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[D&D 4E OOC] The Residuum Revolution Arcane and Strange

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Posts

  • daniantdaniant Columbus, OhioRegistered User regular
    Strange:
    I know that I have been a major contributor to the lag in this game, but I'd like to start this year off right and get back to posting regularly. Your characters are such characters that it's going to be fun and I have planned some good story out.

    We are also going to do a questionnaire in a bit, so I can get some good character-based stuff going for you all. I'm probably going to go back to posting after a wait of a day or two to keep things rolling along, and I'm very excited for the story moving forward.

    But first, back to the story- you can keep about a week's worth of food at a time, so eventually you will have to get somewhere to get food. Unless Mnemo wants to do a little "mind-hunting".

    I'm not going to be a big stickler about food or tracking it, but after a week of walking if you don't take/purchase someone/something's food, you're going to start getting hungry.

  • daniantdaniant Columbus, OhioRegistered User regular
    Turanos wrote:
    Yeah, I do still want to play. I like these characters and I feel like they could have a really interesting story. We've had some avoidable and some unavoidable issues and hiccups, but I definitely want to continue. I'm just going to have to try to be more disciplined about checking back regularly. When we hit times when posts are far between I have a tendency to let it slip my mind, and I still don't know of any way to get this new forum structure to automatically alert me of replies.

    I would just check in every day or every other day, and if you use the alert system by bookmarking the IC thread, you can pretty quickly see if there's been anything posted or not.

    No hard feelings towards anyone, it's been a rough year, no?

  • Lord PalingtonLord Palington he.him.his History-loving pal!Registered User regular
    I feel like a specialist wizard who has been forced to teach apprentices from the opposing school of magic, if that gives you any idea.

    And honestly? Not far from the truth.

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  • daniantdaniant Columbus, OhioRegistered User regular
    I feel like a specialist wizard who has been forced to teach apprentices from the opposing school of magic, if that gives you any idea.

    And honestly? Not far from the truth.

    As Tordain, or as Lord Palington?

    Because as Tordain, I see you more as a cat-wrangler. "Gotta get these here cats into these here bags..."

  • Lord PalingtonLord Palington he.him.his History-loving pal!Registered User regular
    Nah, as me. That is a good description for Tordain though.

    SrUxdlb.jpg
  • mightyjongyomightyjongyo Sour Crrm East Bay, CaliforniaRegistered User regular
    Here we go, wall of text! Also want to add that this is the longest-running and most fun game I've been a part of, so it's great having the chance to do all this RP and character development. That said if anyone has any feedback on how I've been playing Alise, I think that would be helpful to me too.
    What is the impression your character has about the other members of the party?

    She trusts Riishi more than anyone else, since they have been together since the beginning and more recently brought her back from the brink of death. One day she hopes to return that favor. Alise knows that she would have little chance of surviving on her own, and she is beginning to rely on Shen and Persecutus' ability to keep them alive. She also knows that their motives run roughly parallel with her own, although she wonders why, since she is the only one who truly uses the arcane as her source of power - but the fact that they have some beef to settle with her enemies has led her to develop some trust in them.

    How does your character feel about the mission to approach the Fey Empire for help?

    Alise is more sure of herself than before, now that she knows they are not chasing a pipe dream...moving east on the suggestion of one person was a big leap, and she had gone because what other leads did they have? Now the only problem is actually getting their help...if they can even find them. She's also hoping that they won't kill them on sight.

    How does your character feel about helping Enthrexa?

    More than anything, Alise is curious - she wants to know more about her, and magic, and how it all works - and she sees Enthrexa as the best source of information. In the back of her mind she is uncertain about what'll happen if all the pieces are gathered and Enthrexa returns to full power, but then again, she also doesn't know how the feykind will react when they encounter them, and Enthrexa could turn out to be a very helpful ally in that case. Still, though, at the moment she does not see any harm in helping her, especially since she's still giddy with the power that she was able to use before to get them out of the tunnels.

