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Hey guys, turns out if you don't pay your electric bill they shut your power off. Who knew. Anyways, I should be back in about a day or so, depending on when they can get a guy out here to turn it back on. Sorry for the delays this will probably cause. Edit: I might not be around anytime soon, but I had some time to write this up. Quinn/Iblis: As you exit the shop you can sense an urgent arcane presence, but not the one from earlier in the marketplace. Something powerful is headed this way, and quickly. A small old man is leaning against the front of the shop as your group exits, his face is obscured by the tattered hood of his faded old robes. As you pass him he reaches out and grabs Quinn's arm, pulling him close enough to see his face. Quinn: You know this man, he was one of your instructors during the time you spent with the veiled alliance. His name is Hamut, although most of the folks in the camp jokingly called him Blackthumb on account of the fact that one of his arms had become a shriveled black husk. Most of the time he keeps it hidden beneath his robes, but he likes to show to the new recruits to drive home the dangers of using magic without proper discipline. He was the one who taught you how to limit the energy you draw upon and focus it in the most efficient manner. That, according to him, was the heart of preservation. One part focus, and one part intent. "You seem to have taken on some odd company. Can they be trusted?" Hamut glances quickly in the direction of the approaching aura. Pokeylope fucked around with this message at Jun 15, 2011 around 01:18 |
| # ? Jun 15, 2011 00:12 |
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| # ? May 24, 2013 10:12 |
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Quinn "They can be trusted, they have helped me greatly already. We are preparing the slaves and armies outside for the revolt, and are working to breach the gates by enlisting the arena slaves on this side. We need support to do that, however. Can you help u... What is that?" Arcana: 1d20+10 23 to check out whats coming our way
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| # ? Jun 15, 2011 02:18 |
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Iblis Initially startled by the old man grabbing his companion, the tiefling is quick to react. Upon seeing the recognition in Quinn's face he relaxes a little, although the strange old man's doubt outrages him. "We have toiled in the fields together! Fought for freedom together! Spilled both blood and sweat! Is there a bond more sacred?!" His anger soon fades as the strange presence approaches. He joins the two humans in trying to discern the origin of the disturbance. Arcana: 1d20+10: 29
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| # ? Jun 15, 2011 06:12 |
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Hey Vojzek, just noticed I forgot to give you any results for your checks on the last page. Despite the rather high rolls, very little is known about the ancient religions and civilizations from the green ages. Especially the dwarves, mostly due to the harsh persecution of their race that has led them to the lowly position they now hold in society. Although they are no longer hunted as they once were, it is still rare to see a dwarf in any position of power. The old man looks deeply concerned. "We have much to discuss, but you've got to get out of here." The presence draws closer, all of you can now feel it's energy pulsing through the air. Quinn/Iblis: As it approaches it becomes difficult to focus. Pounding waves of startling power wash over you, nearly drowning your senses to the point where you stop focusing on it, and must try your hardest to block the immense magical pressure. Whatever this is, it's power is obviously incredible. "Run! I'll find you when this is dealt with." It's time for a skill challenge! I do them a little differently, so here's the run-down: -I'll set the DC ahead of time, so you can describe your success/failure in an interesting way. Depending on how well you do the end result will either be good or bad. -Any skill can be used, but you personally cannot use the same skill twice in an encounter. You also cannot use the same skill as the previous post. -Use an action point to re-roll any failed check. -Don't be afraid to go big, even if it means making up some details. A successful athletics check shouldn't be 'I run down the alley' it should be something more like 'I signal for the group to continue down the alley and grab the scaffolding on a nearby building, toppling into the path behind us.' -For knowledge checks, feel free to just make something up. If you do, try to include some sort of interesting detail or bonus that could help the group with future checks. If you'd rather not deal with that, I can just fill in knowledge checks, but you've got to provide a basic reason for using it. No using your strongest skills just because they're your strongest. -We won't use initiative for this, just don't post a second roll until everyone else has rolled for that round. With a deafening crash, a building across the street bursts outward in an enormous cloud of dust and splinters. People run panicked down back alleys and out of sight. A faint amber glow can be seen within the cloud, outlining some massive humanoid silhouette. The old man fires a crackling wave of dull grey energy at the beast, it impacts with a dull thud. The creature hardly seems to notice, it turns to face you and begins heading your way. You can see it clearly now, a hulking amber golem. Thrice as tall as any of you, it's massive bulk shakes the ground as it takes long, confident strides in your direction. It's body is wrapped in thick vines and plated with chunks of bark. Deep within it's cloudy mass the amber shards pulse angrily, silent fury burns behind it's ancient eyes.  Skill Challenge: DC 15 Escape pursuit, by any means necessary. Pokeylope fucked around with this message at Aug 18, 2011 around 00:44 |
