Results 271 to 300 of 996
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2020-12-18, 02:44 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Finland
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
The rat fighter will crouch down and take a good sniff at the green stuff to see if he recognizes it from somewhere.
Spoiler: OOCDc15 con saving throw or lose 1 hp, 1 point of intelligence, 1 point of strength. Repeats every round as you breathe the fumes.Last edited by Smilex; 2020-12-18 at 02:44 PM.
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2020-12-18, 02:49 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2010
- Location
- Brazil
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
Rik doesn't know what those contraptions do, but he is curious. He takes a quick look around while Polari rescues Spinoza and Oren fools around.
Investigation: (1d20+0)[1]
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2020-12-18, 02:51 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Nov 2020
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
--------------------------------Oren
Ratfolk Fighter 2
AC: 16 | HP: 9/22 | HD: 2/1d10
Quiver: 20 arrows
Second Wind: 0/1
Action Surge: 0/1
PP: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 12
Conditions: none
Yuuck!! Guys, keep off the green fumes. They are really bad for you.
With watering eyes and a sniffling snout, Oren hops over to check on sister Spinozo.
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2020-12-18, 03:27 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Finland
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk
As Polari cuts Spinozo from her bonds she seems frightened for about a second, but then she shows her fury again.
We need to kill this guy called Aluatore before he poisons a group of our gangmembers. I mean, thank you. How were you able to get here?
Doctor Coccyx comes in at this point and starts fixing Spinozo's wounds.
You need to stay still for a moment.
Spinozo goes
No way! Hey, what are you doing, I just got out of bindings.
Coccyx answers
I personally don't give a ratfolk's glutes about whether you survive until tomorrow but we need to get you alive to the three weirdos. They're threatening Polari and Geronimo here if they don't return with you. You should show them some consideration for coming to save you from this cellar.
Spinozo calms down for a while and lets Coccyx do his work.
This Aluatore has been recruiting people from all the low gangs, the Impossible Rise and the Hypothalassians are sending people to the Nip as well. My cousin, Boltz, asked me to meet with the Nip and see what they're about. I don't think my cousin would do this to me knowingly.
When questioning me, this Aluatore kept bragging, revealing his role in feeding these drug addicts ideas that they would be strong enough to take on all the plotters.
I don't know if they could do it but I know the plotters aren't as strong as they would like everyone to believe. Boltz is a necromancer and he told me that the temples are divided as well. The plotters will not have full support from the clerics as the Nip is preaching the word of the Eternal.
That Aluatore though, he's something else. He wasn't looking to help the Nip win, he's been helping form them into a military faction just so there would be war in Luracidon.
Coccyx goes
That's good thinking. Maybe you're not as dumb as you look... sitting here as a prisoner.
Spinozo fumes
Dumb? I'm a wizard! I command the energies of fire and lightning with my thoughts!
Coccyx says
Meh, that's just magic. Do you even have a diploma?
...
Meanwhile Polari can fit eight tomes into his backpack.Last edited by Smilex; 2020-12-18 at 03:27 PM.
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2020-12-18, 03:36 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Finland
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
Rik goes around and loots the wizards for a collective 226 gold.
Then he finds out that the chair behind the desk is comfortable, feels like a good place to fall asleep.
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2020-12-19, 01:06 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Finland
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
Bellatrice looks around the place. She finds what looks like a magical set of bagpipes and brings it to Geronimo
Spoiler: OOCLater, Geronimo will find out that this is 'The Cold Open'
A set of bagpipes
Performance dc 12 check to activate, once per short rest.
After activation the item creates an effect that lasts for as long as the bard concentrates, or up to 1 minute.
While the effect lasts, the bard can use an action to breathe cold in a cone that has length 15 feet. The cone does 3d6 cold damage to anyone in the area that fails a dc 12 dex saving throw. Those who succeed in saving throw, take half damage.
She also finds a set of magical-looking crystal goggles which she decides to put on.
Then she prods Rik who's about to take a nap.
Come help. Barricade door.
After that she starts pushing furniture in front of the door of the cellar stairs.
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2020-12-19, 04:37 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2010
- Location
- Brazil
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
"Oh, I'm sorry. Don't know why I suddenly got tired".
He better avoid that chair now.
Rik will help pick up furniture and place it by the door.
Spoiler: OOCStrength: (1d20+2)[5]
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2020-12-19, 06:29 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Lower Menthis
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk
With Sister Spinoza in Coccyx's able hands, Polari looks around for more clues, and more importantly, another exit so we don't have fight all of the guards upstairs.Polari
Human Sorcerer 2
AC: 15 (MA) | HP: 14/14 | HD: 2/2d6
PP: 12 PInv: 12 PIns: 12
Spell Slots, 1st: 1/3
Sorcery Points: 2/4
Restore Balance: 2/2
Conditions: none
"We need to get out of here before that whole garrison comes down to investigate."
Spoiler: OOCInvestigation (1d20+2)[13]
Possible Reactions:
1. If Polari is hit and the roll is 19 or less, he will cast shield with his reaction.
2. If one of the players is attacked with advantage or has to attack at disadvantage, I can use a reaction to make it a normal roll.
Spoiler: NotesGeronimo, goblin bard
Professor Melange, Mentaujit
Pelonia, Abracio fleet - Rik and Oren
Sister Spinozo, Longwands - Polari and Geronimo
Heir Ermans, Sister Spinoza's boss
Rincip 'Cottonpads' -Allisogand Sakuya
Hopalloz, lost 150 years ago
Chexxa, Hopalloz outpost for arcane research
Captain Gomyabber, scouts found tunnels to Chexxa
Soulcrystal and ritual book, for collecting energy from Chexxa's forge - Polari gave them up
Nodovico, gnoll guideRIP
Namera and Pandinho, rescued Mraow (stayed behind)
Remilia, betrayed others with gnolls(all dead now)
Nyokawamtoto, dragon-thing stuck in the forge
Danifae, oracle and spear wielder
The Nip, or Disciples of Danifae have SS in a building in the territory of Affios 'Pinnails'
Doctor Coccyx and Bellatrice
Affios, stole dragon money from Pozernoa, runs Nips
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2020-12-19, 08:34 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Finland
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
The door that didn't lead to a full of poison gas and dead longwands wizards takes you to a series of ever smaller corridors. Coccyx navigates the path for you until you reach a point where he says you must break through a wall.
After some work from Bellatrice you push into the Substratum. From there you eventually find your way to your employers.
You have a long rest before what follows. Three days have passed. There's increasing tension on the streets. Small fights keep breaking between territories as everyone's looking for betrayal.
SCENE 6: BRINK OF WAR
All three of your employers, Ermans, Polonia and Melange are present. Spinozo is also with you.
This time the meeting place is a safe-house of the Longwands. Both Melange and Polonia have two extra bodyguards with them.
The room is a large dining room. There's plenty of food and drink on the table. The quality of both is excellent.
You explain the events of your rescue mission and there's grave silence as everyone considers what's happened.
Professor Melange, untypically for him, opens.
The situation, as it stands is that the Disciples of Danifae are gathering an army in the heart of Luracidon. They're recruiting from all factions and doing so quite aggressively. The plotters will not simply watch such a challenge to their dominance for long.
