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  1. - Top - End - #691
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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)











    421st Day of the 1st Cycle - Time: 9th Bell / LC: 30,303
    Jun'athel; L'Chandal - The Crucible
    ????????; ???????


    The eerie Keeper continued to stare on at her while she spoke, still unblinking. There was a strange similarity between both of the floating Witches, held aloft by forces that Stella had yet to begin to comprehend. It took a moment for the word's the Hexe spoke to sink in. They were both Vet'Cnros. While there would always be the speculation of possible tribal differences in ancestral clans, that particular distinction didn't exist in the modern world. It had been lost with the fall of the Kingdom. There were only those which were, and those who were not. Kerym's Kingdom of Magic, the very empire their Vet'Cnros ancestors had brought crumbling down represented everything they had abhorred. Even thirty-thousand Cycles of L'Lotha could not erase that shame. A Daughter of Kerym...

    Alicia was beginning to get a grasp of the Keeper's subtly varying dispositions. Her visage was like that of a fleshy doll, bereft of all visible expressions. Or rather, she was beginning to think the Keeper was simply incapable of such things. There was something indescribably complex in the manner of her mere existence. The pauses and syllables of even the words she spoke, and when she spoke them. A terribly convoluted magic of a depth and purpose she couldn't begin to comprehend. She could feel the ebb and flow of the Weave in place of the expressions which were absent, tremors in the Black, the insubstantial pool in which all Fates were held. "No Witch resides... Within the Inverse. The nature of. It... Is just that. Perceptual. The Inverse. Is what is... Unobserved." An unmarked blank black token spun about above her hand, no shape to distinguish between either side. "Magics... Which attempt. To move between, either side. Are often. Violent and... Difficult to measure. It is. The cast of. A dart. Upon spinning coin. Yet. It must strike. The same position. Depth. And moment. From which it... Had been, released. Upon. The other side. To preserve. The consciousness... Unlikely. Anything less. Results, in more. Of the same. Divergence. The Inverse. Again. Becomes, the side. You cannot see. Because. The version of... Yourself. Created by. The Inverse. Still exists."

    The coin tossed itself from her hand as if she had thrown it like trash, vanishing in a small blot of smoke. "Only something... Which can witness. Both sides. At once. Will enter, the Inverse. Regardless, if you came. Upon the same. Side, as you've left. Returning, is perceptual. A revision. To the time... You last remember. From the point. The... dart was cast. What has been. What transpired. Will not be... undone." The Hexe closed her hand. Sharp creases formed in the world about them, folding it inward upon itself, then out into another long corridor. The malleable walls of reality sharply snapped and twisted like folded paper taking on a crystalline sheen as the Keeper floated down the ever-widening hall. "Your list of... enemies. Includes... The entire plane... of Duvan. And, your own Servitor. A servant. Cannot kill, their master. Least they are.... Terribly incompetent. Strength is... A negligible factor. Both in Duvan. And with Servitors. Most Hexe. In Duvan. Are not exceptional. Only cunning. Tenacious. Resourceful. The Sunjath'la way. Still... This is less. Enemies. Than anticipated."

    The hallway was absurdly shaped, octagonal but split in equal halves by an near-invisible clear floor of force. Spiraling hues of golds, greens, purples, reds and blues, glinting from jagged faceted surfaces like diamonds. It was a kaleidoscope of churning movement and color as the walls and ceiling turned rapidly in many divided segments, moving at different directions, speeds and intervals independent of one another. Stella was pulled along by some unseen tether, like driftwood caught in the current of an immense energy. "If you have... Yet to make. Enemies. Of the Witches... of Quarry. That remains. An option. As does. The Nightmare Witches. Of Ist'Treemma'rei. Long ago. They were allies. Kathe as well. Though their magics... Are forbidden. The Klasji'el of... Che'el Talthelra. May be convinced. With permission. Or... The Usto'Tyna. Whatever remains. With appropriate offerings. The D'Inlé. Might spare. Their wisdom. Though simplest... Might be. A Magister. Of N'Tallos. Duvan remembers hate. For... The Black Magister. But, the Conclave. Does not spurn. Their own. Without cause... It is not. Too late. To find... Another path."


    Returner Path Advancement: Resonance, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom
    Caught amid the revelation she was caught within her own spiral of doom. Stella contemplated each moment and every choice which had brought her to this point. Those memories were filled with little more than the familiar and zealous desire. A negligence towards those whom might have become allies... or friends. Once again, she was alone. Even those whom had shown her kindness had been a means towards an end, a resource she had used while able then cast aside... Yet still, she felt as if nothing had been learned. The cycle had to be broken.
    Difficulty: Unknown | Status: On-going | Profit: Retraining Option & Potential Advancement | Time: 2 Years
    Primary Objective:
    - Make Amends With The Conclave
    Alternate Objective:
    - Apprentice Under A New Master


    Global Quest: The Cleft of Five Worlds, Part 1: The Black Harvest (Quest Lost)
    The Source has bled into the World Veil. The long term consequences of Stella's meddling have created a corruption strong enough to compel the origin of all energy within the multiverse. Together with the Shadow Bohka, the Witches of the Black begun to congregate upon the isolated universe. Gone are the petty qualms of the Che'el Talthelra. Countless forces begin to descend upon the unsuspecting world for their own ends, driven by greed at the unprecedented opportunity. The Black Magister entered a race against time to find a solution, before the Whispering Witch created her own.
    Difficulty: Legendary | Status: On-going | Profit: Unknown | Time: Unknown
    Primary Objective:
    - Meet the Shadow Bohka



    Main Quest: The Wild Dark - Dreaming, The Nightmare King (Quest Lost)
    A narrow escape from the plotting of the House of the First has only revealed an infighting between the L'Dalharen, with Alicia in the center of the conflict. Sentenced unto servitude, the Witch of Jun'athel now guides them forward unto the unknown to seek audience with the Nightmare King.
    Difficulty: Moderate | Status: On-going | Profit: Unknown | Time: None
    Primary Objective:
    - Acquire Arborization
    - Depart L'Chandal
    - Escort The Keeper, Gran Hexe B'Belka'tevel

    Main Quest: At The Gates of Sleep (Quest Lost)
    Gran Hexe B'Belka'Tevel, finding Stella's actions as the root cause for the corruption seeping into the Veil of Jun'athel, has charged her with a monumental task. The preservation of the Veil and its hosts. Now nominated as a Servant-Herald, there was no other choice left before her but putting an end to the chaos her presence had ushered, once and for all.
    Difficulty: Moderate | Status: On-going | Profit: Unknown | Time: None
    Primary Objective:
    - Construct Wussrun'Khel Avatar
    - Enter the World Veil



    Spoiler: Rewards | EXP
    Show


    ֍ Stella XP +4,000 (189,800xp)
    ⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
    ⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
    ⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
    ⯎ Community Influence Gained
    ⯎ Discovery Influence Gained
    ⯎ Travel Influence Gained
    ⯎ Wisdom Influence Gained
    ⯎ Occult Influence Gained
    ⯎ Veil Influence Gained
    ⯎ Evil Influence Gained
    ⯎ Nightmare Influence Gained
    ⯎ Curse Influence Gained
    ⯎ Defense Influence Gained
    ⯎ Justice Influence Gained
    ⯎ Memory Influence Gained
    ⯎ Worlds Influence Gained
    ⯎ Fate Influence Gained
    ⯎ Time Influence Gained
    ⯎ Faith Influence Gained
    ⯎ Ascension Influence Gained
    ⯎ Guilt Influence Gained
    ⯎ Hated Influence Gained
    ⯎ Subservient Influence Gained
    ⯎ Transcendent Influence Gained
    ⯎ Apprentice Influence Gained
    ⯎ Duty Influence Gained
    ⯎ Servitude Influence Gained
    ⯎ Dreams Influence Gained
    ⯎ Ancestors Influence Gained
    ⯎ Origin Influence Gained
    ⯎ Divinity Influence Gained
    ⯎ Dreamworlds Influence Gained
    ⯎ Change Influence Gained
    ⯎ Introspection Influence Gained

    ⯎ THE INVERSE +5,000 (194,800xp)
    ⯎ Acquired [Strange Item]
    ✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
    ⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

    SpellWeaving:
    Successfully casting a Spellweave costs the Witch a number of focus points equal to Spell Level + 1.
    The Witch may attempt a number of Spellweaving Checks per day equal to her Aptitude.

    Alicia HP: 8 (13) / 22
    Istrei'D'Val Barrier: 450/450
    Focus: 27/28
    Mana: 1/10
    Reputation: 25
    Memory: 3
    Spite: 1
    Honor: 311
    SV. Exp: 2 (Severance)
    Weave Exp: 175
    Veil Exp: 1,000


    Spoiler: The Reflected Alter
    Show

    Praying at the alter requires a Spell Focus check and 1d8 hours of uninterrupted meditation to establish a connection with the herald. Alicia receives no way of judging the success or failure of her attempt. Cumulative penalties are applies for very 4 hours of meditation taken from loosing focus over a prologed period of time. These penalties stack with conditions accrued from other sources such as starvation or dehydration.


    Spoiler: Alicia Kelgore - Conflicted Mind
    Show
    Alicia and Stella must maintain a constant state of balance to stay in harmony with one another, however doing this is not a simple task as the Veil evolves. Alicia will progressively shift in alignment as the Veil grows and the two personalities shift further and further apart from one another, prompted by various Spell Focus checks while both performing magic and having new experiences which the Veil attempts to adapt into the persona's fabricated history. Furthermore the Veil is capable of enforcing its own canonical history as if by means of a Divergence. At the beginning and end of each day both persona's must make an opposed spell focus check, granting advantage to the victor for the next 8 hours. The persona with advantage gains a +5 circumstance bonus to all other checks against the other identity. If Stella begins to fail more and more checks her control of Alicia will begin to diminish, introducing new influences or opposing actions which she must succeed an ego check to interrupt. Further effects from the Veil may be acquired from constant failed checks. This Veil may be dismissed by revisiting the mirror and spending 1 minute in meditation.




  2. - Top - End - #692
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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)



    After the Primarch finished her short tirade, Erik's face hardened slightly. He stood up from the edge of the bed, even as the phantom pains in his limbs protested. Some of the militaristic bark and grit began to re-enter his voice.

    "I have been the Lord of Ashurbanipal for mere minutes. I hardly had time to speak to the Librarian about more than my blasted hand before it reeled me off into nowhere like a damned fish. By my count, I've found myself in four different planes of existence within the last hour. My 'foolish' questions are my attempt to figure out what in the Nine Hells my place is in this while my mind and body are getting flung back and forth across reality like a child's ball. And somehow, those questions led to this."

    Erik made a sharp gesture toward the key.

    "You ask me if I can protect it, I don't even know what I'm up against. I know I'm competent, but why even offer the key if you can't be sure of my abilities?"

    Avatar kindly provided by TinyMushroom!

  3. - Top - End - #693
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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)



    Her mind spun as she still tried to process the situation that she was in. She was a bit happy that she was starting to grasp the Hexe's demeanor, though now she was a bit curious as to why the Hexe was that way. As she sat and listened to the Hexe, she wondered how long the woman had lived and how long it had taken her to come about all this knowledge. As the black coin appeared above the woman's hand, she found her eyes following it as it spun in place. Listening to the Hexe speak was challenging to understand, though she now understood more than she previously had. As the world folded around them, she wondered what meaning the Hexe had behind such a show.

    Hearing that a Servitor could not kill its master was pleasant to her ears. Still, she had no way of controlling the Servitor that was bound to her. Though perhaps the Hexe would be willing to help mediate some agreement between the two of them. If so, then that would be one step further towards her final goals. As she thought about her goals, she realized that she had possibly been going about everything wrong. She had been acting without thought, without regard to the damage her actions could cause. She knew this wouldn't have been much of a problem if she had the power she previously wielded. In her current state, it would have been wiser for her to have gathered more friends than to have sought power on her own.

    As the hallway spun with various colors, her eyes roamed as they moved through it, the spiraling colors ever slightly mesmerizing. It was harder to focus on the woman's words as her vision was filled with the ever-moving walls. It seemed as if the woman was providing her with options, possible Masters that she could seek out and learn from. The information spun in her mind, and the various options flitted about. Quarry was not a place that she wanted to turn to, and hearing the Kathe's magic was forbidden turned her away from them as well. The Klasji'el being an option was curious, as was the Usto'Tyna. She had met both of them in Che'el Talthelra, though she wasn't sure if she wanted to be in a world devoid of magic. Her mind mulled over the rest of the options, D'Inlé were fickle, and she wasn't sure if she could even get their assistance. The Nightmare Witches sounded like a decent option. She had met a few previously, and She was unsure if she wanted to go that route. That left her with asking for help from another Magister or trying to get back into the Conclave's favor. Her mind again turned towards the source of her current problem. She had been trying to find a teacher, and now the Hexe was offering another list of people that could be her master. Hearing that the Conclave did not spurn her was interesting, and hearing that it was not too late to find another path made her wonder if she could make Amends. It would be a different path forward and possibly a better chance of making allies.

    "If I am to find another path. Then finding a new master might not be the best idea. I had been seeking out a new Master to Teach me and train me how to use my magic. I don't believe that has ended very well for anyone. Though, of course, I wasn't going for a simple teacher." Her mind was made up. If she was to try a different path, then she needed to make amends for her wrongs. "If I could make amends with the Conclave and others that I have wronged, then that would be a different path from what I have been following. However, I am not sure even where to start or what would be asked of me. Would you perhaps know of how I could begin?"

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show


    Know Abstract: (1d20+32)[36] (1d20+32)[51]- Information on the Kathe
    Know Abstract: (1d20+32)[33] (1d20+32)[40] - Information on the other Magisters of N'Tallos
    Know Abstract: (1d20+32)[50] (1d20+32)[39] - Information on the how she could make Amends with the Conclave

    Lets see what happens when stella stops being stella and tries something new.

    Edit: added rolls that I had forgotten that I do...


    Last edited by forg99rules; 2020-08-07 at 10:40 PM.

  4. - Top - End - #694
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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)


    Thinking back on it, there was so much she didn't know. The priest had spoke of the various services he offered, and of different methods by which she could gather the necessary resources to pay her way out from that field of graves. Perhaps the cleric was evil. Though in retrospect she very much doubted that. The man likely made some form of profit with the resources he furnished. It seemed the most likely answer. There was simply no way to know now just how all of those pieces had came together, or just what a Contract had actually entailed. It would have been so much wiser to question those potential options further, before resorting to this. Regret. It hung like a foul inescapable musk. In a movement beyond what could be willfully controlled, her large green eyes looked back upwards towards the heavens, locking upon the returning white glare of the solar archon so far above. As the sunlit scion returned, daylight washed over the dismal skyless world. Bereft of moon and stars, this cursed place knew no morning nor light. Once more, the black gates did not open. Then after a time, the solar deity flew away, stealing back all brilliance from the realm in a sudden flash of dusk unto another night which knew no ending. She should have tried to uncover the truth before coming here, before being ensnared within this cage. That was all so long ago now. If there was a means of escape, she'd still yet to find it. She had made a mistake. [Regina | Sense Motive - Partial]






    The hand that wrapped around the back of her head dug into her fur with cruel claws. Thick fingers yanked her eyes from the skyward spires and directed her head to face the thick deluge of knee deep muck below. "Don't you screw this up for me again, runt" The voice was a sinister whisper in her tall ears, low enough to not be overheard by others. Regina had gotten used to the unearthly tongue after the first few months, but the words still grated upon her consciousness like a rough file. There was something raw and mystical about the language which naturally repulsed the mortal mind. The strangely complex blur of tonal inflections and long six syllable words for even the simplest of things was far unlike anything she had ever heard spoken, yet her new host seemed to understand the eldritch tongue fluently. In fact, Regina had quickly learned that her vessel did not know any language with which she herself would dare to call 'familiar'.

    Mean yellow eyes glared down at her intimidatingly from her companion. He was nearly twice her stature, and a head above in terms of height. The large brown cat walked upright, just as she did. Their circumstances were less than ideal. While they both appeared to share the same race, they did not share the same ethnicity. Her dark fur made her appear like a shadow in the dim light, a pitch black streak of wet fur walking upright. There were very few of them, these feline creatures. Both she and he were cuffed at the ankle together as a pair by a short translucent chain. That chain never came off. The larger cat, a male called Sh'Ahfe, was not completely unliked by their fellow prisoners, and even tolerated by some of the other, fouler races. However, she on the other hand, was generally despised by everyone. Twice had she broken the rules, causing trouble for not only herself and her chain-partner, but all within that block of the ward. They had tried to kill her, at least three times now. It was only the younger ones, but she feared for her life should the Lampus direct their attention her way. Being stabbed was one thing, but angering a Yila warrior was another.

    Together they sauntered through the thick pool of sludge, slowly passed another cat-like creature. Garbed in sturdy steel lamellar, his arms were crossed disapprovingly. "One more time, Phas" They liked to remind her of that... One more time was all she had left. If she made another mistake, she'd be banished to the Lesser Realms, evicted from E'Spon Vadruk. A fate less preferable than death. They were slaves, but indentured under contractual service to the Circle of Val'Dhuuk; the Coven of Nightmare Witches whom reigned in this world. Should they survive the agreed upon time tending to the sluice-ways of the Wah'Nanin, then they would be rewarded with citizenship and entrance to Ist'Treemma'rei. Some where even educated or employed following their completed years of servitude. It was hard, dirty work, but not unreasonable. Most eventually did complete their time. It was merely that her circumstances made things much more, complicated.

    As the light rays of light faded away, the glint of nocturnal eyes begun to visibly glow from the various tunnels branching off in every direction of the chamber. Most were hostile, glaring viciously out from the darkness, but they continued their work. They wouldn't attack yet, not while they still remained within a sluice hall with posted sentries. Kah'Kelka, the armored feline they had passed, was like them. One of the few Murrpau within the realm, but he had earned his freedom long ago, taking up a post as a guardsman to those whom came after. He held no fondness for her, but took his duty very seriously. Sometimes Sh'Ahfe and he would speak of the other realms, as Kelka did not reside in this dismal place. How she wished to see it. To escape from here. There were few places Elil could call home while Quarry remained occupied by the enemy. It was far preferable to sacrifice a handful of years living as a prisoner, to earn a place as an equal. Rather than a lifetime of slavery beneath the feet of the Witches of Duvan. Her gaze once more drifted towards the sky, but was halted by Sh'Ahfe's hand around her face like a bristled mask. Her name was Phas'Riatal.




    Heaven was a city of towers forever beyond reach. The dull thundering groan of massive black gears the size of arenas and theaters rumbled above, filling the air with a constant quiver. There was no sky in this world. No sun. No moon, nor stars. Only the sharp jutting ends of a skyline of turning mounds of stone and steel. Towers of great clockwork mechanisms rotated inverted spires, thousands of feet in length, trading the great monoliths between the tremendous jaws of iron teeth in a mesmerizing and perfect dance of precisely timed movements. Plates of magnetically charged alloys flipped and whirled, creating great winding passages and stairs. Distant figures raced by atop thrones of liquid metals, catapulted upon turning railways coming into and out of service in a boggling exchange. It was the world above, a metropolis of revolving mechanical wonder. A realm they called 'the ascent'. Phas had never seen the complete cycle before, despite it being the mode by which the entire plane determined day and night. It was forbidden for those whom were not citizens of the realm to gaze upon its splendor. The single point the high and low worlds met was L'Arn'Vienn, The Turning Gate. A great black gate, with two halves of its portal produced by either half of the world. One half descending from the city above, and another from the earth below, meeting thousands of feet in the sky at a circular portcullis suspended between either realm. Irregularly, the solar archon of light would return to the gateway and wait. Yet it remained sealed, as the gatekeeper would turn away the being of sunlight without fail. There was no explanation for the unusual spectacle, at least not to a slave.

