I'm really sorry, but I don't think I'm going to be able to continue this. Life has been really crazy lately, and It's wrong of me to keep you all waiting when I might not be able to post for ages. I'm really sorry, I should have thought more before creating this.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Long live the dragon slayers, long live the spider guild, long live the forums.
I want you to know. You are going to lose. You are going to lose badly. You’re going to lose badly and it’s going to be awesome.
Honestly, I REALLY wanted to play Akkran... I suppose I could just step in and say "okay, here's a lich, he's the BBEG now... and he's got a death knight with him," but I really liked the whole angle of a broken creature who has committed unspeakable acts but has realized what he did and is seeking one final shot at redemption.
I don't know if we'd rather try some kind of collective story telling or look for another DM, but I'm open to either.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
(I'm going to continue this for a little while, just for the kicks).
As the others recover, Akkron has gotten to his feet. He's a few feet away from the others, peering into the darkness to try to figure out what was making those god-aweful sounds echoing through the expansive cavern. He stays still for a few moments, and then realizes that there is nothing coming to strike him down from the darkness.
The rest of you see him from behind at first, a shadowy figure that almost seems to melt into the darkness... As he hears the sounds of other people stirring, he turns to look at them, revealing himself fully for the first time. His body is almost skeletal, though in a few places mummified skin is still wrapped around the undead creature. Pure necromantic energy rises from the corpse's body in the form of a dark mist. It is obvious to all present exactly what they're looking at... it is a lich. But, the creature doesn't laugh with maniacal glee when he sees the mortal adventurers. His entire posture appears almost exhausted as his gray robe flows around him in a wind that isn't there.
"I thought I was the only one called to this place to prevent a great calamity," the lich says, his thin voice sounding almost sad as his empty eye sockets study each of you. "But it seems I was mistaken... a mighty warrior, a... um... cat-person, and... oh my. It seems that whatever deity ordained this event thought it would be funny to send a holy warrior to meet me. I should have expected something like this... the gods have always enjoyed tormenting me."
His eye sockets, though empty, appear to look directly into Lorlin's soul as he makes his commentary on her presence. But strangely enough, he doesn't seem angry. He seems almost amused. And, if Lorlin is paying attention, she may notice that the lich is wearing a Robe of the Archmagi... but the robe isn't the black cowl that an evil mage would wear... it is a dark shade of grey.
Dabbert holds his position, his eyes looking around, gauging those with him. The Tabaxi doesn't surprise him that much; he's seen them before. The Holy Warrior is no surprise either. There's always one. The skeleton guy, now that was different. Usually when he encountered something like this, it was to put the kibosh on it. Still, he listened carefully to the mummified fellows words and decided quickly that he wasn't to be feared.
He takes a deep breath and lowers his halberd.
"Who uh...who are you?" Dabbert says, holding his place. He doesn't want to appear aggressive, but considering the events he experienced that brought him here, he remains apprehensive. "What calamity? What's happening?"
Akkron turns his attention from the Cleric to the soldier.
"I am called The Broken Lord of the Shaded Isles by most who care to speak of me at all... but as that is a bit of a mouthful, you may call me by the name of Akkron," the lich says. "And it is odd that you are here if you have not seen the signs... I found the prophecy in one of my tomes, a great and terrible foretelling of the end on this very day. It was foretold that the World Tree, the foundation of not only our world but every realm of existence, would be cut down at the roots unless the dark force that wishes to swallow reality can be stopped. Now tell me, who are all of you, and how did you come to be here?"
"I had dreams." Dabbert says, low and unsure of himself at first. "They didn't tell me much, but they showed me earthquakes, and tidal waves, and storms. The dead...and the dead walking. I saw my family lost. The people I love. And so I prepared myself. I was a soldier...but I spent my time readying my mind and my body for war...and then when it came..."
The warrior looks confused, like some part of him, even knowing what was coming, cannot accept that it has happened.
"My name is Dabbert Hahft. I was the Lieutenant of the Skullsplitters, part of the Ivory Infantry. We were on detail in the Black Crag Mountains when my dreams started. When our tour was done I stayed behind in the harsh region and honed the skills military service had given me. Sought the best weapons and armor. And when I was done I went home. Well, tried to. I uh...didn't make it all the way there."
"Ah, so you have seen the signs then," Akkron says. "The dead walking? How curious."
It takes you a moment to realize that the lich just attempted to make a joke. When he sees that no one is laughing, he sighs.
