Chapter 1: Breathing is a Luxury

fabulist · June 11, 2023

Fiona Devany (Rogue) | Str 10 . Agi 11 . Int 11 . Wil 11 | Per 11 . Def 11 | Health 16/16 | Power 1/1 | TalentsNimble Recovery (Rest) | You can use an action to heal damage equal to your Healing Rate and then move up to half your Speed without triggering free attacks.

Trickery (Round) | You can make an attack roll or challenge roll with 1 boon. If you attack with a boon from this talent, your attack deals +1d6 damage.

Exploit opportunity (Round) | When the total of your attack roll is 20+ and exceeds the TN by 5+, you can take another turn at any point before the end of the round.

Roguery Talent: Magic | +1 Power, Transformation (Mask, Animal Shape)
* Mask (2/2): duration 1 hour; You alter your body's appearance so that you look like someone else. height +/- 12 inches, weight +/- 25%, any other cosmetic changes you like. No mechanical changes, including ancestry.
* Animal Shape (0/1): duration 1 minute; Assume the form of a medium / small / tiny animal. As small or tiny, you can gain one trait: climber, flier, swimmer. | Attacksdagger | 1d3, finesse, short range
bow | 1d6, long range |

Whisper

Get??? She came with us on her own. Really strange one.

yxanthymir · June 15, 2023

Chapter 1: Breathing is a Luxury

The adventurers lumbered ahead through the day in small and heavy steps. The sun torturing each step with its constant and menacing presence. They were tired and exhausted, but the day was ending and the sun strength was decreasing. At the same time a soft breeze resolved to appear and present them with a fresh relief. A welcomed sensation after so may hours of relentless heat.

As the fiery sun begins its final descent behind the desert horizon, casting a golden hue across the arid landscape, a desolate road stretched out like a solitary vein in the heart of a desert plain. It seems to merge to merge seamlessly with the vast expanse of shifting sands that surround it. A beautiful and brief sight in an otherwise horrific landscape.

Ahead of them, a little far of the road, a group of deserted buildings. The air is heavy with silence, broken only by a haunting wind that sighs mournfully through the cracked windows, their skeletal remains scattered orderly. Old shells of once-proud buildings, now mere relics of a forgotten time, that speaks of an old occupation and dreams left behind.

More importantly a place to cross the night.

Edited June 15, 2023 by yxanthymir (see edit history)

yxanthymir · June 18, 2023

Shadow of Demon Lord

After a long and restless night waiting to be ambushed by murderous and vengeful undead at every moment, you start the next day feeling different than normal. You feel more healthy, even somewhat joyful. The sensation is like something very heavy that was constantly oppressing your mind and your muscles was removed from the top of your body, and you feel lighter.

Neopopulas · June 21, 2023

Professions: Artist (Music, Painter), Scholar (Magic, Medicine, War, Occult), Hunter, Courtier | Languages: Common Tongue, High Archaic, Elvish, Dark Speech, Dwarfish
ShadowsightYou can see into areas obscured by shadows as if those areas were well lit., Spell DefenseYou take half damage from spells and you make any challenge roll to resist a spell with 1 boon. A creature attacking you with a spell makes the attack roll with 1 bane, Bewitching PresenceYour magical nature alters how others see you and behave around you. You make attack rolls in social situations with 1 boon. If you touch or are touched by an object made from iron, you lose this trait for as long as you remain in contact with the object and for 1 minute afterward, Immune (Damage from Disease, Diseased, and Charmed condition). Sense Magic (2/2)
Fire Tradition: Control Flame (2/2), Flame Missile (2/2), Fire Blast (1/1), Sword of Fire (1/1),
Forbidden Tradition: Harm (2/2), Face Rip (2/2), Hateful Defecation (1/1)
Shadow Tradition: Darkling's Raiment (2/2), Steal Shadow (2/2)

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Summer seems to be in quite the chipper mood, not that she hasn't always seemed to be, at least so far. It doesn't seem like the fight from the day before has dampened her spirits at all. She starts off the morning with a pleasant whistle and seems ready to attack the day, gently cajoling the others to get going as early as possible.

Mechanics

yxanthymir · July 7, 2023

Breathing is a Luxury

Home to some one hundred souls, Esker is a dried-up little village several miles northeast of High Watch and about a mile south of the Desolation. In the scorching heat of the desert sun, life in Esker is a constant struggle in normal conditions. The situation deteriorated exponentially with the arrival of the undead menace.

