As I count it, the votes are:
Drop the amulet- lockman766, GlyphGryph, Cellmonk - 3
Get the amulet- Phantom of The Library, forsaken1111, me, Urist McManiac and Grek. - 5
Steal the amulet- Elvisdogs, JackOSpades -2
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Elven Homeland / Thrimesdur -Cellmonk, lockman766, GlyphGriph, joemoben, Elvisdogs, Grek. - 6
Jewelled Coast - Phantom of The Library, fergus, me, Urist McManiac. - 4
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Correct me if this isn't your position/missed anyone.
It was worth a lot because he marked it up a ridiculous amount claiming that it was an old dwarven artifact. Actually it's probably worth a lot more than that, given the fact that it is of unknown workmanship (I'm thinking goblins maybe...), and given the general lack of necromancers, probably one of the few artefacts of its kind in existence.
As it's not at all angular we could always point out it's not worth anything like what he is asking because it's clearly not an old dwarven artifact. Probably made by a few humans a handful of years ago or something, still pretty so we'd consider buying it but not for that outrageous price.
Even if we could get the price down, we'd still need more cash. And we need enough to create more potions for our income stream as well.
So the first step is still, definitely, to MOOOOOCH.
though since we have the meeting in a little while, insinuating that we'd like to get to know him better, talking about the possibility of traveling with him, etc. and so on would both keep our options open (if the council decides we should) or at the very least make him think favorably of us, putting us in a stronger bargaining position when we finally do get some cash.
Leaving the Great Temple behind, you decide to catch dinner with Omo and make plans before meeting with the merchant. In no time at all you're back at the campsite, where Omo has reset his tent and started cooking dinner- vegetables cooked in Strawberry Wine, by the smell. Omo offers you a plate, and you gladly accept his hospitality.
So, did you learn how to make mana potions?I did- we should be able to make a fair bit of coin, from what Pevo tells me. I've been thinking, though, that what I really want to do is visit the Sacred Grove. So, instead of traveling with the merchant, I was thinking we just stick around here for a few more days, anyway, and sell him some potions. Did you have a preference which way we should go?East, West, it makes no difference to me so long as there are new sights to see. I'd rather leave now, though, while we can.Oh? Have you heard something new?Well, no, but it's all but certain the border will be sealed sooner or later!Or in other words, you're fidgety and just want to go. Well, how about this- while I'm funding our trip, you listen around and try to find out what's happening. Keep your ears open for word about any big movements by the Rangers, things that could mean the border is sealed or we're mobilizing, things of that nature. Figure out some alternate escape routes, in case it happens suddenly. Didn't you have a plan in place to desert before I ran into you?Yeah, I was just going to use my knowledge of the patrol patterns to sneak off. That was before we were at the brink of war, though, so there's certainly more patrols out than normal. If the border gets sealed, there will probably be stationary pickets and sentries to contend with, too.Well, we'll figure something out. What are they going to do if we just walk away, shoot us?No, they'll probably wrestle us down, throw me in the stockade for desertion and... actually, I'm not sure what they'd do with you. Probably check you for mental illness of some kind....Oh. Well. Thanks for dinner, I've got a meeting to get to.See you tomorrow!Now that you've eaten your fill, you head back to the Caravan Fair. The sun is setting, and elves are already setting up bonfires and barrels of drink while merchants pack their wares for the night. You find the merchant Luki Revereorder outside his tent, staking the flaps down. He waves as you approach, and straightens up.
Hello again, milady... ah, forgive me, but I don't believe I ever caught your name?Call me Nym, Master Revereorder. You sell a great many exotic goods- I'd wager you also sell Mana Potions?Indeed I do, ah, Nym, and a great many other potions besides.Grand- as it happens, I have need of some ready cash, and I can make potions stronger than what you'll find outside the Vale.Luki's eyes glint.
Yes, yes, elves are quite magically adept, I know. How potent are your brews?I can make them 6 Mana strong.That strong? Are you a Mage?No, I am merely talented even by elven standards.I see. Do you have your own supplies? Crystal, potion bottles and the like?Well, no, but those materials should be readily available here at the Fair.Yes, but I'll be the one footing that bill. Let's see... how many potions are you willing to make?I plan to be here throughout the Fair- that's what, five days? Five potions, assuming maximum strength.Luki pulls out a small abacus, and starts doing some rapid math.