    The 'ascent', or as it was properly called, L'Anui'Ninn, was a wonder of reeling colors and reflected shades. The underbelly of colossal interlinked super-structures which covered the entire plane of existence. Phas had never seen the what lay above, beyond the underside of the city, nor had she heard anything of it. That too was forbidden to speak of, to a slave. Perhaps there really was a sky somewhere beyond the mounds of billowing smoke and winding gears. There might have even been light, or stars further past the sky. The walls shuddered around them as a massive waterfall of putrid rotten sludge exploded into the far end of the chamber from somewhere above the choking black miasma of the clouds. Sh'Ahfe planted his pole into one of the square slits which lined the floor, bracing himself against the impact of the wave, while she was simply swept under, nearly drowning in excrement and waste. perhaps not. The larger cat chained to her ankle reached down and pulled her up from the roiling river of grease and sheit. He shook his head with a disparaging look as she violently vomited up the noxious slime and blew the remnants out from her nose. It would have all been worth it if a few years of toil earned her the right to access the city, but such was an impossibility. Citizenship was only granted to those Nightmare Witches native to the realm, a minority even among the Witches of other realms throughout the Worlds. While almost all of the clans had lost their home after the fall of their empire, the Val'Dhu were completely unscathed, as their Coven had long isolated itself from the other realms. An ideology which they still valued today, though the practice was somewhat less stringent than in the past. The preservation of their realm and clan had set the foundation for the mighty nation they were today. The cold systematic indoctrination of all foreign laborers included a number of educational blocks, to enlighten the sodden fools whom sought entrance to the realm.

    The Val'Dhu were the strongest of all the Ros'wussrun peoples throughout all the Nightmare Worlds. Other clans educated their Witches through rigorous schools and training before sending them on to complete their magical learning within the realm of Duvan. It was not so for the Val'Dhu. Their Nightmare Witches did not leave the Dreamworlds, but they were sent away. Only returning to complete their training here, in L'Anui'Ninn. The rumors and legends Witches of Duvan told among themselves of the savagery and fearsome barbarism of Nightmare Witches painted all Ros'wussrun as one and the same, but in truth it was only the Val'Dhu. The iconic image their culture had imprinted upon the psyche of the Second World was one of unmistakable dread. E'Spon Vadruk was a mysterious existence which owed no allegiance to the ultimate authority which governed their multiverse, the Wheel and Council. Instead, a plane with the might to rival the Third World was commanded by one soul. An unknown Queen whom was only referred to as, 'The Unraveler'. [Regina | Trait Acquired - Aspect Of Desperation: Attempt to Aspect with intent (DC20). Upon success, if there exists a host with which you may attune, this ability succeeds and you may Aspect as the host. Any associated attunement feats or abilities the host possesses functions as normal. This ability may only be attempted once per week.]

    Conspiracies were abound from foreign tongues, that this 'Unraveler' did not exist at all. Rather, it was purposed E'Spon Vadruk was manipulated from the shadows by the Nightmare King, whom sought to rally his armies to once again wage war with the material universes beyond. Countless theories existed, none of which ever came from a Val'Dhu. The mysterious race was aloft, godlike in their stature and demeanor. Yet, like a frenzied death-cult which spanned an entire demographic of peoples. Zealous in their secrets and hateful of mortals and paramortals alike. Only the Voices, Witches chosen by their ruling council ever interacted with those who were not Val'Dhu. They were often somewhat haughty, but they were benevolent 'gods', seeing their lowly subjects and tending to the countless souls of the Uli'Ninn, the darksome world below the city.

    There were less than one-hundred-and-fifty thousand of the Val'Dhu.
    Four billion foreign souls toiled in the dark world below...










    Phas'Riatal
    LN Lesser Murrpau Paramortal
    Class: Murrpau (Sariya) 1
    Sheet

    DEFENSE
    ⛨ HP 10/10
    ⛨ AC 16, Touch 12, Flat-footed 15, CMD 26
    Fort -1, Ref 3, Will -2
    Speed 40 | Init 1
    DR 5/-
    SR 13

    OFFENCE
    CMB +15, Base Attack Bonus +1

    MELEE
    Murrpau Claws +18 (Sunder +21) (3d4+30 (+35), 18-20x2)

    STATISTICS
    Abilities Str 40, Dex 12, Con 4, Int 8, Wis 6, Cha 9
    Condition
    ⭍ Weakened Curse (Ex): Phas'Riatal's constitution score is reduced by 6 and cannot be improved until her curse is dispelled.

    ⭍ Sickly (Ex): Phas'Riatal always rolls twice and takes the worst result when making fortitude saves. Strenuous tasks such as marching or physical labor for duration's longer than 1 hour impart the fatigued condition, then the exhausted condition the following hour. She must rest for three times the number of hours worked to recover from this.

    ⭍ Lesser Sariya Strength (Ex): As a discarded runt of her litter Phas'Riatal does not enjoy the same strength and power as her kin due to her diluted bloodline. Phas gains a +20 racial bonus to her strength ability score and a +5 bonus on all attempts to break or sunder items.

    Sneaky Cat (Ex) +4 stealth, 1d10 sneak attack

    Racial: Fast Healing 1




    Spoiler: Status: Non-Prime Aspect (Phas'Riatal)
    Show

    At times an Aspecting character attempting to gain control of a host, fails to do so. The event of such a failure is called a Non-Prime Aspect. When this occurs, the Aspecting character is not the primary controlling consciousness of the host, this might be another Aspect, or the host itself. While the Aspecting character is not Primary, it is typically treated identically to a ghost, spirit or patron haunting the host. However, as the conditions to fail in becoming the primary consciousness is often based on the host's skills or abilities, the relationship between the Aspect and Host will often vary based on which Potentials or unique feats they possess. This relationship is especially important when PCs aspect into PCs, or NPCs into PCs.

    Non-Prime Aspect (Phas'Riatal)
    Phas'Riatal possesses the Cosmic Attunement unique feat, and at the expense of being easily possessed, she is always the primary consciousness. There are no opposed checks to assert control or oppose her actions as the Primary, unless you possess unique Potentials or abilities which would allow you to do so. Aspects haunting Phas'Riatal function as spirits, which are without form by default. The Aspect may attempt to reveal itself to the host by succeeding a DC15 will save, however the DC increases by 5 for each consecutive round. The Aspect may also choose to manifest itself physically by succeeding a DC25 will save but permanently gaining the staggered condition while doing so. The DC increases by 5 for each consecutive round they are manifest, but they may perform any actions they could as if they were not a spirit. When manifest in a physical form, the Aspect becomes vulnerable and can be wounded or slain, however all damage or wounds are reverted upon releasing their temporary body. The appearance of this physical form can be different than their actual appearance, but the differences cannot be radical and are equivalent to a DC15 disguise check for the purpose of determining how 'realistic' the form appears. Each time the Aspect chooses to become visible, or manifest, the respective DC to do so permanently increases by 1. If the host dies, all Aspecting creatures are immediately destroyed and may only be revived by first finding a method to reconstruct their shattered ego.

    Information the host gathers or learns via skill checks is shared with the Aspect be default. However, the host may choose to actively prevent this from occurring for individual Aspects of their choice. This option is not available to the host if they are unaware of an Aspect's existence. The Aspect can understand languages the host speaks in their primary tongue. The Aspect may also speak telepathically to the host, or aloud when physically manifest. The Aspect possesses a number of abilities which they may use to interact with with the host or the world while limited by their ghost-form.

    ⯎ Aberrant Jaunt (Su)
    The spirit may attempt a DC20 will save to telekinetically control of an object with a weight of 5 pounds or less for 1 round. The object may be maneuvered and used just as if they held the object in their hand, but up to a range of 20 feet. Each subsequent round the DC increases by 2.

    ⯎ Opposed Skill Checks
    The Aspect may attempt social skill checks against the host while in their spirit form, but suffering from a -5 penalty due to their uncertain nature.

    ⯎ Wandering Spirit (Su)
    The spirit may move up to 30 feet from the host, and an additional 10 foot increment for each time they succeed a DC15 will save. The DC of this check increases by 5 for each increment beyond the first. The Aspect must succeed a will save equal to the highest save they've taken each following round, or they snap back to a random position within 30 feet of the host. The spirit possesses a fly speed of 30 feet.

    ⯎ Reverse The Aspect (Su)
    The Aspect may attempt to break free from their entrapment to the host and return from whence they came, but only by succeeding a DC23 Concentration Check. This check and all checks associated with Aspecting suffer a -10 penalty while tethered to a host. Each attempt permanently increases the DC by 1.


    Spoiler: A Word of Warning: E'Spon Vadruk
    Show

    The Nightmare Worlds can be relentlessly challenging or dangerous places to be, however E'Spon Vadruk is key among them in lethality. As the source of Severance-effects in the Primeval Dark campaign, it is not recommended for players to explore the wilds of the realm without first acquiring, at a minimum, the Spellfocus and Resonance unique skills (recommended score +20). The upper expanses of the realm located in the City of L'Anui'Ninn should be avoided at all costs until the player has, at a minimum, acquired the Spellfocus, Resonance, Arborization, Oneiroclast, Abstraction and Severance unique skills (recommended score +80). Without the associated unique skills, or Potentials, there is no opposed defense check against these effects; some of which may remove the target from the game.

    The filth-strewn passages of the slave wards are deadly, but contain more mundane threats which can be overcome conventionally (in most cases). However numerous strange and unique dangers of the Second World exist within Uli'Ninn, the dark world below the city. As does the threat of corruption. The difficulty of all tasks and quests is assumed to begin at 'Moderate' to 'Lethal'.


    Spoiler: Critical Note: Forbidden Knowledge
    Show

    Knowledge (Forbidden) is one of the most useful unique skills in the game, but also the absolute most dangerous ability a player character can utilize when performed outside of a very specific set of conditions, including the aid of numerous Potentials. Each time a PC attempts to utilize this skill without the protective features of other Potentials, they run a chance of acquiring a 'Corrupted Fate'. These conditions are a form of Curse which can potentially bestow numerous profane and crippling effects, but will in addition alter all quests and objectives the character possesses and can receive - permanently. The effects of a Corrupted Fate can be resolved by discovering and accomplishing the unique conditions associated with it. These conditions are always extremely severe, and may require an entire campaign-length undertaking to complete; stealing precious time which could be spent on other objectives.

    Regardless of the result of the %dice in determining if such a status is received, the character receives a number of points of Spite, and possesses a very high chance of incurring a Divergence or critical alteration, which may impose its own unique consequences, depending on the circumstances. The percent of such events occurring caps at 100% upon the third use. A character may only utilize Knowledge (Forbidden) unprotected three times throughout the entity of the game. Upon exceeding this number of uses, the current character is immediately slain after the skill's resolution. This ability kills all iterations of a character simultaneously, but is specific to the identity which activated the ability and does not extend past Reflected Personas. This effect cannot be prevented by any source. Slain character's cannot be returned to life, including from such Potentials as Lesser Immortality.


    Spoiler: Status - Regina
    Show


    ֍ Regina +5,100 (35,000xp)
    HP 52/53 (1 divine cold dmg)
    AC 19
    ⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
    ⯎ Deception Influence Gained
    ⯎ Trickery Influence Gained
    ⯎ Discovery Influence Gained
    ⯎ Magic Influence Gained
    ⯎ Secrets Influence Gained
    ⯎ Knowledge Influence Gained
    ⯎ Truth Influence Gained
    ⯎ Tapestry Influence Gained
    ⯎ Time Influence Gained
    ⯎ Dimensions Influence Gained
    ⯎ Fate Influence Gained
    ⯎ Vision Influence Gained
    ⯎ Light Influence Gained
    ⯎ Stability Influence Gained
    ⯎ Cold Influence Gained
    ⯎ Worlds Influence Gained
    ⯎ Death Influence Gained
    ⯎ Black Influence Gained
    ⯎ Red Influence Gained
    ⯎ Reflections Influence Gained
    ⯎ Darkness Influence Gained
    ⯎ Stars Influence Gained
    ⯎ Reality Influence Gained
    ⯎ Nuisance Influence Gained
    ⯎ Seeker Influence Gained
    ⯎ Forbidden Influence Gained
    ⯎ Planes Influence Gained
    ⯎ Delusion Influence Gained
    ⯎ Omens Influence Gained
    ⯎ Wandering Influence Gained
    ⯎ Stranded Influence Gained
    ⯎ Worlds Influence Gained
    ⯎ Real Influence Gained
    ⯎ Stranded Influence Gained
    ⯎ Ghosts Influence Gained
    ⯎ Entities Influence Gained
    ⯎ Passage Influence Gained
    ⯎ Realms Influence Gained
    ⯎ Essence Influence Gained
    ⯎ Existence Influence Gained
    ⯎ Nightmare Influence Gained
    ⯎ Haunting Influence Gained
    ⯎ Ensnared Influence Gained
    ⯎ Haunted Influence Gained
    ⯎ Irrational Influence Gained




    Last edited by Mornings; 2020-08-06 at 10:03 PM.

  5. - Top - End - #695
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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)







    "The typical fate of mortals wandering the Second World. Your circumstances are, unremarkable... But that doesn't detract from the nature of your position." The Keeper didn't seem to notice Erik's sharp change in tone. "Not every Keeper possesses a Key, but those whom are Stewards must offer their token. It is our responsibility to do as much, though no such thing compels me to humor your bleating..." The specter of a woman turned away, waving the device in the air. "There are no Lords. None aside from you, of course. Mighty. Wise. Godly, or humble. It does not matter. Countless have come. Now there are none. The weight of the crown cannot be overcome. The idiocy of the question is the paradox only a Lord can know. Of course you can't protect it. No one can... Perhaps that was purpose when She forged them."

    The billowing haunt sharply turned about, "The key will be mine to do with what I will, after all Lords have refused it." With a flick of her pale hand she cast the thing clattering along the floor, until it whirled in a sidelong spin across the tile, abruptly stopping beneath the mercenary's splinted foot. "...Yet. Now I almost want you to have it. What ruin would a mortal hewn from the Veil bring with such a thing, I wonder. Still, that choice is yours. Take it or do not, but you will be leaving now. I don't expect we will meet again."

    (Global Quest) Her Key To Midnight

    Somewhere beyond the spans of the material and existential, in a realm which did not exist. Somewhere between. The Lord of Ashurbanipal met with the Keeper of L'Tu'Lantha, the Relicuum Lalaphra, Who Lay In Earth. There he was offered a choice, in the form of a key which could forever change the fate of all that was or could be. A choice which would echo forever through time.
    Difficulty: Lethal | Status: On-going | Profit: Unknown | Time: Unknown
    [Consequence] - Upon use of the key the Prologue will end. All quest's difficulty will significantly increase. After a set period of time, if the Primeval Dark is not stopped, the game will end.
    Primary Objective: Accept The Key. Open The First Door To Midnight
    Alternate Objective: Refuse To Accept The Key


    Spoiler: Status
    Show


    ֍ Erik +800 (58,300xp) [Abstract -3,450]
    HP 53/53
    AC 23
    Spite: 2
    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


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






  6. - Top - End - #696
    Bugbear in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)



    Erik looked down to the key beneath his foot, then back up to the Primarch.

    Almost... right.

    Turning his attention back to the key, it was quiet enough for him to hear his heartbeat. One, two, three...

    "I don't know what you're trying to goad me into, Primarch..."

    Slowly he bent down, moving his foot and examining the odd key.

    ...but I suppose you've succeeded."

    A steady hand reached out and grasped the key. He turned his face upward toward the Primarch once more.

    "Tell Uma I said 'thank you,' if you can. It helps, to remember - to put the fractured remnants to rest."

    Spoiler: OoC
    Show
    One last attempt at a Sense Motive before... I get whisked away or something I guess. She changed her tune on the key, I wanna see if Erik can notice anything.

    Sense Motive: (1d20+9)[20]
    Last edited by Stevesciguy; 2020-08-07 at 08:14 PM.

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  7. - Top - End - #697
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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)

    Kazik
    The Hanging Men

    Pain. Fragmenting. As though he were returning to dust, the fractures snaked across his skin, and he began to break apart. It was...

    ...glorious. A sensation of all encompassing agony enveloping and convulsing throughout the flesh, a symphony of violence to his very essence. For a precious few moments Kazik reveled in the torment, until he was inevitably brought back by the dark presence. He lay on all fours, panting, recovering, collecting his thoughts and returning to the present. His thoughts drifted back to the sanitarium, how the skin had peeled away to reveal the organic machinery beneath. Was this something he could expect in the future? Perhaps, regularly?

    A list was presented before him, embossed in strange runes that he shouldn't understand, but oddly could. Perfectly, even, to understand that this was the power to be exchanged. It was surreal, and yet, he felt, almost instinctively, drawn to a few. He made his mark upon them, and steadily retook his footing.

    "I'll return now."



    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Gonna choose Resistance I and Indomitable

    Also Linguistics on the scroll for the lulz
    (1d20+4)[19]


    Spoiler: Stats
    Show
    Kazik
    Human Sentinel (Darkness Defender) LN
    Scorn 14
    Focus Points: 6/10
    Deathsense: 9/10
    Reserve Points 5/5
    Martial Focus Yes
    HP 92 / 92 [13 nonlethal] Speed ft Init 8 AC 22 Fort 10 Ref 9 Will 8 CMB +10 BAB 5 +1 Chain Whip +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
    Last edited by Chromascope3D; 2020-08-08 at 01:23 PM.

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  8. - Top - End - #698
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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)




    'He's never bested me in wit...' Those words seemed to reach back out to him, from perhaps what had been mere minutes, or a lifetime. As he held the strange key in hand, he watched it twist, changing, until it appeared like a solid clear glass key-shaped bottle. Perfectly translucent. Yet, from the points where his fingers met the device, an inky black begun to diffuse into its interior. In moments the entire thing had been tainted, filled with a foul ichor. Then, the key shattered with a sickening 'pop'. The rotting dark goo which had filled it sharply coiled as if it were alive, then burrowed into his wrist, filling his veins with a curdling pulse of ashen blood. The freezing chill spread through his arm, covering his skin in a thin layer of frost which broke and reformed with his every movement. His limbs went rigid, locking in place while held in a grossly contorted gesture. With the last of his strength he looked back up at the woman standing in silence from across the room. The last of his motor skills seized and his body went stiff as his form was sheathed under the thickening weight of ice, but his sight remained fixed. It was the first time he'd seen her face. A terrible burning pupil-less gaze of seething red. He didn't need to read minds to understand the gleeful sinister smile etched into her face; something vile and wholly twisted, directed at no-one, but everything. The sharp 'crack' which resounded filled him with crippling agony as his right leg broke away from him at the hip, sending him teetering, then shattering upon the floor. Black. Even in the darkness, his thoughts persisted, and he understood. [Erik | Sense Motive - Success]

    He had made a mistake.







    22nd of Neth, Sunday | Time: 11:51 pm | AR 4713 (Winter)
    Otherworld; L'Zho-Kenna, The Betwixt
    L'Izz'tssa, The Passages; Ashurbanipal - The Towers


    Erik was already drifting upwards, detached from himself as the old man rambled on. He was far higher than ever before, the veranda where he had been already was a hundred feet below and the dais which the large open air study sat quickly passed by. Faster. He was moving faster now, quickly accelerating with each passing second. There was no resistance of wind, it was as if he were an astral body caught by some dark tether reeling him across the realm and up into the sky.

    Black. The grizzled fighter begun to teeter before collapsing with a dull thud upon the stone, his armor ringing on the hard floor as he fell. Like falling in reverse, his mind whirled backward, falling through the darkness and crashing through the mounds of blackened stone. His astral-back colliding with his physical chest, hurling his body up off the ground before smashing back down for a second time. "You! How did you Diverge and return?" The Librarian knelt over the shuddering mercenary, an icy rime coating his smoking body like mist wafting from dried ice. From his pocket, he produced a small time-piece. "Eighteen minutes. You've shifted the Passage eighteen minutes ahead..." He rolled the man over to help him to his feet, but recoiled from the chill. His ancient white eyes narrowed, looking from his frost-bitten fingers to the man, then back again. His voice a low growl, "You... What have you done now? Where did you go?"

    Before the old man could question him further, a sudden quake shook them. Not a physical sensation, but rather a sudden jarring blow, as if he'd lost too much blood, or received a crushing strike to the head. A nauseous sickening sensation in the pit of the stomach and the darkening of his vision as if he would simply lose consciousness. Every hair stood on end, and a shiver not brought on by the sense of cold chased down his spine. He could feel it too... He could see it. The flash of a passing wave of shadow which washed over the world for the flicker of a moment. A wrongness pervaded his mind, an impending sense of doom and alarm he couldn't shake. The knowing that something without name had been twisted, broken and replaced. The Librarian's voice sounded with a faint whisper, "Oh no...." [Erik | 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: Status
    Show


    ֍ Erik +5,000 (63,300xp) [Abstract -3,450]
    HP 53/53
    AC 23
    Spite: 2
    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


    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; 2020-08-08 at 03:20 PM.

