The Grey Dust

🦄 Duplicity - D&D Style Fantasy Rp Adventure (Completed)

@rivaan Okendoke, Your go at it :) (I hope I'm doing it right this time ^_^)

I failed didn't I? Everything I do is wrong.

🦄 Duplicity - D&D Style Fantasy Rp Adventure (Completed)

Thomas Richard Harrison
FLESHY MEATSACK

Location: Everyone Panic at the (Undead) Disco.
Interacting with: The walking dead, Satilla, Satilla's new rather thin friends.

There were quite a few of them. Fortunately zero multiplied by ten thousand is still zero. And any number between zero and one really did help the odds, given that the Necromancer or whatever it was that controlled these undead ones could not summon an infinite number of undead. At which would violate several laws of arithmetomomancy regarding the use of indeterminate forms such as dividing an adjunction by nothing. Such a function could not be done in the world of arithmetomomancy, perhaps in the more dubious realm of Arithmancy, but definitely not in the art of using numerical spell studies. Violating such a law would cause a tear in the fabric of reality, or so it was hypothesized as no mere mortal was capable of producing such magic of that level. Expect when they hypothetically could do so by violating other laws of magic under certain hypothetical circumstances which were nothing less than the most ideal of ideal scenarios. Such as not having to deal with random skeletons swiping at your face when you're trying to jot down a few notes on the nature of the beast.

Someone clearly never told you to never part a wizard from his spellbooks. But I'm not a wizard. I'm a Sorcerer. Had Thomas not known better than to talk to an obvious puppetry, or at least that is what he guess given the nature of his observations, the boy might have attempted some ham-fisted witty banter. Every bit of heroism requires some amount of clever retort or catchphrase before or while doing an event changing action. At least those were the standards Master Wolfgang mentioned, never forget the catchphrase, and it's never too early to start thinking of one before your friends give you one that you'll despise for all your life. That said, what was that old man's catchphrase anyways? Right, back to the problems at hand. A skeleton is within melee range, swiping at Thomas in a sad attempt to kill or seriously injure him. Such attempts were clunky to say the least, given that Thomas was caught off guard and merely had his spellbook knocked of out his hands suggested either they thought he was a wizard who needed a spellbook to cast, or the finer controls of the puppeteer were lacking at this range.

Regardless, Thomas was in no way a melee combatant. His Sunlit spells at this range would strike them both, and Thomas was not particularly a masochist. As such nothing could be done about the Skeleton really, save for perhaps an attempt to withdraw to a decent distance to take cover, albeit not very helpful given the skeleton had legs. Thus perhaps it would be best to stand his ground and wait for the skeleton make the mistake of believing Thomas was easy food. A healing burst would suffice, but just to check his investments, maybe it would be best to help the party's healer. He did after all take a liking to her. Sort of. Maybe? It's complicated, but this was no time to play Southern Chivalry.

"Satilla, Behind!"

He was far enough from the frontlines to see Satilla being charged from behind. A rather dastardly affront to a lady to so eagerly romp towards her backside. Estimating the trajectory of the flanking skeleton, given the rate of its movements, and calculating the distance behind Satilla to clear her of his spell, Thomas lifted his right hand at the space roughly a yard (or at least what he estimated to be about a yard) behind her. Quill grasped between his thumb and forefinger pointed like a wand, blood rushing through his veins as the cosmos shined within him. His concentration taken away from the skeleton at his doorstep and focusing into the direction of his gesture.

May his gambit pay off, and may the skeleton be bathed in the light of day, incinerated by the strength of the celestial sun. He was probably going to regret this should his attempt fail, given the cost of such a spell would make it difficult for him to defend against another attack. Hopefully his observations and guesswork were enough to keep him alive. Maybe, if not he would expend his solar spell...

🦄 Duplicity - D&D Style Fantasy Rp Adventure (Completed)

I'll try and get a post up later this evening.

Debating on if Thomas would deal with his new rather thin friend (albeit knowing he's going to get caught in his own spell) or take care of one he can reach afar.

An Oriental Story [Martial Arts Themed RP] - LF Force Master

@Holy Soldier

Actually you've probably seen it in one of the Rp's I've put him in on this site.
You were this guy.

