Lands of Dynasty; Out of Character Thread

[Cadogan Trahem]

This is the Out of Character thread for Out of Character stuff. :)

Once I get everything together I will post everything.

Chinese History;
After the quelling of the Yellow Turbans Uprising of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD), local warlords and tyrants sprung up everywhere in struggle for the control over the country. Among them, the military groups under Yuanshao and Caocao in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River stood out as the strongest. While to the south of the Yangtze River, Sunquan and Liubei occupied the eastern and western areas respectively. They stayed comparatively weaker in the first round of power struggle.

In 200 AD, Caocao declared war on Yuanshao. At Guandu in present Henan Province, the army of Caocao crushed the force of Yuanshao with lesser military strength. After Guandu Battle, Caocao annexed other minor forces in the north and unified the region north of the Yellow River. Thereafter, Caocao pushed his army across the river and launched assault on southern regimes.

Under the suggestion of Zhuge Liang, the advisor of Liubei, the forces of Liubei and Sunquan came to a united front against Caocao. They won an overwhelming victory in Chibi Battle (near present Puyin in Hubei Province). Since then, Caocao was warded back in the north. Liubei followed up the victory and seized present Chengdu City and west of present Hubei Province. And Sunquan strengthened his influence in the middle valley of the Yangtze River.

In 220 AD, Caopi, the son of Caocao, abandoned Emperor Xian of the Eastern Han Dynasty and proclaimed himself the emperor of Wei Kingdom, making Xuchang in Henan Province his capital city. The next year, Liubei was crowned in Chengdu, ruling the Kingdom of Shu. In 229 AD, Sunquan founded the Kingdom of Wu with capital at Jianye, present Nanjing City. Thus the confrontation of three rival powers came into being and China entered the period of the Three Kingdoms, the golden age of chivalry in history.

Although the wars continued during this period, each of the kingdoms highly concentrated on the reorganization of the government and the rebuilding of the social order and economy. In the kingdom of Wei, the rulers made outstanding achievements. After the reunification of the northern area, Caocao began the opening of the farmlands by soldiers and local people. He restricted the rights of big landlords and uprooted the abused privilege of eunuchs and members of the royal family. Moreover, he gave promotion to the able men from the middle and low class. In Shu, Zhuge Liang sought to build the kingdom stronger and set up good terms with southwestern minority people. While in the Wu Kingdom, seafaring was in the bloom.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Class Translations (http://www.online-role-playing.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album02&id=aae&op=modload&name=NS-Photo_Gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php) and PHB Weapon Translations (http://www.online-role-playing.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album02&id=aaf&op=modload&name=NS-Photo_Gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php) have been added. I will get right onto races, and regions now, and then history before we start doing character creation.

[Cadogan Trahem]

History (above) Updated, and I made the Map Smaller.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Races: By Region
Human: As PHB except;
- Wei
Favoured Class: Chanshi or Yi
Ride is always Class skill
Automatic Languages: Chinese
Bonus Languages: Japanese, Orc, Elven, Vanaran, Dwarven, Halfling

- Shu
Favoured Class: Chanshi or Wu Jen
Sense Motive is always Class skill
Automatic Languages: Chinese
Bonus Languages: Japanese, Indian, Orc, Elven, Vanaran, Halfling

- Wu
Favoured Class: No-Sheng or Chanshi
Intimidate is always Class skill
Automatic Languages: Chinese
Bonus Languages: Japanese, Indian, Orc, Elven, Vanaran, Halfling

- Mongol
Favoured Class: Yi or Tong Shu
Bluff Skill is always Class Skill
Automatic Languages: Chinese
Bonus Languages: Orc, Vanaran, Dwarven

- Indian
Favoured Class: Singh or Muni
Knowledge (War) is always Class Skill
Automatic Languages: Indian
Bonus Languages: Chinese, Elven, Vanaran, Dwarven, Halfling

- Japan
Favoured Class: Bushi, Samurai or Shugenja
Knowledge (War) is always Class Skill
Automatic Languages: Japanese
Bonus Languages: Chinese, Elven, Vanaran, Halfling

Nezumi As OA Book Except;
- Wu
No Change
Automatic Languages: Vanaran, Chinese
Bonus Languages: Japanese, Elven, Indian, Halfling

- Japan
No Change
Automatic Languages: Vanaran, Japanese
Bonus Languages: Chinese, Elven, Halfling


Half Orcs As PHB except
- Mongol
Favoured Class: Yi or Tong Shu
Automatic Languages: Orc, Chinese
Bonus Languages: Vanaran, Dwarven

- Wei
Favoured Class: Yi or Chanshi
Automatic Languages: Orc, Chinese
Bonus Languages: Japanese, Elven, Vanaran, Dwarven, Halfling

Dwarves As PHB except
- Mongol
No Change
Automatic Languages: Dwarven, Chinese
Bonus Languages: Orc, Vanaran

- Indian
No Change
Automatic Languages: Dwarven, Indian
Bonus Languages: Chinese, Vanaran, Halfling

- Shu
No Change
Automatic Languages: Chinese
Bonus Languages: Japanese, Indian, Orc, Vanaran, Halfling

Halflings As PHB Except
- China
No Change
Automatic Languages: Halfing, Chinese
Bonus Languages: Japanese, Orc, Elven, Vanaran, Dwarven

- Japan
No Change
Automatic Languages: Halfing, Japanese
Bonus Languages: Japanese, Orc, Elven, Vanaran, Dwarven

- India
No Change
Automatic Languages: Halfling, Indian
Bonus Languages: Japanese, Orc, Elven, Vanaran, Dwarven

Elves As PHB Except
- China
Free Proficiencies change from Longsword/Rapier to; Tua-Kien (Chinese Longsword) or Duan Jian (Chinese Shortsword)
Free Proficiencies change from Longbow/Shortbow/Composite to; Chinese Bow (Chinese Longbow) or Gong Jian (Chinese Composite Shortbow)
Automatic Languages: Elven, Chinese
Bonus Languages: Japanese, Orc, Vanaran, Dwarven, Indian, Halfling

- Japan
Free Proficiencies change from Longsword/Rapier to; Katana or Wakizashi
Free Proficiencies change from Longbow/Shortbow/Composite to; Dai-Kyu (Japanese Composite Longbow) or Yumi (Japanese Composite Shortbow)
Automatic Languages: Elven, Japanese
Bonus Languages: Chinese, Vanaran, Halfling

Half Elves As PHB except;
- China
Favoured Class: Any Chinese
Automatic Languages: Elven, Chinese
Bonus Languages: Japanese, Orc, Vanaran, Dwarven, Indian, Halfling

- Japan
Favoured Class: Any Japanese
Automatic Languages: Elven, Japanese
Bonus Languages: Chinese, Vanaran, Halfling


Complete List of Races:

Human
Nezumi
Half-Orcs
Dwarves
Elves
Half-Elves
Halflings

Complete List of Languages:

Human Dialects; Chinese, Japanese, Indian
Other; Dwarven, Elven, Halfling, Vanaran, Orc

Complete List of Regions:

Wei Kingdom (Northern China)
Shu Kingdom (South Western China)
Wu Kingdom ( Southern China)
Japan
Mongol
Indian

[Gnarsh]

Just one comment about the classes for different regions. Shouldn't Mongols have the ranger class available? From what I know of them, it seems as though rangers would be fairly common among them.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Rangers are a divine warrior class, albeit a wilderness divine warrior class. Doesn't really fit the Mongol rogue type. However, Experts or Barbarians with Wildernesslore would fit just fine.

edited

[Gralhruk]

Some other questions that came to me as I was attempting to design a character:

Is there any kind of common tongue?

