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Author Topic: You are a Necromancer! Chapter 2-36 Decisions, Decisions  (Read 656632 times)

Cellmonk

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Re: You are a Necromancer!
« Reply #465 on: January 25, 2012, 02:01:52 am »

And if we do do that, we might want to keep the details down, lest this become... a certain type... of fanfic...
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fergus

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Re: You are a Necromancer!
« Reply #466 on: January 25, 2012, 02:40:48 am »

Whoring ourselves out for a magical amulet is a terrible idea. Don't do that.
I agree with Grek
I must agree with this.

And if we do do that, we might want to keep the details down, lest this become... a certain type... of fanfic...
This should be irrelevant.
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BY THE GODS! THIS QUOTE MADE MY SIG BOX HAVE A SCROLL BAR! HAPPY DAYS INDEED!
BY THE GODS! YOU HAVE TOO MANY SIGS!

Shades

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Re: You are a Necromancer!
« Reply #467 on: January 25, 2012, 05:19:37 am »

It was worth a lot because he marked it up a ridiculous amount claiming that it was an old dwarven artifact.  Actually it's probably worth a lot more than that, given the fact that it is of unknown workmanship (I'm thinking goblins maybe...), and given the general lack of necromancers, probably one of the few artefacts of its kind in existence.

As it's not at all angular we could always point out it's not worth anything like what he is asking because it's clearly not an old dwarven artifact. Probably made by a few humans a handful of years ago or something, still pretty so we'd consider buying it but not for that outrageous price.
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fergus

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Re: You are a Necromancer!
« Reply #468 on: January 25, 2012, 05:28:14 am »

It was worth a lot because he marked it up a ridiculous amount claiming that it was an old dwarven artifact.  Actually it's probably worth a lot more than that, given the fact that it is of unknown workmanship (I'm thinking goblins maybe...), and given the general lack of necromancers, probably one of the few artefacts of its kind in existence.

As it's not at all angular we could always point out it's not worth anything like what he is asking because it's clearly not an old dwarven artifact. Probably made by a few humans a handful of years ago or something, still pretty so we'd consider buying it but not for that outrageous price.
This, on the other hand, is a good idea.
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BY THE GODS! THIS QUOTE MADE MY SIG BOX HAVE A SCROLL BAR! HAPPY DAYS INDEED!
BY THE GODS! YOU HAVE TOO MANY SIGS!

forsaken1111

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Re: You are a Necromancer!
« Reply #469 on: January 25, 2012, 09:33:31 am »

It was worth a lot because he marked it up a ridiculous amount claiming that it was an old dwarven artifact.  Actually it's probably worth a lot more than that, given the fact that it is of unknown workmanship (I'm thinking goblins maybe...), and given the general lack of necromancers, probably one of the few artefacts of its kind in existence.

As it's not at all angular we could always point out it's not worth anything like what he is asking because it's clearly not an old dwarven artifact. Probably made by a few humans a handful of years ago or something, still pretty so we'd consider buying it but not for that outrageous price.
This, on the other hand, is a good idea.
Also wouldn't hurt to have our burly ranger friend behind us to back us up a bit when we say it. Make him glare a bit, you know.
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GlyphGryph

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Re: You are a Necromancer!
« Reply #470 on: January 25, 2012, 09:54:27 am »

Even if we could get the price down, we'd still need more cash. And we need enough to create more potions for our income stream as well.

So the first step is still, definitely, to MOOOOOCH.

though since we have the meeting in a little while, insinuating that we'd like to get to know him better, talking about the possibility of traveling with him, etc. and so on would both keep our options open (if the council decides we should) or at the very least make him think favorably of us, putting us in a stronger bargaining position when we finally do get some cash.
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monk12

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Re: You are a Necromancer!
« Reply #471 on: January 25, 2012, 08:33:11 pm »

As I count it, the votes are:
Drop the amulet- lockman766, GlyphGryph, Cellmonk - 3
Get the amulet- Phantom of The Library, forsaken1111, me, Urist McManiac and Grek. - 5
Steal the amulet- Elvisdogs, JackOSpades -2
-----------
Elven Homeland / Thrimesdur -Cellmonk, lockman766, GlyphGriph, joemoben, Elvisdogs, Grek. - 6
Jewelled Coast - Phantom of The Library, fergus, me, Urist McManiac. - 4
-----------
Correct me if this isn't your position/missed anyone.
It was worth a lot because he marked it up a ridiculous amount claiming that it was an old dwarven artifact.  Actually it's probably worth a lot more than that, given the fact that it is of unknown workmanship (I'm thinking goblins maybe...), and given the general lack of necromancers, probably one of the few artefacts of its kind in existence.