Kalikmalo Bramah Thalmen

Kalikmalo Bramah Thalmen

₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪

ॐ

₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪

Kalikmalo Bramah Thalmen

_{Kah-leek-mah-lah Br-ah-mah - Tal-meh-n}

₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪

Description

Kalik’s name has numerous interpretations. He is the Kaala Vaala—The Black One; the Vishaal—The Titan; the Raakshas Bhakshak—The Demon Eater; the Kaee Hathiyaar—The One with Many Arms; Vidhvansak—The Destroyer; Vaalee Veeraanee—The Drinker of Desolation; Parivartak—The Bringer of Change. He is a fearsome warrior whose skin is as black as space and seems to absorb all light like a black hole. His eyes are as red as coals and spheres as bright as the sun burn within them. His body appears as though it were sculpted from stone. His calves are as thick as the oldest elms and muscles as hard as the finest steel. About his waist is a belt of the finest ore and gems, and a white sarong of the most precious cloth hangs down to his knees.

Vishaal; Kalik can appear as tall as the tallest mountain or as small as a mouse. Some can see the god standing on the horizon like a great statue or shadow. In the center of his forehead burns a symbol ॐ. Hanging from the stretched lobes of his ears are two hoop earrings. Raakshas Bhakshak; he has an appetite for the blood of demons and is the Vaalee Veeraanee. He adorns his neck with a necklace of the skulls of demons and not just demons. There are some angels who had disagreed with his ethics. Kaee Hathiyaar; it is unknown how many arms the demigod has, but he is seen on occasion with eight total. In each of his hands, he carries various weapons and some not so much as weapons as they are objects. He wields swords, spears, bowls, scales, shields, lances, axes, tridents; mirrors; scrolls; and snakes—each weapon possesses the power to best most gods for he is the Aton of Destruction and Change.

All that has a beginning has an end. This applies to all things and not just life. Kalik has destroyed things unrelated to battle such as sadness, fear, and pain. Thus, his shakti though destructive, it can be purifying. When one isn’t blinded by emotions or obsession, then one is able to see the world more clearly. His destruction brings about creation; change; and opportunity as the body, mind, spirit, and the cosmos heal and renew itself. Kalik can always be found facing East, waiting until the day that the sun will refuse to rise for that day will be The End.

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Shakti

Kalik does not boast about his power or his strength. He is antisocial and is more of the type to speak when spoken to, and prefers to listen more than speak for he listens constantly to those who pray to him. He possesses a near ever-lasting stamina and patience. When he stands facing the east, birds, beasts, and mortals sit at his feet unafraid, and fearful only when the demigod is active. He is a bringer of destruction, but he is also a healer who can destroy those things that cause harm and suffering.

He is a superior warrior whose strength can divide the sea. The swing of a sword could split a mountain and some objects he possesses can separate space to draw those who oppose him and his ethics from hiding.

The symbol on his forehead opens to a Third Eye that allows him to see all around him. He can see hidden enemies or traps, and can see through the illusions of his enemies with that eye. With his numerous arms, he can battle a warrior whilst remaining in place. His arms can reach great distances and when severed, it is uncertain if the demigod regenerates the missing limb or if another one of his many arms takes its place.

His black flesh is like a suit of armor and cannot be scratched, scraped, or stabbed so easily. The demigod does not bleed, but his body cracks when damaged and can shatter. Because of this, his pain tolerance is extraordinarily high and he bears a stone-like stoicism. Rarely does Kalik smile, but he does frown and that expression alone is unsettling.

Kalik has been known to transform those servants who have been selflessly loyal to him. They will be transformed by his shakti into beings that mimic his image. These beings are called the Zura and they are mighty creatures of great skill and shakti. When they were transformed, their minds understood Shakti. Eldritch words that allowed them to harness great power. They are the words of Kalik for he is one of the few children who speaks a unique tongue. For this, Kalik’s tongue is as white as heated metal and when he speaks Shakti, his words resonate with power. There are few children who speak and comprehend Kalik’s language. Those who understand him are usually an ally, a lover, a rival, or one who has spent patient hours with the demigod.

