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RPXquest: The Story So Far 5/22/16

Soloxius
May 23rd, 2016
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  1. 01[22:28] <@Soloxius> You are a genderfluid Thri-Kreen named Pak'cha, though sometimes you feel particularly masculine and go by Xyzzy. You're about to turn 5, on the cusp of what thri-kreen society deems "adulthood." You stand about 5 feet tall, and your two pairs of arms are itching to get out and do something today. Hmm... there's some kind of ceremony you have to attend in an hour or so, though. Coming of age deal to determine if you're Special. Special people often have to go out and adventure. You're not quite sure how you feel about that yet. You take a second to look at your journal, and remember your history...
  2. 01[22:30] <@Soloxius> 12What kind of upbringing did you have? 4Did you live in the desert or in a city? 3Did you scuttle about with the other children and play, or did you take to learning a skill? 5If so, what kind of skill?
  3. 01[22:30] <@Soloxius> 5Perhaps you learned the ways of a hunter, strong and quick?
  4. 01[22:31] <@Soloxius> 12Perhaps you learned from books, eager to use that spark of magic you may have discovered!
  5. 01[22:31] <@Soloxius> 14Maybe you're tapping into your latent psionic ability.
  6. [22:31] <02Megaron> (I THINK IT'S FAIRLY OBVIOUS WHICH ONE I'M GONNA PICK...)
  7. 01[22:33] <@Soloxius> 5Perhaps you learned a trade skill? Crafting, trading, politics.
  8. 01[22:33] <@Soloxius> (er, not "trading," more "mercantile")
  9. [22:33] <12Zetta> (tf2 hat trading)
  10. [22:33] <12Zetta> (having no background in dnd psionics, i vote magic because MULTI-ARM CASTING)
  11. 01[22:34] <@Soloxius> (that's actually a feat you can get)
  12. 01[22:34] <@Soloxius> lotus do you have any opinions
  13. [22:34] <02Megaron> (I choose psionics because not choosing the psychic option feels like betraying myself)
  14. [22:34] <10Lotus> (we need to wield a polearm in each hand)
  15. [22:35] <10Lotus> (and juggle them. we learned to juggle)
  16. [22:35] <Mins> I think they lived in a city :o
  17. [22:35] <12Zetta> (with this hand we will destroy, with this hand we will rebuild, with this hand we will destroy again, and with this hand we will SUPLEX)
  18. 01[22:35] <@Soloxius> (amazing)
  19. [22:35] <12Zetta> (i'm down with quad polearms actually)
  20. [22:36] <02Megaron> (okay, but, consider: psychic polearm juggling)
  21. [22:36] <02Megaron> (everything is better with psychic powers)
  22. 01[22:36] <@Soloxius> If desired, you may take weapon training and either magic or psionics.
  23. [22:36] <12Zetta> (i'm down with weapons and psionics)
  24. [22:36] <10Lotus> (and juggling)
  25. [22:37] <02Megaron> (yessss)
  26. [22:38] <12Zetta> (why did they learn juggling, are they a street performer)
  27. [22:38] <12Zetta> (with psionics)
  28. 01[22:38] <@Soloxius> 5Did you apply lessons of booklearning to unlock your ability?
  29. [22:38] <10Lotus> (yes z. yes they did
  30. 01[22:38] <@Soloxius> 12Or did you just feel it one day and try to bring it out by your self?
  31. [22:38] <02Megaron> (no! it was all learnt in repeated street brawls.)
  32. [22:38] <02Megaron> (which, probably applies to the second)
  33. [22:38] <10Lotus> (or, are)
  34. [22:38] <12Zetta> (my very presence infects everything with shadowrun)
  35. 01[22:39] <@Soloxius> (this is determining whether you use INT or CHA to use psionics)
  36. [22:39] <Mins> i like books
  37. [22:39] <12Zetta> (i like street brawls more)
  38. 01[22:40] <@Soloxius> (or you could go complete opposit route and we could use a rarely seen feat come into play)
  39. 01[22:40] <@Soloxius> opposite*
  40. [22:40] <02Megaron> (oh?)
  41. [22:40] <Izzy> oh man, are we ban the bug
  42. [22:40] <Izzy> psychic polearm jugglin
  43. [22:40] <02Megaron> (apparently so!)
  44. [22:40] <Izzy> baller
  45. 01[22:43] <@Soloxius> I wanna say it's called Ancient Tradition, it lets you set your "casting" stat to whichever you want. Usually it's the base of a lot of "muscle wizard" builds, where you change your stat to Strength
  46. [22:44] <Izzy> so they lived in the city and had a knack for juggling things but also had to defend themself a lot in various street brawls while jugglin and one day was like "yknow what, i can juggle knives. into your faces."
  47. [22:44] <02Megaron> I forget, what are the stats again?
  48. 01[22:44] <@Soloxius> the intent is probably to change from INT to CHA or WIS but
  49. [22:44] <Izzy> "WITH MY MIND"
  50. 01[22:44] <@Soloxius> STRength, DEXterity, CONstitution, INTelligence, WISdom, and CHArisma
  51. 01[22:44] <@Soloxius> So living in the city is agreed?