| # ? Jun 16, 2011 02:02 |
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Vojzek The golem's explosive entrance causes Vojzek to instinctively dash under cover. He recovers his composure and calls for the others to follow. "Who did you make pissed?!" The dray doesn't direct the question at anyone in particular, but he's pretty sure this monstrosity isn't specifically after him. Basements. This thing will have trouble finding them and getting to them if they can move through storage rooms and cellars. Looking about, Vojzek spots a very much locked and latched entrance to an underground room. With some knowledge of the area, he knows that there are usually exits to the first floor on the other side of the building. Usually. Deciding it's a risk worth taking, he dashes toward the cellar doors, ripping his oversized sword from its scabbard on his back and slamming it into the bone-and-wood doors with all his might. They splinter into dozens of pieces, and the dray quickly scrambles inside. Athletics!: 1d20+8 20
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| # ? Jun 16, 2011 02:50 |
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Thetrin "Magic! Damned wizard hides, this must be Templar sorcery!" The elf springs into action, trying to formulate a plan in mid-sprint. Old tales of battle and escapes spring to mind as he makes his decisions. Didn't the Kruthik Raiders, under pursuit from a band of Templar, escape into the mountains where the ponderous enforcers could not adequately maneuver? Didn't their agile scouts lead their enemies on wild goose chases throughout the treacherous cliffs? Why all they had to do was... Crash! A market stall, flung by the vined golem crashes into the street beside Thetrin, peppering him with splinters and breaking his concentration. He barely keeps up with the others darting into a basement, while a final thought crosses his mind. Hadn't the Kruthik Raiders, hemmed into the mountains by Templar, eventually die slow deaths at the hands of starvation, exposure, and flying beasts? History: 1d20+9 13
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| # ? Jun 16, 2011 03:36 |
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Quinn "Good luck old man" As the golem comes crashing in through the street, Quinn quickly grabs a sheet of cloth that was lost in the crash and makes like a peasant, acting scared and not-at-all involved in this chase. The cloth covers his sword, and makes him completely anonymous as he watches the others run into a basement. Stealth: 1d20+6 15
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| # ? Jun 16, 2011 05:54 |
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The golem kneels before the entrance to the basement. He reaches down into the stairwell and begins tearing away great masses of stone as easily as you would sift through a pile of sand. It won't be long before he can fit through the opening. Quinn: You notice ol'blackthumb hasn't cast a second spell, instead he seems to be concentrating, perhaps attempting to amplify the effects of the first. Pokeylope fucked around with this message at Jun 16, 2011 around 22:42 |
| # ? Jun 16, 2011 22:40 |
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Iblis "Somebody obviously knows what we've been up to, and means to put a stop to it. We're running out of time." Standing back from the groping hand of the golem, Iblis spots a weakness in the entryway. Blasting it with mental power, he attempts to buy some time by trapping the creature's arm under fallen rubble. Perception: 1d20+7: 15
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| # ? Jun 16, 2011 23:32 |
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Vojzek A cornered dray is a dangerous, desperate dray. There is no other exit from this basement. There is no way to go out the way they came in. Trapped and panicked, Vojzek becomes furious. His body burns with anger, strange wisps of black energy rising from his body like steam. His vision goes red, his knuckles white, and his mind is wholely consumed with rage. Without thought or reason, Vojzek's body moves. Whether it be instinct or madness or demonic possession is unclear, but the result is the same: he charges the golem. Sword held high above his head, he moves across the room with frightening speed and unerring direction. Every single ounce of strength his body contains is channeled into a singular, unflinching assault. "NO!" Intimidate roll: 1d20+14 34 Natural 20.  Alternatively, I was going to intimidate a wall to come down and open an escape route. You read that right.