  9. - Top - End - #699
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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)



    Damn it.

    As he lie once again in Asurbanipal, Erik's thoughts flashed through the last few moments. It was so obvious, in retrospect. Why hadn't he seen it sooner? What had blinded him? He pushed them aside as quickly as they came. There would be time to reflect on his shortcomings later.

    For now, he had a mess to clean up.

    Pushing himself up from the floor, he addressed the Librarian.

    "What I've done is made a damn big mistake, and where I've been? Not sure about the first place, the second was the Midnight Between. Met a friend of yours."

    Moving over to where he'd placed his backpack on the table, he continued while shouldering it.

    "Save the beratement for later - we need to get back up to the kid, to warn him if nothing else. If you've got any more questions, ask them now. Otherwise, tell me what defenses we've got in this library, if any. Something is coming."

    Finishing buckling on the bag, he looked out over Ashurbanipal, looking for any disturbances.

    This is gonna be a long day.

    Spoiler: OoC
    Show
    Perception check to see if the "something" is already here: (1d20+9)[11]

    Survival check to see if the way Ashurbanipal "feels" has changed: (1d20+10)[16]
    Last edited by Stevesciguy; 2020-08-09 at 10:05 AM.

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  10. - Top - End - #700
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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)







    22nd of Neth, Sunday | Time: 11:51 pm | AR 4713 (Winter)
    Otherworld; L'Zho-Kenna, The Betwixt
    L'Izz'tssa, The Passages; Ashurbanipal - The Towers


    Kazik made his mark upon the parchment next to the descriptions he'd found desirable. The distortion at his side loomed over the table, in his mind's eye, possibly gesturing with a nod. Nothing more than a figure in his mind, like a silhouette behind a paper-thin door. "A wise choice. Bolstering your defenses will be vital in-" The masked man could see a solid clear wall fastly rushing through the great library, washing over them in mere moments. He could feel the Teller stiffen, perhaps a shadow clouding its features. "My... My. It appears that the circumstances have... changed."

    There was a moment of silence before the Teller's attention seemed to turn back towards him. "Something has returned to the realms of the real... Something destroyed, very long ago. Something the Mados deeply desires be returned... but woe to the one who bears it. The Tides will wash through every corner of reality. Every Seeker roused, every loyal hand, plucking the living-essence from all reality until it is reclaimed." He could feel a weight upon his shoulder, perhaps it was a mighty hand, but it felt the size of half his entire body. As if he could dawn a cloak of insubstantial matter. "...But as the Oculus, the Hands will overlook your continued existence. Do not interfere with their work, and they will leave you be."

    The distortion seemed to pull away, "If you wish to return to the First World, I can return you... Though as things stand, there might prove to be some risk while the search is on-going. You may choose where you would like to visit, though if you wish to maintain some distance from what is to come, then N'Tallos may be desirable. It is the origin, the true First World. The first universe created. A span of reality dwelling parallel to your native realm. It too would also be suitable for harvesting energy to strengthen yourself. It will likely be effected later than other worlds. Of course, you could very well join in the hunt and gather what energy you can. You've the right to decide, but first..." The Teller extended out a small gleaming symbol, a burning fiery sigil of sapphire light. It raced out and struck his palm with the heat of a gleaming brand. "With this, you may attempt to call to me once each day to make your offerings and claim your bounty. I can accept nearly all things as offerings, items, valuables, wealth, corpses, the living, magic or even raw energy; granting you the appropriate value in fragments in return. Living sacrifices can provide greater harvest, but this seal will also allow you to gather the living-essence of those you have slain to exchange for a lesser reward. The Zin-Lath'rah, The Hands of the Mados, will recognize this mark and be less prone to harvest you." [Kazik | Trait - Mark Of The Dark Teller: Once per day the Marked may attempt to beckon the Dark Teller. The success of this action is not guaranteed, but subject to the availability of any Tellers. This brand enables the Marked to gather living-essence from each kill he's made, in addition granting to a weak aura from the Mados. This aura-effect is visible to magical senses, and recognizable to those who can detect Law, Chaos and Evil as an indescribable force.]

    Spoiler: Kazik Status
    Show
    ֍ Kazik +2,000 (55,800xp)
    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 (64 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

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






  11. - Top - End - #701
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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)











    421st Day of the 1st Cycle - Time: 9th Bell / LC: 30,303
    Jun'athel; L'Chandal - The Crucible
    ????????; ???????


    E'Kain Kathe. Alicia couldn't forget that name. The Witches of Duvan spoke of it only on rare occasions, or in trusted company. The realm might have been the oldest plane of the Second World, as the Precursors, the first Witches which hailed from the First World ripped the plane from the multiverse and drove it into what would become the Second World. The volatile effects of the Precursor's magic would never fade, forever warping time and the Fates bound to it. It was the home of all Sunjath'la, a realm long honored in their culture. Yet, after the War of the Kingdom, between Kerym's magical empire and the Nightmare Worlds... All things changed. In an unprecedented sleight, the 'Witch Queen' of the noble house of Alklevrielba gathered all those loyal to her and joined forces with the Nightmare King. Within Kathe, the old ways of the Sunjath'la still lived, where the Matron of their Coven reigned without peers. A notion which was contested by this supposed 'King' who claimed rule over all of the magical races. Subtly she had dissented, but publicly she acknowledged the Hexen's rule. Knowing well that many favored the magic kingdom, quietly she plotted before betraying her allies. It was a moment which would echo forever in the annals of magic and history, as the Ros'wussrun claimed the secrets of Sunjath'la's most ancient magics. Power over time itself.

    Together with the might of Kathe, the Nightmare Worlds were able to repel the terrible might of the Old Kingdom and the Third World; though at the expense of all. After the war was concluded, and both empires resting in ruin, the Third World cut Kathe away from the Three Worlds, casting it into the Betwixt. Now it drifted between time and among the spaces between, as an Otherworld. No one could know where Kathe was, but few could ascertain where it would be. Though it received very few visitors, at time a lost stranger, or a traveler would stumble upon the realm's of the Precursor's realm. Welcomed with grandiose displays and show, before being sent on their way to spread the tales. The stuttering and jarring timeworn world was a plane of legends, and upon the Moonlight Throne the Sunjath'la Queen still reigned. The Witch Queen, known as the Suspended Eternal.

    In the modern world, Kathe was a subject of bitter contention. Unilaterally, within Duvan, the plane of Kathe was viewed as another Nightmare World. Both for it's still-standing alliance with the Nightmare King, and it's role in the war, which ultimately led to the loss of Sunjath'la magics from the Second World. Even today the effects of Kathe echoed on, as Arborization was strictly a Ros'wussrun school of magic. The act of manipulating time directly through such magics became a forbidden school of practice legally, within most realms of the Second World, and within N'Tallos. The abuse of Arborization could also easily lead to encounters with the House of the First, whom took the most offense with its practice. The long-remembered bitterness held by the House at the crucial role Kathi Time-Magics had played during the rebellion made intervention from the Third World against practitioner's, particularly harsh. Those without the protections of the Witch Queen only utilized such magics sparingly. [Alicia | Knowledge (Abstract) - Success]

    Stella couldn't begin to guess just what manner of task would be necessary to make amends with the Conclave. After all, she couldn't wholly remember everything she'd even done prior to returning. Much of it was a blur still, but she was sure it wasn't good. It wasn't any surprise that she couldn't think of any details as to what could be expected of her, she'd never even applied any thought to such a thing before. Both now and in the past, her 'devil-may-care' approach hadn't changed. She'd never paid attention or even asked how one would go about apologizing for anything. The only thing which she did know for certain, was that there was some method of doing such things written into the Conclave's Charter. Likely because so many frequently breached the code of conduct. [Stella | Knowledge (Abstract) - Failure]

    N'Tallos was the First World. The true First World. The universe existed in a division of folds, multiverses existing parallel to one another. The realms of mortals. The universe of N'Tallos had been her home for some time before her apprenticeship beneath Adessa, and even for a brief time afterward. It was the home of the Conclave, who oversaw matters of arcane significance throughout all aspects of the First World. Earning the title of Magister was no small matter. Within the universe of N'Tallos, the Magister's of the Conclave represented the ultimate might of all mortal races throughout the cosmic folds of every reality within the First World. Arbiters of Universal Law. Judges to mortal worlds. Investigators of magical disturbances. Hero's... Or perhaps even the most sinister of villains. Each Magister was closer to a mortal god, than a man. The Conclave was the unified body of peers made up of the various Conclave Chapters and Orders from throughout the various universes. The Assembly represented the Conclave as a whole, with representatives from each respective Order.

    Each Order belonged to one of the three Factions, and regardless if a Magister chose to ally themselves with an Order, all belonged to a Faction. Within N'Tallos where Magister's ruled under the laurels of assumed divinity, magic was seen as a 'divine spark'; which perhaps if strong enough, might enable one to enter the Conclave. A talent for the arcane was rare within that universe, with one in every five-thousand or so showing any potential at all. Though even those which displayed such a knack, rarely possessed the level of ability required to become a Magister. Various Assembly Halls existed all throughout the mortal realms. Where guilds of Novices under the command of an Order saw to testing the arcane aptitude of every potential man, woman and child they could. Searching for potential to add to the fold. In some worlds, no soul was exempt, as the drive to strengthen an Order's position within their Faction become universal law for entire planets beneath their influence. There were limits to what an Order could and couldn't do, just as there were limits to the Assembly of the Conclave as well, whom were overseen by the Greater Conclave. It would have been wise to have mended those relationships earlier. [Stella | Knowledge (Abstract) - Partial]

    A sudden shattering force washed through the glimmering hall. Shadows ruptured and shattered as quickly as they formed, movement within movement within a silhouette of a dark ocean wave. Hands grasping and churning in wild fervor before vanishing without trace. Black. Stella knew this feeling. It was something far too familiar to forget. Just as it had been before the Ra'Dolfaal and the Scion or Dark Seasons. Something had changed, and this time it wasn't from her. The Hexe's gaze slowly shifted toward her blankly, "You carry. A Fate. Corrupted? ...You, do know... They will. Bring you. To trial. Again, right? Ever a cancer... Your. Corrupted Fate. Will taint. All destinies. Tied to it. Within... The realms. You influence. Hosts will not. Be held... Solely accountable. If the Veil... Is Corrupted. Better it is... To go to. N'Tallos. I will... Suppress your Corruption. For now."

    The Keeper reached out and plucked something from Alicia's head, as if there were an insect skittering across her cap. A black line. "Mortals. With magic. Do not follow. Their own law. Of course there. Is means to... Make amends. You must go. To the Assembly. Within the city. Of Khelba'Chel. The... Holy City... Of Bells. You are... Likely suspended. But still. A Magister. Expending mana. Will reveal your... seal there. You must satisfy. The Assembly. And... your Faction. The Black Conclave. Though. I imagine. They have... desired your return. Greatly. Though they must.... feign dissatisfaction. Magisters. Reincarnate, frequently. Your circumstance is... Common. To them." The Hexe swept her hand toward the glassy wall, creating a space which did not turn nor contort, forming a solid reflective surface and images from somewhere far away. "I would not... Idle. The Mados has... Turned Ghlas loose. To reclaim... it. Leading her... Eleven-thousand Lords. Of the Memoria.... from the depths. The Zin-Lath'rah... They will purge. Mortals first. From every world. Then all... Living-essence. From reality. Until it is.... theirs. Mana is thin. Within... N'Tallos. Their going will... be slow. You must... be quick."

    After a brief moment the Keeper paused, "Do well and... defend the mortals. Your trial will... Go better. The Justice. Will be watching."


    Returner Path Advancement: Resonance, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom
    Caught amid the revelation she was caught within her own spiral of doom. Stella contemplated each moment and every choice which had brought her to this point. Those memories were filled with little more than the familiar and zealous desire. A negligence towards those whom might have become allies... or friends. Once again, she was alone. Even those whom had shown her kindness had been a means towards an end, a resource she had used while able then cast aside... Yet still, she felt as if nothing had been learned. The cycle had to be broken.
    Difficulty: Unknown | Status: On-going | Profit: Retraining Option & Potential Advancement | Time: 2 Years
    Primary Objective: - Make Amends With The Conclave


    Main Quest: To Rest Forever In The Valley of Flowers
    The Corrupted Fate introduced into the Veil has created unforeseen complications, as the world begins to spiral out of control. A thing which should not exist has returned to reality, driving the forces of balance into a wild frenzy. With Ghlas unleashed, the Zin-Lath'rah turn upon the very thing they existed to defend. Like a man clawing out his own eyes, the hands of the Mados turned upon itself, ravaging the real. Below, within the First World, the mortal races stand unsuspectingly as doom breaches the walls of Jun'athel, spilling out hordes of terrible foes unto the universe. Before the eyes of the Justices, those whom have erred could only hope to save whom they could and lessen the weight of their crime; should they survive.
    Difficulty: Unknown | Status: On-going | Profit: Unknown | Time: Unknown
    Primary Objective: - Warn The Mortal Worlds
    Primary Objective: - Assemble A Defense Against The Hallowed Tide



    Spoiler: Rewards | EXP
    Show


    ֍ Stella XP +6,200 (201,000xp)
    ⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
    ⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
    ⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
    ⯎ Community Influence Gained
    ⯎ Discovery Influence Gained
    ⯎ Travel Influence Gained
    ⯎ Wisdom Influence Gained
    ⯎ Occult Influence Gained
    ⯎ Veil Influence Gained
    ⯎ Evil Influence Gained
    ⯎ Nightmare Influence Gained
    ⯎ Curse Influence Gained
    ⯎ Defense Influence Gained
    ⯎ Justice Influence Gained
    ⯎ Memory Influence Gained
    ⯎ Worlds Influence Gained
    ⯎ Fate Influence Gained
    ⯎ Time Influence Gained
    ⯎ Faith Influence Gained
    ⯎ Ascension Influence Gained
    ⯎ Guilt Influence Gained
    ⯎ Hated Influence Gained
    ⯎ Subservient Influence Gained
    ⯎ Transcendent Influence Gained
    ⯎ Apprentice Influence Gained
    ⯎ Duty Influence Gained
    ⯎ Servitude Influence Gained
    ⯎ Dreams Influence Gained
    ⯎ Ancestors Influence Gained
    ⯎ Origin Influence Gained
    ⯎ Divinity Influence Gained
    ⯎ Dreamworlds Influence Gained
    ⯎ Change Influence Gained
    ⯎ Introspection Influence Gained
    ⯎ Corruption Influence Gained
    ⯎ Crime Influence Gained
    ⯎ Judgement Influence Gained

    ⯎ Acquired [Strange Item]
    ✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
    ⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

    SpellWeaving:
    Successfully casting a Spellweave costs the Witch a number of focus points equal to Spell Level + 1.
    The Witch may attempt a number of Spellweaving Checks per day equal to her Aptitude.

    Alicia HP: 8 (13) / 22
    Istrei'D'Val Barrier: 450/450
    Focus: 27/28
    Mana: 1/10
    Reputation: 25
    Memory: 3
    Spite: 1
    Honor: 311
    SV. Exp: 2 (Severance)
    Weave Exp: 175
    Veil Exp: 1,000


    Spoiler: The Reflected Alter
    Show

    Praying at the alter requires a Spell Focus check and 1d8 hours of uninterrupted meditation to establish a connection with the herald. Alicia receives no way of judging the success or failure of her attempt. Cumulative penalties are applies for very 4 hours of meditation taken from loosing focus over a prologed period of time. These penalties stack with conditions accrued from other sources such as starvation or dehydration.


    Spoiler: Alicia Kelgore - Conflicted Mind
    Show
    Alicia and Stella must maintain a constant state of balance to stay in harmony with one another, however doing this is not a simple task as the Veil evolves. Alicia will progressively shift in alignment as the Veil grows and the two personalities shift further and further apart from one another, prompted by various Spell Focus checks while both performing magic and having new experiences which the Veil attempts to adapt into the persona's fabricated history. Furthermore the Veil is capable of enforcing its own canonical history as if by means of a Divergence. At the beginning and end of each day both persona's must make an opposed spell focus check, granting advantage to the victor for the next 8 hours. The persona with advantage gains a +5 circumstance bonus to all other checks against the other identity. If Stella begins to fail more and more checks her control of Alicia will begin to diminish, introducing new influences or opposing actions which she must succeed an ego check to interrupt. Further effects from the Veil may be acquired from constant failed checks. This Veil may be dismissed by revisiting the mirror and spending 1 minute in meditation.







  12. - Top - End - #702
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Chromascope3D's Avatar

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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)

    Kazik
    The Hanging Men

    Change? Kazik wondered what change in circumstance to cause a being of this magnitude to hesitate for even a moment. He didn't fully grasp what it was the entity desired, but he could understand the implications well enough. To sweep across the heavens in pursuit of a single quarry. It had been so long since he had been hunting, he could not help but be intrigued. As he studied the being of formless shadow further, he could not help but be reminded of something that was once quite dear to him, so long ago.

    "I will think on this."

    He mutters aloud. His limbs ached still, but as much as he wished to relish it, no matter what he decided, he knew that it would not do to be anything less than in perfect fighting condition. He turned from the creature, and, finding an alcove on the far wall, sat to perform his work. If nothing else it would give him plenty of time to reflect on everything that had occurred in the span of what seemed less than an hour. He dropped his well worn and thin burlap upon the ground, and retrieved from it a number of implements: ragged bandages, nondescript vials, hooks and needles ad twine, pestles and mortars. As he set about binding his split flesh, he could not help but notice how, like porcelain, the cracks in his skin seemed to reflect and shine in the half light.

    A hunt. Though no mere hunt from the sound of it. Kazik wondered the size of the force this creature commanded, that he'd have the ability to sweep across all of creation, hunting and gorging upon all that it came across. As the man watched it out of the corner of his eye, he could not help but wonder: If he were to meet a god, would it be too dissimilar to the entity within this room? Is it not all too different from...?

    He stopped himself. He was devoted to another already, still loved Zon-Kuthon with every lower fiber of his being. To think that this entity could match the resplendent agony of his Lord was naive, surely nothing could compare to the might of God himself. Kazik almost laughed aloud at his own foolishness. And yet, still, the man could not help but notice how similarly they seemed, that perhaps this entity, too, was a servant, if not to God but to the very ideals the Midnight Lord upheld. Perhaps... there was wisdom in allying with the Mados, and swearing fealty for the time being.

    There was much to think about.


    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Gonna take 10 treating deadly wounds for an hour, giving Kazik a [28] on his Heal check. Hopefully that should cure all of his nonlethal damage. Additionally, he has a boline which reduces the amount of kit charges used on treat deadly wounds from 2 to 1.

    K: Religion to see if he can glean any connection between the Mados and Zon-Kuthon
    (1d20+4)[15]


    Spoiler: Stats
    Show
    Kazik
    Human Sentinel (Darkness Defender) LN
    Scorn 14
    Focus Points: 6/10
    Deathsense: 9/10
    Reserve Points: 5/5
    Origin Mana: 1/7
    Martial Focus Yes
    HP 92 / 92 [13 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
    Last edited by Chromascope3D; 2020-08-10 at 04:24 PM.

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  13. - Top - End - #703
    Troll in the Playground
     
    Mornings's Avatar

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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)





    22nd of Neth, Sunday | Time: 11:52 pm | AR 4713 (Winter)
    Otherworld; L'Zho-Kenna, The Betwixt
    L'Izz'tssa, The Passages; Ashurbanipal - The Towers


    The old man grabbed Erik's shoulder as he begun storming towards the large series of stairs they had taken down, moments, ages ago. "Wait. Slow down. Explain it properly, it's already too late for your friend. You can't expect the whole world to wait for you after you've Diverged away from it." Releasing his grasp, the Librarian circled around. "Somehow you navigated the Betwixt, and found the Midnight Between? Nothing exists there, save for the torment of the mind. Nothing could have followed you out. What did you do? What's coming?"

