something something...

1. something something...

   #1

   Hark!
   
   valadaar, EchoMirage, and Murometz are going to play something here. As soon as we figure out what, and who is gm'ing whatever it is.
   
   
   
   

2. Re: something something...

   #2

   update: maybe something like Elric, crossed with REH, with Burroughs mixed in for good measure.
   
   Phantasmagoria!!!!

3. Old Dreams of New Adventures

   #3

   Elric knew that everything that existed had its opposite. In danger he might find peace. And yet, of course, in peace there was danger. Being an imperfect creature in an imperfect world he would always know paradox. And that was why in paradox there was always a kind of truth. That was why philosophers and soothsayers flourished. In a perfect world there would be no place for them. In an imperfect world the mysteries were always without solution and that was why there was always a great choice of solutions.Michael Moorcock

4. Re: something something...

   #4

   http://img.michaeljacksonspictures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/popcorn-blank.gif

5. New Dreams of Old Adventures

   #5

   That made me lol Scras. :D
   
   
   
   
   Ok, it's all coming together in my head now...
   
   We're playing the silver age of fantasy. The golden age being post-Tolkien. We'll be leaning more on the likes of Moorcock, Derleth, REH, Burroughs, CAS, Lieber, (maybe tiny touch of Lovecraft) and so on.
   
   We'll use the map from Elric's world. Mainly because, despite the offered geography, the world is really vague with many places explained by one liners in Moorcock's Elric Saga. Which gives us room to explore and re-invent.
   
   Without further ado, here's where you are...
   
   http://cargocollective.com/colindriver/Old-Projects-Miscellaneous
   
   
   

6. Re: something something...

   #6

   I started reading Elric, but it will take some time before I am done.
   
   Thus, take anything below with a grain of salt :)
   
   As for races, I understand there's humans and Melniboners, thus I am going for the former.
   
   I had this idea:
   A falling star of uncanny properties fell, and all born nine months henceforth were strange somehow. So it was with Gerhard, who found himself with the two-edged gift of being able to see things beyond mundane reality, and a strange inseparable companion, whom he affectionately calls his "Cellmate", though the presence has a name unfit for human vocal cords. Theirs is a strange symbiosis, where the entity learns of human condition through the man, and he in turn learns of the ephemeral.
   The above are conductive to mastering magic in a world where its foundation is convincing supernatural entities to carry out your will; on the other hand, it is less conductive to a content, uneventful life when you have trouble keeping the supernatural out.
   
   Gerhard has two major motivations:
   > First of all, he wishes to investigate the comet that fell those twenty years ago, because the Cellmate does not recall, it was just thrust into this world. Gerhard wishes to investigate the other Star-born and the mysterious source of their gift.
   > He wishes to investigate the rumors of a "Magic of Man" - supernatural power that humans can exert without the aid of demons or elementals.
   
   Furthermore, he's looking into alchemy as a source to better control his talent, for too much perception can be as much of a problem as too little of it.
   
   Appearance-wise, he's a tall, slender raven-haired man with eyes of blue, a distinguishing feature being that his entire colour palette is slightly off - the eyes a deeper shade of blue, the skin whiter, the hair a deeper black than is usual; this applies to the colour of blood too. As a younger son, he strove to appear slightly older, hence growing a beard; recently, this is helped by a few early strands of silver at his temples.
   In astral realms, the nature of his passenger shines through the seeming. Instead of appearing as a glowing, semi-translucent version of himself, as others would; undulating eye-studded curtains of gossamer surround his astral self, his body embedded in eerie growth sprouting from his form (yes, it scared him too the first time).
   
   While of a scholastic bend, Gerhard learned a good amount of pragmatism while aiding his father with book-keeping, setting up enterprises, and overseeing less important ventures. He's learned some practical skills while being stranded on an uninhabited island for half a year when one of the shipping ventures went less well than expected.
   
   To the Filks, he may seem detached at times, caring far less about pomp than substance - which is expected when you know there's so much more to life than meets the (mundane) eye. His garb is more practical (and easier replaced) than the fancy costumes of his brothers - this is practical when you are an alchemist.
   
   (to be completed)

7. Re: something something...

   #7

   Few things...
   
