Session Start: Fri Nov 29 20:59:12 2002 [21:03] anyhow I forget where we were DT [21:03] doesn't matter overmuch [21:03] could fast-forward things timewise [21:03] Ok I mean I remember absolutely nothing [21:04] nada. [21:04] zip [21:04] zero [21:04] wlel, Van's being a DI, he learned the lingo [21:05] got abotu a dozen-odd recruits and seems to be ripping his hair out trying to break them [21:05] hmm [21:05] ok roll int + linguistics [21:05] and just finished pointing out the flaws in SSS's technique [21:06] !ex 5 [21:06] Vanal : !ex 5, 9, 4, 5, 2, 2, Successes : 1 [21:06] ah 'k [21:06] balls in your court [21:06] (fast-forward a bit) [21:06] (time-wise) [21:07] however long you think you need... [21:07] * Vanal paces up and down the ranks [21:07] they remain in a straight line now, appropriately enough [21:07] "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I've been running you through thge basics for a few weeks now...I trust you've all been enjoying yourselves ?" [21:08] "Yes Sir!" [21:08] "Good because today...we're learning some new stuff." [21:09] "I hope you folks are ready for a LOT of walking, because today...we learn formations." [21:09] they wait, silently [21:09] * Vanal points out the two highest performers so far [21:09] "you two...you're now lieutenants." [21:10] "Follow me." [21:10] Storyteller : !ex 4, 5, 10, 5, 9, Successes : 3 [21:10] !ex 4 [21:10] they follow you, Vanal, looking at each other then stepping out of line and following you [21:10] (I meant EVERYONE) [21:11] ah [21:11] ok [21:11] * Vanal leads them to the nearest open area [21:11] You all arrive shortly; the area to the north and east is mostly grasslands [21:12] "POP QUIZ ! HOW DO YOU PROTECT YOURSELVES FROM 10 DOZEN ARROWS FLYING TOWARDS YOU IN TERRAIN LIKE THIS ?" [21:13] They scatter and break apart, showing you what they do by doing it [21:13] "Congratulations..You've jsut lost a halz dozen men !" [21:14] They look at you confusedly [21:14] "There is a way to take cover in terrain like this !" [21:14] "But it requires teamwork, discipline...and shields" [21:14] * Vanal is gonna teach them the classic 'turtle formation' [21:15] They regain their close group [21:15] ok vanal roll int + lore [21:15] !ex 5 [21:15] Vanal : !ex 5, 8, 7, 5, 4, 7, Successes : 3 [21:16] Ok vanal, show them the stuff [21:16] "Make a square !" [21:16] They slowly make a square [21:16] (or rectagle, as the case may be) [21:16] * Storyteller shrugs [21:17] "Men in front, shields in front out you, interlocking...NO GAPS NO EXPOSED AREAS !" [21:17] "Men on the sides and back, same thing !" [21:17] (err, not the back) [21:17] they don't have shields Vanal [21:17] ...oh crap [21:17] Nobody has shields here [21:17] hmmm [21:17] Going to have to build shields if you want them [21:18] "On secodn thought....today, we're going to learn how to make shields !" [21:18] "Shields?" [21:18] "Does anyone here know what a shield is ?" [21:18] They all shake their heads no [21:18] * Vanal unstraps his buckler [21:18] Ahhhh [21:18] "" [21:18] "This is a kind og shield, we call it a buckler !" [21:19] "This is considerably smaller than the kind I will be teaching you the use of !" [21:19] They wait silently [21:20] "A shield is a device that a combattant uses to block enemy attacks BEFORE they come in contact with his body !" [21:20] "It is a valuable tool for a soldier !" [21:20] "You can use a spear for that?" says one [21:20] "A spear cannot block arrows !" [21:21] * Vanal smiles and picks up a small stone [21:21] "Would the man who spoke step forward ?" [21:21] he does [21:22] * Vanal whips the rock at him [21:22] dex + thrown [21:22] !ex 3 [21:22] Vanal : !ex 3, 6, 8, 10, Successes : 3 [21:22] Storyteller : !ex 6, 8, 10, 2, 8, 2, 1, Successes : 4 [21:22] !ex 6 [21:22] (not trying to do damage) [21:22] The man with the spear easily manages to knock the stone out of the air [21:22] * Vanal raises an eyebrow [21:23] He looks pleased [21:23] "Well done, soldier ! Now tell me...what would you do if a DOZEN men threw rocks at you ?" [21:24] He looks worried as he considers the possiblity [21:24] "I'd jump out of the way.. sir." [21:24] "You would no longer be able to advance