KittenMaster
Member
<Yes. Yes he is.>
-
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Excalibur: a NeoGAF Pathfinder Play by Post Campaign
- Thread starter KittenMaster
- Start date
<Yes. Yes he is.>
Axelhortsemchi
Member
Leo is following along with the elf's answers, but still hasn't heard him say the action is righteous. "I still can't tell if you think-"
-"WHAT?! Baldur, saving the kid is very manly and all, but are you sure?"
-"WHAT?! Baldur, saving the kid is very manly and all, but are you sure?"
DeadPhoenix
Member
"That is the WORST idea you've ever had. Seriously, what is wrong with you? If we aren't gonna take that thing down or something, then quite frankly we should just leave. You aren't even saving the kids life, not till he older then you. Possibly long after you are dead. And being a powerful druid or whatever, when that time comes I suspect he will be able to leave if he is smart enough to see this whole thing is complete bullshit."
KittenMaster
Member
A voice soon echoes inside of everyone's mind
Dortumn says it is fine if Wolf.. or Alf rather wishes to stay. Forgive us but we are still scrying your progress on occasion and we saw everything just now. Dortumn wants to apologize for the hardships the military put Alf through and can easily write a cover up for his absence if needed. He says the military life wasn't right for him.
We feel that your grand discovery should be kept out of the wrong hands anyhow. Dortumn would feel comfortable knowing someone can keep any potential rebels that may be on the island away from it.
Dortumn says it is fine if Wolf.. or Alf rather wishes to stay. Forgive us but we are still scrying your progress on occasion and we saw everything just now. Dortumn wants to apologize for the hardships the military put Alf through and can easily write a cover up for his absence if needed. He says the military life wasn't right for him.
We feel that your grand discovery should be kept out of the wrong hands anyhow. Dortumn would feel comfortable knowing someone can keep any potential rebels that may be on the island away from it.
((When I first came up with the character ages ago (we were still doing the first game), I did envision him as a Batman pastiche, but he's kinda metamorphosed into Jonah Hex instead, which suits him better in the end.))
Dreadstone scowls at the telepathic message they receive. "Dortumn's right," he begrudgingly admits. "If the Orphans got wind of this, they'd rain down on this here village like a hurricane and wipe these people out.
"No, someone's gotta stay behind, and there's not a man or wolf alive more qualified than Alpha Lone Baldur, or whatever he goes by these days. 'Course now we're down a man, but... This is where you belong, son."
DeadPhoenix
Member
"Were we not just complaining about the people of this village doing the same thing we are doing now? Hell, Alf probably hasn't even been human for as long as the kid has been alive. And now we are gonna let him sacrifice himself to a tree-god who already sounds like an asshole? ...I can't ...This is ...Whatever, its your short, apparently worthless, life." Draco begins walking off, probably towards the exit of the village, or wherever the first entered.
(("Now I see who the real monsters are on this island..."))
(("Now I see who the real monsters are on this island..."))
Axelhortsemchi
Member
As it dawns on Leo that Baldur won't be talked out of this, he realizes this might be the last time he gets to speak with him.
"If you're deadset on staying here, I guess this is it. You've been a hell of a man and a wolf. I do have one last thing I want to ask you before we go our separate ways, though."
Speaking so only Baldur can hear him, Leo asks "Seriously, what does a tree man mate with to produce a man that's also a wolf? I've been trying to figure that out since you said he was your dad, and I've still got no idea."
"If you're deadset on staying here, I guess this is it. You've been a hell of a man and a wolf. I do have one last thing I want to ask you before we go our separate ways, though."
Speaking so only Baldur can hear him, Leo asks "Seriously, what does a tree man mate with to produce a man that's also a wolf? I've been trying to figure that out since you said he was your dad, and I've still got no idea."
ThLunarian
Member
Baldur looks taken aback by Draco's reaction to the news, but after a second, he bursts into a fit of laughter, the biggest one since witnessing Stricia shoot down Niko in the carriage ride to Emerald Bay.
