Game Thread

Sep 21, 2016 12:17 am
It has been nearly forty five years since the fall of the gods. With its fall, the proud empire of Cavazel was basically blasted into oblivion leaving the fractured Ruinscape in its wake. In the midst of a new ocean the storms of magic and fury -- the Eye of Elanehtar -- fling out curses to fall, like rain, upon the lands. Shielding a large part of the continent, the mountain range known as the Krakens hold back the worst of the storms -- but they protect what was once a fertile land and now is not.

For decades, the cities under the baleful shadow of Nod -- the Nightland -- have suffered without sunlight. Much has died in the constant eclipse, leaving only the heartiest, or most malevolent of flora and fauna to be found. In this time, the city of Corso has risen as the center of power in the Nightland. At the head of that city is a dragon -- a powerful sorcerer -- named Nulumriel. She has demanded fealty from all lands under the cover of eternal night. In either fear of her power or apathy they have all acquiesced. All but Somorrah to the north -- but it lies at the very edge of the Nightland -- half of it in eternal night and half with daylight during the day. Thus Nulumriel has viewed this as a technicality that enables them to be free. For now.

For awhile after the Fall, people held hope for the return of the gods. But when there was no help to be found and when real evil walked the earth without recourse, hope faltered. Hope turned to bitterness and despair. Eventually it turned to abandonment. There are no gods anymore. And there shall not be again. This is known. Nulumriel helps with this -- she has created an order of lawkeepers, the Reconciliators. They are charged with helping society to accept the new godless reality. Some assert they actively seek out any divine influence and eliminate it. Brutally.

In general the world has become one where if you hold power, money and influence you can literally do what you want. In Corso, this is as simple as paying an indulgence to the city. Did someone bump into your carriage and leave a scratch? He can be tortured, killed or maimed as you see fit so long as you pay the price. Does your neighbor bother you? Save up your earnings and you can murder him and remain on the right side of the law. Corso is a terrible place to be without power.

Each of you have come into the Afterworld well after the Fall. Each of you finds yourself in Corso.
OOC:
Can each of you post with an introduction to your character and opine how you find yourself in Corso? I'll tie the strings of fate to bring you together appropriately afterwards. But this way I don't make assumptions about apparent age (e.g. are you all roughly in your 20s? etc.) and whatnot.
Sep 21, 2016 3:44 am
From New Somorrah to Old Nemoro, from crossroads to Corso: this is how Dikaios came to the city of slaves and spires.

A child of commoners of Corso in the Night district, he would tell you his life was one of freedom and jovial ignorance before he became a man and set off to find where slaves were. If you asked him where he was going, he would simply say, "Where people are kept in chains." He knows why he came. He had a mission, and that mission was simple: justice for those who have been denied. His parents did not know what to do when their son suddenly one day (or night technically, as it always was in their neighborhood) went out, bought some odd weapons no one would use and headed south without a word but a simply, "I have a mission."

A tall man, broad shouldered with long brown hair and a clean shaven face, looking to be in his late twenties. Well, at least he would if he was not wearing his dull hood and cloak. Currently he looked up, although slightly as to not have the hood fall back, at the statue of The Liberator. Why? He seemed to be looking at his patron.
Sep 21, 2016 1:20 pm
Reojk whistled to himself a mischievous smirk on his face as he walked down the street. Ah Corso, although the road here had been most interesting it seemed to him the closer he got to Corso proper the darker the secrets people kept close to their very beings. They had been quite fun to unravel and the discoveries had been most delicious. A sudden giggle burst out of the youth of maddening laughter thinking of his exploits to get here.

Travel had been eventful playing the part of a curious traveling idiot along the way and had enabled him to meet several con artist trying to take advantage of him. Playing someone innocent or foolish and unknowing was very different from being so, when they found out it was usually too late and accusations at that point would lead to embarrassment or further ridicule from the youth. Swindling swindlers had netted him a few items and shins.

With nothing to do at the moment and no real plan on how to find what he truly wanted from Corso he wandered the streets looking for something interesting to get into. He stroked the scarf around his neck that moved slightly adjusting itself as if it was alive, a head cocked up and a tongue flicked forth sensing the air and resettling into a light scarf muffler on the shoulders of Reojk as he walked the streets, it wasn’t that chilly out and about as he walked the streets in the eternal night.

This should be fun.
For Reojk he’d found he’d need to gather many secrets to take on his role, some big and some small along the way. Personally he’d like to find out the blacker secrets that Corso could reveal to him. The darker the secret the juicier they were.