Wing-captain Polonia continues
It was bound to happen sooner or later. Luracidon could dominate all mraow when it controlled the navy and when the colonies were small. Now some of the colonies are large enough to stand on their own. We, the traders, excuse me, we the corsairs ...we could start focusing on the colonies and ignore Luracidon if we really wanted to. The colonies want more say in things and I don't mind saying that we'd appreciate that too.
Spinozo answers
But there's another faction, a traitor. Aluatore was serving another group that seeks harm to all mraow and all of Luracidon.
Heir Ermans says
The Longwands have been at the brink of gaining enough territory to name our father a Plotter. We're so close to making a zone for evokers', conjurers' and other spellcasters' interests. I hate that they've struck against us. They've set themselves to be our enemy.
Professor Melange says
You might think that the Mentaujit and the circle of druids are thralls of the current order. It's not quite so. We stand with the people's interests. Rincip is not quite as stagnant as many of the other plotters. We can adapt.
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2020-12-19, 08:55 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Lower Menthis
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk
Polari listens to the political discussion around him. As a foreigner, the history of the struggles of each faction do not concern him much. But if he is to survive here, he would prefer to live in a free society instead of enduring the same oppression he felt in Mechanus.Polari
Human Sorcerer 2
AC: 15 (MA) | HP: 14/14 | HD: 2/2d6
PP: 12 PInv: 12 PIns: 12
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Sorcery Points: 4/4
Restore Balance: 2/2
Conditions: none
"Professor Melange of the Mentaujit, wing-captain Polonia of the Abracio fleet and sister Spinozo and Heir Ermans of the Longwands, I propose that we formalize our alliance here today and come up with a joint plan for ruling a free Luracidon. We must end the plotting and infighting. We must break the plotters, in order to provide freedom and peace for the people's interests.
Based on our recent experience, I do not believe this Danifae is to be trusted. Even though her purported mission is noble, we have seen that it is no more than a ruse. But do we need to take her on ourselves? I think not. We should encourage the other plotters to send their forces to put her down. They cannot stand for this challenge for long, right? Then, in the aftermath, once all are weakened, we can make our move together.
Our esteemed patrons, what do you need from us to help facilitate this revolution?"
Spoiler: OOC
Possible Reactions:
1. If Polari is hit and the roll is 19 or less, he will cast shield with his reaction.
2. If one of the players is attacked with advantage or has to attack at disadvantage, I can use a reaction to make it a normal roll.
Spoiler: NotesGeronimo, goblin bard
Professor Melange, Mentaujit
Pelonia, Abracio fleet - Rik and Oren
Sister Spinozo, Longwands - Polari and Geronimo
Heir Ermans, Sister Spinoza's boss
Rincip 'Cottonpads' -Allisogand Sakuya
Hopalloz, lost 150 years ago
Chexxa, Hopalloz outpost for arcane research
Captain Gomyabber, scouts found tunnels to Chexxa
Soulcrystal and ritual book, for collecting energy from Chexxa's forge - Polari gave them up
Nodovico, gnoll guideRIP
Namera and Pandinho, rescued Mraow (stayed behind)
Remilia, betrayed others with gnolls(all dead now)
Nyokawamtoto, dragon-thing stuck in the forge
Danifae, oracle and spear wielder
The Nip, or Disciples of Danifae have SS in a building in the territory of Affios 'Pinnails'
Doctor Coccyx and Bellatrice
Affios, stole dragon money from Pozernoa, runs Nips
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2020-12-19, 10:54 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Finland
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
Ermans fumes
Listen now, you're just a gang associate! I said that we're just about reaching the power to reach the position of plotters ourselves...
Sister Spinozo interrupts
Ermans! You were not there. You haven't seen the situation on the field. These people have been at the Nip's headquarters which is why you should listen to them. This is the reason they're here.
Captain Polonia says
I, for one, like what I'm hearing. A city without plotters would be open for the corsairs to trade in. Freedom of trade, that's the key to a happier Luracidon.
I'm not sure we should completely dismiss Danifae though. I previously suspected that the traitor Remilia, who foiled our plan to collect the dragonsoul was a member of the Nip. This was not so. Captain Gomyabber has actually switched sides to the Nip. Remilia was someone who betrayed the Nip as much as us. I believe now that she was working for the dragon-sympathizers, the same way as this Aluatore was. Danifae might actually be a suitable ally in freeing Luracidon.
Professor Melange says
Freedom is a wonderful thing. Freedom of thought and most importantly freedom of Choice. The eldest god is a patron of the Mentaujit and promotes the academic freedom of mental efforts. This is the freedom that we need to uphold.
In this case I'm worried about the amount of treason that I've witnessed throughout this series of events. Affios has contacted Rincip and the Mentaujit. Apparently we're being blamed for a brutal attack against Affios' territory and drawn into this conflict in a way that doesn't fit our role. We might have to negotiate with them.
Polonia whispers to Oren and Rik
Remind me about a bonus later.
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2020-12-19, 11:07 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2010
- Location
- Brazil
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
Rik decides to give his two cents:
"To me, it seems we have four factions here. Ourselves, the Nip, the dragon-sympathizers and the plotters. Now, of course the plotters aren't a single united faction, but they are the ones interested in keeping the status quo, and if our goal is to free Luracidon to commerce and magic, a goal I sympathize with, we need to take them down."
"If we have a chosen enemy, the other two factions could side with either us or our enemy. I think any plan that involves getting neutral parties to side with us is a good one. Not only it improves the chance of success, but prevents a 3-way or 4-way war from happening" - Rik didn't say it, but that was probably the most important thing for him.
"So we could ally ourselves with the Nip. But maybe the dragon-sympathizers too? While I didn't like either Remillia or Aluatore, we know nearly nothing about them. What if we could learn what they want and make a compromise of sorts? It might work as a an alternative if an alliance with the Nip goes south, too."
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2020-12-19, 12:29 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Finland
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
Spinozo comments
I know something about Aluatore. I know if he was here I'd kill him twice today and three times tomorrow.
Melange smiles with one side of his face
We might know something more about them too. Coccyx, would you mind?
Coccyx is reading a book, looks up and says
The dragon-sympathizers are backing a group that's already dead. The dragons lost hundreds of years ago. ...
Maio's Game of power, third chapter says "The use of asymmetric tactics suggests weakness. A highly motivated group of individuals can use assassination, manipulation and treason to make things happen even when facing stronger powers. It's rarely possible or desirable to ally with such groups because they have little to offer to a prospective friend and the fanaticism that is their strength prevents them from making a true alliance.
Ermans says
Maybe we should consider them the real villains instead of the Nip but that takes us nowhere. Swatting a group of fanatics will help us save face but it won't bring anything more.
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2020-12-19, 01:55 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Lower Menthis
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk
Polari tries to assuage Hier Erman's fears and assure them of our loyalty.Polari
Human Sorcerer 2
AC: 15 (MA) | HP: 14/14 | HD: 2/2d6
PP: 12 PInv: 12 PIns: 12
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Sorcery Points: 4/4
Restore Balance: 2/2
Conditions: none
"Hier Erman, we are here to support you. But why strive to be a plotter when you can rule the plotters and make this a better place. Freedom of thought, freedom of trade, and freedom to practice magic as you wish would all make Luracidon a better place. You could be so much more than just another plotter.
