bluhbluh, HUGE TEXT

I guess the events from this quest play before Golem Quest or maybe this is one of the alternate settings?
Did you work out the idea with Bob?

Will you have the similar schedule like Bob?

I like the quest, especially detailed descriptions in HUGE WALLS OF TEXT, the thing I also appreciate in Golem Quest.
Glad to see more people doing detailed text quests.

The filesizes of the drawings in the thread are about six times what they should be, 8-bit png, gif, or jpg would be more appropriate for scanned images.

>>338135
Given scanned images are noisy, photograph-like data, JPEG all the way.

>>338137
Level images to clean up lines and reduce required bitdepth.

Ill try to keep it in mind for the future.

>>338129
The events of this Quest take place in the early stages of the Mosmorden empire's major war of expansion and the early production of the first 10 Soul Graves.

Schedule will probably be somewhat similar to Bob's, hopefully at least once a day, but quite possibly more rapidly than Bob is able to handle. Depends on what life throws.

This idea was worked out with Bob in part, mostly things like setting pieces, some of the people involved, the Soul Graves, etc. However, the game is almost entirely my own, and Bob has been left almost entirely left out of the specifics of mechanics so that he will be able to play in this quest. Some things will be similar, some things will be different, some things will be very different.

So, mostly to just record it where people can read it, life went exactly how predicted.

In the middle of the week, I suspect to only have 1 update a day (particularly with recent changes to my work schedule, this could change). Sat/Sun can have multiple updates, and are also the days most likely to have none (will be announced if this happens) but I generally am working off a principle of either 5+ suggestions, or 24 hours before making an update.

About dem stats.

Do they increase automatically as we use them? Or do we have to invest XP?

How do we unlock new abilities? Can we become shoemaker if so desired and level up that skill?

>>338329

All basic characteristics (STR, AGI, etc) only level up in a practical way through use of exp. They can level up over time, but this is very slow.

Skills are unlocked by focused consideration of a skill, such as Command via taking control of the squad before combat fully ended. The first level of a skill can be fully gained through nothing more then use; however, there are modifiers.

-Almost all skills level up faster while in the middle of a mission or combat, essentially, the more risk to using a skill at that moment, the more reward
-There are moments in game that will immediately level a skill to level 1 if a skill is used at that moment. This is usually when it would be the most 'ideal' time in game to use it (such as if in the first combat, 32 had noticed something he missed that would have turned the Major victory likely into an even better result).
-Use of a skill in its ideal context will always gain Bonus Exp.

Emotional Sets are unlocked in almost the same way as skills, except they are more particular than skills (ex: Camouflage skill has been unlocked by making 32 consider it a good idea, an emotional set will never be this easy.). For example, if 32 did not start with contempt, it could be unlocked as an Emotional Set if 32 was to be extremely disdainful and offputting of a Heroic level person, goading them into a fight this way, or to possibly a village elder in an attempt to provoke a conflict. In the same rule as skills, acting in such a way when the situation is 'tense' is the best chance to unlock an emotional set.

>>338532
Okay, okay but can #32 unlock .... Love?

>>338578
Maybe, If you can defeat an enemy with a love beam (or a princess beam), just maybe.

A Primer on levels
32 is extremely competent compared to most humans, having senses, strength, and redundant organs gives him a leg up most 'average' humans never have. As such, almost all hypothetical level '0' skills do not reflect incompetence, but instead reflect the skill level of a human who has never trained or really considered an idea previously. As such, even a skill under level 0 or ??? can still pass, higher levels usually result in minimizing failures, or greater chance of success in hard to perform circumstances.

Base characteristic level and their meanings: note that levels do not stop at 3 in all cases.
Level 0: A normal, non trained human.
Level 1: A human on level of a basic soldier, conditioned in survival, agility, etc.
level 2: A lower heroic level of STR/CON/AGI, perceived by most normal humans as superhuman.
level 3: Markedly superhuman levels of a characteristic, defining level of Heroic Souls.


