Sleeping Dragon

You know, empires have fallen over smaller amounts of sugar than that which is in sodas.

I know that even though I always end up playing, I'm not technically a regular player, but for what it's worth I will not be available Tuesday. Have fun, though. Hope you guys get enough players.

Hypotheses. Also, my next IC should be ready sometime this weekend.

I guess since this whole thing evolved out of SoT's topic, wherein both he and I mentioned that we wouldn't let our players die, I felt confident. I suppose that I shouldn't have assumed it would be the same for you, especially since your are the only one out of the three of us dealing with experienced RPers who should know better in the first place. Though I did think you'd give me points for trying to hat climb my way out, and was devastated when that plan didn't work. I've learned my lesson, though, and I'll be more careful next time for sure. I just hope that it doesn't make the game less funny and interesting in the long run.

You know, reading the log just isn't the same as being there live. There are some moments, like the pit scene, which only take a couple minutes to read, but I feel like we were stuck on that problem for, like, half an hour. I really was preparing to die at that point. Luckily I lived, so the day may yet come when John makes a successful bluff role.

I do have some John experience, so it works out. I'll try not to waste any of your precious hats.

As usual, my job does not allow my to predict my availability on weeknights. But if I do make it, I'd be happy to be an active spectator again.

Kayar’s Spire When the blindfolds were removed from Learned Fand and his fellow serviles, they were confronted by a woman sitting on a very old Shaper throne. The Doctors had gone to the extreme to ensure the Spire’s security, to the point where Fand wasn’t even very sure of where he was now. He knew that the person before him was one of great power, however, as she wore the robes of a Shaper with all the pride and aura of command that would be expected of one in her position. Fand broke the deafening silence, “Councilor Vidara, I presume?” Vidara’s expression did not change. Instead, she jotted down some words into the notebook she kept next to her throne. When she was finished, she spoke to Fand without looking up from them, “Proceed.” Fand was confused. Clearly, this meeting was going to be very different from the one he had with Artemis just a few days ago. He cleared his throat and began, “Um, I’m not sure how much you know about me and my people, but-“ “Fand. Servile. Mid-eighties, 120 centimeters. Self-appointed Councilor hailing from Drypeak Valley. Population: 80% servile. Status: primitive servile government. Military threat: negligible. Shaping threat: negligible. Strategic value: in deliberation. Is this an accurate description of you and your… people, servile?” Vidara looked up from her notes for a second. Fand gulped and scratched his head, “Uh, pretty much. I mean, I’m only 79. Politics hasn't aged me well I guess.” “Continue.” “Oh, yes. I’m actually here on behalf of the people of the Storm Plains. I wish to negotiate with you for the fate of the Arterials.” “You are authorized to do so?” “Please, just hear me out. What you are writing there anyway?” Vidara looked back to her notes. “A new creation idea.” Fand was a bit disappointed that he did not have the Councilor’s full attention, but he continued none-the-less. “You know, you’re right. What right does a servile have to interfere in human affairs? Sure, it is my dream to one day encourage humans and serviles to put aside their differences and work together, drakons too, even. But I can’t even begin to undertake this worthy endeavor. Do you know why?” Vidara did not answer, or even look up from her notes, which she continued to take. “The reason is simply that humans are too busy fighting each other. Just like the drakons did when they were in power.” Fand turned, speaking now to everyone in the chamber. “Strife between human and creation, or between drakon against servile, these are the signs of our times. If we wish to move forward, steps must be taken to remedy these ancient divides, yes. However, we can not move on to the next phase of our saga if humanity itself continues to fall backwards, making war with each other, holding back the development of all the species of the Tererestia! How can humans have peace with drakons and serviles if they are not even at peace with themselves? This conflict between the Doctors and Arterials must end, that we may face the even greater threats to both our peoples that the future will no doubt hold for us. The challenges we face evolve every day, and we must remain one step ahead if we wish to survive. You are all humans. You are like brothers and sisters. You should be working together to further your goals, together as one!” Fand’s fellow serviles applauded his little speech. Vidara looked up, but if she was at all moved by the speech, it did not show on her face. “You spoke of negotiation.” “Oh. Yes.” Fand grabbed some sealed envelopes from a nearby assistant. “Artemis herself is willing to compromise with you. I have here her proposals. Please take them under heavy consideration.” “I will forward them to the High Councilor immediately.” Vidara had a nearby servile take the papers from Fand. Fand frowned when he saw the mindless look in the servile’s eyes. “You may stay in the guests quarters until tomorrow, when we will discuss the future of your own lands.” Fand was a bit taken aback by this, “Uh, very well. If you wish.” With that, Fand and Krak Blade headed to their quarters to rest. Before the two friends headed to their separate rooms, Krak Blade was sure he heard Fand mumbling to himself, “I hope I’m doing the right then… how could I ever even know?” Illya Safehouse Learned Vess smiled at the huge mass of serviles that had made it to the Safehouse. Had the Rebellion even had this many supporters? How could it have? Were there even this many serviles back then? Oh, but they were a ragged bunch. They had lived under drakon rule for a century now, which meant that they were essentially living in anarchy, paying tribute to their overlords in exchange for not being decimated on a whim. They were left on their own, and were savage creatures now, most bearing the tattoos of their ancestors or at least a mad look in their eyes. It didn’t matter, they were exactly what Vess wanted. “My servile brothers and sisters!” She stood before them, a huge amulet around her neck catching the light in a way that immediately caught the attention of the gathered cultists. “For too long have serviles stood on the sidelines of history! We served the humans for countless millennia in exchange for safety, a safety denied to us when rebellion tore apart their ancient regime and brought down their lofty towers!” The gathered cultists cheered in remembrance of the Great Rebellion. “We then served the drakons in exchange for freedom, but it was a freedom marred by poverty and waste, until the very palace of the Conclave collapsed around their ears for lack of virtue to keep it standing proper!” The serviles booed at the mention of their drakon masters, who had brought them nothing but pain as long as they could remember. “Now, you are beset by foreign invaders, intent on giving you nothing at all in exchange for your expected obedience! They seek the secrets of the Shapers and drakons! Secrets used to enslave you and your ancestors since time immemorial! Will you stand for this?” The serviles shouted in the negative. Great, now they were all riled up. All Vess needed to do now was send them out to cause mayhem.

