Zeroth

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Digbie

Digbie managed to carefully cross the stream with little problem, especially once he used his Earth Wall to block the current. However, using his Tremor Sense in the water produced an entirely unpleasant effect on his equilibrium, much like being drunk. Still, the stream was too shallow and the current too weak to sweep him away even if he did stumble a few times. Once on the other side, he continued in the direction of the shelter. He would probably be there shortly, even though walking while reading was an activity that took a little bit of care...

The next few pages weren't in good shape. Blood smeared over what seemed to be some kind of calendar for holy days, but a few of the names Digbie could still pick out matched what was mentioned in some of the earlier liturgy. A page with what seemed like the start of more prayers for different times of day had been largely torn and badly crumpled. A few more pages had been ripped out completely, leaving behind frayed strings from the book's bindings. But finally, Digbie came to another legible piece.

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE CANTICLES

Many followers of Jehanne seek nothing more than Her divine acceptance and forgiveness. This in and of itself is admirable, as all struggle to make sense of this world the Maker has created. There is nothing wrong with those who choose this simple life. However, many of the more ardent members of Jehanne's flock will pursue diligent studies to gain further blessings. Like most other organizations dedicated to the Spirits, Jehanne has bade us to do Good Works where we may. The Maiden's Church has many branches devoted to charity work, militant action focused around the defense of Her believers and their communities, healing, missions to spread Her teachings, and the various fiscal and bureaucratic needs that make all of the aforementioned things possible. Depending on where a parishioner wishes to apply their talents, the local Avatar should seek to guide them in their training as best they may. This may include teaching the Canticles.

Simply speaking, to be elborated on by further reading here or in other volumes, Canticles are the Skills and Spells compiled specifically for the purpose of Jehannen woshippers. Many of these abilities are not tied to Jehanne herself, but they are considered Canticles due to their widespread use by the Church. One should take care not to confuse these Canticles, or their usage, with other lists compiled by other doctrines. There will often be a great degree of overlap, but in the same way that our manner of dress or speech may identify us, those who follow Jehanne should strive to understand these magics and techniques using the context of Her teachings. Conflict between the teachings of Spirits is a dangerous thing and should be avoided lest there be no other retort to wrongdoing.

Guidance
Also known as the Guiding Ritual, this Canticle is performed by the simple act of prayer itself. It is recommended that one be sure of themselves before they attempt to discern the Lady's signs. Preferably, one should be righteously cleansed and freshly clean, dressed in appropriate attire, and in a calm, quiet place. When praying, be firmly confident that the requests are made with an honest and just heart. Praying for the misfortune of others, for selfish personal gain, and for other evil things--even if one has deluded oneself or tries to ignore the wriggling desires of a demonic heart--will have thoroughly dire consequences. But Jehanne hears our honest desires, and though She sometimes withholds from us that which we most covet, it is always for our own good.

Before one begins to pray, enter a calm state in which one feels the flow of their Magical Power. As Mana progresses through the body's Meridians, some believe that certain physiological rhythms help Prayer. Those who speak prayers aloud may imbue their words with Magic Power; indeed, this is the origin of many hymns and songs used in praising the spirits. Magical Power should be offered up with strong intent. When Jehanne has received the offering and heard the prayers, Her follower must be open-minded and discerning in order to receive Her signs. This can be difficult for those who have difficulty with the abstract. At the same time, the follow must not assume they know the workings of Our Lady, lest they see signs in places where there are none. Indeed, Demonic Powers may be at work to trick the worshipper in such a way.

However, throughout the centuries, the Great Avatars of our Maiden have done much study and debate to compile some of Jehanne's signs that seem to be commonly interpreted in the same ways. Through this, they do not presume to know Jehanne's will, but rather to give the uneducated and unexperienced acolyte a place from which to start. These signs are as such: Fire Visions, Vode in Flight, Musical Sounds, especially if produced by a woman, Movements of the Effigy, and Undue Peace.

There are other Signs listed in other liturgy, and the Scriptures describe many Signs throughout Jehanne's works, but these are often specific in nature and context. The above signs are some of the most general and most common, and many members of the Church, even those who do not practice magic or pursue deeper understanding, have reported them with accurate meanings and results.

Prayers are best when they come from the heart, but of the many ritualized prayers contained within this book, those recommended for Guidance are--

And here again a long rip distorted the page. And more pages after this had become blood spattered. Digbie didn't have a great deal of the book left--perhaps enough for three or four more complete readings, though he might have to piece together various bits to understand them based on what little he already had...

