The First (IC) (d20/3.x D&D)

Arkhandus · 15th October 2009, 03:34 PM

You are the First Generation to walk the new world.

It is the dawn of time for this plane, the dawn of the 8th day of your lives, and mere weeks or months since simple plants and animals were first placed on this world. The gods of the new world have placed you here, though many of you aren't even aware of the gods at all, while the rest have only a faint recognition of what god created them. Most of you have some idea of what purpose your life was made for, but all feel that at least you were created for some reason, even if you aren't all certain what that reason is.

It is springtime, you are aware of that much. Plants are growing and bearing fruit all around you, though you know not all of it is safe to eat (exactly which ones aren't safe is another matter...). Animals are everywhere in the wilderness, all emerged from their winter burrows or other nesting places and foraging or hunting for food. Some of you have the skills to be the hunters, or at least forage safely, while others must rely on the supplies left to them by their creators and whatever the rest of the group provides.

The winter snows have melted away by this point, and the climate is temperate. Clouds can be seen gathering to the south today, high over the sea. A lone sun shines golden in the sky by day, and a pale blue moon crosses the sky by night against a backdrop of stars and inky darkness.

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The world is a strange and dangerous place to you, but also rather exciting. You've avoided being eaten by wolves or butchered by a crazed orc. You have a whole world to explore and only a handful of people to share it with as far as you can tell. Eleven people gathered in the makeshift camp you've made, along the banks of a shallow section in the stream flowing south to the sea, the beach a few miles away from here.

Surrounding you is forest, a large woodland of deciduous plants like oak, willow, maple, birch, and elm trees, as well as periwinkle, honeysuckle, lavender, manzanita, and other shrubs. South along the coastline is a bamboo thicket, especially to the southwest, interspersed with copses of teak trees and other plants that aren't found near your camp. You've seen or heard wolves, monkeys, rodents, snakes, deer, boars, birds, fish, and various insects so far. There are a scarce few clearings in the forest, but none near the stream, and a few of you have seen caves and hills to the north, northeast, or northwest.

Your camp is a collection of tents and lean-tos on the eastern and western banks of the stream, which is shallow enough here for even Elldar the gnome to wade across roughly knee-deep. Theris Blackhammer, the female dwarf and premier craftswoman of the camp, helped Angrboda set up a simple fence two days ago for her animals, and a very basic, cage-like pen for the chickens at night. Everyone has their own corner of the camp, though some have chosen to keep their tents or lean-tos close to each other for safety or companionship.

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Seshani's tent and Tianulien's hammock are arranged next to Theris' lean-to shelter, near the western bank of the stream and at the southwest corner of camp. Jaegar set up his tent close to Angrboda's, the northwestern corner of camp. Pyre has rested, when he has nothing better to do, in a 10-foot-wide area that the group has cleared of plants, at the northeast corner of camp and furthest from the stream.

The rest of the men in camp (Elldar, Falryn, Forge, Kaznak) have set up their places around the eastern and southeastern corners of the camp. Metliz has rested, well, wherever she prefers. Theris' portable forge and other materials are at the middle of camp by the west bank, and Angrboda's fence is a bit further west of that work area.

Since Tianulien and Falryn require little rest, they tend to serve night-watch duties (alternating the past two nights, with one on patrol as the other 'trances'), while Pyre maintains a vigil over most of the camp's eastern side at night. These arrangements, of course, have only been in place for a few days.

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Metliz and Tianulien were the first to make camp near here, a few days ago, after meeting each other and hearing wolves active nearby. They moved downstream a few miles and set up camp here, and the rest of the group trickled in. Forge stumbled upon their camp and managed to garner enough trust to be allowed to stick around, offering greater protection from the wolves. His paladin nature lent him an attitude and presence that just seemed more trustworthy than most.

They were joined a while later by Seshani, Jaegar, and Pyre, the latter two of which had been found by Seshani while wandering the woods. Seshani convinced the three at camp to let the others stay nearby for mutual protection and perhaps mutual aid. It didn't hurt that Seshani knew how to forage and find safe, edible plants for the people at camp.