I really only played John during the sea monster battle, Rowen took over afterwards. I only threw the one hat at the dead sea monster (and tried to get it back before I had to leave). I thought you'd be pleased at how I denied Nioca/Cumulo of a hat when he asked for one to fight with (Ephesos actually edited out the part where I said he could have one, but then took it back when I realized he was the mage character and not a fighter, the roles did get confusing once in a while with people constantly switching them). It felt so mean, but I was totally in-character!

The RP was, of course, awesome. People were constantly having to leave and give their characters to spectators to control, but I think it actually made things more fun and convenient for all involved. The DMing was excellent, of course. I really want to DM my own game now and invite you guys to it, but I will wait until the Labyrinth RP is over first. See you all next session!

I imagine that in the end, no one faction will win, but a coalition will emerge victorious. That's why in my next post, Councilor Fand will be meeting with the Doctors, and Councilor Vess with the Sholai envoy. Spoilers from my latest post: Click to reveal.. It will probably be a while before either Fand or Vess discover that the entire rest of the Confederate Council has been destroyed. The nice thing about Confederacies is that they are not so reliant on a central government, consider Drypeak under the control of regional servile governors now, with just Fand and Vess speaking for them overall, much like how it's been the whole time, I guess.

Drypeak City: “I shouldn’t be having this meeting, it’s a direct violation of jurisdiction. Learned Fand specifically created the Councilorship of Statecraft for precisely such matters!” Councilor Tamman protested as his assistants guided the ancient servile to the Council Chamber. The aged Councilor adjusted his robes and straitened his beard. He wasn’t sure what the protocol for accepting foreign dignitaries was. Guardian Dak met with no resistance whatsoever entering Drypeak, and the same held true for the region’s capital, Drypeak City. They were met instead with baffled views from the local serviles when they gazed in awe at Ember as Dak and his entourage made their way through the city, towards the domed Council Chamber at its center. The doors to the Council Chamber opened and the guardian triumphantly strolled in. Councilor Tamman stood with another 30 or so of the servile Council standing behind him in their usually places around the huge table that dominated the room. Tamman’s eyes widened as Ember entered the room behind Dak. A huge, blue, winged reptilian creature, Ember had to get down on all fours to enter the Council Chamber. Even though the door was built extra large to accommodate a drakon should Warmaster Sahz ever decide to grace the Chamber with his presence, Ember was at least twice as big as the average drakon. This massive, alien creature caused Tamman to stutter as he spoke. “We’re Councilor… er, that is, I’m Councilor Tamman, I council… er, I, uh… Councilor of Infrastructure. I… uh… the roads…” Dak let out a roar of laughter that echoed in the huge Chamber. He noted that the Council’s only security was two puny servile guards with shoddy swords standing at the main doorway. He looked down at Councilor Tamman, summoning up all the authority he could muster, “Get me something to drink, servile.” “Sure thing, what would you like?” Tamman turned to get the Shaper something to drink, but was met with the angry stares of the other Councilors in the room. Tamman was old, and sometimes he regressed back towards servility. He was a bit embarrassed as he turned back to face Dak, “Oh, well, that wasn’t very nice. My colleges would probably say downright rude-“ “Silence!” Dak cut Tamman off, then turned to Ember, who waited patiently for orders form the guardian. “Ember, these creations here are rogues. They work with the ones that attacked us in Illya. Do with them what the Shapers do with all rogue creations.” Tamman lifted a finger and protested, “Hey, I’m not sure what your talking about, but when Learned Fand returns I’m sure we can sort this mess-“ Before he could finish his sentence, the tiny servile was crushed under a single massive claw of the cryoember. The other servile Councilors all began immediately running in different direction and screaming at the top of their high-pitched lungs. There was only the one exit, designed to lock the Councilors in during a debate to encourage compromise, but now those same features had doomed them. Dak vaporized the two guards at the door with a flick of his finger and spoke one last command to Ember before he left the building, “Burn it to the ground when you’re finished. The blasphemy of a servile government must always be met with flame. Take your time. Catch up to us when you’re finished.” The Drypeak-Illya Border Dak and his entourage were surprised to find that the City had been mostly abandoned as serviles fled for the hills upon seeing their seat of government go up in a pillar of fire. He laughed at the situation, only regretting that Lord Spddn hadn’t just conquered this land when he came through here the first time. At least his lord would be pleased with what he accomplished here today. Dak ordered his troops to stop in the narrow pass that connected Drypeak to Illya. Something was wrong. He could sense creations nearby, but he could not see them. Suddenly, two thorns struck the guardian in the chest. He stumbled back and yelled a single word, “Ambush!” His troops rushed to confront the attackers, but they were unable to see them in all the brush. A few more troops fell to javelins and thorns. One of them yelled to retreat. Dak was angered by this command, but when he tried to yell to stop them, he was struck by two more thorns from behind. The guardian fell to his knees. The thorns were poisoned. He shook his head as his troops fled the pass, leaving him alone there. Still, he held his head high, “Come out and fight me! Cowards!” Serviles emerged from the cliff tops and brush when they realized the guardian was incapacitated. They slowly approached him, perhaps hoping to take him alive. Dak would have none of that. Power blasted from his fingertips as he incinerated the serviles nearest to him. Additional thorns as well as three javelins nailed him in the chest and abdomen. Covered in his own blood he let out a deafening war cry before finally expiring, collapsing in a huge metallic heap on the ground. The serviles danced in celebration of this victory, momentarily forgetting the terrible tragedy that had happened back at the city. Their celebration was short lived, however, as the huge, winged Ember was soon spotted flying down the path leading from the city towards them. The serviles immediately scattered back into the wilderness. Ember landed, roaring in anger as he spotted his fallen commander. He considered hunting down the serviles that were responsible. But his commander was dead, so he also considered running away and maybe moving into a local cave to hoard wealth for himself. These thoughts confused him, so instead of doing either of those things he immediately took to the air and headed back towards his master, Shaper Spddin.

Looks awesome. Wish I could participate, but my job rarely lets me know if I'm available for things like this more than a day or two in advance. Now I know I'm available, but since I guess it's too late to participate I suppose I'll just be spectating. See you all there!