I don't know the best plan, but I agree with the others that we must get our rival factions to fight each other, then we can decide which side to join. Perhaps someone could talk to Captian Gomyabber to get a better idea of the Nip and the dragon sympathizers. Do any of you think he would trust you enough to talk to you?"
Spoiler: OOC
Possible Reactions:
1. If Polari is hit and the roll is 19 or less, he will cast shield with his reaction.
2. If one of the players is attacked with advantage or has to attack at disadvantage, I can use a reaction to make it a normal roll.
Spoiler: NotesGeronimo, goblin bard
Professor Melange, Mentaujit
Pelonia, Abracio fleet - Rik and Oren
Sister Spinozo, Longwands - Polari and Geronimo
Heir Ermans, Sister Spinoza's boss
Rincip 'Cottonpads' -Allisogand Sakuya
Hopalloz, lost 150 years ago
Chexxa, Hopalloz outpost for arcane research
Captain Gomyabber, scouts found tunnels to Chexxa
Soulcrystal and ritual book, for collecting energy from Chexxa's forge - Polari gave them up
Nodovico, gnoll guideRIP
Namera and Pandinho, rescued Mraow (stayed behind)
Remilia, betrayed others with gnolls(all dead now)
Nyokawamtoto, dragon-thing stuck in the forge
Danifae, oracle and spear wielder
The Nip, or Disciples of Danifae have SS in a building in the territory of Affios 'Pinnails'
Doctor Coccyx and Bellatrice
Affios, stole dragon money from Pozernoa, runs Nips
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2020-12-19, 02:24 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Finland
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
Ermans perks up
You're saying we could rule the plotters? Set ourselves above them? Be more than them? So, freedom, but not really. Interesting. Freedom is just a word after all. We could draw everyone in with such a promise.
Polonia says
Hm, the fractiousness of the plotters makes them more palatable. A fully centralized power of one plotter above all... A fearsome thought.
Melange questions
So are you proposing that the Longwands are the natural leaders of our association?
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2020-12-19, 03:03 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2010
- Location
- Brazil
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
Hmm perhaps, what we are looking for is not a single centralized power. Because Polonia is right, that could become harder to control.
Maybe it would be better to keep the Plotters, but restrain them in one system. One that they all agree with, and also participate in, as an assembly. But we, corsairs, intellectuals, monks, spellcasters, also have our say in it. So we don't have to keep fighting each other, or betraying each other, or opressing one another in each of our territories. The Plotters still get to keep their domains, but they have to agree on the same general rules as everyone else.
Of course, from the plotters standpoint, that would be a loss of power, so we might still have to fight them to make they concede to it.Last edited by Ninja Dragon; 2020-12-19 at 03:04 PM.
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2020-12-19, 03:33 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Nov 2020
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
Oren
Ratfolk Fighter 2
AC: 16 | HP: 22/22 | HD: 2/1d10
Quiver: 20 arrows
Second Wind: 1/1
Action Surge: 1/1
PP: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 12
Conditions: none
Oren is stuffing his pockets with tasty hors d'oeuvre and assorted puff pastries. He goes to the latrine to empty his water skin and then comes back to fill it with the contents of a rare bottle of Chateu de lEternal. With a mouthful of lobster-cake, Oren listens carefully, but doesnt weigh in. This not an arena he is good at, arguing with the fat cats.
In his heart, though, the idle-minded fighter supports Polaris proposal. It just sounds lie the best idea. No more in-fighting and whatnot. Lets form this alliance and break the plotters! He thinks to himself, but dares not say.
Rik is intelligent, but maybe hes heart is just too good.
An assembly where the plotters get an active voice will just became another place where the plotters will manipulate and deceive so that soon they get to be the dominant power again.
But Oren just stays in a corner and keeps munching on tasty treats.
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2020-12-19, 05:51 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Finland
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
Oren finds the food exquisite.
Meanwhile, Rik's words stun the table for a moment.
Melange is the first to respond
That is interesting. An assembly of the chosen, individuals just talking it out. The best ideas would eventually win.
Heir Ermans says
An assembly? We've been fighting to get to remake the rules. That would allow us to definitely have a seat at the table. And an assembly can be controlled.
Polonia sneers
A continuation of the plotters then? Seems like a wasted chance. An assembly is another thing that would surpass the individual plotter, another path for them to get to power.
She seems contemplative rather than completely dismissive.
The atmosphere in the room calms down. The group leaders concentrate on food for a little while.
Polonia finally continues, still distraught
Where you thinking that you'd offer the dragon-worshippers a seat at the assembly too?
Spinozo says
Over my dead body.
Polonia leans back
I wonder. Right now there's a war brewing. For some reason I suspect Affios will not easily be persuaded to stop his plans, become just another assemblyman.
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2020-12-19, 06:41 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2010
- Location
- Brazil
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
"Well, like I said, allies are better than non-allies. But that's only if the dragon-worshippers play ball. If they don't..."
He places his hand on his spear, which is tied on his back.Last edited by Ninja Dragon; 2020-12-19 at 06:44 PM.
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2020-12-19, 07:10 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Lower Menthis
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk
Polari weighs in. Plotting isn't really his strong suit. Talking his way out of trouble, lying if need be. He's good at both of those. But coming up with the rules for a new government he'll likely defer to others. Likely.Polari
Human Sorcerer 2
AC: 15 (MA) | HP: 14/14 | HD: 2/2d6
PP: 12 PInv: 12 PIns: 12
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Sorcery Points: 4/4
Restore Balance: 2/2
Conditions: none
"We shouldn't worry too much about the final details yet. Let's focus on staying alive through this and winning first. For now we should use the terms 'alliance' and 'freedom' to try to rally people. Plotters, commoners, Nips, dragon-worshipers, merchants. Anyone that supports freedom for themselves and others would be welcome.
My guess is most plotters would see that as a threat, so I wouldn't start there. I'd start with the Longwands, the Abracio, and the gangs. We should send emissaries to Iron Chain, the Darkweb, the Plagues, and the lesser gangs. We should talk to the other merchant princes."
Spoiler: OOC
Possible Reactions:
1. If Polari is hit and the roll is 19 or less, he will cast shield with his reaction.
2. If one of the players is attacked with advantage or has to attack at disadvantage, I can use a reaction to make it a normal roll.
Spoiler: NotesGeronimo, goblin bard
Professor Melange, Mentaujit
Pelonia, Abracio fleet - Rik and Oren
Sister Spinozo, Longwands - Polari and Geronimo
Heir Ermans, Sister Spinoza's boss
Rincip 'Cottonpads' -Allisogand Sakuya
Hopalloz, lost 150 years ago
Chexxa, Hopalloz outpost for arcane research
Captain Gomyabber, scouts found tunnels to Chexxa
Soulcrystal and ritual book, for collecting energy from Chexxa's forge - Polari gave them up
Nodovico, gnoll guideRIP
Namera and Pandinho, rescued Mraow (stayed behind)
Remilia, betrayed others with gnolls(all dead now)
Nyokawamtoto, dragon-thing stuck in the forge
Danifae, oracle and spear wielder
The Nip, or Disciples of Danifae have SS in a building in the territory of Affios 'Pinnails'
Doctor Coccyx and Bellatrice
Affios, stole dragon money from Pozernoa, runs Nips
Spoiler: LuracidonThere's a sea under the world, the Subhadal, also called the Shining Sea. The sea is not a normal sea of water, it is full of small mycoid intelligent organisms called endzymes. These creatures claim to be everywhere in the world, among other creatures and to suffuse them with the ability of psionics.