But now, a sudden loud chuffing sound caught Digbie's attention! His Tremor Sense warned him, but not fast enough--whatever this creature was, it had a knack for sneaking around on light feet. A huge mass of dark brown fur came out of the bushes, lunging down the bank of the stream!

Goblins were around three and a half feet tall. Dire Rats were larger than normal rats, so comparing them to Goblins was like comparing a large dog to a normal human. Digbie was a Demigoblin, and thus roughly a foot or so taller than your average greenskin. Thus, comparing him to a Dire Rat would be like comparing a normal human to a medium sized dog. And comparing him to this Giant Rat would be like comparing a normal human to a brown bear.

The Giant Rat leaped with more agility and speed than one would think its large size could generate, and as it closed the distance its enormous jaws opened up. Those massive yellow teeth looked like they could go all the way through Digbie's throat--!

Would he fight? Run? Cry? Was he close enough to the shelter that the others could hear him? Would something else in the woods hear him?

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

@June Billson At this point, I suppose so. If you're clear on the new character creation process (since the new players are using a slightly different system) go ahead and make an app and I'll check it out. Let me know if you need any info or assistance!

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Monster Party

As Ash attempted once more to change the nature of her Mana Orb, she repeated the same process from before. The Mana Orb was created, excess elements she did not want were discarded, she created a nucleus from the purple particles, and tried to find as many of that same type as she could. However, she had left behind other elements this time. Greens, blues, golds, and reds. The first two were in more abundance--there were many golds too, but something told her she didn't need quite so many of these.

The Mana Orb's color became a deeper purple. The green and blue orbs seemed to naturally be drawn towards each other...the gold and red, as well, but their attraction didn't seem as strong.

She began forcing the green and blue squares together in the nucleus. Once she had several of them crammed together, it got hard to pick out specific ones in order to count just how many she had, or how many pairs she could make...then, the particles began merging together! Oscillating lines began to form in the nucleus! But, how many did it take? What order did they merge in? What were the ratios!? How many blues to a green did it take to make purple, or vice versa?!

It began happening too fast for Ash to keep track of, given that she was already splitting her attention between the Mana Orb spell and the Mana Vision spell and this process of shaping and holding her magic in the way that she wanted it. She did know for sure, however, that the blue and green particles were merging to make purple. The purple became more concentrated around the nucleus. The gold and red floated in closer, but were not drawn all the way in, as if they were heavier...or perhaps they had less of a "charge"?

The orb became a deeper purple--but it also stopped glowing so brightly. Instead, the orb seemed to become denser, more solid, more opaque...

A hissing sound emanated from the sphere, followed by fumes that swirled around it. The way it "sat" in Ash's paw suddenly changed--it had shifted from a state close to that of plasma or pure energy, and now seemed like she was holding a bead of liquid of mercury! She couldn't adjust in time, and it fell out of her hand to splash on the floor--!

Splash?

The orb landed, and indeed splashed in a small puddle on the shelter's floor. And it sizzled as it began to eat the layer of dirt over the rocks...

Skill Gain: Poison Splash I (1.0)!
Much like other elemental spells collecting trace elements, surrounding impurities and toxins are synthesized with Mana as a catalyst to produce this sphere of liquid poison. Upon impact, it splashes for a small Area of Effect. It may poison an organic target, and deals corrosive damage to most objects.

System:Ash

Outside, Ash's companions were playing with poison as well. At Oberon's request, Torrent launched a Poison Glob at his still-incomplete Wall. The Lesser Wurm used her Magic Analysis to detect what was going on.

Skill Gain: Blunt Resistance I!
Take less damage from Blunt types of attacks. If you gain the skills for Slash and Pierce Resistance, skill synergy will produce Physical Damage Resistance.

Skill Rank Up: Poison Glob I > Poison Glob II (1.75 > 2.05)!
Stamina Cost increased. Chance to Poison Increased. Damage Increased.

You used Magic Analysis I!
---Wall (Incomplete)---
Oberon is developing the Wall spell. It seems to be focused on creating a wall with Mana for defensive purposes...

TRANSFORMATION STATUS:
Fanged Lizard > Immature Lesserwurm
Known Currently Possible Transformations: 3
1. Adult Lesserwurm**
2. Adolescent Pygmy Drake**
3. Adolescent Kobold <THIS TRANSFORMATION HAS BEEN ALTERED>

Unknown Currently Possible Transformations: 4

System:Torrent

As the Glob hit Oberon's Wall, it clearly wasn't big enough to cover all of the poison. What was left dripped over it and hit the ground--hissing loudly as foul smelling fumes spread all around. Oberon could feel the wall rapidly burning away. Not only was Torrent's attack more powerful, it was also a constantly applied form of damage, as the acidic liquid seemed to stick where it had struck on the magically charged structure. But this was too fast, would he really learn anything if the Wall burned away so quickly?!

