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Post by Elliot Kane on Aug 1, 2006 15:49:57 GMT
GM Notes
This is the restart thread for Awakening. All plotlines involving inactive characters are to ignored in the interests of making the game flow smoothly.
All inactive characters are deemed to be busy elsewhere for reasons of their own, and thus out of the game.
Please make sure your characters are copied into the 'Awakening Active Characters Thread' as the old character sheet thread will be unstickied in the next few days.
The game restarts with the planned meeting of the group in Zumir's room.
***
Player Intro
You have gathered together at the behest of Rasidar in the room of Zumir the Djinn. Some of you have been up for hours and are getting very tired, while others are newly awakened from the sleep of ages, but you all feel this meeting should be something special.
There is a lot of equipment to be shared out, a few new people to introduce themselves, and doubtless much discussing to be done.
Zumir watches proceedings with interest, his great arms folded on his chest, his eyes moving from one person to the next in clear interest. He seems happy to be included, and more than a little surprised.
Melissa is shifting nervously from foot to foot, and trying to stay far away from Zumir but still near enough to the exit to flee if she needs to. She is clearly very unsettled at the existence of this part of the complex, which she says she had no knowledge of, and keeps shooting haunted glances at the door which leads to the area you all awakened in.
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Post by Gray Lensman on Aug 1, 2006 16:32:55 GMT
Rasidar stands before the group, looking to each member in turn. He realizes this shall be a hard road ahead. But he also knows that if this group can work together, perhaps the Great Mana's work might yet be done...
"I thank all of you for coming," Rasidar says, looking to the others. "I would also thank good Zumir for allowing us to meet within this hall. Those of you who are new to the party, I hereby welcome you to our ranks. I know that each of you must have many concerns and thoughts upon the road ahead. `Tis my hope that they might be answered. Rest assured, these matters shall be addressed in time.
"First, I think it best to review our findings and perhaps get to know each other better. For the present, we have none we may rely upon but each other. We presently stand in safety, but that may not last once we proceed. I say this only to press upon you the urgency that we face. While I mean not to alarm you, we may be facing perils outside these walls should we leave this complex. `Tis possible each of us may be hunted for our connection to the Project Awakening that brought us all here. I ask that we all think of the whole, for the greater good. `Tis my hope that together, we may survive, discover what has taken place here and set things right.
"If you wish, you may take time now to introduce yourselves to the other party members. We are all here for different reasons, with different goals, and `tis possible it would make a difference for us to know them. Fear not, you need not say anything you feel unwise or unsafe. Whatever you deem proper is enough. Then we may continue our business which shall be pressing.
"For those who know me not, my name is Rasidar," he goes on. "I am a Knight of the Orb, a servant of the Great Mana. I am told that my Order was slain while I slumbered, that I am possibly the last. I know not if I am indeed the last, but `tis all the more imperative that I uphold the Order's ideals. `Tis my sworn duty to reform the Order. But `tis also my duty to ensure that the kingdom of Davor is a just and secure place for its subjects.
"In as far as I can, I shall do my best to help us survive," Rasidar says firmly. "`Tis my duty as a Knight to aid those in need. However, I hope I have the aid of all of you in this. We stand or fall as one.
"Speak as you would," he says, looking to the others. "When you have done so, we may speak of business and what shall be done from here."
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Post by Glance A'Lot on Aug 2, 2006 12:59:46 GMT
In the ensuing silence Cedric stands up and, leaning on his staff, speaks up, "I am Cedric." He musters everyone with his peculiar red eyes, his bleach white hair and eyebrows in striking contrast with his young features. "I was an orphan raised in a monastery and I should be 35 winters of age. The last year I remember before my awakening here is 1.025. I've taken up to study the arcane arts, and have been wandering my world to gather knowledge about various schools of magic, especially those not related to light and fire." He hesitates slightly, but then decides by himself, that it would be to the benefit of the party, if they were aware of his weakness. "These I can, or rather could, cast, but their effects blind me."
After a short pause, he resumes, "I have - had - no particular affiliation. My travels were lonely ones, and my studies with various mages secluded ones." He sighs. "So much lost, and so little regained," he says in a low voice, and then remains silent.
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Post by Will (Property of Silva) on Aug 2, 2006 23:07:28 GMT
A large burly man standing next to Cedric places a hand on Cedric's sholder.
"It is a wise man who recognizes his limitations." He turns his blue eyes from Cedric to the rest of the group. "My name is Stelrein. As far as I can remember I've been a soldier. I don't recall the lord I fought for only the man I called General seems to inspire loyalty in my heart."
