Vote Up A Campaign Setting: Discussion Thread III

[Zeta Kai]

Any comments on the Samandar? Hmm?

[vegetalss4]

it is a fiery bird, with that nice mythological feel, good stats and an awesome picture, however i don't get why you named it after a city instead of calling it a phoenix .

[paddyfool]

it is a fiery bird, with that nice mythological feel, good stats and an awesome picture, however i don't get why you named it after a city instead of calling it a phoenix .

Samandar is a Persian name for the phoenix.

Very nice indeed, Zeta Kai. One question: when newly hatched, is one of these malleable to training, and would it retain any memory of its former life?

[afroakuma]

Samandar is a Persian name for the phoenix.

Very nice indeed, Zeta Kai. One question: when newly hatched, is one of these malleable to training

No. You thought I'd add something worthwile? Optimist.

[paddyfool]

I like how I accidentally asked two questions after saying "one question", and you deliberately only answer the first. Serves me right. :smallsmile:

[afroakuma]

Also because I think the latter is up to the DM, and not us.

[SwordGoddess]

Oooo...I like. I wonder if anything like the feathers of one of these could be used for magical purposes? Like spell components or other such things?

[blackspeeker]

Oooo...I like. I wonder if anything like the feathers of one of these could be used for magical purposes? Like spell components or other such things?

I second this question and add (in reference to the price of the egg) why would someone want to collect the egg of an intelligent monster that could just resurrect itself and then burn you half to hell, other than for bragging rights?

[afroakuma]

I second this question and add (in reference to the price of the egg) why would someone want to collect the egg of an intelligent monster that could just resurrect itself and then burn you half to hell, other than for bragging rights?

Only source of adamant in the game.

[Shadow_Elf]

:smallfrown:

Other than that, it looks good.

Sorry to disappoint folks, but this is one of the few monsters I am not doing 4e stats for, since any DM worth his or her salt will own an MM, and therefore have WotC's perfectly good Phoenix, which does a very good job of emulating what the Samandar does. If only you guys had voted for a different CR...

[afroakuma]

*shrug* they should be thankful that I abstained from calling the shots. I would have just given them the nearest CR worth of desert dragon and called it a day.

[Hyozo]

And now for something completely different:


An Interactive Fantasizing Experience

Rules

• Step 1

Activate the music link and let it swish around in your brainspace.

• Step 2

Click on the image links in order, but take any amount of time to contemplate them.

• Step 3

Now contemplate yourself playing in the world you imagine, with the prompting of the imagery and music.

Ready?

Mood Music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjKctPewO7Y)

Storyteller (http://www.shweir.com/images/Jabbour_Arabian_Night.JPG)

Painting of Najmah (http://blog.lib.umn.edu/raim0007/gwss1001/arabian_nights.jpg)

A sendoff for a journey (http://www.smartdestinations.com/design/images/orlando/attractions/GoORL-arabiannights.jpg)

A mysterious woman, a mysterious beast (http://www.venesstravelmedia.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/ArabianNights.jpg)

An enchanted shrine (http://www.theatrehphs.org/Arabian%20Nights%20One.JPG)

Half-ghul... (http://images.epilogue.net/users/morgorth/vampire.jpg)

Siege... (http://rampantgames.com/blog/uploaded_images/cob_cover-728615.jpg)

A bound servant genie (http://curseofthedjinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/djinn2.jpg)

And another (http://www.kolakisart.com/artemis_gallery/DJINN.jpg)

To market... (http://www.southern-turkey.co.uk/istanbul/images/egyptian_bazaar2.jpg)

...among the wonders of the bazaar (http://z.about.com/d/goasia/1/0/G/y/1/Istanbul-GrandBazaar-JuanRomero.jpg)

A pit stop (http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/dpko/pub/year_review06/images/Sudan_nomadic_tribe.jpg)

...before moving on (http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/images/trips/fullsize/12293.jpg)

A sorcerer's survey... (http://www.funci.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/S%C3%A1haraOS001435.jpg)

...or an assassin's strike (http://www.paintermagazine.co.uk/users/4051/thm1024/arabianassassin_final.jpg)

From the wild free desert... (http://art4linux.org/system/files/desert-1280x1024.jpg)

...to the mythical oceans of night... (http://www.mattbess.com/3dartwork/uploads/NightOcean800.jpg)

...the paths and cracks between the worlds... (http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/cnishared/tools/shared/mediahub_test/00/69/65/slideshow_265690_WhiteSandsNM.jpg)

...and the wonders built by those who live there... (http://www.alohamaldives.com/Restate/Images/scan0013.jpg)


The worlds of Kamala await you

The markets of Kamala sell Kodak cameras and take Mastercard?

Seriously, that is a good selection of pictures and music, I'm actually setting one of them as my background. If you really think you can get this out this September, consider a game already being run at my college.

[afroakuma]

Seriously, that is a good selection of pictures and music, I'm actually setting one of them as my background. If you really think you can get this out this September, consider a game already being run at my college.

It's going to be really tight, especially with me back to work (and soon back to school) but I think 3E can be done for September. 4E I just don't know about, but I have very high hopes.

[Juhn]

I'm going to once again voice my opinion not to rush for our sake - but then, I've heard you guys are perfectionists, so I doubt you'd rush to the point where quality suffered anyway.

[afroakuma]

I'm going to once again voice my opinion not to rush for our sake - but then, I've heard you guys are perfectionists, so I doubt you'd rush to the point where quality suffered anyway.

What's wrong with Rush? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKBLSkN2sRk)

This isn't just about rushing, though - it's also about the fact that Shadow and I will have onerous educational commitments come September.

[Juhn]

Rush the verb. I have nothing against Rush the band. :smalltongue:

And yes, there is that.

And, well, now I'm just filling up our official last thread with superfluous posts, so I think I'll go to sleep. Haven't gotten nearly enough in the last several days.

[Athaniar]

Sorry to disappoint folks, but this is one of the few monsters I am not doing 4e stats for, since any DM worth his or her salt will own an MM, and therefore have WotC's perfectly good Phoenix, which does a very good job of emulating what the Samandar does. If only you guys had voted for a different CR...
One of the 3E MMs also has stats for the Phoenix, although it's not core.

[Zeta Kai]

One of the 3E MMs also has stats for the Phoenix, although it's not core.

It was in Monster Manual 2, on page 168. It was a CR24 monster, so ours is not terribly similar. Hence the entirely new entry.

[Athaniar]

Sooo... anything new?

[afroakuma]

York, Jersey, Mexico, Hampshire, England, Kids on the Block, Zealand, Orleans, spaper...

What were you looking for in particular?

[Thane of Fife]

York, Jersey, Mexico, Hampshire, England, Kids on the Block, Zealand, Orleans, spaper...

What were you looking for in particular?

foundland, actually, but....

I'm not Lord Xavius, but any interesting non-standard mounts?

[afroakuma]

Are camels nonstandard?

No, I don't think there are.

[afroakuma]

For the record:

Not dead.

[Juhn]

Figured you guys were just working really hard to ship by September, which would somewhat limit your hosting abilities for this thread.

[Mercenary Pen]

Also, pretty much nobody's been asking questions, so they haven't had any annoying forumgoers (such as myself) to answer the questions of.

[afroakuma]

Yeah, it's just that the thread was plummeting and I didn't want people to think we'd stopped.

[Zeta Kai]

We're not dead. We're just hard at work.

[Shadow_Elf]

I've gotten more measurable progress on the 4e crunch done in the last two weeks than in any other two week period since November, I think. So yes, we are hard at work.

[Juhn]

As I said up there, I'd assumed as much.

[SwordGoddess]

Yeah, I was waiting, too. Figured everyone was just hard at work. And...I think I'm out of questions, to be honest. Mostly what's left is anticipation.:smallwink:

[Juhn]

I'm actually pretty much out of questions too. Considering this project's been going on for the better part of a year, it's not unsurprising that a few of us may have run out by now.

[afroakuma]

I'm actually pretty much out of questions too. Considering this project's been going on for the better part of a year, it's not unsurprising that a few of us may have run out by now.

I imagine a few might crop up if I suddenly permitted forbidden topics. :smallamused:

[vegetalss4]

is that a purely hypothetical remark? heres hoping its not

[Tobi_goodboy]

...I'm amazed. I spent the last two days stalking the closed topics of the previous dicussion (and the predating vote topic as well) though i need to finish catching up on this one. be right back--remember, I AM ALWAYS WATCHING. and sorry for appearing from nowhere...

[afroakuma]

is that a purely hypothetical remark? heres hoping its not

And if it wasn't, what would you be planning to do about it? :smallwink:

[vegetalss4]

why ask some questions of course, the first being which topics that, hypothetically speaking, would be opened as to not annoy you by steeping out of bounds.

[afroakuma]

why ask some questions of course, the first being which topics that, hypothetically speaking, would be opened as to not annoy you by steeping out of bounds.

In this hypothetical situation, we may as well assume they're all open. :smallamused:

[Tobi_goodboy]

I was wondering a few things about lizardfolk appearances--apologies if any of these questions have been posted before--also, most of this is just trivial stuff...

Are their appearances just cut/pasted from the MM (with slight tweaks to fit the scenery)?

if not, do they have fangs (dinosaur/alligator/croc-esque) or (those ridge structures with REALLY small, numerous teeth whose name eludes me at the moment) similar to the garden variety lizard/iguana?

do lizardfolk have long snouts (like bangaa from FFtactics) or short (dinosaur or iguana-esque)?

do lizardfolk have spines (not the bones, the ridgelike scales you'd find on other various reptiles)?

do lizardfolk have 'hair' (or those hairlike... think raptors)?

how many fingers/toes do lizardfolk have?

do lizardfolk have long tongues?

do they have those 'second eyelids' that alligators/crocodiles have?

do lizardfolk have frills (either full neck, or just the throat from the garden variety lizard, or none at all)?

are their scales rough or smooth? small or large? do they have different textured/type scales for different parts of their bodies (flatter, smoother scales on their belly-area, for example)?

can their scales change color (similar to a garden variety lizard)?

do they have visible 'ears' (bangaa, for example) or are they under the skin, like other reptiles?

[LordZarth]

Well, hypothetically, if they were all open, and even more hypothetically Afroakuma would volunteer information, I might ask for elaboration about the creation process of the Kamala.

[afroakuma]

I was wondering a few things about lizardfolk appearances--apologies if any of these questions have been posted before--also, most of this is just trivial stuff...

Are their appearances just cut/pasted from the MM (with slight tweaks to fit the scenery)?

Pretty much, yeah.


do lizardfolk have long snouts (like bangaa from FFtactics) or short (dinosaur or iguana-esque)?

Short-ish?


do lizardfolk have spines (not the bones, the ridgelike scales you'd find on other various reptiles)?

No idea. Check your local Monster Manual.


do lizardfolk have 'hair' (or those hairlike... think raptors)?

No. The "hair" listing on a lizardfolk character sheet is to be used for predominant scale coloration instead.

As for the rest of your questions, they fall under the broad heading of "don't know, never thought about it, don't care." Design your lizardfolk as your DM allows.


Well, hypothetically, if they were all open, and even more hypothetically Afroakuma would volunteer information

Volunteer? I don't understand what it is that you're asking for here.


