Fred Daniel Yam Posted February 10, 2012 Posted February 10, 2012 "Ok, a hollowed rock then. As for the wood, make two 3 studs wide circles and two poles."
K-Nut Posted February 10, 2012 Posted February 10, 2012 "To tell the truth, I sorta know what happened after you talked to Arthur, you kinda gave it away the way you treat the locket." Althior polishes off the beer he was drinking to look at William. "Oh really? I've given it away? Now what may this be? My actual feeling to someone I love, or is it to my living hell of a life here?" He smashes the bottle against the table. "Well, it wouldn't have started here? Would it? No, you think I have this long dramatic and heroic past leading up to this moment but no! Noting of that sort. I've just been running around like a bilge-rat, living in my hell of a world with no friends or family. On my own with not a soul to turn to! Have you been like that, Will? Running around on your own? All I have is this locket to remind me of my past, and that's it! So I 'gave it away' by treasuring it? Well of course, since that makes some damn perfect logic!" Althior stands up, storming out. Was he lying this whole time that he'd been a pathetic bilge-rat running around? No. It was the truth. the only truth. He'd had a true hell of a life. He knew she'd be mad, but there was only one way out of his living hell. He had to escape from it. But how? And when? He'd led these people here, and he needed to help them fight. He'd give his lover fair warning, finish some unfinished business, and then he'd escape the world of Abraxas and Grof.
Flipz Posted February 10, 2012 Posted February 10, 2012 As William tried to follow Althior, Arthur raised an ice wall in his path. "Unh-uh. Unless our Knight teaches you people his Diplomacy, this is a problem for us Mages." He followed Althior back up to the tower, conjured up an ice boulder, and sat in complete silence. He made no secret of the fact he was there, but neither did he indicate he was trying to pry, or even that he wanted to talk at all. He simply sat, staring across the horizon, along with his mentor.
K-Nut Posted February 10, 2012 Posted February 10, 2012 Althior stood, simply staring out the window with one question on his mind. He was glad to have company, even if it was Arthur (). "Why are we put on this Earth, Arthur? Is it to make a difference? Or is it just so the gods can find some cheap laughs screwing around with our minds?"
Flipz Posted February 10, 2012 Posted February 10, 2012 Althior stood, simply staring out the window with one question on his mind. He was glad to have company, even if it was Arthur (). "Why are we put on this Earth, Arthur? Is it to make a difference? Or is it just so the gods can find some cheap laughs screwing around with our minds?" Arthur thinks for a moment. "I think we're here so we aren't alone. I don't believe that the gods control our destiny any more than one person can control their own fate. Rather, it's by the connections we make that we change the future." He pauses, trying to choose his next words carefully. "I don't think we can make a difference, Althior, at least not the way most people think of it. In the ultimate scheme of things, we're just tiny cogs in a great machine. We can't change the world...but we can change each other. If I can bring even a little joy to just one person's life, then I face death gladly; that's all the difference I need to make." He turns his head toward Althior. "I envy you, you know. I see what you have with Alexis. That's more than a little joy you've brought to her, my friend, it's a veritable flood. And if it's the darkness you're concerned about..." he glances at Althior's hand. "Dark and Light are opposites. Dark and Good are not. Dark is not evil, and light is not good. Look at the Hinckwells. Almost everyone in Heroica sees them as light, good, heroic, even saint-like. To some, the Hinckwells can do no wrong. And yet, even more than the Shadeaux or even the Brobric, they are responsible for this war. Their greed and secrecy allowed evil to flourish. I doubt even the god of wealth everyone on this island seems to worship would see that as right. And look at Heroica's rogues, like De'kra and Atramor. Their profession is as dark as can be, and yet they are among Heroica's most honorable Heroes, truly living up to that name." Silence spread across that part of the fort like a mist. Both Mages heard the shouts of others below as the Lion Knights and the other Heroes prepared for the next battle. After some time, Arthur again turns to Althior. "I wish that none of this had happened. That none of this warfare were needed. That the Lion Knights could be spending their strength growing food for the hungry rather than gearing up for war. That Heroica were unnecessary, that the people of Eubric had the courage and honor to deal with their problems on their own. I bet you wish that Mark had never appeared on your hand, but that is not for us to decide. All we can do is decide what to do with the time that is given us. Don't lose hope, Althior. Even though Heroes like us can't do much on our own, one raindrop raises the sea. Few realize this within their entire lifetime. Even Heroes die, not knowing how much they've given to those around them. You've given far more than you realize, Althior. Take solace in that." Arthur returns his gaze to the horizon, thinking in silence once more.