Kalik is most notably seen standing on the horizon like an immense shadow with his multiple arms. While some misleadingly believe that that is the only size he is able to take, he can actually shrink himself to small proportions to be as small as an ant or mouse. He can hide in the pockets or throats of mortals, and they say a mortal possessed by Kalik will speak Shakti. They will also bear the demigod’s symbol somewhere on their body—usually the forehead or throat.

The child drinks and devours the blood and flesh of demons. Due to “demons” being ambiguous for an angel could just as easily become a demon or a demon an angel, it can be said that he also devours the blood and flesh of angels. He is a cannibal and will always consume those who fall to his blade. Lately, it has been those children who do not agree with his destruction who have contested him.

₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪

Water color painting of the Zura by Zurian Painter Nodus Khaleem.

Original Tribe

The Zura were not just the name of the multi-armed servants of Kalik, but the people who built a glorious city around the titan, and he stood like a statue over the city forever facing dawn, which was the direction in which the Zurans prayed. They adorned his feet and the earth where he stood with offerings and flowers. They wore serpents about their necks and colored their scales for fashion and at times, the snakes proved to be symbolic.

An albino snake was always looped about the neck of a bride at weddings. Venomous snakes were draped about the necks of criminals who would be bitten and suffer a slow and agonizing death. The Zura built their culture around Kalik. Zurans were allowed to seek vengeance against those who had caused them great suffering or pain and they would offer their bodies to the demigod, pleading their case, which would bring them either peace or rebuke. The demigod was the supreme judge when it came to crime in Zura, if a case ever required his attention. Thus, Zurans were a vengeful people when scorned, but only the purest would pray to Kalik to destroy their anger so that they would be able to forgive.

Because of Kalik, the Zurans lived into the hundreds, which was much longer than most people. He destroyed their every affliction, but he could not destroy time. He could only prolong it. Those most loyal to him were transformed into beings called Zura, and the Zura were mighty warriors that guarded the city and destroyed any army that dare attempt to take it. The Zura were all that was necessary to deal with most nations for their skills were nearly unmatched. The Empire of Zura with but its prosperous few were able to hold off legions of armies. For every one Zura a hundred soldiers died so the legends say.

Unable to bleed, Kalik poured his shakti into the bowl during the Age of Betrayal. When the demigod was imprisoned, his missing statue was regarded as an omen. Prophets began to preach of The End, spooking the people despite the sun continuing to rise each day. The Zura were transformed back into mortals and the Zurans fell victim to their own madness. As crime continued, there was no longer a fear of rebuke. They slaughtered each other and eventually overthrew the government to descend into senseless anarchy. The once adamant civilization was trampled on by invaders who nearly exterminated the entire race of peoples in their conquests. The empire burned and blood soaked its streets. Zura was never the same.

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Faction

Kalik was an uncomfortable being to approach about such matters as “whose side would he choose?” He had been disliked by Angel and Demon alike. Some were not pleased with his ethics and behavior. It was solely because of the compassion he had for his people that he chose the side of the Angels and gave them the shakti they needed to crush the Demons.

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Anecdotes

Legend says that when Kalik joined the fray, the world quaked with his charge. He crushed demons under his feet and the swinging of his blades created cyclones of razor destruction that painted the world red with blood. He disgusted his kin by drinking and devouring the blood and flesh of fallen Angels and Demons. They say he fought savagely with a Demon’s throat between his teeth and when the Demon’s allies attempted to save him, they were shredded by Kalik’s numerous arms. He fought endlessly for days without rest, gorging on the fallen that scholars believed were what fueled his endless stamina. When the battle was over, Kalik had three bands of skull necklaces about his neck. He licked the blood from his skin and weapons like a beast and…faced the East.

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Opinions

Opinions

Only those characters who understand his language will be able to read his comments. Until then, you will only see gibberish. If you see "..." by your name, it is only because we haven't planned any relations, but some can form in-game over time. If you see (no comments), it just literally means that Kalik is silent on the matter and has no comments.

Eyra the Seer

Puraana dagaabaaj kutiya...

Kinion the Fool

Buddhoo...

Wu Dan

Pahaad par khada hai aur yah visphot hona hoga...