  52. [22:45] <02Megaron> ...listen, I'm not saying a street juggler that gets their psychic abilities from their reflexes as a juggler is the best thing ever, but that's exactly what I'm saying
  53. 01[22:45] <@Soloxius> so what happens if they're immobilized, does their ability go away
  54. [22:46] <02Megaron> that's a good point
  55. [22:46] <12Zetta> do they even realize they're psychic, or is it just like a sense for where things are going to be
  56. 01[22:47] <@Soloxius> that's up to y'all!
  57. 01[22:47] <@Soloxius> i'll go with whatever you decide, within the degree of "1st to 3rd level character"
  58. [22:48] <02Megaron> I say "just now realized they are psychic and don't really know what the fuck yet"
  59. [22:48] <02Megaron> which would probably be 2nd level, I imagine
  60. 01[22:48] <@Soloxius> like
  61. 01[22:50] <@Soloxius> The other day, you realized you had at least some kind of talent: You started hearing voices of passersby, and all of it kind of swirled up into a maelstrom of confusing cacophany. You were able to stop it by focusing on juggling your polearms, but it lingers at the back of your mind, a constant remind that you've unlocked latent psionic power.
  62. 01[22:50] <@Soloxius> reminder*
  63. [22:50] <Mins> (distracted by something but watching and will add when freee
  64. 01[22:50] <@Soloxius> (take your time! :>)
  65. 01[22:51] <@Soloxius> so, charisma, intelligence, strength, or dexterity? to use your abilities
  66. [22:51] <02Megaron> I want to say dex because that's just cool but maybe I'll leave it to the rest, I've made a lot of decisions thus far
  67. [22:52] <Izzy> street performers probably like dex and cha
  68. [22:52] <12Zetta> i vote charisma, because... yeah
  69. [22:53] <12Zetta> that
  70. 01[22:54] <@Soloxius> so that's 2 for dex and 1 for cha
  71. [22:54] <Mins> i still like intelligence but u3u
  72. 01[22:54] <@Soloxius> 1 for int as well
  73. [22:55] <02Megaron> actually you know what
  74. [22:55] <02Megaron> if we do cha we can put the moves on people so
  75. [22:55] <02Megaron> that
  76. [22:55] <Mins> oh moves on people
  77. 01[22:56] <@Soloxius> so that's mostly CHArisma, with a minor in Intelligence
  78. 01[22:57] <@Soloxius> 5Have you done any special training? What kind of build do you have? (body-wise)
  79. 01[22:57] <@Soloxius> (quad-wielding could be special training if you would like it to be)
  80. [22:57] <12Zetta> (QUAD-WIELDING)
  81. [22:58] <02Megaron> (QUAD! WIELDING!)
  82. [22:59] <Izzy> oops sory i guess mine was like a dex/cha tie
  83. [22:59] <Izzy> but yes quads iiii mean quad wielding
  84. [22:59] <02Megaron> quads-wielding lmao
  85. 01[23:00] <@Soloxius> You may quad-wield shortspears or dual-wield halberds. Or you may break the what most people call "common sense" and quad-wield halberds, with difficulty.
  86. 01[23:00] <@Soloxius> -the, break from*
  87. 01[23:00] <@Soloxius> gosh i'm typos all over
  88. [23:00] <02Megaron> who needs common sense.
  89. 01[23:01] <@Soloxius> Amazing
  90. [23:01] <12Zetta> (i vote quad-wielding halberds. we've gotta start putting in those ten thousand hours early)
  91. [23:01] <12Zetta> (ascend to zelda boss tier)
  92. 01[23:01] <@Soloxius> (lol wat)
  93. [23:02] <02Megaron> (I love you)
  94. 01[23:03] <@Soloxius> 12Through much difficulty (and the mocking jeers of your peers), you have managed to become semi-alright with wielding a halberd in each of your four arms. It's kind of hard sometimes, but you're much better than any other thri-kreen at it. And you're reasonably sure the two-armed races are just jealous of your martial prowess. Hmph.
  95. [23:05] <02Megaron> (yesssss)
  96. 01[23:06] <@Soloxius> So would you say you have a lithe build, a lean build, an average build, or a "buff bod"
  97. [23:06] <02Megaron> BEEF STEW
  98. [23:06] <02Megaron> FOR TWO
  99. [23:06] <12Zetta> (well when you put it like that i can't possibly argue)
  100. 01[23:07] <@Soloxius> well i have like this general outline of what affects what stat but i'm at kind of a loss here: should this affect STR, CON, or CHA
  101. [23:07] <12Zetta> (charisma via jojo poses)
  102. 01[23:07] <@Soloxius> amazing
  103. [23:07] <02Megaron> (yes.)
  104. 01[23:08] <@Soloxius> i'm just gonna gyazo my notes for what i was gonna type originally
  105. 01[23:09] <@Soloxius> https://gyazo.com/4baae21256c1530fe8e7ea73cc4be53e
  106. 01[23:10] <@Soloxius> ...is that working
  107. [23:10] <12Zetta> it appears not
  108. 01[23:10] <@Soloxius> lame
  109. [23:10] <02Megaron> it's working for me
  110. 01[23:10] <@Soloxius> https://i.gyazo.com/4baae21256c1530fe8e7ea73cc4be53e.png there it is
  111. [23:10] <12Zetta> (good.)
