Author Topic: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye  (Read 27646 times)

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dither

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[Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« on: June 01, 2009, 06:53:35 PM »
The party is called into a meeting with Vergil, a representative of the Order of Orion. The meeting takes place in the atrium of Vergil's home. He provides an elaborate buffet of different fruits, and venison. Vergil is a half-elf, who, while cordial, has a particularly oily tone to his voice, which may simply be how he talks normally. He has a couple young half-elf maidens to wait on the party. The sun is begin to sink in the sky, casting an orangish glow over the open courtyard where the meeting is being held, and the air is warm clear.

VIRGIL, Order representative, addressing the party
I appreciate that you all could be here this evening, and I apologize for the long wait on the results. (The middle-age half-elf fidgets with his hands, trying to find something to do with them.) I realize some of you have had to wait a few weeks for us to process the results of your, erm, examinations, and let me assure you, you have not waited in vain. Each and every one of you with us tonight has been accepted as a candidate in our exciting venture. (Vergil looks at each PC in turn.) We expect great things from all of you. (He smiles in a manner that reminds you of a coiled serpent.)

Virgil's words hang in the air like a miasma, and he seems to pause as if to allow the cloud time to settle.

VIRGIL, cont'd
As some of you may have suspected, we at the Order of Orion have access to a powerful oracle, which we have used to gaze into your respective futures to discern your potential, and let me tell you, we were most pleased with the results. (Virgil lets out a wet cough, and wipes his mouth on the back of his hand.) Each one of you has a destiny that we at the Order hope to enable, and to this end, we are willing to provide you with the training necessary for you to reach your potential. (He begins to stroke the end of one of his ears, apparently as an involuntary action; he seems unaware of the action.)

The half-elf maidens make their rounds, going to each PC and offering them a piece of fruit off a platter, and a glass of wine. There are several different types of fruit available; the wine is on the strong side, and quickly clouds the mind, as though the patron has forgotten to have it watered down before serving it.

VIRGIL, cont'd
(Virgil lets out another wet cough and clears his throat.) I regret that I am unable to divulge to you the nature of what the oracle has seen of your futures, as even I am not allowed such sensitive information. I can tell you, though, that each of you will find your respective destinies in Varna, a city far to the North and East of here. Varna is a powerful rising star in the frontier nations, and it is where we hope to work with you to achieve your maximum potential. (Virgil's hand tugs on his ear painfully, and he lets out a small yelp. He clasps his hands together, as if afraid of what his hand might do if he didn't hold on to it.)

Virgil claps his hands together, and summons another servant-girl, who comes into the atrium with a small pillow, bearing a plump, red pomegranate. Virgil smiles and directs her towards the party as though presenting her.

VIRGIL, cont'd
I hope you find this useful on your journey. Just one kernel of this fruit is enough to return your strength to you if you are wounded. I am sure you will put it to excellent use. (He hastily adds:) Try not to use it all in one place. (Game effect: there are 25 kernels in the pomegranate, and each one restores 1 hp when eaten. No character can benefit from more than 8 points of healing per day.) You will be traveling on the merchant vessel Themia, under the good captain Argyles. The journey should take roughly six to eight weeks, barring delays. The ship will leave port in one week's time. (He smiles.) I have full confidence in you.

(Finally, he says:) Now, I am sure you have questions. I will answer them as best I can, do not be afraid to ask.

...

((At this point, feel free to mingle, introduce yourselves, and ask questions of the NPCs. There's food and drink, there are couches to lounge on, and it's a warm and clear evening. The entire party is present - all six of you - and there's Virgil and three half-elf servant-girls.))
« Last Edit: June 02, 2009, 02:55:30 AM by dither »
"Stuck between a rogue and a bard place."

vanity
Read my webcomic!
Dither's Amazing Changing Avatars

[spoiler]
Quote from: Shadowhunter
Quote from: Flay Crimsonwind
"Vegeta! What does the scouter say about Dither's power level?"
It's over nine thousand!