    How does your character feel about the decisions made with regards to the a)kobolds; and b)darkfey?

    a) she really only feels bad about what'll happen to Twiq. He was the one who brought them in, so she imagines that there will be some sort of fallout when they discover that they took the gem and split. Other than that though, she doesn't feel too horribly about it, since the kobold queen so nicely shoehorned them into it. They probably didnt need it that badly anyways.

    b) Alise is a little uneasy about the cold murder of that last darkfey. She is haunted by his last plea to be spared. She feels guilty as the one who ultimately decided his fate (as she sees it). Despite that, she still feels that taking the gem was the right decision to help them in their ultimate goal (or hers, anyways) - freedom from the nk'barra.

    What scares your character the most right now?

    Even though she's curious about her, Enthrexa is probably what scares Alise the most right now. She thinks back to when they were all teleported, just a short time ago. Even though Enthrexa claimed that she was being strengthened by the residuum around them, it was no mean feat to transport four people instantaneously - and even to draw on that much power. What would she be unleashing if she did as Enthrexa said? Deep down she's scared that if Enthrexa truly is that powerful, then what could she become? And was such strength what caused the purge in the first place?

    You're the spokesperson for what you believe to be a very powerful personage. How does that relationship conflict with your original mission to bring the Fey back? Which party do you trust more? And how do you feel to be holding a gem containing the essence of one of the most powerful magical beings in history? What do you think about that cavern full of residuum?

    Alise is not really sure what Enthrexa's end goal is besides freedom, and she hasn't had the presence of mind to find out yet. Since they have yet to meet the fey, she's just hoping it doesn't end in conflict. At this point, she trusts Enthrexa more simply because she's actually met her, although that may change as she finds out more about the whole history behind her and the emerald empire, and how all the other parties fit into it. It's all just too confusing for her right now.

    The cavern of residuum was a truly awe-inspiring experience for her. She has always felt the presence of arcana, but to see it and feel it in such a pure form, untouched and raw, and in such high concentration - she doubts that she will ever get that same feeling again. She finds herself wondering if there are such sites located back west, and whether they were destroyed as part of the purge. If she ever gets back and the nk'barra and their king are overthrown, she would make it her life goal to search out such sites.

  • BhowBhow Sunny day, sweeping the clouds away. On my way to where the air is sweet.Registered User regular
    edited January 2012
    Riishi's responses to Dani's questions, spoilered for ohmygoshvomitmorewordswouldyouharglbarglfflph:
    daniant wrote:
    General Questions:
    What is the impression your character has about the other members of the party?

    Shen:
    While Riishi is learning to appreciate some of his charm, and certainly respects the way he handles his bow, she is still wary of his brash roguishness. She certainly trusts him in a fight and acknowledges his forestry skills, but she’d hesitate to spend a night with him, alone. She’s seen enough quick-tongued mercenaries, Nk’barra and otherwise, in small taverns, and had to evade a couple herself. (A few broken toes later, she hasn’t been bothered.) Beside his manner, though, Riishi is unsettled by the letter with which he introduced himself. Who has such an interest in her (and Alise), and where lay his or her allegiances? And if it comes to a choice, would Shen side with the powerful benefactor with a heavy coin purse or the scrawny cat-girl that needs a bath? Riishi doesn’t like her chances in that comparison.
    Alise:
    Sharing their recent experiences. Riishi feels closer to Alise than she has to anyone (excepting Cherka) since she took to the forest. She genuinely likes Alise’s company. (It’s nice to travel with someone who doesn’t regard “Pull my finger” as the funniest thing possible in the universe.) And though Riishi wouldn’t put it in these words, she is in awe of Alise. For one thing, Alise’s knowledge and control of arcana is nearly god-like, in Riishi’s limited experience. Secondly, Alise is, without doubt, the most educated person Riishi has met in her life. Riishi is no aspiring scholar, but she recognizes the power that knowledge and literacy can bring. Thirdly, while Riishi may never be able to fully empathize with Alise’s experiences, she senses Alise’s inner strength behind her struggles and sacrifices made in a lifetime of hiding herself, being always on guard against discovery. While Riishi hasn’t seen it in action, she also imagines Alise, being from the city, to move glamorously through society’s byzantine mores. Riishi, of course, wouldn’t be able to put much of this into words, but the sentiments are percolating inside her. In short, she sees Alise as a combination mentor/bf.
    Riishi sees Alise’s weak point in wilderness survival skills, so she tries to take a protector role. Riishi knows what she can do well, so she tries to use those skills to keep the gentler Alise from undue harm, sometimes forgetting that Alise herself can rend the fabric of reality.
    Persecutus:
    Though they’ve traveled together through a mountain, Riishi isn’t sure what to make of Persecutus. She hasn’t encountered his type before. Persecutus doesn’t seem keen on conversation, and Riishi isn’t one to press, but he’s become an able ally. She isn’t clear on his motivations (other than a dislike for Nk’barra), but if she stops and thinks for too long, she isn’t real clear on her own reasons for where she is now, either.

