Author Topic: STRATA- Chapter 1  (Read 131621 times)

Offline ketaro

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #20 on: May 20, 2014, 10:03:38 PM »
"Aye, it's hardly a solo mission after all. And neither would I even attempt such a goal without considerable support. The Jackfist Clan desires a true start on establishing such proper connections for not only information relay, but resources and other aid our way whilst we blaze our trail! I offer employ and camaraderie! Fairness in all aspects is on the table, how about we sit around it and drink to a new opportunity, aye?"

Offline phaedrusxy

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #21 on: May 20, 2014, 10:48:39 PM »
"Yes, let us sit and discuss the details. I'm sure we can come to an equitable agreement. I'm thinking partnership sounds rather better than employment, though..."
I don't pee messages into the snow often , but when I do , it's in Cyrillic with Fake Viagra.  Stay frosty my friends.

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #22 on: May 20, 2014, 10:51:17 PM »
"I must reject any offer of employment; I am a samurai in service of the Empress; to sell my skills would demean the position," she stated, frowning at the dwarf's suggestion, "My assistance is freely given, not a commodity.

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Offline ketaro

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #23 on: May 20, 2014, 11:06:26 PM »
"Aye! And I'm certain your Empress has gained much from your service!" the dwarf stated back, with only a subtle smirk.

"Contracted, asked, freely offered and given where a need stands, aye, all meets the same end. I was not asking to sign contracts to work under me, no worries. Equals then. Assistance is needed, so I'm asking any and all who are willing!"
« Last Edit: May 20, 2014, 11:08:17 PM by ketaro »

Offline FlaminCows

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #24 on: May 21, 2014, 05:07:17 PM »
Two tabby cats, one grey and one orange, move over and hop up on an overturned bin that is lying within view. The orange cat looks healthy, with clean fur and bright eyes. The grey one, on the other hand, has dishevelled fur and one badly-scarred eye. The two cats turn to each other, lick their paws, and mew. You'd almost think they were having a conversation!

"Mraaooww meauw mewe? Sssrrr chirp. Miaowbu purrr."
"Brrrr. Meyau. Nyroo~n, *scratch* prr. Mouu, *pat ground*."

"Rrrrr ou mew hssss? Meow mo! Aa mioawmioaw, mioaw. . . mew, mmeww Myawtsruu?
"Mo, mrow mraaw brrr *pat ground* *stretch paw forward* rrr Hmeaw, mrr?

"Rrr" she points at Matsu with her paw.
"Mo, meew" the grey cat turns toward where the orange cat pointed, and jumps with a yelp, "(high-pitched) RRRROWW!?" tail twitching, ears pinned back, pupils dilated. "Mew!" He looks around.


Translated version
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Offline SolEiji

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #25 on: May 21, 2014, 06:50:06 PM »
For those who have been here previously, they may be aware that they are not the only group currently stopped at Limen.  The other group, currently in the tavern, is full and nearly ready to go and simply don't have the horses to spare for more followers.  They may also be aware of the Pathfinder's1 agency booth in town.  Though in a state of decay, it is still manned.  Apparently Espere has taken upon itself to take census of those passing through these parts so they know who went where, and to inform next of kin on their successful or unsuccessful return.

It looks like some new arrivals and a few previous folk have begun gathering in the park, and its drawn attention of a few in town.  A keen eyeDC 20 Perception would notice a gentle looking half elf leaving the general store and noticing the array of new faces.  The squinty eyed violet haired man was dressed in simple white and red garbs indicating him as a member of the Church of Light.  He moved over to the dwarf drinking on the steps of the tavern to ask something, only for the dwarf to shrug and motion towards the group.  Whatever it was seemed satisfactory to him and so he turned to approach the group cautiously.

"Excuse me gentlemen, ladies, have you just arrived?  My name is Louis, I am a servant of the celestial deities.  I'm sworn to help the lost souls of the marked on their journey.  Are you also heading into the shroud?"

