Lost Souls

[Magus]

Description: A bereft lover. A masterless familiar. Friends gone their separate ways. Time marches on, and destiny heralds the meeting of comrades old and new. Can they find what they're seeking? Or will the search bring them only more pain?

This is the Discussion Thread for the roleplay Lost Souls, a sequel to Athkatla II based off of Soulforge, another roleplaying thread. Participants and non-participants may post their questions and comments about the story here, as well as general insights about the meaning of life. Well, as long as they're interesting.

Feedback from non-participants is much appreciated, and helps bolster the illusion that we're actually doing something constructive here. So don't be lazy. Do it!

Participants are encouraged to post regularly. If you don’t, then your character fades into the background. Unspeakable things can happen off-screen to your character when this occurs. Things so terrible he might not even remember they happened. So be kind and post in a semi-consistent fashion.

Also, there is a yet-to-be-determined limit to the number of people that can participate in this story. I’ll let you guys know when I figure it out. At the time of this writing, two or three more participants would probably be welcome.

Oh, and when in doubt, write with good grammar. It helps people understand what you’ve written. Writing is subjective enough without bad grammar adding even more interpretations. Always write in a word processor, as the Gamebanshee browser window can and will close/erase without warning, resulting in the loss of everything you’ve written. Not to mention the wonders of automated spell check…

If any of the more seasoned writers have some suggestions they’d like to share, to improve the story or foster a better experience, etc., now would be a good time to do so.

Finally…

Post your character ideas here. No stats or inventory are required, but a general description and some sort of background story would be nice. Remember that the characters in Athkatla II were high level (around level 20), with the equivalent skill of characters in Throne of Bhaal. Since some of these characters will reappear in Lost Souls, model your own characters accordingly. I’ll start the story thread when everything seems in order and I get the time. My first post will be…surprise…my post in Soulforge, which will serve as an introduction to my chosen characters, Aerie and Void.

[Magus]

Originally posted by Xandax
Maybe- was a long time ago

Well - it is not as much as "Xandax" has reach a dead-end, but much is dependend on location of the next "adventure", and the timeframe. So might be easier or better to develop another char, depends on the setting proberly.

Soulforge, and thus its continuation, Lost Souls, takes place a few months after the end of Athkatla II. Here's the intro to Soulforge that Aegis wrote.

Originally posted by Aegis
The hunt for Sethin continues within the arid lands of the south. Virrilis, Ferchen and Rail search the dry city of Calimshan, combing it for clues and hitns towards the mysterious doppleganger, Sethin. Each bit of information helps little, but nothing will stop their goal to bring the creature to justice. The only problem is, will Virrilis' mind hold up against the defilement of his soul, or will the pressure build to dangerous levels? Will the love of a human woman, and the friendship of a dark man be enough to keep him from the brink?

Far off, the once blissful wife of the Archmagi, Magus, continues to fervantly quest for her husband. Accompanied by the powerful Hakeashae, Void, Aerie has found a strong clue to the wherabouts of Magus. A small, ebon orb, which has an immense power emmaniting from it. Will it be the key to returning her husband to her side, or will it only cause her to be dismayed?

Aegis's part of that may or may not get included. Depends whether/how often he posts.

I haven't decided on a starting location yet. Probably a place within the Netherese Empire of yore, so my initial post makes sense. If somebody could tell me where that is, it would save me the trouble of having to look it up.

[Xandax]

Well - I could go dust of Xandax (read the athkatla II thread) and start composing some stuff..... although I'll proberly move Xandax a tad away from the "Berserker thingy" - and over into somesort of more pure warrior.

Also have to read up on the lands if I can find some free material around

I'm in

[CM]

Talwar Al Mujahid

Little is known of this wanderer, but his name is famous in Calimshan and the surrounding lands. He enforces justice with ruthless accuracy and from a moral code defined only by him. Those who cross his path never live to tell the tale, while only those who has protected and helped for no reward spread his stories with reckless abandon, to the extent that his fighting skills and powers are described to be stronger than the Gods.

But Talwar has a simple reason for doing what he does. He lost his family at a young age and was forced to see them all mutilated and the women in his family raped before his very eyes. This experience tramatized Talwar to the extent that he uses extreme acts to punish the most minor of crimes. His code is his own, he believe he needs no one, and his lived his life as a loner. He does what he wishes to whomever he wants.

--------------------------------------------------------

Fighter level 21 Lawful Good (but by the standards of his own code)

Weapons: Haq - Scimitar +4 (detects evil in near by area) and Nur - Scimitar +3 (+2 light/fire damage)
Madat Sash (helps heal and regenerate all minor wounds on the body and most medium wounds. Extreme wounds require time and additional healing prowress)
Wears no armor due to the sash, just black shirt and pants with a cloth wrap around his face so that nobody can see his identity.

