Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Thecard]

So am I right in assuming that no one feels particularly strong about what course of action to take thus far?  I'd also appreciate hearing what some of you think regarding my previously stated plan about the trap with illusions/pit/possible last resort fire.

Take out the fire and it could work pretty well.  I just don't want to burn our only house down.

Also, should we hide the lockbox outside in case they somehow win and find it?

[Mlamlah]

I'm standing behind my eon manipulation walls because it seems like it could be used to greater effect then a pit trap, it also stands more chance of being successful roll-wise.
Don't get me wrong, i'm all for learning new techniques, but *not* when failure could result in significant losses of life and limb.
The last resort scorched earth policy is also a good idea.

[GreatWyrmGold]

Well, we do know that Sol hates Nocteclaw and presumably hates all servants of Nocteclaw

That's why I'd rather not serve Nocteclaw

We're of Nocteclaw's flesh and blood, we're going to be treated as Nocteclaw's servants by all but the most tolerant of Sol's servants.

We also know that night trolls were created from Nocteclaw.

Created is not a right word, it wasn't a conscious act from anyone. Night trolls appeared accidentally

Whatever, Sol's worshippers still won't be fond of us. Because we were made from Nocteclaw.

Therefore, it's a fair guess that followers of Sol who don't run from us will have a kill-on-sight mentality.

True. But I said under certain conditions

Sigh. You're alienating people who might help us to try and get in the good graces of people who probably would kill us first?

Anyways, asking Nocteclaw for guidance on the gift which s/he gave us isn't worship, it's acknowledging that s/he was kind to us, is wise, and that we're not sure what to do with her/his gift.

So am I right in assuming that no one feels particularly strong about what course of action to take thus far?  I'd also appreciate hearing what some of you think regarding my previously stated plan about the trap with illusions/pit/possible last resort fire.

Take out the fire and it could work pretty well.  I just don't want to burn our only house down.

We also have the tower, but I agree.

Also, should we hide the lockbox outside in case they somehow win and find it?

What lockbox? Didn't we leave that behind? Why would we bring it with?

I'm standing behind my eon manipulation walls because it seems like it could be used to greater effect then a pit trap, it also stands more chance of being successful roll-wise.
Don't get me wrong, i'm all for learning new techniques, but *not* when failure could result in significant losses of life and limb.
The last resort scorched earth policy is also a good idea.

Agreed.

[gman8181]

The pit trap would be done before they arrive while the plan you suggest would be done when they arrive so why not both.  Well I guess creating the illusion might have to be done when they arrive but we could simply skip that part.  Or am I misinterpreting things?

[Thecard]

The lockbox may or may not contain Eldritch horrors.  I'd kinda like to avoid giving whatever it is to Elves.

[GreatWyrmGold]

Didn't we leave it at the tower?
Which is not the barn?

[Thecard]

Didn't we leave it at the tower?
Which is not the barn?

...
We aren't at the tower?
...
Damnit.

[Weirdsound]

I should be able to start pooping out an update in a few hours. Would somebody be kind enough to round up all the arguments and ideas raised for the defense in one post for me?

[Weirdsound]

(Dammit. Sorry guys. I started writing 23 posts ago, took a dinner break, come back, finish writing, and you all had a totally different idea of what to do. Ooof.)

Character:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Name: the Male Night Troll "My father says I earn a name when people fear me enough to give me one."

Physical Traits:
Tattooed Arms "Prevents me from getting magic fatigued as easily, and even helps out a bit with casting. Also: Fashionable."
Springy Legs "I wish I could fly, but being able to jump like a flea and kick peoples ribs in is the next best thing."
Camouflaged Body "I can be invisible... at a glance or at a distance."
Hypnotic Gaze "I'm good at disabling a mortal's self preservation instinct... not so good at predicting his actions once I do."

Skills:
Eon Manipulation (+5) "Eon Manipulation is a family tradition. I hope to someday be as good as my father..."
Stealth (+4) "They can't escape what they can't see!"
Dark Manipulation (+2) "The night is my birthright and my greatest ally..."
Communication (+2) "Even for one as hideous as myself, a silver tongue goes a long way!"
Night Creature Empathy (+1) "Because it pays to be friends with other night dwellers."
Fire Manipulation (+1) "Fire is one of the few things capable of scaring mortals as much as I do. It makes sense that I should master it."
Plant Empathy (+1) "I can use this skill to navigate the forest... among other things."