I might ask for elaboration about the creation process of the Kamala.

Oh? And in what hypothetical respect would this be?

[Tobi_goodboy]

Understood. Thanks for your time, I shall continue about my lurking then.

[afroakuma]

Nobody else is gonna dare? :smalltongue:

[paddyfool]

(Deep breath).

Pray tell us, oh teller of tales of distant planes: who was Zihaja before he was Zihaja?

[afroakuma]

(Deep breath).

Pray tell us, oh teller of tales of distant planes: who was Zihaja before he was Zihaja?

And this is exactly why you cannot have nice things.

[vegetalss4]

because we ask first excatly what we are allowed to do with "them", without "breaking" "them", then gets informed that everything won't "break" "them" and then they break anny way?:smallwink:

nevertheless i will try asking you something i don't think will be to much.

you said that ghuls are always evil because they made a choice, what choice is this, why is it always evil (provided it isn't obivous) and how do the make it?

[afroakuma]

because we ask first excatly what we are allowed to do with "them", without "breaking" "them", then gets informed that everything won't "break" "them" and then they break anny way?:smallwink:

Hey, this was all hypothetical. I never said I was allowing those questions. I was just curious as to what mysteries you guys were drooling over.

Of course, you keep picking things I definitely won't tell you, so I can't even see a road to leniency. :smalltongue:

[paddyfool]

Well, as you can guess, I remain most curious about to the ultimate question of why two whole planes of existence were turned at right-angles (figuratively speaking) and cut off from all the rest, and by whom.

But, on a more open note, it's always interesting and more important to hear about the stuff which actually matters to playing anything other than uber-epic or divine games in this setting. So... please tell us about new stuff that you feel is particularly shiny. Monsters or a city description preferred.

[afroakuma]

Well, as you can guess, I remain most curious about to the ultimate question of why two whole planes of existence were turned at right-angles (figuratively speaking) and cut off from all the rest, and by whom.

By Zihaja, obviously. Since he didn't want anything scary coming in.


So... please tell us about new stuff that you feel is particularly shiny. Monsters or a city description preferred.

No. I absolutely refuse to release any more monsters. Too many have been leaked already.

The greed of you peoples in pursuing the shiny has simply gone too far. Fine. You wanted jewels? You're getting rocks. You wanted gold, you're getting dirt. You wanted shiny? You're getting dusty. You wanted riches? You're getting loam:

Body to Loam
Transmutation (Polymorph) [Earth]
Level: Drd 8
Components: V, S, U
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: One creature
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Fortitude negates (see text)
Spell Resistance: Yes

This powerful spell is used by druids as a final punishment to those who have taken from the land. Striking a creature with your hand, you strip from them that which separates them from base earth, & render their body into fertile soil.

Even creatures normally immune to Fortitude saving throws, such as constructs, plants & undead, may be affected. Elementals, oozes & outsiders are immune, as are incorporeal creatures. Creatures with immunity to polymorph effects are also immune to this effect, but only if such immunity does not derive from their type.

A creature so transmuted is effectively destroyed. Their body does not exist to be reconstituted in any fashion. Only true resurrection or equivalent magic can restore such a victim to life.

Unique Component: If you speak Terran, the creature’s spell resistance against this effect is lowered by 4.

Meanwhile I shall get to dress myself in fineries:

Agal of Altered Destiny

Looks like a plain blue agal… or is green? Maybe it’s orange?
The wearer can grant a touched creature a +2 luck bonus (or inflict a -2 luck penalty) to its next saving throw. Doing so requires a successful touch attack, but does not permit the creature a save to resist.
Wondrous Item (agal).
Faint evocation; CL5th; Craft Wondrous Item, bend fate, skew fate; price 31,500gp; weight 0 lbs.


Bisht of Quenched Flames

This black linen robe is accented with wavy red embroidered shapes.
The bisht absorbs the first 10 points of fire damage per round that the wearer would normally take. Three times per day, the wearer can activate the garment’s true power as a swift action. Upon activation, it will absorb all fire damage for the next round, preventing any of it from harming the wearer. Absorbing fire damage at this time will heal the wearer of 1d6+4 points of damage, up to the wearer’s maximum HP. A bisht can be worn over a magical cloak, robe, shirt, &/or vest, but only one bisht may be worn at a time.
Wondrous Item (bisht).
Moderation abjuration CL 9th; Craft Magic Arms & Armor, resist energy; price 45,600gp; weight 3 lbs.


Cat’s Eye Lenses

These glass lenses have a tinted vertical slit & are joined by a copper wire set with agate.
The wearer of these lenses becomes immune to blindness, as well as the harmful effects of spells with the [Light] descriptor.
Wondrous Item (lens).
Faint evocation; CL 5th; Craft Wondrous Item, darkness; price 5,000gp; weight 0 lbs.


Cheche of Intrigue

This cheche is dyed an indigo that is so deep as to appear almost black.
When worn, it confers on the wearer a +6 insight bonus to Intimidate checks. Additionally, the wearer is immune to all opposed Sense Motive checks & to divination spells of 2nd level or lower. The cheche itself is immune to all divination spells of 5th level or lower.
Wondrous Item (scarf).
Moderate evocation; CL 12th, Craft Wondrous Item, nondetection; price 27,400gp; weight 0 lbs.


Rescuer’s Helm

This dented bronze helm is thickly armored on the crown & the cheek plates, & is lightly armored elsewhere. It is marked with repeating runes of protection, but it otherwise undecorated.
This helmet allows the wearer to confer their Fortitude, Reflex & Will bonuses to any single ally within 40’, as well as a deflection bonus to their AC equal to the wearer’s Charisma bonus, if any. The ally may use the better of their current save bonuses & deflection bonus or those the wearer confers. This transference lasts for only 1 round, but can be used up to five times per day.
Wondrous Item (helmet).
Strong abjuration; CL 9th; Craft Wondrous Item, saving grace; price 30,900gp; weight 2 lbs.


Scabbard of the Sirocco

This scabbard is made of leather with a golden flame pattern etched into the metal of its curling pommel guard.
When a weapon is drawn forth from within, it gains the Flaming special quality for the next 1d6+1 rounds; if the weapon already possesses the Flaming quality, the additional fire damage stacks. If the weapon placed in this scabbard has been within another magical scabbard in the past 24 hours, this scabbard’s powers will not function.
Wondrous Item (scabbard).
Moderate evocation; CL 9th; Craft Wondrous Item, fireball or produce flame; price 22,000gp; weight 1 lb.

[Athaniar]

That's some pretty cool stuff you've got there.

[afroakuma]

Of course it is. It's because I am awesome.

[Zeta Kai]

Of course it is. It's because I am awesome.

*AHEM* We are awesome.

[vegetalss4]

that you are, that you are

[lesser_minion]

I'd prefer it if the Cheche of intrigue didn't make one utterly immune to Sense Motive, but the items are very cool.

Ruling that all skills << spells doesn't sound great though.

[afroakuma]

I'd prefer it if the Cheche of intrigue didn't make one utterly immune to Sense Motive, but the items are very cool.

Ruling that all skills << spells doesn't sound great though.

For the record, it's not a spell, it's a scarf. A super duper scarf. Yay scarf.

For the record, cheches are intriguing enough (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cheche.JPG) that the enchantment only ramps it up to 11.

[paddyfool]

Just as long as "immune to opposed sense motive checks" doesn't mean "auto-success on a bluff".

[afroakuma]

Just as long as "immune to opposed sense motive checks" doesn't mean "auto-success on a bluff".

No, it means they can't determine whether you're lying or not. It certainly doesn't mean auto-success on Diplomacy.

Effectively, what it means is that you can either fail a Sense Motive check or draw a null. Obviously I need some fine print.

[SwordGoddess]

*drools over the items* Faboo. I likes the fire resisting robe, myself.

[afroakuma]

Bisht. Not robe. You can wear a robe and a bisht.

[Zeta Kai]

BTW, in case anyone's wondering, the banner in my signature is NOT the setting's final logo. It's just a temporary banner, taken from a rejected logo design. I just wanted to change things up with my sig, & I wanted to have a banner graphic ready for anyone who wants one. If you want to use it, to show your support or whatnot, you can use the following link:

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s228/zetakai/HoZLogo6.jpg

Also, remember that if you go perusing my PhotoBucket account without my express permission, I will sic AfroAkuma on you. His wrath is mighty, & his mercy is as black as his soul.

[Thane of Fife]

Also, remember that if you go perusing my PhotoBucket account without my express permission, I will sic AfroAkuma on you. His wrath is mighty, & his mercy is as black as his soul.

We all know that he's just a big softie on the inside.

More on-topic, are there any Mongol analogues?

[afroakuma]

We all know that he's just a big softie on the inside.

That's theoretically accurate; however, the consistency of my innards cannot be verified, as no weapon can pierce my awesome.

Orthopedic surgery equipment, yes. Weapon, no. :smallamused:


More on-topic, are there any Mongol analogues?

Ehh... no? I don't think so? Dao, maybe...

Aren't they a bit easterly for us?

[Thane of Fife]

Ehh... no? I don't think so? Dao, maybe...

Aren't they a bit easterly for us?

They made it into the middle-east. There were crusaders who were excommunicated for allying with the Mongols against the Saracens.

Also see: Battle of Ain Jalut (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ain_jalut).

And Dao are always interesting.

[afroakuma]

They made it into the middle-east. There were crusaders who were excommunicated for allying with the Mongols against the Saracens.

Also see: Battle of Ain Jalut (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ain_jalut).

Well, at any rate, it'd be somewhat late to be adding them.

Also, regardless of history, we're basing this on what is essentially a big book of fairy tales. No Mongols in the book, no Mongols in the setting. Except... you know, the Dao. Sorta. Maybe. I'm not quite clear on that.

[Thane of Fife]

Well, at any rate, it'd be somewhat late to be adding them.

Also, regardless of history, we're basing this on what is essentially a big book of fairy tales. No Mongols in the book, no Mongols in the setting. Except... you know, the Dao. Sorta. Maybe. I'm not quite clear on that.

I wasn't really expecting you to add them, merely wondering if they were there.

And with all this hinting, can you (and if yes, please do) tell us about Dao culture or something interesting about them?

[afroakuma]

I wasn't really expecting you to add them, merely wondering if they were there.

And with all this hinting, can you (and if yes, please do) tell us about Dao culture or something interesting about them?

Those weren't hints... those were me covering my bases, since Dao are led by Khans and Khatuns and rule over Khanates. Tehy're certainly Mongol titles, but I have sources telling me that they were originally Persian.

[puppyavenger]

Those weren't hints... those were me covering my bases, since Dao are led by Khans and Khatuns and rule over Khanates. Tehy're certainly Mongol titles, but I have sources telling me that they were originally Persian.

really? I didn't know there was any real trade between Mongolia and Persia in the dark ages, eh learn something new every day::smallbiggrin::

[Thane of Fife]

really? I didn't know there was any real trade between Mongolia and Persia in the dark ages, eh learn something new every day::smallbiggrin::

Well, my sources cough*Google*cough list it as a Turkish term, so assuming that AA is correct, it makes sense that it would have gone from Persian to Turkish, then to the Mongols, which seems reasonable.