What stat generation method are we going to use?

What starting gold and available equipment should we assume?

On a semi-related note: do any of you guys use PCGen? I'll probably make some quick custom stuff so I can get my character into PCGen with the modifications Cadogan listed above. If you guys are interested, maybe I'll do something more formal (a Lands of Dynasty add on for PCGen) that we can all use.

[Cadogan Trahem]

There is no common tongue, which is why its probably best to learn Chinese (as most of the campaign is based in china) if you dont already know it, remember speak language is always an option if you dont known have a high enough Intelligence.

As for starting stats, nothing is official yet, but go on the assumption its 36 point buy, no more then one 18 or two 16s and above before racial mods.

Money will most likely be a little less then 3rd level character starting gold, HP will be full at first 75% (round down) for every other level. Starting level is 3.

As for weapons, you basically choose what you would want, either from the OA book or from the PHB and cross check its name with that table i've posted in that gallery.

I will get armour up soon, but for now please dont post any character stats on the board, or even talk about your character. Im hoping to get a few different characters from different regions to make the story more dynamic.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Armour Commonly Found; By Region

China (All Kingdoms):
- OA:
Cord Armour
Leather Scale
Brigandine
Lamellar

- PHB:
Padded
Leather
Studded Leather
Chainshirt
Hide
Breastplate
Splint mail
Banded mail
Half Plate
Shields - All

India:
- OA:
Cord Armour
Leather scale
Dhenuka
Brigadine
Lamellar
Chahar-Aina
Dastana

- PHB:
Padded
Leather
Studded Leather
Hide
Breastplate
Half Plate
Shields - All

Mongolia:
- OA:
Cord Armour
Bone Armour
Chahar-Aina
Dastana

- PHB:
Padded
Leather
Studded Leather
Hide
Shields - All

Japan:
- OA:
Cord Armour
Ashigaru Armour
Partial Armour
Great Armour
Tessen

- PHB:
Padded
Leather


- You can purchase Armour from regions other then your own, at double the cost listed, armour listed above is all the armour available, Mounts can have armour based on armour listed above, see PHB for details. Please ignore the pictures provided by the PHB, as those are western. If I get enough time I will scan some pictures of eastern armour of various types. :) -

[WhoNAN]

I do indeed use PCGen, and if you do make a mod I would be much appreciated if you could forward it to me... thanks

whonan@online-role-playing.com

[Cadogan Trahem]

Character Creation Guidelines;

-3rd Level, Races and Regions from above
-36 point buy, no more then one 18 or two 16's or above
-Full HP at first, 75% rounded down for the next two levels
-Full Third Level starting gold, be reasonable with any magic item choices, anything extremely overboard will not be accepted

Once you have your character created email me or PM me and i'll get you a private forum set up where you can post your character, and I can introduce you into the story.

If there are any problems or questions, as always ask. :)

[Gralhruk]

Can anybody let me know what the 3rd level starting gold amount is? I'm without my DMG at the moment and I'd like to start thinking about equipment. Thanks.

[Cadogan Trahem]

I believe its 2,700 GP. Not alot but enough for your basic above average items, a few potions, some scrolls, perhaps a mount and maybe some low level wonderious magic items.

[Gralhruk]

Okay, I've finished my first crack at the Lands of Dynasty add-on for PCGen 2.6.0. You can download it here (http://www.geocities.com/gralhruk/lod_260.zip). Just unzip it into the same directory as you have PCGen installed in and make sure you check the "Use Folder Names" and "Overwrite existing files" boxes in WinZip.

When you start up PCGen, it is probably easiest to only load the "Lands of Dynasty and Applicable Core Rules". It's located under "Cadogan Trahem --> Custom --> Campaign". That will load the new files, plus the relevant info from the PHB, DMG, and OA.

Currently, it includes the races and regions listed above along with the appropriate languages and bonus skills. Cadogan, if you have created any new classes, prestige classes, feats, equipment, deities, etc. just let me know and I can include them here.

Please let me know if you notice any bugs and I'll fix them ASAP.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Im going to be gone Saturday and Sunday my time I will be gone and unable to reply if needed, I will however check later today, like in 18 hours or so and I will chack back as soon as I get back, or as soon as I wake up after I get back... ;)

[Cadogan Trahem]

Im going to start posting beginings for people who a ready over the next few days, I should be done in two or three days.

Gnarsh you've not posted anything in your forum yet, is everything ok on your end?

[Cadrius]

Hooray! I can't wait to start...

[Gnarsh]

yeah, everything's fine, just my incredible laziness is going into effect. I'll have my char posted within a few days, ok?

[Cadogan Trahem]

np :)

[itches]

:?

[Cadogan Trahem]

Just a Note; I picked up Jade and Steel; Roleplaying in Mythical China by the fine people at Avalanche Press LTD (plug-plug-plug-plug-plug-plug-plug) and will slowly be implimenting what it has into this game, dont worry there wont be major changes, but there will be a few, largely changes to knowledge known, and a few NEW weapons (including Chinese rockets). There is also information on popular religious beliefs such as Buddism, Taoism and the like. There are also NEW feats, and some prestige classes.

On top of this there is alot of information which is relivent to some of your characters. When I get around to posting all this you'll be happy. :)

[Cadogan Trahem]

New Feats

Dual Weapon Attack
General: Combat Related

Prerequisites: Ambidexerity, Two Weapon Fighting, Improved Two Weapon Fighting.

Benifit: The Character has mastered the weapon art which specialises in two-weapon combat to the point that the weapons have become an extension of his or her body. Those who possess this feat no longer must halve their damage bonus from high strength with off-hand weapons.

Grappling Finese
General: Combat Related

Prerequisites: Improved Unarmed Strike, Weapon Finese (Unarmed)

Benifit: The Character is trained in a style that emphasizes grappling with both armed and unarmed opponents. Characters who possess this feat may substitute their dexerity for their strength bonus when determining their attack bonuses for grapple and trip attacks.

Improved Grapple
General: Combat Related

Prerequisites: Improved Unarmed Strike, Improved Trip

Benifit: The Character is trained in a style that emphasizes grappling with both armed and unarmed opponents. Characters who possess this feat may take a move equivalent action to make a grapple attack that does not provoke an attack of oppotunity.