Remnant sent a note to falryx
Sep 23, 2016 1:40 pm
OOC:
Thank you, you two. Since this had a slow spin up -- I'll wait a bit more to see if anyone else is going to chime in. If not I'll clean the decks and proceed with you two for a bit.
Sep 25, 2016 12:35 pm
OOC:
Reojk plays with cards and waits... Sometimes adventures and secrets don't come quickly, it's not a race but a testament to time.
Sep 26, 2016 7:44 pm
OOC:
Note - my plan is to wait 'til Friday 9/30 before tidying up and moving on with whomever is active. I'm doing some business travel for three days this week, so that will give folks time to chime in and commit. Otherwise we'll start with you two and go from there.
Oct 1, 2016 8:11 pm
You find yourselves in the Central Market of Corso. The Central Market is one of many market areas in the city. This one is nestled near the Nobles District. Not far away, the Tower of Reconciliation looms over Corso and the district here in the high city. It pratically punctures the sky as it reaches 3,000 feet into the air above you. Far above you can see the large metallic wings which adorn its top. Here in the Central Market, you can acquire anything that should happen to come to mind -- other than slaves. Those are to be found only in the Slave District.

People mill about, looking at the stalls. Here, on one hand, a merchant sells fine-looking cloth from rolls that tumble around haphazardly in his shop. There on the other, an old woman sells small hand-pies that steam when opened. In the near distance someone hawks "fine, unusual artifacts from the Ruinscape". About you, the shops are tastefully incorporated into the city's architecture with long flower boxes defining pleasant promenades. The people of Corso who frequent the market are well-dressed and move about discretely. This is no market-bazaar of the working class. This is a refined place, complete with high-end open-air cafes from which wafts streams of pipeweed smoke and the low hubbub of conversation.

Reojk is amused and finds the gaggle of mortals a place rich with opportunity. Dikaios, his mission foremost in his mind, doesn't see anyone obviously enslaved here. If they are, they are enslaved through means other than physical chains -- and he doesn't yet feel he can discern the chains of emotion or obligation or threat with clarity. Still, a man on a mission must eat, and it's been a few hours since he last had a morsel.
Oct 2, 2016 12:04 am
I sense.... a hunger. Little beknownst to most people, Dikaios had an inner monologue. He did always made sure it was inner and not outer, as the outer was less receptive to being a public diary. A hunger for freedom, justice! But I see no slaves, no chains! Where are the oppressed? He looks around trying to sense the direction the hunger he feels. After a few minutes he realizes it is coming from his stomach.

"Come, stomach! Let us free ourselves of this injustice!" He goes looking for a shop for which to purchase the tools that shall lead to his liberation: a meal.
Oct 4, 2016 2:32 am
Dikaios has his opens open before him. There are a couple vendors with stalls -- with the backdrop of flowering plants and a lovely promenade, and there are open air cafes before him. He could choose the quick meal; at likely a better price -- or the more expensive meal where someone might actually wait upon his whim.
Oct 5, 2016 2:04 am
Justice waits for no man! He of course walks up to the first open seat he sees at the food bar, takes a seat, and orders a quick meal...... Something about satiating the need for replenishment is what the order taker would hear.
Oct 5, 2016 1:29 pm
Reojk stares at the merchant who panders to the crowd of wondrous items from the Ruinscape.

But are they really? he wonders to himself looking at the various items.
OOC:
Accessing if they're magical in nature or just baubles, I do have Magical Training.

Rolls

Awesome or Awful? - (1d20)

(11) = 11

Oct 6, 2016 2:52 am
Dikaios' food comes in due course. It's a noodle dish of some sort. Rich in flavors, but not so rich in cost and it sets him back significantly. They slurp well, and at the end of the day they actually taste well, despite his apparent interest in food-as-fuel than as something to be savored.

Nearby, Reojk scans the trinkets out for sale. While many of them may have come from the Ruinscape, the vast majority of them aren't anything to shake a stick at. A few items here, or there, do seem like they may have some bit of divinity in them -- cyphers. But it's dangerous to be selling these -- especially in the shadow of the Tower. Reconciliators have been known to confiscate them and destroy them -- and those who are selling them are judged harshly.

In between noodles, Dikaios notes the other godling -- not knowing that's what he is of course. There's a faint... difference around him he has trouble placing.
Oct 6, 2016 3:33 am
Slurping up the last of his noodles and setting his two eating sticks down (at least he thinks that's what they are. They handed them to him with his meal. A pair of sticks. How odd). He stares a bit at the other man looking at shiny trinkets. "How odd..... There is something peculiar."

He gets up and walks toward the man, bumping into a few people but being very apologetic on the way. Not that many could miss him but he seems to have a hard time missing everyone else. Not as subtle as he perceives, he stands next to this fellow newcomer and looks at the wares as well.
Oct 6, 2016 12:18 pm
Reojk scans various objects for some time. He stares at the vendor until the Merchant actually notices him before looking at several items that would likely get him in trouble then in the direction of the Tower or possibly where the closest Reconciliators would be... Reojk's gaze turns back to the vendor looking only up half way towards them fully knowing at this point his actions are likely being watched a mischievous grin envelops his mouth his eyes predator like in nature.

