Reznick walks up close to Jacks as she is reading the scroll. He whispers closely in her ear, pretending to look at the scroll too. "That dog is not natural, it has no smell. Can you tell if it is magical? Some sort of conjuration maybe"
With that he steps around and goes to pet the dog on the head.
Play by Post Haven Stop by, join us, and sign up for some games while you are there Real Adventures Come join in and have some adventures, real ones!
Want even more Play-By-Post games? Head over to www.Nerdbound.com to check some more out. People there are playing lots of systems, not just D&D
Bharhas, Level 3 Human, Warlord | Sorcerer Human Power Selection Option: Bonus At-Will power Languages: Common, Elven Theme: Gladiator
CURRENT STATUS: Phase of the Sun: *At the start of your turn, each enemy adjacent to you takes fire and radiant damage equal to your Strength modifier. *You also gain resist 5 cold.
VITALS AC: 18 Fort: 18 Ref: 15 Will: 17 HP: 40/40
Surges: 6/6 Surge Value: 10
Initiative: +1 Speed: 6
CURRENT ABILITY SCORES STR 18, CON 10, DEX 11, INT 10, WIS 8, CHA 17
* Arcana - As you study the scroll in search of its secrets, you open yourself to the sensation of any lingering enchantments that might hang over the scroll. You feel nothing, however; the scroll is as "cold" as winter, in terms of any magic that might surround it. It truly appears to be nothing more than a scroll. * History - Given the reference to farmer and druid living in harmony, you recognize that this scroll speaks of Caragane many centuries ago. The druidic presence in this region disappeared many generations ago; as the town swelled, the druids felt threatened and left for more hospitable areas. Still, the Darkened Face is too vague a reference to point to any specific person. Also, given the surprising quality of the scroll's current state, you suspect that a great deal of time passed between the events it describes and the penning of this scroll.
Coleridge wrings his hands and snorts.
"Mercur. Now there is a fool. I've had the misfortune of talking to the man. You would think he believes himself to be a hero from one of the old stories. His swagger and puffed chest are enough to make even the most serious of men roll his eyes. If his men are headed here, he no doubt expects to find something worthy of a bard's song. The man chases glory like a beggar chases coin. His younger brother has a sound head on his shoulders, though. Good lad was always polite, but he didn't have the knack for making friends - especially the powerful ones - that his brother possessed.
As for tossing away the ruby - we thought of that. The problem is, we aren't sure where we should send it. I fear that should we send it far from Caragane, trouble will follow. As much as I wish to protect my town, I cannot stomach the thought of accidentally bringing ruin to a village because the things lurking in our woods decided to chase the stone and took a path that cut through a community. The young man never said where he specifically he found the stone - just "in these parts"...
Oddly enough, his discovery of the gem came right on the heels of the first couple of odd sightings near the woods, but before the first person vanished. My peers and I have decided that if the stone were here for so long, then whoever originally placed it in this area did so with a purpose. The more method-minded of my inner circle argued for the stone to be kept in safe-keeping until we discern where specifically the stranger, Varl, found it.
Varl left many days ago, but I sent a runner on his trail. Gods willing, the two will soon meet, if they have not already crossed paths. For the moment, the ruby is being kept with Isilor, the Wise Man. Originally, I wished to have the stone placed here, in my safe. Isilor, however, blasted that idea, saying the stone was safer in his lair. The man may have a nasty temper at times, but there is no building in this area that is more heavily warded with enchantments than Isilor's home. I couldn't help but see his logic. I have heard no word of any troubles so far, so Isilor appears to be guarding the gem quite well.
You may indeed be right that this ruby is one of three keys meant to serve some purpose in keeping the Face imprisoned. For now, however, we have no clue where the other two gems might be. I personally worry that those two may no longer even be in these parts. I would just die if some two-bit thief or witless explorer came upon one of them and fled with it, thinking himself to have scored a lovely prize..."
No sooner have the mayor's words left his mouth then a sudden flurry, as of wings, can be heard from outside. The mayor's dog leaps to its feet, a growl building in its throat. Something is certainly odd; as you listen, it does not seem as if several small birds are creating the din, but a few massive ones. To the left, something smacks against the window with force, and off beyond this room, you can hear a sort of scratching at the back door. The mayor grabs a small knife near his side, hands trembling slightly.
