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Shining Force: The Chaos War Part II |

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Aldur |

Shining Legend |

"I wonder who his companions are...A Metal man? Like those mechanical machine you all say you have fought before?" Sulia, having never really seen a robot before, and not having had time to see much of Zook's tinkering projects was woefully ignorant on the subject.
**
So it's later on and stuff. And Some people see something.
It appears to be a Kraken. Tentacles burst from the water to wrap around the ship as the legendary mosnter rises from the murky depths. The tentacles wrap around the ship's hull, crushing it in places as the monster smashes it's beak closer.
Sulia gasps, and falls to her knees from the sudden impact. She rises swiftly, her eyes narrowing dangerously. She raises her head, calling down the holy fires of the light on it. Castor charges the creature.
Aurik calls down the flames of Volcanon to smite the creature while the ever astounding Merkass demonstrates his deadly skill with a bow, his arrows sinking deep into the foul beast.
Lilah swiftly ascends to the deck, then pauses for a moment reaching for her harp only to stop. Shaking her head with a frown, she instead looks to Simone, "Wilst thou allow me to carry thee to safety?"
"Yes, please!" Simone says, with an obvious air.
The Lillend picks up the girl and spreads her pure white wings, surging into the air. Unable to reach the head of the beast without getting in the way of the magical fire, Jokulligr instead strikes out at one of the tentacles crushing the ship.
The Kraken roars and it's tentacle pick up Cedric, Rhizor, Jokulligr, Lisa, Castor and Aurik. Cedric struggles to focus, all to aware of the deep waters beneath him. Energy laces around his body, empowering the Kensai.
Sulia frowns at this turn of events. "Foul beast! Let go my allies lest I smite thee with the divine power of the light! FEEL MY GLORIOUS WRATH! HAAAAA!!!!!" Sulia snarls at the beast and fires off more divine fire.
Merkass again fires off another deadly volley of arrows, causing Sulia to gape in awe of his skills with a bow.
The Kraken shrieks and drops Lisa and Cedric into the ocean. And with astounding skill Kyoji appears from thin air to jam his sword directly between the Kraken's eyes. The beast shrieks as the artifact weapon charges the monster with negative energy.
Sulia runs to the edge of the ship, shouting for both Cedric and Lisa. She quickly looks around for a rope or something that could possibly save them. The two were sinking, their armour weighing them down. The Servant of the light didn't know what to do...
Kyoji swiftly ties a rope around his waist, loops the rope around a railing and dives into the water. Sulia moves to reinforce the knot that looked a little shabby. Kyoji grabs Cedric and begins to pull on the rope...Cedric still can't swin and continues to sink.
Meanwhile Rhizor acts fast and summons up a Water elemental to aid them, sending it to aid Lisa, as the Knot Kyoji made holds. Lisa collapses, soaked on the deck, coughing up water as Kyoji attempts to keep Cedric above water.
Sulia attempts to pull them up, and yet fails horribly. Her strength seemed to have left her. Aurik pushes her out of the way and Begins to pull them up. Lisa moves to aid them, The two slowly pulling the Ninja and Paladin out of the water. Eventually Lisa and Aurik manage to pull the two back onto the ship.
Lisa glares at everyone that didn't help. ESPECIALLY the minotaur. Merkass finally makes it from his perch from the crow's nest. And Sulia sighed over not being able to help the two in the water much. But Light be praised, they were safe now.
"The damage to the hull is substantial," Kyoji says. "We managed to kill the beast quickly enough to prevent critical damage, so the ship should still float, but..."
"We need to get to a port to get repairs?" Sulia looked at the soaked ninja and nodded slowly to herself. Lilah lands on the deck, setting Simone down beside her, "Shall I repair it?"
Kyoji raises an eyebrow. "I was going to suggest landing at the first island and effecting repairs... you can do it here? Now?"
"I must admit that I find that somewhat...hard to believe Lady Lilah." Sulia looks in astonishment at the Lillend. "However...the sooner it's done the better I would suppose."
Lilah pulls her lyre from her shoulder and slides it into her bag, then pulls out another lyre. It's darker in color and engraved with symbols of construction. She begins to play on it softly.
And so after around half an hour the Lillend has repaired the damage to the ship while Sulia looks on in wonder.
This post has been edited by Aldur on Mon May 01, 2006 12:55 am
----- Meg Servo: I'm fighting someone called "Dark Force" geddis the hero: Meg geddis the hero: <3 Meg Servo: I'm freaking out
geddis the hero: why?
Meg Servo: because his boobs are like "bu BUM bu BUM"
Meg Servo: I work at a child nursery
TheUnknownMarine: Kill them.
TheUnknownMarine: Kill them all.
Kria Krystalpaw HP45/45
AC: 21
SFCW Gaiden: Kittera HP 44/44
AC: 18

Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 3:51 pm | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 68 | Posts: 3,444 | Group: Members |

Arcdragnbreth |

Shining Hero |

"Hey... how's Adam looking?" Ashathel said, locating the tinker in the bowels of the ship. Zook looks up at the bladesinger, and casts a small hand towards ADAM. "Shipshape." he says, smiling. "Maybe even better than that, soon." "Very nice," the elf said, nodding. "You know, I've tried my hand at a hundred things, but I don't think I've ever had the inclination or skill for such technology. I envy your dedication."
"Well, thank you for the compliment. I'd remind you, though, that dedication is often born of singularity in talent. Some people are good at everything, and as a consequence don't feel inclined to perfect any one skill. I'm good at this, so this is what I do."
"Hmm...maybe you're right," the elf said, thinking about the gnome's words. "Since you're so good at this... anything else in the works for ADAM?"
Zook hops down from the stepladder he'd been standing on, and rifles through his satchel for a moment. Seconds pass as he pulls out a spherical object marked with strange ideograms. "This," he says, eyes shining.
The bladesinger's eyes shone as well, though more from glazing over at the sight of the object before him. "You're going to have to translate, because this is abyssal to me," Ashathel said, obviously lost.
Zook nods. "This is called a fusion reactor. It generates huge volumes of energy by forcing superlight gases to collide with each other at enormous speed, creating new substances at the most fundamental particle level. It's the same principle upon which stars operate. I believe I now understand how to harness this energy." He hands it to Ashathel. "In your hands is the power of a sun, maybe more."
"That makes more sense," the elf nodded, looking at the reactor. "How do you plan on using it?"
The tinker rubs his hands together with glee. "First order of business will be to wire it to the force field generator recovered from the Silence. With the reactor powering it, I can extend the field around the entirety of ADAM, providing extra protection equivalent to an entire extra sheet of steel armor. Then, I'll make another set of sweeping modifications, mounting the Silence's laser rifle and replating ADAM in adamantine. The goal, you see, is not only protection, but lightening the armor." The gnome pauses. "With a lighter chassis and this reactor ADAM will be able to fly."
"... fly?" the combat caster said incredulously, looking at the large machine. "You can really do that?"
"I will do that," Zook responds. "Only a matter of time, now. And then, sky's the limit, no pun intended. Once initial liftoff capability is achieved, a whole world of enchancements and refinements await, in armament, velocity, maneuverability, durability, reconaissance capabilities... he'd just about explode with happiness if he saw it! It really is amazing what a little ingenuity and a whole lot of Ancient salvage can accomplish!"
"Whoa, easy there, Zook," Ashathel said, taking a step back. "Jeez... I haven't even mastered the Fly spell yet, and here you're about to turn pieces of metal into airborne killers..."
Zook raises a hand to his mouth, stifling a manic giggle. "Forgive me. At this point, time and cost are the largest constraints. Retrofitting ADAM will require a large quantity of Mithril, roughly two suits of full plates' worth. Then, stripping down and replating would take several days. The wiring too. It's not right around the corner by any stretch, but... it's coming."
"Well, I can't help you with repairs and upgrades, but I might be able to toss a couple gold into the cause. After all, if ADAM proves to be anywhere as annoying as the Silence once you're done, I wager Shailtor will be running with his tail between his legs. Again."
The gnome cackles. "One would hope! And actually, you may be able help more than you'd realize. You mentioned you tried 100 different things, yes? Would one of them happen to be any particular form of craftsmanship?"
"Not really... we've got a cousin who used to craft bows, but I was never too keen on paying attention to what he was doing. Gabriel looks like he might know a thing or two... maybe you should ask him."
Zook nods. "I shall, in time. You can't ever substitute for a few good Tinkers, but anyone who knows how to hold a tool can lend a hand. I've calculated that an extra 3 people with only the most minimal training in a crafting skill will half the total time of any given project."
"Wow... that's something," the bladesinger said, nodding. "Say... I don't mind broadening my horizons... you happen to have a book I could look at that might help me figure out all of this stuff?"
Zook thinks for a moment. "Can you read Gnomish or Ancient? All the notes and books I have are written in those languages. Except this one," Zook holds up what appears to be an ordinary spellbook, with words scratched in Elven on the front with a quill pen.
"This one's being written in Common, but I used Elven for the title because Elven's just a prettier language."
"Err... maybe something to teach me Ancient first, then..." the elf commented.
Zook rifles through his notes, a sheaf of loose parchment. "Ah! here we are. This is a primer I made based on the phonetics of spoken Ancient vs the structure of Ancient characters. Came in handy while I taught myself Ancient out of a book I got from Dava's mansion."
"Huh... you're full of surprises, you know that?" Ashathel said, gratefully taking the book. "With any luck, I'll pick up enough to lend you a hand sometime."
The gnome nods and smiles. "Many thanks. Oh, and let me know if your Force Blade ever starts to run low on power. I've got a solar cell somehwhere around here that should fix that right up."
"Thanks... that reminds me, actually, I think I'll get it enchanted later. A little flaming, maybe some thunder..."
Zook climbs back into his armor as the bladesinger leaves, wrench in hand.
----- <] The Draconic Amigo and GMG Member: The Draconic Edge [> Behold, the sands of time and the breath of dragons flow in an endless circle. -Arcdragnbreth [#] SF:CW - Garudaos (76/76)
[#] SF:CW II- Ashathel (87/87 HP), Gabriel (-1/107 HP)
[#] Dream- Besephus (100%)

Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 2:25 am | Joined: 17-Sep 04 | Member No.: 210 | Posts: 990 | Group: Members |

Kaihaku |

Shining Legend |

The song of building echoes over the ocean, urging on unseen hands which steadily repair the damage done to the vessel. Bolts are fastened into place once more as beams are slide back into position. Cedric stands on the deck removing his armor with a scowl. Wringing water from his socks, he glances at Lisa, "I told you armor at sea was a bad idea."
----- The Once and Future Kai Blessed with Curses Master of Situations Legacy
Infinity was only the beginning...

Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 3:26 am | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 83 | Posts: 1,729 | Group: Members |

TheUnknownMarine |

Shining Legend Warn: 0% |

Lisa frowns. "I know. But I had my other method of returning to the ship prepared, though this was far more expedient and much appreciated," Lisa says as she bows slightly to Rhizor. "Well... To Hassan, then," Kyoji says as he looks into the horizon.
And the ship sails on...
((Everyone is allowed one wrap-up post, and then I'll post the end.))
----- The greatest evil is apathy, for it perpetuates all others. GMG Member: Epic Master *The Unknown Amigo* www.thehungersite.com <= go here and save some lives. Prove you aren't part of the greatest evil.

QUOTE
Knight00019: The only way to lift your curse is to post in SFCW2 Knight00019: Then Ivellas is going to parachute in Knight00019: And it's going to count as a charge, so he'll do x3 damage to the world

Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 6:40 am | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 97 | Posts: 2,338 | Group: Members |

Aldur |

Shining Legend |

Sulia Adelhyde was in the crow's nest, her favourite place by far on the ship. She felt the wind caress her hair and the sun shine on her face. Her path was set and she had no objections. The Favoured Soul looked to the horizon, ready for whatever would await her on her own personal quest.
Sometimes, nothing more is needed to be said than that which is the most simple.
----- Meg Servo: I'm fighting someone called "Dark Force" geddis the hero: Meg geddis the hero: <3 Meg Servo: I'm freaking out
geddis the hero: why?
Meg Servo: because his boobs are like "bu BUM bu BUM"
Meg Servo: I work at a child nursery
TheUnknownMarine: Kill them.
TheUnknownMarine: Kill them all.
Kria Krystalpaw HP45/45
AC: 21
SFCW Gaiden: Kittera HP 44/44
AC: 18

Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 9:08 pm | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 68 | Posts: 3,444 | Group: Members |

