New OOTS products from CafePress
New OOTS t-shirts, ornaments, mugs, bags, and more
Page 25 of 25 FirstFirst ... 1516171819202122232425
Results 721 to 726 of 726
  1. - Top - End - #721
    Troll in the Playground
     
    Mornings's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Location
    Outside

    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)





    22nd of Neth, Sunday | Time: 11:53 pm | AR 4713 (Winter)
    Otherworld; L'Zho-Kenna, The Betwixt
    L'Izz'tssa, The Passages; Ashurbanipal - The Towers


    In an odd way, the thing felt somewhat familiar, though he had no idea just what it was. The ghastly creature had seemingly appeared, willing itself into that world. Perhaps, a visual example of the ‘vulnerabilities’ the Librarian had spoken of. Since leaving the decaying ‘comforts’ of Willowbrook he’d been assaulted by an endless stream of the unexplainable and strange. The umbral thing was no product of the universe he knew. Just as surely as he was certain the humanoid creature was no Outsider native to some plane which possessed an intelligible name, he was sure it was born from these other ‘Worlds’. These other universes, which had seemingly now begun to touch, or perhaps collide. It appeared to move with a purpose or intent, but as to what that might be… He doubted even Aroden could guess. There were no answers to be found from the tomes of mankind. No hidden secrets behind the cover of a wizard’s grimorie. No answer. Not for men. Not for mortal-kin. The threats which loomed about were countless and without name, much like this skulking thing. Now his very life balanced between what he couldn’t know, and what he did. [Erik | Knowledge (Planes) - Failure]

    Curtly, the Librarian nodded. "Good. We shouldn’t idle. If we let this division remain for long, it will only become more real. Inevitably, others will notice..." The old man regathered himself as the mercenary recovered his footing. His body still groaned beneath the weight, but it was manageable. "Most mortals don’t enjoy second chances, but this is not so for a Lord. Most Lords hailed from mortal stock in the ages past. You’ve many resources at your disposal..." The withered bookkeeper paused for a moment, "Though, even still, none of them remain."

    The venerable man pressed forward marching towards the large spiraling staircase they had descended previously. "A Lord’s Aspect is what shields the Lord’s true form from his enemies and the horrors which lurk beyond the Three Worlds, or the safety of his Passage. In a way, it makes you nearly invulnerable to true harm while providing numerous other boons while venturing outside your realms." The Librarian snapped back, sharply glaring over his shoulder at Erik. " Protections, you have traveled without! Damned fool. Even with the powers afforded to a Lord. None remain living, save for you. You would do well to learn from the countless failures of your predecessors and exercise some semblance of caution. Though, I’d settle even for some level of base survival instinct just the same." The old man resumed his hobble up the steps, grasping the dark polished handrails, leading the way.

    "Many things want to kill a Lord. Just as many things want to kill a God. Typically the notion is synonymous, and just as laughably futile. Except for you, as you are now. Like a newborn chick yet to fully emerge from its egg, you are shamelessly vulnerable. The only reason why you’re not dead already, both from the tax of your travel and the entities you have met is the grace of the Lady of Passages. Mortals cannot survive having their living-essence ripped from them and catapulted across reality, nor can they persist within the Midnight Between. As the only living Lord, you benefit from the blessing of the Lady D’Okkolah. However, should another Lord emerge, that blessing will become contested. It’s fortunate that no other Lords exist, or you would have been scattered across the cosmos twice-over by now. We must remedy that first."

    His breath came heavy as they approached the top of the massive sprawl, "I had intended to explain all of this to you properly of course, but you have a knack for trouble… and the whole mess with that black Fate was rather pressing. Without the Lady’s blessing though, you would have been stretched thin across the universe until even your celestial dust was disintegrated." The Librarian stopped to catch his breath but glared back at Erik sternly. "You are forbidden from any more of these antics, or leaving Ashurbanipal without your Aspect. It is simply a matter of time before this blessing is lost. You should never attempt to meddle or investigate the dangers of the various Worlds without first protecting yourself. But even then, it is imperative that you do so intelligently. This power is merely an avatar, and much like a shell it cannot shield you from certain things. Such as forces which would corrupt the Fates, or the blights of devices like… A Key. Still, you must never venture without it..."

