In the ages before man, before the earth, before gods, there were the Incarnations. Born out of the swirling chaos at the beginning of time, they are eternal, undying, forever watching the tides of humanity. But the gods, created by mortal belief, have grown bitter. Fearful of the Incarnation's power, they have maintained an uneasy alliance for who knows how long. But that truce is ending. And with the death of a god, total war may be on the horizon.
The main difference between Gods and Incarnations is that the Incarnations are forces of the universe that must exist if said universe is to keep on running. If an Incarnation dies, the balance of power is thrown dramatically askew, and whatever is the most fitting for the position immediately transforms into the new Incarnation. The Gods are created by mortal belief. Humans ascribe human qualities to the forces of nature, and if enough believe in these qualities a God is born. The more mortals who worship the God, the more powerful it is.
At least, this is how it's supposed to work. But things are constantly shifting. Sometimes Incarnation simply fade away if their influence is lessened. Sometimes entirely new Incarnations spring up if a new factor start influencing the universe on a large scale. There are so many variables that even the Incarnations themselves are not quite sure who they are.
Gods, too, have many different ways of achieving their divinity. In a few cases, mortals have grown powerful enough that they themselves ascended to Godhood. The archetypal example is Hercules. Sometimes a god can be stripped of power by the others in his Pantheon.
The Incarnations have kept to the shadows in most affairs, being not nearly as united as the Gods, nor as interested in human affairs. However, the Gods are fearful of the Incarnations, as they are not dependent on worshipers, and are as powerful as the gods in their own right.
As Incarnations, you are aware of the other beings of power. Even if you have not met, you certainly know of one another's existence. The other powers, such as the Demons or the Angels, well not as powerful as either the gods or Incarnations in general, are still very influential. Certain Devils are worshiped as Gods, and on more than one occasion outsiders have become Incarnations.
There are a couple major events that have shaken the universe, and the balance between god and Incarnation, to it's core. The first of these is the Death of Death.
In the present, there is one major force that does not have an Incarnation: Death. There was once an Incarnation of Death, in the distant past when the universe was still coming into being. Death was by far the most powerful being in the universe. It was so powerful that the other Incarnations actually sided with the Gods and destroyed it. The god Hades and Hel now fulfill that role in the universe, and no Incarnation has risen to take Death's place.
The second major event was the Binding of Loki.
Loki, God of Chaos and Trickery, was once a major figure in the Norse Pantheon. But he went too far, and killed a fellow God. Balder, God of Love, was destroyed through Loki's trickery, and the other gods were enraged. They hunted Loki across the universe, in a chase that took hundreds of years and the efforts of every god that existed. The Incarnations ostensibly kept themselves away from the hunt, aiding neither side overtly. Some of them simply watched the struggle, other worked in the shadows for or against the Trickster. However, eventually Loki was caught.
Odin, Allfather of the North Pantheon, could not risk killing Loki. Too many people believed in him, and if he were to die than that belief would no doubt pass to the Incarnation of Chaos. Loathe go give power to someone who might use it against him, Odin instead chained Loki, imprisoning him in a secret pocket dimension where nothing could find him. He placed a guardian, a monstrous serpentine Abomination, to torture Loki for all time.
Notes on the Original Devotion:
Spoiler
Alright, after staring at this screen for a half hour...The Incarnation was destroyed by an unknown force. As he died the whole universe shuddered to it's core, and the most fitting replacement for him-an Inevitable named Septimus Regilus-was instantly given all his power. It now resides on Mechanus, protecting the universe from further disturbances.
As to what killed the original Incarnation...The Gods and the Incarnations have been at one another's throats for the past century because of this. Most of the Incarnation believe a group of the most powerful Gods worked together to destroy it, while the Gods firmly deny this. It's death was so sudden that it is impossible to find the truth, and no trace of the Incarnation remained. It was as if it had simply ceased to be. It is surmised by some that it was not actually killed but trapped or bound in some way, thus explaining it's complete disappearance. The gods have no known way of doing this, so it remains a mystery, as well as an excuse for open aggression. So far neither side has grown bold enough to directly attack the other. But if something similar happened again, who knows what might occur.
I'll be having roughly 4 separate "True Forms"/Main Identities but they'll all be speaking in Dark Red
I've got 63,900 worth of crafting XP. Does anyone need anything?
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Current avatar by araveugnitsuga
Previous Avatars:
Spoiler
Excellent avatar done by Zefir
Sigmar grant me the
bourbon to accept the things I cannot change, the bullets to change the
things I can, and a big-titted sidekick who knows the
difference.
I'm right there with you. I've actually been sitting here debating whether to give up the awesome power of the Artificer and let you be the sole crafter. Taking the Shield is actually more in-line with Feurst, but the Artificer is just SO awesome.
