[Other] Born of Legend: Alpha War

[Khodexus]

Game System Born of Legend

Theme High Fantasy Adventure

Flavour Combat Testing, with Light RP, More Story Emphasis Later On

What is Born of Legend? Born of Legend is a high fantasy tabletop roleplaying game created by David N. Benner (Khodexus) and William S. Immendorf (William Imm). We combine tried-and-true storytelling in a rich fantasy world with an engaging tactical combat system. This system will be approachable for newcomers to the tabletop RPG world, but deep and rewarding for the experienced player or Storyteller. If you enjoy storytelling RPGs, like 13th Age, Numenera, or White Wolf's World of Darkness, or if you enjoyed the tactical combat within Dungeons & Dragons 4e, you'll find lots to love within Born of Legend.

What We're Looking For We are looking for players interested to experience this system and get a first look at the evolving game. Currently, we are running alpha tests on the systems, focusing primarily on our combat mechanics. However, we still expect roleplaying within these tests. We will be expanding the parameters of these tests gradually as time goes on. Those who are interested are welcome to apply by posting on the application thread. We will PM you with details when we get to your post. In addition, if you are interested in giving comprehensive feedback on the system, we will also expedite your application, and would love to hear from you.

Character Creation For the most part, you'll be asked to make a character after your application is accepted, as we'd like to assist as you go over the rules. But it doesn't hurt to have a concept or two ready. Let us know any ideas you have, and we'll try to help you make it work. Here's a list of the available races and classes in the core book. A few others might be made available for playtesting in the foreseeable future. Dwarf: Short in stature, but gruff and resilient, dwarves are characterized by their steadfast nature, their artistry, and their thick beards. Elf: Beautiful, graceful, and long lived, the elfs are wise and mysterious in equal measure, but hold themselves apart from ‘lesser’ mortals. Halfling: Cheerful, charming, and inquisitive, halflings are small but well liked, serving as mediators, merchants, and tale-spinners throughout their constant travels. Human: Diverse and driven, humans forge ahead in life through sheer effort and dauntless determination, relying upon their resourcefulness and intellect to become the bastions of civilization. Orc: Orcs live and breath glory and renown, constantly competing with one another to acheive the most impressive feats to boast about to their friends and rivals. Avaeni: Masters of the skies, the birdlike avaeni are natural gossips, traveling the world sharing stories and adventures. Minotaur: Huge and powerful, the minotaur are hunters without peer, living isolated from others, and relying on their superior strength and prowess to surmount all challenges. Bard: Weaving song and spell together, bards bring together a wide range of skills and knowledge with which to lead their fellows and support their companies in battle. Wizard: Cunning and devious foes, wizards hoard esoteric lore and bring an unmatched level of versatility and precision to solve any challenge with ease. Cleric: Entrusted with divine power on the behalf of the gods, clerics support their companions through healing and protection, spreading the blessings of their faith. Paladin: Armored in steel and faith, paladins are holy warriors devoted to the code of their deity, protecting the weak and smiting the wicked with righteous wrath. Monk: Manifesting magic within their own bodies, monks use unparalleled physical mastery and spiritual focus to swiftly end all conflicts they may face. Psion: Wielding the magic of the mind, psions exert a unique brand of control over the world, honing their intellect into a weapon all its own. Fighter: Skilled at armaments of all sorts, fighters use their mastery of blade and shield to protect and lead their allies through a protracted combat. Rogue: Most rogues have spent a lifetime honing various unorthodox skills, using whatever dirty tactics are required to gain the upper hand. Druid: Through harmony with nature, druids are the masters of many forms, adapting to a variety of roles through the guise of man or beast. Ranger: Consummate predators by choice or circumstance, rangers bring their hard won skills to the benefit of whatever companions they find themselves with.

Plot Summary You are part of a fledgling company, testing your mettle against whatever the world has to throw at you in preparation for starting a life as a mercenary group, soldier squad, or just a band of freelancers. Light on plot starting off, but we'll get more story as time goes on, and the game becomes more fleshed out.

Additional Info Our official Twitter accounts. (@DavidBennerBoL and @WilliamImmBoL)

[William Imm]

(To be updated)

[Skog]

As a game designer, I'm always interested in testing new mechanics, ideas and helping out with playtests!

I've kept the concept simple, so it would be easy to adapt it to the character creation rules.

