New Cycle of Existence book

[Elune]

http://www.walkerboyz.com/ethromancyfordummies-1a.jpg

[Christopher Ashe]

It's simple:
1) Armor party against all feasible forms of attack.
2) Create a Razor
3) Make razor listen to David Hasselhoff records for 24 hours, watch Blood & Chocolate 15 times, and listen to The Great Gatsby for 13 hours straight
4) Kill a puppy in front of razor
5) Unleash razor

With these five simple steps, you have replicated, for a feasible CP cost, the effect of Essence rank 7.

Cheers,

Ashe

[DarkSpy87]

Would there be a planet left after that?

[Christopher Ashe]

I doubt it...therefore I recommend planning for the ability to retreat to Zaira beforehand.

[ThePainter]

I doubt it...therefore I recommend planning for the ability to retreat to Zaira beforehand.

Actually, this raises an interesting question, specifically, what happens to the Zairan mirror-image world when the original (i.e. our) world is consumed by the Dark?

This is not actually an idle question, as our game is approaching an apocalyptic point where the minions of the Dark will be attempting to summon Narsheakh Mal-Khannan through to our world, and thus kick-start the apocalypse! If, despite the heroic efforts of out noble champions :), the minions of the Dark do succeed in successfully summoning Narsheakh Mal-Khannan, the PCs may have the option of retreating to the world's Zairan mirror reflection (as they control a crossing point). This however does raise the question of exactly what occurs to the Zairan mirror reflection of our world, if our world is destroyed by the Dark?

In short, my question is, once the original (i.e. our) world is consumed by the Dark, what happens to its Zairan reflection:

does it continued unaltered?
does it gradually fall apart over time?
does it continue to exist, but take on a darker tone, becoming easier for the Dark to infiltrate?
is it destroyed outright?
or does it suffer some other fate?


Your post (above) does, of course, imply that that the Zairan world does indeed continue to exist is some shape, manner or form!

Of course, the question is moot, as our heroes will not allow that fate to befall our world ... will they? :)

[Christopher Ashe]

Well, there were many influences that went into the concept of Zaira - from the ancient "Otherworld" to the Mid-World of The Dark Tower and the Territories of The Talisman and Black House (which were actually different faces of the worlds of the Dark Tower). I have a tendency to feel that the mirror-side of Zaira will reflect the nature of the world it lies in closest proximity to. Only the Upper Kingdoms of Zaira are truly Zairan themselves. Everything else is considered either "Near Zaira," "Far Zaira," or the Wildlands/Outlands. I would be inclined to think that, should our world be overtaken and destroyed, then the mirror of Zaira would rapidly fall into waste and decay - so you may have an entirely new chronicle of escape from the Overworld to the Upper Kingdoms or another, completely different part of Zaira. A dangerous route would be to attempt to traverse Yuria, the Underworld, which in my design is completely unaffected by such changes, but is about the most dangerous place one can go (even the stronger agents of the Dark can never get far into Yuria, luckily).

I should note, of course, that this is your campaign and I would advise going with what works the best for your story. ;)

[ThePainter]

Cheers! Thanks for the input; it certainly gives me something to think about, and a basic idea of what your intent was when you created the meta-physics of the game.

I won't say exactly what I've decided will happen to the Zairan-mirror world if the PCs fail to save ours; as they may yet need to retreat there, and I don't want to spoil a potential surprise ... the PCs have been known to read the forum :) Hopefully, as I said in my last post, a retreat to the other side will not however be necessary, as the PCs will not allow our world to be lost! They have made plans... :) The trouble is, the Dark have made their plans too :(

I must admit to not having read any great numbers of 'horror' stories, as I'm not really a fan of the genre (I'm sure I'm missing quite a bit as it's a large and diverse field!). On the other hand, I do read quite a few science fiction/fantasy stories and so the concept of parallel/reflection worlds is one that I'm quite familiar with.

The PCs have already been through to the other side and have encountered a pseudo-medieval valley (where the crossing point is located), but have not really explored; at least not as yet. I don't think that I'll be giving too much away by saying that things are not always as simple as they seem, and that the PCs could be in for a few surprises once they do start interacting with the immediate area and the larger (Zairan-reflection) world. I had also noted the difference between "Near Zaira" et al (the world reflections etc.) and "The Upper Kingdoms" (i.e. Sorgan), but that's a distinction that the PCs have yet to learn.

