Topic
[A RP] [Storyline] The Bleak Sigil vol. II
|
Atharme crawled away from the chapterhouse of Blood-painted Sunrise. He crawled away from the screams. Lavish robes dripping blood from a cut that had opened him from navel to collarbone, the nethermancer still lived. With one hand, sobbing or shaking, the scholar pulled his slender, mutilated body towards the sound of running feet. His other gore-stained hand was clutched against his chest, lacking two fingers, where a ring of power had been cut off by a malign blade. The nethermancer half-expected the shadow from the burning chapterhouse to catch him before the guards would. His relief was imminent, when an array of gold-and-red shields and coats of arms appeared from the dark of the night, flocking to surround him. “In the sanctum”, he rasped at the captain. “It is killing them all. It has killed them all. It is a… demon from the past.” His sobs turning into a hoarse, cackling laughter, the scholar rested his head against the cobblestones. Oh the irony! As the Crimson Hawk Squadron of Silvermoon guards spread out in a defensive formation, starting to approach the burning house, Atharme turned his head aside. A clouded gaze of a Sleepwalker filled his eyes. Welcome, good reader. The Bleak Sigil is an ongoing Dungeon Master styled storyline that is open for approximately 15-20 dedicated players. The story progresses in pieces, played on separate gaming days (labeled as chapters), now and then. Between the chapters, the characters are of course free for your everyday gaming, although they are not completely free from the content of the storyline. The Bleak Sigil vol. 1 was played at the end of this summer. The Bleak Sigil vol. 2 will start from the beginning of the new year (2012), in a month or so. The first game session will likely be Tuesday 3rd of January, 19:00, but this will be debated with the group. It is intended that the storyline continues 1 or 2 times a week. There will be two different events during the same game night. One between 19:00-21:00, featuring either the Branded ones or the Fallen ones (read more of these two groups below), and another from 21:00-23:00, featuring the other group. The storyline very likely continues a couple months. KEYWORDS: Demons, dreams, the Burning Legion, the Emerald Dream, outcasts, branding, search, adventure, horror, corruption, redemption |
|
What’s happened this far… and how to apply to this storyline? To learn what happened in the Bleak Sigil, vol. 1, you should read the story here: http://www.argentarchives.org/node/82907 The second part of the storyline will contain two groups that oppose one another (The Branded ones and the Fallen ones), working to sabotage the other group’s work. Both groups have room for a maximum of ten members (2x10), almost doubling the player base used in the Bleak Sigil vol. 1. All spots don’t need to get filled, but I would suspect that they will be. Most old players are heartily welcomed back, and there will be room for new characters as well. If you are joining as an old player, still contact me so that I know you would be interested to continue in the plot. Do this even if you have already told be about your interest in the past. If you’re a new player, tell me a bit about your character’s concept and which group he’d be joining. I will contact you for further questions later. Our gaming days and times are still a bit open, but it is highly likely that we’re playing on Tuesday and/or Sunday evenings, between 19:00-23:00. If these times are not good for you, it is probably better not to apply to the plot. Players are expected to attend to most games, even if they would miss one or two. If you find having such a regular schedule unappealing, you should not apply. You can contact me (Suriash) through this thread, Argent Archives mail or the game mail. To sign up to the storyline, I would recommend either of the mail systems. Still battling for their souls… The Branded ones are a group of cursed mortals, who were targeted by the demon lord Driammach to become his servants. Breaking the binding ritual in time, they bought themselves some bargaining time, and set on a quest to save their own souls. This ragtag band of elves of Ashenvale, spiced up with some adventurers around the world, is not consisted of soul-brothers in any way. Only one thing unites them - because of their stigmatizing, demonic brand, they are bound together. If they wish to survive and keep their freedom, it is through shared effort. …or already in league with the enemy! The journey of the original group of the Branded ones ended like none of them would have suspected - a couple members of the group turned their backs to their comrades and swore allegiance to the demon lord! Now these turncoats have gained powerful allies from a new coterie of Sleepwalkers brought into the service of Driammach. The demon lord’s favor in their side, these Fallen ones, Nightshade and Elizabeth continue their journey alongside with a group of new allies, each of who works on sinister motives, in seek of power and glory regardless of a soul sold to darkness… |
|
Edited by Suriash on 23/11/11 09:02 (UTC)
Chapter 12: The Bleak Sigil reappears