Nod, the Great Beast

Jaanavaron unake maans chug liya maare jaane kee hotee hain , aur unakee khaal , daant, aur panje - sab kuchh - istemaal kiya jaega.

Kozz the Forgemaster

…

Azoth

…

Therelon, Keeper of Knowledge

The only one worthy of my ears…

Chinasa the Pallid

…

Tarthus, the three faced Lord

…

Aylin the Huntress

Mere kandhe par pakshee ...

Ash

(no comments)

Zhystkrexas the Corruptor

Tum mar chuke ho isase pahale ki aap baat kar khatm hoga…

The Dragon King Kilgarrah

Tum bas duniya ke tareeke samajh mein nahin aata...

Nefas Sen, Lady of the Deep

(no comments)

₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪

ॐ

₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪

One of the God roleplays as I was certain I've seen you around before. Children of Aton, remember?

Yes, he is premade, although I can't quite say I'm shoving him into a game that's very sandboxy at the moment.
Maybe he isn't what you see into the game, but I can't exactly see what you see unless the setting is written and explained fully so I can immerse him without such shoehorning.

Of course I can only write a story revolved around my character. He's the only one bar yours that has been written in so far. Given that we are given nothing more than a basic setting, layout, geography, some notes on chi, and a general open world... I cannot write a character for others since I would be infringing upon everyone else's liberties to create their characters if I were to set up each Grandmaster's history and backstory. As such I purposefully did so, writing only about my character for my character as I certainly can't write anyone else's character for them. I did attempt to integrate him towards your character the end as I imagined him winding down the mountain and travelling once more as the eternal wanderer. However you cannot blame me for writing a story that 100% revolves around my character since, no other characters were written thus far (again bar yours) to write around. His goal is simple, defeat baddies, unite the people, be benevolent, spread his philosophy. If there happens to be a plotline where we save the four grandmasters or tustle it out, then that's fine, but I did not particularly make him to be a Main-character Disciple at all. Which I think solely said refutes your claim that I am writing for myself and a story that 100% revolves around my character. Do you agree?

No, he isn't the Avatar, not per say, although the similarities are perhaps because of how they were both designed.
He is an amalgam of several historical East Asian Legendary Figures, mixed in with peppering of Norse.

First is Laozi obviously of the Taoist nature in his abilities and wanderlust.
Second is Zuo Ci from his sorcerous abilities and longevity.
Third is Taigong Wang for his patience and fishing.
Fourth is the Yellow Emperor/Dragon for his position in the Middle of the 4 cardinal directions.
His namesake comes from Odin, as well as a reference to the WuDang mountains where historically Taoist kung fu was taught.
The Schools are Taoist in the yin-yang nature, but also reflect the pair of Norse creatures with raven, ram and wolf.
Shangri-La-Valhalla is not a veiled attempt whatsoever.

Combine these together and yes you do have something which resembles the Avatar, because they were inspired from the same source.
So in short, no he isn't supposed to be the Avatar. Despite the elemental control, of which is a reference to the Five Classical Elements of Wood, Metal, Fire, Earth and Water, which is beyond the 4 classical Greek elements and another system altogether as you may know.

I did explain how he was 300+ years old. He uses Dark Chi abilities to drain the wicked of their life to increase his own. Listed under his techniques. His philosophy is that Dark Chi techniques are NOT evil, but the man who uses them are evil or become evil. Regardless of what truth may be, it is the character's thoughts on the matter and he uses them for the greater good to ensure his philosophy survives despite his aging body.

Regarding the Mary Sue aspects, I thought it was rather not like Mary Sue given the multiple flaws I've given him. First as discussed was his dubious use of Dark Chi, which will certainly bite him later. He can barely keep up with the younger martial artists, requiring him to burn through Chi to do so. Vision alone requires Chi, so he has to have tremendous reserves in combat (doubtful as he must also expend energy for Ki). Thus I see him as the old tiger without teeth, still bearing claws and a jaw, but no longer in his prime. Which is fine since again, I foresaw him taking the role of a teacher or mystic more than a combatant, a side character who is on a quest to usher in an era of tranquility and balance. And he's definitely not going to be able to do that alone, not at his age, he needs some younger folks to take up the mantle for him.

