31

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: The Night Star - Teuivae Surin

« on: November 19, 2019, 04:47:19 am »

[Unlike the previous pages, this one seems to have some water damage in small droplets and some residue of what almost looks like glitter.]

I am recording Trinra Damaiv's here in these pages. I truly wish I had known her better than I had. A drow woman that did one of the bravest things anyone can do and turn away from the darkness. She was a kind, playful, and helpful woman that many had grown to care for. In her final moments... I heard her say goodbye to me. She then traveled with Neasa to the drow encampment only to be met with death, though she knew it was coming. In her honor, I hope that peace can come to the lands in the coming times, for she died pursuing it.

I can only say it pains my heart greatly that so many see vengeance as an option for a woman who was seeking non-violence. Enough that I am in tears, both for her memory and the loss we shall suffer for her absence. I pray, Trinra, that we honor thee and that you find rest in the celestial realms.

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Journals & Backgrounds / Re: The Night Star - Teuivae Surin

« on: November 18, 2019, 03:40:13 pm »

What happened between Neasa and I isn't something I expected. I will say I feel calm about it, accepting of it, though it would be foolish to say I wasn't disappointed. Seems my transformation has effected more than just how I feel but also how others see me. Of course it has, but I never really took the time to think about that - I've always been a focused individual. Neasa says I'm too pure now, too angelic to be intimate with and in fact, it intimidates her. I cannot find it in myself to place blame on her, so instead I simply understood and came to terms that we'd be something akin to close sisters from now on.

Though I did pull her aside as I noticed her being distant, but it was sparked by Wren - of all people. I did not expect her to truly flirt with me the way she did, which I'll admit it felt nice, while it happened and made me realize how distant Neasa had become romantically. Though I don't think Wren and I would work, mind you. She'd have to truly see me, but in truth, I'm not sure she sees anyone. There is so much pain in her own mind and so much darkness she yet stumbles through, I think she reaches out for fleeting affection to starve the pain away. Perhaps one day, I or someone else, will be able to help guide her through the darkness.

Besides this, I have found a surprisingly dear friend in Lysander. Perhaps even a surprise to himself. Whether it was originally intended or not, he is keen to aid me in some of my goals of creating peace in the land. I appreciate his friendship and his words and he truly seems honorable. Perhaps one day he will enjoy the idea of joining the Order - he'd make a fine knight.

I have also met a woman by the name of Zahirra who I suspect is troubled as well, regardless if she admits it. Her family, the Reschotti House, has plans for her that she has resigned to it seems. If only someone could show her there is another path - that there is any path she wishes to walk, I think she would be far more happy in her life. For now though, I'm keen to be a support for her in the ways I'm able to be, much like anyone I encounter.

33

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: The Night Star - Teuivae Surin

« on: November 07, 2019, 02:08:46 pm »

These past few days have been an entire change to my life.

First, I finally came to realize what the clouds had symbolized - along with Neasa, Lysander, and Moose, we found ourselves in a nightmarish realm of sorts. At first, I wasn't sure if it was a dream or vision, but it seemed to turn out to be some realm or plane that shifted and molded to a particular person's imagination, while potentially mixing with the dream realm on some level. Arariel, a half-celestial, had failed at some task in her life and had taken an oath of honor that if she failed - she was to die. Unfortunately, my dear Neasa was the one that had to follow through on that oath and it had haunted her since.

Though we met Menner, it seems - a creature full of hatred now. There isn't even any resemblance of pain or humanity left in whatever creature he is now. Though he did not attack us, instead he seemed to serve as a distraction, trying to goad and get under everyone's skin. I refused and stood up for the others, especially Neasa. When he faded away, he made our way outside, trying to find where to go in this place. It was the Moon Glow Keep, but twisted and dark, where skeletons, shadows, and alien creatures replaced what the knights should be - and it was all we found until the sounds of battle finally rung true.