Quote from: Bauglir
Quote from: Anklebite
Quote from: dither
Well blow me down! :P
A SECTION OF THE CAVERN HAS COLLAPSED!
dither, Miner, has died after colliding with an obstacle!
[/spoiler]

Generic_PC

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Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #1 on: June 01, 2009, 11:15:12 PM »
A tall wiry man stands. He is wearing simple clothes, and his slightly tanned skin is contrasted by his hair, which is very red, betraying an abnormal, though human heritage. He has a skillfully made thunderbolt hanging around his neck. Virgil... Do you know what our assignments are past Varna? What about the length of our assignment to the Order?
« Last Edit: June 02, 2009, 12:32:16 AM by Generic_PC »
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The_Mad_Linguist

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Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #2 on: June 02, 2009, 02:10:15 AM »
A slightly portly, middle-aged man sits on a bench.  His hands have faint ink stains, and his clothing a somewhat typical traveller's outfit, but the cloth's quality and uniform indigo color reveal him as both somewhat affluent and somewhat vain.  Flecks of gray pepper his hair, but his eyes are still sharp.

He looks curiously at the pomegranate (and somewhat suspiciously, given what every citizen knows about the negative side effects of eating pomegranates), and attempts to sense Virgil's motives.

Roll to ferret out possible Persephone connection. (1d20+2=4)

And presumably believes that Virgil's completely legitimate.  Such is life.

Idly turning it in his palm, Toll waits for an appropriate lull in the conversation.
An interesting fruit.  Might I ask where you obtained it?
« Last Edit: June 02, 2009, 02:56:30 AM by The_Mad_Linguist »
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dither

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Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #3 on: June 02, 2009, 02:55:05 AM »
Virgil... Do you know what our assignments are past Varna? What about the length of our assignment to the Order?

VIRGIL, to Nomas
(Virgil lets out a wet cough.) Alas, your first question is one I do not know the answer to. Your assignment is to the Varna branch of the Order. More details may become available on your way there, in which case, we'll use the Order's magic to inform you. Considering you'll have up to a two-month waiting period before you arrive in Varna, for now, you'd best consider... (He coughs again, sending a spray of spittle several feet.) ...arriving at Varna in one piece. (Virgil wipes his mouth.) While Captain Argyles assures me that his men can out-row even the most determined of pirates, the chance always exists for other sea-based menaces to show their faces at the most ... inconvenient times.

Virgil takes a mug of wine from one of the servant-girls, and drains the entire vessel in a single, loud gulp. A bit of wine dribbles down his chin, which we wipes away with the same hand. He stares forward into space for a moment, and the expression on his face changes from one of satisfaction to several different types of disgust and horror, before he lets out a large belch.

VIRGIL, cont'd
A bit, heady, innit? Anyway, as to your second question: your assignment to the Order lasts as long as you continue to perform missions to our standards, or in other words, as long as you desire to continue working for us. I'll admit that finding suitable candidates for our operations is a rare and difficult thing, and we would be happy to pay your contracts for as long as you are breathing, but we do realize that if you feel to restricted by the terms of our agreement, you're more likely to leave us the moment it's advantageous. Please give us a chance, we'd like to prove that we're behind you one hundred percent of the way. (As he speaks, Virgil's eyes slowly cross, and then uncross. Though he continues to direct his words towards Nomas, one of his eyes seems to be ... quite lazy.) In conclusion, you can assume that the length of your assignment is the length of the voyage. Should you feel you're in any way unappreciated, you have our leave to collect your signing bonus, and go your separate way. (Virgil lets out another sickening belch.)


Idly turning it in his palm, he waits for an appropriate lull in the conversation. An interesting fruit.  Might I ask where you obtained it?

VIRGIL, to Defrayal
That pomegranate, my good man, was grown by my hand in the countryside, where my lands are. I've been tending the tree that bore that fruit for the last forty years, taking over from my father. It produces these wondrous fruit, which the Order buys from me to provide to candidates like yourself. The tree itself is quite rare and magical, and my father said it had been a gift from Hera for good works done by his father. (He coughs.) Had we ever made public the knowledge of the tree's power, we likely could have had commissioned an illustrious temple, but the tree has remained in our family's hands for the private use, and more recently, the Order of Orion. When I joined the Order, almost ten years ago ... they told me that we could use the fruit as Hera had intended ... to support the heroes she deemed worthy. (He smiles toothily.)
« Last Edit: June 02, 2009, 02:57:16 AM by dither »
"Stuck between a rogue and a bard place."

vanity
Read my webcomic!
Dither's Amazing Changing Avatars

[spoiler]
Quote from: Shadowhunter
Quote from: Flay Crimsonwind
"Vegeta! What does the scouter say about Dither's power level?"
It's over nine thousand!