    The old man shuffled over towards the massive desk covered with books. One great tome sat squarely in the center. "...But first we must earn enough fragments to begin restoring your power." With a sharp sweep of his hand, the monstrous book flipped open, the thick vellum pages filled with strange visions and places in a churning mire of ink. "As a Lord, your primary mode of income comes from establishing Halls. A ‘hall’ is a pathway from a destination to our Passage, or other destination. This is a dangerous affair. Typically, you will absolutely… NEVER establish a Hall directly connecting any place directly to the Passage of Ashurbanipal. Instead, you will usually create smaller planes to bridge these Halls to a fixed predetermined destination. Many Worlds will even send requests for specific Halls they would like to request to ease travel between various realms throughout the Three Worlds. You must carefully consider the implications and ramifications of any such Hall you choose to create. Regardless of the price the contractor offers, each Hall represents a potential change to all life within the respective realms you join. New threats. New enemies, or even the attention of things better left alone. This is why each Lord possesses a Consort. An individual to assist and educate them, so that they might make the most informed decisions. However, the choice remains yours, for better or worse."

    "Normally, you cannot make direct changes yourself to Ashurbanipal. You will require the assistance of your Kindler. You can think of the Kindler as… The living persona of your Passage. Its heart and mind. If you tend to it, it will tend to you. However, nothing compels its loyalty. Not your title nor position. It can betray you and prove to be terribly vicious should you give it reason to discard you. Every Kindler possesses their own unique personality and morality, some are simply wicked, while others are just, but regardless they each desire a confident and regal Lord. A confident and proud leader to earn their respect and win their loyalty. You met your Kindler briefly… Below the waves. That place is called Zek’Taur, it is your ‘First Passage’. The heart of the Library where the Kindler dwells. Fortunately, Ashurbanipal doesn’t possess any radical inclinations, other than the pursuit of knowledge. However, your Kindler is very critical her Lords. You must watch your words very carefully and maintain you discipline. Idiot Lords are just as likely to kill themselves as they are to be killed by their own Passage. You can avoid becoming one of them by displaying qualities befitting a leader and sovereign."

    The old man tapped the corner of a page, sending a dark ripple across its surface as if it were the slick face of a lake. "Fortunately, you may create your first realm through the book without cost or consorting with the Kindler, granting you some fragments. This is only a one time exercise, but it will do for now." [Create Realm | DC 20 Caster Level Check - Use highest mental ability score as your casting modifier]


    Main Quest (Potential Path Advancement):The Last Passage, Part 1: Ashurbanipal
    The return of the Lord of Ashurbanipal also heralded change which would sweep through all mortal worlds. Then every reality throughout the Three Worlds. The Last Passage of the Garden stood defenseless before the terrors unleashed by the Zin-Lath'rah. As the final bridge between the realms, the Passage could not afford to be lost. It fell to the Lord to defend it at all costs, least all creation fall unto the mires of darkness.
    Difficulty: Unknown | Status: On-going | Profit: Unique Potential Soul, Path of The Lord | Time: Unknown
    Primary Objective: - Repair the Divergence Within Ashurbanipal
    Quest Failure Penalty: - Corrupt All Active Quests
    Alternate Objective (Optional): - Create Aegisir Guardian
    Alternate Objective (Optional): - Contract L'Drada Guardian



    Spoiler: Weakened Scorn Effects - The Key To Midnight
    Show

    While weakened to a near-inconsequential state, the effects of Scorn upon the Key-Bearer remain a major concern. The Bearer should make all efforts to avoid acquiring additional points of Spite or Scorn, and find methods to remove any existing points he might already have to avoid increases to the potency of these effects further.

    Minor Effect - 1d3 points of non-lethal damage, per 250xp possessed. If no experience points are possessed, the experience value of the character’s total level is used instead.