Skills
level 0: A human who has never really considered application or use of a skill.
level 1: A normal human specialist trained in a skill.
level 2: A specialist who is extremely talented in a skill and has received some training, or who has magical/extrasensory aid.
level 3: A notable specialist in a skill, who likely has renown in said skill and is known as one of the local geographical best.

Emotional Sets:
level 0: A minimal consideration of 32's life philosophy, or something considered trifling.
level 1: Something that is given consideration as a potential view of life, or considered another person's view worth some consideration.
level 2: A relevant part of 32's view of the world, or something on the road to acceptance.
level 3: A fundamental part of 32's philosophy on life, taken for granted as something that is normal.
level 4: A Defining part of 32's philosophy or mindset, or a very prevalent emotion that shapes his way of thinking.
level 5: Nearing a cult-like fanaticism, 32 will actively consider this 'a' if not 'the' defining part of his life's purpose or view.

Can we learn magic?
That shit would be useful.

Do we learn faster than normal humans or at the same rate?

Also, I meant Love as emotion (or the equivalent of that)

>>338586

You could theoretically learn magic, but literally 32's arcane magic knowledge at the moment is nonexistant beyond that his heart has something to do with magic, and it can be dangerous, and that he has runes on his hands that do it. Beyond some magic he was exposed to in training, he has no concept of arcane theory, or casting. He would need at minimum a teacher, interest in learning, and the ability to go through the annoyances that Humans do to learn magic normally and slowly.

In short: Possible, but hard.


As far as learning goes, 32 is essentially like any normal human. He will be biased in various sorts by talent and ability, along with physical existance. He does not learn faster, he is not exceptionally well learned (though he is literate), nor does he innately really care to learn. His growth in skills will reflect that, Combat Perception being a very easy thing to learn, others that will be very difficult.

As an emotion? 32 has nothing physically incapable of making him FEEL love. However, assuming you mean Emotional Set, maybe, maybe not is the simple answer. To attempt to find out, you would need to in a time of at least fair riskiness, and in a natural way, to get him to use Love as the emotion that dictates his action. If this is done, and the emotion is actually on that list, then it will unlock at level 0.

updating tomorrow, Christmas events and such have left me tired.

Post delayed until tomorrow night due to company being entertained.

>>338749
Oh, alright


Have a great time then! :)

as discussion is essentially my update will be missing thread...

Will likely be working till midnight+ for New Years eve, and then in morning. Update will either be somewhat late, or delayed till tomorrow.

>>267940

I am suddenly struck by something I had never really considered before. In my training within the Mosmorden empire, I had been exposed to what I had considered frivolous at the time, Wombats. It was only during my travels to the southern parts of the empire, that it would be pressed upon me the potential dangers of such a creature. I had only seen it from afar before, but it was truly a sight to behold, the Sevolt Wombat. The creature easily was nerly thirty feet in length, and half as much tall. I at the time took it no heed, but it was facing this Morgren that I was reminded of the threat.

Conjuring all I had ever known, the thrill of the heat of battle, I recalled all I saw that day. And then I SAW and I KNEW.

They were approaching the camp, I saw one in the distance. The Froggrock had no realistic chance of defeating us before, but that was only to throw me off the trail. I saw the Wombat Rider, less than half a mile away, but it had blended into the plains we had come from previously. I immediately rtaised the alarm for combat, and began to lead this ragtag force into what was to be a true trip into the deepest parts of the deep itself.

Thos teeth of theirs I had seen cut an abandoned Stone Golem that night, and the cool air from the swamplands had left us open. I was probably the only one in camp who could counter their natural camouflage, not that that protected us from anything. They are smart creatures I was told only after the fact, easily able to learn and adapt to military tactics nearly on the fly. I was to learn my foolhardiness of only having Wombat Perception fully readied that day, but I can only imagine that the war would have ended right there if I had not.

