[Game Thread] Chapter One: The Tests of Legend

[GleefulNihilism]

And that was the exact moment Hypatia acknowledged something about herself. She might of been a mathematician and philosopher but she was a young Greek. Adventure called. Still, she wasn't going to be stupid about it.

"I am not going anywhere near that boat if I am the only woman, but I would like to help. With a few others and separate quarters though, I'd like that."

[Dirk]

Archery Scuda smiles slightly, as though the association of apples with the heroine amuses him. He draws his bow, with more care than speed, and sends an arrow streaking at the fruit with such force that a dramatic impact could be expected if it strikes true.

 

Dice Initiative:

D20+2

(2)+2

Total = 4

Dice Attack:

D20+8

(5)+8

Total = 13

[Gamer9]

Ahmose smiles and closes his book, stashing back into the inside pocket of his outer robe. Yes, I'd not want to bunk with this one here. I may awake with bolts through my books.. He lets out a chuckle and then asks, When would we depart? I've no plans for the evening nor any where to lay my head at the moment in this place. Would that be provided if we do not leave this day?

[GleefulNihilism]

"Oh rest assured, I grew up among the shelves of the library at the Platonic Academy. I hold books on too high of importance to use them for weapon's tests. Other personal items, maybe." she chuckles a bit as the weapon is put back among her possessions.

"Though I do agree that I'd like a few days before we ship out. And a team of builders and materials. Possibly even with him among them depending on the spells he knows," she points to Ahmose, "My Global Positioning System needs some work to put it together."

[Javk]

Archery Contest Titus had not been prepared for Atlanta's challenge but the ranger's instincts sprung faster than an antilopinae from beyond the Elven lands. He drew his bow, nocking an arrow and releasing it before the massive Initiative = 18Scuda had taken his aim. Draw. Nock. Pull. Attack =17Release. Not even needing to think about aiming for his target, his mind was about to repeat the cycle of commands and fire a second shot when Titus' neck hair stood on end. Dodge! Dodge? Without questioning the Latin ranger's arms and torso Reflex Save = 23pulled up and to the right. Vaguely the hobgoblin sensed the fletching of an arrow graze his arm. Focused on his target again, Titus eyed a large golden yellow apple and Attack = 23fired his second shot at a darkened spot on it's flesh. As his second arrow was loosed to find her golden prey, Titus paused. He noticed the vibrations of the nomads thick bow-sting, deep and low. The catman has fired a mighty shot. His ears heard the lighter hum from a bow slightly behind him. Surely from the Greek's bow. Had the man Philoctetes targeted his hand rather than Atlanta's apples? Seconds crawled by as Titus decided his next action.

 

OOC So I'm letting you call any hits McDerth, but I hope it's ok I took control of Philoctetes for a moment. I know we are mostly role-playing here but if you'd like to roll Philoctetes' attack I'm happy with that. If Titus' dodge is not successful and he takes damage he immediately draws another arrow and targets Philoctetes but holds the shot as a threat, waiting to see what happens. Otherwise, he waits to see who noticed the attack, if that is what it was, before responding. After all it could have been a mistake. IF you'd prefer it not be Philoctetes who fired at Titus, that's fine too Also I know that the way you described her action Atlanta was throwing apples in the area quickly one after another, but in my mind I imagined it as she flung them all in the air at once. It doesn't really matter for either Scuda or Titus' actions but I thought I'd share. Finally, should we keep firing shots since Atlanta asked us to hit as many as we could?

[Solomon777]

Ragna nods gracefully and offers, “It is my life to give, and the gods have seen fit to bring me to this place…” the half-orc pondered for a moment before continuing, “…for what, I can think of no other reason why? I would be pleased to join this most heroic of journeys. “

[unglued128]

Fighting pit Cernunnos flies into a frenzy. His swipes his claws with fury before raking his antlers toward the mans face. However only one claw even comes close to scoring a hit.

[Dirk]

Archery Scuda smiles appreciatively at the speed and accuracy of the other archer, seemingly unperturbed by their relative superiority to his own efforts. He draws his bow again, the weapon creaking as it stretches, and the string humming audibly with the force it snaps to with as he releases the black-shafted and black-fletched missile.

 

Dice Attack:

D20+8

(19)+8

Total = 27

Dice Apple damage?:

d8+3

(8)+3

Total = 11

[dalarangreen]

With Orpheus and Ragna Mihyar nodded his head in acknowledgement of both Orpheus' and Ragna's compliments. However, he frowned at Orpheus' question. "Great Orpheus, I am but a loyal slave, and as such, I am not free to know or say things such as 'of my own volition.' My life and service is not my own to give. My Master Rahman Yassar has offered my life to your cause, and I shall follow his will." "However, I can say with all my heart, that had I been a free man, there would be no man I would rather serve than you, Orpheus. Your imagination and creativity with words, your inspiring songs--I would gladly risk my life traveling with you, if only to be close to the muses who touch your heart."

[Gamer9]

Global Positioning System? Ahmose raises his brows, obviously intrigued, Please, tell me more. Which spells might be helpful? Interesting indeed.

[GleefulNihilism]

"Fabrication and Construction spells. The system is designed to be a far better navigation tool then anything that's come before, I just need to put the thing together. Designs I left with Argus."