[afroakuma]

Well, my sources cough*Google*cough list it as a Turkish term, so assuming that AA is correct, it makes sense that it would have gone from Persian to Turkish, then to the Mongols, which seems reasonable.

Yep; that's pretty much what I had as well.

New inquiries?

[SlyGuyMcFly]

Have you added any items, feats, PrCs, whatevers to help make dagger flinging rogue types more viable?

[afroakuma]

Have you added any items, feats, PrCs, whatevers to help make dagger flinging rogue types more viable?

I don't think so... except maybe that one dagger...

[Zeta Kai]

Have you added any items, feats, PrCs, whatevers to help make dagger flinging rogue types more viable?

Well, there are many magic items that make rogues' lives easier. For starters, there's the following special quality:

Concealing (Meqarai)
A concealing weapon is one that can be magically disguised as a non-weapon. Upon command, the weapon changes shape & form to assume the appearance of a normal piece of jewelry (belt, bracelet or ring are the most popular options). The weapon takes up the magic item slot that a wondrous item of the same type would normally occupy, & that slot must be empty in order for this effect to function. The weapon retains all its properties (including weight) when concealed; concealment &/or un-concealment takes one full round. Only a true seeing spell or similar magic reveals the true nature of the weapon when concealed. Switching between weapon & item forms is a swift action.

Moderate transmutation; CL 10th; Craft Magic Arms & Armor, alter self; price +1 bonus.

[afroakuma]

*facepalm* you and your conlang.

[Zeta Kai]

*facepalm* you and your conlang.

It's fun, useful, flavorful, & it's been there for months. Check the DB @ HQ; you'll find it everywhere... BWA-HA-Ha-hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

[afroakuma]

Check the DB @ HQ; you'll find it everywhere...

:smallsigh: Oh, I'm well aware... *wipes conlang snot off shoes*

[LordZarth]

Zeta made a conlang? I'm in awe.

Conlangs are awesome, AA, no matter what you say.

[afroakuma]

Zeta made a conlang? I'm in awe.

More like Zeta spewed bits of conlang all over my lovely clean setting. He mucked up magic items and monsters, and I think he tried to get some on feats, too. :smallyuk:

[Tobi_goodboy]

More like Zeta spewed bits of conlang all over my lovely clean setting. He mucked up magic items and monsters, and I think he tried to get some on feats, too. :smallyuk:

i apologize for my ignorance, but can someone please explain to me what conlang means?

[Shadow_Elf]

It was Posted before, but here is the Nasnas again, now with 4e content!

Nasnas

Image

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/oa_gallery/Doc_cuoc.jpg
3E Material
Medium Undead
Hit Dice: 6d12+6 (45HP)
Initiative: +8
Speed: 20’ (4 squares)
Armor Class: 22 (+4 Dex, +8 natural); touch 14; flat-footed 18
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+8
Attack: Claw +8 melee (1d8+5)
Full Attack: Claw +8 melee (1d8+5) & Bite +3 melee (1d4+5)
Space/Reach: 5’/5’
Special Attacks: Rend 1d8+7
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60’, Frightful Presence, Hop, Undead traits
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +6, Will +7
Abilities: Str 21 (+5), Dex 19 (+4), Con -- (+0), Int 13 (+1), Wis 14 (+2), Cha 8 (-1)
Skills: Balance +11, Hide +8, Jump +13, Move Silently +10, Search +6, Tumble +7
Feats: Improved Initiative, Improved Toughness, Skill Focus (Jump)
Environment: any (Siraaj)
Organization: solitary or pair
Challenge Rating: 5
Treasure: half standard
Alignment: always Chaotic Evil
Advancement: 7-12HD (Medium), 13-24HD (Large)
Level Adjustment: N/A

Combat
A nasnas is a wild & erratic enemy, hopping swiftly around the battlefield, in search of lives to end. Eager to sow destruction, it will use its Rend ability as often as possible, gripping with claw & tooth to split opponents limb from limb. It will fight until the bitter end, incapable of remorse or pity.

Rend (Ex): A nasnas that wins a grapple check after a successful bite attack establishes a hold, latching onto the opponent’s body & tearing the flesh. This attack automatically deals 1d8+7 points of damage.

Frightful Presence (Su): A nasnas can inspire terror by its unnatural existence. All creatures within 40’ must succeed on a Will save (DC15) or become shaken, remaining affected by that condition as long as they are within 40’ of the nasnas. The save DC is Wisdom-based.

Hop (Ex): A nasnas is capable of making great leaps, covering ground with surprising ease & making for an unpredictable foe. A nasnas can make a 5’ step as an immediate action, even if it would not normally be able to, such as after a full-round action or a previous 5’ step in the same round.

Undead traits: All creatures with the Undead type possess the following traits:

No Constitution score.
Darkvision out to 60’.
Immunity to all mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, phantasms, patterns, & morale effects).
Immunity to poison, sleep effects, paralysis, stunning, disease, & death effects.
Not subject to critical hits, nonlethal damage, ability drain, or energy drain. Immune to damage to its physical ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, & Constitution), as well as to fatigue & exhaustion effects.
Cannot heal damage on its own if it has no Intelligence score, although it can be healed. Negative energy (such as an inflict spell) can heal undead creatures. The fast healing special quality works regardless of the creature’s Intelligence score.
Immunity to any effect that requires a Fortitude save (unless the effect also works on objects or is harmless).
Uses its Charisma modifier for Concentration checks.
Not at risk of death from massive damage, but when reduced to 0 hit points or less, it is immediately destroyed.
Not affected by raise dead & reincarnate spells or abilities. Resurrection & true resurrection can affect undead creatures. These spells turn undead creatures back into the living creatures they were before becoming undead.
Proficient with its natural weapons, all simple weapons, & any weapons mentioned in its entry.
Proficient with whatever type of armor (light, medium, or heavy) it is described as wearing, as well as all lighter types. Undead not indicated as wearing armor are not proficient with armor. Undead are proficient with shields if they are proficient with any form of armor.
Undead do not breathe, eat, or sleep.

Nasnas Lore
Characters that have ranks in Knowledge (Religion) can learn more about nasnasi. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DC’s.

DC15: “It the cold darkness of the night, an atrocity stalks the living.” A character making this check recalls all undead traits.
DC20: “It is the nasnas, & it hops about on one foot, jealously butchering & breaking without mercy.” A character making this check knows the workings of the Hop ability.
DC25: “They exist only to spread devastation & fear, ripping & tearing until all around them matches their ruined form.” A character making this check remembers the mechanics of Frightful Presence & Rend.
DC30: “The first two nasnasi were created when a demon named Shikk mated with a human being & spawned an abominable child, which it split in twain in its revulsion.” A character making this check is familiar with a nasnas’ origins & likely hunting grounds.

4E Material

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s228/zetakai/Nasnas.jpg

The bizarre creature looks exactly like a human corpse… if that dead body were split down the middle. One whole side of its body was missing, leaving the thing with one arm, one leg, a half-torso, & a half-head. It’s half-face is a twisted mask of hatred, its only eye glares menacingly. It hops on its single leg, maintaining its balance by moving its outstretched arm to compensate.

Only fools dare to walk alone at night, for the darkness hides many dangers. Behind the city walls, robbers & madmen roam the lantern-lit streets, while in the wilderness beyond, many predators hunt in the icy moonlight. One of the most feared nocturnal creatures is an unbelievable horror, a monstrous killer that stalks the unwary & reckless. This undead terror is called a Nasnas.

The nasnas (NAHS-nahs), also known as the Nam-Suraj (“Half-Corpse”), has the body of a human cadaver, or at least part of one. The rest of its body is missing, & it has an unnatural envy of all things complete, which has devolved into pure hatred. Hopping about on one leg, it seeks to make all things as broken & deficient as it is. Even with others of its own kind, a nasnas is compelled to destroy everything & everyone in its ruinous path.

A nasnas is about 5’-6’ tall, but it weighs only around 60-100 pounds. Its half-throat cannot form sounds to speak, but it can understand Common & Ghul.

[Zeta Kai]

More like Zeta spewed bits of conlang all over my lovely clean setting. He mucked up magic items and monsters, and I think he tried to get some on feats, too. :smallyuk:

Equt teqar diai, Afru'Aquma. Ludrasad diu aq-timudai aq-tabariqad usham.
"Shut your mouth, afroakuma. you know not the power of the forged tongue." :smalltongue:

[afroakuma]

Equt teqar diai, Afru'Aquma. Ludrasad diu aq-timudai aq-tabariqad usham.

:smallsigh: ...and to think, he complains about me.

[Zeta Kai]

:smallsigh: ...and to think, he complains about me.

Only because you're so much fun to tease. :smallbiggrin: Please don't kill me.

[Thane of Fife]

Only because your so much fun to tease. :smallbiggrin:

His what is so fun to tease?! Please, I have to know!

[afroakuma]

His what is so fun to tease?! Please, I have to know!

Judging from a survey of over 200 women, the answer is "hair." Yes, this is true. I do in fact know well over 200 women, most of whom have at one time or another played with my hair.
Hence the afro.

[Juhn]

...Would not teasing the afro be horrifically dangerous?

[afroakuma]

...Would not teasing the afro be horrifically dangerous?

I doubt it. It probably doesn't like being teased by guys. I certainly don't tease it.

Now, not clicking the button in the sig, that would be horrifically dangerous. :smallwink:

[Athaniar]

i apologize for my ignorance, but can someone please explain to me what conlang means?

Constructed language. Basically, al anguage someone created, as opposed to one that has developed within a culture. Popular examples are Klingon and Sindarin.

[Tobi_goodboy]

Constructed language. Basically, al anguage someone created, as opposed to one that has developed within a culture. Popular examples are Klingon and Sindarin.
like al bhed? i understand now, thank you xavius :smallbiggrin:

[afroakuma]

Ehh... Al Bhed was just a cipher over English. Conlangs actually have word roots and meanings, grammar rules, verb tenses...

[Sereg]

I am sorry Afro, but I have to agree that conlangs are some of the most awesome things in existance. If I wasn't useless with languages, I would have learnt several by now. (Admittadly still trying and learning how to make my own).

[Zeta Kai]

I am sorry Afro, but I have to agree that conlangs are some of the most awesome things in existance. If I wasn't useless with languages, I would have learnt several by now. (Admittadly still trying and learning how to make my own).

Conlangs are easy & fun to make. I have made several, the largest of which (Hiali) has a >5,000-word vocabulary, a full runic alphabet, a root conlang, several dialects, a list of common phrases & sayings, & more. It's my personal gold standard, the benchmark by which I compare my newer conlangs to.

Admajai currently has a >200 word vocabulary, but that increases almost daily. The alphabet & grammar are done, so it's easy to make new words & construct sentences for it. The entire conlang should be posted in Chapter 2 of the finished project. After this project is complete, I think that I may do a tutorial on how to create a relatively-simple conlang, as well as how to incorporate one into a gaming campaign.

[Athaniar]

I myself have made/is making a Dwarven language, complete with a runic alphabet.