    How does your character feel about the mission to approach the Fey Empire for help?
    Riishi came into this more from curiosity, than any other reason. She had no love for Nk’barra, of course. But she had never witnessed their atrocities. At the arcane camp, she learned about their true business, and quickly saw their “kill them all, sort the dead” approach first-hand. Even then, revolution was not a settled question in her mind. From there, the Eladrin empire seemed both the obvious next step and an exciting adventure into a mythical land.
    Riishi has reservations about four scraggly travelers appearing in a prosperous court and offering, what exactly? That the four of them will help overthrow the neighboring kingdom? She’s playing this one by ear, hoping to acquire more information before being forced into action.

    How does your character feel about helping Enthrexa?
    Riishi isn’t up to speed on Enthrexa: an ancient dragon, betrayed by Thoros, maybe trapped in our gem? So far, the gem has helped them escape the darkfey—that’s good! She knows the gem may become a bargaining chip with Thoros, but doesn’t realize its potential. Unless she gets more direction from someone that’s not trapped in the gem, collecting the shards is a tangential concern. She has reservations about freeing powerful ancient semi-mythical entities. Those situations, historically, usually have some blowback.

    How does your character feel about the decisions made with regards to the a)kobolds; and b)darkfey?
    Kobolds
    Riishi feels used by the kobolds, being sent into a dangerous situation with incomplete (if not false) information to further their own ends. Her sour feelings increased when circumstances put her in a position where the only practical choice was slaying several earnest guards who were only doing what they believed to be right.
    Darkfey
    Riishi feels regret and guilt over the slaying and stealing. Having come to that point on the trail, she knows full well that the only course was to continue forward, but she doesn’t like it. She believes (hopes?) that turning another direction earlier (not relying so faithfully on the kobolds’ words, for example, or using less-than-lethal force to access the tower), they might have reached a similar or better outcome without the bloodshed. On the other hand, she knows the darkfey wouldn’t have let them take the gem, either. This question weighs on her at reflective moments.

    What scares your character the most right now?
    Besides Persecutus’ breath? Main fear: Is she doing the right thing?
    Subsets of that question: What if the kobold/darkfey debacle was representative of the larger saga? Is she working on a bad premise? Will seeking Eladrin aid merely return them to an era of arcane slavery? Will their actions create a backlash that only increases the N’kbarra’s power and ruthlessness?
    She has faith in her arms and legs, in the essence of the forest and wild lands. But her decision making…

    Riishi
    You're far from home, and you've already seen things you didn't think were possible. What's your reaction to the magic forces you have experienced so far?
    It’s been a revelation! Familiar with primal spirits, she understands that the world contains more than she can perceive. But the power and variety of arcane forces she’s seen recently is stunning. Even more amazing is seeing people direct these forces at their whims! And one of these mages is traveling with her! It’s exciting, and scary. Such power could be easily misused. But might such excesses be more easily checked if magic were more widespread?

    And to echo MJ (I hope you don't mind the abbreviation), all character feedback is welcome.

    Bhow on
  • BhowBhow Sunny day, sweeping the clouds away. On my way to where the air is sweet.Registered User regular
    Arcane
    An idea: If (mind you, IF) we let the Eladrin know we have the stone (assuming they don't already know), we could present it to Thoros as a reconciliation gift from the darkfey witch queen (Calvari? or some name like that I think?). Playing our cards rights, we may not even have to give up possession, if we convince him that he may complete reunification of his empire with a magnanimous gesture of accepting the darkfey apology by returning the stone (via us!) to the darkfey, at least temporarily.
    Thoughts?

  • AnialosAnialos Collies are love, Collies are life! Shadowbrook ColliesRegistered User regular
    That would require a ton of smooth talk. I don't see why he would want to give the stone back, or why the Darkfey would accept it back on any terms other than our dismemberment. Besides, Shen has absolutely no desire to see Darkfey any time soon. If he were the more diplomatic type, and less of the woodsy kill them all type he might think about it. As of now, Shen would strongly oppose that course of action. Of course, if they can get the Eladrin Empire to help against the nk'barra without giving up the gem that is even better!

