Lol, I love how Hastos is like "peace was never an option". Sometimes I wish I had gone barbie, or slightly more evil, to encourage him to go full doom guy.
Good thing he's a good guy and keeps it contained.
Sorry had a really busy day. Will try to catch up and post accordingly in an hour or so
Oh dood, that's alright. That the magic of play by post, you can take your time. Specially when the days get rough, you should take your time.
I am aware but there was so much happening I felt I left the group without their full set. Didn't want to hold things up or not be there to help the group. With a plus 6 to persuasion figured it would be helpful if I was around for introductions.
lol, he was so aggravated at Merkas! Merkas is so naturally trusting, he ok with putting himself at a disadvantage to show that he’s earnest and can be trusted. Hastos likes to play his hand a little differently. Lol!
Hastos beats the princess to death with the corpse of one of her own people. 😅
You would've absolutely loved that scythe, and I'm pretty sure that would grant you an alignment ping.
You kidding? The way people went bat-shit crazy with that thing? LOL! You guys would have to treat Hastos like an animal! “STAY”!! <Squirts Hastos with a water bottle>
Hastos beats the princess to death with the corpse of one of her own people. 😅
You would've absolutely loved that scythe, and I'm pretty sure that would grant you an alignment ping.
You kidding? The way people went bat-shit crazy with that thing? LOL! You guys would have to treat Hastos like an animal! “STAY”!! <Squirts Hastos with a water bottle>
It was unfortunate, the meta-knowledge you and Larskolstad had coming into the game. The scythe doesn't necessarily make someone crazy. Crazy people do tend to gravitate towards it, though. People who thrive in combat, and relish in the glory of battle are attracted to it, and the scythe calls to them. It's a Reaper of Glory, not a Reaper of Insanity. That's why Buckeran is immune to its call. He doesn't crave glory. Combat was never in his blood. He's a retired thief, and loves his treasures, but prefers to acquire them in a way that does no harm. Ibahalii Vriwhulth can sense this, and therefore doesn't call to him. He could put the scythe in his mouth, and still wouldn't feel it talking to him.
But... someone who has taken life, or is at least interested in glorious combat... that's another story entirely.
Of course, this is all meta-knowledge too. Meant to be found out later. But, since some of the toothpaste is out of the tube, I figured I'd shed a little light on it. There are tons of more secrets about the weapon waiting to be revealed, should you interact with it again in the story.
I purposely had Merkas "sit" on it over night, both physically and Metaphorically. I was trying to sort out which way I was willing to take this inquisitive creature and figured having the physical act reflect my thought process was a fun way to show the dilemma. In the end, having a weapon offer to help him after he just saw someone wield it to attempt to kill his companions soured the use enough that I felt it better to give to Buckeran and build that relationship than to have it along for the ride. (A talking weapon is a ton of fun though and a slightly different character would likely have snatched it right up)
But what's a good campaign without a little pain and turmoil? I designed my world to be complicated, with no clear lines of right and wrong. Good people do evil things for good reasons. Evil people do good things for evil reasons. And some people do what they must to survive, be it evil, good, selfish, or kind. That's why I changed the alignment definitions from Good to Evil. Kobolds are generally lawful evil, and that oversimplifies things. Did Letni Inhelk steal precious supplies from Santekh? Yes. But I wouldn't call them evil. In their minds, they did what was necessary, and those resources are far better used in the hands of their clan than in Santekh. Were they setup? Seems like it. But why? Everyone has reasons for doing what they do. Even if those reasons seem selfish and cruel. But those reasons matter to the one doing them.
Part of seeking justice in this setting will require discernment. It's not enough to say, "Bad man get sword in face," unless that's the kind of campaign you want to play out, which will have unintended consequences. Killing the wrong person could cause tremendous problems down the line. So will showing mercy to the wrong person. In that aspect, I can be quite sadistic. 🤭
Just remember: if you're stuck and need a hint, you can ask for one. Your skill roll will determine what you believe. Not what you know. I also give bad advice when the roll isn't high enough.
