You judge the distance and time well enough. You disappear behind a thicket of trees and at the same time your Echo emerges again to rejoin the road, you continue on, taking a parallel course, as the Echo turns the corner in the road and, out of sight of the gate, vanishes.
Magnum, you have spent a rather uneventful three days in Port Damali. The sky port was impressive, but far out of your price range. You heard some rather unbelievable rumours of blue goblins, which doesn’t make much sense. All in all, you decide you’ve had enough of the city, and enough of the sea, at least for a while. The ship that brought you from Nicodranos to Port Damali was an experience, but for the return journey you prefer to walk on your own two legs.
You leave the city by the north gate before dawn, determined to make good progress this day. From behind you, there seems to be some kind of commotion. You turn and see a tall half-orc running round a bend in the road towards you. Then he vanishes.
You think you hear something - movement perhaps - from the trees in the small woods to your right.
Hello. What’s this then? Magnum walks into the woods, his curiosity suddenly piqued. He checks himself to make sure he’s in Guardian mode. He forgets sometimes.
Silent, you are tired, penniless, hungover, filthy, and have just been chased out of the city. This is a real low point.
There's no sign that the Zhelezo have chased you any further, but there's no way you can go back into the city. You are standing just inside a small wooded area a few hundred feet from the city walls, and there is a strange person apparently looking around in your general direction. Mixophrygian, could you describe how you think Silent is looking?
Magnum could easily be mistaken for a man. He's got the general man-shape. Two arms, two legs, torso and head in the expected configuration. His blue long coat, gray trousers and pale green cloak only magnify his mannishness.
The one little hiccup in this impression is the brass, near-featureless bonce atop his neck. Two lamps where eyes should be. No mouth, nose or hair to even imply a trip down an uncanny valley. No. Just a metal not-man in man clothes. Holding a shield and saying hello.
Silent is doubled over with one hand on his knee and another on a tree to support himself. His mane of white hair hangs into his sweaty dark green face; two pale-white eyes are shining out into the shadows of the trees scanning for any signs of danger. He has all the hallmarks of a man who is a few steps away from losing his (nonexistent) lunch.
When he catches sight of Magnum, his first reaction is to woozily straighten up and pick up his greatsword, brandishing it. Get back, mate, I don't want to hurt - He trails off as he takes in Magnum's appearance. What in the...?
Magnum regards Silent for a moment, then gestures to himself and begins an oft repeated and thoroughly memorized speech. Of course, sir. My name is Magnum Opus. I am a sentient, autonomous construct and I mean you no harm. I am not, for example: a beast of the nine hells, a sign of the end times, a sex machine, or interested in joining your organization and/or cult. Et cetera, et cetera. Now, are you in need of medical assistance?
(OOC: I am guessing Silent has never seen a Warforged before but are there rare in this campaign's version of Wildemount?)
Silent does not lower his blade but he is staring slackjawed at the creature before him. Not a sign of the end times... right, that's got me at ease. Now if you value your... uh... skin, I'd suggest you turn right around and forget you met me.He motions with a jerk of his head towards the road. Pissedoff a bunch o' coppers and I reckon they won't be too picky about hauling you away too when they catch up to me.
Silent, you have never seen an individual quite like this. You have seen things that were similar - you know that artificers, like Pockets, can sometimes create metallic constructs that act as servants, and you will see them around cities from time to time. However, you've never seen one quite like this. You don't know if those other constructs can talk, but this definitely looks more advanced.
(There are no 'warforged' in Exandria, and the term doesn't exist - there is a specific background for Magnum, integrated into the Exandria lore, but definitely very unusual. Still, there's nothing alarming about seeing a construct like this, more a curiosity for most people.)
(OOC: Ahhh, this makes me think of a certain automaton made by a certain trust-fund artificer-turned-author. Maybe I'm off the mark but this will be a fun mystery to unravel :D
At the moment Silent is pretty on edge by the circumstances but there's no real chance of him taking a swing at Magnum - he just doesn't want to drag anyone else into his legal troubles without fair warning.)
Oh, I didn't see anything...or I should say I saw you. Or a sort of you. A negative version of you that vanished. Other than that, though, I didn't see anyone else.
ALso, no, I don't live here. I have no fixed residence at present.
Taking in Magnum's seemingly calm demeanour and the fact that the Zhelezo have apparently given up the chase, Silent sheathes the greatsword and slumps down against the tree cradling his pounding head.
Yeah... do yourself a favour and forget you saw that thing, eh? Seriously, if word gets out about it this close to the Empire, I'm a dead man.Dead-er than I am now, I mean. He lifts his head up and sizes up the metallic figure again, this time more calmly. You said you're a... construct? Ain't no polite way of saying this but you're a lot more... eh... people-ish than any of the others I've seen.
I'm completely sentient, unlike most constructs you've probably encountered. I am, as far as I know, the only one of my kind. Now, I think I can keep the knowledge of what I saw to myself, but I am infinitely curious about how you did it. As you are leaving the city, and I am leaving the city, I see an opportunity for mutual assistance. I would like to learn more about you and your magnificent looking greatsword. Perhaps we can travel for a bit. Share stories.