He lowers his hand from Cedric's sholder, "The last year I remember in my old life I gave up my career as a soldier and took up the mantle of teacher. I trained young people how to defend themselves."
A faint smile plays across his lips, "I also want to apologize ahead of time if I treate anyone else like a soldier from my time. It has been drilled into me to act given certain situations. I've been taught that thinking in many cases can get a person killed. However, this is not my time."
Stelrein gives a shrug, "If I do get on anyone's nerves just give me an order," Stelrein scratches his head and has a sheepish look on his face. "More than likely I'll probably follow it."
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Post by SilvaShado on Aug 3, 2006 6:08:08 GMT
Jack had been resting on her haunches, looking around at everyone. She slowly stands, tall and slim, her hands on her hips. A few strands of her short black hair fall in her eyes and she brushes them easily away. She smiles broadly, her bright green eyes sparkling, "Hullo 'n all! M'name's Jack or JJ, wich'never you prefer. Ah'm uh hunter 'n protector. Tha's wha Ah was born ta do. Ah don't care'n too much where Ah is, just let me scout ahead and Ah'll be keep'n y'all safe. Ah'm pretty easy to git along with, just as'n there's no pushin people 'round. Kan't stand no bullies," her eyes narrow dangerously before returning to a bright, cheery twinkle. She smiles, "Ah know'n we haven' gotten ta weapons, but Ah just need a few knives and Ah'll be right as rain."
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Post by LaFille on Aug 5, 2006 3:02:31 GMT
Mao stands beside Melissa, concerned by her stress. She imagines the young woman's unease; in her position, having collaborated with those responsible of their fate, and after all she went through, seeing her friends be slain, bearing a state past agony for days, discovering that her work was used for doubtly moral purposes while she thought she was doing a patriotic effort in the war that plagues her invaded country... No wonder that she's nervous.
Mao puts her hand on the young woman's arm and leans towards her. "Don't worry, we won't let anyone here do you any harm," she whispers in a calm, reassuring tone.
As Rasidar begins to speak, she turns her attention back towards him and the rest of the people there, but not without keeping an eye on Melissa, whose reactions she wants to be aware of so discreet may they be.
She can't help but frown when he tells about his belonging to the order of the Knights of the Orb and says these realities that make him be associated with the "legend". He seems to forget that he's walking on eggs with that and how it being known could be dangerous for them... She decides to wait until everyone else who has the desire to introduce themselves have done it to do so herself and to take the occasion to slip a word about the importance of being discreet on their origins.
She listens to Cedric, Stelrein and Jack talking about themselves, trying to determinate as much as possible what kind of people she has to deal with, as her work on the terrain had taught her to do. She still keeps a discreet eye on the rest of the group – Melissa, particularly – to get sure that everything continues to go as smoothly as possible for everyone. Once Jack finishes talking, she observes quietly the people’s reaction and tries to determinate if the other ones left to speak indend to do so, also pondering how much she’s willing to say about herself at the moment...
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Post by Glance A'Lot on Aug 5, 2006 9:40:42 GMT
Cedric stiffens as a hand unexpectedly touches his shoulder; instinctively he shifts his weight on the other foot preparing to twist around. Only just he catches himself, acknowledging the friendly gesture.
He looks over to the djinn, his eyes meeting Zumir's wandering gaze; then to Mao and Melissa, standing next to each other, both watching intently, but in marked contrast - Melissa with a haunted nervousness, Mao with quiet self-assurance.
As the girl Jack speaks, he focusses on her, trying to follow her words. "' Ah'll be right as rain'? You use a most peculiar speech, you must come from a land I've not been to in my time - do you understand me?"
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Post by SilvaShado on Aug 6, 2006 5:06:37 GMT
Jack nods to Cedric, "Sure'n Ah do. You speak like them nobles, all righ'n proper," she looks around a little nervous, wondering if they were all educated nobles, but she shrugs away her concern,"Ah didn't get much schoolin'. Too busy protectin' the folks that took care o' me."
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Post by Glance A'Lot on Aug 6, 2006 9:14:28 GMT
Cedric tilts his head slightly. With a little concentration he understands the girl fairly well - he just has to attune himself to her dialect. It's not that different from that of the country folk of his time - with whom he indeed had little dealings.
He smiles. "We all have a lot to learn here, it seems - so you'll get your chance of schooling, if you care to take it."
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Post by SilvaShado on Aug 7, 2006 6:57:24 GMT
Jack smiles broadly, "Sure'n Ah'd love to learn more! 'Specially to reed them books!" her face clouds and she looks down slightly, "Bu' Ah don' 'ave anythin' to paya wit... other'n what Ah aready offurd - ta be ascoutin' fer tha group." She thumps down to the ground, sitting cross-legged.