  112. [23:10] <02Megaron> okay but
  113. [23:10] <Izzy> buffdha
  114. [23:10] <02Megaron> why can't we be buff AND fat
  115. [23:11] <02Megaron> it's perfectly possible to happen at the same time
  116. 01[23:11] <@Soloxius> on a thing with an exoskeleton?
  117. [23:11] <02Megaron> lumberjacks etc.
  118. [23:11] <02Megaron> oh fair enough
  119. 01[23:12] <@Soloxius> you could disguise yourself with clothes stuffed with padding, and then rip them off when you enter a building, and flex your mighty exoskeletal muscles (totally not drawn on with ink)
  120. [23:12] <12Zetta> that sounds fantastic
  121. [23:13] <12Zetta> i kinda like the idea of them being a little vain about the fake sketch muscles
  122. 03[23:13] * Milkwolf__ ([email protected]) has joined #RPXquest
  123. [23:13] <02Megaron> amazing
  124. 01[23:14] <@Soloxius> You had someone do it professionally, they look about as real as muscle definition can get on something like an exoskeleton. You'll have to have it redone in about 6 months or a year, you're still a growing youngling!
  125. [23:14] <Izzy> bugs can totally have muscles, look at megakabuterimon
  126. 01[23:14] <@Soloxius> true
  127. [23:14] <Izzy> and its DEVELOPED GROIN MUSCLES
  128. [23:15] <02Megaron> ...is this where this is heading.
  129. [23:15] <Izzy> [actually a real phrase in canon game produced material]
  130. 02[23:15] * Mins ([email protected]) Quit (Ping timeout: 180 seconds)
  131. [23:15] <Izzy> i just wanted to mention the groin muscles
  132. 01[23:15] <@Soloxius> lmao
  133. 01[23:15] <@Soloxius> alright! we've pretty much got the character ready
  134. [23:16] <02Megaron> new goal: we need to learn Metamorphosis as soon as possible so we can either become Megakabuterimon, or gain developed groin muscles
  135. [23:16] <12Zetta> or?
  136. 01[23:16] <@Soloxius> Just one final step: What's your outlook with regards to good and evil? Do you generally feel it's better to help people or stick to yourself? Or maybe go out of your way to get what you want, even if it's at the expense of others?
  137. [23:18] <02Megaron> my money's on "I would love to do good but all these street brawls mean people look at me funny all the time so it's hard"
  138. [23:18] <Izzy> like a chaotic good
  139. [23:18] <12Zetta> do what's right, no matter what the people around you think of the weird bug thing, or whether you're "allowed" to
  140. [23:18] <Izzy> wanna be good, im probably breakin laws anyway tho
  141. [23:18] <Izzy> but who flippin cares, im buff
  142. 01[23:18] <@Soloxius> Thri-kreen are usually chaotic in nature anyway
  143. [23:19] <Izzy> buzz buzz beeee-ch
  144. 01[23:19] <@Soloxius> lol
  145. 01[23:20] <@Soloxius> so i'm hearing "Chaotic Good usually"
  146. [23:20] <02Megaron> mhm
  147. 01[23:21] <@Soloxius> cool cool, 2s
  148. [23:25] <Milkwolf__> ( how kawaii is character so far )
  149. [23:25] <02Megaron> (we made them buff so fairly kawaii)
  150. 01[23:27] <@Soloxius> 12Originally from the deserts of Anauroch, you and your mother and father (and clutch-siblings) moved to the city of Dagger Fall after a particularly traumatic run-in with a rival tribe of gnolls. Several of your brothers and sisters are gone, but their memory will live on in you. You picked up city life pretty well, honestly; you perform on the street often, using your amazing skill with polearms, guisarmes, and halberds to juggle and enact amazing stunts of agility and poise. You're not without charm, rather full of it, rather. You know when to speak and when to listen (usually), and can keep up in a conversation without offending people (again, usually). You work out often, and have developed a thicker exoskeleton than most insectoid people do. (You had your buddy the painter accentuate your "muscles" with a bit of embellishing black paint, just a little, just to bring out their MAJESTY.)
  151. 01[23:28] <@Soloxius> (oof sorry for wall o text)
  152. 01[23:28] <@Soloxius> (lemme know if it cut off for anyone)
  153. [23:29] <02Megaron> (Daggerfall.)
  154. 01[23:30] <@Soloxius> 5All this recollection, though... hm? Wha? Oh. You must have spaced out for a bit. You're supposed to get to the ceremony soon! It's in a temple on the south side of town, about a half mile's walk. You're due in about a half hour, too. Hm. Should be easy enough, you guess. You suppose you could allow a few minor distractions... {What do?}
  155. 01[23:30] <@Soloxius> (oh woops it's dagger falls)
  156. [23:31] <02Megaron> >retrieve arms from chest
  157. 01[23:31] <@Soloxius> https://gyazo.com/37f9ea13e4c78df2696ca1b5fa9dc9c0
  158. 01[23:32] <@Soloxius> 5You retrieve your trusty halberds? guisarmes? polearms? ...pointy sticks with swords on the end, from the chest in your modest room. They're looking bright and clean, after the polishing you gave them last night.
