A Requiem from Winter Past: Total recall on the cards?

Firstly, I'm not going to use the Total Recall running gag. Let's just say that there's more than just one Terminator. Secondly, a brief look at my current labels made me think about any possible changes in the future.

Problem, self-discipline?

There's a common (?) saying: Cats are a law unto themselves. More oft than not, this means cats tend to do things out of the ordinary (which makes 90% of the world population as dogs. No offense intended). Currently, I'm trying out a so-called new self-rule regime (read: self-discipline, not self-autonomy). Basically, I'll start writing/blogging for around 1-2 hours. After which I'll only start playing some Neverwinter. Nothing more than 2 campaign zones on average (plus either a dungeon or 1-2 skirmishes), nothing more than 2 characters used daily.

Above is what I may really need on  a permanent basis.
No need for a 9.5 though...

Above is how my brain currently works.

In other news...

I realised my beautiful legal housebreaker has displayed a couple of (not so)blatant signs of affection towards yours truly. Narcissism aside, some ideas were bouncing inside me during work today. While this doesn't affect my work performance, I must admit that this merely reinforced my belief that I need a radical advancement in my career. *shrugs*

It's been a start-stop journey for me when it comes to A Requiem from Winter Past. From the initial A Ranger's Tale to redoing the title, from Aeranath to renaming the titular character as Aeravor, what's left right now is to set off where I last... well, left off. Unlike the Neverwinter Six saga (where I'm under not so much stress to out spoilers), I need to be very careful on this one. Unlike the Neverwinter Six saga, A Requiem from Winter Past is strictly a work of intellectual property from yours truly (wonder if J.K Rowling is reading this).

So far so good...

Only one chapter has been (re)upped. I'll go straight to the point in terms of the things I may be planning in the short run (or maybe even in the works right now).

Changes in how magic works:

In the original draft, magic is basically the ability to manipulate nature with limitations imposed on the individual. It's also implied that whatever being said about magic was, for the most part, a case of sugar coating. Modifications will be made, they'll be based on two of my labels. Namely, thaumaturgy and metallurgy. At the same time, there will be a third form of magic. Namely, elegy.

Changes to rangers:

Nothing much of note I can disclose here. In the original draft(s), rangers are quintessentially hunters and assassins rolled into one. However, I may do a modification or two in order to heighten the rangers' impact on the general world order.

Changes on demons:

Same as above. However, their role in this current write may be more impactful than otherwise imagined. In terms of how they do things, I may (or may not) tweak a detail here and there. I may need to sit down by myself to ask some useful questions.

Relationship Status: Beyond complicated

Relationship problems can do some amazing things to your life. As a child, I first experienced enforced isolation during Primary Five. That was in Henderson Primary School, you don't have to bother googling map for it (read: it's no longer around). I was that undesirable kid who displayed habits of questionable hygiene (basically something a bit like this. Apologies to my future 9.0 if she has a BFF in Hamburg). No one wanted to be my friends (generally, not literally since I still remember a Ha Lai Wah). Period.

I still can recall one moment of childish callousness. That was when I was in Primary Four (or Three). My entire class got the itch after sketching against the bark of a pong pong tree (read: the sap of the tree can cause itchiness). I've got a classmate (still remember her name minus the surname, but let's not start an ugly fight here) who got a bottle of medicated oil. She was very generous to the rest. When I say "the rest', it means I was excluded. Long story short, I had to use the most primitive way to relieve my itch. It's called my saliva. The reaction towards me was nothing short of disgusting. Yes, I was being disgusting. Whose fault is it? Did I look like Jaime Lannister to you?

Come secondary school, it got progressively worse. I won't say all, but some. There were some who called me siao due to the fact that... well, I wasn't born normal. In fact, it wasn't until the recent couple of years that I realized the extent of my inherent flaws (possibly this?). Society back then was extremely harsh towards those with mental illness (plus those perceived to have it). This was due to negative press coming from the media with little to no actual information given. No one taught me this logic, that's why I ended up teaching myself.

The reality of schoolyard bullying is very real, no matter which era you're in or which country you're born in. No one understood me (funnily enough, Ha Lai Wah was in the same school as me). Either I was bullied or left alone like an isolated North Korean. People thought I was being annoying by talking too much, I wasn't good in socialising anyway. Even today, I can only know when to step on the accelerator and when to step on the brake. Anywhere in the middle and all hell break loose.

I tried to find solace in getting a girlfriend. Or rather trying to get one. From secondary school (back then, Gan Eng Seng was an ah-beng ah-lian school) to ITE Dover (that was when Jack Neo pulled off a blinder by satirising It's The End). Quite literally, it's the end of my life as I wished it to be.

Getting scarred: the damning details

When I was in Primary Six, I had a crush on a female classmate. I followed her home. Okay not literally all the way, but the halfway line was enough to get myself into trouble. That was my fault. Period.