"I know a secret..." Reojk sings quietly to the vendor before he moves back a bit and bumps into something pretty sturdy. Looking at the newcomer he pokes him a few times and squeezes his forearm. "You're pretty solid... and he has a Secret." he comments before his head snaps back to the vendor smiling again.
Oct 6, 2016 4:54 pm
"A secret, you say?" Dikaios is already at a vigilant attention of the shopkeeper. If not for the context given here, the face Dikaios is making would seem to indicate there is a smell of flatulence in the shop and he suspects the shopkeeper for not coming forward for his crime. "I do not like secrets."

He crosses his arms, staring down his wrinkled nose at the poor vendor, tapping his foot on the ground somewhat menacingly.
Oct 6, 2016 6:56 pm
"Oh I love them... they always have a story, how they came to be... why people keep them... it tells so much about a person and their intentions... the darker the secret the more interesting the story..." Reojk comments slightly rocking his head from side to side rhythmically as he stares at the merchant.
Oct 6, 2016 10:24 pm
The vendor looks on at both of you, a little frightened. There's a big one and a sneaky one. But, money cures all ills in Corso. So he bravely steps forth, "Hello fine sirs! Perhaps one of my trinkets from the Ruinscape itself has caught your eye?" He smiles widely and passes his hands over his wares, as if to remove a fog of uncertainty from around them. "Uncovered by the best treasure hunters to be found in the Afterworld! Here, clearly, is a sceptre with a glorious history! See the dents? Surely decades ago it was used to fight back the nefar hordes!"
Oct 7, 2016 1:23 pm
Reojk inspects this scepter specifically for a few seconds before looking at the man to see if he's lying or unfortunately telling the truth.
OOC:
More of the same on this specific item.

Rolls

Artifact or Overpriced Bootleg Antique - (1d20)

(12) = 12

Oct 7, 2016 7:12 pm
It's certainly plausible the man is telling the truth. But there's no particular magic to the sceptre even if it was once used to bash an orc or a goblin on the head.

The vendor smiles happily at Reojk, "Interested? You have such fine taste!"
Oct 7, 2016 7:26 pm
Reojk' right hand moves up and strokes his scarf absentmindedly, although stiffened it looks like a large lifelike unmoving golden snake wrapped around him as he pets it.

With a sigh he mutters to his snake, "Too bad he's lying... If it was the truth it'd be a lot more dangerous...What's your name Mister?"
Oct 7, 2016 7:32 pm
"Dikaios, and I am here for truth. We all need light to see and truth to know." He taps the counter as he looks over the wares himself.

"I can see these are grand items indeed. But how do I know its quality? Surely a discerning merchant such as this one hear would honor us with his regal knowledge of the unique origins of these quite....limited items."
OOC:
Trying to have a pleasant reaction to the merchant to get him to open up about which items are cyphers, if he knows. Dikaios is skilled in gaining trust of people. Perhaps he will at least befriend the man a bit.

Rolls

Gaining Trust - (1d20)

(16) = 16

Oct 7, 2016 8:13 pm
The merchant smiles broadly, "Why yes! Fine sir. The truth, as you say, is soooo important." He sets the sceptre down pats it absentmindedly. "If you're looking for deep quality -- the most excellent of things, well.. surely some of these other items might do."

He points out three items in particular. A small kaleidoscope a few inches long and worn with age; a bronze monkey claw that can easily fit in the palm of your hand; and a wristband of whorls and other shapes made out of a stainless metallic material.

As the merchant speaks to Dikaios, Reojk is able to perceive that his new ... colleague, manifests a divine aura. The aura is present, but dim. Perhaps the man, himself, is unaware of his potential.
Oct 7, 2016 8:20 pm
Reojk looks his new friend and possible fellow tormentor "Careful when embellishing to make a sale in front of one who seeks the truth... they might find out what you breath out as a falsehood..." he warms stroking the underside of his snake scarf's head with the tops of two fingers.

Now this is a mystery... does he not know his own secret or does he shroud it to mask and distort the truth...
Oct 7, 2016 9:37 pm
"I do not know about that. Reliable business is repeat business. Does not serve an honest merchant well to be less than such." Dikaios despite speaking to his fellow potential patron here seems to be subtly speaking to the shopkeeper.

He picks up, without regard for appraisal, the small claw and turns it over in his hand, before sitting it in the palm and raising it to his neighbor.

"What say you of this?" It could easily be mistaken that he is talking about his own hand rather than the claw that sits in it.
Oct 9, 2016 8:29 pm
Reojk looks at the item.