On this sea of psionic beings sail the mraow pirates. They protect their boats with soul crystals and build cities on islands that stand out of the sea. . The greatest of these cities is Luracidon.
The mraow also protect themselves through the path of Rose Madder Eye. Rose madder is the name they give the divine force that allowed the creation of other gods to balance out the lawful good gods of the catfolk. To balance Eboncrystal, the god of law and loyalty was formed the Choice. The Choice, also called Starlight-spear is a god of nobility and leadership. Howlingstorm, the good god of artifice and toil was balanced by The Plot. The Plot is also called Twilightspider, the god of artifice and traps. To balance the Crimson Eagle, the god of strength and resolve was formed The Act. The Act is also called the Vengeful-Hand the god of war and tactics. To balance Crying Hawk, the god of Healing and Medicine was formed The Loser. The Loser, also called Soulreaper is a god of death and murder. Finally Burning-Hunter, the god of good and redemption, was balanced by The Eternal. The Eternal, also called Shadowscorpion, is the god of Glory and Legend.
The mraow gods are gods of nihilism. They enhance the real, the materialistic, the present. They help their followers focus on what the faith's adherents know is important, survival in particular.
The mraow of Luracidon are primarily followers of the Twilightspider. Their city is in the middle of things because they have planned to build a city into a place where they could achieve this. The primary force the mraow of Luracidon use is intimidation. This they do to impose their plans on each other. They play power games.
There's no particular sex discrimination among the mraow. Those who are intimidating, those with the best plots, they rule. The mraow would accept a ruler of another race. Submitting to force is just natural. Other races don't really arise to power within Luracidon because the mraow find racism useful.
The mraow dislike the show of magic. They know that magic, once spent, is lost. Therefore the mraow support implied capability of magic but consider actual use of it vulgar and stupid. The wizardly school in Luracidon is powerful and focuses on spells of divination. The schools of enchantment and abjuration are also considered acceptable while other schools of magic are scorned.
The most blessed individuals within the mraow are considered the Destined sorcerers, closely followed by the psionic soul sorcerers. Many of the best plotters in the city, those who rule cabals of one kind or another, are destined.
Sorcerer: Destined
1st level You can cast your spells without visible spell effects. If the spell's description has no visible effects, you can cast the spell without verbal or somatic (but not without material) components.
6th level You gain the lucky feat.
14th level You gain advantage to initiative rolls and you are never surprised.
18th level You gain advantage to any saving throw to avoid being blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, incapacitated, paralyzed, petrified, restrained or stunned. If the spell or outher cause that would cause this condition is tied to other effects such as damage, this advantage does not help you avoid the other effects.
Plotting is the driving force in Luracidon. Plots put things and people to their place. For individuals that do not plot there are four main paths. The first and the one that surprisingly is the weakest is that of the skilled individual. Many think that great skill increases their worth. Yet for the one who plots the skilled individual is a circumstantial tool of little worth. The skilled individual is given the difficult tasks and the minor rewards. The loyal servant gets the easy path. For the plotter, the enthousiastic loyal servant is the one who has the most value. Bards are common in the loyalists. The College of eloquence is supreme and gives basic teaching to the children of the powerful.
The third path is the one of the survivor. Some learn to avoid the plots, make themselves look unattractive as a target. Plotters don't see such people as threats, for few of them think of the survivors at all. The main paths of power for this group are to become clerics or druids of spores.
The fourth path is the one most hated by plotters. It is the path of the trader and mercenary. Plotters actively aim to rid the city of them yet there is always natural demand for traders. The few traders that do survive, tend to have their efforts helped by the lack of competition. The traders employ most of the rogues in Luracidon for rogues are also hated by the people in power.
For the ones who wield power and plot, the most respectable paths to might are those of paladin of conquest, wizard, battle master or PSI knight.
For the commoner, the adventurer's path that is most supported by those in power is that of the samurai fighter. Warlocks are also plentiful, though the more powerful plotters see them as individuals of divided loyalties and hence expendable.
The powerful in Luracidon hold no slaves. The concept of ownership is in general annoying to those who plot. The idea that ownership is a higher law than the will of the plotter is repugnant. Those in power take what they choose to require. Hence, no one is slave, but everybody is expected to serve the ones more powerful than they. This service, if sufficiently good, may also be rewarded out of generosity. Slaves do exist in name as well, for the few traders that have power enough to thrive, use slaves.
The city is home to 60 000 individuals. Half of them mraow and others of subservient races. The island which holds the city would not support many more. Already the city is built in many layers over each other.
The waves of the Shining sea give a rhytm and a pulse to sea. The psionic pressure all around them is felt by perceptive and intelligent individuals. The day is divided into six sessions based on the surrounding atmosphere. The sessions are in order: Surprise, Happiness, Fear, Anger, Disgust, Sadness. Most prefer to be awake during surprise and happiness.
Most of the food of the realm is either brought in from other territories or fished in the Shining sea. The druids of spore circle also grow fungus in their gardens and teach the commoners to do similar in smaller scale.
The city is built on grounds of reason and necessity. Things of beauty are reserved for those in power. The construction is powerful and everything is built to intimidate. High walls, tough forms. There are few windows in buildings. The buildings of the powerful and in the middle of the city, built on those of lesser importance. Any signs of magic have been hid when possible.
The Mentaujit is the main place for studies of younger individuals. Mentats teach the young and between the lessons the young measure each other. The stronger pupils draw the weaker ones into gangs as is proper. Of course, to get in, one already has to have parents with a certain amount of power. The young with no parental support end up in workshops or as houseservants.
The Substratum is the lowest part of the town. It's the place of the powerless and the outsiders. The houses are small, catacomblike. The houses have low ceilings and their very existence is more for support of the upper layers than for the ones living inside. Fires are forbidden in these narrow tunnels and magical lights are frowned upon. Everything is done with the visibility given by darkvision. The substratum continues underground and some of the deeper tunnels fill with water. The only powerful organization that prefers the substratum are the druids of the circle of spores. They have barricaded a large section of the tunnelnetwork for their fungus farms.
The Web makes up the central layers of Luracidon. These layers have the attention of those in power while they don't reside there themselves. Continual light spell have been cast in many areas in this section of the city. To cover up that magic was used the lights are covered by metal grills, as if a flame was inside.
Most buildings have insignia of them. These markers imply who the building owns allegiance to - whose plot are they in on. Lines and crowds are typical sights in this layer. Instead of trading, the individuals in power just give out what they want. Their troops show their support by gathering into groups and behaving like the crowd. The powers that be don't want these crowds of their to fight for that would create loss of resource. Rather they want constant visual signs of their power on the streets.