TheUnknownMarine |

Shining Legend Warn: 0% |

A day passes with no incident, but on the next day... It is midday, the sea breeze permeates the air with salty water while the cawing of gulls indicate there is probably land nearby somewhere. Those with superior eyesight can distinguish a large shape floating in the water, drawing near...
As it draws closer, it becomes clear it is made of metal.
Castor, remembering the other day's escapades, draws his axe and prepares for whatever.
It looks like a machine, whatever it is... Vaguely shaped like a huge fish.
Sulia swiftly descends from the crow's nest, moving towards the deck railing. She peers along the water, frowning.
Zook peers through the scope of his rifle at the approaching shape. "It's a machine," he calls, "Might be that submarine Faralon heard about."
"What does it do? Is it a weapon?" Sulia turns to the tinker, confusion written clearly on her face.
"A submarine is a vehicle. Its etymology reveals its functionality. Sub for below, marine for sea. Its purpose is to travel at great distance below the ocean surface."
"I'd prefer another kraken," Castor says, grimacing at the now proclaimed machine.
"So it could be carrying the enemy...and the Strife Lords do make use of such things..."
Zook shrugs. "Cross your fingers, could be friendly."
"Ahoy!" an aged voice calls out.
http://www.shinola.radh.com/guest/Vox/12_d...#39;s_theme.mp3
"Doubtful in these tim-Hm?" Sulia looks around for the source of the voice.
The submarine draws closer, and Zook sees a hatch on the top. When the machine gets close, the hatch promptly opens, and either a very old and short man, or an old and tall dwarf pokes his head out.
"Ahoy!" he calls. "Have you spotted a Kraken around these parts?"
Sulia calls down to the man. "Indeed! We managed to Defeat it yesterday!"
Zook murmurs to Sulia. "Don't let Cedric catch you revealing events in our quest to strangers, even friendly seeming ones. He doesn't take kindly to it."
"What're you two looking, looking for a beast like that, anyway? No offense, but you don't seem like the monster hunter types."
"...A kraken is hardly top secret. In any way. His caution is admirable...however misplaced in this function."
"You mean you don't know who I am?" he stutters.
"I apologise sir, but your face is indeed alien to me at least!"
"...Could it be?! Could it really him?" *Faralon says, blinking a few times and shaking his head.* Faralon: "And here I was worried about a mechanical beast in the sea! Ha ha!"
"Could it be who?" Zook asks.
"Zook, don't you even recognize Kokichi?! He was on the Shining Force with Max!"
Zook does a double take. "Kokichi?! The Kokichi?!"
*Faralon nods, seeing the excitement on Zook's face.* Faralon: "The one and only."
Castor quirks an eyebrow at the two, before looking back at the old man. "He's a Shining Force member?"
Sulia gasps at Zook suddenly jumping off the ship towards the submarine. "Be careful you crazy gnome!"
Zook hops in the air, cackling. "Haha! Running into Kokichi himself in the middle of the ocean! What're the odds!"
He takes a deep breath and turns to Castor. "Kokichi was a tinker, on par with the great Dr. Crock himself. His flying machines are still the gold standard in single-passnger combat aeronautics."
"You don't say," Castor replies, blinking a few times at the gnome's antics before putting his axe away. "good enough for me."
Jokulligr looks at the elderly man on the submarine appraisingly after hearing Zook's exclamation. "So this fellow flies in machines as well as swims in them?"
"Aye, and having mastered the sky, I was convinced by Dr. Crock to test the sea!" Kokichi replies. He pauses an takes off his cap. "But he passed away before he could see the completion of the project, Mitula carry him to rest."
Zook bows his head. "A pity. He had a long life, for a human, but great minds always seem to pass too soon."
"Aye, aye..." Kokichi says. Then he smiles. "But at least this project was an excellent excuse for me to use the funds I had leftover from the war to buy a home in Waral!"
Sulia looks from the Gnome to the Shining Force member. "So you were following this Kraken? Did you seek to fight it?"
"Er... Yes and no..." Kokichi says. "I was hoping to field test the sub's repellent charge... If successful, it would've driven the beast away. But fight the thing to the death? Not in my old age!"
"What's your average velocity in that thing?" Zook asks.
"Oh, it can reach speeds of..." Kokichi begins, speaking in a constant flow about the specifics of his machine.
Zook scrambles about his person for a quill and parchment to take notes.
At this Point Sulia is completely lost and merely looks on in awe as the flow of figures and terms confuse her.
"Couldn't you test it some other way than trying to scare off a ship-eating monster?" Castor asks, not really caring for the technological aspects of the conversation.
"Oh... Well... I suppose... But why?" Kokichi asks, puzzled.
"No real reason. Just seems odd to go waking a sleeping giant, is all."
Zook runs down to Yeesha's cabin and knocks on the door. "Milady, there's someone here who you should meet!"
"Who?" Yeesha asks.
"It's Kokichi, of the Shining Force!"
"Kokichi? The tinker? What's he... I'm coming up," Yeesha says. Yeesha emerges from below decks, looking around and moving to the ship's side to greet the tinker.
"Greetings!" she shouts. "I'm Yeesha Bryspel of the Court of Cypress! Well met, Kokichi of the second Shining Force!"
"Ahoy, lass!" Kokichi shouts back. "Well met!"
"What do you seek here?" Yeesha asks.
Kokichi explains about the Kraken, going into extreme scientific detail.
"Er, well, we already killed it..." Yeesha says, wincing.
"So I hear... Blast, that means I'll have to go to Hassan, there's supposed to be a Riven Kraken around there... But I wasn't planning to add the shallow water modifications to the steering for... Ah well."
Zook whispers to Yeesha. "Milady, perhaps Kokichi's submarine could grant us swifter passage."
"Perhaps," Yeesha admits.
"Because it's the fiercest, and therefore best monster to test the repellant charge on!" the reply comes.
"Mr. Kokichi, do you have room in that thing for passengers?" Yeesha asks.
"Yeah, but only for twenty. More than that and things get crowded."
"If you're going to Hassan, may we accompany you?" Yeesha asks.
Sulia frowned, they didn't expect...her to get in that thing? On land and in the sky was one thing. "You want us...to go under the sea?"
"Certainly! I'll extend the gang plank, hop in!" Kokichi says, brightly. "Er... That is... If the Court wouldn't mind contributing to my scientific research at some point?"
Zook nods. "Everything's better, down where it's wetter, take it from me!"
"Of course," Yeesha replies, answering Sulia and Kokichi at once. Yeesha walks over to the ship's captain and begins speaking with him. He soon directs the crew to begin transferring cargo.
Kokichi waits patiently.
----- The greatest evil is apathy, for it perpetuates all others. GMG Member: Epic Master *The Unknown Amigo* www.thehungersite.com <= go here and save some lives. Prove you aren't part of the greatest evil.

QUOTE
Knight00019: The only way to lift your curse is to post in SFCW2 Knight00019: Then Ivellas is going to parachute in Knight00019: And it's going to count as a charge, so he'll do x3 damage to the world

Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 10:17 pm | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 97 | Posts: 2,338 | Group: Members |

VoxPVoxD |

e-Relevance |

Sulia sighs, and clutches her holy symbol to herself. "Well...this is turning out to be a unique experience..." Zook dashes back belowdeck to gather his equipment and ADAM. "I've got a few small things and one rather large thing, if you don't mind, sir."
"Oh, not at all," Kokichi says with a grin. "With all of you on board, I can test the passenger limits on this boat!"
The gnome comes back aboveship, moments later, everything in tow. "If there's time, I'd very much like to talk to you about aeronautics."
"Ah, the air, my first love. Certainly! I'll talk and talk until my mouth and your ears fall off!"
"May the light help us..." Sulia looks from one crazed inventor to the other.
Zook laughs giddily. "This is like every birthday and holiday rolled up into one!"
Swimming doesn't sound like such a bad idea, all of a sudden, Castor thinks as the affable mechanics rant about talking about their beloved theorums and contraptions.
Jokulligr frowns slightly at the prospect being discussed. "'Test the passenger limits'?? You mean you aren't exactly sure how many people your machine will hold??"
Zook waves the dragonman off dismissively. "Oh, we'll be fine. And where's your sense of adventure?"
"Well, nothing's EXACTLY sure in life, my fine scaled fellow" Kokichi says. "The Second Anxiety Therom of Helster attests to that!"
"Well...I gues we'd better get our things together and tell the others then..." Sulia was still clasping her holy symbol to her breast, the machinations of Tinker's an alien subject to her.
Jokulligr grins a bit good-naturedly at Zook's reply. "My sense of adventure has never really extended to deep-water diving...in fact, before this ship, it has never extended over a body of water at all. And while this does sound like an intriguing experience, what would happen if we exceeded the machine's limits in mid-dive?"
Sulia grins pensively at Zook. "Somehow that doesn't sound very comforting...Still, nothing ventured nothing gained as they say."
The dragonman chuckles. "Quite a good answer, friend Zook. Very well... let's get going then."
Castor glares at the mechanized barrel before sighing and shaking his head. "Guess I'm outnumbered, then."
Zook asks Castor for help carrying ADAM aboard.
Merkass, Aurik, and Rhizor get onto the submarine. Merkass looks about suspisciously, none too pleased about going under the water. Rhizor, however, seems intrigued by the underwater wildlife.
Sulia descends onto the craft, making sure she has everything before taking a deep breath and boarding the sub.
Zook asks Castor for help carrying ADAM aboard.
Castor nods at the gnome's request, and goes to lift the oversized suit of steam armor. He manages to get ADAM down the hatch, though it takes a while to make sure the armor is not damaged in the process.
Jokulligr takes one last glance around at the appearance of the sea from above before boarding the submarine, curious as to what it will look like in comparison from below.
----- Sorel, Druid 6 HP: -3/40 AC: 20 Spells/Day
Level 0) 4/5 Create Water, Detect Magic, Guidance, Light
Level 1) 4/5 Cure Light Wounds, Entangle, Lion's Charge, Omen of Peril
Level 2) 3/4 Cloudburst, Cure Moderate Wounds, Embrace the Wild
Level 3) 1/3 Call Lightning

Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 10:58 pm | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 113 | Posts: 4,645 | Group: Members |

TheUnknownMarine |

Shining Legend Warn: 0% |

In no time at all, the passengers are boarded, their cargo stowed. Though it is a little cramped in the submersible, it is tolerable, and made far less objectionable due to the spectacular view the portholes offer of the sea. Currently the sub is only travelling twenty feet under water, so there's plenty of light.
And the heroes steam towards their destinty...
((Reflection/ending posts now, if you want them. Next post will end the game.))
----- The greatest evil is apathy, for it perpetuates all others. GMG Member: Epic Master *The Unknown Amigo* www.thehungersite.com <= go here and save some lives. Prove you aren't part of the greatest evil.