if you were dodging !" [21:25] "A shield is, in essence, a portable wall !" [21:25] He shrugs, obviously not thinking that very important, but listening [21:25] (crap, I'm treadign water here) [21:25] * Vanal scratche shis chin [21:26] "If you are unable to advance, you are unable to reach the enemy ! Furthermore, are you certain of your ability to dodge EVERY rock ?" [21:26] He shakes his head no [21:27] "furthermore, when properly trained in its use, a shield enables you to block attacks while you attack !" [21:27] "With a relatively low cost in mobility !" [21:27] "It can also serve as a second weapon, and as a tool of intimidation !" [21:27] They consider this. [21:28] "and, it allows you to use the formation I wish to teach you." [21:28] "consider this. Back home, I lead a troop of 125 men." [21:28] they listen silently [21:29] "Using our tactics and training, we held off bands of barbarians over 5 times our number." [21:29] "And those tactics and training revolve around shields" [21:29] * Vanal is BSing slightly [21:29] "100 men defeated 500." [21:30] oooo [21:30] "and these were normal men. From the city, far less natural warriors than you men." [21:31] "So.. how do we get these.. shields" asks the man still standing in front of the group [21:31] "We make them" [21:32] "Wood and leather are all that are really needed to make a simple shield." [21:32] He nods, and waits for you to show them. [21:32] (shit...no craft !) [21:33] (time to make do) [21:34] stunty DT [21:34] Dex + craft [21:34] * Vanal nods "Very well. We require wood, and we require hide. What is the animal with the toughest hide in this region ?" [21:35] "ozzzaamaalaa!" [21:35] "Beg pardon ?" [21:35] "No see ooozamaala?" [21:35] "I don't even know what an ooozomaala IS !" [21:37] They laugh. Then they start describing a huge beast with three forked tails as big as a yeddim. Three horns adorn it's head and it's hide is nearly an inch thick in places. [21:37] * Vanal mutters several filty words in low realm about the 'effin' primitives' 'don't evne know what a goddamned shield is' [21:37] * Vanal blinks [21:37] "Do you have any of its hide at the village ?" [21:38] [oooh, Vanal is going big game hunting! :)] [21:38] [wuite possibly] [21:38] They shake their heads yes. "But not much, because it is so hard to fight. Better things to hunt." [21:38] [Must count as a stunt if you do it good.] [21:39] * Vanal nods [21:40] "What do you use the hide for ?" [21:41] "Use hide for armor, shaman's tent." [21:41] "Hm...that sutff just may work." [21:42] (is there enough grassless dirt to make a rough sketch of a life-sized version of the shield ?" [21:43] (i'll assume yes) [21:43] * Storyteller shrugs [21:44] * Vanal makes a rouch sketch of the shield in the dirt, it resembles a roman centurion's shield...i.e: a legionaire's shield [21:44] ( i assume you've went over this land before, and thus all such things are matters of your convenience) [21:44] (that's fine) [21:45] (it's about 3.5- 4 feet tall, rectangular ) [21:46] "I know we have enough wood to make enough of these for all of you....the question is, do we have enough hide." [21:46] They watch as you draw it with some interst [21:47] "This is the kind you will be holding." [21:47] "Cannot take hide away from shaman! Armor softened so can be worn easily. [21:47] * Vanal nods [21:47] "I wouldn't dream of it." [21:47] "..what's the casualty rate on these little hunting expeditions ?" [21:48] "Very high. Tough animal, eats bark off trees but very defensive." [21:48] "And how many do you usually send out to fight it ?" [21:49] "Whole tribe goes after ooozamaala." [21:49] "Sometimes two tribes." [21:49] "Not happen any more." [21:49] "Right." [21:49] * Vanal seems to be considering it [21:50] "Allow me to get some of my compatriots. We're going hunting." [21:52] * Storyteller smirks [21:52] (not a good sign...I'm assuming it's at least Yeddim-tough ?) [21:52] at least [21:52] ... [21:53] would I stand a chance in hell ? [21:53] Who would be around at this point Vanal? Tala is all I can think of. [21:53] * Storyteller supposes Vanal would stand a chance in hell [21:53] Tala, shakel, possibly... [21:53] snowball's