She sighs softly, wondering if she'd again be an outcast. Only associated with for her skills. But then, that's all she has. And she sure is dang proud of her abilities! She wonders if anyone else can do what she can. Only a few of them had spoken - a knight, a mage and a soldier... she glances at the others, but isn't able to tell much about them. She was better at tracking people than talking with them.
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Post by Glance A'Lot on Aug 7, 2006 12:08:46 GMT
"Paying? Well I'd say don't worry - we have enough to have to learn from each other, and paying should not be the issue - we're here with a common goal, to get out of here and to find out what happened to the world, or worlds, we knew," Cedric says. "As for reading, I certainly think that that's something that everyone should learn. Whenever there's time, and you feel inclined to it, I'll teach you, and anybody else, I promise."
With that he sits down and leans against the wall, his face turned towards the group and Zumir. The fatigue of a long day is getting at him. He closes his eyes and concentrates on listening. On a sudden notion he opens the eyes again and says, looking at Rasidar, "I'm listening - I just have to rest my eyes." Then he leans his head against the wall and closes the eyes again, his other senses still focused on what is going on.
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Post by SilvaShado on Aug 8, 2006 5:46:19 GMT
Cocking her head to the side, Jack listens to Cedric. A soft smile comes to her lips, "Aye, a common goal," she tries to immitate the way Cedric speaks, but then falls back into the familiar, "Ah'ma lookin' forwar' ta th'lessons." She looks around, with a bright smile on her face. She's eager to be of service and get to know everyone.
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Post by Elliot Kane on Aug 8, 2006 15:11:06 GMT
Melissa smiles gratefully at Mao, and edges a little closer to her. She looks like she is about to speak to the group for a moment, perhaps to introduce herself, but at the last moment her nerve fails her and she settles back into watching everyone.
For a moment, her eyes meet the impassive gaze of Zumir, and she takes another step closer to Mao. The Djinn holds her eyes for a moment before his own move on, but his face is impassive and his thoughts unreadable.
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Post by SilvaShado on Aug 8, 2006 17:15:05 GMT
Jack looks over at Zumir, thinks for a moment then speaks, "If'n Ah'm not aspeakin' outta turn, but may'Ah enquire about yeself? Is this yous place?"
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Post by Elliot Kane on Aug 8, 2006 17:55:31 GMT
"I am Zumir," the Djinn replies in answer to JJ's question. "I am trapped in this place, and hope that your group may be able to free me. In return, I offer my aid - though much of it only when I am free. I have scant reason to trust humans, but I am persuaded your group may be different."
His eyes scan the group once more, as if searching the souls of all present. "We are all victims of those who sought to use us for their own ends. Whilst you are trapped out of time, I am trapped out of place."
Zumir folds his huge arms across his chest. He fixes his eyes upon Melissa, and a frown slowly lowers his brow. Melissa steps behind Mao, her eyes huge with terror.
"One among us has much explaining to do," Zumir rumbles, his voice low but thunderous with the threat of violence. "She may belong here, but I will not be bound here forever, and if I discover she has any part in my binding then I will take her head with me when I leave!"
"I don't!" Melissa squeaks in obvious terror. "I didn't even know you were here! I swear it!"
The Djinn's eyes flash with a golden light. "Swear it by all the gods!"
"I..." Melissa balks for a moment, then stands straighter, seeming to draw her tattered dignity around her. "I will do that if you swear not to harm me, Djinn."
For a moment, Zumir's eyes bore into Melissa's, and her hands clutch at Mao compulsively as if drawing strength from Mao somehow. Melissa trembles in every limb, but she does not look away.
"I will do no harm to you without cause," Zumir concedes at last. "I swear it." The golden light flashes from his eyes once more. "I swear it by all the gods," he adds.
Melissa swallows, hard. "I swear by all the gods that I did not know you were here!" Melissa says firmly. The golden light flashes from Zumir's eyes once more, and Melissa gasps, but stands firm and unharmed.
"This is a terrible thing you have done," Melissa accuses at last, her voice still shaking with fear, but no longer the terror it once held. "Invoking the gods like that."
"My freedom may depend on you," Zumir answers, studying her carefully. "You know this place. If you were truly one of my captors, there is much you could do to harm me."
"But they might be listening!" Melissa protests. "All of them!"
"Then pray you have not lied," Zumir says solemnly. "The gods take it amiss if you swear falsely in their name."
"They don't like being called on without cause either!" Melissa says firmly.
"Do you truly think I had no cause?" Zumir asks. His voice is studiedly neutral, but his eyes say that he has no doubts.
