Whoops it's 4am, roll later tomorrow today.

Roll 159



The world as the players know it:


1. Kyeltziv
2. John, Vandolf
3. Gazebo
4. P’orihc, Ki’stha, Kleigg
~~~



Time: Night



Name: John Freemaneth (TorrentHKU)
Race: Human
____________________

Vandolf: "But we tried that. Negotiations have already failed. It seems Lucida has serious trust issues - quite understandable, considering his past, both recent and distant. If we still wish to pursue negotiations, we'd need some proof of our good will and sincerity.

The negotiator would need to be alone with Byrnolf as to attract Lucida's attention, and be unarmed so they aren't a threat. And we can't send a nobody like last time... sorry John, but sending somebody of no significance won't do.

As far as I can tell, Elizabeth would be the best negotiator in this situation. Lucida already knows how powerful and influential she is, as he has fought her before. Her coming to him unarmed would send a very big message. If we show him a bit of trust this way, he may just do the same for us.

Trust is only the first step however. For us to actually negotiate anything, we have to be able to give him something in return.

The only thing we can currently offer to him is to show him the location of Ultima, as long as he promises not to release it. If he agrees to this, I think we can trust him. He seems to despise treachery, and generally very... honorable, as long as he doesn't feel threatened.

From there we can wait for the party heading to Fluustern to return, and attempt release the spirit residing in Ultima. If we can do this, we can offer the spirit to him in some way that allows them to remain together, and offer to release Lucida as well if he so desires.

And then everyone lived happily ever after."

John: "That's not a good idea. Lucida's been burned one too many times already, leading with the information he wants most would be reckless at best, suicidal at worst. If we got some way into negotiation and diplomacy, I mean months of building rapport and trust, maybe then it'd be fine to reveal the location. Right now? If he got the location, boom, we're done. He'd run off to it immediately. Well, with some caution, considering how likely it is to be a trap for us to just tell him like that.
The rest of the negotiations, yes, Lord Elizabeth would be ideal for the job. I would recommend Tara, but I'm not sure how well known her name was when Lucida was spirited, so that may just be going off the Daeli name. Though telling him that the Daelis are supporting Vranhal in this Lucida endeavor could be a useful thing. Either for intimidation or for proving the legitimacy of your attempts to help him and Ultima."

Vandolf: "I didn't say it was necessarily a good idea, only that it was all we currently have to offer him in return for his cooperation. Our other option would be to wait for the party that went to Fluustern to return, then extract the spirit from Ultima, and offer it to him. It's just that in the meantime, Lucida will continue to destroy anything that stands in his way. And if he somehow finds Ultima's location before we can extract the spirit, we could be in trouble, especially if we don't have some kind of understanding.

We could try and explain to him what we're planning, and ask him to stop causing trouble for a little while until we can get him what he wants safely, but I don't think he trusts us enough or would be very patient in that circumstance. We could also tell him we're not supporters of the Caelum sect that had him locked up, and that the Caelum sect leadership itself hadn't even approved of it, and that might get us a little somewhere, but it's all very uncertain."

John: "Right now, offering words alone is a significantly better idea for the safety of the continent than telling Lucida where Ultima is. Yes, the chance of him accepting negotiations with no real collateral or gain besides promises is... slim. But, it's also a significantly better plan than letting him smash Ultima out by force. If absolutely nothing else, we need to make sure he understands exactly what he's smashing out."

You sigh.

John: "I more than anyone would like negotiations to go well. All of the spirited constructs were, are people too. People who've experienced a hell of a lot more than most of us, and in Lucida's case, been locked in a cold emotionless prison a lot longer. But I'm not stupid enough to think that justifies essentially guaranteeing the jailbreak of a very powerful, very dangerous weapon, with a spirit of... unknown disposition in it."