War is the major trade of the mraow. Luracidon seeks to develop generals and strategists in particular, but they don't want war on the streets. Rather the atmosphere is that of constant preparation for war. Releasing tension is equally important to avoid conflagrations of hostilities. It's common to see groups that have opposing loyalties engaging in ritualized half-hearted sports events, dances and similar events. The most important festival is that of Repeating Drummings or just Redrum. Half the citizens may engage in simultaneous beating of drums making the whole city sway with the sound waves.
One thing of interest in the Web is the roads. The large roads go straight from ports to the towers owned by the most powerful. These roads have a network of supporting paths in the area local to the tower. Only small narrow paths unite the network of roads around one tower to that of another.
The plotters live in towers above the Web. Collectively these towers are sometimes called the Twilight zone. The name implies something that's between things. The reference is to place that's between dreams and reality, between the divine Twilight spider and servants. Even the most powerful plotters in the city see themselves as weak in comparison to how powerful their dreams can be. Even more so, they live in fear of loss, which is why they abhor change.
In the towers of the Twilight zone very little ever happens. What does, is ritualized to a level it lacks all efficiency. Even small things are accompanied by as much spectacle as possible.
Each tower defines a territory and a plot. The nature of the plots is usually best understood as a protection scheme though others might argue for the legality and justification of taxation. The nature of the person on top is rarely an issue for they are separated from all below and cloaked in idolatry and extravagance.
Some of the more powerful plotters in town are
Rincip 'Cottonpads'
The territory of Rincip has the Circle of spores, food and herbal market, the largest port as well as the Mentaujit.
Marisuale 'Saltytips'
The territory of Marisuale has a warlock pairing academy where they subordinate youngsters to various patrons [usually these are celestial, fiend, lurker in the deep, raven queen, undead or undying]. There's also a military academy for most fighter types. There's armourers, bowyers, smiths and other artisans related to military professions. The cartographer's academy is also here.
Carnacio 'Cleverone'
This territory has temples for the god of War and Tactics. Carnacio is considered by many a falling plotter. His extreme longevity and the rising violence in his territory, including the presence of the undead are all suggesting to others that Carnacio is losing the Plot. Forces outside the city keep propping him up though. This region has an active street life fuelled by the dispensation of alcohol. There's also a bardic college of valor and swords in the territory.
Erarqa 'Highpyre'
This territory has the temples for the god of Plotting. Most clerics, paladins and monks of the city live here at one point or another. This area also has colleges for city-planning, engineering, agriculture, fishing and history.
Rupacio 'Sugarskin'
This territory functions as a sanctuary for traders, at least up to a point. The temple of the God of murder resides here as well. The area is considered trashy by other plotters but so dangerous that it can't be removed.
Affios 'Pinnails'
A victorious general who returned with glorious spoils created this territory. This area is more luxurious than most, a guarded territory where many pleasures are easily available. There's a shrine for the god of Legends in this area. Affios has allowed monk orders to set up in his territory, raising general interest in becoming a monk in the city.
Enyor 'Happypaws'
A territory where wizard colleges reside. Enyor's territory also has many storehouses. The territory is at the very center of the city and has many structural supports for the city's towers. There's also a bardic college of glamour and satire.
Bernadora 'Whiskers'
Her territory is the most open to outsiders. Least courtesy is demanded and creatures of other races are accepted somewhat easily. There's a port of significant size. Many industries that are considered uncomfortable, such as dyeing are practiced here. Waste disposal is also a feature of this territory as is animal-keeping.
The power in the city is divided between plotters who generally maintain the status quo of power, the gangs which seek power through cleverness or forceful action and the traders who openly challenge the status quo.
Gangs are lower in the ranks of power than the true plotters. Yet their actions are more visible for they aim to act. In the city of plots the people with real power aim to threaten but never act. So one is much more likely to run into gangs engaged in interesting activity.
Many major gangs of the city recruit from and fight for influence in the Substratum.
The first mentionworthy gang is that of the Iron chain, a gang of heavy armor fighters and warlocks.
The second of the larger gangs is The Plagues. They seek druidic and bardic members, seemingly making them less dangerous to the city while still gaining power.
The gang called Darkweb is a religious cult, seeking purity of plotting on clerical grounds. Clerics and paladins form the main adherents.
These three are called high gangs. They exist as extensions of the ruling power block, but are viewed as corrupt in one way or another by the true powers. They are usually opposed by the low gangs that seek to challenge or even supplant the ones in power.
The fourth gang is the Hypothalassians. They are a gang of wanderers, rangers and barbarians. They aim to seize independence and to hold power in the regions surrounding Luracidon.
The gang called Impossible rise is largely made of bloodhunters and rogues. They aim to be seen as the most dangerous gang in the city with no other concerns.
The gang called Longwands is primarily a solace for wizards and sorcerers who use the more unacceptable colleges of magic.
Law is enforced variably. Each territory has their own laws. If a law is broken, the lawbreaker is expected to make good their actions of their own volition. The powers that be don't want to have to bother to actually uphold the laws. But if a lawbreaker is so obvious about how they flaunt the law, the plotters have no choice to utterly and completely destroy the lawbreaker. Such acts are plotted with the care of a dangerous military campaign. But when victory is certain, these events are turned into triumphal celebrations on the broken corpses of the guilty.
The merchant princes
There are few who dare to openly stand against the plot. Philosophically the merchant princes may see themselves as either opponents or misunderstood patrons of the city and society.
The merchant princes who see themselves as opposing the plotters are usually adherents to the cult of the Loser, the god of death and murder. With their trading they seek to create chaos and destruction in the realm. They are usually purged from the city even though they are accepted by society. Hence, the successful merchant princes of this type act beyond city walls. They're pirates and trade ship runners. They create purposeful shortages and gouge prices. They import cursed, faulty or subversive items to the city and they leave orders unfilled, anything to destroy the powers of plotting.
The other merchant princes pay homage to either the god of Nobility and leadership or the god of Legends or both. They frame themselves above and beyond plotting. They engage in trade while doing their business in ways that seem like they fit the city's standards. They call themselves the Cornecopia.
The borders of the town are the shores. Beyond the shores is the navy. The navy is large and is primarily martial in nature.
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2020-12-20, 04:03 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Finland
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
Melange keeps smiling and says
I'm hearing some good concepts here but I'm afraid all of this change is still going to lead to a collapse and a lot of dead on the streets. This is still going to lead to war. This plan is against the interests of the plotters and against Affios and his goons. The dragon-sympathizers of course should be dealt with.
He gives a sympathetic nod to Rik.
Ermans gloats a little
Surely, professor, you're not saying that we should abandon war? That's at the heart of our society. That's the power of Luracidon and the mraow. You like the end goal, now it's just to choose best means. What I'm worried about is that if we involve the other gangs, that will decrease the power of Longwands in the coalition.
Polonia warily watches the discussion and doesn't say a word.
The atmosphere in the room is clearly lighter, more jovial than it was in the beginning of the conversation but there's still quite a bit of tension.
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2020-12-20, 10:14 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2010
- Location
- Brazil
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
Rik looks to Ermans:
"Can we include just some plotters at first, but not all of them?
Let's say we are going to get the plotters to agree with our deal eventually. Some of them will oppose it, and will fight us for that. But others could accept it early and help us. Those who assisted us in the fight get to take the best spoils later on. The most power and influence at the new table. And so do we, since we started the movement.