"Thank you, Draco. I like you, too." He pats the half-elf reassuringly on the shoulder. "I have no intentions to sacrificing myself to Igdrizzle. But there is much to gain from me staying here. I--"
At this point, Dortumn's message begins to play. Baldur makes a face and makes a show of tilting his head and tapping the side of it to make the voice fall out of the other ear.
When it's over, he harumphs. "If you listening, dwarf-man, no more of that. Too many voices talking to my head already."
He clears his throat and continues. "I stay here, I can learn about this situation. This practice of train-then-sacrifice start with my father; this means is brand new. MUST be better way of doing things. Only way to know is to stay and find things out.
"Also, I just learn of my human father, and I wish to know more. Staying here is easiest way for this. My pack is here as well, and Lady especially will wish to stay along them.
"Finally, as Dwarf-man say, this village is vulnerable. Someone must be here to protect it, and I am glad to do this, but I know all of you have other jobs to do."
He nods to acknowledge Dreadstone. "Is Baldur now," he declares. "This is my true name, by my father. No more changes. And thank you for compliments. You not so bad hunter yourself, Son."
He walks over to Stricia and looks her in the eyes. "Stricia, you have teached me much for these months we traveled and trained together. I will never forget your lessons and will continue learning more of the monk ways as best I can on my own. Thank you." He hugs her and moves on to Leo.
"Tiberious, I...." He trails off as the gladiator leans in to whisper in his ear.
Baldur then looks at Tiberious in disbelief. "WHAT?! No. Odin turn me into human from wolf form. There is no mating; I was already alive. He only used magic for transformations. This was my rebirth."
He rolls his eyes and shakes his head, then moves on. "Nico, I swear by my life that this child will not ever be forced or coerced to live his life in ways he has not chosen. You can leave here easy in this belief."
Having addressed each member of the party individually, he steps back and addresses the entire pack. "You all are my pack and my family, and that ain't changing. We may be apart, but we will meet again. Who can know? Maybe I find an easy way to fix things and be back soon. Do not think Goodbye; think 'I see you later.'" He smiles and turns to the elf.
"Now," he declares, "Show me your smartest god-experts so I can start learning."
"Thank you, Draco. I like you, too." He pats the half-elf reassuringly on the shoulder. "I have no intentions to sacrificing myself to Igdrizzle. But there is much to gain from me staying here. I--"
At this point, Dortumn's message begins to play. Baldur makes a face and makes a show of tilting his head and tapping the side of it to make the voice fall out of the other ear.
When it's over, he harumphs. "If you listening, dwarf-man, no more of that. Too many voices talking to my head already."
He clears his throat and continues. "I stay here, I can learn about this situation. This practice of train-then-sacrifice start with my father; this means is brand new. MUST be better way of doing things. Only way to know is to stay and find things out.
"Also, I just learn of my human father, and I wish to know more. Staying here is easiest way for this. My pack is here as well, and Lady especially will wish to stay along them.
"Finally, as Dwarf-man say, this village is vulnerable. Someone must be here to protect it, and I am glad to do this, but I know all of you have other jobs to do."
He nods to acknowledge Dreadstone. "Is Baldur now," he declares. "This is my true name, by my father. No more changes. And thank you for compliments. You not so bad hunter yourself, Son."
He walks over to Stricia and looks her in the eyes. "Stricia, you have teached me much for these months we traveled and trained together. I will never forget your lessons and will continue learning more of the monk ways as best I can on my own. Thank you." He hugs her and moves on to Leo.
"Tiberious, I...." He trails off as the gladiator leans in to whisper in his ear.
Baldur then looks at Tiberious in disbelief. "WHAT?! No. Odin turn me into human from wolf form. There is no mating; I was already alive. He only used magic for transformations. This was my rebirth."
He rolls his eyes and shakes his head, then moves on. "Nico, I swear by my life that this child will not ever be forced or coerced to live his life in ways he has not chosen. You can leave here easy in this belief."
Having addressed each member of the party individually, he steps back and addresses the entire pack. "You all are my pack and my family, and that ain't changing. We may be apart, but we will meet again. Who can know? Maybe I find an easy way to fix things and be back soon. Do not think Goodbye; think 'I see you later.'" He smiles and turns to the elf.