[Aegis]

Virrilis

Once appearing as the thoughtless drow renegade in Athkatla, the City of Coin. His agenda was unknown, as were his intentions. Strong willed, and skilled with blades, he became the reluctant ally of Ferchen Wildleaf, a human ranger worried about the confinues of the city. It was eventually discovered that he was, in fact, not Drow, but a Bladesinger from the Court of Suldenesslar seeking to discovered the source of growing evil in Athkatla.

---------------------------------------------

Character Level: 24
Fighter 15/Sorceror 9

Weapons:
Lash Bearer: Scimitar +3 -(Small ebon rock in the pommel. May summon greater elemental of choice once per day) A scimitar once belonging to a Drow warrior, blessed by unholy magiks to withstand the sun. Oce in his possession, Corellan removed the dark blessing, turning it into a powerful weapon of the blade singers.
Corellan's Grace: Dirk +4 -(Grants the bearer increased senses and reflexes, allowing him to avoid dangerous situations with greater ease) Upon entering the coveted ranks of the Bladesingers, the Dirk of Corellan's Grace was given to him by those higher in the order as a sign of acheivment.
Armour:
Elven Bladesinger Chain: Allows freedom of movement, and strong defense against conventional weaponery. Can cast with no penalties
Pendant of Lloth's Folly: A stolen house symbol which disguises the wearer as a Drow. All but the dark Queen herself could not tell the difference


I'll add in Ferchin and Sethin later.

[Rob-hin]

Creating an epic level character will be a challenge.
I'll create it this evening, and hopefull get it up to.

I'm really looking forward to this.

[Xandax]

Xandax, Chaotic Good, Warrior.

Short background (can write an extensive one if needed)
Xandax hails from the area of Daggerdale. Little is known about his past, because it is not something shared with everyman.
Following his code of honour, Xandax drifts around the realm, looking for combat and adventure, as if he was running away from something, which he in fact is – his necromantic father haunts his blood, in his dreams and in the world of the living.
Xandax learned the art of combat in a young age, and he learned the fine art of controlling his mind, as to focus his energies.

Equipment:
Xandax constantly carries the sword “Ferox” at his side. On the blade of the weapon is engraved its name. Ferox sometimes have a fiery glow, especially around undead, and the weapon seems almost sentient at times. Xandax has yet to discover the full potential of the weapon. The weapon came into Xandax’ possession when he extracted revenge on his father by slaying him and his demonic and undead minions. Although “Ferox” supposedly was crafted by Xandax’ father as a tool in evil plans, the sword seems to have “chosen” Xandax as its wielder.

As shield Xandax carries a medium sized shield, about the same size as his torso, with the word “Curator” engraved. His stepfather gave the shield to him, at the day his real father ravaged Xandax home and killed his mother and stepfather. The shield offer some protection toward magical attacks and effects of poisons.

Xandax is found walking around in non-magical full plate.

[Magus]

Aerie (see Soulforge for more details):
Class: (She seems to somehow be proficient in both clerical and wizardly magics)
Alignment: ?? (When asked, she replies that she likes to think of herself as a good person)
Level: ?? (When asked, she looks at you funny and remains silent)
Inventory: ?? (She politely refuses to let you go through her things)

The study of magic, arcane or divine, is a hard discipline, beyond the ability of most in the land of Faerun. Of those with the spark of talent, few manage to pass beyond the third circle of spells, ultimately failing to attain the intellectual or spiritual understanding necessary to perform the more complicated and trying spells. Only the brightest can hope to attain true mastery of their chosen profession, and the path is often long and difficult, usually spanning a lifetime. Thus it is rare to find a person that is adept in two forms of magic. Only the most gifted of individuals could even approach mastery of two such disparate schools of magic as the arcane and the divine, and that is what Aerie has done. Though intelligent enough, her grasp of magic comes not from a rigorous analytical understanding of theology or arcana, but from a well of intuition that makes her spellcasting graceful and beautiful to behold.

A full-blooded Avariel who had her wings clipped as a child, Aerie’s youthful, innocent beauty belies her age and experience. Though she is indeed still young by Elven standards, she has lived her life more fully than many of her race, living among humans as she has for most of her life. As of late, however, loss and hardship have taken their toll on her once lively demeanor. Only a few months ago she was living happily with her husband, the Archmage Magus, when abruptly all she knew and held dear was shattered before her very eyes. Her husband vanished without a trace in a spell battle with the demon Laznaliasoth, and her home with him was shattered when the pocket dimension containing it collapsed. She has spent the past months searching for Magus, feeling deep inside that her husband is still alive. Through divination she has discovered an artifact that may lead her to her husband, and so she sets out to recover it.