We found ourselves saving a ghostly figure that yelled in pain, claiming we were torturing her... however it came to truth that this ghost was Arariel herself! She had managed to make a nightmare and hell of her own, torturing herself for the blame and guilt she felt for forcing Neasa's hand. This was the gods doing, bringing Neasa and I to this lost soul. I urged them both to forgive themselves and to forgive each other, which to much relief, they were able to do. This allowed us to guide Arariel's spirit through the shadow realm - where devils wished to lay claim to her soul - and to finally... Mount Celestia!

The amount of relief was so great then, I cried. My eyes found where the memory was and where a solar angel stood to greet us. For our service, she granted each of us a boon, but she already knew my request. Neasa asked for a token of Arariel while Moose asked for the ability to summon... a moose, haha. Lysander, bless his noble heart, asked for nothing. In the end however, I have found my journey to have met it's first milestone.

As Arariel was once half-celestial, so am I. I have grown taller, my skin has turned gold, my eyes and hair white, and wings on my back. I can constantly feel the light pulsing inside my viens, reminding me and comforting me of the goodness that exists in all realms. It is not a feeling that I think anyone can truly understand besides someone like Neasa, because I didn't understand before now.

On one last note before I conclude this entry - I met with Dame Averil and I have been given the honor of being a knight errant now as a full member of the Order. Where one journey has ended, many paths lay before me and as the angel spoke, these are sad times but it will take time. In the name of Selune, in the name of all things pure and good, I will do as much as I can to heal and root out corruption.

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Journals & Backgrounds / Re: The Night Star - Teuivae Surin

« on: November 04, 2019, 02:49:23 pm »

I had a different dream last night...

I was flying through twilight clouds, the moisture and wind hitting my face before I landed softly on the side of a mountain. There was a blue swirling portal that hummed with a sweet song, a statue of the golden world before it and as I turned I looked up the mountain, gentle streams cut through the land. I walked across them as if I were somehow home, filling my heart with a familiarity that I've only felt with Neasa. As I turned the corner, my eyes fell upon a soft glowing blue temple of sorts, a dome capping it - something that would remind one of the moon, somehow. It's aura was calm and bright and as I reached for the door handle... my dream ended.

I know where it's from. A wildwoman by the name of Zoanantuss somehow unlocked this memory in me and it was as real as these dreams. Now, they're mixing. I'm starting to question - have I been to Mount Celestia somehow? Was Neasa right to say I've somehow have suppressed memories? How is that even possible to suppress something so pure and beautiful? I'm not sure what is going on or what's in store for me, but I've wrote Dame Averil. I need to find a way to Mount Celestia. I need to find answers. I won't give up until I do - Selune is guiding me on this path for a reason and I intend to follow it to whatever conclusion it brings.

Please Selune, guide and protect me on this journey... I don't know what dangers lie ahead, but I have faith in you.

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Journals & Backgrounds / Re: The Night Star - Teuivae Surin

« on: November 03, 2019, 06:58:06 am »

Truth be told, I've felt frustrated as of late - there doesn't seem to be anything happening or coming from my meditations. I did not think when I visited Shall'en, when she said I only need to search inside and I was on the path, that it'd take hours over a week's time. Perhaps it is simply my impatience or that I can feel myself right on the edge of something that ruffles my feathers. I suppose this is why I write though - it is not an unwillingness to wait or a sign I intend to give up, but more a space to vent. Then again, maybe it's just the frustration at the Empire spilling over into these pages as well...

Honestly, that would not surprise me. My soul truly weeps for the state of affairs that we're all in. When a knight of the Order says that slavery makes sense, that the Rengarthi are savages. What arrogance that is, to put yourself above someone simply because they live a different life. I felt shame after reading that. Shall'en and her tribe were defensive, but kind and perhaps not all would be this way - after all the Empire invaded their lands and then in their hubris, dared to call these people savages. Who wouldn't be angry at that?

Duty demands that I obey those with just authority over me - praise be Selune that it is Dame Averil. It is she and Neasa that I feel honored to be in the Order, even as others bring shame to the Order. At least I can end this entry on a positive note indeed. Neasa is proud of me, which warms my heart to my core, and has said a few times that Dame Averil is impressed by me - which is apparently something of note! Neasa said she is a hard woman to impress and it just feels like validation that I'm on the right path. It feels nice to think that I honor my ancestors as well.