chance, or higher ? [21:53] shakel, irin yes [21:53] survive or win? [21:53] (Tala good. Shak bad, unless se has Thrown or archery.) [21:53] win [21:54] rabbit's [21:54] ... [21:54] hmmm [21:54] maybe dog's [21:54] not high [21:54] no [21:54] and survive ? [21:54] you, almost certainly. Others.... decent [21:54] Hmmmm [21:55] mind if I rp another char for a brief moment ? [21:55] sure, you can NPC em [21:56] * Vanal is thwacked on the back of the head [21:56] (Shakel, annoyed, HR) "CATHAK HENIG VANAL ! I *KNOW* YOU WEREN'T THINKING OF DRAGGING US OUT TO HUNT SOME STUPID BEAST !" [21:58] "What the heck are you doing out here !?" [21:58] (Shakel) "Keeping you from making an ass of yourself !" [21:58] "But.." [21:58] (Shakel)"No." [21:59] "Bu-" [21:59] (Shak, icily) "*NO*...and the matter is *CLOSED*" [21:59] [Now Vanal. Shakel's nature is a bravo.] [21:59] (DOMESTICVANAL!) [21:59] [And she's bullying Vanal around, your point ?] [21:59] [NOT hunt some stupid beast?] [22:00] (use irin instead if you want that] [22:00] [Why would she tromp around in the wilderness, getting her nice clothing dirty just for the sake of *van's* ego-triop ?] [22:00] [no. I think she'd just like some new clothes.] [22:01] [She wants to hunt the beast. She will just make Vanal suffer a little before she 'finally agrees'] [22:01] [i imagine those horns make really nice earrings....] [22:01] [...good idea, Cic] [22:02] [It takes one to know one. ;)] [22:02] [sorry DT ;)] [22:02] [No prob] [22:03] "Fine, fine...but if you don't want a new Ooom-whatever horn neclace, be my guest..." [22:04] "I mean, the horns ARe ivory, after all..." [22:04] "And NO ONE back home would have something like that." [22:04] [See, I'd always had Shak pegged for 'hedonist'] [22:05] (Shak)" ...." [22:05] * Vanal grins [22:05] "We ship out in the morning. Get Irin and Tala to come with...and for the lvoe of SEXTES...wear armor." [22:05] Shakel looks at you, unamused. [22:06] "I'll make it up to you, I promise." [22:06] * Vanal turns to the snickering ranks "AND WHAT ARE YOU LAUGHING AT ?!" [22:07] The ranks are immidately quiet when you turn so that you cannot tell who was laughing. Though i'm sure they all were. [22:09] * Vanal scowls "Alright wiseguys. Since you tihnk the hunt is something to laugh at...guess what ? You're ALL coming with !" [22:09] They break into laughter again. [22:09] "I'm not joking." [22:10] They stop laughing but remain smirking for your benefit. [22:10] "tomorrow, sunrise." [22:10] "Bring what gear you need." [22:11] they nod and leave in order to get really drunk [22:11] * Vanal finds a tree stump to sit on and tries to shake the feeling he just made a really, REALLY bad mistake [22:14] they will offer for you to join in their drinking [22:14] * Vanal shrugs and joins them, eat drink, and be merry...you know the schtick [22:19] * Vanal tosses back a tankard of the locla pisswater [22:21] Shakel comes over, obviously drunk and knocks you over and starts making out. [22:22] * Vanal 's eyes widen briefly...before the rest of him takes control and joins in [22:27] * Storyteller supposes he's done unless you want to fight it off tonight [22:28] Naw [22:28] It'd take too long, and work in the AM Session Close: Fri Nov 29 22:28:25 2002 Session Start: Sun Dec 01 01:01:20 2002 [01:09] Okay cicada if I remember right you were making camp on the shore of the islandy [01:11] Yes, swimming out next morning. [01:12] Okay, it is a beautiful cris autumn morning [01:13] * Cicada is going to bury her pack in the sand and swim out only in her clothes and weapons, plus her belts, of course. [01:13] ok [01:14] * Cicada has Puuhda and Kimyee riding on her head, Kimyye can direct her. [01:15] Eventually you find kimyee is drawing you towards a large rock, sitting in the middle of the ocean. Part of the ring of rocks you know circle the island [01:15] The Thunderbird stones I presume. Now is not the time for them to arrive, right? [01:15] nope, that's twilight. and it's the fireshark stones. [01:16] Ah, yes... [01:16] As you approach, you see a massive flare of fire, like a great piece of molten metal appearing midair, and making a sudden flare, moving impossibly fast as it