As it's not at all angular we could always point out it's not worth anything like what he is asking because it's clearly not an old dwarven artifact. Probably made by a few humans a handful of years ago or something, still pretty so we'd consider buying it but not for that outrageous price.
Even if we could get the price down, we'd still need more cash. And we need enough to create more potions for our income stream as well.

So the first step is still, definitely, to MOOOOOCH.

though since we have the meeting in a little while, insinuating that we'd like to get to know him better, talking about the possibility of traveling with him, etc. and so on would both keep our options open (if the council decides we should) or at the very least make him think favorably of us, putting us in a stronger bargaining position when we finally do get some cash.

Leaving the Great Temple behind, you decide to catch dinner with Omo and make plans before meeting with the merchant. In no time at all you're back at the campsite, where Omo has reset his tent and started cooking dinner- vegetables cooked in Strawberry Wine, by the smell. Omo offers you a plate, and you gladly accept his hospitality.

So, did you learn how to make mana potions?
I did- we should be able to make a fair bit of coin, from what Pevo tells me. I've been thinking, though, that what I really want to do is visit the Sacred Grove. So, instead of traveling with the merchant, I was thinking we just stick around here for a few more days, anyway, and sell him some potions. Did you have a preference which way we should go?
East, West, it makes no difference to me so long as there are new sights to see. I'd rather leave now, though, while we can.
Oh? Have you heard something new?
Well, no, but it's all but certain the border will be sealed sooner or later!
Or in other words, you're fidgety and just want to go. Well, how about this- while I'm funding our trip, you listen around and try to find out what's happening. Keep your ears open for word about any big movements by the Rangers, things that could mean the border is sealed or we're mobilizing, things of that nature. Figure out some alternate escape routes, in case it happens suddenly. Didn't you have a plan in place to desert before I ran into you?
Yeah, I was just going to use my knowledge of the patrol patterns to sneak off. That was before we were at the brink of war, though, so there's certainly more patrols out than normal. If the border gets sealed, there will probably be stationary pickets and sentries to contend with, too.
Well, we'll figure something out. What are they going to do if we just walk away, shoot us?
No, they'll probably wrestle us down, throw me in the stockade for desertion and... actually, I'm not sure what they'd do with you. Probably check you for mental illness of some kind.
...Oh. Well. Thanks for dinner, I've got a meeting to get to.
See you tomorrow!

Now that you've eaten your fill, you head back to the Caravan Fair. The sun is setting, and elves are already setting up bonfires and barrels of drink while merchants pack their wares for the night. You find the merchant Luki Revereorder outside his tent, staking the flaps down. He waves as you approach, and straightens up.

Hello again, milady... ah, forgive me, but I don't believe I ever caught your name?
Call me Nym, Master Revereorder. You sell a great many exotic goods- I'd wager you also sell Mana Potions?
Indeed I do, ah, Nym, and a great many other potions besides.
Grand- as it happens, I have need of some ready cash, and I can make potions stronger than what you'll find outside the Vale.
Luki's eyes glint. Yes, yes, elves are quite magically adept, I know. How potent are your brews?
I can make them 6 Mana strong.
That strong? Are you a Mage?
No, I am merely talented even by elven standards.
I see. Do you have your own supplies? Crystal, potion bottles and the like?
Well, no, but those materials should be readily available here at the Fair.
Yes, but I'll be the one footing that bill. Let's see... how many potions are you willing to make?
I plan to be here throughout the Fair- that's what, five days? Five potions, assuming maximum strength.
Luki pulls out a small abacus, and starts doing some rapid math. Figure sixty gold for the crystal, a few more for the potion bottles... alright, your best profit margin is in making the strongest available. Most human mages with your capacity can't be bothered to waste their mana on potions. I can offer you 36 silver for each potion.
That's it?
I like you, so I'll give it to you straight. When I'm reselling those potions, the lowest I'm gonna go is 170 silver. A bit more than 120 of that is just the cost of Crystal- that leaves 50 silver of profit between me and you. I'm giving you the lion's share, since like I said, most mages can't be bothered to make potions this strong. It's bad business to inadequately compensate a mage.
Well... alright.
Grand. Stop by tomorrow morning, Nym, and I'll have some Crystal and a potion bottle for you.
Tomorrow morning, then.