Vandolf: "If we have nothing to offer him, then it isn't a negotiation. It's a demand. And Lucida won't accept any demands in his current state. Just asking him to trust that we're on his side won't do it, as we've plainly seen.

We might as well just try and subdue him by force, if making demands is our only option."

John: "If you'd like to use that logic, then HE has nothing to offer us aside from not trying to kill us. The point would be to establish a mutual point of trust. If he works with us, we'll assist him. If we help him, he'll stop trying to hunt Ultima. That would be the agreement.
We only know that some nameless man claiming to represent Vranhal does not make him believe anything. An earnest attempt at diplomacy with someone truly influential has yet to be made, and I hardly see how you're an expert of how he would react, considering your total interactions with Lucida amount to punching him hard enough to crack his armor."

Elizabeth: ”Giving Ultima’s location to Lucida is a bad idea and we’re not doing that. Talking to Lucida one-on-one, unarmed. Hmm.”

The lord takes a long sip from her coffee mug.

Elizabeth: ”I suppose there could be worse things to do, like giving Ultima’s location to Lucida.
We’ll need to figure out where Lucida is and plan the meeting, and somehow get it across that it’s not a trap.”

Tara: ”If you’re willing to go through with that plan, Atra and I could help track Lucida down. A sword that lights up like a beacon can’t be too hard to find, right?”

Elizabeth: ”Tell that to the men I already have trying to keep a tab on him. But yes, your help would be appreciated, thank you.”

Vandolf leaves the room, and the lord looks directly at you.

Elizabeth: ”Thank you, John. You’ve been of great help lately, and I admire your enthusiasm towards peaceful resolutions, something that seems to be lacking nowadays with all of the conflict we’ve been having. I would be honored to have your continued efforts in our attempts to remedy the situation, we’re short on men like you around here.”

You shift uncomfortably. The sincere smile on her face, the soft gaze focused on you, highlighted by the shadows under her eyes… Wait, has she slept at all? It’s nearly morning and she’s still wearing the same wrinkled clothes you saw the last time you were here.
____________________

Conditions:
Health: 42.1/50
Stamina: 5/5
Mana: 5/11
AP: 3/3
Evasion AP: 2/2
Fortification AP: 1/1

Evasion Behavior: Auto Evade when there is Evasion AP | Use Impulse Evasion to recover before actions if stumbled that turn and have at least 2 AP

Trauma: 7.9
Evasion - 3.95 => -0






Name: Kleigg (TheKebbit)
Race: Human
____________________

"My name is Kleigg. I am a penniless man of a religion with no name, no tithes and no temples. I am anathema to magic as an accident of my birth, and I suppose there are some who would need my services, but I have been avoiding serfdom ever since a terrible accident with the Second of Caelum.
And you would be? You seem like a helpful soul. What is it exactly that you do around here?"

???: ”My friends call me Tabi. What do I do? Well, I guess you could say I recruit people for our, uh, secret club for the magically inept, if that makes sense. I’m not allowed to give too many details unless if you join, which makes it hard to convince people to join in the first place.”
____________________

Conditions:
Health: 50/50
Stamina: 8/8
Mana: 8/8
AP: 3/3

Evasion Behavior: Manual

Captured Spells (1/2)
-Radiance (Create a powerful light, blinding everyone around you) (Inflicts Blind = Arcane + Mana)

-Null Body (-9.8 Non-Negation Magic, +9.8 Magic Resistance)





Name: P’orihc (Asklar)
Race: Chirop
____________________

Ki’stha: "That would be excellent, thank you."

"Let's go!"

The guide leads you into the commerce district. Shops of all kinds fill the area, and vendors prepare their stalls for the coming day. Your group stops in front of a medium sized building with a large sign above the door reading “Arcane Suppliers.” Heading inside, you see the store has four large free-standing shelves and shelves on the left and right walls, with counters on the same wall as the entrance.

The left wall has a large array of different colored small orbs, mage stones. The rest of the shelves have a collection of various devices, most likely constructs. A uniformed chirop pokes her head from behind a shelf, holding several items that she was probably stocking.

Staff: ”Hello, can I help you?”
____________________

Conditions:
Health: 40/40
Stamina: 4/4
Mana: 12/12
AP: 2/2
Telepathic AP: 1/1

Evasion Behavior: Manual




Name: Ki’stha (Roast Veg)
