There's a moment of weightlessness as the two of you float for that split second of entering the shadows. Next thing you know you're under the mercy of gravity once more. The woman slips out of Kennar's grasp slamming hard onto the floor of the crypt before the waiting vampire and yolin.
Kennar for his part lands on his feet, to the applause of the yolin. The female vampire regards the offering, and Kennar's physical change. Finally she spoke saying, "This tribute will satisfy my master. Bring it with you."
She turned and walked through the double doors into the darkness beyond. The maiden Kennar had whisked away from the streets of Estark was rolling over on the ground letting out a painful groan.
Kennar resists the urge to collapse. The faint echoes of the pain are still with him, but he attempts to shrug it off as much as possible.
Note to self: Don't do that again.
Shaking his head to clear it, Kennar supresses the new black flames of his skin so he won't burn his victim. He grabs the woman and hauls her to her feet. He moves behind her and pins her arms to her body as they march through the doors to meet the master vampire.
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
Inside is a very simple tomb with a throne made of mahogany wood. On this throne sat an ancient yet young looking vampire with the palest of skin. His iris were yellow and focused on the maiden in Kennar's grasp. Bringing his pale hand up to his shoulder length silver hair, he brushed it back out of his face tossing his head back in a questioning manner asking,"Tribute to buy my favor?"
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
"I'm on a search for power. Knowledge. Magic. Things I am sure you are familiar with," Kennar says to the ancient creature. "I had hoped I could speak to you of such things."
Ah, but I've alread discovered why the power wasn't working. Kennar thinks. I wasn't ready for it. I am now. What can I hope to gain from this vampire. I doubt he'll just give me gems of black magic. Though having a vampire lord as an aquaintence could have its benefits in the future.
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
The vampire sniffed disdainfully at that answer saying, "If it is knowledge you had sought then you have come to the wrong place. Knowledge is treasured by those following the philosophies of the islands. I am an ancient being of the swamps, power incarnate. Let me ask you then, what is power if it is not knowledge?"
"Power... is knowledge," Kennar says, thinking carefully about his answer. "Properly applied by those without reservations about using it for gain."
As much to himself as to the vampire, Kennar elaborates. "A beast of the forest might be mighty, but it does not have the knowledge to apply this strength to its benefit. It is not truly powerful. A simple man with knowledge of a guard's corruption can use this knowledge to wield power over that guard, through blackmail or extortion or sell of his secrets. He uses his knowledge to gain something for himself, though he may not have pysical or magical strength. By properly applying his knowledge, he can affect many lives other than his own for his own benefit. That is power."
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
"Power, the ability to exert one's will over another. Properly applied and one can gain access to knowledge or any other resource that is desired." spoke the vampire lord with an air of a philosopher. Locking eyes with Kennar the vampire asked, "Now that we've established what power is, how does one go about acquiring it?"
"By taking it," Kennar says, remember the Yolin's lecture when they first entered the tomb. 'By dedicating oneself to its pursuit. By using whatever means you possess to grasp it. And by not wilting at its use once you've aquired it. Power without the will to use it is not true power. A mage would say magic is power, but it is not. It is a means to aquire power. Mental manipulation, blasts of fire, gathering knowledge through arcane spells. These are simply tools, not the end result."
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
Kennar considers this for a long moment. "The end result," he says slowly, still musing. "Is whatever those with true power want it to be. Those with power use their tools, whether those tools are magic, manipulation, spies, or the application of knowledge, to change the world to their liking. To apply their power as they see fit."
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
The vampire sits back, pleased with Kennar saying, "And yet here you are asking for guidance, knowledge, in my power. Do you know how my power came to be, where it comes from?"
Kennar shakes his head. "From your connection to, and application of, black mana I might say, but I know that is not the whole answer. I would imagine your power comes from many places. Servants, magic, intellect, your vampire form, connections and contacts. An ancient being such as yourself must have many tools at your disposal, and access to whole libraries of lore. A combination of all these is the simplest explaination." Kennar tilts his head at the vampire. "But... I think that still isn't the full answer. There is more, but I don't know what it is."
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
The vampire contemplates Kennar's answer before saying, "Everything I do to acquire power can be boiled down to one central concept: parasitism. I'm not afraid to admit that is what my kind embodies, we are children of the night another aspect of black mana. I draw in what I want without giving anything in return. This power in it's multitude of forms can then be transformed from one to the other as my will see fits."
The vampire gestures with his right hand towards the chamber with Kennar's tribute while holding the flamekin's gaze saying, "I share this knowledge with you because you paid tribute. What you have not paid for is the actual power."
The vampire tilts his head smiling as he asked, "So tell me then: What can you offer that adds to my power in exchange for another form of power I have that you can immediately use?"
