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Gravedust
Nov 2, 2011

You're going to die.

================================================================================
================================ EMBERS OF AILIA =================================
================================================================================

Embers of Ailia is a forum-based Tactical RPG featuring a west-marches style campaign.

The game runs on a homebrew system based on a previous roguelike-inspired game, Die in the Depths, and features a classless progression system.
You define your character's capabilities through a combination of Attributes, Gear, Talents and Proficiencies.

A number of active parties will be adventuring simulteneously, with the remaining players awaiting their turn in a sort of hub town.
Characters that are not adventuring can take part in noncombat events and upgrade their gear and abilities.
Both during adventures and while in the Hub area, characters choices and actions can alter the setting for everyone.

The game is play-by-post. Rounds occur once per day on weekdays with breaks for weekends and holidays, and significant slowdowns around the last week of every month.

Players will have ~24 hours to respond to GM posts. Players can do their own rolls on Orokos but the GM will roll for anyone who can't/doesn't want to. The GM handles updating the map and character statblocks.

======================================================================================
===== ROLEPLAY / STORY SHAPING =========================================================
======================================================================================

The game is designed for players to effect the setting and the NPCs that occupy it through their actions (or inactions) and decisions. What your character does, what they say, and how they say it are functionally important in the game. In the interest of speed, story decisions available to a party are boiled down to a CYOA-style multiple choice vote among party members, but players are always free to to propose something more nuanced if they desire.

Players can give their characters goals, story arcs, or other defining features, which the GM will try to incorporate into the setting and narrative as best they can, and develop special opportunites or scenarios specifically for that character when possible.

For best results with this system you might want consider making a character that is congruous with the setting and is motivated towards certain goals. (and let the GM know what those goals are.)

If you have never tried roleplay before this game is designed to be a good place to give it a first shot, and if you are an experienced roleplayer, there should be room here to flex your muscles.

=========================================================================================
===== WORK IN PROGRESS ==================================================================
=========================================================================================

Please note that while the game has been playtested to extent made possible by my free time and sanity, it is a big game with a lot of facets, many of which have been sketched in but not fully explored or tested, especially at higher levels. This is very much a live beta. Changes will undoubtedly be needed mid-stream for balance and other reasons.
Please be accepting of any alterations that are made.

=========================================================================================
===== GET STARTED =======================================================================
=========================================================================================

Please read the game rules > > HERE < < before you begin.

Don't panic! There is a lot of information available, but you only really need to read [SECTION 1:DOWNTIME], [SECTION2: COMBAT], skim [SECTION 3: COMBAT SUPPLEMENTAL] then [MAKE A CHARACTER].

You may also want to look at the [LORE IN A NUTSHELL] page to get a crash course on the setting.

Returning DITD players can check [here] for the most important new changes to the system and the best way to get caught up from there.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Discord channel called 'Sprites-n-Fites' is commonly used for coordination and discussion: https://discord.gg/DmZaXp76
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Gravedust
Nov 2, 2011

You're going to die.
===================[ BARRICAN ]===================
Barrican is the last true Imperial city on the northwesten border of the Wildlands.


Its high walls shelter multitudes of tradesmen, merchants, scholars, mages, travelers, laborers, soldiers, and outriders that call this city their home.

And now you.
Whatever brings you here, from today Barrican is your home as well.

----

Once through its gates, the city seems somehow larger than from the outside.
Row upon row of high-sided buildings press together, lining a maze of streets that run crooked and curving through the city.

All the city's landmarks are visible above the rooftops.

The Silver Archive tower rises like a shining spike near the outer walls, and the even-taller Soltower stands closer to the city center, magenta light glinting from the lenses at it's peak even during the day.

The huge marble dome of the Divine Conclave exudes smoke and incense, and the massive scarlet canopy above the open-topped Barrican Arena ripples in the breeze.

Barrican Keep crouches behind it's own wall, a brooding fortress that hunches over the city, almost a city unto itself.

Bridgelike aqueducts arch over the roofs of the buildings, bringing clear water from distant Highmere to slake the city's unending thirst.

----

At length you arrive in a secluded cul-de-sac where the road runs back on itself.
In the circular space at the center, an unexpected garden grows.
A copse of trees is footed by tall wild bushes and heath grass, dreamily incongruous with the surrounding city.

As you draw closer, a tall, bark-skinned figure in the middle of the green space turns towards you.



"Ah... Hello." The rootkith smiles gently, bending gracefully at the knee and neck to be more of a height with you.
She speaks in slow, airy sentences, as though taking the time to taste each syllable.

"New here, are you? You've found my little garden... Be welcome... Put your burdens down for a minute, if you like."

She gestures to a simple bench nearby, made of three rough-carved stones.

"I'm Mameri. Welcome to the Boroughs... How do I know you're new? ...Well.. Newcomers always have a certain, lost look about them... I see it... Quite often. ...Somehow they all seem to find their way here..."

Her liquid-green eyes glimmer with placid amusement.

"I take you for an Outrider, is that right...? An Adventurer, in other terms... Well, you've come to a good place, if so... There is much to do, here.. Many things happening... ...I'm certain I can help you find work, if you like. ...And a place to stay. I'm something of a ... community organizer, here.."

She bows her head modestly, the leaves of her hair rustling.

"Welcome... We can be friends, if you like.. Tell me about yourself..."

====================================================================================================
================================= CHARACTER SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN! ==================================
Please read the manual and how to create a character. Post your character choices in this thread.
First downtime update will occur at the end of this week, and will include faction stores, adventure hooks, and events.
====================================================================================================

TheNabster
Apr 26, 2014

"Today I will cause problems on purpose"


Name: Darcy Landown
Stat: +1 Attack
Talent: Hand-to-Hand 1
Proficiency: Climbing
Equipment: Iron Dirk, Wooden Slat Shield, Leather Chestpiece, Linen Bandages, Initiate's Sigil (Niahain)

"I didn't come out here for you to lose your bottle after the first swing, get up!"

Darcy Landown spent the entirety of his youth scrapping and fighting to get on by in the dingy back alleys of a city he had long since forgotten the name of until he was picked up by an underground fight ring, and it took a little longer to punch his way out of that mess before he finally found religion and became a changed man.

Being however that the religion he found was the religion of the violent war god Niahain, all that really did was newly instill with him a determination to not just fight because he wants to, but to fight to 'Reach Heaven Through Violence' by turning his own body into the ultimate weapon to do so. Darcy had his fill of the mediocre street toughs in his tiny pond and set out into the wider world towards Barrican, with the purpose of hardening his fists against the creatures out in the great beyond instead.

TheNabster fucked around with this message at 01:22 on Feb 14, 2023

Not Alex
Oct 9, 2012

Cut loose before the god eaters show up.

Name: Percival DeLawney, the Unnaturalist
Stat: +1 Magic
Talent: Analyze
Proficiency: Creature Knowledge
Equipment: Novice Rotebook, Hedge mage Wand, Woven leather vest, Throwing Knives, Throwing Knives

Backstory:
An eighth son of a rich merchant clan, Percy has been superfluous for much of his life. And frankly he prefers it that way as it means no pesky responsibilities to get in the way of the pursuit of his own interests. After dabbling in the arcane this young tuk has discovered his true passion; monsters. With his knowledge of the local beasts rapidly approaching encyclopedic, Percy has journeyed to the borders of the kingdom to find ever more strange and untamed creatures to study. It's unclear if he remembered to mention to his clan that he was leaving.

Not Alex fucked around with this message at 16:43 on Feb 15, 2023

Theantero
Nov 6, 2011

...We danced the Mamushka while Nero fiddled, we danced the Mamushka at Waterloo. We danced the Mamushka for Jack the Ripper, and now, Fester Addams, this Mamushka is for you....


Name: Bobby-Jack 'The Wary'
Stat: +1 Mechanical
Talent: Delicate Picking 1
Proficiency: Detection
Equipment: Iron Dirk, Folding Wristbow, Woven Leather Vest, Old Powder Bombs, Practice Lockpicks


One might ask why a man as predisposed towards cowardice as Bobby-Jack has elected on a life as rife with dangers as he. Perhaps it is because on such a field paranoia is more often an asset than a hindrance, unlike in more civilian professions? Play with the hand you're dealt, and all that. Regardless, it's all irrelevant; Bobby-Jack is more a man of pragmatics than lofty introspections.

Bobby-Jack is not very forthcoming about his past to others (if pressed, he often just goes with the cover story of traveling Outrider), largely due to his past activities in making his own ends meet at the expense of said others. That is to say, he is a thief and bandit, with history in small-scale robbery, and more recently in more overt unlawfulness as part of a highwayman group ambushing caravans between Barrican and the Dragon Kingdoms. Owing to his keenly honed survival instincts, Bobby-Jack finds himself the last survivor of said group after they bit off more than they could chew (...he thinks, at least. He might've ran before the battle was strictly speaking over, but it was not looking good), and is currently trying to fade within the teeming masses of the regional capital until the heat subsides.

