IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

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Apr 4, 2020 3:41 pm

Apr 4, 2020 3:41 pm

IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

https://i.imgur.com/qI2BXWs.png

Delphi, the Center of the World!

What a thought to muse upon, as you sit and look upon the Omphalos - Gaea's navel. What a thought that Man is even able to stand here, on these primordial grounds!!

But here you stand...

The city is even more magnificent then you could have imagined. Mount Parnassus towering up into the clouds, behind it - the very home of the Muses and the pegasus, Bollerophon, right there! Sacred grounds to Apollo, Dionysus, Athena, and other gods, and for so many reasons. The birth-place of poetry and music, a sanctuary for satyrs and nymphs. The fertile valleys below... And Delphi itself, of course, the temples, the home to the Pythian games - the celebration of Apollo's triumph over the serpentine dragon Python! None of this would be here without Apollo. Home to the legendary Oracle of Delphi, and many houses of thought and politics. This, the Center-of-Centers... of worship, and history, and heroes, and learning, and human triumph! ... And you are finally here...

Some traveled further than others perhaps, but for everyone it was a journey of some sort to get to Delphi. Physical, mental, spiritual. The reasons for coming to this hallowed place are as innumerable as it's wonders.

Now it is time to reflect upon why you have come.

OOC:

Okay, folks, so the Thread is locked for now/until Monday, or when our final PCs are prepared. But please start thinking up a little introduction post for your PC. Who they are. What they look like. And perhaps some inner (or outer ;D) monologue as to why they are here, and/or where they came from. Feel free to take some liberties with the situation your PC is engaged in as we begin play. No one has to know each other, in advance. But you are welcome to figure out a story/background where you do, if any of you want to.

The reasons that anyone would come here, as hinted at in the in-character intro text above, are endless. It is a religious center. It is a center of learning and great thought. The time in which we've started play, the Pythian games are going on, so there is a gathering of athletes of numerous types of human competition. And of course all the mythology centered here... So make up a reason for why your PC is here.

And let's role/roll!!

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Apr 5, 2020 2:35 pm

Apr 5, 2020 2:35 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Capaneus steps out of the outfitters, slinging the bav containing the climbing gear he'd purchase over a shoulder as the sun gleams off the light sheen of sweat covering his recently shaved head.

The games are a foolish approximation of real climbing skill. He thinks to himself, looking back in the direction of the Pythian competition grounds, Peacocks and show climbers, every one. He'd lost the speed ascent to a local boy who seemed barely old enough to be able to sire a child, and the humiliation grated at him. The skill he'd developed at picking careful approaches and clinging to near sheer cliffs had not served him well on the wall of artificial hand holds and climb lines the games were using for their test. No mountain in the world is so regimented and man-friendly for any span worth climbing. He sneers and starts down the dusty road, looking up at Mount Parnassus as he moves, climbing picks clattering against each other as he moves through the crowds populating the street. That is a true test. He plans to make an ascent tomorrow, at least to a cliff that will restore his self respect, but first, a meal.

Apr 5, 2020 3:49 pm

Apr 5, 2020 3:49 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Well Dio, we are finally here, look at the size of the city!" Pagoni smirked as Dio, a raven given to him by his parents, mimicked the sound of applause. Pagoni ran his fingers through his jet black hair, and smoothed his mustache. He took a few of the stones for his sling and started juggling them while he thought. He wasn't so proud that he would head to the largest theater demanding a part. He knew it may take a few performances in smaller theaters for people to recognize his brilliance. Becoming famous could take days. Pagoni starts walking in to town and says to his pet raven, "Dio, let's go get my glorious career started.", Dio replies, "The end", which she had taken to doing at the worst times. He was starting to wonder why his parent gave him this Raven.

Apr 5, 2020 7:55 pm

Apr 5, 2020 7:55 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Registrations for the Pythian Games, right this way!"

A steady stream of people are moving towards the small, portly man who is yelling those words. In the middle of that stream, one young man is standing completely still. His eyes are slightly glassy and fogged over as if he doesn’t quite register the excited man animatedly trying to herd people his way. After years of training to be the best archer, the best runner, gymnast, wrestler among other things, the Pythian Games ought to have been the pinnacle of this journey. But for some reason his feet just doesn’t want to take these last few steps towards that goal. Instead he’s just frozen in place, his mind and heart not sure what to do, a central doubt keeping him paralysed.

"Charisteas, could you please follow me? The oracle wishes to see you"

Charisteas, the athlete, whips his head around to look at the man speaking. His appearance seems fairly ordinary, a grey haired older man with a full white beard. Charisteas doesn’t know him and the familiarity with which this man addresses him sends a shiver down his spine.

"The oracle? How does she know me?"

The older man smiles amused.

"She wouldn’t be much of an oracle if she didn’t..."

With those words he silently turns around and walks away. Charisteas rocks ever so slightly back and forth on his feet before finally striding after the man. He has no clue as to why the famed oracle of Delphi wishes to see him, but she might just be able to provide the answer to the question he’s been asking himself: Is there really no more to life than this?

OOC:

Okay, so this is my first PBP game, so if there’s anything in terms of how I play that isn’t "correct" or if you guys generally have any notes on how I could do things differently just let me know. But excited to be getting going!

Last edited April 6, 2020 7:14 am

Apr 5, 2020 8:35 pm

Apr 5, 2020 8:35 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Sassafras says:

OOC:

Okay, so this is my first PBP game, so if there’s anything in terms of how I play that isn’t "correct" or if you guys generally have any notes on how I could do things differently just let me know. But excited to be getting going!

OOC:

You're doing great!

You stole my thunder maybe a little ;) but I imagine you all figured it was a likely path...

I have a standard "PbP Basics" thread that I usually post as a resource for new ppl, I'll put it up here too.

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 5, 2020 11:59 pm

Apr 5, 2020 11:59 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

He had come to see the games, participation in them meant little to him as he participated in a much bigger and more important endeavor and that was war. For he is Ageisdomas a Spartan but more importantly a warrior, a man who has trained his whole life to take life on a battle field and this greatly colored how he saw things.

He understood the necessity for the other professions, but he also understood the necessity for his profession. For when it came to protecting the citizens of Greece there were none better for it than those of his profession. Although at times these other professions might get conscripted into participating in war they were ill prepared for it.

He sat calmly awaiting the next contest to take place, while eating some of the items he had set for his days intake. He would spread this out over time so as never to be overly full as not to detract from his ability to effectively fight because as a warrior he could be called upon at any second to take up arms and place himself into combat and as such he had to always be prepared even when relaxing and watching the games.

Apr 7, 2020 4:41 pm

Apr 7, 2020 4:41 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

It's a beautiful day as the four of you go about your lives in the city of Delphi. The air is warm, Helios is shining - only intermittently shaded by clouds - and when the cloud pass it is really just a passing, pleasant cooling... And it is on one such occasion, as clouds pass between the sun and the earth, that something peculiar happens.

As Capaneus stands pondering the wares of the food vendors... Pagoni marches beneath the arches of the Sanctuary of Apollo looking for opportunity... Charisteas stands before the Temple of Apollo itself... and Ageisdomas sits in the Hippodrome watching the events of the games... a strange wind - very out of place on this pleasant day - begins to whip around each of you! So fast is the breeze that it borders on violence, and as you twist about in the tiny tempest - untangling your clothes, sheltering your eyes from grit - that you end up oriented toward the Temple of Apollo at the heart of the Sanctuary... And it is there that something in the sky catches your eye...

There is a ray of light piercing the clouds - shimmering like the eyes of Aphrodite herself - and it looks as though it must certainly land upon the temple itself! Perhaps you glance about, wanting to share in the oddness and beauty of nature. But as you look about, not only do you find that no one else seems to have been disturbed by the wind, but no one else seems to notice the piercing light...

What a strange coincidence it must seem at first, but then something happens that can be no coincidence.

The voice you hear comes from nowhere... and yet everywhere... Come, hero... your People need you. Your Land needs you!

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 7, 2020 5:22 pm

Apr 7, 2020 5:22 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Ageisdomas had heard about this in stories but never imagined it would ever happen to him, a god was calling him. To a Spartan the only higher calling than protecting ones country and people was serving the ones that provided for them, the gods themselves. There was no hesitation within him at all as his life was not his own but was for serving a greater purpose and now it was being called into an even greater purpose than it had before. He collected his things and immediately made his way at a ground devouring jog towards the Temple of Apollo towards the caller and his new calling.

Last edited April 7, 2020 7:37 pm

Apr 7, 2020 6:39 pm

Apr 7, 2020 6:39 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Come! The others will be here soon...

Charisteas wrenches his eyes away from the light above to look at the old man standing at the foot of the stairs to temple.

"The others? Who are the others? Who was that voice?

The old man again just smiles at the young athlete.

"So many questions...luckily for you, you will have your answers soon enough"

With those words, the old man turns around and calmly starts to climb the stairs. Charisteas hesitates. This is way beyond his understanding, just this morning he was preparing to compete in the games and now he’s started to obviously hallucinate.

"But maybe not...maybe this is the calling you were seeking"

He starts to climb the stairs...

Apr 7, 2020 10:09 pm

Apr 7, 2020 10:09 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni quickly whirled around, and was amazed to realize no one saw what he was seeing. When he started hi journey, he had hoped that Dionysus, his pet's namesake, would guide him, but Apollo! He thought to himself, I knew it! This is where I am meant to be. as he walked toward the temple.

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Apr 8, 2020 4:39 am

Apr 8, 2020 4:39 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

The noise around Capaneus is distractingly loud when the wind kicks up. Capaneus turns and shrounds himself in the middle of the street. He stops and looks for cover when he notices his singularity when he notices,

But what's this! A light?

He stares up into the sky, his gaze transfixed. The barrage of voices around Capaneus seems to fade into the distance as the voice comes to him. He moves almost instinctually, his legs carrying him to the Temple of Apollo as though with a mind of their own. A calling? He thinks to himself as he grips his pack and his legs pick up speed. Before he knows it he's dashing through the street, swimming through people like parting water as he pushes his stocky body through the crowd.

Apr 8, 2020 2:26 pm

Apr 8, 2020 2:26 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

The terrace that the Temple sits upon is thronging with people. It is a main thoroughfare to the theatre, and the Hippodrome, a couple different markets, and from the east side of the city to the west, and of course to the many treasuries to the south. And although the clouds continue to move through the sky as you move toward the ray and the Temple, the ray of light itself seems to remain transfixed... until you reach the steps of the Temple and lose sight of it.

https://i.imgur.com/4xZqGG0.png

You arrive at the Temple via the pronaos - the portico - ooc: D. where there are people seated on the steps, and votives clustered around the columns, a temple-priest is greeting and speaking to people as they approach, and he smiles simply, nodding a small bow to each of you as you enter the cella - ooc: C. the main hall of worship. This grand room, in contrast to the crowding of the terrace outside, is very tranquil. There is a statue of Apollo set into the northern wall where a handful of people are gathered, waiting their turn to make an offering and to speak to the god. And there are also a few temple priests milling about the room, offering blessings, cleaning the floors and columns...

https://i.imgur.com/mnLCkrw.jpg

At first you're perhaps not sure what to do now that you are here, but soon you see - the ceiling of the temple has an opening to the sky above, and lo, the ray of light shines through it and lands at the darkened opening of a room, the adyton - the private chamber of the temple priests ooc: B., illuminating it in a strange glow...

As you stand before the illuminated passage, you notice there others standing before it... looking upon the piercing ray much as you are, this is the first time that you have seen anyone else who seemed to be able to see the divine signal.

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 8, 2020 3:08 pm

Apr 8, 2020 3:08 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Ageisdomas only paused for a moment to glance at the others that had been called and noting that he was the only Spartan among them. So as such he simply took the lead taking the steps that lead into the adyton. If the priests here were truly in touch with Apollo they would know why he was doing this. If they were not then perhaps they are not worthy to serve in such a capacity. He would announce his arrival but he figured Apollo already knew so he simply watched to see what Apollo would bring forth next.

Apr 8, 2020 6:28 pm

Apr 8, 2020 6:28 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Charisteas watches as the burly man next to him, brusquely walks into the adyton. Charisteas feels the urge to follow him, but before he does so, takes one last look around to see if there's anything else out of the ordinary.

OOC:

I want to do a perception check as described to see if I notice anything else

Rolls

Perception (2 Cunning)

3 Advantage

Total: 3 Advantage

Apr 8, 2020 6:49 pm

Apr 8, 2020 6:49 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

So first, I want to say that is an excellent way to handle rolls, in PbP, Sass et al. If you're doing something that you either anticipate OR just want to evoke the game mechanics with (to give your action "mechanical weight"), go ahead and roll your "half" of the pool.

You never need to ask me if you should roll. Just roll if you think there's a chance. Best case scenario, you're sparing us a back-and-forth, that in pbp can eat up time. Worst case scenario, I say: "no roll was necessary, here's what happens".

And in this case, it just happens to be the latter here. No roll necessary.

And I guess maybe to elaborate on why, for those who are new or less experienced with the system: unnecessary and/or repeated Skill checks are pretty exploitable in this system. The results of any given roll - in addition to "simple" success/failure - is capable of anything from healing you (Strain), to improving your future rolls, to shifting the direction of the story. So you REALLY have to be discerning as a GM with this system as to what is and is not worth a roll.

Some criteria being: is there an interesting result of failure? Is there any risk involved in the situation? So on...

In this case, this roll would meet neither of those circumstances. There's no real risk in this situation, and the only thing that could come of failure would be, essentially, me concealing potential drama that could add to the scenario.

So, no roll.

Ok, NDS game-theory lesson over :P

Charisteas sees that indeed one of the protests has taken exception to Ageisdomas' presumption, and is heading this way, and about to speak up.

"Excuse me, sir! Stop! That is a private chamber!"

OOC:

Joker, can I get an Average Cool check from you please?

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 8, 2020 7:13 pm

Apr 8, 2020 7:13 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

DeJoker sent a note to emsquared

OOC:

Wow Apollo is surely blessing us ;)

GM EDIT: In this case, I did specify the difficulty above (Average) when I requested the test, so in a circular like this where I've requested the roll, please do add the Difficulty dice into your pool/roll yourself. It "should" all be rolled as one when possible.

Last edited April 8, 2020 7:32 pm

Rolls

Cool 0 (Presence 2) check

2 Success, 2 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 2 Advantage

Cool Dif

1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Apr 8, 2020 7:33 pm

Apr 8, 2020 7:33 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni assumes that the two men that have entered already must see the same light that he does, also, they seem much more physically fit than he his, but he cautiously enters the chamber nonetheless. He whispers to his raven"Dio, if I don't make it out of here, tell father I died bravely."

OOC:

emsquared says:

So first, I want to say that is an excellent way to handle rolls, in PbP, Sass et al. If you're doing something that you either anticipate OR just want to evoke the game mechanics with (to give your action "mechanical weight"), go ahead and roll your "half" of the pool.

You never need to ask me if you should roll. Just roll if you think there's a chance. Best case scenario, you're sparing us a back-and-forth, that in pbp can eat up time. Worst case scenario, I say: "no roll was necessary, here's what happens".

Thanks, that will save us all a lot of time :)

Last edited April 8, 2020 7:34 pm

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Apr 8, 2020 11:55 pm

Apr 8, 2020 11:55 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Capaneus steps forward, abreast with Charisteas. The man's words mean little to him, "Private to Apollo, perhaps. Have you received an invitation?" He will say, still staring at the light. He spreads his arms wide and looks up into the light coming from the heavens as he enters its focus.