K-Nut Posted February 10, 2012 Posted February 10, 2012 *long emotional shpeel* Althior listened carefully to what Arthur had to say, never breaking his glare at the horizon. The warm orange light of the sun gleaming on the two men. He was right, he had brought joy Alexis. How could he abandon her or any of his other friends? He couldn't lose them all, not yet. "You're right, Arthur. I'm blessed to have all I do. The darkness isn't that bad. It's the manipulation of it. Abraxas has bent it to his own will, and that's what the problem is. Light isn't all that great either. Without Light, there would be no Darkness. Remember that Mage you showed me in that quest book? She was a Darkness Mage, and after having read the book a few times, I can tell she's a fine hero," He looks to his hand, watching the mark ripple there. "You've changed me, Arthur. I now realize I can no longer avoid and run from the Darkness. I have to embrace it fully, promise not to use it for evil, and keep the light with me at all times." "That was his plan all along. This mark means nothing, it's a mere persuader. It does nothing to me. It was to steer me off the path of Darkness and to try to bend towards the light. Abraxas is a Human, however Demonic he may seem, he's just another man. It shows you what a single man can do. You can make a huge difference in the world. You can affect so many others lives." He stares off into the open fields. "I wish that none of this had happened too. I want to be back in Eubric, sailing to her home with her. I want to hear her voice, to feel her gaze. I want to tell her I love her with all my heart, and that the world means nothing to me without her." He grabs his locket and looks at it, shaking, "I want to keep her safe, unlike how I attempted to save my sister and my grandfather. We want that. Love is an adventure like none other, and that's how any single man wants to die. Living the adventure. I hope that you can die living the adventure someday, Arthur," He returned to his silence after saying one thing more, "It would be my honor to take you as my apprentice Arthur, if you'll be willing," He offered his hand for a shake.
Flipz Posted February 10, 2012 Posted February 10, 2012 Arthur looks to Althior, nods once, and shakes Althior's hand. He was ready to learn.
Brickdoctor Posted February 10, 2012 Author Posted February 10, 2012 QM Note: Roleplaying is fine, but let's not forget about the battle. If the voice-in-the-sky isn't in a good mood and you're taking a long time, he might decide that you used up your reasonable amount of time chatting and send an army after you. But on a serious note, VolcanicPanik asked you to do something, Althior, and you haven't even expressed an opinion regarding it. I don't want to rush you, but I know we all want to get back to the action before this turns into another one of my epics. I'm already seeing a good chance of hitting seventy-five pages with this Quest.
K-Nut Posted February 11, 2012 Posted February 11, 2012 But on a serious note, VolcanicPanik asked you to do something, Althior, and you haven't even expressed an opinion regarding it. I don't want to rush you, but I know we all want to get back to the action before this turns into another one of my epics. I'm already seeing a good chance of hitting seventy-five pages with this Quest. OOC: Yeah Althior! Wait. That's me. I haven't done anything because I don't know exactly what he's doing now. Is the Iron to make the poles? I was thinking maybe sticking some Firewood together to make the poles, but I'm waiting to see what Vol is doing with the Iron.