Then again, he is swiftly running out of funds again, and other than some self-taught skill in mechanical tinkering, there are only so many ways he knows how to make cash that call out to him...

Theantero fucked around with this message at 15:42 on Feb 13, 2023

The Lord of Hats
Aug 22, 2010

Hello, yes! Is being very good day for posting, no?
Art to come

Name: Xelek
Stat: +1 Vitality
Talent: Consecration 1
Proficiency: Divine Lore
Equipment: Militia Longsword, Wooden Slat Shield, Iron Scrap Armor, Initiate's Sigil (Sollos), Iron Pickaxe

The Dragon Kingdoms are an extensive territory across multiple biomes--some large, some small--and its people are just as varied, from the imperious Naga to the numerous Dranac, and various Rarebloods. One such corner of the realms is the Sipakt Swamp, a miserable backwater with little in the way of solid land, and even less in the way of resources, unless you've got a particular fondness for mangrove apples. It is this backwater that the Paktli--a distinctly crocodilian Rareblood people, theorized by some to be a degraded offshoot of the Dranac, and by others to have been the result of some magical project to produce larger, stronger, more durable laborers.

The Paktli themselves hold that they were divinely created, their purpose to glorify the gods in their sacred waters. What solid land exists in the Sipakt Swamp is given over to ritual arenas, in which the gods can be honored through worship, sacrifice, and most importantly, ritual combat. Xelek was one such warrior, and his hide is marked with sacred tattoos and ritual scars, all in the shape of Niahain's bloody blades.

Xelek is reticent to speak of how he came to be banished from the sacred marshes to this land the gods scarcely reach. He speaks even less to how someone so clearly consecrated to Niahain came to be wearing a crude pendant of Sollos. But as intimidating as his presence is, Xelek is reliable, accepting work without complaints, and seeing the task through to completion.

The Lord of Hats fucked around with this message at 22:24 on Feb 13, 2023

occluded
Oct 31, 2012

Sandals: Become the means to create A JUST SOCIETY


Fun Shoe


Name: Kocho
Stat: +1 Vitality
Talent: Poisoner 1
Proficiency: Sailing
Equipment: Training crossbow, Iron dirk, Leather chestpiece, Standard ammo, initiate's sigil (Nauvuas)

Kocho, the naga spear-fisher, is currently basking on a nice warm rock in a patch of garden sunlight. She's not a fan of the big city - it's too loud, too dusty, and the city guard won't let her swim in the aqueducts - but it's where the best commissions are, and hopefully a well-paid job that requires a trip to the coast will come up soon.

occluded fucked around with this message at 17:10 on Feb 13, 2023

Mykkel
Oct 8, 2012


we were somewhere around hesaim on the edge of the spinward marches when the drugs began to take hold.



Name: Daeron Stormborne
Stat: +1 Magic
Talent: Residuum 1
Proficiency: Arcane Lore
Equipment: Hedge Mage Wand, Milita Longsword, Traveler’s Outfit, Linen Badges, Practice Lockpicks


Daeron is most at home in a dueling circle. He has traveled to Barrican from the Empire in search of his destiny. He has been both poor and rich, and on the whole he prefers rich. His name in the Empire is not well-known, but certain authorities there would like a word with him about certain activities involving a missing chest of gold. Membership in the Silver Circle as well as winning a match within the Barrican Arena is his current goal. . .

Mykkel fucked around with this message at 20:37 on Feb 13, 2023

AJ_Impy
Jun 17, 2007

SWORD OF SMATTAS. CAN YOU NOT HEAR A WORLD CRY OUT FOR JUSTICE? WHEN WILL YOU DELIVER IT?
Yam Slacker


Name: Korrigath
Stat: +1 Magic
Talent: Hand to Hand 1
Proficiency: Arcane Lore
Equipment: Hedge Mage Wand, Novice Rotebook, Embroidered Cloak, Coarse Incense, Initiate's Sigil of Intavatni the Virtue of Knowledge.

Korrigath is a bookish Tuur, fascinated by magic in specific and knowledge in general, a voracious reader and an initiate of Intavatni through strong alignment with her ideals. He was raised in Shreveport, a minor Imperial settlement where his mother worked as a stevedore and his father as the harbourmaster's accountant. They encouraged the young Korrigath's inquisitive nature, even when it fuelled the wanderlust that led him here to Barrican. As befits a faithful Intavatnian, is constantly taking notes, his sigil being his journal.

Arcanuse
Mar 15, 2019


Name: Gharoch the Volatile
Attribute: Magic
Talent: Residuum
Proficiency: Historical Lore
Starting Gear:
-Handmade Staff
-Hedgemage Wand
-Leather Chestpiece
-Initiate's Sigil: Intavatni
-Coarse Incense [3/3]

Gharoch is reluctant to talk about their background.
Partly out of wanting to keep it secret, partly because recurring memories of 'technicolor flames', 'a burning barn' 'straw horrors' and 'not welcome in the towns vicinity' are perhaps best put behind them.
(and mostly because Gharoch honestly doesn't remember.)
Gharoch used to be someone else, ('Gharoch' was the familiar's idea), but they've long forgotten the specifics.
They keep a familiar*, one Gerald the Imp. (Not currently pictured.)
Gerald when not resting on their owners shoulders or backpack; is typically fluttering around giving commentary or helping Gharoch remember things.
Together the Duo have come here in search of... Funding.
Also to distance themselves from prior debacles, even if those involved are unlikely to recognize 'Gharoch' now.

*(fluff only, natch. If Gerald detects danger, they aren't leaving the backpack if they can help it.)

Dog Kisser
Mar 30, 2005

But People have fears that beasts do not. Questions, too.

Name: Clove
Stat: +1 Magic
Talent: Quickcast Galeshot
Proficiency: Climbing 1
Equipment: Training Crossbow, Traveler's Outfit, Wand, Ammo (20), Linen Bandages

Clove is a serious, quiet Rootkith used to solitude. Solitude doesn't pay well, however, so here he is. He is unused to big cities and the hustle and bustle of this place is jarring to his honed senses. Not one for outbursts of emotion, this mostly translates into him standing awkwardly in the corner, maintaining his crossbow and waiting until he's addressed.

LLSix
Jan 20, 2010

The real power behind countless overlords

Name: Camryn Chase the Calleian


Stat: +1 ATTACK
Talent: Joie de vivre
Proficiency: Entertaining (Story teller and dance - I don't expect to use dancing much, but since I dance I can't resist)
Equipment: Militia Longsword, Wooden Slat Shield, Leather Chestpiece, Iron Throwing Knife, Linen Bandages

Backstory
Camryn Chase is definitely not a vampire. Sure he's got marble-white skin, but that's perfectly normal for a Calleian. His long, snow-white hair is entirely typical for a Calleian too - only the ignorant would mistake it for a sign that he hasn't seen the sun in years. Besides, he hardly sparkles at all in sunlight, that's just his effervescent personality and joie de vivre shining through.

Okay, yes, his blood-red eyes and sanguine armor is a bit unusual, but it's not like he's the only person with red eyes. As far as his armor goes, the poor kid can barely afford room and board, expecting him to skip meals in order to save up enough for new clothes is unreasonable. True, his arms are long and slender. Some unkind souls might describe them as gaunt or emaciated, better suited for one long dead than someone as friendly and outgoing as Camryn, but lots of young adults are gangly and he does run a lot. He'll grow out of it in a few years; or decades; the Calleian are a long-lived people. Nothing to worry about. It's certainly not a sign that he might be... hungry.

It is a bit out of the ordinary that Camryn Chase has a story for every occasion, and seems to know a great deal about what life was like before Barrican was burnt and rebuilt by the Empire. But there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for that. One he will happily be the first to tell you. He spends a lot of time listening to his father's stories and memorizing the oral history of their people, as is only right and proper and traditional. It's all perfectly safe. Even if his stories are so entertaining people have been known to completely lose track of time listening to him only to come to their sense hours later.

While Camryn already knows a great many stories, he's always eager to chase down another one, or if fate is kind, feature in a new one.

LLSix fucked around with this message at 23:04 on Feb 13, 2023

Scribbleykins
Apr 29, 2010

Any scientist with the right background can brew his own booze.

...

What do you mean electrolytes aren't used for brewing booze? That's silly!

...

Well when all you have are chunks of TNE and an overly large water ration, all the world looks like a still!
Grimey Drawer

Theme

Name: Witchlily
Stat: +1 Mechanical
Talent: Stoic
Proficiency: Scouting
Equipment: Training Crossbow, Iron Dirk, Traveler's Outfit, Linen Bandages, Practice Lockpicks

Sometimes civilization fails. Sometimes spectacularly, in war and violence. Sometimes banally, in whimpers.