It was the total crazyness of the user of the Scythe and that it seemed to invoke such bloodlust that made me think it would make Sera kill the other player characters and it was "un-playable" in my mind.
It was the total crazyness of the user of the Scythe and that it seemed to invoke such bloodlust that made me think it would make Sera kill the other player characters and it was "un-playable" in my mind.
Right, that's because you're only two interactions with it was with murderous berserkers. Theron was literally trying to go out with a PVP bang... not something I actually wanted, but something I decided to allow. He would've behaved that way with any weapon. The cultist served Sargonnas. Vengeful wrath and bloodlust tend to go hand-in-hand. But he was weak. Weak of character and weak of strength. The scythe was relieved to have an opportunity to wind up in stronger hands. The scythe craves combat, but not necessarily slaughter. The first wielder who claimed the scythe after killing the cultist was Bran, a paladin of Paladine. The player went MIA, so I had to kill him off. Theron was a murderer and thug who wanted to wield the scythe, so the plot wrote itself. But Bran was able to control the scythe, choosing to kill beasts with it only. And only used it in situations where combat was inevitable. The curse of the weapon is not madness. It's something else.
But I'll agree that the scythe was a bad fit for Sera. Your sword is a legacy weapon that's becoming iconic for your character. As money and resources become available, you can enchant it with more abilities, so I'm curious to see what its final form will be like. Be careful though... enchanting has a percentage risk of turning the weapon sentient or cursed, with the first enchantment being 0% (unless the goal is to curse the weapon or make it sentient). So the more you enchant it, the higher that risk becomes.
Ugh, this morning has been pure chaos. I've been working on that IC post since 7 am... so 5 hours now? I kept getting interrupted to deal with one urgent matter after another. I'm supposed to be nursing a cold. 🤧 I just wanted to Commune with the Beyond then go back to sleep. But that has not been in the cards today.
Got a 17 insight with advantage.
Sorry had a really busy day. Will try to catch up and post accordingly in an hour or so
Loyalty Begets Honour
Oh dood, that's alright. That the magic of play by post, you can take your time. Specially when the days get rough, you should take your time.
Yea totally. I try to make time during the day to post, but I’m not very successful.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Lol, I love how Hastos is like "peace was never an option". Sometimes I wish I had gone barbie, or slightly more evil, to encourage him to go full doom guy.
Good thing he's a good guy and keeps it contained.
Hastos beats the princess to death with the corpse of one of her own people. 😅
You would've absolutely loved that scythe, and I'm pretty sure that would grant you an alignment ping.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
You must have gave me luck to roll a Nat 20 on the persuasion roll.
I am aware but there was so much happening I felt I left the group without their full set. Didn't want to hold things up or not be there to help the group. With a plus 6 to persuasion figured it would be helpful if I was around for introductions.
Loyalty Begets Honour
Did Hastos manage hide the Scythe of evil someplace?
"Hastos briefly considers using Merkas as his alternate meat shield."
I shiver in delight. I Hastos parhsps a dragon army officer still? ;)
lol, he was so aggravated at Merkas! Merkas is so naturally trusting, he ok with putting himself at a disadvantage to show that he’s earnest and can be trusted. Hastos likes to play his hand a little differently. Lol!
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
You kidding? The way people went bat-shit crazy with that thing? LOL! You guys would have to treat Hastos like an animal! “STAY”!! <Squirts Hastos with a water bottle>
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
I only manage teach him "come!" And only Sera have some ..snack he care for... ;)
Some drifting thought crossed my mind as I sit out in the so peaceful desert. I hope thexDM is not a sadist..
:D
( but I suspect he is a little )
ROFL!!
The best ones usually are. :-)
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
It was unfortunate, the meta-knowledge you and Larskolstad had coming into the game. The scythe doesn't necessarily make someone crazy. Crazy people do tend to gravitate towards it, though. People who thrive in combat, and relish in the glory of battle are attracted to it, and the scythe calls to them. It's a Reaper of Glory, not a Reaper of Insanity. That's why Buckeran is immune to its call. He doesn't crave glory. Combat was never in his blood. He's a retired thief, and loves his treasures, but prefers to acquire them in a way that does no harm. Ibahalii Vriwhulth can sense this, and therefore doesn't call to him. He could put the scythe in his mouth, and still wouldn't feel it talking to him.