    The mercenary's eyes darted about the gloom of the realm. It wasn't what he could see, but what he couldn't hear. The sounds of the many strange toiling creatures and spirits, the entities which had all once filled the world below. There was nothing. Even above, the pulsing black star above was gone, as was the great rivers flowing throughout the Library. Only the white flowers and ivy hung in silence from their perch, silently illuminating the Passage. "A sealed Passage requires no defenses. It's inaccessible. Now that it has been Reclaimed it is upon the Lord to gather energy to invest within Ashurbanipal to defend the realm. You've been here all of a few minutes. You haven't created any defenses." Erik's stomach turned at the old man's last words. A sense of peril hanging overhead. Something had surely changed. It was a sixth sense in the back of his mind, like hearing the cracks form in the surface of a door of a flooded chamber, straining to hold back a mounting pressure. [Erik | Perception - Failure] [Erik | Survival - Partial] [Erik | Trait - Sense of Peril I - Gain a +4 circumstance bonus to Survival Checks to sense corruption, planar distortions and cosmic threats within your immediate surroundings]

    The Librarian glanced about. Concern burning in his white eyes.
    "We must mend this Divergence before it fragments any further."



    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: Status
    Show


    ֍ Erik +1,100 (64,400xp) [Abstract -3,450]
    HP 53/53
    AC 23
    Spite: 2
    STATUS:
    [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


    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





  14. - Top - End - #704
    Bugbear in the Playground
     
    Stevesciguy's Avatar

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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)



    Erik shook his head in response to the Librarian's questioning.

    "Not navigated, pulled. The black line I described took me to... somewhere. A city that spilled over the horizon, with huge buildings of glass and metal. It was ruined. Buildings collapsing, rifts of blackness in the ground, no atmosphere, all frozen in time. At the center was some entity I couldn't comprehend, nothing but a whirlwind of shapes. In front of it was a facsimile of Kaslin Crowe, a woman we ran into in Willowbrook."

    Erik raised his left arm, flexing his hand. He hadn't realized how alien it was to be unable to do so.

    "It was made clear in my mind that it was time to return the drop I'd taken. I reached my arm out, and the blackness began to strip itself off, the city repairing itself with every flake that left my skin. Did it more gently than I imagine the Teller would've. As the last flake left my arm, the city began to move again, and I blacked out."

    "I woke up in a bed in a small cottage, a decade younger and with an assortment of injuries, with a woman I recognized but couldn't place sitting at the bedside. Didn't have time to notice much else before being greeted by the Primarch. When I asked how I got there, she turned and asked the room. People started to appear, denying that they had brought me. A woman with a young girl. The Witch from the Stasis. A man whose face I couldn't look upon, saying that we'd meet again 'before the end.' An even younger girl with a voice like a thunderstorm... myself, holding an infant."

    The last sentence hung for a moment, before he continued.

    "Eventually a young woman with white hair appeared, admitting she brought me there so that I wouldn't forget everything, as thanks, before all the characters around the room collapsed to dust. I pressed the Primarch - in vain - to try to understand how and why the fragments of a dead man's memories could take me there. After a few questions, she produced a key, warning that if I were wise, I'd abandon it. I suppose she was right."

    He briefly glanced at his arm, the sight of the darkness burrowing into his veins burned into his mind.

    "I questioned her about it, and her demeanor changed. Waving it in my face, asking if I'd wait for it to be claimed by another, eventually throwing it at me. My thrice-damned self couldn't just back down for once..."

    "I don't know exactly what's coming, but it wants the key."

    As that hung in the air, Erik looked around at the too-quiet Passage. Even though he'd only been there for a short time, it felt so wrong. Perhaps it was just the eerie stillness that would feel wrong no matter the setting... or perhaps it was that he had already endangered the Passage within minutes of assuming lordship. He returned his gaze to the Librarian.

    "What is a Divergence, and what do I need to do to fix it?"
    Last edited by Stevesciguy; 2020-08-11 at 01:50 PM.

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  15. - Top - End - #705
    Bugbear in the Playground
     
    forg99rules's Avatar

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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)



    Her mind began to pull out information regarding the various beings that the Hexe had mentioned. The fact that she couldn't figure out how to make Amends with the conclave was annoying, but she would still head that route. As the shadows shattered around her and the familiar Black came and went, she wondered who else was out there causing problems. Meeting the Hexes eyes, she was surprised when the woman plucked the black line from her head. A corrupted fate was worrying; she remembered when it happened, the Ra'Dolfaal had caused that problem for her. The fact that she will have to go to Trial for it was as well very annoying. Her mind turned and tried to search for what information it had regarding corrupted fates and what could be done about them. "Seems like the Ra'Dolfaal left me with something, thank you for suppressing it for now. Though if you knew how to get rid of the corruption, I think that would be better in the long run."

    As she listened again to the woman, her mind quickly began trying to fill in the gaps that she couldn't immediately bring forth. The Assembly, Khelba'Chel, the other Magisters, their Seals and Mana, Factions, and the Black conclave. She knew that All of these meant something, and she would be sure to ask a few questions once the woman was done speaking. Hearing that the Black Conclave most likely desired her return seemed like a blessing. The fact that Reincarnation was a norm for Magisters was even better, then they would understand her situation. Looking through the reflection, she tried to figure out what was beyond it. Hearing the rest of the woman's words brought a chill down her spine. Her mind searched for any information regarding the beings mentioned.
    "Well then it does sound like N'Tallos is the better place to head right now. Not sure what help I can fully be though in defending the mortals. I am barely able to take care of myself, I can't even use my Renor'vet in the state that I'm in. As well what is this It that they are trying to Reclaim? Oh and one last issue I will have, If I need to expend Mana to Reveal my Seal then I might have an issue. I only have a single mana at the moment and don't really know what would happen if I used my last remaining mana."

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show


    Looking for Information on the Below Rolls
    Know Abstract: Corrupted Fates (what they are and how to suppress/get rid of them) (1d20+32)[44] or (1d20+32)[43]
    Know Abstract: Assembly (1d20+32)[51] or (1d20+32)[48]
    Know Abstract: Khelba'Chel (1d20+32)[36] or (1d20+32)[52]
    Know Abstract: The Seal that I am to reveal with Mana and if I can reveal it without spending mana (1d20+32)[44] or (1d20+32)[42]
    Know Abstract: What happens if I run out of Mana(1d20+32)[35] or (1d20+32)[45]
    Know Abstract: The Black Conclave (1d20+32)[44] or (1d20+32)[37]
    Know Abstract: Magisters (what other ones there are and How they would react to my Return) (1d20+32)[38] or (1d20+32)[49]
    Know Abstract: Reincarnation of Magisters (How to prove I am the Black Magister without expending my Mana) (1d20+32)[34] or (1d20+32)[42]
    Know Abstract: The Mados Ghlas (1d20+32)[34] or (1d20+32)[38]
    Know Abstract: IT (being the Key that Stella doesnt know about) (1d20+32)[46] or (1d20+32)[33]
    Know Abstract: Lords of the Memoria (1d20+32)[49] or (1d20+32)[33]
    Know Abstract: Zin-Lath'rah (1d20+32)[34] or (1d20+32)[41]


  16. - Top - End - #706
    Troll in the Playground
     
    Mornings's Avatar

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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)







    22nd of Neth, Sunday | Time: 12:50 pm | AR 4713 (Winter)
    Otherworld; L'Zho-Kenna, The Betwixt
    L'Izz'tssa, The Passages; Ashurbanipal - The Towers


    "Hmm... Very well, but I must go now. If you require me, you may beckon. Though your call may only be ushered once each day. I caution you on the sigil's use. For the hours of your day may grow long. Longer than you can imagine." The distortion begun to diminish and fade, "If your decision remains within your power to resolve. Resolve it. Carelessness beckons tragedy, and loss you yet understand." The blur before him twisted and winked out from existence without even the slightest sound. He almost wondered if anything had ever been at all.

    As Kazik moved away and found an alcove, he begun his work. Bandages were less effective than he'd hoped. Like moistened gelatinous blocks of flesh, some bits bound back together with sustained pressure. With the consistency of small blocks of firm bean curds, the broken bits begun to stick, while others crumbled off like stale grounds of from bread. After awhile, he instead changed his approach, clearing away the necrosis of the dried fragmented tissue and knitting the living flesh back together again. It truly was as dust. The parts devoid of all moisture crumbled into fine powder with light to moderate pressure. It was a long and arduous process. Exfoliating the dried rot. Kneading muscle, sewing skin and applying salve as if it were glue. The painful process wasn't nearly as crippling as the wound which had caused it. It had begun to feel more like an art project than medicinal work to mend his shattered body. [Kazik | Treat Deadly Wounds - Heal 15 points of Non-Lethal (10 from check + 5 for natural recovery)]

    It gave him time to think. Ultimately, he did not truly understand just what the Mados was. Perhaps it was a God, if anything could be called such. Yet it was referred to as a place, a thing, or even a time. Perhaps it was all those things and more, possessing a will all its own. It was stranger, or at least far more alien than any deities he knew within his own native universe. Now, the very thing which seemingly birthed life and all energy throughout every expression of reality throughout the countless folds of a near-infinite multiverse, far greater than the Spheres themselves... it became the largest threat to creation. While there was much he didn't know, there were some things he did, and a number of similarities to the Midnight Lord seemed to speak to him. Foremost, above all things was this pain. A horrid wilting agony which crippled the very soul. A deep hurting unlike any other kind of suffering he'd felt before. The Teller had denied him the full experience of it, but what he had felt had been like a well of delicious suffering to which he could see no end. A collapsing void of torment. A delectable punishment delivered by the Mados to all which could own its blessings, yet possessed none. The descent unto some sempiternal pit past the walls of the real. A suffering which could not be understood by twitching muscle and skin, but an ache which etched itself into one's very existence far beyond the hours of a single lifetime. It was a trauma which whispered sweetly in his ears, tempting him with the delicate kiss of a forbidden promise and the secrets of oblivion. He didn't need to know what the Mados was to understand it's language of charming terror and ravishing torments. Even he could not begin to guess just what manner of abstract and excruciating delights awaited. It was a whole new world of pain he'd never imagined. A world which couldn't be imagined by mortal minds. Unknowable, until known. A maddening and frightful proposition so invigorating, it was almost enough to justify a smile.

    There were other similarities as well. A certain affinity to darkness. The night, and sacrifice or loss. It seemed there was simply no end to that greed, that almost seemed glutenous. Despite the fragments offered in return as reward, the source of energy made infinite still demanded loss from others. There was a strange, almost poetic irony. Even beyond that, the Mados' desire felt like a jealous and envious want. A greed or jealous passion so great, it would threaten all which existed, leaving reality in ruin just to satisfy itself. The Mados didn't care where or from what offerings were taken from by those beckoning to it. There was an inhuman, and very eldritch logic behind whatever consciousness it possessed. Which reminded him of the final possible connection between his patron, and this otherworldly god-thing. The memory of a legend from before the days had years and the universe was still young. The tale of Dou-Bral. It was only after Dou-Bral's bitterness and jealousy of his sister Shelyn's skill drove him to abandon that reality, that he came upon the darkness and was enlightened by an incomprehensible otherworldly deity. It was after this pass with destiny that the Dark Price returned and took up the mantle of his rightful name; Zon-Kuthon. Kazik didn't know if there was any relation between the otherworldly gods in such a twisted and mad universe of universes. Still, from what it sounded like, the Mados was more things than it wasn't. [Kazik | Knowledge (Religion) - Partial]


    Spoiler: Kazik Status
    Show
    ֍ Kazik +3,300 (59,100xp)
    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


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





    Last edited by Mornings; 2020-08-13 at 03:22 PM.

  17. - Top - End - #707
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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)





    22nd of Neth, Sunday | Time: 11:51 pm | AR 4713 (Winter)
    Otherworld; L'Zho-Kenna, The Betwixt
    L'Izz'tssa, The Passages; Ashurbanipal - The Towers


    The Librarian waited with crossed arms as the mercenary began to recount his tale. After a moment the old man’s white pupil-less eyes began to widen in surprise, then as he continued, they narrowed in stunned disbelief. By the time Erik drew close to finishing, the old man’s mouth was agape and his face had turned a beet-red hue before swatting him on the top of his head as if he needed to discipline some idiot child. "Fool!" He swatted him a second time for good measure, "YER A DAMNED FOOL!"

    His old wrinkled hands had visibly begun to shake in white-knuckled frustration. It was all he could do to turn away, covering his face, so as to not simply bludgeon the man under a hail of blows. He spoke from behind his hands, head hung toward the floor with his back facing the now-older swordsman. "...Of course her demeanor would change... Idiot. Formality, is caution. No Fate would dare speak with the Lord of Ashurbanipal directly. Yet she did dare. Gauging your ability first. The moment you lost your bearing, and show the weakness of a man, instead of the dignity of a Lord… She knew she had you. Gone were all thoughts of reprisal, I’m sure. But she dared not speak in falsehood, certainly. Were you not the Lord, every word would be lies, of that you can be sure. Even without the blessings of Ashurbanipal awoken within you, no Fate would gamble upon the wiles of She Who Named The Dark, and find out which pacts She felt like honoring regardless. When she sensed your weakness, she attacked..." The old man sighed, lowering his hands limply. Deflated.

    "Yes… ’Attacked’, would most certainly be the word for it. You’ve treated an enemy as friend, and couldn’t tell the difference until you pulled the dagger from your back. Had you maintained your Lordly dignity, or at least remained stoic enough to be difficult to read, she would have likely fled altogether. Certainly, if no weakness was evident or forthcoming..." The Librarian sauntered over to a table, almost with a limp, looking defeated. Not bothering to slide out a chair, he simply sat on the table’s surface with his elbows digging into his knees. His expression was as a blank and worrisome gaze, fixated upon the black stone of the ground. A long moment passed in silence, neither man speaking.

    Then suddenly, he continued, almost absent mindedly. "Nothing exists in the Midnight Between, you can’t take anything from it. At least, that’s how it should be. That place is much like the surface of a lake, but its reflections only show moments past for those who have looked upon it or passed it by. Much like a lake, those times are only the briefest of moments for most men. Perhaps with the rare exception of the animal that’s lived its entire life upon the lakeside. Fragments from a lifetime. A small piece of something, a memory from times which are gone forever… The piece she pawned you isn’t the whole thing… A key, yes, at least as you can understand it. But it, like nearly everything within that place is also a fragment. A portion of the D’Rin’Lantha, The Key To Midnight... A fearsome and terrible weapon. Yes… One of the worst. The Sword of the Alucinor...It was the very same blade wielded by Elahkhuur. The single swing, which split the universe in twain and created the divided realms of the Second World. With that weapon, She punished the hubris of the Paramortals and their God-King, leading to the creation of the Wheel and Council. After, the parts were separated and entrusted to the Glas Meri, sealed within the Vaults Between… She wouldn’t shut up about it, you know… The Sisters complained enough to Ehka’lah until she finally reclaimed the hilt, just to quiet their bickering; returning it its natural home in the Midnight Between..."

    It didn’t seem like the old man was getting any closer to finishing as he rambled on. Erik didn’t know where this story was going, but there was a familiar itch in his mind. Something amid it all and he knew conclusively, he didn’t like it. "The D’Rin’Lantha was created by Nahrasti, Ehka’lah, and the Memoria, with much aid from others. A tool combining the greatest creative talents of the Fates to ensure the integrity of the Garden, and themselves. As a whole, in the hands of those whom can employ it, the device remains just that. However… There is one exception. A secret to the weapon. A forgotten evil…" The Librarian’s face suddenly stiffened, becoming stern.

    "Every Relicuum whom fulfilled their purpose and ascends to become a Fate, must first make a sacrifice to the Midnight Between. Discarding those lesser pieces of themselves. Offering those dreams, aspirations... even memories. Everything which had formed their desires, hopes and ambitions to drive them to finally complete their purpose. It lays forever scattered within that place. It was perhaps the greatest insight to have ever visited a mind, a flash of malicious and despicable creative ingenuity born of unmeasurable depravity. A gift from the sinister genius of Ehka’lah. Realizing she could harness the transcendent might contained within the moment of ascension from every Fate that was. She harvested the very essence of their sacrifice to forge it. The distilled nature of oblivion. A terrible creation so blighted, it could not persist within the Three Worlds without threatening to unravel existence. Of course, she named the wretched thing after herself. Even here, within a Divergent iteration of my own realm, I hesitate to even speak it…"

    The white-light of the ancient Librarian’s eyes locked with Erik, "Above all things, you must not forget it, for there lays the only chance of your continued existence… She named it D'Ehvahka'Kel. Black lines, like veins begun to trace their way up the man’s face as he spoke. The Librarian’s mouth moved, but there was no sound with the last words. Black. The thin line which divided his world, was strange and held either side at different heights. One rising, one lowering. In a brief moment of horror, he realized, his arms were similarly carried with either half of the divide… As was the rest of his cloven body. The Librarian’s face exploded outward in a hail of jagged shards. A shockwave of force roiled out shattering the world in a sphere of crushing silence, black endless spaces expanding outward, washing over him. The annihilating wave detonated soundlessly, as if the Passage had been submerged within a vacuum. Erik’s limbs twisted and broke, splintered and scattered and the rest followed suit. The entirety of Ashurbanipal violent detonated beneath a devastating fragmenting burst of vile energy, before whirling together and collapsing in upon itself in a quiet folding implosion. Black. [⭍ Erik | Minor Scorn - 518 Non-Lethal Damage]


    "I don’t need to explain why you should not speak that name again, do I." Erik’s eyes flashed open. How long had it been? Different parts of his brain that had long stopped functioning begun to fire back to life. How long? His mind had not ceased to exist, yet there was only pain, cold and the dark expanse of eternity. Years. Countless years. A numbness which ensnared the conscious, stealing all thought and desire. A blank and expressionless existence devoid of mortal cares. There was only the absence, the longing for something he couldn’t name, something forgotten. He could feel his legs buckle, his limbs shaking as blood began to flow and flesh sprung back to life. The weight of his own armor was more than his body could bear. He collapsed to his knees in a heap, a sickening feeling stirring in his bowels. "The effects of such things are remarkably diminished, both within a Passage, and a Diverged iteration of it. So much so that there is almost no threat to your life at the moment, though returning for the first time can be quite… disorienting. I pray it serves as a suitable lesson to your foolishness. Don’t make a habit of dying. While the body may be restored, the residual effects upon the mind… That remains." Erik could feel his body quivering uncontrollably. He’d died. Yet, now he was back? He could barely call forth the strength to make a tight fist. It was a rocking feeling which turned the world on its head. The space between life and death was far less than a razor’s edge. It was a breath. Mere words, and there was nothing he could do to have even resisted it. No armor could girdle him. No sword could cut it down. No might could dissuade it. Faster than he could describe, he’d been denied his strength, his life and even his own thoughts. In that moment where he found himself broken but mended, quivering upon his knees… For the briefest of seconds, he’d never felt so small. [⭍ Erik | Returner’s Atrophy I - The Returner’s maximum carry weight is reduced to 40 lbs and the Returner is Shaken for 2 minutes. ]

    "It is a cursed weapon you now hold. A terrible burden swindled to you by the sleights of an evil creature. Your only saving grace is that the device is fabricated from the nothingness of oblivion, and thus unimaginably difficult to find. However, the thing’s continued existence within the realms of the real erodes the protective Veils of the Garden, driving the Fates into a frenzied rage. An insanity slowly corrupts and compels them into self-destructive behavior to drag the Garden into…. That Which Lays Beyond. Lesser Fates will be the first to become belligerent, and like a furious blind man searching for something precious, they will rampage through the Worlds madly until they themselves completely deteriorate into nothing. Every Fate is a necessary force for the continued existence of the real. They define the structure of what exists, and keep ‘That Beyond’ at bay and out from the Garden. Many forces will come for it. Every force that can, no doubt. You must never speak of the key again, beyond this time. You will need to ensure it remains hidden to buy yourself more time, though the longer this goes on, the worse things will be. Regardless, you must trust nothing and no one with the knowledge of what you possess, for now." The old Librarian had been sitting in a chair he’d pulled away from the table, in a far different fashion than before the death of the world. Even despite that, the rough timber of his voice remained unchanged. Evidently his focus had returned. "If we are to survive this attack, there are many things which we must first do… This Divergence being first among our concerns."