Edit: Weasel, could I get a ruling on the Class? That might decide which way either or. It's a quick fix to my sheet if I decide to go for it really. The Maneuvers and all of that have taken much more time then what that would cause.
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Thanks to The Randomizer for the great Eldar Ranger Avatar!!!
Last edited by brolthemighty : 01-28-2012 at 05:50 PM.
It doesn't help that thanks to Ozodrin and various other miscellaneous class abilities and feats , I'm practically in the same boat as wizards with regards to essential items.
I really only need a couple hundred craft xp to convert into essentia to fuel some class abilities.
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Current avatar by araveugnitsuga
Previous Avatars:
Spoiler
Excellent avatar done by Zefir
Sigmar grant me the
bourbon to accept the things I cannot change, the bullets to change the
things I can, and a big-titted sidekick who knows the
difference.
Sheet: Xander
cohort: Archimedes <- not finished with this one yet, but not uber important to get the game going.
I will be using Blue to speak in
Background:
Spoiler
Its been many years of peace, I feel its time to start recording the past events. I have to go back what seems eons, to my beggings before the death and bloodshed, back when I was just a halfing foot soldier. I served many years in our royal military, I was know as xander, I was there to do the work very few ever wished to think about let alone be heard outside a few select. It was my job to stay invisible, some say litteraly. During the old times I was sent to remove a few individuals from power by any means necessary, a special triad had prevailed over most longer than the elders desired. My team was inevitably captured and put to torture. They kept torturing us for what felt like years in the deepest of darkest dungeons imaginable, anytime one of us would die we would be resurrected to repeat the process of their games over and over again. I only know of this from their logs, everyone was kept in isolation in hopes to break us. Few did, and were ripped to shreds from one of their tools once they got what they wanted. Only a few of my cohort, Archimedes, Xerxes, Peregrin, Porthos, and I escaped alive to our knowledge, what seemed all to easily.
We hauled ass to the nearest HQ outpost, hoping it was there, only to find it littered with the remains of the standing unit. The trail of the attacking army was fairly obvious to find as it destroyed litteraly everything in its path from the forest to the terrain leveling everything. We managed to catch up to the army and sneak our way into the Generals tents to assassinate them with their own weapons from their guards. Our plan of starting a mutiny failed, the generals were replaced over night. We had to stand idle watching the war machine of orcs, undead and dragon kin eat its way to our home city. I led us to the neastest safe house to send a message by bird, only to be met by the Triad themselves. Bound by chains we were taken to a mountain pass that overlooked our homes. The triad spoke of evil plans to destroy everything and rebuild it as they see fit on every planes in existence. They forces us to watch the destruction of our home as they tried to helplessly defend the on slaught of horrid monsters. If we were not chained erect to a metal spike I believe we would have all been on the ground, as I know I began to collapse. The battel raged on for weeks and we forced to watch. One of the triad ask about the alliance to get information to destroy them. They proceded to gut us and leave us for dead. I died that day, on that mountain with my team.
I woke to see a frost heaven mounatainscape from a marble room. I began to search the building for my team. I found no one, not a soul was to be found in the marble palace. Some time had passed before a green orb appeared, lead me to the head cleric after much conversation and attepts at being sent back. I managed to convince the cleric to send me back in return I would adhere to Zeus and Odin as they please for battle. I was sent back a gift of the gods, from the gods of war and retribution. I was to become a warlock, imbuned with supernatural powers I would in hope guard the planes from any beings who wished to destroy it. I woke again to find my brothers in arms gone, I was still on the mountain pass cover with rocks. This began my campaign to destroy the Triad and find my team. To date I've only find Archimedes and Porthos. I've tured one of the outter HQ posts into our home base, recruiting as many military as we can. Its been two decades and there is been too much silence from the Triad for too long.
Sorry that I didn't post yet, things have been hectic. I'm ready when you guys are.
Spoiler
Name:Korug, Incarnation of Pragmatic Loyalty Race: Stony Half-Dragon Half-Fiend Ogre Class composition:Meat Shield 30 // Ogre RHD 4/Ogre LA 2/Half-Dragon LA 3/Mineral Warrior LA 1/Rogue 8/PrC Spellthief 10/Fighter 1 // Half-Fiend LA 4/Barbarian 11/Archblade 15
Epic Destiny: Planeswalker Personality: Ruthless, destructive, loyal (as long as you are helping him), courageous, confident Background: Korug was once a mortal, but a powerful one indeed. He rose to the head of his ogre tribe through sheer force and a little bit of cunning - a trait which most of his companions did not share. His plans were simple enough: lead his tribe and unite them with the others to conquer the lands of the humanoids.