    Spoiler: Status
    Show


    ֍ Erik +450 (69,300xp) [Abstract -3,450]
    HP 53/53
    AC 23
    Spite: 2
    STATUS:
    [COLOR="#FF0000"][⭍ Trait - Corrupted Fate, Frozen Eternal: The Cursed cannot benefit from energy reduction or energy immunity to frost or ice-effects from any source other than divine traits. The damage and the duration of these effects is four-times more effective against the Cursed.]


    Spoiler: Influences
    Show
    ⯎ Survival Influence Gained
    ⯎ Exploration Influence Gained
    ⯎ Truth Influence Gained
    ⯎ Secrets Influence Gained
    ⯎ Battle Influence Gained
    ⯎ Caution Influence Gained
    ⯎ Death Influence Gained
    ⯎ Omens Influence Gained
    ⯎ Curse Influence Gained
    ⯎ Defense Influence Gained
    ⯎ Fear Influence Gained
    ⯎ Spirits Influence Gained
    ⯎ Destiny Influence Gained
    ⯎ Fate Influence Gained
    ⯎ Pain Influence Gained
    ⯎ Life Influence Gained
    ⯎ Struggle Influence Gained
    ⯎ Teamwork Influence Gained
    ⯎ Perception Influence Gained
    ⯎ Investigation Influence Gained
    ⯎ Mystery Influence Gained
    ⯎ Reality Influence Gained
    ⯎ Martial Influence Gained
    ⯎ Time Influence Gained
    ⯎ Black Influence Gained
    ⯎ Void Influence Gained
    ⯎ Loyalty Influence Gained
    ⯎ Courage Influence Gained
    ⯎ Bravery Influence Gained
    ⯎ Guardian Influence Gained
    ⯎ Warden Influence Gained
    ⯎ Heroism Influence Gained
    ⯎ Truth Influence Gained
    ⯎ Memory Influence Gained
    ⯎ Destiny Influence Gained
    ⯎ Fate Influence Gained
    ⯎ Lord Influence Gained
    ⯎ Reclaimer Influence Gained
    ⯎ Traveler Influence Gained
    ⯎ Otherworld Influence Gained
    ⯎ Salvation Influence Gained
    ⯎ Annihilation Influence Gained
    ⯎ Balance Influence Gained
    ⯎ Penance Influence Gained
    ⯎ Astray Influence Gained
    ⯎ Seals Influence Gained
    ⯎ Worlds Influence Gained
    ⯎ Corruption Influence Gained
    ⯎ Change Influence Gained
    ⯎ Pursued Influence Gained
    ⯎ Slain Influence Gained
    ⯎ Returned Influence Gained
    ⯎ Diverged Influence Gained
    ⯎ Living Influence Gained
    ⯎ Wonder Influence Gained
    ⯎ Lessons Influence Gained
    ⯎ Curiosity Influence Gained


    LOOT
    ⯎ Acquired - ????: Unidentified Alloy Lancet
    ⯎ Acquired - ????: Unidentified Glass Rod Restraint x3
    ⯎ Blue crystal with quicksilver veins
    ⯎ Black glass fragment

    ⭍ Key-Bearer: The Key To Midnight




    Last edited by Mornings; 2020-09-25 at 10:42 AM.

  2. - Top - End - #722
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Chromascope3D's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Across the spiraling sea.

    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)

    Kazik
    The Hanging Men

    Rest. Kazik was curious why a creature such as this would need rest, but if that the game they were playing, then so be it. He needed rest as well, whether he needed to admit it or not. Patience had never been his strong suit, but that was before he had spent all those years in a lightless cell, restrained and unmovable. Yes, he would wait, and study the creature. It was magnificent in its construction, kyton-like in its blending of muscle and steel, perhaps lending more credibility to his working theory. He sits as well, leaning back against a wall where he can further observe its motions.

    How long was it going to stay here, he wondered. Surely it was not resting, but, perhaps, like a hunter, it was waiting for something to return. It, too, was exercising its own patience. Perhaps it, too, had been waiting, though its own was far greater than his by may orders of magnitude, dwelling in its realm, awaiting orders from its dark master for the day that its horde could sweep across the firmament and cosmos beyond. Waiting, waiting, and watching, like a prodigal hunter. He sat back, and let the cosmos wash over him.