Apr 9, 2020 1:24 pm

Apr 9, 2020 1:24 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

The Spartan proceeds, clearly completely unperturbed by the priest's warning, "I said...!", the man scrambles wildly, nearly falling down the short staircase in his haste to cut the group off, "...no one ... is allowed...", he pants in between words, his eyes showing something near panic.

But then the soft voice of a girl echoes from within the dark room, "Thassimus, it is alright."

The priest startles and spins, as if a pillar had collapsed behind him, and he peers into the darkness for just a moment. Then he looks back to the four, and their weapons, and he sputters, "B-b-buh... they are unbidden..."

"Thassimus... ...They were bidden."

The priest's mouth works soundlessly for a moment, as he continues to stare at you four, and then he just steps aside.

You enter into the room and the first thing you notice is that you are enveloped in both a humid steam and a cloyingly-sweet aroma, cut only slightly with wood-smoke and pine sap. And as your eyes adjust to the darkness, you can make out a couple of pedestals to your left and right of the door piled high with scrolls, in the back corners are a couple of smouldering braziers, and there is also a gold-inlaid wooden klinai - a lounging couch - off to one side. And in the center of it all is a young woman, shrouded in slate-dyed silk,

https://i.imgur.com/Vvj8q69.png

She is staring down into a silver bowl, and runs an index finger around it's rim delicately.

Apr 9, 2020 3:17 pm

Apr 9, 2020 3:17 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Charisteas stands rooted to the spot, a cold sweat spreading across his forehead. The room creates a sense of awe and foreboding that he has never experienced before. Still he’s the first to speak up, his voice trembling slightly betraying his relatively young age.

"You called for me...and I guess these other fine men as well...why?

Oracle of Delphi

Apr 9, 2020 3:26 pm

Apr 9, 2020 3:26 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

She giggles and a smile splits her lips for just a moment. The sound of it is light and distant and icey as it echoes around the chamber... It makes the room seen more cavernous than it is, "I didn't call for you..."

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 9, 2020 3:32 pm

Apr 9, 2020 3:32 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Ageisdomas wordless takes in the surroundings then as the other man speaks he simply puts his words to action. He steps forward removing his sword in sheath and takes a knee before the female laying his sword cross-wise between them and then bows his head awaiting the directions that would be forth coming.

At her comment Ageisdomas softly says without raising his head, "No called by Apollo but you appear to be his spokesperson here or you are at least aware of him calling us. Do you have a word from Apollo?"

Last edited April 9, 2020 3:36 pm

Apr 9, 2020 4:10 pm

Apr 9, 2020 4:10 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni looks at Dio and just shrugs, thinking to himself "This may be a good time to keep my mouth shut for once"

Oracle of Delphi

Apr 9, 2020 4:31 pm

Apr 9, 2020 4:31 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

It's a more throaty laugh this time that bubbles up... "Well, actually...", she begins, feigning peevishness, "... it was Hermes who called upon you... who knows how long it would have taken you goats to notice that silly sun-ray otherwise...", she wrinkles her nose in soundless mirth at her own words.

Then she sighs a withering sigh, "Ahhhhhh... But, yes... it was our ~God of the Sun!~...", she says the title in an overly-dramatic fashion and flourishes her hands and fingers at the sky, "...who bade him make the summons..."

She sways a little bit on her stool, "A-a-anyway...", she pauses, swirling her finger around the rim of the bowl again, tilting her head and gazing into it, "So, eager to know of their fate...", she mutters distantly to... someone? Then looks up under lidded eyes, "Ver-r-ry well... you are here because a dark future has been foreseen... For man and for god, alike. Someone... is working to return the Titans, and their machinations, to the realm of man...", she sways in her seat some more and draws a deep breath in through her nose, then takes you all in again with more piercing eyes.

"Do you know... what the Titans are?"

Apr 9, 2020 5:16 pm

Apr 9, 2020 5:16 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Charisteas shudders.

"I mean...my grandmother used to tell us tales of them...the first gods she called them. But they were banished..."

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 9, 2020 6:22 pm

Apr 9, 2020 6:22 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Ageisdomas listened to the information being shared wondering what purpose he was to serve. Why would anyone want to reinstate the gods of ole, their were displaced due to being terrible leaders. Upon being asked and without moving Ageisdomas recites his teachings, "The Titans were the gods in power prior to Zeus and the rest of the Olympians, who are the children of those Titans. Further some of these Titans, but not all, have been imprisoned by Zeus after their great war most notable Cronus their leader. Some of the Titans died in the great war while still others actually fought on Zeus's side while others just simply stayed out of the fight altogether."

Last edited April 9, 2020 7:20 pm

Apr 9, 2020 7:10 pm

Apr 9, 2020 7:10 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"I know a good story when I hear one, and this is epic." Pagoni flourishes with his hands as if setting the stage: "Trying to stop the titans from returning before they can continue their reign of terror. But there's a plot hole, who would be so foolish as to bring the titans, and why?

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Apr 9, 2020 9:44 pm

Apr 9, 2020 9:44 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"The ancient ones..." Capaneus whispers, then looks at Pagoni, "Yes, what madness might possess somebody to try to bring them back to this realm? Mankind would never survive such terror! Tell us, woman. Tell us what we may do to stop this from coming to pass!"

Oracle of Delphi

Apr 10, 2020 2:06 pm

Apr 10, 2020 2:06 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

She nods along as you all speak, eyes nearly closing, "Mmm, yesss... so you all can see the trouble... The titans are beings from an era before mankind. They are creatures of power and dominion... and desire. Too close to Chaos that spawned them...

Our world... the world of man and the world of the Olympian... would not survive the return of the titan!", she pauses again, inhaling deeply through her nose.

"As for who... mmm... Alas!", she places the back of her hand to her forehead and flutters her eyelashes, swooning, "...prophecy cannot reveal all.

But I do know that it has already begun..."

Apr 10, 2020 2:41 pm

Apr 10, 2020 2:41 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Charisteas looks at the oracle dumbfounded. "Who would even want to do such a thing?" The Pythian Games And the lure of victory is a million miles away, the man who coveted those things has vanished. In his stead, a determined young man with sense of renewed purpose is standing, a steely resolve in his eyes. "THIS is my calling."

What do we need to do?

Oracle of Delphi

Apr 11, 2020 4:11 pm

Apr 11, 2020 4:11 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Well, you must stop them, of course...", she says dreamily, smiling sweetly.

"The gods have seen, in each of you, abilities necessary to overcome this dark future.

They have seen, in you, potential. And will...

An-n-nd they have provided us with some aid...

There will be great danger, and toil, and sorrow in your future. This is foreseen, and it will occur, whether or not you accept this fight as yours. So... do you accept it?"

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 11, 2020 5:37 pm

Apr 11, 2020 5:37 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Ageisdomas replies, "My blade and my body are Apollo's"

Apr 11, 2020 7:57 pm

Apr 11, 2020 7:57 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"What use is there to fight fate, I will serve"

Charisteas drops to a knee

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Apr 11, 2020 8:25 pm

Apr 11, 2020 8:25 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"It is not a mortal's place to question the gods!" Capaneus kneels as well, "What aid to you speak of, oracle?"

Oracle of Delphi

Apr 12, 2020 2:30 pm

Apr 12, 2020 2:30 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Poseidon has commanded the potamoi - the river gods - to transport you to the locations of the titans when and once they are discovered...

And we have discovered one such location already. In the Calydon region of Aetolia... there is a great and dire boar! Abrastamos it has been named! And it has trampled into the ground the fortress of Calydon, and ravaged the fields and vineyards of the area, slaying many men...

But very little is known about Abrastamos aside from that it is seemingly invulnerable to the attacks of man.

The potamoi will take you to the banks of the river Evinos outside what remains of the city, and you must discover how the dire boar might be defeated... and then you must slay Abrastamos!"

Apr 12, 2020 2:40 pm

Apr 12, 2020 2:40 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Charisteas can’t help but look a little shaken at how fast his life is upended. He thinks for a second before speaking again.

"But wait...if he’s invulnerable to the attacks of man...what chance do we have?"

Oracle of Delphi

Apr 12, 2020 2:58 pm

Apr 12, 2020 2:58 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

The Oracle draws in a slow breath as if she's about to say something, but then let's it out again before pausing and only then speaking.

"Mmmm, a very small one, it would seem...

But this is why you must first seek to learn of your foe. The Calydonians may know more. Surely whoever created it must know things... if you can find them. And just studying the beast yourselves may reveal something.

You are the Chosen! Trust in your abilities, use the gifts the gods have given you... Be the Heroes that our land needs!"

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 13, 2020 5:18 am

Apr 13, 2020 5:18 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"I accept these tasks and my fate." Ageisdomas picks up his sword by the sheath just below the haft and stands all in one fluid motion. He reattached his sword then looking at the lady simply says, "Thank you." He then turns and heads out of the room saying, "To the river and our destiny."

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Apr 13, 2020 5:39 am

Apr 13, 2020 5:39 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"From the time I suckled breasts I've been destined for such. Modesty holds no quarter for the gods' chosen! Let us rise and meet our destiny. To the river! To Abrastamos's grave! Come, fellow chosen! Come and meet your fate!" Capaneus stands and follows Ageisdomas.

Apr 13, 2020 7:08 am

Apr 13, 2020 7:08 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Thank you m’lady". Charisteas turns on his heels and follow the other two men out of the room.

Oracle of Delphi

Apr 13, 2020 1:59 pm

Apr 13, 2020 1:59 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

The Oracle lifts a hand and waves a good bye to the four, "Fair thee well, champions of Apollo!

Hasten to the birthing, spring waters of the Kastalian, there you will find your nyad guides! Beware it's creeping mists!"

You're all familiar with the Kastalian by name. It's head-waters are not far from Delphi, in a ravine at the foot of Mount Parnassus. So it is a relatively short walk for you all to reach the famous Kastalian Baths, perhaps you've already been here yourself, as it is a popular first stop for pilgrims for their cleansing and healing minerals.

https://i.imgur.com/nVS8hOh.jpg

There are only a few travelers there now, and they smile and greet you all silently. There is a slightly sulfurous aroma in the air, and the sublime babble of the moving waters. Although the baths are often referred to as the head waters, the true source of the Kastalian is within a cavern that long ago had a small edifice built around it's opening with a locked door to keep travelers out...

Apr 13, 2020 2:52 pm

Apr 13, 2020 2:52 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

As Pagoni daydreams about how he would craft a giant boar costume, he stops to ask his new travel companions, "Have any of you killed a regular sized boar perchance?"

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 13, 2020 5:47 pm

Apr 13, 2020 5:47 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Yes," Ageisdomas replies as he continues striding purposefully towards where he feels he would contact these potamoi might be found.

Apr 13, 2020 5:51 pm

Apr 13, 2020 5:51 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

DeJoker says:

"Yes," Ageisdomas replies as he continues striding purposefully towards where he feels he would contact these potamoi might be found.

OOC:

As mentioned, the door is locked, so Ageis doesn't get far.

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 13, 2020 5:58 pm

Apr 13, 2020 5:58 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Okay so on the other side of the door is where he presumes these potamoi would be located -- got it -- was not sure where this train was headed exactly ;) So how stout does this door appear to be and what kind of ancient locking mechanism ;) is it using?

Apr 13, 2020 7:16 pm

Apr 13, 2020 7:16 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

It's certainly a large, well-built wooden door, interior hinges, but there are no metallic-bindings to it.

OOC:

You can make an average Mechanics, or Knowledge (Education) check, +1 Setback if you have no ranks in Mechanics, to see what you can figure out about the lock.

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 13, 2020 7:31 pm

Apr 13, 2020 7:31 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

After checking the door and finding it locked Ageisdomas pounds on it resoundingly while calling out forcefully, "Open this door in the name of Apollo or perhaps you want it destroyed?" to see if there were anyone on the other side that would open it or maybe even nearby.

Rolls

Education(1) / Mechanics(0)

1 Success, 3 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 3 Advantage

Apr 13, 2020 9:08 pm

Apr 13, 2020 9:08 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Ok, so Joker it looks like your Intellect is 2, and your Education is 1. That means you should be rolling 1 yellow and 1 green. Maybe give the basic rules another read? And please, when I've given you a Difficulty in advance as I have here, you are supposed to roll those, the Difficulty dice, along with yours all as a single pool/roll.

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 13, 2020 10:22 pm

Apr 13, 2020 10:22 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Oh okay sorry and yeah messed that up -- still getting used to the colors ;) part of the reason I am playing the game to get more used to the guidelines -- oh and I thought you were handling all the negative dice but okay will make adjustments going forward -- I will have to look up how many standard dice are used in an average difficulty as I do not have that memorized and do not have that with me right now -- make the re-roll a bit later -- and again my apologies for misunderstanding

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Apr 14, 2020 3:32 am

Apr 14, 2020 3:32 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Eaten boar, sure. Trapped boar, certainly." Capaneus walks behind Ageisdomas, who pushes against the door fruitlessly at first, "'tis of an ancient but sturdy make to be sure."

Rolls

Mechanics

1 Success, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Apr 14, 2020 3:33 am

Apr 14, 2020 3:33 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"The old ones knew how to construct a door!" Capaneus claims as he rattles the handle and walks to the stream of water flowing into the baths. "If you are inspired to go here, perhaps we should take a dip!"

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 14, 2020 5:32 am

Apr 14, 2020 5:32 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

okay made notes

Rolls

Education-1 Intellect-2 Average Diff Mechanic-0 Setback 1

1 Success, 2 Advantage, 3 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Failure

Apr 14, 2020 7:51 am

Apr 14, 2020 7:51 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Charisteas stands a few feet behind the other men, he looks around to see if he notices anything that might be of help.

Rolls

Perception (Cunning 2)

3 Success

Total: 3 Success

Apr 14, 2020 1:41 pm

Apr 14, 2020 1:41 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Hey gang, are you all familiar with the Story Point mechanic? I had spaced it until now, but basically it's a metacurrency that you can spend to either augment dice rolls or shape a small part of the narrative (or activate Archetype Abilities, and maybe some Talents, etc.). You can check on the status of the Story Point pool anytime, via the Meta-currency Tracking thread.

Capaneus 1 Strain. Sass, no roll needs to be made.

Charisteas looks about and there's not much to be seen that isn't in full view.

The Oracle did mention that you should "beware the creeping mists". It is likely that the city has barred entry for a good purpose. Seems like the only option is to either try to manipulate the lock, or break the door down.

Apr 14, 2020 2:53 pm

Apr 14, 2020 2:53 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Breaking down the door, would that be an Athletics check? Because I have 2 ranks in that plus 3 brawl

Apr 14, 2020 3:28 pm

Apr 14, 2020 3:28 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Sassafras says:

OOC:

Breaking down the door, would that be an Athletics check? Because I have 2 ranks in that plus 3 brawl

OOC:

So, for a little Narrative Dice System game-theory; very often the Skill you roll is not prescribed by the system. It is prescribed by the narrative.

Athletics is a good way to break it down if you're taking a head-long run into it with your shoulder.

If you're kicking it down, maybe Brawl? If you're chopping it down with a sword, Melee (H or L)?

Difficulty to break it down whatever the method is Hard, plus a Setback for the lock. PPPK (P is for a Purple die, K is for blacK). Also, remember Assist/group check rules. (And for a peek behind the GM screen, cuz we're learning, the roll is not to succeed or fail at breaking the door down - I don't want to hide the whole plot of the game behind a die roll that could be failed, it's to avoid damaging you or your weapon while you do it.)

Apr 14, 2020 4:14 pm

Apr 14, 2020 4:14 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Combined checks work the same way as in Star wars? One persons characteristics and another persons skill ranks?