Silent narrows his featureless pale eyes. Gears are evidently turning in his head. After a long silence and a heavy sigh:
You got any money? And you any good in a scrap? 'Cause I got no money but I run into more than my fair share o' scraps. Risky deal falling in with me, mate. He gets to his feet and wipes some of the dirt from the road off his cloak and chain mail. But I'm game if you are... ain't in a position to reject help here.
Magnum considers for a moment. Yes, I think I’m pretty good in a fight. I do my best to avoid them, mind you, but my parents taught me how to handle myself.
And with that, Silent and Magnum meet in the middle of the road, out of sight of Port Damali, and their journey eastward begins.
You travel along the Gilded Roadway. You, Silent, have made this journey before, albeit only once, in the other direction. So though the views are different, the territory is familiar.
For Magnum, after boarding a ship soon after reaching Nicodranas, you've not seen much of this part of Wildemount. You find that the fresh sea air is pleasant as it mingles with the smells of the rich tropical vegetation that surrounds you. You are still passing through cultivated farmland at first, with many villages and people hard at work at their daily tasks.
The road is well-travelled, and merchants travelling alone, with guards, or in caravans and convoys, pass you several times during the first day. At one point, a rider on a horse approaches from behind, clearly on route from Port Damali; Silent, you feel some concern, but he passes by without paying you any mind.
Some way north of the city, the road turns east and crosses the Tyodan River, and the farms become sparser, the countryside wilder. The day's travel seems to go by quickly, but you know you have perhaps five or six days' walk ahead before you reach Feolinn.
Silent, you have no money and a limited supply of food. Are you foraging for food for tonight's meal? What are your thoughts on how you will improve your situation?
For both of you, how are you approaching your new travelling companion? Do you talk as you walk, or as you camp? What do you ask about, and how much do you tell the other?
(Don't forget to add your allies, enemies and backstory to your character sheets at some point this week, please.)
Your... parents.Silent catches himself before putting his foot in his mouth. Right then, Magnum was it?He stands up and offers a hand to shake. They call me Silent.
Wasn't planning on skipping town today myself - you got a destination in mind?
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Intelligence - 0
(OOC: Also in case it matters I believe the Echo distance limit is 30 ft.)
You judge the distance and time well enough. You disappear behind a thicket of trees and at the same time your Echo emerges again to rejoin the road, you continue on, taking a parallel course, as the Echo turns the corner in the road and, out of sight of the gate, vanishes.
Magnum, you have spent a rather uneventful three days in Port Damali. The sky port was impressive, but far out of your price range. You heard some rather unbelievable rumours of blue goblins, which doesn’t make much sense. All in all, you decide you’ve had enough of the city, and enough of the sea, at least for a while. The ship that brought you from Nicodranos to Port Damali was an experience, but for the return journey you prefer to walk on your own two legs.
You leave the city by the north gate before dawn, determined to make good progress this day. From behind you, there seems to be some kind of commotion. You turn and see a tall half-orc running round a bend in the road towards you. Then he vanishes.
You think you hear something - movement perhaps - from the trees in the small woods to your right.
Hello. What’s this then? Magnum walks into the woods, his curiosity suddenly piqued. He checks himself to make sure he’s in Guardian mode. He forgets sometimes.
Silent, you are tired, penniless, hungover, filthy, and have just been chased out of the city. This is a real low point.
There's no sign that the Zhelezo have chased you any further, but there's no way you can go back into the city. You are standing just inside a small wooded area a few hundred feet from the city walls, and there is a strange person apparently looking around in your general direction. Mixophrygian, could you describe how you think Silent is looking?
StevenDM, could you describe Magnum's appearance?
Magnum could easily be mistaken for a man. He's got the general man-shape. Two arms, two legs, torso and head in the expected configuration. His blue long coat, gray trousers and pale green cloak only magnify his mannishness.
The one little hiccup in this impression is the brass, near-featureless bonce atop his neck. Two lamps where eyes should be. No mouth, nose or hair to even imply a trip down an uncanny valley. No. Just a metal not-man in man clothes. Holding a shield and saying hello.
Silent is doubled over with one hand on his knee and another on a tree to support himself. His mane of white hair hangs into his sweaty dark green face; two pale-white eyes are shining out into the shadows of the trees scanning for any signs of danger. He has all the hallmarks of a man who is a few steps away from losing his (nonexistent) lunch.
When he catches sight of Magnum, his first reaction is to woozily straighten up and pick up his greatsword, brandishing it. Get back, mate, I don't want to hurt - He trails off as he takes in Magnum's appearance. What in the...?
Magnum regards Silent for a moment, then gestures to himself and begins an oft repeated and thoroughly memorized speech. Of course, sir. My name is Magnum Opus. I am a sentient, autonomous construct and I mean you no harm. I am not, for example: a beast of the nine hells, a sign of the end times, a sex machine, or interested in joining your organization and/or cult. Et cetera, et cetera. Now, are you in need of medical assistance?