QUOTE
Knight00019: The only way to lift your curse is to post in SFCW2 Knight00019: Then Ivellas is going to parachute in Knight00019: And it's going to count as a charge, so he'll do x3 damage to the world

Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 12:32 am | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 97 | Posts: 2,338 | Group: Members |

Rusty |

Shining Legend |

*Faralon looks outside one of the portholes, playing his lute as his thoughts take him through the adventure again.* ((Perform: 14 + 22 = 36.)) *I never thought I'd be doing any of this...I thought it was going to just be a simple rescue mission. I should have known better, though...It would take a powerful force to take down the Shining Force...It's most troublesome yet exciting and great that we could do what the Shining Force could not do. No, this is no coincidence. Fate has definitely called us all here...And somehow we all seem closer because of it all...At first most everyone only cared about gold or glory, myself included. Things are different now. Everything has changed...And the changes have only begun to happen. Rune...Cypress...Parmecia...Is any land untouched by the tyranny of the Strife Lords? I am thankful the stars would let me into this expedition, however dangerous it may be - the tales of this adventure are great and many already - and they're only to grow more numerous and greater. I have more to write about now than I know what to do with... Faralon closes his eyes. I've already changed a great deal in this adventure - I wasn't expecting that at all...I was going to use many of these tales to woo women and gain fortune...Kethra...I can't believe she forgave me. She is strange, but...That's just one of the many things I like about her...She has changed, too...Many of us have for the better...To know that such an evil exists as the Strife Lords and these demons...I will not become like them. I will not be taken to their side like Amelios. I will be free - I will be rid of evil thought so that I may never end up like the foul beasts those devils are. Because if I did, I wouldn't be helping myself...I'd only be hurting others...I'd only be hurting Kethra more...And I can't have it...I won't have it - not when I may very well be part of the greatest expedition force! Faralon smiles at the thought, his music finally trailing off into silence as he opens his eyes, peering deep into the water through the submarine porthole...*
((...Commentary...
I liked that there was more character interaction and such here. I very much liked the gridlines on the map - it causes less confusion in regards to where the characters can reach, what's in range, etc. I like that RP XP was more regularly handed out, and I like that there's going to be a 'friendship' system implemented. I also liked Gathering Info - we should do that lots in SFCW3. Good stuff. Even though many went inactive again, I do like how it was relatively easier to pick up their characters and so that they didn't just fade into nothingness, save Elias, since it wouldn't really make sense for them to do so.
I think you already know my stance on what I didn't like and what needs improving, but I'll state a good lot of it here anyway. While, yes, the gridlines are a great help, there still is much confusion I have found on where I am placed on the map and such. If you could either set up a numbering-type system like you did with the really, really large battle, or double check with me and whoever else might confuse you on their character's whereabouts in battle, that would be most helpful. While RP XP was more regularly handed out, it sometimes felt to me like you'd hand it out more when you were in a good mood and wouldn't bother when you were in a bad mood. Could there be a way to implement a less sponatenous system regardinging giving RP XP? The game felt mostly linear, though I suppose that's more of the player's fault since we didn't pick up sidequests. Still, I don't know if we could have found an in character reason to attempt any of them. While less characters dropped and such than I remember happening in SFCW1, they still did, and Rhizor in particular was difficult to bring back given nobody could get into contact with Bagu for quite some time. I think it should be necessary that we send you our level ups so we can have a fairly up-to-date character sheet available to multiple peoples at all times, for when people go inactive and such due to whatever reason. Of course, if they randomly go inactive for long periods of time without notice, I can understand if you want to simply remove their character from the game. One key point that needs major work, as you know, is balance. I think item and gold finds should be a little more controlled and we shouldn't be fighting enemies with 10 higher CR simply because there are 20+ of us. (The Sound battle in particular was ridiculous. It is NOT normal or OK to burn through a nicely charged Staff of Life in a manner of 2-3 battles.) I think the difficulty is slightly too high for those not-terribly-familiar with D&D. I remember I joined SFCW1 despite my lack of 3.5 knowledge as I was told you and others would handle things. I pretty much relied on Knight for everything, and if he wasn't around, I couldn't do anything. Just...doesn't feel right. Granted, I didn't have that problem this time around, but I am certain that others did. One final thing that annoyed me was the fact that the rules keep changing. I understand it's still in the works, but pleeeease make a choice and stick with it so things don't keep changing all the time. Some examples of things that would regularly change: miss chance %s (high/low, then low/high, etc.), energy resistance, DCs for the same effects that changed drastically. If somethign is influencing these changes in-game, it would be nice to be told what (if possible).
In regards to improving...I already stated a few ideas regarding the gridlines and suggested an implementation on a more regular RP XP award system, as well as shared character sheets, at the very least between yourself and the players. It should be a REQUIREMENT that they send you their character each time, and that they cannot continue without doing so. At least one person never posted their level ups - they didn't even post their character in the sign up thread. Also, in this way, you'd be able to more easily keep track of HP and such. Honestly, it seems you are lost at times, and that's understandable. There's 20+ characters and the character sheets aren't exactly simple. Not saying they're not easy to understand and read, but they're definitely complicated, and complicated things can get one lost at times. I also suggested more regular item/gold gains, which I'm pretty sure you're already going to be implementing now.
That's about all I have to say, I guess. Sorry if it felt I was ranting. It is an enjoyable game - it just gets needlessly frustrating at times. Hope all that wasn't discouraging - the series is still growing! ))
This post has been edited by Rusty on Tue May 02, 2006 1:40 am
----- Faralon: HP: 57/74 AC: 18 Prestle: HP: 64/81 (90) AC: 22 Party Fund SFCW2 - 36,961 gold

Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 12:51 am | Joined: 23-Apr 04 | Member No.: 3 | Posts: 2,503 | Group: Moderators |

TheUnknownMarine |

Shining Legend Warn: 0% |

((Also, please post commentary on the game, what you liked, what you didn't like, how it could be improved, etc.))
----- The greatest evil is apathy, for it perpetuates all others. GMG Member: Epic Master *The Unknown Amigo* www.thehungersite.com <= go here and save some lives. Prove you aren't part of the greatest evil.

QUOTE
Knight00019: The only way to lift your curse is to post in SFCW2 Knight00019: Then Ivellas is going to parachute in Knight00019: And it's going to count as a charge, so he'll do x3 damage to the world

Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 1:03 am | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 97 | Posts: 2,338 | Group: Members |

Dark Maiden |

Shining Legend |

Damas goes back to the cabin to grab his things and then boards the submarine. He loves the sea and the thought of traveling beneath it appeals to him. The small space inside makes him feel a little uncomfortable, but the view from the porthole more than makes up for it. He stares out of the porthole for some time, many thoughts crossing his mind.
When I first joined this group, I was filled with uncertainty. I was almost sure that I wasn't going to fit in and that everyone would hate me... Throughout this journey, I found out that I was wrong... I'm glad that I came to terms with my past, and...I'm glad I joined this expedition. I still have a while to go, but I believe that I have changed for the better. Hopefully, I will continue to improve. It is unfortunate that I have not gotten to know some of them as well as I had hoped to, but hey, there is still time.
Damas looks around at the people around him, a smile on his face.
I'm glad to have them as my friends and comrades in arms… No matter what happens, no matter what our differences are, I hope we can one day overcome them…
The elf turns back to the porthole and stares outside.
This post has been edited by Dark Maiden on Tue May 02, 2006 1:41 am
----- SFCW I: Gaiden Myala (31/70) SFCW III Kayla (41/41)

Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 1:32 am | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 110 | Posts: 1,965 | Group: Members |

Kaihaku |

Shining Legend |

((Notes from the last complaint break-down. A majority of the players have felt that their characters were useless. I believe this was for a variety of reasons, some addressable and some not. One major reason is the existence of power gaming which unbalance the game. Possible solutions to this would be having a recurring villain take interest in the power gamer characters and maim them in same fashion. Another solution would be for the amassed villains to target their fire on the most powerful enemy, a simple tactic you put to devastating use on a number of occasions. Another possible solution is a duel, such as between Ivellas and father, in which the power gamer character is distracted from the main fight. Part of this is the problem of campaign leaders, such as myself, for not allocating treasure in a more balancing fashion. A party of twenty equally strong characters should be able to take down a party of nineteen weak and one uber characters.
In situations when alternatives to brute force are attempted, you seem to always have a counter. Be it high saves or immunities, your contingencies come across as modding to those on the other side of the DM screen, even though they have long been in place. This encourages power gaming as players struggle to create a character that can actually shine if only briefly.
The story was dark and depressing. However, that was not necessarily a negativity while it certainly added to the feeling of futility and helplessness.
The recurring enemies were too powerful until the very end of the campaign, and only then did things balance out because of fortunate rolling on my part. The Strife Lords should be extremely powerful. However, more recurring enemies close to our level would be nice. The Lich was a nice move in this direction as were the Sin Master and Storm's unit but they did not show up enough with the exception of the Silence. More dialogue and develop of a relationship between the villians and heroes are needed.))
----- The Once and Future Kai Blessed with Curses Master of Situations Legacy
Infinity was only the beginning...

Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 1:32 am | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 83 | Posts: 1,729 | Group: Members |

VoxPVoxD |

e-Relevance |

Zook stands, his hands clasped behind his back, peering out of the porthole into cerulean infinity. His ears twitch. From his pocket comes the steady rhythm of his watch, its intonation like the disapproving cluck of a tongue. Tick. A second lost in the impenetrable void of the past. Tock. Another moment gone, in a fathomless nowhen with no map, no rules, no name.
The gnome's eyes focus closer, no longer pulled into the play of current and sun. Zook catches a glance of his own reflection in the glass porthole, and for the first time in his life he stops to take stock of what he sees. He'd aged more in the past few months than in all his life up to that point when he took his first step downmountain. The first lines sprouted from the edge of his eyes, and his eyebrows are shot with the first traces of white. His face is worn by sun and wind, his mouth hardened and set. In a way, all this pleases him. It was romantic. There were no stories about mad young inventors, were there?
A smile crept onto his face. Zook turned, walking slowly away from the porthole, his reflection doing the same, appearing to step calmly out into the expanse of the ocean, shrinking with each step. The gnome turned a corner, and he and his reflection vanished from sight, into the depths of the submarine as he sought out a chat with his hero.
((My largest complaints are that the large number of PCs and the multiple PCs to a player situation spawned by waves of inactivity did a great deal to make a mess of combat and exacerbate feelings of futility. I think play, both battle-side and with respect to RPing would have improved vastly if we'd been a little more willing to drop the characters of inactive players instead of letting players control two and three characters at a time. I agree with what Kai said about recurring villains being a potentially welcome addition. I think the contract with Derrik was far too convienent, to the point of being a crutch. I'd also advocate a smaller role for NPCs and DMPCs. It's discouraging when these characters consistently steal the show in battles, offer the most significant advice and tactics, and generally take much of the fun the PCs potentially get out of the PCs hands.
I think too much is done in chat; not only does this exclude the people who aren't on AIM regularly and don't keep the same hours the chatters do, it clutters the chat and surpresses discussion. A separate chat for RPing might be an easy solution to this, for convenience and courtesy.
The Diablo treasure tables are generally nonsensical and often ridiculously overpowered and I'd really prefer if we avoided them.
I think the game was fantastically plotted, with a level of referential intricacy that makes the epic worthwhile. Despite the flaws, this was definitely the most thoroughly enjoyable RP I've had the chance to play, and I have to commend you for handling it so well and telling such a great story.))
This post has been edited by VoxPVoxD on Tue May 02, 2006 3:18 am
----- Sorel, Druid 6 HP: -3/40 AC: 20 Spells/Day
Level 0) 4/5 Create Water, Detect Magic, Guidance, Light
Level 1) 4/5 Cure Light Wounds, Entangle, Lion's Charge, Omen of Peril
Level 2) 3/4 Cloudburst, Cure Moderate Wounds, Embrace the Wild
Level 3) 1/3 Call Lightning

Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 2:50 am | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 113 | Posts: 4,645 | Group: Members |

DragonmasterDon1 |

Shining Member |

You know you can still walk away from all this if you want to. From a small chair down below, the thin frame of Isyndel Rhoe'wyn removed her pinky from her lips. For hours she was secluded in this very spot, her legs crossed beneath her dress with a tome stretched armrest to armrest across her lap. Her eyes stayed in the tome, content and focused, darting nimbly from word to word and back again at the beginning of each sentence in mimicry of the very waves they passed over.
Across the room sat Sleet, resting on her hindquarters, her onyx tail flickering rhythmically in agitation. The feline's bright eyes looked at the woman intensely, a reflection of the man trapped within.
You are petulant, girl.
"And you are plucking the brittle remaining strings of my nerves!" she spat, her eyes thrusting straight into the feline's. "Now do shut up if you have nothing worthwhile to speak!"
The feline darted forward and leaped, casually landing on an armrest of the chair. Sleet licked her lips once before continuing to stare as if the Wizardess were in her chair.
Why will you not walk away? Your life has been at risk more times than I can count. Great, it's an opportunity to use your life's work to create death and destruction. Fascinating. I am sure you are learning so much about magic that your ears can hardly contain themselves. Go home, Isyndel.
Her ears twitched angrily.
Do you hear me, wench? Go home. Follow this foolishness no longer.
She slammed the book shut. If everything were as simple as you have spent your life deceiving yourself to believe, I imagine you would not spend your evenings licking your hindquarters and searching for rats every evening, vagrant. Even in your form, do you still insist on turning your back to the world?
The voice in her head continued in agitation. If it keeps me alive, then so be it, woman. If it keeps you alive, evenmoreso.
Touching. Really. You are free to leave at any time should you feel the need to lick yourself elsewhere. But listen to the sound of my voice, and recall it clearly for the next time you decide to so pathetically attempt to reveal your concern. I am continuing onward. I will stay the course with those who do so, because I feel it to be the right thing to do. And I am afraid, Teth'in. I fear for my life. I tire of all this journey encompasses. But I am staying, and should you wish to leave I will immediately search for a method in which you and I can be unbonded. Is that clear?
You know I will not leave you.
She sighed audibly, and rolled her eyes. I do not know why I expected you to purchase a clue on what I just said, given you've yet to purchase a clue to what you've just said over so many years. But for the love of my sanity, enough. You know this is so much bigger than what was readily apparent when I accepted the task. You must have known that even as far back as Dava's Mansion.
Sleet bounded off the chair and curled up on the floor. All the lines lead to the same point, as you said ever so long ago.
She nodded, opening the book again. Whatever will come, will come. Hiding from it will be no less safe in the long run, but...I think. No. I know continuing is right.
This post has been edited by DragonmasterDon1 on Sat May 06, 2006 10:44 pm
----- SF: K Don, Vicar Lv22

Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 3:00 am | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 133 | Posts: 383 | Group: Members |

Nightmare |

Smoking Crater |

As Laika enters the sub, he heads to the back and sits down almost instantly going into deep thought, much like he had ever since he had been possesed. He had become his allies' own foe, and it tore him up inside. Even those that he never talked to much, like Damas, or Zook. He still felt guilty about turning on them, whether it was his own choice or not. Especially now that they'd gone through so much together, regardless of how little Laika got to know them, he still felt like he belonged here with them. But when this was all over... what would he do? Where would he go? It's unlikely that the group would continue together... perhaps he a handfull of them may stick together. If that's the case, the wolfman would probably try and stay with them. Or maybe he should go with Aurik or Kanmeshi and further devote himself to Voltron... I mean Volcanon. He'll just have to wait to find out what he'd do, but in the mean time, there was a world to save and strife lords to destroy. And it was time to focus on doing just that.
-----

QUOTE
VoxPVoxD: I had a cat named Master Splinter when I was little VoxPVoxD: I tried to flush it down the toilet

SFCW:II
Laika: KO'D!
Shining in the Katamari
Dexter: |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 96/96

Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 6:47 am | Joined: 17-Oct 04 | Member No.: 614 | Posts: 398 | Group: Members |