Leap of the Monkey
General

Prerequisites: 5 ranks in Jump, 5 Ranks in Climb

Benifit: Like a monkey, the character can spring quickly up walls without effort. Characters with this feat do not lose their dexerity bonus to AC when climbing as long as they finish the climb in a single round.

Sticking
General: Combat Related

Prerequisites: Improved Grapple, Improved Trip

Benifit: The martial artist is trained to "stick" to an opponent and read his or her moves. By lightly touching an opponent, the character may anticipate the next action the foe will take. Consequently, characters with this feat may add +2 to disarm, grapple or trip checks against a single opponent.

Superior Two Weapon Fighting
General: Combat Related

Prerequisites: Two Weapon Fighting, Improved Two Weapon Fighting, Strength 15+

Benifit: The character is trained to fight with a pair of larger weapons. He or she suffers only a -2 attack roll penalty when fighting with two non-light weapons. Thus a medium sized character with Superior Two Weapon Fighting could wield two longswords at only a -2 attack roll penalty for each weapon rather then the usual -4.

Typhoon Attack
General: Combat Related

Prerequisites: 5 ranks in jump

Benifit: This acrobatic attack involves the character charging full-steam towards multiple opponents, attacking one of them, and then spinning at the last moment to strike a second. To perform this maneuver the character must be fighting unarmed, with two weapons or with a double weapon such as a staff. If he or she succeeds on a normal charge attack, the character may immediately make another attack at the same bonus against a second opponent within the threatened area.

Whirlwind Kick
General: Combat Related

Prerequisites: Base Unarmed Attack Bonus +3, Improved Unarmed Strike, Dex 15+

Benifit: This feat of dexerity involves the attacker spinning around to lash out with a kick so ferocious it can strike multiple opponents. The Whirlwind Kick is a full attack action and is considered an unarmed attack. If the character has multiply interative attacks, the player may declare which of them is the whirlwind kick. If the blow lands successfully, the character inflicts damage as normal and may then make an extra unarmed attack at the same bonus against one other opponent in his or her threatened area. If the whirlwind kick misses, the attacker may still contunue with any remaining unarmed attacks.

Willow Step
General: Combat Related

Prerequisites: 5 ranks in tumble and Dex 15+

Benifit: The character is exceptionally light on his or her feet and may easily dart around the battlefield. After making a charge attack, the character may continue to move to the full extent of his or her movement in a straight line, moving past the opponent on a successful tumble check at DC 20.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Chinese Weapons

The Chinese rely on a wide variety of weapons and incorperate some of them into their martial art forms. In addition to the standard simple and martial weapons they also make use of some more exotic implements of war. The following weapons are all considered Exotic, and Monk characters proficient in them may use their Unarmed Attack Progression and Flurry of Blows skill when weilding them in Combat.

Jiann (Cost 30gp, Damage 1d6 [Piercing and Slashing], Crit 19-20 [x2], Weight 2lbs). This narrow, straight sword is a double-edged and tapered for both cutting and thusting. It is commonly known as the "Tai Ch'i Sword" due to its popularity among pactitioners of that martial art. The Jiann is considered a light weapon, and most often used singly. (DM note: think Green Destiny Sword from Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon)

Hook Sword (Cost 20gp, Damage 1d6 , Crit 19-20 [x2], weight 2lbs). This unusual weapon has a razor sharp hand guard and an unusual blunt "blade" that ends in a hook. The hook is used to snare weapons, and make it easier to disarm foes. Characters armed with hook swords recieve a +2 weapon bonus to their disarm attack rolls. Hook swords are usually used in pairs. Monk characters' Flurry of Blows ability supersedes the extra attack granted by fighting with two weapons. For other characters, the hook sword is considered a small weapon. (DM note: Again think Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon)

Butterfly Sword (Stats as per Oriental Adventures).

[b]Weapon Equivalencies

Many Chinese weapons look exotic, but for game purposes are best considered equivalents to other weapons.


Do (Chinese Broad Sword) This curved, scimitar-like blade is equivalent to a longsword. (DM note: Again Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon - You can tell they saw the film eh? :))

Fighting Wheels Metal circles with sharp protusions on the outer edge and a cloth or leather covered handgrip. Equivilant to Short Swords. (DM note: In addition Fighting Wheels can be thrown at a range increment of 10ft. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon again.)

Kwan-Do A polearm sporting a wide blade and equivalent to a glaive.

Tiger-Fork This spear has three widely set thrusting points. Treat as a trident.


Fireworks

In addition to a variety of unusual melee weapons, the Chinese also make use of gunpowder. Fireworks are a popular entertainmentoften used to add excitement to important events and celebrations.
In Mythical China, gunpowder is also used as a weapon. Some Chinese soldiers are equipped with rockets, which are most often used en masse (large numbers at the same time) to blast enemies and scatter the organized formations with their explosions. Because of the training required to properly transport and fire rockets, they are considered martial weapons.

Rocket (Cost 200gp, Damage 1d6 [Fire] and 1d6 [Concussion], Burst Radius 5ft, Range increment 200 ft, Weight 10lbs). Often crafted to resemble dragons, Chinese rockets are mounted on wodden spikes which are driven into the ground for aiming. It takes a full round action to aim and fire a rocket. Hitting with one is equivilant to performing a successful ranged touch attack. Enemies suffering from a direct hit from a rocket are not entitled to a saving throw to avoid dmage. Any other target within the blast radius may make a Reflex save (DC 20) for half damage. Alternatively, an attacker may simply launch a rocket at an area, relying solely on the blast radius to damage foes. In this case, he or she makes a ranged touch attack vs. AC 10. All enemies within the area of effect are entitled to a Reflex save (DC 20) for hald damage. Targets of an area rocket attack may add deflection AC bonuses to their saving throws. If a rocket attack misses it scatters just as a grenade-like missle.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Gnarsh, could you atleast get a character concept posted up by the weekend, so I can start converting information for your knowledge. Stats and such as not so important right now as knowing that you're alive. :)

[Gralhruk]

Just a note: there is already an Improved Grapple feat in the Oriental Adventures book, and it isn't the same as the one you posted above. Just wanted to let you know.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Ok, use the one from the OA book then and ignore the one above. I wasn't sure if it was a feat or not although I remembred something about it.

[Maeko]

Gentlemen,
I hope you don't mind if I browse the 'open' thread(s) every now and then.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Nope, thats fine Maeko, infact im a little sad that you cant view the closed ones, ah well maybe we'll have a fifth later on or maybe you can secretly assasinate Gnarsh and steal his spot... *pokes prods and shakes gnarsh untill the lazy git wakes up* ;)

[Maeko]

Don't tempt me, Master !

I've a character ready, just in case...

