed, so he received some of the extra brew as part of his reward after all the plague-victims had been cured and the quarantine lifted.
Not wishing to let the opportunity pass, and sensing the others thought him a bit of a hero for succeeding in finding so much of the herbs, Emwonk also attempted to communicate his desire to draft the other adventurers into his future army of "good groundings" to help him fight against the Wardens when it came time for him to take his revenge upon them. How many of these adventurers would heed that call when the day came, however, remained unclear to Emwonk.
31
« on: August 25, 2009, 01:51:44 pm »
It seems like it's once again time to address a commonly recurring issue that could be avoided if all players knew what was expected of them from the start and applied common sense to their role-play time in-game.
In the past week I've reminded several (new?) players through tells that they really ought not to be going through town in animal/monster forms because:
1) The NPC's in those towns likely wouldn't be able to tell they were actually people and not whatever beastie they look like and thus would react in a hostile manner to defend their town if they could be repressented properly in-game to do so.
2) Layonara is supposed to be a relatively low-magic world, where people who can shift forms or polymorph (as well as summon familiars, 'tame' animal companions, or conjure summoned beings, and any other magic ability) are not altogether common, again adding to the potential of a hostile reaction from NPC commoners.
So, that said, here's my idea: Why not add a "Common Sense in Using Polymorph, Shifting, and Summons, Familiars, and Animal Companions Statement" to the character application and approval process that works much like the Dogma Statements required for Clerics/Paladin? These statements could (and in my opinion at this point -should-) be required for players who wish to play Druids, Shifters, Rangers, Wizards, or Sorcerors.
Statement 1 - "I have read the rules and acknowledge that common sense dictates my character should not be in shifted or polymorphed form while within a civilized area such as a town, outpost, city or fort, with the exception of events involving DM interaction and supervision, and I agree to follow this common sense rule while playing my character."
Statement 2 - "I have read the rules and acknowledge that common sense dictates my character should not be accompanied by a creature (summons, familiar, or animal companion) that by its appearance would be considered threateneing by NPC's living in a town, outpost, city, or fort that I am within or about to enter and I will dismiss such creatures before entering such a settled/civilized area when I play my character. The exception being during a DM supervised event such as a quest or impromptu."
Statement 3 - "I acknowledge that even during a DM supervised event, I should expect NPC's controlled by the DM(s) to react accordingly to the pressence of myself in shifted or polymorphed forms, or to any of my summons, familiars, or animal companions."
My feeling is that if players are confronted with these common sense rules before they enter the world, they'll be more likely to follow them once in play, and thus preserve the feel of immersion in the world of Layonara for themselves, and everyone else.
32
« on: August 17, 2009, 10:22:25 pm »
I'm not so sure it's as much a bug as it is something that might need to be clarified for those who aren't too familiar with AD&D rules/feats. But, I was noticing that Power Attack can't be used with ranged weapons such as bows, yet the description does not clearly state that it only works with melee weapons. Just thought I'd mention it as something that might be stated more specificly.