"I do apologize if I don't seem to be taking this as seriously as perhaps I should. It has been a very, very long time since I have spoken to beings who can actually hold a conversation... unless you count wights and ghasts, but I'm afraid that flesh-eating ghouls rarely have much to say. I'm still not sure why Orcus is so keen to flood the universe with those creatures."
He pauses for a moment, as if suddenly realizing something.
"Could it be?" the lich wonders out loud, before trailing off.
The attempt at humor doesn't completely go unnoticed. Dabbert looks curiously at the shriveled up corpse of the man that's now educating him on the whole situation.
"What's an Orcus? And what's a ghast?" He says. "And could what be...uh...what?"
"Ahhhh... yes, I suppose I should explain that," Akkron says. "Orcus is the demon lord often called the Demon Prince of Undeath, notable for wanting to obliterate all life in the universe, leaving behind only the undead. Most liches are the product of dealings with that detestable creature... I have personally managed to avoided such a bargain, though. As for a ghasts... well, basically a ghast is just a tougher, smarter, and uglier version of a ghoul."
The lich pauses, somewhat surprised that the Cleric hasn't commented yet. But that's probably for the best considering what she'll likely say as soon as she finds her tongue.
"And it seems to me that if you have seen visions of the dead rising to slaughter the living, that sounds like exactly the sort of scenario Orcus has always desired. If what you have seen is truly what is to come, then it seems to me that we're either dealing with Orcus or one of his servants."
He looks around the room again, noting that there appears to be no immediate danger... and that is starting to concern him. He steps closer to the source of the heat that they felt earlier, which turns out to be a large burning pit in the center of the room.
"And yet I see nothing here trying to kill us or or perform some ancient rite of darkness to summon the Demon Prince... I'm not even sure what was growling at me earlier, unless it was one of you. Most curious..."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
(I agree with GR Mustang. I don't mind to wait between posts. That's perfectly acceptable to me. I thank you for communicating that so we know.)
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
(Agreed with the others, I appreciate the communication so that we know what's up.)
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
(Thanks for understanding :) )
Long live the dragon slayers, long live the spider guild, long live the forums.
I want you to know. You are going to lose. You are going to lose badly. You’re going to lose badly and it’s going to be awesome.
(No worries from me. Beauty of PBP is the flexibility)
Slip will Investigate the area: 18
D&D since 1984
...hopefully the first thing Slip sees is whatever we're actually fighting against instead of the lich rising to his feet lol
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
I'm really sorry, but I don't think I'm going to be able to continue this. Life has been really crazy lately, and It's wrong of me to keep you all waiting when I might not be able to post for ages. I'm really sorry, I should have thought more before creating this.
Long live the dragon slayers, long live the spider guild, long live the forums.
I want you to know. You are going to lose. You are going to lose badly. You’re going to lose badly and it’s going to be awesome.
No Worries. Good Luck on future adventures!
D&D since 1984
Well that's a bit disappointing... but we all know how life goes sometimes.
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
Thank you both for understanding :)
Long live the dragon slayers, long live the spider guild, long live the forums.
I want you to know. You are going to lose. You are going to lose badly. You’re going to lose badly and it’s going to be awesome.
No worries! Good luck with everything
Sorry to hear that! I was really looking forward to this but I totally understand.
Well folks, do we call it here or try to do something for ourselves? Or look for another DM? I'm open to whatever.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Honestly, I REALLY wanted to play Akkran... I suppose I could just step in and say "okay, here's a lich, he's the BBEG now... and he's got a death knight with him," but I really liked the whole angle of a broken creature who has committed unspeakable acts but has realized what he did and is seeking one final shot at redemption.
I don't know if we'd rather try some kind of collective story telling or look for another DM, but I'm open to either.
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
(I'm going to continue this for a little while, just for the kicks).
As the others recover, Akkron has gotten to his feet. He's a few feet away from the others, peering into the darkness to try to figure out what was making those god-aweful sounds echoing through the expansive cavern. He stays still for a few moments, and then realizes that there is nothing coming to strike him down from the darkness.
The rest of you see him from behind at first, a shadowy figure that almost seems to melt into the darkness... As he hears the sounds of other people stirring, he turns to look at them, revealing himself fully for the first time. His body is almost skeletal, though in a few places mummified skin is still wrapped around the undead creature. Pure necromantic energy rises from the corpse's body in the form of a dark mist. It is obvious to all present exactly what they're looking at... it is a lich. But, the creature doesn't laugh with maniacal glee when he sees the mortal adventurers. His entire posture appears almost exhausted as his gray robe flows around him in a wind that isn't there.