Rather soon, he had a small army of ogres, orcs, goblins, and other foul creatures backing him up. He personally lead the march to the nearby gnomish cities, and one by one they went up in flames and screams.
This did not go without attracting attention, though. Quietly and swiftly, his enemies united, and began to infiltrate his ranks through usage of witchcraft. They never attacked his army directly, but they sowed discord amongst the troops.
In a later battle, the discontent showed itself. The army suddenly and without warning turned on each other. The chaos that ensued allowed the united enemy to push back Korug's troops, even as they warred against themselves.
No further official records are kept of the fateful battle. The legend stated that as the sun rose the next day, thousands of bodies littered the battlefield. A sole creature - an ogre - rose from the top of a mountain of corpses, glowing like a god. In his hands, a longsword and a bloodstained ball-and-chain were gripped. Korug was the lone survivor of the Battle of Blood Hill, and he had come out of it more powerful than anyone could have ever imagined.
Rumors spread through the towns of a single ogre wiping out entire humanoid settlements, though other rumors said that there was a companion with him (what creature, noone could agree on). Only one thing was clear through the mess of gossip: something was out there, and it was coming for them.
As Korug advanced on the human capital of Ivory Marrow to finish his conquest, the people inside became panicked. They begged their king, Teresias, to evacuate the city, but with iron-hearted stubborness, he decided to hold his position in their highly-fortified city. It was the last mistake he ever made. Among the deserters who survived the final battle, some spoke of a demon, others of a dragon, and most of a giant. His spiked chain brought ruin to the city, knocking down entire towers in a single blow. Even the king's personal guards and mages could do nothing. The mages swore as the very essence of their magic was drained from them, and the guards were powerless as they fell before they even reached Korug.
King Teresias, last of the line, could do nothing to stop it as his throne room was filled with the bodies of his allies. The final blow to Teresias, though, was delivered with a longsword. The king's eyes widened as the longsword transformed into a human and picked up his crown, before his eyes shut and never opened again.
The kingdom of man on the Material Plane had all but ended. Korug slowly and surely rebuilt his armies, a new ally standing beside him at it's command. Korug was satisfied with his success, but he was not finished. He had far larger plans: he wanted the very gods of the universe to kneel before him. But he knew his priorities. He had to destroy their allies in the Planes first. And he planned to succeed.
Spoiler
Name: Pellow Fleetfoot
Race: Half-Fiend Demivamp
Class composition: Barbarian 20/Half-Fiend LA 4/Demivamp LA 1 // Project Heretica Blackguard 20/Archblade 5
Background: Pellow was an abomination, long ago abandoned by both his his parents. That was just as well, since they were a succubus and a vampire. However, he adapted quickly. He found a home in a cult of Bane, where he pledged his service to the Immortal Tyrant. He trained as a Blackguard, but could just as often by found in the forests, embracing his feral nature by hunting down wild animals.
War came to the lands, brought by an army. A fearsome ogre at it's head, ruin was brought upon the mortal lands. However, Bane had always seen opportunity when it came to him, and Pellow inherited that aspect of his god. As King Teresias fell, Pellow rode swiftly to Ivory Marrow. He knew of Korug's ruthlessness, but he also knew how to keep someone talking.
He did not seriously expect Korug to be the one who would engage him in conversation. Korug recognized Pellow's demonic heritage, and almost immediately ordered him to build a new army. Pellow was now the official Commander of Korug's army.
__________________
Words of Wisdom from other Playgrounders:
Spoiler
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shadowknight12
There is only one weapon which is always good in all situations: a spell. You are playing a warlock, who cannot cast spells. Welcome to the world of the fighter. We have goblets of Bitter Tears of Sorrow, freshly shed by those who spent all their feats and class features to specialise in melee weapons and faced flying foes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Slipperychicken
Smoke weedstrange herbs catnip to learn spells. You are a magic pothead kitten.
Last edited by legomaster00156 : 02-18-2012 at 10:53 PM.
Did Sneaky Weasel ever approve the Feat Training skill?
I could use it for a couple more aberrant feats.
__________________
Current avatar by araveugnitsuga
Previous Avatars:
Spoiler
Excellent avatar done by Zefir
Sigmar grant me the
bourbon to accept the things I cannot change, the bullets to change the
things I can, and a big-titted sidekick who knows the
difference.
Neat! Now to scrounge up a couple of skill points...
__________________
Current avatar by araveugnitsuga
Previous Avatars:
Spoiler
Excellent avatar done by Zefir
Sigmar grant me the
bourbon to accept the things I cannot change, the bullets to change the
things I can, and a big-titted sidekick who knows the
difference.