Quote from: Bauglir
Quote from: Anklebite
Quote from: dither
Well blow me down! :P
A SECTION OF THE CAVERN HAS COLLAPSED!
dither, Miner, has died after colliding with an obstacle!
[/spoiler]

PhaedrusXY

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Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #4 on: June 02, 2009, 03:41:44 AM »
A man with a few flecks of grey in his hair, but who obviously still takes pride in keeping himself physically fit, speaks up: "You should get that cough seen to Virgil. Your humours must be off somehow. Tell me, is Varna a Greek colony then? Or is it a place where a man could make a fresh start free from... past grievances?"

OOC: [spoiler]His psicrystal is "disguised" as the pommel of the saddle on his mule. He stays in telepathic contact with it, in case any thieves try to make off with his mule and belongings on it.[/spoiler]
[spoiler]
A couple of water benders, a dike, a flaming arrow, and a few barrels of blasting jelly?

Sounds like the makings of a gay porn film.
...thanks
[/spoiler]

dither

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Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #5 on: June 02, 2009, 04:53:21 AM »
"You should get that cough seen to Virgil. Your humours must be off somehow. Tell me, is Varna a Greek colony then? Or is it a place where a man could make a fresh start free from... past grievances?"

VIRGIL, to Khas
(Virgil ignores the comment about his cough.) Ah, now if it's history you ask of, history I can provide. Varna began as a military outpost from before King Agamemnon's time; it was a powerful Mycenaean stronghold in the Northern reaches of our world. Few know, however, that Varna existed long before it became an outpost to the Mycenaean empire. Otherworldly forces once had a foothold in Varna; barbarians like you wouldn't believe! The outpost was conquered by those who came before Agamemnon, and a new fortress was built on the ruins of the last. It grew in prosperity, though, as its importance as a military outpost waned. (Virgil coughs.) We stopped fighting the Northerners and began to trade with them. Varna flourished. It continues to flourish now, under the yoke of King Dian. Since the splintering of Agamemnon's empire in the wake of the War to End All Wars, Varna has become independent, or ... what? This isn't what you wanted to hear about? Bah! (Virgil stops rambling.)

The old half-elf pauses to scratch his belly, and then he arches his back. A dozen loud popping noises can be heard as he does so. He scratches his brow and smooths his hair a absently before continuing:

VIRGIL, cont'd
A fresh start? Ah, yes, I suppose Varna is a good place to get a fresh start, if that's what you're looking for. It sits on the edge of the known world, after all. Beyond Varna, there's the ever-expanding North, home to savage barbarian tribes that indulge in human sacrifice and the worship of foul gods ... (Virgil stops for a moment, lost in thought.) Anyway, whenever you're ready to go, I though I'd mention that you're welcome to stay in the Order's barracks, unless you've got someplace better to stay. You're the last group of candidates we've selected to send to our branch in Varna, and there'll be another half-dozen or so candidates traveling with you. Check at the barracks if you want to find out where they're staying until the ship leaves.

((Khas, gimme a Reflex save and put it in your next post.))
"Stuck between a rogue and a bard place."

vanity
Read my webcomic!
Dither's Amazing Changing Avatars

[spoiler]
Quote from: Shadowhunter
Quote from: Flay Crimsonwind
"Vegeta! What does the scouter say about Dither's power level?"
It's over nine thousand!

Quote from: Bauglir
Quote from: Anklebite
Quote from: dither
Well blow me down! :P
A SECTION OF THE CAVERN HAS COLLAPSED!
dither, Miner, has died after colliding with an obstacle!
[/spoiler]

Risada

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Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #6 on: June 02, 2009, 10:31:13 AM »
A tall young man, with black hair and vivid green eyes, wearing a traveler's outfit almost new direct his word to Vergil, in a challenging tone.

"You mentioned pirates just now. The seas around Varna are populated by pirates? Or maybe... by other things?"

PhaedrusXY

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Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #7 on: June 02, 2009, 12:52:02 PM »
Uhh... Reflex save: 1d20+2=6
[spoiler]
A couple of water benders, a dike, a flaming arrow, and a few barrels of blasting jelly?

Sounds like the makings of a gay porn film.
...thanks
[/spoiler]

dither

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Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #8 on: June 02, 2009, 01:28:59 PM »
A tall young man, with black hair and vivid green eyes, wearing a traveler's outfit almost new direct his word to Vergil, in a challenging tone.