Figure sixty gold for the crystal, a few more for the potion bottles... alright, your best profit margin is in making the strongest available. Most human mages with your capacity can't be bothered to waste their mana on potions. I can offer you 36 silver for each potion.That's it?I like you, so I'll give it to you straight. When I'm reselling those potions, the lowest I'm gonna go is 170 silver. A bit more than 120 of that is just the cost of Crystal- that leaves 50 silver of profit between me and you. I'm giving you the lion's share, since like I said, most mages can't be bothered to make potions this strong. It's bad business to inadequately compensate a mage.Well... alright.Grand. Stop by tomorrow morning, Nym, and I'll have some Crystal and a potion bottle for you.Tomorrow morning, then.You walk off towards your Mother's home in the city, not in the mood for any more festivities. You're looking at 18 gold for your wages, a handsome profit- but nowhere near the asking price for the medallion. It appears unlikely you'll be able to drum up the cash to make anything like a reasonable offer.
Your path takes you off the main roads, along narrow paths lit by the candles of nearby houses. Soon, you come to your mother's place- her apartment is spacious by elven standards, and occupies the second tier of a tree that plays host to three dwellings in its branches. Climbing the rope ladder, you knock and enter.
Your mother looks up in surprise- seeing that it is you, her striking face lights up with joy, and she catches you up in a warm embrace.
Nym! I didn't know you were in town! How long have you been here?Not long, Mom, I only got in last night.Well, come on, sit down- have you eaten?You take the proffered seat, an overstuffed cushion in a wicker frame.
I have, Omo set me up.Such a nice boy. I was happy to hear you're trying to make something of yourself- I hope you take the opportunity to study with the Sages, now that your journey is interrupted.What? Did they seal the border?Not yet, but I can tell you that's in the cards. The Elders will not risk another Necromancer destroying the Vale.Ah, so there's still time to go.What? Nym, you can't really be thinking of leaving in the middle of a war.Well, why not? It's better than being cooped up here.Nym! The only thing you can do out there is throw your life away!Because I'm spending it better here?Listen to me- I've been privy to the Elders meetings, since the Mages are preparing for the use of war magics not seen since the Golgothan War, and let me tell you it is bad out there. There's anarchy in Thrimesdur, as the rabble lose confidence in the Empire's ability to protect them. The Jeweled Coast is toxic with maneuvering and politics- rumor has it some cities are considering alliance with the Pirate King! As if a Necromancer could be trusted.Maybe...Maybe what?Nothing, I guess. Let's not fight- how's Dad?You pass the next few hours catching up- you haven't seen your Mother in some time, after all. You don't press the issue of leaving, sensing your Mother is not receptive to the idea- you still want to sleep here tonight, after all. It doesn't sound like she'll be supportive of your trip, however.
It turns out your Father did escort the Caravan in, and in fact was here last night, but right now he's off giving orders to various Ranger garrisons and won't be back tonight. As the candles burn low, you head to bed, dropping your things in the guest room and quickly falling asleep.
The only commitment you have for tomorrow is to make a potion for Luki Revereorder, a task that will consume a few hours but hardly the whole day. Should you try to win your Mother's support tomorrow morning? [if so, I'd like something more specific than "yes."] You could also try to get the permission of the Elders to leave, and you haven't met Elana yet. What to do, what to do...
Vitality- 10/10
Mana- 8/12
XP- 19/20
Inventory- Belt Pouch (
2.7 Silver Pieces),
Elven Traveler Garb,
Elven Cloak, Belt Knife, Leather Backpack (Bedroll, Flint&Steel,
Weak Mana Potion, Scroll Case(4 blank Parchment,
Charcoal),
Trail Rations Fishing Equipment,
Spare Traveling Clothes x2)
Abilities-
Sense Necromancy(Passive)Skills-
Competent FisherStatus- Fine
Eight days since Manifestation
General
Detect Magic- 1 MP - detects spells and magical items near you
Calm Animal- 1 MP - causes wild animals to become peaceful
Sense Vitality- 1 MP - you can detect the Vitality of living things, with a bit of effort
Brew Mana Potion- A Mana Potion takes twice the potions potency in Mana cost, and requires 1/2 hour per point in brewing time
Necromancy
Raise Zombie- ? MP - You can take the formerly living body and turn it into a zombie, but you lack understanding or even much knowledge of the particulars. It seems the mana cost is related to the overall quality of the corpse, and maybe the size?