then dissapears again [01:17] "Kimyeeeeeee!!" he says, frightened. [01:18] The thing appeared right over the stone? [01:18] yeap [01:18] "What is it Kimyee? Do you know what that was?" [01:18] [01:19] [01:19] "She is on the rock?" [01:19] [01:20] * Cicada swims towards the rock as fast as she can. [01:20] As you swim towards the rock you see a beautiful woman sitting there, kneeling at the edge of the rock, face downcast. [01:20] As you approach closer you see that it is arianna [01:21] * Cicada swims silently closer, trying to see if there are others present or if she is talking to herself. [01:21] it is only her, and she seems to be crying over something [01:22] * Cicada silently put a hand on the rock a meter from her utter a low "Shhh" [01:22] Kimyee leaps over you regardless and jumps towards his mistress [01:22] splashing in the water as he screams [01:23] "So much for stealth...(sigh)" [01:23] "Not that I don't understand him.." [01:23] Arianna looks up and her face turns into a twisting mask of joy as she grabs onto her own little fluffy and squeezes it lovingly [01:23] * Cicada says both out loud but with a low voice. [01:23] "Kimyee!" she says "You found me!" [01:23] "Kiumyeeeeeeeee!" [01:24] * Cicada is resting in the water a meter away, one hand on the rock. [01:25] "Yes, he was most insistive about going." [01:25] She seems happy and then they start to talk, too rapidly for you to follow what they are saying... puuhda watches quietly, not giving you away. [01:25] [01:25] [01:25] She looks up, surprised, looking around her. [01:26] "Hello? hello?" [01:26] "Here, in the water. Can you see me? It is Cicada." [01:26] "Cicada?!" [01:26] she looks around, looking for you. [01:26] then she smiles as she sees you. [01:26] "Cicada!" [01:26] she stands up like she is about to dive in, and then stops [01:26] "Are you alone here?" [01:27] "Yes.. well... I am now...." she says sadly [01:27] "The bastards just marooned you here?" [01:27] * Cicada pulls herself up to sit. [01:28] Cicada as you pull yourself up to sit you find the upper half of a man lying on the rock, the lower half being washed in the waves. Arianna is shaking as you do so [01:29] "What happened to him?" [01:29] "what is this place?" [01:29] She shudders.... [01:29] "I couldn't.. he..." she starts crying [01:30] * Cicada stares at Arianna, then looks away. [01:30] "You don't have to talk about it." [01:30] "thank you...." [01:31] "I will get you out of here. There cannot be much food here." [01:31] "No... I ... I can't go, Cicada.." [01:31] "This is why I came.." [01:31] "What?!" [01:32] "To sit here freezing and crying?!" [01:32] "This is my immortality, Cicada. This is my reward...." [01:32] "to never grow old... never to die..." [01:33] her skin still looks as if it has not been touched by the sun, though she has been here for quite a few days. She's been here as long as you. [01:33] "Arianna, are you going to tell me you are happy here?" [01:33] she shakes her head sadly [01:34] * Cicada gestures at the rock and the body. [01:34] she looks like she's going to throw up actually. [01:34] "I... I never held a weapon.. and.. I did that.. today....." [01:34] * Cicada moves over and holds her. [01:34] "You killed him yourself?" [01:34] Her skin is soft and smooth to the touch, and she collapses into your arms, crying over you "yes" she sobs [01:35] * Cicada just nods and holds her. [01:35] * Cicada is likely soaking her clothes right now. :) [01:35] ^_^ [01:36] after a few minutes she pulls away. [01:36] * Cicada holds her hand still. [01:36] "I'm sorry Cicada.... I should never have let them bring you here." [01:37] "What is done is done. I do not think you were told all the facts yourself." [01:37] "I do not blame you." [01:38] "thank you." [01:38] Kimyee is pulling at her leg [01:38] She looks down and squeezes him gently [01:40] "Now, is there something is want to bring with you from here? The cruise is required baggage light, however." [01:40] * Cicada says in a joking, cheerful voice. [01:41] [confused st wah!] [01:44] sorry I just cannot decipher that grammar [01:44] What grammar? [01:44] too many ises [01:45] Where? [01:45] "Now is there something is