[Lord_Gareth]

Alright, here's a quickie question - much like "witches" in Protestant America are one of the most feared "monsters" in local legend, or how vampires haunt the fairy tales of Eastern Europe, what monster is most feared among the mortal populations of Khamala? Why? What kind of stories (read: horrid misinformation) do they have on it/them?

[LordZarth]

...easy to make?

That makes me feel bad.

I think they require a certain persistence, which obviously all the Build Team has, and I need to develop...

[afroakuma]

Alright, here's a quickie question - much like "witches" in Protestant America are one of the most feared "monsters" in local legend, or how vampires haunt the fairy tales of Eastern Europe, what monster is most feared among the mortal populations of Khamala?

Ghuls.


Why?

...because they're really friendly, beautiful people, who spit out kittens, bleed rainbows and exude rays of light.


What kind of stories (read: horrid misinformation) do they have on it/them?

Oh, you know, just propaganda; silly things like puking up endless rivers of insects, sending their black blood to sneak into your home and kill you, and crack off death rays that sap your life and soul.

Cheerful things, you know?

...wait, misinformation? Like what?

[Athaniar]

A question in the same vein: is there any creature that is feared, but doesn't deserve its reputation?

[afroakuma]

Um...

Well, honey spiders don't deserve their reputation for turning oranges into grapefruit...

Can't think of many others.

[lesser_minion]

Um...

Well, honey spiders don't deserve their reputation for turning oranges into grapefruit...

Can't think of many others.

I'm not sure if that counts. While grapefruit may be a vile blasphemy against all perception (IIRC it's actually possible to be genetically predisposed to think that they taste even worse... *shudder*), I doubt that a honey spider would ever be feared if it did that.

[Lord_Gareth]

...wait, misinformation? Like what?

Well, take the World of Darkness for example - many people therein think garlic repels vampires, only to discover their mistake post-mortem.

[Zeta Kai]

I'm not sure if that counts. While grapefruit may be a vile blasphemy against all perception (IIRC it's actually possible to be genetically predisposed to think that they taste even worse... *shudder*), I doubt that a honey spider would ever be feared if it did that.

It depends. Do you own an orchard of orange trees? Are you a merchant trying to preserve your fruits wares during a trip across the desert? Do you live in a city whose wealth is based on its monopoly of citrus fruit? If so, then you might have a problem with them. You can't always take the chance that folklore is false in a world where ghuls can literally spy on you with their animated blood & kill you with crawling vomit.

On the topic of superstition & ineffective folk tales, an Almasti cannot be warded from a house by a circle of milk. Nor can a pregnant woman protect herself from an Almasti's vile predations by keeping a pouch filled with salt tried around her neck. And the babies that an Almasti steals are not transformed into more Almasti.

[Lord_Gareth]

On the topic of superstition & ineffective folk tales, an Almasti cannot be warded from a house by a circle of milk. Nor can a pregnant woman protect herself from an Almasti's vile predations by keeping a pouch filled with salt tried around her neck. And the babies that an Almasti steals are not transformed into more Almasti.

*Half-fails Memory Check*

Is that the freaky-ass hag-thing? Or am I missing my guess ENTIRELY?

[afroakuma]

I'm not sure if that counts. While grapefruit may be a vile blasphemy against all perception (IIRC it's actually possible to be genetically predisposed to think that they taste even worse... *shudder*)

Hint: that's why I added it. Goddamn grapefruit. :smallyuk:

So the people of Naranj are terrified of them. :smallamused: That's Author Appeal for you.


I doubt that a honey spider would ever be feared if it did that.

Except that honey spiders are horrifically toxic. And they love grapefruit. As Zeta said, Naranj relies mainly on its citrus trees for its economy. Grapefruit are considered poisonous, or infected, or about to burst and spawn more spiders. The fact that they're lighter-colored and larger than similar fruit gives them the impression of the fruits having been bitten by the spider and filled with poison, thus becoming dead and swollen.

Grapefruit is a major superstitious panic in the area. The tree's guaranteed to be taken down - in heavy protective wear, for fear of spiders. The grove might go, too. More than one grapefruit tree in an orchard is fair cause for burning down the entire orchard.

[SlyGuyMcFly]

This whole grapefruit thing is confusing me... I'm getting the impression that somehow grapefruit trees spontaneously spring up in orange orchyards. This makes me go "wut"? So, um... if it's not the Honey Spiders, what causes grapefruit?

[Zeta Kai]

*Half-fails Memory Check*

Is that the freaky-ass hag-thing? Or am I missing my guess ENTIRELY?

Your Knowledge roll was better than you think, due to the low DC of the check. Yes, the Almasti is that "freaky-ass hag-thing", as you say. Their behavior is even more loathsome than their appearance.

[Alteran]

I can think of one particularly interesting bit of misinformation. Do people think that Ghuls (or any other feared creature) can disguise themselves as humans? It was a situation like this that contributed to the Salem Witch Trials. People thought that agents of the Devil lived among them, and accusations started flying right and left. If anybody could be a Ghul, what would that do to a community? People would be constantly suspicious of their friends and neighbors, and even the smallest eccentricities might be construed as evidence of ghul-ness.
Reminds me of Battlestar Galactica =p
I think it would be very interesting to have this going on somehwhere in the setting. To be honest, with the vast amount of scary stuff in HoZ, I'd be surprised if it never happened. The Witch Trials ended because there was obviously no real evidence of witches existing. However, in this world Ghuls really do exist. Can they turn into people(/lizardfolk/gnolls/whatever)? Maybe, maybe not. But there is concrete evidence that they exist in some form, and that might be enough to keep the stories of disguised ghuls living among us believable.

[afroakuma]

This whole grapefruit thing is confusing me... I'm getting the impression that somehow grapefruit trees spontaneously spring up in orange orchyards. This makes me go "wut"? So, um... if it's not the Honey Spiders, what causes grapefruit?

Natural hybridization, and seeds being deposited by birds or other animals. Grapefruit trees develop in uncultivated regions or in wilder areas where their ancestral stock has flourished. When transplanted, the saplings all look relatively alike, and until the fruit fully matures it's difficult to tell what's what. Further, since they don't know ANY of this, they don't know to look or study. The fact that the spiders show up doesn't help either; when dealing with one of the top three most poisonous creatures on Siraaj, most will quite happily burn a few trees down rather than go in for an intensive study.

[Zeta Kai]

I can think of one particularly interesting bit of misinformation. Do people think that Ghuls (or any other feared creature) can disguise themselves as humans? It was a situation like this that contributed to the Salem Witch Trials. People thought that agents of the Devil lived among them, and accusations started flying right and left. If anybody could be a Ghul, what would that do to a community? People would be constantly suspicious of their friends and neighbors, and even the smallest eccentricities might be construed as evidence of ghul-ness.
Reminds me of Battlestar Galactica =p
I think it would be very interesting to have this going on somehwhere in the setting. To be honest, with the vast amount of scary stuff in HoZ, I'd be surprised if it never happened. The Witch Trials ended because there was obviously no real evidence of witches existing. However, in this world Ghuls really do exist. Can they turn into people(/lizardfolk/gnolls/whatever)? Maybe, maybe not. But there is concrete evidence that they exist in some form, and that might be enough to keep the stories of disguised ghuls living among us believable.

People do think that, in fact, & there is considerable paranoia in some parts. There have indeed been incidents of people being accused of either being or conspiring with ghuls. Proving that you're not a ghul can be a difficult (& sometimes fatal) challenge.

They think this because ghuls actually can do that. :smalleek:

[Alteran]

They think this because ghuls actually can do that. :smalleek:

...sigh.

That possibility occurred to me when I was writing that post, but I decided that it was a terrifying prospect that I had best not consider. So of course, it's reality. :smallannoyed: :smalltongue:

Still, better than Cylons.

[Shadow_Elf]

They think this because ghuls actually can do that. :smalleek:

... and that, ladies and gents, is why we have Half-Ghuls!

[Juhn]

Sure, blame the voters. :smalltongue:

Also, this setting apparently has baby-stealers. Of course it does. :smallsigh:

Please tell me that said baby-stealing is at least postnatal rather than pre-, as the latter would be several thousand times more horrifying.

[afroakuma]

...sigh.

That possibility occurred to me when I was writing that post, but I decided that it was a terrifying prospect that I had best not consider. So of course, it's reality. :smallannoyed: :smalltongue:

Still, better than Cylons.

Man, ghuls are just terrifying anyway. Like I said, some ghuls can literally begin vomiting a neverending river of crawling, biting, swarming, venomous insects. Just puking 'em out. Thousands and thousands and thousands, like the world's nastiest, most entomological gargoyle.

For the record, as far as I can remember at least, the single most dangerous poisonous creature is the nightshead scorpion. One poke = byebye. Honey spiders are dangerous because the fur on their back accretes a strong contact poison that's different from the one they deliver by bite.


Sure, blame the voters. :smalltongue:

Also, this setting apparently has baby-stealers. Of course it does. :smallsigh:

Look, normally I send miscarriages, baby-stealers and nightmarish abortion monsters. You guys got off easy.


Please tell me that said baby-stealing is at least postnatal rather than pre-, as the latter would be several thousand times more horrifying.

I... um...

I can't confirm that.

:smalleek:

The point I'd like to make really flaming clear, right now, is that life in Siraaj is absolutely horrifying for the adventuring set, and not a heck of a lot better for the average villager. As for Najmah, it's paradise except for the demons and devils and rakshasas and... and... and...

[Juhn]

...Please tell me I did not just give ideas. Please.

Making a note now that my lizardman is going to exact the most horrible death he can think of on any monsters dealing with babies, though, just in case.

Considering the emphasis on community in lizardfolk culture as well, I don't think any lizardfolk would look too kindly on things that victimize children, so I wouldn't be surprised if he thought this an entirely reasonable course of action, either.

[afroakuma]

...Please tell me I did not just give ideas. Please.

Sadly, you did not. And we didn't make that one up either. Comes straight outta myth.

[Zeta Kai]

...Please tell me I did not just give ideas. Please.

No, as Afro said, the abortion-monsters are taken right from (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_(folklore)) the source material. Squick-tastic.

[Lord_Gareth]

What monsters are most likely to work in diverse groups (such as the way hags are commonly found with ogre bodyguards)? Are any cities openly ruled by a non-player race?

[afroakuma]

What monsters are most likely to work in diverse groups (such as the way hags are commonly found with ogre bodyguards)?

A ghul acting openly would. Demons and devils, of course. Rakshasas. Basically most of the ones you'd consider "leader" material.

Generally, though, this is more of a setting for solos. There aren't a lot of natural collaborators.


Are any cities openly ruled by a non-player race?

Yep. And plenty more on Najmah.

And because I know you're all curious, the most poisonous plants and animals of Kamala:

Black Lotus
Deathblade
Hayya Tree
Honey Spider
Mahavara
Nightshead Scorpion
Pearl Scorpion
Purple Worm
Rajani
Smoke Adder

Note that some other deadly poisons might not be animal or plant-derived, and so are not on this list.

[Juhn]

No, as Afro said, the abortion-monsters are taken right from (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_(folklore)) the source material. Squick-tastic.

Right then. Killing those with extreme prejudice.

[afroakuma]

Please do. The world would be better off without them.