In secondary school (more specifically Sec 2 and 3), people whom I've had no grudges with decided to play God. One of them stepped on my right knuckle while I was feeling around for my glasses. Then there's this one time I was punched in the stomach in the classroom. I forgot which incident, but I still recalled that fellow's face. It was the visage of a murderer (well, not quite literally, but you get the drift). People refused to share with me the good things they have, I was told not to treat others like a clown despite being treated like one myself.

When my glasses cracked during an accident, my mother was adamant that it's down me being playful (read: I was running around like a hyperactive adolescent). I denied it, she thought I was lying. The reason why being that she chose to believe in the uncle owning the spectacle shop downstairs. The only catch? I wasn't lying.

I was verbally and physically abused (in particular, I still remember that guy who called me pus during my ITE years), I was brutally betrayed (I also remember who were the culprits), I was that only Jew in a Holocaust lasting near twenty years.

I still can recall a certain incident during my secondary school days. There's this one ex-classmate who fell to his death nearby the school (back then, Gan Eng Seng was in the Spottiswoode Park area). Either I could have gone first or next. If we're talking about another extreme, it'd be the path of a certified military genius.

In church, I couldn't find my solace as well. I was so used to being isolated as a Jew, it basically means I could only wait for my fellow Christians to show me some concern (yeah, I know it sounds a bit like being part of the Starks of Winterfell). I was that invisible man, I grew to get myself used to it. As always, I tried seeking solace by getting myself into a BGR. The girl I liked rejected me, I was back to ground zero (in case you've yet to realise it, I'm never good at starting any form of relationship). As it turned out, I continued getting myself into similar circumstances, only that I chose to suffer in silence. I swear my love life is ten times worse than ten Taylor Swifts combined. Period.

Solace in writing

Above title is self-explanatory. It wasn't a smooth ride though. My dad sneered at my attempt to write something decent. After all, you can't make a living out of being a writer (which is why the likes of J.R.R Tolkien, C.S Lewis, and Sir Terry Pratchett were not born with the Singaporean passport). No one ever said "hey, Minghui. I can see that you have a gift for writing". But what else can I do? Should I just agree with an unforgiving world that I'm merely some worthless trash which even God doesn't want? Eventually, porn caught me in its snare. Even now, I have to look out for my inner demons.

Initially, I was totally into the standard fare. Then in a twist of fate, I came into contact with the darker stuff. Most notably Nasu Kinoko's works. As an individual, I can identify myself with characters like Tohno Shiki, Emiya Shirou (plus Archer as well), Gun God, and Emiya Kiritsugu. That's where I started deviating into the... well, orh orh hi peng.

It's really quite a hell of an eventful 34 years for me. Whenever people see me as that cheerful guy, they never knew the demon within. Whenever someone says "eh, you talk too much crap lah!", it merely means I never showed him my scars. I've been through darkness and seen hell for what it is. I've suffered burns ten times worse than the threshold of a normal human being, my scars number at least tens of thousand.

Enough about the ranting, let's get onto business...

This is not your grandfather's fantasy story. One of my FB friends mentioned the fallacy behind the current C.L.I.F plot. If you and your BFF enjoy listening to songs like this one below...

...then songs like this below are more to my taste.

Firstly, I realised I can't really self-censor myself. The thing with my writing style is that it's dialogue-centric so as to speak. To highlight the challenge I'm facing right now, I'm pretty sure The Children of Húrin would most likely be rated R (figuratively speaking of course) if Tolkien adopted my style (for the lack of a better form of expression).

Secondly, what is wrong stays wrong. I need to hammer home this point. The difference between writing a piece of music and writing a novel lies in the length. Let me up an example here.

The amount of words used in a song is always limited, the lyrics can only tell this much of a story. You can only discern one person's POV (more than one if it's singing a duet or just about any song involving more than one POV). Story-telling, however, is a case of telling the story from multiple POV. One person's righteousness is not necessarily another person's morality, one man's meat may easily be another man's poison. Hence, the greatest challenge I'm potentially facing is a clear cut message being propagated: If it's wrong, it stays wrong. That's the difference between romanticism and realism. Romanticism is all about doing the right things without being forced to do the wrong things, realism means doing the wrong things, whether forced to or otherwise. When we talk about what is morally right, we must understand that it's not the same definition as what is morally acceptable. The former denotes an absolute standard, the latter basically indicates what can be done. Sounds confusing? Maybe you can try seeing things this way: Murder is morally wrong, but killing a terrorist just because you don't have faith in the law is morally acceptable. Sound like a contradiction? This comes to the next part.

A world without God. More oft than not, people enjoy saying the world is a better place without religion. But what about a world where God isn't real? Let's assume every atheist's best dream come true. Will it really be better? I'm out to throw a spanner into the intelligent machine and see whether it will malfunction. Therefore, there's no way I can eschew the darker aspects of humanity. Whether you like it or not, it's not my problem.