33
« on: August 17, 2009, 08:15:01 pm »
[SIZE=32]Valanca and the Art Thief[/SIZE] [SIZE=18]Chapter One[/SIZE] [SIZE=18][/SIZE][/B] [SIZE=16]Janra the 24th of the year 1378 seemed to start much like any other day since I'd left home so far behind in Hlint. I found myself within the walls of the rather seedy port-city of Fort Vehl. Rain came down in sheets from the grey and turbulent looking clouds above, and ten-foot swells battered themselves against the dockside shores. Perhaps Mist was perturbed at one sailor or another whose ship set anchored in the bay. It wouldn't be the first time, Mist being a goddess of fickle temper as She is. I didn't mind the rain, for the sky in all it's states seemed a beauty to behold to my eyes as far back as I can recall.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]I entered the crypts of Fort Vehl to test myself against the hosts of undead resident to the dank, dark burial chambers beneath the coastal city. Only Ilsare knew perhaps what fate I would encounter that day. Yet I, in my ignorance of the events forthcoming, strode boldly deeper. Okay, so maybe the unusual absence of the hosts of undead I just mentioned made me a little uneasy, like the calm before a storm, but I still went deeper.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]In the next room I found the remains of a single skeleton, and bent a moment to pluck the remaining knuckle-bone from an otherwise shattered hand. I pocketed it in one practiced move of my hand to the pouch hung form my belt, saving the valuable reagent for use later in a potion that might heal wounds, should Ilsare give her inspired blessing to me to create such an elixir.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]At last I stepped into one of the larger chambers in time to see a figure encircled with a ring of fire, and wielding a flaming sword. Blow after blow the fiery figure struck against the skeletons clamoring around him, sending broken and charred bones scattering in all directions. As the last of them fell before the figure whose visage seemed in my eyes to burn like that of a demon lord from the deepest pits, or at least how I imagine one might look, an empty-eyed skull came clattering across the cobblestone floor to rest a hands-breadth from my feet. For a moment the chamber became silent as the tomb it was meant to be as the imposing figure turned to regard me.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16]In a voice calm and collected, strong and certain, he spoke, "What a nice surprise." [/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]Even though I could see his stance relax, and that he likely meant no harm to me, I confess my fingers trembled where they clung to bow-grip and arrow-shaft knocked against taut string. This was an adventurer before me, and no one to be trifled with.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]With what strength of will I could muster and praying I didn't sound at all as frightened as I truly was I answered with false bravado, "With all that fire about you, one might believe you to be a demon risen to cause torment."[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]In response his hearty laugh broke forth, bringing to me at once relief and perhaps a touch of admiration, and then again touched my ears in tiny echoes having played itself across the far walls of the chamber and returned once more. He followed the laughter up with friendly, mirthful banter, saying, "No demon here...but I appreciate the comparison!" He paused to consider me again for another moment and continued, "You look out of place...a forest maybe better suited?"[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]My thoughts were in a flurry inside my head on how best to answer this fellow, who had now sheathed the flaming sword, when after what seemed was too long to me, but was only the space of half a breath, I said in return, "Mhmm...well, as long as your wrath is upon the undead and not good people like myself, I wish you the best of luck." Then my mind caught up with his second statement. "Forest? Why do you say that?," I asked.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]I thought I could detect a hint of mockery in his next words, but perhaps that's just my imagination, but he replied, "The bow...and your casual attire...you seem better placed near a big oak."[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]Now it was I who could not help but to laugh. My own familiar laughter, a cheery sound not unlike the wind-chimes caught in an early evening gust. Okay, perhaps I try to make it sound better than it really does, but can you blame a girl for trying? In any case, after laughing I responded thus, "Well I doubt that! Perhaps a quiet shrine to Ilsare though."[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]It was at that moment the circle of flames about the mysterious adventurer suddenly evaporated away, leaving us in only the light of torches hung from the chamber walls. "Woops! There goes my demonism," he said jokingly, and then continued only a tiny bit more seriously, "I hunt the mighty skeleton knuckle. There are many in these parts."[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]Now more at ease with the fellow I decided to at once tease him and reward him for making himself less threatening to me. "Ah, well you missed one back in the second chamber," I told him as I stepped forward to close the distance between us.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]He seemed surprised, "I did?"[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]"Yes. The skeleton lay on the floor in pieces... knuckle still attached," I said as I handed him the knuckle just withdrawn from my belt-pouch.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]His tone was grateful, and maybe respect for my honesty laced it as well, "I see...then I do have a weakness. Oversight."[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]"Or haste," I smiled as I looked at him now face to face, and for the first time noticed the unusual blue-green coloring of his hair. It was plain he was Elven as I was from his stature and slightly pointed ears, but that hair was a curiosity to me. Was he of Sea-Elven descent? I didn't know, and wouldn't ask.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]"Yes that too," he went on, "Add it to the list I imagine. I am Tralek...mighty skeleton hunter." After saying that he made a bow as though the situation of the introduction required such formality .