Now then, I hope I have been professional enough respectfully with defending my character against your claims, as I must to explain my thought process in creating such an elaborate detail. I thought it worked well with the setting, but obviously not.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I wish you well with your WuXia.

An Oriental Story [Martial Arts Themed RP] - LF Force Master

Wu Dan

Wu Dan

O-Dan

武段

"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be."

Nickname: The Fifth Grandmaster
Age: 372
Region of Origin: North
Hometown: The Mountain Village of Heibai
Deity: All Four, Harmoniously.
Master: Force Master

Gender: Male
Race: Jin
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 120 lbs.
Hair: snowsilk-white
Eyes: Pure-white from Cataracts.
Skin: Deceptively wiry muscles under gaunt sagely light skin, blood vessels which easily explode out.
Handedness: Right-handed.
Scars: Old fading scars from his youth both from training and sparring students from the other schools, as well as rash acts of heroism. Fortunately they are concealed beneath his robes.
Tattoos: A small colour tattoo of a turtle, bird, tiger, and dragon in the respective cardinal directions upon the back of his left palm. The turtle is in black, the bird is red, the tiger white, and the dragon yellow.

Basic Description: His balding crown hidden underneath his conical hat, and his white facial hair impressively making his pure-white eyes that much more intimidating. One glance at him, and one knows this was no ordinary old hermit as he sits holding his prayer beads in a two-toned robe of scarlet and goldenrod. Beneath the flowing white beard and solemn expression upon his heavy brow, the old master has let time touch his appearance, but not his body by much for he can still demonstrate great physical feats even now in his very old age.

Likes: Tea, Calligraphy, Art, Fishing, Nature, Meditation, Harmony, Teaching.
Dislikes: Coffee, Industrialization, Loud Parties, Disharmony, Upstart Youth.
Goals: To Harmonize the World, both the Yin and the Yang.
Fears: There is no more hope for the world, and he shall die without seeing his vision passed on.
Mannerisms: Having trained under the four Grandmasters, The Fifth Grandmaster as the common people refer to him by was amongst the more powerful of men in his youth, yet despite this even he cannot win wrestling against old age. Thus in his retirement, Wu Dan downplays his abilities for the sake of his philosophy. He is now content with teaching and passing on his philosophy to anyone who would listen, breaking down the duality while establishing it. There is a good and evil, but they serve balance each other, just as fire which warms the body, and water which cools it. Both are necessary and are part of the natural order, thus while there are chi and dark chi, there is also no distinction between both. A rather Zen and philosophic view of the world which some disregard as a rambling old man's dreamy-eyed ideals.
Psychological Condition: Ennui.
Superstition: None, Wu Dan is too wise and venerable, what he does he does because it is out of truth rather than superstition.
Social Pressures/Problems: Life as an old wandering hermit has its problems with understanding some of the new technologies and cultural trends. Wu Dan would tend to use what some would consider an archaic dialect in speaking, difficult for some to understand.

Parents: Orphaned by birth, taken in by Master Black Tortoise of the North.
Sibling: None Known.
Rivals: None, the ones from his youth are mostly dead, others he does not see them as rivals as much as colleagues.
Enemies: Those who would seek to throw the land into chaos.

Weapons

Iron Prayer Beads: The iron prayer beads around his wrist are deceptively heavy as they aid to weigh him down, it is said that only the virtuous could ever hope to hold the beads without being pulled under by their tremendous weight. It is true, for the beads represent the weight of the burdens upon one's morality, the more innocence that is lost and the more blood spilt, the heavier they become as the ultimate device to punish the wicked. Of which why he seeks his own absolution to make up for his youthful ignorance.

Skills

Fisherman: Ice fishing, fishing, or Ki fishing, Wu Dan knows how to not only catch fish, but also knows that the fish will come if they want to be caught. He understands how to prepare fishing rods, nets, cages, spears and bait for catching such creatures, but often fishes with a hookless and baitless rod patiently waiting for the fish to grab hold of his line. Perhaps as a metaphor for his quest.