Kennar considers the vampire's words carefully. Getting caught in another pact with a creature would not be beneficial. "I suppose that would depend on what form of power it is that you have that you could give me which I would be able to immeidately," Kennar says in a neutral tone. "Without knowing what it is I would gain, I cannot offer you appropriate compensation for it."
Remembering the demon, Kennar smiles very slightly. "I've seen what happens when one blindly jumps at the promise of power."
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
The vampire looked over Kennar's shoulder at the Yolin smiling wickedly saying, "Ah, so you met our old friend. That's a good lesson to learn."
Looking back to Kennar he continued speaking, "I have several kin bound to me, this is the power I can offer for your immediate use. The ability to summon those of my kind to your aid in combat. So tell me young one, what can you offer in compensation for such power?"
Kennar tilts his head. "I would assume you have gold and magic that my offering them to you wouldn't sway you."
Kennar, while severely disliking what he's thinking, says slowly, "A favor. I will perform a service for you in exchange for the ability to summon your minions. It doesn't need to be now. It can be at a point in the future when the favor might be more beneficial to you. A stipulation being that the task cannot unequivocally result in my death or a reduction in my strength or magic or power. Dangerous or risky tasks I can handle, but there must be a chance of success and survival. Other than that, I leave the terms of the task up to you..."
Thinking about their conversation, Kennar says "I realize we have not been properly introduced. If you accept my terms and I am to owe you, you should probably know my name. Kennar."
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
"You may call me Leshnar since we are only sharing first names." replied the vampire with a grin. "I would be willing to cultivate the growth of your power in exchange for a future favor to my clan. There is one problem with the wording as it currently stands. Under your terms any favor I asked of you could not be carried out for the simple reason that any expenditure of energy would sap a fraction of your strength and thus leave you momentarily weaker. If you were willing to amend the deal so that the favor asked of you will not leave you permanently weakened, then we will be in agreement."
Kennar nods his head to the vampire. "Of course. My wording was unfortunate, and certainly not what I intended. I agree with your amendment, and with the arrangement."
Kennar sincerely hopes he didn't leave himself a loophole that the vampire could exploit, but it was too late now. He glances at the Yolin for a moment, then back to the vampire. Soon I'll have all the power I need. Then I'll need too find opportunities to wield it.
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
"Perfect." replied Leshnar with a wide grin. Then pushing himself out of his throne, he made his way to a door behind his throne saying, "Follow!"
With that he opened the door revealing a long unlit stone hallway descending deeper into the crypt at a thirty degree grade. At the end of this hallway Leshnar came to a stop and began channeling swamp mana while manipulating multiple artifice built into what appeared to be a wall of art.
Kennar soon realized that this was some sort of vault door as Leshnar finished the last manipulation. The door cracked down the middle and opened outward into the hallway, rising to the ceiling of the hallway.
Leshnar stepped through admiring a large collection of gems, each carefully laid into slots lining the singular shelf that curve from the entrance all the way around the circular room back to the other side of the entrance. Inside the vault was a singular source of purple light radiating from a gem in the center of the room where Leshnar stood waiting for Kennar to step in saying, "Take what you desire. Not all is available for your taking. Reach for too much and I will have to remind you of where you stand as a guest in my crypt."
4 points that can be spent to acquire new spells from Kennar's current standard.Note: "points" are used like the starting character's satchels: .25 for each common single cast, .5 for each uncommon single cast, .75 for each rare single cast, and 1 for each mythic rare single cast. Maximum of 12 total castings.Remember you must select from your standard, that includes the RPG's standard and whatever set you have moved up to standard from extended.
Also, I hope you realize how the new deal is worded.
OOC: Oh, I'm sure there are several things I missed, but I didn't read the fine print on purpose. Kennar is a bit too eager to gain power at the moment, so he's neglected to think it through as thoroughly as he should have. He added in a standard "Don't get me killed" clause, but didn't even think about things like permanent enslavement. Promises of power and all.
Kennar browses the gems, thinking of what new magics he should select. His first instinct would be to choose all black magic, to fully exploit his new strength.
Ah, but you can still use red magic. Do not neglect it on a whim.
Kennar eventually settles on his choices, locating the gems he thought would be most useful. Before he chooses them, he turns to the vampire lord. "Is that glowing gem a spell as well?"
OOC: Unless the vampire says something interesting about the gem in the center of the room, Kennar chooses:
1x Reiterate (.75)
1x Vampire Nocturnus (1.00)
2x Darkness (.50)
4x Cabal Ritual (1.00)
1x Damnation (.75)
If the vampire does say something about it, Kennar will hold off his choice until he knows more.
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
"Hmm, this old thing? It's more of an artifact that reacts to the presence of others. Let's me keep an eye on my investments." spoke Leshnar with a smile.