Name: Jaek Magle
Race: Human
Class: Rogue / Sorcerer, depends on what the system supports.
Role: Striker / Support

Physical description: Jaek's greatest asset is his appearance - simply because he has such forgettable face, which in his trade comes very handy indeed! He stands at just under 5'8, with light brown hair, gray eyes and usually wearing darkened leather outfits (if you manage to remember those details).

Background: Being the third child in a locally important family, Jaek grew up in a world of privilege, being taught how to read, write, ride and behave like a gentleman. While not exactly rebellious in nature, Jaek's name tended to be mentioned whenever a mischievous pranks transpired around the family's estate - carts suddenly loosing a wheel mid-haul, jewels mysteriously vanishing then reappearing in different parts of the manor, armoury weapons rearranged on different racks than intended, arrows missing their iron tips just before important tournaments, and so on.
Growing up, Jaek made it clear to his parents he had little interest in partaking to his family business (trading goods across the Opal Sea to the west), and instead he asked his father's permission and blessing to embark in a personal quest of finding his own place in the world. He politely refused his mother's pleas to accept quite a good sum of money for his journey, instead he gathered several weapons, his favourite bow, a quiverful of arrows and his horse Stak, then se set out into the world.

RP Sample:
Jaek skirted the edge of the thicket to get a better view of the bandit's makeshift camp. He could see three of them huddled around a campfire, but he knew there had to be more. Thugs sought strength in numbers.
"Where is it... where have you stashed it..." he muttered under his breath, scanning the area.
Subterfuge was best employed in this situation, he decided. Shifting his position, he quietly made his way to the far end of the camp, where there was a slight opening in the bushes, and waited. His patience was rewarded sooner than he expected. He had barely settled down in a prone position, when one of the bandits came wobbling along, clearly intoxicated, looking to relieve himself.
Waiting until the man stopped, he quietly sneaked behind him, and with a pounced, covering his mouth with one hand and planting the tip of the dagger to his throat with the other.
"Make one sound and you will not live to see another day" he whispered. "Nod if you understand"
The terrified thug gave a nod, and by the smell of it, also lost control over his bladder.
"The scroll. Where is it? I know you have it. Lie to me and my dagger will taste your blood".

[Khodexus]

Definitely like your RP sample, and your character concept. We do have Rogues and Sorcerers (and Humans, incidentally) in Born of Legend, though the Sorcerer is not in the core rules. If you really want to use that class, we can provide you with the rules we do have written for them (they are planned for an early supplement, and we've already worked on them a bit), though it might be better to start with the Rogue, just because it's one of our core classes, and it'll be good to get those tested first.

We likely won't be turning anyone away unless we get an overwhelming number of player applicants, and no one who wants to try the Storyteller role for playtesting, but there's a good chance we'll be bringing both of you on to playtest soon.

We'll keep you posted.

[Arthilian01]

I'm interested but I might need a little time to come up with a concept. Im getting a shadowrun/d20 modern feel, am i right?

[William Imm]

Originally Posted by Arthilian01

I'm interested but I might need a little time to come up with a concept. Im getting a shadowrun/d20 modern feel, am i right?

Not in theming. This is a high fantasy game at its core. Our take on it, to be specific. We plan on adding a quick overview of available races and classes, but if you've played a fantasy RPG, we have the general staples available.

Also, welcome to the site, magotter. I'd recommend introducing yourself in the New Member Introduction forum.

[Gulielmos]

Sounds interesting and what are the classes do you have to start with?

[Arthilian01]

Just trying to keep it general, hope that's ok.
Primary:

Name: Kubo Mashima
Class: Fighter/Samurai
Race: Human/Japanese

Personality: Kubo is usually quiet and reserved but under the facade he feels deeply for others, His compassion and need to protect his friends usually drives him to risk his own life to protect others.

Background: Kubo was born on a small farm. His father, Akita Mashima, was a samurai indentured to a local Warlord. When Kubo was very young, his father lost his life in service to his Master. Only a year later three assassins were sent to his family's home and his mother took him, his father's sword and fled into the mountains. Kubo grew up hearing with his mother, seemingly in hiding. His mother taught Kubo the way of the samurai and told him great and amazing stories of his father's bravery and honor.
At the age of 16, his mother passed away and Kubo did the only thing he knew to do, after burying his mother he wandered the land as a ronin, sworn to no-one.