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« Last Edit: May 21, 2014, 06:52:46 PM by SolEiji »
Mudada.

Offline phaedrusxy

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #26 on: May 21, 2014, 06:58:26 PM »
Ignoring (or not noticing) the half-elf, Matsu instead sees the kittens playing nearby and says loudly "Shade?!? Bubbles?!? How can this be possible!?! How did you get here!?" and rushes over and grabs both kittens and starts cuddling them vigorously.

Rolls
I don't pee messages into the snow often , but when I do , it's in Cyrillic with Fake Viagra.  Stay frosty my friends.

Offline FlaminCows

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #27 on: May 22, 2014, 12:26:30 AM »
Shade struggles vainly in the grasp of the doctor, but does not claw him, much to the surprise of everybody else in the room. Despite all appearances, the cat really does know him and, after a bit of a fuss, rubs his neck against the doctor in a show of affection. The other cat just looks amused.

Then, when Matsu turns his long-lost kitty over for a belly rub, he sees an area of fur on the chest that is a lighter colour than the rest of it. It is in the shape of the Mark, the same you all carry.
« Last Edit: May 22, 2014, 12:31:59 AM by FlaminCows »

Offline phaedrusxy

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #28 on: May 22, 2014, 07:11:13 AM »
"Hmm... you're marked too? That's odd... I didn't know the Marks affected animals. I guess that explains why you're here, though. Ah well, never mind. I'm glad to see you!" he says excitedly and begins hugging the cat again.
I don't pee messages into the snow often , but when I do , it's in Cyrillic with Fake Viagra.  Stay frosty my friends.

Offline Frogman55

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #29 on: May 22, 2014, 06:23:35 PM »
Ignoring the cats, Ptembridge responded to the priest's query, "I am, at least, and I believe the others. Do you have words for such as us?"

Offline FireInTheSky

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #30 on: May 22, 2014, 07:07:59 PM »
A lanky human, dressed in earthy greens and browns and carrying a large bow, exits the tavern, stumbling slightly, and, squinting, looks around the main thoroughfare. He spots the small group in the park, and ambles over, taking very deliberate, swaying, steps. Arriving, he addresses Axejack, with only the slightest hint of slurring in his speech. Hey there, A.J. I got bored of taking everybody's money playing darts. Even drunk, there's nobody in there who can really give me a good game. He looks around the circle of people, and - obviously drunk as he is - his slate gray eyes are still clear and piercing. Found some new recruits? He sticks out a hand. Hi, I'm Berid.
« Last Edit: May 23, 2014, 03:23:57 PM by FireInTheSky »

Offline SolEiji

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #31 on: May 22, 2014, 07:12:17 PM »
The friendly priest gave a sidelong glance to the medicine man and his cats.  The marked feline did not go unnoticed, but it seems he thought it wiser not to mention it right now.  There are things here not at all what they seem after all.  Instead he returned a hopeful smile at Ptembridge and a wave to the approach of a man in his cups as he continued.  "Certainly.  I offer advice, knowledge, blessings, and healing services (the latter at a minor fee).  Do you have a heading?  Many go wandering into the dark with only vague feelings and dim memories, but don't return.  The wilderness can be a dangerous place, especially with monstrous shades wandering about.  May I suggest running by the local cartographer Siirrus and seeing if he can help with your navigation?  He works for the Pathfinders.  And then of course you should make sure you're properly prepared and armed.  And of course when you'll be leaving.  I would discourage going now.  The sun is setting and though Limen is far from the shroud, it is still close enough to draw in aggressive shades at night."

He lifted his hand to his brow to peer up at the guard tower.  "It's been safe in here, there are guards in place.  Once you're outside though its more that wild beasts and shades to worry about.  I'm afraid I keep hearing stories about people preying on unsuspecting marked in pilgrimage.  Even in these dark times there are those who'd seek to hurt others for a quick coin.  You should probably plot out your path with this in mind.