"Those birds can't possibly be back... Not again..."
"I don't like X, they should remove it." "I like X, they should keep it." "They should replace X with Y." "Anybody that likes X is dumb. Y is better." "Why don't they include both X and Y." "Yeah, everybody can be happy then!" "But I don't like X, they should remove it." "X really needs to be replaced with Y." "But they can include both X and Y." "But I don't like X, they need to remove it." "Remove X, I don't like it."
Until you've had an in-law tell you your choice of game was stupid, and just Warcraft on paper, and dumbed down for dumber players who can't handle a real RPG, you haven't lived.
Lady and gentlemen.... I present to you the Edition War without Contrition, the War of the Web, the Mighty Match-up!
We're using standard edition war rules. No posts of substance. Do not read the other person's posts with comprehension. Make frequent comparison to video games, MMOs, and CCGs. Use the words "fallacy" and "straw man", incorrectly and often. Passive aggressiveness gets you extra points and asking misleading and inflammatory questions is mandatory. If you're getting tired, just declare victory and leave the thread. Wait for the buzzer... and....
One, two, three, four, I declare Edition War Five, six, seven eight, I use the web to
D&D should not return to the days of blindfolding the DM and players. No tips on encounter power? No mention of expected party roles? No true meaning of level due to different level charts or tiered classes? Please, let's not sacrifice clear, helpful rules guidelines in favour of catering to the delicate sensibilities of the few who have problems with the ascetics of anything other than what they are familiar with.
Just a quick note on the MMORPG as an insult comparison...
MMORPGs, raking in money by the dumptruck full. Many options, tons of fans across many audiences, massive resources allocated to development.
TTRPGs, dying product. Squeaking out an existence that relys on low cost. Fans fit primarily into a few small demographics. R&D budgets small, often rushed to market and patched after deployment.
You're not really making much of an argument when you compare something to a MMORPG and assume people think that means bad. Lets face it, they make the money, have the audience and the budget. We here on this board are fans of TTRPGs but lets not try to pretend none of us play MMORPGs.
Something like Tactical Shift is more magical than martial healing.
Telling someone to move over a few feet is magical now? :|
I weep for this generation.
Given the laziness and morbid obsesity amongst D&Ders, being able to convince someone to get on their feet, do some heavy exercise, and use their words to make them be healthier must seem magical.
Bharhas, Level 3 Human, Warlord | Sorcerer Human Power Selection Option: Bonus At-Will power Languages: Common, Elven Theme: Gladiator
CURRENT STATUS: Phase of the Sun: *At the start of your turn, each enemy adjacent to you takes fire and radiant damage equal to your Strength modifier. *You also gain resist 5 cold.
VITALS AC: 18 Fort: 18 Ref: 15 Will: 17 HP: 40/40
Surges: 6/6 Surge Value: 10
Initiative: +1 Speed: 6
CURRENT ABILITY SCORES STR 18, CON 10, DEX 11, INT 10, WIS 8, CHA 17
After Reznik whispers in her ear, Jacks meets his gaze for a moment to acknowledge him. While he talks about Mercur, she reaches over and gives the "dog" a scratch behind the ears. From the ranger's clues she suspects it is a familiar, but Coleridge was never a magician. Her attention goes back the mayor when he tells the story of Varl, the gem and Isilor. Perhaps Isilor is keeping watch on his honor.
When there's a bang on the window, Jacqueline puts her notes away and reaches for the crossbow. She looks at the mayor, "Store yourself and the scroll somewhere safe." The she tells her teammates, "We'd better get outside."
Wil listens intently as the mayor speaks, and is prepared to add more of his own input when the sounds are heard at the windows. His sword is drawn as quickly as Reznick's bow, and he moves towards the door at Jacks' words, a brief nod of approval given to her as he passes by. "Careful out there if these are crazed birds attacking, losing an eye is not fun - you can take my word for it."
Dossk steps up to the window behind Reznik, attempting to get a glance at all the noise. He rests his hand on his sheathed blade's hilt. It is inappropriate in Kjurfelli custom to draw a weapon inside. "We'll worry about this gem later. The townspeople must be guarded from this threat. May we have the authority to order them into their homes, Mayor? It is for their own safety. I do not wish to see any more of their innocent blood shed from the quarrels of this 'Darkened Face.'"