Theris Blackhammer discovered the camp a bit later, and made herself part of the group without asking the others' consent or opinion, but soon proved her worth as a craftswoman, though not unti after she dragged Jaegar off to help fetch her crafting supplies. Elldar joined the camp later that day, having slipped away from the wolves a day or two prior and then wandering until he found this group.

Falryn was found in the wilderness by Seshani the next day, and brought to the camp. Tianulien has behaved a bit oddly around him, pleased to meet him at first and then alternating between aloof and trying to teach him how to sing or dance. A wolf tried to snatch Elldar away that night while he slept, but Falryn and Tienulien drove it off before it could cause the gnome much harm. After some basic treatments and some rest, Elldar has recovered from the light injury on his left leg.

Angrboda discovered the camp, partly due to Seshani's wanderings, and became part of the group the day after the near-gnome-snatching. The same day, Theris and Jaegar returned with supplies, and Theris began forging items and crafting a fence with Angrboda and a bit of help from Tianulien. Jaegar and Angrboda seemed to get along well shortly after meeting, at least so far.

An orc ran through camp on the sixth night since everyone's birth, waving a greataxe around and frothing at the mouth, but was driven off by Falryn, Forge, and Pyre before he could do any real damage. Kaznak the dwarf was found by Seshani on the seventh day and brought to the camp, receiving little recognition from Theris or the others so far, besides Seshani who talks to everyone.

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It is now the dawn of the 8th morning of your lives. Seshani scrounges up some apples, assorted berries, and rabbits for the group's breakfast.

OOC

Willette · 15th October 2009, 05:03 PM

"Done!" yells Elldar. He rises from the shade of the oak tree and walks towards the centre of the camp holding aloft what appears to be a helm with a small miners lamp on the front. Finding it meets his expectations he slides it on his head and straps the power pack to his back over his armor.

"I guess now I know what that fellow in my head was talking about when he mentioned 'true skills'. Not to shabby if I don't say so myself! This aught to come in handy if another pesky wolf comes calling for dinner."

And that he taps a small button on the side of the helm, sending forth a blinding flash of light from the lamp.

"1 down and 9 to go! Now if only I could figure out how to get that gauntlet working... I intend to give the next orc that wanders our way a very unwelcoming handshake."

HolyMan · 15th October 2009, 05:14 PM

Placeholder/subsrcibing

ooc

rangerjohn · 15th October 2009, 05:18 PM

Falryn seeing the impressive lamp, asks, "do you know magic as well?", with fascination. "Or is that a skill like smithing?"

Voda Vosa · 15th October 2009, 05:34 PM

Metliz was wondering around the camp, as usual. Tianulien has been behaving odd since the other elf arrived, and the young woman thought to know why. There was something about the pair that she knew about. It was like the primordial elements, she thought, repealing each other, but needing each other to exist. Something like Forge. Anyhow, she didn't pay much attention to that, Matliz had another things, more important to do, like bothering the dwarf woman, poking her in the back when she was concentrated, of looking at the giants. They are so big! Awe ruled Metliz actions, she wanders arround looking for something interesting to see, learn, do...
She also made fun sending currents of wind everywhere, playing with the grass and the water.
Everything was so much fun now there was so much people around! Although that orc surely frightened her. Lucky she was surrounded by giants and other strong beings.

But now she was hungry, and the fruits collected by Seshani sure looked tasty! She sprinted toward the meal with big hungry eyes, but something blinded her as she ran. The gnome's head was shining! Uh he's head's on fire! She though. Trying to save the gnome, she took a rough broom, which she crafted carefully, and pursed the poor Elldar with it. "Stop running! I'm trying to save you!"

Theroc · 15th October 2009, 05:58 PM

Pyre had joined the camp due to Seshani's urgings, though he did not feel he belonged with this group. Or at least, he was noticing more differences than similarities, and found it difficult to find common ground. For example, he did not need light for the most part, and if he needed it, he could simply make himself as bright as a lamp. He did not have any need for sleeping, and food and water were both unnecessary, the latter even a danger to him. He was, therefore, grateful that his location in the camp was far from the river.