Chapter 12 brings the old characters of the storyline back together… and leads a number of completely new characters to join paths with them. The group of the Branded ones has felt a tingle in their bones, like something is about to happen. The old familiar nightmares have started to haunt their dreams again. Following their precognitions, they are gathered together again, and suddenly re-united with the Demon Hunter, who left their company several moons ago. These remnants of the adventurers who once traveled across the world together to save their souls will band together with fresh Branded ones, saved from another binding ritual. Together, they take upon another journey, this time to find the source itself, and to vanquish it from Azeroth’s soil once and forever. Themes: Desperation, resistance, revenge, redemption and questing. But the hand of Driammach, the Great Beast of Dreaming, is growing long. In another grove, far away from the aid of the Branded ones, another group of Sleepwalkers is drawn together and bound under the demon lord’s service. Some of them willing, some of them enslaved, these new darkened souls join paths with a Masked Female wreathed in shadows, and with Nightshade and Elizabeth, who once walked with the other adventurers from Ashenvale. This freshly created group of the Fallen ones sets on a perilous journey of their own, but instead of Driammach’s fall, they seek to empower their lord’s presence within the world of the material. Themes: Opportunism, seduction, power, diabolism and corruption. The Branded ones is probably a group for you, if you hope that your character remains on the whiter shade of gray, working against the demonic influences. That said, there will again be a chance for one or several Branded ones to get corrupted during the storyline. And if you’d like to be in league with the evil powers from the start (willingly or enslaved), the Fallen ones is likely a group for you. More sinister in its means, this group has agendas and a journey of its own. While the Fallen ones might seem a bit more powerful in general than the Branded ones, thanks to the favor of their dreadful lord, it comes with the drawback of being a hand-puppet to the same source. There is a slim chance for one or two Fallen ones to get rescued or redeemed during the plotline, but this will not be automatic, or easy. If you’re uncomfortable playing an evil character or a character that is forced to do evil things, think again before joining this side of the storyline. Chapter 12 is likely played on 3rd of January. Before that, applied players of the storyline should roleplay the worsening nightmares and possibly make a casual contact with one another. A note to those who are NOT participating in the Bleak Sigil I would again kindly ask that those players who are not taking part in the storyline would show rather neglect, distrust and shunning towards the participating characters than interest, sympathy and support. (They are bearing a demonic sigil, after all.) This is because it is otherwise difficult to justify why not more characters are joining into the thick of things, to defend and help their loved ones. If your character has a large group of supporters that cannot be separated from him, it is better if you do not apply to the storyline. The participating characters must become outcasts from their community, at least for the duration of the storyline. |
|
A dramatic story, a dramatic system A simple dramatic system is used in the plotline. This is done to ensure that different kind of characters are needed for different kind of situations. Not everybody can excel in everything. The system works like this. Every characters has a number of TRAITS (1-3). Each of these traits allows him to perform one special action, in the area of the given trait. Most chances for trait usage are told by the game master. If you are an old player of the plot, you may choose up to three traits. If you are a new player, you are welcome to choose up to 2 traits. However, if you would not consider your character very experienced, selecting just one trait is advised. Note that you can select the same trait more than once, if necessary, which enables you to use it multiple times. So few traits! you may object. Remember that the traits are supposed to underline the most visible strengths of your character. Your warrior might know some good stories and be a sharp fellow, but are Ancient Lore and Vigilance really defining traits for him? Arcanery The character is versed in the ways of the Arcane, holding many pieces of hidden secrets in her grasp. She’s able to perform powerful spells and to counter them. This trait is restricted to the use of Arcane spellcasters. Ancient lore Knowing many stories of old and having read ancient writings, the character possesses a formidable knowledge over eldritch pieces of information that could come valuable during the travels. The character can meditate through his vast memories or search through his library at any point for situation-relevant information. Augur A second sight or a spell of divination gives the character information about coming events. Augur can be used at almost any point of the story to give direction or further information about something that is going to happen. This trait is restricted to those who are natural seers, or who possess a spell to scry for the future. Bard’s Tongue A charismatic speaker and a possible leader, the character has his way with words, manners and influences. Despite the name, this doesn’t have to do so much with singing or telling stories as convincing other people of something, winning their favor, or intimidating them. Combat Prowess The character has true skill in the use of weapons or some other form of doing battle. This trait can be used to shrug off or avoid crippling wounds in combat, or to achieve something significant in the current combat situation. |