    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Kazik's gonna rest and focus, spending 3 points on Across the Dark.
    Success Sub 45 (1d100)[76]

    And I guess some skills for good measure.
    Perception: (1d20+17)[33]
    Sense Motive: (1d20+17)[35]


    Spoiler: Stats
    Show
    Kazik
    Human Sentinel (Darkness Defender) LN
    Scorn 14
    Focus Points: 3/10
    Deathsense: 9/10
    Reserve Points: 5/5
    Origin Mana: 1/7
    Martial Focus Yes
    HP 92 / 92 [49 nonlethal] Speed ft Init 8 AC 22 Fort 14 Ref 13 Will 12 CMB +10 BAB 5 +1 Irons of Glamden's Hollow +13 (+11) (1d3+8 (1d3+12) {+10}, x2)
    Throwing Knives +12 (1d4+2, x2)
    Dagger +12 (+10) (1d4+2, 19-20/x2) Str 20 (5) Dex 24 (7) Con 16 (3) Wis 16 (3) Int 14 (2) Cha 9 (-1)
    Boons
    Martial Focus

    Conditions

    Sig by Mornings
    My Art!

  3. - Top - End - #723
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    Triskavanski's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jan 2011

    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)


    After what seemed to be like months of Faux Paw staring at the space she no longer occupied, he adjusted his clothing patting it down. Well, at the very least it was white once more, instead of blood red and filled with the greasy grimy gopher guts of pulverized pancaked peasant pieces. He shuddered at the thought, his fur standing on end. He wasn't sure what the future was going to bring him, but at the very least, he managed to get... well somewhere. Which was irritating to say the least, as he felt like he was constantly peddling along and while the scenery was changing, was he really going anywhere at all?

    Everything that he ever knew was gone, and yet again, he really didn't know much after he woke up in the prison. Why was he there, what happened to the others? It all felt like a dream, and frankly he didn't feel like continuing that again. For now he headed off towards the indicated direction keeping his wits about him. He needed to find some place he could stand around and practice a lot more.
    Animated Spellcards from the Deck of Many Things
    A game I found interesting Aegis: Innocence

  4. - Top - End - #724
    Troll in the Playground
     
    Mornings's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Location
    Outside

    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)







    22nd of Neth, Sunday | Time: 16:03 pm | AR 4713 (Winter)
    Otherworld; L'Zho-Kenna, The Betwixt
    L'Izz'tssa, The Passages; Ashurbanipal - The Towers


    The slow dull thud of the twisted shadow-thing's long cruel finger upon the desk was his metronome. His broken chime, lulling him to sleep. Black. It had been long since he had found rest, true rest. Indeed, the years lost, however long it might have been, passed with the slow grind of a hellish eternity yet ended with sharp and dizzying abruptness. Like a man petrified within a block of ice, just barely aware of his own existence. That was not rest, it was a condemnation unfeeling. For the first time, in what felt like longer than he’d even truly lived, Kazik slept.

    It was the silence which jarred him awake and to his feet. The telling hammer of the horrid creature’s patient tapping was gone. His eyes darted about. There was the familiar view of large dark bookcases towering up from the cluttered black marbled floor far into the black of the sky above, but a shiver of realization crept down his back. He didn’t know this place. [Kazik | Perception - Partial]

    In the low flickering of the dancing white candlelight from the pale crystalline candelabras’ freely drifting in the air above, he could see his own form was… unnatural. Gassy and ethereal, as much a product made of some sapphire mist as it was flesh. Across the modestly sized chamber of the study, a cowled man loomed over a familiar obsidian colored great-desk and focused upon his work. Despite the reasonable size of the study, the room was still impossibly tall, seemingly without a ceiling at all. The man wasn’t ancient like the Libarian. His hair was greasy and colored raven-black. The thick stubble on his face was partially obscured by his locks and the cowl of his fine cloak. Numerous spiraling symbols and celestial heraldry marked the dark robes with glittering silver, and a number of magical devices hung from small iron links from the sides of his hood, sleeves and trim.