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| # ? Jun 17, 2011 23:37 |
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Whether this monstrosity can feel fear, or it simply functions on cold logic, something about Vojzek's vicious assault has given it pause. It retracts it's arm from the tunnels and stares at it, puzzled as some sort of swirling black cloud begins to congeal around his appendage. He takes one last look at the basement you've taken shelter in and flees, back to wherever he came from.CombatWombat posted:
poo poo, with a crit, that wall would have been terrified to pieces. Nat 20's in a skill challenge count as a double success, which ends this encounter  +200XP The golem's hasty retreat has left a small gap in the rubble where he had been digging, you can get back out of the basement that way. Pokeylope fucked around with this message at Jun 18, 2011 around 03:07 |
| # ? Jun 18, 2011 03:02 |
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Thetrin The great magical golem turns and flees like a cowardly scavenger from the Dray's bark, leaving a rather confused and very dazed Thetrin behind. "Vojzek, what precisely are you?"
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| # ? Jun 18, 2011 04:14 |
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Quinn Quinn sticks his head in the hole left by the golem after it goes lumbering off. He is quick enough to hear Thetrin's question. "I'm not sure what he is, but I think that golem was crying. Come on guys, lets get you out of this hole and away from here before whatever sicked that golem on us sends something worse."
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| # ? Jun 18, 2011 05:43 |
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Iblis Iblis watches the golem flee in terror, incredibly perplexed. As far as he knew, Golems had no emotions. He would have to do some research to understand the nature of this event. "What in the wastes was that about? We must investigate this situation later, but for now we have more pressing matters at hand. I have acquired a set of keys to the slave pens, we should head back and retrieve them." Arcana: to determine some information about the golem 1d20+10: 24
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| # ? Jun 18, 2011 19:25 |
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Iblis: Occasionally, in places where the primal forces are strong, a golem will naturally be forged from the elements present. However, you don't believe that amber golem was natural. Most likely he was created with some sort of ritual, summoned and bound into service. There is only one person in all of Tyr you can think of with the power to bind such a creature to his will. Kalak himself sent that creature, how much he knows is uncertain, but it is clear you have somehow drawn his attention.
Pokeylope fucked around with this message at Jun 19, 2011 around 01:15 |
| # ? Jun 19, 2011 01:08 |
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Vojzek Vojzek remains still, slumped down on one knee, and he takes several long, slow breaths. He finally looks up when the elf speaks, looking drained and weary. "What am I? One of a kind," he chuckles quietly. "Now, someone help me up."
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| # ? Jun 19, 2011 05:10 |
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Blackthumb walks over to the hole in the rubble. "It seems your friends are quite capable indeed Quinn." He eyes Vojzek suspiciously. "If you would follow me, there is a safe place nearby where I can answer your questions."
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| # ? Jun 19, 2011 06:21 |
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I have returned from the literal desert and am ready to return to the figurative desert whenever. Looks like you guys didn't all die horribly while I was away, which is good!
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| # ? Jun 20, 2011 18:26 |
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Yeah, just did some shopping and ran from a golem. You can reto-actively have a new item from the shops if you wish, just let me know which one. Do you guys wanna talk to the old man?
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| # ? Jun 20, 2011 20:57 |
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Quinn "Right, we'll follow you. Don't want to be talking about this stuff on the streets" Quinn wraps his new cloak around him and stalks off after Blackthumb. Why yes, we want to follow the plot device
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| # ? Jun 21, 2011 01:24 |
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Thetrin Thetrin shivers slightly. Magic beings were new to him, and he didn't like it so far. "I suppose you know more about this than we ever could. Let's go."