"Now," he declares, "Show me your smartest god-experts so I can start learning."
KittenMaster
Member
<Let me impart to you one more trait...
No... not a trait...
A feat
Allow me to bestow upon you as a parting gift... Leadership.>
No... not a trait...
A feat
Allow me to bestow upon you as a parting gift... Leadership.>
ThLunarian
Member
KittenMaster
Member
<Don't bother building Death Stars, the Rebels will just blow it up with their X-Wing fighters.>
DeadPhoenix
Member
((we'll never get to keep any full divine casters, will we?))
KittenMaster
Member
<Don't worry I'm sure we can arrange Dreadstone to carry a Happy Stick.>
((You're not leaving the game are you Lunarian?))
Stricia feels herself choking up as Alf... no... Baldur addresses her. She returns his hug fiercely. "Make your own destiny Baldur and there will be no limit to what you learn." she steps back and bows deeply too overcome with emotion to say anymore.
Stricia feels herself choking up as Alf... no... Baldur addresses her. She returns his hug fiercely. "Make your own destiny Baldur and there will be no limit to what you learn." she steps back and bows deeply too overcome with emotion to say anymore.
DeadPhoenix
Member
((Well, Niko has one already(which he shouldn't be able to use without UMD rolls normally, but ehh.), and i can give people my extracts, so healing is not really an issue(also, everyone gets 2 free potions). I'm just sayin' probably not an issue as long as you build encounters around that.))
ThLunarian
Member
((Nope, I'm not leaving the game. The decision for Baldur to leave was pretty much spur of the moment, but it made complete sense for the character given the circumstances. I'll be back soon enough 
))
))
Jackben
bitch I'm taking calls.
Niko's right eye twitches slightly as he reaches out for a tree to steady himself. A sinking feeling rises up inside of his gut as his mind churns, ransacking every corner for some kind of strategy or solution that will avoid having to bid their friend farewell. But even before he begins, memories of the lone wolf's bravery and determination shutter any spark of a plan before it can begin to form.
He thinks about the uncertain future of the small, bright-eyed boy in the sheltered community of the village. A strange village under the distant influence of an unknowable fledgeling goddess. That future begins to disappear and be replaced by leadership of a lone wolf. Nicholas smiles in a resigned sadness.
"So this is how it must be..."
Tumbling out from the underbrush, Ozzy approaches Baldur and places a small amber rock at his feet, before darting away once more. On closer inspection, it appears to be petrified wood, a smooth piece of forest forever preserved in stone.
Eyes downcast, Niko laughs. "Oz never brings me anything like that." He looks up to Baldur and thanks him. "You are a good man, better than most who have lived human their entire lives. We will miss you, but I can tell this village will prosper most with your help. Thank you for being a pack leader and friend."
He thinks about the uncertain future of the small, bright-eyed boy in the sheltered community of the village. A strange village under the distant influence of an unknowable fledgeling goddess. That future begins to disappear and be replaced by leadership of a lone wolf. Nicholas smiles in a resigned sadness.
"So this is how it must be..."
Tumbling out from the underbrush, Ozzy approaches Baldur and places a small amber rock at his feet, before darting away once more. On closer inspection, it appears to be petrified wood, a smooth piece of forest forever preserved in stone.
Eyes downcast, Niko laughs. "Oz never brings me anything like that." He looks up to Baldur and thanks him. "You are a good man, better than most who have lived human their entire lives. We will miss you, but I can tell this village will prosper most with your help. Thank you for being a pack leader and friend."
KittenMaster
Member
<Let me know when you guys are done with goodbyes.>
Gnaw sniffs Baldur's hand and whines plaintively. He's not the smartest dog on the world, but he knows something is amiss.
Dreadstone offers a rare moment of affection and pats the dog on the top of his head. "Easy boy," he says. "It's not anythin' bad, just a change. Changes happen."
Nodding toward Baldur, he says, "Apparently I don't need to look out after you after all. Guess I'm off the hook with your tree dad here."