The group could often see him practicing his fighting skills, swinging one of his few weapons about, or practicing throwing his shortspears, occasionally releasing a gout of flames from his body within his established 'zone'. He also occasionally watched the smith forging weapons. In fact, occasionally when the flame sputtered while the Dwarven woman was fetching something or the like, he'd renew the flames with a small piece of the raging inferno within him.

All in all, it was a simple existence for Pyre, but he felt something was missing. After all, he was essentially sitting around doing nothing, rather than expanding his knowledge of the whole world around him, or bringing light to the darkness. Perhaps in a small way he was... but Pyre felt his impatience burning within, a desire to do everything more quickly, before his fires sputtered like those of the Dwarven woman's forge.

Dragonwriter · 15th October 2009, 06:00 PM

Kaznak, not quite feeling comfortable around here, carefully walks around the camp, in particular eyeing the portable forge. His hands feel drawn to it... But that would be very strange, considering he hasn't seen one before. Perhaps it's his unusual level of curiosity. He slowly makes his way towards the forge in a decreasing spiral.

When Metliz starts swinging a broom at the odd little gnome, Kaznak's face gets stuck in 'stupefied.' Slowly, he regains composure and shouts out, "What're you doin' that for? He ain't in no trouble!"

Willette · 15th October 2009, 08:02 PM

"No magic here, man. Just good ol fashioned elbow grease and a little technical know-how! Now if only I could figure out how I knew this know-how...", Elldar said with a smile. "Once we get properly set up with some supplies and a little free time i'd be glad to make you something if I get the chance. I have quite a few ideas in the works actually........"

Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately depending on his demeanor, for Falryn the gnome's technical ramblings are cut short as Metliz charges him with a broom screaming incoherently.

"Stop you big foolish woman he's on fire not me!", yells Elldar, while running and pointing at Pyre. "And what good would this do other than set that ragged broom aflame if I were?"

Voda Vosa · 15th October 2009, 10:13 PM

Confused, the woman continues the purse for a while. If the light on the gnome's head was not dangerous, running after him with the broom was quite funny. "Hm, if you say so." She adds simply with a shrug, and puts the broom away. The next thing that called her attention was he mentioning of Pyre being on fire. The deep comprehension of the elements in Metliz brain awaken suddenly. Without blinking she approaches him, staring directly into his eyes. "I'm curious about you. I want to know more." she states plainly.

GlassEye · 15th October 2009, 10:50 PM

Angrboda pops half an apple into her mouth and crunches the sweet fruit between her teeth as she watches the others. Jaeger is right, she thinks, they are like little children needing guidance and protection. Her hand unwittingly rests on her stomach where she hopes soon to grow children of her own and she looks around at the camp with a critical eye. Construction of the fence the previous day with Theris and Tianulien was an enlightening experience. Knowledge seemed to unfold in her mind during the process and now, looking about, she began to think of ways to build upon what they had begun.

She had tools; they were nearby when she Awoke but she would need stone. Maybe she would trek up into the hills today with Jaegar and look for some building materials or a site somewhat more defensible.

"That crazed orc worries me," begins Angrboda. "I think we need a home more defensible from those who would try to injure us." She looks about the camp and frowns. "And already our camp rests heavily upon the earth. It causes a disharmony that I can feel. I would like to scout out some of the nearby hills. Perhaps, someone would like to go with me."

Willette · 16th October 2009, 01:06 AM

"Agreed! I've been thinking about the topic recently and a cave, or a hill as you suggested, would do us well. I would also suggest we begin to fell some trees for the construction of some spike pit traps, a fence and maybe some camouflage if we plan to stay in the area." said Elldar. "These past few days I have been having strange visions of what seems to be a former life...days at the forges...buildings...strange devices...intricate sets of plans..."

As he speaks of this, Elldar's eyes grow hazy as if miles away.

"I'll come with you. I could use a jaunt through the forest and miss having the ability to wander the wilds. Maybe if I get tired I can ride your shoulders! Hahaha............juuuuuuuuuust kidding."