Void (see Soulforge for more details):
Class: Monster (Void stares at you menacingly as the thought enters your mind)
Alignment: (He doesn’t seem very friendly, and probably couldn’t care less if you suddenly dropped dead)
Level:?? (Far beyond your comprehension, fleshling)
Inventory: (He glares at you like you're some sort of moron)

Void is out of this world. Literally. A creature formed of the very essence of magic within Magus’s Rift, Void falls more or less into the category of beings humans call hakeashar. He does share many characteristics with them: high intelligence; a murky, intangible form; sustenance by feeding off of magic; and the ability to leech magic from his surroundings, store it, and release it in the form of a spell. Yet he isn’t quite a hakeashar either. Long ago, before he met Aerie even, Magus created the creature that would be his familiar, Void, in the extra-planar dimension that he would later call the Rift. Into his creation he poured a little of his own life force, resulting in a creature that was neither living nor dead. The pact between the two had unusual results. Highly intelligent, even for his kind, and imbued with powers not found in his kin, Void is a doubtful ally and a fearsome enemy. Though loyal to his Master, in his own way, Void is nothing if not a free spirit, and loyalty takes many different forms…all not being necessarily desirable. Skilled in psionics, Void communicates using telepathy, and has been known to incapacitate enemies instantly with a piercing psionic blast. Like his kin, Void is incorporeal, and thus completely immune to nonmagical weapons. Unlike his common brethren, just because enemies can’t harm him doesn’t mean he can’t harm them…

Since his master’s disappearance, Void has been even more sour than usual. Tensions between him and Aerie are high without Magus around, and at times it seems a wonder they’ve held together. Perhaps it’s their common goal, perhaps it’s something more. Doubtless, when the two are in-sync, they are a force to be reckoned with.

[Rob-hin]

I tried to get my character up yesterday but I didn't have any inspiration.
I'm to tired now, so expect it tomorrow.

[Magus]

There, the story thread's posted. Yes, for now I just copied and pasted my post from Soulforge, but I'll add the next part soon enough. I thought I'd just get the story up and going for those that are itching to debut their characters and get started. Some introductions might also help me decide how to get the ball rolling. I'm thinking tavern right now, but maybe I'll hit upon a less used idea.

[Xandax]

So - this takes place how long after Athkatla II and in what part of FR?

[Magus]

Originally posted by Magus
Soulforge, and thus its continuation, Lost Souls, takes place a few months after the end of Athkatla II.

It was buried under a quote of yours.

I looked up the location of ancient Netheril. Apparently the story takes place in the Anarouch Desert. Err...wait a minute. Sigh. Could someone point me in the direction of a good (online) map of Faerun? I have one on my main computer, but unfortunately my PC is without power until I can dig up an extension cord or a spare surge protector. I need to measure some distances to make sure the location I'm looking at is within walking range of Athkatla. My tentative guess for the moment would place the setting near the southwestern edge of the Anarouch Desert.

Note that "a few months" will expand as necessary to make Aerie being whereever she is feasible. If it's a problem for you in your character's time frame I might also be willing to accomodate.

[Xandax]

Originally posted by Magus
It was buried under a quote of yours.
<snip>

Yeah - I know - but wanted to ask again, cause it was kinda vauge

http://www.faendalimas.com/BG_Mods/faerun.htm

This is the "best" map I've been able to find myself at the moment. Seems all the downloadble links I find are out of order

(need to work a little on this one - cause it is "close" to Xandax' home ... so need some good story as to why he is traveling that direction )

[Rob-hin]

You can select other maps here!

[Rob-hin]

Yolta
Mage of the Arcane Order


History:
Tales about Yolta make their way around the planes, this is understandably as Yolta is no common fellow. His magical knowledge is recognised and appreciated by wizards all around. Yet, this is not what is best known for.

His knowledge of the art helped him climb the ranks of the Arcane order. And for years now, he occupies one of the highest ranks amongst them; a Regent of the Arcane Order. But again, this is not what he is best known for.

Yolta’s one feature that stands out the most, is his uncommon heritage; for non of his race ever managed to grow as Yolta did. It is true that every millennium or so, one of his kindred shows the potential to be more then the savages that they are know for. Yolta is in fact an Xvart.

Throughout the years, Yolta has build an impressive reputation amongst his fellow mages and Regents. Some say he even surpasses Japheth Arcane, a close friend of his and leader of the Arcane Order, with his magical abilities. Others claim he even is befriend with Elminster.


Description:
A short Xvart, definitely not dressed to impress.
He wears a simple, small robe which matches his natural blue fur colour.
Covering his hands, he has a pair of brown leather gloves.
He has clear red-isch eyes and a big white beard and a mystical smile.
Functioning as a walking staff, Yolta carries with him a wand with a big red ruby on the tip.


Equipment:
Bigby’s gloves. The gloves contain the possibility to cast Bigby’s spells. The number of times cast per day depend on which spell is cast. It permanently, as long as the gloves are worn, grants the wearer the mage hand ability.

Wand of absorption. Looking closely at the big red ruby, which matches Yolta’s eye colour, on the tip of the wand; vivid energy seems to flow through it. If used properly, the staff can absorb spells aimed directly at the person wielding it. This magic can then be used to power spells or it can be blasted outward with a burst of powerful raw magical energy.