Except from: Memoirs of an Alchemical Soldier, 32: The non-canonical adventures

Anonymous 2011/01/01(Sat)20:59 No. 29167 ID: f6360f
File 129394436298.gif - (35.69KB , 600x274 , wombat457edit.gif )

>>338964
Wombats: Serious Business. Fearsome military critters in many incarnations.

Potential Delays alert:

Due to planned circumstances, the next three days may or may not contain updates to Golem Dreamer, depending on how busy I end up.

For all those I know need to catch up, DO THAT!

that is all.

[A little collection of all my descriptions of major skills, emotional sets, and telents. See >>338581
and
>>338532

for other info]

Basic Information and Skill Info Compilation:
Illusion Soul Runes (This option adds an additional 500 marks owed to the Empire) : Ritualistic tattoos carved into 32’s body serve as pre made illusions that can be conjured when needed. Consisting of high quality Soul Runes on each of his hands, and one on his body for a total of three. When called upon, the hand runes conjure an illusory arm with weapon that in all ways looks real to normal sight, and can be easily viewed by anyone that lasts up to a minute. When the Torso rune is used, a body double is created with similar perceived realness; however, lasting only up to thirty seconds. Recharge on each rune is automatic, and is approximately known to be from the point of full use a full nights rest, or a full day and night if constantly on the move with no rest. A rune’s effect can be ended prematurely to preserve charge.

Skills:
Combat Perception: Higher levels of this skill will increase the amount of small details that surface in the combat about enemy actions, these often provide hints as to potential enemy weaknesses. Covers terrain, equipment, and physical characteristic examination of enemies, and can reveal attempts for enemies to hide behavior of surprise attacks. Uses Combat Experience.

Speechmaking/Command: This skill reflects the ability of 32 to win over larger size crowds through oratory, attempts to inspire large groups into action, and command of a squad as a whole. Higher levels improve the chances of getting orders followed correctly, maintaining higher respect levels, restore morale, and avoiding errors in orders and commands. Uses Combat or Emotional experience.

Camouflauge/Stealth: The ability to both hide yourself, or to lead others in an action that requires stealth. This also covers attempts to ambush an enemy in combat. Advanced skill also aids Combat Perception and Senses in attempting to reveal possible ambushes.

Combat Senses: The ability to deal with the environment with senses beyond simply sight. This skill covers overall proficiency with sound, smell, and potentially taste or touch (if 32 goes out of the way to include these). Improved levels will greatly reduce attempts for enemies to ambush 32 or anyone he is with, and also offers insight into battle situations that may not be noticed with only sight.

Bluff: The ability to lie, hide ones actual intentions, and manipulate the truth with or without prior preparation. Higher levels will reduce the penalty for attempting to bluff unprepared, lower the penalties for failure, and lower detection risk by being more likely to catch inconsistencies in a story before they are said.

First Aid: The ability to treat wounds, prevent infection, and attempt to generally heal another person. For most practical purposes, this reflects 32's knowledge on stabilizing a person in a battle environment, and plants that can be used to improved healing rates. This can become a more full blown medicine skill with high level of training.

Diplomacy: The ability to convince persons through negotiation, bartering, and other non intimidation forms. At higher levels, allows 32 to bypass active negotiations to get a lower price on many items, has some influence on leadership, and often improves efforts of interpersonal negotiations/friendships by giving him a sense that an idea might be looked upon poorly.





Emotional Sets

Fatalism:
Belief that one’s actions and results are dictated by fate or some higher power.
Pros: Strongly improves 32’s personal sense of Morale and reduces ability to be overcome by fear, Effects of pain are lessened, doubt/inexperience is less of an issue.
Cons: Biases 32’s action towards accepting failing results if they are occurring. More bias towards potentially bad ideas if felt they are ‘destiny called’.