Whew, made my IC post. Kind of long since I haven't been keeping up with you guys as well as I'd like to. If Goldenking or Artemis have any problems with my post, please let me know. Your characters made appearances in it. I hope you approve. It's kind of late at night now where I live, and I wanted to get this up before going to bed so I didn't PM you with it first like I normally would have.

At the Stormkeep: Learned Fand was still new to this whole diplomacy thing, but so was Artemis. The leader of the Arterials stood and thought for a second about the meeting she had just had. “Hmm, so does this mean we are allies now?” Fand thought as well, and then answered, “Yes, I suppose it does.” Artemis nearly leapt forward with joy and embraced the short, old servile, “That’s so great!” Fand gasped as the air was crushed out of him by the human's big hug, “Oof! Yes, uh, indeed.” The two sat back down, and Fand fell back into doing what he did best: talking. “With the turmoil that this land threatens to fall into, it is best that like-minded, benevolent leaders like ourselves stick together to avoid a greater conflict that would consume us all, as it did during the Great Rebellion all those years ago.” Fand’s serviles applauded this. Artemis nodded. “That’s all well and good. As long as the Drypeak Confederacy has no intention of spreading past its borders, we should get along just fine.” “Fand shook his head, “A land populated mostly by humans should be governed by humans, just as serviles govern Drypeak, a land populated by serviles. Each race has the undeniable right to govern itself if it is able to. Drypeak and the Stormplains are the same in that I believe we both share this conviction in our hearts.” More applause from Fand’s supporters. With that, they ended their meeting. Artemis did, after all, have a siege to deal with. The two faction leaders agreed to exchange ambassadors and, if possible, to support each other in battle. Krak Blade, who had remained silent during the negotiations, spoke to Learned Fand after the meeting adjourned, "Shall I order our troops to attack the Doctors alongside the Arterials?" Learned Fand looked to make sure no Arterials could hear their discussion, then spoke, "No. I do not wish us to get involved in this conflict just yet. I must try to negotiate with the Doctors first. We will see if we can mediate this war rather than immediately exacerbate it." Krak Blade was pleased by this response, “My friend, truly this is what you were meant to do with your life. With luck, great conflict like we have had in the past can be averted altogether.” Fand sighed and nodded his head, “Yes, a good day for Drypeak it seems. At least, I hope Learned Vess is having as good an experience in Illya as we are here.” Meanwhile in Dillame: After the servile finished pouring her mug of mead, Vess clinked glasses with the human nearest to her. She spoke, “Ha! Today the Shapers of old learn again the folly of attempting to oppress strong-hearted creations!” The human next to her spoke as well, a bit louder, though, “This great victory will mark the Sholai as a force to be reckoned with in Terrestia!” Vess’s mouth fell open. Immediately she reached for her sword and drew it. Her serviles all drew theirs, and all the Sholai had soon freed theirs from their sheaths. “Sholai! So, in our moments of weakness, you invade, thinking to take Terrestia for yourselves!” The large Sholai stood over Vess, looking down on her. “And if we were, what ever could serviles hope to do to stop us?” Anger flared in Vess’s eyes. Luckily, the Sholai before her was also a canister user, so neither’s temper completely overcame them. Soon enough, a man with the rank insignia of a general stepped into crowd, shouting orders, “Sheath your blades, all of you! Do you wish to completely tarnish our victory with mindless bloodshed? You, servile, I am General Whittaker. I appreciate your help in the battle against the