Brickdoctor Posted February 11, 2012 Author Posted February 11, 2012 I haven't done anything because I don't know exactly what he's doing now. Is the Iron to make the poles? I was thinking maybe sticking some Firewood together to make the poles, but I'm waiting to see what Vol is doing with the Iron. QM Note:I think he wants you to melt down the iron. Though he still hasn't confirmed where he's going to put that iron.
Kenghis Ghan Posted February 11, 2012 Posted February 11, 2012 OOC: I think he opted for the hollow rock like you suggested.
Flipz Posted February 11, 2012 Posted February 11, 2012 Arthur realizes William is up to something and takes cover so as to avoid taking damage. OOC:
Brickdoctor Posted February 11, 2012 Author Posted February 11, 2012 Arthur realizes William is up to something and takes cover so as to avoid taking damage. You turn over a kitchen table* and dive behind it. You realize that, in the event that William does something particularly damaging, the table will afford an SP of 1.QM Note: *
Fred Daniel Yam Posted February 11, 2012 Posted February 11, 2012 "Right, the circles are for shields and the leather gloves will be cut into long strips for thanos straps. The poles are wood, the iron is used for the actual pike's head. (Sai piece) Some iron will be forged onto the shields and any leftovers will be made into helmets. I'm making two sets for me and Althior because we probably will fight mounted and Xander has a hammer and heals himself. And Althior, I apologise for just then."
K-Nut Posted February 11, 2012 Posted February 11, 2012 "Alright then! But how long are these pieces of firewood? I want to know how many we should connect."
Brickdoctor Posted February 11, 2012 Author Posted February 11, 2012 QM Note: Wait, you're going to forge helmets?! Realistically, you shouldn't have anything close to the necessary blacksmith skills to do that. Shields and pikes should be okay, since you can just hammer those out, but...
K-Nut Posted February 11, 2012 Posted February 11, 2012 QM Note: Wait, you're going to forge helmets?! Realistically, you shouldn't have anything close to the necessary blacksmith skills to do that. Shields and pikes should be okay, since you can just hammer those out, but... "What would happen if just wore pots on our heads?"
Fred Daniel Yam Posted February 11, 2012 Posted February 11, 2012 "Fine then, no helmets but the remaining melted iron can be used to make swords. I'll ask the captain if they have any spare helmets."
Kadabra Posted February 12, 2012 Posted February 12, 2012 Arasmyth is milling around when he is struck by inspiration. He goes to the party's supply of... supplies and gets a very long beam and a wide cylinder, as well as a large chunk of wood and a very long piece of rope. He uses nails to affix the cylinder to the long beam so it can rotate, then borrows a knife or sword from someone and whittles the chunk of wood into a large hook and a crank. He attaches the crank to the cylinder and ties the hook to the rope. He then cuts a groove in the end of the long beam, and winds the rope along the makeshift spool and through the groove, to create an improvised crane. "If some of you barbarian chaps could help me move this up to the siege engine mount and put the catapult somewhere else, we could use this device to pick up and smash Elven siege engines with the hook, then tie a weight or rock to it and swing it about to smash footsoldiers." OOC: I got this idea from a book I read on Archimedes, he used a crane like this to literally lift Roman ships out of the water and destroy them when Alexendria was under siege.