Arkhandus · 16th October 2009, 01:32 AM

Tianulien the elf-maiden laughs melodiously at Metliz chasing Elldar with the broom, trying to swat the 'fire' on his head to snuff it out. She sits in a tree branch, having climbed up earlier to watch the sunrise. Now she climbs down to pick out a few apples and berries from Seshani's foraging spoils.

Theris sits on her bedroll and munches on a few berries after setting the rabbits up on spits to cook over a small fire. The she-dwarf eyes Metliz and Elldar, considering if she should intervene.

OOC

Updating the first post after this to include some links and a copy of the roster. Links to the IC and OOC threads are now in my signature. I may get a simple map of the area posted, but not sure yet, since Geocities is closing and I can no longer add, remove, or edit files on my Geocities webpage. Have to figure out where to host my maps and other gaming-images in the future.

Remember, this campaign is going to be fairly significantly player-driven. I'll present NPCs, new locations, and situations from time to time. Among the starting NPCs, only Tianulien is especially likely to follow anywhere outside the camp for more than a few hours or few days; Theris and Jaegar are likely to spend most of the time around the camp and working on the fledgeling community and dwellings, though either might go along with the group to other places from time to time. Seshani will either hang around the largest group of people at any given time, follow the most interesting individuals, or just wander off and go searching for even more people.

Regardless, there will likely be someone remaining at the camp at most or all times, so if you ever need aid, supplies, or the like, you can probably find it at the camp, though you can't always count on getting the kind of help or supplies you need. Seshani will have harvested most of the edible flora and founa in the vicinity of the camp within a few weeks or months, depending on how many people she has to support; her Survival skill isn't very good, so she can only find food for a few people per day on average, and her Knowledge (Nature) skill isn't great enough to recognize everything that's safe to eat.

You will need to leave camp at some point, though it might help to return there on occasion even so. If Theris or Seshani get any kind of garden or mini-farm working (possibly with Angrboda's help at times), there might be a consistent, albeit small, food supply at the camp by autumn or next spring in-game. And Theris has all the skills needed to start building permanent structures, given enough time and raw materials. Even so, they might choose to relocate the camp further upstream someday, if you or someone else finds a better location.

Dragonwriter · 16th October 2009, 01:49 AM

Kaznak shakes his head, chuckling at Elldar. The odd little gnome just couldn't stop... However, what Angrboda said had merit. "I don't know what disharmony you're speaking about, but I do agree with finding a better place for a camp. This is too open. I'd gladly go wit' ya to have a look at the hills. Maybe find a cave..." The fire-breathing dwarf pauses, a puzzled look on his face. "For some reason, I really like the sound o' that. Anyways, if we can find us a decent cave, we could hole up there, have an easy defense and be able to leave whenever needed. Could also have the animals and such further back in the cave and take them out to feed during the day."

The dwarf pulls a small chunk of meat out of the sack at his side and starts nibbling it. He looks at it, a slightly unhappy look on his face. Then he smiles and blows a small bit of fire out on the meat, cooking it a little more thoroughly. He walks over in Angrboda's direction, asking between bites, "So when you wanna leave?"

Arkhandus · 16th October 2009, 02:41 AM

Jaegar nods, and the giant, a few inches taller than even Angrboda, rumbles out "I will go along. As long as a few remain behind to maintain the camp."

Theris finishes chewing on some raspberries and replies "I ain't movin' yet. Got t' fortify the place a bit."

Seshani adds "I'll be sticking around here for awhile. At least the general area. So I'll keep a lookout."

Tianulien nods, picking up a fresh apple from the pile and chipping in with "I still have to practice and figure out a few things. I'll be here when you get back," in her lilting voice. It's as if she can't say anything without half-singing it.

Theroc · 16th October 2009, 03:29 AM

Pyre watched perplexed at the antics between the human and the small gnome. At first he thought the woman lost her mind. Why was being on fire a concern. Oh... right... he was the only one with the tolerance for the heat, the others felt excruciating pain, rather akin to what he suspects he'd feel if he was exposed to water. As the human moved to approach him, staring directly into the violet flames from which he viewed the world.