Witchlily and her "li'l 'coons" are an example of the latter's plaintive cries. The young huntress will bitterly claim to have done her best, but the folly of men, sickness and sands wore her frontier hometown to its nubs. Rather than eke out a living amidst neighbor-less ruins, she left dried earth for greener pastures - bringing her burdens with her in the form of a ragtag bundle of preteen orphans. The youths are a constant drain on her energy and resources, but she continues to do her best in the hope that someday they may grow up to be wiser and luckier than their parents - or her own.

A big city like Barrican at least promises some hope of local charities and orphanages' handouts to help take care of her charges while she seeks out some solution for a better future while working as an Outrider. If anyone knows how to survive the wilds it's the woman that brought a pack of children safely through them - and if the Wildlands can be tamed perhaps there will be a space for them - and her - yet.

Lux Anima
Apr 17, 2016


Dinosaur Gum


Name: Seauffer Leuppah
Appearance: Female Tuk
Age: late 30's
Stat: +1 Vitality
Talent: Residuum
Proficiency: Entertaining (Bardic suite: strumming lute and telling 'poetics')
Equipment:
- H1: Militia Longsword
- H2: Novice Rotebook
- Armor: Embroidered Cloak
- BAG1: Initiate's Sigil of SOLLOS
- BAG2: Iron Throwing Knives (10/10)

Born under the sign of the Lion under the private boughs of the Leaf House in a litter of four in her hometown of Skyrlsmet, the Tuk girl Seauffer Leuppah was met with instant scorn by almost everyone outside of her immediate bloodclan for being born with bizarrely light green eyes. Seauffer's family was well-loved by the community and so nothing came of it for years, but the presence of a magical taint in the girl was unmistakable to anyone who was paying close enough attention.

A quiet life could have been possible for the bright-eyed Tuk youth, had she not attempted increasingly-elaborate practices to impress her peers despite their exclusion of her. Seauffer's schemes included learning to play the lute, which she used to use to create situational openings, distract onlookers, and to force others to listen to her words... and maybe even to work a little magic that way?

There was an 'incident' a year or so ago where a group of troublemakers from the nearby clans had shown up to a tavern just outside Skrylsment where Seauffer was performing her first set of an experimental musical piece she'd been working on, and, according to official reports, the local hooligans somehow convinced themselves to voluntarily throw themselves into the nearby river later that night, un-coerced.

Regardless of what the rumors say, the young Ms. Seauffer Leuppah was made to pack her things and leave home as quickly as she could, if only for her family's sake. After all, Seauffer's littermate, Wousderr Leuppah, was getting married in the upcoming fall, and so most of her immediate family was almost glad to see the back of the perennial troublemaker Seauffer, if only so they could finally arrange for proper a wedding musician to perform on their Big Day. Seauffer never really wanted that gig anyway, but she would have done it out of a sense of familial obligation, regardless.

Before leaving her family's home region for the first time ever, Seauffer's father Twighett gave her a parcel full of valuable goods, which included a sword and a spellbook.

"You don't have to choose - one or the other," he'd said to his daughter, "spellbook or blade - but you will have to make your way on your own mettle, one way... or the other."

It was the saddest Seauffer had ever seen her sprightly dad, usually so full of cheerful puns. In that moment, Seauffer felt the urge to sacrifice herself entirely, if only for her father's own happiness.

"I will use what you and mom taught me to help others who are in need," she'd promised, and then she'd never had a moment to talk to him quite as honestly as that, ever again.

Months later, Seauffer Leuppah had finally arrived in Barrican's Boroughs in the present moment, just within earshot of the rootkith Mameri.

The curious squirrel-like humanoid glanced in almost every direction possible, suddenly (and unintentionally) sensing a new metaphysical weight on this present moment.

Lux Anima fucked around with this message at 01:34 on Feb 17, 2023

Antivehicular
Dec 30, 2011


I wanna sing one for the cars
That are right now headed silent down the highway
And it's dark and there is nobody driving And something has got to give



Name: Janailishi "Silver Jenny" Magh
Stat: +1 Vitality
Talent: Careful Strike
Proficiency: Trekking
Gear: Militia Longsword, Wooden Slat Shield, Iron Scrap Armor, 10/10 Throwing Knives, 5/5 Linen Bandages

Backstory

A Dranac of unremarkable blood, Janailishi Magh was born into the lowest rungs of the Dragon Kingdoms' worker caste and was trained for the drudgery of bond-servitude from early childhood. The combination of her large frame and affable, dull-seeming demeanor made her a good candidate for training in bodyguarding and private security, and she ended up entering indentured service as a guard at a Naga noble's estate near her home kingdom's border with the Empire. There, loyal if undistinguished service bought her certain privileges, including pocket money and a solitary, unsupervised patrol route on the night shift. It was on one of those nightly patrols that Janailishi made her long-planned escape, stealing over the border into the Empire to make her own fortune as a free mercenary, under the assumed name of "Silver Jenny."

In her new life, Jenny is just as affable as she was in her old one, if more prone to speaking her opinions freely and chafing at orders. She's a bit rough-and-tumble, focused on enjoying her liberty now that she has it, but she still prefers a cautious, patient approach when there's trouble. Patience is what got her this far, after all.

Antivehicular fucked around with this message at 11:17 on Feb 14, 2023

Abyssal Squid
Jul 24, 2003



Name: Penelope "Nell" Sofia the Tuur
Stat: VIT
Talent: Joie de vivre (whistle while you work)
Proficiency: Motoring (working on that forklift certification)

Gear: Militia Longsword, Wooden Slat Shield; Leather Chestpiece; Iron Pickaxe and Practice Lockpicks

Background: Nell is a divorced working class empty nester who decided to handle her midlife crisis by going into adventuring. In particular, she's hoping to curry favor with the Miner's Guild and maybe even fast-track an apprenticeship by running missions in the Wildlands (stuff like surveying and logistics and recovering Lost Artifacts) which isn't how guilds normally work but it's worth a shot, right?

Unhealthily positive, Nell laughs at her own jokes and has a tendency to "help" without being asked, though she's also quick to follow orders from someone she considers a superior.

Abyssal Squid fucked around with this message at 02:12 on Feb 17, 2023

Gravedust
Nov 2, 2011

You're going to die.
========================================
=========== NEWS AND RUMORS ============
========================================

The word overheard around Barrican. It may or may not be true, but it is what people are saying.

quote:

---------------------------
Empress' 10-year celebration
The Decennial Celebration of the coronation of Empress Ilona Augustine, held approximately two weeks ago in all corners of the central Imperial province was said to be spectacular, though accounts vary as to what the celebrations entailed and how long they lasted.

As an Imperial Regent, Barrican's ruler Artemias Weilan was expected to attend and has yet to return from the Imperial capital. His arrival is expected within the next week, sped along by the Imperial Rail. In the mean time, Barrican is ruled in his stead by his eldest daughter, Caelia.
---------------------------
A new war with the Dragon Kingdoms?
A warfront is soon to open between the Empire and the Dragon Kingdoms, or perhaps already has. Some believe this is merely an alarmist rumor, given life by irregular Imperial legion movements through the central empire, which themselves are explained by the Decennial of the empress Coronation.
---------------------------
Arena fights resume shortly
The yearlong prohibition on Arena combat is ending! After the tragic death of an arena fighter, all arena combat was suspended for the period of one year, but this time is nearly over. Many in the city are eagerly awaiting the resumption of the both the spectacular and tale-like Gladatorial battles, as well as the real grit and blood of Beastfighting. It remains to be seen wether the backcourt Gladatorial arenas that sprang up in the absence of the official battles will fade back into nothing, or continue to stage illicit fights.
----------------------------
A change of hands in Flotsam Bay
Three-hand Sammet, the now-former ruler of Wildlands tradeport of Flotsam Bay, has been ousted from his position as ruler of the city, apparently by a member of his own inner circle. While bloody, the change in power has not diminished trade, and in fact the fee for merchant captains docking in the bay appears to have decreased slightly.
----------------------------
Three Candles Celebration
Next week, the Three Candles Inn, a tavern owned by a former Chosen Man, celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Chosen Men's defeat of Raedos Khaas at Eldran Niaxos, and memorializes the loss of three of their number in that battle. This annual celebration is popular among Outriders.
----------------------------

==========================================
======= ENCOUNTERS =======================
==========================================

quote:

DARCY LANDOWN
As you walk around the city, you feel a sudden bump against you and a folded scrap of parchment is thrust into your hand. You turn to see the culprit pad quickly away (tracking:7+0 = 7 vs. 6) and follow them quietly and quickly enough to get a hand around their wrist before they get out of your sight. The dust-covered pre-teen boy squirms in your grasp, but can't break free. "Leggo me!" He snarls, his voice breaking "I was jus' paid to pass th' message, I didn't take nothin' and I don't know nothin'!"