   1. Very much like the character. Gives me ideas to entwine into the ideas I already had.
   2. Gerhard as a name fits quite nicely into a Moorcock world.
   3. You are a third son of a minor noble, of a small barony in Filkhar (see map), and as such, don't stand to inherit any lands or titles, freeing you up to "adventure". Your last name is Larran (not that it matters much but still :)) also, https://trel.obsidianportal.com/wiki_pages/the-young-kingdom-of-filkhar
   4. love the alchemical angle. Also fits in with what I've been thinking up, as well as both of his motivations.
   5. looking forward to the rest of the info on Gerhard!!
   6. val, any character ideas yet? Remember, for every Elric, there should be a Moonglum. :)
   

8. Re: something something...

   #8

   http://patyrsun.tripod.com/stormbringer/stormbringer-races.html

9. Re: something something...

   #9

   Raschil, the overly-sophisticated and pretentious capital of Filkhar, of the Young Kingdoms, abounds with inns, taverns, and brothels. The Eight-Legged Rat, is one such establishment, named for the queer, mutant rodents that prowl the city's alleyways by night. Creatures no doubt tainted by Chaos, any Filk will tell you.
   
   Step inside, let your eyes adjust to the cloying smoke and gloom. Smell the skewered, roasting, pigeons as they slowly spin above the fire-heated stones, hissing forth gobs of grease. Touch the smooth wooden walls of deep-purple mahogany as you pass through the main hall, rare wood, imported from a continent away. Listen to the forlorn melody of Segol the minstrel, as he plucks away on his double-lute, eyes closed, remembering old loves and lost dreams.
   
   There, toward the back, we can make out two figures, reclining on a garish, jade-green divan, and sipping from baroquely-carved, copper goblets. They seem to be in conversation. Let us move closer, to see if we can overhear their discourse...
   
   "Gerhard, I shan't pledge my love to Arnelia without her father's consent and approval. You know that. I want the woman, aye, but I desire her vast vineyards as well. Just the woman won't do. I need to prove myself to her bore of a sire somehow. I should not be wasting my time idling here with you, in Raschil. I need to get back to the Estates before Arnelia's lustful eye catches sight of some other less deserving suitor than myself."
   
   The other man takes a deep drink of his green-yellow wine.
   
   "And what of you, Gerhard?" the man named Glayn changes topics, "Where will you go? What will you do?"
   
   Their food is served to them just then by a gangly, pimpled youth. All Filkharians are gourmets to some degree, and the resident cook of the Eight Legged Rat is no exception.
   
   A platter of giant, garlicked snails, each mollusk the size of a baby's fist, is put down between them. A bowl of buttered turnips and charred onions follows suit, and lastly, the glistening roasted pigeons, slathered in lilac honey. Their goblets are refilled.
   
   "You have the look of a Melnibonean dreamer about you, Gerhard. It will be your undoing someday. Never satisfied with your lot in life. Aye, you are a third son. Brennar will inherit your father's lands and titles, Tyodr will get whatever is left over. But you are still a Larran. I, on the other hand, have to claw my way up, one Arnelia at a time, eh?"
   
   At last Glayn quiets down, satisfied with himself, and studies his friend's face. Black, blue, and white are the colors of Gerhard's palette. His hair, eyes, and skin respectively.

10. Re: something something...

    #10

    "I fear not for my employ, friend - my brothers know well that they are losing money any hour that I am *not* around. But, were things most dire, I could find employ in a wealthy house, brewing tonics to shave pounds off the sides, and to increase other types of appetite."
    Filks liked to eat; they abhorred being fat.
    
    Gerhard had set his eyes on a damsel himself, less illustrious than Glayn's chosen, but exactly Gerhard's age, born in the same locale. He knew well what that meant.
    "I know that gaze, but let me tell you, let Trymnis be - no man can keep up with that ever-changing flood of fetishes and vices." Glayn laughed, sleazily.
    Gerhard nodded - he was able to do so, but briefly. The challenge had been an... interesting one, though.
    "Besides, she's poor as a temple rat."
    
    "Wealth fades."
    "So do looks, character, and even wits, when the daftness of old age claims you."
    "Or the drink, my friend?"
    "Or the drink" Glayn lifted his goblet, and drank deep. "To wenches that are endowed with endowments and dowry!"
    "Care to drink to my endeavour as well?" Gerhard prodded him.
    "After I hear of it, and if its not worth the toast, I'll drink to wenches again."
    "The Guild would have me lead a major undertaking..."
    "The Guild of Natural Philosophers, Explorers and Innovative Craftsmen?" Glayn spoke the name with fake pomp and hardly hidden amusement.
    "The very same. They would seek to uncover the City of Downed Stars."
    "So you are to become a glorified grave robber?"
    "Better than a cradle robber, no?" Gerhard smirked, then added: "It has the potential to pay off very well - and to recover knowledge long lost. Meanwhile, you try becoming a vine merchant, a good one at that. Best impress a man with competence in a field dear to him."
    "To your grave robbing and my legitimate business then!"
    