But... someone who has taken life, or is at least interested in glorious combat... that's another story entirely.
Of course, this is all meta-knowledge too. Meant to be found out later. But, since some of the toothpaste is out of the tube, I figured I'd shed a little light on it. There are tons of more secrets about the weapon waiting to be revealed, should you interact with it again in the story.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
I purposely had Merkas "sit" on it over night, both physically and Metaphorically. I was trying to sort out which way I was willing to take this inquisitive creature and figured having the physical act reflect my thought process was a fun way to show the dilemma. In the end, having a weapon offer to help him after he just saw someone wield it to attempt to kill his companions soured the use enough that I felt it better to give to Buckeran and build that relationship than to have it along for the ride. (A talking weapon is a ton of fun though and a slightly different character would likely have snatched it right up)
Loyalty Begets Honour
I wouldn't say I'm a sadist... 😉
But what's a good campaign without a little pain and turmoil? I designed my world to be complicated, with no clear lines of right and wrong. Good people do evil things for good reasons. Evil people do good things for evil reasons. And some people do what they must to survive, be it evil, good, selfish, or kind. That's why I changed the alignment definitions from Good to Evil. Kobolds are generally lawful evil, and that oversimplifies things. Did Letni Inhelk steal precious supplies from Santekh? Yes. But I wouldn't call them evil. In their minds, they did what was necessary, and those resources are far better used in the hands of their clan than in Santekh. Were they setup? Seems like it. But why? Everyone has reasons for doing what they do. Even if those reasons seem selfish and cruel. But those reasons matter to the one doing them.
Part of seeking justice in this setting will require discernment. It's not enough to say, "Bad man get sword in face," unless that's the kind of campaign you want to play out, which will have unintended consequences. Killing the wrong person could cause tremendous problems down the line. So will showing mercy to the wrong person. In that aspect, I can be quite sadistic. 🤭
Just remember: if you're stuck and need a hint, you can ask for one. Your skill roll will determine what you believe. Not what you know. I also give bad advice when the roll isn't high enough.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
It was the total crazyness of the user of the Scythe and that it seemed to invoke such bloodlust that made me think it would make Sera kill the other player characters and it was "un-playable" in my mind.
Right, that's because you're only two interactions with it was with murderous berserkers. Theron was literally trying to go out with a PVP bang... not something I actually wanted, but something I decided to allow. He would've behaved that way with any weapon. The cultist served Sargonnas. Vengeful wrath and bloodlust tend to go hand-in-hand. But he was weak. Weak of character and weak of strength. The scythe was relieved to have an opportunity to wind up in stronger hands. The scythe craves combat, but not necessarily slaughter. The first wielder who claimed the scythe after killing the cultist was Bran, a paladin of Paladine. The player went MIA, so I had to kill him off. Theron was a murderer and thug who wanted to wield the scythe, so the plot wrote itself. But Bran was able to control the scythe, choosing to kill beasts with it only. And only used it in situations where combat was inevitable. The curse of the weapon is not madness. It's something else.
But I'll agree that the scythe was a bad fit for Sera. Your sword is a legacy weapon that's becoming iconic for your character. As money and resources become available, you can enchant it with more abilities, so I'm curious to see what its final form will be like. Be careful though... enchanting has a percentage risk of turning the weapon sentient or cursed, with the first enchantment being 0% (unless the goal is to curse the weapon or make it sentient). So the more you enchant it, the higher that risk becomes.
Ugh, this morning has been pure chaos. I've been working on that IC post since 7 am... so 5 hours now? I kept getting interrupted to deal with one urgent matter after another. I'm supposed to be nursing a cold. 🤧 I just wanted to Commune with the Beyond then go back to sleep. But that has not been in the cards today.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
@MrUncleTio - We're getting you a new set of armour first chance we get.....
Loyalty Begets Honour
We could probably just sand the evil dragon off his armor when we get a minute of down time.