Rolls

Whatzit whatzit? Trying to access if it's magical in nature - (1d20)

(9) = 9

Oct 9, 2016 11:10 pm
The item looks like a little brass monkey claw. There's a sense that there's something particular about it, but even with Reojk's skills in such things, it's hard for him to assess what it might do.
OOC:
I used the level of the Cypher (5) to generate a difficulty level to decide what it does (15). Given your roll of 9, you'd need 2 steps, IIRC to get this and I think your training is just a single step? If it should be two, let me know. Or if there's a better way to do this let me know. :)
Oct 10, 2016 2:09 am
OOC:
That's enough information for me.
"There is something off about it... I can't put my finger on it... it is dangerous enough if found on someone to have them beaten for possession and than have it confiscated possibly... Oh someone could let a customer know they have contraband and it becomes a source of extortion..." Reojk ponders aloud his last comment popping into his head as he looks at the merchant with an impish grin, "You wouldn't sell someone something and make them keep paying you would you?"
Oct 11, 2016 6:58 pm
The merchant practically jumps with astonishment. "What?!" he reaches for the brass hand, but then stops, and then kind of wiggles nervously. "Of course not! Why the very idea that I'd extort someone. That seems... Well so. I can't even.". The shopkeeper is nervous, though it's difficult to tell if it's because he's honest and has been rattled by the accusation or if it's because he's not honest and he's been caught out in the shadow of the Tower by some strange man with an odd scarf.
Oct 12, 2016 3:33 am
First looking at the shopkeep, then the brass hand, then the shopkeep again, Dikaios attempts to calm the situation down a bit.

"We are not here to extort either, or so I assume. No one wants undue attention unless it serves us all. Perhaps you can tell us more about this item and why someone may want it?"

He speaks in a calm manner, almost gentle.
OOC:
Attempting a pleasant social interaction to calm things down so nothing seems aggressive here. I am skilled in this.

Rolls

Pleasant social interaction - (1d20)

(17) = 17

Oct 12, 2016 1:11 pm
"Well I could be here to extort if he's a shady fellow since it would be fun...or we could get an official to sort him out and be on our way..." Reojk admits smiling looking at the merchant squirm a bit from the situation.
Oct 12, 2016 8:17 pm
The merchant clearly decides he likes Dikaios better than Reojk. He sidles up to the friendly gentleman and agrees vigorously. "Yes, yes! Undue attention is a bad thing." He looks closely at the brass monkey hand, and squints. His brow furrows and he says, "Ah yes. I believe that it is a device that will allow you to grab one thing at a distance, drawing it back to yourself." He smiles. "It would also look good as a talisman of sorts, of course."

Rolls

What does the shopkeeper know? - (1d20)

(15) = 15

Oct 13, 2016 4:38 am
"Well, considering that it is an item that should probably not be found be the wrong people, I could simply take it away for you so no one unpleasant finds it here."

Dikaios is, instead of asking to purchase the item, asking if he can take the item as if he was performing a service for the merchant.
Nov 1, 2016 3:25 pm
The merchant considers the offer, but is disinclined to just part with it out of hand. "You seem a gentleman of fine knowledge and discernment. Surely you understand that I can come by these things only with the most careful of relationships and crafty business judgement. It would be difficult to part with this without some recompense to reflect the effort and.. judicious um.. judgment I've used in protecting it from unworthy eyes."

Having used several big words, the man is quite convinced he's made his case.
Nov 1, 2016 5:23 pm
"He means you seem smart and a nice guy. He wants you to pay him for his possibly illegally gotten contraband that may get you imprisoned. At no discount and not for free unless we think about calling people over to shut him down. Well he didn't mean the last part but it's a possibility." Reojk translated scratching his face looking around for something else interesting to do since he's gotten bored of the shady merchant. He'd likely not reveal anything darker in the presence of someone polite and honest.
Nov 1, 2016 6:04 pm
The merchant begins to look a bit more uncomfortable again. The thin one with the weird scarf makes him very uncomfortable.
Nov 2, 2016 3:03 pm
"I am sure this is all a misunderstanding. No payment necessary. However, you may wish to keep such things out of stock. No need for more unwanted attention."

Dikaios puts the item back down and begins walking out, not relieving the shopkeeper but not harassing him any further. He understands that people should know for themselves what is the right thing to do.
Nov 2, 2016 3:24 pm
Reojk watches the larger man leave, "Well he won't pay for goods that might be shady and he can't be bought off... He's more interesting than you I think. I wonder if he'll tell the truth if someone asks him directly about your wares though." Reojk says clucking his tongue and smiles before leaving. "I'll be watching you..." Reojk almost sings as he struts out almost comically before popping his head back through the doorway. "Always watching." he states again in all seriousness and maintains a creepy soul gaze with the merchant before recoiling his head out of sight.