[Zeta Kai]

Right then. Killing those with extreme prejudice.

Story of my life: I lovingly create a baby-eating, mother-slaying vile abomination, & all the players wanna do is kill it. I try my best to make a repulsive, loathsome, disgusting afront-to-life-itself, & for my troubles, I get maybe 4 or 5 rounds out of it. I should've stuck to prestige classes. :sigh: :smalltongue:

[Juhn]

If you'd rather, I could make sure it suffers horribly before finally expiring.

[afroakuma]

If you'd rather, I could make sure it suffers horribly before finally expiring.

You could? There are spells coming up that... well, it's mean. :smallsmile:

[Juhn]

...I'm sure I could figure out a way to have my character make them suffer, regardless of which class he actually ends up being.

[afroakuma]

...I'm sure I could figure out a way to have my character make them suffer, regardless of which class he actually ends up being.

Oh, sure. There are poisons for that.

[Juhn]

Of course, I'd have to figure out the alignment implications of making a creature like that suffer horribly before it dies.

After all, we know nothing of the afterlife, so I don't know whether it'll receive just punishment after it dies; I might as well make sure it does before.

[afroakuma]

Of course, I'd have to figure out the alignment implications of making a creature like that suffer horribly before it dies.

After all, we know nothing of the afterlife, so I don't know whether it'll receive just punishment after it dies; I might as well make sure it does before.

It... um...

it could very well come back as something worse.

[Juhn]

...That does not sound like a very appropriate afterlife.

"Oh, you died after spending your life causing pain and misery to the innocent? Here, have some more power. Now get back out there!"

Might be time to look into Fates Worth Than Death for these things, then.

[afroakuma]

...That does not sound like a very appropriate afterlife.

Technically that's not an afterlife; that's a reincarnation.

For things like that, there is no afterlife. For things like that, it's either come back as something nastier - or don't come back at all.


Might be time to look into Fates Worth Than Death for these things, then.

There's a way... oh, there's a very simple way, but you have to be human, you have to be evil, and you have to have an utter lack of concern for collateral damage.

[Juhn]

For things like that, there is no afterlife. For things like that, it's either come back as something nastier - or don't come back at all.Any way to ensure it's the latter rather than the former?




There's a way... oh, there's a very simple way, but you have to be human, you have to be evil, and you have to have an utter lack of concern for collateral damage.
Well, my lizardman is 0/3 there. Any other methods?

[afroakuma]

Any way to ensure it's the latter rather than the former?

Really no. It's kind of up to them, since they're smart enough to figure things out pretty quick.


Well, my lizardman is 0/3 there. Any other methods?

Fate worse than death? Not really. Soul eradication is tough. You could soul bind it, of course; imprisonment is always an option... but generally why waste a 9th level spell on one of these? They're not that tough.

[Juhn]

To make sure they don't come back, I assume. After all, he's not going to be around forever.

That and they're really, really vile.

[afroakuma]

To make sure they don't come back, I assume. After all, he's not going to be around forever.

Well, you wouldn't know it came back. Neither would it.


That and they're really, really vile.

True, but really, ghuls, demons and many devils are worse.

[Lord_Gareth]

I know you're picky about the afterlife thing Afro, but can we get any additional information on reincarnation? For that matter, what DOES happen to dead Outsiders in this setting? I know one setting where, if you REALLY want the bastards dead and gone, you've got to travel plane after plane, killing each successively-more-twisted fragment of whatever fiend/celestial/axomia/anarchia you're after.

[afroakuma]

I know you're picky about the afterlife thing Afro,

And therefore you're setting yourself up for severe disappointment... :smalltongue:


but can we get any additional information on reincarnation?

Well, clearly it happens. What were you looking for?


For that matter, what DOES happen to dead Outsiders in this setting?

Depends on whether they're inside-Outsiders or out-and-Outsiders.


I know one setting where, if you REALLY want the bastards dead and gone, you've got to travel plane after plane, killing each successively-more-twisted fragment of whatever fiend/celestial/axomia/anarchia you're after.

Well, I can at least assure you that that's not the case.

Of course, I guess it depends on your definition of "dead and gone."

[Juhn]

I'd guess at "no longer able to do any harm", or something to that effect.

[afroakuma]

I'd guess at "no longer able to do any harm", or something to that effect.

That and "death" are two separate things entirely.

You seem unsatisfiied by the kill.

[Juhn]

They accomplish the same thing, practically-speaking.

[Zeta Kai]

So, I'm up to my eyeballs in spells here, with more coming in almost every day. So, who wants another spell leak? You can vote for what class of caster can use it (assassin/bard/blackguard/cleric/druid/paladin/ranger/sorcerer/wizard), & if you want low-level (0th-4th SL) or high-level (5th-9th SL). Who wants one?


{table=head]Class|Votes
Assassin|2
Bard|
Blackguard|1
Cleric|
Druid|
Paladin|1
Ranger|
Sorcerer|3
Wizard|3[/table]

{table=head]SL|Votes
Low (0-4)|3
High (5-9)|7[/table]

[Hyozo]

As I said before, I prefer working at lower levels. Also, we've heard alot about what the arcane types are losing, but not much of what they're getting, so how about something for Sorcerers.

[Alteran]

I'll say Sorcerer as well, but for high level spell(s) instead.

[Juhn]

Wizard and High-Level. I want to see what these guys are taking these horrible risks for.

[vegetalss4]

I agree with Juhn
Wizard and High Level

[blackspeeker]

I like sorcerers but would refer to see a high level spell more than a low level one.

[paddyfool]

Another vote for the high-level wizardwagon.

[Athaniar]

I'll oppose the bandwagon and go low-level and assassin.

[Mercenary Pen]

high-level and blackguard for me please.

[SlyGuyMcFly]

Low-level Assassin for me here.

[Zeta Kai]

All votes are currently tallied. I haven't said that in a while.

Voting will likely end tonight at around 8PM EST, unless there's a need for a tiebreaker.

[LordZarth]

High-level paladin.

[vegetalss4]

Zeta as the to classes that are tied are sorceror and wizard, and as those classes traditionally share spell lists at least partially, maybe you could chose one that they both have acess to?

[afroakuma]

Zeta as the to classes that are tied are sorceror and wizard, and as those classes traditionally share spell lists at least partially, maybe you could chose one that they both have acess to?

You're being extremely optimistic if you think that prevailing upon Zeta is going to get you what you want. :smalltongue:

[Zeta Kai]

The votes are in, & the winner is: High-Level Sorcerer/Wizard!

And here's the result! Enjoy:
Vampiric Ray
Necromancy
Level: Sor/Wiz 5
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25’ + 5’/2 levels)
Effect: Ray
Duration: Instantaneous/1 hour; see text
Saving Throw: Fortitude half
Spell Resistance: Yes

A dark crimson ray emanates from your hand. You must succeed on a ranged touch attack with the ray to strike a target. The subject takes 1d6 points of damage per caster level (maximum 15d6). You gain temporary hit points equal to the damage you deal. However, you cannot gain more than the subject’s current hit points +10, which is enough to kill the subject. The temporary hit points disappear 1 hour later.

Vampiric Touch, Greater
Necromancy
Level: Sor/Wiz 7
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Living creature touched
Duration: Instantaneous/1 hour; see text
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: Yes

This spell functions like vampiric touch, except that your touch deals 1d6 points of damage per caster level (maximum 20d6), & the temporary hit points that you gain from this effect disappear after 1 full day.

[afroakuma]

I should point out, with a rather large degree of amusement, that by nature anything restricted to only one of the two arcanists would have been amusing.

Also, I wasn't consulted on that pick at all; it seems Zeta is merely channeling my malevolent spirit.

[Mercenary Pen]

Can I suggest that the next spell reveal (should there be one) is restricted to classes (including prestige classes) with only partial spellcasting?

[Zeta Kai]

Can I suggest that the next spell reveal (should there be one) is restricted to classes (including prestige classes) with only partial spellcasting?

I go where the votes take me. That's how I got into this specific mess in the first place. I wanted to do Victorian/Steampunk, but noooooo...

[Lord_Gareth]

Congratulations! You've made the fatal mistake of getting Zihaja's attention. Upon your immediate and epic death, are you most likely to:

A. Stop existing. Zihaja doesn't screw around.
B. Just be dead. The afterlife can sort you out.
C. Be enslaved to Zihaja. If you're that damned annoying, you can be put to work.
D. Be imprisoned. Johum is in the next cell over.

[Hyozo]

*mutters something concerning people's obsession with the "epic" spells they likely won't survive long enough to use*

Okay Afro, You've given us all the evidence we need that Naranj is a horrible place to live. Could we hear something, anything, positive about it? What makes people happy, what they look forward to, what superstitions supposedly lead to "great fortune" or something similar?
How wrong about it are they?
I believe it was referred to at at least one point as "the plane of day", there has to be some light in it. Other than the sunburn and dehydration type, hopefully.

[afroakuma]

Congratulations! You've made the fatal mistake of getting Zihaja's attention. Upon your immediate and epic death, are you most likely to:

A. Stop existing. Zihaja doesn't screw around.
B. Just be dead. The afterlife can sort you out.
C. Be enslaved to Zihaja. If you're that damned annoying, you can be put to work.
D. Be imprisoned. Johum is in the next cell over.

This old chestnut?

Depends. A or D.


*mutters something concerning people's obsession with the "epic" spells they likely won't survive long enough to use*

Amused.


Okay Afro, You've given us all the evidence we need that Naranj is a horrible place to live.

Naranj the city, or Najmah the plane? Just checking.


Could we hear something, anything, positive about it? What makes people happy, what they look forward to, what superstitions supposedly lead to "great fortune" or something similar?

Naranj is actually a generally happy place. They're one of the most prosperous cities in existence, have a virtual monopoly on sail and therefore regional trade, and get the added bonus of sweet, sweet oranges.

[SwordGoddess]

The votes are in, & the winner is: High-Level Sorcerer/Wizard!

And here's the result! Enjoy:
Vampiric Ray
Necromancy
Level: Sor/Wiz 5
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25’ + 5’/2 levels)
Effect: Ray
Duration: Instantaneous/1 hour; see text
Saving Throw: Fortitude half
Spell Resistance: Yes

A dark crimson ray emanates from your hand. You must succeed on a ranged touch attack with the ray to strike a target. The subject takes 1d6 points of damage per caster level (maximum 15d6). You gain temporary hit points equal to the damage you deal. However, you cannot gain more than the subject’s current hit points +10, which is enough to kill the subject. The temporary hit points disappear 1 hour later.

Vampiric Touch, Greater
Necromancy
Level: Sor/Wiz 7
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Living creature touched
Duration: Instantaneous/1 hour; see text
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: Yes

This spell functions like vampiric touch, except that your touch deals 1d6 points of damage per caster level (maximum 20d6), & the temporary hit points that you gain from this effect disappear after 1 full day.

Dang, missed a vote thanks to screwy computer.

But, oooo...naaasty spells. *zap*

[Hyozo]

Okay, you caught me. I haven't memorized anything's name yet, and accidentally used the city's name when meaning to use the plane's name.

[afroakuma]

Okay, you caught me. I haven't memorized anything's name yet, and accidentally used the city's name when meaning to use the plane's name.