The same could go for the Nip, too. There are different groups within them, right? Those among them who help us create a new society will find themseves in a bigger poition of influence later on.
I think Ive seen a quote in a book at the monastery once: "History is written by the victors"."
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2020-12-20, 10:31 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Finland
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
Ermans slams his fist on the table.
Yes. Your plan is brilliant. This is what we will do! Polonia you've got some good pirates in your crew. How did they come up with such a scheme. Connecting all the high gangs with a number of plotters should give us enough resources and force to counter any plans that others may have.
I... I mean, our Father of the Longwands will rise above the plotters in this assembly. Let's drink to this!
Melange says
There's a lot of sound thinking here. I'm assuming that Rincip will be one of the plotters included. I'm still worried about the number of casualties. How do you think we could avoid bloodshed with Affios who's got his own plan going on?
Polonia mutters
I'm hearing a plan where we have little to gain and much to lose. We might as well leave.
Melange says
Leave and tell Affios of our plans?Last edited by Smilex; 2020-12-20 at 10:53 AM.
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2020-12-20, 11:07 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Lower Menthis
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk
Now Polari tries to help Rik with Pelonia.Polari
Human Sorcerer 2
AC: 15 (MA) | HP: 14/14 | HD: 2/2d6
PP: 12 PInv: 12 PIns: 12
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Sorcery Points: 4/4
Restore Balance: 2/2
Conditions: none
"I agree with you, Pelonia. Giving power to the Longwands or Rincip or the Mentaujit would be no better than the plotters in theory. But I think what you need is an assurance that there will be free trade, without interference by their new power structure.
The plotters don't give you that. Affios won't give you that. With Abracio's connections to this group, you'd be poised to take advantage of that freedom before any of the other merchants.
Ermans, Melange, can you agree to that? Promise here that trade will be free and open if we win."
Spoiler: OOC
Possible Reactions:
1. If Polari is hit and the roll is 19 or less, he will cast shield with his reaction.
2. If one of the players is attacked with advantage or has to attack at disadvantage, I can use a reaction to make it a normal roll.
Spoiler: NotesGeronimo, goblin bard
Professor Melange, Mentaujit
Pelonia, Abracio fleet - Rik and Oren
Sister Spinozo, Longwands - Polari and Geronimo
Heir Ermans, Sister Spinoza's boss
Rincip 'Cottonpads' -Allisogand Sakuya
Hopalloz, lost 150 years ago
Chexxa, Hopalloz outpost for arcane research
Captain Gomyabber, scouts found tunnels to Chexxa
Soulcrystal and ritual book, for collecting energy from Chexxa's forge - Polari gave them up
Nodovico, gnoll guideRIP
Namera and Pandinho, rescued Mraow (stayed behind)
Remilia, betrayed others with gnolls(all dead now)
Nyokawamtoto, dragon-thing stuck in the forge
Danifae, oracle and spear wielder
The Nip, or Disciples of Danifae have SS in a building in the territory of Affios 'Pinnails'
Doctor Coccyx and Bellatrice
Affios, stole dragon money from Pozernoa, runs Nips
Spoiler: LuracidonThere's a sea under the world, the Subhadal, also called the Shining Sea. The sea is not a normal sea of water, it is full of small mycoid intelligent organisms called endzymes. These creatures claim to be everywhere in the world, among other creatures and to suffuse them with the ability of psionics.
On this sea of psionic beings sail the mraow pirates. They protect their boats with soul crystals and build cities on islands that stand out of the sea. . The greatest of these cities is Luracidon.
The mraow also protect themselves through the path of Rose Madder Eye. Rose madder is the name they give the divine force that allowed the creation of other gods to balance out the lawful good gods of the catfolk. To balance Eboncrystal, the god of law and loyalty was formed the Choice. The Choice, also called Starlight-spear is a god of nobility and leadership. Howlingstorm, the good god of artifice and toil was balanced by The Plot. The Plot is also called Twilightspider, the god of artifice and traps. To balance the Crimson Eagle, the god of strength and resolve was formed The Act. The Act is also called the Vengeful-Hand the god of war and tactics. To balance Crying Hawk, the god of Healing and Medicine was formed The Loser. The Loser, also called Soulreaper is a god of death and murder. Finally Burning-Hunter, the god of good and redemption, was balanced by The Eternal. The Eternal, also called Shadowscorpion, is the god of Glory and Legend.
The mraow gods are gods of nihilism. They enhance the real, the materialistic, the present. They help their followers focus on what the faith's adherents know is important, survival in particular.
The mraow of Luracidon are primarily followers of the Twilightspider. Their city is in the middle of things because they have planned to build a city into a place where they could achieve this. The primary force the mraow of Luracidon use is intimidation. This they do to impose their plans on each other. They play power games.
There's no particular sex discrimination among the mraow. Those who are intimidating, those with the best plots, they rule. The mraow would accept a ruler of another race. Submitting to force is just natural. Other races don't really arise to power within Luracidon because the mraow find racism useful.
The mraow dislike the show of magic. They know that magic, once spent, is lost. Therefore the mraow support implied capability of magic but consider actual use of it vulgar and stupid. The wizardly school in Luracidon is powerful and focuses on spells of divination. The schools of enchantment and abjuration are also considered acceptable while other schools of magic are scorned.
The most blessed individuals within the mraow are considered the Destined sorcerers, closely followed by the psionic soul sorcerers. Many of the best plotters in the city, those who rule cabals of one kind or another, are destined.
Sorcerer: Destined
1st level You can cast your spells without visible spell effects. If the spell's description has no visible effects, you can cast the spell without verbal or somatic (but not without material) components.
6th level You gain the lucky feat.
14th level You gain advantage to initiative rolls and you are never surprised.
18th level You gain advantage to any saving throw to avoid being blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, incapacitated, paralyzed, petrified, restrained or stunned. If the spell or outher cause that would cause this condition is tied to other effects such as damage, this advantage does not help you avoid the other effects.
Plotting is the driving force in Luracidon. Plots put things and people to their place. For individuals that do not plot there are four main paths. The first and the one that surprisingly is the weakest is that of the skilled individual. Many think that great skill increases their worth. Yet for the one who plots the skilled individual is a circumstantial tool of little worth. The skilled individual is given the difficult tasks and the minor rewards. The loyal servant gets the easy path. For the plotter, the enthousiastic loyal servant is the one who has the most value. Bards are common in the loyalists. The College of eloquence is supreme and gives basic teaching to the children of the powerful.
The third path is the one of the survivor. Some learn to avoid the plots, make themselves look unattractive as a target. Plotters don't see such people as threats, for few of them think of the survivors at all. The main paths of power for this group are to become clerics or druids of spores.
The fourth path is the one most hated by plotters. It is the path of the trader and mercenary. Plotters actively aim to rid the city of them yet there is always natural demand for traders. The few traders that do survive, tend to have their efforts helped by the lack of competition. The traders employ most of the rogues in Luracidon for rogues are also hated by the people in power.
For the ones who wield power and plot, the most respectable paths to might are those of paladin of conquest, wizard, battle master or PSI knight.
For the commoner, the adventurer's path that is most supported by those in power is that of the samurai fighter. Warlocks are also plentiful, though the more powerful plotters see them as individuals of divided loyalties and hence expendable.