To make it resist an attack better...the only thing that immediately, instinctively, came to mind in the few seconds he had was just to push harder, to recreate the Wall with more Mana before it could be completely overrun...With one last burst, Oberon focused his energies.

Skill Gain: Wall I (0.9 > 1.0)!
Use a dense field of Mana to create a barrier and repel attacks. This spell requires significantly more MP than many first-rank abilities. But as a result, the Mana is sturdy and can repel or reduce most spells of the same rank to some degree. At this rank, the Wall may only be created within two feet of the caster's body. It may be only created in two dimensional, simple geometric shapes of roughly 1-inch thickness. It cannot cover a total area larger than the caster's body--thus, at this rank it can only defend in one direction at a time. Attempting to cast a second Wall spell will remove the first Wall.

System:Oberon

The blue-white square, with gold at its very edges, grew in size! It hardened with a sound like frosting ice, even though it soon began to hiss. It flickered like a hologram as the Poison Glob ate through it--but, in the end, none of the poison got on Oberon himself and a great deal of it had evaporated before the Wall was finally eaten all the way through. Nonetheless, he had done it!

---

PixieSlime Party

All Skills are Progressing. Skill Progression is based on life experiences, environmental adaptation, natural consequence, and higher interventions.

Skill Rank Up: Limited Shapeshift III > Limited Shapeshift IV (3.9 > 4.0)!
Two properties of your body, not including color, temperature, or base material, can now be altered in the same manner outlined at Rank III. Unlike Rank III, these properties can be maintained simultaneously. Your body, or an extension, could become Sharp AND Hard, or gain a Texture while maintaining another property. Your ability to shift fine details with your base form is increased. The ability to shift fine details with extended forms, such as pseudopods, is now the same as the details on the base form from Rank III. If you alter only one property of a form, such as Sharpness, that property is greater than it was at Rank III. Your maximum reach with extensions remains the same. Forms that are most commonly used or associated with earlier Ranks now cost less Stamina to maintain.

Skill Gain: Skewer I (0.9 > 1.0)!
Using Stamina, a single Piercing type attack becomes more powerful!

Skill Gain: Slash I (0.8 > 1.0)!
Using Stamina, a single Slashing type attack becomes more powerful!

LEVEL UP! Your combined experiences have culminated into new power! You are now Level 8! Your Max HP has increased (this will not heal current damage)! Your Max Stamina has increased (this will not restore current stamina)! You gain skill points to distribute as you please!

Unspent Skill Points: 7

Current Skills:
Physical Damage Resistance I (1.86) <CANNOT INCREASE WITH POINTS>
Overwork II (2.0)
Blunt Resistance I (1.95)
Limited Shapeshift IV (4.0)
Smash II (2.25)
Pierce Resistance I (1.5)
Faster I (1.8)
Magic Resistance I (1.1)
Harder I (1.35)
Counter I (1.25)
Cling I (1.2)
Slime Whip I (1.4)
Throw Item I (1.0)
Rabid Fit I (1.0)
Iron Gullet I (1.5)
Monster Analysis I (1.35)
Stamina Furnace I (1.15)
Mental Resistance I (1.0)
Stronger I (1.1)
Slime Shell I (1.25)
Blood Drain I (1.0)
Earth Resistance I (1.05)
Skewer I (1.0)
Slash I (1.0)
<UNUSABLE>
Charisma (0.5)
Dextrous (0.7)
Soil Manipulation (0.6)
Stone Shot (0.55)
Slime Coil (0.4)
Magic Analysis (0.6)
Bounce (0.6)
Muffle (0.3)
Poison Resistance (0.2)
Dash Attack (0.4)
Spiritual Awareness (0.2)
Intimidate (0.3)
First Aid (0.2)
Acid Spit (0.2)
Fire Resistance (0.3)
Water Resistance (0.0125)
Focus (0.4)
Alert (0.3)
Fortify (0.1)
Point Strike (0.3)
Cleave (0.2)
Crafting (0.3)
Acid Spit (0.2)
Material Analysis (0.1)
Telepathy (0.1)
Slash Resistance (0.8)
Defender (0.1)

System:Asura

As Asura's self-made Karambit pierced his slimy flesh, then cut deep, he felt the blade's path suddenly become more smooth. Two more skills appeared, although the System still didn't seem to understand what he was asking it. After Ardur's healing, he was back to full HP again. While practicing his shapeshifting, his torso looked flabby and didn't seem to stand up properly without putting a lot of effort into it--had he fully formed each different piece correctly? The human body was a conglomeration of so many working parts, did he have the anatomical knowledge to mentally envision, and then recreate, each specific part?