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| # ? Jun 21, 2011 01:30 |
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He leads you down a shady dead-end alleyway and approaches the dilapidated old wall at the end. He places his hand on the wall, and mutters something under his breath. A small doorway appears beneath his hand, and with a gentle push it swings inward. As you enter the dim room you can smell exotic incense hanging heavy in the air. There are several other folks already milling about the small, simply furnished room. A young elven woman patiently oils her bow in the corner, and an old man sits crosslegged on a woven mat. A small brazier rests at his feet, and he stares intently as small blue flames dance above the coals. "This is a safe place, they won't be able to sense your presence through the wards we've placed." A goliath with skin a deep earthen shade of red steps from the shadows and regards you silently. Blackthumb nods at him, and he steps back. "These men and women are all members of the alliance. We've gathered some of the best and brightest we have in our ranks to help in today's monumental task." He sits at one of the tables and gestures for you to take a seat. "I think you can guess what we're trying to do here, but I'd like to ask a favor of you. One that is not to be taken lightly." He lights the small lamp in the middle of the table and waits for you to take your seats with a dour look on his face.
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| # ? Jun 21, 2011 02:10 |
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Pik-ik-cha Suddenly finding his voice again after an uncharacteristic silence, Pik speaks; "What you have us do, old one? Pik not know your pack, but obvious we owe you heavy debt. Speak favor and we consider fairly." Back in action, magic item pick forthcoming.
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| # ? Jun 21, 2011 03:00 |
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"I would ask you to kill king Kalak."
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| # ? Jun 21, 2011 03:18 |
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Iblis "A monumental task indeed. My people are not known to associate with outsiders, but this group has proven their worth and I owe them a great debt. I shall go with whatever decision my companions choose, but first I would like to ask one question. How in the blasted wastes are we supposed to do such a thing?"
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| # ? Jun 21, 2011 07:12 |
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Blackthumb reaches behind him to a weapon rack in the corner, he grabs a simple wooden spear and places it on the table before you. "I won't go into the details until I know if you will help us. Suffice to say we have a few tricks up our sleeves." The spear seems normal enough, but you notice at the very tip a small bit of bone is poking out. "The only ones who know for certain what happened in the fields today are Kalak, and his high templar. Hopefully, by tonight they'll all be dead. There will be rumors, of course, but we can spread rumors of our own to help obscure the truth of things." He takes a moment to make sure you're all following. "You see, when the world whispers of Kalak's death, it will not be the mages of the veiled alliance who struck him down. It will be you, a handful of his own slaves. A great and powerful sorcerer king, killed by slaves, can you imagine? It would give hope and courage to those who have never known it." A grin begins to form on his weathered old face before he quickly regains composure. "However, the other kings, they would not stand for it. You would be hunted by all those still loyal to the old ways. We mean to slay them all, but I can make no promises. our operations have barely begun in some of the other states. You may die wanted men." He sighs. "If you're reluctant to stand in defiance before those who's power rules this world, I understand. It is no small thing to decide the course your lives will follow. If you choose to walk away, we will not stop you."
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| # ? Jun 21, 2011 20:04 |
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Quinn "You already know my answer old man, I've been in this from the start and I mean to see it through. I hope the rest of you will accompany me, it will be a great day when the slaves gain control of all the cities, and this is the first step to achieving that goal."
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| # ? Jun 21, 2011 20:33 |
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Pik-ik-cha Pik considers the old man's offer carefully. It was... strange. Repaying a life-debt by taking on a Sorceror-King with a toy spear? Repaying a life-debt by committing suicide in what would probably be a spectacularly painful and final manner more like. The old guy could have saved his time and handicraft supplies by just letting the golem grind them all into paste. Pik gives a choked buzz, the thri-kreen equivalent of a fatalistic shrug. "Pik-ik-cha in no hurry to die, man-thing. Fight sorcerer-lord with pointy stick seem like good way to die to Pik-ik-cha, but Pik-ik-cha not leave clutch while he still breathe. Besides," he adds sardonically, "maybe prove to be greatest clutch of all if kill sorcerer-lord with stick."