Inventory:
A cursed bracelet of plant reading [+1 when listening to plants] (Worn, right arm, boosts Plant Empathy in some situations)
2 Bound Elves (Slung over each shoulder)
Steel Buckler (Wielded, left arm)
An Elf-Tooth Charm Necklace of Healing (Worn)
Alchemist's Work Outfit [Shirt, Apron, Pants] (Worn)
-A Soul Catcher Necklace (Worn)
-6 Handfuls of Beach Sand (In pocket)
-3 Full Coin Purses [Unsorted] (In pocket)
-28 Lockpicks (In pocket)
-1 Handheld mirror (In pocket)
-2 Large Rubies (In Pocket)
-2 Platinum Ingots (In Pockets, Straining Garmet)
-1 Human Brain of Phyros [Magically Preserved] (In pocket)
-1 Small Sack of Grey Powder Labeled 'Phoenix Ash' (In Pocket)
-1 Small Sack of Assorted Dragon Bits [Small Bones, Scales, Teeth, Ect] (In Pocket)
-1 Small Sack Labeled 'Warning: Gunpowder' (In Pocket)
-1 Book Titled 'Intro to the Inferno: The Scourge's Guide to Flame Manipulation' (In Pocket)
-1 Book Titled 'The Devil's Cookbook: Alchemy for Those Lacking in Moral Fiber' (In Pocket)
Thick Belt (Worn)
-Scorchedjade, An Artifact Rose Quartz Spear [Unknown Enchantment(s)]
-1 Large Knife (Sheathed, Hanging from Belt)
-1 Saber (Sheathed, Hanging from Belt)
-1 Steel Dagger (Sheathed, Hanging from Belt)
"Shit. Now I need to kill another human for Alchemy components. Wonderful..."

Perks:
Magic Perks
Budding Animal Empath: You will gain the animal empathy skill if you succeed in 1 animal empathy actions, or successfully study it in a book
Improving Communicator: Your Communication skill will increase if you succeed in 1 communication actions, or train extensively under a superior communicator.
Time Displacement Specialist: Take a +1 to any attempt to send something foward in time.
Budding Fire Manipulator: You will gain the fire manipulation skill if you succeed in 2 fire manipulation actions or train with somebody who has it
Budding Lore Keeper of Notcheclaw: You will gain the loreminder [Notcheclaw] skill if you study her scripture or train with an instructor 4 more times.
Budding Priest of Notcheclaw: You will gain the Invocation [Notcheclaw] skill if you study her scripture or train with an instructor 2 more times.
Aspiring Water Manipulator: You will gain the water manipulation skill if you succeed in 6 water manipulation actions, or train extensively with somebody who has it
Aspiring Swordsman: You will gain the Armed Combat [Swords] skill if you succeed in 6 sword combat actions, or train extensively with somebody who has it
Bug Speaker: You do not suffer an untrained skill penalty for using animal empathy on bugs
Bird Speaker: You do not suffer an untrained skill penalty for using animal empathy on birds
Youth Speaker: Take a +1 to any attempt to communicate with a mortal who is under 30 (Or equivilant to being under 30 for non humans)