Selune, give me strength and patience to endure the tasks you are setting before me...

[There's a quick scribble at the bottom.]
Also noting that I want to visit the Rengarthi again - going to see if I can make it to the plains on my own.

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General Discussion / Netheril Portrait Pack

« on: October 31, 2019, 02:14:08 am »

For those of you without steam!

LINK

Updated 10/30/2019

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Journals & Backgrounds / Re: The Night Star - Teuivae Surin

« on: October 30, 2019, 05:00:24 pm »

I've been meditating and praying often, finding myself in parts of my mind like a still lake, for times I cannot account for in full. The dreams bother me less when I'm awake still, but nothing has changed since. The dreams still beckon me and whatever self I have deep within me, she is still hidden from my view. I know it'll happen when it's meant to occur, so I do not waver in my meditations - I only wonder when it'll happen and what'll happen in my daydreams.

In other news, there is someone called the Daughter that we need to protect and Neasa has taken spearhead of the quest to seal her Father once more. Hearing of such mysterious, dark, powerful things has sparked more of a need to train as of late - so all the effort into the blessings given to me do not lay on laziness. Thankfully Neasa took me to the Crypt of Moander where the undead often stir in it's halls. This provides two things - something to train against and honoring Selune is destroying the undead.

As far as Neasa goes... there's a part of me that hesitates to write about her. In truth, she makes me nervous because I've never felt a love like this for someone before. It makes me chuckle when she tries to hide it, but we don't hide our love very easily at all. She treats me with a love and respect that I'm not used to and I adore her so much. The most beautiful thing is when her hair begins to sparkle and she's holding me in her arms. The world around us melts away in those moments. I thank Selune for this everyday...

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General Discussion / Re: Should Quest Areas Be Opened

« on: October 30, 2019, 01:27:30 pm »

Note: this is just regarding my PC, not anything else that was said. 

 I never mentioned wasps? Unless you're making the leap to the wasp quest. Teuivae isn't going to kill them simply because they're there... she did the quest because an NPC said their home was infested and it was causing them to essentially be homeless, so she went with purpose.

Like there are orcs out there, but she won't march into their own camp without reason. But this is probably an issue only unique to my PC. Most people would go to the orc camp if they can just because they're orcs. And it has to be more than "please go kill orcs".

Honestly even with wasps she'd be inclined to try and get a druids aid to remove them rather then kill them, but that would ruin the quest... because she'd want a permanent solution to it, so I don't pursue those things as a player for a reason.

Also my choice is self inflicted. I choose to play an exalted PC. No one forced it.

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General Discussion / Re: Should Quest Areas Be Opened

« on: October 30, 2019, 05:32:18 am »

True, if humans don't have goals, they tend to feel lost / bored.

The rest of the post, I'd kindly ask that you back it up with logic. The "more you think about it" is not an argument that provides any objectionable evidence to the contrary. ^_^ Perhaps provide math, as it's extremely objectionable as long as it follows sound logic. I can also provide math, if it's requested and propose trajectories in leveling based off of my logic. Actually, I'll do that now!

Proposed Trajectory as it is, assumptions / baselines:
*Average of 15 XP / kill
*Monster count per dungeon: 20
*Average time in dungeon: 20 minutes / once a reset (when alone)
*Quest reward: 300
*Quests are locked to certain level ranges
*Higher PCs cannot come into quests for aid
*Higher PCs can come into exploration areas for aid
*Not counting DM quests / plots / XP
*Average tick of 15 XP / 15 minutes

Proposed Trajectory with minimum level, assumptions / baselines:
*Average of 15 XP / kill
*Monster count per dungeon: 20
*Average time in dungeon: 20 minutes / once a reset (when alone)
*Quest reward: 300
*Quests are locked to certain level ranges
*Higher PCs can come into quests for aid
*Higher PCs can come into exploration areas for aid
*Not counting DM quests / plots / XP
*Average tick of 15 XP / 15 minutes