    Flipping between pages of various books, the man’s other hand quickly transcribed work from one page to another, while various other quills simply danced about on their own. ”Master Kazik, was it? No need for alarm...“ The man’s hand didn’t stop moving as he spoke, but finally seemed to reach a stopping point in his work as he placed down his fine pen. With his newly freed hand he removed the small dainty spectacles which had been previously obscured upon his face. Perhaps in his late twenties, or early thirties, the stranger didn’t appear as ancient as his station would imply. He had soft, tired eyes circled with dark rings from many long nights. ”It has been a very long time since an Aspirant has visited these halls… So long in fact, this is a first even for me. I must admit, our meeting comes somewhat unexpected. You may call me Luntis. I am currently under the stewardship of the Librarian and am the current Curator for Ashurbanipal, and I suppose the Archivist, for now.“ The man didn't appear to hold any hostile intentions, but there was something mysterious and unexplainable in his person which he couldn't quite place. [Kazik | Sense Motive - Partail]

    Kazik could feel his temporary form begin to dim, like a fading light, or smoke spread too thin. Whatever this was, he was losing his grasp of it quickly. ”It seems our time is nearing its end. As long as this office remains so closely tied to your own Fate, you should be able to return via the same method while within the Library. I expect we will meet again.“ [Kazik | Across the Dark - Failure]

    Once again the dull thuds rang in his ears as he was stirred from his rest. A dream? The world wasn’t that simple anymore. It felt as if he’d had some measure of innocence stolen from himself since he woke in that wretched prison. The veil of safety, familiarity and lies he and every other mortal man spun about themselves seemingly evaporated in the face of nightmarish and unimaginable truth. Sooner or later, everyone would need to accept that the universe was far more vast than they knew.


    Spoiler: Kazik Status
    Show
    ֍ Kazik +950 (61,400xp)
    Attunement EXP 100 (Attunment is the measure of a creature's sensitivity and ability to tap into the Fates)
    Weaving EXP 100 (Weaving is the measure of a creature's ability to interact and alter the Fates)
    Fragments: 0 (Spent 5,500)
    Living Essence: 0
    HP 92/92 (49 Nonlethal)
    MP 1/7
    AC 22
    ⯎ Truth Influence Gained
    ⯎ Time Influence Gained
    ⯎ Knowledge Influence Gained
    ⯎ Travel Influence Gained
    ⯎ Madness Influence Gained
    ⯎ Death Influence Gained
    ⯎ Darkness Influence Gained
    ⯎ Evil Influence Gained
    ⯎ Survival Influence Gained
    ⯎ Agility Influence Gained
    ⯎ Wisdom Influence Gained
    ⯎ History Influence Gained
    ⯎ Spirits Influence Gained
    ⯎ Curse Influence Gained
    ⯎ Defense Influence Gained
    ⯎ Worlds Influence Gained
    ⯎ Magic Influence Gained
    ⯎ Doom Influence Gained
    ⯎ Omens Influence Gained
    ⯎ Fate Influence Gained
    ⯎ Attunement Influence Gained
    ⯎ Otherworld Influence Gained
    ⯎ Perception Influence Gained
    ⯎ Lore Influence Gained
    ⯎ Despair Influence Gained
    ⯎ Terror Influence Gained
    ⯎ Fear Influence Gained
    ⯎ Persistence Influence Gained
    ⯎ Insight Influence Gained
    ⯎ Senses Influence Gained
    ⯎ Instinct Influence Gained
    ⯎ Vision Influence Gained
    ⯎ Sight Influence Gained
    ⯎ Black Influence Gained
    ⯎ Reality Influence Gained
    ⯎ Awareness Influence Gained
    ⯎ Truth Influence Gained
    ⯎ Answers Influence Gained
    ⯎ Forgotten Influence Gained
    ⯎ Weakness Influence Gained
    ⯎ Strength Influence Gained
    ⯎ Chains Influence Gained
    ⯎ Otherworld Influence Gained
    ⯎ Ancients Influence Gained
    ⯎ Power Influence Gained
    ⯎ Trade Influence Gained
    ⯎ Mysticism Influence Gained
    ⯎ Broken Influence Gained
    ⯎ Arcane Influence Gained
    ⯎ Exchange Influence Gained
    ⯎ Hate Influence Gained
    ⯎ Faith Influence Gained
    ⯎ Gods Influence Gained
    ⯎ Patience Influence Gained