"You mentioned pirates just now. The seas around Varna are populated by pirates? Or maybe... by other things?"

VIRGIL, to Hylios
(He extends a hand to give Hylios a reassuring pat on the shoulder.) Aye, lad. These are dangerous times we live in. Pirates, slavers, and bandits prey on the weak and foolish. I don't fancy you'd fall into either category, so nothing to worry about, eh? (Virgil chuckles, which quickly changes into a sputtering cough, sending out another spray of spittle.) I can't let myself get too excited in my age; let me tell you, being this old is the pits. (He grins at Hylios.) You'll just have to protect the ship in case there's any run-ins with pirates. (Virgil grips Hylios's shoulder reassuringly, and his hand is surprisingly strong, though he leaves his hand on your shoulder for an uncomfortably long time, and needs a bit of prying to remove.)


Uhh... Reflex save: 1d20+2=6

The awkward silence is broken when one of the servant-girls spills a tray of drinks on Khas's lap. She lets out a shriek, as if startled by her own clumsiness, and then apologizes profusely as she tries to mop up the mess with her own dress. Virgil mutters something under his breath about the girl pulling a stunt to get the man to take off his clothes.

VIRGIL, to the Diane, the servant-girl
Diane, enough of your antics. Take our guest and help him get changed. Give him something of mine to wear, and if that doesn't work for him... (He adds with a leer:) ...give him something of yours. (He chuckles in a particularly lewd manner, and finally releases his grip on Hylios's shoulder.)

Diane quickly and quietly gets to her feet and motions to Khas for her to follow him into the house.
"Stuck between a rogue and a bard place."

vanity
Read my webcomic!
Dither's Amazing Changing Avatars

[spoiler]
Quote from: Shadowhunter
Quote from: Flay Crimsonwind
"Vegeta! What does the scouter say about Dither's power level?"
It's over nine thousand!

Quote from: Bauglir
Quote from: Anklebite
Quote from: dither
Well blow me down! :P
A SECTION OF THE CAVERN HAS COLLAPSED!
dither, Miner, has died after colliding with an obstacle!
[/spoiler]

Risada

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Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #9 on: June 02, 2009, 01:37:48 PM »
"Heh... if pirates want a piece of me, they will have to work hard for it!" As he speaks, Hylios tries to loosen Vergil's grip on him...

"Another question: does the ship we're going in carrying anything that should be protected, aside from the ship himself? It might be a good idea to tell us...

PhaedrusXY

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Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #10 on: June 02, 2009, 02:19:34 PM »
Khas seems a bit awkward as the girl is trying mop the wine off of him. He says "Mind the spikes", just as the girl's dress catches onto one. The armor is a chain mesh, but has metal caps on the shoulders and elbows that have sharp spikes protruding from them. A cape is draped over his back, between the spiked shoulder plates. He says "I will need to get this armor cleaned before it becomes tarnished..." as he's leaving.
[spoiler]
A couple of water benders, a dike, a flaming arrow, and a few barrels of blasting jelly?

Sounds like the makings of a gay porn film.
...thanks
[/spoiler]

dither

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Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #11 on: June 02, 2009, 03:08:21 PM »
"Heh... if pirates want a piece of me, they will have to work hard for it!" As he speaks, Hylios tries to loosen Vergil's grip on him...

"Another question: does the ship we're going in carrying anything that should be protected, aside from the ship himself? It might be a good idea to tell us...

VIRGIL, to Hylios
I'm sure you'd give any pirates that came after the Themia a real run for their money. (Virgil regards Hylios with a look of affection that borders on pornographic, but he keeps his hands to himself ... this time.) Captain Argyles runs a tight ship, and he's a fair trader, but he doesn't traffic in anything illicit or dangerous. He's a man ahead of his time; he understands what the people want, and he buys cheap and sells high. He knows which rumors to listen to and which to disregard. He could be dealing in spices one season and exotic jewelry the next, he has an uncanny ability to predict the rise and fall of demand in this part of the world.

As Virgil speaks of Captain Argyles, he gets a faraway look in his eyes, as if remembering past times.

VIRGIL, cont'd
(He snaps back to reality almost quickly enough to generate a whiplash.) Bah, man spends too much time on the sea, too much time away from his home and his daughters. Feh. Loves the sea more than his wife. Don't know why he bothers with 'em.