The powerful in Luracidon hold no slaves. The concept of ownership is in general annoying to those who plot. The idea that ownership is a higher law than the will of the plotter is repugnant. Those in power take what they choose to require. Hence, no one is slave, but everybody is expected to serve the ones more powerful than they. This service, if sufficiently good, may also be rewarded out of generosity. Slaves do exist in name as well, for the few traders that have power enough to thrive, use slaves.
The city is home to 60 000 individuals. Half of them mraow and others of subservient races. The island which holds the city would not support many more. Already the city is built in many layers over each other.
The waves of the Shining sea give a rhytm and a pulse to sea. The psionic pressure all around them is felt by perceptive and intelligent individuals. The day is divided into six sessions based on the surrounding atmosphere. The sessions are in order: Surprise, Happiness, Fear, Anger, Disgust, Sadness. Most prefer to be awake during surprise and happiness.
Most of the food of the realm is either brought in from other territories or fished in the Shining sea. The druids of spore circle also grow fungus in their gardens and teach the commoners to do similar in smaller scale.
The city is built on grounds of reason and necessity. Things of beauty are reserved for those in power. The construction is powerful and everything is built to intimidate. High walls, tough forms. There are few windows in buildings. The buildings of the powerful and in the middle of the city, built on those of lesser importance. Any signs of magic have been hid when possible.
The Mentaujit is the main place for studies of younger individuals. Mentats teach the young and between the lessons the young measure each other. The stronger pupils draw the weaker ones into gangs as is proper. Of course, to get in, one already has to have parents with a certain amount of power. The young with no parental support end up in workshops or as houseservants.
The Substratum is the lowest part of the town. It's the place of the powerless and the outsiders. The houses are small, catacomblike. The houses have low ceilings and their very existence is more for support of the upper layers than for the ones living inside. Fires are forbidden in these narrow tunnels and magical lights are frowned upon. Everything is done with the visibility given by darkvision. The substratum continues underground and some of the deeper tunnels fill with water. The only powerful organization that prefers the substratum are the druids of the circle of spores. They have barricaded a large section of the tunnelnetwork for their fungus farms.
The Web makes up the central layers of Luracidon. These layers have the attention of those in power while they don't reside there themselves. Continual light spell have been cast in many areas in this section of the city. To cover up that magic was used the lights are covered by metal grills, as if a flame was inside.
Most buildings have insignia of them. These markers imply who the building owns allegiance to - whose plot are they in on. Lines and crowds are typical sights in this layer. Instead of trading, the individuals in power just give out what they want. Their troops show their support by gathering into groups and behaving like the crowd. The powers that be don't want these crowds of their to fight for that would create loss of resource. Rather they want constant visual signs of their power on the streets.
War is the major trade of the mraow. Luracidon seeks to develop generals and strategists in particular, but they don't want war on the streets. Rather the atmosphere is that of constant preparation for war. Releasing tension is equally important to avoid conflagrations of hostilities. It's common to see groups that have opposing loyalties engaging in ritualized half-hearted sports events, dances and similar events. The most important festival is that of Repeating Drummings or just Redrum. Half the citizens may engage in simultaneous beating of drums making the whole city sway with the sound waves.
One thing of interest in the Web is the roads. The large roads go straight from ports to the towers owned by the most powerful. These roads have a network of supporting paths in the area local to the tower. Only small narrow paths unite the network of roads around one tower to that of another.
The plotters live in towers above the Web. Collectively these towers are sometimes called the Twilight zone. The name implies something that's between things. The reference is to place that's between dreams and reality, between the divine Twilight spider and servants. Even the most powerful plotters in the city see themselves as weak in comparison to how powerful their dreams can be. Even more so, they live in fear of loss, which is why they abhor change.
In the towers of the Twilight zone very little ever happens. What does, is ritualized to a level it lacks all efficiency. Even small things are accompanied by as much spectacle as possible.
Each tower defines a territory and a plot. The nature of the plots is usually best understood as a protection scheme though others might argue for the legality and justification of taxation. The nature of the person on top is rarely an issue for they are separated from all below and cloaked in idolatry and extravagance.
Some of the more powerful plotters in town are
Rincip 'Cottonpads'
The territory of Rincip has the Circle of spores, food and herbal market, the largest port as well as the Mentaujit.
Marisuale 'Saltytips'
The territory of Marisuale has a warlock pairing academy where they subordinate youngsters to various patrons [usually these are celestial, fiend, lurker in the deep, raven queen, undead or undying]. There's also a military academy for most fighter types. There's armourers, bowyers, smiths and other artisans related to military professions. The cartographer's academy is also here.
Carnacio 'Cleverone'
This territory has temples for the god of War and Tactics. Carnacio is considered by many a falling plotter. His extreme longevity and the rising violence in his territory, including the presence of the undead are all suggesting to others that Carnacio is losing the Plot. Forces outside the city keep propping him up though. This region has an active street life fuelled by the dispensation of alcohol. There's also a bardic college of valor and swords in the territory.
Erarqa 'Highpyre'
This territory has the temples for the god of Plotting. Most clerics, paladins and monks of the city live here at one point or another. This area also has colleges for city-planning, engineering, agriculture, fishing and history.
Rupacio 'Sugarskin'
This territory functions as a sanctuary for traders, at least up to a point. The temple of the God of murder resides here as well. The area is considered trashy by other plotters but so dangerous that it can't be removed.
Affios 'Pinnails'
A victorious general who returned with glorious spoils created this territory. This area is more luxurious than most, a guarded territory where many pleasures are easily available. There's a shrine for the god of Legends in this area. Affios has allowed monk orders to set up in his territory, raising general interest in becoming a monk in the city.
Enyor 'Happypaws'
A territory where wizard colleges reside. Enyor's territory also has many storehouses. The territory is at the very center of the city and has many structural supports for the city's towers. There's also a bardic college of glamour and satire.
Bernadora 'Whiskers'
Her territory is the most open to outsiders. Least courtesy is demanded and creatures of other races are accepted somewhat easily. There's a port of significant size. Many industries that are considered uncomfortable, such as dyeing are practiced here. Waste disposal is also a feature of this territory as is animal-keeping.
The power in the city is divided between plotters who generally maintain the status quo of power, the gangs which seek power through cleverness or forceful action and the traders who openly challenge the status quo.
Gangs are lower in the ranks of power than the true plotters. Yet their actions are more visible for they aim to act. In the city of plots the people with real power aim to threaten but never act. So one is much more likely to run into gangs engaged in interesting activity.
Many major gangs of the city recruit from and fight for influence in the Substratum.
The first mentionworthy gang is that of the Iron chain, a gang of heavy armor fighters and warlocks.
The second of the larger gangs is The Plagues. They seek druidic and bardic members, seemingly making them less dangerous to the city while still gaining power.
The gang called Darkweb is a religious cult, seeking purity of plotting on clerical grounds. Clerics and paladins form the main adherents.
These three are called high gangs. They exist as extensions of the ruling power block, but are viewed as corrupt in one way or another by the true powers. They are usually opposed by the low gangs that seek to challenge or even supplant the ones in power.
The fourth gang is the Hypothalassians. They are a gang of wanderers, rangers and barbarians. They aim to seize independence and to hold power in the regions surrounding Luracidon.