[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]Still wary of this relative stranger and obvious adventurer, a type of person I had been taught to avoid or at least mistrust most of my life, I pondered whether to give my own name and decided to hold off for now. "Well, you're welcome to the knuckle, it was your err... kill," I said, hoping to divert his asking me who I might be.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]Tralek merely said, "I thank you," but there was something about the way he said it that tickled me somehow inside my heart for just a moment. I, of course repressed the feeling, such bothersome flutters of velvety butterfly wings had brought me more heartache in the past than I cared to chance receiving again. He continued, "More enchating oils for me."[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]"Aha. So that's what you use them for," I feigned ignorance of my full knowledge of the uses of skeleton knuckles. I'm not sure why, but perhaps it was to aid my internal parries against those niggling butterflies. It seemed to work.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]He studied my bow for a moment, I could tell from the way his eyes flicked to it for the briefest of scrutiny. He asked me, "Yes....what kind of bow is that?"[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]The question caught me off guard only a tiny bit, but enough to cause me pause to answer, "A simple longbow. Made of hickory." I regarded him before me, so close I could feel his breath distinguishable from the other currents of air moving in the crypt. Those velvet wings tickled inside me again, and I almost felt my feet begin to tip-toe to raise my eyes level with his own, but I resisted, and they didn't. I took a step or two back instead.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16]Tralek either didn't notice, or deftly ignored my movement without showing he did so, "You make it?"[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]My tongue wagged almost of its own accord, and I wondered why I should be telling this stranger such a detail, but I did anyhow, "No, this one was a gift from my mother and father."[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]Perhaps he caught my discomfort, as next he said disarmingly, "Now that's what I call a nice gift...I hate when they give clothes."[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]"It's seen many years of use, though, so I'm considering buying one made of oak," I heard myself drone on rather distractedly. It was then I heard movement from behind, and Tralek seemed to notice at the same time. We turned to regard the newcomer in unison.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]"Well hello there," I offered in friendly sounding greeting after realizing the new presence wasn't another undead out to kill us.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]Almost at the same time Tralek said, "Hello."[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]I was nervous again, but tried to hide it with an amused tone as I spoke, "It seems we have company, Tralek, Mighty Skeleton Hunter."[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]The man who had come upon us, standing there dressed in grey robes that hid much of his form, answered, "Oh! Hello! Never saw you there. Are you going there?" With that he looked back the way he had come, toward the hallway that would lead back to the entrance to the crypts. Something about his posture, tone and eyes suggested that something back that way was causing him to be quite nervous.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]"Hmmm...back out...not quite yet," Tralek answered as he looked the man over.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]The grey-robed person seemed to understand our purpose in the crypts. Quickly he stammered out, "Skeleton hunters, eh? Well you likely have nothing to fear! Yes! Good luck in all your hunting...I had better be going!" He began to move past us, deeper into the crypts.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]I tried to ask him, "Is there something wrong?"[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]At the same time Tralek told the fellow, "The bowmaster here and I are going deeper."[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]The grey-robed man paused briefly to reply, "Ah, I see." He paused to look deeper into the dark corridors that lead to the bowels of the crypts then looked back, "Further eh? Well I wont disturb you...or the skeletons." The last three words came out quietly, as if not meant for us but for himself.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]Tralek rebutted the man, "You do not disturb."[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]I'd looked back to Tralek and waited for a chance to interject, feeling a bit perturbed that he had presumed to speak for me about going further into the crypts, "Well... I hadn't so much as said I was going further in.."[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]Tralek didn't even look back to me as he said, "Where'd he go?" I could hear his own confusion and dismay in his voice.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]I looked for the grey-robed fellow myself and saw that indeed he was no longer within sight. I reasoned he might've been a mage, and shrugged as I answered Tralek, "Maybe a spell of invisibility?"[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]"I can see past that...," he answered me, still at a loss, "He vanished."[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]"Oh. Can't some mages do that though? Teleport?," I thought out loud, [/SIZE][SIZE=16]rather at a loss myself. My thoughts were interrupted as yet another presence came from the tunnels leading back to the entrance.[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]A new, unfamiliar, but distinguished voice began, "Okay...Ah! Got yourself a friend, eh?" There was the slightest pause before the new man's voice resumed, "One with a bow too."[/SIZE] [SIZE=16][/SIZE] [SIZE=16]I whirled about to face the source of this second interruption who followed so closely on the heels of the first...[/SIZE]
34
« on: July 25, 2009, 02:08:20 pm »
*posted in several well-trafficked trading areas* "I am seeking to purchase a fine rapier of excellent craftsmanship, often called a "Silver Foil" by many in the know. If you have such a weapon and you wish to sell it, I'd be interested in discussing a fair price. Contact Amgine Lanif."