Melissa drops her eyes. "Maybe..." she concedes at last, quietly.
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Post by Gray Lensman on Aug 9, 2006 0:22:00 GMT
Rasidar silently places his hand on the hilt of his sword at the sound of Zumir's anger. Although he knows he could never defeat such a powerful being, he knows he must defend Melissa. Slowly he positions himself between Zumir and Melissa as they speak. Rasidar feared the wrath of the Great Mana far more than he feared the Djinn...
Since there is no violence, Rasidar says nothing, and listens closely to Zumir and Melissa. The mention of an oath to the gods causes him concern. As a Servant of one of the gods himself, he knew his duty in this matter. And that such oaths were not lightly taken. He releases hold of his sword when both parties fall again into silence.
"Your outrage is understandable, good Zumir," Rasidar begins slowly. "You have been wronged by the mage Veryn, who indeed has much to answer for. However, I believe that the Lady Melissa speaks the truth in this matter. She knew not of your existence until `twas brought to her attention by our group.
"As to your oaths... I fear this matter concerns me, for I represent the interests of the Great Mana. I take all oaths sworn before the god I serve with great seriousness. Even if the Great Mana could ignore your oaths, I cannot. `Tis my duty to enforce all oaths sworn before Him as far as it lies within my power. My own oath to the Great Mana demands it."
"Good Zumir, `tis my duty to enforce your oath," Rasidar says, standing to his full height and meeting Zumir's gaze. "Know that I count you as an honorable being. I doubt not that you would not break an oath sworn before the gods. But I can allow no harm to come to the Lady Melissa unless her word somehow proves false. I know yours is the power to slay me if you choose, but a greater power guides my hand. I ask that you respect my position in this.
He offers Melissa a reluctant and pained glance. "I shall protect you as far as I can, my Lady, but not against the will of the Great Mana. For my own part, I believe your words. I ask only that you understand the position I stand in."
"I hope we need speak no more of this," Rasidar says finally. "Soon, I assure you all that we shall move to other concerns. However, I wish to give the remaining group members the opportunity to speak should they choose. Afterwards, we may compare notes and discuss our progress."
Rasidar looks to the others, waiting carefully for any further reaction...
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Post by Shan on Aug 9, 2006 1:00:02 GMT
Ash is in the battle room rumaging through all the dead bodies when she hears that Mr. Knight wants everybody in Zu's room for a meeting. "Meeting, a meeting," thinks Ash to herself as she continues her search for a head. "I don't wanna go to some old meeting. They are soooo boooooooooring. I gotta find me a head. Can't have any fun in a dumb ol' meeting."
She looks around at the door to the demon room, but then goes back to searching for a head. A moment later she stops and looks again at the door. "Ooooooo, I wanted to find me a head, but nooooooooo gotta go to some old meeting. Why can't anybody have any fun around here without being interrupted?" She stands there a moment and then says "Head hunting will have to wait. Guess I better go to his stupid ol' meeting or Mr. Knight will get mad."
Ash leaves the battle room, goes through the demon room and stops in the doorway of Zu's room. She looks around noticing that everybody else is already there. She then walks over to a corner, sits down and pulls her legs up against her chest and wraps her arms around them. She lays her chin on her knees and stares hard at Mr. Knight the whole time he is talking. "Ain't gonna," she thinks when Mr. Knight mentions telling something about yourself. "Ain't gonna and you can't make me." She pulls her knees closer and hugs her legs even tighter.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," thinks Ash as Ced stands up and starts telling about himself. "We know you are a mage, and we know you like all kinds of magic stuff. Just hurry up. I want to go get my head."
As Stel stands up and starts talking about himself, Ash thinks "Booooooooring, booooooooring. So you were a soldier. Who cares? You guys keep this up I'm never going to get my head.
When a girl stands up Ash thinks "Oh no, not you too lady." And as the girl starts to talk Ash mumbles to herself as she stares hard at the girl. "No,no, no, there is no way you are going to be the group's protector, lady, and it is not going to be your job to keep us safe. That's Mr. Knight's job and you're not just going to walk in and take it away from him. So stop being so arrogant and playing Miss Important. You're not any better than the rest of us, so stop assuming that you are." As the girl looks at the group dangerously, threateningly Ash says softly to herself "And don't you dare look at me that way. I'll be a bully if I want too and you won't stop me. You're not my boss."