You take a glance at the paper still grasped in your other hand. Scrawled in charcoal across the page is the following message:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
i hope you know better than to go to the conclave with niahain's sigil on you
when you think you are ready come to where the aqueduct leaves the western wall
arrive at sundown and wait till dawn
we will test your worth
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The urchin messenger wriggles like an eel in your grip, trying to wrest his arm from your hand in vain. "Leggo!"

quote:

(this vote is just for Darcy's player)
A: Release him immediately. There's nothing to be gained from holding him but trouble.
B: Question him. He must know -something- at least.
C: Turn him in to the watch. Maybe there's a reward on this brat. Or maybe just for a laugh.
D: Flip him a coin and send him on his way. A little goodwill could reap benefits later.
E: Shake him down for valuables. A lesson must be taught here.
F: Something else. Specify what. Since it's just you you can be as nuanced as you want.

quote:

SEAUFFER LEUPPAH

quote:

Months later, Seauffer Leuppah had finally arrived in Barrican's Boroughs in the present moment, just within earshot of the rootkith Mameri.
The curious squirrel-like humanoid glanced in almost every direction possible, suddenly (and unintentionally) sensing a new metaphysical weight on this present moment.
Mameri glances curiously in Seauffer's direction, tilting her head and observing the (comparatively) little Tuk's behavior.
"...Hello?" the Rootkith says at length. "...Do you need any help...? ...Anything?"

==========================================
======= ADVENTURE OPPORTUNITIES ==========
==========================================

((
A few notes about Opportunities:
+ Rewards are based on supposed difficulty AND how long/far the job will take you. But this is the questgiver's estimation, NOT necesarily how hard the adventure will actually be.
+ If you don't see a mission you like, don't feel like you have to sign up for one. (There will be encounters and other things to do in town, and you can always catch the next adventure, when one opens.)
+ The missions offered are based on the average level and renown of the playerbase. Right now you are at rock bottom, but as you progress you'll have access to more important tasks, or may even be able to start missions on your own prerogative.
))



quote:

quote:

[Scourge of the Pasturelands]
[$110 pot][+20 Boroughs Favor / +10 Barrican Boroughs Max Favor][3-4 Slots]
Mameri's eyes glitter and she bows her head in greeting as you approach, swaying slightly in the light breeze. "Oh well met, again... I've got something can please us both. A dear friend of mine, Moet... Has a farm about a day's motor-ride from the city. He's sent word he's got trouble with Vermik on his field. They are... Nasty little rat-dogs, if you have never heard of them. It appears... They are bad enough that the crops can't be brought in on account of them. I think someone like you... Could put a cure to this situation, if you wouldn't mind lending your arm to it. I have put together a pot with some of the others who know Moet... To split between whomever helps. ..And I've even convinced old Ayerty to lend his motorwagon to get you out there quick... Harvest is too important to miss. Think it over, but I hope you'll help if you can."

She smiles sunnily. "Now would you like an apple slice? I have them from a friend this morning... They're perfect... This time of year."

quote:

[Clearing the Cisterns]
[$90 pot][+20 Barrican Guard Favor / +10 Barrican Guard Max Favor] [+5 Boroughs Favor / +5 Boroughs Reputation] [3-4 Slots]
A notice posted in front of one of the nearby Barrican Watch stations reads:
[WORK NEEDED - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY - PAID - INQUIRE WITHIN]
If you present yourself inside the busy station, you are directed to a Dranac guardsman behind a desk littered with binders and parchment. He looks you over for a moment, and then jerks his head in a quick nod. "All right. This should be an easy one. You familiar with the city cisterns? They need looking after every so often. Go to Number Twelve, by the westwall. You'll need this key to get in. Head in there, and you've got two jobs to do. First, if there's anything down there that shouldn't be, get rid of it. We get Monitors down there, sometimes Magnus rats. Shouldn't be a problem for you if you're careful and have a friend or two along. But take note, the Cisterns are -not- a sewer, they're an emergency water source. Don't leave any corpses floating in it, and don't use poisons.

Second part of the job; There's four sluice gates, you need to make sure those are still in working order. Just lower them and raise them again to make sure they aren't stuck. Don't forget you need to do all four. Oh. There's also a big pump-motor down here. -Don't- touch that. When you're done, come back here and report on what you found for your pay."

The Guardsman opens a drawer and paws at the jingling contents of it for a moment before coming up with a solitary iron key on a large ring. "Here you are."

quote:

[Vermik Trapping For the Arena]
[$90 pot] [+5 Boroughs Favor / +5 Boroughs Reputation] [+10 Arena Favor / +10 Arena Reputation] [3-4 slots]
Of the multitude of notices plastered near the Arena, some bear the following message:
HELP WANTED TRAPPING FOR ARENA BEAST FIGHTING
The Arena itself remains closed, but in front of the main entrance you see a Tuk woman leaning against the massive main door, conversing breezily with a Tuur. If you approach she perks up, ears quirking forward as she speaks in a heavy accent unusual for a Tuk. "Hey-o! You being here about the trapping? I'm in charge of that.. Don't fret, we've gotting it down to a science. Mostly what I'll be needing is for you to be keeping me safe while I be driving the critters into the traps. Though if you can be using devices, maybe you can be helping with the herding too. If not, it's not a problem. I'm Remmvi, this is Tarna." Remmvi points way, way up to Tarna, who bows her head shyly. "Tarna pulls the wagon and helps lay traps. You'll be helping too? I can be putting in a good word with Pitboss Kallivan, if you're doing a good job. Then maybe you can be shedding your blood against these very same vermik we be trapping, when the arena reopens." She clicks her teeth together with a jolly little wink, to let you know this is in supposedly good humor.

quote:

[Treasure hunting in the Yltrian Barrows]
[Pot: (depends on loot recovered) ] [+5 Boroughs Favor / +5 Boroughs Reputation][+5 Flint Street Favor / +5 Flint Street Rep] [3-4 slots]
A rugged-looking and solidly-built woman in her late 40's sitting atop a wagon whistles at you and waves you over as you pass along the street. "Outrider! Want to make a little pay?" She grins, showing off two gold teeth. If you accept she waits till you draw close before leaning down from the wagon to speak more privately. You notice she has a blanket thrown over both her legs, and judging by how she pulls her body over, you suspect she may not have the use of them. "I'm running a wagon down to the Barrows, goin' to do a little lookey lootey. Pay is a minor share of what we bring back. Now this ain't a waste of time; I have a solid line to an unspoiled barrow; never opened. I have my own crew to do the looting, just need a little steel along to make it safe while they work. We're leavin' tomorrow morn, should take 'bout two days; out, work, 'n back. What do you say? Oh.. and you'd know enough to keep quiet about our destination, right? You look a little new so I'll let you know; looting the Barrows is a shade outlawed. If that's a problem, you can just keep on movin' and no hard feelins'. But if not; let's make some good coin together, aye?" She shows her gold teeth again. "I'm Emelle, by the way. From the street down by the factories."
This last is said as though it has some significance.

========== CHARACTER DOCKS ==============
(( Please let me know if there are any inaccuracies. Some characters have recieves some additional rep. / items; this is a reward for helping with a small playtest earlier. Also Clove's talent was not added since you have to have the Rote in order to set up a quickcast for it. ))


==========FACTION STORES =======================
((
A few notes about stores:
+ There is some overlap between items in some stores. While the name may be different for flavor, Gear of the same Type and Tier is essentially identical in terms of stats.
+ Rep requitements and store contents are subject to change! Some new stores, or expansions of current store stocks, can be unlocked though certain events in the game.
+ Familiar types and familiar stats are likely to change, as mob stats become more dialed in as the game progresses.
))


The Boroughs is both a place and an organization, being one of Barrican's oldest neighborhoods as well as an informal network of merchants, tradesmen and individual citizens that coordinates projects for the benefit of the community and offer help when needed. You are expected to pay any assistance forward. Mameri, having lived in the Boroughs for over half of her century-long life, is a central figure there and privy to much of what goes on. A useful place for an Outrider to first make themselves known, as they provide most of the basic staples of adventuring life, and often have simple tasks that need doing.


A bastion of magical teaching in Barrican, this Silver Archive one of many established by the Silver Circle all over Ailia. If you need Rotes or magical training, this is where to seek either. Basic lessons are available free of charge, and simple Rotes at minimal cost. The Silver Circle promotes the peaceful and beneficial use of magic, outside of some forms of self defense. Teaching and use of the so called 'Red rotes' is expressly forbidden by the Archive.


The Barrican Armory is an industrialized smithy that produces arms and armor for Barrican's Watch, as well as House Weilan Troops and Imperial forces. It takes private commissions as well. Normal-quality arms and armor can be purchased by anyone, but more specialized goods require authorization. In some cases, people who assist the Watch or House Weilan's will be awarded Armory Vouchers for their services and are thus spared the high cost of purchasing heavy armor for themselves.