Kennar for his part lands on his feet, to the applause of the yolin. The female vampire regards the offering, and Kennar's physical change. Finally she spoke saying, "This tribute will satisfy my master. Bring it with you."
She turned and walked through the double doors into the darkness beyond. The maiden Kennar had whisked away from the streets of Estark was rolling over on the ground letting out a painful groan.
Note to self: Don't do that again.
Shaking his head to clear it, Kennar supresses the new black flames of his skin so he won't burn his victim. He grabs the woman and hauls her to her feet. He moves behind her and pins her arms to her body as they march through the doors to meet the master vampire.
{Magic: The RPG}
{Magic: The RPG}
Ah, but I've alread discovered why the power wasn't working. Kennar thinks. I wasn't ready for it. I am now. What can I hope to gain from this vampire. I doubt he'll just give me gems of black magic. Though having a vampire lord as an aquaintence could have its benefits in the future.
{Magic: The RPG}
"Knowledge is power, but power is not knowledge." he finally says to the vampire lord. "It is knowledge I seek."
{Magic: The RPG}
As much to himself as to the vampire, Kennar elaborates. "A beast of the forest might be mighty, but it does not have the knowledge to apply this strength to its benefit. It is not truly powerful. A simple man with knowledge of a guard's corruption can use this knowledge to wield power over that guard, through blackmail or extortion or sell of his secrets. He uses his knowledge to gain something for himself, though he may not have pysical or magical strength. By properly applying his knowledge, he can affect many lives other than his own for his own benefit. That is power."
{Magic: The RPG}
{Magic: The RPG}
{Magic: The RPG}
{Magic: The RPG}
The vampire gestures with his right hand towards the chamber with Kennar's tribute while holding the flamekin's gaze saying, "I share this knowledge with you because you paid tribute. What you have not paid for is the actual power."
The vampire tilts his head smiling as he asked, "So tell me then: What can you offer that adds to my power in exchange for another form of power I have that you can immediately use?"
Remembering the demon, Kennar smiles very slightly. "I've seen what happens when one blindly jumps at the promise of power."
{Magic: The RPG}
Looking back to Kennar he continued speaking, "I have several kin bound to me, this is the power I can offer for your immediate use. The ability to summon those of my kind to your aid in combat. So tell me young one, what can you offer in compensation for such power?"
Kennar, while severely disliking what he's thinking, says slowly, "A favor. I will perform a service for you in exchange for the ability to summon your minions. It doesn't need to be now. It can be at a point in the future when the favor might be more beneficial to you. A stipulation being that the task cannot unequivocally result in my death or a reduction in my strength or magic or power. Dangerous or risky tasks I can handle, but there must be a chance of success and survival. Other than that, I leave the terms of the task up to you..."
Thinking about their conversation, Kennar says "I realize we have not been properly introduced. If you accept my terms and I am to owe you, you should probably know my name. Kennar."
{Magic: The RPG}
Kennar sincerely hopes he didn't leave himself a loophole that the vampire could exploit, but it was too late now. He glances at the Yolin for a moment, then back to the vampire. Soon I'll have all the power I need. Then I'll need too find opportunities to wield it.
{Magic: The RPG}
With that he opened the door revealing a long unlit stone hallway descending deeper into the crypt at a thirty degree grade. At the end of this hallway Leshnar came to a stop and began channeling swamp mana while manipulating multiple artifice built into what appeared to be a wall of art.
Kennar soon realized that this was some sort of vault door as Leshnar finished the last manipulation. The door cracked down the middle and opened outward into the hallway, rising to the ceiling of the hallway.
Leshnar stepped through admiring a large collection of gems, each carefully laid into slots lining the singular shelf that curve from the entrance all the way around the circular room back to the other side of the entrance. Inside the vault was a singular source of purple light radiating from a gem in the center of the room where Leshnar stood waiting for Kennar to step in saying, "Take what you desire. Not all is available for your taking. Reach for too much and I will have to remind you of where you stand as a guest in my crypt."
Also, I hope you realize how the new deal is worded.
Kennar browses the gems, thinking of what new magics he should select. His first instinct would be to choose all black magic, to fully exploit his new strength.
Ah, but you can still use red magic. Do not neglect it on a whim.
Kennar eventually settles on his choices, locating the gems he thought would be most useful. Before he chooses them, he turns to the vampire lord. "Is that glowing gem a spell as well?"
OOC: Unless the vampire says something interesting about the gem in the center of the room, Kennar chooses:
1x Reiterate (.75)
1x Vampire Nocturnus (1.00)
2x Darkness (.50)
4x Cabal Ritual (1.00)
1x Damnation (.75)
If the vampire does say something about it, Kennar will hold off his choice until he knows more.
{Magic: The RPG}