Najmah's fine. It's largely cool comfortable tropics, very little desert, very high on the "everywhere's an oasis" side of things. Devas and other fanciful creatures live there. Those few who have adventured on the Najmah aboveground and returned have described it as "paradise."

[LordZarth]

Fairly certain you meant Siraaj.

[Hyozo]

*facepalm* and again I confuse the names.

[afroakuma]

*facepalm* and again I confuse the names.

Now this is a new method of squeezing extra answers out of me... :smalltongue:

[Zeta Kai]

Siraaj isn't a hellhole everywhere, but the motes of civilization a relatively few & far between. The wilderness is extremely deadly, with harsh weather, sparse vegetation, & few oases. Oh yeah, & demonic beings roaming around, trying to consume flesh & soul alike. It has a rather "Points of Light" feel to it, which is one of the few things that actually facilitates compatibility across both editions.

Najmah is a place of wonders. The air is cleaner, the stars are brighter, the colors are more vibrant. It is a realm of dreams & wonders. The flowers bloom in the moonlight, & the plants can be any color of the rainbow. The seas sparkle like diamonds on a sheet of black velvet, reflecting the heavens above. In some places, even the barest pretense of reality fades away, leaving mutable realms where the ground has no hold & time flows like a gusty wind.

[paddyfool]

Najmah is a place of wonders. The air is cleaner, the stars are brighter, the colors are more vibrant. It is a realm of dreams & wonders. The flowers bloom in the moonlight, & the plants can be any color of the rainbow. The seas sparkle like diamonds on a sheet of black velvet, reflecting the heavens above. In some places, even the barest pretense of reality fades away, leaving mutable realms where the ground has no hold & time flows like a gusty wind.

Awesome. :smallbiggrin:

[SwordGoddess]

Want...so much...to play...

[Zeta Kai]

Want...so much...to play...

Don't worry, you shall soon enjoy the fruits of our labor. I can honestly say that there hasn't been a day since this project was started that I didn't work on it. We're over 60% done now, & we're working constantly to complete the project to our mutual satisfaction. I eagerly anticipate its publication at least as much as you do.

[Lappy9000]

Now this is a new method of squeezing extra answers out of me... :smalltongue:That afro is like a sponge. Except instead of water, it releases knowledge!

[afroakuma]

That afro is like a sponge. Except instead of water, it releases knowledge!

Not according to most of my audience it doesn't. :smallamused:

[Lappy9000]

Not according to most of my audience it doesn't. :smallamused:That's prolly 'cause they're squeezing rocks instead of oranges. "Ask the right questions"; IT'S METAPHORICAL!

[Mercenary Pen]

That afro is like a sponge. Except instead of water, it releases Awesome!

There, fixed for you.

[SwordGoddess]

Don't worry, you shall soon enjoy the fruits of our labor. I can honestly say that there hasn't been a day since this project was started that I didn't work on it. We're over 60% done now, & we're working constantly to complete the project to our mutual satisfaction. I eagerly anticipate its publication at least as much as you do.

I appreciate all this work you guys are doing, truly. Putting together an entirely new campaign setting is an enormous undertaking and I'm impressed by the amount of work and dedication you folks are putting into. I always see people start new settings but then abandon them, so this one has me especially excited because it looks like THIS time, it'll come to fruition.:smallsmile:

[Juhn]

Not to mention they managed to turn a campaign setting built effectively by committee into something not only plausible, but rich and intriguing.

[Lappy9000]

Not to mention they managed to turn a campaign setting built effectively by committee into something not only plausible, but rich and intriguing.Gotta applaud that, but you guys definitely started off well, with the dedicated build team instead of the whole community-built thing.

[afroakuma]

Not to mention they managed to turn a campaign setting built effectively by committee into something not only plausible, but rich and intriguing.

The intrigue is all my doing. I take all the credit.

[Alteran]

That afro is like a sponge. Except instead of water, it releases Awesome and Malice!

There, fixed for you.

Fixed again. :smallwink:

[LordZarth]

Fixed again. :smallwink:

Man, you guys can't get this right, can you?


That afro is like a sponge. Except instead of water, it releases POWER!!

[Alteran]

That's roughly what POWER!! is, actually. A mixture of awesome and malice.

[afroakuma]

Gotta applaud that, but you guys definitely started off well, with the dedicated build team instead of the whole community-built thing.

Oh, we're mad dedicated.

[Juhn]

Man, you guys can't get this right, can you?
Well, to be fair, it's been a while since the POWER has been mentioned.

[Lappy9000]

Well, to be fair, it's been a while since the POWER has been mentioned.Well I didn't wanna be the one to say it...

[afroakuma]

Well I didn't wanna be the one to say it...

We'll do a silly demotivator contest at some point and then everyone will keep repeating it. It'll be fun.

[afroakuma]

The cookies have put me in a very good mood. Mmm, cookies.

I am authorizing one question, which I will answer to the best of my ability, without equivocation, obfuscation or omission. I will answer the next question posed on this thread in bold blue text.

Any sort of "stacked" or sequential question, or an attempt to hide one question within another in the hopes of getting multiple questions answered, will meet a similar fate. A question so broad as to effectively encompass upwards of five or six will not be answered, but I may allow you to narrow it; this means no "what are the population distributions for each major city" or anything of the sort.

A further warning: your question must be a question. "Tell us about" or "Explain" are requests. Trying to make a request into a question via "could you," "would you" or similar will get you a rather snarky "Yes, I could/would" and waste this valuable opportunity.

There is a catch: there is one question that, if posed, will waste this opportunity. I am not telling you what it is; however, I have edited it into a post I have previously made; the edit timestamp is 11:05 AM EST, September 12, 2009, so you know I'm not pulling any shenanigans.

Think hard about the merits of your question before you pose it... someone else may have a better one. Discuss if you like; I will take the first question posed in bold blue text.

[SlyGuyMcFly]

You are an evil, evil person Afro. But I'm sure that's hardly news to you.


Edit: You must be in a REALLY good mood, putting the banned question where you put it. :smallconfused:

Anyways, I'd vote for asking the Afro about the ghuls' creation process/whatever it is. If we happened to be voting about it :smalltongue:

[Lord_Gareth]

Alright folks - I've got my running shoes, my fake I.D's, my disguise kit, my mercy pistol...okay, I'm prepared for the lynch mob. FOR GLORY!

What are the 3.5 statistics for Ghuls?

[afroakuma]

Really? I offer you anything and you ask for another monster? What a waste.

3.5 Ghul statistics are not currently finalized. Did you want them anyway, or would you like to reconsider that waste of a question?

[Lord_Gareth]

I will retract my question; thank you for the opportunity to do so.

[afroakuma]

You're welcome.

For the record, if the question is unanswerable, you'll get another shot.

[Zeta Kai]

Alright folks - I've got my running shoes, my fake I.D's, my disguise kit, my mercy pistol...okay, I'm prepared for the lynch mob. FOR GLORY!

What are the 3.5 statistics for Ghuls?

You could've had the origins of Zihaja, or purpose of the Pit of Fate, or the reason that people speak Common. And all you want is a stat block. :smallfrown: Afro's generosity is like rain in the desert. I hope that this quenches your thirst.

[afroakuma]

The rules again:


The cookies have put me in a very good mood. Mmm, cookies.

I am authorizing one question, which I will answer to the best of my ability, without equivocation, obfuscation or omission. I will answer the next question posed on this thread in bold blue text.

Any sort of "stacked" or sequential question, or an attempt to hide one question within another in the hopes of getting multiple questions answered, will meet a similar fate. A question so broad as to effectively encompass upwards of five or six will not be answered, but I may allow you to narrow it; this means no "what are the population distributions for each major city" or anything of the sort.

A further warning: your question must be a question. "Tell us about" or "Explain" are requests. Trying to make a request into a question via "could you," "would you" or similar will get you a rather snarky "Yes, I could/would" and waste this valuable opportunity.

There is a catch: there is one question that, if posed, will waste this opportunity. I am not telling you what it is; however, I have edited it into a post I have previously made; the edit timestamp is 11:05 AM EST, September 12, 2009, so you know I'm not pulling any shenanigans.

Think hard about the merits of your question before you pose it... someone else may have a better one. Discuss if you like; I will take the first question posed in bold blue text.

[Juhn]

...I figured Common was a derivative of Admajai, considering most people on that continent seem to share that origin.

[afroakuma]

Well, it's an open-ended offer, so discuss amongst yourselves...


You are an evil, evil person Afro. But I'm sure that's hardly news to you.

Yes I am, and no, no it is not.

[LordZarth]

I vote we simply ask how things work after death. I'm guessing the banned question is Zihaja's origins, and I would like to know about the afterlife system anyway. I think this includes some answers about the Pit of Fate and possibly Sidaru as well.

[afroakuma]

I vote we simply ask how things work after death. I'm guessing the banned question is Zihaja's origins, and I would like to know about the afterlife system anyway. I think this includes some answers about the Pit of Fate and possibly Sidaru as well.

Be careful not to hit the "too broad" clause. Anything labeled a "system" is probably thin ice at best.


{table=head]Topic|Votes
Afterlife|1[/table]

I added a running count because... I'm fun like that.

My rules are so very wonderfully fair. And yet so very wonderfully evil. Hehehehehehehehehe.

[Darkkwalker]

Considering I just spent 45 minutes looking for the edited post and found nothing. I'm more than a little concerned about asking any questions at all.

[Thane of Fife]

Considering I just spent 45 minutes looking for the edited post and found nothing. I'm more than a little concerned about asking any questions at all.

afroakuma, is it okay if I tell them where it is?

[afroakuma]

One of those would be a bad idea.

afroakuma, is it okay if I tell them where it is?

Neither where nor what.

Well, actually you can tell them where it was. I deleted it, since I didn't intend for any of you to find it. I merely wanted it as proof that I wasn't cheating after the fact. Guess I should have just PM'ed it to someone trustworthy. You guys refused to play the game properly; now you're forced to.

Pick your question.

[Thane of Fife]

Neither where nor what.

Well, actually you can tell them where it was. I deleted it, since I didn't intend for any of you to find it. I merely wanted it as proof that I wasn't cheating after the fact. Guess I should have just PM'ed it to someone trustworthy. You guys refused to play the game properly; now you're forced to.

Pick your question.

I had assumed you wanted people to look for it.

[Darkkwalker]

I assumed the same...... my mistake.

[afroakuma]

I assumed the same...... my mistake.

Mistake forgiven.

Votes? Suggestions? Cavalier decisions to hang the rest of the crowd and get your own personal puzzle resolved?

[afroakuma]

By the way, for those who are just joining my latest sadistic game and can't be bothered to read back:


The cookies have put me in a very good mood. Mmm, cookies.

I am authorizing one question, which I will answer to the best of my ability, without equivocation, obfuscation or omission. I will answer the next question posed on this thread in bold blue text.

Any sort of "stacked" or sequential question, or an attempt to hide one question within another in the hopes of getting multiple questions answered, will meet a similar fate. A question so broad as to effectively encompass upwards of five or six will not be answered, but I may allow you to narrow it; this means no "what are the population distributions for each major city" or anything of the sort.