    Sharply he rose from his seated position but then paused, noting that the man upon the ground had still yet to rekindle his strength. His nostrils silently flared with an unsympathetic huff, before reseating himself. "A Divergence is a minor deviation from the Prime Fate, a force sometimes also called the ‘World Line’. The force which dictates the natural flow of causality and regulates all other Fates. When a deviation occurs, an aspect of the Prime Fate inhabits our perception of the real. We become part of an iteration of a possible Fate. Things change, events change. The degree of which varies by severity and how many times multiple deviations have occurred concurrently. The event itself isn’t unnatural, most times it’s imperceptible. Many worlds or iterations of time are keyed to a different, existing aspect of the Prime Fate. Which means, rather than creating something that didn’t exist before, you merely shift into something which did. These moments can often be the most rattling and evident. While this can be both beneficial or debilitating, within a Passage such as this, it is a dire threat. The Passage can only be secured by maintaining its singular tie to the Prime Fate. Failing to do so creates a spider’s web of splintered instances of the Passage,each being immensely vulnerable to outside influences. There are many ways to mend a Divergence, but they must be repaired in the proper order. Newest before oldest. A Lord can restructure his domain from the ‘heart’ of his Passage at will, including repairing such a thing. Regardless of the method though, a great number of fragments is required. When you are able to stand, I will show you how to gather the energy necessary to mend this damage."


    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 +3,000 (67,400xp) [Abstract -3,450]
    HP 53/53
    AC 23
    Spite: 2
    STATUS:
    [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


    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; 2020-08-15 at 02:56 AM.

  18. - Top - End - #708
    Troll in the Playground
     
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    Join Date
    Nov 2014
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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)











    421st Day of the 1st Cycle - Time: 10th Bell / LC: 30,303
    Jun'athel; L'Chandal - The Crucible
    ????????; ???????


    Stella did not understand what the Fates truly were, but the same could be said for Alicia. To the Sunjath’la, they merely represented the threads of the Weave which they manipulated to sow their magics into the world. But to Vet’cnros, they represented the guiding forces which establish the law and structure of what defined the real. In the legends passed down from her people, they were likened to angelic beings, born from the martyrdom of a destined mortal or paramortal soul. A life which could only end with tragedy or sacrifice. As far as what was true, and what was not, it was anyone’s guess. As far as how such a thing could be ‘corrupted’, or what that even meant, she didn’t know. "There is no… ‘ridding’ of it." [Stella | Knowledge (Abstract) - Failure]

    "All Fates are… Necessary. However. You have brought… A Fate. With no natural… Place. In our world." Neither of them could comprehend the meaning of those words, or how such a thing was possible, but the Keeper left it at that. Perhaps the Conclave would have resources useful in dealing with this corruption, or perhaps allow her to suppress the Fate herself; she could only hope. Thinking upon it, Stella was curious as to the opinion of the Assembly after so much had transpired. The Assembly was the Conclave, the central body of the organization which met regularly at scheduled times. However, there was a distinct separation which existed between the Assembly, and the Conclave. Every Magister was a member of the Conclave, but not every Magister was part of the Assembly. The authority and might of a Magister existed solely while they maintained their seat within the Assembly. There were various tiers of course, referred to as a Council. Limited and prestigious seats often fought over, that could only be attained if ceded from an existing Council Member to a Magister of the appropriate Order. The term Order referred to both, or either, a Magister’s respective rank, or a sub-organization within their Faction to which they belonged. All Magisters whom retained fair-standing within the Conclave were allowed a seat within the lowest tier of the Assembly, simply called, the Assembly or the ‘Lesser Assembly’; though the term was often seen as vulgar or derogatory, and largely only used by those of a Council when referring to Magister’s of lesser station. A Magister without a seat even within the Assembly was effectively powerless and denied all rights associated with their membership within the Conclave. The Assembly was the voice of all Magisters, and those whom held no seat at the table of their peers, held no voice nor right of complaint. The highest Council did not belong to the Conclave at all, but the Grand Conclave which ruled above all levels of the Assembly as a whole. No Magister’s were members of their elite, only Grand-Savants were welcomed into the Greater Assembly. An achievement which would require many lifetimes to ever hope to grasp. That fact drove most mortals to seek a means of rejuvenation or immortality, though Stella had held no such concerns. Paramortals didn’t wither with time, though she was now so weakened she couldn’t even be certain of that. [Stella | Knowledge (Abstract) - Success]

    Alicia had never heard of the city, or even of the existence of ‘another’ First World. It had been long since she had been, but Khelba'Chel had been a large metropolis of sorcery created by the will of the Assembly to serve as a hub of sorts for potential talent brought from all the worlds beyond. It was a beacon of magic in an otherwise magicless world. A city-state which served as the ruling seat of the Conclave, the capital of their influence in the mortal worlds and a bastion for those returning. To the mortal residents of N’Tallos it was a city of saints and gods, where hero’s walked the streets and unfathomable deities torn from the pages of legend were made manifest. Khelba'Chel did not readily interfere with the troubles of men. It was the will of the Assembly to remove themselves from meddling with mortal affairs whenever possible, except when it pertained to a Child of Magic. The future of the Conclave rested solely in their continued growth and evolution to purge any stagnance from their existence. A value desperately held by every seat of the Councils. This vision could not be realized without the recruitment and raising of new apprentices who might one day join the Assembly. Thus, the life of any mortal soul with a gift for magic was valued far above the lives of the mundane who populated the world. Universally, across nearly every inhabited planet of the material realm of N’Tallos, it was forbidden to harm a Child of Magic.

    Entire nations had been removed from existence. Worlds ripped asunder, simply for impending upon this one law. There were very few restrictions which limited or defined appropriate use of force for a Magister when it came to claiming a Child of Magic. As long as they could speak confidently enough before the Assembly to justify it, a few hundred-thousand mortal lives lost would hardly reach the ears of the Council, though many arguments would likely ensue between peers. To the less discerning, such moments become opportunities for a Magister to test spells far too destructive for everyday use. Of course, it was forbidden for a Magister to violate this law as well, but it was a trivial task for the spellcaster to recognize any personals of value within the radius of his or her magic. No Magister would even consider murdering a gifted mortal, they were simply far too valuable both to their Faction and themselves. Like unpolished stones, mortals with aptitude were often traded between Factions and Magisters like immensely valuable commodities. The reason could be as simple as a knack for the school which a particular Magister’s Order practiced, or it could be behavioral, as the prospect didn’t possess the desired personality traits valued by a particular Faction. They were simply cards in a game of futures, traded and sold without reservation.

    Long ago, she had believed Khelba'Chel far too boring, though she had spent so many years there. It was far unlike Duvan, lacking the entertainment of proper intrigue. The city was also small, at least by her standards. Duvan was an entire sprawling plane created for the city to occupy, with a population easily exceeding some nine billion inhabitants. Khelba was considered a metropolis, and for a city in a mortal world, it was of a considerable size. Prior to her departure, the city possessed in excess of four-hundred thousand citizens. The popularity of the Holy City, and the protections afforded its people was highly desirable. Crime within the city-nation was virtually non-existent due to the magical nature of its origin. Opportunity was also abundant for mortals there. The city was largely split into various provinces, which were effectively fiefdoms belonging to the house of a Magister. There was a common trend among many Magisters of being fervently disinterested in matters not pertaining to magics. Some were even too lazy to be bothered to wash themselves or tend to menial chores. The only similarity, and obsession they shared was in their study of the supernatural forces of the universe.Thus, many mortals came to advertise their skill or trade, often finding the employ of a Magister’s House; an official station.

    To mortals, who represented the house and station of the Magister they were employed by, becoming a bondsman was akin to entering nobility. Donning liverly and tending to matters of land and resources. It was the hierarchy between mortals of the city, but Magisters themselves usually didn’t care what games the mortals played as long as it did not detract from their research and duties to the Conclave. It didn’t matter how high ranking a mortal servant’s master was in the face of even the lowest ranking Magister, they existed in a realm all their own with no shared peerage with those outside the Conclave. Magisters themselves rarely shared their time with other Magisters beyond what was required of them by the Assembly. It was a boring affair. The Assembly held some formalities, but most Magister’s saw such things as a chore. The Order and Seat of a Magister spoke for itself while most semblance of formal courtship was discarded in favor of heated debate. The gap between the Magisters and the senior echelons of the Conclave and Greater Conclave was immeasurable, but even Arch-Magisters and Savants would occasionally join the dog-fight upon the Assembly floor when the Scholastic Review was conducted.

    There was simply no value held in titles and assumed airs. A far-cry from Duvan’s intricate social web; a system of control. The value which was so coveted by a Magister’s Order or Seat wasn’t one of hierarchical superiority, but in knowledge, resources and a vastly superior platform to stage experiments of a scale impossible to junior members. The strong grew stronger, delving deep into the secrets of the cosmos. Power did speak measures as well, but hardly carried the weight it did within Duvan. Every Magister had destroyed a plane or two in their time. It was knowledge which was most coveted, along with foreign magical works. [Stella | Knowledge (Abstract) - Success]

    "If… The last of. Your mana is. Extinguished. Your living-essence. Will be Severed… From the Mados." Alicia shuddered. While Stella didn’t know what that meant, she did understand that the separation of the essence of a creature was the idea of Severance in spellcraft. Alicia easily pieced together the Keeper’s meaning. Mana was the raw creative energy which flowed through all life. If one’s connection to the cosmic life-stream were sundered, then a living thing would simply crumple into dust. "Magister’s spend… More mana. On pointless tasks. Than some worlds. Expend. In warfare. They possess… Many means. To replenish themselves. Though. That may be… Less of. An issue, for now." [Alicia | Knowledge (Abstract) - Success]

    A distant keening chimed off from somewhere very far in the distance. It echoed from further than she could even guess, but grew in volume and intensity with every passing second. After nearly eight seconds, the deafening cry of a great bell’s ring came howling through the world and faded as quickly as it had come. A purple bloom shaded the world in a twisting display of unnatural and overbearing colors that sapped the light from the world, drowning them both in darkness. After a moment, soft spheres of sapphire flames sprung up about them. Weightlessly bobbing, held aloft in the air before whirling about wildly. Four of the lights were pulled into Alicia while the others scattered off into the abyss. After awhile the gloom begun to recede. "Tenth Bell… It is time. For you… To go." [⯎ Stella | 10th Bell - 4 Mana Recovered]

    Stella took a moment to think. It was not difficult to prove that one was a Magister, after all humanoids which could even use magic was an extreme rarity in N’Tallos. Just the fact that she was suspended indefinitely within the air by means of her Veil could prove that much. That in itself wasn’t the problem. The actual problem was that it would be difficult, if not impossible to verify her identity, Order, Faction and Seat within the Assembly. Which was to say, everything that mattered. Among Magister’s, no one cared if you were some 9th Order Magister of no significance. But more critical than that was a Magister without a Seat was without any rights within the Conclave. It was nearly the same as not being a Magister at all. [Stella | Knowledge (Abstract) - Success]

    A Magister could not verify their identity and status without their Seal. Even if another recognized your face, or claimed to know you, it meant nothing. In a world governed by magicians, there was an infinite number of methods to falsely assume the identity of another being, or assume its likeness. The Magister’s Seal was the Conclave’s response to such concerns. A signature which was impossible to feign, even in death or reincarnation. Magister’s hailed from all manner of races and schools of practice from across the universes. Thus, many traded bodies like a man might try on hats. Only a Magister’s Seal was permanent, a unique mana-signature tied to the user’s essence. Not only was it a common courtesy to display one’s Seal when greeting another Magister, it was required for any function which required a Magister perform a duty in any official capacity. There was no method to create the Seal without the expenditure of energy, as it was the physical expression of how one’s essence interpreted and shaped the natural flow of mystical force. There was no official ‘classes’ or education system, as each Magister was an obsessed self-motivated magician of the highest caliber, but many commonalities existed between each of them in necessities to prioritize their study. The first of which was the conversion of sophisticated sources, into base sources. More specifically, other types of energy, into mana simply due to the large demand their duties placed upon it. [Stella | Knowledge (Abstract) - Success]

    It had been very long since she had held any interaction with the Conclave, and she had lost interest in the pursuit of research to study in Duvan under Adessa. Thus, she couldn’t recall many of them, aside from 8th Magister Byrne of The Occlusion. She had become an assistant Lecturer for her Faction, and while not required of her Byrne taught her about the Signs. She had been a poor student and it was a concept she still didn’t understand. Stella could remember that there had been roughly thirty Seats held by each Faction, for a total of ninety Magisters upon the Assembly. It was difficult to know just how the Assembly would feel about her return, if anything at all, without first knowing just what all offences she’d committed. [Stella | Knowledge (Abstract) - Partial]

    The Black Conclave was one of the three Factions of the Conclave, and the branch known for having the most troublesome, rambunctious and sinister Magisters among their number. While the Black Conclave couldn’t be called an ‘evil’ organization, it was certainly made up of those who held mortal life in the lowest regard among their peers. Many ‘Black Magisters’ possessed certain kwerks, and cruel personality tendencies which were ‘undesirable’ in most other Factions. Of all the Factions they were the most secretive, and thus more commonly comprised of lower ranking Magisters, as very little was submitted to the Assembly for peer-review. Very little of the Faction’s internal structure was known, even among members. [Stella | Knowledge (Abstract) - Partial]

    Stella had been many things, Magister, Witch, wife, but she had always been a fairly poor Vet’cnros. The old stories old ladies would pass down to their daughters was hardly anything of interest to her, or at least that had been her thoughts. She had heard of the Mados, but knew nearly nothing factual regarding it. Whatever Ghlas was, she’d only just heard of from the Hexe. Certainly she had no idea what it was that such a thing would want to find, and the eerie Keeper made no attempt to solve that mystery. [Stella | Knowledge (Abstract) - Failure]

    While she didn’t remember the stories in detail, she had at least heard of the Memoria. Supposedly it was the void of essence. When a living thing died and its energy returned from once it came, its essence joined the maelstrom of all those shattered and broken things which once were. Like a whirling blender of identities, they crashed into one another, breaking and splintering into dust. From the fragments were assembled all who could be in the days yet blessed with life and light. The Lords of the Memoria were those most loyal servants whom had died. Their essence was allowed to persist within the Maelstrom to answer the call again when needed. In the stories, each Lord was a god which had been plucked from the throes of oblivion to hold back the Black from beyond the realms of the Three Worlds. After they had returned to the Memoria, they had become the Hands of Life Unending. The Lords of the Memoria and all the combined might they commanded, together were known as the Zin-Lath'rah. [Stella | Knowledge (Abstract) - Partial]


    Returner Path Advancement: Resonance, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom
    Caught amid the revelation she was caught within her own spiral of doom. Stella contemplated each moment and every choice which had brought her to this point. Those memories were filled with little more than the familiar and zealous desire. A negligence towards those whom might have become allies... or friends. Once again, she was alone. Even those whom had shown her kindness had been a means towards an end, a resource she had used while able then cast aside... Yet still, she felt as if nothing had been learned. The cycle had to be broken.
    Difficulty: Unknown | Status: On-going | Profit: Retraining Option & Potential Advancement | Time: 2 Years
    Primary Objective: - Make Amends With The Conclave


    Main Quest: To Rest Forever In The Valley of Flowers
    The Corrupted Fate introduced into the Veil has created unforeseen complications, as the world begins to spiral out of control. A thing which should not exist has returned to reality, driving the forces of balance into a wild frenzy. With Ghlas unleashed, the Zin-Lath'rah turn upon the very thing they existed to defend. Like a man clawing out his own eyes, the hands of the Mados turned upon itself, ravaging the real. Below, within the First World, the mortal races stand unsuspectingly as doom breaches the walls of Jun'athel, spilling out hordes of terrible foes unto the universe. Before the eyes of the Justices, those whom have erred could only hope to save whom they could and lessen the weight of their crime; should they survive.
    Difficulty: Unknown | Status: On-going | Profit: Unknown | Time: Unknown
    Primary Objective: - Warn The Mortal Worlds
    Primary Objective: - Assemble A Defense Against The Hallowed Tide



    Spoiler: Rewards | EXP
    Show


    ֍ Stella XP +6,500 (207,500xp)
    ⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
    ⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
    ⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
    ⯎ Community Influence Gained
    ⯎ Discovery Influence Gained
    ⯎ Travel Influence Gained
    ⯎ Wisdom Influence Gained
    ⯎ Occult Influence Gained
    ⯎ Veil Influence Gained
    ⯎ Evil Influence Gained
    ⯎ Nightmare Influence Gained
    ⯎ Curse Influence Gained
    ⯎ Defense Influence Gained
    ⯎ Justice Influence Gained
    ⯎ Memory Influence Gained
    ⯎ Worlds Influence Gained
    ⯎ Fate Influence Gained
    ⯎ Time Influence Gained
    ⯎ Faith Influence Gained
    ⯎ Ascension Influence Gained
    ⯎ Guilt Influence Gained
    ⯎ Hated Influence Gained
    ⯎ Subservient Influence Gained
    ⯎ Transcendent Influence Gained
    ⯎ Apprentice Influence Gained
    ⯎ Duty Influence Gained
    ⯎ Servitude Influence Gained
    ⯎ Dreams Influence Gained
    ⯎ Ancestors Influence Gained
    ⯎ Origin Influence Gained
    ⯎ Divinity Influence Gained
    ⯎ Dreamworlds Influence Gained
    ⯎ Change Influence Gained
    ⯎ Introspection Influence Gained
    ⯎ Corruption Influence Gained
    ⯎ Crime Influence Gained
    ⯎ Judgement Influence Gained
    ⯎ Tales Influence Gained
    ⯎ Stories Influence Gained
    ⯎ Legends Influence Gained
    ⯎ Past-Life Influence Gained
    ⯎ Reincarnation Influence Gained

    ⯎ Acquired [Strange Item]
    ✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
    ⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

    SpellWeaving:
    Successfully casting a Spellweave costs the Witch a number of focus points equal to Spell Level + 1.
    The Witch may attempt a number of Spellweaving Checks per day equal to her Aptitude.

    Alicia HP: 8 (13) / 22
    Istrei'D'Val Barrier: 450/450
    Focus: 27/28
    Mana: 1/10
    Reputation: 25
    Memory: 3
    Spite: 1
    Honor: 311
    SV. Exp: 2 (Severance)
    Weave Exp: 175
    Veil Exp: 1,000


    Spoiler: The Reflected Alter
    Show

    Praying at the alter requires a Spell Focus check and 1d8 hours of uninterrupted meditation to establish a connection with the herald. Alicia receives no way of judging the success or failure of her attempt. Cumulative penalties are applies for very 4 hours of meditation taken from loosing focus over a prologed period of time. These penalties stack with conditions accrued from other sources such as starvation or dehydration.


    Spoiler: Alicia Kelgore - Conflicted Mind
    Show
    Alicia and Stella must maintain a constant state of balance to stay in harmony with one another, however doing this is not a simple task as the Veil evolves. Alicia will progressively shift in alignment as the Veil grows and the two personalities shift further and further apart from one another, prompted by various Spell Focus checks while both performing magic and having new experiences which the Veil attempts to adapt into the persona's fabricated history. Furthermore the Veil is capable of enforcing its own canonical history as if by means of a Divergence. At the beginning and end of each day both persona's must make an opposed spell focus check, granting advantage to the victor for the next 8 hours. The persona with advantage gains a +5 circumstance bonus to all other checks against the other identity. If Stella begins to fail more and more checks her control of Alicia will begin to diminish, introducing new influences or opposing actions which she must succeed an ego check to interrupt. Further effects from the Veil may be acquired from constant failed checks. This Veil may be dismissed by revisiting the mirror and spending 1 minute in meditation.







  19. - Top - End - #709
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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)

    Kazik
    The Hanging Men

    "Hm."


    Kazik muttered aloud as he went about his work. It was almost delightfully frustrating to watch his flesh peel away as he fruitlessly attempted to bind them. Whetever the nature of this affliction, it was unlike anything that he had ever learned, and he would need to take some time to study it better. It did seem to repair itself in time, however, he was not, at present, in a state of mind to patiently wait. THere were so many new and exciting possibilities filling his head now, how could he just sit around doing nothing?

    The most divine thought, nay, inspiration had come to him, how could he not act upon it? He looked over the sigil upon his left hand, now cooled and turned to black. He was marked now, perhaps by the very same force that marked his lord. After all he had done, warring against the church that raised him, relentlessly pursuing his master, finally he was vindicated. He was chosen. And how simply elated he felt deep in his core. It began to well up, beginning as a low chuckle that echoed louder throughout the hall into a full cackle. The joyous noise carried throught the darkened, still hall for several minutes yet, before finally dying. The next step, he knew, was to find a way out.