The ground around it is a mix of dust, sand, and dirt that supports only tough brown grass and thorny weeds. Despite the harsh living conditions, the people of Esker are a close-knit community, and their warmth are legendary. They are known for their strong sense of community and their resilience in the face of adversity. Normally, the people here are friendly and welcoming, but recent events have soured the mood; they have become melancholic and suspicious of one another.

The recent dust storm has caused a haze to settle over the community, making the sun appear red and angry in a brown sky. The haze partially obscures the village surroundings, making everything in the distance appear blurry and indistinct, as if obscured by a thin veil. The haze makes breathing difficult. The dust particles irritate the respiratory system and cause coughing and sneezing.

But you know for certain the shabby buildings ahead are none other than the village of Esker. Your eyes well up with tears, though you're not sure if it's from sheer happiness or just the result of the unrelenting dust. You finally arrived at your destination.

When you look at the people at your side, you notice that you are not the same group that entered in the dust storm. New faces are at your side, and what happened to the old ones is impossible to know. Lost in the storm, eaten by undead, cowardice entered their hearts... It doesn't matter, you still persevere and that is what is important.

Edited July 7, 2023 by yxanthymir (see edit history)

The Eyeball Kid · July 8, 2023

A short but stout figure that is clearly dwarven unwraps a cloak fixed against the dust, revealing a rather pretty face framed by curly red locks and a well cared for (though it could clearly use some work at the moment...) beard, oiled and done up with gold wire and clasps.

"By the Ancestors!", she coughs up a bit of dust. "I am attuned to the earth by the nature of my service and that was a bit much!"

"Have you been to Esker before, then? If not, and if too much hasn't changed, I would recommend the Two Strings if you're looking for rooms, or even just something to wash this dust out of your throats. If you're sticking around, maybe looking to do something about this undead menace or explore the desert, we should have a pint and talk. You handled yourselves well back there in the storm...."

"I am Gunhilda Firebraid."

Neopopulas · July 8, 2023

Professions: Artist (Music, Painter), Scholar (Magic, Medicine, War, Occult), Hunter, Courtier | Languages: Common Tongue, High Archaic, Elvish, Dark Speech, Dwarfish
ShadowsightYou can see into areas obscured by shadows as if those areas were well lit., Spell DefenseYou take half damage from spells and you make any challenge roll to resist a spell with 1 boon. A creature attacking you with a spell makes the attack roll with 1 bane, Bewitching PresenceYour magical nature alters how others see you and behave around you. You make attack rolls in social situations with 1 boon. If you touch or are touched by an object made from iron, you lose this trait for as long as you remain in contact with the object and for 1 minute afterward, Immune (Damage from Disease, Diseased, and Charmed condition). Sense Magic (2/2)
Fire Tradition: Control Flame (2/2), Flame Missile (2/2), Fire Blast (1/1), Sword of Fire (1/1),
Forbidden Tradition: Harm (2/2), Face Rip (2/2), Hateful Defecation (1/1)
Shadow Tradition: Darkling's Raiment (2/2), Steal Shadow (2/2)

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"I was here about thirty-five years ago, things have.. obviously changed since I've been here last. I stayed here for near on twenty years or so when i was here last, there are.. or were.. many welcoming places."

Mechanics

yxanthymir · July 8, 2023

Leon Bosh (Warrior) | Str 12 Ag 11 Int 10 Wil 10 | Per 10 Def 15 | Health 22/22 | Healing Rate 5 | Insanity 0 | TalentsCatch Your Breath You can use an action or a triggered action on your turn to heal damage equal to your healing rate. Once you use this talent, you cannot use it again until after you complete a rest.

Weapon Training When attacking with a weapon, you make the attack roll with 1 boon.

Combat Prowess Your attacks with weapons deal 1d6 extra damage.

Forceful Strike When the total of your attack roll is 20 or higher and exceeds the target number by at least 5, the attack deals 1d6 extra damage.

First thing when out of the dust storm, Leon checks if he is still intact and did not lost any other part of his body.

For once in his life, Leon feels good now for having only one eye. It was one less thing to be constantly pestered with sand. He spit the dry sand in his mouth, almost without saliva. He looks at the weird elf and the stout red-headed dwarf at his side and makes a nod with his head in acknowledge of their presence. One he already knew, even if briefly, the other he will probably know in the future, but for now any help is dully appreciated.

He mumbles something almost unintelligible that appears as a mix of hello with a roar, to the newcomer.