Shapers, but I think you’ve worn out your welcome.” Vess’s rage was building up again. “My welcome? These aren’t your lands, Sholai! We’ve come here to liberate these people from the oppressive rule of… whoever… and you’re clearly here for conquest! We serviles will not let this insult stand!” Whittaker wished Kov hadn’t left in such a hurry. It was always difficult for someone like him to negotiate with someone who had clearly used many canisters in her lifetime. Still, the general looked around, noting his tactical advantage. The fortress was filled with his warriors, and this band of serviles wouldn’t last long if things turned ugly. “I apologize for insulting you. Everything else aside, we liberated this fortress from the drakons before you arrived. It belongs to us now.” Vess still had enough of her senses to know she was outgunned. This was not the time or place to start a fight. She motioned to her serviles to make for the exit. As she backed away from the General, she spoke. “You haven’t seen the last of us, Sholai. A hundred years ago, we threw off the yoke of humanity. Don’t think for a second that just because you don’t share our history that you couldn’t quickly become a footnote in it.” Illya Woods: Learned Vess soon met up with her basecamp, which consisted of the serviles of her entourage that were less capable of fighting. There, she was greeted by Councilor Tavian, another member of the Confederate Council that she had taken with her on this misadventure. After greeting her and before asking her how everything went, he commented: “Uh, madam, I don’t think you've been fighting alongside who you think you were.” “Thanks for the newsflash, genius.” Vess sat on the ground and folded her arms, “I knew I should have brought the Councilor of Intelligence with me on this mission. Now I’m stuck out in the woods, surrounded by hostile foreigners, with no one but the Councilor of Public Relations to watch my back. Great.” “So we're at war with the Sholai now?” “Pfff, no. Even if we got reinforcements from Drypeak, and there's no way we would, not after this debacle, we don’t have near the money to outfit our troops as well as these guys have. They are trained soldiers, with real… armor and stuff. We’re just a bunch of peasants and mages.” Tavian stroked his little servile-beard in thought, “We may be that, but the serviles in these lands are fighters. While you were away, I’ve been doing what I do best. I’ve been meeting with the locals, and though most are the savage cultists, they know that they are beset with human conquerors. Or, if they don’t quite get it yet, I’m more than confident I can convince them of this.” Vess smiled for a second, Tavian was good at inciting fear. It had been he whom convinced the provincial governors to give her her 'army' in the first place. Still, there were problems, “I like the way you think, Tavian, but even with an army of crazy cultist, even with the leadership of my fine mages here, they have shapers, and they seem to be getting canisters from somewhere as well.” Tavian’s lips curled, “There is another ally we may yet recruit. The cultists inform me that the drakon lords of this land are no friends to the Sholai. If we can find them, we could use the weight of Warmaster Sahz’s name to convince them to help us.” Vess stood up and prepared to move out, “If we can find them. Take half our forces and scour the land for information or local drakons we can get to join our forces. Tell all willing cultists to come join me to the southwest.” “What is to the southwest, Madam Learned?” “Hah, one advantage we have over the Sholai is our simple knowledge of history. The abandoned cave network once known as the Illya Safehouse lies to the southwest. It was from there that the Great Rebellion made it’s successful siege against the Shaper general in Dillame. If this… Whittaker… wishes to be my Alwan, I’m more than happy to repeat the events of the past with him. Move out!”