Nonetheless, however, as he formed the last finger of the last hand he suddenly felt as if something clicked. He looked like a crash dummy...but a properly made crash dummy, at the very lesat. He still wouldn't pass for human to anything with eyes, not even in baggy clothes or a cloak, but...it was more than good enough that he could, perhaps with practice, use a weapon or tool...

Then, the System informed him of another Level Up!

Meanwhile, with his items completed, Ardur attempted to communicate with Steve telepathically. As he thought intensely at her, the spider turned and tilted her head as if listening for something. She did not, however, turn three times in a circle. But whenever he spoke to her verbally, she seemed to understand. And she seemed to be able to get some kind of general "feeling" of what he wanted sometimes--she would often help in battle without being told, she had followed him about during that whole debacle in the cave with Jason, and so on. So did the Taming Bond have to get to a higher Rank in order for them to communicate mind-to-mind? Or would the Hipixie need to forge himself a new skill?

As he meditated, the southern winds died down. Clouds passed overhead, obscuring the sun for just a few moments. It didn't seem like it was going to rain or anything--the wind had just picked up, for whatever reason. The weather was pleasant, for now anyway. The group still hadn't moved much...would they return to the hole they had enlarged once night came upon the land?

It would take several minutes for Ardur's mana to be fully restored. As of yet, no other creature had approached the four of them. Momma Slime still seemed deep in thought about something...and while Asura was still pondering his latest level up, Steve once again walloped him with her stone flail.

---

Rat Party

Current Skills:
Beast Sense II (2.75)
Rabid Fit I (1.9)
Stronger I (1.65)
Muffle II (2.275)
Use Light Equipment (--)
Alert I (1.15)
Faster I (1.05)
Harder I (1.0)
Dynamic Eye I (1.1)
Smash I (1.3)
Dextrous I (1.1)
Monster Analysis I (1.25)
Overwork I (1.3)
<UNUSABLE>
Material Analysis (0.5)
Magic Analysis (0.9)
Warcry (0.7)
Tremor Sense (0.05)
Mental Resistance (0.9)
Telepathy (0.1)
Mana Shape (0.7)
Focus (0.8)
Shield (0.5)
Mana Shell (0.4)
Soil Manipulation (0.7)
Crafting (0.6)
First Aid (0.1)
Meditate (0.4)
People Sense (0.3)
Plant Analysis (0.2)
Swift Swimmer (0.4)
Charm (0.025)
Repel (0.025)
Stealth Kill (0.3)
Blunt Resistance (0.1)
Prehensile Tail (0.5)
Mana Strike (0.6)
Minor Heal (0.05)
Iron Gullet (0.4)
Taming (0.1)
Suppress Presence (0.5)
Use Medium Equipment (0.4)
Inspire (0.2)
Point Strike (0.3)
Strengthen (0.3)
Pierce Resistance (0.2)
Double Skill (0.1)
Deception (0.2)
Lucid Dream (0.2)

System:Ed

For now, it seemed that while giving the village a wide berth, the rats would move to the East. Ed sniffed for water, and Asteria did the same but also used her Mana Sense in the hopes that perhaps a large body of water would produce similarly charged magical energy.

Water itself did not truly have a "sense." What even a human nose could detect, however, was the amount of moisture in the air. Perhaps the sea would have the smell of salt and fish, or a stagnant pond could carry the scent of algae and decay, but most of the time the first indicator of significant amounts of water was the increase in moisture and, perhaps, a change in barometric pressure. The rats' noses, being much more sensitive than that of a human, were thus much more capable of detecting even slight changes...

There was definitely water somewhere in the village, but it would very likely be too close to where the people were gathered. Nonetheless, simple tribal peoples like this had to have a well of some sort if they had permanent houses. None of the structures they had built looked nomadic in nature.

There was...just the faintest hint of water. They could only detect it when the breeze blew a certain way, or if they poked their head much higher than was probably safe above the grass stalks. It was coming from the south. However, there was also something else in the air...dust? Sand? Whatever it was, it made one sneeze.