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| # ? Jun 21, 2011 21:08 |
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Blackthumb seems amused by Pik's comments. "That is precisely the plan, Kalak will see a stick, just as you do. That will be his downfall, for there's much more to it than that. In all of Athas there is one thing that even the sorcerer kings fear." He thumbs the tip of the spear, where the small point of bone protrudes. "Dragons. The core of this spear is fashioned from the bones of such a creature. Even eons after it's death, they still hold a terrifying power."
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| # ? Jun 21, 2011 21:49 |
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Thetrin "So, you'll be providing your power, shall we say, behind the scenes, while we become the symbols of some grand rebellion? Hmph. I suppose it makes sense. It certainly doesn't change the truth of the matter, and unlicensed mages like yourself must be all too familiar with misdirection." He gives the simple wooden spear a good look. He didn't know the specifics, but he had no doubt that it was more powerful than it appeared. And that it barely mattered who threw it. "I suppose you think just because you and yours freed us that our obligation extends forever. But I'll tell you what I told your agent. I will not trade one master for another. I will not become your patsy hero, performing for the masses while you pursue your agendas. When Tyr is safe for me and mine, you will find my assistance ended." Thetrin glares at the old man. The old man who doubtless had much greater power than him, but elves were known for their prideful nature. A tense moment passes, but finally the elf sits down, and speaks up again. "But Kalak knows our purpose here, by sorcery or spying or guesswork, and long as he lives we won't be safe. I will help kill him."
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| # ? Jun 21, 2011 21:54 |
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Vojzek The dray finds Blackthumb's suggestion of dying as 'wanted men' amusing: the golem that the group drove off was clearly sent after them, so they are already wanted men. And if there will be more attempts on his life, V would prefer to return the favor. "I am with Thetrin. I have no wish to serve you or this 'alliance,' but I will help you to kill Kalak." Even as the words cross his tongue, Vojzek still cannot believe what is being proposed here. Is this truly happening? Is this a dream?
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| # ? Jun 21, 2011 23:22 |
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"Your caution serves you well. We are no strangers to deception or betrayal. Our tattered alliance has many factions and some sadly believe such tactics to be necessary, but I must make it clear that it is not the veiled alliance who will hold you to this obligation. The man who throws this spear will be hunted not only by every agent of the remaining tyrants, but by any man who's thoughts are filled with ambition and greed." The old man on the mat speaks up, never moving his eyes from the flames. His voice is thin, but holds more levity than Blackthumb's somber tones. "If you find such a reputation undesirable, I'm sure there are men within your army capable of wielding a spear."
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| # ? Jun 22, 2011 04:44 |
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Iblis "Kill one, kill them all, what is the difference? Such a gap in power will surely cause the remaining abominations to go into a mad panic. There will be wars, revolutions, and a fatwa upon all of our heads. How do we trust your 'alliance' to be any more benevolent than our current despot?"
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| # ? Jun 22, 2011 04:54 |
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"Do you have any idea what a dragon is? A terrible beast of catastrophic power, surely, but what is it really?" He pauses for effect, knowing full well the question was rhetorical. "A dragon is a man. A man who performs a ritual of unimaginable proportions. Such a task requires components of the highest quality. No blooming oasis or strip of forest will do. He must consume men, women, and children. He must consume them by the thousands." Realizing the anger rising in his voice, he relaxes, sitting back and breathing deeply. "This festival marks the completion of Kalak's ziggurat. The people celebrate and cheer in the arena, ignorant of the fact they celebrate their doom. That gaudy monstrosity is the tool with which Kalak will harvest them all. It's not the first time, you've seen the ruins of past Tyrs yourself. He's been gathering what he needs for centuries, not just him, all of them. Their lust for power knows no bounds. You ask what makes us different. We may be many things, but our crimes pale in comparison to the blood spilt in their mad quest for immortality." Sorry for all the exposition, it'll be over soon, I promise. Pokeylope fucked around with this message at Jun 22, 2011 around 09:14 |
| # ? Jun 22, 2011 06:02 |
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Pik-ik-cha "So man-thing-city really giant cattle pen?", Pik spits on the ground in distaste, "Now have even more reason not like this place."