35
« on: July 25, 2009, 01:35:24 pm »
CDQ Title: Deep In The Night
DM: Witchdoctor Eggy
RL Dates: Session 1 - 18 July 2009, Session 2 - 25 July 2009
In-Game Timespan: Mai 17-19, 1452
Summary:
About one year after the events of Dragon Storm: By Tooth or By Claw, Amgine returns home to Faroth with his fiance, Amireana Mandrine, with hopes of introducing her to his parents and other family members and attaining their approval for the marriage.
Upon ariving in Faroth, Amgine and those with him were greeted by a grave tale that a large wolf or wolves had been attacking folks in or near the town, causing everyone to retreat indoors for protection after sundown.
Sometime later, while Amgine and company are visiting with his mother, father, and sister (Gwen), Amgine's uncle bursts in carrying Gwen's boyfriend Jimmy Ashenhue, who is severely wounded and bleeding profusely. While an attempt is made to heal the wounds and stop the bleeding, it's discovered that the wounds are somehow supernatural in nature, and won't heal.
Amgine sets out with his friends to track down Louie "One-Eye" Parsimon, who his uncle convinces him must be behind the attacks, and may have the cure for Jimmy's magical ailment.
Finding the bandit's camp, attempts are made to infiltrate it, and then errupt into a melee, most of the party dies horribly. Those alive after raise the rest and the group tries again. Eventually it's decided that there must be someone else involved, and Amgine and friends are lead to pay a new neighbor a visit, leaving Parsimon's camp for another day.
Confronting the new neighbor in his dungeon-like home, it's discovered that he's quite clearly an evil necromancer, again fighting erupts and the necromancer is slain, as is Amgine once more. His friends revive him and bring him back home, to discover that the necromancers magic was disrupted with his death, and Jimmy has begun to recover.
36
« on: July 21, 2009, 10:56:29 am »
Greetings,
I have heard advertised elsewhere a special kind of belt designed to provide back support during long periods of heavy lifting and crafting. This type of belt is commonly known as a "Dorand's Brace". I am currently seeking to purchase such a belt. Should any have such a belt for sale, please contact me so that we may discuss a price that is fair.
~ Amgine Lanif
37
« on: July 18, 2009, 07:06:04 am »
To those who were invited to attend Amgine Lanif's CDQ, it's been postponed by 30 minutes to 1 hour due to the server needing a reset and Witchdoctor Eggy needing some time to set things up again.
38
« on: June 28, 2009, 10:22:52 am »
Quest: Dragon Storm: By Tooth or By Claw
DM(s): Harlas Ravelkione, Eorendil, Rowana
RL Dates: 06/27/09 - 08/23/09 (roughly)
In-Game Timespan:
Satari, Febra 21, 1451 - meeting with Wintersby
They travel 2 months to the Hammerbound Foothills (fast ship and hasted travel), then split on Tunar, Apreal 10th, 1451
Group A is another 3 weeks on the road on magically enhanced forced march - Sunra, Mai 1st, 1451 - when they find the site.
They begin the Test, some leaving with the book and taking 2 weeks to wind their way out (Mulnari, Mai 16, 1451) Aerimor waiting 1.5 weeks for the group with the book, having failed the test.
Group B in Hurix arrives Wedlar, Mai 4th 1451,
They are under siege for 5 days. Mulari, Mai 9th, 1451, the reinforcements arrive.