    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Gonna be looking for a way out of here.

    Perception (1d20+17)[21]
    Survival (1d20+9)[17]


    Spoiler: Stats
    Show
    Kazik
    Human Sentinel (Darkness Defender) LN
    Scorn 14
    Focus Points: 6/10
    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!

  20. - Top - End - #710
    Bugbear in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)



    From his position on the ground, Erik struggled to hold down his stomach once again. He'd thought there could be no greater nausea than what his trip through the Black had given him. He was wrong. Some part of him wondered if the sick would be black again if he couldn't hold it down.

    Every man and woman who chose the life of a mercenary knew that an early death was a when, not an if. Those who couldn't make peace with that idea were weeded out quickly. It had been a long time since Erik had made that peace himself. Of course, he never expected he'd survive the experience, as oxymoronic as that sounded. It wasn't one he hoped to repeat.

    Knowing that there was no time to waste even from his humbled state, and hoping that speaking might help hold his stomach down, Erik responded to the Librarian.

    "No need to tell me twice. What was that? Is it even safe for me to know that name?"

    The Librarian had implied that both the Divergence and being within their domain had offered some level of protection against... whatever had caused that terrible implosion. He struggled to imagine how such a thing could be worse - perhaps it was best not to try.

    "Is there a way to return the key, as I did with the drop, or will I have to ride out this storm to the end?"

    Avatar kindly provided by TinyMushroom!

  21. - Top - End - #711
    Troll in the Playground
     
    Mornings's Avatar

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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)





    22nd of Neth, Sunday | Time: 11:52 pm | AR 4713 (Winter)
    Otherworld; L'Zho-Kenna, The Betwixt
    L'Izz'tssa, The Passages; Ashurbanipal - The Towers


    He sighed, seemingly unfazed by his radical departure from the living and turbulent return. "Safe? Are you mad? Of course it is not safe. Yet it is a necessary risk for the key-bearer. There are only two paths before the one who bears it. Great caution while burdened with the lingering threat of oblivion. Or inevitable, inescapable doom." Erik was beginning to regain his senses, though his body was far from capable of even lifting itself from its place while so heavily burdened. It felt as if his muscles had withered and atrophied from decades of captivity, or from wilting disease which had left him bedridden.

    "That… Well, that was a passing stir of the Okkolah. Much like a man who stirs in his sleep, we’re fortunately much too far beyond the influence of the Fates to cause any disturbances which would draw attention. Even so, it was enough to briefly disrupt the Passage and its Lord. Mind you don’t slip. Your little jaunt with death was a fair example of how you're now tied to the Passage, and it to you. Should you be smited, all things bound to you will be affected as well. The ramifications of either you, or it falling would be dire. As this is your last and only Passage, you would be slain should it be destroyed even conventionally. Likewise, should I die, the Passage will also be destroyed. Though, if you were to die normally, you would either return here, or cease to be the Lord of Ashurbanipal. So preferably… try to die a normal death. Or, murder yourself before you can be killed if that doesn’t look likely."

    The Librarian’s words almost sounded like a joke, but his tone was deathly serious. Despite the crippling, even traumatic experience in coming back to life, Erik was beginning to understand. As long as the circumstances weren’t exceptional, death wasn’t the end. If he died, he would come back… That made him expendable. His life lost a considerable deal of its value, as it was no longer his only one, but that didn’t mean he was now suddenly free from the fear of death. It was an awful experience. One he imagined would only be worse under ‘normal’ circumstances. ”The key cannot be relinquished from a living bearer. Surviving the onslaught also seems unlikely. Even if we possessed a vast wealth to invest in defenses for the Passage, which we do not, we would be drained dry just trying to keep it standing. Our modes of replenishing resources would quickly diminish, or quickly become too dangerous the longer we idle. Inevitably we would likely be overwhelmed, and again, should the Passage die. You die. That doesn’t really allow you many options in terms of burying your head in the sand. Ashurbanipal must be defended... However, the key can be returned. Not to the Midnight Between, but its proper resting place within the Vaults. Which is exactly why you require that name..."


    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 +600 (68,000xp) [Abstract -3,450]
    HP 53/53
    AC 23
    Spite: 2
    STATUS:
    [⭍ 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.]

    [⭍ Erik | Returner’s Atrophy I - The Returner’s maximum carry weight is reduced to 40 lbs and the Returner is Shaken for 2 minutes. ]



    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


    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; 2020-08-23 at 07:21 PM.

  22. - Top - End - #712
    Bugbear in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)




    Sighing heavily, she ran her hands through her hair as she listened to the Hexe. If she couldn't get rid of the corruption, then it would just keep causing her problems. The Conclave was her only option at this point, but without mana, it would be difficult for her to prove her identity. According to the Hexe, if she used up the last of her mana, she would cease to exist. Her mind began to turn again, trying to think of ways to gain mana. As the distant chime began to echo, she was curious as to what it was. Instinctually her hands went to cover her ears as the deafening sound of the bell rang a final time. As flames appeared and spun around wildly, she wondered what exactly they were. She flinched slightly as the flames were pulled into her, the question as to what they were partially answered. Meeting the Hexe's eyes again, "If it is time for me to go, then I guess I should be on my way." Bowing her head to the Hexe, "I do thank you for your assistance, though the circumstances that we met could have been better. You have helped me see some of the errors in my actions, and I will try my best not to repeat them. After I help the Mortals and make amends with the Conclave, I hope that I can come back and assist you since I have also caused some problems on your side." Turning to the Mirror that the Hexe made, She begins to move towards it, hoping that it would take her to where she needed to go. As she approached the Mirror, she wondered how useful she would be against what had been released. She knew that her spellweaving wasn't very strong, and she didn't have very many Veils at her disposal either. Though even if she did have Veils, she still did not have anything to place them on. She didn't want to use up the powerful slots that the Aolthor wand had. Her mind turned, trying to think of how or what sort of items could have slots for her Veils.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show


    Know Abstract: (1d20+32)[39] or (1d20+32)[48] - Ways to gain Mana
    Know Abstract: (1d20+32)[34] or (1d20+32)[40] - Exactly what the "Tenth Bell" is/was
    Know Abstract: (1d20+32)[35] or (1d20+32)[45] - What those flames were, assuming mana but never know.
    Know Abstract: (1d20+32)[45] or (1d20+32)[39] - Trying to get information on how/what sort of items could have slots for Veils



  23. - Top - End - #713
    Bugbear in the Playground
     
    Stevesciguy's Avatar

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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)



    The majority of the illness having passed, Erik turned his attention to his weakened body. He was briefly reminded of waking up in Willowbrook, the lack of control over his body feeling almost familiar. A much different reason, of course, but the sensation was much the same. He began attempting to force himself off the ground, trying to get the muscle fibers to fire in unison once more. At least here he could still move, rather than being strung on the ground like a ragdoll.

    Erik pushed aside the thoughts of death and hiw it related to the Passage - there would be time for it later. He needed to concentrate on the task at hand.

    "There's a path to cleaning up this mess, then... good. Priorities first, how much will repairing the Divergence set us back?"

    Though, contemplating how he was tied to the Passage, the little part of his mind responsible for curiosity began to wonder: How deep did that connection go? Could he "feel" what Ashurbanipal "felt"? Almost unwillingly, he felt his surroundings again, though he couldn't be sure if a Divergence could be felt the same way as corruption.

    Spoiler: OoC
    Show
    Now that Erik knows vaguely what a Divergence is, he's gonna take a peek. I don't know if his connection to Ashurbanipal works this way, but what's the worst that can come from trying?... oh, right

    Roll Survival, I guess?

    Survival: (1d20+9)[27]

    The -1 from shaken is already factored in, the +4 from Sense of Peril is not, since Idk if this qualifies or not.

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  24. - Top - End - #714
    Troll in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)



    421st Day of the 1st Cycle - Time: 10th Bell / LC: 30,303
    Jun'athel; L'Chandal - The Crucible
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    "Oh… This is not… Farewell. You cannot be. Trusted, alone… I will be… Watching. Go now. Learn... While you can. You are… Late as is." Alicia could sense a meaning in the Hexe’s words. How fleeting it was, the moment called ‘opportunity’. Something had come and left in the moments they had spent faster than they could even know. Sand running between their fingers. Something which was lost before it could even be named.

    Mana was one of the raw forms of energy throughout any universe. It was often abundant, but sometimes scarce in the far flung reaches scattered throughout reality. Magical creatures could naturally rekindle the mystical energy within themselves with rest. For Witches however, rest was a waste. Some Sunjath’la favored spells which accelerated their internal recovery times, though Stella was not familiar with the practice. Magister’s preferred keeping sources of energy with them for consumption as the need arose. There were also natural fonts of energy which existed, though their presence could be staggeringly rare in some worlds. Most magicians whom relied on the raw energy to complete their daily tasks were first schooled in how to break down more complex, often abundant, sources of alternative energies they possessed. Things like focus, or the forces of memorized spells. Most things eventually could be dismantled back down into their root existential elements, which often consisted of mana. Some rare and sophisticated Magisters or those who favored the Black, like Adessa, had found such an immense connection to that immense entity that they could disassemble matter, the environment, the very world around them and actively burn it back into its raw state of energy. A churning engine of near-inexhaustible force, as long as there was life and matter left to sacrifice. [Stella | Knowledge (Abstract) - Partial]

    Stella had never held the aptitude to learn such intricate and focused work, but there were many ways to get the job done. In the past, she had simply preferred to have more mana than she could exhaust. There was no need to waste efforts over recovering if you could crush anything before you with sheer unadulterated force. Regardless of the method of recovery, if your immediate source of energy was extinguished, you’d simply be shattered before it could be replenished. A concern previously mitigated by simply possessing a pool of energy so vast, even she didn’t know its full depth.

    While Alicia didn’t know what a ‘Bell’ was in the mythical sense, Stella briefly remembered something of it. In the folktales the rotation of the L’Lotha was described as ”Aja’ilbh ahin d’tyn”. Literally, ‘remembered joy of the weaving’, in the primordial words of her ancestors. Roughly, it had meant something along the lines of ‘moments marked by great celebration of the Fates’. These ‘moments’, whatever they were, or however they were expressed, were the periods which dictated the L’Lotha’s Cycle. The ancients believed this was the beginning of the renewal of the Fates and re-knitting of the Weave. What impact or significance that might have upon the lesser worlds was impossible to know, but her ancestors used to attribute the ‘moments’ to things like deja vu, and times where you thought something had already occurred.
    Similarly, mana was much like a gaseous substance, often lacking any visible or tangible substance until compressed and ignited. Mana required something gave it form, after all, nearly all matter was in its most raw form, just that. Mana refined times beyond counting into various substances. It was simply energy. In Duvan, that conundrum was often the first lesson that a young Witch would learn; The thing which could not be seen, smelled or tasted. Dwelling in a breath, and the clatter of stones, but mighty enough to fell entire nations. No, mana did not display itself as the glint of a flame, unless expended to create a spell which would be so. It was something else she had never seen or heard of, even in the tales she could remember. Yet, there was no concrete answers to be dredged up from half-listened legends. Perhaps there was some grains of truth lost in the nonsense of it all, but with her poor experience she couldn’t differentiate just what they might be... [Stella | Knowledge (Abstract) - Failure]

    Thinking on the various devices useful for Veils, Stella recalled a simple truth. Nearly anything could possess the required space for Veils to be manifested. There wasn’t necessarily a restriction limiting the form the item could take, however, it was also a rather rare thing in itself. Devices did not naturally occur with an affinity for such magic, it had to specifically be created by a Veil Witch or Veilshaper with the talent and enough Honor to bring it into being. There were not an abundance of Veilshapers peddling wares, simply due to the uncertain and dangerous nature of such a transaction. Each item engraved with space for a Veil required that the Veilshaper invest their Honor into the thing. An investment which could be canceled at any time and returned to the one whom invested it. Similarly, if the device were destroyed, the Honor would be refunded. It was a temporary bond. However, if the Veilshaper were to be killed, there was no such concern. Thus items which contained spaces for Veils to be bound were valuable, and those which were created by a dead Veilshaper were immensely precious even if they were the most simple of things. To create work as a living Veilshaper required a tremendous reputation and strict ethical conduct so that all potential customers would feel assurance in the devices they purchased. A Veilshaper sold trust more than they sold products. It was that trust which was leveraged the greatest in deterring buyers from simply commissioning work then killing the maker to assure its integrity, or turn a profit. Unsurprisingly, most Veilshapers studied their art in the Dreamworlds, far from Duvan. Though the most eccentric whom were far too zealous for Ros’wussrun sensibilities instead came to the Conclave. [Stella | Knowledge (Abstract) - Success]

    Her mind was awash with thoughts and concerns as she stepped forward, looking into the reflective surface of the passageway before her. It was like a pool of silver, glinting in the marbled hues of the chamber. The image of the city was slowly drifting further away, like watching a man being pulled further out by the tide. Her time was up. She had to go.

    Stepping through the silver-gate was like passing through a door-frame which was absent a door. Effortless and without resistance. The great silver tunnel spun about, as if she were standing in the center of a whirlpool. Yet, the vision in the distance, like a light at the end of an underground passage continued to grow more faint. She noted that the suspension of her Veil no longer held her aloft within this place, but she pushed that observation from her mind. Alicia pressed forward. No matter how much she walked, she came no closer.

    Or rather, the end continued to grow more distant. Her pace quickened, still with no progress. Hastened now and filled with a sense of alarm, she broke into a dead sprint. Her thin legs ached but pumped forward, carrying her towards the exit. The end seemed to begin drawing closer, and a sense of relief begun to flourish… but was quickly extinguished. Behind, the gleaming funnel’s form had begun to collapse. Like a glass tunnel beneath a sea of silver, a thunderous roar erupted.

    Like a vial under immense external pressure, the magical hall sharply imploded in upon itself, detonating under the weight all at once. Black. The crushing depths swirled about ripping her away from the shimmering lights and dragging her down into darkness. The immense weight violently jettisoned her out into an impossible recess, like an inflatable device opened underwater, it ripped her out from the sea.

    It was a chasm. A great expanse beyond measure, without substance. Falling, whipping through the featureless sky, the howling of the winds passing in her ears was deafening. Rocking, thrown into a wild rapid dizzying spin, she flipped head-over-heels. Only blackness above and below, with no discernable up or down, the air begun to run thin with each passing moment as if she were falling up.

    Alicia snapped out her wand, tightly closing her eyes to find the focus before flicking out the tip of the weapon to the side unleashing a burst of dazzling gouts of sparkling golden lights. The small gold flakes exploded outward in a sphere-like net from her with resounding force. Crashing through the featureless abyss, each flake of light begun to quickly blink out from existence and a terrible fear begun to grip her heart as she attempted to slow her spin to lock her gaze upon the last twinkling light racing across the cosmos. Then… At last. White. [Alicia | B’Bhai Duucald: Compel Lights - Immediate Action (1 Focus). Reveal the light of the Fates in the Black, magical or non-magical darkness. This does not create illumination or reveal physical surrounding structures.]

    Hope blooming in her breast, Alicia’s hand snapped out like a man attempting to catch a bird. A single thread of crisp featureless white light sharply rushed across a distance without measure, finding her grasp. As if she had caught hold of some celestial rope across the vastness of space, she came to a jerking and violent halt, flipping over and dislocating her shoulder before swinging across the near-infinite maw of the chasm. Sheathing her wand with he good hand, she plucked at the glimmering celestial tether they swung from, drawing forth strands of white. With a twist, turn and series of gestures she wove the tangle together and unleashed an invisible conal wave of energy crashing through reality. The Spellweave was birthed forth like a massive twenty-foot wall of annihilating force, directed toward the blackness her cosmic swing was quickly bringing her towards. The spell vanished into the dark clearing the way forward as she charged forward through the abyssal breach.




    A silent flash. The streak of a falling star. It was the only telltale warning before Alicia erupted through the crumbling walls of the black. Her explosive magics ripped across the colorless skyline, cleaving off the top of a massive spire which climbed up into the sky from the city below. She smashed through the buildings crumbling exterior, caught in the heavy stone structure as it fell. Flipping once, and roiling through the air, it collided with a dozen smaller buildings below in an ear-splitting crash and groan. Stone snapped and shattered. The world inside the broken tower spun about, bludgeoning her with rocks and sundered furniture. Wall were torn out and flattened as the great spire tumbled and rolled after violently colliding with the incline of the streets below. Spinning off, the massive half of the leveled tower crumbled as it finally came to a smouldering halt when it smashed into a great wall of gray rock.

    There was no sound. Other than the destruction left in her wake, there were no screams, or cries from beyond the billowing pyroclastic clouds and crackling fires from an entire city block teetering on the edge of ruin. Alicia would have been completely flattened both from the fall and from the violent crash which followed, yet she bobbed in the air, shielded by the transparent walls of the Veil which encapsulated her. Though not visible, she could feel a handful of cracks running along its surface as she pulled herself from the shuddering rubble. [Alicia | Fall Damage - 77 Points of Bludgeoning Damage]

    It only took a moment for Stella to realize it as she regathered herself. This was not Khelba’Chel. Alicia picked up a broken half of a large stone. It was gray and smooth, but possessed an almost glassy reflective sheen while also being slightly clear. At least, clear enough to see beneath the surface, but not through it. While the texture almost felt like stone, it was perhaps closer to some manner of volcanic glass. After a moment cracks began to race through its surface and it crumbled into dust before leaving no trace of itself. She could feel her eyes widen in recognition. She knew where she was, but she struggled to believe it. Beyond the smoke she could hear the shuffle of movement.

    Quickly, her hand shot up and pulled down the brim of her hat to the bridge of her nose, much like how Klane wore his head-piece, covering her face. As the silhouettes of absurdly short and freakishly tall humanoids intermingled with creatures possessing twisted monstrous forms began to come into view, all doubt was banished from her mind.


    The ruinous remains of the fuming spire began to shudder before rapidly pouring down upon itself, filling the chamber with thousands of pounds of fine gypsum-like sand. It passed Alicia by, dissolving into nothing more than smoke upon contact with her. The whirl about her was a great whipping maelstrom of white smoke as strange shapes begun to navigate through the great exhaust of mist which filled the entire district her spell and the fallen spire had devastated. Suddenly, a small child-sized creature crashed into her leg from below. The small creature displayed no expression behind its porcelain mask, but covered its carved white lips with both its hands before scampering off.

    Great pillars of mist rose away into the air, taking with it all traces of the destruction her arrival had left in its wake. A Veil. Shapes of strange lanky, and even towering creatures all plodded along blindly through the clouds which choked the entire city block. The streets didn’t slow, even amid such explosive displays. Parts of the city begun to reform amid the smoke, even forms of figures rose up like shadows, creatures crushed flat by falling debris. Their broken forms and missing limbs reformed outward from shattered masks plastered to their faces. Stella couldn’t believe Frauel’s magic was still so strong. While all Veils were a form of magical construct, not all of them were persistent. In the case of Veilcasting, It was an effect with a beginning and an end, yet here it remained.

    A great churning mass of limbs attached to an unearthly reptilian creature sauntered by, its long face hidden behind a great cowl large enough to blanket twenty men. It was a place she could never forget. This was Gapp, The Pale City In Sleep. She had made it to N’Tallos, but nowhere close to where she had intended to be. Despite the masses of strange creatures milling about, there was nearly no sound other than the shuffle of feet in motion. Another creature came sprinting out of the mist, deflecting off Stella’s barrier with such force the sphere brought him up, then above, and back down again upon his own head. The creature, bundled layers of black robes pulled in its fur-covered tail frantically. A Murrpau. The masked Elil quickly pulled himself up from the street, and after finally realize what he’d slammed into, gave a curt bow. ”Forgive me Magister…” He didn’t speak, but instead fired off a series of elaborate and complex hand-gestures which Stella effortlessly understood.

    Stilltongue. It had been one of the first languages of the First World she had learned. An ancient and vastly complex language that could be fully spoken with one hand. However, with two-hands, things such as formal or informal words, tone, dialect, and even finer points of inflection absent from other spoken languages could all be conveyed in gesture. All of the components of the language were esoteric in nature, and magical traditions which drew from a pool of somatic gestures all typically had some derivation from this root tongue. All Apprentices and Magisters of the Black Conclave were required to be fluent in the sign-language, and Initiates could not advance further until they displayed an adequate level of skill understanding it. Most Magisters’ likewise possessed a minimum of a fundamental understanding in it, as the language also formed the foundation for the magical system of Signs.