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Apr 14, 2020 4:38 pm

Apr 14, 2020 4:38 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Yeah. In case one person had the best combo of both the assisters turn into boosts

Last edited April 14, 2020 4:38 pm

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 14, 2020 4:39 pm

Apr 14, 2020 4:39 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

I have a Brawn of 4 and a Knack For Athletics 2 -- but if we can make a make shift battering ram a couple of us could do it in tandem assuming there is something around that could be used as a make shift battering ram

Apr 14, 2020 5:55 pm

Apr 14, 2020 5:55 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Yeah, that might work. Otherwise we could try and charge at the door both of us at the same time? Assuming it’s wide enough for that

Apr 14, 2020 6:04 pm

Apr 14, 2020 6:04 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Let's get in character again please. Somebody can make a PP Survival check to scrounge up a serviceable log for a bettering ram if you want to do that. It will grant a Boost to an Athletics check to break down the door.

Apr 14, 2020 6:41 pm

Apr 14, 2020 6:41 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Charisteas looks around him, trying to find anything that might work as a battering ram for the door

Rolls

Survival (Cunning - 2)

1 Success, 2 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

Adjusted difficulty

1 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 3 Threat

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 14, 2020 8:19 pm

Apr 14, 2020 8:19 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Well," Ageisdomas turns to the others, "either nobody is home or they are ignoring us. Could use something a bit heavier than my fist to properly knock on this door, anyone see anything we can use for a mini-battering ram or some such or have any other ideas about how to open a rather stout looking door?"

Apr 14, 2020 9:01 pm

Apr 14, 2020 9:01 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni helps Charisteas in his search:

OOC:

when the GM mentions the difficulty, go ahead and add it to your roll. in this case 'PP'=average=2 purple difficulty dice

Rolls

Survival check: ram search

4 Advantage, 1 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Advantage

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Apr 15, 2020 2:47 am

Apr 15, 2020 2:47 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"A ram you say?"

Rolls

Survival

2 Advantage, 2 Threat

Apr 15, 2020 2:01 pm

Apr 15, 2020 2:01 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

I'll just take the first roll, from Sass, because as I mentioned iterative rolls are not really allowed/are abuseable in this system, and they all failed anyway 😅

I'll use the Threats to give 1 Strain to Charisteas, and to give a Setback to the next Check, as you've all built the door up in your minds now as this formidable obstacle...

Breaking it down will be PPPKK, if that is the option you move forward with.

The four cast about but there is no suitable log, or... rock? ... or anything nearby. They will have to use what they have...

Apr 15, 2020 2:19 pm

Apr 15, 2020 2:19 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

The frustrations from Charisteas boils over as he yells "Move!" and charges shoulder first at the door.

OOC:

Screw it, gonna give it a go

EDIT: OH COME ON!

GM Edit: adding a Green and a Blue die, as that is what you would have had acting as a group. Assuming Ageisdomas is willing to help.

Has everyone made their Character Sheets visible to others, as discussed in the OOC?

Last edited April 16, 2020 7:03 am

Rolls

Breaking down door (Brawn 3, Athletics 2)

1 Advantage, 2 Failure, 4 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 3 Threat

Group check adjustment

1 Success

Total: 1 Success

Apr 15, 2020 2:47 pm

Apr 15, 2020 2:47 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Oof, that was a crap roll.

But again, the check was not to succeed or fail at breaking down the door - that could stop the entire plot with a failed check, the roll was to see if you damage yourselves (or weapons, had you used them).

And you did :P

Assuming Ageis did Assist, you both take 1 Wound, and with the Threats, I'll Strain Charisteas 2, and Ageis 1.

With a CRASH! the heavy wooden door comes off it's hinges, and Charisteas and Ageisdomas end up in a tangle heap on the floor with it's splintered wood. A bit scratched up, but all in all, barely worse for the wear.

The few bathers at the pool look over in surprise, but when they see you all looking at them looking at you, they quickly go back about their own business.

Inside the edifice is a natural stone wall with a great, vertical crack in it. A person would have to turn sideways to do it, but it looks like you could shimmy inside and enter it's blackness...

Apr 15, 2020 4:02 pm

Apr 15, 2020 4:02 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni says "Maybe we should have knocked?"

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 15, 2020 8:07 pm

Apr 15, 2020 8:07 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Ageisdomas begins untangling himself and getting to his feet replying, "I did knock rather loudly, no answer." He reaches out to give Charisteas a hand up, "So we knocked a little harder." He then brushes off any clinging debris while saying, "That proved to effective as you can see."

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Apr 15, 2020 9:00 pm

Apr 15, 2020 9:00 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"An effective knock to be sure!" Capaneus laughs. "Let's see who we are disturbing." He gestures for Ageidomas and Charisteas to squeeze through.

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 16, 2020 12:09 am

Apr 16, 2020 12:09 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

It says its requires two-hands so I assume its a back carried weapon as most two-handed swords were.

Ageisdomas nods to Capaneus and then removes his sword before carefully side-stepping through the slim opening.

Apr 16, 2020 7:05 am

Apr 16, 2020 7:05 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Charisteas glares at the bathers, the embarrasment flushing his cheeks as he rubs his sore shoulder. He then takes the bow and quiver from his back and side-steps after Ageisdomas into the crevice.

Last edited April 16, 2020 3:00 pm

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Apr 16, 2020 2:04 pm

Apr 16, 2020 2:04 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Capaneus follows, moving with an agility through the crack the shows his long years of practice climbing mountains and squeezing through rocks.

Apr 16, 2020 2:14 pm

Apr 16, 2020 2:14 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni takes a deep breath and then follows.

Apr 16, 2020 2:39 pm

Apr 16, 2020 2:39 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Sassafras says:

Charisteas glares at the bathers who ignored their knocks as he rubs his sore shoulder. He then takes the bow and quiver from his back and side-steps after Ageisdomas into the crevice.

OOC:

Not super important but, the bathers are in the pool, which is outside. The only thing in the edifice is the opening to the cavern.

It's pitch-black within the cavern and the crack extends several meters into the rock face before it really starts opening up. So you all must shuffle far into the darkness before anyone can stand with any comfort.

The air in the cave is wet and hot and heavy with steamy vapors, and the scent is even more sulfurous than outside and... there is that cloyingly sweet smell, like from the Oracle's adyton, in the background too... And by the time Pagoni gets a torch lit, you're all... feeling... something...

You're... not having any particular trouble breathing. But the vapors...

They... seEm tO be goIng tO youR Head...

OOC:

Everyone make a PP Resilience roll, please!

Apr 16, 2020 2:58 pm

Apr 16, 2020 2:58 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Haha, sorry, read it as them being on the inside xD

Rolls

Resilience check (Brawn 3 Resilience 1)

2 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 1 Threat

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 16, 2020 3:38 pm

Apr 16, 2020 3:38 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Ageisdomas shakes his head and says, "Vapors of the gods we must be close."

Last edited April 16, 2020 3:39 pm

Rolls

Resilience 1 (Brawn 4)

4 Success, 2 Advantage, 3 Threat

Total: 4 Success, 1 Threat

Apr 16, 2020 4:07 pm

Apr 16, 2020 4:07 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni exclaims "I haven't felt this way since, . .well perhaps that's a story for another time"

Last edited April 16, 2020 4:08 pm

Rolls

Resilience

1 Success, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 3 Threat

Apr 16, 2020 4:28 pm

Apr 16, 2020 4:28 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

I'll Strain each of you 3 by 1, and Pagoni will have a Setback to his next Action/roll.

Also, I wanted to start putting it in your brains; if you guys get Advantage or Triumph on a roll, please immediately edit your post to state how you'd like to spend them.

GM spends your Threat and Despair.

Apr 16, 2020 10:39 pm

Apr 16, 2020 10:39 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

if I ever get an advantage on a roll, I most certainly will! :D I'm assuming simple things like strain recovery and passing on a boost die are okay, but for bigger stuff we'll need GM approval?

Last edited April 16, 2020 10:40 pm

Apr 17, 2020 1:01 am

Apr 17, 2020 1:01 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Yea, I mean, if you want to use Advantage in a narrative way - which is potentially the most powerful way to use them and I encourage that, put on your GM-hat and start with: 1 Advantage is "worth" something minor like noticing a significant detail or equivalent, and 3 Advantage/Triumph is worth something major like "changing the tide of battle", so just try to come up with a reasonable suggestion. And I'll adjust the effect as appropriate from there.

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Apr 17, 2020 3:18 am

Apr 17, 2020 3:18 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Capaneus struggles to fill his lungs and maintain his clear head.

Rolls

Resilience

2 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 1 Threat

Apr 17, 2020 1:44 pm

Apr 17, 2020 1:44 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

1 Strain, Eskaton.

You all wind your way into the cave, stepping around stalagmites and steamy rivulets of trickling water on the way. And after going maybe a couple dozen meters into the cave, you enter into a great cavern... The torch light is reflected by twinkling crystals coating the wall or embedded in places.

https://i.imgur.com/HEEaDH1.jpg?1

There's a couple of different elevations to it:

There is the one on which you enter into it by the narrow passage. Here there's a waterfall feeding a pool and flowing stream, and there's a small land-bridge spanning the stream to an alcove.

There are some cascading natural stone steps that go up to an upper level, with another pool fed by another waterfall.

There are stalactites and stalagmites scattered about. Loose rocks both great and small. And there's something else...

[ +- ] There's something moving in the water...

With a violent hisss that you're not sure if it's steam or the creature itself, a great serpent erupts from the waters on the lower level!

OOC:

Initiative! Vigilance for you guys...

Rolls

Python, Cool

2 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 1 Advantage

Apr 17, 2020 2:49 pm

Apr 17, 2020 2:49 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni let's out an audible gasp, and tries to prepare himslef for whatever is about to transpire.

Last edited April 17, 2020 2:51 pm

Rolls

Vigilance:initiative

4 Success

Total: 4 Success

Apr 17, 2020 7:34 pm

Apr 17, 2020 7:34 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Quickly drawing his bow, Charisteas readies himself for the fight

Rolls

Initiative (Cool)

2 Success, 2 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 2 Advantage

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 17, 2020 9:58 pm

Apr 17, 2020 9:58 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Ageisdomas is rubbing a bit of dust out of his eyes but then looks to try to see what made the noise.

Rolls

Will 2 (Vigilance 0)

1 Success

Total: 1 Success

Apr 18, 2020 2:42 pm

Apr 18, 2020 2:42 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

So Sass, Genesys annoyingly has 2 Initiative stats, and it looks like you rolled the wrong one. As I mentioned in my post leading into it you should have rolled Vigilance, as you guys were "not prepared" for the combat/not the initiating party.

We'll just roll with it this time, but please be sure to read the OOC portions of my posts, as that's where the critical mechanics information will be.

I know it's the weekend, but IF you guys are around/want to, Pagoni and Charisteas can go ahead and go, as you'll be before the snek regardless of where Eskaton is.

Apr 18, 2020 3:13 pm

Apr 18, 2020 3:13 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Sorry, that’s my bad. I’ll be aware of that in the future. I’d like to get to a higher vantage point to better utilise my ranged attack. I’d assume that would require an action to climb and maybe a manoeuvre to make it over to the cliff side? Or are the cascading stones low enough for me to climb like stairs?

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Apr 18, 2020 5:07 pm

Apr 18, 2020 5:07 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

always watching

Rolls

Vigilance

1 Success, 4 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 4 Advantage

Apr 19, 2020 5:50 am

Apr 19, 2020 5:50 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

I would like to use my story point. I'll also take two strain to use to maneuvers, one to ready the sling and one to aim. Let me know if I got any part of the roll incorrect.

Pagoni notices that there is a stalactite directly above the beast, and tries to dislodge it. He readies his sling, takes aim and fires. "Guys, I could use some help bringing that rock down on this thing!

Last edited April 19, 2020 5:54 am

Rolls

Ranged: Sling attack

1 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success

Apr 19, 2020 5:13 pm

Apr 19, 2020 5:13 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Sassafras says:

OOC:

Sorry, that’s my bad. I’ll be aware of that in the future. I’d like to get to a higher vantage point to better utilise my ranged attack. I’d assume that would require an action to climb and maybe a manoeuvre to make it over to the cliff side? Or are the cascading stones low enough for me to climb like stairs?

OOC:

No problem. We're learning. But that learning process just might require some more careful reading than usual.

As for gaining higher ground, I'll give you a couple options:

1. There is "cascading natural stone steps" up to the higher level. You could just double maneuver to get up there, no check. But it's not protected, and would be easily accessible by the Python if it decided to pursue you.

2. You could make an Athletics check to climb up a great stalacmite to get to a more protected high spot (ie to have Cover too), Average Difficulty plus a Setback for the steam-slick rock (PPK).

crazybirdman says:

OOC:

I would like to use my story point.

OOC:

Cool, so spending a Story Point will grant you said stalactite that can be Sundered with normal attacks (i.e. an attack that doesn't normally have the Sunder Quality). You can trigger 1 level of Sunderr on the stalactite for 2 Advantage (or a Triumph will bring it down in one shot).

Pagoni notices a great stalactite hanging over the serpent... and the beginning of a precarious crack at it's base... He strikes it with a sling stone, but the projectile bounces off of it leaving it seemingly unaffected.

OOC:

Initiative Order:
1. Pagoni
2. Charisteas
3. Python, 1st
4. Capaneus
5. Ageisdomas
6. Python, 2nd

Apr 19, 2020 5:18 pm

Apr 19, 2020 5:18 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

I should mention, for anyone attacking the serpent, it has Adversary 1 and Defense 1, so if you don't understand what those mean/how they modify the base Difficulty of your attack that you'd like to make, just roll the positive portion of your attack and I'll add the Difficulty.

Apr 19, 2020 5:47 pm

Apr 19, 2020 5:47 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Charisteas quickly scans the terrain for the best vantage point and spots a stalactite of a good size to climb. He goes to climb it. Despite of its slick surface, he manages to hoist himself onto it and ready himself to face the snake.

OOC:

I’d like to use my advantage to cure 1 strain

Last edited April 19, 2020 5:54 pm

Rolls

Climb (Brawn 3 Athletics 2)

2 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

Apr 19, 2020 6:31 pm

Apr 19, 2020 6:31 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Perfect, thanks Sass!

Rolling randomly to determine who it attacks (using initiative order). Attack roll and remainder of narrative pending.

It's bite has Inaccurate 1. Joker, looks like you don't have any armor, is that correct? You still have 4 Soak from your Brawn, please be sure to record that.

The great serpent's head weaves back and forth as the heroes stumble upon it and then burst into action. It coils up, and then strikes!

Determining the largest target might be the largest threat it lashes out at Ageisdomas!

OOC:

Alright, so it has Brawn 4+1 damage (teeth)+2 successes = 7 damage AND it has Pierce 1. So, that would be a net 4 damage to Ageis!

Capaneus, you're up!

Rolls

Target - (1d4)

(4) = 4

Brawl

5 Success, 1 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Success

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 20, 2020 12:29 am

Apr 20, 2020 12:29 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

So it automatically hits? Or was that what the roll was about -- if yes then could you explain the attack roll -- also if I understanding you correctly Ageisdomas just took 4 wounds?

Apr 20, 2020 2:12 pm

Apr 20, 2020 2:12 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Joker, I replied in the OOC Chat to the above question. Also you can take your turn as well. Both you and Capaneus need to act before the serpent's next turn. You don't have to wait for Eskaton.

DeJoker Inactive forever!

Apr 20, 2020 3:21 pm

Apr 20, 2020 3:21 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"By the gods! They are testing us and we will prevail." Ageisdomas draws his sword and swings almost in one fluid motion attempting to cut the snake in two.