Reproductive Perks
Mature: You are physically and mentally capable of converting and impregnating mates. To do so you must spend a "Gift" perk. "Gift" perks can be gained by rolling very high, learning new skills, or through other supernatural means. If you create a child it may be born with some traits of it's mother in addition to whatever gift you use to conceive it.
First Gift: Can be spent to convert or impregnate a mate. The night troll created will have your four physical features. Gifts that grant more than two traits are rare, so this may be worth saving for somebody special. Bun in the Oven
Gift of Puppetry: Can be spent to convert or impregnate a mate. The night troll created will be bound to follow your commands for as long as you both live. You will be made aware of any major changes to your puppet's health or location.
Gift of Hideousness: Can be spent to convert or impregnate a mate. The night troll created will appear so unatural and ugly that it will almost always elicit a powerful emotional response (typically fear, disgust, or anger) in any mortal who lays eyes on it.
Gift of the Phoenix: Can be spent to convert or impregnate a mate. The night troll created will have flaming wings and the ability to ONCE rise from the ashes of death if properly cremated.
Gift of Inferno's Embrace: Can be spent to convert or impregnate a mate. The night troll created will be able to make itself as one with any sufficiently large blaize. While merged with a fire a night troll is nearly invincible, has the ability to materialize anywhere near it, and exert some control over the direction and rate of it's spread.
Gift of Withering Touch: Can be spent to convert or impregnate a mate. The night troll created will have the ability to cause mortal beings to age upon physical contact. Humans can be brought from infancy to natural death in about 30 minutes. Dwarves take about three times that much. Elves and Goblins can be aged to physical maturity, but not beyond that point.
Gift of Amnesia: Can be spent to convert or impregnate a mate. The night troll created will have a hypnosis power capable of removing the last few minutes of a mortal's memory.

Gift of the Left Stone: Can be spent to convert a female or impregnate a mate. Instead of producing a son or a consort, this gift creates a fully functional female night troll. The traits gained depends on the female converted or consort impregnated.

Recipes:
Drought of Perception Blotting: Causes the drinker to become invisible to members of a single sentient race unless the drinker tries to get their attention or is pointed out to them.
-1 Brain of the Race you wish to be not noticed by
-1 Fistfull of ash from burned oak
-1 1 Large Mug of digestive juices from a mammal

Other Party Members:
Gwendolyn, the Night Troll Consort (Healthy, Unfamiliar with her own body, Pregnant 2/?? Fear for Baby)
-Loincloth
-Oak Sword (Enchanted)
-Willow Sword (Enchanted)
-Steel Mace
-Steel Mace
-Wood Shovel
Alice, the 16 Year Old Human Woodsman (Healthy)
-Rope Reed Fiber Shirt
-Whale Leather Armor [Helm, Vest, Leggings, Boots, Gloves]
-Steel Combat Knife
-Steel Workman's Ax
-Rubber Wood Bow
-Human Leather Quiver [37 Steel Arrows]
-Coin Purse [33 Dwanmaiden Silver Coin, 3 Foghorn the Vile Aluminum Doubloons]

You decide that you will incorporate pit traps hidden by dark manipulation into your defense. The first order of business then would be to procure digging tools. You instruct the ladies, both decently skilled plant empaths, to coax some proper shovels from the tree.

Gwendolyn happily pushes Alice aside and gets to work. "I've lived with trees for nearly 50 years. I don't any help from a human thank you."

It takes to consort only five minutes to produce two simple wooden shovels from the trunk of a nearby tree. She hands one to you, and keeps one for herself. 1d20 = 12 + 2(Gwendolyn's Skill) = 14

You consider your options for a bit and come to the conclusion that the barn is the best place to hold up and defend. It is the only place on the ranch dark enough for you to spread illusions during the day, and the fact that it is underground will keep the trees from spying on your work and tipping off the pose to the traps.

Alice is instructed to begin coaxing spears from the nearby trees. Gwendolyn protests, but you explain that her superior consort strength and endurance makes her far more valuable as a digger in this situation. You and Gwendolyn get to work creating the pit while Alice works the trees.

Over the next few hours both you and Gwendolyn dig deep strategic pits in the barn near the entrance. Your shovel breaks near the end, so the Consort has to come over and help you finish your hole.
1d20 = 11 - 3(Untrained Skill) + 1(Night Troll Stamina) = 9
1d20 = 17 - 3(Gwendolyn's Untrained Skill) + 1(Night Troll Stamina) = 15

You check in on Alice to the girl has made enough spears to arm one of the pits, but you can tell she is suffering from magic fatigue from the repeated coaxing. The human is attempting to stubbornly work through her condition, but you stop her. Working while fatigued is the best way to suffer a violent miscast. you note that she shouldn't do any casting until she gets a good nights sleep. 1d20 = 4 + 5(Alice's Skill) = 9

"If you insist." Alice responds with a sheepish grin. "Good thing my fighting style doesn't call for much magic use."