want to bring with you from here?" [01:45] then the other part [01:45] makes no sense [01:47] "Now, is there something you want to bring with you from here? Only one light object of bagage can be brought on the cruise ship, however." [01:47] [better?] [01:48] much [01:48] [sorrieses :)] [01:48] [it's ok ;)] [01:48] [just happy you didn't just type it in japanese and leave it at that] [01:50] "No... you don't understand... I can't leave. If I leave... everyone on the island will die." [01:50] "What?!" [01:50] "You better explain." [01:50] "The demon, Cicada... if I leave the demon will be free. He will be free to kill everyone on the island. He will destroy the entire world!" [01:51] "Fallen Tounge?" [01:51] she nods sadly [01:51] "Who told you this?" [01:51] "It is what the runes on his prison say... I read them myself, in the old realm." [01:52] "Women to serve him, to please him, to make sure he sleeps forever in his prison under the sea, in his prison free of dreams, free of needs." [01:53] "Arianna, I cannot just leave you here. Look around. What is there here? How do you live?" [01:53] "Are you telling me there are more like you?" [01:54] She looks at you sadly.... "How can I explain... you see me now?" she dissapears completely, her voice unlocalized, coming from all around you "now you don't." [01:54] "More girls given immortallity so that they can be slaves to that thing?!" [01:54] "Yes, Cicada. We are the Firesharks. We are the guardians of the island, the guardians of the prison of the Fallen Tounge." [01:55] * Cicada shakes her head. "No.... That cannot be true.." [01:55] "It is true, Cicada.." she says sadly. "It is what I always knew to be true." [01:56] She puts her hand on your shoulder, appearing in front of you again. "I'm sorry." [01:56] "Arianna..." [01:56] "Where is that chamber?" [01:56] "You have the map I gave you?" [01:57] "I intend to banish that demon." [01:57] Yes, I have." [01:57] "It is with my gear back on the beach. But I have it." [01:57] she shakes her head sadly. "Look at it then. It is where the lines converge. That is where we go every night, to cry tears into it's prison so that it will not wake." [01:58] * Cicada nods. [01:58] "Do you know of any way I can destroy or banish the thing? Some way i can free you?" [01:59] She shakes her head sadly. [02:00] "I am going anyway. There has to be a way. Please tell me all you know about the mountain, how to enter it, what there is there." [02:01] "The others say there is no way, Cicada. You cannot go! If you go you will die, it is covered with anathema, things that will consume your very body and soul if they lay their hands upon you!" [02:02] "I am good at remaining unseen and untouched." [02:02] "Arianna, I know fully what it is like to serve under a master the way you are." [02:02] She looks at you, "I pray your gods have blessed you to remain hidden from their eyes..." then sighs. [02:03] "I am ashamed to even sit here next to you because I was so outrageously lucky to get a benevolent lord who does not 'have me' the way he rightfully can." [02:04] "But I know. I have been almost like you." [02:04] "And i am NOT going to let you suffer that way!" [02:05] "Cicada" she sighs, taking your hand. "I chose this. I will endure." [02:05] "It... will just be.... very hard..." [02:05] "to get used to these men!" she shouts and kicks the upper torso of the body far into the sea [02:06] "I know you did. But that does not change my convictions. Do not martyr yourself for other like this." [02:06] "Where did he come from?" [02:06] "From the city at the end of the river." she says distatstefully [02:06] "He thought I would be submissive as the one I replaced." [02:06] I showed him [02:06] * Cicada nods. "So they come you here, thinking they can have some fun..." [02:07] (you = out) [02:07] "Bah, I drank his soul before I did that. My tears will run long tonght." [02:07] * Cicada puts a hand on Arianna's shoulder. [02:08] "Arianna, don't turn into a monster yourself. Kimyee will hurt if you do." [02:08] she sighs [02:08] "you are right. I will have to make sure that I find better men." [02:08] "Is there anything I can do to make this more bearable for