"Well Dikaios I'm Reojk, self proclaimed Finder of Secrets and watcher of all interesting things that seem clever." Reojk states introducing himself to the larger man, "Watcha doin now???"
Nov 3, 2016 12:37 am
Dikaios has not stopped his pace, seeming to be wondering at random but still in a somewhat lateral route. "Never did give you my name. But you seem to be someone who takes answers before being offered them or inquiring if they are available to be traded, borrowed, or given freely. I however, in preemptive exchange, to accept your name, Reojk, and consider this a just trade. As for my titles, Justice shall declare itself known with its actions, not its words."

And Justice, at the moment, does not seem to be directed toward anything in particular, almost as if he were a hunter but has not yet decided his prey or quarry. Currently, Dikaios seems to be looking for a vantage point atop a hill to look over the city from a railing or balcony.

Rolls

Navigation (not skilled) - (1d20)

(6) = 6

Nov 3, 2016 1:52 pm
OOC:
You introduced yourself here.
"Justice might be enacted based on a found secret... sometimes enacting Justice is a secret." Reojk muses to himself opting to follow the larger fellow for a bit.
Nov 14, 2016 11:30 pm
OOC:
I was paused due to your interactions -- but I'm going to roll forward.
Dikaios is able to find a vantage point well enough. It does take several blocks of walking to look out over the undercity -- as the gentrified folk near the Tower have no particular desire to have their days ruined by looking over the vast unwashed masses about whom they could care less.

As you stand there, contemplating the view -- an old man headed towards the market appears to spot the pair of you and makes a beeline through the light crowd to you. He appears very agitated and as he closes he says, "Divine ones! I'm blessed to have found you so quickly!"
Nov 15, 2016 8:24 pm
Still looking out over the undercity, Dikaios does not turn around at the greeting. He probably has not realized the greeting is directed towards himself and present company.
Nov 15, 2016 9:10 pm
"I don't know about divine but we are a couple of amazing fellows at the very least..." Reojk comments wagging a finger at the man and puts it to his lips. "Did you need something?"

Remnant sent a note to falryx
Nov 16, 2016 12:33 am
Seeing the knowing look from Reojk -- and misinterpreting the motion as clearance to continue, the man loudly proclaims, "Redeemers of the Afterworld! We need your help. There is a situation..."

A passerby and his companion stop and ask the man, "What's this then? What are you talking about?"

The old man gestures, "These men. Their help is fore-ordained! With the death of the old gods, we have had no hope. But hope is coming and they.." he points to Dikaios and Reojk, "..are a key to help us! They are connected!" The man and his companion -- and a few more on lookers begin to look uneasy at the man's talk.
Nov 16, 2016 12:55 am
Reojk stares blankly at the old man and points towards himself and Dikaios.

"We just meet today but I guess we're standing next together if that counts... Also I've never been a researcher of the afterworld or the normal world. Oh wait is this a performance type thing? Should we be asking for money now? Listen to the old man! His back is bad and his breath worse... We bring hope but request some coin to make dreams come true or at least try?" Reojk explains shooting his hands into the air as random angles and shakes his hands.

"How'm I doing gramps I've never pan handled before and I'm not so sure this is legal. I mean I don't think we can make good on the promises I just spouted out either if people give us money." Reojk explains very loudly behind his hand.
Nov 16, 2016 2:13 am
"Indeed we are here to dispense justice! We are here to save the world!" Dikaios has already begun doing acrobatics he seems, attempting to stand on a railing or a high step to do a speech. It is not clear if he is being perfectly honest or if he is doing this as a form of street theatrics. Of course, that is indeed how he has seemed since he first appeared on the scene.

"And you, Citizen!" He points to the old man. "What words we will witness without worsening wily woes we won't welcome! Worship, or wanton wastes! Weak whims will wish for washing away from wall to well our well-known widespread work without wreak!"

Clearly, this is a performance, is it not?

Rolls

Pleasant social interaction (Calming suspicion) Trained - (1d20)

(12) = 12

Nov 27, 2016 5:48 am
OOC:
Sorry for the delay -- was looking to have our third join us -- since it's narratively easy right now, but...
The man and his companion move along, shaking their heads. They have little time for such antics and one of them spits at the ground near the old man's feet. Another passerby shakes her head suggesting that such subversive street art is, "...quite likely to get you in trouble. With the Redeemers no less!" and she stalks off on a huff.

The rest of the passerby have sensed, as crowds do, the disturbance in your area and have begun to flow around it -- creating a bubble of space for the moment as the old man himself stares at the both of you in some disbelief. "What is it you are doing, divine ones? I do not understand!"
Nov 28, 2016 2:32 pm
Reojk gets in closer to the old man with a sigh since although he's putting out his hand no one's giving them tips.
"No you do not. You do not understand what being divine truly is or that what you speak so openly about would put those you speak to and yourself in danger as a heretic. Do not forget the burden one's words have when spoken freely without thinking in this city seeker of the divine." Reojk hisses under his breath chiding the old man's foolishness.