Race: Chirop
____________________

"That would be excellent, thank you."

P’orihc: "Let's go!"

The guide leads you into the commerce district. Shops of all kinds fill the area, and vendors prepare their stalls for the coming day. Your group stops in front of a medium sized building with a large sign above the door reading “Arcane Suppliers.” Heading inside, you see the store has four large free-standing shelves and shelves on the left and right walls, with counters on the same wall as the entrance.

The left wall has a large array of different colored small orbs, mage stones. The rest of the shelves have a collection of various devices, most likely constructs. A uniformed chirop pokes her head from behind a shelf, holding several items that she was probably stocking.

Staff: ”Hello, can I help you?”
____________________

Conditions:
Health: 40/40
Stamina: 6/6
Mana: 10/10
AP: 2/2

Evasion Behavior: Evade when possible





Name: Kyeltziv (Amazigh)
Race: Lupus
____________________

Turning around, you see a sturdy wooden door with steel stripes for reinforcement. You then find yourself standing in a hallway - outside of the cell. The entire hall has doors running down it, countless cells with children inside, some screaming, others crying, most silent.

They’re here for a reason. What is it? You see rooms flash before your eyes, metal devices and hot fires and lacerated flesh, puddles of blood, and piles of bones. The shadow man carrying out the deeds as easily as one would pull weeds.

In the back of your head you know that he isn’t a sadist. There’s a reason for the torture. Who is he? What is his goal?
____________________

Conditions:
Health: 80/80
Stamina: 9/9
Mana: 7/7
AP: 3/3
Melee AP: 2/2
Evasion AP: 2/2

Evasion Behavior: Auto Evade when there is Evasion AP

Spirit’s Eye (Accuracy cannot fall below 50%)



Name: Vandolf (CrazyMLC)
Race: Lupus
____________________

Vandolf: "But we tried that. Negotiations have already failed. It seems Lucida has serious trust issues - quite understandable, considering his past, both recent and distant. If we still wish to pursue negotiations, we'd need some proof of our good will and sincerity.

The negotiator would need to be alone with Byrnolf as to attract Lucida's attention, and be unarmed so they aren't a threat. And we can't send a nobody like last time... sorry John, but sending somebody of no significance won't do.

As far as I can tell, Elizabeth would be the best negotiator in this situation. Lucida already knows how powerful and influential she is, as he has fought her before. Her coming to him unarmed would send a very big message. If we show him a bit of trust this way, he may just do the same for us.

Trust is only the first step however. For us to actually negotiate anything, we have to be able to give him something in return.

The only thing we can currently offer to him is to show him the location of Ultima, as long as he promises not to release it. If he agrees to this, I think we can trust him. He seems to despise treachery, and generally very... honorable, as long as he doesn't feel threatened.

From there we can wait for the party heading to Fluustern to return, and attempt release the spirit residing in Ultima. If we can do this, we can offer the spirit to him in some way that allows them to remain together, and offer to release Lucida as well if he so desires.

And then everyone lived happily ever after."

John: "That's not a good idea. Lucida's been burned one too many times already, leading with the information he wants most would be reckless at best, suicidal at worst. If we got some way into negotiation and diplomacy, I mean months of building rapport and trust, maybe then it'd be fine to reveal the location. Right now? If he got the location, boom, we're done. He'd run off to it immediately. Well, with some caution, considering how likely it is to be a trap for us to just tell him like that.
The rest of the negotiations, yes, Lord Elizabeth would be ideal for the job. I would recommend Tara, but I'm not sure how well known her name was when Lucida was spirited, so that may just be going off the Daeli name. Though telling him that the Daelis are supporting Vranhal in this Lucida endeavor could be a useful thing. Either for intimidation or for proving the legitimacy of your attempts to help him and Ultima."