Back in Drypeak City, an older servile sitting at a desk was approached by a younger one. "Councilor Tamman, we've received envoys from a foreign army. They seek passage through our lands." "Why are you telling me this? I'm just the Councilor of Infrastructure." "I know, sir. You're in charge of roads, right? They want to use our roads, so I figured, you know..." "No. That's not how it works. At least I don't think that's how it works. Try asking Councilor Fand, he'll know what to do." "Learned Fand is no longer the Councilor of Justice. And we haven't picked anyone to replace him yet. And he's away in the Storm Plains currently." "What? Why doesn't anyone ever tell me these things? Uh, what about Councilor Vess? Did you try asking her?" "Vess is also away. Though I don't think this would be under her jurisdiction even if she were here. Hmm, should we form a committee?" "Maybe. Wait, no, this matter actually seems pretty important." "Should we go to Warmaster Sahz?" Councilor Tamman shivered at the thought, "Sweet creation no. Uhg, I don't know. Just let them through. If they cause any trouble, the provincial prefects can deal with it." "Very good, sir. I'll relay your message immediately."

Originally Posted By: Randomizer Jeff's problem is his beta testers are abnormal. Tell me about it. I'm a more casual player myself, how does one get to become a beta tester?

I decided that 'Drypeak Serviles' was kind of a boring name. We're the Drypeak Confederacy now. You know, for the next version of your map.