  • TuranosTuranos Registered User regular
    edited January 2012
    Strange

    daniant wrote:
    But first, back to the story- you can keep about a week's worth of food at a time, so eventually you will have to get somewhere to get food. Unless Mnemo wants to do a little "mind-hunting".

    Are you considering that Mnemo has already been "mind-hunting" to the best of its ability as we've gone or is it a possibility for us to now stop and have it look really hard for any mental presences anywhere remotely nearby?

    Turanos on
  • daniantdaniant Columbus, OhioRegistered User regular
    Turanos wrote:
    Strange

    daniant wrote:
    But first, back to the story- you can keep about a week's worth of food at a time, so eventually you will have to get somewhere to get food. Unless Mnemo wants to do a little "mind-hunting".

    Are you considering that Mnemo has already been "mind-hunting" to the best of its ability as we've gone or is it a possibility for us to now stop and have it look really hard for any mental presences anywhere remotely nearby?

    As you like, Turanos. I like the idea of you casting your psychic presence around, it's interesting. If you want to do that, it will be an intelligence roll.

    Be aware though that other people use psychic ability and your roll will determine a) if you get a read; and b)whether the people/things you detect also detect you and your intentions.

  • daniantdaniant Columbus, OhioRegistered User regular
    I'm really enjoying the character development in both games, guys. Keep it up.

  • BhowBhow Sunny day, sweeping the clouds away. On my way to where the air is sweet.Registered User regular
    Arcane
    Fair warning: I have a busy few days, combined with hotel-provided Internet, so forum access may be limited. Don't let me hold up any action, and I'll check in when I can.

  • daniantdaniant Columbus, OhioRegistered User regular
    edited January 2012
    Bhow: Hilarious. I approve.

    Strange:
    If you're thinking about disguising yourself, I will allow for Streetwise or Stealth checks, depending on how you're going to go about doing this.

    If you wanna just walk into town and start explaining yourself, by all means.

    Another option is that Tordain could go in and check things out (since he doesn't have the nk'barra weapon) and then report back. It's up to you.

    daniant on
  • dresdenphiledresdenphile Watch out for snakes!Registered User regular
    I'm not terrible at Streetwise, but it's not my forte. Sending Tordain ahead might be the best option.

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  • Lord PalingtonLord Palington he.him.his History-loving pal!Registered User regular
    Yeah, not a bad idea. I don't have the best social stats, but I should be able to keep from being arrested at first sight.

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  • daniantdaniant Columbus, OhioRegistered User regular
    Another option is to send in the King to soften things up.

    But then you have to wait for horse.

    And you have no idea what will happen if you send in the King.

  • TuranosTuranos Registered User regular
    edited January 2012
    daniant wrote:
    Another option is to send in the King to soften things up.

    But then you have to wait for horse.

    And you have no idea what will happen if you send in the King.

    "Send in the King" sounds like a line from a terrible action film before everything goes wrong. Probably not the best idea. Tordain seems to be as close to an ambassador as we have. Though I suppose both could go, watch each other's backs... or something.

    Turanos on
  • HorseshoeHorseshoe Registered User regular
    crap

    dani i am being terrible at my updates and will continue to be so

    i would love for the king to go in and start some shit

    unfortunately

    it may be best if the king goes into town gets distracted and assumes a new identity while forgetting to tell anyone

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  • daniantdaniant Columbus, OhioRegistered User regular
    If you need to slip away horse, it's okay. You want a last IC post as you disappear into the sunset?

  • HorseshoeHorseshoe Registered User regular
    Nah, you can do it however suits your game :)

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  • daniantdaniant Columbus, OhioRegistered User regular
    Arcane-
    I'm sorry, I just realized I composed a response in my head, but never actually wrote it down. Here you go.

  • daniantdaniant Columbus, OhioRegistered User regular
    Had a last minute grant proposal come up that I had to complete, but I will be posting tomorrow, never fear brave adventurers!

  • SilverBonesSilverBones The Ruined King North Bay AreaRegistered User regular
    I want to cast Magic Missile at the Darkness...