"I thought I was the only one called to this place to prevent a great calamity," the lich says, his thin voice sounding almost sad as his empty eye sockets study each of you. "But it seems I was mistaken... a mighty warrior, a... um... cat-person, and... oh my. It seems that whatever deity ordained this event thought it would be funny to send a holy warrior to meet me. I should have expected something like this... the gods have always enjoyed tormenting me."
His eye sockets, though empty, appear to look directly into Lorlin's soul as he makes his commentary on her presence. But strangely enough, he doesn't seem angry. He seems almost amused. And, if Lorlin is paying attention, she may notice that the lich is wearing a Robe of the Archmagi... but the robe isn't the black cowl that an evil mage would wear... it is a dark shade of grey.
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
Dabbert holds his position, his eyes looking around, gauging those with him. The Tabaxi doesn't surprise him that much; he's seen them before. The Holy Warrior is no surprise either. There's always one. The skeleton guy, now that was different. Usually when he encountered something like this, it was to put the kibosh on it. Still, he listened carefully to the mummified fellows words and decided quickly that he wasn't to be feared.
He takes a deep breath and lowers his halberd.
"Who uh...who are you?" Dabbert says, holding his place. He doesn't want to appear aggressive, but considering the events he experienced that brought him here, he remains apprehensive. "What calamity? What's happening?"
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Akkron turns his attention from the Cleric to the soldier.
"I am called The Broken Lord of the Shaded Isles by most who care to speak of me at all... but as that is a bit of a mouthful, you may call me by the name of Akkron," the lich says. "And it is odd that you are here if you have not seen the signs... I found the prophecy in one of my tomes, a great and terrible foretelling of the end on this very day. It was foretold that the World Tree, the foundation of not only our world but every realm of existence, would be cut down at the roots unless the dark force that wishes to swallow reality can be stopped. Now tell me, who are all of you, and how did you come to be here?"
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
"I had dreams." Dabbert says, low and unsure of himself at first. "They didn't tell me much, but they showed me earthquakes, and tidal waves, and storms. The dead...and the dead walking. I saw my family lost. The people I love. And so I prepared myself. I was a soldier...but I spent my time readying my mind and my body for war...and then when it came..."
The warrior looks confused, like some part of him, even knowing what was coming, cannot accept that it has happened.
"My name is Dabbert Hahft. I was the Lieutenant of the Skullsplitters, part of the Ivory Infantry. We were on detail in the Black Crag Mountains when my dreams started. When our tour was done I stayed behind in the harsh region and honed the skills military service had given me. Sought the best weapons and armor. And when I was done I went home. Well, tried to. I uh...didn't make it all the way there."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
"Ah, so you have seen the signs then," Akkron says. "The dead walking? How curious."
It takes you a moment to realize that the lich just attempted to make a joke. When he sees that no one is laughing, he sighs.
"I do apologize if I don't seem to be taking this as seriously as perhaps I should. It has been a very, very long time since I have spoken to beings who can actually hold a conversation... unless you count wights and ghasts, but I'm afraid that flesh-eating ghouls rarely have much to say. I'm still not sure why Orcus is so keen to flood the universe with those creatures."
He pauses for a moment, as if suddenly realizing something.
"Could it be?" the lich wonders out loud, before trailing off.
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
The attempt at humor doesn't completely go unnoticed. Dabbert looks curiously at the shriveled up corpse of the man that's now educating him on the whole situation.
"What's an Orcus? And what's a ghast?" He says. "And could what be...uh...what?"
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
"Ahhhh... yes, I suppose I should explain that," Akkron says. "Orcus is the demon lord often called the Demon Prince of Undeath, notable for wanting to obliterate all life in the universe, leaving behind only the undead. Most liches are the product of dealings with that detestable creature... I have personally managed to avoided such a bargain, though. As for a ghasts... well, basically a ghast is just a tougher, smarter, and uglier version of a ghoul."
The lich pauses, somewhat surprised that the Cleric hasn't commented yet. But that's probably for the best considering what she'll likely say as soon as she finds her tongue.
"And it seems to me that if you have seen visions of the dead rising to slaughter the living, that sounds like exactly the sort of scenario Orcus has always desired. If what you have seen is truly what is to come, then it seems to me that we're either dealing with Orcus or one of his servants."
He looks around the room again, noting that there appears to be no immediate danger... and that is starting to concern him. He steps closer to the source of the heat that they felt earlier, which turns out to be a large burning pit in the center of the room.
"And yet I see nothing here trying to kill us or or perform some ancient rite of darkness to summon the Demon Prince... I'm not even sure what was growling at me earlier, unless it was one of you. Most curious..."
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!