The Mayor gives you permission to send the townsfolk into their houses, but as you step outside, you see there is no need for you to raise your voices. Those few people who were stepping about are quickly fleeing inside. Some hold their doors open to usher in frightened passersby, but the flurry of wings soon has these doorways shut tight in fear. Even with night descending upon you, you can make out the shapes of the birds by the torches that illuminate the mayor's neighborhood. They are blackbirds, yes, but massive ones, looking to all the world as if mother nature suddenly grew bored and decided to turn even tiny creatures into gargantuans. The birds are roughly man-sized, or so you assume; those that have taken wing are tricky to discern.
A couple of them stand out, though, and it is not because of size. Two of the birds in particular possess disturbingly intelligent eyes - they watch you exit the building and size them up as if they clearly understand what you are prepared to do. It is unnatural and disturbing, but you realize that these two are indeed wary of you. They call out to their kin in a strangely guttural caw, and the others respond in kind. Reznik, with his knowledge of the wilds, and Jacks, with her knowledge of stories fantastical and true, can both tell what these two birds are - nightwings, creatures long thought extinct, if not creations of myth. The nightwing heralds suffering to some, perseverance to others, and are born of nature's cruel streak. Gazing at them now, it is easy to see why people told tales of these birds.
Then, the caws begin to rise, and you know the birds mean to descend upon you...
"I don't like X, they should remove it." "I like X, they should keep it." "They should replace X with Y." "Anybody that likes X is dumb. Y is better." "Why don't they include both X and Y." "Yeah, everybody can be happy then!" "But I don't like X, they should remove it." "X really needs to be replaced with Y." "But they can include both X and Y." "But I don't like X, they need to remove it." "Remove X, I don't like it."
Until you've had an in-law tell you your choice of game was stupid, and just Warcraft on paper, and dumbed down for dumber players who can't handle a real RPG, you haven't lived.
Lady and gentlemen.... I present to you the Edition War without Contrition, the War of the Web, the Mighty Match-up!
We're using standard edition war rules. No posts of substance. Do not read the other person's posts with comprehension. Make frequent comparison to video games, MMOs, and CCGs. Use the words "fallacy" and "straw man", incorrectly and often. Passive aggressiveness gets you extra points and asking misleading and inflammatory questions is mandatory. If you're getting tired, just declare victory and leave the thread. Wait for the buzzer... and....
One, two, three, four, I declare Edition War Five, six, seven eight, I use the web to
D&D should not return to the days of blindfolding the DM and players. No tips on encounter power? No mention of expected party roles? No true meaning of level due to different level charts or tiered classes? Please, let's not sacrifice clear, helpful rules guidelines in favour of catering to the delicate sensibilities of the few who have problems with the ascetics of anything other than what they are familiar with.
Just a quick note on the MMORPG as an insult comparison...
MMORPGs, raking in money by the dumptruck full. Many options, tons of fans across many audiences, massive resources allocated to development.
TTRPGs, dying product. Squeaking out an existence that relys on low cost. Fans fit primarily into a few small demographics. R&D budgets small, often rushed to market and patched after deployment.
You're not really making much of an argument when you compare something to a MMORPG and assume people think that means bad. Lets face it, they make the money, have the audience and the budget. We here on this board are fans of TTRPGs but lets not try to pretend none of us play MMORPGs.
Something like Tactical Shift is more magical than martial healing.
Telling someone to move over a few feet is magical now? :|
I weep for this generation.
Given the laziness and morbid obsesity amongst D&Ders, being able to convince someone to get on their feet, do some heavy exercise, and use their words to make them be healthier must seem magical.
Through clenched teeth Reznik hisses. "Nightwings! Kill those two first. They are an evil omen." He points at the two nightwings with an arrow that he quickly nocks and sights.
Play by Post Haven Stop by, join us, and sign up for some games while you are there Real Adventures Come join in and have some adventures, real ones!
Want even more Play-By-Post games? Head over to www.Nerdbound.com to check some more out. People there are playing lots of systems, not just D&D
Bharhas, Level 3 Human, Warlord | Sorcerer Human Power Selection Option: Bonus At-Will power Languages: Common, Elven Theme: Gladiator
CURRENT STATUS: Phase of the Sun: *At the start of your turn, each enemy adjacent to you takes fire and radiant damage equal to your Strength modifier. *You also gain resist 5 cold.