Lighting a cigarette, he inhales deeply and holds it a moment before letting the cloud of smoke pour out of his mouth. "There's a joke about bark here, somewhere..."
((Dreadstone's ready))
Dreadstone offers a rare moment of affection and pats the dog on the top of his head. "Easy boy," he says. "It's not anythin' bad, just a change. Changes happen."
Nodding toward Baldur, he says, "Apparently I don't need to look out after you after all. Guess I'm off the hook with your tree dad here."
Lighting a cigarette, he inhales deeply and holds it a moment before letting the cloud of smoke pour out of his mouth. "There's a joke about bark here, somewhere..."
((Dreadstone's ready))
Axelhortsemchi
Member
After Baldur's explanation, Leo breathes a sigh of relief. Not only does Baldur seem fine with what's in store, but the biggest mystery of a generation has been cleared up.
((Leo's ready to go))
((Leo's ready to go))
DeadPhoenix
Member
((Draco was ready to go before it was cool.))
KittenMaster
Member
<Jackben said that he'll be absent soon. Is it alright with the both of you if I ask thLunarian to make actions for him in combat while he doesn't have a character and Jackben is absent? If neither if you want to then I'll npc him.>
ThLunarian
Member
((Sure, that's okay by me. Just need a list of spells known and I can wing it from there))
KittenMaster
Member
Eventually most of the strange visitors depart, leaving the hidden village for the wolves to protect once more. Uncertain eyes gaze at their departure, a young thought unsure what to take of all of the events that have happened overnight, failing implication and blame on anything.
With the cub at his side, the strange boy scratches behind its ear roughly. Two friends find joy returning to their lives, unfamiliar to the truths of tragedy that befall many. They are young creatures ready to return to their mischievous ways, scheming their next little playtime activity for themselves.
However; the disconnect from adult affairs will soon end quickly. Before the child, the elven chief, voice of the elder, kneels down in front of him, eyes meeting his. He says, "Yavin.. child of lost parents, brother of the wolf. Son of Odin has returned to take his place as elder of our people. We trust him because he is strong, and he had led the wolves.. and still leads the wolves. He knows the ways of the hunters."
"Yavin.. would you like to become strong like Baldur, son of Odin?"
---
The voice of the headmaster echoes in your minds once more, with the exception of Baldur, who is no longer among you, I see that you are out in the wilderness once more. Dortumn wanted me to tell you that Dreadstone is leader of your group once more, and that you'll need to improvise to make it through the wilderness without an expert.
As Niko is brought away from Yggdrasil's presence, he'll soon realize some of the goddess' power is lingering within him still.
<Niko, I don't know if you're able to read this, but because you've come in contact with a Deity, your powers increase as a result.
You may learn one extra spell for each spell level (but only if you can cast spells of that level) chosen from a pool of the following Domains: Animal, Good, Plant, Law, and Community>
With the cub at his side, the strange boy scratches behind its ear roughly. Two friends find joy returning to their lives, unfamiliar to the truths of tragedy that befall many. They are young creatures ready to return to their mischievous ways, scheming their next little playtime activity for themselves.
However; the disconnect from adult affairs will soon end quickly. Before the child, the elven chief, voice of the elder, kneels down in front of him, eyes meeting his. He says, "Yavin.. child of lost parents, brother of the wolf. Son of Odin has returned to take his place as elder of our people. We trust him because he is strong, and he had led the wolves.. and still leads the wolves. He knows the ways of the hunters."
"Yavin.. would you like to become strong like Baldur, son of Odin?"
---
The voice of the headmaster echoes in your minds once more, with the exception of Baldur, who is no longer among you, I see that you are out in the wilderness once more. Dortumn wanted me to tell you that Dreadstone is leader of your group once more, and that you'll need to improvise to make it through the wilderness without an expert.
As Niko is brought away from Yggdrasil's presence, he'll soon realize some of the goddess' power is lingering within him still.
<Niko, I don't know if you're able to read this, but because you've come in contact with a Deity, your powers increase as a result.