"Well that didn't work... lets go someplace and come up with another scheme to get money quick!" he states aloud before grabbing the old man by his beard and pulling him alone not caring for the pain the man might incur. Reojk beckons for his larger associate to follow while he looks around for a seedy side alley.
Nov 28, 2016 3:59 pm
Dikaios, without a word, calmly steps down and follows, quite nonchalantly as if exiting a stage, the man with the beard as well as the man attached to the beard.
Nov 28, 2016 6:50 pm
Once they have a bit of privacy or at least they're out of the lime light he'll address the man.

"I get the fact you seek Gods to help but I haven't fully ascended into my full power and he's I don't think is even aware or awakened." Reojk continues from his chiding before nodding sideways to Dikaios.

"Since you've risked foolishly getting yourself strung up and hung for talking about Gods and us getting totured what is it you wish to discuss. I am Reojk the soon to be God of Secrets."
Nov 28, 2016 7:09 pm
Clueless as ever, Dikaios is watching the entrance to alleyway as if to be a look out, standing with his arms crossed like standing guard in front of some important treasure. An oddity, to be sure, but the city seems full of such.

If he does hear the conversation, he seems to give no sign of it.
Nov 29, 2016 4:18 am
Drug along by his beard -- and under some protest -- the man nods to Reojk. "Good! Good! Then you likely already know!" He smiles and says, "I am Dershan. A woman by the name of Sephoni needs your help! She is with child -- and all alone -- and soon to give birth to the Gift of Spring!"

He nods a few times at Reojk, ascertaining whether or not the divine one has already figured this out. Knowing secrets and all.

"This is the first ray of hope the Nightland has seen since the Fall! And your arrival is timely and no doubt connected!" He smiles, "The old gods moved in mysterious ways! And I see the new ones are no different!" He looks askance at Dikaios.
Nov 29, 2016 8:39 am
Reojk sighes pressing the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger. "Dershan... you didn't by chance spout this out at the top of your lungs around the city where anything thought to be divine is dragged off when it can be and silenced to keep the status quo did you? Not everyone wants the Gods to come back, especially those in power that feel they'd be pushed over and out of their ivory towers..."

"Where's this Sephoni woman at if she's hopefully still alive?" he finally states a bit deflated.

"Dikaios, you feel like helping a single mother to be and possibly saving her from some over exoberant old man's 'prophecy' that may get her and her baby killed?" he asks around the old man.
Nov 30, 2016 5:19 am
Dershan pauses and looks somewhat affronted. "Of COURSE I didn't shout this out all over the city. She told me what you looked like and where I could find you. Don't you understand? Dark forces seek to destroy what's to come! She and the gang members I rounded up and the midwife have already withstood attacks from nasty little biters out of a nightmare!"

He looks back and forth between Reojk and Dikaios. "And she said that worst attacks would come and sent me to find you!"
Nov 30, 2016 2:16 pm
"Precognition..." his looking up as he thinks his head bobbing to the side before he nods. Being owed a favor by a pregnant oracle didn't sound all that bad. "Dikaios you feel like dispensing some justice so a lady can have her baby in piece? It's a possible future not yet to happen." Reojk asks around the oldman before addressing him directly, "Dershan these 'little biters out of a nightmare..." he starts putting an arm around the elderly man and motioning for him to lead the way, "Tell me more so we can find out their secrets..." he continues his eyes dancing.
Dec 1, 2016 5:34 am
"Is there some newly childbearing dame that needs a shield from the viles of tyranny and malevolence!" Dikaios is already in tow, upon hearing Reojk suggestion. Whatever he said, it seems he is in for it. But he does not smile like he usually would, not speak loudly. For all his bravado, he seems to take this secrecy seriously.
Dec 5, 2016 6:49 pm
Dershan looks quite happy at your decision to proceed. "Excellent! Most fortuitous!"

He begins to pull you along, "Come! The lower city where she is, is a bit of a walk -- we must move quickly!". As he leads the way he talks to you in hushed tones of the little biters. About the size of children and a strange mess of bone and flesh and hair -- lots of hair. Prone to scratching and biting. The couple gang members he recruited to help managed to hold them off -- but it really shook them.
Dec 5, 2016 6:50 pm
OOC:
Would you like to do anything prior to heading to the location?
Dec 5, 2016 7:10 pm
OOC:
Not really, just trying to figure out if Reojk thinks the little nightmares are the work of another god, something he knows about, something he'll keep secret, or some that harkens back to the fall of Elanehtar.
Dec 6, 2016 12:18 am
OOC:
Not as of yet. We can continue on.
Dec 7, 2016 8:54 pm
Dershan hurriedly leads you to a place known as Caladar Keep in Lower Corso. Both of you are new enough to Corso to not know of the Keep's past, but it is imposing and seems like it had an important role once. Now it has elements to it that appear to just barely be hanging together.