Then we have the (only) ways to portray a world without God. Namely sex and violence, and family values. I don't know about how that guy sharing my surname does his stuff, but I don't do things the graphic way. In story-telling, there will always be more than one way to show. On the other hand, there's just only one way to tell. I still remember the days where I read some of the works in Fictionpress which were very good. The only catch? Some of them were rated R. There would be times when I need to shut off my mind in order to skip the sex scenes spanning like N paragraphs. I know it sounds improbable, but I actually realised fiction can also be translated into non-fiction.

When it comes to scenes of violence, I can just easily get it over and done with via the usage of brief sentences amounting to "a flick here and there". Erotica is basically that deranged monkey jumping up and down on my back. I'm not interested in telling any moron that it's okay to have sex with a minor unless he has nowhere to stay and Changi happens to be that most convenient place (no offence meant to the homeless. I'm pretty sure the cops would have been too busy to shoot black people if the homeless are really a problem). What is wrong stays wrong, but I need to bring forth the realism. Interestingly enough, all I need to bring my message across is play with the characters' respective POV. No need to mention the most sensitive parts. As they say, women are from Venus and men from Mars. If you're from Venus, it means you're most likely into the emotional side. If you're from Mars, it means you're most likely into the hormonal end (interestingly, Venus is the Roman variation of Aphrodite while Mars is the Roman variation of Ares. One is the Greek goddess of love, the other the Greek god of war). I don't do Fifty Shades *insert correct title here*. Because I don't have to, I don't need to, and I don't want to anyway.

Ultimately, people tend to say sex sells instead of violence sells. Perhaps this is why it's far easier for moral crusaders not to condemn on-screen violence while being so trigger-happy in terms of... well, on-screen sex.

When it comes to prose, that's where the best part comes. I realised I've got a knack for creating the kind of flow akin to poetry. Just put the comma in the middle at the correct place and everything will just flow smoothly like the Euphrates (or just about any river you can think of).

Note: You won't catch me using sex and violence for senseless shock value. A Requiem from Winter Past is more about character interaction with plenty of action to reinforce the whole action/drama genre. In fact, all I need to do an erotica scene is basically five sentences or even less. Don't believe me, not my problem.

Characters and places...

Let's talk about places first. In general, there will be no changes on the nations and people. Geographically wise, it's also the case. However, I may edit the details such as specific cities and part of the terrain. Then again, I think I've forgotten 90% of the terrain in general (I remember doing a multi-post on Teutonia, but I think it's better for me to start anew). As for the capital cities of the respective nations that I still remember, I decided to keep them for now (read: Romus, the capital of Kalaran; Anglsax, the capital of Teutonia).

On the various ethnicity involved, same as above. The Kalarans will remain as my version of the Romans while the Teutonians would still be my equivalent of the Germinic and Celtic ethnicity combined in general. As for the Slarveans, they would still be the Slavic people of this world. I will also retain the original usage of the Cinhas (East Asians), Tamurians (Malays), and Sudhlits (Tamils). Of course I'll have to do certain stuff to make everything look fictional (after all, separating fiction from non-fiction is the job of every human being including the author).

Note: Below portion includes certain links related to fictional works rated R. I do not profess to have read/watch any of them. After all, cats are a law unto themselves.

Aeravor

Onto the characters then. Firstly, Aeravor. Let me destroy whatever lingering hope in each and every idealistic fellow Singaporean of mine, whether truly local or foreign, NUS, NYP, or ITE graduate. Doesn't even matter if you graduated from Charles Sturt University of Australia. Yes, he is the protagonist even though I've done a total recall on the title. I'm not going to justify his actions in the current first chapter. He's nasty, he's a jerk, and... well, I can't fault you all for thinking "eh, siao eh this fella!"
If you think that he's really crazy, then it merely means I'm keeping my cards close to myself. When I was still active in Fictionpress, one of my reviewers said he/she really hated this character. If it'd down to a lack of quality, I'd be terribly gutted. But hell no! I was truly happy for that person's input. The reason why is very simple: If you want to be a story-teller, you better make sure your audience end up loving certain characters and hating some others for the same reason. If Aeravor gets on your nerves due to his standard of morality (more specifically the lack thereof), it means your hate is the best proof of quality done by yours truly. Simply put, I don't have any regrets in creating a sociopathic jerk who only does/kills things for fun.

Alter-ego factor: Basically my orh orh hi peng.

Character inspiration:
http://berserk.wikia.com/wiki/Guts#Personality (Please note that SG banned Berserk years ago. Weirdly enough...)
http://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Jaime_Lannister
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ItAmusedMe
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fragarach

Ideal CV: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toshihiko_Seki

Alias: Chaos Incarnate; Contra Mundum; Cub

Faction: Vánagandr (previously)

"There is a wounded animal somewhere inside him, yet none is willing to perceive a person beneath that very beast."
~Alestrial Eliaden

Aor

Basically still the main antagonist of the plot. Like the previous draft(s), he remains as the sole target of Aeravor's goal. At the same time, he's really one hell of a philosopher. Even though gods are not real, then Aor is arguably(?) the closest thing to one.