You may learn one extra spell for each spell level (but only if you can cast spells of that level) chosen from a pool of the following Domains: Animal, Good, Plant, Law, and Community>
KittenMaster
Member
After a bit of uphill steps, you find yourselves higher on the island, able to gaze over the trees left behind in your travels. The air is increasingly chilly as you edge closer to the sun. You stand on wet grass uphill from the village. To the north the highlands continue in the hilly regions, as does the east. The ground to the south cuts off from your sight, jutting to trees at a line, suggesting a cliff-line.
Axelhortsemchi
Member
Standing uphill from the village, Leo is glad to be moving closer to things he can kill. "They said east for the orphans right? We should probably head that way then. Anyone know which way east is?" He then takes a quick look around to see if he can spot anything.
Code:
[url=http://roll.coyotecode.net/lookup.php?rollid=62727]Perception North: 1D20 + 5 = [4]+5 = 9
[/url]
Code:
[url=http://roll.coyotecode.net/lookup.php?rollid=62728]Perception East: 1D20 + 5 = [10]+5 = 15
[/url]
Code:
[url=http://roll.coyotecode.net/lookup.php?rollid=62729]Perception South: 1D20 + 5 = [13]+5 = 18
[/url]"The spire. The spire is where I believe we will find the orphans." Stricia agrees and does a sweep as well:
Perception North, east, South.: 1D20+14 = [12]+14 = 26
1D20+14 = [4]+14 = 18
1D20+14 = [20]+14 = 34
Perception North, east, South.: 1D20+14 = [12]+14 = 26
1D20+14 = [4]+14 = 18
1D20+14 = [20]+14 = 34
Jackben
bitch I'm taking calls.
Niko shrugs as he taps off some of the wet earth from his boots against a rock."You would know, since you got a bird's eye view!" As the team tries to piece together their bearings, the sorcerer can't help but wonder about Lone Wolf and the village still. He asks out loud what the others think, now that the situation has concluded.
"Do you think Baldur made the right choice? Maybe if I hadn't stuck my nose in the village's business this wouldn't have happened and we would still have him on our team. I just didn't want the kid to end up being pressured into something like that without anyone around to offer a different perspective."
"Do you think Baldur made the right choice? Maybe if I hadn't stuck my nose in the village's business this wouldn't have happened and we would still have him on our team. I just didn't want the kid to end up being pressured into something like that without anyone around to offer a different perspective."
KittenMaster
Member
<I doubt I would have had more to say than what Odin told you. What you're meant to learn tends to be planned in advance.
I need a moment to properly address your Perception checks, but I need to remind Stricia that she saw the "spire" on the south east portion of the island, and you were advised to go to the north east part as you are on the north western area.>
I need a moment to properly address your Perception checks, but I need to remind Stricia that she saw the "spire" on the south east portion of the island, and you were advised to go to the north east part as you are on the north western area.>
KittenMaster
Member
To the south, is a cliff-side dropping into the thick trees below it. East from where you are, there appear to be a pack of bears eating a large dinosaur that they had slain. North appears to take you to continued highlands, with no apparent continuation afterward.
Axelhortsemchi
Member
"I wouldn't worry too much Niko, you were trying to look out for the kid, and so was Baldur. He didn't seem to feel bad about staying behind, so you shouldn't either."
As Leo looks to the east, he feels an inexplicable sense of unease. "Hey guys, maybe we should go north a bit and then cut east. No need to kill normal animals, right?"
As Leo looks to the east, he feels an inexplicable sense of unease. "Hey guys, maybe we should go north a bit and then cut east. No need to kill normal animals, right?"
"Baldur had been searching for a purpose Nico. I think he found it in the village. And if the divine energies of the world mean that there must be gods then I can think of no one better to protect and guide a young goddess in its formative years than Baldur." Stricia glances back at the visible sillhouete of the giant tree for a moment before steeling herself to move forward.
"I think Leo is right, I see no reason to interfere with the animals. If we could calm them somehow we can head east otherwise it seems wiser to try to go around them to the North."
((Let's just ignore that Stricia mentioned the spire. IT NEVER HAPPENED))
"I think Leo is right, I see no reason to interfere with the animals. If we could calm them somehow we can head east otherwise it seems wiser to try to go around them to the North."