Khas seems a bit awkward as the girl is trying mop the wine off of him. He says "Mind the spikes", just as the girl's dress catches onto one. The armor is a chain mesh, but has metal caps on the shoulders and elbows that have sharp spikes protruding from them. A cape is draped over his back, between the spiked shoulder plates. He says "I will need to get this armor cleaned before it becomes tarnished..." as he's leaving.

Inside the house... with Khas.
[spoiler]
Diane is startled when her dress catches on one of Khas's spikes and tears. She examines the torn fabric with a mix of frustration and pity on her face. She then shakes the expression off her face and leads Khas into the house.

Once inside, she motions him into a room where many clothes are folded on chests or hanging from hooks on the walls and other objects. This room appears to be a large wardrobe/changing area, though you can see two additional rooms branching off this one, a smaller room with several beds in it, presumably the servants' quarters, and another, which appears to be the master bedroom.

Diane quickly strips off her wine-soaked dress, revealing her naked body to him without shame. She tosses the torn dress into the corner, where it lands in a crumbled heap.


DIANE, to Khas
Please take off your clothing. As you said, we need to clean your armor quickly, or it will tarnish.

Without really waiting for him, she goes over to Khas and begins to help remove his cloak and armor.
[/spoiler]

((Normally, it takes 1 minute to remove chain shirt armor and then 1 minute to don it again. With help, it takes half that time. Now the real question is, how long does it take to clean chain shirt armor and then "don it hastily?"  :lmao))
"Stuck between a rogue and a bard place."

vanity
Read my webcomic!
Dither's Amazing Changing Avatars

[spoiler]
Quote from: Shadowhunter
Quote from: Flay Crimsonwind
"Vegeta! What does the scouter say about Dither's power level?"
It's over nine thousand!

Quote from: Bauglir
Quote from: Anklebite
Quote from: dither
Well blow me down! :P
A SECTION OF THE CAVERN HAS COLLAPSED!
dither, Miner, has died after colliding with an obstacle!
[/spoiler]

PhaedrusXY

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Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #12 on: June 02, 2009, 03:41:13 PM »
Behind closed doors:
[spoiler](I'm going to just write my half of the conversation, and assume the girl is replying in between Khas' questions and leading comments. He's not just rattling off a big list of things without letting her get a word in.)

Khas stands still and lets the girl undress him. "So how long have you been in Virgil's service? He seems like an odd old man...

How did you become a slave? I myself was a slave for a time.

What do you know of this Order of Orion?"


Basically he's trying to probe her... for information. :P[/spoiler]
« Last Edit: June 02, 2009, 04:00:35 PM by PhaedrusXY »
[spoiler]
A couple of water benders, a dike, a flaming arrow, and a few barrels of blasting jelly?

Sounds like the makings of a gay porn film.
...thanks
[/spoiler]

dither

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Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #13 on: June 02, 2009, 04:26:02 PM »
(I'm going to just write my half of the conversation, and assume the girl is replying in between Khas' questions and leading comments. He's not just rattling off a big list of things without letting her get a word in.)

Behind closed doors:
[spoiler]Khas stands still and lets the girl undress him. "So how long have you been in Virgil's service? He seems like an odd old man...

How did you become a slave? I myself was a slave for a time.

What do you know of this Order of Orion?"
[/spoiler]

((I might point out that most of my NPC speeches aren't exactly monologues -- if you want to interrupt an NPC in the middle of a statement, just say so in your text, as I'm prone to do so to the PCs, and NPCs may also ignore questions and comments, or reply to only part of what is asked or said. Of course, it's possible that I misread a bit of dialogue or something, but it's also just as likely that the character is simply doing exactly what s/he's doing on purpose. Y'know, like people.  :D Of course, when I reply, I'll take into account everything your character has said when an NPC replies, and try to space things out in order of statements made, questions asked, order of relevance, etc. Sometimes I'll just write it in a way that's more interesting to read. Rule of Cool and Rule of Drama play into this.))

Behind closed doors:
[spoiler]

DIANE, to Khas
(An amused look crosses Diane's face when Khas asks his questions.) How long have I served him? Does a daughter ever truly serve her father? (Her eyes sparkle and her laughter bubbles up quickly to the surface as she undresses Khas.) This would go more quickly if you helped, you know. (She waits a beat to see if Khas will help undress himself before continuing.) My father loves his pomp and ceremony, and my sisters and I love him all the more for it. He might tease us for not having married, but we know he enjoys having us around. He isn't quite as rich as he'd like to think -- his land in the country is modest, and really the only thing he has to brag about is that silly pomegranate tree. But he is our father, and when he has company, we like to indulge him.