  159. [23:33] <02Megaron> (once homestuck trash, always homestuck trash)
  160. 01[23:33] <@Soloxius> (i feel you)
  161. 01[23:35] <@Soloxius> 5You hear a buzzing call from downstairs. Sounds like your mother.
  162. [23:38] <02Megaron> (help I don't know how to handle Parents)
  163. 01[23:40] <@Soloxius> 5You suppose you could answer: going downstairs, or calling out to her "NOT NOW MOM I'M BUSY!" Or you could use your innate thri-kreen ability to JUMP LIKE A GRASSHOPPER to just leap out into the street, and leave Mom on hold.
  164. [23:40] <Izzy> i wanna be a good kiddo for mommy shes lost so many kids
  165. [23:41] <02Megaron> yes
  166. 01[23:43] <@Soloxius> 3You decide not to leave her hanging, and so get your stuff and pack together, heading downstairs while stuffing away some personal belongings. (I'll leave these up to you, up to 3 things of handheld size, or 1 thing of basketball size) You call down to her: "<Be right there, Mom!>"
  167. [23:45] <02Megaron> alright, I'm not sure what the hell here
  168. [23:45] <02Megaron> also is it just me or has almost everyone else vanished
  169. 01[23:46] <@Soloxius> i think izzy is here sorta
  170. 01[23:46] <@Soloxius> minty was here but she said she was distracted by something else
  171. [23:46] <02Megaron> yeah that's why I said almost
  172. 01[23:46] <@Soloxius> zetta and doak i have no idea lol
  173. 01[23:46] <@Soloxius> probably sleepy
  174. [23:50] <02Megaron> then let's just say... your journal, a water canteen, and... are there flashlights in this setting? a flashlight sounds like a good idea
  175. [23:51] <Izzy> im here but might go to bed soon, cuz my eye is..... well its been weird and smudgy all week and glued shut all week when i wake up and it sounds like it might be pinkeye even though it doesnt itch so im gonna go get it ... looked at...
  176. [23:52] <02Megaron> oh
  177. [23:53] <02Megaron> maybe finish for today then, dunno if I wanna handle it alone
  178. 01[23:54] <@Soloxius> 5You grabbed your journal, your canteen, and a spare sunrod you've been keeping for emergencies. You trundle downstairs and your mother is there, all four limbs working on some sort of meat dish. She hisses quietly in annoyance, but brightens as you enter. She's been tired lately. You can see it in her drooping antennae.
  179. 01[23:54] <@Soloxius> yeah, sounds like a plan to me
  180. 01[23:54] <@Soloxius> oh well
  181. 01[23:54] <@Soloxius> it was fun all the same!
  182. [23:54] <02Megaron> ye
  183. [23:54] <02Megaron> hopefully we can get something going again next time
  184. [23:55] <02Megaron> I want to see our bugfriend (I already forgot their name) stab someone with all four two-handed polearms at once
  185. 01[23:55] <@Soloxius> 12You place a mental bookmark in your head, with a big pair of white bars on it. Metaphysical pause button, you call it. Maybe it'll catch on.
  186. 01[23:55] <@Soloxius> Pak'cha (Or Xyzzy)
  187. [23:55] <02Megaron> ah, yes
  188. 01[23:55] <@Soloxius> 3Thanks for playing!