A further warning: your question must be a question. "Tell us about" or "Explain" are requests. Trying to make a request into a question via "could you," "would you" or similar will get you a rather snarky "Yes, I could/would" and waste this valuable opportunity.

There is a catch: there is one question that, if posed, will waste this opportunity. I am not telling you what it is; however, I have edited it into a post I have previously made; the edit timestamp is 11:05 AM EST, September 12, 2009, so you know I'm not pulling any shenanigans.

Think hard about the merits of your question before you pose it... someone else may have a better one. Discuss if you like; I will take the first question posed in bold blue text.

Lord_Gareth got a save when he asked for something that wasn't actually available to give him. Expect my leniency to be at a premium should anyone roll the dice once more.

Should you all decide to go with the democratic process, I'll keep a running tally.

[LordZarth]

Screw the democratic process. There are several questions, including the one that I intend to pose, that would all be good, regardless of which we chose, if we chose.

So, by doing this, the possibility of someone asking a BAD question is eliminated.

Or so I assure myself. Yay, rationalization.

OK, so the question I'm about to ask, Afroakuma, is "What happens to creatures after death?" I'm loath to say: "How does the afterlife work?" This is a somewhat broad question, so please answer the question to whatever extent you feel you should (be as nice as possible, but if there are facets you feel you should not say, even though they were fairly asked, don't answer them, but still answer whatever you can).

Pseudolegalese: If you are the person whose normal account on GiantITP is named afroakuma, then you may not open the spoiler below, which contains the question "In the Kamala, what happens to creatures after their deaths?" in bold blue text, if you either will discount the entire question because it is too broad or otherwise not allowed, or if you would refrain from answering the question by twisting its intended meaning. You are allowed to include what would happen to gods, aspects, and/or Zihaja after their deaths or "deaths", (please? :smallcool:).
In the Kamala, what happens to creatures after their deaths?

*crosses fingers*

[afroakuma]

Screw the democratic process.

Oh, believe me, I've tried.


There are several questions, including the one that I intend to pose, that would all be good, regardless of which we chose, if we chose.

I certainly believe that to be true.


So, by doing this, the possibility of someone asking a BAD question is eliminated.

Only if you already know what the Doom Question is. A few people do, and would avoid it. There is every chance that you might step on a land mine and ruin the entire thing otherwise.

Your intended question is, in fact, too broad, for a very good reason which I will be only too happy to expound upon (read: one sentence will do the trick) after this wonderful event has ended. Would you care to narrow it, or decide on a different tack, or has another strain on my ever-tenuous leniency terrified you to the point that you now wish to run far, far away?

Oh, and do note that as amusing as pseudolegalese may be, I can and will choose to ignore it and go after any blue text I can see. You don't get to play the game without actually playing the game.

[Alteran]

Oh, to hell with it. Everybody is ignoring the suggestion of a vote, so I'll do the same. If we're not all playing along then it won't work.

NOTE: If you (Afroakuma the question answerer, or any of his associates) think that this question would yield a disappointing result, feel free to say so. We can then think of a new one.

What happens in the Pit of Fate?

[afroakuma]

Oh, to hell with it. Everybody is ignoring the suggestion of a vote, so I'll do the same. If we're not all playing along then it won't work.

Technically, you're all playing along in a different way. :smallamused:


NOTE: If you (Afroakuma the question answerer, or any of his associates) think that this question would yield a disappointing result, feel free to say so. We can then think of a new one.

:tongue: BAHAHAHAHAHahahahaha no. It does not work like that. Gareth survived because he asked for something I could not give him. Zarth survived because his question was too broad for me to make him suffer. You write the blue text, you live by the blue text. This is why I reserve mine to the propagation of a particularly self-affirming meme.




What happens in the Pit of Fate?

The question has been asked. It will be answered shortly.

[Alteran]

:tongue: BAHAHAHAHAHahahahaha no. It does not work like that. Gareth survived because he asked for something I could not give him. Zarth survived because his question was too broad for me to make him suffer. You write the blue text, you live by the blue text. This is why I reserve mine to the propagation of a particularly self-affirming meme.


It was strictly a suggestion. You know, perhaps a less malicious member of the build team might have come along first and warned me?

Although since Zeta actually mentioned the Pit of Fate when talking about better things we could have asked about, I anticipate that this will go well. :smallsmile:

[Zeta Kai]

You know, perhaps a less malicious member of the build team might have come along first and warned me?

Shadow_Elf is busy, & I let Afro have free reign to run the discussion threads as he sees fit. It keeps him happy, & frees me up to make material that DMs will eventually ignore/misread & Afro will veto/change prior to publication. In short, we are all either malicious, neglectful, or both. :smallamused:

[afroakuma]

It was strictly a suggestion. You know, perhaps a less malicious member of the build team might have come along first and warned me?

I'm faster. And I didn't pre-warn them what would set off a You Lose.


Although since Zeta actually mentioned the Pit of Fate when talking about better things we could have asked about, I anticipate that this will go well. :smallsmile:

Zeta, as both Thane and I have pointed out, mentioned the Doom Question amongst his suggestions.

[SlyGuyMcFly]

I like the asked question and eagerly await the answer.




You could've had the origins of Zihaja, or purpose of the Pit of Fate, or the reason that people speak Common.

Saying that was just mean.:smalltongue:

[Alteran]

Zeta, as both Thane and I have pointed out, mentioned the Doom Question amongst his suggestions.

Yeah, I realized that. However, you said that there was a singular Doom Question, and I was quite sure that I knew which of his three suggestions it was.

[Mercenary Pen]

Well, I can give you an incontrovertible answer to the origins of Zihaja:

(spoilered for those who don't want to know)

The build team had an idea which fitted the votes that we- the people- had cast and thus, over the period of a few months, Zihaja was created in his present form.

see, I told you it was incontrovertible.

[afroakuma]

The Pit of Fate

Located in the northeastern part of the Admajai continent, in Shemun east of Albaluri, is the Pit of Fate, a deep trench in a narrow valley surrounded by high mountains. The Pit of Fate is the ultimate destination for the deceased of Siraaj.

Geography
The Pit is enfolded by high, snowy mountains that rise improbably from the flat, featureless wastes. Three narrow passes through the southwestern mountains (which are lower) give way to a broad, flat plain leading to the Pit's opening. The Pit's mouth is broad and begins a sharp decline, exposing caverns along its walls and revealing a complex tunnel system.

Supernatural Phenomena
The weather around the Pit of Fate is always the same - cool, with a cloud barrier obscuring the sky for miles. Once through the passes, however, the clouds break to expose the night sky, regardless of time of day. Sounds seem quieter, but those who stop to listen may hear a low, ominous drone. Within the caverns of the Pit are more unusual things, as some passages run to destinations better unvisited by the living.

Inhabitants
The Pit is normally home to flocks of hafaza, invisible birds that act as psychopomps to the sentient beings of Siraaj. Archons, angelic beings of order and benevolence, patrol the Pit in small numbers, with lantern archons functioning as guides for visitors, hound archons watching over, organizing and leading the deceased, and trumpet archons keeping silent vigil in case of a threat to the order of the Pit. Within the labyrinthine twists and turns of the secret passages, darker beings lurk in wait.

The Journey
All mortals who die on Siraaj leave their bodies behind and rise as souls, becoming aware of the Pit of Fate. Many creatures, including animals and dragons, can instinctually proceed towards the Pit. Humans and most other sapient races, however, cannot. Invisible birds called hafaza act as psychopomps, arriving within minutes after a death. The hafaza leads the soul to the Pit of Fate, a process which may take days or even months.

Once through the passes, the hafaza and souls become gradually visible, though they will not stop until they have entered the Pit. At the bottom, hound archons observe and keep track of each soul that arrives as the hafaza return to their duties, while lantern archons lead the newly departed to meet with any resident souls they might have known and wish to see. Souls remain at the bottom of the Pit of Fate for two to four weeks, in which time they can be raised, resurrected or even physically visited and spoken with by the living, should they be able to make it to the Pit.

There are hazards along the journey, most especially across the Plain of Night which precedes the Pit's mouth. The undead, and some creatures which feed on souls, are the greatest threat, although certain practitioners of dark magic without scruples might seek to harvest the deceased for terrible purposes. A threat at any time is the slaying of a guiding hafaza, without which the soul will very likely be lost. A soul that cannot find the Pit of Fate may become a spectre, allip or ghost, or something even worse, as happened on a global scale during the Long Bleak Darkness.

The Arrival
Souls within the Pit are nominally safe; hound archons keep track of them, lantern archons guide them and trumpet archons keep vigil against serious threats. Mortals may not be so fortunate; the archons' duties do not normally extend to countering supernatural obstacles that would not threaten their charges. The power of Fate manifests in strange and threatening ways throughout the Pit and its environs.

Even within the Pit, there are occasional risks. Demons stage raids from time to time to drag souls kicking and screaming back to Sergala. Devourers may lurk in the deeper caverns, waiting to prey on souls close to their time. Rakshasas clash with the archons and one another for sport, using the Pit as their battleground. The Lake of the Damned, which crosses Siraaj, Najmah and the Pit of Fate, may be carrying deadly creatures or things of evil.

The Final Steps
Once a sentient soul has arrived at the Pit of Fate, it will linger for ten to twenty days (perhaps more, perhaps less, depending on various factors) before it is time for it to enter the Gate of Culmination. This is a one-way trip for the soul; the living may follow, and may even find a way to return, but it is extremely dangerous.

The Gate takes the soul to an ascending staircase in a dark void. No matter how many souls pass through together, each is utterly and completely alone on their stair and in all things that follow. The soul can take as much time as it needs on each stair, during which time only resurrection can bring it back to the world of the living. After each stair is a terrace, featuring podiums for the judges and a black gate leading to the next stair. Souls are not aware of the makeup of the final journey before or while they walk it.

The first stair is the Ascension of Failures, during which the soul sees its sins, errors, selfishness, treacheries and cruelties, as well as the rewards and consequences of same. Beyond the Ascension of Failures is the first terrace, the Terrace of Rubies, where a trio of devils bid, making offers to the soul if it will agree to join them instead of passing on. The soul may accept the bargain, and be reborn as a devil on Najmah, or it may pass through the black gate into the unknown.

This gate leads to the second stair, the Ascension of Desires, during which the soul sees its wishes (fulfilled and unfulfilled), needs, joys and envies, the luxuries it enjoyed and the luxuries it craved; its hopes, dreams and ambitions. Beyond the Ascension of Desires is the second terrace, the Terrace of Oblivion; this terrace floats in the same dead void as the stair, and appears flat, blasted and empty, save for the cracked gate on the other end. The soul has little choice but to wait or to proceed.

The gate from Oblivion leads to the third stair, the Ascension of Worth, during which the soul sees its successes, its accomplishments, its kindnesses, the richness of its life and the value of its existence in the lives of others. Beyond the Ascension of Worth is the third terrace, the Terrace of Peace. There are three podiums here, as well as a gate, but at this terrace the jury, three devas, will only appear if they have determined that the soul is worthy to become a deva. Should the soul be good and true, the devas will ask it to join them instead of passing on. The soul may accept the bargain, and be reborn as a deva on Najmah, or it may pass through the black gate.