Fletcher · July 10, 2023

Strength: 9 (-1) | Agility: 11 (+1) | Intellect: 11 (+1) | Will: 10 (+0) | Perception: 12 (+2)
Defense: 12 | Health: 15/15 | Healing Rate: 5 | Speed: 10 | Power: 0 | Insanity: 0 | Corruption: 0
Languages: Common Tongue, High Archaic, Elvish, Dark Speech, Dwarfish
Professions: Charlatan, Informant
ShadowsightYou can see into areas obscured by shadows as if those areas were well lit., SubterfugeYou can use an action to make an Intellect attack roll against the Intellect of one creature within short range that can hear you and understand what you say. On a success, the target becomes charmed for 1 round or until you attack it. On a failure, the target becomes immune to your Subterfuge until it completes a rest. If you choose this talent a second time, you make the attack roll with 1 boon and can affect a creature that doesn't understand what you say., Steal IdentityYou can use an action to alter your appearance to match that of a target living creature you can see within short range.The target must by Size 1 or 1/2 and have a humanoid shape of flesh and blood. Your body changes so you look like the target, though your clothing and possessions remain unchanged. The effect lasts until you use this talent again. If you become incapacitated or touch an object made from iron, you immediately revert to your normal appearance., ImmuneContent...You are immune to diseases and damage from disease, and being charmed., Iron VulnerabilityYou are impaired while in contact with iron.

Even having a hood pulled deeply over her features, Whisper was unable to fully keep the dust storm from invading the recesses of her clothing and face. As the winds have subsided and the shadowed forms about her have materialized as other (presumably) friendly humanoids - and not shambling undead, thank the gods - she pulls back the heavy fabric and tries to empty it of the clinging dust and debris. Pale fingers rub and shake vigorously through her short blonde hair to dislodge whatever has made its way under the hoods shield, then tugging at her collar to inevitably loosen it down the front of her tunic and hopefully out. "Well, that was terrible..." she says, her voice as dry and raspy as the irritating dust around them.

Brilliant blue eyes regard these travelling companions - in particular the elven woman who lived here before. She might have known her parents when they were children, but was unlikely to have still been here by the time she was... born. "This was my home," she answers Gunhilda quietly, turning to the dwarf with a kindly smile. "But I have not been here in many years. It is as much a stranger to me as I am to it." Which may be for the best, she leaves off. "I won't complain for a drink after all this, though. Two Strings sounds as good as any to me." It is clear she must invest effort to be able to speak loudly.

Another flap of her cloak to dislodge further gatherings of dust and that smile turns almost impish, a jerk of her head indicating that they should proceed before she starts forward once more.

Mechanics

Rothene · July 10, 2023

Guang Wu was silent all the while, the desolate lands are dry and water a precious commodity. The armour he was drapped looked well maintained despite the rough elements, betraying the habit of a former military officer. It has only been two years since he had left Esker on an extended payroll to guard the caravan of some archeologists, but he would call them grave robbers in a surly tone.

"It has been over a year for me," the man replied to the general question. Talking, was a good way to keep spirits up, and a spirited party was one that stayed alive and with food and water just a few pacs away he could afford the expenditure of moisture. "I doubt too much has changed, maybe extra girth for some familiar faces."

yxanthymir · July 11, 2023

Breathing is a Luxury

They arrived at an hour where the sun is reaching its peak at the hazy sky. The weather is becoming increasingly hot, but opposed by the fierce wind. The dust is still present, even if weaker than before, still pestering the living with unrelenting perspicacity.

They start walking towards the village of Esker, desperately wanting to get to the Two Stings Inn. Their mouths dry, and their eyes drier. At either side of the road entering the village, shabby and battered houses with meager gardens, and small walkways to each door. No one in sight. Other than the sound of the wind and sand colliding constantly with the buildings, there is no other sound.

After they passed some houses, they see at their left, The Nail and Spice. A sturdy wooden building that stands just south of the well found at the center of town. The Nail and Spice serves as Esker’s general store. At their right, a stout, two-story structure of wood and stone stands near the center of the village, a large wooden shingle hangs over the door, showing an angry scorpion with two tails. The Two Stings Inn, a known building for all who passed Esker.

At some distance they can see at the north end of town, an imposing stone building marred by the harsh weather and the relentless sun, the Temple of New God. In the front, two large wooden doors, reinforced with iron bands, come to a point stretching halfway up the facade. A row of tall stained-glass windows runs along each side of the temple, lighting the chapel with a riot of colors during the day.