Flipz Posted February 12, 2012 Posted February 12, 2012 Arthur decides to write in his book. To his surprise, De'kra has already written him. Greetings, this is De'kra. How are things going at the battlefield? Was that concept I had useful in that Karzahni of a war? ...I apologize for that hostile remark, I am still in a rage at the Shadeaux and myself. I did lead our group to that decision, if it was not for me we might have thought more about it, and noticed that our "guide"was pushing us towards violence. But instead I fired the trigger, and then wasted a ton of time sulking about it. Still, at least someone is cleaning up my mess. I would have contacted you sooner, but some events have distracted me from replying. We were attacked by three bandits, which we defeated not too long ago. I didn't get wounded once in the fight, it was...ascending. Like I could see the body movements of my foes, and knew exactly how to dodge and attack them. I felt...awake. However afterwards one of the other heroes became afflicted with amnesia. If you return to Heroica Hall before we do, see if you can find information on him. Arthur waits a moment, then begins to pen his response. Yes, your idea of the explosive arrows was most helpful! The "Hiyaaaaaa Hwacha", as I call it, has been most useful for defeating a group of Elves who broke off the main assault and tried to run to another side. This particular battle went much better than our first, I think we're getting into the swing of working as a team now. Isabella, Xander, and Arasmyth are still very quiet, and Spag and Alexandre are only a bit more vocal, but all of them have more than proven themselves in battle. I myself personally defeated my first true foe with a spell of my own hand. Moreover, while the others take a turn planning the defenses, Althior and I have had time to ponder what lies ahead of us beyond this Quest; no, beyond all Quests. We are finding that when spared the rigors of active Questing for but a moment, the great mysteries of the cosmos are open for us to ponder. You and he are more alike than you think. Both of you have had great trials befall you, and you both blame yourselves for things beyond your realm of control. The more I think of it, the more I realize that neither the Hinckwells nor the Shadeaux can be trusted. Perhaps none of the Houses of Eubric at all. Yes, the Shadeaux manipulated you and the elves to start this war, and that's terrible. But were it not for the Shadeaux, would the war really have been forestalled? Were it not for the Shadeaux, the Wolfgang could have stepped in, or the pongicanae, or even this Lady Wren character I read of in the Library. No, the Hinckwells share just as much blame; nay, even more. Did they really think they could conduct shady, secret deals and not face opposition from other greedy brutes like themselves? Their greed doomed your Quest before it could even begin, its conclusion pre-ordained. It is not your fault, any more than the sun's rise or the ebb and flow of the sea is your fault. Are you a god? Do you have supernatural powers giving you sight into the future and control over all intelligent creatures? Then there is nothing you could have done to prevent this calamity, and by your presence you alerted Heroica to the grave threat posed by the Brobric--with their nature and attitude, and their formidable weaponry, I doubt they would have remained docile for long; the Hinckwells were merely an excuse to do what they have clearly been preparing to do for many years: to rise up and conquer all this land. Moreover, you yourself have grown strong as a result of your Questing; you are a great asset to Heroica, one of its great defenders. In that way, your Quest was more of a success than any secret plan of the Hinckwells or the Shadeaux. The news of one of your comrades losing their memory is most troubling. Do you know his name? I shall endeavor to discern the nature of his condition, and perhaps even a cure, should I return first to the Hall. Exercise caution, however. A very dear friend of my father's once lost his memory while both were on a long journey to a land I doubt any Hero has ever seen, nor shall ever see again. It was quickly shrugged off, overlooked, a result of the rigours of that means of travel. But the loss of memory was a sign, no, a symptom--the man had been posessed by a virulent spirit, who tried to use this new body to destroy all in sight. It was with reluctance that my father was forced to slay one of his closest life-long companions, to save all else he held dear. He was never the same after that--that was when he began to question the counsel of the local elders. He never fully believed that he had ended the threat, and constantly sought means of defense against outside foes far beyond the ordinary constructs of our realm. At the same time, our realm's elders quickly lost their trust in him, and things were never quite the same after that. I was a bit to young to understand--I doubt I ever will, fully--but it's quite clear to me that somehow a lack of vigilance, a shortage of caution and healthy mistrust brought much peril and uncertainty to our land. Having seen more of the world for myself, I see that such a thing was just the beginning of far worse fates than could have befallen the land. Do not let the same danger befall you, my friend. If the Hero begins to act suspicious, restrain him by all means possible, especially magical, if such is possible. If it is not possible to restrain them, then do not hesitate. Show no mercy. A show of weakness, however brief, could have grave consequences. The scar on my father's arm would attest to that, were he here. And if the Hero truly is possessed, and it is somehow linked to the demon Abraxas that has menaced Heroica in the past...I need not expound on the consequences of THAT any further. Be cautious, De'kra. Stay safe, brother. I will do what I can to pass along information that may be relevant to your situation. --Arthur Arthur shuts the book, pauses in contemplation for a moment, and then goes to find Althior. He finds his master in discussion with Arasmyth, the other Mage who accompanied them. "Althior, I need to ask you something...what do you know about scrying? Do you think it would be possible to scry on the party of Heroes accompanying my friend De'kra? He says one of their Heroes recently lost their memory, and I think...well, I had a gut feeling...that somehow it's related to...him." With Arasmyth present, it would not be prudent to discuss Abraxas and the Mark, not directly. "If it is, if he's making a move, we may have more than Elves to deal with."