|
Demon-slaying
The character has a knack of making dust out of demons. Unlike Combat Prowess, this trait is only usable against powerful minions of the Legion - but in situations where Combat Prowess might not do the trick. Sometimes, this trait can be used for other feats concerning demon hunting, such as resistance to the Fel-taint. This trait is restricted for demon hunters. Informant The character knows how to scavenge information. Through investigation, knowing people, listening to rumors, tossing in some bribes, and through other subtle means, he’s capable of surveying the local scene for bits of information related to something specific. In some cases, when the character is very far from his natural environment this trait might not be usable. Mending Possessing a healing touch, the character is able to mend wounds or malign influence on another character. This trait can be used to revive a Wounded character almost immediately. In some circumstances, it could also be used to counter the effects of local corruption. This is a restricted trait for druids, shamans and priests. Rogue’s Craft Sneaking, lock-picking, pick-pocketing, disguising, backstabbing… you name it. The character has skills in less-than-honorable things. Rogue’s Craft can be used against environment, but also against other characters of the group, for example stealing something from them. Vigilance Alert and wary, this character is not easily surprised. Vigilance can be used to spot a surprise attack or an important hidden thing. It can also be used to counter Rogue’s Craft, when it’s used within the range of the character’s senses. How the traits are used? The chance to use a trait is usually announced in the raid text. For example, when a battle begins, the game master could allow the use of Combat Prowess to achieve some classy results during the battle. However, the chance to use a trait doesn’t mean that it necessarily should be used. The group can solve many situations even without trait use. It is important to understand that using a trait means that you lose it in the process (the character didn’t just become less able, he’s just not dramatically allowed as fine spectacle in a while within this story). This also means that if you use your traits as soon as possible, you will run out of them sooner, and don’t have them when they might be needed. Then again, being too shy to use your traits might mean that you still have them when the storyline ends, and you missed the spectacular opportunities to shine. It’s a fine balance. If there are several players wishing to use a trait, when the game master announces a chance to do so, the fastest one to announce a trait usage in raid chat beats the others to it. Some challenges might cause the characters to become wounded. Note that no characters are killed by the dramatic system, at least against the player’s wish. However, taking heavy damage can cause the character to become wounded. Wounded characters cannot use traits or battle. They may be able to walk, but are not fit to travel long distances. Usually, receiving medical attention and resting until the next game removes the wounded state. The characters can also use their trait Combat Prowess (if they have it) to shrug off a wound when it’s being received, or a character with Mending trait could remove a wound immediately by using it. Thank you for reading this far, if you ever got here. I hope that the Bleak Sigil 2 will open our new year with a grand adventure and be as spectacular (or even more) than part 1. Waiting for your responses and applications, Suriash |
|
That is alot of words.
Anyways, I support this. Excellent written btw. Bump. |
|
An intresting written storyline indeed. Also excellent made.
Bump <3 |
|
|
|
*peers around the Sanctum*
Oh dear. |
Different sanctum. At ease, soldier. Maybe next time. But now that you mentioned, I'll toss you Silvermoon folks some juicy rumors of what happened. Although we sadly can't add random folks into the actual storyline, they may spice up the gossip of your scene. |
|
Suriash! This is the best news in weeks!
And then one thing strikes me, already if I am to attend once again, I would -BEG- for it not to be on tuesdays since that is my -only- "written in stone" work day. Other than that; *Drool*. |
|
I am very excited about this. I would definitely like to apply for a place, probably as Colton, but I want to discuss with a friend or two first.