At the front of the temple, a group of people is standing outside the gates, coalesced into a single mass, pushing each other. It’s an odd time for such a gathering, since services are normally held in the early morning. Specially in the fearsome weather that has been plaguing the landscape since the day before, and is still very irritating.

Each character must make a Strength Challenge Roll.

Rothene · July 11, 2023

Guang Wu grunted as he tried to make his way through the crowd.

The Eyeball Kid · July 11, 2023

"What do you figure they're up to?", Gunhilda asks, nodding towards the church. "Seems the wrong time for services. Maybe some form of charity...?"

As they go, she continues trying to clear the dust from her mouth and nose.

Neopopulas · July 12, 2023

Professions: Artist (Music, Painter), Scholar (Magic, Medicine, War, Occult), Hunter, Courtier | Languages: Common Tongue, High Archaic, Elvish, Dark Speech, Dwarfish
ShadowsightYou can see into areas obscured by shadows as if those areas were well lit., Spell DefenseYou take half damage from spells and you make any challenge roll to resist a spell with 1 boon. A creature attacking you with a spell makes the attack roll with 1 bane, Bewitching PresenceYour magical nature alters how others see you and behave around you. You make attack rolls in social situations with 1 boon. If you touch or are touched by an object made from iron, you lose this trait for as long as you remain in contact with the object and for 1 minute afterward, Immune (Damage from Disease, Diseased, and Charmed condition). Sense Magic (2/2)
Fire Tradition: Control Flame (2/2), Flame Missile (2/2), Fire Blast (1/1), Sword of Fire (1/1),
Forbidden Tradition: Harm (2/2), Face Rip (2/2), Hateful Defecation (1/1)
Shadow Tradition: Darkling's Raiment (2/2), Steal Shadow (2/2)

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Summer doesn't even pause, wriggling her way through the throng of people, pushing and twisting and working her way through. "I don't know but i'm going to find out!"

Mechanics

Fletcher · July 12, 2023

Strength: 9 (-1) | Agility: 11 (+1) | Intellect: 11 (+1) | Will: 10 (+0) | Perception: 12 (+2)
Defense: 12 | Health: 15/15 | Healing Rate: 5 | Speed: 10 | Power: 0 | Insanity: 0 | Corruption: 0
Languages: Common Tongue, High Archaic, Elvish, Dark Speech, Dwarfish
Professions: Charlatan, Informant
ShadowsightYou can see into areas obscured by shadows as if those areas were well lit., SubterfugeYou can use an action to make an Intellect attack roll against the Intellect of one creature within short range that can hear you and understand what you say. On a success, the target becomes charmed for 1 round or until you attack it. On a failure, the target becomes immune to your Subterfuge until it completes a rest. If you choose this talent a second time, you make the attack roll with 1 boon and can affect a creature that doesn't understand what you say., Steal IdentityYou can use an action to alter your appearance to match that of a target living creature you can see within short range.The target must by Size 1 or 1/2 and have a humanoid shape of flesh and blood. Your body changes so you look like the target, though your clothing and possessions remain unchanged. The effect lasts until you use this talent again. If you become incapacitated or touch an object made from iron, you immediately revert to your normal appearance., ImmuneContent...You are immune to diseases and damage from disease, and being charmed., Iron VulnerabilityYou are impaired while in contact with iron.

Whisper takes in the familiar-yet-unfamiliar buildings and faces as their ragtag group enters Esker. There is significance here but it feels lost in a veil as thick as the dust storm they had just escaped. When their path is diverted to the commotion near the entrance to the Temple, her expression becomes concerned. Immediately her mind leaps to who might be among the crowd, or what all of them might be trying to see inside. The creeping tendrils of paranoia make the hair on the back of her neck stand up, but before she can voice any sort of protest, they are heading toward the throng.

"Or a visiting dignitary..." she adds to Gunhilda's possibilities. When Summer plunges into the people to get to the front, Whisper bites her lip and pulls the cloak more tightly around her. It would be a shame to meet the cold end of a farming implement in here.

Mechanics

Text_1	Text_2	Text_3	Bold_1	Accent_1	Mood_1
Warm_1	Warm_2	Warm_3	Bold_2	Accent_2	Mood_2
Cool_1	Cool_2	Cool_3	Bold_3	Accent_3	Mood_3
Bright_1	Bright_2	Bright_3	Bold_4	Accent_4	Mood_4

Chapter 1: Breathing is a Luxury

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