World Traveler: Wu Dan was born, raised, and trained in the Cold North, he has travelled to the South, East and West to receive further training, and as such is quite familiar with both surviving the elements and the burden of travelling. That said, in his retirement from the martial arts he has only increased his wandering lifestyle, rejecting riches and possessions save for his walking stick, prayer beads, travelling calligraphy set, hat, clothes, and pipe.

Calligraphist: OF course, the world does require some form of payment for food and drink, as well as medicine and toys for the sick and children, as well as alms for the poor. As such, Wu Dan is a calligraphist, who can write beautiful Hanji/Kanji scrolls for a modest donation of alms.

Abilities

Chi Invigoration: While all martial artists are inhumanly strong, the Kung Fu Masters being the masters of chi take strength to a whole new level. By charging their bodies with chi to strengthen not only their bodies but their minds, they becoming living and breathing wrecking balls. The body can only contain so much chi before it starts to strain, thus it is important that the Kung Fu Master always train to condition their bodies to handle more and more. They can do so through meditation and pushing themselves to the limit. This is what keeps Wu Dan going in his age to keep up with the more youthful spirits, but he certainly can no longer accomplish great feats of force without effort.

Chi Determination: A body with a weak mind is like a sword of glass. Chi elevates his senses, and reflexes. This technique is required for Wu Dan to see given his cataracts. Once set upon a goal, Wu Dan will continue to pursue that goal until he is enlightened otherwise to abandon it, or he dies in attempting to accomplish it. To which he often smiles and mentions if not in this life, perhaps the next. Suggesting either his spirit will continue, or his reincarnation do so.

Call Upon the Heavens: Rain, Snow, Hail, Thunder, Lightning, Tornados, Meteors, Fire... If it can fall, it shall fall at Wu Dan's Request. Shout to the heavens and your Ki shall change the weather to bring forth a gentle rain to quell the drought, a heavy storm to douse the ranging flames, or a mighty torrent to punish the wicked with the tears of many. Although this technique is best used sparingly as it takes quite a bit of Ki.

Wu Xing: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, Earth are at Wu Dan's command. Metal increases or decreases in weight, Water bends and moves, Wood grows and recedes, Fire ignites or dwindles and Earth splits or compresses. Controlling the five elements by manipulation of Ki is simple, and yet effective enough to turn the tides of battle. A swordmaster cannot lift a sword too heavy to bear, a gunslinger cannot use his powder if it is wet, it is the little ways in which controlling the five elements work to the advantage of the Ki Master.

Ki Blast: The most simple of ways one can utilize Ki is often the most deadly. Manifesting Ki as pure energy for example and using it to strike opponents from afar. Wu Dan uses these blasts to deal with the majority of his enemies, seeing how his old body is not keen on hand-to-hand combat.

Ki Shield: Ki can also be made into safeguarding barriers, manifested Ki as a protective energy aura around the body for example, or widening it into a full dome to protect others. Wu Dan uses these to surround himself with a damage-reducing barrier to avoid damaging his elderly form and the need for bulky armor.

Chi Drain: Ki and Chi are related, intertwined to each other as an energy, as duplicitous as light. While it is normal for a user of chi to internalize their energy to bolster themselves, practitioners of Dark Chi techniques can user Ki to connect the gap and drain the chi from another being. This requires direct contact with a person, usually done over the forehead with a firm tiger-claw grip. This is the secret to his Longevity, but Wu Dan does not condone the use of Dark Chi techniques if it is done righteously for if they drained others in life, so too shall they be drained.

Chi Block: The fine balance between Chi and Ki is to be maintained and manipulated by a skilled practioner. However should that balance be redirected, by striking critical points on the body and overwhelming them with Ki, it is possible to disrupt the flow of Chi. Thus, this technique blocks the use of Chi techniques, and may or may not cause temporary instantaneous paralysis depending on how strong the target is.

Inner Palm: A technique developed by Wu Dan over the years of his walking hermitage. A single palm strike upon the torso as an entry point for the Ki which divides the Chi. The opponent is then faced with two version of himself, one representing the best in his nature, and the other representing the worst within him. First the palm strike pushes out the bad from the body, then grabs and pulls the good. The Opponent must then face these new combatants, along with Wu Dan.