You approach the front gate and are ushered in thanks to Dershan by two of the street thugs he recruited to help protect the forthcoming birth. They do not appear to be anything too special and introduce themselves as Nia and Mulin. Once through the gate you walk into the keep itself. The main hall was clearly once a grand place -- but statuary is broken and fallen down, decorations are decayed and faded and all the big oaken doors that lead to secondary chambers have fallen from their hinges except those on the western wall.

Through these Dershan takes you into the presence of Sephoni, a woman who appears to be a midwife and another five street toughs (who introduce themselves as Corbet, Brista, Faaline, Grisina and Zek). Dershan, for his part, introduces you both as the "Divine ones you sent me for" but forgoes names. When he does so, it's evident that the midwife looks uncomfortable at the news.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/gamersplane/GOTF/GOTF-Keep.jpg
Dec 8, 2016 12:32 pm
"We are quite fabulous... Don't worry we're here to help... maybe not with birthing but others things definitely." Reojk offers looking around distracted by what secrets are still hidden in the forgotten structures, "Also her concerns are valid, if we're here the next part of the prophecy is likely soon to be upon us..." he adds looking around pointing to the midwife.
Dec 10, 2016 3:52 am
"I shall speak frankly and say I know little of what this prophecy thing you speak of. But I sense purpose in this prophecy so I shall listen to any proposition." Dikaios stands with his arms crossed but relaxed otherwise. He seems to have already surveyed the room and even smiled an anyone he made eye contact with, but still content to let others take the lead.
Dec 28, 2016 11:12 pm
Sephoni seems a bit pre-occupied, but manages to smile and say "Thank you for coming. And thank you for your help and protection..." She looks about to say more when a round of labor pains hit and she clearly focuses on controlling the pain rather than anything else around her.

The midwife, Sandra, steps close and coaxes her -- pausing only momentarily to verbally shoo you all away. "See to yourselves," she says. Clearly indicating her preference that the room -- large though it may be -- no longer houses the 7 people who are not participating in the birth.
Dec 29, 2016 12:33 pm
"Well not all secrets are things I want to know about or see first hand..." Reojk states before moving out of the area. Once outside he'll find someone to talk about the defense of the place and the strong and weak points plus any hidden passages. He'd also state it was no secret this would be a great time to attack if he was a villain or minion of one.
Dec 29, 2016 10:23 pm
Dikaios apparently has already started wandering around the place outside the room, attempting to get to know the place and people here who are not busy. He is talking or greeting people and just making himself known that he is here to help.
OOC:
Attempting to gain the trust of the people here. Trained

Rolls

Gaining Trust (trained) - (1d20)

(8) = 8

Jan 3, 2017 9:18 pm
Reojk and Dikaios wander about the keep and talk to those they find here. All they run across seem all to happy to let each of the godlings (whether or not they know this about themselves) have free run of the keep and defer to their judgement or insight when provided.

Largely, the keep is split into the following areas:

The Outer Walls of the keep are arranged in nearly a pentagonal shape. One side of the wall is set against Corso's much taller and thicker wall (that wall is 30' thick and 50 ' high versus the keep's walls that are about 6' thick and 20' tall). A path runs along the top of the keep wall, accessible via narrow stone stairs here and there throughout the interior side of the walls. Although the wall provides some excellent visibility, there does not appear to be anyone stationed here.

The Outer Gate is what you came through with Dershan. It's manned by two of the toughs who have attached themselves to Dershan -- recognizing him as the leader of their burgeoning.. cult or whatever. The gate is old and not in great repair, but looks like it will withstand casual assault.

The yard of the keep is wide, open and empty. As with the walls, there doesn't seem to be anyone with the job of paying any particular attention to it.

The well is located between the keep and the Outer Gate and it provides fresh water to the keep to this day. Reojk is suspicious that there's more to the well than meets the eye as he passes it by.

The outbuildings of the keep are mostly empty. In a few there are various supplies -- tarps, lumber, some tools and wire. But casual inspection doesn't identify anything of particular interest in these buildings other than the fact they exist -- and have those items on hand.