Ash watches Mao closely and wonders what she is telling Mel. "Was Mel really as nervous as she seemed? Was she afraid of Zu? Was she afraid they might stick her in a tube? "Maybe Mao was just trying to calm her down, letting her know that she would protect her and not let anybody hurt her. Would Mr. Knight be able to convince Mao to tell the group about herself. She sure hadn't told much before now." A mischievous smile crosses Ash's face as she wonders why Mao had been so quiet about herself. "Hmmmm, maybe she is a people killer and that's why she hasn't said anything and she is just waiting for the perfect time to kill us all off. Or maybe she is one of them and she is going to slip us all poison at just the right time. Or maybe she is going to drug us all so they can put us back in those sleeping containers. Or maybe she is in love with Mr. Knight and is afraid if she says anything he will find out." Ash lets out a soft giggle to herself."
Then when Zumir starts talking to Melissa, Ash thinks "Oooooooooo, Zu is on the warpath. Better watch out Mel, or I might be able to collect your head if Zu decides to whack it off with Cloudbreaker. She grins and watches them more closely. Oh great, Mr. Knight. Leave them alone or Zu might chopped your head off along with Mel's." Then a hint of a smile crosses her face. "Hmmmmmm," she thinks "then I could collect me 2 heads." And she giggle softly.
Getting completely bored with all this talk and since nothing really happened between Zu and Melissa with Mr. Knight butting in, Ash looks over at Homm and whispers but not so quietly "Psssst, pssssst, Homm, Homm." And as he looks around at her she asks in a loud whisper "Do you want to go head hunting with me when this stupid ol' meeting is over? I just gotta find me a head and I could use your help. Maybe we could even find you one too if you want."
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Post by LaFille on Aug 9, 2006 4:14:30 GMT
Mao notices the silent communication between Melissa and Zumir. She gets more alert, ready to intervene but takes care to keep a calm and reassuring look.
When Zumir talks about their situation, being trapped by those in charge of this place, her stomach squirms as much to the pain of being reminded what she tries to forget to remain functional as to the apprehension of the confrontation that she feels coming between him and Melissa. When the woman steps behind her, Mao remains as she was, taking care to keep giving an impression of calm and self control. She nods to the djinn, understanding his frustration but determinated to remain an impression of protection to Melissa, an anchor, so futile as it would prove in practice. But she knows too well about body language not to deny how powerful a mean it could be.
However, a real effort is demanded on her part to remain cool-looking when Zumir mentions Melissa, his tone becoming menacing, as well as during the exchange that follows, but she does her best to hold her ground and repress her stress. She recognizes Melissa's efforts on herself to face the djinn and feeling the woman taking ground on her gives Mao a familiar drive of strenght, self-confidence as the adrenaline flows thhough her veins. It's with relief that she feels the tension lower between the two, but she remains all senses in alert.
Ash whispering something about getting a "head" intrigues Mao, but she doesn't care for the moment, her priority being on the current confrontations. As Rasidar opens the door for others to speak, she takes the opportunity to try to drive the attention elsewhere and ease the atmosphere.
“For those who don't know me yet, I’m Mao,” she begins slowly, observing all around but keeping some attention on Melissa and Zumir. “I’m... was what you would maybe know as a land guard. I used to work as rescuer, guide, sentinel in and of the wild, things like that...I had still much to learn, but I have some talents in healing, alchemy, and things related to the life in the great outdoors.”
She pauses and looks at Rasidar. “Our origins and what happened to us is information that could be dangerous if it came to be known... Especially yours.” she adds, frowning slightly. “It would be wise to be careful on that matter.”
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Post by janggut on Aug 9, 2006 4:29:49 GMT
Ash
(Shan, can i disregard the part where u have Homm looks around at Ash? if i can, then the following is my response)
********* bzzzzz bzzzzzz wommm wommmm
the sounds then are followed by what it seems like flies buzzing near his right ear.
Homm with his eyes closed feels very agitated & waves his left hand near his right ear to chase away what he thinks are buzzing flies. he is leaning on the wall, & trying to catch what little nap that he can.
he scratches his right cheek & folds his arms back in front, on his chest. his eyes are still closed. he smacks his lips loudly a few times as his consciousness starts to sink back into the abyss.
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Post by Shan on Aug 9, 2006 4:42:56 GMT
*Note to Jags. You can ignore anything that I assume if you want. I think it would be in perfect character for Homm to do so. ;D *
After getting no response from Homm, Ash still keeping her legs pulled up in front of her, reaches down, takes her provision pouch, opens it and takes out a strip. She tears it into pieces and starts throwing the pieces at Homm trying to get his attention.
"A fine time to go to sleep," she thinks. "Just when I had important stuff to ask him."
She then throws several more pieces of food directly at his head.
Ash also notices that Ced has his eyes shut, so she throws some food at him too. Then turns quickly back to Homm looking as innocent as can be in case Ced should open his eyes.
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