RP Sample: Kubo stops at a roadside food stand within a small village, "Three rice cakes, good sir." He says to the man in a deep, calm voice.
The aged man within the stand goes to his work, wrapping three rice cakes separately in brown paper and talks with his customer, "You look familiar, You look like the Samurai Mashima, Are you any relation?"
Kubo hesitates for a second then looks at the vendor, "Yes, I am his son."
The vendor nods and continues, "You know, there is a legend that Mashima died of many wounds, more than a normal man. Some say he had magic armor and a sword that was unbreakable. Have you heard the tale?"
Kubo nods slowly, " I have heard such tales."
The vendor nods slowly and hands over the rice cakes.
When Kubo offers the vendor money, the aged man waves him off, "You'll need it, boy, You have along journey if you are going to reclaim the armor to match that sword."
Kubo exchanges a look with the vendor then nods and goes on down the road. His quest realized in his mind now.


Secondary:

Name: Trisha Cairn
Class: Rogue
Race/Ethnicity:Human

Personality:Trisha is usually straight and to the point. She has committed herself to her duty to the church since childhood so she tends to hide her feelings and opinions towards her duties or assignments.

Background: Trisha was born to a normal family but early on she could tell she was different. She had quick reflexes and a will to keep going that rivaled many. When she was discovered by a secret organization within the catholic church who called themselves the Templars she saw an opportunity to put her special abilities to good use and agreed.
They trained her in the use of sword and pistol, her reflexes and willpower getting faster and stronger. She became a force to be reckoned with and a good soldier to the cause.

RP Sample: Trisha enters the chapel and kneels before the leader of the Templars. The leader, A man is a white robe, A red cross adorning the back.
She bowed her head and spoke, "I submit to the will of God. What is his wish?"
The leader interlaces his fingers at his waist, "A den of scum has been discovered, It's location is within this scroll. Go there and do His Will." He reaches into his robe and offers the girl a wax-sealed scroll.
Trisha takes the scroll in both hands as if receiving the bread and rises, her head still bowed. This was the procedure of the Order.
She stood, took two steps backwards before turning and leaving the chapel. In the hall she broke the wax seal and unfurled the scroll to view the location, committing it to memory.
Outside she put her foot in the stirrup and swung her leg over the saddle of her black arabian horse before wrapping her hands in the reigns and spurring him forward. She leaned forward and coaxed the horse into a run to reach the location given to her.

Post rate: 2-3 times a week or more

[Khodexus]

We've certainly taken a bit of inspiration from Shadowrun, but we're looking at a late-medieval/early renaissance era of high fantasy, with a few modern sensibilities (due to the presence of magic, and how we feel that would shape such a world). Basically, you'll see swords, sailing ships, dragons, and wizards in robes, and the occasional wheel-lock musket or blunderbuss.

We're actually writing up a brief summary of our 7 core races, and 10 core classes, but here's a quick list: Dwarf, Elf, Halfling, Human, Orc, Avaeni (bird people), and Minotaur; Bard, Wizard, Cleric, Paladin, Monk, Psion, Fighter, Rogue, Druid, and Ranger.

Other classes we could allow (due to having material for them written up, just not intended for the core book) would be Berserker, Sorcerer, Sword Mage, and one two others that would take a little work, but could be ready on relatively short notice.

We will eventually have a Samurai class, but it is not ready for playtesting at present.

[Arthilian01]

Adjusted.

[shadowslasher]

Name: Fatales Trigor
Age:30
Race: Human
Class: Wizard or Psion
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Background: Sage

Posting Rate: 1/day or a minimum of 5/week

Description/Personality: Fatalaes is strangely quiet most of the time. Always wearing a green cloak and holding some lore book in his hand, it is obvious that he is studious. However if you talk to him you will find that he his quite sociable. Calm and uncaring is how those who speak to him describe him. A man who shows little emotions and the emotions he shows are likely faked.


Origin/Backstory: Fatales was a simple man living with his family on a small village. It was just him his father and his little brother. He lived a simple life farming and teaching his younger brother. Those days he had forgotten long ago except for one day. It was an early summer's day and he was out chopping wood. While chopping wood he suddenly smelled smoke and looking up realized that his suspicions were true and the smoke was coming from his village. Fearing that their was a fire Fatales ran quickly back to his village to help however what he saw there was much worse. There was no fire...only bandits. They had come and pillaged his village. Knowing that he stood no chance against such vile raiders Fatales snuck past and went to his house trying to get his brother and father and flee the village, however when he got to his house he saw a sight worse than the burnt remains of his village. He saw his father holding a knife...in front of the body of his little brother.