Once again, thanks for the input!

[Christopher Ashe]

I would recommend reading King's Dark Tower series or The Talisman and its sequel Black House - while there may be some horror elements to these books, they lean far more into fantasy than horror. Great reads at that as well.

Just a recommendation if you haven't read it (though, being Englishmen you probably all have) you should also definitely read Spenser's The Fairy Queene - amazing work of fantasy. When it comes to literature, Britain has some of the best out there.

[ThePainter]

Thanks for the recommendations; I'll put them on my reading list.

Actually, I knew that the Dark Tower series wasn't really overt horror. In reality, my reluctance to read the series was mere prejudice, based almost solely around my perception of Stephen King as a horror author. Unfair to the genre (and Stephen King) I know, but there you go!

Actually, I've often seen the Dark Tower books in the shops and I've even thought that they looked potentially interesting, but as I have so much waiting to be read that they've remained low on my list of potential acquisitions. In light of your recommendation however, I'll have to reconsider. That said, the rate at which I'm managing to get through books at the moment suggests that it may be a while before I manage to read them, but I will try.

I am not however familiar with The Talisman/Black House books, but I'll look at them. As for The Fairy Queene, well, you're right, I have read it, but it was a long time ago and my memory of it is quite hazy, so maybe it could stand to be re-read; it was an excellent fable!

Ah well, more books to read in the same amount of extremely limited time :)

Now, unfortunately, I have another question for you; specifically, one of the players has decided (voluntarily) to become a Lilim, and I need to decide how that will change her personality and group orientation! I have my own ideas on this subject, but any suggestions would be appreciated; although it may be an idea to make some (the more Dark orientated!) of the suggestions via the forum's Private Message system, as I want to keep the other characters guessing as to whether they can trust the new Lilim or not. Regrettably, the players know about the change, although their characters do not (so keeping the change to Lilim status is a possibility).

On the other hand, please don't feel obliged to make any suggestions, as I said, I do have my own ideas!

Thanks once again for the reading suggestions :)

[Scarlet]

[QUOTE=ThePainter;1264]Thanks for the recommendations; I'll put them on my reading list.

Actually, I knew that the Dark Tower series wasn't really overt horror. In reality, my reluctance to read the series was mere prejudice, based almost solely around my perception of Stephen King as a horror author. Unfair to the genre (and Stephen King) I know, but there you go!

Now, unfortunately, I have another question for you; specifically, one of the players has decided (voluntarily) to become a Lilim, and I need to decide how that will change her personality and group orientation! I have my own ideas on this subject, but any suggestions would be appreciated; although it may be an idea to make some (the more Dark orientated!) of the suggestions via the forum's Private Message system, as I want to keep the other characters guessing as to whether they can trust the new Lilim or not. Regrettably, the players know about the change, although their characters do not (so keeping the change to Lilim status is a possibility).

QUOTE]

You should read the Dark Tower books have read a couple and they are a good read but as l said l like horror book anyway.

I don't think it is a bad thing to become a lilim quiet exciting something different and there is reasons behind it. As l said in our last privite message l wanted to do it anyway but had thouht about and if the other players had done serton thing, thing would have turned out different but will explain that later.:p

[ThePainter]

I never said that it was a bad thing/decision: for Lunnie! :) It just makes for certain changes and has certain implications! For example, you yourself pointed out that the others (i.e. Jay/Elune) would trust Sebastian even less if they ever found out that he was a Lilim; they are creatures of the Dark after all, even if some of them appear to possess a degree of latitude in their actions. So, think about how they will react upon finding out that one of their own (i.e. Lunnie) has become one ... kill first, ask questions later?

Actually, the main concerns that I have are more along the lines of how the change is going to affect Lunnie on a personal level:

is she still Lunnie, or does she acquire a new personality?
does she become evil?
does she still care for her old friends and allegiances, or does she acquire a totally new set of priorities?
can she control her new hunger (for blood, death and mayhem)?
will she want to control her new hunger (for blood, death and mayhem)?
will she turn on her friends?
will she serve the Dark (she does after all see Leviathan ... or rather Leviathan sees her, and no one is the same after that)?

It's the personal changes that concern me and whether Lilim-Lunnie can conceal, or would even want to conceal the changes!