Contempt
An intense feeling of someone or something as inferior.
Pros: Improves defense against intimidation, lessens chance to flee due to fear.
Cons: Severely reduces interpersonal relationship cohesion, risks ill advised actions against those considered inferior, who may in face be equal or superior.

Curiosity:
A state at which you want to learn more about something.
Pros: Makes unlocking additional skills and Emotional sets easier. Makes ‘passive’ growth towards level 1 in a skill faster. Improves Combat Senses.
Cons: Slightly weakens the effects of Combat Perception, Camouflage, and Combat Reflexes. 32 will begin to become more ‘scatterbrained’, and less likely to remember previous ideas without poster help.

Hot-Blooded
To be Passionate (In this case about an ideal, belief, etc.)
Pros: Extremely synergistic with whatever is the highest Emotional Set, Major improvements to Command/Diplomacy/Bluff with those who agree with your message/belief in even vague terms. Belief in fighting for a cause vastly raises 32’s morale in combat, and thus overall combat proficiency. Allows at higher levels for a target to be ‘Marked’ as a heretic of 32’s Belief, and grants 32 large bonuses in hostile action and understanding versus that person/race/etc.
Cons: Major losses to Command/Diplomacy/Bluff if a person or group does not agree with your message/belief, 32 is less willing to compromise in social situations, More willing to rebel or disobey things that go against the belief. A ‘Marked’ target near 32 but not actively engaged will be extremely distracting, and lower his competency in skill checks, combat, etc.

Talents:
Brute Force Specialization: Although the many forms and functions of the (At least for now named: That Which Reaps) can be learned through careful thought and consideration. There is also the brute force method when all else fails. Buying this talent unlocks all non-purely arcane secrets of a weapon or armor, by reflecting a large amount of time spent on downtime brute force acting with the item.
Instrument of Fate (Requires level 4 or higher Fatalism, ???, ???): Thirty Two’s belief in fate is so strong, that at times an outside force will answer his call, and truly become an Avatar of their bidding. Higher levels of Fatalism increase the likelihood of occurring. Invocation of this talent, like Fate much of the time is random; however, when it does occurs, 32 is treated as if he invoked a Medium level Moment of Inspiration for purposes of results in combat, a skill use, or an other relevant THING to the situation if possible. This can result in all bonuses or permanent things/effects a normal Moment of Inspiration can grant, and stacks with any other ongoing Moment of Inspiration. Fate though is a creature of whim, and although it only acts when Thirty Two is also in its interest, there can be side effects to making its will known (Such as the ‘free’ level of Fatalism).

School of Hard Knocks (level 1): Thirty Two’s alchemical augmentations provide a myriad of benefits; however, recently they are becoming a bit more concerned about his noggin. Taking this talent represents his augmentations passively responding to the amount of hits on his head by making his skull stronger and thicker (Protectin dem brain meats from stabbins and the like), and minor tweaks in his head that give him noticably more resistance to concussions and dizziness from blows to the head. Multiple level skill.

Will be trying to get an approximate Force Organization chart posted here tomorrow. So you know ranks and scale of army]

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

[Leveling system revised and expanded to reflect improving levels and clarify misunderstandings]

Base characteristic level and their approximate meanings:
Level 0: A normal, non trained human.
Level 1: A human on level of a basic soldier, conditioned in survival, agility, etc.
level 2: A possibly perceived heroic level of STR/CON/AGI, perceived by most normal humans as superhuman.
level 3: Markedly superhuman levels of a characteristic, level that begins to define Heroic Souls at their true ‘lowest rank’.
Level 4: Notably superhuman levels of a characteristic, able to accomplish truly superhuman feats with some difficulty (lifting of trees, surviving explosive shrapnel, or dodging a literal volley of twenty or so arrows without a scratch)
Level 5: Unmistakably superhuman levels when displayed, potentially extremely dangerous just to be around or known as untouchable/unkillable to anyone who is ‘normal’. (Approximate level of Bang when first met in primary stats)