  189. [23:56] <Izzy> bugmom :<
  190. Session Time: Sat May 21 00:00:00 2016
  191. 02[02:52] * Milkwolf__ ([email protected]) Quit (Quit: :3)
  192. 02[03:50] * Zetta ([email protected]) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
  193. 02[06:55] * Lotus (~a.be@CA126FDE:DEC81955:67666639:IP) Quit (Ping timeout: 184 seconds)
  194. 03[06:55] * Lotus ([email protected]) has joined #RPXquest
  195. 02[08:48] * Megaron ([email protected]) Quit (Quit: )
  196. 03[11:13] * Minmins ([email protected]) has joined #RPXquest
  197. 02[23:04] * Minmins ([email protected]) Quit (Ping timeout: 180 seconds)
  198. 03[23:50] * Minmins ([email protected]) has joined #RPXquest
  199. Session Time: Sun May 22 00:00:02 2016
  200. 02[00:44] * Minmins ([email protected]) Quit (Ping timeout: 184 seconds)
  201. 03[11:28] * Andoak (~a.be@F9AF3AB4:7E8D3291:6A30F658:IP) has joined #RPXquest
  202. 02[11:29] * Lotus ([email protected]) Quit (Ping timeout: 184 seconds)
  203. 03[11:30] * Andoak is now known as Lotus
  204. 03[11:58] * Andoak (~a.be@37AEFF53:776159BA:E16AB5E0:IP) has joined #RPXquest
  205. 02[11:58] * Lotus (~a.be@F9AF3AB4:7E8D3291:6A30F658:IP) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
  206. 03[14:17] * Minmins ([email protected]) has joined #RPXquest
  207. 02[14:25] * Andoak (~a.be@37AEFF53:776159BA:E16AB5E0:IP) Quit (Ping timeout: 188 seconds)
  208. 03[15:01] * Lotus (~a.be@37AEFF53:776159BA:E16AB5E0:IP) has joined #RPXquest
  209. 03[16:34] * Andoak (~a.be@722E8FF9:D37D6D74:4AADA3A9:IP) has joined #RPXquest
  210. 02[16:36] * Andoak (~a.be@722E8FF9:D37D6D74:4AADA3A9:IP) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
  211. 02[16:36] * Lotus (~a.be@37AEFF53:776159BA:E16AB5E0:IP) Quit (Ping timeout: 181 seconds)
  212. 03[16:37] * Lotus (~a.be@37AEFF53:776159BA:E16AB5E0:IP) has joined #RPXquest
  213. 03[18:42] * Andoak (~a.be@FD33AB8B:37B9526F:4A227A6:IP) has joined #RPXquest
  214. 02[18:43] * Lotus (~a.be@37AEFF53:776159BA:E16AB5E0:IP) Quit (Ping timeout: 186 seconds)
  215. 03[18:43] * Andoak is now known as Lotus
  216. 03[19:11] * Andoak (~a.be@ECA100ED:640CDDDE:67666639:IP) has joined #RPXquest
  217. 02[19:11] * Lotus (~a.be@FD33AB8B:37B9526F:4A227A6:IP) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
  218. 03[19:11] * Andoak is now known as Lotus
  219. Session Time: Mon May 23 00:04:19 2016
  220. 02[00:04] * Disconnected
  221. Session Close: Mon May 23 00:04:20 2016
  222.  
  223. Session Start: Mon May 23 00:04:20 2016
  224. Session Ident: #RPXquest
  225. 02[00:04] * Attempting to rejoin channel #RPXquest
  226. 03[00:05] * Rejoined channel #RPXquest
  227. 02[00:21] * Minmins ([email protected]) Quit (Quit: :3)
  228. 02[04:23] * Disconnected
  229. Session Close: Mon May 23 04:23:17 2016
  230.  
  231. Session Start: Mon May 23 04:23:17 2016
  232. Session Ident: #RPXquest
  233. 02[04:23] * Attempting to rejoin channel #RPXquest
  234. 03[04:23] * Rejoined channel #RPXquest
  235. 03[05:29] * Megaron ([email protected]) has joined #RPXquest
  236. 03[05:30] * HubbCOM ([email protected]) has joined #RPXquest
  237. 01[05:40] <Soloxius> [BGM: A Quiet Morning in Dagger Falls - Temple of Light (Fable OST) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xdwCQkrx7U ]
  238. [05:40] <02Megaron> Reticulating Splines...
  239. 01[05:40] <Soloxius> 12You take out your mental bookmark and resume your morning.
  240. 01[05:43] <Soloxius> 3Your mother, carefully putting together some sort of meat-filled casserole, presumably for you and your siblings to eat later this evening, waves her antennae fondly at you. Her mandibles click and snap in your native tongue, Thri-Kreen. "<Good morning, my little hatchling... Are you heading out to your ceremony already? Goodness, time got away from us today, goodness me... Come here, let me check your face."
  241. 01[05:43] <Soloxius> +>
  242. 01[05:44] <Soloxius> 3What do?
  243. [05:44] <02Megaron> (oh whoops, without the what do I never know if you're finished lol sorry)
  244. 01[05:45] <Soloxius> (my bad, i'll make sure to put that from now on)
  245. 01[05:45] <Soloxius> (feel free to suggest things as well, comcom)
  246. [05:45] <02Megaron> >oblige
  247. 01[05:47] <Soloxius> 12You step over to your dear mother, who puts down her utensils to caress your face gently. Her tired hands brush against your mandibles and antennae, her large amber eyes darting from spot to spot, checking to make sure you look your best for your big day. Satisfied, she takes one of your hands and holds it in two of hers.
  248. 01[05:49] <Soloxius> 3"<Hard to believe it's already been five years... You've grown up so fast. I'll pray for you today, my young one. May the gods and goddesses bless you on your Testing Day.>" She recites a small prayer, and kisses your forehead carefully. "You'd best be on your way," she finishes, switching to Common. "You wouldn't want to keep them waiting~! I'll see you when you get home!"
  249. 01[05:49] <Soloxius> 5>What do?
  250. [05:50] <02Megaron> >head out, but flex first (can't forget the flexing)
  251. 01[05:52] <Soloxius> 12By way of answering, you flex your mighty arms, showing off the subtle (totally not drawn-on) definition of your exoskeletal arms. Your reassuring confidence causes your mother to wave her antennae in happiness. She gets back to work, and leaves you be.
  252. 01[05:53] <Soloxius> 5>Is there anything else you'd like to do around the house? Or would you like to start the 15-minute walk to the temple?