Fury and raged gripped on to Fatales and before anyone could say anything a voice popped into Fatales's head. "Kill him", it said in an almost dreamlike airy voice unbefitting of the task it had just commanded however Fatales complied. Raising a hand into the air a blast of blue energy shot out of his hand and hit his father in the middle of his chest, killing him instantly. Afterwards Fatales went to his brother's body and looked at it with tears in his eyes. "Bury him...in the forest. I can protect him there. the dreamy voiced said to Fatales. Taking his brothers body with one hand, the way he used to carry him when he was a baby, Fatales made his way to the forest killing anyone, bandit and villager, in his way. In the forest Fatales buried his brother silently. After he was done, he asked the voice in his head, "Who are you?". "That does not matter. What matters is your borther. Do you want him to return to the martial plane again.". Instantly Fatales responded Yes of course I want him back! What do I have to do, who do I have kill!". "Just listen to all of my instructions and I promise that your beloved younger brother will talk to you once more. .



RP Sample: In one of the small villages a man in a green cloak walks up to the two guards protecting the entrance. "Who are you supposed to be and why have ya come to our village. one of the guards says defensively. The man in the green cloak simply sighs and looks at the two guards. Instantly something changes in the guards, an invisible force, a fey presence, tampering with there minds. The first guard speaks up again and says, "Sorry, I was rude to ya mate didn't mean it honest. Here you can come right on in.. As the green cloaked man walks through he looks back at the guard who didn't speak. Waving his hand underneath his cloak and casting a charm on him the green cloak man says "My friend, where is the money you owe me?" the guard looked astonished "I..I..I don't you money. he proclaimed. "No but you owe the local tavern money. They have simply sent me to collect it as I am the most trustworthy. The guard looked perplexed however the magic gripped onto him to tightly for him to see the errors in the green cloaked man's words. Giving him what little money he could the guard says "Thats all the money I have on me. Tell Piedro I'll give him the rest next week.". "Don't worry I will." the green clocked man said with a smile as he walked away.

After about a minute the first guard, the one who had let the cloaked man in, said Hey did we even properly question that guy? We don't even know his name! Also how could he be collecting money for the tavern when neither of us know him?. The second guard, with a much stronger enchantment on him than on the first, said, "Don't worry, I am pretty sure I know him. I think he is an old acquaintance.". In about an hour, when the Charm Person spell runs out, the second guard would have a much different opinion on the green cloaked man known as Fatales Trigor.

[William Imm]

Originally Posted by Gulielmos

Sounds interesting and what are the classes do you have to start with?

We've just updated the main post with the races and classes that we have available. Go ahead and take a look, see what catches your eye. But yes, Khodexus/David has given a quick summary in his previous post.

@everyone - Keep the applications coming, the more the merrier in this case. We're still setting up the official game forum itself, but we'll try to look over these as much as possible.

@Arthilian01 - Closest to a swashbuckler class we have right now is the Rogue. Interesting that you're trying on different versions of a character, would be good for playtesting.

[Gulielmos]

I have two concepts and will flesh it out better when i see the race write ups. My first thought was a Minotaur fighter or monk. He would use his size to be a tank and go standard full plate heavily armored Juggernaut. My second idea would be a dwarven beserker who enjoys the tankard to much.

Application: Name- Gor the Unstoppable aka Gor aka Tin Man
Class- Fighter/Monk
Race- Minotaur

Rp sample-
While his race is probably viewed as the less civil that hasn't stopped Gor. Decked out in full plate heavy enough to break other races he has prided himself on sticking to some of the ancient ways of his people. Just because dwarves are known as smiths doesn't mean they are the only ones. Long before the first human built a wheel or a dwarf a sword the ancient Minotaurs were making weapons and armor meant to stop the strongest foe. With help of the rare magic in their people they found they could turn one Minotaur warrior into an unstoppable force. Thicker than a man's arm this armor was made for a chosen few and those chosen were the only smiths who could make one of these sets.