The Blackpeak Freeswords are a supplemental force hired by House Weilan to secure the lands around Barrican. It is an open secret that many of the Blackpeak company are wildlanders. Still, in the two years of their contract they have earned the trust of Barrican's people and the grudging respect of the Watch. They often have surplus jobs to parcel out to enterprising Outriders, and aren't above selling equipment and supplies to those they find reliable.


The Divine Conclave is a collective of religeous orders within the city, worshipping Elemental and Virtue Divinities. (Those seeking to worship the outlawed Vice Divinities, should look decidedly elsewhere, with few exceptions.) Rites and services of all kinds are performed here, and adherents often come to pray and offer their services to the faiths or to seek closer communion with their patron gods. Supplies are available for the faithful, and for those willing to dedicate their entire selves to worship of their deity, even divine relics can be obtained.


The Arcanis Armifex is an ancient and prestigious order of craftsmen that forges and enhances weapons, armor, and items using techniques that blend magical forces and martial objects. These arts were developed nearly 600 years ago to combat the original Hellion breaches. Their skills and knowledge can even to increase the potency of magic-bearing artifacts, including ones from antiquity. Barrican's Armifex chapter is considered one of the finest in the empire. By tradition, their wares and services are available to any who can bear the price.


The Mechanist Union is a conglomeration of affiliated mechanical manufactories and research workhouses in the factory district. Along with hundreds of other products and inventions, they design and sell tools and consumables useful for adventuring, and offer the facilities and expertise required for aspiring mechanists to upgrade their own tools and devices.


Flint Street is a shady group that operates from the eponymous street near the western gate factory district, and the surrounding blocks. Dabbles in smuggling, enforcement and 'retrievals'. They can be risky to associate with, but have or can get things you won't find elsewhere. Curious and unique objects find their way into the Flint Street's back alley auctions quite frequently, and they do not shy from selling dangerous wares to people they can't vouch for.


Barrican's Alchemist Enclave is a walled compound where the alchemical arts are practiced and researched. Alchemists are a mysterious, insular group that holds tight to their secrets and techniques. On certain days they open their doors to sell their brewings, and offer special Addatives that can enhance the effects of their more basic potions, for a bit of extra cost.

Gravedust fucked around with this message at 20:46 on Feb 19, 2023

Abyssal Squid
Jul 24, 2003

Nell

Nell mills around after the job announcements, and approaches someone she figures must be just as lost as she is. That happened to be Kocho.

"First day on the job? No worries, I'm new here too. Only thing to do is grab the bull by the horns! Gyahahaha! ... Excuse me one second."

Nell hustles over to the quest clerk and registers for Clearing the Cisterns then returns to talk at Kocho. "It's not quite what I was hoping for, but it's underground and that's a start. See you 'round, dear!"

Theantero
Nov 6, 2011

...We danced the Mamushka while Nero fiddled, we danced the Mamushka at Waterloo. We danced the Mamushka for Jack the Ripper, and now, Fester Addams, this Mamushka is for you....

Bobby-Jack 'The Wary'

Bobby-Jack introduced himself to Mameri tersely, though not impolitely. He wagered that she probably knew he wasn't being entirely forthright, but then again, she seemed the type to not prod unduly as long as you kept your nose clean enough near her charges and didn't drag your own baggage in with you, whatever that might be. Or at least that's how it usually was with these 'community organizers' in neighborhoods favored with Outriders. All kinds of flotsam drifted in places such as these, after all. And that was an arrangement he could respect. It was more this lot of mostly godbotherers that he found himself with that raised his suspicions. He'd found in his... varied career that most of the sorts who couldn't find enough trouble on earth and had to pester the heavens too were often more trouble than they were worth. He'd rather not fail an ambush and almost die because some insane Niahainite couldn't keep still for half an hour a second time.

Other than that, he didn't really hang around the Boroughs too long, only stopping for long enough to peel potatoes and other assorted veggies for community stew (surprisingly good for complimentary food, though a touch lacking in salt) before he left looking for work, supplies, and contacts. And as luck would have it, he was promptly beckoned over by a wagon-bound woman whilst leaving the dilapidated shop of a Flint Street fletcher.

Gravedust posted:

[Treasure hunting in the Yltrian Barrows]
[Pot: (depends on loot recovered) ] [+5 Boroughs Favor / +5 Boroughs Reputation][+5 Flint Street Favor / +5 Flint Street Rep] [3-4 slots]
A rugged-looking and solidly-built woman in her late 40's sitting atop a wagon whistles at you and waves you over as you pass along the street. "Outrider! Want to make a little pay?" She grins, showing off two gold teeth. If you accept she waits till you draw close before leaning down from the wagon to speak more privately. You notice she has a blanket thrown over both her legs, and judging by how she pulls her body over, you suspect she may not have the use of them. "I'm running a wagon down to the Barrows, goin' to do a little lookey lootey. Pay is a minor share of what we bring back. Now this ain't a waste of time; I have a solid line to an unspoiled barrow; never opened. I have my own crew to do the looting, just need a little steel along to make it safe while they work. We're leavin' tomorrow morn, should take 'bout two days; out, work, 'n back. What do you say? Oh.. and you'd know enough to keep quiet about our destination, right? You look a little new so I'll let you know; looting the Barrows is a shade outlawed. If that's a problem, you can just keep on movin' and no hard feelins'. But if not; let's make some good coin together, aye?" She shows her gold teeth again. "I'm Emelle, by the way. From the street down by the factories."
This last is said as though it has some significance.

Bobby-Jack narrowed his eyes, an expression quite well hidden by his goggles. Robbing barrows and graves and other such ruins was not... unknown work to him, though not his preferred sort either. Far fewer deadly traps when you were robbing the residences of people that still lived, and travelers on the road could usually be cowed with the mere threat of violence without having to resort to the act of it. Undead monstrosities and magical beasts tended to be far less reasonable. And if anything, Bobby-Jack considered himself a man of reason.

"Not a big fan of Barrows", he stated bluntly, "But 'a shade outlawed' I can do. We'll meet tomorrow."

A slight compromise on his usual MO, but not too much of one. It would be imprudent to gamble on something better at this point, and at this level of funds. Anyways, he needed a new set of disarming tools for whatever threats the barrows were bound to have. He'd prefer his old set, but, well, it was lost alongside most of his old gear when he beat his latest retreat.

----

The Mechanist's workshop was fancier than most places Bobby-Jack frequented, though still not the most high-end of places (he'd probably not even be allowed to enter one of those). Regardless, the craftmanship present was good enough for his needs, and he'd assembled a set of tools useful for trap disarmament in no time.

"Say", Bobby-Jack spoke as he counted the last coins of his precious expeditionary funds, almost mournfully setting them down on the counter one by one, "Saw a nice enough tool gauntlet on display there, tried it on and all that. Like the craftmanship, might even come buy it after my next job..." there's a weighty pause heralding a dealbreaking 'but' on a potential sale, "...But the gearwork's a bit noisy for my tastes. Do you work on commission, in case I'd want some muffling in there? Or if not, perhaps there's somebody else in the Union who does such work..?"

A gauntlet was essential for the sort of work he did, after all. And if by some luck it was a gauntlet that didn't alert every guard on the floor to your location the moment you wound the gearbox, well, now that was just pure luxury.


--ACTIONS--
Purchase 5 Standard Ammo from Flint Street ($5)
Purchase Disarming Kit Mk. 1 from Mechanist Union ($15)
Funds after purchases: ($20 - $5 - $15 = $0)
Join adventure: [Treasure hunting in the Yltrian Barrows]

Theantero fucked around with this message at 04:16 on Feb 17, 2023

Arcanuse
Mar 15, 2019

Gharoch the Volatile posted:


[020$][20/20HP][03/03MP][MOVE:07]
[00ATK][00DEF][00VIT][00MEC][01MAG]
[0MA][0RA][0Armor][01Rec][01Inf][01Res][02Morale]

quote:

[Meeting Mameri]
"Gharoch, Arcanist."
Shuffling sounds come from Gharoch's pack.
"...And associate."
"Don't know how long we'll be in town, but preferably a while."

quote:

[Silver Archive]
Gharoch eyes the offerings...
...but opts to save their limited finances.
More chances will come to rebuild their reserves anyways.

quote:

[Divine Conclave]
Gharoch reflexively winces as they pass.
There was something they had to do here, they remembered that much.
...But at the same time, they weren't in any hurry.
It wouldn't hurt to get settled some before getting it over with.
Whatever it was.

quote:

[Treasure hunting in the Yltrian Barrows]
Gharoch steps forward, tapping their staff on the cobbles.
"You have my attention."
"Could use some practice slinging after-"
A yawn comes from the pack, and a greenish, scruffy imp-creature pokes out.
"oh hey bozz, we there yet"
"Yes Gerald, we are."
"that's great bozz, oh and you made some new friends nice, nice"
"Business partners."
"by your standards they're practically family already, well"
The creature yawns, and descends back into the pack.
"you need anything lemme know"
"Noted."
Gharoch sighs, turning back to the client.
"We'll take the job."
"two for one, practically a bargain"
"Partners a chatterbox, but they know when and what to keep their mouth shut."