    Your game looks awesome Dani :)


    [ B E A R ]
    I used to be a King;
    now I drag my Throne


    GM of Gamma World - In the Shadow of Zeus - [INFO THREAD] - [OOC]
    Player of Gaan Ir'Molo in Star Wars: Out in the Black
  • daniantdaniant Columbus, OhioRegistered User regular
  • SilverBonesSilverBones The Ruined King North Bay AreaRegistered User regular
    I'm in the process of reading both. I was assuming the setting was the same.


    [ B E A R ]
    I used to be a King;
    now I drag my Throne


    GM of Gamma World - In the Shadow of Zeus - [INFO THREAD] - [OOC]
    Player of Gaan Ir'Molo in Star Wars: Out in the Black
  • daniantdaniant Columbus, OhioRegistered User regular
    Oh, okay. Same setting, different groups.

  • SilverBonesSilverBones The Ruined King North Bay AreaRegistered User regular
    LOL - Next time I'll just read and shut up :)


    [ B E A R ]
    I used to be a King;
    now I drag my Throne


    GM of Gamma World - In the Shadow of Zeus - [INFO THREAD] - [OOC]
    Player of Gaan Ir'Molo in Star Wars: Out in the Black
  • AnialosAnialos Collies are love, Collies are life! Shadowbrook ColliesRegistered User regular
    We could use a warm body to replace the half orc that flaked on us Dani.

  • daniantdaniant Columbus, OhioRegistered User regular
    Anialos, are you trying to convince Bear to join the group? :P

    How do Bhow, MJ, and Ilianthar feel about that?

    Oh, and most importantly, Bear? Keep in mind where Arcane is right now. I'd have to work with you on a character that could fit in to where they are headed etc.

  • AnialosAnialos Collies are love, Collies are life! Shadowbrook ColliesRegistered User regular
    Just an idea, I know if I'd have whiffed a couple more shots that last fight could have gone south alot quicker, and Alise certainly was out of it for a long time.

  • mightyjongyomightyjongyo Sour Crrm East Bay, CaliforniaRegistered User regular
    I think the only attack I got last fight was the surprise round :P . No complaints here if you want to join us :D .

  • BhowBhow Sunny day, sweeping the clouds away. On my way to where the air is sweet.Registered User regular
    Bear = SilverBones? I've certainly no objection to adding some marking to our group, and I'm enjoying his GW game. It's even inspired me to carve out some time to work on the GW campaign outline I began way back in the mists of time.

  • daniantdaniant Columbus, OhioRegistered User regular
  • AnialosAnialos Collies are love, Collies are life! Shadowbrook ColliesRegistered User regular
    Is he a member of bear Force One?

  • daniantdaniant Columbus, OhioRegistered User regular
    No, he is an actual bear. I can only assume he will rend you limb from limb for posting that video, though. Congratulations!
    My favorite part is how uncoordinated they are. You totally know the guy in pink threw out his back making that video.

  • SilverBonesSilverBones The Ruined King North Bay AreaRegistered User regular
    edited February 2012
    RAWR :)

    If you'll have me I'll join!

    Edit: I just finished the IC thread for the group. I think I have the perfect character in mind if Dani will let me :)

    SilverBones on

    [ B E A R ]
    I used to be a King;
    now I drag my Throne


    GM of Gamma World - In the Shadow of Zeus - [INFO THREAD] - [OOC]
    Player of Gaan Ir'Molo in Star Wars: Out in the Black
  • daniantdaniant Columbus, OhioRegistered User regular
    Well. Since @Ilianthar appears to be on hiatus from this thread, let's work out the details of Bear's entry into the party tonight (on the phone! Amazing!) because it will be more complicated than he thinks. Heheheh.

    Let's see here. Riishi is a Shaman, Alise is a Wizard, Shen is a Ranger, and Persecutus is a Warden. So unless Ilianthar doesn't come back, we've got all our bases covered, more or less.

    Meanwhile, I'm going to post what happens next.

  • IlliantharIllianthar GMT -0700Registered User regular
    Sorry, I've been following the thread, but can't access the forums from work except for on my phone, so sometimes I forget; and Persecutus isn't part of the IC conversation.

    Long story short, I'm more than happy to bring on another PC.

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