Anyone able to clarify the wording of this? It sounds like it's only really useable for strikes (where both are either a single strike, or multiple) but it mentions boosts and counters as well. I know many of the counters involve strikes.....but I'm not aware of boosts that do really.
Strike of the Dual Adept [Epic]
You have the ability to strike your foes with double the power you are normally capable of using. Prerequisites: Martial Lore 30 ranks, ability to use one 9th level maneuver, and at least two martial strikes. Benefit: You are capable of using two strikes, two counters or two boosts simultaneously, so long as each includes a single strike that takes a single standard or full-round action. An exception to this is if the strike or boost involves multiple attacks, which can either be combined if both strikes or boosts is associated with multiple attacks per round, they can be used in conjunction.
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Thanks to The Randomizer for the great Eldar Ranger Avatar!!!
Last edited by brolthemighty : 02-06-2012 at 02:22 AM.
Oh, that part I understand...I'm just having a hard time figuring out how that's possible with boosts. If you read the thread, it seems part of the author's intent is to have the ability mimic the Swordsage's Dual Boost ability.....but I don't see how it's possible.
__________________
Thanks to The Randomizer for the great Eldar Ranger Avatar!!!
I'll message Anecron. I need my roguish shapeshifter.
__________________
Words of Wisdom from other Playgrounders:
Spoiler
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shadowknight12
There is only one weapon which is always good in all situations: a spell. You are playing a warlock, who cannot cast spells. Welcome to the world of the fighter. We have goblets of Bitter Tears of Sorrow, freshly shed by those who spent all their feats and class features to specialise in melee weapons and faced flying foes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Slipperychicken
Smoke weedstrange herbs catnip to learn spells. You are a magic pothead kitten.
I believe it's down to the last couple of us finishing things up (could even just be me honestly.) Almost done. Maneuver choices are giving me a headache.
__________________
Thanks to The Randomizer for the great Eldar Ranger Avatar!!!
Sorry for the delay. I'm having an unreliable internet connection at the moment since I moved to a new place in preparation for my licensure exam.
__________________
Current avatar by araveugnitsuga
Previous Avatars:
Spoiler
Excellent avatar done by Zefir
Sigmar grant me the
bourbon to accept the things I cannot change, the bullets to change the
things I can, and a big-titted sidekick who knows the
difference.
Sorry guys.
Due to me moving I haven't been able to log on.
I'm currently typing this on my iPhone as my computer isn't set up for the net yet.
I'll be able to log on more from tomorrow I hope.
In the meantime I'm extending my backstory (which is now in the form of memoirs held in his kinda-extradimensional stomach IG)
@DM: are the following allowed: (there are more but these are te general tone)
She Owns by proxy (the king of unclaimed land) the Astral Plane at one point
Has a claim to any planes that naturally grow candy-trees (without being seeded from another plane)
The planes themselves die after a really long time and new ones being created
there was once a Plane of Fruit
The first war of Good and Evil was because one of the Twins stole the "The Unholy Book of Magik" and swapped it with the (now dead/replaced) God of Good's Teddy bear.
Many races have existed and gone extinct that cab be referenced
And finally: there is an Immortal of Time that got tricked into thinking today was tomorrow and one of the twins was it's future self
If you want an idea what they Twins were like back in the day, think Weasly Twins + Loki + the ability to be anyone.
Noone was safe ever. No not even then.
@DM: due to a class feature I can legitimately predict the usual reaction of anyone she has met (assume the firm of actually). She is the best character analyst imaginable. Just letting you know
__________________
<-- Give the zombie a hug. You know you want too. It's so lonely.
I have quit Giantitp. I may be back but not anytime soon
Sorry everyone
Then there's the Machine-Man who wants to bring the Far Realms.
__________________
Current avatar by araveugnitsuga
Previous Avatars:
Spoiler
Excellent avatar done by Zefir
Sigmar grant me the
bourbon to accept the things I cannot change, the bullets to change the
things I can, and a big-titted sidekick who knows the
difference.
This is going to be fun.
Just the intraparty stuff will be twisted.
Hey, if we are all Incarnations, what are the odds if meeting in the past?
Also how long have everyone's Incarnations been alive?
Mine has been around since about 1000 years after time began.
__________________
<-- Give the zombie a hug. You know you want too. It's so lonely.
I have quit Giantitp. I may be back but not anytime soon
Sorry everyone
This is going to be fun.
Just the intraparty stuff will be twisted.
Hey, if we are all Incarnations, what are the odds if meeting in the past?
Also how long have everyone's Incarnations been alive?
Mine has been around since about 1000 years after time began.
__________________
<-- Give the zombie a hug. You know you want too. It's so lonely.
I have quit Giantitp. I may be back but not anytime soon
Sorry everyone
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