(OOC: I am guessing Silent has never seen a Warforged before but are there rare in this campaign's version of Wildemount?)
Silent does not lower his blade but he is staring slackjawed at the creature before him. Not a sign of the end times... right, that's got me at ease. Now if you value your... uh... skin, I'd suggest you turn right around and forget you met me. He motions with a jerk of his head towards the road. Pissed off a bunch o' coppers and I reckon they won't be too picky about hauling you away too when they catch up to me.
Silent, you have never seen an individual quite like this. You have seen things that were similar - you know that artificers, like Pockets, can sometimes create metallic constructs that act as servants, and you will see them around cities from time to time. However, you've never seen one quite like this. You don't know if those other constructs can talk, but this definitely looks more advanced.
(There are no 'warforged' in Exandria, and the term doesn't exist - there is a specific background for Magnum, integrated into the Exandria lore, but definitely very unusual. Still, there's nothing alarming about seeing a construct like this, more a curiosity for most people.)
Please, let me assure you I mean you no harm. By coppers do you mean that brute squad calling itself the Zhelezo?
(OOC: Ahhh, this makes me think of a certain automaton made by a certain trust-fund artificer-turned-author. Maybe I'm off the mark but this will be a fun mystery to unravel :D
At the moment Silent is pretty on edge by the circumstances but there's no real chance of him taking a swing at Magnum - he just doesn't want to drag anyone else into his legal troubles without fair warning.)
Ah, you're familiar with the bastards. Yeah they're on my tail... did you see 'em when you walked up this way or do you live in this here forest?
Oh, I didn't see anything...or I should say I saw you. Or a sort of you. A negative version of you that vanished. Other than that, though, I didn't see anyone else.
ALso, no, I don't live here. I have no fixed residence at present.
Taking in Magnum's seemingly calm demeanour and the fact that the Zhelezo have apparently given up the chase, Silent sheathes the greatsword and slumps down against the tree cradling his pounding head.
Yeah... do yourself a favour and forget you saw that thing, eh? Seriously, if word gets out about it this close to the Empire, I'm a dead man. Dead-er than I am now, I mean. He lifts his head up and sizes up the metallic figure again, this time more calmly. You said you're a... construct? Ain't no polite way of saying this but you're a lot more... eh... people-ish than any of the others I've seen.
I'm completely sentient, unlike most constructs you've probably encountered. I am, as far as I know, the only one of my kind. Now, I think I can keep the knowledge of what I saw to myself, but I am infinitely curious about how you did it. As you are leaving the city, and I am leaving the city, I see an opportunity for mutual assistance. I would like to learn more about you and your magnificent looking greatsword. Perhaps we can travel for a bit. Share stories.
Silent narrows his featureless pale eyes. Gears are evidently turning in his head. After a long silence and a heavy sigh:
You got any money? And you any good in a scrap? 'Cause I got no money but I run into more than my fair share o' scraps. Risky deal falling in with me, mate. He gets to his feet and wipes some of the dirt from the road off his cloak and chain mail. But I'm game if you are... ain't in a position to reject help here.
Magnum considers for a moment. Yes, I think I’m pretty good in a fight. I do my best to avoid them, mind you, but my parents taught me how to handle myself.
Also, yes, I have money.
And with that, Silent and Magnum meet in the middle of the road, out of sight of Port Damali, and their journey eastward begins.
You travel along the Gilded Roadway. You, Silent, have made this journey before, albeit only once, in the other direction. So though the views are different, the territory is familiar.
For Magnum, after boarding a ship soon after reaching Nicodranas, you've not seen much of this part of Wildemount. You find that the fresh sea air is pleasant as it mingles with the smells of the rich tropical vegetation that surrounds you. You are still passing through cultivated farmland at first, with many villages and people hard at work at their daily tasks.
The road is well-travelled, and merchants travelling alone, with guards, or in caravans and convoys, pass you several times during the first day. At one point, a rider on a horse approaches from behind, clearly on route from Port Damali; Silent, you feel some concern, but he passes by without paying you any mind.
Some way north of the city, the road turns east and crosses the Tyodan River, and the farms become sparser, the countryside wilder. The day's travel seems to go by quickly, but you know you have perhaps five or six days' walk ahead before you reach Feolinn.
Silent, you have no money and a limited supply of food. Are you foraging for food for tonight's meal? What are your thoughts on how you will improve your situation?
For both of you, how are you approaching your new travelling companion? Do you talk as you walk, or as you camp? What do you ask about, and how much do you tell the other?
(Don't forget to add your allies, enemies and backstory to your character sheets at some point this week, please.)
(What happened to the 30 gold Pockets gave Silent? Did that get split up to the others?)
Your... parents. Silent catches himself before putting his foot in his mouth. Right then, Magnum was it? He stands up and offers a hand to shake. They call me Silent.
Wasn't planning on skipping town today myself - you got a destination in mind?