Though, if you don't have a certain stopping point may I suggest Equites of Chrysanthemum.  I understand that the Church has set up a safeground in its old coliseum by one of the belltowers.  It's past Taphos deep into the shroud, so if you find yourself struggling in the darkness seek it out as a beacon of hope.

Is there anything I can be of service, then?"
Mudada.

Offline phaedrusxy

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #32 on: May 23, 2014, 10:18:38 AM »
Finally getting himself contained from his excitement over the kittehs, Matsu walks back over to talk to the cleric. He says "What do you know of the shades? Are there certain things that they have in common? Any fears or vulnerabilities that you've seen?

You said they come out at night around here. Do they fear the sun? Or are they stronger at night?

Do they seem intelligent or organized? Who around here might know the most about them that we could talk to?"
I don't pee messages into the snow often , but when I do , it's in Cyrillic with Fake Viagra.  Stay frosty my friends.

Offline SolEiji

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #33 on: May 25, 2014, 05:07:03 PM »
"Ah, an inquisitive one.  You should fare better than the last group to depart from here.  Sadly they did not return intact, I don't think they were expecting quite the number of beasts out there.  You'll have to excuse me, monster lore is more of Achenar's field.  He is a chronicler in employ to the pathfinders.  And then there's the village guards who have also encountered creatures.  Even so, I may be able to field some of the questions.

I know shades existed before the darkness, but never like this.  Are you familiar with the Underdark?  It is a world which exists below ours, and somewhat to the side.  It's not merely a matter of digging straight down but down is the best way to find a natural passage into it.  From the underdark come the shades.  They differ from creatures merely altered by magicite poisoning, they thrive in such a hostile terrain.  But shades have never been a big problem before.  The passages can be sealed, and the creatures that came through were never much worse than could be found on the surface.  I know all shades can survive around purple magicite, and that many either are vulnerable or at least seem to dislike the sun.  It makes sense, given their lightless world.  You can find shades in the day, but at night they start spreading out from the shroud where the stronger and more terrifying shades are.  And then there are the titans..."


Ptembridge may have has experience with them.  They were far above any normal monster.  Giant beasts, kaiju even, the most common 1 one being a tall and lanky humanoid that seemed to have been the forefront of the attack on Taphos.  You also may remember how ineffectual attacks were on them.  They were invincible.

"...but I don't feel apt to speak of them.  I have never seen one in person, fortunately.  I know they all have some strange crystalline structure within them, and that they decay strangely.  That's about it.  Most shades don't seem to be particularly intelligent, but there are a few with human or superhuman minds.  They are the most dangerous, because they can guide the less intelligent brutes.  Not even I know if they have any plan other than what they intend themselves, and they aren't talking.

If you leave at night, be careful.  The stronger creatures will be coming from their hiding spots in the world, it would be a more difficult time.  If you travel at day and hide at night you should evade the most of it."


The half-elf motioned over to the agency building.  Since they were on the subject, "Shall I escort you over there?"

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Mudada.

Offline FireInTheSky

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #34 on: May 25, 2014, 08:44:01 PM »
Berid shifts awkwardly when no one takes his hand, and then lowers it to his side, muttering ...Well met, I guess... As the priest talks more of the shades outside the gates, Berid's balance appears to steady, and he straightens so he's no longer leaning on his bow. So, are any of you interested in joining our partnership? As our friend here has said - indicating the priest - it's best to travel in groups - the more armed and informed, the better. Turning to address the priest, he asks Do you know if the shades are especially vulnerable to any kinds of unusual metals, such as silver or cold iron? Or can they, for the most part, be fought off with normal weapons?

Offline phaedrusxy

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #35 on: May 26, 2014, 08:58:17 PM »
"Sure, thanks. If he's still in, I'd love to talk to him." Matsu replies.

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I don't pee messages into the snow often , but when I do , it's in Cyrillic with Fake Viagra.  Stay frosty my friends.