Command Undead- 2 MP - You can merge your awareness with an undead creature, gauging its general condition and issuing explicit orders it will obey to the best of its ability. You can also give orders that will persist beyond the end of the spell.
Steal Vitality- 3 MP - Range: Line of Effect. You can suck the Vitality out of living things. This spell removes up to 6 Vitality from the target and gives 1/3 of it to you.
Animate Object- 4 MP - You can force Vitality into inanimate objects, things that were never alive to begin with. It seems to be more complicated than Zombification though- your Rock doesn't do anything, which is hardly useful. You'll need to experiment with this more.
Alter Golem- 2 MP- You can make basic alterations to an existing construct or animated object.
Vitality- 13/13
Mana- 3/3
XP- 20/30
Inventory-
Elven Tunic,
Elven Cloak, Belt Knife, 50' Rope, Hatchet,
Camping Supplies,
Masterwork Elven StaffAbilities-
Track,
SurvivalistSkills-
Novice Observer,
Competent Ambusher,
Competent Staff User,
Poor LiarStatus- Fidgety
Your Parents- Your mother is a prominent Mage serving in Yicelafo itself, and your father is a Ranger Lieutenant, currently patrolling the borders.
Omo Thunderjaw- Your best friend, brave and true. He is currently an aspiring Ranger, and is currently home on leave.
Elana Foundwasps- An old flame of yours, she is currently studying with the Mage the next town over.
Pevo Zephyrtempest- The village Sage- you can ask him for knowledge of what history the elves possess. He is somewhat absent minded and easily distracted.
Ari Wetdawn- The village Mage, here to cure ills and bless crops. He knows much of Life magic as well as magic in general, but is also most likely to discern your true nature.
Curo Nightroar- The Necromancer of Thrimesdur, said to be insane, he controls a massive army of the Undead and threatens the Cremated Empire.
Pirate King- The Necromancer operating along the Jeweled Coast, he commands a mixed force of human and lizardfolk pirates along with his undead minions.
Luki Revereorder- a Merchant who possesses many strange things
-This one's a bit morbid, but bear with me. Take two crayfish. Shell one, leaving the meat inside as intact as possible. Remove the flesh from the second while leaving the shell as intact as possible. Attempt to revive both and compare the results. Is vitality in flesh or in bone? In both? Neither? Regardless of what we find, it should prove instructive.
-Try to find out if zombies have a memory, if they can be made to recognize specific objects. I recomend starting with a ball or something, and instructing a zombie to follow that specific ball wherever it goes. After testing it to make sure it works how we expect, substitute in another ball that has a different colour or a different size, and see if the zombie knows it isn't the right ball to follow. We can move to more abstract things from there, like having if understand things like "any ball" "any non-red ball" "the biggest ball" and stuff like that, or even to sort a pile of pebbles into stacks by colour.
-Attempt to raise a pile of ashes from a cremated corpse.
-Raise an earthworm and then, once it is raised, cut it in half at the border between two segments. Which ends, if any, are still animate? Continue cutting into halves at segment lines until all parts are dead or it has been divided into a prostomium, peristomium, pygidium and a pile of ordinary segments.
-See how much damage a dead body can sustain before it is unraisable
-Also, it seemed interesting that the loop was recognized as the center of life. We should test raising different rope Golems, some who are linear, some who are looped or knotted in different ways. How does the golem react to music, and what if we made one out of clay, with more distinguished features?
- Test Command Undead by commanding something you've raised to self-terminate. A further test of this would be if it could work on the undead that other necromancers have summoned.
- Test Command Undead, and see if can you over-ride commands given to a zombie summoned by another necromancer. Does the zombie respond to the most recent order given, or does it have loyalty to whomever summoned it? Or maybe it is under the control of the more powerful of the two necromancers.
- For Animate Object, see if you can make an object levitate, or move to your will. Maybe this could develop into telekinesis..
- we should try pricking our finger, and stealing the vitality of an insect or something, and see if it will heal the cut.
- Another thing we need to play with is fire. Fire golem? HELL YES.
-Play with blood. Maybe that's what the golem needs. Blood. Mix some of your own blood into the clay.
-Like we tried to be the ropeman when we raised our first golem, we can try to be the earth when we make a clay or earthen golem, etc.
World Map
Yicelafo
Author
Topic: You are a Necromancer! Chapter 2-36 Decisions, Decisions (Read 685644 times)