((Let's just ignore that Stricia mentioned the spire. IT NEVER HAPPENED))
KittenMaster
Member
<From here on I'm gonna need preparation for every little thing so expect me to be slow.
Also, you could always check out the spire on the way back if you want.>
Also, you could always check out the spire on the way back if you want.>
Jackben
bitch I'm taking calls.
Smiling at Stricia and Leo, the sorcerer nods. "That makes sense. And I suppose nothing ever really disappears forever, it just changes form over time." He looks back at the giant tree with the monk, as mist from the trees hides the village from view.
"Baldur's presence definitely changed our fate. I'm sure he will be a positive influence upon the village as well." Niko flexes his gloved hands, his eyes glowing blue as he examines the magic still floating through the air. "I can still feel tendrils of Yggdrasil's power lingering about. I plan to put it to good use."
((new spells picked))
"I am on board for going around as well. Let's head north."
"Baldur's presence definitely changed our fate. I'm sure he will be a positive influence upon the village as well." Niko flexes his gloved hands, his eyes glowing blue as he examines the magic still floating through the air. "I can still feel tendrils of Yggdrasil's power lingering about. I plan to put it to good use."
((new spells picked))
"I am on board for going around as well. Let's head north."
Axelhortsemchi
Member
Leo is relieved that the party is going around the bears, enough so that the backhanded nature of Dreadstone's complement flies over his head.
"Thanks Deadstone! I was expecting you all to want to go through them. Glad that one worked out."
"Thanks Deadstone! I was expecting you all to want to go through them. Glad that one worked out."
DeadPhoenix
Member
After taking his sweet time answering, Draco finally replies, "Sure, north sounds good..." He probably seems a bit more distant... then usual anyways.
KittenMaster
Member
<Kind of swamped with tasks (spoilers, the upcoming battle is hard to avoid so I'll have to make graphics for it), so it'll be some time before I get stuff done just for the upcoming part, then I'll need to work on stuff for the dungeon after.
The reason I don't already have this done is because I was busy making an NPC design, so yeah, I am catching up right now.>
The reason I don't already have this done is because I was busy making an NPC design, so yeah, I am catching up right now.>
KittenMaster
Member
You are now meeting a cliff overlooking rocky shoals and an end of the island. Seeing the ocean once more invokes thoughts of the endless nights.
Towards the west, the island becomes more misty. To the east, the hills continue on and lead into a rocky corner with some trees.
<I'm ready for the upcoming encounter, assuming it happens. I still need to work on other stuff too but at least we can continue playing.>
Towards the west, the island becomes more misty. To the east, the hills continue on and lead into a rocky corner with some trees.
<I'm ready for the upcoming encounter, assuming it happens. I still need to work on other stuff too but at least we can continue playing.>
Axelhortsemchi
Member
As the move north and past the bears, Leo looks around again.
In one direction, the island looks misty. Leo's first instinct upon seeing mist is to charge in and kill whatever evil things are presumably hidden within. The other path leads to more trees. Bleh. Nature.
"There's probably something worth killing in the mist over there! Evil looking mist always warrants a good checking out. Of course, I think we're supposed to be going east, and I have no idea which of these two ways is east. What say you, Deadstone?"
In one direction, the island looks misty. Leo's first instinct upon seeing mist is to charge in and kill whatever evil things are presumably hidden within. The other path leads to more trees. Bleh. Nature.
Code:
[url=http://roll.coyotecode.net/lookup.php?rollid=62833]Perception West: 1D20 + 5 = [10]+5 = 15
[/url]
Code:
[url=http://roll.coyotecode.net/lookup.php?rollid=62834]Perception East: 1D20 + 5 = [5]+5 = 10
[/url]KittenMaster
Member
Tiberius is unable to spot anything in particular in either of the directions he has looked.
KittenMaster
Member
Stricia is fairly certain that both directions seem to be safe, but she is also certain that to the east is a corner, meaning that they would need to get past the bears either way.
KittenMaster
Member
<Dreadstone, make a knowledge (Geography) EDIT: Or heck, even a perception would work in this context>