Diane continues to talk until Khas is undressed, at which point, she will pull out several pieces of fairly androgynous clothing to offer to him. She apologizes once more for the accident with the wine, as she does so, and holds the clothing up to Khas to try and see which would look best. She will show consideration for Khas's modesty if he appears to be uncomfortable in front of her.

DIANE, con't
(She smiles.) You were a slave, hm? For how long? Did you know anyone in Troy? Did you serve in the war?

((If Khas has any scars, she will admire them and/or ask about them. She seems very curious about any military history he's willing to share. If he tells her anything about his service in Troy, she'll remark that her father is a pacifist, and believes that the conditions brought about by the war indirectly caused the death of his wife; though he'd been a pacifist long before the war, too, and he even supported the side of Troy.))

DIANE, con't
My impression of the Order of Orion is that they're trying to do some good in this world. They're a young group, since they formed after the war, but they have a lot of interesting ideas and my father is very impressed by them. Please excuse his poor manners, he's sort of let himself waste away since our mother died... (She trails off for a moment.) I don't know what part it is that you're supposed to play, but I know that the Order is interested in helping important people do whatever it is they're supposed to do. If they're interested in you, you must have an important role to play in events sometime in the future...

At this point, Diane stops speaking, having become lost in thought, staring at Khas.
[/spoiler]
"Stuck between a rogue and a bard place."

vanity
Read my webcomic!
Dither's Amazing Changing Avatars

[spoiler]
Quote from: Shadowhunter
Quote from: Flay Crimsonwind
"Vegeta! What does the scouter say about Dither's power level?"
It's over nine thousand!

Quote from: Bauglir
Quote from: Anklebite
Quote from: dither
Well blow me down! :P
A SECTION OF THE CAVERN HAS COLLAPSED!
dither, Miner, has died after colliding with an obstacle!
[/spoiler]

PhaedrusXY

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Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #14 on: June 02, 2009, 04:44:09 PM »
OOC[spoiler]Doh! I thought she was a slave girl, not his daughter! :twitch Ok... [/spoiler]

Behind closed doors:
[spoiler]Khas does not seem shy about his nudity. He does have some scars, as most who survived the destruction of Troy no doubt do. He talks a bit about serving Troy, and the war, but doesn't go into any details. He doesn't offer to help the girl. He just stands there, and watches her, but not in a leering way. He seems like he's accustomed to having people dress and undress him, and perhaps enjoys it. It's been a while since he has had someone serving him, rather than the other way around.

"A pacifist? Hmm... interesting. I don't think I've ever had the luxury of being a pacifist. I guess I could be now, if I wanted to, but to be honest, the thought has never even crossed my mind before.

The early years of my adulthood were spent fighting a war, and war has become the normal environment for me. I feel most comfortable when struggling somehow. The challenges of life are what cause men to rise up and be something greater than they would have otherwise.

Your father was sympathetic of Troy? And he seems quite taken with the ideas of this Order of Orion? Hmm... perhaps I should talk to him more about them, then. They might have more to offer me than I first imagined."
[/spoiler]
[spoiler]
A couple of water benders, a dike, a flaming arrow, and a few barrels of blasting jelly?

Sounds like the makings of a gay porn film.
...thanks
[/spoiler]

dither

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Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #15 on: June 02, 2009, 05:35:48 PM »
Behind closed doors:
[spoiler]Khas does not seem shy about his nudity. He does have some scars, as most who survived the destruction of Troy no doubt do. He talks a bit about serving Troy, and the war, but doesn't go into any details. He doesn't offer to help the girl. He just stands there, and watches her, but not in a leering way. He seems like he's accustomed to having people dress and undress him, and perhaps enjoys it. It's been a while since he has had someone serving him, rather than the other way around.

"A pacifist? Hmm... interesting. I don't think I've ever had the luxury of being a pacifist. I guess I could be now, if I wanted to, but to be honest, the thought has never even crossed my mind before.

The early years of my adulthood were spent fighting a war, and war has become the normal environment for me. I feel most comfortable when struggling somehow. The challenges of life are what cause men to rise up and be something greater than they would have otherwise.