Aldur |

Shining Legend |

Sulia sat and meditated. She'd be ready. And come what may...she'd bring her husband back. Nothing more really seemed to be said. ((OOC: I do a have a few complaints. My main one is about treasure. Getting it is fine but, the amount of squabbling makes me wish to cry at times. Then their are people who blatantly ignore the agreed table and take what they like. Though this has happened only a few times.
Derrik stealing some of the things people had as "payment" did annoy me. If those items were toopowered...why did you let them out at all? Aside from this I did have an enjoyable campaign. <3 Shailtor. But I'd like to see more of the other two.))
----- Meg Servo: I'm fighting someone called "Dark Force" geddis the hero: Meg geddis the hero: <3 Meg Servo: I'm freaking out
geddis the hero: why?
Meg Servo: because his boobs are like "bu BUM bu BUM"
Meg Servo: I work at a child nursery
TheUnknownMarine: Kill them.
TheUnknownMarine: Kill them all.
Kria Krystalpaw HP45/45
AC: 21
SFCW Gaiden: Kittera HP 44/44
AC: 18

Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 10:10 am | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 68 | Posts: 3,444 | Group: Members |

FreedomJu |

Ys fanatic |

OOC: My first problem is the difficulty of the campaign. When I first started, I naturally relied on others to help me out, and with my first action I killed something, so I thought I was off to a good start and could start deciding my own actions in a couple of battles. However, about that time I started to get comfortable with the basics it started to get much harder and I ended up having to have other people all but decide my actions for me through the entire RP to prevent myself from getting killed.
Part of the problem was my character, due to this being my first experiance with D&D, I wanted something simple, such as a Fighter. Well, it turns out that in this case simple = weak, or at least it seems to me that Van was among the weakest characters for the most part. Only when he had that stat boosting guisarme could he hold his own against the majority of the monsters that we were facing. With that gone, I'm expecting Van to quickly become useless outside of tripping again. Van has 19 AC right now, while most other characters created by those with more experiance than have seem to have AC in the high 20's, if not higher. Granted, the whole sending money to the village thing didn't help, but honestly I don't think it would have made much of a differance in the end.
The second problem, like Vox said, is that too much is done in the chat. All too often I would get home from work to see an RP halfway, or almost totally done. Not once was anyone able or willing to give me a summary sufficent for me to just jump in, I always had to go back and read it from the start, and by the time I caugt up the RP was finished, which irritated me to no end. Now with my current job I have to go to bed before such RP sessions would be over in most cases. Again, that is frustrating as there have been many times where it has not been in character for Van to stand there and do nothing, but I couldn't do anything about it due to coming in late. Going by forum posts for such RP events would be a heck a lot easier to keep track of, and yes it's slower, but that would allow more people to take part I think.
----- SFCW II Van 75/131HP 21 base AC, 22 with Dodge.
24 with enchantments, 25 with Dodge on top of that.
Master of Factions
Rusty: I HAVE BLUEBERRY POPTARTS
Rusty: Shinola was blueberry poptarts before.
Rusty: :o I'm eating Shinola

Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 3:18 pm | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 117 | Posts: 561 | Group: Members |

Cyrus |

Shining Member |

Castor stared listlessly into the cold, black floor of the submarine, his muscles slack against a nondescript wall. Surely the engineer wouldn't mind him taking up the space - he had plenty of it, despite how small it looked on the outside - and being reminded that he was under the ocean by one of the ship's many portholes left him uneasy. Still, he needed someplace to think, and this was as close as he was going to get.
He was weak. That was all there was to say. The enemy had been able to change his mind and made him attack those who he been hired to protect, and made it look easy. He only watched has he was corrupted, didn't even have the time to react as that thing slipped into his soul. How do you fight someone with that sort of power...especially when he very well may be the weakest? Still, the fact Shailtor was the weakest was...interesting. However, the fact the minotaur was bested by him was an insult to his profession; an insult he could not let stand. Looks like I don't have a choice, he thought. I can't stop now, can I?
Coming out of his trance rather quickly, he saw Zook making his way to the helm, or the cockpit, or whatever they called it...right where Kokichi was. Wonderful. And I was getting so comfortable, too. Waiting until the tinker had moved out of the way, the mercenary went off, trying to find another windowless spot that might just salvage his ears.
[I really have no objections or compliments that haven't been said beforehand.]
----- CURRENT: SF:CW II - Castor [-A lot/155 HP (-29). 25/28 Str.] --- COMPLETED:
SF:CW I - Rue Soothmender [59/59] [Spells 6/7/6/5/5/3]

QUOTE
cyrus v 2877: ...I'm sorry, but imcopetence might be contagious.

Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 8:33 pm | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 167 | Posts: 267 | Group: Members |

Kaihaku |

Shining Legend |

Lilah sat in a corner of the strange vessel, a distinct frown upon her fair face. Her serpentine coils and large pure wings were much less of a blessing in this cramped space. The others were crowded around the small circular windows, blocking her view, and finally there are a rather foul order about the place. Her eyes turned wearily to Castor, sighing exasperatedly. Regretfully, she remembered now spells and items she had come across which could quell such a rank odor as now wafted from the Minotaur. However, she had ignored such as a waste of her time and talent, and not she was paying the price. Leaning against the cold metal of the vessel, she shivered slightly, wishing for the light of the sun to warm her once again. This world was far different than her own, less grand and epic in many ways yet all the more so for its fading and loss. For some reason, that sense of long forgotten greatness gave this realm something her own, for all of its glory, did not possess. She would have to write ballads of it at some point, giving the emotion voice with song. For now, she was content to ponder it... Content save for the distraction of the foul smelling oaf in the close confides of the vessel. She wondered if this stench was his revenge for her driving him to rage against her. No, she knew such could not be the cause for such an abyssal reek could not be artificially created. Sighing, she picked up her back and thrust her head inside, enjoying for a moment the stale air contained within the bag to the vile air without. The air inside the bag was not significant and she had to pull forth her head, to her surprise the beast man was shifting and preparing to move despite the confines of the small vessel. Noting the gnome passing by, the Lilah sighs with relief and nods to him, "I thank thee." Rummaging in her bag, she pulls out a small gray bag and hands it to Zook, "Take this as a gift for thy service."
This post has been edited by Kaihaku on Tue May 02, 2006 8:43 pm
----- The Once and Future Kai Blessed with Curses Master of Situations Legacy
Infinity was only the beginning...

Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 8:38 pm | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 83 | Posts: 1,729 | Group: Members |