    Their goblets clashed a last time, emptied.

11. Re: something something...

    #11

    Everyone always talks about Elric. What about the other facets of the eternal champion? Corum? Jerry Cornelius? Many others.

12. Re: something something...

    #12

    Yep, Erekose too. But I refuse to have a "Jerry" in my dark fantasy game :)

13. Re: something something...

    #13

    Corum is cool, have read the first three books ages ago :) Also, we could split the thread into RP and chatter?

14. Re: something something...

    #14

    The eight-legged rats are not the worst things Raschil's streets have on offer by night. Depraved hunters prowl the alleys looking for prey. Often they find what they are after.
    
    Altoth hobbled away from the alleyway, the most recent unfortunate barely covered in debris.
    
    He curses his frail frame, curses the soul of the old priest who trapped him in his ancient body. Altoth did not get the pleasure of devouring that one - the priest had prepared his trap well and his soul fled beyond his grasp.
    
    "Let there be one. Just the one. In all the known worlds..." The old man hears the words of Donblas' vile priest again and again, and for the thousandth time. "You will seek and search but my frail form will give out before you find it. And then you will know what it is to die."
    
    This one was so frail that Altoth could scarcely move without some of his infernal power leaking. This end of town supplied many drunkards and cripples for Altoth. Many required little more effort than another bottle of spirit, then a smothering hand.  Some required nothing but to be rolled on their backs, drowning themselves in their excess. 
    
    On thing to be said about this form, though, no one gave him a second look.
    
    The old man exits the alley, fresher than before. He senses something new. A kindred spirit? Not far, just there beneath the creaking sign of an eight-legged rat.
    
    Let us follow as he limps along toward the inn's entrance.

15. Re: something something...

    #15

    Glayn leaves his friend now, he could never last cup for cup with Gerhard anyway. On the morrow he will return to Filkhar's bucolic countryside and woo his queen of the vine. Nothing more of note happens to him, dear reader.
    
    As Glayn leaves, Gerhard spends time brooding, as Gerhard is wont to do. Tomorrow he will go to the docks and inspect his ship. And meet once more with the Guild of the Too-Long Name.
    
    The cellmate stirs just then.
    
    
    

16. Re: something something...

    #16

    He pauses at the doorway, uncertainty seeming to come from nowhere.  Ah, warding marks on the door.  Long ignored though, they have weathered to the point they do nothing more but annoy.  Altoth remembers when such half-measures would have been completely ignored. But in those days, the runes were maintained. 
    
    He snarls to himself, grasps the door handle which tingles at his touch, and pulls it open.
    
    A man in half mail sits near the doorway, there to keep the riffraff out.  Althoth flashes a gold coin to the guard - he has money, and passes him a silver to buy his entry.  The guard takes the coin silently, wrinkling his nose at the old man.  Maybe the priest robes clouded his judgement, maybe something else, but he let him pass nonetheless.
    
    Altoth scans the crowd but none stand out. What calls for him?  He moves up to the bar and orders something cheap.  Some for now, some for later.
    
    
    
    
    

17. Re: something something...

    #17

    [OOC: This is what I came up with for character for now:
    
    Mi'ilvaree (Mi'il for short)
    - female Melnibonean (reading that link with summary of the races, it sounds to me I'm basically a class of elf-like humans with tendencies for drugs and decadency)
    - mild wizardly power and proficient with a sword
    - nobility but not high ranking nobility
    - currently out to see the world to alleviate personal boredom
    ]

18. Re: something something...

    #18

    Gerhard was aware that he appeared to be brooding - but that specific sort of absent expression, combined with the appearance of deep inward focus came naturally to anyone who would seek to communicate with a semi-coherent ephemeral entity from two dimensions over, inside the privacy of his head. Or, questionable privacy - the Cellmate tended to "yell" when excited, making people in the vicinity suddenly think "potato!", or "ah, that's how you make new corporeal shells?"
    