The gang called Impossible rise is largely made of bloodhunters and rogues. They aim to be seen as the most dangerous gang in the city with no other concerns.
The gang called Longwands is primarily a solace for wizards and sorcerers who use the more unacceptable colleges of magic.
Law is enforced variably. Each territory has their own laws. If a law is broken, the lawbreaker is expected to make good their actions of their own volition. The powers that be don't want to have to bother to actually uphold the laws. But if a lawbreaker is so obvious about how they flaunt the law, the plotters have no choice to utterly and completely destroy the lawbreaker. Such acts are plotted with the care of a dangerous military campaign. But when victory is certain, these events are turned into triumphal celebrations on the broken corpses of the guilty.
The merchant princes
There are few who dare to openly stand against the plot. Philosophically the merchant princes may see themselves as either opponents or misunderstood patrons of the city and society.
The merchant princes who see themselves as opposing the plotters are usually adherents to the cult of the Loser, the god of death and murder. With their trading they seek to create chaos and destruction in the realm. They are usually purged from the city even though they are accepted by society. Hence, the successful merchant princes of this type act beyond city walls. They're pirates and trade ship runners. They create purposeful shortages and gouge prices. They import cursed, faulty or subversive items to the city and they leave orders unfilled, anything to destroy the powers of plotting.
The other merchant princes pay homage to either the god of Nobility and leadership or the god of Legends or both. They frame themselves above and beyond plotting. They engage in trade while doing their business in ways that seem like they fit the city's standards. They call themselves the Cornecopia.
The borders of the town are the shores. Beyond the shores is the navy. The navy is large and is primarily martial in nature.
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2020-12-20, 12:05 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Finland
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
Ermans says
Ah, that freedom thing. I guess we need some measure of it. And freedom of trade seems like a reasonable choice. Freedom of trade, we could have some kind of a free-trade port or similar. Wouldn't that be great for you Polonia? You'd be able to go to Abrocio and he'd treat you like a piratequeen when you tell him the news.
Polonia straightens her tunic.
That's a start. Did I hear a promise of a seat in the assembly for Abracio?
Ermans says
As long as you do your part I think the spoils of victory belong to you as well.
Melange says
We should still choose what to do about Affios...
Spinozo interrupts
And the dragon-sympathizers. We need to crush them.
Melange continues
Tut tut. They're of secondary concern. Affios is a an actual power that we need to consider. The dragon-sympathizers are just something we need to watch out for. I need to know that we don't have a full on war with Affios when he's this powerful. There shouldn't be rioting on the streets. A military action here or there is understandable but it needs to be limited.Last edited by Smilex; 2020-12-20 at 01:11 PM.
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2020-12-20, 02:45 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2010
- Location
- Brazil
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
Rik puts his hand on his long chin and starts thinking. He can feel they are close to solving his conundrum, but something must be done about Affios. Think, little rat, think.
Then it finally clicks.
"Affios and the dragon worshippers are enemies, right? The dragons apparently want revenge for him taking their wealth. They are also the ones responsible for the recent bloodshed in Affios' territory, as much as Affios may be wanting to blame us.
What if we make an offer to Affios to deal with the dragon problem in exchange of his cooperation, or at least his neutrality? We go where those dragons meet, take their leaders down and dismantle their operation."
He looks at Oren.
"I bet that's the kind of plan you like, don't you my friend?".Last edited by Ninja Dragon; 2020-12-20 at 02:46 PM.
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2020-12-20, 02:49 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Nov 2020
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
Oren
Ratfolk Fighter 2
AC: 16 | HP: 22/22 | HD: 2/1d10
Quiver: 20 arrows
Second Wind: 1/1
Action Surge: 1/1
PP: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 12
Conditions: none
Hmm..? Oh! Yes, certainly. Lets teach those dragons a hard learned lesson!! It will be good to make peace with Affios.
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2020-12-20, 03:18 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Finland
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
Rik feels a new internal strength a moment of brilliance a new source of strength in himself
Spoiler: OOCInspiration
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2020-12-20, 03:39 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2019
- Location
- Finland
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
Coccyx nods
Turning the enemies plans into their weakness. Title of chapter 11 in Oratio's 'Mental battlefield'
Professor Melange looks at Rik, then at Coccyx, then at Rik again.
Fine. Let's do it.
Ermans laughs, then stands up.
I will make sure this plan of ours succeeds and I thank you all for your support.
He looks at Spinozo
I knew it was a good idea to have these field operatives with us in the meeting, what did I tell you?
Spinozo's eyelid twitches and her hand looks for a wand on her belt but then she just grabs a nutcracker from the table and starts working on a bowl of nuts.
Polonia scratches herself. Then she looks at Rik.
Looks like you piloted us to strange waters. It'll be interesting to hear what Abracio says about this. Don't worry though, I'll make sure you don't bear the brunt of it.
Then she chuckles.
The rest of the dinner goes relatively uneventfully. At the end of it Ermans and Polonia give some rewards.
Spoiler: OOCPolonia gives 100 gp to Oren and another 100 to Rik for the extra job done in previous mission.
Ermans gives Polari his
Wand of Magic Detection
Wand, uncommon
This wand has 3 charges. While holding it, you can expend 1 charge as an action to cast the detect magic spell from it. The wand regains 1d3 expended charges daily at dawn.
For the next two weeks everyone is preparing themselves for what's to come next.
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2020-12-21, 08:16 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2012
- Location
- Shreveport, Louisiana, US
- Gender
Re: Council of spiders-Caverns of Thracia-Rappan Athuk IC
"I'm definitely holding on to this bagpipe for safe keeping!"
"I for one, would like to see more equality among the people. In my time in this city, I've seen plenty of people struggle to feed themselves and their children. Whatever high-level politics are involved, I want what's best for regular people. I'm not from around these parts, but Professor Melange is the only person among you to even mention the common people. I'd like to hear more from him."
"Again, I'm pretty impressed with Professor Melange's wisdom. Without freedom of thought, there can be no progress, and progress is just as important for finding a solution to ending hunger and poverty as it is to art. How woefully plain my trade would be if there were never any new ideas to break the old way of doing things? Likewise, I think looking at the social situation here will require a new and unique perpective.
Geronimo listens intently, saying nothing.
Geronimo eats another helping of the good food, and begins eyeing the desert.
"Professor Melange, I agree, especially if we could choose the assembly by sortition. If we took, say, 1% of the town at a time. Sortition-based assemblies are very difficult to control, and will best represent the will of the common people. If we used a constitution to limit the time of those chosen by sortition to say, 3 months at a time, we could eventually have everybody in the land serve to make laws and we could get to hear from all of society--men, women, the wealthy, the poor, the scholarly, the foolish...I think its a great idea."
When Ermans mentions controlling the assembly, Geronimo winces.
Geronimo listens, eating his dessert. Goblins aren't generally known for good table manners, but Geronimo is a more refined goblin, and makes far less of a mess than a goblin would stereotypically make.
"I don't see why democracy need be limited to just secular and civil matters, either! Lets democratize the workplace, give workers a say in their worklives, as well."
Geronimo ends the night with a performance on his prized fiddle, which his mother gave to him not long before she had died in a tragic accident:
Spoiler: Perform(1d20+4)[16]