Your father was sympathetic of Troy? And he seems quite taken with the ideas of this Order of Orion? Hmm... perhaps I should talk to him more about them, then. They might have more to offer me than I first imagined."
[/spoiler]

Behind closed doors:
[spoiler]
Diane stares at Khas intently as he talks about the war. He may or may not notice her looking him up and down (at your discretion).

DIANE, to Khas, talking over him as he speaks of struggle
What do you desire most from life? Is it struggle? Is it life? (She unabashedly walks forward and presses her naked body against him and brings her face close to his and whispers:) Do you desire love? A family? Like my father's? A world without struggle?

Diane looks down for a moment, as she trails one, tantalizing finger up his arm. She looks back at him, and gazes into his eyes; perhaps Khas hadn't noticed before, but he becomes acutely aware of how brown her eyes are. With her standing so, he also becomes aware of how she is only a few inches shorter than him.

DIANE, cont'd
Would you give up the struggle for me if I asked it of you? (She tilts her head up towards his face, bringing her lips within inches of his. She whispers again:) What do you struggle for? Is it worth dying for? Is it worth becoming a slave to your own destiny?

((Make a Spot check.))
[/spoiler]

...

((It's been about three to four minutes for those of you who've been all silent in the atrium.  :smirk))

The sundial in the atrium almost seems to rotate audibly as the sunlight casts a long shadow indicating the time.

VIRGIL, addressing the party
Well, I've had just about enough of this hospitality thing. I'm not getting any younger. Can the Order count on you all to make the voyage to Varna? We have high hopes for all of you, but ultimately... (He clears his throat.) ...the choice is yours to make. Do you let what may be pass by and be destiny's mare, or do you seize the reins and drive the chariot yourself? (He casts a knowing glance back towards the house and mutters to himself: "Hm, to take advantage of hospitality offered freely?")
"Stuck between a rogue and a bard place."

vanity
Read my webcomic!
Dither's Amazing Changing Avatars

[spoiler]
Quote from: Shadowhunter
Quote from: Flay Crimsonwind
"Vegeta! What does the scouter say about Dither's power level?"
It's over nine thousand!

Quote from: Bauglir
Quote from: Anklebite
Quote from: dither
Well blow me down! :P
A SECTION OF THE CAVERN HAS COLLAPSED!
dither, Miner, has died after colliding with an obstacle!
[/spoiler]

PhaedrusXY

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Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #16 on: June 02, 2009, 05:50:09 PM »
[spoiler]Khas resists the girl's wiles and coldly says "Life is a struggle. Strife is the anvil upon which the best men are beaten into more worthy forms, and the unworthy are broken upon. You cannot avoid struggle, any more than you can avoid the sun, if you want to live upon the face of the world, rather than cower beneath it in a hole somewhere. Nor it is desirable to do avoid it, though it may appear so to the weak or the foolish. I am neither. Utopian dreams are for weak minded fools. There will never be a Utopia, nor a lasting Peace. Not for men. Perhaps for the gods..." Khas' voice trails away and he stares into space in thought.

Spot: 1d20+6=10[/spoiler]
[spoiler]
A couple of water benders, a dike, a flaming arrow, and a few barrels of blasting jelly?

Sounds like the makings of a gay porn film.
...thanks
[/spoiler]

dither

  • Hong Kong
  • ****
  • Posts: 1413
  • Breaking the ninth wall
Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #17 on: June 02, 2009, 06:16:28 PM »
[spoiler]Khas resists the girl's wiles and coldly says "Life is a struggle. Strife is the anvil upon which the best men are beaten into more worthy forms, and the unworthy are broken upon. You cannot avoid struggle, any more than you can avoid the sun, if you want to live upon the face of the world, rather than cower beneath it in a hole somewhere. Nor it is desirable to do avoid it, though it may appear so to the weak or the foolish. I am neither. Utopian dreams are for weak minded fools. There will never be a Utopia, nor a lasting Peace. Not for men. Perhaps for the gods..." Khas' voice trails away and he stares into space in thought.

Spot: 1d20+6=10[/spoiler]

Behind closed doors:
[spoiler]
Sleight of Hand
1d20+2
8+2 = 10

Diane steps back from Khas, and he sees the knife she had tried to conceal from him. She fixes a determined, if fond, gaze upon him.