Here are the formulas I used:
k = kill XP, m = monster count, a = quest reward, t = time to complete, c = XP tick
XP / min during dungeons/quests (remember, this is once a reset): ((15 <k> * 20 <m> + 300 <a>) / 20 <t>) + (15 <c> / 20) = 30.75 XP
XP / min during RP: (15 <c> / 15) = 1 XP
XP / min during exploration: (15 <k> / 2 <takes half the time to find monsters>) + (15 <c> / 20) = 8.25 XP
XP / min during higher explorations: (40 <k> / 2 <takes half the time to find monsters>) + (15 <c> / 20) = 20.75 XP

If you did 3 quests a day, no higher help, and played 5 hours a day only killing things:
Time per day = 300 minutes.
3 quests would total (30.75 * 20 min = 615) = 1845 XP. Take that from 300 minutes for 240 minutes. The rest would be 8.25 / minute = 1980 XP. The end of day, you'd have 3825 XP.
If we use level 9 to level 10 as a baseline, you need a total of 9,000 XP. Meaning you can level to level 10 in 3 days. This is the heart of the argument.

If you did all the quests a day, no higher help outside dungeons, and played 5 hours a day only killing things:
Time per day = 300 minutes.
15 quests would total (30.75 * 10 min = 615) = 9225 XP. Take that from 300 minutes for 150 minutes. The rest would be 8.25 / minute = 1980 XP. The end of day, you'd have 11205 XP.
If we use level 9 to level 10 as a baseline, you need a total of 9,000 XP. Meaning you can level to level 10 in 1 day with 2205 spillover.

If you did 3 quests a day, higher help during exploration only, and played 5 hours a day only killing things:
Time per day = 300 minutes.
3 quests would total (30.75 * 20 min = 615) = 1845 XP. Take that from 300 minutes for 240 minutes. The rest would be 20.75 / minute = 4980 XP. The end of day, you'd have 6825 XP.
If we use level 9 to level 10 as a baseline, you need a total of 9,000 XP. Meaning you can level to level 10 in 2 days. This is the heart of the argument.

If you did all the quests a day, higher help during exploration and dungeons, and played 5 hours a day only killing things:
Time per day = 300 minutes.
15 quests would total (30.75 * 10 min = 615) = 9225 XP. Take that from 300 minutes for 150 minutes. The rest would be 20.75 / minute = 3113 XP. The end of day, you'd have 12338 XP.
If we use level 9 to level 10 as a baseline, you need a total of 9,000 XP. Meaning you can level to level 10 in 1 day with 3338 spillover.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

With the math out of the way, I definitely see the concern (Also note the average of 15 XP / kill isn't even exactly what I've ran into - it's more like 8-10 for me). However I still would like to find a way to open up dungeons for explorations for PCs like Zazie or being able to go into a crypt for PCs like Teuivae. So here's my simple compromise to both parties:

TL;DR
Leave quests alone but allow players to enter the instances without requiring the quest to enter. The XP amount would be no different than exploration areas and without that sweet quest XP reward, the XP / min goes back down to exploration areas (or equal to dense exploration areas). This way the XP / minutes stays about the same as it is now but allows PCs to explore quest dungeons without quest rewards.

Just add a latch that says, "if PC has quest, only those with the same quest enter the same instance" to stop any sort of loop holes of higher PCs entering the same instance as a questing PC. A higher PC could still take them to an area to "train" and yet even have a reason IC to say, "you must do this quest on your own, prove to me that you've been paying attention".

(I spent 3,600 seconds on this, don't let it flop!)

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General Discussion / Re: Should Quest Areas Be Opened

« on: October 29, 2019, 07:05:42 am »

Actually retyping something....

Essentially my personal issue and it may only be because I'm playing an exalted character that doesn't go off to kill goblins just because they have a tribe in the woods. She normally has no reason to explore and no map or known knowledge of the world around her, there's no motivation to go out and explore. The only source she has is fellow Order members (which is two right now) to even bother trying to find places to explore and train.