Vandolf: "I didn't say it was necessarily a good idea, only that it was all we currently have to offer him in return for his cooperation. Our other option would be to wait for the party that went to Fluustern to return, then extract the spirit from Ultima, and offer it to him. It's just that in the meantime, Lucida will continue to destroy anything that stands in his way. And if he somehow finds Ultima's location before we can extract the spirit, we could be in trouble, especially if we don't have some kind of understanding.

We could try and explain to him what we're planning, and ask him to stop causing trouble for a little while until we can get him what he wants safely, but I don't think he trusts us enough or would be very patient in that circumstance. We could also tell him we're not supporters of the Caelum sect that had him locked up, and that the Caelum sect leadership itself hadn't even approved of it, and that might get us a little somewhere, but it's all very uncertain."

John: "Right now, offering words alone is a significantly better idea for the safety of the continent than telling Lucida where Ultima is. Yes, the chance of him accepting negotiations with no real collateral or gain besides promises is... slim. But, it's also a significantly better plan than letting him smash Ultima out by force. If absolutely nothing else, we need to make sure he understands exactly what he's smashing out."

He sighs.

John: "I more than anyone would like negotiations to go well. All of the spirited constructs were, are people too. People who've experienced a hell of a lot more than most of us, and in Lucida's case, been locked in a cold emotionless prison a lot longer. But I'm not stupid enough to think that justifies essentially guaranteeing the jailbreak of a very powerful, very dangerous weapon, with a spirit of... unknown disposition in it."

Vandolf: "If we have nothing to offer him, then it isn't a negotiation. It's a demand. And Lucida won't accept any demands in his current state. Just asking him to trust that we're on his side won't do it, as we've plainly seen.

We might as well just try and subdue him by force, if making demands is our only option."

John: "If you'd like to use that logic, then HE has nothing to offer us aside from not trying to kill us. The point would be to establish a mutual point of trust. If he works with us, we'll assist him. If we help him, he'll stop trying to hunt Ultima. That would be the agreement.
We only know that some nameless man claiming to represent Vranhal does not make him believe anything. An earnest attempt at diplomacy with someone truly influential has yet to be made, and I hardly see how you're an expert of how he would react, considering your total interactions with Lucida amount to punching him hard enough to crack his armor."

Elizabeth: ”Giving Ultima’s location to Lucida is a bad idea and we’re not doing that. Talking to Lucida one-on-one, unarmed. Hmm.”

The lord takes a long sip from her coffee mug.

Elizabeth: ”I suppose there could be worse things to do, like giving Ultima’s location to Lucida.
We’ll need to figure out where Lucida is and plan the meeting, and somehow get it across that it’s not a trap.”

Tara: ”If you’re willing to go through with that plan, Atra and I could help track Lucida down. A sword that lights up like a beacon can’t be too hard to find, right?”

Elizabeth: ”Tell that to the men I already have trying to keep a tab on him. But yes, your help would be appreciated, thank you.”

You leave the room and head for the armory, which isn’t too far away.

The guards let you in without question, and you enter and find the place full of racks of equipment.

Steel Longsword (+10 Edge | +4 Impact)
Steel Mace (+10 Impact)
Steel Halberd (+15 Edge | +7 Impact)
Steel Warhammer (+15 Impact , 7 Weight)

Steel Helmet (10 Armor Resilience , 20/20 Durability) (+20/20 Physical Defense)
Steel Cuirass (10 Armor Resilience , 20/20 Durability) (+20/20 Physical Defense)

Red Mage’s Hooded Robe (5 Armor Resilience , 15/15 Durability) (+4/4 Physical Defense)
(Also come in blue, black, grey, white, and brown)
Mage Stone (Mana: 10/10)

Crossbow (+10 to projectile)
Crossbow Bolt (+2 Edge , +2 Impact)
____________________

Conditions:
Health: 80/80
Stamina: 15/15
Mana: 2/2
AP: 2/2
Melee AP: 2/2

Evasion Behavior: Evade when possible




____________________________________________________________
_____ Followers

Name: Miimas
Race: Chirop
____________________


____________________

Conditions:
Health: 40/40
Stamina: 8/8
Mana: 10/10
AP: 2/2

Spirit’s Eye (Accuracy cannot fall below 50%)


Name: Grant
Race: Human Spirit
____________________


____________________

Conditions:
Health: 50/50
Stamina: -/-
Mana: 8/8
AP: 3/3

Roll 160



The world as the players know it:


1. Kyeltziv
2. John, Vandolf
3. Gazebo
4. P’orihc, Ki’stha, Kleigg
~~~