DIANE, to Khas
So it seems I cannot deceive you. (She smiles.) You would do well to retain that nobility that lies within you, for you are truly noble. (She reaches for him to caress his cheek with her open hand, leaving the hand holding the dagger at her side.) The moment you crossed the threshold into this house, I knew you would be mine, and marked you as such. Allow me place my mark upon you... (She gestures to the knife.) ...so that the goddess Hera will protect you until you may return to me. If you are to travel to distant Varna as my father wishes, ...you know the way will be perilous, do you not?

((You're welcome to make a Sense Motive check, if you like.))[/spoiler]
"Stuck between a rogue and a bard place."

vanity
Read my webcomic!
Dither's Amazing Changing Avatars

[spoiler]
Quote from: Shadowhunter
Quote from: Flay Crimsonwind
"Vegeta! What does the scouter say about Dither's power level?"
It's over nine thousand!

Quote from: Bauglir
Quote from: Anklebite
Quote from: dither
Well blow me down! :P
A SECTION OF THE CAVERN HAS COLLAPSED!
dither, Miner, has died after colliding with an obstacle!
[/spoiler]

PhaedrusXY

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Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #18 on: June 02, 2009, 06:32:14 PM »
[spoiler]"I have no doubt that the way will be perilous, but danger and I are old friends." He smiles, knowing that he boasts too much. "I have had no reasons nor intentions of ever returning here... until now."

His features soften for a moment, then his normal stoic countenance returns, with a hint of pride in it. "Go ahead and place your mark upon me, Diane. If the gods will it, I will return when whatever tasks await me in this new land are done. Or perhaps I will send for you to join me there someday.

The glory of Troy is gone, and Greece holds little but the bitterness of the past for me. I hope to make a new home on the edge of the world where we're going, and perhaps to bring a bit of the greatness of Troy with me there."
[/spoiler]
[spoiler]
A couple of water benders, a dike, a flaming arrow, and a few barrels of blasting jelly?

Sounds like the makings of a gay porn film.
...thanks
[/spoiler]

dither

  • Hong Kong
  • ****
  • Posts: 1413
  • Breaking the ninth wall
Re: [Game] A Mote in the Titan's Eye
« Reply #19 on: June 02, 2009, 06:57:45 PM »
[spoiler]"I have no doubt that the way will be perilous, but danger and I are old friends." He smiles, knowing that he boasts too much. "I have had no reasons nor intentions of ever returning here... until now."

His features soften for a moment, then his normal stoic countenance returns, with a hint of pride in it. "Go ahead and place your mark upon me, Diane. If the gods will it, I will return when whatever tasks await me in this new land are done. Or perhaps I will send for you to join me there someday.

The glory of Troy is gone, and Greece holds little but the bitterness of the past for me. I hope to make a new home on the edge of the world where we're going, and perhaps to bring a bit of the greatness of Troy with me there."
[/spoiler]

Behind closed doors:
[spoiler]
Diane smiles and nods in assent. She steps forward again, and with a deft hand, carves a tiny figure in Khas's flesh, directly above his heart. (-1 hp) Seemingly from nowhere, she produces a pinch of herbs and a strange ointment, which she rubs in the fresh cut, which begins to sting painfully. (-1 hp) When she wipes away the blood and excess ointment, the image of a tiny, stylized rose remains. Diane says a quiet prayer under her breath: "Hera protect you, my beloved."

DIANE, to Khas, softly
You will be in my prayers. Return to me before you leave this port-city. (Returning to her normal speaking-voice.) I think we had better get you dressed, so you can return to the others. Hopefully, they haven't left without you.

Diane helps Khas get dressed again quickly. (Your choice if you don your armor normally or hastily.)

[/spoiler]

...

((The pilot has turned off the seat belt sign. You are now free to move about the cabin.))
« Last Edit: June 02, 2009, 06:59:43 PM by dither »
"Stuck between a rogue and a bard place."

vanity
Read my webcomic!
Dither's Amazing Changing Avatars

[spoiler]
Quote from: Shadowhunter
Quote from: Flay Crimsonwind
"Vegeta! What does the scouter say about Dither's power level?"
It's over nine thousand!

Quote from: Bauglir
Quote from: Anklebite
Quote from: dither
Well blow me down! :P
A SECTION OF THE CAVERN HAS COLLAPSED!
dither, Miner, has died after colliding with an obstacle!
[/spoiler]