I don't see the big issue honestly. A higher level PC can always run a lower PC through an exploration area and get tons of XP anyways - it happened once with the Asylum where all Teuivae did was stand around and get way more XP than any quest I've done. So opening a quest area wouldn't matter for the lower PC. If you're concerned about higher PCs getting XP from quests, just make a cut off for XP then?

Exmaple:
Kalianda - Hadrian Southbank -Warehouse - lvl 4-10 - Party Req 2-6

Let's say we turned it into: Kalianda - Hadrian Southbank -Warehouse - lvl 4+ - Party Req 2-6

Well, let's say a level 15 PC takes a level 5 PC. Well, the reward for the level 5 PC won't be much higher than if a level 10 PC went along. They'd still get the same XP and same XP reward out of it (say 200 GP / 200 XP). And you could have the script just say if they're higher than level 10, they only get GP rewards.

Furthermore, you could just open up the area without the quest being enabled at all. What would that do to balance? The enemies would stay the same, even the boss potentially. Then what? ... how in the world does it unbalance anything?

And nothing stops a high level player from just giving people a free ride through all the low quests risk free. That's the key part here, quests of all levels need to have risk of some sort. Opening them to all levels completely removes that.

Isn't this already true for exploration areas? Neasa took Teuivae to the Crypt of Molander (or something) and if she wanted, could've killed everything completely risk free for Teuivae. So it's already something that's possible anyways. And Neasa could do a lot better and get Teuivae way more XP (if we were that type of player).

Anyways, I'm just not following the logic.

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General Discussion / Re: Should Quest Areas Be Opened

« on: October 28, 2019, 06:56:14 pm »

I am personally curious then - you say there are many opportunists for continuing stories and RP, which is very true. What of the times that no one is on though or no DM is currently free and you'd like to continue your story by fighting undead in a crypt.... oh, but look, I can't because some random NPC says he doesn't need my help. Why would that stop me from destroying undead though? Then again, life is just hard for a PC that doesn't want to wander around and kill things for fun.

I personally always enjoyed being logged on for hours at a time, doing something, but right now I've found I gravitate towards logging on if there's people either Teuivae knows or there's definite RP to be found. Otherwise I'm just sitting in the town square and putting on a movie. Don't get me wrong though, this is just another viewpoint - I'm truly having a blast here and this is BY FAR my favorite server to have RPed on in a very long time. I'm not going anywhere, regardless of the decision. I'd just log on a bit more if there were more places to fight undead and things to do, is all.

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Journals & Backgrounds / Twilight Beginnings - Background of Teuivae Surin

« on: October 27, 2019, 10:45:06 pm »

Teuivae grew up in Hardrian Southbank to a human father and an elf mother who fell in love. Unfortunately for the child, her parents were two peas in a pound and cared little for the half-blood child, leaving her to a lonely and rejected life. Not many people had much respect for Teuivae as she grew up, despite her hard working attitude in the warehouses. It was a life full of either sitting alone or too many times - being manipulated and taken advantage of, such as being lying to, brain washed, even raped. There's little point in telling a story about all the darkness that Teuivae went through, but there is purpose is focusing on her absolute resolve. Even through all the cruelty of others, she found hope in story books and fairy tales about heroic knights and brave adventurers.

So in her younger teenage years, Teuivae was unique among the downtrodden. She has her walls and her bite for those trying to get close to her, but what made a difference was the determination that stayed strong in her heart. Now back then, she would say that Selune saved her from her own darkness. Working the warehouses, she found a Selunite healing the injuries of those around her - an elf of what Teuivae considered to be of unearthly beauty. Before long, any injury at all that Teuivae had, she would instantly take herself to Leslia. Leslia saw in Teuivae her heart and slowly they started a romance as the elf taught Teuivae of Selune and her ways - about compassion, love, acceptance, and understanding. This is when life turned around for her, though the two found themselves to not be capable, they stayed close friends until Leslia had to travel elsewhere. The mark the Selunite elf had on Teuivae though would be long-lasting.

Eventually (and sadly) her parents passed away in accidents concerning the laborers of Southbank, leaving Teuivae to her own devices. With no home or shelter to be had, she went to the only familiar place she knew - the Harvest Moon Chapter House where she met an Aasimar by the name of Neasa. That is when her story truly started.