    ”Leave me. Alicia sharply gestured back at the disguised cat, sending it running back through the smoke choking the city. It was forbidden of course… Speaking in the city. Just as it was also forbidden to display one’s face. These were the laws agreed upon by the Unsung King of Keh’Teth when the Pale City was erected by the Black Conclave from the sundered shards of the world. In a way, these agreements projected the denizens who dwelled here, but ultimately it was a measure of respect for the monarch whom stood as master of this dark chasm. This was a secret place. A secret world, not meant for mortals. A bastion for magical things, hidden away from the rest of N’Tallos. [Stella | Returner Trait: Stilltongue - Gain the Stilltongue Unique Language & Stilltongue Unique Skill.]

    Spoiler: Stilltongue Language & Unique Skill
    Show

    (Language)
    Stilltongue is a magical language created at the dawn of the Garden. It is believed to be the First Language from which all other forms of communication and gesture were derived. Unlike impure and offensive mortal manners of speak Stilltongue is the traditional manner by which the great forces of the Worlds communed with one another during Isha’Venosha, The Long Silence. As such names and words associated with entities born during the Silence do not impart Spite, Scorn or Severance-effects as they would normally, however Divergence can still be caused by the power within the gesture. Creatures who possess mana can infuse their body with energy as a free action, enabling other creatures within line of sight to sense the magical signs. Creatures which are fluent in Stilltongue receive a +10 circumstance bonus to recognize and identify any magic or spell which requires somatic gestures, however this bonus decreases to +5 when attempting to recognize or identify Signs, as the motions have nearly been refined beyond the point of recognition. Stilltongue requires hands, claws, or appendages which could mimic four-digits and limbs to use.

    (Unique Skill - Stilltongue)
    The Stilltongue unique skill enables a magical creature to recognize, resist and create Resonance, Anima, and Severance-effects with the proper feats and abilities. Without any additional abilities, Stilltongue can be used to recognize the somatic gestures of such effects, if any. Should the check succeed the creature may attempt to create a Counter Sign, a gesture representing the root opposite of the spell’s nature to pacify any effects which might influence them. This base effect does not affect other creatures which might be within a spell’s target area. Even in the event the Counter Sign fails, the creature still is permitted their normal save, spell resistance, etc as the opposing spell allows.


    The smoke was cleared away now, revealing a fairly sized spanning city. Far from any metropolis, it was a strange mesh of glassy buildings hewn from pale stone and dominated by a series of three great towers rising up above the dim skyline. There was a bland swirl of black and gray above, crested by a slowly passing dark sphere. It was featureless and dark, drawing the turning sky into itself like an orb of annihilation drifting through the heavens. It was silent. Now even absent of the sound of footsteps. Looking about, there was no one around any longer. The long winding streets which had just been so filled she couldn’t avoid being bumped into, now held not a soul. Alicia floated forward, an eerie feeling prickling in the back of her mind.

    As Stella’s eyes came upon the semi-real shape of the great tower before her, a flood of memories seemed to come to mind. The large structure was like an image lightly burned into a screen, something frozen beneath the surface of the world for so long, it could no longer be removed. Of course... Osraum, The Spire Black no longer existed here. When the Occlusion’s Order had finally launched their attack after many long years of subterfuge, the Black Conclave could barely present any resistance. Before they could take the city, she herself had destroyed the Spire, displacing it from the existential phases and ripping its essence from the Weave, casting it backward into the oblivion of the Betwixt. The city could never be taken without it. Those whom had stayed with the Spire, sworn to defend it, were likely still frozen through the flickering broken phases of endlessly shattering time and moments bereft from reality. It, like most things here, was not a Veil which would persist indefinitely. Someone, or something had to have maintained it for all this time…

    Sharply Alicia turned about sensing someone behind, snapping out her wand with the motion. The tip of the weapon hummed softly with a gleaming power, yet, there was nothing there. Carefully, she slowly rotated about keeping her wand at the ready, cautious of anything lurking behind mystical camouflage.


    The voice, if it could be called a voice, was nothing more than a chorus of rhythmic bells and chimes, yet Stella understood the jingling words as her gaze rose. Completely inverted, the frightful child remained suspended in the air as if hung by his feet from some invisible tether into the sky. He smiled as the black ink which dripped from his crushed eyeless face dribbled unto her cheeks and lips. The thing’s natural face looked nearly identical to the porcelain masks which the creatures had worn, but its own ‘mask’ was broken, jagged cracked lines covered its visage. In place of eyes were merely dripping void-like holes, extruding some incor which carried a smell much like the biting scent of expensive ink. Stella’s blood ran cold in response to the slow but sudden realization as the faded memories slowly pieced themselves back together in the recesses of her damaged mind. He had spoken. [Stella | Memory Acquired - Gained 1 Point of Memory.]

    Delayed. Like the world holding its breath. It shuddered. As if trying to fight back a sneeze. Then… Black. It was a crushing echo, the chime of a hundred-thousand bells as sharp jagged lines cut a great divide. In that moment, reality sharply stilled, flattening existence into a single plane. A removed vision from a displaced second-person sight, looking down upon a two-dimensional world. Suddenly, terribly, it violently exploded like a canvas of glass broken with a sledge. Her form violently fragmented, contorted, twisting in the painting as the lights twitched and stuttered like the last throes of a dying electric bulb.


    In the howling whirl of the shattered fragmented maelstrom, she rose again, bits of glass plucked from the turbulent vortex piercing her body back together again. The black froth from the cosmic basin stretched and thinned, like threads stretched thin. Winding about into a twinkling woven veil of darkness and starlight. Like scalding nails being hammered into her face, the memories came back, fracturing her visage, black lines dividing her face. Screaming in wilting terrible agony, something thrashed and tore inside, ripping and pulling out her bowels. Lurching in convulsions, she expelled a black stream of minced pulpy flesh. Dark blood spilled from every orifice as her eyes and cranial matter spilled out from her skull like an overturned dish. Something latched onto her arms and head, pulling her upright with brutal force. In the reflections of the cycling storm of celestial glass, she could see the cruel fingers of pale hands biting into her skin to hold her aloft.

    Carried amid the turning pieces of the eradicated world, her limp fleshy shell rose up into the storm. Abruptly, the darkness converged, like a massive stream made manifest, to flooded into her eyes, nose and mouth. Like a sack being filled from a fire-hose, her empty body contorted and thrashed about as the wild forces plowed into her empty innards. Past the point which could be physically contained with pressure liquifying bone and muscle, the blight ripped apart the recesses of the fleshy cavity and spilled out into some impossible extraplanar space, rapidly expanding beyond comprehensible dimensions.

    As the last drop of the black drained from the canvas of the real, a featureless white was left in its place. Her eyes reformed within her pale face as free-floating spheres of light, like stars ripped from the hands of the universe. Sharply, she slapped off the tethers holding her aloft. She could feel everything, every turn of magic and the Fates tied to every fastly hurtling fragment amid the hurricane of destruction. Oh, yes. She remembered it now. Her divine sight could see the pale hands now as they plucked the great length of woven night from the storm and adorned her with it, as if it were a wedding veil. From between the jagged remains of the universe crashing within the broken tempest, she could see her prize. The hands plucked the void-fragments which drifted amid the ruinous squall. They were things which could only be claimed from the throes of annihilated Worlds. The six small shards congregated about each other, as if drawn together, colorless diamond-shaped voids which distorted light and space.

    So long ago, she had given everything for those splinters. Her immortality. Her body, even her Veils, leaving her Renor’vet as nothing more than a useless dreg. All was bound to it, though the crown was only part of her regalia. Alicia couldn’t help but burst into maniacal laughter as the hands crowned her with the abyssal shards, reflecting on all the absurd and pointless struggles and efforts they had made til now. There were memories, pieces of herself Stella realized she would never reclaim, but if she could find those places she had deposited her past-life might, that power would not be lost forever. Reincarnated or not, she had returned to Gapp and the Unsung King had honored their agreement. The Thousandfold Crown was hers. Her Veil was restored.

    Brimming with a newly reclaimed might, the piecing white spheres of her eyes scanned the devastated image of Kah’Teth’s remains as she descended. This wouldn’t do. The Unsung King was her true patron. The one she had chosen. Just as he had chosen her as the incarnation of his power. His essence was one of vengeance and justice, but he valued not the laws of the Houses or imposters. His was the one true justice, and his sentences were merciless and swift. Stella had learned a great deal from his mentorship, and while he claimed to be no god, he had displayed features far more divine than any other entity she had known. An existence which was certainly not ‘good, but valued honor, chivalry, noble cause and sacrifice. Yet, also a cruel judge, levying horrible sentences upon the guilty without sentiment. A wrathful and bitter King who would forget no sleight and inevitably claim his vengeance no matter the cost or time. His patience knew no equal. Ever thoughtful and methodical in his methods, he was a wise lord whom sought fairness and balance, according to his own visions.

    She couldn’t leave this world in collapse. It was her own just as much as it was his. Though murdering the world was a necessary sacrifice to recover the crown’s pieces, that didn’t mean it had to remain in this state. With the shards at her disposal, even the death of an existential plane or two was a trivial matter. Ultimately, it was just another spell, like any other. Raising a hand, the spinning pieces froze in place. With three gestures a colossal burst of sweeping gray rushed out emanating from where she stood suspended. Floating forward dimensional shards of the world assembled the street beneath her feet. Entire buildings and towers swept by, flipping and rolling weightlessly before abruptly twisting and snapping in place. Supermassive chunks which formed the bleak sky crashed into one another far above, reforging the heavens. Splinters of creatures came spilling back into reality, like a conductor, every flick of her finger and twirl of her hand hurled the spalls of the universe back into existence. It was like a jigsaw puzzle in which the pieces put themselves into place once tossed back upon the table. The lifeforms returned from the sprawls of death watched helplessly as the terrible mesonoxian entity above them, cowled in a tremendous veil of starlight and crowned in tenebrous shards, re-assembled creation with each wave of her hand. All averted their gaze. Most fell to their knees or prostrated themselves as the final bit of the world-puzzle fell in place.

    The last few words the Silent King had shared with her when she had received the crown resounded in her mind.
    “...They will sing to a world reborn.”



    Spoiler: Profile: The Unsung King of Keh’Teth
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    Name: The Unsung King
    CR: 9,781
    Alignment: LN
    Titles: Lord of Keh’Teth, The Silent King, The Black Arbiter, Voice of the Council, He Who Waits
    Areas of Concern: Harsh Justice, Rulership, Injustice, Order, Murder, Punishment, Revenge, Magic, Duty, War, Chivalry, Fate, Prophecy, Silence, Space
    Domains: Law, Protection, Death, Magic, Destruction, Nobility, Darkness, Sun, Memory, Thought, Knowledge, Void
    Favored Weapon: Staff or Rod
    Symbol: Shattered Black Crown
    Sacred Animals: Magical Wolves
    Sacred Colors: White With Gray, Black





    The Black Fragments, Thousandfold Crown of the Unsung King

    Long ago. Before the First Cycle of the L’Lotha, when the First had left the world and taken with her both darkness and light. A great undertaking was underway, to construct the beginnings of the Garden. A bitter dispute had ensued between the Unsung King and Ehkah’lah, Who Commanded Moon & Stars. The Silent King toiled for days without number to create the shards of E'Spon Val'Dhuuk, and an energy which could sever the tedious web of the Fates. Yet, after a time Ehkah grew envious of his work and stole it. A bitter dispute ensued bringing their work to an abrupt halt. The disagreement finally broke into open conflict until the two were violently separated by D'Okkolah'rahn, Who Named Every Dark & Passage Between. The D'Okkolah mediated the dispute, but seeing the vindictive nature of the Unsung King and the jealous greed of Ehkah’lah, she could find no peaceful resolution between two entities destined for conflict. At a loss, the quarrel was surrendered to the decision of the Elghin'Mados. Her decision was immediate. Neither would be allowed to have it. The Silent King’s petty behaviour was unfitting of one entrusted with such responsibility, while Ehkah’lah was no better than a thief who was not worthy of trust. The Shards were instead entrusted to the Nightmare King. The thought of denying his enemy claim to his property was far preferable than allowing it to remain in Ehkah’lah’s clutches. However, he refused to surrender the First Shards, which he had created as a test draft of his great work. As the black fragments did not belong to the Nightmare World, it was permitted. Shamelessly, the Unsung King forged the pieces together and donned the shards as a crown to immortalize his spiteful ‘victory’.

    Benefit: The Thousandfold Crown is a Veil of immense power granted to the Returner by the Unsung King. The power of the crown pulses with divine power forged together from the first moments during the birth of the universe. While it itself, it is an incomplete creation, the black fragments possess the smoking embers to birth forth an entire World. In the hands of one who can survive its burden, it is a weapon of reckoning in any reality. The Thousandfold Crown replaces the Returner’s Renor’vet, becoming their Black Veil, and grants or returns a number of unique features. These effects are not suppressed or disrupted by mythic or non-mythic spells, abilities or effects which would normally do so regardless of the source or Potential. However, sources which the Elghin'Mados directly controls negate this benefit.

    THE BLACK VEIL
    The Unsung King’s Black Veil does not function conventionally, and provides no changes or modifications to her Veils. Instead, the Veil possesses a single (Universal Veil Slot). This Veil slot possesses an unlimited number of uses and cannot be expended by any means. As a ‘Universal’ Slot, it is considered to be the Slot Type required by the Veil being assigned to it. Veils unbound from the Slot are dismissed normally, however assigning and removing a Veil are all completed as a free action.

    Additionally, the Unsung King gains the Veilcasting Unique Skill, the ability to learn Veilcast spells and a permanent one-time circumstance bonus to this skill of +(1d20) upon acquiring this ability. The Unsung King gains one starting Veilcast spell.

    Spoiler: Veilcasting
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    Veilcasting - The act of unleashing a temporary unbound construct resembling a spell. These effects are instantaneous or duration based. Veilcasting is a mode of casting unique spells called Veilcasts. These spells require a number of circumstances to be manifest, beginning with a successful Veilcast check equal to the Creation DC listed on the spell. Upon success a randomly determined cost must be paid and an available Veilslot of the proper type and quality must be available. If these conditions are not met, or the cost exceeds the resources available, the spell fizzles. Veilcasts of the ‘Consuming’ sub-type will expend resources even upon failure as stated on the spell. Many Veilcasts require multiple types of casting resources to use, while others treat various pools interchangeably.


    Spoiler: Veilcast Spell - D’Annu’rei, Astral’s Lesser Celestial Sky Fall
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    D’Annu’rei, Astral’s Lesser Celestial Sky Fall
    Evocation [Force], Veilcasting
    Creation DC: 3d20
    Veil Cost: 4d20 MP/Focus Points
    Slot Grade Requirement: Blast III
    Components: V, S
    Casting Time: Standard action
    Range: 600 ft.
    Targets: Any creatures within 600 ft.
    Duration: Instantaneous
    Saving Throw: None
    Spell Resistance: Yes

    Commonly used by the Black Magister to wipe out small armies, it had once been one of her favorite cantrips. Calling down a hoard of racing white star-fragments from space the veilcaster using this spell unleashes 1d100+50 missiles of mystical energy upon her targets. Each missile strikes unerringly, even if the target is in melee combat, so long as it has less than total cover or total concealment. Specific parts of a creature can be singled out by the caster and objects can be damaged by this spell. Each missile deals 1d4 + the caster’s HD in force and light damage. Targeted creatures which suffer no damage from this spell instead become dazed and dazzled for 1 round.

    These missiles may be divided up among the available targets however the veilcaster wishes.


    SEVERANCE AURA
    The Unsung King possesses an immense aura which is so powerful, it becomes physically oppressive to those whom carelessly approach. Creatures attempting to move within 30 ft. treat all space (ground or air) as difficult terrain. Those beings foolish enough to continue their approach must succeed a DC 14 strength check when within 15 ft. each round. Those who fail this strength check fall to the ground, crushed by the sheer pressure of your presence and are stunned until they succeed this check. To magical senses this aura is able to be detected by creatures anywhere within the same plane. Creatures attempting to detect this aura though spells or magical senses are typically overwhelmed or stunned for a number of minutes. When a creature attempts to target the Unsung King directly using these senses, with line of sight, they may be slain instantly if the difference between their caster level and the aura is too great. The Unsung King possesses complete control of her aura and can dictate whom it would affect and when at any time.

    IMMORTAL ESSENCE
    The Unsung King’s crown returns to her a portion of the powers she has previously invested into it. The burden of the crown demands great sacrifice, stealing the gift of immortality from those who possess it, or years beyond number from those who don’t. While the Immortal Spark remains lost still, a number of gifts awaken within her:

    ⯎ Paramortal III Potentials recovered
    ⯎ Fly Speed (Perfect) 300ft
    ⯎ Mana Pool size increased by 1d100
    ⯎ Focus Pool size increased by 1d100
    ⯎ Mana Pool replaced with Origin Pool
    ⯎ Constant Sense Living Weave & Detect Magic (CL 211)
    ⯎ Wounding Immunity (no blood or internal organs)


    Spoiler: Paramortal Pottentials
    Show

    Paramortal I: The paramortal does not need to eat or drink. While the paramortal may partake if she desires, she suffers no penalties for lack of food or water, and does not suffer starvation or thirst. The paramortal ages only 1 year for every 10 years that pass.

    Paramortal II: The paramortal suffers no penalties from the fatigued condition. A paramortal that is fatigued and gains the condition again becomes exhausted, as normal. The paramortal gains darkvision out to 60 feet. A paramortal that already has darkvisions adds 60 feet to her darkvision's range. The paramortal ages only 1 year for every 20 years that pass.

    Paramortal III: The paramortal does not need to sleep. If the paramortal has a class or ability that grants spells which require a condition such as sleep to recover, the paramortal instead regains spells and all spellcasting resources once per day (at a time agreed upon by the player and GM). Preparing spells for the day no longer requires an hour of meditation and is instead treated as a full round action. The paramortal ages only 1 year for every 300 years that pass.


    BODY OF BLACK
    The Unsung King’s body is merely a physical shell within which her true self may reside. In her most true form, she is nothing more than a great pool of frothing inky blackness in the cosmic vastness of the beyond. As an entity of the Black, she cannot be killed or suffer lethal damage from Severance effects. Severance always deals an unlimited amount of non-lethal damage, this damage can incapacitate the Unsung King for a prolonged period. However this damage is passively recovered at a rate identical to which she would heal from non-lethal damage. This recovery takes place each minute, rather than every hour. Additionally, the Unsung King may choose to spend 1d4 MP to negate 1 point of Severance any number of times.

    NIGHTMARE EFFIGY
    Much like her brother, the Nightmare King, the true face dwelling beneath her fleshy mask was an indescribable horror. A nightmare which the mere awareness of, would cause the Fates to scatter and flee, leading to a mortal violently contorting, snapping and breaking in a sickening grotesque display. Any creature who meets the Unsung King’s gaze may be forced to succeed a DC 68 will save or die (Unsung King’s choice). Additionally, the Unsung King may spend any amount of MP. If she chooses to do so, a target creature within her line of sight must sacrifice twice the amount of MP she had spent or be forced to meet the Unsung King’s gaze. The Unsung King must be capable of speaking and must be able to be heard by the target creature, however no verbal component is required for this effect. This is a supernatural ability.

    THOUSANDFOLD SPELL
    The Thousandfold Crown did not bear that name arbitrarily. The shards had been folded and reforged a thousand times over, layering instances of entire worlds upon itself, creating a device so dense it was suspended in a constant state of collapse. Growing infinitely into and through itself. It was a perfect foci for spells, and though it was only a fraction of its power while separated from the regalia of her completed Veil, it was still a force to be reckoned with. The Unsung King may spend 1d100 MP to increase or decrease the damage or duration of any spell or magical-effect she controls by 1d1000 as a free action. If all of her spells become supernatural abilities, this potential affects all supernatural abilities instead. This ability is a supernatural effect but cannot effect itself.