  253. [05:54] <02Megaron> >too impatient, it's time to go
  254. 01[05:55] <Soloxius> 12You decide you'd better get a move on, so you strap your polearms against your back tightly, pull a cloak from next to the door, and sweep it dramatically around your shoulders, stepping out into the town.
  255. 01[05:55] <Soloxius> [BGM: A Quiet Morning In Dagger Falls (Town) - Medieval Town Ambience (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugLwYV1GSvo ]
  256. 01[05:57] <Soloxius> 12You step out of your house and pull the door closed behind you. The path leading to your house is somewhat like an alleyway, with your neighbors' doors lined down the rocky cobblestone. The morning sun is beginning to crest across the buildings to the east of you, warming you with its life-giving rays. Surely today Pelor is watching you.
  257. 01[05:58] <Soloxius> 12The temple is on the west side of town, about a 15 minute walk. You have about 25 minutes to get there.
  258. 01[05:58] <Soloxius> 5>What do?
  259. [05:59] <02Megaron> >start walkin'
  260. 01[06:01] <Soloxius> (sorry, lil copy paste incoming)
  261. 01[06:02] <Soloxius> 5\\\ The bustling town square is made of old dwarven stonework, built sturdy and made to last, though a bit shorter than is comfortable for the population. Nonetheless, the old cobblestone road that passes through here is rumored to have been made by the First Explorers, who founded the town over one hundred years ago. A well in the center of the square is the main source of the town's water, though there's some magic pipes here and there connected to neverending flasks, along with air-cooling units made of Bottles of Air. Not the most high-tech of appliances, but nothing to scoff at, either. All in all, a comfortable place. There are a few points of interest here:
  262. 01[06:02] <Soloxius> 5-Vinny's Vickles, a small stand serving cooked meats on skewers
  263. 01[06:02] <Soloxius> -The Giggling Cauldron, an alchemy shop run by Squintzel the gnome
  264. 01[06:03] <Soloxius> 5-The Lion's Paw, a carpentry shop run by half-elf Matthias
  265. 01[06:03] <Soloxius> -Creeping Darkness, the strangely-named magic item shop owned by the reformed dark elf Viktor
  266. 01[06:03] <Soloxius> 5-Thor's Anvil, a quaint blacksmith shop kept going by its dwarven owner, Thadd
  267. 01[06:03] <Soloxius> -Best Armor & Weapons, the plain-named armor and weapons shop cooperatively owned and run by Gruntt and Groane, half-orc brothers
  268. 01[06:03] <Soloxius> 5-A few kids idly playing a dice game, using marbles as wagers
  269. 01[06:03] <Soloxius> -A pair of people in a 12blue cloak and an 7orange cloak, respectively, shouting at each other in the alleyway
  270. 01[06:04] <Soloxius> 12-The temple further on, at the end of the current path you're on.
  271. 01[06:05] <Soloxius> 5>Continue walking with purpose and poise?
  272. [06:06] <02Megaron> >curiosity gets the best of you, try to see if you can hear the shoutversation between the people in the strange cloaks without getting caught
  273. 01[06:07] <Soloxius> 12"Your kind are a blight to the world and its future! You're meddling with powers you don't understand!"
  274. 01[06:08] <Soloxius> 7"Pshh, of course you and yours who believe that ~Order~ is gonna solve everything would condemn us. We're dedicated to Change! Progress! Without Chaos the world would stagnate into nothingness!"
  275. 01[06:09] <Soloxius> 7"Besides, I'm not telling you you can't preach here. I just want a little space is all. Common courtesy and all th-"
  276. 01[06:09] <Soloxius> 12"COMMON COURTESY? You'd just as soon see this place razed to the ground than uplifted!! UGH!"
  277. 01[06:09] <Soloxius> 7"...well, that's just rude."
  278. 01[06:09] <Soloxius> 5>Hmm.
  279. 01[06:10] <Soloxius> 5You manage to keep just out of sight and out of mind. They seem too distracted to bother with you right now.
  280. [06:10] <02Megaron> >welp, nevermind, just keep moving
  281. [06:11] <02Megaron> (whoops)
  282. 01[06:11] <Soloxius> (nope, you're good)
  283. 01[06:12] <Soloxius> 12You decide these people are not nearly interesting enough to keep you occupied, you've got a destiny to face! Plus people are kind of starting to stare at them. Don't wanna make a scene.
  284. 01[06:12] <Soloxius> 5>Continue to temple?
  285. [06:13] <02Megaron> >onwards!
  286. 01[06:14] <Soloxius> [BGM: A Momentous Day in a Quiet Space - Temple / Ambience JDR (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48fGkqz1hz8 ]
  287. 01[06:16] <Soloxius> 12You stride confidently up the stairs, pausing when a priest motions for you to be quiet as you enter. As you head inside into the cool air, you take a curious peek around. There's small bits of moss growing inside in between the large smooth slabs that make up the floor, and an arching ceiling stretches overhead into a skylight inlaid with depictions of the sun god, Pelor.
  288. 01[06:16] <Soloxius> 12You manage to spot a thri-kreen in robes, patiently waiting for you near a staircase heading down into the earth.