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General Discussion / Re: Should Quest Areas Be Opened

« on: October 27, 2019, 10:05:37 pm »

Other, Please Explain: If one is concerned about taking lower PCs to an area, then lock areas behind a minimum level, only. Meaning once you reach said level, you can enter freely - with ones that make sense. Like say the graveyards. You need to be level 5 (just giving an example) otherwise it says, "you're in need of more training before safely entering here" and then you can RP off of that.

If you're not worried about that aspect: Open all areas to everyone. People will RP why they're there and what they're doing from then on.

44

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: The Night Star - Teuivae Surin

« on: October 27, 2019, 04:21:50 am »

Selune, you test me certainly. It pains my heart to see the Empire has poisoned so much around us... I truly hope you've picked the right person for the tasks you're surely preparing me for...

The journey itself was heart-pounding to say the least. We made our way to the plains - Neasa, Zazie, and Fjord - and bartered information from the tribesmen there. He asked that we bring back boars for a trade of his and I had thought it was due to the tribe's survival. The lesson learned is that corruption does not simply stop at the tribes. There was a guardian calling us murderers of the boars - which the tribesmen did not explain to us. They need to be treated the same respect as anyone, but it is a hard lesson to learn that those in pain can be just as bad as those causing the pain. I should know better than anyone, after what I've been through - perhaps I'm just surprised.

Further into the mountains we finally ran into Shall'en's tribe. This was perhaps the most difficult of all - the tribesmen, rightly so, questioned my motivations and snapped at the dress I wore, of the knights. It truly saddens me that the Order is a face of the Empire... we should be the face of compassion and honor, not death and corruption. A hard time we live in, certainly. Zazie's own views of paladins - of Neasa - clouds her as well. Araiel must've meant something to her. She tried to imply I was attempting to deceive the tribesmen because of what Neasa did to Araiel. I have not deceived anyone for a very long time and I said nothing but truth to the elder.

Thank the heavens he saw me as no threat and I was able to meet Shall'en. She seemed calmer and more accepting that an 'Outsider' could be genuine. Though it surprised me, nearly to tears, to hear I was on the right path. Funny how we traveled so far and risked so much just for her to say that it was inside me the whole time. Twas worth every moment though. I have much to consider and to think about regarding everything. If I want the Empire to change someday, I must be aware of the real issues plaguing all of the people involved.

Some notes going forward:
-I must help Neasa save Araiel's soul from whatever fate fell upon her.
-I need to look at the Order closely and understand it, if I am to be truly a part of it.
-When it's time, I intend to repay Shall'en's kindness. I have a feeling hers is a noble path as well and if so, I will be more than happy to assist.

I hope I honor you Selune and your kind light.

45

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: The Night Star - Teuivae Surin

« on: October 25, 2019, 08:09:22 pm »

Neasa and I met Sabel the Druidess - though it's nothing special perhaps, to most, but it was for me. Though she had no idea on awakening blood, she did suggest a remote possibility beyond the mountains, past the plains and Rengarthi tribes. A shaman by the name of Shall'en lives on the other side of the mountain, whom deals with spirits. I wonder... will I potentially be meeting my ancestor? The one whom the blood cries out for? If so, I can only suspect that the journey to the shaman is but the beginning of my test - there is no telling what the spirit may require of me. I can only pray to Selune that they see the purity of my soul and the strength of my heart...

... Neasa will be tested as well. I pray for her and hope with all of my heart that Selune's light can guide her. She's been having a rough time of it lately and snapped at the druidess. Sabel was upset at the empire for stripping away the earth. In truth, to her beliefs, can we blame her? Further more, isn't that what the Order of the Red Rose is for? Something to keep in mind for myself, should I ever have the influence to change anything. Still, as we left, two animals upset by the orcs attacked us. Neasa slew them without a second thought... she has such a good heart and I have all the faith in the world for her, but she will be tested in the days to come - that's my belief. I hope my support will be enough.

Selune, give us both strength for the journeys ahead.