Knight_019 |

Shining Hero |

*Merkass fidgets about restlessly. This metal vessel is a far cry from the plains of his youth, the forests of Cypress, and the hills between. Merkass turned his head to look out a porthole and sighed. It would be a long ride to their destination. He soon began to reminisce once more. Thoughts of his home immediately made him recall his youth. It had been the whole reason he is here now. The irony strikes him suddenly, that even though he longed for the plains, they ultimately brought him to this submersible vessel. Merkass thinks back to that fateful day, years ago. The undead raid. He looked at his bow. While it is not the traditional wooden recurve of his people, it had served him dutifully and faithfully, and he thanked Zook for it. What had begun as a fight against undead and a quest to return the prince had evolved into a fight for the entire world against powerful, corrupted individuals and hellspawn. The vessel lurched slightly, causing the id card now suspended from his neck to jangle. Merkass brought it to eye level to examine it once more, as he had done many times since obtaining it. Such a proud looking man turned into a skeletal assassin. It still smelled of the undead stench that had surrounded it for so long, but for the time being, it was all the evil of which he was aware. For now, they were safe - relatively, at least - from the evil plaguing the world.
Merkass looks once more out the window. He could see fish swimming by, giving him a sudden sense of motion. Where they were going, he couldn't say. Wherever it was, it would be quite an adventure.
Merkass continues to look out the window. Then he smiles.*
*Volcanon's will had driven his life since he was young. Many times during this trial, Aurik had seen the extent to which his faith reached. Each time his devotion was tested, his faith reached new bounds. Never could he turn his back on the god who had given him so much. One thing he had learned and cherished over his training as a priest, and had come to realize as he had grown older, was that Volcanon's flame burns eternal. It was why he had been so devastated after the gizmo had possessed him. At least, to an extent, anyway.
Aurik sat to the side for a time in meditation. Such a point in his life and their journey called for reflection. The demons that Dezmon had fought, both real - as his mother claimed - and imagined - in reality - now plagued him. He prayed Volcanon would forgive him for his transgressions against his allies, as they had, and continue to provide him the strength and courage to carry on in His name. Aurik knew he could find strength within himself. However, the blessing of his god meant more to him than any feeble or magnificent emotion he could muster.
Aurik stands, coming out of his meditation. He stretches his legs out, slightly cramped. Upon looking about, Aurik realizes others were caught in contemplation as he had been. Many others had their own inner demons, and it was something with which he could help them. Even though he had his own fair share of problems, their company would help him as well. Aurik walked over to the the Elven sorcerer looking out his porthole. Smoothing out his priest's robes, he speaks, not expecting any response.*
: Do you mind?
*It would be a long ride, and they might have much to talk about on the way.*
*He had saved one like the paladin. Never, in his whole long life, would he have expected to perform such a task and become entangled with a group such as these. Honor bound, ruffians, inexperienced, troubled. All these described the adventuring party of which he had become. The trails people blaze through nature are from ordered repetition. The trails nature blazes for each person's life are far less predictable. His path had shown him that. Ever since he had been exiled, Rhizor had been a loner. Aside from the occasional apprentice - of which there were few - Rhizor had engaged in his own studies, and played by his own rules. He had researched the most primal forces of nature, and unlocked many of its dark secrets. However, here he is, following a paladin around the globe on a quest to fight evil. Rhizor understood Nature now needs a champion. Even though the members of his original grove had found him unorthodox and a threat, he would be the one to step up and take its cause. No more undeath to twist the cycle of life. No more shall evil rape the lands and destroy its fruits. No more shall such crimes against the world stand unpunished. The Strife Lords would face the very wrath of nature in the forms with the intensity of a thousand, unrelenting suns. Soon, very soon their day would come. Rhizor's eye glinted, even in the darkness of the cabin. It was as though his batlike eyes had shifted for a second, and instead of a small, old bat looking out into the cabin, it was as if a tiger was looking out from where he was instead. Shailtor would pay deeply for what he had done to Rhizor. Rhizor would have his vengeance. Even if Cedric struck the telling blow, as he nearly had this time, Rhizor would inter his body within the soil of the land, turning his body to dust. The most fitting punishment a defiler could face. The land would feast upon his body, and Rhizor would rejoice in it.
Rhizor hopped into the air, flapped his wings a few times, and latched onto whatever purchase he could find in the ceiling of the submarine. The water outside the boat comforted him, and the underwater wildlife intrigued him. So much of the world had he seen, and yet he had never been under the ocean. It is a wild frontier to him, and if he had enough days left in him, he would certainly have to study it. For now, he knew the task ahead of him. Nature had been wounded. Now time would reveal how he would be the weapon of its revenge.*
((Suggestions
SFCW2 didn't seem to have the Shining feel that SFCW1 had. This may have been the amount of "dark" or "adult" themes going on. We started out rough, and I'm sure the love potion stuff didn't help. Part of it may be the story, with the Metal Gear related characters, but hey, that can be dealt with. Much of it has to do with the characters. Most of us were anti-social wretches. Let's use this time for reflection as a way to open our characters for the next time they show up, too.
I'm going to second what's been said about the Diablo treasure. The Warcraft stuff I can deal with, and the orbs are a nice touch in a way, though some back story on them would have been nice before they were introduced. While I like treasure as much as the next person, there is a point where it becomes ridiculous, such as when you get weapons with more epithets attached to them than Homer ever gave to the Greek pantheon.
At the same time, it shouldn't be a necessity to have a +4 Greatsword of ass kicking awesome to overcome a battle at level 7. Or level 10. What Rusty said is something I've felt as well. Having more characters should not mean ramping up CR 6 notches. Also, while you can even the battle out (hey, it's what they did in SF, and that's good), focus firing characters = death. Especially at low levels. Characters simply don't have the AC and resources to deal with it. Be realistic. Even though it may be a mass battle and there are lots of opportunities, when was the last time you really saw a movie or combat situation where every single archer scattered about the battle field attacked the same one or two people? Especially in the first couple rounds of combat, it should be more or less random who engages who. Enemy intelligence may need to be rethought, and enemy omniscience needs to be avoided.
I'd like to counter Kai's statement about "killing off powergamers." Power gaming is relative to begin with, and it's only power gaming if that's your intent. Then, it's only going to lead to pissing a bunch of people off. Instead of getting pissed off because someone does something intelligent or makes a few decisions work in their benefit, make use of that. Kai's idea about the duel thing is a great idea. And remember, even if the big bad guy gets killed off, there's always someone bigger and badder.
People who say bards suck have never played an archer who got +4 to attack and damage from bardic music. Or fascinated succubus clerics with a level 10 bard.
Also, what Vox said about the chat RPs is true. If you want to do an RP in chat because it's more real time, that's great. Just try to get an agreement on when and who will be involved. Some of us have real lives (HOLY SHIT, THAT'S UNPOSSIBLE!) such as work, school, projects, homework, and hey, some people even have girl/boyfriends and *gasp* social lives. A game of D&D on a message board, even if it is Shining Force, shouldn't have to take importance over outside life. Especially schoolwork or real work. Contrary to popular belief, there is a difference between being inactive and simply having shit to do.
Otherwise, I still love the game to death, and I'm looking forward to 3. It's why I'm typing this instead of working on a Differential Equations project.))
This post has been edited by Knight_019 on Wed May 03, 2006 3:55 am
----- SFCW:I [Current as of 4/26/06] Ivellas: 84/123 Kyuu: 9/43 Thaske: 54/54
SFCWI Fund: 125716 gp
SFCW:II [Current as of 4/29/06]
Merkass: 89/89
Aurik: 81/81
Rhizor: 89/89
SFCWII Fund: 5766 gp
Shining in the Katamari [Current as of 4/29/06]
Mr. T: ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 99/99. Level 23P, 0 XP

Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 3:51 am | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 47 | Posts: 946 | Group: Members |

Kaihaku |

Shining Legend |

The appointed leader of the Cypress expeditionary force leans heavily against the metal shell of the vessel, staring out through the circular window to the waters beyond. Light danced through the sea, spreading the warmth of light even into the murky depths. Schools of fish swarmed through the waters, seeming almost to dance with the light, blissfully unaware of dire events occurring far above. A great doom is now upon me. I cannot falter now. For the others...for the world, I must press on. He rests his head upon the heavy glass plane, letting out a breath of pain and inward torment. My heart must be hardened. Too many have fallen to the darkness, too many have perished, there has been too much suffering for us to fail now. Cedric closes his eyes, whispering in the sacred tongue, "Goddess of Creation, forgive me... I must embrace destruction. Bringer of divine love, forgive me... I must become hate. Mom... Rachel... Corliss... Amelios... Forgive me."
His eyes slowly open, distant and cold as he turns back in the small confines of the vessel to face the others. Speaking in the tongue of man, his voice is mighty and fell, "Champions of Cypress. We took up the sword long before we could grasp its significance. When this began, it was not for your loved ones but rather for the benefit of all the people of our land. How could we know that everything we held sacred would be used against us? How could we know that the innermost secrets of our hearts would be torn from us?" Sir Cedric Theodoric, Holy Knight of Mitula, looks around the room fiercely, "It was not our intention to face fiends of the darkest nature with the battlefield being our very souls. That was not our intention...but that is the reality we now face." The Paladin is silent for a moment, beginning anew quietly, "We are not the strongest. We are not the wisest. In our veins does not run the blood of angels and Gods. We do not possess the power of the legendary heroes." His eyes shine with light, "We are not the best hope for our world, we are the only hope for our world. We are the light in the darkness, we will not be overcome. From dust we came and to dust we shall return but though mortal we shall triumph over the undying. In the end, bloody and maimed we shall stand over the corpses of our foes. We shall overcome where all others fail, for in our brief lives we shine with a light unlike any other before it. The Gods acknowledge our unique nature and in this dark era it is to us that they grant the power to persevere." The Paladin looks upwards, seeming to see beyond the metal and water above to the glorious sun, "We are the Legacy of Great Intention! Formed in blood and strife, we are the bane of darkness, the Shining Force! We did not ask for this title...it was thrust upon us. We did not ask for this struggle...it was thrust upon us. We did not ask, but we shall answer! From the depths of the deepest dungeon to the heights of the mightiest dark tower, our reply shall resound!" Cedric cries out with fervor, "What we lack in power, we shall make up for with resolve! We are the light in the darkness! We shall not be quelled!"
----- The Once and Future Kai Blessed with Curses Master of Situations Legacy
Infinity was only the beginning...

Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 3:55 am | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 83 | Posts: 1,729 | Group: Members |

Dark Maiden |

Shining Legend |

Damas turns his head to look at Aurik. "Of course I don't mind," he says with a smile. The tone in Damas' voice is kind, but what he truly feels inside...he has not shared with many people. He thinks about what Isyndel had said about hiding from or turning his back on his problems. No more. I need to be honest about how I feel, and I need to listen to others' problems as well. "I'd enjoy some company. So, Aurik, how have you been? I know things have been pretty tough lately."
This post has been edited by Dark Maiden on Thu May 04, 2006 3:08 pm
----- SFCW I: Gaiden Myala (31/70) SFCW III Kayla (41/41)

Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 7:57 pm | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 110 | Posts: 1,965 | Group: Members |

TheUnknownMarine |

Shining Legend Warn: 0% |

((Not the ending post, but I thought I'd do this part in advance and save myself some time later.)) Kyoji leaned against a wall, lost in his own thoughts. The seeress was right... even if it was close call, uncle remained at peace... Kyoji's hand strayed to the sword bequeathed to him. He'd now been thrust into the role of Hanzou's successor.
Was he ready? Could he succeed where the mighty Hanzou had failed?
The sword comforted him... He could feel the ancient wisdom and power contained in the blade, old even when the Ancients were at their prime...
Even the Ancients were afflicted by this new threat, their rest disturbed and violated.
Kyoji shook his head as memories of the battle they'd fought rose in his mind.
His sister...
Dead at the mansion. Some saw, but did not care. That was fine. He was of the Kumoriken clan. Duty before self. He bore that burden alone, and would not stop to truly grieve until after the mission was complete.
The mission was all...
The look on Megumi's face as she died, the first he'd seen of her in years.
The mission was to destroy the Cult and the Strife Lords and all their works.
Kyoji's face hardened.
He would complete the mission.
----- The greatest evil is apathy, for it perpetuates all others. GMG Member: Epic Master *The Unknown Amigo* www.thehungersite.com <= go here and save some lives. Prove you aren't part of the greatest evil.

QUOTE
Knight00019: The only way to lift your curse is to post in SFCW2 Knight00019: Then Ivellas is going to parachute in Knight00019: And it's going to count as a charge, so he'll do x3 damage to the world

Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 8:34 pm | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 97 | Posts: 2,338 | Group: Members |

Kaihaku |

Shining Legend |

((Alright, complaint here. I'm sick of placeholders. If people want to post, they should post, if they don't have time they should post later. Most placeholders never get filled and rather annoying.))
----- The Once and Future Kai Blessed with Curses Master of Situations Legacy
Infinity was only the beginning...

Posted: Thu May 04, 2006 4:13 am | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 83 | Posts: 1,729 | Group: Members |

TheUnknownMarine |

Shining Legend Warn: 0% |

Lisa, sat at the porthole, watching the sea pass by. As always, a hand rests on her bastard sword, which seems to glow faintly, every now and again. Serenity: http://www.shinola.radh.com/guest/Rusty/ITSerenity.mp3 "This world... So much like home, but so different..."
"Five years... Five years of hunting..."
"Yet you've changed more in the last few weeks than in those five years... Why?"
"... I'm not used to this."
"Used to what?"
"Living again. It's odd after all that time to enjoy the taste of food, the senses... just being alive. I'd forgotten how wonderful they could be."
"Five years and you only now think on that? There's something else."
"... The paladin."
"What about him?"
"I see something of myself in him."
"Heh heh heh..."
"Quiet, Kain."
"He reminds you of your youth?"
"No... Well, a little yes. But more than that. He reminds me of what I've been becoming. Driven by vengeance... Cold. I don't know. Seeing his reactions to what happened at the castle was like gazing at myself outside of myself... When I tried to help him, I helped myself in doing so. I realized some things."
"Interesting."
"His companions remind me of some of you, actually."
"Oh, do they? I take offense to that, I'm one of a kind!"
"Stow it, master thief."
"You've overlooked something..."
"What?"
"Not only the similar worlds and the people... We're here early."
"..."
"Five years of coming upon devastated and drained worlds, nations, and countries. Five years of chasing and not finding. Five years of encountering horror with no reward... And here they are... They're HERE. This is the first significant progress since that time..."
"Indeed... It may all end in this place. On this world."
Lisa's eyes narrowed, her grip tightening.
"I'll make sure of it, I swear to all of you."
------------------
So as one journey ends for the heroes, another begins.
As a few threads of fate are cut short, so do many enterwine.
The heroes have accomplished much. Shailtor's plan to enslave them as his own personal strike unit have failed utterly, and the Cult's hold on Cypress has been smashed to bits.
The elite unit from the past called to fight against the new world their original sacrifices had made had mostly been granted rest from their damned state.
The Storm, Silence, and Salamander.
There have been sacrifices...
Deanna, Natasha, Eric, Jaha, Gates, Slade, Dava, Chu Rao, Kisaragi, Bulldor, Hanzou, Claude, Shriek, and Rachel... Just a few names among the many.
But there are far more names that will never be on the list of the war dead due to the actions of the heroes. Countless lives, and indeed the very royalty of Cypress were snatched from the grip of a insidious and ruthless power.
So much has been accomplished, but there is more to do.
The Swarm and the Shade are unaccounted for.
General Fasher still commands the remnants of the Drowned Eye in service to the Strife Lords.
The Strife Lords themselves remain in control of a sizeable portion of land, and their schemes continue.
But the heroes aren't the only ones striving to protect their world...
Yet still....
There is a long way to go...
------------------
CREDITS
http://www.shinola.radh.com/guest/Rusty/ALongWayToGo.mid
Design, Plot, and Map Production: TheUnknownMarine
Map Hosting: Shinola, Kaihaku, Knight_019, Arcdragnbreth, VoxPVoxD, Rusty
Music Hosting: Shinola, Kaihaku, Knight_019, Arcdragnbreth, VoxPVoxD, Rusty
Cast
Cedric- Kaihaku
Lilah- Kaihaku
Kyoji- Kaihaku
Merkass- Knight_019
Aurik- Knight_019, Angel Scare
Rhizor- Critical Mass, Knight_019
Zook- VoxPVoxD
Damas- Damas Heretic, Nightshade Goddess
Kethra- Nightshade Goddess
Faralon- Rusty
Ashathel- Arcdragnbreth
Van- FreedomJu
Acacia- White Rose
Jokulligr- GE Silver Dragon
Ryhir- Kyosokun
Isyndel- DragonmasterDon
Laika- Nightmare
Amelios- Geddis
Gabriel- Twitch, Arcdragnbreth
Castor- Cyrus
Brand- Wandering Dezorian
Elias- Century
Thank you for playing.
THE END
This post has been edited by TheUnknownMarine on Wed May 10, 2006 7:43 am
----- The greatest evil is apathy, for it perpetuates all others. GMG Member: Epic Master *The Unknown Amigo* www.thehungersite.com <= go here and save some lives. Prove you aren't part of the greatest evil.

QUOTE
Knight00019: The only way to lift your curse is to post in SFCW2 Knight00019: Then Ivellas is going to parachute in Knight00019: And it's going to count as a charge, so he'll do x3 damage to the world

Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 6:38 am | Joined: 16-Sep 04 | Member No.: 97 | Posts: 2,338 | Group: Members |

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