Towards the east, away from the village, they caught a much stronger scent. Yes, this was definitely water. And they couldn't see it even with their enhanced senses, so it had to be far away, a few miles at the least. Yet for it to be this strong...did that mean it was a significantly large body of water, like a lake? Surely they weren't close to the edge of whatever continent they were on already...?

They were also on the lookout for a road, or a path. And as they continued east, they soon found such--an actual dirt road! It had proper ditches dug on either side of it, and looked well worn. There were even ruts from the passage of carts, and hoofprints from livestock or horses of some sort! All the tracks were dry and shallow, so whatever had passed here hadn't done so recently...the path headed further to the east, but also had just the slightest gradation towards the north...

---

Ghost Party

As Danny clashed with the cudgel wielding goblin, he found that despite being the shorter of the two, he was actually ever-so-slightly stronger than the Goblin! However, Danny's chubby body did not have any of the coordination of the greenskin, nor was he faster. This greater speed and...somewhat better technique, allowed the impish savage to clash evenly with the Poltergeist. They were both forced a step back.

But now the spear wielding Goblin was coming in hard and fast to stab at Danny, and he was still off balance--an attempt to strike back again would be too awkward and slow! What else could he do!?

Meanwhile, Jason continued to harass the net-toting Goblin. As he once again slammed his spiritual form into its physical one, their wrestling match moved into Limbo. Jason's misty hands wrapped around the goblins' throat--

"Yore name gonna be Kakky Oin." He had lived long enough to get a name! The tribe elder handed him a net and a fishing spear. "Youse big 'nuff now ta catch fish--so gets out dere!" The bearded goblin--Jason couldn't help but think of it as peach fuzz, from his perspective--kicked him into the water, and he spluttered as he went down. But Jason remembered this, he had been taught to swim just last week! He struggled to paddle, but when he felt the soft mud under his toes he managed to kick off the ground. He emerged from the water, gasping for breath--

A birth, many others, lots of brothers and sisters. A tribe by a river. Fish, fish, more fish, all there was to eat was fish, but there was a lot of fish. Had to get bigger, stronger, bigger! Jason remembered all of it, it was all flashing through his mind...because he was dying, right? This thing had him and it was killing him, he had to summon up all his will and fight back before his enemy killed him! He needed to push the thing away, not keep squeezing--!

---

Nira and Femus

You are experiencing a Fast Rate of Skill Progression.
You are experiencing a Fast Rate of Skill Progression.
You are experiencing a Fast Rate of Skill Progression.

Skill Gain: Magic Analysis I (1.0)!
You may now analyze magical energies or objects to learn their most basic magical characteristics. Less effective on Materials and Monsters unless they are magical in nature.

System:Femus

You are experiencing a Fast Rate of Skill Progression.

System:Nira

As Femus tried to replicate the Shield spell, he first simply tried to spread his Mana around himself. When the spherical aura that formed failed to trigger anything as a clear effect, he thought more deeply about what he was trying to emulate. As he shaped the energy again, he tried to make it push outward, to resist any incoming force. However, it seemed that maintaining an aura like this was quite draining. When he felt his MP had dropped significantly he returned to meditating.

For now, it seemed the Wisp was actually going to just ignore the wild pixie that had showed up...Instead, he became caught up in his thoughts and theories on magic. Another attempt to produce a Shield was followed by an experiment with his Mana Orbs. Could he produce some kind of charge, that would explode on impact? Could he change the elemental nature of the Orb solely by his will? He used his memories, his imagination, and his will as the fuel to visualize heat, burning, speed and more. He tried to compress the orbs, tried to imagine them doing as he wished.

The change was so subtle, Femus might not have even noticed. The white glow of the Mana Orb took on a slightly yellow hue. And a warm tingle prickled his body, causing the tiny, filament like hairs all over him to stand up and wave, like he had been rubbed with a rubber balloon...

As he pondered the nature of Magic, however, the System suddenly announced that he had gained a new Skill! It had only done this a few times since he woke up in this world...and until now, he hadn't yet gained one of these "Fast Skill Progress" notices. What could that mean?

Meanwhile, Nira practiced Meditation the exact way that Femus had told her--and even strove to improve on it. She could actually feel her mana as it increased, much more rapidly than it had in the past save for the times when she used the Blue Yill flowers. But she hadn't been casting that many spells today--her MP was soon full all the way to the top! She began to try and draw more Mana into her body...then, she noticed the giggling visitor.