When Learned Fand finally arrived on the scene, Krak Blade debriefed him. “My friend, Learned Vess has assembled what can only be described as an army. She claims her intentions are to pacify the borders, but she clearly means to move into the surrounding territories.” “She can’t command an army, you’re the Councilor of the Sword, right?” Fand spoke as he looked over the serviles assembled. He realized quickly that nearly all of them were mages, and thus under Vess’s command, not Krak’s. There were a lot of mages in Drypeak, legends say it was here that the discovery was made that first allowed serviles to use magic. The duo was soon approached by Learned Vess herself. The arch-mage was decked out in her finest robes and carried an intimidating staff. “Councilor of Justice, you have come to see us off? How noble of you!” “No, Vess. You’re not going anywhere. What gives you the right to march without the approval of the Council?” Vess smiled as she answered, “I invoke Article 4 of the Compact of Confederacy.” Fand put his face in his hands when she said this. “In accordance with the Compact, each Province of the Confederacy of Drypeak reserves the right to raise it’s own army and choose its commander. All but the Southeastern Province have chosen to raise troops, and I have risen to command them. The Council has no jurisdiction here.” Vess was correct, this was legal according to their laws. Fand just couldn’t believe the Provinces would invoke Article 4. They must truly be scared with the fall of the Conclave, and Vess was surely nurturing that fear. Plus, since she was using mostly mages, even Councilor Krak Blade was unable to object. Fand fumbled with his words as he thought aloud, “You can’t do this… you…” He eventually thought of something, “Ah! You deal with foreign powers! If you intend to engage in diplomacy, I insist on acting as ambassador myself!” Vess rolled her eyes, “You go too far, Fand, your Councillorship has no right to claim more power, and the Confederacy has no precedence for dealing with foreign powers. No one was risen to claim Illya Province as of yet, so I will march there whether you like it or not. How about you form a committee or something to decide what to do with the Storm Plains?” Fand sneered, Vess was joking of course. Committees, though technically legal, have never accomplished much of anything historically. No, Fand would have to go to extreme measures to stop this war from happening, “I propose a Councillorship of Statecraft. I will divide my own power to accommodate the new position.” Krak Blade shook his head in disappointment, if only there was another way. Vess was most pleased with this development, “Very well. You divide your own power, and you get to decide what to do with the Storm Plains. Hopefully, you’ll have something worked out by the time I return, eh?” Vess mounted a Kyshakk drawn chariot and ordered her forces to march towards Illya. This left Fand to decide what to do with the Storm Plains. He quickly decided that he would assume the position of Councilor or Statecraft himself, leaving the Councillorship of Justice to one of his protégés. Along with a small entourage of warriors including Krak Blade himself, Fand set out for the land of the Arterials.

Ephesos said you need not heard of Labyrinth to play. Also, as long as he does it right, there should be no need for you to be familiar with D&D either. You should totally give it a try.

Oh, dear, now I'm offended. Drypeak Wastes? My serviles would not approve.

I did not see Emperor's new map (the link leads to nothing currently) but would it be too much to ask that Drypeak not be accessible from the seas? It is a valley, after all.

Originally Posted By: Ephesos The hypothetical encounter was an actual test Oh, you sorry, when you said you were bored, it made me think you just took time to write out a hypothetical encounter. It's awesome that you did a test run, who all did you do it with? I'll be free for large chunks of time this weekend if you wanna give it another run. Or of lots of people are free, we could do a straight up game.

Heh, funny stuff. Rather than make up a hypothetical encounter, though, why not beta test it with someone? Probably not a random person like I did with mine, unless you really want to. I'd volunteer. Or you could ask Nikki or Nemesis if you're working on this with them. It's really the best way to get a feel for it.

I would see that movie! Hmm, probably the best way to introduce the Geneforge world to a general audience would be to have the main character be a Sholai. That way, the world is completely alien to him as well as the audience, giving the writers more of an excuse to explain things. The hero could still gain powers through using canisters, and they would probably side with the serviles and turn on their former boss Trajkov in the end, after seeing how cruel the tools of the Shapers make people. I think Awakened would be the protagonist's main sect, after he betrays the Takers, who would just be pawns of Trajkov. The Obeyers would only appear briefly, mainly to showcase what sad creatures serviles are when still under Shaper influence. The final confrontation would probably be like in Geneforge 2, only instead of Eass using the geneforge, Trajkov does, and the hero (and probably a servile companion or two) has to take him down and destroy the geneforge. The feel-good moral of the story would be that even a geneforge'd superman can be defeated by unaltered serviles.