Not Alex
Oct 9, 2012

Cut loose before the god eaters show up.

Percival DeLawney, the Unnaturalist

Dear Journal,

An auspicious start to my expedition vitae. Though on the frontier, Barrican is hardly without amenities. The first order of business was of course to search out fellow seekers of knowledge. The Silver Circle maintains a sizable campus here. Enrollment was a simple process, and my luggage was quickly squared away in a dormitory. The size of my chambers! I suppose my stature plays some role there as the rooms were not species specific. Note to self, acquire a ladder or step stool to access the top shelves. In the common areas I encountered some students amusing themselves pitting clever little magical constructs in an aerial battle. After ascertaining that I held no staff position nor interest in reporting this activity to the same, they became much friendlier and regaled me with the uses of such a rote. I quickly resolved to acquire this "sentry spark". Gaining the knowledge from the archive was simplicity itself though I find myself patting an empty coinpurse absently. After studying the working, I should perhaps seek employment.

Enroll at the Silver Archive ($10)
Purchase Rote of Sentry Spark ($10)
Add Sentry Spark to Novice Rotebook
Join Scourge of the Pasturelands adventure

LLSix
Jan 20, 2010

The real power behind countless overlords

Name: Camryn Chase the Calleian


"Farmer Moet needs help? Count me in! I remember he caught me and little Lucy playing ghosts 'n goblins in his fields when we were little. He tanned our hides for trampling his crops but he didn't say a word to our parents. Ohhh, and I would love a slice of apple pie."

The red eyed youth makes happy sounds over the pie. Just before taking his first bite he puts the fork down and asks, "Say, I heard that he's set aside a fourth of his fields for Rootkith to rest in the past few years. Some folk say it's because he lost his heart to a willowy Rootkith and is hoping to earn her love; others say it's because he once mistook an sleeping Rootkith grandfather for a tree and chopped him down for winter firewood and is trying to make amends. Do you know if there's any truth to either tale?"

Reinforce my leather armor so it gives +10hp+1armor
Upgrade to three candles inn
Join Scourge of the Pasturelands adventure

Delight in how light my coin purse is with no coins in it.

Sorry, but Camryn seems to be missing his starter Iron Throwing Knife and Linen Bandages. Can you add them?

LLSix fucked around with this message at 07:11 on Feb 17, 2023

Lux Anima
Apr 17, 2016


Dinosaur Gum

Seauffer Leuppah - Barrican Boroughs

The young tuk with the auburn features was immediately struck by the cloyingly sweet bouquet of the fresh apple slice offered to her - it reminded her of the fruit pies she and her mother and sisters would bake for the holiday festivals. The fresh-faced Seauffer Leuppah blinked back the tears welling up at the unbidden fond memories of her old past as she accepted the piece of fruit so kindly offered to her by the rootkith Mameri.

"Why thank you~!" Seauffer spoke as she nodded in thanks, trying not to let her voice break into a squeak.

Seauffer's bright green eyes lit up as she took a ginger bite of the apple slice and its flavors blossomed across her tongue: a brilliant burst of mouth-puckering sours yet somehow sweeter than anything she'd ever tasted before.

"I..." Seauffer started, searching to find the words, "I didn't know you could fit that much flavor in an apple! Thank ya kindly for opening my eyes today! You have a lovely garden, by the way..."

The tuk girl took a smaller bite from the rest of the apple slice in her hand and took another moment to appreciate this secluded little piece of natural heaven hidden away in a back alley cul-de-sac in this big strange city.

"So, when was that motor-ride going to be setting out, y'think?" Seauffer asked, conversationally. "Don't mind gettin' my hands a li'l dirty helpin' out a friend, if it's needed."

> Join [Scourge of the Pasturelands] Party
> Purchases:
>> The Boroughs: 2x Linen Bandages (2x$2= -$4)
>> Blackpeak Freeswords: 1x Hardtack (-$1)
>>> Total Gold: $20 -4 -1 = $15

Lux Anima fucked around with this message at 22:36 on Feb 18, 2023

TheNabster
Apr 26, 2014

"Today I will cause problems on purpose"

Darcy Landown - Barrican Boroughs

Ah the memories, he ran a few messages for the thieves guild back in his 'childhood' when he was this kid's age. It paid like poo poo and he got a thick ear for it for the times where the recipient didn't like the message they got but, figures that the moment he set foot in the city the shadowy cabal of Vice worshippers would have clocked him seemingly on sight somehow. And probably would know better than to tell this scrawny rat anything of value so no point trying to put the squeeze on him.

"'Ere sprog, should have opened up with that it would have saved us both a bit of bother."

>D: Flip him a coin and send him on his way.

Darcy flipped the coin into his hands, it wasn't like he was planning on spending it on much while he was here to get started with, "Here's a tip for your trouble, I didn't see you, you didn't see me, now bugger off."

---

With that out of the way, he got to work. At least the work of finding work, that was work in and of itself.

Punching rats would probably be a good warmup, but he imagined that might be quite popular with other new party members as easy work that would fill up quickly, so pass on that one.

Clearing out the cisterns, that was of mild interest right up until he read the words 'Barrican Guard'. Hard pass on that one, he doesn't owe the watch a drat thing.

Trapping rats for the Arena now there was something that he had considered. The Barrican Arena was quite famous even over his end, reading the yellow broadsheets for the fight results and famous gladiators had been one of the few things he used to do as a kid that wasn't illegal and/or dangerous, and would probably be a bit more on the up and up than the seedy fight rings he frequented back home. But he imagined his not killing of the Vermink wouldn't score him points with Niahain.

And so that left grave robbery for the mysterious 'Flint Street' folk and, well, what's a few more blasphemies on top of the one he was already committing from what he was carrying in his sack ay?

>Darcy signs up for '[Treasure hunting in the Yltrian Barrows]'

TheNabster fucked around with this message at 23:58 on Feb 18, 2023

occluded
Oct 31, 2012

Sandals: Become the means to create A JUST SOCIETY


Fun Shoe

Abyssal Squid posted:

Nell

Nell mills around after the job announcements, and approaches someone she figures must be just as lost as she is. That happened to be Kocho.

"First day on the job? No worries, I'm new here too. Only thing to do is grab the bull by the horns! Gyahahaha! ... Excuse me one second."

Nell hustles over to the quest clerk and registers for Clearing the Cisterns then returns to talk at Kocho. "It's not quite what I was hoping for, but it's underground and that's a start. See you 'round, dear!"

'Not sssso quick dear! The ssssisterns ssound like a nice place to go for a ssssswim!'

The guardsman eyes her markings as he hands her the iron key.

'Don't worry, I'll have a good sssscrub before I go near the water ssssupply. A sssssailor understands the importance of good fresshh water.'

Buy: Antidote (-12) from Alchemists
4 linen bandages (-8) from Boroughs

Antivehicular
Dec 30, 2011


I wanna sing one for the cars
That are right now headed silent down the highway
And it's dark and there is nobody driving And something has got to give


Silver Jenny

If there's one thing that's been clear to Jenny since her earliest days, it's that the first priority is always getting yourself fed and out of the rain. The Boroughs have been generous to Jenny in her brief stay in Barrican, offering her a room and a chance to get her bearings and restock her supplies (and refurbish her armor, which had started rather worn even before her journey began); if their harvest is at stake, with only a few vermin to kill in exchange for the favors she's received so far, it's only right that she pitch in. Besides, the money's nothing to sneeze at. Neither is the apple.

"'s good," says Jenny after she takes her first bite. "Don't have much like this where I come from." It's half-true -- fruit's never been popular among the coldbloods she's known -- but she suspects what sweetness there was at the table was always out of her reach. And here they just give it away? Only the tuk seems at all surprised, though, so Jenny lets it go. "Yes, when's the motor getting here? We can see to those Vermik."

Purchase from the Boroughs: Padded armor enhancement (-$10), Dried Meat (-$2)
Join [Scourge of the Pasturelands] Adventure

Dog Kisser
Mar 30, 2005

But People have fears that beasts do not. Questions, too.

CLOVE

BUYING posted:

Converting 5 Helhunter Favor to $5
Rote of Galeshot (and getting Quickcast Galeshot Talent) - $5
Apply Tensioner to Crossbow - $10
Apply Padded I to Armor - $10

Clove had a past, same as anyone else. Like many other young, urban Rootkith, he struggled with his place in things, so he tried a wide variety. His travels had seen him as a caravan guard, a bouncer, and even crossed paths with a Helhunter once or twice, but grave robbing was a new one for him. He didn't much care about the law prohibiting it, or any laws other than the basic social contracts that bound all folk - and death rituals most of all seemed particularly foolish. Dead was dead. They wouldn't mind having their former possessions repurposed by living people. All was a cycle, and this was no exception.