All right, all right, I'll read the Dark Tower series ... do you have them?

PS: And yes, I do know that you're not doing this as a spur of the moment thing. :)

[Elune]

Actually, the main concerns that I have are more along the lines of how the change is going to affect Lunnie on a personal level:

is she still Lunnie, or does she acquire a new personality?
One more to add to the several she already has ...
does she become evil?
She already is.
does she still care for her old friends and allegiances, or does she acquire a totally new set of priorities?
I think you know the answer to this...
can she control her new hunger (for blood, death and mayhem)?
No. (Does she want to?)
will she want to control her new hunger (for blood, death and mayhem)?
No.
will she turn on her friends?
Does she have any? :p
will she serve the Dark (she does after all see Leviathan ... or rather Leviathan sees her, and no one is the same after that)?
You know the answer to this one too...

It's the personal changes that concern me and whether Lilim-Lunnie can conceal, or would even want to conceal the changes!

[ThePainter]

[See above - last post]
How to make enemies and alienate people … the Elune way :p

[Elune]

http://www.walkerboyz.com/elune-poster2.jpg

[Scarlet]

I never said that it was a bad thing/decision: for Lunnie! :) It just makes for certain changes and has certain implications! For example, you yourself pointed out that the others (i.e. Jay/Elune) would trust Sebastian even less if they ever found out that he was a Lilim; they are creatures of the Dark after all, even if some of them appear to possess a degree of latitude in their actions. So, think about how they will react upon finding out that one of their own (i.e. Lunnie) has become one ... kill first, ask questions later?
THATS ONLY WHEN KENERISON FINDS OUT! JOKEING A SIDE THINK THEY WILL REACT BADLY BUT THINK IF THEY REALLY CARE FOR LUNNIE THEY WILL UNDERSTAND.
Actually, the main concerns that I have are more along the lines of how the change is going to affect Lunnie on a personal level:

is she still Lunnie, or does she acquire a new personality?
AS ELUE SAID WHATS ONE MORE THAN SHE ALREADY HAS
does she become evil?
LUNNIE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A SHADE OF GREY SO HOPEING THAT CAN CONTINUE
does she still care for her old friends and allegiances, or does she acquire a totally new set of priorities?
PROBERLY HOPE TO STILL WANT TO CONTINUE TO FIND PARENTS KILLERS
can she control her new hunger (for blood, death and mayhem)?
DON'T KNOW
will she want to control her new hunger (for blood, death and mayhem)?
will she turn on her friends?
THIS IS THE HOLE REASON SHE HAS DONE THIS TO PROTECT THEM
will she serve the Dark (she does after all see Leviathan ... or rather Leviathan sees her, and no one is the same after that)?
AFTER LUNNIE'S REACTION TO WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GIRL THINKS SHE WOULD KILL HERSELF FIRST

It's the personal changes that concern me and whether Lilim-Lunnie can conceal, or would even want to conceal the changes!

All right, all right, I'll read the Dark Tower series ... do you have them?
THINK I'VE GOT THEM SOMEWHERE WILL HAVE A LOOK

PS: And yes, I do know that you're not doing this as a spur of the moment thing. :)

IF ELUNE/JAY HAD REACTED ON THE WAY LUNNIE ATTACKED MARY THINGS WOULD HAVE GONE DIFFERENT.

[Scarlet]

Painter you got a message!

[sykes]

hmm.. Painter im suprised ur not dead Character bashing and player Bashing in one foul swoop
hahaha well hmm ... im just suprised

[ThePainter]

hmm.. Painter im suprised ur not dead Character bashing and player Bashing in one foul swoop
hahaha well hmm ... im just suprised

What! I never do anything nasty to my players! I'm all sweetness and light ... honest! Don't believe the lies that Lunnie and Elune tell you! I'm nice. Mutter, mutter, groan, grouse, sazzing, frazzing, razzing, Dick Dastardly... Damn players; who needs them! :)

[sykes]

Elune She may look cute and innocent but is she really ???
THE WORLD MAY NEVER KNOW!!



/ducks head from any thrown or fired projectiles in my general area

[Scarlet]

Elune She may look cute and innocent but is she really ???
THE WORLD MAY NEVER KNOW!!




In one word no!:p

[ThePainter]

And you can take Lunnie's word; because she's not prejudiced in any way ... is she? :p