Flying after the wild pixie as it flitted about, she attempted to communicate. A meaningless chitter, meant only as a sound that might come across as happy or non-hostile, caused the other fairy to turn and look at her curiously. Then it laughed, putting its tiny hands over its mouth. Flitting over towards Nira, the other pixie pointed at the hollow in the tree--or more accurately, at Femus inside it. Then the tiny fey flew in several loops around Nira, before gesturing towards Femus again and then waving its fist aggressively with a maniacal grin...

---

Farmstead

"Hmm..." Lear seemed to believe Miiba, but rubbed his chin thoughtfully for several moments. Finally he crossed his arms and sighed.

"Alright, Pixie. I'll help you--but before I bring you into my home, you'll answer her questions." He pointed to Miiba. "And one more of mine. If your story is like Miiba's...then, do you know why you two are like this?"

In the skies behind them, a white hawk appeared in the sky and began to circle. It was heading for the farmhouse, weaving in and out of the smoke column slowly rising from the chimney. For now, the rest of the forest had calmed--Scott must have lost those goblins, and no other creatures had emerged from the wilderness.

Chaos is a Ladder (A Lord of the Rings/Shadow of Mordor RP)

Thanks for letting us know, hope you feel better soon! I'll be looking forward to this.

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Ghost Party

You used Monster Analysis II!
---Goblin---
Goblins stand between three and three-and-a-half feet tall on average, and while their physical strength isn't to be underestimated, they are much like human children. However, their natural cunning and viciousness is far more vile, and while they can use tools they have a limited intelligence. They tend to form savage tribes with little in common save for the constant drive to survive, and a lack of emotional control that causes them to do whatever they feel necessary to satisfy any primal craving they happen to feel at any given moment.
---Analysis Complete!---

System:Danny

As Danny's Mana Orb formed, growing brighter and denser as he activated its second rank, the goblins began to hesitate. They couldn't see Jason as he floated towards them, full of malice, but watched with wide eyes as Danny stretched the Mana Orb out between his hands. The magic felt surprisingly malleable in the Poltergeist's hands--but keeping it in the shape he had chosen felt like holding a rubber band at full extension. He had to constantly exert an effort to make it keep this form, and the simple cylinder he had created felt as fragile as a flourescent light tube.

But the goblins didn't balk for long. The one holding the spear rushed forward with a cry and tried to stab the small, pale creature before him. Danny swung the "mana stick" to try and block whatever he could, and when the two clashed there was a slight smell of burning wood and an electrical crackle in the air. Danny's shaped spell shattered like glass in his hands, tiny particles of light scattering all around him and quickly dissipating. But it had still knocked the goblin backwards, and he examined his spear for a moment to see that it had been slightly damaged by the exchange. The goblin holding the net began to twirl it, ready for a throw.

Cold like ice passed through its body, and its breath caught in its lungs. The goblin let out a choked gasp. The world went black and white, and Jason once more stood face to face with a goblin in the misty world in-between. As Jason's form shifted between man and slime, an unstable hand clenched towards the goblin. A sparkling trail was drawn from the monster to the ectoslime as Mana Drain activated. The goblin screamed; in the real world, it shook its head and began backing away as it jerked and thrashed.

"Sumpin's got me, sumpin's got me!" it began to cry, distracting its bretheren for a moment. Danny might have a chance to get off an attack if he was quick...

Jason's telepathy sent a loud, echoing wail through the monochrome void, and outside the goblin screamed too and began flailing in the area where Jason floated, even though he couldn't see the spirit. Like pushing away a leaf floating on the water, the contact between them was broken. Jason felt almost as if he were knocked off balance, and would have to pull his ethereal form together again before he could make another assault.

The distraction lasted only a moment. Whatever Danny had done in that short time, now the goblin with a cudgel charged forward and swung hard at the Poltergeist. That thick tree limb looked like it would hurt at least as much as being hit with a baseball bat, if not more...

Chaos is a Ladder (A Lord of the Rings/Shadow of Mordor RP)

@Bright_Ops Sorry, don't want to make ya feel like you have to do a ton of extra work. Even just a placeholder with like, the tutorial guy or something would be more than fine. I just didn't know if that's what your plan was or not.

Chaos is a Ladder (A Lord of the Rings/Shadow of Mordor RP)

By the way if anyone has trouble coming up with cool Orc names, I don't remember where I found a few rules on Black Speech (Tolkien's languages are meticulously constructed, the man himself was a linguistics professor) but I did find this site with a long list of words and their Uruk equivalents. I don't know how legit it is, but most things seem to match up with what you can already find on the Shadow of War and LotR wikis.

angelfire.com/ia/orcishnations/englis…

@Bright_Ops Also, did you want me to wait until you had a zeroth post or another post in the Character tab? Depending on what your plans are, maybe having a first CS post with the names of prominent NPCs--like those captains we're trying to usurp--would be convenient?