Alter-ego factor: My tendency to go full philosopher mentally.

Character inspiration:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goemon_Ishikawa_XIII

http://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Tywin_Lannister

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main.THECHESSMASTER

Ideal CV: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jouji_Nakata

Alias: Contra Nihilo

Faction: Vánagandr (previously)

"No matter what you do, don't fight him. You get me, cub? The day you know the truth, that moment will destroy you."
~Erik, Lord of Fury

Guy Cody

One of the two deuteragonists of the story. Reckless and seemingly a moron, Guy is basically the definition of failure. It's like "thankfully my son is not like him in school" or "thankfully my son is not like him as a Christian". That's how bad things have gotten for him. And it doesn't help he's actually infatuated with a girl too noble for him to marry.

Alter-ego factor: Basically my life minus the orh orh hi peng.

Character inspiration:

http://typemoon.wikia.com/wiki/Lancer_(Fate/stay_night)

http://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Robb_Stark

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass

http://typemoon.wikia.com/wiki/G%C3%A1e_Buidhe

http://typemoon.wikia.com/wiki/G%C3%A1e_Dearg
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/KnightInShiningArmor

Ideal CV: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noriaki_Sugiyama

Alias: Moron/Idiot/Cretin/Retarded Guy; The Lion Amongst Men

Faction: Leonum Flammeus

"You're different from those men out to rape me years ago. Arondight warned me not to go near you, but he never told me your eyes are the same as his."
~Cerias

Alestrial Eliaden

The other deuteragonist of the story. If you're a fan of any Korean A-lister goddess, chances are that you'll see her as the goddess Athena rather than Aphrodite. Of course, it also depends on the image portrayed. If it's Lee Hyori, then quite obviously the fanboys will see her as an Aphrodite. However, Alestrial Eliaden is basically more of an Athena. Not only is she the love interest of Guy, she also symbolises what every feminist strives to be. Beautiful, intelligent, and rich... what's not to like about her if you're a guy? Compassionate, yet headstrong... what's not to like about her if you're Emma Watson?

Alter-ego factor: The idealistic side of me.

Character inspiration:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Park_Shin-hye

http://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Lyanna_Stark

http://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Daenerys_Targaryen

Ideal CV: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kana_Ueda

Alias: That Cinha wench; Daughter of Eliaden; Ales

Faction: House Eliaden

"Foolish daughter of Eliaden, do you really believe the world can be saved through peace and righteousness? Look to the skies and count how many doves number among the hawks."
~Rowein, Lord of Steel

Additional notes before I go eat dinner (and play Neverwinter afterwards)

Of course above list is not the entire deal. They are basically the major players in the game created by yours truly, but there are also other characters who are also important in their own right. Sadly, I do not want to waste too much time on this post. I already spent one day doing most of this post, I'm not interested in burning another day for part three. However, there are a couple of things I need to clarify here.

The first thing is the presence of homosexuality. If you remember what I've written in the previous version, you'll know there's more than just one homosexual character. Previously, I used this controversial trope as a form of character struggle. However, I decide to implement a... well, I won't say darker twist... let's just put thing this way. In this modern era, everyone knows what is same-sex marriage. During ancient times, however, homosexuality was not about same-sex marriage. Such concept was absolutely alien to the people, be they civilians or nobility. This is my intended direction for this current write. However, I'm also mindful that anything I write can easily be misconstrued. In other words, I'm not interested in playing judge as a writer. There is a time for preaching, another time to stay silent. Either way, I don't believe in one sin greater than the other.

The second thing is this. The usage of the A-word. While I'm not referring to the name of the Muslim deity, I shouldn't have used True Apostle. In fact, I should have pulled the plug on the whole damned idea. Initially, I tried finding inspiration from the True Ancestors created by Nasu himself. The naming part was an abject failure. Period. However, this also means I need to find an actual meaning behind the name Vánagandr. After all, this is an alternate name for the (correct) son of Loki.

Not this Loki on a literal basis...

And now for a couple of songs to round things up...

ネバーウィンターの勇者伝説~Concepts of something already existent [Mk IV]

Can't think of a decent intro statement. Might as well go straight to the point.

Skills

What would D&D be without skills? One thing I realised about implementing this concept is this: it's too damn difficult to facilitate every skill, let alone messing things up as a result. [List of the real McCoys] Therefore, I can only choose a few instead of all.

Skill checks

Even with the relevant skill, it's still possible for you to get yourself into unwanted trouble. In other words, there will always be a chance of failure. As the Japanese enjoy saying, "kappa no kawa nagare". Skill checks are being done by measuring the skill rank with the difficulty level of the task. If the skill rank is higher, then it's an auto-success. If not, then it becomes a game of probability based on the subtraction. The impact of failure can differ greatly according to circumstances. It may be a case of mere inconvenience, affecting how the game plot will pan out, or even whether you'll live or die as a result.