Skills
level 0: A human who has never really considered application or use of a skill.
level 1: A normal human specialist trained in a skill. (level 1 Bluff would be akin to a relatively low scale wannabe con artist, someone who has considered the applications of lying and attempted to improve on it)
level 2: A specialist who is talented in a skill and has received some minor level of training, or who has magical/extrasensory aid and no training. (Level 2 Combat Perception to a normal person would seem like someone is extrasensory, or the best at something of a small village for non military)
level 3: A notable specialist in a skill, who likely has renown in said skill and is known as one of the local geographical best in smaller populations. (A level 3 in First Aid/Medicine would likely be considered the best doctor of anywhere in a small country. Less impressive in military skills as nearly getting killed is a great teacher.)
Level 4: A notable and almost certainly renowned practitioner of a skill, usually only seen when a moderate level of talent meets year+ of training or a prodigy meets a trainer at all. (Level 4 Diplomacy or Bluff would be the approximate level of a ‘true’ conman or diplomat with real regard)
Level 5: Level only usually seen by a veteran, or a minor prodigy, could be considered the best of a large city or entire small country, possibly in competition with a few others.
Level 6: Levels only seen usually by prodigies or those who have had to experienced many life threatening situations (and likely barely escaped). Will either be in contest as the best of something in a medium or large country easily for non military skills, considered a miracle maker in smaller environments, or a true know it all of a field.


Emotional Sets:
level 0: A minimal consideration of 32's life philosophy, or something considered trifling.
level 1: Something that is given consideration as a potential view of life, or considered another person's view worth some consideration.
level 2: A relevant part of 32's view of the world, or something on the road to acceptance.
level 3: A fundamental part of 32's philosophy on life, taken for granted as something that is normal.
level 4: A Defining part of 32's philosophy or mindset, or a very prevalent emotion that shapes his way of thinking.
level 5: Nearing a cult-like fanaticism, 32 will actively consider this 'a' if not 'the' defining part of his life's purpose or view.
Level 6: Something that is certainly considered a defining view/virtue of 32’s life, a growing cult-like fanaticism.
Level 7: Likely comes off as psychotic to anyone who delves into the thought process. A true believer in a concept, constant feeling of an emotion and likely unable to control himself a fair amount of the time
Level 8: Undeniable true belief, where the idea, concept, or emotion must inform every decision in some way.
Level 9: A level at which one would be willing to martyr themselves for the cause, considered psychotic in some way and incurable, and literally unable to envision why others do not see or feel as he does.

An alert: due to traveling, my internet time will vary between nonexistent and spare this weekend. Update may be delayed till Monday.

>>342357
:(

>>342357
Which Monday did you mean?

NaiveOne 2011/03/20(Sun)11:39 No. 33911 ID: 69bee4
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Present character sheet on request, and for combat purposes.

Just as a general rule of update expectations for the quest:

I will try to update daily, multiple updates are possible, particularly mid-combat, but I will only update if sufficient amounts of posts show up for those so people have some chance.

In general, the most likely days I am to miss an update due to events in life are Tues and Wends, as I have to work, and wake up much earlier, and thus sleep earlier. Don't be too surprised if I miss an update those days.

I will be likely unable to update April 16 and 17th, possibly 15th and 18th, depending on how things go.

A Short Explanation of the Specifics of Illusion Runes

As relatively few questions about the Illusion runes have been asked, but 32 obviously knows more than the players at this point, this post will be used to address a few of the basic capacities of the soul illusion runes.

Note that these only apply at the present time, and are subject to change if or when 32 improves on them somehow

Control
When a rune is invoked, it appears as a sort of second 'skin' around either his arm that ends at his elbow, or for the body rune, his entire body.

32 may always with a brief bit of focus, mentally ‘feel’ the approximate distance and general direction of his illusions from his body. He can also feel if they have disappeared or appeared successfully, and if his runes have any power remaining or not.