And so he flagged Emelle down, bowed, and introduced himself.

> Join mission to [Yltrian Barrows]

Mykkel
Oct 8, 2012


we were somewhere around hesaim on the edge of the spinward marches when the drugs began to take hold.



Daeron Stormborne


"Good morning Madame Mameri, I must commend you upon your bower, the sense of sanctuary allowed me the first real rest I had since I started traveling north."

Daeron read the job boards and went to present himself to the Guardsman for Cistern duty. Along the way he paid up his dues with the Silver Archive, his purse was a bit light at the moment, but eventually he would need to replace his lost spellbook.

"Oh hello again, Nell was it? Glad to be working with you. Ever been in one of these cisterns?"

Actions
1. Pay Silver Archive Dues (-$10)
Ending Cash: 10
Join mission Clearing the Cisterns

The Lord of Hats
Aug 22, 2010

Hello, yes! Is being very good day for posting, no?
Xelek

The crowd parted around Xelek as he trudged down the street towards the Conclave. This likely would have been true had he been any random Paktli--their powerful bulk and fang-filled maws were enough cause to give wide berth. That his bare chest bore the brand of Niahain, with further marks of the Blooded One running over his arms and down his back, would likewise have been enough. Some averted their eyes from him entirely, others gazed fearfully, some--mostly guards--fixed piercing stares upon him as the hands went to their weapons. But none approached.

Finally, he arrived in front of the Conclave, standing in the middle of the street to face it as he did every morning, every evening, and every twelfth midnight. Solemnly, he raised a fist, pointed at the assorted shrines and temples. After a long pause, he slammed it into his chest with a meaty thud.

"HUECAPANYECTENEHUA SOLLOS, TLAPIYACO!"

A stomp on the ground, another slam on the chest.

"HUECAPANYECTENEHUA INTAVATNI, TEYACANANI!" Stomp. Slam.

An old man in priestly robes--an Aulua devotee--walked up next Xelek. This was not the first time he had done so. It would not be the last.

"Things would be a lot easier if you didn't insist on this, you know."

"HUECAPANYECTENEHUA URVAVRU, TEMACHTICO!" Stomp. Slam.

"And on that in particular." The man sighed and shook his head. This conversation had happened before. It would happen again.

"HUECAPANYECTENEHUA AULUA, ICNOTLAMACHTIA!" Stomp. Slam.

"That one's good, though. Listen, there's an opportunity that's come up."

"HUECAPANYECTENEHUA NAUVUAN, TLACUALTIA!" Stomp. Slam.

"When you're finished here, of course." the priest lapsed into silence, nodding apologetically to passers by. This wasn't easy, but devotion to Aulua never was. That was the entire point.

---------

As Xelek's prayers concluded, he gave one final nod to the gods, and turned to the old man.

"An opportunity, Nymar?"

"The cisterns need clearing, and the Guard is taking recruits. Does people a lot of good to have a clean water supply, and more importantly for you, it'd help the Guard get to know you a little better."

"They do not trust me."

"Because they don't know you. They don't know your ways, and they see who you were, not who you are."

"A failure."

"No, Xelek. The gods just have a different plan for you than you thought they did. Have faith."

Xelek snorted, half in humor, half in doubt.

"Come on, just give this a go. The guards will appreciate it, the city'll appreciate it, I'll appreciate it, and I think the gods'll appreciate it, too. It's just a good idea all around."

Xelek stood quietly, thinking.

"I will do this thing."

"There's the spirit. May Sollos protect, and Aulua provide."

"Glory to them, and to all the gods."

Join Mission Clearing the Cisterns
Buy 5 Linen Bandages from Boroughs (-10)
Final Gold: 10

Gravedust
Nov 2, 2011

You're going to die.
Quick update on mission rosters:

[Scourge of the Pasturelands]
Percival DeLawney
Camryn Chase
Seauffer Leuppah
Silver Jenny

[Clearing the Cisterns]
Nell
Kocho
Daeron Stormborne
Xelek

[Vermik Trapping For the Arena]
(Only Remmvi's silent tears are being here)

[Treasure hunting in the Yltrian Barrows]
Bobby-Jack
Gharoch
Darcy Landown
Clove

Scribbleykins
Apr 29, 2010

Any scientist with the right background can brew his own booze.

...

What do you mean electrolytes aren't used for brewing booze? That's silly!

...

Well when all you have are chunks of TNE and an overly large water ration, all the world looks like a still!
Grimey Drawer

The Raccoon Gang Theme
The Boroughs, Broad Boards Hostel
Early morning
(Too early)

Witchilly witchilly wakey wakey up
The sun is a-rising and we gotta go to pot


Dawn, or something like it. She wakes with a pounding - not of her head, but the drumming of her tummy as small hands beat in tune to a familiar chant. Air is expelled slowly.

"Mmm. We had a chamberpot."

"But it's full!"

"Stinky topped! Rutger filled it, but he don't wanna bring it out!"

"It's not my turn to clean!"

"Lilyyy, I really really gotta go." "And me!" "I don't!"

Another sigh and she rolls out the bunk, disturbing three other bleary-eyed young children with her motion.

"Alright, ya crapcoons. Let's get y'all sorted for our first big day in the big city."

-----
The Arena, Outside
Later
(Much later)

She put eyes past her fresh quiver of bolts to see if any of the gang were still trying to follow her - gods how they'd vailed at being dropped off at Aulua's home for the unfortunate - before she nods down at the little Tuk woman - Remmvi - whose notice she was applying for. The human woman gives a pat at the old crossbow hanging slung over her shoulder.

"Bagged varmints afore. Reckon I could put some down if any got near ya - or herd 'em if y'all need me handling that sorta hardware."

She pauses, for a moment unsure as to what to add. A slight frown of concentration.

"Auntie was a blacktinker, said I had knack," she offers before Remmvi can cut in. Then, belatedly, adds, "Name's Witchlily. Huntress. Or Outrider, I s'pose. New in town."

No need to mention from where.

BUYING posted:

Standard ammo x20 - $20

AJ_Impy
Jun 17, 2007

SWORD OF SMATTAS. CAN YOU NOT HEAR A WORLD CRY OUT FOR JUSTICE? WHEN WILL YOU DELIVER IT?
Yam Slacker

Korrigath

The bookish Tuur took his leisurely time exploring the city, getting to know what was where and who did what. He took copious notes, sketched a half-decent map, and dropped off his enrollment fee at the Silver Archive as befit a well-intentioned spellcasting outrider. He jotted down the prices and places of a few choice pieces of kit, long term plans once funds were in place.

For now, however, he found himself wandering over in the direction of the Arena, where a Tuk and a Tuur were conversing with a human woman in a weathered hat. He listened for a while, got the gist of the sales pitch, and approached.

"I say, would you mind awfully if I tagged along as well? Name's Korrigath, I've a little of the Art which might come in handy subduing or luring the targets, and I could certainly pitch in with the paperwork, recording the details of the specimens, even spotting Ms. Tarna with the wagon if desired. If absolutely necessary I could pound the beasts into submission, as well."

Join mission Vermik trapping for the Arena.
Pay Silver Archives Enrollment Fee -$10

vorebane
Feb 2, 2009

"I like Ur and Kavodel and Enki being nice to people for some reason."

Wrong Voter amongst wrong voters
Phone post

Name: Slid Viscous
Stat up: vitality
Talent: peek
Proficency: trekking
Equipment: training crossbow, iron slat shield, woven leather vest, ammo, iron pickaxe

Backstory: once there was a man who was viscous on the inside.

join vermik hunting at the arena

Gravedust
Nov 2, 2011

You're going to die.

quote:

BOBBY-JACK

quote:

...But the gearwork's a bit noisy for my tastes. Do you work on commission, in case I'd want some muffling in there? Or if not, perhaps there's somebody else in the Union who does such work..?"
The mechanist at the counter does not look up from his work but halts in the middle of it, freezing for several long seconds.
"Maybe," he says at length, then snaps back to his work, using several long implements to keep tension to some kind of chain system as he removes some kind of part from inside the device.
"I'll see what I can do."

quote:

quote:

CAMRYN CHASE
"Say, I heard that he's set aside a fourth of his fields for Rootkith to rest in the past few years. Some folk say it's because he lost his heart to a willowy Rootkith and is hoping to earn her love; others say it's because he once mistook an sleeping Rootkith grandfather for a tree and chopped him down for winter firewood and is trying to make amends. Do you know if there's any truth to either tale?"
Mameri tilts her head curiously. "Are you certain... We have the same Moet? ...Mine has a wonderful wife, Analese... And between them a son..." She trails off for a moment, thinking. "Hm.. His name is gone..." Her face falls a little and it seems she is genuinely sad she can't remember the name. "...But, Moet's fields are all wheat... So I think perhaps... That we have two seperate ones... Or else.." She smiles. "...You simply like good stories..."

quote:

SEUFFER LEUPPAH
"I..." Seauffer started, searching to find the words, "I didn't know you could fit that much flavor in an apple! Thank ya kindly for opening my eyes today! You have a lovely garden, by the way... So, when was that motor-ride going to be setting out, y'think?" Seauffer asked, conversationally. "Don't mind gettin' my hands a li'l dirty helpin' out a friend, if it's needed."
"You are... Most welcome." Mameri says, pleased. She gently interlaces her fingers. "I have much time... and little to do with my hands, so the pruning comes easily. I believe.. That the wagon will be ready soon. ...In the span of a few hours, hopefully. Ayerty is usually very reliable... Once he's agreed to something."


quote:

WITCHLILY

quote:

"Bagged varmints afore. Reckon I could put some down if any got near ya - or herd 'em if y'all need me handling that sorta hardware." She pauses, for a moment unsure as to what to add. A slight frown of concentration. "Auntie was a blacktinker, said I had knack," she offers before Remmvi can cut in. Then, belatedly, adds, "Name's Witchlily. Huntress. Or Outrider, I s'pose. New in town."