Also, success of skill checks will be affected by the relevant stats (i.e. Strength, Constitution, Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma)

Skills

Interaction

Enables conversation with various NPCs in ways more than just one. Mainly used for getting important info and unlocking side quests.

Key stat-Charisma

Movement

Takes less damage from a fall. The amount of fall damage will affect the resultant movement speed. At the same time, having this skill allows your character to move across any narrow surface. Lower movement penalty whenever your character is travelling on rocky terrain.

Key stat-Strength; Dexterity

Endurance
Reduces damage taken from all sources.
Key stat-Constitution

Heal
Increase the amount of HP healed via any means apart from potions and scrolls.
Key stat-Wisdom

History
Enables your character to understand any piece of history and lore from any source. Affects amount of information revealed instead of success or failure.
Key stat-Wisdom or Intelligence (depending on which stat is higher)

Perception
Either increases damage against enemies (if they're outnumbered) or reduces incoming damage (if your character/party is outnumbered). Affects amount of damage taken or dealt instead of success and failure.
Key stat-Dexterity; Wisdom or Intelligence (depending on which stat is higher)

Stealth
Enables you to hide behind any cover. So long you stay hidden, you deal more damage while taking less damage. The longer your character stays hidden during combat, the higher chances of failure.
Key stat-Dexterity

Arcana

Takes less damage against enemies of fey, elemental, and shadow types. Able to deal critical damage against enemies of construct type while also taking less damage against magical traps. Affects amount of damage taken and dealt instead of success or failure.

Key stat-Intelligence

Dungeoneering

Takes less damage against any enemies in underground terrain. At the same time, it also enables your character to detect any potential hazard in any underground terrain.

Key stat-Strength; Constitution

Nature

Deals more damage against any enemies of natural type. If combat is being fought in forest terrain, your character takes less damage from any enemy type. At the same time, it also enables your character to detect any potential hazard in forest terrain.

Key stat-Strength; Dexterity

Religion

Enables your character to take less damage and deal more damage against enemies of your patron deity. Affects amount of damage taken and dealt instead of success or failure.

Key stat-Wisdom; Charisma

Thievery

Enables you to detect and disarm traps. It also enables you to open locked doors and treasure chests.

Key stat-Dexterity

When to do a skill check

If your character is eligible to do his/her own skill check, you'll see the relevant symbol flashing above your character. Skill checks are automatically triggered instead of manually.

Interaction symbol-a speaking man

(colour: blue)

Movement-a winged boot

(colour: brown)

Endurance-a bare fist raised

(colour: silver)

Heal-a tome with a cross on its cover

(colour: white)

History-a tome with a blank cover

(colour: purple)

Perception-a single eye

(colour: cyan)

Stealth-a hooded man

(colour: grey)

Arcana-a blank scroll

(colour: gold)

Dungeoneering-a pickaxe

(colour: yellow)

Nature-a tree

(colour: green)

Religion-an altar

(colour: white)

Thievery-a locked door

(colour: black)

Next up: Base Attack Bonus versus Armour Class. I need to sleep now. Got work tomorrow.

ネバーウィンターの勇者伝説~OST

Not so recently, something disastrous happened. While I can't be sure whether my beautiful legal housebreaker was there, it seems that her fellow Chouders werte anything but happy Chouders. In fact, I believe they're merely one step away from making clam chowder out of those who got a F for quality control instead of the A-star standard set by my country in every aspect of what it does. I'm not a Chouder. In fact, I tend to go indie more than anybody else when it comes to music.

Above song is my way of... okay, I admit I can't lie. Period.



ネバーウィンターの勇者伝説~OST

Disclaimer!

Below songs are the works of people at least ten times more talented than me. Please support their works even though you may have a myopic view on arts and creativity like the stereotypical Singaporean. Period. Basically, this also means I do not have a share in whatever being upped apart from... well, sharing. In case you're still too thick to realise my intention, these are merely songs I'd imagine playing in the Neverwinter Six saga. Therefore, some of the titles may not be that of the original ones.

A/N-Due to my work commitment and the fact that I don't blog for money like Xiaxue, this post will be very brief. Basically, this post will only comprise of seven tracks. In other news, it seems that the Gothic loli doctor may be coming back to the GH for whatever reason. In case you're wondering why I'm mentioning someone totally unrelated to me...

英雄の道
OP (by Kalafina)

餓狼
{エーリロズ}
[Arylos' theme]


日輪
{シリア. ジューロシル}
[Cyrea Durothil's theme]

盾

{ブハースモンド. ターラン}

[Bhaasmond Taran's theme]

闇
[ケリージズ. ロクラズ]
{Kariss Locras' theme}



月影
[ミリアズ]
{Myrreas' theme}

傷跡

[シェオーリン. メラーン]

{Sheallyn Melarn's theme}

The Wolf And Its Answer

"A wolf knows best every man."

~A common sellsword saying

)0(

The merchant caravan attacked hours earlier was doomed to a certain voyage, its one-way journey pointing towards rape, murder, and despair. Fools are meant to be fodder for the strong, a sea of blood completed with severed heads, limbs torn asunder, and enslaved maids no longer chaste.