    ⯎ Acquired [Black Dice x1]
    ⯎ L'Neau'U'Jool - Black Coin
    ⯎ Memory Weapon - The Irons of Glamden's Hallow






  5. - Top - End - #725
    Bugbear in the Playground
     
    Stevesciguy's Avatar

    Join Date
    Sep 2018
    Location
    In your base

    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)



    Erik moved over to the desk, still somewhat stiff from his near-death experience. He mentally crossed out "near" from his thoughts. He had died. He would do well to keep that in mind.

    Trying to move on from the thoughts of his own death, Erik looked down towards the large tome. Though, 'large' seemed an inadequate descriptor. If it weren't for the books he had seen out on Ashurbanipal's immense shelves, he might have called it the largest book he'd ever seen. Peering over the page as it rippled at the Librarian's touch, it briefly occurred to him that those colossal books he had encountered might not necessarily contain words.

    Enough wondering. There was work to be done. Muttering slightly:

    "Creating a plane? You say that like it's simple."

    Erik raised his hands to lay them on the tome. He wasn't quite sure what to do. The Librarian had spoken of knowledge, and of how one couldn't learn by doing, but even he seemed to expect Erik to already possess certain knowledge - like how to will a new plane into existence.

    "Do I just... think?"

    Gingerly touching the tome, he gave his best mental effort.

    Spoiler: OoC
    Show
    Alright, roll time. Let's hope this doesn't take too many tries.
    Create Realm: (1d20+5)[17]

    Avatar kindly provided by TinyMushroom!

  6. - Top - End - #726
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Chromascope3D's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Across the spiraling sea.

    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)

    Kazik
    The Hanging Men

    Kazik shook his head as he awoke, head still pounding. With no sky above he was unsure if he had been asleep for minutes or hours, though with the creature having made no move during that time, he could at least be certain that it, at least, was truly was no threat to his person. He sat up, and took a moment to focus: What was that dream? A dream it must be and yet he was not especially struggling to remember it as one might. Another scribe, like the one that had taken Erik away, yet could only be viewed through the dream realm. That seemed rather unhelpful, he determined as he reached into the eyeholes of his mask and scraped the sleep from his lids, though as he did so, another thought occurred to him: How long had it been since he'd last ate? Surely it had to have been at least a day, and yet his bowels seemed to make no protest of its lack of fill. He watched the creature tap for a while longer, before resolving that, hunger or no, he must eat, if only to cure the looming boredom beginning to fray at his edges. Collecting his belongings and stuffing them in his sack, he stood up and sauntered toward the door. After all, a grand palace as this must have some larder somewhere. He looked back for a moment, and chuckled at the oddly growing sense of concern in his chest. This was no time to get sentimental. If the construct had been waiting here so long already, it would still be here upon his return. For now, the rhythmic clatter of his steel boots would be his companion as he began to wander the vast empty halls.


    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Gonna go look for something to eat, if not something more interesting.
    Survival: (1d20+9)[13]
    Perception: (1d20+17)[25]


    Spoiler: Stats
    Show
    Kazik
    Human Sentinel (Darkness Defender) LN
    Scorn 14
    Focus Points: 3/10
    Deathsense: 9/10
    Reserve Points: 5/5
    Origin Mana: 1/7
    Martial Focus Yes
    HP 92 / 92 [49 nonlethal] Speed ft Init 8 AC 22 Fort 14 Ref 13 Will 12 CMB +10 BAB 5 +1 Irons of Glamden's Hollow +13 (+11) (1d3+8 (1d3+12) {+10}, x2)
    Throwing Knives +12 (1d4+2, x2)
    Dagger +12 (+10) (1d4+2, 19-20/x2) Str 20 (5) Dex 24 (7) Con 16 (3) Wis 16 (3) Int 14 (2) Cha 9 (-1)
    Boons
    Martial Focus

    Conditions

    Sig by Mornings
    My Art!

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •