Well, we may be going back and doing an older version of D&D. Matt and Steve, two of our newest members of the gaming group have pretty limited vision into the D&D universe. Myself and Jason, veteran players of the older editions had spent a great deal of time on 2nd, though I dont believe jason dabbled much before that.
2nd edition - Stuffed solid full of cryptic rules, from Thac0 to differing xp alotment per character. The edition where there was no real creature balance, it was simply up to the DM to discern if the party could survive, and up to the party to discern if they should flee or fight.
Classes - Much different than those classes of today. High attributes gave you xp bonuses. Races dictated the maximum level of your character as well as what you could multiclass as. Your other special skills were determined by your non weapon prof. and the weapons you could use were determined by your weapon prof. The amount of these proficiencies were all determined by your class.
Core Classes - Unlike later versions of the games, 1st and 2nd stuck true to the 4 cornerstone classes. Fighter - Rogue - Wizard - Cleric. The sub categories of these, the Paladin, Druid, Bard, and Ranger were also very playable, but the core classes always had that something to make them a bit more survivable. And surviving in the 1st two editions was no easy task.
Our players - Well, I have decided on wizard. My core class among the older versions of D&D, and Matt has taken up the rogue. Jason, a noted cleric player will more than likely assume that role again. He's matured a great deal in his character development and it will be interesting to see what he could bring to the table as a cleric. Assuming he decides to show. But i'll not berate him on that. He's a friend and an old player, if he wants out i'll not jibe him on it. Steve, our newest member will be playing a fighter type hopefully, at least thats what i'll push. He's going to miss alot of sessions coming up, another reason that a switch from our last chronicle is necessary, and a good reason for him to craft a fighter type, as they are easy to run, but still extremely important.
Over All - I definitely need this. 4th edition is not my edition. It's fun, but in the way video games are fun. It scratches the surface on what RPG's can really achieve, and i think its a great start in game for new gamers, or those who really dont have alot of time to plan or develope. I like the older systems because theres more of a real threat. Every encounter could be your last, and although theres not the team aspect that 4th has, the element exists, though not as defined. The wizard overcomes obstacles or makes them easier to overcome. The cleric has a number of problem solving spells, is a battery of healing energy, and can take a few round in melee. The rogue is the only thing that stands between deadly traps and the party, is the only thing that stands between ambush and a party, and is easily the most overlooked and useful member of a party. Fighters. Reliable damage dealers. They can use most of the weapons out there, can specialize (more damage!) and are extremely hard for the bad guys to take down. Dont forget fighters are the only onese who get the higher bonus for constitution and strength. (exceptional str!)
Fun Factor - I think it will be alot of fun, as well as educational for the new crew and still easy for the old to get into. Through all its many flaws, it was still a solid and fun system. Heres hoping we get a good game out of it =)
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Moving on
(This is a post about our current D&D chronicle. This is from Kharask torn flames perspective, my dragonborn warlord. Enjoy!)
The time for the Two Scars has arrived. During there two month wait for the waters to thaw, the members of the two scars went about there own personal business. All had come so far, and yet, had an incredible distance to travel before there goal was accomplished.
Erantaelik - Kharask cannot pretend to imagine the confusion the drow had to fight off during his withdraw from his underdark home. His motives have came into question to be sure, for his methods often reflect the dark nature of his people. In his defense, the drow has always been honest, sometimes brutally so, to the members of the two scar. His powers have always been formidable, but now with the training he acquired at GreyStar, the drow seems nearly unstoppable. Like dalanor his spells strike out with the elements at nearby foes, and Kharask has witnessed him twist the air into dense crystaline ice with a small motion of his sword, or cast unshakable fire onto his foes. With the right patterns mixed in with his swordplay, the drow can rip holes in space at a moments notice, taking the battlefield and shaping it to his will, and using it against his foes. His attacks become more powerful, his tactics more predictable but never losing effectiveness. His attitude is the one thing that refuses to change much. He still views the world with cynicism, and sees the weakness in people before viewing there strength. His enemies are nothing but obstacles, and his goal seems to be nearly as linear as Kharask's, though the drow would never admit it. Kharask fears he may never be able to shake all the darkness and evil that lurks in the drows blood, but he knows that Erantaelik is loyal, and willing to do what he is told, if only to keep the momentum of the Two Scars focused on the destruction of there mutual enemy. As the days go by and the Two Scars become more of a recognizable name within Caran'Has, Erantaelik becomes more comfortable, and more confident. Will he ever truelly take heart in his accomplishments within the Two Scars, or will he remain ever aloof, so when all is accomplished and done, he may once again fade into the deepest darkness of his home, the underdark.
Dalanor - Dalanor started as an arrogant Silver Elf full of pride and confidence. He used his elemental magic to destroy his foes, and used fey charms to twist the minds of his enemies. He was hard making friends, and used Kharask's influence to get close to people. He's come a great distance since rescuing Vadrier from a group of goblins. His powers are on a grander scale, replacing a great deal of his Elemental magic with more traditional fey magics. These days he seems to be more confident, and easier at talking to people, though he still has made only a few noteable friends. He has several places of interest he visits, mainly Vadrier's alchemical shop, and the vile wizard Volnik's tower. He spends only a little time helping Kharask maintain the two scars, but the dragonborn knows that time has always been a precious comodity to wizards, and accepts the Silver Elf's absence for what it is. The paths that Dalanor have taken allowed him to uncover many of his lost memories, and with that, a great deal of his lost power. His personality has not changed much, which lends some credibility to Dalanor's claims about being resistant to the mind altering effects of the ring. He is still ambitious, and still full of pride and confidence in his accomplishemnts. Kharask believes he is striving for good, and hopes he can hold onto the pain that the ring has caused him and his people, and use that to maintain discipline and honor in the face of future corruption. Dalanor, like the rest of the troupe, has lost something important to him because of tiamat, and kharask hopes that the death of his wife, and the full memories of her that he has recently recieved, will act as a catalyst and allow him to use focus and determination in the defeat of there common enemy. His path is laid out clearly for him, and he has only to follow it. It is unfortunate that fate seems content in putting up walls and obstacles for him to overcome. It is possible that he may yet come forth as a hero for his people, if he can only overcome the darkness that has clouded his past.
Merric - A bloodthirsty and cut throat adventurer from the start, Merric has at least been fairly loyal to the two scars. His methods might be less than honorable, but his combat effectiveness grows daily. For his small size his combat powers rival any member in the two scars, and in a one on one fight its fair to say that he'd be next to impossible to take down. He's sly, street savvy, and capable of turning a heartening smile into a twisting dagger. Kharask envy's the halflings accomplishments. Having saved his people from slavery, and taken justice out against some of the very creatures to put them into those circumstances. Merric is similar to Zepora in that regards, having taken hatred to such a level that it clouds all reason. He could have remained with his people, and given up adventuring altogether, but instead he's determined to see final justice brought upon the souls of every creature that had anything to do with the enslavement of his people. His is a deep, but directable hatred. What kharask worries about is the halflings end. Will he be satiated once the last foe has been killed, or will he leave the two scars and his race behind, to seek out more death.
(Ok, i'll do a write up on Kharask, Zepora, and Vershalk at a later time)
The time for the Two Scars has arrived. During there two month wait for the waters to thaw, the members of the two scars went about there own personal business. All had come so far, and yet, had an incredible distance to travel before there goal was accomplished.
Erantaelik - Kharask cannot pretend to imagine the confusion the drow had to fight off during his withdraw from his underdark home. His motives have came into question to be sure, for his methods often reflect the dark nature of his people. In his defense, the drow has always been honest, sometimes brutally so, to the members of the two scar. His powers have always been formidable, but now with the training he acquired at GreyStar, the drow seems nearly unstoppable. Like dalanor his spells strike out with the elements at nearby foes, and Kharask has witnessed him twist the air into dense crystaline ice with a small motion of his sword, or cast unshakable fire onto his foes. With the right patterns mixed in with his swordplay, the drow can rip holes in space at a moments notice, taking the battlefield and shaping it to his will, and using it against his foes. His attacks become more powerful, his tactics more predictable but never losing effectiveness. His attitude is the one thing that refuses to change much. He still views the world with cynicism, and sees the weakness in people before viewing there strength. His enemies are nothing but obstacles, and his goal seems to be nearly as linear as Kharask's, though the drow would never admit it. Kharask fears he may never be able to shake all the darkness and evil that lurks in the drows blood, but he knows that Erantaelik is loyal, and willing to do what he is told, if only to keep the momentum of the Two Scars focused on the destruction of there mutual enemy. As the days go by and the Two Scars become more of a recognizable name within Caran'Has, Erantaelik becomes more comfortable, and more confident. Will he ever truelly take heart in his accomplishments within the Two Scars, or will he remain ever aloof, so when all is accomplished and done, he may once again fade into the deepest darkness of his home, the underdark.
Dalanor - Dalanor started as an arrogant Silver Elf full of pride and confidence. He used his elemental magic to destroy his foes, and used fey charms to twist the minds of his enemies. He was hard making friends, and used Kharask's influence to get close to people. He's come a great distance since rescuing Vadrier from a group of goblins. His powers are on a grander scale, replacing a great deal of his Elemental magic with more traditional fey magics. These days he seems to be more confident, and easier at talking to people, though he still has made only a few noteable friends. He has several places of interest he visits, mainly Vadrier's alchemical shop, and the vile wizard Volnik's tower. He spends only a little time helping Kharask maintain the two scars, but the dragonborn knows that time has always been a precious comodity to wizards, and accepts the Silver Elf's absence for what it is. The paths that Dalanor have taken allowed him to uncover many of his lost memories, and with that, a great deal of his lost power. His personality has not changed much, which lends some credibility to Dalanor's claims about being resistant to the mind altering effects of the ring. He is still ambitious, and still full of pride and confidence in his accomplishemnts. Kharask believes he is striving for good, and hopes he can hold onto the pain that the ring has caused him and his people, and use that to maintain discipline and honor in the face of future corruption. Dalanor, like the rest of the troupe, has lost something important to him because of tiamat, and kharask hopes that the death of his wife, and the full memories of her that he has recently recieved, will act as a catalyst and allow him to use focus and determination in the defeat of there common enemy. His path is laid out clearly for him, and he has only to follow it. It is unfortunate that fate seems content in putting up walls and obstacles for him to overcome. It is possible that he may yet come forth as a hero for his people, if he can only overcome the darkness that has clouded his past.
Merric - A bloodthirsty and cut throat adventurer from the start, Merric has at least been fairly loyal to the two scars. His methods might be less than honorable, but his combat effectiveness grows daily. For his small size his combat powers rival any member in the two scars, and in a one on one fight its fair to say that he'd be next to impossible to take down. He's sly, street savvy, and capable of turning a heartening smile into a twisting dagger. Kharask envy's the halflings accomplishments. Having saved his people from slavery, and taken justice out against some of the very creatures to put them into those circumstances. Merric is similar to Zepora in that regards, having taken hatred to such a level that it clouds all reason. He could have remained with his people, and given up adventuring altogether, but instead he's determined to see final justice brought upon the souls of every creature that had anything to do with the enslavement of his people. His is a deep, but directable hatred. What kharask worries about is the halflings end. Will he be satiated once the last foe has been killed, or will he leave the two scars and his race behind, to seek out more death.
(Ok, i'll do a write up on Kharask, Zepora, and Vershalk at a later time)
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Old Friends
(Character related post. This post is about Kharask, my dragonborn warlord.)
Tulvet was his name. Thought dead on that fateful day so many years ago. When the tribe found him he was not breathing, so they went about there ceremonies, honored the dead with many words and stories, and created a great fire pit to put there honored dead to rest. When tulvet was thrown into the fire many of the elders and warriors were not suprised when he crawled back out. The members of his clan and family had been adopted into the current tribe. Tulvets clan was known for there fearless attitude in battle, and there unwillingness to die. They were not very big for dragonborn, most of them never reaching 6 feet in height, but they made up for there size in tenacity and savagery in battle. Tulvet, like most from his family, had a dragon lung full of deadly acid. Tulvet was never the best warrior in his training squad. He was smaller, less strong, less agile, and less accurate. When the warlords were given warriors to control, they were given a squad of three. One of the warriors was either extremely gifted with a particular weapon, or a known defender, using shield and manuevers to protect his comrades. This was not tulvet. The second warrior was one who had a broad range of skills. One who could use javelins and other thrown weapons with accuracy, was a good melee fighter, and was good at tactical skirmishing. This was not Tulvet. The third member in the squad was handpicked from the remaining warriors by the warlords themselves. These last warriors had no real discernable skill in battle, but were willing to die for there leaders none the less. They were used as shock troops or fodder by there leaders. Kharask picked Tulvet, and there was no hesitation. Kharask was not looking for fodder, he was looking for a squad of able and durable fighters, and the warlord knew of Tulvets family. Where other saw the weakness in Tulvet, kharask saw strength, where others saw a liability, kharask saw an asset. But there was one trait that many others did not know of Tulvet or his family, not even Kharask. Loyalty. After resting most of his wounds away, Tulvet gathered what gear he could, taking a war axe and some simple scaled armor. He learned from the elders that Kharask had banished himself, and wandered into human lands. Not having coin for a boat, Tulvet gathered a few more mundane supplies and headed in the direction of Almory. His duties were not fulfilled, his obligations not upheld. Kharask's chosen warriors were supposed to be with him until death. The elders never specified how many deaths, and tulvet only had died three times so far. He would rejoin his appointed warlord. Besides, they still had one other member of there original squad to deal with.
(ok, thats just a little intro. Mr. dm, change and alter any of the above as much as you like. just a little flavor stuff to get into the feel of him)
Tulvet was his name. Thought dead on that fateful day so many years ago. When the tribe found him he was not breathing, so they went about there ceremonies, honored the dead with many words and stories, and created a great fire pit to put there honored dead to rest. When tulvet was thrown into the fire many of the elders and warriors were not suprised when he crawled back out. The members of his clan and family had been adopted into the current tribe. Tulvets clan was known for there fearless attitude in battle, and there unwillingness to die. They were not very big for dragonborn, most of them never reaching 6 feet in height, but they made up for there size in tenacity and savagery in battle. Tulvet, like most from his family, had a dragon lung full of deadly acid. Tulvet was never the best warrior in his training squad. He was smaller, less strong, less agile, and less accurate. When the warlords were given warriors to control, they were given a squad of three. One of the warriors was either extremely gifted with a particular weapon, or a known defender, using shield and manuevers to protect his comrades. This was not tulvet. The second warrior was one who had a broad range of skills. One who could use javelins and other thrown weapons with accuracy, was a good melee fighter, and was good at tactical skirmishing. This was not Tulvet. The third member in the squad was handpicked from the remaining warriors by the warlords themselves. These last warriors had no real discernable skill in battle, but were willing to die for there leaders none the less. They were used as shock troops or fodder by there leaders. Kharask picked Tulvet, and there was no hesitation. Kharask was not looking for fodder, he was looking for a squad of able and durable fighters, and the warlord knew of Tulvets family. Where other saw the weakness in Tulvet, kharask saw strength, where others saw a liability, kharask saw an asset. But there was one trait that many others did not know of Tulvet or his family, not even Kharask. Loyalty. After resting most of his wounds away, Tulvet gathered what gear he could, taking a war axe and some simple scaled armor. He learned from the elders that Kharask had banished himself, and wandered into human lands. Not having coin for a boat, Tulvet gathered a few more mundane supplies and headed in the direction of Almory. His duties were not fulfilled, his obligations not upheld. Kharask's chosen warriors were supposed to be with him until death. The elders never specified how many deaths, and tulvet only had died three times so far. He would rejoin his appointed warlord. Besides, they still had one other member of there original squad to deal with.
(ok, thats just a little intro. Mr. dm, change and alter any of the above as much as you like. just a little flavor stuff to get into the feel of him)
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Temptations and Victory
(Character related post about our current D&D chronicle. This is mostly under the perspective of Kharask Torn Flames, my dragonborn warlord.)
The Two Scars emerged from the wizards tower victorious. As they had all assumed, those defending the tower were the Order of the white owl, now turned to the side of tiamat. The eladrin were powerful, and there defenses were impressive, but the two scars had gotten all too accustomed to the trickery and strengths of its many enemies. Eladrin sword mages were blasted by Dalanors elemental energies, sapped of strength and frozen in place. There wizards were full of suprises, but when pinned down by the very mobile merric and azriel, there magics failed them. The eladrin also had elemental guardians summoned to do there bidding, but the magic of Erantaelik bound them in place, confused them, gathered them, and ultimately set them up for there destruction. Even there strongest guardians, a naga and its basilisk pets, were destroyed with haste and precision by the resourcefull troupe. The true danger was the only enemy that never directly attacked. A small, heavy blue ring. Azonin (sp). The power of the blue dragon coursed through it, its presence was heavy, alluring, and ultimately the deadliest force the two scars had faced yet. Dalanor, for all his discipline and will, had been falling apart ever since moving into the fey wild. As they closed on the ring, his actions became more driven, but his focus was constantly failing. It was Kharask himself who picked up the ring. It spoke to him. In a sense. It showed him visions of what the dragonborn could be, should be. A perfect soldier, a perfect combination of dragon and dragonborn. His vision quickly switched to her, he saw her form. That was perfection. Tiamat and Bahamut had crafted the dragonborn long ago. They were void of there fathers natural tendency to good, and there mothers natural tendency to evil. They were made to walk among the land of men, to understand and interact with them. Tiamat wanted to change the race, not perfect it. He understood the ring. He understood why it had called out to Dalanor, at least in part. It was desperate too. It had no power without an owner, without something to control and corrupt. Azonin was theres, captured until it could be destroyed or sealed away. If tiamat had been taking them lightly before, her focus would be upon the two scars now. They had to become stronger, to become more powerful. They had won a major victory on this day, but the road ahead was long and dangerous. It was time to make plans and preperation, to begin drawing allies and looking for advantages. Tiamat would have to make a move eventually, and the two scars had no choice but to make themselves ready.
(I'll have more soon!)
The Two Scars emerged from the wizards tower victorious. As they had all assumed, those defending the tower were the Order of the white owl, now turned to the side of tiamat. The eladrin were powerful, and there defenses were impressive, but the two scars had gotten all too accustomed to the trickery and strengths of its many enemies. Eladrin sword mages were blasted by Dalanors elemental energies, sapped of strength and frozen in place. There wizards were full of suprises, but when pinned down by the very mobile merric and azriel, there magics failed them. The eladrin also had elemental guardians summoned to do there bidding, but the magic of Erantaelik bound them in place, confused them, gathered them, and ultimately set them up for there destruction. Even there strongest guardians, a naga and its basilisk pets, were destroyed with haste and precision by the resourcefull troupe. The true danger was the only enemy that never directly attacked. A small, heavy blue ring. Azonin (sp). The power of the blue dragon coursed through it, its presence was heavy, alluring, and ultimately the deadliest force the two scars had faced yet. Dalanor, for all his discipline and will, had been falling apart ever since moving into the fey wild. As they closed on the ring, his actions became more driven, but his focus was constantly failing. It was Kharask himself who picked up the ring. It spoke to him. In a sense. It showed him visions of what the dragonborn could be, should be. A perfect soldier, a perfect combination of dragon and dragonborn. His vision quickly switched to her, he saw her form. That was perfection. Tiamat and Bahamut had crafted the dragonborn long ago. They were void of there fathers natural tendency to good, and there mothers natural tendency to evil. They were made to walk among the land of men, to understand and interact with them. Tiamat wanted to change the race, not perfect it. He understood the ring. He understood why it had called out to Dalanor, at least in part. It was desperate too. It had no power without an owner, without something to control and corrupt. Azonin was theres, captured until it could be destroyed or sealed away. If tiamat had been taking them lightly before, her focus would be upon the two scars now. They had to become stronger, to become more powerful. They had won a major victory on this day, but the road ahead was long and dangerous. It was time to make plans and preperation, to begin drawing allies and looking for advantages. Tiamat would have to make a move eventually, and the two scars had no choice but to make themselves ready.
(I'll have more soon!)
Lets do the time warp again
(Character related post!)
Mr. Dm, this is more or less a quick idea drop for you. I know you think that the Gift of Chronepsis is a bit over the top for our level. Agreed. I thought i'd share on some of my ideas, even though you have your own no doubt!
I figure that since we went into the fey wild, the time magic may have dwindled significantly, which would justify us losing the gift. Perhaps using the time altering effects in the fey wild used up all the dragons borrowed magic. So, if nothing else you have easy justification to why it would fade away.
I was also thinking you could weaken the effect. Instead of a reroll for anything, we could get a daily that let us re roll a single skill check we are trained in. It could be like a quick reversal of time to get things right, or make things worse. This way you'd stay away from saves and attack rolls, since thats a little over the top for our level. It would still be useful too, especially on skill challenges that we are familiar with. So though it wouldnt give us a hand in most battles, it would give us a hand in situations we are already familiar with.
I was also thinking it could be a daily that effected initiative, since thats the most time related variable we have. Basically as a daily reaction to rolling initiative for allies (before enemies roll) you could use the gift of Chronepsis to effect your initiative die roll by one point, either plus or minus. This would allow players that rolled a tie on there initiative to save there result. you could not use this effect to tie a result so both people could reroll. (I know someone would try it).
Ok, thought i'd just drop those your way since i was thinking about it last night.
Mr. Dm, this is more or less a quick idea drop for you. I know you think that the Gift of Chronepsis is a bit over the top for our level. Agreed. I thought i'd share on some of my ideas, even though you have your own no doubt!
I figure that since we went into the fey wild, the time magic may have dwindled significantly, which would justify us losing the gift. Perhaps using the time altering effects in the fey wild used up all the dragons borrowed magic. So, if nothing else you have easy justification to why it would fade away.
I was also thinking you could weaken the effect. Instead of a reroll for anything, we could get a daily that let us re roll a single skill check we are trained in. It could be like a quick reversal of time to get things right, or make things worse. This way you'd stay away from saves and attack rolls, since thats a little over the top for our level. It would still be useful too, especially on skill challenges that we are familiar with. So though it wouldnt give us a hand in most battles, it would give us a hand in situations we are already familiar with.
I was also thinking it could be a daily that effected initiative, since thats the most time related variable we have. Basically as a daily reaction to rolling initiative for allies (before enemies roll) you could use the gift of Chronepsis to effect your initiative die roll by one point, either plus or minus. This would allow players that rolled a tie on there initiative to save there result. you could not use this effect to tie a result so both people could reroll. (I know someone would try it).
Ok, thought i'd just drop those your way since i was thinking about it last night.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Finding the Path
(This is a character related post about my current D&D character Kharask torn flames. This post deals with a past event in Kharask's training.)
Kharask moved further into the sandstorm. His guide, Khel'keth, was a wise elder among a nearby tribe. He would come to Kharask's tribe during the warlord training, to impart his wisdom with the individual recruits. Khel'keth was in his autumn scales, and the tone of his scales were a deep earthy brown with no highlights or shades among even the thicker scales. The elder led Kharask into the sandstorm for close to an hour, both dragonborn were used to enduring the sandstorms as were most warriors, for the Thri-Kreen would use the sandstorms to raid smaller villages or caravans while the dragonborn senses were overwhelmed. Khel'Keth stopped after a few more minutes of weathering the storm. "This area here will be far enough." The elder paused and spoke again, the dragonborns voice was easily more powerful and commanding than the storm around them. "Kharask Torn Flames, you must now tell me what you see." Kharask focused for a moment, but his sight could not fixate on anything except the moving sand and darkness swirling about them. The elder must be speaking about something else, something far less visible, but something that should be more noticeable. Kharask did not speak, so the elder spoke. "We live as small tribes and villages among the wastes Kharask. Our people prosper only to be diminished by natural predators, old enemies, and new ones. We do not abide the law of one warlord, king, or emperor, but create law among each village. We are a people seperated, a people broken. We all know this, and we all strive to become what we once were." Khel'keth paused a moment, slowly taking in what available air was around him. "Young and old among our tribes and villages grow desperate to return to our former glory. Many agree this is why more blue scales appear in the wastes as the years draw on. Our kind are turning from what we were created as, to twisted forms, wiling to serve dark masters for the overwhelming need for unity." The elder gathererd more air as he gazed headlong into the storm. "Our path is ahead of us Kharask. It lies always in our sight. It is the resurrection of our people, not its destruction. Our people will fade into existence, or we will finally burst from near extinction, to rise again as just lords and kings of vast lands." Kharask took in the elders words as Khel'Keth paused again. "Elder Khel'Keth. When I look for a path within the twisted sands I see one. I have always seen this path. Enemies and allies both lay broken upon it, and far ahead, at the edge of my imagining is a land that would be turned into a kingdom." Kharask finished, and the elder began speaking. "The path you see is the one that all dragonborn should see. As a warlord and leader you must inspire those around you to see the hope that the future can bring. Destruction and death are just small parts of honor. If we would die following this path, our blood would mark the trail for others behind us." The elder turned and began heading back, and Kharask followed. Khel'Keth spoke a few minutes into there departure. "Leave ambition behind you. Leave arrogance behind you. Take only yourself, and the vision of this path. Sacrifice, sorrow, and pain will mark your trails. Enemies will block your path, and allies will seek to forge new routes. Stay true to yourself and your vision, and know that all of these obstacles only prove the very existence of what you seek. It is attainable. We will be reborn." Kharask took in the power of his elders words and there emotion. It was obvious that Khel'keth had suffered greatly following this path. But his words were confusing to kharask. He spoke of the dragonborn as if they were the only race in peril, the only one in trouble. These were trying times for all races. Kharasks vision showed him a kingdom that would strengthen not just the dragonborn, but all those in need of there protection. It would show the right course for others to follow. If the dragonborn were so desperate that even the elders were losing clarity in there visions, then it was time indeed for the younger warlords to take the mantle, and find the direction they needed. Strength must be allowed to flow back in to rimoria. Kharask was not so arrogant as to believe he could do this, but he did know that he would follow the path, never lose it, and sacrifice whatever he had to, if only to make the way clearer for those in line. Kharask forged these thoughts in his mind, focusing on that simple goal, knowing that finding the path was just as easy as losing it. He would not let his people down. He would not let her down. He rested his entire soul on those words. To be damned if he would fail.
(Ok, a little seasoning on kharasks motives. hope you enjoyed!)
Kharask moved further into the sandstorm. His guide, Khel'keth, was a wise elder among a nearby tribe. He would come to Kharask's tribe during the warlord training, to impart his wisdom with the individual recruits. Khel'keth was in his autumn scales, and the tone of his scales were a deep earthy brown with no highlights or shades among even the thicker scales. The elder led Kharask into the sandstorm for close to an hour, both dragonborn were used to enduring the sandstorms as were most warriors, for the Thri-Kreen would use the sandstorms to raid smaller villages or caravans while the dragonborn senses were overwhelmed. Khel'Keth stopped after a few more minutes of weathering the storm. "This area here will be far enough." The elder paused and spoke again, the dragonborns voice was easily more powerful and commanding than the storm around them. "Kharask Torn Flames, you must now tell me what you see." Kharask focused for a moment, but his sight could not fixate on anything except the moving sand and darkness swirling about them. The elder must be speaking about something else, something far less visible, but something that should be more noticeable. Kharask did not speak, so the elder spoke. "We live as small tribes and villages among the wastes Kharask. Our people prosper only to be diminished by natural predators, old enemies, and new ones. We do not abide the law of one warlord, king, or emperor, but create law among each village. We are a people seperated, a people broken. We all know this, and we all strive to become what we once were." Khel'keth paused a moment, slowly taking in what available air was around him. "Young and old among our tribes and villages grow desperate to return to our former glory. Many agree this is why more blue scales appear in the wastes as the years draw on. Our kind are turning from what we were created as, to twisted forms, wiling to serve dark masters for the overwhelming need for unity." The elder gathererd more air as he gazed headlong into the storm. "Our path is ahead of us Kharask. It lies always in our sight. It is the resurrection of our people, not its destruction. Our people will fade into existence, or we will finally burst from near extinction, to rise again as just lords and kings of vast lands." Kharask took in the elders words as Khel'Keth paused again. "Elder Khel'Keth. When I look for a path within the twisted sands I see one. I have always seen this path. Enemies and allies both lay broken upon it, and far ahead, at the edge of my imagining is a land that would be turned into a kingdom." Kharask finished, and the elder began speaking. "The path you see is the one that all dragonborn should see. As a warlord and leader you must inspire those around you to see the hope that the future can bring. Destruction and death are just small parts of honor. If we would die following this path, our blood would mark the trail for others behind us." The elder turned and began heading back, and Kharask followed. Khel'Keth spoke a few minutes into there departure. "Leave ambition behind you. Leave arrogance behind you. Take only yourself, and the vision of this path. Sacrifice, sorrow, and pain will mark your trails. Enemies will block your path, and allies will seek to forge new routes. Stay true to yourself and your vision, and know that all of these obstacles only prove the very existence of what you seek. It is attainable. We will be reborn." Kharask took in the power of his elders words and there emotion. It was obvious that Khel'keth had suffered greatly following this path. But his words were confusing to kharask. He spoke of the dragonborn as if they were the only race in peril, the only one in trouble. These were trying times for all races. Kharasks vision showed him a kingdom that would strengthen not just the dragonborn, but all those in need of there protection. It would show the right course for others to follow. If the dragonborn were so desperate that even the elders were losing clarity in there visions, then it was time indeed for the younger warlords to take the mantle, and find the direction they needed. Strength must be allowed to flow back in to rimoria. Kharask was not so arrogant as to believe he could do this, but he did know that he would follow the path, never lose it, and sacrifice whatever he had to, if only to make the way clearer for those in line. Kharask forged these thoughts in his mind, focusing on that simple goal, knowing that finding the path was just as easy as losing it. He would not let his people down. He would not let her down. He rested his entire soul on those words. To be damned if he would fail.
(Ok, a little seasoning on kharasks motives. hope you enjoyed!)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Wish List !!
(This is a character related post about my current D&D warlord, Kharask Torn Flames)
Mr. DM! this is a revised wish list and items update about what Kharask has, and stuff i'd be interested in. If you already have the perfect item lined up, like that sweet ass ring, then use your ideas over any presented here.
Primary Weapon - Mauling Maul +2 - Structural Damage always appeals to me. The weapons is really cool, but i'm not thinking it to be carreer based. If it is, theres no problem. Higher versions of the weapon that had the potential to affect the artifact rings would be something i'd go in for. Damage is what his weapons there for, and his weapon daily's dont matter much. I'd look for crit effect stuff and properties on weapons. Kharask doesnt mess around with weapons much, they are there to put hurt onto things.
Secondary Weapons - Javelin +2 skyrender - I like this is a primary ranged weapon. Javelins and throwing hammers would be there as good secondary weapon drops, but i'd just leave alot of that to us buying them. Kharask uses the skyrender about once an adventure, so it isnt a priority.
Armor - Exalted Chainmail +2 - Unless you get some better idea, i'd like that to be career. I dont know what you'd do about the armor material type though. Kharask's armor is abysmal, but i dont want it to fall that far behind. Still, i'd rather keep the daily power over the armor type.
Feet slot Item - Currently dont have any. Looking for movement enhancement. I leave alot of the ideas for this slot to you. Movement is not really a priority for me at this point. The battle tends to come to us, and he usually moves after the enemies, so he doesnt always have that far to go. If you have an idea, like some strange dragonborn specific footwear that appears later on, then save the drop for that item, no need to force a drop on something i wouldnt use much, or could by myself in a few levels.
Arm Slot Item - Iron Armbands of Power - There useless, gonna melt them down into magic dust and save that for a later item. My new ring tops the bonus they give. Dont really know many arm items that may be useful. If you see something that lets me aid or protect my allies, or gives bonuses or abilities that would help my healing or warlord powers then go for that. I'm pretty much covered on damage bonuses for a while.
Hand Slot Item - Currently dont have any. Not looking for anything that gives item bonus to damage, because my super crazy ring would more than likely top it. Again, no ideas for this off the top of my head. If you see something that screams warlord or Kharask, just use that.
Head Slot Item - Helm of Heroes- I like this item, and will more than likely keep it unless you come up with or find something better. This gives a +2 save v.s. fear, and the daily lets me turn a basic attack i grant into an at will or encounter attack.
Neck slot item - Brooch of no regrets +2 - Lets me give a save to an ally with a +2 bonus if they fail it. Not bad, and it is in line with what i want out of daily abilities as far as helping allies out. If you see something that you think would be better, and along the same lines, then drop away.
Ring slot Item - Ring of the Dragon Emperor - yeah.. career. i dont want to lose it. in fact, i'd like to find out about its history and make it a permanent item, maybe upgrading it with a parcel at epic levels. Even if it doesnt get upgraded, i'd career it in a heartbeat.
Ring slot item - Other one is empty - Kharask will be trying to find hints about getting ahold of one or two of the metallic rings, so the party can fight the other ring wielders on equal footing. (and prevent possible character corruption). If that doesnt happen, a ring that gives daily's to help allies, or help healing would be great. Some kind of defense ring might not be bad, since Kharask's AC may be horrendous at higher levels.
Waist - Balderick of Tactical positioning - Good idea, just doesnt tend to work out much with the dynamics of the group. Not bad, i just never get a chance to use its property, so any thing you replace it with would work. Not looking for anything specific, something along the same line might work, as far as an item i can use for support of allies, or help my warlord abilities be more effective.
Other - Battle Standard - Yeah.. Artifact standard will be my career one of those.
Strange or misc - The lion is cool, shame they did not give upgraded versions of those. Save alot of the odd stuff for the magic wielding characters, though if something screams Kharask or warlord, drop away.
Ok, thats it. Obviously i'm focusing on his ability to aid allies first. Combat effectiveness is important, but really only on the damaging end. I dont really need to bolster his defense much, because azriel and erantaelik, even merric, have alot of ways to make attacks not happen, or happen on them. Inspirational items would be fine too. I could see using items that added enhancements to diplomacy or charisma based checks, or other items that had qualities that would seem more regal, or commanding. Kharask is a beast on his own, but his real strength is making his comrades unstoppable, so anything that helps me keep them on there feet would be great.
(Thats it. I'll have more stuff soon!)
Mr. DM! this is a revised wish list and items update about what Kharask has, and stuff i'd be interested in. If you already have the perfect item lined up, like that sweet ass ring, then use your ideas over any presented here.
Primary Weapon - Mauling Maul +2 - Structural Damage always appeals to me. The weapons is really cool, but i'm not thinking it to be carreer based. If it is, theres no problem. Higher versions of the weapon that had the potential to affect the artifact rings would be something i'd go in for. Damage is what his weapons there for, and his weapon daily's dont matter much. I'd look for crit effect stuff and properties on weapons. Kharask doesnt mess around with weapons much, they are there to put hurt onto things.
Secondary Weapons - Javelin +2 skyrender - I like this is a primary ranged weapon. Javelins and throwing hammers would be there as good secondary weapon drops, but i'd just leave alot of that to us buying them. Kharask uses the skyrender about once an adventure, so it isnt a priority.
Armor - Exalted Chainmail +2 - Unless you get some better idea, i'd like that to be career. I dont know what you'd do about the armor material type though. Kharask's armor is abysmal, but i dont want it to fall that far behind. Still, i'd rather keep the daily power over the armor type.
Feet slot Item - Currently dont have any. Looking for movement enhancement. I leave alot of the ideas for this slot to you. Movement is not really a priority for me at this point. The battle tends to come to us, and he usually moves after the enemies, so he doesnt always have that far to go. If you have an idea, like some strange dragonborn specific footwear that appears later on, then save the drop for that item, no need to force a drop on something i wouldnt use much, or could by myself in a few levels.
Arm Slot Item - Iron Armbands of Power - There useless, gonna melt them down into magic dust and save that for a later item. My new ring tops the bonus they give. Dont really know many arm items that may be useful. If you see something that lets me aid or protect my allies, or gives bonuses or abilities that would help my healing or warlord powers then go for that. I'm pretty much covered on damage bonuses for a while.
Hand Slot Item - Currently dont have any. Not looking for anything that gives item bonus to damage, because my super crazy ring would more than likely top it. Again, no ideas for this off the top of my head. If you see something that screams warlord or Kharask, just use that.
Head Slot Item - Helm of Heroes- I like this item, and will more than likely keep it unless you come up with or find something better. This gives a +2 save v.s. fear, and the daily lets me turn a basic attack i grant into an at will or encounter attack.
Neck slot item - Brooch of no regrets +2 - Lets me give a save to an ally with a +2 bonus if they fail it. Not bad, and it is in line with what i want out of daily abilities as far as helping allies out. If you see something that you think would be better, and along the same lines, then drop away.
Ring slot Item - Ring of the Dragon Emperor - yeah.. career. i dont want to lose it. in fact, i'd like to find out about its history and make it a permanent item, maybe upgrading it with a parcel at epic levels. Even if it doesnt get upgraded, i'd career it in a heartbeat.
Ring slot item - Other one is empty - Kharask will be trying to find hints about getting ahold of one or two of the metallic rings, so the party can fight the other ring wielders on equal footing. (and prevent possible character corruption). If that doesnt happen, a ring that gives daily's to help allies, or help healing would be great. Some kind of defense ring might not be bad, since Kharask's AC may be horrendous at higher levels.
Waist - Balderick of Tactical positioning - Good idea, just doesnt tend to work out much with the dynamics of the group. Not bad, i just never get a chance to use its property, so any thing you replace it with would work. Not looking for anything specific, something along the same line might work, as far as an item i can use for support of allies, or help my warlord abilities be more effective.
Other - Battle Standard - Yeah.. Artifact standard will be my career one of those.
Strange or misc - The lion is cool, shame they did not give upgraded versions of those. Save alot of the odd stuff for the magic wielding characters, though if something screams Kharask or warlord, drop away.
Ok, thats it. Obviously i'm focusing on his ability to aid allies first. Combat effectiveness is important, but really only on the damaging end. I dont really need to bolster his defense much, because azriel and erantaelik, even merric, have alot of ways to make attacks not happen, or happen on them. Inspirational items would be fine too. I could see using items that added enhancements to diplomacy or charisma based checks, or other items that had qualities that would seem more regal, or commanding. Kharask is a beast on his own, but his real strength is making his comrades unstoppable, so anything that helps me keep them on there feet would be great.
(Thats it. I'll have more stuff soon!)
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