Chaos is a Ladder (A Lord of the Rings/Shadow of Mordor RP)

It's fine either way honestly. You make valid points and maybe I'm just a bit to naive about the idea that an orc could be more then just a tool of destruction to be used and thrown away.

@Bright_Ops

Some sources say that Tolkien himself wasn't satisfied with them and toyed with the idea that, by sheer law of statistics, not all Orcs ever born could possibly all be evil. But if there was ever anything meant to come of that, he passed before it could be put to paper.

Personally, I'm of the belief that because Orcs are specifically "corrupted" beings and given Tolkien's themes of how no evil ever truly prospers--even evil used "for the sake of good," like Boromir's temptation towards the ring, and even Talion's own quest for revenge--I think that if there ever WAS such a thing as a "good orc," it would involve a lengthy quest of development and redemption, and would end with the Orc being "untwisted" and ceasing to actually BE an Orc.

Anyway, this is my character submission. Let me know if anything needs to be changed. I tried to make the format look nice, and added a section for Description as well as what he's currently equipped with under his Class. I kept it basic, but if you think it's too RPGish let me know.

AUGAZ

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Description

Augaz is a large Uruk, taller and more musclebound than most scrawny Archers or Hunters, but not as thick-bellied or solid as many Defenders. Indeed, his veiny arms and toned abs give him the image of a well-disciplined warrior...but really, it's just because he was born that way. And maybe he doesn't get enough to eat--a six pack is more about your body fat percentage than your muscle, after all (not that he knows that). His skin is a dull orange in color, and his hair is greasy black. It's been shaved down to a smooth shine everywhere save the center of his cranium, and what's left has been combed back with dirty fingers into a mohawk. His eyes are a piercing red, and he speaks in a growling voice, though not quite so brokenly as many Uruk.

Currently, he has only the weapons and armor he was able to grab in the initial rush from the spawning pits. Of all the "newborn" orcs shuffled into the training arena, he was one of the slowest because he spent too much time looking around to figure out what was going on. Thus, he ended up with old, rusted blades and a few scraps of leather he quickly strapped onto his frame.

Class

Warrior
Dull Rusty Sword
Dull Rusty Throwing Daggers
Ragged Pants
Beaten Leather Chestpiece
Beaten Leather Bracers
Beaten Leather Boots

Personality

Augaz came into this world knowing two things: One, he didn't know nothin'. Two--and that's it! But he's going to change all that. Augaz doesn't like not knowing things, he doesn't like being at the bottom of the totem pole, and he doesn't like the shraks at the top of the pole either. What Augaz does like, is living, and winning. Sometimes he can do without the last one if it means he gets to do the first one. And if he can get that last one, sometimes he doesn't mind letting other Uruk do the first one.

But aside from what he likes and dislikes, Augaz is a quiet, creepy Uruk...at least for now. Not like those ones that have gone so mad they can't make any sound but screams and giggles. No, Augaz just sits there...staring at you. When he does speak, it's because he's got something to say. And if he's gonna say something, all the other shraks damn well better listen! As time goes on, though, maybe he'll find more reason to speak up...or maybe he'll find better ways to make other Uruk listen.

Strength(s)

Observant
Augaz is quick to notice things, and when he really focuses on what he's watching, it's like his brain gets filled up full of Morgai Flies. That is to say, he really starts to think about what he's seeing, and what it might mean. It might not make him any tougher, or stronger right this moment...but an Uruk who can think is an Uruk who can learn.

Chaos is a Ladder (A Lord of the Rings/Shadow of Mordor RP)

As for the Uruk's themselves and your statement on them... I do know what you mean and the points you made, but one does have to ask if why the Uruk's are the way they are is because of how they were created... or because of the environment they live in. Orcish society was... well, more or less engineered by Sauron so that his slave army would be purging itself of weakness while encouraging the strong, brutal and cunning to thrive. They also can't leave or go anywhere else because all the 'good' factions in Middle Earth have a kill on sight deal with all orcish kind.

Under such circumstances, what are they meant to do?