[Cadogan Trahem]

Hmm.. Gnarsh? You ere? If so raise your arm. Hmm... If he hasn't replied (either here or in his own thread) by Monday i'll get you, Maeko I mean, to replace him. That gives him most of the weekend.

[Maeko]

O.K., Thank you!

[Gnarsh]

Yeah, I'm alive, but I think I'll let Maeko take my spot anyway. I've got just a bit too much going on right now for another game.

[Maeko]

Thank you Gnarsh!
I owe you ;-)

[Cadogan Trahem]

Ok, WhoNAN think you can sort it out?

[Cadogan Trahem]

Im sorry about not posting often enough but recently I got some work which needed to be done. I expect things to lighten up in about two weeks.

[Maeko]

Don't worry, each of us has real-life matters to attend to every now and then...

[Cadogan Trahem]

I was just wondering how everyone was enjoying their games so far?

(keeping in mind its an idea not to tell the other players about your game while replying to this question. *friendly DM smile*)

[Cadrius]

I was especially fond of the part where I became ruler of the entire kingdom with more gold, warriors, and wives than my wildest dreams could imagine.

Er...no, wait a minute. That's not my game! Dammit!

It's a lot of fun Cadogan, I like the setting and atmosphere.

*drums fingers and waits for Cadogan to finish drawing the map*

[Maeko]

Love it! Worth waiting for ;-).

Seriously, the athmosphere is faboulus, I feel like I somehow wandered into 'the Story of The Three Kingdoms' (or whatever name the novel goes by in English....)

[Gralhruk]

I agree with the others: excellent job on the atmosphere. I'm soooo glad I picked up OA :)

[WhoNAN]

I promise to finish everything up today CT... thanks for your patience.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Sorry for the delay everyone, as some people will know lately i've been busy. I've had a tone of work, and upcoming events, add to this the recent loss of life in the family and things just get hecktick. Thanks for your paitence everyone. :)

[Maeko]

No problem.

Sorry for your loss :-(

[Cadrius]

Some day guys, we'll meet. Someday. Until then have fun in your private threads!

[Cadogan Trahem]

I've got a long weekend this week, im going camping and wont be able to post late sunday night or early monday morning. However since it is July 4th today (tomorrow for you) I suspect that the next few days will be quiet anyway. Well.. except for Maeko (bless her ;), the little Italian person) and myself, the only other Non-American in this group.

I will probably get a post up before I leave so on the possibility that any of you get online before I get back you'll have something to do. :)

[WhoNAN]

Look forward to seeing you back soon, have fun. Just finished the celebrations here.... shooting pretty explosives into the sky and all.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Im back and will update the games as fast as humanly possible.

[itches]

Looking over the OCC i noticed a patern. It seems to go Cadogan saying something to the effect of i wont be posting for a bit, and others making comments about it. Lets liven this place up a bit.

A little game of Marco Polo should do the trick



Marco

[Maeko]

What kind of game is it?

[itches]

It’s a game usually played in a pool. You have one person who has shut their eyes and has to try and find the others. This is done by the person who is searching saying Marco, while the others answer with Polo.

The thought just came to me of when I used to play it in a chat room. You would just say Marco, and see if anyone responds. I was really surprised when I first did it and someone cottoned on to what I was playing. We had great fun screaming Marco Polo back and forth at each other for about 10 minutes.


So I say again




Marco

[Maeko]

Polo, then.

I wonder how it started

[itches]

I'm not sure where it did, I’ll have to try and find it out.

I do know that Marco polo was an explorer. I think he was the one who said the world was round. Or not. It has been a while sense I studied this.

[Cadrius]

Polo!


Yeah, it is a rather weird game played in a pool. It invovles ducking underwater and yelling and whatnot. Still, it's pretty fun.

[Maeko]

That he certanly was!

He was a Merchant from Venice, in the 13th century. At 17, with his father and uncle he left Venice and they arrived in China, at the court of Kubilay Khan.

Contrary to common belief they weren't the first (the empire was peaceful and rich, an irresistible combination for European merchants).

But, after coming back, Marco spent some time as prisoner of war in a Genoan prison and there he narrated his experiences to his jail-mates, one of them was a writer of chivalric novels who wrote Marco's stories down as 'The Book of World's Marvels'.
Book which later came to be known as 'Milione' or 'The Book of Marco Polo'. Many thought he had made up those stories, and that's why, I think, somebody at Wizard of the Coast invented Marco Volo :)

[itches]

<bows>

Well it seems that you know a tad more then i do. Either that or your not as lazy as i am and you went off and found that all out.

[Maeko]

(Bows back)

Well, the question is two fold, actually:

Here Marco Polo and Colombo (Columbus), are very popular figures, the ones we grow up with, the ones who have kids daydreaming about adventures in distant lands.

Secondly: Chinese language, history and culture are my chosen field of study...

[Cadogan Trahem]

Marco Volo is actually a Pun by Wizards of the Coast. Its been stated a few times that Volo's name is actually Volodunth or something. And Elminister dubbed him Macro Volo for some unknown reason.

[Maeko]

There is Volo of the Volo guides, who is Volothamp Geddarm (and the 'travelogue' part, I think, comes just from our Polo); and there is 'Marco Volo', AKA Marcus Wands, the unlikely hero of a very funny thrilogy of picaresque adventures: a liar, a bard, a lucky (or not so much so), thief very likely to find trouble.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Righteo then. :)


Either way, we seem to have the games up and running at a good pace and the plot is developeing nicely.

[Maeko]

Cadogan, I went looking for <Censored>'s sheet, to look at her equipment...

...the PC ate it :cry:

Could you send it back to me, please, sending the e-mail in a private message.

Edited by DM: Tsk Tsk Tsk, I nearly let that slip out. ;)

[Cadogan Trahem]

http://www.online-role-playing.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=473

You might need to change your viewing options to "From the begining"

[Maeko]

Thank you :∙

[Cadogan Trahem]

Sorry for the delay in posting, but as you know each post is an intricate and delicate peice of litature which needs to be composed carefully as to make complete sense to the player. That and I fell asleep...

[Cadogan Trahem]

Damn you guys reply fast, Usually I use the excuse "Oh I'll wait till everyone has replied then I'll post in all three at the same time." But over the last few hours you guys have all posted multiple times :)

[Maeko]

Don't you feel flattered? ;)

[Cadogan Trahem]

Again, sorry for the delay but I can explain really! Please! Put down the weapons! <backs away slowly.>

You see.... the-site-went-down-on-Friday-night, on-Saturday-I-was-at-Re-Enactment, Saturday-night-onto-Sunday-I-was-hangin'-at-Itches-place!

Please-Don't-Hurt-Me! *cowers in fear*

[itches]

Yes thats right. Cadogan Trahem and i had a wild Orgy. With untold amounts of alcohol and ....


Well okay the truth. He crashed a few hours after arriving at my place. Then when he woke up next morning he play tested some BESM then about when i started falling asleep he went home.



The Orgy story sounds much more fun.