  289. 01[06:16] <Soloxius> 5>Where go? What do?
  290. [06:18] <02Megaron> >approach thri-keen
  291. 01[06:19] <Soloxius> 12You quietly approach the thri-kreen, a middle-aged male of about 15 years, his sandy-colored exoskeleton covered in subtle markings of paint. His antennae wave back and forth serenely as he greets you.
  292. 01[06:20] <Soloxius> 3"<Well met, young one. You are... Pak'cha, yes? It is well that you arrived early. We may begin as soon as you are ready.>"
  293. 01[06:20] <Soloxius> 5>
  294. [06:21] <02Megaron> >it's time to begin then
  295. 03[06:23] * Kyoji ([email protected]) has joined #RPXquest
  296. 01[06:24] <Soloxius> 12You nod silently, motioning with your head to the staircase with an inquisitive look. He nods back, and heads down the stairs, his simple sash keeping his movement unimpeded. Leading you down, he begins chanting a quiet hymn, the words in a language unfamiliar to you. The light grows more and more dim as the two of you head down into a still, silent basement. There's a small platform, about 10 feet long extending from the wall, made of smooth sandstone. The floor has small patches of sand around, cool to the touch and decidedly familiar-feeling.
  297. 01[06:26] <Soloxius> 12Beyond the platform are several statues, you notice as your darkvision shifts on, all depicting archetypal thri-kreen occupations: a hunter, a gatherer, a leader, a mother. At the feet of each statue lies a small pool of clear water, around a central narrow path leading further into the relative darkness. At the end of the narrow path are several thri-kreen like the one you met, each with different markings, and a pedestal upon which sits a curious crystal.
  298. 01[06:26] <Soloxius> 5>
  299. 01[06:28] <Soloxius> (i hope i'm doing alright painting this word-picture :>)
  300. [06:28] <02Megaron> >advance, not really too sure what the hell even
  301. 01[06:33] <Soloxius> 3The trio at the end of the walkway rise as you approach, holding out their arms to form a semicircle opposite your destination, as if to welcome you. "<We gather here today to perform an ancient rite, to celebrate your joining the ranks of adulthood amongst our community. Like many others before, and many others after, we would like to bless you in the name of Obad-hai, the god of nature, freedom, hunting, and beasts. Will you allow it?>"
  302. 01[06:33] <Soloxius> 5>
  303. [06:34] <02Megaron> >allow
  304. 01[06:36] <Soloxius> 12They lock hands with each other and start a low, droning, buzzing sort of chant, in thri-kreen tongue. It's mostly traditional stuff, like blessing your short life with productivity and moral strength, that you might give to the community as the community gives to you, in a never-ending cycle of life and death. At the end, however, there's a pause, and the one opposite you coughs nervously.
  305. 01[06:36] <Soloxius> 12"Erm, ahem," he says, speaking in Common. "We have news both congratulatory and alarming."
  306. 01[06:38] <Soloxius> 3He gestures to the crystal on the pedestal. It's about four inches across, three in diameter, with jagged points on either end. "This was found on the pedestal when we arrived to prepare for your ceremony. We asked the other priests who put it there, and... it seems it was left by a divine power."
  307. 01[06:38] <Soloxius> 12He coughs again, hesitantly.
  308. 01[06:39] <Soloxius> 3"We have identified this power as belonging to Boccob, the god of magic, knowledge, and foresight. We are uncertain as to why one such as He would leave it here, but we suppose it must be a sign. That you are to be deemed... Special."
  309. 01[06:39] <Soloxius> 5>
  310. [06:40] <02Megaron> >stare at the crystal in equal parts awe and confusion
  311. 01[06:41] <Soloxius> 12The crystal stares back, though not with eyes one can see. It feels... powerful. And terrifying. But mostly powerful.
  312. 01[06:43] <Soloxius> 3"We are uncertain as to what you should do with it, but..." he looks at it again, before continuing, "...it has been told to us it is called.. a shard, of the Orb of Infinite Wisdom. Take it if you are willing, but do not feel compelled to. This is an unprecedented occurrence."
  313. 01[06:43] <Soloxius> 5>lol whut
  314. [06:44] <02Megaron> >reach out, grab hesitantly
  315. 01[06:45] <Soloxius> 4As you touch the hunk of rock, you feel a sharp pain in your hand, as if you'd pricked your palm with a large needle.
  316. 01[06:45] <Soloxius> 5>
  317. [06:46] <02Megaron> >goddammit, it's all jagged, of course it's gonna do that. ignore the fact that it's magic completely and just get some sort of cloth to wrap it up in
  318. 01[06:49] <Soloxius> 12Your pained expression alerts the priests, and they quickly gather a few strips of cloth, turning your hand upright. You can see a faint glimmer of crystal disappearing into your hand, as blood oozes out of the wound. It... doesn't hurt that much anymore, really. Still, though, blood. You glance at the spiteful crystal again, and you swear you can see a tiny dozen of smiles winking at you from within.
  319. 01[06:49] <Soloxius> 3And then your mind explodes inside your head.