Brickdoctor Posted February 12, 2012 Author Posted February 12, 2012 "Fine then, no helmets but the remaining melted iron can be used to make swords. I'll ask the captain if they have any spare helmets." "Not a single one, sorry." Arasmyth is milling around when he is struck by inspiration. He goes to the party's supply of... supplies and gets a very long beam and a wide cylinder, as well as a large chunk of wood and a very long piece of rope. He uses nails to affix the cylinder to the long beam so it can rotate, then borrows a knife or sword from someone and whittles the chunk of wood into a large hook and a crank. He attaches the crank to the cylinder and ties the hook to the rope. He then cuts a groove in the end of the long beam, and winds the rope along the makeshift spool and through the groove, to create an improvised crane. "If some of you barbarian chaps could help me move this up to the siege engine mount and put the catapult somewhere else, we could use this device to pick up and smash Elven siege engines with the hook, then tie a weight or rock to it and swing it about to smash footsoldiers." You realize that you're going to need a stronger source of power than a hand crank if you hope to lift siege engines up.
Kadabra Posted February 12, 2012 Posted February 12, 2012 "Not a single one, sorry." You realize that you're going to need a stronger source of power than a hand crank if you hope to lift siege engines up. OOC: Not even when it's being cranked by a barbarian? IC: Arasmyth found Althior talking to Arthur, waited for a gap in their conversation, and quickly interjected "Ah, Althior, could you spare one of the horses we've obtained? I don't think they'd be of much use in the fort, what with all the narrow doorways ( ), and I think I have a good use for one."
Brickdoctor Posted February 12, 2012 Author Posted February 12, 2012 "Fine then, no helmets but the remaining melted iron can be used to make swords. I'll ask the captain if they have any spare helmets." Althior, you expend 1 Ether to carve a hole in a large piece of rock, then expend 1 more Ether to soften all the scrap metal that William places inside the hole. Using Xander's hammer, you shape the metal into weapons and shields. Makeshift Sword x3 (WP: 1; suitable for Knights and Barbarians) - Crudely fashioned from spare metal, this makeshift sword will be broken or bent and rendered unusable if it deals Damage 5 more times. Makeshift Spear x2 (WP: 1; suitable for all classes) - Crudely fashioned from spare metal, this makeshift spear will be broken or bent and rendered unusable if it deals Damage 5 more times. Total Damage is doubled when attacking mounted enemies. Makeshift Shield x2 (SP: 1; suitable for all classes) - Crudely fashioned from spare metal, this makeshift shield will be broken or bent and rendered unusable if it takes Damage 5 more times. Party: Althior Emorith, Level 15 Mage (K-nut) *Party Leader* Power: 20 Health: 18/19 Ether: 12/19 Gold: 5 Inventory: Dragoro (WP:5), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood), Diamond (Light), Potion x2, Tonic, Shovel, Bedroll, Smelling Salts, Mead, Nostrum, Remedy, Healing Staff, Horse Xander Unth'or, Level 10.5 Barbarian (posades) *Party Second-in-Command* Power: 18 Health: 17/17 Gold: 30 Inventory: Pongcanis Club (WP: 8), Enigmatic Hammer (WP: 3), Robe of the Pongcanis Champion (WP: +1Front Row; SP: +1Back Row), Mead, Potion, Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, Horse William Harkenshire, Level 