Current Story: After studying with the Four Grandmasters, Wu Dan had still to find the truth he was looking for under their tutelage. Each master had their own vision of what is right and just, though none could see the entire picture as their compasses pointed in their own direction. Deeply troubled by this, Wu Dan left the honored Four in a self-imposed exile to their disappointment. He was a fine student, a worthy Master to pass on the tradition of their art and philosophy. The heavens however seemed to have a different mandate for Wu Dan as he travelled from land to land, city to village, town to fortress. Everywhere people were troubled, plagued by lack of food and water, worried by bandits and dark spirits, and saddened by the death of their child or parents to strife or sickness. And no matter what amount of heroism Wu Dan displayed with his fists or staff, there was always more troubles that would spring like bamboo once he left the grove.

As such Wu Dan became troubled with his own view of the world, decided to retreat away from the cruelty into the Northern mountains he once called home. For many years atop the peak he meditated and prayed for enlightenment until his body weary and tired. Then one day it came to him: Harmony. Yes the world is built upon duality, but in the duality there is unity. A concept which seemed to defy itself for how can heaven and earth reconcile? And yet there they had, upon the mountain the Earth reached up toward the Heavens, and the Heavens beneath down to grace the Earth. And upon that mountain he shifted his martial arts from merely physical into the spiritual. Using his Ki he made a Temple for the Grandmasters, Shangri-La or Valhalla, as it is called, where the stone was cut clean by blasts of Ki. Carved into the mountain top a hermitage and labor of training. Then there he as he descended down the mountain to return to the world of man, Wu Dan established Eight schools to serve temples and places to teach the new Unified Styles of the Four Grandmaster.

The Eight schools:

The Eight schools which wind the two path around the mountain, twisting around towards the peak as their eight temples dot the landscape. Rising in the order of wolf, ram, raven and dragon, as two paths alternate the journey of black and white in their ascent to the peak. As a general rule, the schools of Wolf are well-rounded, Ram requires more physicality, while Raven prefers ability, and Dragon is almost exclusively philosophic. Additionally, The White schools tend to gravitate towards rooting oneself, while the Black schools tend to focus on moving oneself. Each school specializes in a particular weapon which symbolizes their teachings. While each of the eight schools are equal in official hierarchy, it is said that the path to true ascendance is to travel between each school and master each animal starting from wolf and ending at dragon as one climbs up and down the either side of the mountain for many years to master all eight schools before making the pilgrimage to Shangri-La-Valhalla.

The White Wolf: The aspect of Self: Teaches its acolytes the ways to fight against overwhelming odds. Methods to become an one-man army, knowing many techniques to attack and defend against a myriad of foe, although not a style well suited for fighting enemies one on one. Their chosen weapon is the Spear.

The Black Wolf: The aspect of Synergy: Teaches its acolytes the ways to fight together to defeat a greater foe together. Methods to synchronize strikes and attacks, as well as defend each other, yet not a style suited for fighting enemies one on one. Their chosen weapon is the Sword.

The Black Ram: The aspect of Stamina: Teaches its acolytes the ways to fight without ever fatiguing. Methods to simply outlast the opponent, minimally using energy to block and meld with the opponent in order to absorb and redirect everything, yet not a style suited for aggressive combat. Their chosen weapon is the Knife.

The White Ram: The aspect of Strength: Teaches its acolytes the ways to fight explosively to end it quickly. Methods to overwhelm and force oneself into victory, finishing the fight in as little as one move, yet not a style which defends at all preferring to strike rather than block. Their chosen weapon is the Hammer.

The White Raven: The aspect of Skill: Teaches its acolytes the ways to fight with precision and cunning. Methods to keep appropriate distance and control the flow of the battle, using pressure points to attack nerves and joints, yet not a style which can used effectively in open areas where distances are too vast for such close-range techniques to work. Their chosen weapon is the Fan.

The Black Raven: The aspect of Speed: Teaches its acolytes the ways to fight as if dancing across a battlefield. Methods to leap and tumble through the air, jumping and kicking across the grounded foes as if like flying, yet not a style which can be used effectively in enclosed spaces as it requires a great deal of space for some techniques to work. Their chosen weapon is the Axe.