OOC:

If I can do it in the same round, after swinging he will move to the higher ground so that he is more at the same level of the serpents head rather than the serpents body

Last edited April 20, 2020 3:24 pm

Rolls

Brawn 4 (Sword 2) Diff 2 Dmg +3 Crit 3

4 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 3 Failure, 3 Advantage

Missing Die

1 Failure

Total: 1 Failure

Missing Die due to Adversary

1 Failure

Total: 1 Failure

Apr 20, 2020 4:18 pm

Apr 20, 2020 4:18 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Oh man, that has got to be one of the most unlucky rolls I've ever seen, Joker. Sorry that happened to you...

A couple things tho, you formulated your pool incorrectly. You rolled too many dice. You also didn't take into account the additional elements of the Difficulty I mentioned, and I asked that if you couldn't do that to leave the negative pool to me. We'll move forward with the roll as-is, as it should have benefitted you and also so as not to slow things down. But I'm realizing I should have made some level of experience with this system a requirement. Do you have the book Joker?

If so, please give your core rulebook a read, specifically p. 19 on how to form a basic dice pool, for now. There are 3 example scenarios to help make sense of it.

If not, I cannot make or correct every roll for you, and if you're not able to learn the game you may have to withdraw.

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Apr 20, 2020 10:22 pm

Apr 20, 2020 10:22 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Capaneus leaps at the serpent, climbing picks at the ready. His sharps eye sees the scales like crannie is a cliff face, seeking out the kinks susceptible to attack!

First the big pick establishes a hold, then the second comes flying down, sinking into the armored flesh of the huge serpent!

OOC:

Spend one maneuver to aim, a second for a second aim at 2 strain and attack with both picks.

Oops, accurate 1 I forgot.

Leaping onto him is just supposed to reflect narratively "engaged" with the serpent.

I'll spend 2 adv to activate my second weapon, and 1 adv to pass a boost to the next pc, so 4(brawn)+2 short sword + 1 success + 4(brawn) + 1 dagger + 1 success = 14 damage

Last edited April 20, 2020 10:28 pm

Rolls

Melee (Light)

5 Success, 2 Advantage, 4 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

Accurate correction

2 Advantage

Total: 2 Advantage

Apr 22, 2020 12:51 am

Apr 22, 2020 12:51 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Man, nice roll overcoming all those failures on the negative dice. And thanks for walking that thru, Eskaton. I guess we didn't establish Range Bands, so you already being Engage is ok.

But just to be clear, you did two separate sets of damage, each has to go through Soak individually. So it's 7 (-Soak) and 6 (-Soak). Still nice attack, and you have 1 Advantage yet to spend...

The serpent flails it's body about as Capaneus sinks his blades into the thing!

The serpent winds up tight around Ageisdomas and begins to constrict, meanwhile it's tail sweeps out in an arc like a great bludgeon!

OOC:

Sass is out of range for it's tail, so it will be attacking either Pagoni or Cap, rolling 1d2 to determine who, and the attack, simultaneously. Narrative to follow...

It misses with the tail attack! 3 Advantage tho... it will gain a Melee Defense until it's tail's next turn.

Pagoni and Charisteas!

Rolls

Target - (1d2)

(1) = 1

Brawl

4 Success, 3 Advantage, 4 Failure

Total: 3 Advantage

Apr 22, 2020 4:18 am

Apr 22, 2020 4:18 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni, is still slightly stunned that his brilliant plan didn't go like he imagined it in his head. Still, he decides he would rather take his chances with the immovable object, rather than the unstoppable force. He make doubly sure his aim is true, and again tries to bring the stalactite down:

OOC:

taking 2 strain to aim twice. And confirming the setback from the vapors was only for my last roll, not for the entire encounter.
sheesh what a roll, is that enough advantage to have some dust fall in the beast eyes?

Last edited April 22, 2020 4:19 am

Rolls

ranged: sling attack

2 Success, 4 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 3 Advantage

Apr 22, 2020 10:19 am

Apr 22, 2020 10:19 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

emsquared says:

You can trigger 1 level of Sunderr on the stalactite for 2 Advantage (or a Triumph will bring it down in one shot).

So the way I’m reading it, you’d be able to deal 1 sunder to the stalactite despite not getting a success, or would that require a success PLUS 2 advantages

Charisteas puts an arrow on his bow, pulls back the string and lets loose.

OOC:

I imagine I’m a short distance away? Otherwise add an extra difficulty die.

Last edited April 22, 2020 10:23 am

Rolls

Ranged attack with bow (Ranged 2 Agility 3)

1 Success, 4 Advantage, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 3 Advantage

Apr 22, 2020 1:36 pm

Apr 22, 2020 1:36 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

yeah, for most weapon abilities/qualities to activeate, you need a success and two advantage. Are you shooting the serpent?

Apr 22, 2020 2:08 pm

Apr 22, 2020 2:08 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Sorry, I was a little rushed with my post. I’m trying to shoot the stalactite as well

Apr 23, 2020 2:11 pm

Apr 23, 2020 2:11 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Sass, you can Sunder the stalactite a level with 2 Advantage (it does require a net success as birdman mentioned). Leaving you 1 to spend. A Boost to Cap?

Wanted to give you guys a heads up, I posted in the Absence thread but ya never know who sees it; I might have some reduced activity levels until May. Have a work deadline that is demanding a bit more if my time...

The serpent seems either completely unaware, or uncaring, of what's going on overhead and turns it's attention to Capaneus... It draws it's head back, wavering only a moment to center him in it's stereoscopic vision, and strikes!

OOC:

Ok, Maneuver to Aim, Action to Brawl.

Dice aren't really giving anyone any love, at least. Eskaton, you have a Threat to spend.

And it landed a strike on you, 4 Brawn+1 fangs+2 Success+1 Pierce is 8 damage, minus your Soak of course.

Pagoni and Charisteas, whose attentions are turned up high anyway, notice a pair of olive-skinned faces and hands peering over the edge of the pool up on the higher level... The faces are those of young women, and their skin glistens with water droplets, as they look down on the fracas in a mixture of apparent fear and wonder...

OOC:

Eskaton, you're up!

As for relative positioning:
Charisteas (who climbed up in elevation) is Short to stalactite, Medium to serpent.
Pagoni is Med to stalactite, Short to serpent.
Cap is of course Engaged with serpent.

And as a look under the hood for aspiring Genesys GMs, I track NPC stats in a Note to myself.

emsquared sent a note to emsquared

Rolls

Brawl, Innacurate

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 1 Threat

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Apr 23, 2020 6:02 pm

Apr 23, 2020 6:02 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Capaneus tries to roll against the snake's body, out of the way of the strike, but doesn't move in time. The snake contorts itself (suffering 1 strain for his threat), fangs find flesh, and blood is left dripping down Capaneus's flank, "Quick for such a big boy!" Capaneus shouts, gritting his teeth against the pain. He pulls one of his picks out and tries to drive it deep.

OOC:

2 maneuvers to aim for 2 strain, 1 boost from the advantage, and 1 boost from accurate 1. I'll use the advantage to pass two boosts to the next PC. Can I use the triumph to upgrade the snake's difficulty on next attack?

Last edited April 23, 2020 6:04 pm

Rolls

Attack!

4 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Triumph, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Triumph

Apr 23, 2020 8:18 pm

Apr 23, 2020 8:18 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Since Cap went before I granted him the advantage, I guess I’ll pass it on to Pagoni instead?

Apr 23, 2020 9:08 pm

Apr 23, 2020 9:08 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

After the Python takes it's 2nd turn, Pagoni is going to try to charm the ladies, (assuming they are in earshot) so I'm not sure if the boost would work for that, narratively that is

Last edited April 24, 2020 2:12 pm

Apr 24, 2020 6:19 am

Apr 24, 2020 6:19 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Charisteas will try to be Pagoni’s wingman mid-fight 😄. Otherwise I’ll use it to remove another strain

Edit: Strike that, just read the OOC thread

Last edited April 24, 2020 6:38 am

Apr 25, 2020 3:10 pm

Apr 25, 2020 3:10 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Ok, so that's 7 damage from Cap? Those symbol expenditures all sound good.

It'll Aim and Attack Pagoni.

emsquared sent a note to emsquared

The serpent's tail swirls around in a great loop, like a whirlwind gaining momentum, and it comes crashing down at Pagoni!

The blow lands, bludgeoning him, and then it rapidly entwines him in a tangle of tail!

OOC:

Alright, so that's 4 Brawn+1 Success = 5 damage to Pagoni, minus Soak. With the Advantage it is going trigger Ensnare! (Pagoni can't take Maneuvers) and give a Setback to Pagoni's next Action.

Pagoni and Charis are up!

Rolls

Brawl, Inaccurate

3 Success, 5 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 4 Advantage

Apr 25, 2020 3:29 pm

Apr 25, 2020 3:29 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Okay, I rather rashly deleted my post because I thought I'd jumped the order, but my roll to hit the stalactite was 1 succes, 1 failure, and 3 advantages. I want to give an advantage each to Cap and Pagoni on their next rolls and remove 1 strain from myself. If you'd prefer I can roll again.

Emboldened by the appearance of having weakened the stalactite, Charisteas moves to shoot at it again.

Apr 25, 2020 3:39 pm

Apr 25, 2020 3:39 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Sassafras says:

OOC:

Okay, I rather rashly deleted my post because I thought I'd jumped the order, but my roll to hit the stalactite was 1 succes, 1 failure, and 3 advantages. I want to give an advantage each to Cap and Pagoni on their next rolls and remove 1 strain from myself. If you'd prefer I can roll again.

OOC:

No problem. Did you use Capaneus' two Boosts that he passed? If not, go ahead and roll 'em, add 'em to your deleted result.

And moving forward, it's not ever really an issue when Player's don't use "their slot", because the actual rule is that any Player can go in any Player Initiative slot. So you'd actually just be using the "real" rules.

I just don't use it in pbp explicitly because it can turn into strategizing which just takes too much back and forth/slows things down.

Apr 25, 2020 4:29 pm

Apr 25, 2020 4:29 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Running out of ideas, and breath, Pagoni decides it might be time to ask for any help they can get. "Ladies, would you be so kind as to to offer us some assistance? Anything you can do or say that can tip the scales against this beast, would be greatly appreciated."

OOC:

Sassafras, would it be better to use the advantage to further damage the stalactite? your call of course.
emsquared, I didn't want to guess on the difficulty. My fine cloak removes a setback from Charm Checks, so I didn't add it. If that isn't relevant here, the die can be added back in.

Rolls

Charm: asking for help

3 Success, 3 Advantage

Total: 3 Success, 3 Advantage

Apr 25, 2020 5:11 pm

Apr 25, 2020 5:11 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Yeah, but I didn’t get a net success. I am gonna roll the two boosts though.

Rolls

2 Advantage

Total: 2 Advantage

Apr 26, 2020 4:36 am

Apr 26, 2020 4:36 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Giving Pagoni a Boost, cuz These are the Naiads that are here to transport you all...

Narrative pending... Also just realized Sass passed Pagoni a Boost.

That's a net 2 Advantage on top of the success!

The eyes of the naiads goes wide as they realize they've been seen, and as Pagoni calls to them they're clearly moved... One of them starts pushing the other's shoulder and she pushes back, and they point at the serpent and they all nod to each other.

...

Meanwhile, the serpent strikes at Capaneus again... The mountain climber and the great snake are engaged in a mortal battle!

OOC:

Eskaton that's 4 Brawn+1 teeth+1 sucess+1 Pierce = 7 damage, minus Soak. And it also Ensnares Capaneus, with the two Advantage!

Initiative Order:
1. Pagoni
2. Charisteas
3. Python, 1st
4. Capaneus
5. Python, 2nd
6. Naiads

Rolls

Charm+Boost, v. Cool

1 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Threat

Sass's Boost for Pagoni

Serpent Brawl v. Cap

4 Success, 3 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

Apr 26, 2020 7:57 am

Apr 26, 2020 7:57 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

I’m btw giving another 2 boosts to cap with the additional boost dice I rolled, so 3 extra for Cap

Apr 26, 2020 3:27 pm

Apr 26, 2020 3:27 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Sassafras says:

OOC:

I’m btw giving another 2 boosts to cap with the additional boost dice I rolled, so 3 extra for Cap

OOC:

So you had a total of 5 Advantage, Sass. Healing a Strain with 1, you passed a Boost to the next Ally to act with 1 (Pagoni), to pass a Boost to any Ally other than the next in order (who was Pagoni) it takes 2 Advantage. You only have 3 remaining so you can only pass Cap 1 Boost. And you would actually have 1 Advantage to use still. You could hear Strain, or notice a significant detail, or something?

Apr 26, 2020 6:00 pm

Apr 26, 2020 6:00 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

In that case I’ll notice a significant detail

Apr 27, 2020 3:54 pm

Apr 27, 2020 3:54 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Charisteas notices that the serpents tail might have thinner scales, and more under-belly exposed that the rest of the beast...

OOC:

Eskaton, I believe you're up!

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Apr 27, 2020 5:43 pm

Apr 27, 2020 5:43 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Capaneus grunts as the serpent coils around him, constricting his movement. It twists and writhes as he raises his picks and brings them down again, struggling to find the leverage to sink them past the scales of the serpent.

He sinks one, then the other pick into the beast's flesh, "Let... me... go... you insufferable thumbless demon!"

OOC:

Deals 7 dmg from his dagger pick and 8 dmg 1 pierce from his sword pick. I'll pass a boost to the next pc.

Last edited April 27, 2020 5:45 pm

Rolls

Melee-Light

3 Success, 3 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

(Accurate Boost, forgot to add it to Christ's boost, oops)

1 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

Apr 27, 2020 6:10 pm

Apr 27, 2020 6:10 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Looks like you didn't Increase the Difficulty of your attack as required to dual wield. You can add that Difficulty die if you would still like to, Eskaton?

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Apr 27, 2020 7:10 pm

Apr 27, 2020 7:10 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

agh, doh. My bad! Reduce the damages by 1 and nix on the boost

Last edited April 27, 2020 7:11 pm

Rolls

Adjustment

1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Apr 27, 2020 8:23 pm

Apr 27, 2020 8:23 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

lol @ thumbless demon 😂

The serpent flails it's body around as Capaneus continues to sink his blades in again and again! Meanwhile it tightens around Pagoni held in it's coils!

...

Meanwhile the Naiads on the upper level, moved to do something by Pagoni, begin to chant and croon and the waters pouring into the cave become a rushing torrent! And the walls of the cavern begin to shake!

OOC:

Back to the top!

Initiative Order:
1. Pagoni
2. Charisteas
3. Python, 1st
4. Capaneus
5. Python, 2nd
6. Naiads

emsquared sent a note to emsquared

OOC:

Alright, Pagoni, that's 4 brawn+3 success = 7 damage! It will pass two boosts to it's next (head) attack...

Naiads only got enough Advantage to add 1 more level of Sunder to the stalactite. And they will pass a Boost to the next Ally (Pagoni or Charis).

Rolls

Serpent Brawl, Inaccurate+Aim+hold

5 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 2 Advantage

Naiads, Primal (Attack)

4 Success, 3 Advantage

Total: 4 Success, 3 Advantage

Apr 27, 2020 8:39 pm

Apr 27, 2020 8:39 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni's fight or flight repsonse kicks in, maybe a little too late, and he tries to free himself from the snakes coils.

OOC:

oof, snake is kicking my butt, I will gladly take that boost from the Naiads. . . .whew, glad I did.

Last edited April 27, 2020 8:40 pm

Rolls

Athetics Check to break Ensare

3 Success, 2 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 3 Threat

Apr 27, 2020 8:57 pm

Apr 27, 2020 8:57 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Nice roll! I'll Strain you one for your trouble, and give a Setback to Capaneus! But you're still at Short Range as it takes a Maneuver to exit Engaged, OR you can take 2 Strain to move to Medium?