7 Ranger (volcanicpanik) Power: 11 +2 for the next 1 Turns Health: 12/12 Gold: 0 Inventory: Mockthril Longbow (WP: 4; Fire), Potion (2),Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Makeshift Sword (WP: 1) (3), Makeshift Spear (WP: 1) (2), Makeshift Shield (SP: 1) (2) Alexandre le Chevalier, Level 3 Knight (Capt.JohnPaul) Power: 4 Health: 12/12 Gold: 0 Inventory: Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Sword (WP: 3), Buckler Shield (SP: 2), Bedroll, Potion, Fire Bomb Spag Bitterstalk, Level 3 Barbarian (Kenghis Ghan) Power: 6 Health: 10/10 Gold: 0 Inventory: Crude Splinterwood Club (WP: 3), Standard-Issue Halberd (WP: 1;Total Damage doubled against mounted enemies and enemies scaling walls, Potion, Mead Isabella del Toboso, Level 3 Rogue (Dharkan) Power: 6 Health: 9/9 Gold: 5 Inventory: Golden Dagger (WP: 3), Standard-Issue Sword (WP: 1), Venom, Potion, Bedroll Arthur Justus Regulus VII, Level 3 Mage (Flipz) Power: 6 Health: 7/7 Ether: 6/7 Gold: 0 Inventory: Serpentine Staff (WP: 3), Opal (Ice), Potion, Bedroll, Telescope Crude Counterweight Catapult Operated by Arthur and Isabella Level: 2 Health: 10/10 Ammunition: Stones (unlimited) Arasmyth RuGard, Level 9 Mage (Kadabra) Power: 13 Health: 13/13 Ether: 9/13 Gold: 3 Inventory: Sapphire Staff (WP: 4; Wind), Robe of Magi (SP: 1), Scroll of Sealing, Sapphire (Wind), Topaz (Lightning), Potion, Smoke Bomb, Water Bomb, Grand Tonic Hiyaaaaaa Hwacha Operated by Arasmyth Level: 5 Health: 15/15 Ammunition: Explosive Arrows (6 Turns-worth) - The Hiyaaaaaa Hwacha will target every enemy in front of a selected wall. (example statement of action: "Hiyaaaaaa Hwacha targets enemies in front of the East Wall") Explosive arrows have a 50% chance per target of exploding violently and imparting a Burning effect, causing the target to lose 2 Health per Round until the fire is extinguished. Note: The Hiyaaaaaa Hwacha must take a Turn after each attack to reload - this need can be eliminated by assigning a second Operator to the weapon. IC: Arasmyth found Althior talking to Arthur, waited for a gap in their conversation, and quickly interjected "Ah, Althior, could you spare one of the horses we've obtained? I don't think they'd be of much use in the fort, what with all the narrow doorways ( ), and I think I have a good use for one." QM Note:If you're thinking what I think you're thinking, the towers all have narrow doorways and stairs. Though you might be able to use the crane to lift the horse to the top of all the strong guys helped.
Kadabra Posted February 12, 2012 Posted February 12, 2012 QM Note: If you're thinking what I think you're thinking, the towers all have narrow doorways and stairs. Though you might be able to use the crane to lift the horse to the top of all the strong guys helped. OOC: Stupid doorways! I'll get Xander and Spag to help me if Althior agrees to give me a horse.
Flipz Posted February 12, 2012 Posted February 12, 2012 (edited) Seeing that quite some time had passed, Arthur uses his telescope to look for signs of the Elves or anyone--or anything--else in the forest. He notices that a new reply has appeared in the book, but decides to take time to contemplate before responding. He hisses to Arasmyth, "Psst! Use ropes, belt wheels, and/or gears to extend from the ground to the tower mount, it'll be much easier and we can get to the horse if we need him." <indignant neigh> "Her." Edited February 12, 2012 by Flipz
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