The Black Dragon: The aspect of Spirit: Teaches its acolytes the ways to fight mortality itself. Methods to extend one's life and hone one's body to perfection using the Chi reflected upon oneself until time itself loses its grip in the form of old age, yet not a style which teaches combat and confrontation. Their chosen weapon is the Staff.

The White Dragon: The aspect of Secret: Teaches its acolytes the ways to fight reality itself. Methods to influence one's world and manipulate one's surroundings to one's design using the Ki reflected upon the world until it changes itself harmoniously into the form of one's desire, yet not a style which teaches combat and confrontation. Their chosen weapon is the Whip.

Now wandering the world once more seeking those who wish to be enlightened in the Way of Harmony, Wu Dan has heard of a terrible influence which has overrun the School of the Black Tortoise. A dark sorcerer has taken over and ousted the master. Where had the Grandmaster gone? Perhaps it is best to confront the defeated student.

🦄 Duplicity - D&D Style Fantasy Rp Adventure (Completed)

Happy thanksgiving all :)

🦄 Duplicity - D&D Style Fantasy Rp Adventure (Completed)

@Sigil

Happy thanksgiving, err, I suppose Keystone's turn now.

Also apologies for not catching the lighting conditions. I had missed it after the gap.

🦄 Duplicity - D&D Style Fantasy Rp Adventure (Completed)

Thomas Richard Harrison

Location: Does it really matter? There's a mob of undead coming towards you and some maniacal laughing. Clearly you're not in the safest of places.
Interacting with: Magic?

Necromancers fight dirty. Summoners had to pull their allies from another plane, spellshapers had to create their allies from naught, and Evokers had to pray to the powers that may be to call forth their friends. But the necromancer has no friends, well maybe a few friends, but certainly not more than a handful. Though what they lacked in friendship they made up for in minions. And unlike the minions of those other there, it was rather hard to kill what was already dead for depending on what spell drives their march, the bones may just pick themselves back up and reform within moments. See? Necromancers fight dirty.

Still a bit groggy, though shaking his head a bit to gaze out at the dim light of the battlefield they found themselves in, three women and a naked orc, a wolf, a horse, and a moose. Oh and now evidently a repitiliod. Count the undead heifer and you almost have a petting zoo. Hard to believe that hours ago Thomas was with another group, a smaller one and perhaps a bit less eccentric. Surely Ntaj realizes that his bits are bouncing around? There were women out there after all, although Thomas doubted Kyra or Sana would find it too vulgar nor would put up with any silliness. Ntaj's nudity aside, the starlight and moonlight had done well to recharge Thomas for the few hours of meditation and he had also taken some time to charge in the sun afternoon, so he ought to have a few spells at the ready, but with fighters on the front line, it may be difficult to exercise fine spell control. Anything within a radius of 3 feet away from the center would be bathed in light should he start spellslinging.

So for now, maybe he could try to identify the spell and effects animating these things, who knows it might prove to be beneficial to know either who or how they were being controlled. After all, cut the strings, and watch the puppets fall. Unless of course these were infused with their own spirit.

Spellbook flipping to a blank page, quill at the ready, Thomas looked like he was more keen on studying these undead than directly fighting them. Although he kept his distance for now, prepared to drop his spells as needed. Both Star and Moon were available, but sadly Thomas was out of phase. Sun phase however may help with these undead, as would it not be impressive to call forth sunlight in the middle of the night? Or more so, use the power of fire to seal them back?

🦄 Duplicity - D&D Style Fantasy Rp Adventure (Completed)

@Lady Amalthea@Sigil

Just two quick questions to the GM's.

1) Is the group fighting in firelight, moonlight, starlight or a lack of adequate light? Setting says clear open sky so I think no celestial light, but just want to check before taking assumed actions.

2) can I attempt to attempt a Knowledge arcane check to determine what sort of spell is being cast to animate the dead as a standard action?

🦄 Duplicity - D&D Style Fantasy Rp Adventure (Completed)

@Sigil

Alright, I believe it is your turn at the wheel sir :)