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| # ? Jun 22, 2011 14:02 |
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"More or less." He gestures towards the old man who sits staring at the dim flames. "Ralesh told me months ago, when our mission first began, that the spirits spoke highly of you all. He's a cryptic fellow, but such predictions always reveal their truth in time. This is why Quinn was given his mission. This is why we arranged for you to be together and armed when the rebellion began. You were given no instruction then, and amongst yourselves chose to raise an army and sneak into the city. With what purpose in mind, I wonder?" He narrows his eyes, all his cards are on the table now. "Our sordid history is full of martyrs, but what this grim world truly needs are heroes. Men who can not only stand for what is just, but survive the onslaught such hubris will draw. If you are not ready to meet such lofty expectations, we will find another to throw this spear. Perhaps a martyr will have to do." It's time to choose, now that you know more about what's at stake. This will dramatically effect the future events of this campaign, so feel free to deny his request. If you don't like the idea of constantly running from assassins and such, pass on this dangerous reputation. 'None of the above' is always an option. Take awhile to discuss it if you want, or ask for clarification on any of that plot stuff I just dropped on you. Pokeylope fucked around with this message at Jun 23, 2011 around 01:16 |
| # ? Jun 22, 2011 23:47 |
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Quinn Suddenly interested in this new powerful artifact before him, Quinn reaches for the spear and turns it over in his hands. "How is this going to kill a Sorcerer King? Do we just stab him repeatedly? How do we get close enough to use it?"
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| # ? Jun 23, 2011 06:11 |
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"Although I'm afraid the precise details of this weapon's function have been kept from me. I have been made aware of the effect it will have on our target. When this weapon pierces Kalak, it will temporarily disrupt his ability to draw power from the world around him. He will still be dangerous, he is not ignorant of preservation and the idea of using what energy you have available wisely. However, should he choose to fight, he will grow weaker with each spell cast." His ignorance of the weapon's true origins was disappointing, but not unexpected. The existence of dragons itself was hard to swallow, but the old man seemed well informed thus far. "As for the matter of getting close enough to use it, I would suggest confronting him in the arena. We will have sympathetic opponents arranged for the fight. It should be a simple matter to catch him off guard. If you are not confident with that plan, we could utilize your army in the assault. In the face of so many weapons he would be forced to rely upon his protective wards for defense, which this artifact will easily bypass. Either way, during the fighting, all present members of the alliance will be there to provide assistance. They will hide their involvement if they can, but should the need arise, we are prepared to make our presence known." It's certainly a risky plan, the whole thing hinged on that spear, and knowing next to nothing about it was unsettling.
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| # ? Jun 23, 2011 08:45 |
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Thetrin The proud elf had said his piece, but now it was time to plan, and here Thetrin was in his element. "I refuse to act against Kalak without the army joining us. At the very least it will distract Tyr's templars and guards for a time, and I can't expect other cities to believe that five slaves, five unsupported slaves, killed Kalak on their own." "As for the spear, who will wield it when the time comes? Vojzek, Quinn, and Pik are perhaps the most skilled, though I can do it in a pinch."
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| # ? Jun 25, 2011 03:01 |
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| # ? May 24, 2013 10:12 |
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Quinn "I wouldn't feel right wielding the spear. I am still a member of the Alliance, and not a true slave. A true slave should cast the final blow against Kalak, then the city would truly be free. I agree about the army. We will need to find some way to breach the gates. I still think gathering the Arena Slaves in open revolt inside the walls will let us get in and open the gates to let the outside army in. That way the Alliance can not reveal their intentions by displaying a large amount of magic during the slave revolts."
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| # ? Jun 25, 2011 03:08 |
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