All know this foulest race to be notorious for their raiding tactics, they say his people are cursed with nothing else of value. Cowardice the only trait rivalling the merit of superior strength, this is nothing more than a lie. A rally in numbers will always work, but only when they're sorely pressed. Such is the orcish pride, surely this has to be the greatest insult known to the Homm’Ogr.

If baleful leers and lustful loins are to be his people’s finest weapons, this is because those damned terrans deserve it. Driven from their inheritance, the only thing unnatural would be letting their wenches be. While the orcs have never been short of pure blooded females born from their seed, nothing satisfies the male half more than outright slavery and breaking their captives' resolve. As for their womenfolk, silence is never an option when it comes to a show of support.

Then that thrice-damned demon stumbled before him and his brudders. A plaything dumb like a sheep was their perception. Flay him, roast him, feed him to the beasts, and give his entrails to the birds.

In an instance, weapons were flashed and blood was spilt with the victor standing tall. Forty brudders against a single lamb, orbs of scarlet red shockingly unveiled a ravenous wolf. A monster hailing from Azrael's realm must be him. Otherwise, why would he be capable of terrifying feats only the Great Abyss himself is able to?

Unbridled power and absolute chaos became the real meaning of fear, a rampaging force leaving blood and guts in its wake. His mind destroyed by terror, only one question remained for Bork.

Flight or fight?

Bork chose flight.

)0(

The heavy breathing is sensed by the nocturnal life, their sights staying clear from the runner. Both beasts and birds know not the reason, the escapee's fear they can nevertheless sense. Returning to their foraging, nary an attention is paid.

Utterly shaken by a spectre of blood and steel, the lone orc curses the day he did something stupid. Why did he take the dare? Why did he attempt the first strike?

“Daynjer past, daynjer past nau oraydee…”

His stamina collapsed, Bork pauses to draw a breath. A breath of respite, a moment of reprieve. The coast should be clear by now, whatever distance covered is already far enough for comfort.

Unleashing a barrage of curses, Bork’s lethargy warps into anger. How dare this hooded bastard smears the orcish pride! How dare this hooded bastard raises his sword against the Great Children! How dare him! How dare him! Such is a mockery on the highest level, the greatest blasphemy!

There is a time for curses, a time for seeking allies. Glancing to his left, a rising trail of red smoke means only one thing: This is no travellers' camp, but an encampment fortified by his other brudders. Bork will tell them what happened, surely Bork's brudders will take up arms. If a raidband numbering forty strong wasn’t enough, then surely at least a hundred more will do the job. This is why warbands exist. To defend the orcish pride once push comes to shove.

A sudden rustling sound sows panic in Bork, his heart racing like a running wrug. Chilling fear seeps into his spine, the only sight greeting him is a fox pursuing its prey.

“Stoolpit rabitses, stoolpit fuxes...”

Five parts annoyed and five parts inflamed with lust, Bork makes up his mind to vent his anger on any unfortunate elven lass within eyeshot. Even if one cannot be found, surely some hapless terran wench will suffice. For now, that is. Then fear grips him like the jaws of a wolf sinking into an unlucky prey.

Bork slowly turns around, the inevitable heralding its arrival. Crimson orbs tainted with murderous intent reciprocate a horrified stare as the monster's merciless steel laced with azure blue slices into his chest. Searing pain exploding from inside, Bork’s world goes abruptly black.

)0(

Lindel, a modest city famed in the eyes of bounty hunters near and far. Situated in the Eagle's Horn, the place has been protected by the much respected Leonum Flammeus all the while. The folly of underestimating militiamen may seem tempting at first, for who would ever pay respect to the smallborne unless he is one himself? Yet, every fool would still have to pay his rightful due. The Kalaran dream has always been a solid rock for the Kalaran society, its fortress in times of both fortune and woe. They say that meritocracy is fair and flawless, this is why the Kalarans are so prosperous. Alas, the world has never been fair to any and all. If every mortal is born in slavery, who then is the slaver?

Midsummer is always a season to cheer about. To Aeravor, it is merely part and parcel of his drifting years. Children frolicking within shallow pools means nothing to him, the same goes for womenfolk indulging in idle gossip. Dwarven songs of yore ring aloud, he pays no heed to the sound of anvils struck. No one can understand the goblins’ absurd obsession over their so-called "technology", neither does he care as well. Verbal spats erupting from sundry stores lined at either side, he ignores the sight of flustered female clerks on the verge of strangling alive the nearest male kobold. Occasional sightings of the enigmatic elves go unquestioned by prudent folks, he suppresses an urge to cause trouble.

A bundle slung over the shoulder, this is to be his prize. His left hand resting upon the pommel of a longsword sheathed, this is to be his solace. A settled life is one he despises, innocuous greetings he desires not. All he wants is a bulging purse and some entertainment. Whores and drinks would top his list if not for a growling stomach.