    TEBONN, LAST COMMANDMENT OF THE FIRST
    As it was once before, the Unsung King possessed the last flickers of the First Dark. The spaces of creation The First had ushered into the Silence before the dawn of creation. When She had left and taken the Light and Dark with Her, the last bits were gifted to the Unsung King. With the power she drew from those precious splinters she could briefly possess a command over the mystical forces of the cosmos to rival even the D'Okkolah. The Unsung King may spend 1d100 MP to negate any spell or supernatural ability which would affect an ally she is aware of (including herself) as a free action which may be taken during any turn. This ability may be used to negate effects which have already been resolved, as long as the resolution was within 1d4 rounds. The Unsung King may choose which creatures, including herself, benefit from re-resolving the subsequent rounds after negating an effect in the past. She and all her targets may take new actions for the previous rounds, and have them resolved up to the present. Creatures who are not selected are otherwise treated as having completed the same actions, or having their prior actions wasted. This ability may only be activated once every 2d8 rounds. This is a supernatural effect.



    Returner Path Advancement: Resonance, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom
    Caught amid the revelation she was caught within her own spiral of doom. Stella contemplated each moment and every choice which had brought her to this point. Those memories were filled with little more than the familiar and zealous desire. A negligence towards those whom might have become allies... or friends. Once again, she was alone. Even those whom had shown her kindness had been a means towards an end, a resource she had used while able then cast aside... Yet still, she felt as if nothing had been learned. The cycle had to be broken.
    Difficulty: Unknown | Status: On-going | Profit: Retraining Option & Potential Advancement | Time: 2 Years
    Primary Objective: - Make Amends With The Conclave


    Main Quest: To Rest Forever In The Valley of Flowers
    The Corrupted Fate introduced into the Veil has created unforeseen complications, as the world begins to spiral out of control. A thing which should not exist has returned to reality, driving the forces of balance into a wild frenzy. With Ghlas unleashed, the Zin-Lath'rah turn upon the very thing they existed to defend. Like a man clawing out his own eyes, the hands of the Mados turned upon itself, ravaging the real. Below, within the First World, the mortal races stand unsuspectingly as doom breaches the walls of Jun'athel, spilling out hordes of terrible foes unto the universe. Before the eyes of the Justices, those whom have erred could only hope to save whom they could and lessen the weight of their crime; should they survive.
    Difficulty: Unknown | Status: On-going | Profit: Unknown | Time: Unknown
    Primary Objective: - Warn The Mortal Worlds
    Primary Objective: - Assemble A Defense Against The Hallowed Tide



    Spoiler: Rewards | EXP
    Show


    ֍ Stella XP +9,500 (217,500xp)
    ⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
    ⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
    ⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
    ⯎ Community Influence Gained
    ⯎ Discovery Influence Gained
    ⯎ Travel Influence Gained
    ⯎ Wisdom Influence Gained
    ⯎ Occult Influence Gained
    ⯎ Veil Influence Gained
    ⯎ Evil Influence Gained
    ⯎ Nightmare Influence Gained
    ⯎ Curse Influence Gained
    ⯎ Defense Influence Gained
    ⯎ Justice Influence Gained
    ⯎ Memory Influence Gained
    ⯎ Worlds Influence Gained
    ⯎ Fate Influence Gained
    ⯎ Time Influence Gained
    ⯎ Faith Influence Gained
    ⯎ Ascension Influence Gained
    ⯎ Guilt Influence Gained
    ⯎ Hated Influence Gained
    ⯎ Subservient Influence Gained
    ⯎ Transcendent Influence Gained
    ⯎ Apprentice Influence Gained
    ⯎ Duty Influence Gained
    ⯎ Servitude Influence Gained
    ⯎ Dreams Influence Gained
    ⯎ Ancestors Influence Gained
    ⯎ Origin Influence Gained
    ⯎ Divinity Influence Gained
    ⯎ Dreamworlds Influence Gained
    ⯎ Change Influence Gained
    ⯎ Introspection Influence Gained
    ⯎ Corruption Influence Gained
    ⯎ Crime Influence Gained
    ⯎ Judgement Influence Gained
    ⯎ Tales Influence Gained
    ⯎ Stories Influence Gained
    ⯎ Legends Influence Gained
    ⯎ Past-Life Influence Gained
    ⯎ Reincarnation Influence Gained

    ⯎ Acquired [Strange Item]
    ✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
    ⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

    SpellWeaving:
    Successfully casting a Spellweave costs the Witch a number of focus points equal to Spell Level + 1.
    The Witch may attempt a number of Spellweaving Checks per day equal to her Aptitude.

    Alicia HP: 8 (13) / 22
    Istrei'D'Val Barrier: 450/450
    Focus: 27/28
    Mana: 1/10
    Reputation: 25
    Memory: 4
    Spite: 1
    Honor: 311
    SV. Exp: 2 (Severance)
    Weave Exp: 175
    Veil Exp: 1,000


    Spoiler: The Reflected Alter
    Show

    Praying at the alter requires a Spell Focus check and 1d8 hours of uninterrupted meditation to establish a connection with the herald. Alicia receives no way of judging the success or failure of her attempt. Cumulative penalties are applies for very 4 hours of meditation taken from loosing focus over a prolonged period of time. These penalties stack with conditions accrued from other sources such as starvation or dehydration.


    Spoiler: Alicia Kelgore - Conflicted Mind
    Show
    Alicia and Stella must maintain a constant state of balance to stay in harmony with one another, however doing this is not a simple task as the Veil evolves. Alicia will progressively shift in alignment as the Veil grows and the two personalities shift further and further apart from one another, prompted by various Spell Focus checks while both performing magic and having new experiences which the Veil attempts to adapt into the persona's fabricated history. Furthermore the Veil is capable of enforcing its own canonical history as if by means of a Divergence. At the beginning and end of each day both persona's must make an opposed spell focus check, granting advantage to the victor for the next 8 hours. The persona with advantage gains a +5 circumstance bonus to all other checks against the other identity. If Stella begins to fail more and more checks her control of Alicia will begin to diminish, introducing new influences or opposing actions which she must succeed an ego check to interrupt. Further effects from the Veil may be acquired from constant failed checks. This Veil may be dismissed by revisiting the mirror and spending 1 minute in meditation.




    Last edited by Mornings; 2020-09-25 at 01:47 PM.

  25. - Top - End - #715
    Troll in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)







    22nd of Neth, Sunday | Time: 13:11 pm | AR 4713 (Winter)
    Otherworld; L'Zho-Kenna, The Betwixt
    L'Izz'tssa, The Passages; Ashurbanipal - The Towers


    It had been many minutes. Pacing. Circling. Inspecting the curious device. He’s scoured nearly every corner of the plateau-like platform, at least the areas he was capable of reaching. This… thing had been his only clue as to how he might leave this place. Not a thing, perhaps. It was a door, of course, but not just any door. It was practically a riddle made manifest. A doorframe. Knob. Lock and hinges. All the parts one might need for a standard entrance. Just no door. Tossing things through the empty doorframe did nothing. The spectacle appeared no better than an inert piece of modern art, yet, his senses told him otherwise. He was certain beyond doubt, it was far more. [Kazik | Perception & Survival - Partial]

    A sudden shudder raced up his spine as if a chill wind blew down his back. Kazik lacked the experience, or perhaps the eloquence of finer speech to adequately describe it. It was as a sense which had yet been named, an awareness which transcended physical stimulus. A perception tied to something almost… omniscient. A preciance which bled beyond the present and manifest. Even past that which he knew or held awareness of. The nameless thing, it spoke of something returning. Something which had returned. An ancient unknowable force. Circling the door, contemplating the strangeness of the sensation, he came to an abrupt stop as his paces led him back about to the front of the passageway. A figure cowled in a fuming mire of darkness sauntered forth as a heavy wooden door slammed behind, vanishing as immediately as it had appeared. Lithe, featureless and without a face, the wraith stepped forward seemingly ignoring the masked man completely. It’s eyeless gaze shifted from here and there as if searching for something.

    Spoiler: Kazik Status
    Show
    ֍ Kazik +850 (59,950xp)
    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


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






  26. - Top - End - #716
    Troll in the Playground
     
    Mornings's Avatar

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    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


    It was a new consideration, having to mind the library more than himself. If he died at least he could return here, but the same could not be said should the Passage fall. There was no coming back from that. The Librarian nodded, "Yes, but we will need to take care and move quickly. While the Divergence exists, a very significant ‘hole’ in the Passage’s defenses remains. At any moment, a foreign influence could take advantage of this to secure their entry. It’s even possible someone could find themselves here unintentionally..."

    The old man considered Erik’s question, pausing for a moment. "Every Divergence possesses a ‘strength’. Which is to say its stability, and just how ‘real’ or permanent the changes it has ushered actually are. For mortals of the First World, this is represented by the ‘class’ of a Divergence; a metric which gauges the ‘staying power’ such an event possesses. This frame of reference was originally created by the Conclave as a means of repairing fractures in their world while circumnavigating the multiverse. Each ‘class’ possesses a thin range of tolerance which corresponds with the required amount of energy needed to mend it. Once we know the severity of the damage, we can gain a near-perfect idea of how many fragments would be needed to seal it."

    As ever, there was a deeply burning curiosity within the old mercenary’s chest. It was a gibbering disease, a maddening whisper. The question. Something inside which compelled him to act despite the protests of logic or even near-death experience. That whisper, that itch. It demanded he constantly push the envelope. It demanded he stumble forward, even just another step in the dark to find the line. He had to know. He had to.

    The answer was immediate. This time, it was not merely his mind. Not merely a ‘feeling’. He was falling. It was a jarring sharp twist as the world flipped upon its head, inverting, as he passed through the floor as easily as mist. His sudden descent was short-lived. Suspended, as if floating in a massive ocean with two faces. He could see the surface glinting and reflecting the light both above and below. Further in the descent, he could see the marred mask of a familiar friend, and the faceless visage of a stranger distorted by the lap of the waves. Somewhere above, the Librarian was shouting something mutely.

    Somewhere in the distance, within the darkness between both worlds, within the churn of the waves… something lurked. His eyes slowly begun to adjust, revealing countless door frames lining a single paperthin pathway of faded cobbled distortions. The doors went on beyond any vision could see, becoming smaller and smaller, racing off into the infinite. Only some eighty feet away, a skeletal creature raced by. Bones disjoined and transparent, but following one another as if magically joined to create shapes. Fish. A great serpent thousands of feet of length. Ribs forty foot long each, like a slithering nightmarish cage. Amid a mob of fleshless bass, a figure sat hunched upon a black coral crook jutting out from somewhere in the dark. Thin. Effeminate. Garbed in a long flowing crimson robe tied over a white dress. The unknown woman could have been mistaken for the corpse of some drowned child were she not so engrossed in the contents of the ephemeral black tome clutched in her pale hands. The massive book was absent most of its pages, and required both arms to hold upright. For a long while, it seemed like his presence had been completely missed, but slowly, the brim of her eerily shifting cowl begun to turn towards him. Their eyes locked. Her face a twisting knotted mass of writhing black strings. Lines of ink. A jumbled mass, like a broken jar of worms dropped and shattering upon the stone floor. "...My Lord. I had begun to fear you would not com-"


    The reverberating words of the child carried through the abyss between those fragmented worlds, and was abruptly cut short. The Librarian’s hand sharply grasped the back of Erik’s neck, wrenching him out from the oceanic depths. He came crashing back, sopping wet, unto the familiar dark stone floor of the veranda. The old man wrung out the water from his wet sleeve over him, letting the water run over the downed man’s head. "Maybe this’ll cool you off." Strength had finally returned to the soaked mercenary’s limbs, enough to push himself off the ground and support the weight of his own armored body. The Librarian exhaled deeply, "I’m still having trouble with it… Trying to figure out if you’re just an idiot, or too goddam reckless, I mean."

    Wearily, the old man flopped down into a seat. "It’s a little too early for that place. Of course, you would know that if you opened your damn mouth and used your words instead of throwing yourself through space every chance you get. Do you know how many people, things, and existences without proper-name, would give anything for a Confidant like me. Knowledge is the most valuable resource in any universe. It’s what differentiates the fools and the capable. The strong and weak, masters and slaves. People will lord it over you, like they’re gods. In the real world. Beyond the illusion of your life, and everything you think you know. You cannot learn by doing. Some knowledge simply requires your death. Or loss. Or terrible price. Much cannot be learned at all. Things beyond the understanding of mortal creatures. Things beyond the comprehension of those whom experience it. Knowledge which must be taught… That is largely my purpose. To teach adolescent Lords, like you. Now stop…. Doing… THINGS! Without asking!" The ancient man’s face was red and flustered as he shouted at Erik still prone upon the ground in a familiar booming timber. [Lord Trait | Open First Passage - Zek’Taur: Return to Zek’Taur. Manage Ashurbanipal features through the Kindler.]


    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 +850 (68,850xp) [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





  27. - Top - End - #717
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Chromascope3D's Avatar

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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)

    Kazik
    The Hanging Men

    Hm, finally. Kazik had been growing impatient figuring out that enigmatic contraption, and supposed any sort of progress was good. Still, what manner of creature was this, now? Black, like the Mados, yet seemed to scan the surroundings with a single-minded purpose, ignoring him entirely. Was this one of its agents, its hunter-killers tasked with bringing its quarry home? He thought back to the entity's words, that it would leave him be so long as he did not interfere. He wondered the extent of what counted as interference. Perhaps he could use whatever means of transport it could conjure. If nothing else, it would be intriguing to watch it work...


    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Kazik's gonna follow the creature as well as he can


    Spoiler: Stats
    Show
    Kazik
    Human Sentinel (Darkness Defender) LN
    Scorn 14
    Focus Points: 6/10
    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!

  28. - Top - End - #718
    Bugbear in the Playground
     
    Stevesciguy's Avatar

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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)



    As the Librarian bellowed over him, Erik hefted himself up from the ground, flexing his limbs to get the last vestiges of weakness to leave them. The Librarian was right - he did seem to have a knack for flinging himself through space. Though that wasn't a particularly good thing.

    Was he an idiot or reckless? Or was it that he was so unwilling to follow that he'd rather charge forward into the unknown than to let another tell him how to act? He conceded that for now it was right to follow, difficult though that may be.

    "Right. You're right. I can walk again - if there's anything more I need to know, you can tell me on the way. I'll follow your lead."

    The last sentence was forced out with some difficulty. Not words that the mercenary was used to saying.

    "You're also right that we need to move quickly. I saw the kid while I was down there - he isn't alone, and I don't think it's the Teller that he's with."

    Spoiler: OoC
    Show
    Gonna try a knowledge(planes) roll to see if Erik knows anything about the creature he glimpsed with Kazik. He doesn't have any points in it, but he does have an ability that lets him roll higher than a 10 anyway.

    Knowledge(planes): (1d20+3)[15]

    Avatar kindly provided by TinyMushroom!

  29. - Top - End - #719
    Troll in the Playground
     
    Mornings's Avatar

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    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)







    22nd of Neth, Sunday | Time: 13:22 pm | AR 4713 (Winter)
    Otherworld; L'Zho-Kenna, The Betwixt
    L'Izz'tssa, The Passages; Ashurbanipal - The Towers


    It was so subtle, he'd missed it completely the first time. There was a shifting effortless grace buried beneath the unearthly mantle and boisterousness. After the first few minutes wandering about the study, skulking up and down stairs, circling the great black desk, the figure sauntered about dragging strange devices in its wake. The end landed with a dull resounding thud. Dense. No better than a farrier's anvil, the absurdly sized length of dull iron slid behind with a raucous grinding rattle. Twisted dark clasps, dripping a dark puss, looped together and riveted with ties of hair held the grotesque chain together.

    After some time the specter grew bored, dropping the unusual device and throwing itself into the Librarian's large chair. Lifting its feet up, it slammed its misty heels into the top of the desk and crossed its legs lazily. Waiting. The creature still seemed to possess no notion of Kazik's presence, or perhaps was simply ignoring him. It was an unusual spectacle. The evil thing surely looked like some manner of nightmare fit for a casual bout of genocide, yet, rather than witnessing the thing dismember men… Here it was, casually idling. It was as if he’d been afforded some glimpse of the moments between doom and horror; evidence that such was not perpetual.

    There it remained, leaning back in the large seat. Silent. Only the tapping of a ghastly impatient finger differentiated it from some abstract and dreadful sculpture shaped by some demented artist’s mind.


    Spoiler: Kazik Status
    Show
    ֍ Kazik +500 (60,450xp)
    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






  30. - Top - End - #720
    Bugbear in the Playground
     
    forg99rules's Avatar

    Join Date
    Dec 2015

    Default Re: The Primeval Dark (IC)



    She could barely contain the euphoria radiating through her entire being as she gained back a portion of her power. It was a joy that she would never forget and one that she wanted to feel again. She had forgotten about the deal she had made with the Unsung King. She now wondered what other deals or places she had deposited power that could be regained. Turning her gaze down to the lifeforms that she had brought back to life. She remembered that she still needed to warn all the Mortal Worlds that the Hallowed Tide was coming; she needed to form some defense against such beings. Floating towards them, she looked around to see if anyone was looking at her before stopping just above the ground. As she hovered there, she wondered who to speak with regarding the Hallowed Tide's return and if this City would even be able to protect itself adequately.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show


    Knowledge Abstract: (1d20+32)[46] or (1d20+32)[41] - trying to see if stella can remember other locations that she deposited power to be reclaimed.
    Knowledge Abstract: (1d20+32)[51] or (1d20+32)[41] - How best to warn all the mortal worlds
    Knowledge Abstract: (1d20+32)[43] or (1d20+32)[44] - What sort of defenses would work against the Hallowed Tide
    Knowledge Abstract: (1d20+32)[45] or (1d20+32)[35] - Who she could speak to in this place that could provide information or start setting up defenses, basically who is in charge

    Just getting something posted since I very much was just overloaded with information.



    Spoiler: Status
    Show


    ֍ Stella XP 217,500
    ⯎ Sovereignty Influence Gained
    ⯎ Nobility Influence Gained
    ⯎ Liberation Influence Gained
    ⯎ Community Influence Gained
    ⯎ Discovery Influence Gained
    ⯎ Travel Influence Gained
    ⯎ Wisdom Influence Gained
    ⯎ Occult Influence Gained
    ⯎ Veil Influence Gained
    ⯎ Evil Influence Gained
    ⯎ Nightmare Influence Gained
    ⯎ Curse Influence Gained
    ⯎ Defense Influence Gained
    ⯎ Justice Influence Gained
    ⯎ Memory Influence Gained
    ⯎ Worlds Influence Gained
    ⯎ Fate Influence Gained
    ⯎ Time Influence Gained
    ⯎ Faith Influence Gained
    ⯎ Ascension Influence Gained
    ⯎ Guilt Influence Gained
    ⯎ Hated Influence Gained
    ⯎ Subservient Influence Gained
    ⯎ Transcendent Influence Gained
    ⯎ Apprentice Influence Gained
    ⯎ Duty Influence Gained
    ⯎ Servitude Influence Gained
    ⯎ Dreams Influence Gained
    ⯎ Ancestors Influence Gained
    ⯎ Origin Influence Gained
    ⯎ Divinity Influence Gained
    ⯎ Dreamworlds Influence Gained
    ⯎ Change Influence Gained
    ⯎ Introspection Influence Gained
    ⯎ Corruption Influence Gained
    ⯎ Crime Influence Gained
    ⯎ Judgement Influence Gained
    ⯎ Tales Influence Gained
    ⯎ Stories Influence Gained
    ⯎ Legends Influence Gained
    ⯎ Past-Life Influence Gained
    ⯎ Reincarnation Influence Gained
    ⯎ Acquired [Strange Item]
    ✦ Corrupted Fate (Ra'Dolfaal)
    ⯎ Gem of Telepathy: 3/5 Charges, 3 min duration - Identified use with UMD

    SpellWeaving:
    Successfully casting a Spellweave costs the Witch a number of focus points equal to Spell Level + 1.
    The Witch may attempt a number of Spellweaving Checks per day equal to her Aptitude.

    Alicia HP: 8 (13) / 22
    Istrei'D'Val Barrier: 373/450
    Focus: 27/35
    Mana: 5/48
    Reputation: 25
    Memory: 4
    Spite: 1
    Honor: 311
    SV. Exp: 2 (Severance)
    Weave Exp: 175
    Veil Exp: 1,000

    Last edited by forg99rules; 2020-09-22 at 09:26 PM.

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