Could you tell us a bit more about how a character not present in the previous plot might join this one? It would be interesting to hear a few hypothetical scenarios. |
The group of the Branded ones has felt a tingle in their bones, like something is about to happen. The old familiar nightmares have started to haunt their dreams again. Following their precognitions, they are gathered together again, and suddenly re-united with the Demon Hunter, who left their company several moons ago. These remnants of the adventurers who once traveled across the world together to save their souls will band together with fresh Branded ones, saved from another binding ritual. Together, they take upon another journey, this time to find the source itself, and to vanquish it from Azeroth’s soil once and forever. Im assuming that if you want to join the Branded ones, you will experience something very akin to what we did in the Prelude - Suffering nightmares and hallucinations, and eventually ending up in a twisted ritual that will give you a demonic brand. The old Branded Ones will likely break in and stop the ritual before its complete though, and at that point you will join up with them. But the hand of Driammach, the Great Beast of Dreaming, is growing long. In another grove, far away from the aid of the Branded ones, another group of Sleepwalkers is drawn together and bound under the demon lord’s service. Some of them willing, some of them enslaved, these new darkened souls join paths with a Masked Female wreathed in shadows, and with Nightshade and Elizabeth, who once walked with the other adventurers from Ashenvale. This freshly created group of the Fallen ones sets on a perilous journey of their own, but instead of Driammach’s fall, they seek to empower their lord’s presence within the world of the material. A likewise story - You will start having nightmares, hallucinations and end up in a ritual with others of the Fallen group - but this group will not be saved by old Branded ones. The ritual will go through fully, and you will fall under the control of Driammach (willingly or enslaved). At least, thats what I make up from above posts - I could be wrong though! |
|
|
@Rumour.
I cannot wait to see how this line of events unfold. With the current tension with Rumour and Alodár, and then this happening, the Roleplay that can happen is, arh.. Also, I am happy that this is not happening until January because I might just get down from the Skyrim-Madness xD |
I see that the old gang is gathering! Good to see so many of you are still up and about. I will think of the day, Alodar, but since Tuesday is the best choice of the week for me, and this stuff kinda has to happen on my terms, it is possible we have to have that as the gaming night. You’re interested to continue and I hear you - we might consider another night, especially if other people are having troubles with Tuesday. We’ll discuss about it in a couple weeks, when the groups are gathered.
Hey, Colton. Rumour nailed it up pretty neatly - actually to the detail. That’s exactly how it happens. A good way to get involved with the plot is to have your character make voluntary or involuntary contact with some demonic stuff in the following couple weeks. Let him find a diabolic grimoire, touch a Fel-enhanced magical item, get splashed with demon blood or spend some time within a demon-infested zone such as Felwood. He will then start having vivid nightmares that contain ancient ruins of an elven city, moving shadows, unnatural fire, demonic symbols and a voice that speaks Eredun. These nightmares are worsening over the last two weeks of this year - becoming hallucinations and daydreams that greatly bother the character’s concentration. It all culminates on 3rd of January, when the demonic influence possess the involved characters on short-term, making them Sleepwalkers, and pulling them to the two alternative rituals, where they will get the chance to join either of the mentioned groups. There might be a chance that the Fallen ones have a few disposable mercenaries who don’t share the brand with them, but otherwise the above story should be common to all characters. It brings the involved characters together strongly enough that they have a driving reason to continue together, not just shrug it all off. You’re free to contact me privately if you have a masterplan for an alternative way of bringing in your character. In addition to the groups, I have a special request for one (or heck, why not two) Highborne character (warrior, rogue or mage concept) NPC. If you got your interests up, contact me privately. |
|
|
The sooner we can get the group gathered, the better for me, as I then have to see if I can get it moved to another day. Will ask my boss to move my work they, as it would clash with "free time activity". So people interested, don't hesitate, enlist today! ( http://carolinefibaek.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/i-want-you2.jpg?w=490&h=564 ) I want you! |
I think we'll take sign-ups until halfway of December and then wrap up the groups, decide the game nights and so on. Of course, if the groups are filled sooner, then all the better. |
|
I highly approve of this! I still have many untied knots that need solving from the ending of this event! I really, from the bottom of my heart, hope that there is still enough room for this good old slayer.
Once again, astoundingly well written and thought through, I am sure it will be an as great success as the previous act. Turns out there is a god after all. Dante is ready, fit and on standby for a chance of redemption! Light's grace - Hellden |