And to think I have to wait three days without taking a piss or shit.

Continuing his silent walk, the sellsword ignores the numerous glances cast in his direction. Attention neither straying to the left or right, a single storey building looms into view. Bells of copper sound their greeting, the mercenary pushes open a wooden door plastered with mould. Shedding his cowl, the indomitable wolf greets a bespectacled old man with the briefest nod.

Lazy bastard trying to act hardworking…

"Taking or ending?" glares the old man much to his satisfaction. Apparently, pushing up his glasses has achieved its purpose. As the bounty hunter is about to disclose his answer, a sudden thought enters his mind. Understanding what he himself is capable of, the predator within is promptly restrained.

Count himself lucky. I'm not interested in stirring up shit for now.

“Ending.”

"Evidence? Target?" retorts the crusty coot.

"Marx Hanry. The evidence here."

Flinging the gruesome package unceremoniously onto the desk, a decapitated head adorned with shock and terror greets the astounded clerk.

"That's our man alright," grins the old man wryly, an impressed whistle paying final respects to a dead man’s head, "Then again, I thought that pretty boy was extremely dangerous.”

“Rape, strangling, and all that bullshit,” a derisive snort concluding a verdict equally mocking, Aeravor is not in the mood for banter, “Heard of rangers and what we do best?”

“Hunting random prey, striking from behind, killing them in the sneakiest way possible. Guess you did just that.”

"With his pants down. A pity I failed to impress his pretty young thing," sighs the rugged warrior while absently scratching the back of his head, "I swear that'd be some ample compensation especially given her stack."

"You got a warped sense of jest here, black stud," chortles the old man, his yellowed teeth bared, "Reminds me of my youth. Mark my words, you're not gonna be popular with all the rich missus. Holy Quintet be damned if you're no whore bait. What's your name, sonny?"

"Aeravor," yawns the ranger unsightly, "Congratulations for wasting three seconds of my life."

“You don’t look natural, though…”

"Money or your life," clearly annoyed, Aeravor starts tracing random patterns on the desk with a scowl staring down at its owner.

"Okay, okay, I know. Don't be such a grouch. You’re still young, you're in serious need of getting laid," puffing his cheeks, the clerk tosses into Aeravor’s hand a leather pouch brimming with crowns, "Here's your moolah. Marx Hanry's a jackpot and a real son of an eel."

Stashing away a keep well earned, Aeravor slams the door shut. A resultant boom reverberating in the old man’s ears, a good-humoured smile is nonetheless shown.

Brown skin, long ears, sharp features… half-elf with Tamurian blood, eh? Doesn’t seem right with that white hair…

)0(

Enjoying a hearty meal of grilled beef and creamy corn soup, Aeravor casually tosses a crown at a waiting boy's feet. Ignoring persistent thanks coming from a lad treated like a dog, the ranger continues savouring his meal. It has been quite a while since Aeravor had a decent meal, the handsome prize earned is worth every excruciating minute. How long did he have to lie in wait within the shadow of clustered trees? A day or three? Perhaps even a cycle and beyond. It matters not to him now, for the only sight more pleasing than whores, ale, and a nice meal combined is beholding his prey's final moment.

“Remember this, Aeravor. Once the hunter becomes the hunted, only death awaits. You now wield the Answerer, there is no turning back. Never a hero and never will be. I find it quite amusing that the current wielder is far more honest than its previous master.”

Losing appetite in an instance, Aeravor stands up in full ire. Ignoring the judgmental glares from bystanders and passers-by, the ranger cares not about the swearing caused by a wooden stool flying through the window.

And to think I'll have to give Deios three tenth of my money. Those arseholes from Redmarch.

)0(

Lesser individuals would have gone hungry in no time. Living by the sword and purse is never good, yet Aeravor has always been a mocker. His years and identity as part of the Vánagandr taught him the importance of physical tolerance, the only thing surpassing physical fortitude is a mind of steel. Unpleasant memories at last banished, the ranger can finally cast off his sullen mood. Bearing a wry grin in public has its disadvantages, but at least no one would be insane enough to challenge a person armed with a sword.

“Every one of us is fated to wear a mask. What about yours, Aera?”

A damning past sears him like a lightning igniting a withered tree, Aeravor lashes out in anger. A yelp is followed by a whimper, kicking a stray dog has served its purpose. Then a loud commotion greets his ears pointed and keen.

"Whatcha lookin' at? Ne'er seen some'un killin' befah’?"

Great. I feel like killing something now...

“Murderers, all these people!”

“Do something!”

“You do so then!”

“O’ Father above, smite these bloodthirsty men in Your anger!”

Okay, plus morons too retarded to do a thing.

Turning his back on the commotion, Aeravor understands too clearly that he's nowhere better, Apathy is no different from taking a life. Hence, it makes him a murderer. At the same time, if every quarrel can be resolved by talking cheap, then he’d like to be everybody’s friend. A casual stroll dismissing children grieving over their mother dead, it takes one idiotic ox to stoke a simmering fire.