Gor became one the chosen and forged his gear in the secret and sacred place where it is said life for their race springs from.

Gor has heard the call to arms and with a talent for warfare and smithing he answers because who doesn't like the idea of profit.

(In the hallway outside the guild waiting on the others of the charter)

Gor looks around and only sees the human female and he chuckles. Of course she be first here and as he waits he finds himself remembering the day he finally earned his title. It was a beautiful day and for a moment one forgot this was a war his people had been dragged into. Already a legend amongst men today was the day that made him a Chosen.

Badly outnumbered by the advancing army of orcs and other monsters the food was running low and morale was a vapor. Seeing the forces downtrodden he stood before them and tried to rally them but failing in that he took his greatswords and his armor and dressed for battle. He looked at them and said"Today I will give my life for the cause and if the gods be for us I will return."

The fog of war clouds most of that day but the bards who got the armies eyewitness account say it was like that day something greater than any mortal entered that lone warrior.

Post rate: I am on here everyday so I can do at least a post a day.

[GeoAvanti]

I am always very interested in examining new systems. While I would certainly love to provide feedback on a system, I do feel obligated to ask a couple of the usual questions:

What kind of posting rate/length are you looking for? Since there seems to be a fair emphasis on play-testing combat, I am assuming that posting should be fairly numerous and succinct (though I suppose that largely depends on how the combat functions).I can usually be counted on to post every couple days, but I would probably be a poor choice for daily posting requirements.

Deadline for players? Personally, I'm fairly busy (read: barely available for anything) up through the holiday weekend, so I won't even be able to flesh out a potential concept for a little while.

Is the game designed for a party, or can it reliably handle solo encounters/stories? Given the fickle nature of PbP games at the best of times, it strikes me as a possibility that solo threads/games might provide a swift examination of the rules, particularly with the emphasis on combat.

To what extent are players expected to approach the game's mechanics? Are we playing for a mixture of exposure and simple number-crunching/mechanics interactions, or are we trying to break he game like it's a pinata filled with bottles of single malt Scotch? I consider myself quite adept at the latter when it is required.

[KalPurp]

---- EDIT: My posting rate is 1/day minimum ----

Hi!
First off, the fact that you guys are building your own system is super cool. But you know that...

Here's my app! (Made up some world elements to suit the story, but the core ranger concept is flexible)

 

Name: Aur t’Roc

Race: Avaeni

Class: Ranger

Role: Striker

Physical Description: At first glance, a passerby would note the brilliant golden hue of Aur’s feathers. They run in a regal crown around his head and fade into spots of white and brown which darken the overall color of the rest of his body. Light leather armor clings tightly to his torso and the insignia of the Duskmaw Ridge Avaeni is etched over his left breast. Sharp brown eyes with flecks of gold catch said passerby staring and Aur smirks when they quickly avert their gaze and return to their own business.

 

Coloring


Anatomy

Background:
Duskmaw ridge is the defining feature of an entire continent. Raised up from the earth where two tectonic plates collide beneath the ground, its rocky bluffs span from coastal mountains, through desert plains and lush forests, to the opposite sea. The Duskmaw rangers are all that passes for law in many of the wildest areas of the ridge. Established decades ago by a group of dedicated Avaeni, it is meant as a first line of defense against raiders and rampaging beasts.

Aur t’Roc was their newest full-fledged member. He took to his task eagerly and flew high over mountain passes almost hoping for trouble. And trouble he found. Echoing through the trees, he heard desperate calls for help. Skipping the first step of his creed, Assess,he moved right on to Act, leaving Resolve, and Return for later. The source of the cry was a lone human villager, no doubt hopelessly lost in the forest as they are won't to be. A menacing Minotaur bandit was hot on his heels and making no mystery of his intent. Without hesitation, Aur dropped down out of the sky and landed between the two.

When he returned that night, he expected a hero’s celebration. The reality fell far short. The attack by the bandit Aur drove off was simply a distraction. Because Aur failed to grasp the entire situation before acting, he missed a horde of raiders coming over the mountains to pillage a collection of small villages. No matter your rank, failure of this magnitude was never overlooked by the Duskmaw Ranger elite. Obviously, Aur was too green to be given so much responsibility. As is customary, he was stripped of his title and sent out on his own.

The only path to reinstating himself among the Duskmaw is to achieve a substantial reputation by acting bravely in the world.