  320. 01[06:51] <Soloxius> 5It feels like you're soaring through space, immaterial and untouchable. You see pinpricks of light in the distance, which you know to be stars. You look down and see a million worlds, very similar to your own, but not quite. A great gently smiling face looks down upon you and regards you fondly. A dozen dozen voices whisper in between your ears, behind your eyes, telling you things no mortal should have knowledge of. You feel changed. But for the better? Reply hazy, try again later.
  321. 01[06:53] <Soloxius> 12You awaken what feels both like an eternity and maybe five minutes later, on the cool sandstone of the basement. The priests and a thri-kreen druid stand over you, dabbing your forehead with a damp cloth. As your eyes focus, they step back.
  322. 01[06:53] <Soloxius> 5>
  323. [06:53] <02Megaron> (the Crystal will only respond to the command "fondly regard creation".)
  324. [06:53] <HubbCOM> (("And then your mind explodes inside your head." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eed3HcUcz3E ))
  325. [06:54] <02Megaron> >fondly recall experience
  326. 01[06:56] <Soloxius> 12You remember. You remember your journey of a thousand thri-kreen lifetimes. You recall hearing a voice saying, "If ever you need help, all you need to do is ask." It sounded calm, but was it kind? Or was it barely contained rage? The tone was kind of hard to tell in the cacophany. Still, you instinctively know now. You are Special, and you're destine for greatness.
  327. 01[06:56] <Soloxius> (destined* :V)
  328. 01[06:58] <Soloxius> 6>Ability Unlocked! Commune: If ever uncertain of what to do, you may ask the voices in your head for additional opinions or commands. They may be of varying helpfulness.<
  329. 01[06:58] <Soloxius> 5>What, uh. What do, boss?
  330. [06:59] <02Megaron> >I dunno, you're the smart one!
  331. [06:59] <02Megaron> >do ask the priests what you're supposed to do now that you're Special, though
  332. 01[07:02] <Soloxius> 3The priests and druid regard you with awe, tinged with confusion and a hint of fear. The druid, specifically, inclines his head slowly. "You may do as you see best. You've been blessed by the gods themselves. Whatever path you take should be open to you. Be wary, though. The power of knowledge is fickle, and take care not to use your gifts for... untoward purposes."
  333. 01[07:02] <Soloxius> 5>
  334. [07:04] <02Megaron> >think for a moment. (holy shit you're gonna do so much cool shit.) ask if you're good to go, gather your belongings and step out if so
  335. 01[07:05] <Soloxius> 3They nod in unison. "You are free to go, young one. Go with the blessings of our people." They bow slightly, and file up the stairs quietly.
  336. 01[07:07] <Soloxius> 12You suppose now would be a good time to go as well. You head up the stairs and out into the grand hall. Several of the priests regard you with curious looks, and several turn to look as you exit the temple. Many are humans, though there are a few elves and half-orcs interspersed. A dwarven cleric looks up at you, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
  337. 01[07:07] <Soloxius> 5>
  338. [07:09] <02Megaron> >leave the temple, still steeped in thought, riding the high from the experience
  339. 01[07:10] <Soloxius> [BGM: A Quiet Morning in Dagger Falls - Medieval Town Ambience (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugLwYV1GSvo ]
  340. 01[07:12] <Soloxius> 12You glance up, shielding your eyes with an arm as you step out into the sunny day. It seems you were in there for... about an hour? Huh. Must've been out longer than you thought. Oh well. That was cool as heck. You feel all kinds of empowered, not the least of which is 1) the steady murmur of knowledge waiting to be tapped in your subconscious, and 2) the psionic energy in your soul, which feels more... present, than it was before. More noticeable. Your pack and polearms feel lighter than before, and you bask in the sunlight, feeling on top of the world.
  341. 01[07:12] <Soloxius> 5>
  342. [07:15] <02Megaron> (I actually feel like whatever comes from here is going to be pretty significant decision-making, so unless you still count this as "prologue" still I think it'd be natural to finish now and wait for everyone to be around)
  343. 01[07:15] <Soloxius> i agree wholeheartedly
  344. [07:15] <02Megaron> now we have ~UNLIMITED KNOWLEDGE~
  345. [07:15] <02Megaron> which is just cool
  346. 01[07:16] <Soloxius> 5You once again slip that mental bookmark into place in your "story," the comforting pair of white bars slowing your perception to a standstill, and you feel like you'll be ready soon enough to take on the world. Hopefully not literally.
  347. 01[07:16] <Soloxius> to be fair i'm pretty shamelessly stealing an idea from a quest i love
  348. 01[07:17] <Soloxius> http://tgchan.org/wiki/DiveQuest
  349. 01[07:17] <Soloxius> http://tgchan.org/wiki/Orb_of_Infinite_Psyche i accidentally got the name wrong, but oh well it's slightly different anyhow
  350. [07:18] <02Megaron> hey, it's still cool!
  351. 01[07:18] <Soloxius> thank you ;w;
  352. 01[07:18] <Soloxius> but hey! thanks for playing
  353. [07:47] <HubbCOM> neat stuff
  354. [07:49] <02Megaron> I can't wait for Pak'Cha to ascend to godhood
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