The last stair is the Ascension of Fate, and there are no visions here, no memories for the soul to experience. Each step taken is irrevocable. Atop the last Ascension is the Terrace of Judgment, where creatures called ammuti lurk in the darkness. The stair is replaced with the blackened waters of the Lake of the Damned, and the way forward leads towards a pool with clear waters where lies the final gate, blocked by a single ammut. At this point, the soul is instructed that an ammut will judge it, and that to advance is to accept the ammut's judgment, as well as what will happen should it fail - it shall be devoured.

The soul is allowed to plead its case using the memories it has gleaned from the ascent; any who have followed to this terrace via the caverns can shout advice or beg the ammut for mercy. Ultimately, however, the decision rests with the ammut, who will either step aside and let the soul walk through the final gate, lunge forward to devour the soul, or simply stand at attention, allowing the soul to walk forward into the pool but not reach the gate.

If the ammut permits it to walk into the pool, the waters will cleanse the soul of its sins, fears, darknessess and hatreds, washing them down into the Lake of the Damned. Should the gate be denied to the soul, its desires and worth will wash away next, and finally its form, as it dissolves into the pool entirely and is reincarnated. What is through the final gate no mortal can say, for there is no terrace there that can be reached save by the ammut's permission.

Well, there you go. Something you weren't allowed to have. I hope it satisfied you; that kind of opportunity won't come by again.

Oh yes, and the usual legalese about how I can unilaterally change anything, anytime, for any reason. Nyah.

[LordZarth]

Holy...

That is one on the most detailed, imaginative journeys I have ever...

Wow. I love this stuff, and that was the premiere sampling I've ever heard.

Thank you, Build Team. You guys are amazing.

[Mercenary Pen]

One excellent piece of lore, which has whetted my appetite further for the setting as a whole.

[Alteran]

That was fantastic. I'm pleased that I picked a question that gave us such a great lore, I wasn't sure what to expect.

Now I'm even more eager to see the rest of the project, but I can wait until it's all done for that. Keep up the amazing work, Build Team.

[afroakuma]

Glad you all enjoyed it. Just doing my job.

[Juhn]

I need to make sure that a trip to the Pit of Fate appears in at least one campaign of HoZ that I participate in. After that, I can't not experience it.

I wonder, will there be word on what's past the final gate in the final release, or is that entirely up to the DM? Of course, there could always be nothing resembling a definitive truth, rather a few suggestions on what might be there for DMs to choose from if they wish.

Also, what are the benefits of accepting the devils' deal? The devas'? And do I take it that demons don't recruit from the souls of the deceased?

[afroakuma]

I need to make sure that a trip to the Pit of Fate appears in at least one campaign of HoZ that I participate in. After that, I can't not experience it.

Go ahead, but be prepared to have a short trip to the afterlife. No delivery bird needed for you.


I wonder, will there be word on what's past the final gate in the final release, or is that entirely up to the DM? Of course, there could always be nothing resembling a definitive truth, rather a few suggestions on what might be there for DMs to choose from if they wish.

Oh, no, there's definitely an answer. I already know what it is, and it will certainly be in the final release.


Also, what are the benefits of accepting the devils' deal?

...whatever they tell you they are?

Probably lies, granted, since you'll likely be dredged up as a lemure.


The devas'?

Do I need to explain this? It already explains this above.


And do I take it that demons don't recruit from the souls of the deceased?

Not so much as steal. Someone didn't give them a Terrace of their own. Odd, that.

[Athaniar]

That is pure awesome. You guys are great.

Also, a question: do souls who are incarnated as devas or devils remain aware of their former lives?

[afroakuma]

Also, a question: do souls who are incarnated as devas or devils remain aware of their former lives?

No. No.

Still no.

[Zeta Kai]

do souls who are incarnated as devas or devils remain aware of their former lives?

Houris tend to remember parts of their past, however; this is a crucial part of their path towards spiritual ascension. They need to know themselves (their strengths & flaws, their past victories & failings, their noble & petty natures) if they are to perfect themselves & rise above the vessel of flesh. But devas/devils are essentially new beings, with only the barest of reconstituted scraps of their former selves (personality traits, subtle quirks, personal tastes, or the like). Anything more than that is lost in the metaphysical metamorphosis, cast off in the chysalis of spiritual realignment.

[afroakuma]

No, I'm not answering that question.

Yes, the one you just thought of reading the above post.

Still not doing it.

[Zeta Kai]

Well, here we are on the 50th page. This thread will have to be shut down soon. And we here at the Build Team (as we have come to be known) are not yet finished with the setting quite yet. At this point we have a choice: Make another discussion thread (although we did say that this would be the last), or Forgo the discussion & kick the 'brewing into overdrive. This is a choice that I leave to you, the voters. Vote for whether or not we will have a Discussion Thread IV. Your vote cannot be changed, so choose carefully.


{table=head]Fate|Doom
One More Thread|5
Finish the Garment|4
[/table]

[SlyGuyMcFly]

New thread.
Seeing Afro deal with our questions is too entertaining to pass on. And I'm a instant gratification kinda guy.

[paddyfool]

Finish the garment. No pressure or anything ;)

[LordZarth]

Finish the garment, but only if not having a thread actually speeds up 'brewing by more than a day or two. Because threads are fun.

[Athaniar]

New Thread.
They are fun.

[Juhn]

Question, before this thread ends: Will all the various loreposts we've gotten over the course of these threads be compiled and included in the final release, or were those only teasers for those of us who have been following along?

[Zeta Kai]

Will all the various loreposts we've gotten over the course of these threads be compiled and included in the final release, or were those only teasers for those of us who have been following along?

I intend to include the lore in the final package. I'm not sure how it will be presented, though. I originally wanted to collect them in one section at the end, but I think now that it might be better to intersperse them with the rest of the project.

Oh, BTW, all vote are currently tallied.

[afroakuma]

Seeing Afro deal with our questions is too entertaining to pass on.

I'm fun like that. :smalltongue:

[Tobi_goodboy]

i vote new thread--what would i spend the time i usually spend lurking here on?

[Hyozo]

I'll support New thread as well.

[SwordGoddess]

I say Finish the Garment. While a new thread would be nice, there really aren't any more questions I want to ask *right now*, and I can wait until the release for whatever random thoughts I have to be answered (especially after that bit of awesome that is the Pit of Fate).

[Lord_Gareth]

New Thread. I enjoy trying to figure out why Afro is so damn annoyed with me at any given moment.

[Comet]

Finish the Garment.
It's more dramatic that way.

[Lord_Gareth]

Since Afro PMed me, apparantly wanting my opinion (or just needing me to annoy him): I liked the Pit of Fate revelation. It's a really imaginative blending of Greek and Egyptian beliefs on the afterlife, and aside from that, it's all kinds of badass - while retaining a feeling of moral neutrality that most afterlives lack. Awesomesauce ^_^

What, precisely, are the Houris? Why are they important? WILL AFRO READ THIS?

[afroakuma]

What, precisely, are the Houris? Why are they important? WILL AFRO READ THIS?

No, no, and that last one really isn't a question.

You guys got your one big secret out of me, and I made sure it didn't cross any lines into other mysteries, although it certainly could have.

[Zeta Kai]

Oh, you guys. All will be revealed upon release. Until then, just pester Afro 'til he gives up & reveals everything lashes out & orders us to remake the whole setting invalidating all of the previously-revealed facts goes mad & bakes everyone cookies. :smallbiggrin:

BTW, all votes are currently tallied. The current tally is available in post #1472. Voting will conclude at around 9AM, EST.

Speaking of a tally... :smallamused:

[Mercenary Pen]

Question:

With the ability for a soul to be reincarnated as a Devil or a Deva within the pit of fate, has any provision been made for players taking on these races/racial groups as character choices? for example, an extra-special shredder for the character sheets of anyone who tries this

EDIT: Also I'm abstaining from the vote on whether to have another thread or not.

[afroakuma]

Question:

With the ability for a soul to be reincarnated as a Devil or a Deva within the pit of fate, has any provision been made for players taking on these races/racial groups as character choices? for example, an extra-special shredder for the character sheets of anyone who tries this

I highly recommend the Shredder (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/59/TMNT1987_Shredder.png/225px-TMNT1987_Shredder.png).

In other news, Hells no. After all, you just got reincarnated plus memory wipe. The same character you are not.

[Thane of Fife]

I highly recommend the Shredder (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/59/TMNT1987_Shredder.png/225px-TMNT1987_Shredder.png).

Go all the way! Use the Supershredder (http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/muppet/images/a/a5/Supershredder.jpg)!

[Mercenary Pen]

I meant a paper shredder.

[vegetalss4]

I meant a paper shredder.

i am sure any misunderstanding stems from the fact that Afro's awesome, and actually use the shredder to shred paper, plus anything else he feels like.:smallbiggrin:

[Zeta Kai]

Alright, the votes are in, & the winner is: One More Thread! A new thread will be started shortly, & a link will be provided here. Once that is done, a link will be provided here, & then this thread can be closed.

Before that takes place, we want to hear from you guys. What do you want to see in the (hopefully) final discussion thread? What topics do you want to discuss? Biology? Geography? History? Magic? Creatures? Feats? Spells? Items? Artifacts? Classes? Races? Monsters? Dieties? Lore? Dungeons? Cities? Wars? Wonders? Dangers?

What do YOU want to focus on? What excites YOU about this setting? What keeps YOU coming back to learn more about?

Discuss.

[Mercenary Pen]

Alright, the votes are in, & the winner is: One More Thread! A new thread will be started shortly, & a link will be provided here. Once that is done, a link will be provided here, & then this thread can be closed.

Before that takes place, we want to hear from you guys. What do you want to see in the (hopefully) final discussion thread? What topics do you want to discuss? Biology? Geography? History? Magic? Creatures? Feats? Spells? Items? Artifacts? Classes? Races? Monsters? Dieties? Lore? Dungeons? Cities? Wars? Wonders? Dangers?

What do YOU want to focus on? What excites YOU about this setting? What keeps YOU coming back to learn more about?

Discuss.

[Minor Nitpick]you realise you've mentioned providing a link to the new thread twice within the text I have bolded[/minor nitpick]

Also, what areas of biology do you mean (other than perhaps botany), considering this has gone in alongside Creatures, Races and Monsters in the suggested topics list?

On a more constructive note, I'd be more inclined towards the topics at the back end of the list, particularly Dungeons, Cities, Wars and Wonders (though all of the others are perfectly good).

[afroakuma]

Well, I've tidied up the broken heads, scrubbed out the bloodstains and left the scorchmarks and property damage as warnings to anyone else who dares ask annoying questions. That being done, it's time for us all to head over to the new, and final, discussion thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6933075#post6933075).

[Athaniar]

Ooh, wonders. Huge impressive buildings are always interesting.

[afroakuma]

That being done, it's time for us all to head over to the new, and final, discussion thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6933075#post6933075).

New, and final, discussion threads (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6933075#post6933075) are also interesting. Please go there. I promise I made it worth your while.

[Roland St. Jude]

Sheriff of Moddingham: This thread has reached the fifty page limit and is being locked. The new one has been linked above.