Time: Dawn



Name: John Freemaneth (TorrentHKU)
Race: Human
____________________

"Oh, I, ah... Thank you. I'm glad to assist you however I can.
You haven't slept since Lucida arrived on Vranhal's doorstep, have you? You may want to soon, while things are relatively calm, especially if you do intend to go the diplomatic route. Keep the mind sharp and show yourself at your best."
"When did I last sleep..."

Elizabeth: ”Been managing with little power naps here and there, but proper sleep does sound like a good idea.”

Another sip from the mug as Vandolf makes his return, now armed with half of the armory’s inventory.

Elizabeth: ”Alright, so here’s what we’re going to do. Tara, I’ll have you help the men I already have out in the field track down Lucida. I’ll have to come up with an articulate discussion plan, make sure I’m prepared for any questions Lucida might ask. Liam -”

She gestures to the silent, towering lupus standing to her left.

Elizabeth: He and several men will go to Esthen, see if they can get the Second or Esthen to explain the situation themselves, see what they know. Torrent and several other guards will keep an eye on Byrnolf, as well as anyone else we know of that has information on Ultima.

So, John and Vandolf, where do you two fit into this? You’re free to leave the matter if you wish - you’ve done more than enough.
____________________

Conditions:
Health: 45.1/50
Stamina: 5/5
Mana: 8/11
AP: 3/3
Evasion AP: 2/2
Fortification AP: 1/1

Evasion Behavior: Auto Evade when there is Evasion AP | Use Impulse Evasion to recover before actions if stumbled that turn and have at least 2 AP

Trauma: 4.9
Evasion - 2.45 => -0






Name: Kleigg (TheKebbit)
Race: Human
____________________

You use your magic sense to see if she’s a nullifier like you.

Well… You sense her, so you assume that she’s not a nullifier.

"Let me in. I don't want to stand alone."

Tabi: ”Well, if you’re that eager to join then I guess I can’t say no! Come on, I’ll take you to the guy who leads the division in Magusalto.”

You follow the chirop as she leads you to the south-eastern end of the city, the area full of smaller, residential towers and buildings. There aren’t many people around at the moment, being very early morning.

Tabi: ”This is pretty exciting! I haven’t recruited anyone before, I, maybe I could be your superior and show you the ins and outs of what we do. Maybe that sounds weird but it feels like I’m doing something, you know?”

The two of you soon reach a small, plain rectangular two-story stone building, the windows boarded up and the heavy wooden door reinforced with sheets of metal bolted to the front. Tabi knocks on the door, and you hear a “Who is it?” on the other side.

Tabi: ”Ba-ba ba dook, dook, DOOK.”

A brief pause, and there’s the sound of clicking and metal sliding on metal as numerous locks are undone. The door opens up, the interior fairly well-lit, and the two of you enter.

The first floor of the building is barren - the room is void of any sort of furniture or setting. The floor and ceiling are both wood, with a staircase on the far left of the room that leads to the upper level. A thump, and you turn around to see the door closed, a lupus wearing an ordinary cotton shirt and thick brown pants. The only thing that seems out of the ordinary is the sturdy leather gauntlet that encases his right hand and lower arm.

Tabi: ”Hey Bayfri, I recruited someone! He’s interested in joining, and I only told him what I’m allowed to!”

Bayfri: ”Hmm.”

The wolf’s eyes focus on you, looking up and down, taking in any and all possible information.

Bayfri: ”You seem rather unusual, if I may be blunt. What is your story?”
____________________

Conditions:
Health: 50/50
Stamina: 8/8
Mana: 8/8
AP: 3/3

Evasion Behavior: Manual

Captured Spells (1/2)
-Radiance (Create a powerful light, blinding everyone around you) (Inflicts Blind = Arcane + Mana)

-Null Body (-8.8 Non-Negation Magic, +8.8 Magic Resistance)





Name: P’orihc (Asklar)
Race: Chirop
____________________

"What is a mage stone?"

Staff: ”They’re objects that you can store mana in. They’re often called mana stones, too. We have a bunch on that wall there.”

She points to the wall with the shelves of small orbs.