The reinforcements spend Tunar, Mai 10th 1451 and some time after, moping up the nearby stragglers.
Mulnari, Jular 2, 1451. A group of straggling Cultists are rounded up.
Mulnari, Jular 16, 1451 - A missive is issued by the Queen.
After years of work the Hurix group is presented with Awards, Jular 20th, 1454.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Febra 21, 1451
Not long ago I came upon a large gathering that included a few of my fellow Angel's guild-mates, just outside the gates of Fort Vehl. Jennara, yes the famed Halfling servant of Rofirein who's lead many a restoration effort throughout disaster stricken places of the world, was there accompanied by what appeared to be a very, very large tiger. It wasn't a tiger though. In fact it was a man named Ruben who through some trick of the Al'Noth could change his form at will. I found this out after the group moved a ways away from Fort Vehl and Jennara began to address all of us gathered. Well, that and when Ruben changed back to man-form before our very eyes.
The matter put before us is urgent. A journal written by some long-dead general who fought in the wars back when Bloodstone was still considered a hero has been stolen. But that's not all there is to it, of course. The journal can be used to open up some magical path, called the Path of the Claw, which calls to all those who can transform their shapes strongest, but can even draw to itself non-magical folk as myself, should we tread too near. It calls with a promise, I'm told, of the best, of un-told power ... a promise that is both truth and lie, it's said by Ruben, who gained his ability to change forms from the Path of the Claw at some previous time. He tells us that those called by the Path are forced by it to fight eachother, and that only one who is called will come out alive and transformed by the Path as he has been, into a nearly un-stoppable force that regenerates even from death.
Those who stole the journal plan to use it to create such soldiers for their cause, somewhere to the north right here on the continent of Mistone. They are a group called the Green Dragon Cult, and are the same invasion force reported landing on the coast in the Battlehelm Mores. They are the same force that has taken over the Kuhl kingdom, and likely they seek to take over the world. With them travel some form of half-man, half-dragons they've also created as soldiers, that I'm told are called Drachs.
I cannot sit by while this Cult is here, in the lands I am now calling home, ever building their power to subjugate and possibly destroy all I hold dear. I have agreed to help search for and recover the stolen journal, even though I know doing so I risk death, or worse. We must stop this threat before it become a greater one. I hope Amireana understands my decision. I'm sure she will. I hope more that I can return to her a whole man, the same as I now leave as.
Ben's off finding us a quick ship to bear us on our way with speed. I'm writing now while I have time. My thought is that I should get to know all these with us I don't know, and fix firm in my mind the good things I see in them, as defense against the time when the Path of the Claw may bend my will to fight against them. I hope the others are doing the same, because it seems to me, it will be harder to take up arms against those one knows and respects, and we should then all turn first against the others who become foes upon the Path. Perhaps then there will be a greater chance that one among our side will win through and thus thwart the Green Dragon Cult. Perhaps then we'll have a better chance of capturing the journal, and either destroying it, or securing it from those who'd use it to do the world harm.
39
« on: June 10, 2009, 08:58:39 am »
Bug Description:
In the area "Spirit Dunes - Krellin's Tents" the NPC named Merim Briser, and the NPC labeled "Pawn Shop" both give an, "I am sorry, but there is no store available," message.
Reproduceable: Yes
40
« on: June 04, 2009, 10:24:46 am »
Hello there Loremaster(s)!
I've been considering developing a new character and was hoping to get some basic information about a few different settlements on Mistone so I'd have a better idea of the sort of place my character may have grown up in, and thus form a better idea of how such things would have influenced the character's formative years. I'm trying to choose between three seperate locales for my character's home of birth.
I would like to know the approximate populations and racial demographics of Beirun, and Echo, both in the Kingdom of Trelania, as well as those for Drake in the Brelin Kingdom. Also of use may be information regarding the chief trades present in these settlements, and any historical information the local populace would know of for their little areas of the world. Are there racial prejudices? How strongly are they held by the average local, if there are? Do the settelments favor any god or goddess more so than others?
Feel free to answer here, or via PM.
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