Offline SolEiji

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #36 on: May 26, 2014, 10:05:53 PM »
"Excellent.  This way please.  Are you all together?" he asked motioning to Berid who, for the moment, he presumed as their leader.  He didn't seem to know more about the exact nature of the monsters outside, shrugging in response about material weaknesses.  He would make small talk for the few moments it took to walk though, specifically concerning that samurai woman.  "If you don't mind me asking ma'am, you're Jingian right?  Were you related to that elf that was around here earlier?"  No?  Of course you don't know anything about an elf.

The agency doors were opened, and inside was a bit more populated and louder than expected.  It was lined with roughly thrown together chalkboards and papers, stacks of documents, and boxes and bags and all manner of debris, quite messy.  At front was a desk with a troubled blonde man in armor talking to a tired brown haired fellow sitting behind the desk.  He's rubbing his head in frustration from the argument which appears to be going on just behind him between two others (one dressed in red, the other blue) who don't seem to particularly care for the other.

"-clearly can't have left the area dramatically on foot, meaning that they're probably localized around the old Marlowe estate and farmlands, maybe even from any nearby mines she owned.  It's not like anyone has been there recently, who knows what they've done to the place."

"Bullshit, that's too close to the road and besides you're not even studying that field.  The guy clearly said that her last report had her pursuing a 'large four legged bird'.  The only place those have been appearing from is from the wooded area where there's supposed to be a sinkhole that breaks through the Underdark.  He needs to be travelling this way, the exact opposite direction."

"And a place nowhere close to civilization.  She was near the roads, as she was instructed to.  We haven't encountered terrain drift this far out yet, don't be dense."

"Then she clearly didn't follow directions!"

"She'd have to be damn fast to get as far as you say.  Look at the math here, you're wrong!"

"Put that away.  Your math is no good when you have to make up the variables on your own!"

"That's only because I can't get decent scouts!"

"That's because you keep sending scouts in places I'm telling you are crawling with shades.  They don't stand a chance!"

"How else am I suppose to be sure about my findings?!"

"Will you two please be quiet." the man at the desk interrupted.  "I just need a clear answer for Sir Eldridge here.  Seriously you're both supposed to be experts, please act like it."  Sir Eldridge must be the blonde fellow, who coughs nervously as new faces filter inward.  "My apologies sir, I'll get the guards to do a close proximity search but they'll need to be back by nightfall.  The gates close at night, we can't afford to have them open."

"I understand." Eldridge replied, standing aside for the newcomers.  The man at the desk now addressed the party at large shuffling new papers into his hand.  "Are you new?  I'm taking census of everyone who passes through here.  Name, homeland, and next of kin please?  Its so we can inform loved ones of any losses..."

"I'll step out of your way for a moment ladies and gentleman.  The one I was referring to, Achenar, is the fellow in the blue vest there.  They seem to be at it again though.  He's a little rough around the edges but he means right."  The priest moves to the side to let the others do what they wish.
« Last Edit: July 25, 2014, 06:27:09 PM by SolEiji »
Mudada.

Offline ketaro

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #37 on: May 26, 2014, 10:31:49 PM »
The dwarf steps up and slams his hand down on the table loudly. "Greetings then! AxeJack Jackfist of the Jackfist Jack of All Trades Mercenary Clan, hailing from Medved! Next of kin can simply be made out to the Jackfist Clan for simplicity's sake. Myself and my new compatriots of which have chosen to not introduce themselves yet. Well, I know Berid already of course!"

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #38 on: May 26, 2014, 10:39:23 PM »
Finally, the samurai came out of a state of shock, even as she had followed the rest of the group.

"Why is the cat registering as evil?"

Animals weren't supposed to do that.

Offline FlaminCows

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #39 on: May 27, 2014, 12:45:06 AM »
The two cats look at the paladin, then look at each other.

"Meow." "Meow."
(click to show/hide)

They hop down from the doctor's knee, and approach the paladin's position. Their movements are in sync, avoiding tactical obstacles as they close the distance to their target. They brace for impact, and. . . simultaneously rub their whole bodies against her legs.

They sit down in front of her, and make a face that looks something like this:
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Shade offers his paw for a handshake.