"More? That is a rather indistinct direction... if am I am to bring light to your darkness, I must know where the light must be shed..." The fiery being said, looking back at the human with faint curiousity about the human's curiousity. It was rather sudden, that. She hadn't asked anything earlier when he'd joined the camp... then again, she did seem rather flighty. Perhaps her creator was not his. Possible. Not that any of them truly knew where they came from, yet. At least, Pyre didn't know of any who truly knew.

At the mention of scouting, Pyre turned his head, ready to volunteer as about three others did. Since only one was mentioned by Angrboda originally, Pyre decided sticking by the camp was prudent. After all, it wouldn't do for the camp to be attacked while they were searching for supplies or a more defensible location. "I will remain here and watch over the camp..."

GlassEye · 16th October 2009, 04:21 AM

Angrboda smiles, pleased at the response to her suggestion of scouting the area. "After we finish breakfast. I think a short foray to begin with would be good. At least until we learn the area more thoroughly." She looks around at those who drew closer to discuss plans and ends up looking at the strange fire-creature. "Thank you, Pyre, for volunteering to guard the camp and those who choose to remain here and work." Her eyes flick over to Tianulien briefly and she wonders what purpose such a creature might hold.

Shrugging it off as an idea to explore in her free time, if she should ever have free time, Angrboda returns to more immediate, practical concerns. "So, unless others choose to join us, that makes our scouting party four: Jaegar, myself, Kaznak, and Elldar." She nods, feeling this is a step towards fulfilling her purpose and pleased with it.

"Whenever you are ready, then." However, immediately upon finishing her last statement she begins to feel a building tension and she feels compelled to pause. Uncertainty crosses her broad face for a moment but then she straightens. "I am Angrboda, of the Hu-Charad. May the earth soften the steps of my companions as we set out and may she lead us to success in our search." Angrboda kneels and places both palms on bare dirt. Immediately the previous tension begins to fade away. She's not sure why it is so but it feels right. She stands, again. "Now I am ready."

Voda Vosa · 16th October 2009, 04:52 AM

"I wish to know more. That's my only interest so far. I don't mean any harm to you, of course." She smiled to the fire man with her eyes closed. "I feel a strange connection with... with this" Metliz waved her hand in front of Pyre, moving the air in front of his face. But there was something else, the air began to move violently, like two days ago, when the day was so windy that almost took down some of the tents. Although the manifestation ceased quickly and was local. The woman blinked repeatedly, as not fully aware of exactly how did she performed the strange feat.
"Well, I think we might share something similar in principle, although the nature of this might be different." she offers

Arkhandus · 16th October 2009, 08:11 AM

"How long will this foray be, Angrboda?" Jaegar asks, accepting his stronger-willed mate's leadership for the moment.

He removes the tools and sunrods from one of the sacks in his tent, as well as the sheathed swords at his belt, placing them near Theris' lean-to. Glancing at the tiny woman, he says "I trust you will look after my gear until we return, Theris Blackhammer. I wish to be prepared should I need to carry any fresh supplies back here, so I will travel light."

Jaegar gears up for the trip and hefts the now-lighter sack with his rope and grappling hook inside, slinging it over his left shoulder and taking up his halberd. He looks to Angrboda before deciding whether or not he should bring his tent and bedroll along.

GlassEye · 16th October 2009, 09:42 AM

Angrboda thinks a moment. "I'm not sure we should be gone too long this first time. Maybe we should be back before nightfall. What do you think?"

Arkhandus · 16th October 2009, 12:55 PM

"Hmmm. From what Theris Blackhammer, Seshani, and Tianulien Amarastaeia have mentioned before, in the days before you arrived, northward is just more forest for about two days' walk," Jaegar replies. "My short trek with Theris Blackhammer to retrieve her iron did not show me much of the north, but we had barely reached a small bump in the land, hardly even a hill, in that time. Two days' walk northward might take us to the edge of higher ground, but half a day will not." It's becoming rather noticeable that Jaegar always refers to others by their full name, a formality that he always seems to observe.

Tianulien chips in with "There are mountains to the north, but I'm not certain how far. Definitely a few days' journey at least, maybe longer. There aren't any tall trees around here for a good look, but I saw that much."