[WhoNAN]

Wanted to let everyone know I won't have the pleasure of playing with you all in this game, I just couldn't get in character... at all.... have fun, and I'll check in to see whats going on from time to time.

[Maeko]

Cadogan, do you have/have seen the other 'historical setting' books by Avalanche Press?

I'm toying with the idea of proposing a low-magic, very realistic historical setting to my pen-and-paper players as next campaign, and if their other books are half as good as 'Jade' is , they could be just the thing. :)

[Cadogan Trahem]

I've not seen any of the others but if they are as good as the one im using then I would press you to use them. :)

[Cadogan Trahem]

Poor Poor Gralhruk... : snicker :

I will divulge no further information.

[Cadrius]

Gral...were you kicked in the head by an elephant? You need to watch out for those things.

[Cadogan Trahem]

He probably -wishes- he was kicked in the head by an elephant. :)

[Cadrius]

I hope you all had pleasant dreams...

[Maeko]

I did...up to a point. ;)

BTW, Thanks Cadogan for NPCing Ylanthariel (in the gauntlets), I won't be gone till Saturday, but I'm very busy getting ready... :)

[Gralhruk]

Yes, getting trampled by an elephant sounds much more fun than what our evil DM had in store for me. I think things are getting worse rather than better, too.

Suffice to say, I'm in a bad situation and I have serious doubts about my ability to make things any better. Damned if I do, damned if I don't kind of thing. :)

[Cadogan Trahem]

Sorry for the delay I had guests over this weekend and was unable to reply. :)

[Cadogan Trahem]

I was wondering why this game was so quiet, two of my three players are away. :(

[Gralhruk]

Cadrius ought to be back soon; hopefully it won't take him too long to get situated in his new place. I think Maeko said she'd be back on the 8th or 9th.

[Cadrius]

I am most definitely back and with a vengeance. Well maybe not so much a vengeance as a determination. Ok so not really determination but at least ready. Fine, fine, I'm just back and that's all there is to it.

Let's get this game moving again!

[Maeko]

I'm back too, and posted already! :D

[Cadogan Trahem]

Yay we're all here! Lets have a reunion party! :)

[Gralhruk]

Reunion party? My thread or yours? :)

Welcome back, all. I hope your vacation was enjoyable, Maeko. And I hope all went well with your move Cadrius.

[Maeko]

Thanks, it really was! :)

[Cadrius]

Eh, not too bad. A new year in a new place. Got to love that. There's just something exciting about a change of scenery.

Now, let's get back to gaming. I'd like to meet your characters before this year is over...

[Cadogan Trahem]

I suppose I -have- to post now. :Sigh: ;)

[Cadogan Trahem]

I've not had the chance to update Lands of Dynasty over the last few weeks as I'd like and this is because my ISP has been periodically kicking me when I break a certain time period (40 mins or so), its very strange because this always seems to happen a few minutes before I update Lands of Dynasty and Im forced to put it off to another day.

I will however be changing ISP's within a few days and so will hopefully churn out alot more action for you guys :D

[Gralhruk]

Hmmm. Are you certain you aren't dragging this out just to torture me?

http://216.40.241.68/contrib/edoom/samurai.gif

[Cadogan Trahem]

Would I do that? :)

.

..

...

....

.....

......

.......

........

.........

..........

.....Ok thats not the point and you know it! :)

[Cadogan Trahem]

I need to Request a new Forum for Gralhruk and Cadrius to share. So you two hold tight for a while. :)

[Cadogan Trahem]

Im back and I've updated alot of games already. Im about to start on this game, if your thread is not updated it will definately be tomorrow morning when I wake up. :)

[Cadogan Trahem]

Update Soon I promise!

[Cadogan Trahem]

I know I have not been the best DM when it comes to this game, but I do promise to update this game before the week is out. I've been trying to concentrate on boosting my new and older games to a more lively level and accidently in the process have overlooked this game more then once. :(

Never worry though, It will be updated. :)

[Gralhruk]

Sorry for the delay all but I'm back.

So, are we at all close to meeting up with Maeko? :ditsy:

[Maeko]

I really hope so!:)

[Cadogan Trahem]

No Comment

[Cadrius]

Er...hello? Anybody out there?

[itches]

*waves at Cadrius*

I'm here :)

[Cadogan Trahem]

Yea im here, sorry for the big delay, I'll actually get to posting right now. I've been distracted with alot of stuff recently.

[itches]

yes like me telling you to post your character in the fighter game!!

[Cadogan Trahem]

im not sure what you want me to do Cadrius, but there really is nothing for me to post in your game (unless im missing something) all I can do now is wait for Gral to post possible actions

[Gralhruk]

I'll post something soon. My guess is that we'll end up following Cadrius' suggestion since I'm pretty much out of ideas.

[Cadogan Trahem]

No insult intended from my last message Gralhruk. But sometimes im a bit shortsighted when it comes to what PC's want to do, so I often miss something. If I ever do this, just let me know.

[Maeko]

Hi everybody!

Sorry for disappearing... I just got my computer resurrected.

[Gralhruk]

YAY! Maeko is back! :P

Cadogan: I wasn't insulted at all. Just happy to see you are still interested in this game and happy that both Cadrius and Maeko are back. :).

[Maeko]

Thanks Gral...:).

Maeko the nun will be back soon too ;).

[Cadrius]

Yep, it's always nice when everyone is back and ready to post and I'm sorry for the confusion Cadogan as it's probably my fault that it didn't move along more swiftly.

[itches]

YaY Gaming again.

Hmm i'm not actuly playing in this game, I probobly should stop posting here or Cadogan will say means things to me

[Gralhruk]

If you are going to insist on posting in games you don't belong to the least you could do is disable that ugly signature ;).

[Cadogan Trahem]

I don't mind people posting here. Its an OOC thread thats open to the public. There are OOC threads in each closed forum. Its no biggie at all.

[Cadrius]

Aw, I was hoping for more yelling at Itches. That's always fun.

[Gralhruk]

Forget yelling: BURN HIM! :)

[itches]

YaY Fire

.... wait no that's a bad thing.


Edit: Gralhruk, I'm sensing some dislike for my signature ;)

[Cadogan Trahem]

I can't help but think;

Mystery, Intrige, Romance... how very cliche of me... ;)

[Cadrius]

Romance? Where?!

[Maeko]

I think he was referring to my thread...

[Cadrius]

Aw, and I had my hopes up too...

[Cadogan Trahem]

I like teasing both of you with clues about the other thread.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Sorry for the Delay everyone, i've been extremely busy the last few days. Expect an update within the next 48 hours.

[Cadogan Trahem]

For some unknown reason this has turned into my most successful game. Hmm... wouldn't be the fact I have really good players would it? ;)

[Cadrius]

Aw, pshaw. I bet you say that to all your players.