The keep itself is a collection of rooms in disrepair with functioning front doors and the door to the birthing chamber. All other doors in the keep have long since come off their hinges. Stairs lead up to a set of iron rungs that give access -- as a ladder -- to a hatch from the keep hall that opens onto the slate-tiled roof.
OOC:
Any actions you'd care to take or plans?
Jan 4, 2017 1:46 pm
Reojk takes a bit of time staring at the well after exploring. When he finds Dershan he stares at the man for a bit, "If some of the men are inclined I'd look into using the lumber, wire and tools to make barricades at the choke points to the soon to be Mom. Also if someone could set up the tarps if someone needs to get down from the roof quickly in case of an attack you can have a look out for when the little ones come again... Also what can you tell me about the well? Anything odd about it?"
OOC:
Besides giving suggestions on defense trying to find out what is up with the well.
Jan 4, 2017 5:22 pm
Dershan looks at Reojk and nods at his suggests. "Those are all wise suggestions, Divine One. Where would you suggest we reinforce these choke points? Who are we choking?"
Jan 4, 2017 5:42 pm
"Well I assume 'they" come at night to get the oracle and if it's born, now her child... There's a lot of other areas we don't really care about if they get into the keep initially and run amok besides that area so making it harder to overrun in a straight path there would be the choke points where it's easier to defend if there's a bit of fortification. As long as it doesn't give them a shortcut in most women don't do well fighting while giving birth. While people are working on that you can I can stay here and discuss more on these night things... are they short? Scared of water? Fire? Also anything you can tell me about the well since something's a bit odd with it." Reojk offers up.
Jan 4, 2017 11:16 pm
"Oh! Yes, that all makes sense." Dershan nods. He calls over one of the thugs and (poorly) translates Reojk's thoughts to him. The thug nods and begins to gather help and material to see what he can pull together. Once the thug is gone Dershan follows up on the prior request, "As to the well -- it likely also connects to Corso's sewer system. Though why it does that precisely, I don't know... The water isn't foul, so perhaps it has some sort of overflow into the sewer system?"

He shrugs. These things are not for him to worry about.

"As to the little beasties. Yes they were short -- about this high," his hand is about 3-4 feet off the ground. "There were five of them. Swarming about all ugly as can be. Mostly we beat on them with clubs or knives or whatnot. I'm not sure if they're afraid of anything."
Jan 6, 2017 2:01 pm
"The well I think will have more secrets for later but for now we have no time for such things..." Reojk muses to the older man, he wobbles his head from side to side thinking of the little beasties, "Few things are not afraid of being eaten alive..."
Jan 7, 2017 11:42 pm
Wandering around, Dikaios does notice the walls tend to be very bare of anyone manning them. He approaches Reojk and Dershan, not having heard any of their conversation, or at least not seeming to. "Is there any way to cover that well at night, perhaps with a stone, and to have some men on the walls as a look out? It seems to easy to pass freely between the inside and outside of this court and home."
Jan 9, 2017 1:54 pm
"There's a tarp in the storage. With no real doors or gates I suggested chokepoints. We have no way of knowing which way they'll come from and how many... maybe putting a lookout up there..." Reojk states again pointing around to various areas as he talks.
Jan 9, 2017 2:59 pm
"Tarp can be cut or broken. I suggest something stronger perhaps a like of sorts. But agreed." Dikaios is looking out at the same locations. "Lookouts there where they can see what transpires, but should be able to shine light in the dark." On making this decision it seems, Dikaios is already talking to the men here who look like guards, trying to gather them around to form a plan "for the benefit and justice of all present" he seems to say.
OOC:
Mostly just trying to gather people around to help plan for this defense. No tasks involving planning or leadership yet.
Jan 17, 2017 2:51 pm
OOC:
It looks like we've made suggestions if we need to make rolls to assist in a task let us go. I think we're ready to hear the cries of a baby or mouthful of sharp pointy teeth night terrors... XD
Jan 17, 2017 5:11 pm
OOC:
Oops! Sorry. My move! Something shortly!
Jan 18, 2017 1:36 am
You both find that those gathered here don't even had a basic eye towards common sense defense of the keep. At Reojk's suggestion they do start to do some makeshift repairs or augmentation of doors or gates or whatnot. Confused by whether or not to put a tarp over the well, they do so anyway. Someone finds a board or two and puts it on top of the tarp for good measure and then weights them down with a rusty length of chain.

Those designated to perform lookout duty shrug and head tither...
OOC:
Any particular lookouts you are suggesting? There are game mechanics associated with it, so some precision here will be helpful.
The day lingers on as you prepare -- and you get the feeling that things may yet get interesting.
Jan 24, 2017 12:30 am
OOC:
Gentle poke -- if you don't have a preference I'll infer from the conversations thus far.
Jan 24, 2017 12:41 am
OOC:
Whoops forgot about that question. I guess which ever one looks perceptive versus 'stoner blank stare' if we mention lookout means looking around for possible danger.
Feb 2, 2017 3:24 pm
Having made some prep and the day passing on Reojk puts his hands on his hips and looks about. "Now we just need something bad to happen and we're in business..."
Feb 7, 2017 7:54 pm
OOC:
Going to wrap this up -- perhaps I'll get GOTF going again in the future. But I need to prepare better, I think (and hopefully be a little more familiar with the Cypher system)
Feb 8, 2017 2:35 pm
OOC:
Works for me, been fun was curious how different combat works versus a Cypher or Numenera/Strange game. Thanks for running.
Feb 8, 2017 5:12 pm
I think combat largely works the same -- the key difference winds up being with power shifts as you get to higher levels of divinity (tiers). Then depending on where you put those power shifts, they act as assets to your roll.

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