Pagoni dislodges himself from the serpent's coils, and begins to move away!

Apr 27, 2020 9:49 pm

Apr 27, 2020 9:49 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

I'll stay where I am for now. I want to be as close as possible to the snake and the stalactite in case I want to attack either of them.

Apr 28, 2020 4:29 am

Apr 28, 2020 4:29 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Charisteas hesitates for a split second as he notices the comparatively softer looking part of the snake, maybe he ought to attack it directly. He shakes out of it and once again takes aim at the stalactite. "It must be possible to take this thing down".

OOC:

Urgh...oh well, more advantages. I’ll give Cap, Pagoni, myself and the naiads a boost on our next roll, and take away another strain. Unless I can use it to spot a weak point or something in regards to the stalactite?

Last edited April 28, 2020 4:32 am

Rolls

Ranged attack on stalactite

5 Advantage

Total: 5 Advantage

Apr 28, 2020 2:19 pm

Apr 28, 2020 2:19 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Charis could use a Maneuver to Aim (Boost/blue die). Roll it up. A success would let you use those Advantage on Sundering.

Apr 28, 2020 4:52 pm

Apr 28, 2020 4:52 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Ah okay, I thought I automatically used a maneuver to load the bow

Edit: so...many...advantages

Last edited April 28, 2020 4:53 pm

Rolls

1 Advantage

Total: 1 Advantage

Apr 28, 2020 7:09 pm

Apr 28, 2020 7:09 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Jeez, that is a ridiculous roll, to have not come up with a Success...

As for the serpents turn... it's got a lot going for it right now.

It passed itself 2 Boosts, it's gonna Aim, and it's got Cap held/Ensnared (which in this circumstance/since it's a constrictor I had planned would give it a boost when normally Ensnare does not)...

The serpent gets a frantic look in it's eyes and starts striking wildly at Capaneus, who is wrapped up in it's coils!

OOC:

Wow, not too bad of a result for Cap, how would you like to spend the Threat?

Brawn 4+1 teef +1 Pierce+3 success = 9 damage

Rolls

Brawl+2 Boosts, +Aim, Inaccurate

4 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 1 Threat

Eskaton Inactive forever!

May 2, 2020 4:41 pm

May 2, 2020 4:41 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Damn quick for such a big beastie!" Capaneus continues to try and drive his picks into the thing's hide.

OOC:

I'll spend the threat to strain her. What's the ensnare quality? If it's 1 I'll use my maneuver to aim. 9 dmg minus soak, threat spend time!

Last edited May 2, 2020 4:42 pm

Rolls

Two weapon attack

4 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Failure, 4 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 2 Threat

Aim maneuver (depending on ensnare duration)

Always forget the accuracy boost ><

May 3, 2020 2:44 pm

May 3, 2020 2:44 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

It's Ensnare 3, I should have mentioned that... I think you've got another round to go of it. It will use the Threat to perform an immediate Maneuver which it uses to Aim at Cap...

The serpent is bleeding from many wounds now, staining the rushing waters red around it... But it is not finished! It doubles down it's attack on Capaneus bringing it's tail to bear upon him as well!

...

Meanwhile, the Naiads continue their chanting... small stones begin to crumble from the walls and ceiling of the cavern...

OOC:

Oh jeez, well the tail misses Cap, but will give 2 Setbacks to his next attack, and the Naiads fail to get any Advantage and cannot Sunder...

Back to the top!

Initiative Order:
1. Pagoni
2. Charisteas
3. Python, 1st
4. Capaneus
5. Python, 2nd
6. Naiads

emsquared sent a note to emsquared

Rolls

Tail Brawl, Inaccurate, target held

3 Success, 5 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 4 Advantage

Naiads Primal

5 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Threat

Total: 5 Success

May 3, 2020 7:00 pm

May 3, 2020 7:00 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

I think I'm gonna support another character here. Can I try to free Capaneus or does he have to do that on his own? If that isn't an option I would like to draw the beast attention. (would that be a Deception check?)

May 3, 2020 8:15 pm

May 3, 2020 8:15 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Sure, you could attempt the Hard (PPP) Athletics check to try to free him (or use an Unskilled Assist to give him a Boost of he wanted to try to free himself).

May 4, 2020 2:22 am

May 4, 2020 2:22 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Still reeling from having his rib cage nearly crushed, Pagoni decides not to leave Capaneus suffering that pain any longer. He heads over to when Capaneus is trapped; "Alright, let's get you uncoiled."

Rolls

Althetics: uncoiling

1 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure

May 4, 2020 5:48 am

May 4, 2020 5:48 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Charisteas can’t help but feel a little panicked, but his stubbornness to take down the stalactite is unwavering.

Rolls

Attacking stalactite (aim+advantage from last round)

4 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Threat

Total: 4 Success, 2 Advantage

May 4, 2020 3:17 pm

May 4, 2020 3:17 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Unfortunately that's only the 3rd Sunder on the stalactite cuz everyone's been rolling such dookie on it... All advantages, all Successes.

If you're wondering what the pay-off is for such an action, I was figuring it'd do the damage of a Fall from Medium Range (30 damage)... so... it IS a substantial effect. Just the dice haven't panned out for it.

emsquared sent a note to emsquared

The serpent has Capaneus in it's coils and it strikes at the ferocious fighter again!

OOC:

Ok, so it passed itself a Boost, it will Aim, and it has him held for 3 Boosts.

It hits but at least hasn't been able to trigger crits or another Ensnare...

4 Brawn+1 Teeth+1 Pierce+3 Success = 9 damage minutes Soak.

Capaneus is up, with 2 Additional Setbacks to his attack this time!

Rolls

Brawl, Inaccurate, Aim, Boost, held

5 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 3 Success

Eskaton Inactive forever!

May 12, 2020 7:41 pm

May 12, 2020 7:41 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Gnrrrrr!" Capaneus grunts as he struggles to free himself. Deep purple bruises are blooming at the collar of his shirt and the opening of his sleeves. The whites of his eyes are red from capillaries that have burst under tremendous pressure. "Thank you, Pagoni." He gasps. "I don't think I've got much more in me." He says, twisting to try and give himself an angle to strike out at the snake, bracing himself with one arm and swinging only the faster of his two picks.

OOC:

Sorry about that guys! I didn't see the forum post notice!

9 dmg, I'll pass the boost to the next pc!

Last edited May 12, 2020 7:42 pm

Rolls

Sword pick!

3 Success, 3 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 1 Advantage

May 13, 2020 2:46 pm

May 13, 2020 2:46 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Well, I think it had one more Setback, but it wouldn't matter. Capaneus has finally done enough damage!

Man and serpent are both soaked in blood by now, and as Capaneus sinks his pick in for a final time, the great creature shudders and thrashes about... and then lies still.

The rush of the water subsides quickly, but still, it's body now limp, the serpent slowly begins to get pushed downstream as it's mass acts like a dam. The naiads up above titter to each other, grabbing one another by the shoulder and babbling excitedly in a strange, flowing tongue.

May 14, 2020 4:44 pm

May 14, 2020 4:44 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Sass, crazy, did I lose you in the lull?

May 14, 2020 5:31 pm

May 14, 2020 5:31 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Not at all. Actually thanks to Eskaton I just noticed I can subscribe to the thread! How did I miss that before? May we roll Cool to remove strain now?

Pagoni watches the beast wash away, trying to burn the details into his memory so he can recount this take later. "Well then, that looks like it's all settled then. Thanks for your help ladies."

May 14, 2020 5:40 pm

May 14, 2020 5:40 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Yes! Or Discipline, I believe... Or there are Talents that let you use other Skills like Survival, but I don't know that we have anyone with anything like that yet...

Also, gonna do a little micro-XP award. Everyone gets 10 XP to spend immediately! If you want...

May 14, 2020 7:39 pm

May 14, 2020 7:39 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Nope, sorry, meant to post yesterday.

Charisteas looks up at the naiads. He feels a little awkward at their presence, a little too aware of how ridiculous he must have looked in the fight, shooting into the ceiling for no apparent reason. "So, ahem, are you our guides?".

May 14, 2020 8:15 pm

May 14, 2020 8:15 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

The water nymphs extend their hands in subdued applause to you three, and their heads nod and bounce with big grins at Charisteas' question. They burble some words in their fluid tongue, and motion for you all to follow as they move away from the ridge, deeper into the cave.

May 14, 2020 8:22 pm

May 14, 2020 8:22 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Well, we’ve already defeated the giant snake...what can go wrong?". Charisteas jumps down from the stalagmite and walks deeper into the cave

May 14, 2020 9:26 pm

May 14, 2020 9:26 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni answers, "I'm afraid that's what we've been tasked to find out" and then take a deep breath to try and regain his composure.

OOC:

Rolling Cool, and removing 2 strain

Last edited May 14, 2020 9:27 pm

Rolls

2 Success, 2 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 2 Advantage

May 15, 2020 7:05 am

May 15, 2020 7:05 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Also rolling cool to remove strain

Rolls

Cool roll

2 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 1 Advantage

Eskaton Inactive forever!

May 15, 2020 4:55 pm

May 15, 2020 4:55 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Capaneus falls to all fours, panting. He coughs, spitting blood onto the stone before looking up. "The gods have chosen to spare me it seems." He struggles to his feet, still bedraggled, shoulders slumped. "I do not know that I am fit enough even to battle a mouse without some rest and repair. Have any of you a skill with the healing arts before we delve deeper?"

Rolls

Discipline

2 Success, 4 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 4 Advantage

May 16, 2020 3:00 pm

May 16, 2020 3:00 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

One of the naiads drapes herself over the edge of the waterfall and beckons Capaneus over. She hangs one arm down low, and uses her other arm to channel waters from the fall onto her hanging arm so that it cascades off of it like a fountain.

As Capaneus stands beneath it, it washes over his wounds, sweeping away the ichor and some of the pain...

OOC:

Cap recovers 2 Wounds and 3 Strain.

Rolls

Primal, Heal

2 Success, 4 Advantage, 1 Triumph, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Triumph

May 16, 2020 8:52 pm

May 16, 2020 8:52 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni sees Capaneus gain some measure of relief and ask "Ladies is it too much to ask that we may all sample the healing waters before we continue our journey?"

May 16, 2020 9:05 pm

May 16, 2020 9:05 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

They beckon Pagoni to stand beneath the waters...

OOC:

3 Wounds, 3 Strain healed.

Afterward, they indicate they can do no more, and beckon you all up to the upper level.

Rolls

Primal, Heal

3 Success, 3 Advantage

Total: 3 Success, 3 Advantage

Eskaton Inactive forever!

May 19, 2020 3:17 am

May 19, 2020 3:17 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Capaneus basks in the water. "Ah... What sweet nectar!" He calls, clambering up after the women after his cleansing is finished.

May 19, 2020 3:31 pm

May 19, 2020 3:31 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

https://i.imgur.com/HEEaDH1.jpg?1

The naiads stand before the two small waterfalls and as you look upon their full form for the first time, you see their skin is almost translucent... like you can see their lifeblood following beneath their skin... and their feet... it's hard to tell if they have feet at all. When they step, there is a foot that comes out of the water, but when it comes down... it's like their bodies just merge with the water-surface at the ankles.

A very mysterious creature... But as the wonder wears off, you see they stand before the two small waterfalls that fill the chamber, and they beckon you toward them like as if they were doors...

May 19, 2020 3:46 pm

May 19, 2020 3:46 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni walks toward the naiads and the falls, trying not to stare too obviously, but still take it all in.

May 20, 2020 3:06 pm

May 20, 2020 3:06 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

One of the water nymphs takes each of you by the hand and guides you into the shroud of the waterfalls... As the water envelopes your body, you feel it being pulled into motion as if by a strong current. You're still aware of the gentle pressure of the nymphs hand, but you cannot make them out. All you can really see is is the swirling of water and bubbles in violent torrents around you, and a bright light seemingly distant somewhere above you, and... also you notice a burning orange somewhere seemingly deep below...

You've heard that there are gateways into the underworld in certain rivers, and you can't help it as an unnatural chill passes through your body, as you wonder at whether that might be the origin of the burning glow below...

You don't have much time to ponder this though, as soon you are borne up onto a rocky river bank. Deposited rather roughly, upon your hands and knees, as if you were spat out by a great wave. You look around and you find that you are... some place else... you can only assume it is the Calydonnia region where the Oracle told you the boar has been.

There are some rocky, rolling hills to the west, and perhaps a kilometer from the river banks to the east, you see the walls of a city.

May 20, 2020 3:17 pm

May 20, 2020 3:17 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Well that was...certainly...weird...", Charisteas looks around. "I guess our best chance of finding out more about this boar would be in the city?"

May 20, 2020 4:04 pm

May 20, 2020 4:04 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni spins around, looking at the surroundings and getting his bearings, still very much confused about what just happened. He makes sure his pet is still with them and then replies, "Sure, to the city then."

Eskaton Inactive forever!

May 21, 2020 12:14 am

May 21, 2020 12:14 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Magic..." Capaneus mutters to himself. "True magic."

He looks at the city in the distance, and scans the land between, "A treacherous length of land I fear. Particularly if this is indeed the land that the boar haunts. Stay on your guard, lads." Cap grips his picks and sets off toward the city.

Last edited May 21, 2020 12:14 am

May 21, 2020 2:05 pm

May 21, 2020 2:05 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

The way to the east is mostly open space, and with the exception of a few copses of trees and stands of brush, you could see if anything were to be approaching you from a good way off. And so it is that you arrive at the walls of the city, no more worse for wear than when you emerged from the river. There are a couple of worn and rutted paths that lead to and from the gates, side by side, and a rather large garrison of troops sit in an encampment off to one side of the shoddy road. There are a handful of them keeping watch over the gate and they hail the three of you as you approach.

May 21, 2020 3:06 pm

May 21, 2020 3:06 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni whispers "This shouldn't be a problem, but just in case we run into trouble, use these.", and he hands each man an Unguerts. He then turns his attention to the guards hailing him, "Good day sir! We are just stopping in town for a bit of information, and supplies."

Last edited May 21, 2020 3:07 pm

May 21, 2020 3:18 pm

May 21, 2020 3:18 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Looking you all over a bit skeptically, the hoplite nods and says, "Very well... Supplies might be harder to come by, at the moment. There is trouble on the roads these days... But if you have the coin, I have no doubt you can purchase the necessities.

And, eh, I saw that you came from the west...", he gestures with his spear, "...and you look... pardon my saying, but you're a bit bedraggled. Did you encounter the boar? Do you have any information from your travels you could share? It is a time of high alert for Calydon."

Eskaton Inactive forever!

May 22, 2020 4:45 pm

May 22, 2020 4:45 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"We are fortunate in that our bedragglement comes only from the trials of travel." Cap looks at his companions after the half truth. "We had heard rumor of this boar you speak of, ourselves, though I'm sure they get farther from the truth as you move away from those it's touched most deeply. We lot are hunters ourselves, come to bring peace to your town and glory upon ourselves. Tell us, what do you know of the boar who's reputation has spread in proportion to the terror it's wrought."

May 22, 2020 5:59 pm

May 22, 2020 5:59 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

The hoplite shrugs, "Heard a few things... and seen some men that looked like they'd been on the receiving end of an avalanche. Don't really know the truth if any of it.

They say it's thrice the height of any man. They say it can't be killed - hide as thick and tough as stone, they say. I guess it demolished a garrison stationed at a fortress in the hills to the west - the survivors were the men I saw. Now it's ravaging the fields and vineyards for kilometers in any direction.