[Gamer9]

Ahmose and Hypatia: "Scholar Table" Well my dear, that maybe something to bring us closer together, even if it is for a sort of mutual benefit. This woman. Very intelligent and confident in her self. Very competitive as well and attractive to top it all off. While she seems to have some sort of Arcane ability she holds it second to her studies and theories. Hypatia may be more than what meets the eye. Intriguing. Ahmose smiles as he thinks to himself, he reaches into his pack and pulls out a number of blank parchments. Since we seem to have both been chosen to venture off with Jason and the rest, and we must wait for the others to complete their challenge and be chosen as well. It seems we have some time to spare, would you care to share some of your ideas for this Positioning System? Or perhaps something thats not as secretive? He walks to a table not occupied, lays down the parchment, two quills and two ink vials pulling out a chair and motioning for Hypatia to sit down. He will slide the chair in for her comfort if she does and then take a seat next to her. I believe you and I have more we could talk about, or share with one another. I must say your charm is one I'm not accustom to, but subtlety effective nonetheless. I say we sit and talk; Not in a competitive way, but two colleagues brainstorming while we wait?

[GleefulNihilism]

Ahmose, Hypatia, Aethalides, and the Scholars Convention She can't help but pass a glance at Aethalides first before stepping closer, not quite a request for a rescue but a look seeking some sort of support. "My actually designs are with Argus, but we have something almost as good. Aethalides here has a gift we may be able to take advantage of." she replies as she looks out over the papers. "And it's not a secret how it works, just precision engineering and mathematics. Automated gear systems to work the chronometer, joint telescopic astrolabe and sextant connections for the astronomical readings, filters to protect the user during the day, then some basic guides for precision readings. I admit, it takes some knowledge of advanced mathematics and specialized training to work it, but not an Arcane secret in the whole device."

[Javk]

Archery Contest The apples continued to summersault, one after another, through the air. A quick dart of the eyes told the ranger that if anyone had noticed the stray arrow aimed at him they did not seem to be reacting. All eyes were on the flying objects, apples and arrows. The crowd murmured their delight as explosions of fruit cascaded across the field. Every now and then Atlanta would change her direction, briskly tossing fruit out in random arches. Titus needed to keep shooting, but would another stray arrow seek his hand? Without even seeming to move his feet the hobgoblin Skirmisher Trick: Surprising Shift (2 of 3 remaining)shifted to his right almost as fast as a bolt of Zeus' light. He quickly fired off Attack = 28one shaft and then Attack = 26another. With any luck his surprise shift would throw off any stealth attacker, as well as give him a better angle should the former Latin soldier need to turn and face a threat.

 

OOC Rolls

[Gamer9]

Ahmose, Hypatia, Aethalides, and the Scholars Convention Seeing Hypatia give Athalides a Help me! Sense Motive: 16look; Ahmose just nods and takes a few notes as she begins to explain the basics of this "Global Positioning System". Whether or not Hypatia understood that Ahmose was trying to create a common bond, after all Ahmose had started to form some respect for the young lady. Merging into attraction even. Although it had been sometime since Ahmose had laid with a woman, he isn't the type to mindlessly pursue women. In fact the pursuit of women is normally not even within the confines of his mind at all. The idea of having to provide and care for another person doesn't sit well with Ahmose. No, if a woman was to partner with Ahmose she would have to be able to contribute to the partnership, other than being the object of lust. Notes on Global Positioning System Theories that may improve design: Find better connections for Astro. Readings. Configure Automated gears to be used so that there is no need for a all time user. Spells that may improve design: "Discern North"-- May help with precision directions. "True Strike"-- Possibly used as a base for creating a new spell able to help with precision locations. "Animate Rope/Object"-- Possibly used as is, or as base spell for creation of a spell to allow the System to work on it's own. These are just initial ideas, more to come after brainstorming, experiments and conversation. After writing his notes, as Hypatia speaks, he slides the parchment over for her to view as well. If you've anything to add, feel free. But have you thought about implementing spells into the Systems basic design and construction? Sure this may eliminate mass producing or it's ability to be used by your everyday citizen. With a pause he adds a note, along the side of the page; Consider the use of a permanency spell Then voices the thought as well; Of course you'd have to find a way to make the spells used in it's construction permanent. Although I'd say some of the more advanced spells could be used as modifications or "upgrades" at a later time. But it would seem that with your design it still wouldn't be ideal for an uneducated person to use. If you don't care to find a way to eliminate the need of a full-time user; He sets the quill in the ink vial and his gaze finds Hypatia's as he smiles in confidence; The system would be strictly used by educated mathematicians. In Egypt i'm considered an expert in mathematics and geometry; I spent my childhood years in the more advanced classes. Although as soon as father found I was more skilled with a blade school quickly took a back seat, as I was forced to begin martial training. As I rose through the ranks within the Egyptian army the Pharaoh took notice, and as most members of a Royal Family... Until now Ahmose had been speaking with a tone of confidence; Now he seems to fumble over his words, speaking softly so only Hypatia and Aethalides can hear. He begins glancing around, over his shoulder and sides, hoping no one else can hear him. I was forced, or.. Ah... I mean; aaaahhhhh... He exhales, closing his eyes for a brief moment as he attempts to relax and recollect his composer. I wasn't given a choice.. He lets his voice trail off into silence, quickly grabbing the quill from the ink vial but not allowing excess ink to drip first. Creating multiple blotches on the piece of blank parchment and across the table as well. The Testing: Day one: Arriving at the event of Jason's testing; I'm immediately drawn to a table of scholars; hoping to find people of intelligence.... He avoids any eye contact and stares intently at the end of the quill as he begins writing again;

 

Sense Motive checks could be used to show Ahmose's change in attitude:
SM: 10= Would show Ahmose's embarrassment when he mentions Royalty. He clearly isn't proud of his past.
SM: 15= Would show Ahmose's attraction to Hypatia's intellect and confidence; clearly showing the woman respect and dismissing his first impression of an arrogant, irritating little girl.
Unless DM wishes to change or dismiss these two checks. Which would cause no hard feelings of course