@Bright_Ops

To me it seemed they were created to fit the needs of Morgoth, Sauron, and Saruman. Each time, those needs necessitated a creature that by all other definitions would be "evil," to the extent that no matter what environment, they would somehow ruin it. If Orcs were born in a land of plenty, with lush trees, fruit, clean water, and plentiful game...they'd act on greed and gluttony, consuming and multiplying until those resources were used up, then fight each other for scraps. They'd rather burn and salt the earth than let someone else, even another Orc, get what they can't have. If a good race said "let's just give them a chance" and stopped the kill on sight mentality, or even if a race at the dawn of the world didn't have that mentality from the get go...the Orcs would see them as weak, and kill them and take all their stuff just because they felt like they could, or because they wanted it, or because they felt like they deserved it more for being strong.

But in some ways that makes them interesting. They have small bits of logic and qualities that aren't entirely negative--not in the sense that any orc could truly be a good guy, but in the sense that it still takes courage for an Uruk to charge at Legolas after seeing all the other Uruks get sliced up. The best example of this to me in the games was the Grog Bowl artifact--You would think the Uruks are so dumb and brutish that they would be filthy eaters. Yet, they're soldiers in an army. Soldiers have to be effective in battle. That means they have to stay healthy, and they have to be disciplined. Thus, Grog bowls are actually meticulously cleaned to avoid "the old soldier's disease." That one throwaway collectible made me actually put down my controller and think about all the implications and depth there could be to the Orcs and their behaviors!

And after all, it's your RP. That's why I asked, is there anything in your version of Orcish society for this game that players should try to stick to, or else to avoid? Are there pieces of it you'd rather pick out, or pieces you'd rather leave, etc.?

Chaos is a Ladder (A Lord of the Rings/Shadow of Mordor RP)

@Bright_Ops

Granted Talion is more of a threat to captains and higher as the Gravewalker since they're the ones he is actually after instead of the rank and file solders...

I always loved waltzing into forts and slaughtering 300+ regular orcs just for funsies, so my own interpretation of Talion's threat level would be quite different! XD

Also, this below is kind of a question about Orcish society but it got to be a pretty good chunk of text:

My Hider

They are taught from a very young age that elves are sneaky, back stabbing pricks who want you all dead, humans are generally untrustworthy because they hate orcish kind but the ones to the west cannot be reasoned with at all and must die... Dwarves are generally an enemy as well, but hatred for them is more a personal matter while hating the elves is almost genetic.

Sauron is the Dark Lord and while he is a complete and utter monstrous asshole who doesn't give the slightest shit about uruks or anyone under his command, he is still ridiculously powerful, has spies and agents everywhere alongside fanatics who worship him as a god and despite his detain for uruk kind he is one of the few leaders in Middle Earth who doesn't want to just purge all Uruks for the principle of the thing.

Just for the sake of understanding Uruk society when playing such a character: I was under the impression that Uruks weren't so much "misled" or "misunderstood," as they are a more realistic Always Chaotic Evil trope. The way you've phrased it here makes me think that uruks could almost get along with the other races if other races didn't hate them, when I'm not sure that's the case. I heard it phrased once something like this: "Uruks are twisted, corrupted versions of elves and men. They are the inversion--the thoughts we have, those intrusive and often evil temptations that we would never act on, those are the normal thoughts of an Orc. We see a knife in the kitchen, and a tiny voice in the back of our mind says "It'd be so easy to slit someone's throat with that" or "What would happen if I stabbed the person standing next to me?" and of course we don't do that because we know it's wrong. An Uruk thinks that way all the time, and acts on it. Whereas our normal inclinations imbued in us by our upbringing--to help when we see others in pain, to feel guilty when we are caught doing wrong--those are instead the "cowardly lies" in the back of an Orc's mind, the things he would never do because it's weak and pathetic."

I think an interview with the game devs pointed out that they wanted to push Uruk personalities to the extreme, so in relation to the above paraphrasing, every little fault or vice that a normal human/elf would have would thus be magnified to its greatest extent in Orcs. So while no human being is ever perfect, because we all have our little flaws, no Uruk would ever be redeemable, because they're all flaws and that one little "fault" is replaced with one little "virtue"--they might be sort-of brave, or sort of loyal.

And in addition to that I always thought they had the same problems many criminals share when analyzed by psychiatric experts--low impulse control, tendency to act without thinking or act based solely on emotions in the heat of the moment, lack of empathy or ability to "step outside" their own viewpoint, sadism and enjoyment of power, always shifting blame to others or trying to make themselves the victim, etc.

Those are just my opinions though, is there anything in your version of Orcish society for this game that players should try to stick to, or else to avoid? Is the stuff I mentioned above not really what you had in mind, are there pieces of it you'd rather pick out, or pieces you'd rather leave, etc.?