You walk off towards your Mother's home in the city, not in the mood for any more festivities. You're looking at 18 gold for your wages, a handsome profit- but nowhere near the asking price for the medallion. It appears unlikely you'll be able to drum up the cash to make anything like a reasonable offer.

Your path takes you off the main roads, along narrow paths lit by the candles of nearby houses. Soon, you come to your mother's place- her apartment is spacious by elven standards, and occupies the second tier of a tree that plays host to three dwellings in its branches. Climbing the rope ladder, you knock and enter.

Your mother looks up in surprise- seeing that it is you, her striking face lights up with joy, and she catches you up in a warm embrace.

Nym! I didn't know you were in town! How long have you been here?
Not long, Mom, I only got in last night.
Well, come on, sit down- have you eaten?
You take the proffered seat, an overstuffed cushion in a wicker frame. I have, Omo set me up.
Such a nice boy. I was happy to hear you're trying to make something of yourself- I hope you take the opportunity to study with the Sages, now that your journey is interrupted.
What? Did they seal the border?
Not yet, but I can tell you that's in the cards. The Elders will not risk another Necromancer destroying the Vale.
Ah, so there's still time to go.
What? Nym, you can't really be thinking of leaving in the middle of a war.
Well, why not? It's better than being cooped up here.
Nym! The only thing you can do out there is throw your life away!
Because I'm spending it better here?
Listen to me- I've been privy to the Elders meetings, since the Mages are preparing for the use of war magics not seen since the Golgothan War, and let me tell you it is bad out there. There's anarchy in Thrimesdur, as the rabble lose confidence in the Empire's ability to protect them. The Jeweled Coast is toxic with maneuvering and politics- rumor has it some cities are considering alliance with the Pirate King! As if a Necromancer could be trusted.
Maybe...
Maybe what?
Nothing, I guess. Let's not fight- how's Dad?

You pass the next few hours catching up- you haven't seen your Mother in some time, after all. You don't press the issue of leaving, sensing your Mother is not receptive to the idea- you still want to sleep here tonight, after all. It doesn't sound like she'll be supportive of your trip, however.

It turns out your Father did escort the Caravan in, and in fact was here last night, but right now he's off giving orders to various Ranger garrisons and won't be back tonight. As the candles burn low, you head to bed, dropping your things in the guest room and quickly falling asleep.

The only commitment you have for tomorrow is to make a potion for Luki Revereorder, a task that will consume a few hours but hardly the whole day. Should you try to win your Mother's support tomorrow morning? [if so, I'd like something more specific than "yes."] You could also try to get the permission of the Elders to leave, and you haven't met Elana yet. What to do, what to do...


Spoiler: You (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spells (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Omo Thunderjaw (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Notable Figures (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Planned Experiments (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Maps (click to show/hide)

fergus

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Re: You are a Necromancer!
« Reply #472 on: January 25, 2012, 09:06:18 pm »

Figure sixty gold for the crystal
Did you mean "sixty silver"?

Should you try to win your Mother's support tomorrow morning?
No.
You could also try to get the permission of the Elders to leave,
Maybe.

If we travel with the caravan, we should have a safer journey and may be able to make some more money for the medallion, but this would probably be easier if we have permission from the Elders as we won't have to risk being found by the guards. Also, the Elders may be happier about the idea if we travel with the caravan, due to the guards and large group.
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BY THE GODS! THIS QUOTE MADE MY SIG BOX HAVE A SCROLL BAR! HAPPY DAYS INDEED!
BY THE GODS! YOU HAVE TOO MANY SIGS!

Grek

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Re: You are a Necromancer!
« Reply #473 on: January 25, 2012, 09:33:27 pm »

The crystals cost 20 silver per point of mana, which is the same as 2 gold. 2 gold per mana * 1 potion per day * 5 five days * 6 mana per potion=60 gold for all 5 potions we'll be brewing for him.