Hasn't made it this far east yet, but we figure it's only a matter of time.

You say you're hunters?", he shakes his head, "Best advice is to move on from here. Only folks staying are them that got nowhere to go."

May 22, 2020 7:34 pm

May 22, 2020 7:34 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Charisteas' eyes widen in horror as he whispers to the two others, "...wait, did he say 'demolished a garrison'!?". Trying to look composed and dignified, he clears his throat and adresses the hoplite. "These men you speak of, would you know where we might be able to find them?".

May 23, 2020 7:01 pm

May 23, 2020 7:01 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Scattered all over town. We've commissioned families mostly to care for them. I don't have specific locations.

Though I do know there is a large continent at the gymnasium, near the pantheon temple."

May 24, 2020 12:36 am

May 24, 2020 12:36 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Well then, looks like we know where out 1st stop is. Thank you gentlemen"

OOC:

don't forget to use the unguert to heal 5 wounds guys

Eskaton Inactive forever!

May 25, 2020 5:57 pm

May 25, 2020 5:57 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Cap rubs the unguent into his wounds. "Yes, the gym should be a good place to stretch these stiff muscles while we learn a bit more. Let's head that way."

May 26, 2020 3:05 pm

May 26, 2020 3:05 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

It takes some time to find the gym, Calydon is not overly large, but like many towns it is dense and grew haphazardly and is not particularly easy to navigate. With the organization of streets and districting arising out of pure necessity, in the moments they came into being, rather than any planning.

But with some asking around and only a bit of aimless wandering, you eventually find your ways to one of the few stone buildings that is not in the city center which is the gymnasium.

Being all males, you have no trouble entering the facility, and soon you come to an area where there are perhaps a dozen men sitting and laying about on hide cots in various stages of recovery from various sorts of severe-looking injuries. Head injuries, splinted or maimed or even missing limbs. Only a couple are aware enough to look up at your approach, but there isn't much about you to hold their interest and they soon return their attention to themselves. There are a couple young men tending to the needs of the wounded. Bringing water, or food to those that cannot feed themselves, so on...

May 27, 2020 12:32 am

May 27, 2020 12:32 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni steps forward, finds an injured man that is lucid, but unattended, and starts a conversation with him. My friend, I wish you a speedy recovery, but now I was hoping you could help us. We have been tasked to defeat an enemy that we have yet to see. It appears you have crossed it's path, what can you tell us about the beast? How did you survive? And do you know where it is headed?

May 27, 2020 3:25 pm

May 27, 2020 3:25 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

He looks up at Pagoni, "The boar?", he shakes his head, "It was humongous... and fast... and mighty. All of our attacks were ineffective. Spear, sword, arrow... nothing.

I... don't know how I survived, last thing I remember, it charged into a phalanx. Men flying into the air... screaming.", he shakes his head, "Then just black... next thing I knew I was here."

Eskaton Inactive forever!

May 27, 2020 11:29 pm

May 27, 2020 11:29 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Where did you find this monster?" Capaneus asks. "And what brought you there in the first place?"

May 28, 2020 2:10 am

May 28, 2020 2:10 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"It found us, at the garrison... I was stationed there. Came from... nowhere? No one knows. No scouts saw it coming until it was upon us. And it's not exactly the type of thing you can miss...

I... haven't been getting briefed regularly, but last I'd heard, it wasn't going anywhere. It will range for a ways, but always returns to the garrison fortress. Now ruined I hear.

Some call it a plague from the gods for our misdeeds, or lack of faith, or loyalty. Some say it's here to destroy the gods themselves... From what I've seen, either could be true."

May 28, 2020 7:41 am

May 28, 2020 7:41 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"How far away is the garrison fortress...and there really wasn't anything that seemed to hurt it?". Charisteas is acutely aware that they seem to be overmatched and he's trying to figure out why the hell they were chosen to face these titans.

May 28, 2020 5:01 pm

May 28, 2020 5:01 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

One or all of you could roll a Knowledge (Lore) check here. Your best effort might be for the other two to Assist whoever has the highest ability and Skill..

Difficulty is Average (2 purple) plus a Setback.

The soldier closes his eyes, thinking, "Ehh... we're in Calydon. The fortress was maybe 15 kilometers to the west. At the base of the foothills... And, no, nothing seemed to even hardly penetrate it's skin.

That's why it's whispered it must be a creation of the gods."

May 28, 2020 6:00 pm

May 28, 2020 6:00 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

I have 2 intellect and no lore skill, so I’ll assist

May 28, 2020 6:09 pm

May 28, 2020 6:09 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Same here. I have Lore as a career skill, just haven't invested yet :( Next time. Just go for it!

May 28, 2020 6:27 pm

May 28, 2020 6:27 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

I peeked, Cap doesn't have anything either.

Two green, two blue, then? vs. two purple and a black. You do have the option of flipping a Story Point to upgrade the check if you wanted, as well.

May 29, 2020 6:03 pm

May 29, 2020 6:03 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni thinks, hoping the words of the wounded will jog his own memory . . .

Rolls

Knowledge: Lore

2 Success, 5 Failure

Total: 3 Failure

May 30, 2020 1:38 pm

May 30, 2020 1:38 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Hey gang, seems like things have slowed down. I know in pbp it can be easy to lose sight of what's going on so I just want to say that the "play cycle" of this game isn't meant to be much different from any other basic game.

1. Get quest.

2. Learn about quest.

3. Go on quest.

You guys have the quest, but you don't know much about it right? So the intent here is that you guys need to try things to learn about it. It seems like you need some help in that regard, so I'll provide both IC and OOC guidance.

Mechanically, the Streetwise skill can be used to gather broad rumors, social interactions with specific parties can produce information, and even something like knowledge checks can be made to conduct research at places of learning.

You can all tell that much of the information which the soldiers have related to you is redundant by now, and likely only represents a surface understanding. That information source probably doesn't have much left in it for you. It's hard to imagine that anyone has more direct experience with the thing, but it does sound like people in the streets are talking about it. Particularly in the context of the gods. Perhaps priests might be able to inform you in some aspect? Or sometimes the streets had dark secrets too?

May 30, 2020 2:42 pm

May 30, 2020 2:42 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Yeah, I think we've lingered here long enough. I vote we head out, and just listen for rumors and such on our way out of town.

May 31, 2020 8:26 pm

May 31, 2020 8:26 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Okay, no stop at a temple or some such first?

May 31, 2020 8:49 pm

May 31, 2020 8:49 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

sure, I just want to keep the game moving. To the temple! I'll have my character listen/look for any other rumors or useful information by rolling a streetwise check on our way there. What would that Difficulty be?

Jun 1, 2020 4:19 am

Jun 1, 2020 4:19 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Average plus Setback for being from out-of-town (PPBlk).

Jun 1, 2020 2:08 pm

Jun 1, 2020 2:08 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni Says "Perhaps there is nothing left to learn here. Let's leave these men to their recovery." As they ake their way through the town, Pagoni tries to find any rumors that may help them in their quest.

Rolls

Streetwise

3 Success, 2 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 3 Threat

Jun 1, 2020 2:55 pm

Jun 1, 2020 2:55 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Will use 1 Threat to Strain Pagoni, and 2 for an unbeknownst-to-you narrative effect.

Passing through the city agora, asking around about the boar and for anyone who knows anything about it, Pagoni learns that a number of "crazy people" have been showing up every evening, at the agora, for several days now, proclaiming knowledge that the boar is here as a harbinger of the return of the titans, and of the end of the reign of the Olympians.

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jun 2, 2020 1:02 am

Jun 2, 2020 1:02 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Let's be off toward that outpost. I imagine if this boar is truly a harbinger of the titans it will be making its way slowly toward civilization, meaning here. Perhaps we will run into it along the way, and if not, pick up its trail to follow."

Jun 2, 2020 10:10 pm

Jun 2, 2020 10:10 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Road Trip! Do we want to visit the temple of the Agora before we head to the outpost? I'm fine either way.

Jun 3, 2020 7:37 am

Jun 3, 2020 7:37 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Let’s just wing it *plays guitar riff*. I assume the people are from the cult, but what are the odds that they know how to beat it?Worst case we do the heroic thing and runs away

Jun 3, 2020 5:05 pm

Jun 3, 2020 5:05 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Ok, so it sounds like you all want to proceed to the ruins of the garrison fortress?

Put together a Survival (Cunning) pool/check to see how well you guys can navigate there with the information you have. Pagoni has 3 Cunning but no Survival, Cap has 1 Survival but worse Cunning, Chaisteas could give an unskilled Assist (1 blue).

Average Difficulty, plus a Setback (PPBlk) for being new to the area.

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jun 4, 2020 12:40 am

Jun 4, 2020 12:40 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

The group sets out for the garrison. The initial road feels eerily unpopulated and Capaneus walks with one hand on the grip of his primary pick. "Keep your eyes open for any tracks. Be careful that you do not confuse the stampede of boots for the tracks of our quarry."

Rolls

SURVIVE!

1 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Advantage

Jun 4, 2020 3:41 pm

Jun 4, 2020 3:41 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Please do provide a proposal in how to spend your narrative symbols when you get them, but for these, I'll just keep things moving and dictate that we'll spend one of your Advantages to get some insight into the movements of the beast, and one to find some peripheral clue.

You all find that you really can't miss the tracks, the craters pressed into the soil by the hooves of the beast look to be about the size of your torso. It's clear where it has been, wherever you go, and as you proceed further and further west, it's clear it has been all over. Not only by the great furrows caused by it's charging hooves, but by trees bowled over and uprooted, and great muddy wallows made in otherwise pastoral fens. It's movements don't exhibit any pattern, it seems to just move about erratically.

But also, as you feel you must be nearing the garrison as the concentration of it's tracks grows thicker and thicker, you begin to notice some odd... symbols... placed about the landscape. A six-point star set within a six-point star, forming basically a 12 point star. Some fashioned from sticks, hanging from bushes or outcroppings. Some scrawled upon stone or other earthen faces. Some seemingly dug into the ground with a stick or rock.

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.L0OTAp-DQKAFyt8UNJLUiwHaHX%26pid%3DApi&f=1

Ultimately, it takes you longer to find the ruin than you might have hoped, and you're thoroughly worn out by the time that you reach a ridge overlooking the area. It is nearly dark.

OOC:

Failing the Survival check will mean you don't recover the standard 1 Wound for your nights rest. However you can make any Medicine checks, and/or your weekly Resilience check, as per normal.

Jun 4, 2020 9:21 pm

Jun 4, 2020 9:21 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

The journey is about as exciting as Pagoni expected it to be. 'At least there's no boar yet' he thinks to himself before remarking to the rest of the group, "I wonder if those markings attract the beast, or perhaps deter it? Either way, we should know how to draw that symbol ourselves, just in case."

OOC:

I don't have any crits, so I don't need to roll Resilence. And yo don't want Pagoni to be the one rolling Medicine checks, haha

Jun 5, 2020 7:14 pm

Jun 5, 2020 7:14 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Alright, well, if no one has any checks they need to make, we'll move on into the morning, assuming you guys don't want to try to investigate or confront the boar in the dark.

Particularly in pbp this is the part that I'm not sure now well it's gonna work. I'll start by describing the "Arena".

As the sun rises the following day, you three sit at the top of a hill over-looking the cascading steppes of the foothills of the Triandafillia mountain range. The landscape itself is characterized by the treeless expanses of rocky and grassy plateaus, giving way to modest rocky cliffs...

https://i.imgur.com/N2OKV50.jpg

You can see the trampled and toppled remains of the garrison structures below, and it consists of the pillared floors, and partially collapsed walls and arches, of the ruined buildings.

https://i.imgur.com/9rlKIhx.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/TJIcTOK.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/WTTdC6N.jpg

OOC:

So the images are there to just kind of hopefully give you ideas about the environment that you can use to shape your narratives and skill checks around. This is the basically untested part of what I'm trying to do, so I guess let's see how it works?

Please be very open and honest about what makes sense and what doesn't and what works and what does not, as we go along...

Below is a "birds eye view" of the arena.

The greyish lines are the general form of the ruined walls and arches and pillars. This is not meant to be a "concrete map" that displays and dictates where everything is, but rather, again, just something to form thoughts and narratives around.

With the top of the overhead map being north, you guys stand just "off-screen"of it to the north east.

https://i.imgur.com/nWSTCpg.png

OOC:

Let me know what questions you have.

Jun 5, 2020 8:03 pm

Jun 5, 2020 8:03 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

that all looks great man. You're doing an excellent job! Can I look to see of the boar is anywhere in sight now? Perception right?

Jun 8, 2020 3:06 pm

Jun 8, 2020 3:06 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Yea, go ahead and roll an average Perception with a Setback, PPBlk, to see what you can see.

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jun 8, 2020 3:18 pm

Jun 8, 2020 3:18 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"We are fortunate for the quiet night, friends. Those tracks we followed yesterday make me concerned that this tranquility is fleeting." Capaneus looks out from the outpost next to Pagoni, scanning the landscape with his hand against his brow to limit the glare of the sun.

OOC:

I'll assist your perception if that's alright. I'm rolling 2 cunning, no skill dice, so likely just 1 boost. I'll also retroactively roll a medicine check on myself for what it's worth (likely little)

Rolls

Medicine

2 Advantage, 1 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Jun 8, 2020 3:55 pm

Jun 8, 2020 3:55 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

In the morning light, Pagoni looks to see if the boar is around. "Let's see if there are any signs of our prey." he says, as they scan the horizon

Last edited June 8, 2020 3:56 pm

Rolls

Perception w/assist

4 Success, 1 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success

Jun 9, 2020 4:02 pm

Jun 9, 2020 4:02 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni makes out a disturbance... the rising of great clouds of dust... Far to the southwest, in the midst of three hills and the ruins of the two, large circular towers.

Jun 10, 2020 7:34 am

Jun 10, 2020 7:34 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Charisteas grips his bow, acutely aware of the words the survivors spoke about the boar and how it couldn’t be hurt with regular weapons. "I guess that must be our destination then...may the gods shine favourably on their champions...

Jun 10, 2020 3:42 pm

Jun 10, 2020 3:42 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni says with some concern, "I fear that this thing will be much more difficult then to take down then the serpent was. Amy ideas gentlemen?"

OOC:

I do want to try to be narratively creative with how we take these things down. I was thinking of sharpening a log and tricking it into walking into it. Hopefully that can pierce it's hide. Or maybe we could poison it?

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jun 10, 2020 4:52 pm

Jun 10, 2020 4:52 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Perhaps it is not a matter of whether it can be hurt, but where it can be hurt. Be sure you savor your breakfast this morning. I believe we have a long day before us." Capaneus climbs down from the wall and begins to secure his gear. "I am ready to leave when you are. The longer we wait, the more time the Titans have to rouse themselves."

Jun 15, 2020 10:57 pm

Jun 15, 2020 10:57 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"It may be a mistake to assume this thing can be hurt the same way as the last one, but as of now, that's all we have. Shall we attack its underbelly? We can draw it toward us, and have a sharpened log ready for it to run into, impaling itself" Pagoni keeps explaining the rough idea of his plan while searching for a log or fallen tree they can use.

OOC:

I'm thinking we can hide the sharpened log and kind of have it rise out of the ground like a seesaw. if that make sense

Last edited June 15, 2020 10:58 pm

Rolls

Perception: log search

1 Success

Total: 1 Success

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jun 16, 2020 1:09 am

Jun 16, 2020 1:09 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"This sounds like a smart strategy, it will take time for us to prepare such logs and set them in place. Hoping to outrun a beast of this size is likely a tall order as well so we will have to do something to entice it. I wonder what significance those stars we saw play. Do they ward against or entice the beast? Are they evidence of whatever force has summoned them? They feel so familiar, yet...."