Moving an illusion in any more specific sense than something like ‘go directly forward’ requires 32 to concentrate on the summoned illusion. Using general thoughts such as ‘slash the spear in left hand illusion left to right’ will cause it to act in such a way, for arm runes, the spear would move from left to right, for body, the left arm holding the weapon and spear would move from left to right.

32 has not mastered very precise movement however with the illusions, and needs a great degree of focus to attempt to represent accurate movements. For example, by default, the body rune will not use its feet to portray accurate movement, but instead ‘float’ and move directly forward, with no other actions, if commanded to do so. As of now, the only way 32 has to portray truly accurate movements with the illusions, is to have it act as an exact mimic but in a different location (as it is very easy to think of the precise movements you want to have happen, while you are doing them yourself). Even with full singular focus at the present time, 32 would not be able to fool a truly perceptive person using his body rune versus himself for even a second if they were aware of an illusion in effect(as the focus needed to replicate breathing, minor movements and shifting of weight in a ‘natural’ way all at once is beyond his capacity).

For almost all actions, Arm illusions are much easier to maintain an accurate level of detailed movement than the full body one, even if they are identical ’commands’. As a few baselines: Portraying fairly accurate levels of movement on a single swing for an arm rune rates at ‘medium’ levels of focus for 32 at the present. Using the body rune by itself, having it move using its feet, and swing its weapon using its arms would be at 32’s maximum. Use of all three illusions beyond something as simple as ‘split apart and move forward’ takes too much focus for 32 to achieve.

Time
Hand Runes:~ 1 Minute each
Body Rune: ~30 seconds

Runes may be dispelled and summoned again immediately, needing only the time to speak the command word.

Each rune takes about a third of a second to invoke the command word properly (including the dispelling command word), or an entire second to invoke/dispel all three. This can be rushed to half the time, but risks failure due to not being 'close enough' to the actual proper pronunciation. Anything that effects 32's hearing or ability to speak can mess with the command word (as his temporary deafness showed).

Regeneration takes approximately 18-24 hours if constantly awake and on the march, approximately 6-10 hours if resting or sleeping. 32 is only able to detect in a Boolean (On/Off) manner if the Runes presently have any charge. He has no idea how to guess how much time is left, but if he is not overwhelmed mentally, or has a marker to keep time (such as the beats of his magitech heart, which grow increasingly fast with time), can usually estimate accurately within 3 seconds.

Appearance
Illusions will ‘phase’ through solid objects, passing through them harmlessly and with no notable interaction. (except that the sight of phasing through objects is a massive tipoff to the illusion)

Arm runes will always appear to be holding whatever weapon 32 is presently holding, except using only one hand to grasp it. If no weapon is held, it will instead appear as a balled fist. If a non-weapon object is held (such as when he grabbed a person and summoned it), it appears to summon with the held object. In that particular case, it appeared as if 32 was holding the man's legs, and wielding him as some sort of odd club, the man's body rigid and straight. If viewed from behind (where the ‘stump’ of his elbow would be), it appears as if there is skin on the area surrounding what normally would be a ‘gaping wound’. The illusion will be default float in the air at its summoned height.

His body rune creates a result of his entire body, holding whatever weapon he is holding, with however many hands are being used to wield it. Personal possessions on his outside are also replicated (such as his backpack, items on his belt, armor he is wearing, etc.). This tends to cause an odd visual effect if not moved away from his body quickly, as the illusion does not actively perform such minor movements as breathing and the like.

For all intents, the illusions appear entirely real to pure sight. Skintone, scars and other marks, (for the body illusion, hair length, eye color, and so forth), etc. will be accurately represented at the time of summoning. However, any new mark on his body (for example, from an injury) will not be represented until a new illusion is summoned.

I think a new current character stat sheet would be helpful.

For now, posting it on main thread. If it is desired, I could post weekly or so a updated 32 character sheet here.

where'd you go?