[Maeko]

Why, thank you Cadogan!
Are your 'really good players' going to get together any soon? ;)

[Cadogan Trahem]

Im beaten and bloodied from re-enactment, I have a swollen elbow and several bruises, but atleast I have a new sword!

So I won't be able to post anything really large untill... like tuesday or wednesday.. im going to sleep for a few days, tell the world to wait for me.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Sorry for the delay (hmm sounds like a broken record) everyone but im going through a period of inspirational purgetory. I'll try to update as soon as I break this inspirational mental block. :(

[Gralhruk]

At least you keep us informed :).

And when are these two plots going to coincide? Maeko must be getting lonely out there.

[Maeko]

She is! Although she's keeping company with a bunch of interesting charachters at the moment, only I'll appreciate a lot the possibility of playing with you two guys in another game besides Eidolon (and yes, I play non-Chinese characters every now and then ;) )

[Cadogan Trahem]

Gral; Well it can't be too long now.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Ok guys, we're back on track. Sorry again for the delays. I didn't expect to get a mental block because this game has such an excellent story (Cadogan gripe's to himself). And well, that week or so when I had to type with one hand because of the whole smashed in elbow with axe thing, it sorta made posting more of a pain to me. But im all better now. :)

Edit: Hey cool! I am 1337 once again!

They say you are 1337 only once, well damn i'm twice as 1337!!!

Posts: 1337 (3.08 per day)

[Gralhruk]

You're the man!

And I'm glad this game is back on track, though at the moment I am somewhat worried about my character's future :).

[Maeko]

Cadogan, I've a problem with the map. I'm unable to download Java Virtual Machine...:(

[Cadogan Trahem]

Fixed. :)

[itches]

*looks carefuly at the locked forums*

hmm there must be someway for me to break in past them and read the roleplaying

[Cadogan Trahem]

I miss Maeko :(

[Gralhruk]

Don't we all. Did she mention her absence or when she'll be back?

[itches]

Easter Holidays

[Maeko]

Working like mad...! :( .
I'm going to post in the next few minutes, though.

[itches]

Or I could be mistaken :)

[Cadrius]

So are we just on a long-ass hold? I'm really in love with the three kingdoms setting (I still wish I had known more about it before I joined the game or I would've played a member of one of them), but how long has it been since someone posted? A month?

[Gralhruk]

You must have missed Cadogan's announcement (at the top of this forum). He basically said he's not feeling like himself so he won't be posting much but he'll try and get over it soon.

So I guess "long-ass hold" is the proper term.

I wish he'd hurry, though. I've really been enjoying this game, at least when we get to post.

[Cadrius]

Indeed I did miss it. That's really too bad, but I understand what it's like to burn out once in a while. Hopefully he'll find what he needs.

Take your time Cadogan, we'll be here.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Ok i've decided to come back and get my games going again despite still having a shitload of work to do. I'll try to make a post atleast once a day even if people havn't posted (if no one has posted though i'll hold out).

Sorry everyone, and just to correct Gral - I wasn't feeling myself because I had a shitload of work dumped on me three weeks late with no extensions.

[Gralhruk]

No problem and good to see you back again :).

Sorry for the mischaracterization of your absence.

[itches]

For someone with a lack of time, Cadogan sure was able to spend a lot of it on Magic: the Gathering

[Gralhruk]

Can't leave well enough alone, can you? Always stirring up trouble :roll:.

[Cadogan Trahem]

I suppose to itches any more then few hours away from the PC for a day is "a lot" of time. :P

Two can play at this game.

[Cadrius]

Somebody cut off itches's hands. He'll keep posting, but this way we'll see fewer of them. Typing with your nose is hard.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Sorry for the delay, i've got an important maths test tomorrow so Maeko can expect a post in her thread within a day after the test. As for Gral and Cadrius, you two will have to sit on your hands untill Maeko makes her appearance. Won't be long, I promise. ;)

[Maeko]

Fingers crossed here!:)

[Gralhruk]

same here!

[Gralhruk]

Lands of Dynasty'ers rejoice! Together at last!

I have to say, I hope Maeko's entrance will do more for my character's plight than Cadrius has ;).

[Cadogan Trahem]

Well finally...

Im sorry if that seemed so sudden Maeko but I wanted to get ahead with the next Chapter, just remember your character probably wants to finish her "business" when she gets the chance.

[Maeko]

It's fine!
Sheet updated, only I'm rather uncertain about equipment...

[Gralhruk]

I'll update my sheet shortly. It's been so long, I kind of forgot exactly how I wanted to advance.

[itches]

YaY, I can actully read the thread now :)

[Cadogan Trahem]

Cadrius, you've been awefully quiet lately you still around?

[Cadogan Trahem]

I Edited the first post with the actual first post for all those interested. Go play, be happy. :)

[Cadrius]

Yeah, I'm here. It's just been a long time since I've gotten into Koden's head and as a result I've lost the drive I had behind him. Plus there's the fact that I've been kicking myself for not playing someone from one of the three kingdoms. Ah well, I'm just glad that the three of us are together.

[Cadogan Trahem]

The most eagerly awaited moment of the game, and you guys go all quiet on me. :(

[Maeko]

Here! I've been checking continuously for that long awaited post...

[Gralhruk]

I'm here too. You all know that it's rare that I post on weekends.

At any rate, Xiao seems to have assumed Kataji's role as suspected assassin. So thank you and I'm sorry :). Now if only some NPC would fall from the sky to take the suspicion off of Xiao . . .

[Maeko]

Another one...? Boy falling from the sky is hard! ;)

[Cadrius]

Out of curiosity's sake, who's the current leader of Wu? Jian? Ce? Quan? None of the above?

[Gralhruk]

I am suddenly reminded of the Princess Bride, and the poison scene between Vizzini and Westley.

"But it's so simple. All I have to do is divine from what I know of you. Are you the sort of man who would put the poison into his own goblet, or his enemy's?"

[Maeko]

Cadrius, it should be Sunquan. :)

[Cadogan Trahem]

Maeko is correct, except I think I spell it slightly differently, its the same guy though, just different chinese->english lettered translation.

[Cadrius]

Good to know, good to know. I could never keep track which one of the family rules at what time.

[Cadogan Trahem]

I'll reply sometime this afternoon, right now I need to finish an assignment on Ancient Athenian life.

[Cadogan Trahem]

By "afternoon" I meant "tomorrow morning" when im not trying to force my eyes open with match sticks...

[Cadrius]

I wonder if "Hey pretty lady, wanna get a cup of tea?" is an ancient Chinese pick-up line?

[Cadogan Trahem]

Im still alive! I'll reply soon, im just trying to stop my eyes from bleeding, so much study, but done it is!

[Gralhruk]

You are out of luck Cadrius. Kataji tried to have some tea earlier and Cadogan informed me that tea won't be discovered for about 400 years. :)

[Cadogan Trahem]

Maeko told me that. :)

[Cadogan Trahem]

I just want to check and make sure everyone can see my post in the Chapter 3 thread.