We probably aren't going to convince our mum or the Elders to let us leave. Let's go visit Elana and see how she's doing.
« Last Edit: January 25, 2012, 09:40:48 pm by Grek »
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monk12

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Re: You are a Necromancer!
« Reply #474 on: January 25, 2012, 09:56:47 pm »

yeah, Grek's got it right. Luki was running numbers for all 5 potions, since he'll probably just go buy them in bulk tomorrow.

fergus

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Re: You are a Necromancer!
« Reply #475 on: January 25, 2012, 09:57:51 pm »

The crystals cost 20 silver per point of mana, which is the same as 2 gold. 2 gold per mana * 1 potion per day * 5 five days * 6 mana per potion=60 gold for all 5 potions we'll be brewing for him.
Ah.

We probably aren't going to convince our mum or the Elders to let us leave. Let's go visit Elana and see how she's doing.
Is the caravan going to be guarded on the way out? Are we likely to be spotted by the guards? In any case, visiting Elana seems like a good idea.
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BY THE GODS! THIS QUOTE MADE MY SIG BOX HAVE A SCROLL BAR! HAPPY DAYS INDEED!
BY THE GODS! YOU HAVE TOO MANY SIGS!

GlyphGryph

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Re: You are a Necromancer!
« Reply #476 on: January 25, 2012, 10:26:51 pm »

I vote for asking the council as soon as possible - try to convince them. Offer to do diplomacy. To gather information, and then return. Offer to travel with a (different) caravan heading east. Note that one of the rangers has offered to escort and protect you if you leave. Focus on the benefits your trip can provide, especially if they give you some magical way to remain in contact with them (if such a thing exists, obviously!) If they turn you down, we'll know, immediately, that we need to change our plans. If they push the issue, don't just storm off - agree with them that they are correct, the issues they've brought up are serious, and they're right - you will stay in the veil.

Do a quick look around for Elana on the way - if we don't find her, so be it, but if we do, be glad to see her and tell her what's going on.
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Felius

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Re: You are a Necromancer!
« Reply #477 on: January 25, 2012, 11:19:07 pm »

I vote for asking the council as soon as possible - try to convince them. Offer to do diplomacy. To gather information, and then return. Offer to travel with a (different) caravan heading east. Note that one of the rangers has offered to escort and protect you if you leave. Focus on the benefits your trip can provide, especially if they give you some magical way to remain in contact with them (if such a thing exists, obviously!) If they turn you down, we'll know, immediately, that we need to change our plans. If they push the issue, don't just storm off - agree with them that they are correct, the issues they've brought up are serious, and they're right - you will stay in the veil.

Do a quick look around for Elana on the way - if we don't find her, so be it, but if we do, be glad to see her and tell her what's going on.
Yes, this, but if they do press the issue and forbid you to leave, bank on our immortality, after all, it's not like we are going to get any particularly older while we wait, and remain in the vale a few more weeks or months, to reduce suspicion and to better prepare, including the preparation of potions, and proper training to survive outside. See if we can convince Omo about it. Practice more your spells before going away.

Also:
Experiment: Try to make a healing potion by infusing liquid with vitality using the drain vitality spell. If that doesn't work, try it with some organic material that can be diluted in water, such as sugar.
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fergus

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Re: You are a Necromancer!
« Reply #478 on: January 25, 2012, 11:32:12 pm »

If they turn you down, we'll know, immediately, that we need to change our plans. If they push the issue, don't just storm off - agree with them that they are correct, the issues they've brought up are serious, and they're right - you will stay in the veil.
Don't concede to quickly or the trick will be obvious. Make sure we sound disappointed and present every argument we might have, and then concede (or win). If we give up to easily, then they would be smart to assume that we are planning to sneak out.
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BY THE GODS! THIS QUOTE MADE MY SIG BOX HAVE A SCROLL BAR! HAPPY DAYS INDEED!
BY THE GODS! YOU HAVE TOO MANY SIGS!

forsaken1111

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Re: You are a Necromancer!
« Reply #479 on: January 26, 2012, 08:17:24 am »

We could bring up the subject with the merchant of accepting the amulet in lieu of wages for the potion making. He gets several phials of potion which he knows will sell for a decent price and loses a 'dwarven' trinket which he may never sell. Possible he would accept, especially if he likes us.
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