you the time it will take for me to free you? Anything at all?" [02:09] She sighs. "Come see me, if you return this way, cicada. Yours is a kind face, and I will remember you fondly." [02:10] She smiles and bends down to pat Puuhda as well [02:10] "I will. Is there anything I can bring you?" [02:11] "If you could find me some men who would be happy just to talk instead of make love..." she blushes. "I can't believe they are all so cruel. [02:11] * Cicada nods. [02:12] "I still must partake of the essence of life... though I abhor the lengths my sisters go through... ugh.." [02:12] "I do not know any around here. But I will try my best. [02:12] "Thank you, Cicada. You are a true friend." [02:12] "Here... let me do something for you..." [02:12] "So are you Arianna. Don't forget that." [02:13] She places her hand on your forehead and bids you to close your eyes [02:14] * Cicada does as told. [02:15] You feel essence flowing through you, and away from you, but in the end, you feel more limber, more agile, and more swift. She withdraws her hand, and smiles. [02:15] "See what being a spirit gets you?" [02:15] [Dex = 6] [02:15] [er, 7] [02:16] [errrr.... for how long..?] [02:16] [7 for a month] [02:16] [ok] [02:16] [your -20 motes of essence for now] [02:16] [regen normally] [02:23] "Yes, I certainly do..." [02:23] "Come back soon, Cicada...." [02:24] "We'll be waiting for you.." [02:24] "I suppose I should be going. I cannot rescue you ditting here..." [02:24] (sitting) [02:24] She smiles generously [02:24] "I will do everything I can to visit." [02:25] "And to find a NICE local man." [02:25] She laughs happily, bowing on your hand [02:25] "I am forever grateful." [02:27] * Cicada holds Arianna's hands and gives her a final hug before leaving." [02:27] "Is there some way you can contact me, should you ever need something?" [02:28] she hugs you as well, hands wrapped around you in a silent love [02:28] "I don't think so.... but my power is weak still, Cicada. I will see what the days ahead of me bring." [02:31] * Cicada nods and lowers herself into the water. [02:32] Kimyee and Puuhda waves to each other, standing on their repsective maiden's heads as you slowly swim away into the rising sun, and she waves, watching you slowly swim to shore [02:35] Can I scout the cities on the way back. Disguised as a naive native girl selling pelts or something? [02:35] Must look for good man. [02:35] could work. [02:35] you could also browse the farms to the south [02:35] [but how the hell do you find a good man?!] [02:35] you'll need to get some pelts [02:35] dude I could hook you up.... but... nah, you wouldn't like him. [02:36] The farms are better. can hear stories of the cities there as well. [02:36] ok [02:37] pls describe your disguise, and a wits + performance roll [02:41] Disguise is the outfit she has seen on other coastal tribes. Her goods will be herbs and pelts. [02:42] so you are going to be a naieve tribal girl.... it will take you a few days to collect the herbs and pelts [02:43] roll dex + survival [02:43] !ex 8 [02:43] Cicada : !ex 8, 7, 4, 8, 1, 2, 8, 5, 4, Successes : 3 [02:44] two days then spent gathering herbs and pelts. Roll dex + stealth to remain unseen during this preperation phase [02:44] !ex 10 [02:44] Cicada : !ex 10, 4, 3, 8, 3, 3, 4, 1, 10, 1, 8, Successes : 4 [02:44] Storyteller : !ex 5, 4, 1, 8, 9, 7, Successes : 3 [02:44] !ex 5 [02:45] There is a close call, but you remain unseen, hanging onto an overhanging cliff for a couple hours as two boys fish right on top of you [02:45] "idiot stupid boys! should be at school!" [02:46] [can they hear you?] [02:46] [no, just muttering] [02:47] They leave in due time then, and you finish your preperations [02:49] wherever you want to go... [02:49] * Cicada goes to a cluster of farms/village to sell her things, figure out the local language, her news, and look for NICE men. [02:50] (hear news) [02:50] (sigh) [02:52] You wander into a likely village carrying your bags of animal skins and herbs, your clothes changed to look like the animal skins the tribal girls wear and flowers stuck in your hair as you look around apparently breathless at the wonders of the city. [02:52]