OOC:

Is there a knowledge roll we can make here to see if we recognize said symbols?

Cap bends down and begins to trace the layout of the field in front of them in the dirt, "If the symbol is of little use, we can use the one thing we know about this beast, its thirst for destruction of construction. We can set the spikes here," he scratches a line behind one of the walls that sits on the edge of a cliff. "Entice the boar to the wall from the plateau here, perhaps by standing on it and calling to him, and when he bursts through... voila. A spiked boar who's back we merely have to leap upon. I've yet to meet a beast who can withstand an assault on its eyes, and if I can get onto the back of that beast I'm sure I can climb my way to its head. These picks will make short work of its eyes if I can reach them."

Jun 16, 2020 6:06 am

Jun 16, 2020 6:06 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Sound like a solid plan...hopefully...it's better than anything that I have. I don't want to be too negative, but...what if the log isn't enough to kill it?

OOC:

We don't know exactly how big it is, do we?

Jun 16, 2020 2:47 pm

Jun 16, 2020 2:47 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

No Skill roll needed to find a log... but I will do a "luck roll". In this system, I just use a paired Boost die and Threat die. The outcome determine how favorable it's placement and state is to your goal...

Looking over the boar's turf here, and the ruin of the garisson, you can see there really are no standing trees remaining - the boar's rubs and wallows have toppled or splintered them all. The success of any such trap would merely be a matter of time and proper engineering...

OOC:

To make the trap, it will probably be a Mechanics check. But we'll have to have the luck roll first to see if there are any complications to doing that, such as proximity to the boar, etc.

And either a Religion, or Lore check would be workable for possibly knowing something about the symbol. However it will be a Hard check, upgraded once. RPP

As for the boar's size, you don't know exactly, but you've seen many hoof prints which are as large across as the length of a man's torso.

Rolls

Luck

Jun 16, 2020 2:57 pm

Jun 16, 2020 2:57 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

A wash... neutral ground and state.

The only copse of trees with a long enough and straight enough log is in about the middle of the territory. Between the the north-most collapsed tower, and the hill/cliff to the northwest of that. It's fractured at the top in such a way that it's already got a decent point on it... but it's still attached to it's root-ball which will make it difficult - and likely noisy - to move.

https://i.imgur.com/nWSTCpg.png

OOC:

Just spit-balling with how to proceed with essentially "creating our reality"of the arena... but maybe as we roll the dice and determine/create "truths", maybe we could update the map with that vision? For instance I could add where the copse/log is, and you guys could add where you want to erect the trap? It's cumbersome, but maybe the best way to stay on the same page as to what things look like?

In the future I think I should have a grid with an a-b-c, and 1-2-3 axis so we could just call out coordinates...

Jun 16, 2020 3:36 pm

Jun 16, 2020 3:36 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni heads to the copse of trees to look at their choices "Well, this tree looks like it's our best option. If the log isn't log enough to kill it we'll have to hope it slows him down enough to finish him off.

OOC:

not to get to metagamey, but my character is the dumbest one here. I probably shouldn't be rolling any knowledge or mechanics checks. haha

Jun 16, 2020 4:01 pm

Jun 16, 2020 4:01 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

K, if/when you are all ready to move down into the copse, gimme a group Stealth roll (best Agility, paired with best Stealth) with 4 Boosts, essentially for complete Cover, vs. a Hard diff - PPP (it's Vigilance).

Jun 16, 2020 7:31 pm

Jun 16, 2020 7:31 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Do either of you have ranks in stealth? I have 3 agility.

Last edited June 16, 2020 7:31 pm

Jun 16, 2020 8:28 pm

Jun 16, 2020 8:28 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Doesn't look like it, you should be able to click on any of our characters to see their stats, just go ahead and roll it. You've been having better luck than I have haha

Jun 16, 2020 9:05 pm

Jun 16, 2020 9:05 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Hehe, okay, I’ll give it a shot. I can’t click on your character though? Although I haven’t checked from the game menu.

Rolls

Stealth check

5 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 4 Success, 1 Advantage

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jun 17, 2020 12:27 pm

Jun 17, 2020 12:27 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Cap completes his sketch in the dirt,

https://i.imgur.com/3vGIssm.jpg

. "What do you think of this approach? If the log doesn't do the job by itself, perhaps the distraction it buys us to get on the beast's back will be the difference maker. I think mounting this beast is our best bet to take it down by hand, beyond this one opportunity we'll likely have to lure it near walls to have a chance at mounting it from the tops of ruins. I don't suppose either of you know what boars like to eat, do you?"

With Pagoni pointing out the candidate tree, "Aye, we should do it as quietly as we can. Not that lumbering is exactly a typically quietly business..." Cap crouches down and prepares to follow.

Rolls

Knowledge - Lore

3 Success, 2 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 3 Threat

Jun 17, 2020 2:02 pm

Jun 17, 2020 2:02 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

" 'Tis a good plan. We didn't have a plan at all for the snake, and managed to survive. Let's get to work." Pagoni says as he shews his pet raven off of his shoulder.

OOC:

nice rolls guys!

Jun 17, 2020 2:33 pm

Jun 17, 2020 2:33 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Nice map, thanks Eskaton!

I'll use 1 Threat to Strain Cap, and 2 Threat to complicate the nature of the success.

In pondering the 12-pointed star symbols Capaneus goes over many possibilities in his head. 12 is a significant number, found all over the stories and culture of Greece. There are the Babylonian star-catalogues and it's 12 signs of the zodiac, there is the 12 pointed crown-constellation given by Dionysus to his mortal bride, there are the 12 original Titans, and of course the 12 Olympians who now rule the earth...

You all arrive at the copse of ruined trees. The grounds is overturned and muddy, difficult to move through. There is a snorting and snuffling from just over the hill that sounds like a great bonfire being stoked. And the ground trembles from an animalistic rollicking. But a suitable tree lies before you. Angling out of the ground, roots sticking up like pleading fingers, the top shattered at a sharp angle.

OOC:

Give me a group Athletics check if/when you're prepared to move it. Or if there's anything else you want to do here before that, just let me know.

I'll remind you, you have 3 Story Points in your pool. The diff will be Hard, upgraded once due to your proximity to the boar, and a Setback for to the difficult terrain. RPPBlk

Failure will result not in an inability to move the tree, but Strain inflicted upon each of you.

Jun 17, 2020 6:47 pm

Jun 17, 2020 6:47 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

The plan looks good to me. I need to see the boar and it's actual size I think before I can come up with anything useful. Now an athletics check on the other hand...that's my jam *proceeds to probably completely fail*

Edit:...yup

Last edited June 17, 2020 6:48 pm

Rolls

Athletics check to move the tree

1 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 3 Advantage

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jun 17, 2020 7:37 pm

Jun 17, 2020 7:37 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Let me give you a hand there."

OOC:

Group athletics means you get an extra ability dice from my Brawn of 4 and a boost from Pag's assist.

Rolls

Team sports

3 Success

Total: 3 Success

Jun 18, 2020 3:55 pm

Jun 18, 2020 3:55 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Yep, great catch and follow-up, Eskaton. And nice rolling everyone!

Not only does the effort succeed without turning you all out, but you didn't give me any Threat.

How would you like to spend your Advantage? I would allow all 3 to be spent for the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the boar?

You all begin the work of hauling you're chosen tree out if the copse, and all though it is slow going, and even not particularly quiet work, you get it done without ending up completely exhausted not having attracted the attention of the beast! You've moved it into position at the bottom of the cliff.

Now you just have to construct the thing...

OOC:

This will be a Hard Mechanics check, PPP. And I'm gonna roll another luck die to see what the boar is gonna be doing. This luck check could modify your Mechanics check (for instance, bad luck would mean it starts getting up and about it's turf here, which could add a Setback to the effort.

That's a wash in the luck, not good, not bad.

You all hear the boar move from it's initial wallow, on the plateau above. But it doesn't sound like it's ranging about...

Rolls

Luck die

1 Success, 1 Failure

Jun 18, 2020 7:50 pm

Jun 18, 2020 7:50 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

I reckon we should use the advantage for that, would be nice to know exactly what we're dealing with.

Jun 18, 2020 8:10 pm

Jun 18, 2020 8:10 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Good point, but we also need as much help as we can get with that mechanics check. I used my story point at the snake fight.

Jun 19, 2020 2:50 pm

Jun 19, 2020 2:50 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

As the boar ventures out from the center of the three hills, it moves over into the very copse of trees which the three champions just pulled their great spike from... You can get a good look at it from behind the ruined walls near the edge where you're looking to construct your trap. Having just walked amongst the area, you can get a very good judge of it's size, and it is truly gigantic. No natural beast...

It snuffles around at the ground some, then snorts up into the wind... and then it looks in your direction, forcing you all to retreat. It doesn't appear to have spotted you, as it just begins to wallow anew, and you did get a good look...

https://i.imgur.com/nd8hSUS.jpg

OOC:

Ok, so, it's pretty out in the open now. It will be much easier for it to spot you, any time you're moving around up on that level of the steppes. Is there any other actions you want to take before constructing your trap? If you can think of a logical narrative, you can make a "lead-up" Skill check to the actual construction to try to gain a mechanical boost of some sort? Though, as with all Skill checks, you could end up with negative consequences too...

Jun 19, 2020 10:13 pm

Jun 19, 2020 10:13 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

I can't think of anything that would (quietly) help with the mechanics check. One of you guys can go ahead and roll it. That boar is awesome!

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jun 21, 2020 1:44 am

Jun 21, 2020 1:44 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Capaneus clenches his jaw and suppresses a shiver of fear, "That is a mighty beast indeed." He looks at the tusks jutting out from either side, "It looks a difficult feat for him to traverse narrow gaps. Should our initial plan of attack prove difficult, we should try to lure him to one of these gaps. If one of us is brave enough to risk it, we may want to bait them in advance with some foraged grub. What say you?"

https://i.imgur.com/gp1XWA2.jpg

Jun 21, 2020 9:45 am

Jun 21, 2020 9:45 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Are there any buildings taller than the boar?

Charisteas considers Capaneus' proposal, "That might work, but considering the size of the thing we'd need a hell of a lot of grub to do so...unless...maybe if you to lie in wait, ready to pounce, I can lure it here...". Charisteas looks both determined and frightened at the prospect of facing the boar 1 on 1, but as an athlete...well, former athlete, he feels confident that while he might not be able to outrun it in the long run, a short term sprint might be doable

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jun 21, 2020 1:00 pm

Jun 21, 2020 1:00 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Once we have the spike in place, I will mount the ruins to try and leap to his back if our plan works. You're probably right about the grub, not worth the time or trouble. Let's finish getting this log in place and you can try to lead him to the trap."

Jun 22, 2020 3:34 pm

Jun 22, 2020 3:34 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Sounds like good stuff. You guys ready to roll the mechanics check to construct the thing?

Jun 22, 2020 6:18 pm

Jun 22, 2020 6:18 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni talks while they work "I don't mind being the bait, assuming I cant get the creature to follow me, I've had worse roles before.

OOC:

I'll go ahead and roll to keep things moving (no one has any ranks in the skill, so I'm adding one boost die per player assisting:

Rolls

Hard Group Mechanics check

1 Success, 5 Advantage, 1 Failure, 4 Threat

Total: 1 Advantage

Jun 23, 2020 2:38 pm

Jun 23, 2020 2:38 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Any ideas for how you'd like to spend your Advantage? Some recommendations would be, you construct it quickly, or quietly, or maybe it's reinforced well so that you could potentially get more than one use out if it?

The three champions prop up the log, and hone it to a bit more of a point. It's hard to know if it's adequate for their needs. But it's done, and it remains upright.

OOC:

Unless you spend the Advantage to construct it quickly, I'll be rolling another luck die to determine what the boat is doing as you complete it.

Jun 23, 2020 3:02 pm

Jun 23, 2020 3:02 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

I guess quietly? I don't want him coming over before everyone is in position

Jun 23, 2020 4:20 pm

Jun 23, 2020 4:20 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Sounds good. I'll roll the luck die, but at least noticing the construction won't be a possible result.

Narrative pending, standby.

You can hear from below, as though it sounds like the boar has moved amongst the nearby ruins.

https://i.imgur.com/X39TzuX.jpg

OOC:

Green is the copse of trees. Yellow curve is the boar.

What's your move?

Rolls

Luck die

1 Advantage, 1 Threat

Jun 23, 2020 7:42 pm

Jun 23, 2020 7:42 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

if the trap is all set, I'm thinking I'll get the boar to chase me, run past the log, and hope the boar impales itself. Then we can jump on it, or attack it after we see what happens?

Jun 23, 2020 8:24 pm

Jun 23, 2020 8:24 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Just so we're all on the same page, based on Cap's sketch, I got the impression that the spike trap was built at the base of the cliff, on the other side of a wall (or arches or pillars), with the spike pointed up and toward the cliff. And that, therefore, the way in which it was designed to be used was by running the boar over the edge somehow/it falling on the spike from above.

If you guys want it to be a thing where it runs into it, headlong, i.e. laterally, that's fine. That just wasn't my understanding. Please clarify the group understanding/desire before we move forward.

Jun 23, 2020 9:12 pm

Jun 23, 2020 9:12 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

oh man, that sounds way better than what I was thinking. So my character can still lead the boar (unless we can chase it, haha) towards the trap, but it will just work different then I thought?

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jun 23, 2020 10:12 pm

Jun 23, 2020 10:12 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

em squared is exactly right as far as what I meant. Get the boar to crash through the wall and impale itself. I don't mind standing on the wall and throwing rocks or something at it to come crashing at me (personally thought the bait would act from the top of the wall to give them vantage to leap and for the boar to crash through)

Jun 23, 2020 11:01 pm

Jun 23, 2020 11:01 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

This is going to be awesome! Now I can't stop thinking of the Kool-Aid man. So how do we start? get on the wall and start yelling? If that doesn't work, I can have my character make himself seen, and try and lure the boar over.

Jun 23, 2020 11:11 pm

Jun 23, 2020 11:11 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Let's get in character to discuss this?

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jun 24, 2020 12:37 am

Jun 24, 2020 12:37 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"I'll climb the ruin just above the log." Cap points to the wall he's talking about, "I'll start calling my best boar call to see if I can get it riled up. Should he need a bit of extra encouragement it may be wise for you two to throw stones or something at it from hidden places to draw it's attention. once it starts charging I, and as many as are foolish enough, will leap from the wall to its back while the rest of us try to disable it from the ground. What say you? Shall any of you join me on the top of the wall?"

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jun 24, 2020 12:37 am

Jun 24, 2020 12:37 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"I'll climb the ruin just above the log." Cap points to the wall he's talking about, "I'll start calling my best boar call to see if I can get it riled up. Should he need a bit of extra encouragement it may be wise for you two to throw stones or something at it from hidden places to draw it's attention. once it starts charging I, and as many as are foolish enough, will leap from the wall to its back while the rest of us try to disable it from the ground. What say you? Shall any of you join me on the top of the wall?"

Jun 24, 2020 1:43 am

Jun 24, 2020 1:43 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

I'm not sure what I'll do when the fighting starts, but whatever it is, I'll probably do it better on the ground. Perhaps I'll do my best to keep it distracted.

Jun 24, 2020 12:33 pm

Jun 24, 2020 12:33 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"So I shouldn't just bait it by letting it see me and then run? What happens when the boar crashes into the wall that you're standing on top of?"