RP:

 

"Heeeelp! Please! Someone!"

"HAHAHA there’s no one there, whelp! You're mine!"

No one? Is that what they think of rangers in these parts? Not for long...

Aur t’Roc glides silently through the clear night sky, his perfect vision allowing him to track the chase through the trees without betraying his position. The thunder of the pursuing Minotaur through the thick undergrowth provides more than enough sound cover for the occasional flap of the ranger’s wings.

Just make it to that clearing, little man.

Pushing hard against the wind, Aur gets ahead of the screaming villager and hovers just beyond the tree line. He draws his bow and takes aim at their expected exit point. First he spots the man. His clothes are ragged and he is streaked with blood. After he breaks into the open glen, Aur counts off under his breath:

"Three, two…"

The bow creaks as it is drawn all the way back.
"One!"

The arrow is loosed and strikes the Minotaur just below the neck as he emerges from the wood.

"Grrraaaahh"

The Minotaur roars in unexpected agony and then ferociously seeks to identify his attacker. Seeing Aur floating there, another arrow already loading, he turned and ran back into the forest, leaving a trail of blood behind.

Aur smirked, Oh no you don’t, and flew after him

App 2!!!!

 

Arken Valar Name: Arken Valar Race: Elf Class: Druid Background: Mystic Backstory/ Description: The people in the small human village took it as an ill omen when a pale, small, almost ethereal fox limped into their midst. Gravely injured, it's snow-white fur was matted crimson with its own blood. It was carried inside, limp and eyes glazing over, and given a makeshift bed. The village elder left food and water for the small creature and left it in peace overnight. Expecting the worst, she returned in the morning. Much to her surprise she found a man with long white hair curled up in much the same position as the fox had been. He too was terribly injured. Careful not to wake him, she drew close enough to realize that he was an elf. By the look of his garb and the style of the tattoos all over his body, he came from the deep forest. The elder had only heard stories… Emboldened by curiosity, she got even closer. From just inches away she marveled at the artistry and quality of his eleven leather armor. It was ribbed and dyed a dark blue color. It's edges were stitched with a golden filigree. His skin, she noted, was pale almost to translucency. The slight rise of his body to the rhythm of shallow breathing then reminded her of her duty. She grabbed the untouched cup of water and held it to his lips while brushing the hair from his face and lifting his head. He stirred and looked at her through half open eyelids before leaning up to the cup. The reddish/pink hue of his eyes struck the elder in moment of realization, He’s a runt…. She couldn't help but wonder what brought him here, to such lows. The story would have to wait though. Having finished the water, he placed his head in her lap and returned to sleep. RP sample: In a proper contest, he may have stood a chance. Arken’s siblings never quite could conduct the rites of the forest as well as he could… But they care nothing for the Old laws, the old ways. They would kill me for reasons they can't even fully understand. A sudden and consuming sorrow cause him to stop in his tracks. Tears stung his eyes and a sob flung the words out of his mouth. “Eriel, Dassa, Why!" As he shouted, he grabbed a nearby stone and threw it recklessly back into the woods. “What about me, Arken? No tears for your eldest sister? Arken’s blood ran cold. How could she have beaten me here?! Surprised? I'm glad I get to witness your revelation; you're not half as clever as you think. Did you really expect to escape so easily? His mouth started forming a response, ”Yira, I-”, but she didn't let him finish. In a split second she leapt forward, shifting mid-jump. Arken reacted, immediately summoning a cloud of mist around himself. Ducking down, he evaded her lunge and her wolf form crashed into the brush behind him. A practiced hunter, she pivoted and braced to dive at him once more. This time, he called upon the flora at the last second to rise up and entangle her as she entered the fog. However, he underestimated her speed and, though her back legs were caught, her claws reached him and tore his torso to ribbons. He touched his side and raised the hand into the moonlight. It was slick and dripping with blood. Still ensnared, Yira gnashed her teeth and fought to get free. Her savage howl was echoed from deep within the trees. The others… I..Have to… run… Seeing double, Arken struggled to maintain the focus necessary to shift. Still, the will to live pushed him onward. A glimmering white blur darted out disappeared into the night. He ran for what seemed like hours before finding the edge of the forest, mostly by chance. Stumbling toward the light of torches, he was able to make out some voices approaching. Before everything went dark, he recalled being picked up.