VITALS AC: 18 Fort: 18 Ref: 15 Will: 17 HP: 40/40
Surges: 6/6 Surge Value: 10
Initiative: +1 Speed: 6
CURRENT ABILITY SCORES STR 18, CON 10, DEX 11, INT 10, WIS 8, CHA 17
Dossk's eyes go large as he sees the size of the birds, but he quickly snaps to and recognizes their intelligence, moving quickly to avoid from getting surrounded. Taking initiative, the Bearblade launches forward, dodging between Jacks and Wilhelm narrowly. "Rashton! With me!" He calls out to the man as he runs. The warrior slides into range next to one of the creatures that threatens to flank the group, cutting its advance off. His blade ready, he winds up for a very predictable swing of but instead thrusts his shield forward, slamming it into the sentient creature. It staggers for a moment, moreso inconvenienced and taken off-guard by the attack than harmed.
Standard: Intuitive Strike on Nightwing B (#7). Hits Will 19 for... 1 damage. Any ally with CA attacking this has an extra +2 to hit until SONT. Attack: 1d20+7=19 Damage: 1d10=1
The Bearblade's shield meets the nightwing's body with a solid thunk. The bird reels back in mid-air, clearly irritated by the warlord's surprising, but no doubt effective, tactic. It hangs in the air, watching Dossk closely, before suddenly darting in at the Bearblade's face. Dossk is able to keep his eyes intact, but his arms suffer a series of vicious rakes for his troubles. The nightwing's talons are like iron, as the giant warrior discovers to his detriment - they cut with the force of knives.
Elsewhere, the other nightwing notices Dossk's discomfort from afar, but turns its attention to the others. Noiselessly, the nightwing glides south, not willing to join its comrades in the attack just yet.
Nightwing B - Standard: Talon Rake (targets AC) vs Dossk Attack Roll: 1d20+6=18 Damage Roll: 1d8+3=11 Max damage Effect: Dossk is marked (so be careful if you shift/try to pull back)
"I don't like X, they should remove it." "I like X, they should keep it." "They should replace X with Y." "Anybody that likes X is dumb. Y is better." "Why don't they include both X and Y." "Yeah, everybody can be happy then!" "But I don't like X, they should remove it." "X really needs to be replaced with Y." "But they can include both X and Y." "But I don't like X, they need to remove it." "Remove X, I don't like it."
Until you've had an in-law tell you your choice of game was stupid, and just Warcraft on paper, and dumbed down for dumber players who can't handle a real RPG, you haven't lived.
Lady and gentlemen.... I present to you the Edition War without Contrition, the War of the Web, the Mighty Match-up!
We're using standard edition war rules. No posts of substance. Do not read the other person's posts with comprehension. Make frequent comparison to video games, MMOs, and CCGs. Use the words "fallacy" and "straw man", incorrectly and often. Passive aggressiveness gets you extra points and asking misleading and inflammatory questions is mandatory. If you're getting tired, just declare victory and leave the thread. Wait for the buzzer... and....
One, two, three, four, I declare Edition War Five, six, seven eight, I use the web to
D&D should not return to the days of blindfolding the DM and players. No tips on encounter power? No mention of expected party roles? No true meaning of level due to different level charts or tiered classes? Please, let's not sacrifice clear, helpful rules guidelines in favour of catering to the delicate sensibilities of the few who have problems with the ascetics of anything other than what they are familiar with.
Just a quick note on the MMORPG as an insult comparison...
MMORPGs, raking in money by the dumptruck full. Many options, tons of fans across many audiences, massive resources allocated to development.
TTRPGs, dying product. Squeaking out an existence that relys on low cost. Fans fit primarily into a few small demographics. R&D budgets small, often rushed to market and patched after deployment.
You're not really making much of an argument when you compare something to a MMORPG and assume people think that means bad. Lets face it, they make the money, have the audience and the budget. We here on this board are fans of TTRPGs but lets not try to pretend none of us play MMORPGs.
Something like Tactical Shift is more magical than martial healing.
Telling someone to move over a few feet is magical now? :|
I weep for this generation.
Given the laziness and morbid obsesity amongst D&Ders, being able to convince someone to get on their feet, do some heavy exercise, and use their words to make them be healthier must seem magical.