Remmvi nods enthusiatically. "Welcome! Here, you think you can be handling these?" the Tuk pulls out a cylindrical device from a bandolier around her waist and tosses it in Witchlily's direction. At a glance it seems to be an air cylinder connected to a set of small tubular whistles, in all looking a bit like a miniature pipe-organ.

quote:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Screecher (Requires MEC)
May be thrown up to 4 squares away from the user. For 3 rounds, [Beast] type enemies within [MEC*2](max:8) squares of the Screecher that have an XP value less than [Tier*5 + MEC] will be forced to move out of it's area of effect (or as far away from the center as they can get) by a piercing noise that is mostly inaudible to humanoids. Some powerful creatures may be immune to this effect, or gain immunity to it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"We enter a warren and be throwing these. All warrens have back door, and we will be setting up the traps there, so when beasties run they are winding up in traps. Only problem is being that not everything in the warren runs from Screechers. There are being grubs, spiders, and the like. Those we are having to kill. That's why you are being here, really. I throw- " She pantomimes tossing a Screecher. "And you shoot anything that is trying to eat me while I am doing that." Remmvi clicks her teeth, grinning. "Don't worry, it is being easier than it sounds. Except.. You are being taller than a Tuk and the Warren has a low roof.. It is good you are having a hat, or you are getting dirt in your hair.. It is a pain, I would know. ..And poor Tarna, she is knowing four times as much!" Remmvi bursts out laughing as the Tuur next to her sighs in patient indignation.

A moment later, Korrigath makes himself known.

quote:

"I say, would you mind awfully if I tagged along as well? Name's Korrigath, I've a little of the Art which might come in handy subduing or luring the targets, and I could certainly pitch in with the paperwork, recording the details of the specimens, even spotting Ms. Tarna with the wagon if desired. If absolutely necessary I could pound the beasts into submission, as well."
Remmvi moves forward and gives the newly-arrived Tuur a once-over. "If you were hearing what I was saying about a low ceiling earlier, and still want to be helping, then you're welcome to be joining us! ...So long as you can be defending yourself. And me."

AJ_Impy
Jun 17, 2007

SWORD OF SMATTAS. CAN YOU NOT HEAR A WORLD CRY OUT FOR JUSTICE? WHEN WILL YOU DELIVER IT?
Yam Slacker

Korrigath

Remmvi posted:

Remmvi moves forward and gives the newly-arrived Tuur a once-over. "If you were hearing what I was saying about a low ceiling earlier, and still want to be helping, then you're welcome to be joining us! ...So long as you can be defending yourself. And me.

“See, that’s rather fortuitous. If there’s a low ceiling and we Tuur need to duck down…” Korrigath crouched down, tucking his spell book away to rest one hand on the ground, keffiyeh-wrapped head lowered, horns jutting dangerously forward, “Then defence of ourselves or our colleagues is if anything easier. That and I’m a dab hand with a wand and have no shortage of power with which to use it.”

Lux Anima
Apr 17, 2016


Dinosaur Gum

Seauffer Leuppah - Barrican Boroughs

quote:

"You are... Most welcome." Mameri says, pleased. She gently interlaces her fingers. "I have much time... and little to do with my hands, so the pruning comes easily. I believe.. That the wagon will be ready soon. ...In the span of a few hours, hopefully. Ayerty is usually very reliable... Once he's agreed to something."

"Oho, I do see. Excellenté, then!" Seauffer responded cheerfully, and then the ruddy-furred tuk nodded in Silver Jenny's direction.

"And you'll be joining us, I take it? Charmed to meet ya - the name's Seauffer; Seauffer Leuppah," the tuk girl said, doffing her hat to the tall lizard-like person with the strikingly white scales.

When the pleasantries of getting acquainted had been exchanged, Seauffer turned back to Mameri.

"Oh, Missus Mameri, a quick question, 'fore we go?" Seauffer ventured. "These Vermik - are they particularly poisonous, by any chance?"

> If Mameri answers in the affirmative, please purchase 1x Antidote (25) from Alchemist Enclave (-$12) before heading out. Thanks!

Gravedust
Nov 2, 2011

You're going to die.
Made some formatted portraits of our handsome boys and girls so I can show who's in a scene, feel free to use them yourselves if you want.


Gravedust
Nov 2, 2011

You're going to die.

quote:


quote:

Upgrade to three candles inn

You find the Three Candles easily enough from the large sign that hangs outside it's wide doorway. Slipping inside, you find yourself in a clean, bright common area, built to acommodate a crowd, though at this moment in the late afternoon there is only a pair of card players and large man snoring soundly at one of the tables.

Behind a standing-height counter set back from the door you spy (contemporary lore: 6+0) someone you believe you recognize from their description alone; Lienne, former member of the Chosen Men, and now owner of the Three Candles.

Her brow lifts from the parchment she is writing on as you enter for a single moment, and she holds up a gloved finger to forestall your words as she finishes writing in the ledger.



"All right." She sets her quill down and looks up to you. "How can I help you- Oh.. A countryman!" The polite smile on her face is replaced with one that is a shade more genuine as she recognizes you as a fellow Calleian. "Well met, welcome to Barrican and the Three Candles. Are you here for lodging? or-" She eyes your elaborate and ornamented crimson attire, "are you an entertainer?" She leans to the side a little to see if you are carrying an intrument, and in the process you catch a glimpse of the ebony-black stain that runs down her arm from nearly the shoulder, confirming your suspicion about her identity. Not seeing any kind of instrument she straightens back up and reflexively tugs her jacket more fully over her shoulder.

"Well, if you're looking to be in the Celebration, you're a bit early. But you're welcome to have a go when the time comes."

When you express your desire for a room and pay your gold, Lienne hands you a key and then passes you off to an attendant to show you to your room and get you settled in. As you are on your way out however, she lifts her head again from her bookeeping. "Keep it sharp," she says seriously, pointing a gloved finger at your sword. "Sollos watch you. Keep the fire of Calle in your heart."

LLSix
Jan 20, 2010

The real power behind countless overlords



Gravedust posted:

Lienne:
As you are on your way out however, she lifts her head again from her bookeeping. "Keep it sharp," she says seriously, pointing a gloved finger at your sword.
Camryn pats his sword hilt. "Thank you for the advice. My trainer keeps telling me that if I spent half as much time tending to my sword as I do wagging my tongue I'd live longer. It's a pity then that I can't resist a good tale. I'm a storyteller and sometime adventurer. Unfortunately, I've already committed to helping farmer Moet, which will take me out of town soon, but I'd love to hear more about the Celebration when I return. Especially from a fellow Calleian. It warms my heart to see another ember of Calle."

As Camryn carries his few belongings to his room, he eyes the stairs to the third floor longingly. Soon, he promises himself. Soon.

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Scribbleykins
Apr 29, 2010

Any scientist with the right background can brew his own booze.

...

What do you mean electrolytes aren't used for brewing booze? That's silly!

...

Well when all you have are chunks of TNE and an overly large water ration, all the world looks like a still!
Grimey Drawer

The Arena, Outside

A distracted nod is given in greeting to the new Tuur - and human, by the way one guy slid into the group - arrivals as she fidgets with the gadget, making sense.

"-oes here, then that oughta be the trig-"

:siren:

She quickly clamps the valves shut to preserve air - no complete novice would know how. Bypassers glance, but it was a brief screech and the young woman gives Remmvi a satisfied look.

"I can handle 'em, yup. When do we leave - and how long you reckon it'll take? Got some 'wards' -" The term is clearly new, the way she phrases it. "-to pick up later. Don't need be today, but I'm sure the the l'il shitters'll drive that nun barmy if I don't come 'round eventually."

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