Staff: ”Unless if like, you meant how they actually work and stuff?”
____________________

Conditions:
Health: 40/40
Stamina: 4/4
Mana: 12/12
AP: 2/2
Telepathic AP: 1/1

Evasion Behavior: Manual




Name: Ki’stha (Roast Veg)
Race: Chirop
____________________

P’orihc: "What is a mage stone?"

Staff: ”They’re objects that you can store mana in. They’re called mana stones, too. We have a bunch on that wall there.”

She points to the wall with the shelves of small orbs.

Staff: ”Unless if like, you meant how they actually work and stuff?”
____________________

Conditions:
Health: 40/40
Stamina: 6/6
Mana: 10/10
AP: 2/2

Evasion Behavior: Evade when possible





Name: Kyeltziv (Amazigh)
Race: Lupus
____________________

The shadow man, where is he?

You see him in the torture chamber, utilizing the sinister tools as carefully as an artist would sculpt clay, looking at a crystalline and metal contraption with interest, writing down notes so he would not forget what he observed. You see him in the infirmary, carefully tending to the childrens’ wounds with the gentleness and care rivalling the most nurturing parent. You see him in the kitchen, slaving over the fires and double-checking books, mixing spices and oils and vegetables and meats in precise quantities before placing them in front of the children.

They fear him when he arrives at their cells, they relax when they see the light of healing magic, they become excited when the feast is ready, they steel themselves for the fast.

Sometimes he takes them to the library and reads to them, sometimes outside the walls, grassy fields that are still contained in iron bars.

Standing on a hill, you watch the children run about, screaming, fighting, playing, laughing. Beside you stands a man clothed in a white robe, watching with you.

Grant: ”Why is this happening?”
____________________

Conditions:
Health: 80/80
Stamina: 9/9
Mana: 7/7
AP: 3/3
Melee AP: 2/2
Evasion AP: 2/2

Evasion Behavior: Auto Evade when there is Evasion AP

Spirit’s Eye (Accuracy cannot fall below 50%)



Name: Vandolf (CrazyMLC)
Race: Lupus
____________________

You grab the following items:
-Steel Longsword (+10 Edge | +4 Impact)
-Steel Longsword (+10 Edge | +4 Impact)
-Steel Helmet (10 Armor Resilience , 20/20 Durability) (+20/20 Physical Defense)
-Steel Cuirass (10 Armor Resilience , 20/20 Durability) (+20/20 Physical Defense)
-Black Mage’s Hooded Robe (5 Armor Resilience , 15/15 Durability) (+4/4 Physical Defense)
-Mage Stone (Mana: 10/10)
-Crossbow (+10 to projectile)
-Crossbow Bolt (+2 Edge , +2 Impact) (Qty. 20)

You equip the armor and thank the guards on your way out, who simply glare at you, and make your way back to the lord’s office. Everyone’s still there when you arrive.

Elizabeth: ”Alright, so here’s what we’re going to do. Tara, I’ll have you help the men I already have out in the field track down Lucida. I’ll have to come up with an articulate discussion plan, make sure I’m prepared for any questions Lucida might ask. Liam -”

She gestures to the silent, towering lupus standing to her left.

Elizabeth: He and several men will go to Esthen, see if they can get the Second or Esthen to explain the situation themselves, see what they know. Torrent and several other guards will keep an eye on Byrnolf, as well as anyone else we know of that has information on Ultima.

So, John and Vandolf, where do you two fit into this? You’re free to leave the matter if you wish - you’ve done more than enough.
____________________

Conditions:
Health: 80/80
Stamina: 15/15
Mana: 2/2
AP: 2/2
Melee AP: 2/2

Evasion Behavior: Evade when possible




____________________________________________________________
_____ Followers

Name: Miimas
Race: Chirop
____________________


____________________

Conditions:
Health: 40/40
Stamina: 8/8
Mana: 10/10
AP: 2/2

Spirit’s Eye (Accuracy cannot fall below 50%)


Name: Grant
Race: Human Spirit
____________________


____________________

Conditions:
Health: 50/50
Stamina: -/-
Mana: 8/8
AP: 3/3