[Gralhruk]

Yup. I was sort of waiting for Cadrius to post, although I suppose I don't need to.

[Cadogan Trahem]

I only ask because usually you lot jump on a post like a pack of wild dogs. :)

[Cadogan Trahem]

:cries:

[Gralhruk]

No worries mate (isn't that what you aussies say?). I'll be posting something today. Hopefully Cadrius will drag his butt away from the beach long enough to find a keyboard :).

[Cadogan Trahem]

Long post, you have been warned.

Enjoy.

[Gralhruk]

Wow. That is alot of information, and it seems even more so on the heels of my two line post :).

I'm fairly well amazed that my suspicion about the food was correct. Too bad I didn't do anything about it at the time.

Edit: Here is what I had to say about that food in the OOC.
Just so you know Cadogan, you have me completely paranoid . I wouldn't be surprised if the 15 year old serving girl is really Lushima in disguise, and he's just served me up a double helping of poisoned dinner.

[itches]

1688 words

[Cadrius]

You and your compulsive word counting.

[itches]

6 words :)

[Cadrius]

*nudges Maeko*

[Maeko]

Sorry, Cadrius!

Done.

[Cadogan Trahem]

i'll post once everyone has done.

[Gralhruk]

Just a reminder - if Kataji hits, she does normal damage (and hopefully sneak attack damage) plus she can initiate a grapple without provoking an AOO.

[BigRedRod]

Cad just gone to follow his dream of becoming a monkey in a circus. Let's all offer our support on what will no doubt be a tough few days of trials
In other news Dee is dead :(

he also gave this message

tell people on ORP especially in my games im feeling really crap and can't post coherantly

[Gralhruk]

?

[BigRedRod]

I had to post a "cad is gonna be post-free for a few days" message (oprnwas asked to anyhow)
then I got bored
and started making up better stories to cover his absence

[Gralhruk]

Well, "Cad" is a little ambiguous. We have both Cadogan and Cadrius in this game :).

I assume you mean our illustrious DM.

[BigRedRod]

ah
I didn't notice you had both here
and yah, I mean the australian one

[Cadrius]

I might be feeling like crap, but I'm still here! Poor Cad...ogan, he seems to be having a bit of bad luck.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Ok, I posted, also to make things much MUCH MUCH easier I created an expendables thread. Please post your own information, but I won't expect you to update it all the time however it depends on common sense.

For example, if you post you cast a spell then remove the spell from your prepared list (if applicable), or if you use an ability, or item do the same.

If you have an ailment or injury I will apply it to your expendables thread (i.e. a loss of hit points). This will make it alot easier (you won't have to worry about chasing after HP you've lost when I post, and I won't have to worry about chasing after spells you've cast).

[Cadrius]

Hmm, here's a question. Has Lushima now moved into the center of the room and thus giving Koden a much clearer shot?

[Cadogan Trahem]

He backed into a corner to try and prevent flanking. At best its now a more difficult shot since there is Kataji, Xiao, the General and one of the Guards all attacking him.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Sorry for the delay.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Damn city, zap my energy. Just like it zaped my ability to.. to.. uh... ....

[Cadogan Trahem]

I'll give some experience once I work it out, on that note I think I still owe Maeko experience i'll go check when i've worked out the experience from this battle.

Cadrius, whatever it happened you can't say for sure. But it was definately a ritual that appeared to weaken and disorient the creature. The second spell cast from a scroll was a portal or banishing spell of some kind.

In the mean time, post your reactions, dialogue, or questions you ask. Feel free to speak frankly.

[Cadrius]

Any chance a knowledge arcana check could give Koden an idea of what the hell they were talking about? Or if he'd heard of such things before in Japan? Or is that firmly in the realm of monsters and not magic?

[Cadogan Trahem]

Its planar in nature.

[Cadrius]

Well that solves that. Koden's about as clueless about this thing as he is about swordsmanship (despite carrying one on his hip).

[Cadogan Trahem]

Is Maeko around? :(

[Cadrius]

As far as I know, she's still gone. Perhaps they elected to take a very long holiday...

Or maybe her computer blew up.

Or possibly Italy blew up.

I'm banking on some sort of explosion here.

[Gralhruk]

Hopefully she'll be back soon. I hope they just decided to take an extra long holiday.

[itches]

I've seen her online after wards. Though only twice.

[Gralhruk]

Busy cleaning up after those explosions, I guess.

[itches]

explosions?

[Gralhruk]

If you are going to post in the OOC then read the OOC! ;)

Just a few posts ago Cadrius said: As far as I know, she's still gone. Perhaps they elected to take a very long holiday...

Or maybe her computer blew up.

Or possibly Italy blew up.

I'm banking on some sort of explosion here.

[itches]

*smites Gral*

For a moment there It hought there had been explosions in Italy and i hadn't noticed. With my lack of media watching, such a thing could slip under my notice.

[Gralhruk]

*reels in pain, then starts scratching frantically*

[itches]

Would you believe my username was designed around the concept of being annoying? ;)

[Gralhruk]

Really? I never would have guessed . . .

[Maeko]

I'm here! (and going to stay I hope), actually, a couple of days after coming back ... our phone exchange blew up. :-(.

Let me just see where we are and I'll post.

[Gralhruk]

Glad you're back :).

Hope you had a nice vacation.

[Cadrius]

our phone exchange blew up.

Once again my precognition shines through. I'm the man.

[Gralhruk]

I agree.

But you already knew that.

[Maeko]

Thank you ! It was great (and by the way it was priceless to see the faces of other tourists when they saw us trekking up the mountains with a 3 month old kitty on leash) :)

Cadrius, You are almost scary ;) .

[Cadrius]

Yes, Gral, I did.

Almost? Almost?! Sheesh. What's a guy gotta do to be mysteriously scary around here? Give a foretelling of what you'll eat for breakfast tomorrow?

[Gralhruk]

Actually, all I really need to know is which horse will win in the Derby this year.

[Maeko]

Agreed!

[Cadogan Trahem]

Yay.

*Swats itches with a News Paper*

YAY!!!

Okay i'll PM you Maeko with some thoughts and pennies.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Uh.. hmm? Hello?

*empty room*

Ah, must be next door at Deadwatch Embers... *glares at Cadrius for stealing his players.*

[Cadrius]

Heh, well, the thing about that is--look out! A venomous mole!

*flees the room*

Actually I could do with a handy DM "speed things along" post. Koden's merely going back to his room because he has nothing else to do.

And I'll be grateful if Deadwatch becomes half the game this is.

[Cadrius]

Calling all Maekos, calling all Maekos, you're needed in the vicinity of the ORP. I repeat, you're needed in the ORP.

[Maeko]

Sorry, usual trouble: work ! :(

[Gralhruk]

I'm a little confused. Kataji already agreed to do as the general asked (at least, that's what she meant by "As you say, general"). Is there some other request that I missed?