    It stirred, its focus shifting from tracing the threads of the Tapestry - to the uninitiated, from trying to understand the underpinnings of this particular reality. A daunting task for someone who took ten years to understand the concept of "down" and "gravity". The warlock gave a mental nod to the diminutive fire elemental in the fireplace. The spirits of the elements were infinitely more relatable than his strange companion - they were closely tied to the corporeal world, after all.
    Gerhard felt slightly guilty for calling the cellmate an 'it' - but he was fairly certain that human pronouns were not applicable in this case.
    
    "The soul anchors. Tailed comets of flesh. They bathe in sleep. The slowed mesh."
    "Yes, I had a few drinks" Gerhard admitted - his half of the conversation being audible, the alcohol lowering his guard against such things slightly.
    "Would you care to have one more?" the tavern wench chimed in.
    "That, or you" he laughed.
    "Possession (corporeal) is not equal to possession (spiritual)" the Cellmate noted.
    "Indeed, two different things. The spiritual aspect needs to be further differentiated - there are many ways to make someone your own. Amenable, and less so."
    "Yes?"
    "Indeed."
    
    He did desire the barmaid, rounded in all the right places. A year on a lonely island - and half a year of pirate captivity - teach you to appreciate the nice things in life when they come. While contemplating whether to ask the fire spirit to warm her a little, or to cast him in a good light, Gerhard noticed the fiery fey panicking, and scuttling up the chimney.
    "What the...?"
    That's when his honed senses and the Cellmate's manifold astral tendrils noticed a presence looming over the bar, the shadow of a bear over the unsuspecting salmon. This was no trifling spectre, but rather...
    The warlock looked around.

19. Re: something something...

    #19

    {OOC: sorry, minor delay on my end. To-Do List for this weekend: 1. Post (having Gerhard meet Altoth) 2. Post again, moving things along 3. Post detailing some background and umm, currentground :) for Mi'il and get her in the flow 4. Make new thread to seperate game from chatter and 5. off we go!!!}

20. Re: something something...

    #20

    :read: anything going on?

21. Re: something something...

    #21

    [OOC: looks like minor delay is prolonged]

22. Re: something something...

    #22

    Many apologies!!! The 3-day holiday weekend turned into an impromptu mini family vacation. I'll be back!! And vow to reboot this!!

23. Re: something something...

    #23

    http://orig01.deviantart.net/8ca5/f/2009/289/1/7/asystole_by_xinorbis.png
    :dunno:  :rumgone:

24. Re: something something...

    #24

    Back today. Will return to this and reboot after work!  :thumbup:

25. Re: something something...

    #25

    Saw the new thread, I presume my background and foreground are forthcoming. No hurries though since I'm posting with half frequency to Echo and Val. But I think you better write up a little on how new thread differs from this one here in terms of timeline since Echo and Val already started posting impromptu here.

26. Re: something something...

    #26

    yes, your background and foreground are coming up New thread will be the actual game. This can be the OOC. And yes, further posts are coming to explain all.

27. Re: something something...

    #27

    
    yes, your background and foreground are coming up New thread will be the actual game. This can be the OOC. And yes, further posts are coming to explain all.
    

    :thumbup:

28. Re: something something...

    #28

    Have I missed something, or was the way how Altoth got to shuffle along never resolved? I am uncertain how to write the scene in the new thread, or how to interact with the character at all  :read:

29. Re: something something...

    #29

    Althoth is looking for a specific body, though it may be possible to tell what it is without simply murdering everyone until he finds it.  Possession usually requires a live subject anyway -otherwise its Animation.
    
    the Demon inside Althoth, being quite old is likely well versed wit various secrets, and so may have information vital to your quest.  He comes because he has had signs/premonitions that his quarry might be found on your island, and until now did not have the resources to obtain a ship. 
    
    Thoughts?
    
    Althoth at this point has been a somewhat touched old man - not unusual for his age, but some indications that more lies beneath may be evident. Perhaps he was a powerful wizard when he was younger, before losing some duel, summoning something he shouldn't or botching a ritual.
    
    He hasn't started murdering crewmen or passengers and is smart enough not to do so - yet :)
    

30. Re: something something...

    #30

    The main point we have to address is that Gerhard is hyper-sensitive to exactly spiritual presences, hence the nature of Althoth's passenger - or was Althoth the name of the demon? - will not be hidden to the mage.
    Thus, the question is, how well can Althoth find out what people want? Gerhard wants mainly two things - learn of the origins of his strange blessing, and of the Magic of Man. Due to obvious reasons, he doesn't wear this on his sleeve, considering that many people in the setting would not react too well to his nature or studies. Thus, if Althoth (for example) took time to spy on him, and to extrapolate from the mage's studies what he might be looking for, Althoth may be able to convince him to give him a ride. The beastie just has to be careful what picture it paints of itself.
    