Last edited June 24, 2020 12:33 pm

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jun 24, 2020 8:54 pm

Jun 24, 2020 8:54 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Unless you think you can dodge out of the way, I think it chasing you is a risky bet. Perhaps there is a wide enough hole in the ruin that you could duck through and down the cliff before the boar breaks through." Cap inspects the wall for just such a hole. "When the boar runs through the wall I plan to leap upon its back and climb across its thick fur to make my way to its eyes. There isn't a beast whose eyes aren't a weakness, if I can get to them we may be able to pierce its seeming invulnerability."

Jun 24, 2020 9:05 pm

Jun 24, 2020 9:05 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni says jovially, "He'll just fall and light right on top of the boar. Simply gravity really." His tone then gets serious "Let's get to it then, shall we?"

Last edited June 24, 2020 9:08 pm

Jun 25, 2020 6:35 pm

Jun 25, 2020 6:35 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Whose making the first move? Sounds like a plan is in place, who's doing what?

Cap climbing up on the wall? Pagoni baiting?

Feel free to anticipate rolls, but if you want to, in this circumstance, probably just roll your party of the pool and I'll add Difficulty as needed... The boar's stats are kind of all over.

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jun 25, 2020 6:58 pm

Jun 25, 2020 6:58 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Yes, let's get things started." Cap runs off to the wall and scales it, polishing his picks as he reaches the top.

Jun 25, 2020 7:14 pm

Jun 25, 2020 7:14 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Eskaton says:

Cap inspects the wall for just such a hole.

OOC:

Sorry, I had missed this until now.

Generally, to create a strategic advantage for yourself in the arena/landscape, it would take the expenditure of a Story Point, or narrative symbols - a Trumph/Advantages, etc. But this is a small enough thing that, yes, such a gap or low-point in the wall can be found.

Sass, birdman, are you two waiting down by the spike then?

Jun 25, 2020 7:45 pm

Jun 25, 2020 7:45 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Yeah, and I'll be ready to run out and distract it if need be

Jun 25, 2020 8:39 pm

Jun 25, 2020 8:39 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Well Capaneus, looks like it's time to hear your boar impression"

OOC:

I'll wait at ground level to. I guess we can help yell if you want to make that a group check?

Jun 26, 2020 3:32 pm

Jun 26, 2020 3:32 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Alright, no check needed to attract it's attention.

It takes a few moments, but once Capaneus starts his hollering before long the great boar emerges from around the corner of the ruin walls.

It jerks it's head from side to side as it pin-points the source of it's disturbance in the distance, and then it bellows an unearthly squeal that is both deep and shrill and LOUD, like lightning rending a tree in two! It snorts, spraying saliva and raising a cloud of dust like a great fumerol from the ground - a challenge to it's antagonist. And then it begins to charge...

The earth trembles under it's weight, and dust and rocks shake loose from both the ruins and the surrounding cliff walls. It comes barreling toward Capaneus, running parallel with the length of the wall, and it swings it's head out and then in, a couple times, testing it's great tusks against the ruin wall, each time sending an explosion of stone out and away, shattering the lesser construct.

By the time it's nearly upon him, Capaneus can tell that it's not going to be running at the right angle to go barreling through the wall. It looks to be content to just try to destroy the thing which he stands upon!

https://i.imgur.com/tOa7ld3.jpg

OOC:

So, we're gonna keep this in narrative play, for now, and what this thing does when it see Cap is it just kind of runs down the line, blasting the wall with it's tusks as it goes, and it's kind of just doing a "drive-by" blasting of the wall beneath Cap. It's not coming at the wall at the angle that would probably be necessary to make it want to charge through it.

Capaneus needs to roll an Easy Coordination check, with 1 Setback due to the trembling/unsteadiness of the wall (PBlk), to avoid having the wall destroyed as he stands atop it/time his jump if he's doing that. And if he is trying to land on and cling to the boar, roll an Athletics for that. Average dif, upgraded once due to the inherent hazard of such a move (RP).

Jun 26, 2020 7:55 pm

Jun 26, 2020 7:55 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

If I want to run out, draw it away and then try to steer it back on course. What would the roll be for that?

Jun 26, 2020 8:24 pm

Jun 26, 2020 8:24 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

If I can assist with that, make it a group check, If not, I was going to throw rocks at it in an attempt to make it angrier.

Jun 26, 2020 8:34 pm

Jun 26, 2020 8:34 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Sassafras says:

OOC:

If I want to run out, draw it away and then try to steer it back on course. What would the roll be for that?

OOC:

That sounds like at least a couple steps, but beginning with drawing it out... Depends on how you're gonna try to do it.

Could be as simple as a Ranged attack if you think shooting it with an arrow will get it's attention. Could be a social Skill, Deception or Coercion, if you think more human taunts might work? Could be Survival, as the "handle animal" Skill, if you think it's just a large boar? Or if there's other narratives that you can match up to a Skill, you can try those.

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jun 27, 2020 1:47 am

Jun 27, 2020 1:47 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Cap grips his picks as the boar charges forward, Prepared too hastily... He thinks, Like scaling a wall when the rain starts to come. He centers his gravity as the wall trembles beneath him, struggling to keep his balance and stay steady for the leap...

OOC:

I'll flip a story point for the coordination roll. Is a story point being flipped for the challenge dice in athletics?

I'd like to use the advantage as a boost to the action to redirect the boar by landing on it in such a way as to give whichever action will be performed a benefit. Maybe the threat to take strain as I struggle to stay balanced?

Last edited June 27, 2020 1:48 am

Rolls

Coordination

4 Success, 1 Threat

Total: 4 Success, 1 Threat

5 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Failure

Total: 3 Success, 2 Advantage

Jun 29, 2020 3:38 pm

Jun 29, 2020 3:38 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Daaang, nice rolls Eskaton.

No, that upgraded Difficulty on your Athletics was just based on the inherent and high level of danger of what you were doing.

Just as a reminder GM spends the Players' Threats/Despairs, but I will use it to Strain Cap. And that is if the Boost sounds fine.

The boar smashes a section of the wall beneath Capaneus' feet, sending a section of it tumbling to the ground and several blocks flying like giant sling stones.

Cap however is already in the air, and he lands on the back of the boar. Holding on for dear life. The boar begins to buck and thrash, and if Capaneus does anything but hold on for the moment, he will risk being thrown from his spot...

OOC:

Basically, that's just a warning that I can spend Threat to toss you Eskaton, on Skill checks made right now/until further notice.

Sass and birdman, got anything you want to do?

Charisteas and Pagoni hear the wall explode overhead, and see the fragments go flying... but there is no but with it all. It must have remained on the plateau above. With their ally, Capaneus...

Jun 29, 2020 5:11 pm

Jun 29, 2020 5:11 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"This isn't working! we need to do something to draw it in this direction." Pagoni exclaims. He looks around and finds some rocks among the rubble. He knows it won't be enough to hurt the boar, but hopefully it will get its attention.

OOC:

Let me know if I underestimated the difficulty

Rolls

Range Light, throwing a rock at the boar

5 Success, 2 Threat

Total: 5 Success, 2 Threat

Jun 29, 2020 6:02 pm

Jun 29, 2020 6:02 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Charisteas runs out in front of it and waves his arms before running away from the plateau. The idea is to get it to chase him and then steer it back towards the spiked pole.

OOC:

Also feel free to adjust mine

Last edited June 29, 2020 6:03 pm

Rolls

Charm?

1 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure

Jun 30, 2020 2:29 pm

Jun 30, 2020 2:29 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni throws the rock, and he throws it really well he thinks, hits the thing right on the bridge if it's nose as it spins and bucks. But with Capaneus on it's back, it doesn't seem to notice or care about him.

OOC:

So, in a situation like this where it's already engaged, you'd probably have to either actually cause damage to get it's attention, OR have narrative symbols to spend to make it happen.

I'll spend your two Threat to create Difficult terrain out to Short Range around the boar
...
Sass, no check possible to try to Charm it. It's not an appropriate or applicable Skill for the situation, sorry. "Charming" or coaxing an animal would fall under Survival, as it is the animal handling skill.

You could re-roll a different Skill under the same narrative if you wanted? Survival would be an Average Difficulty with two Setbacks due to Cap dominating it's attention... PPBlkBlk, OR you could give a Boost to Cap trying to steer it?
...
Eskaton, sounded like Cap wanted to try to "steer" it to a position further away from the wall, in line with the spike?

Since you're more trying to "break" it really, rather than ride it, you're looking at a Hard Survival check, upgraded once (RPP).

birdman and Sass, keep going with your RP if you want, push for your next Action, broadcast to the others what you're thinking, or visualizing as the next step, ask for direction from your allies if you don't know how to for into the scheme, etc.

As the monster bucks and spins, it's hooves tear great furrows and punch deep holes into the ground. It's romping has made it difficult for anyone who would try to approach it's rampage.

Jun 30, 2020 5:53 pm

Jun 30, 2020 5:53 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni thinks to himself "Well, at least I hit it, thank Athena for small victories." He then shouts Capaneus! You are going to have to steer it towards the trap. Nothing we are doing is helping.

Jun 30, 2020 7:43 pm

Jun 30, 2020 7:43 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Shit, it’s too focused on you Cap", Charisteas looks at the boar and gets an idea, "Cap! Throw me your rope, attach it to its tusk and I can help steer it!"

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jul 1, 2020 3:06 pm

Jul 1, 2020 3:06 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Cap grips the mane of the enormous boar and struggles to try and climb towards its head, his forearms straining to maintain his grip. "I've just got to..." He struggles to shout over the ruckus the boar is raising as he clambers toward the things' head. "How do you propose I tie a rope to this thing's tusk!?" He shouts as the head whips up and back, forcing Cap to arrest his progress to keep his grip. He reaches back into his pack in a moment of stability and tries to loose his rope from his climbing kit, gripping it in his teeth as he resumes his progress.

OOC:

My initial plan was for Cap to try and attack its eyes once he was on the thing's back, not steer it toward the trap, but here we are, lol. I'll give the steer ago but more realistically Cap still think stabbing this thing's eyes is his best bet to disable it and give them a bigger advantage since we mucked up the trap approach. Also, it looks like the boost I tried to pass forward got lost, since I spent two advantage on it, I should technically be able to pass it to myself so I'll roll it separately assuming that you'll allow it. I'd also love to count the successful rock throw as a possible boost if you'll allow it? Disregard any boost rolls you don't think are appropriate.

EDIT: Weird, my readout gives a despair but doesn't show it on the dice:

https://i.imgur.com/4RS4243.jpg

Last edited July 1, 2020 3:15 pm

Rolls

Survival

3 Success, 1 Failure, 3 Threat, 1 Despair

Total: 2 Success, 3 Threat, 1 Despair

Boost - advantage

1 Advantage

Total: 1 Advantage

Boost - Rocks

Jul 2, 2020 5:50 pm

Jul 2, 2020 5:50 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

"Can you stab it with your climbing gear, and then toss us the rope?" Pagoni yells before he remembers that he also has rope, and move a bit closer to the boar to try and snare it.

OOC:

I reckon this isn't as good as tying it to its tusk, but can still work.
What would the difficulty of a, I'm guessing ranged light check, be to use my climbing gear to lasso one of the tusk?

Jul 2, 2020 5:52 pm

Jul 2, 2020 5:52 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Yea, Despairs don't show up with any symbols on the dice... it's always been that way unfortunately. The text results are reliable tho.

And I don't want anyone to ever feel like I've forced them or even suggested or guided them to do something in particular that they didn't intend to do. I had forgotten your mention of stabbing the eyes.

For future reference, everyone, please always do what you want to do. I just try to anticipate actions and give options if they've been discussed prior at things you guys have speculated about, so that we can minimize having to sit here and have back and forths just to establish what options there are and what the associated difficulties will be.

Such speculative options are never your only option(s), just me trying to keep things moving as best as possible.

And Eskaton, all the reasoning on those boosts sounds legit to me. And nicely rolled ta boot. We will at this point of course move forward with the action and took as above.

Cap is no farmer, but what animal isn't motivated by pain? He digs his picks into the flesh of the boar, hoping it can feel something, and perhaps applies them in a spur-like fashion to drive it away from the wall - and towards his allies who have also been trying to coax the beast.

And lo and behold - it frickin' works!

The boat thrashes and spins and bucks, and it ends up next to the cliff north of the spike and the wall. But by the time it has been manipulated into that position, Cap has lost his purchase and is thrown from the back of the great boar!

OOC:

Despair to throw ya, I'll use the Threat to Strain Cap 2.

From the throw/fall to the ground, please roll an Average Resilience check (PP), to resist being damaged by the fall.

The boar, discombobulated for the moment by it's own rage and wild thrashing, shakes it's head and snorts and squeals in it's minor victory, swinging it's head from side to side to get a bead on it's antagonists...

OOC:

Alright, so you guys all have a moment to act here, while the boar is gathering itself.

Watcha gonna do?!

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jul 3, 2020 12:52 am

Jul 3, 2020 12:52 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Cap sails through the air, barely able to dislodge his pick as he takes flight. He tucks his arms and tries to fall as best he can as the sky and the ground swap places in his vision with distressing frequency.

He hits the ground and burns the momentum off in a tucked roll that he ends by standing up, carrying his momentum forward and redirecting himself so that he's in a full blown sprint back toward the boar!

OOC:

Is the boar directed so he's about to fall on the trap? I'd like to use the advantage to end standing rather than prone if I can (if that's too big a spend I'll pass a boost to the next PC)

Last edited July 3, 2020 12:54 am

Rolls

Resilience

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Failure

Total: 2 Success, 1 Advantage

Jul 3, 2020 6:49 am

Jul 3, 2020 6:49 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Hmm, the way I read it it's positioned next to the wall in front of the trap, but it's not falling into it. We somehow need to get it to run through the wall, but I'm not sure how. The order of our positioning goes trap, wall, boar, us, right?

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jul 3, 2020 10:43 am

Jul 3, 2020 10:43 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Yeah, that's kinda how I read it too, but I thought the purpose of the survival check was to steer it into the trap. Rereading emsquared's suggestion I see he suggested that I was trying to steer it "in line" with the trap. Oh well, that seems purposeless to me given the whole plan was to lure it by being on top of a now destroyed wall, but I'll chock it up to growing pains with the titan fight. I'll say now that I'm thrown AND the boar's been steered away from the wall my plan's completely shot. Any thoughts from the rest?

Last edited July 3, 2020 10:46 am

Jul 3, 2020 3:34 pm

Jul 3, 2020 3:34 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

Pagoni makes a loop at the end of his rope and attempts to lasso one of the boars tusk.

OOC:

I thought Cap is still on the higher ground, on the same level as the boar, and the rest of us are lower, with the trap. So I'm hoping to snag the boar with the rope, and we can pull him over the cliff edge, and onto the trap. Or anger him enough that he comes down to us?

Rolls

Ranged, roping the boar

2 Success, 1 Advantage, 4 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 3 Threat

Jul 6, 2020 2:21 pm

Jul 6, 2020 2:21 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

Long weekend for the 4th. Here's about where things stand... Apologies if the text description wasn't clear.

That Advantage expenditure sounds good to me, Eskaton.

Let me know if this positioning changes anything about what Pagoni wants to do. Eskaton and Charisteas you guys can take action too...

https://i.imgur.com/XKa7qoX.png

Jul 6, 2020 8:02 pm

Jul 6, 2020 8:02 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

I think my best course would be to assist Pagoni in pulling the rope. I imagine it takes a lot of strength

Jul 6, 2020 8:12 pm

Jul 6, 2020 8:12 pm

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

I'm ok still roping the thing, and hoping we can pull it. or guide it.

Eskaton Inactive forever!

Jul 7, 2020 10:43 am

Jul 7, 2020 10:43 am

Re: IC Story Thread: The Call of Apollo

OOC:

What range band am I from the boar after being thrown?

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