You escort the human into the barn. "You are a woodsman of sorts right? Would you care to set up this trap for me. I'll pull you out when you are done."

Alice nods, grabs her armful of wooden spears, and slides down into one of the pits. As she works you and Gwendolyn begin gathering up the straw strewn around the barn and throwing it into the remaining pit. You figure you can light it if an elf falls in.

The human finishes arming the upright spike trap and you help her out. The arrangement is so beautiful and deadly looking that even Gwen has to compliment her on her work. "Not bad. I'm sure the fear and pain of an elf caught in that thing would be good for the baby. I can't wait for my husband to finally give in and turn you. You'll make a great consort."

Alice smirks. "That may be true, but I wouldn't wish for it if I were you."

"And why is that?"

The human chuckles "Because when and if I do lose my humanity, you will be totaly obsolete. Face it, anything you can do I can do better."

Gwen smirks "Big talk coming from a teenager."

You can't help but smile as Alice and Gwen's bitter feud quickly degenerates into a boastful sort of friendly rivalry. 1d20 = 20 + 3(Alice's Skill) = 23 (Nice! Alice is the queen of the 20!)

Heading outside you listen in on the trees in hopes of getting an update on the Posse. You are glad you did. The plantlife informs you that they have picked up the trail and are 15 minutes away from the ranch. They are lead by a female elf in metal chain mail with a steel greataxe, and a male elf in wizards robes. The remaining 8 elves are basic guards drafted from the civilian population and given wooden blades and armor. 1d20 = 16 + 1(Skill) = 17

You figure your foes must have a similar idea from the trees about what they are up against. You are going to have to time the illusion over your traps just right. It will only last a few minutes without a proper enchantment set upon it.

"Phew... finished just in the nick of time."

[Corruptor]

Hmm. Perhaps we could cast the illusion, then expand its duration by slowing it with Eon Manipulation?

[StrawBarrel]

I have been lurking the forum for a while, and one the reason why I decided to make an account is because of this game. I have followed it since the beginning, and would like to thank Weirdsound for this terrific story. Keep up the good work.

As for a suggestion, I think that the elf capitive should tied up in the barn to use as a hostage. When the warband gets here, it should be top priority to take the wizard down as he is probably the only ranged attacker.

[GreatWyrmGold]

Well, look at that, they delivered a new consort right to our door! How convenient. If we capture the mage, what gift should we use? Maybe Withering Touch? Seriously, you can't have enough wizards.

Short-term, Corruptor's idea is a good one, if it works. As for the mage, put her in a time-loop like we did with Phyros--saves her for conversion if we so choose, and takes her out of the fight quickly using one of our best skills.

[gman8181]

Well, look at that, they delivered a new consort right to our door! How convenient. If we capture the mage, what gift should we use? Maybe Withering Touch? Seriously, you can't have enough wizards.

Short-term, Corruptor's idea is a good one, if it works. As for the mage, put her in a time-loop like we did with Phyros--saves her for conversion if we so choose, and takes her out of the fight quickly using one of our best skills.

Agreed but still only capture her if convenient.  Our primary objective needs to remain survival especially with our unborn child nearby.  Eon manipulation sounds great so long as it does not give away our position any earlier than necessary.

Side note: why do we still have beach sand in our pocket?  Also if the spear can turn items into sand maybe later we could turn sand into items.  Or people into sand?

[Ukrainian Ranger]

Lol, GWG, good suggestion. Just one little problem - Mage is male

I am against any attempts to catch the warrior. If we lucky get her alive =  nice. If not - too many consorts isn't in our best interests anyway.  Our goal is to win the battle

[gman8181]

Lol, GWG, good suggestion. Just one little problem - Mage is male

I am against any attempts to catch the warrior. If we lucky get her alive =  nice. If not - too many consorts isn't in our best interests anyway.  Our goal is to win the battle

Yeah unless it's really easy for us, like she fell into the pit and gets ko'd instead of dying.  I wouldn't like to take any more risks than necessary until we have some grown up children running around.