    Any ideas how the evening conversation may have played out?

31. Re: something something...

    #31

    Althoth's host - Zylonion - also sought out the Magic of Man. Either Demon or Host may know of the location of the island, or a location on the island, or even the means to bypass specific locks (magic of course) at the location.
    
    An acquaintance of Gerhard arranged the contact with Zylonion due to the shared interest in the Magic of Man.
    
    Perhaps Althoth is shielded well enough that his true nature is at best - inconclusive.  To confirm your suspicions would require delving deeper than polite discourse would allow :).
    
    

32. Re: something something...

    #32

    Cool. I can work with that  :thumbup:

33. Re: something something...

    #33

    Cool, you guys figured it out without me. Great way to connect the two characters.  :D
    
    I'm back to posting all this week!! yes, Moonlake, there is still your character info coming up!

34. Re: something something...

    #34

    
    yes, Moonlake, there is still your character info coming up!
    

    
    
    No hurries, and it looks like we have 3 mage PCs.

35. Re: something something...

    #35

    Looks like the names got exchanged.  Ah well. The Demon's name - one not known to Gerhard is Zylonion and his hosts name is now Althoth to avoid any revisions :)
    

36. Re: something something...

    #36

    Moonlake, you're on board Fate's Plight with the lads :)
    
    Will write up the how's and why's here in ooc tonight.

37. Re: something something...

    #37

    Dramatis Personae
    
    The PCs
    Gerhard Larran/Cellmate
    Altoth/Zylonion
    Mi'ilvaree Karawn
    
    The NPCs
    Alasdair Arden
    Ivor
    Joleri Dirza
    Captain Corlin Sharlto
    First mate Ebrin Sharlto
    Werrus the bosun
    Old Blind Bhroo 'the Navigator"
    
    

38. Re: something something...

    #38

    When that accursed albino sorcerer betrayed his own kin, by guiding the navies of the Young Kingdoms past the impregnable Sea Maze which protected Imrryr the Dreaming City, allowing it to be sacked, the fates of his fellow Melniboneans changed forever.
    
    One such affected was Mi'il Karawn, a minor baroness, whose manse and lands were burned to the ground by the invading forces of men.
    
    There was little she could do but flee the Sleeping Isle. She fled alone, tossing a sack of gems at some hapless Melnibonean fisherman, to extract herself from her homeland, bidding the man to ferry her across the sea to the Isle of Purple Towns. Her sorcery aided the vessel's escape.
    
    Some time later, while deciding what to do next, as she brooded from tavern to tavern in Menii, she was approached by an eager paramour. The young man was besotted, though Mi'il had no romantic interest in the manling in return.
    
    Conversation did follow however, and eventually Mi'il learned that the man's father was a reputable merchant captain of some renown. She decided at this point that she would explore the world, to see what it had to offer her.
    
    The captain's name was Corlin Sharlto, and the besotted young man his son, Ebrin. Mi'il offered her second sack of gems (leaving her the one) and negotiated a deal with the captain. She would travel from port to port with the Sharltos. After all, in these dangerous times, she figured living aboard a merchant ship was safer than actually owning a residence in one of these filthy manling towns.
    
    And so it was settled. Mi'il would take the ship's finest cabin for herself and stay aboard Fate's Plight as long as she wanted, as father and son plied their trade, guiding the vessel from port to exotic port.
    
    A minor sorcerer, Mi'il's possessions include a small sack of tourmalines and garnets, as well as the Pact Ring. A plain band of silver which in fact summons Fileet, the Mistress of Birds, or her minions to aid Mi'il in her time of need. She also owns and wields an ensorcelled steel dagger which takes the shape of a longsword whenever she wills it to. Mi'ilvaree Karawn is quite adept at wielding "both" blades, though she rarely resorts to physical confrontation if she can avoid it.

39. Re: something something...

    #39

    Got it, will try to do a Mi'il post tonight.
    Edit: read through the whole thread but bed time already, brain not functioning so will post tmr.

40. Re: something something...

    #40

    K, i thought there would be more talking between you folks :). Guess it's my turn. Onwards we sail!! (this week)

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