[Cadogan Trahem]

I.. uh... don't know what you're talking about Gral...

[Force Persuade] That is not the post you were looking for.

[Gralhruk]

Uh, that is not the post I was looking for.

Move along.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Just incase no one noticed my last post has been edited to contain new information. *Stab Reset*

[Gralhruk]

I noticed, I'm just waiting for Maeko - and I know she's been very busy lately.

[Cadogan Trahem]

I'll reply sunday my time (it's saturday afternoon now) and will thence forth NPC Maeko prior to her return.

[Cadogan Trahem]

It's funny because I completely forgot!

[Gralhruk]

So . . . Kataji really doesn't need any kind of common items. That is, assuming they returned her stuff to her.

Your post seems to indicate that some magic stuff [i]is[i] available but I'm not sure if this guy is offering it to us or not. Does Kataji get a better sense, or is it simply meant to be ambiguous?

[Cadogan Trahem]

Well a good question to ask yourself is "What will I need to travel a few hundred kilometers across land?"

:)

[Gralhruk]

Well, Kataji is pretty self-sufficient. I can't say there is really anything she needs, but if this guy is giving away miscellaneous magic I'm sure I can think of something.

[Cadrius]

A few hundred km, eh? Hmm...

[Cadogan Trahem]

I'll give you guys a head start because Maeko's not here. You'll need a pair of horses and travel cart. :)

[Cadogan Trahem]

I'll make a deal with you guys, if you can make up a minor magical item with limited use i'll let you have it. I'm not really picky about the cost and they don't have to be too limited but i'm not really in the market for power.

I want stories, short stories about the item and how it served someone/came into existance and what its purpose is. The item could be static, like 5/Cold resistance, or it could be charged based like a wand.

The keywords are: Interesting, Story, Minor.

Once you get that done i'll tell you about other items up for grabs.

[Cadrius]

Ring of Everburning

Once regarded as nothing more than a useful trinket by Lu Meng, this ring's potential only came to be realized during an attack made by the Wu forces. It seems plain enough, a small gold band with a ruby set within it, and its most basic function allows its wielder to light a fire, even under the most adverse circumstances.

Yet when it was used in conjunction with a fire attack, its properties were defined. Not only does it work to shield its wearer from burns but any fire wielder by them leaps upon the target, as if it were alive and hungry.

Possible ideas for properties:

Cantrip to light fires.
Perhaps 5 Fire Resistance.
Perhaps +1 damage per die of fire damage, or perhaps it could grant the use of that feat in Song and Silence. My book is currently misplaced so I don't remember exactly the details but I think it's something like a +2 to the DC to avoid being set on fire and +1d4 damage.

--

Of course after coming up with this thought I realized exactly how useful it'd be for Koden. I swear that wasn't in my initial intent. Ah well.

[Cadrius]

Cloak of Shadows

A dark green cloak that was originally fashioned for Lu Xun while he and his men waited to ambush an army from Shu. It proved to be quite useful, hiding him from even the most keen scouts.

+10 Hide Checks (basically an elven cloak equivalent).

[Cadogan Trahem]

Anything that provides a feat for free is out of the question, 5/- resistance is alright but if you combine it with the cantrip which has unlimited charges/uses per day then its a bit out of the minor category.

Make it 1/day or let it have 20-25 charges and i'll allow it.

[Cadrius]

Once a day isn't a problem. I was just trying to think of something small but useful, or at least specialized.

So where else do you draw the line in terms of minor items?

[Gralhruk]

Lantern of Luck
This small lantern, appears to be typical of decorative lanterns commonly used to line garden paths. Most are constructed of a rice paper skin over a fine metal frame, and too small to put forth enough light to see by. Inside is a small votive candle, occaisionally scented with wildflowers. The shades are often ornately painted and the frames made of expensive materials.

Should the bearer light the Lantern and spend 15 minutes in prayer, they will be granted a +1 luck bonus on any single task (ie. a single roll) that they pray for. If the task does not come about within 24 hours, the benefit is lost.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Gral, add ontop of that that the ability cannot be used more then once a day. And i'll ignore the whole possibility of the candle burning out. :)

T'otherwise it be too useful.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Back to Cadrius' long awaited for answer to his question:

I'm not going to be stingey, i'll take abilities on an ability to ability base. Gral's Latern for example is border line minor. The bonus is huge (+1 luck on any task, almost limitless uses) however with the 15 minute prayer time, the 24 hour expiration time, the once per day use, and the limit of ONE task (i.e. one roll) I was willing to allow it.

The only real problems I had with your ring, was the feat like ability (in terms of items, usually only artifacts provide the user with a feat) and the unlimited small fires per day. Imagine that if you had time, unlimited charges to start small fires, you could quickly set ablaze to almost anything. Entire forests could be set ablaze with only 3 to 4 hours of work. People today can light bush fires with little more then matches or a lighter.

In retrospect, 1/day is probably a little harsh. I'll allow 5/day since its such a minor ability. Thats probably just enough to properly set ablaze a small house, or easily start a few camp fires.

[Gralhruk]

Once per day is what I meant - I probably should have stated that only one task can be "active" at any given time.

I sort of envisioned it being used only on the eve before tackling a known task - for example, meeting with the king to discuss trade policies, a predetermined combat against a known opponent, etc. I thought that forcing it to be a specific task as opposed to a general one was enough of a limitation to prevent abuse, although I probably should have made that clearer. Obviously, what constitutes a "specific" task is up to DM discretion.

[Cadogan Trahem]

I've actually got to go out today, and then towards the end of this week i'm doing my senior first aid certificate, shortly after I have enrollments. So i've sort of got a patchwork quilt of times I can post. LoD should be up and rolling again by at latest the 1st.

[Cadrius]

Ah, I understand completely. Whatever you think is suitable.

Here's another item. I like it, but it's far from what we might consider to be top priority in magic items.

Xu Chu's Sheets of Sweet Slumber

These sheets were enchanted by Wei wizards to provide its user a night's sleep as if upon a feather mattress, no matter what the ground they might lay upon. Sky blue in color, they feel as soft as silk but as thick as wool. Wrapping oneself with them ensures a comfortable night's sleep, being warm or cool, depending on the circumstances. Only the most foul weather will seep through to the slumbering user.

It's actual affects are minor. Wrapping yourself in it protects you from most rain, but not a deluge, it'll keep you cool but not in extreme heat, the same goes for cold. It doesn't really grant resistances and can't be used as a cloak or while traveling. I'm not sure if anything else is really needed, it just ensures that you always have a good night's sleep.

Now that's what I call minor.

[Cadogan Trahem]

And its just plain cool.

[Cadogan Trahem]

i'll have to delay the post for a bit (no more then a day) as I am incredably tired having just given a Manikin CPR for 30-45 minutes while the Ambulance "arrives"

On a completely related note, I definately got my Senior First Aid Certificate! I'm a certified First Aider!