"Hay 'u! A'm talkin' to yer!"

Good grip and some loud voice. Let's get busy killing.

"Want to swallow a sword?"

Vexation briefly giving way to smug satisfaction, Aeravor savours his moment of acid wit.

"Yer got gutz, 'uh? Lemme tell ye wat 'appen to peepz like ye. See dat beyotch o'er dere?" bellows a burly man, his wild gestures pointing towards a crowd parted in the name of cowering fear. Lifeless eyes of a bloodied woman never tugged at the ranger’s heartstrings, let alone a couple of bawling brats.

"See dat, 'uh? dat kan bee 'u nex!"

Annoying son of a bitch…

Choosing not to betray a single spark of burning wrath, why should Aeravor concern himself with those either dead or waiting to die? People will die one day, even this reeking drunk. Invasive stench unable to move his heart, Aeravor’s life has always been one forged from icy steel.

Tough luck. You’re barking up the wrong tree.

"I don't care about you, what you've done, or what kind of whore you prefer. Go do a good deed and give a little girl some money for her service," hisses Aeravor, his visage lifted in full view, "Maybe that'll make you a better man."

Formalities promptly done with a vulgar gesture shown, he shoves away the dishevelled scoundrel with a forceful hand.

"U dar too turn 'ur bac' on mee? Dy lik'ah dawg!"

An overpowering dirge playing its tune only for him, Aeravor brings forth his inner world. Judgment has been proclaimed, an azure edge utmost deadly and swift leaving its scabbard.

Revelling in the sight of crimson stain invading his victim's shirt, the former Vánagandr scores his first kill of the day. Booting the skewered dead off his blade, Aeravor spits his contempt onto his fallen foe. Twirling the Answerer about, its weight, balance, and crackling sound reinvigorating the wolf in him.

“Fuzzy ape with an equally fuzzy brain.”

His statement running its course, Aeravor beckons the remaining quartet.

“I don't always kill people. But when I do, I make sure they stay dead.”

"Yar basterd! Yev gott'us on'to u nao!"

And so begins the hunt…

Keeping his sights open to the surroundings, the lunging thug is to be Aeravor’s second target. With muddled anger filling his bloodshot eyes, an intoxicated swing of the bardiche is paid back with a parry and wide arcing slash. His quarry’s throat cleanly sliced open, the wolf decides to up the momentum.

Two down, three to go...

Getting circled behind in spite of superior technique honed, Aeravor exposes his back to a swinging broadsword wielded by a deceptively wiry man.

Boring like a frigid whore. Die.

Two glyphs etched in the mind, an unseen force is triggered. With his left hand, the ranger reaches out for the enemy’s blade. Blunt force tantamount to a rock hitting the ground greets Aeravor, his third kill’s expression is anything but cheap.

"A simple trick. A hard left hand."

One stride forward and a brutal kick against an exposed knee floors the worthless lowlife, Aeravor detects two more coming from behind. Contemplating a flashier reply, the ranger nonetheless decides against it. A killing blow as swift as the wind severing the windpipe, Aeravor turns around sharply. The final two suddenly rooted themselves to the ground, it is not some manner of magic holding them still.

The maniacal glint in a pair of azure eyes... an aura of rampaging madness released like a ravenous beast loosed from its cell...

Seizing an advantage proffered by the element of shock, Aeravor casually lops off his victims' lives.

One swing, two dead. If only my life is that easy.

"Leonum Flammeus! The Leonum are coming!"

Thundering boots making their tremors known, Aeravor finds it faintly amusing that nobody is left watching the show. As expected, the seemingly righteous is no different from an honest knave. An impressive sight of battle-hardened clowns adopting a phalanx formation greets his view, spears lowered for battle complimenting the show.

Murderous whims opening up a can of worms, Aeravor expects this much. Retaining a vicious grin as he prepares to correct his mistake, the ranger pays nary a heed before a pompous idiot opening his mouth.

No action, talk only. Talk to my sword.

)0(

...ain't mortal... absolute monster...

Recalling these final words, the former Vánagandr finds it amusing that the fodder is right after all. What’s his name? The leader’s name? No matter what the answer is, there can be only one ending for stupid people baring their teeth against him. Aeravor knows he's born a wolf, that no prey deserves the right to lower its horns and paw the ground. No elk should ever see a wolf as anything but an absolute monster. Let alone whatever trash tossed up into the air by a tornado conjured, their lives doomed as they laid there waiting to be culled.

At least he lasted a bit longer than the rest.

Beneath a sky cloaked in black, Aeravor knows this as the most beautiful scene in his lonely life. The sound of crickets chirping is music to his ears, the mournful howl of a wolf resonates across the vast uncovered plateau. This is a symphony of solitude, an aria of solace. Perching nearby is a couple of owls, no qualms are given as he feeds them some roasted game. A young fox nearby feasts on a partridge's carcass half-eaten, Aeravor soon closes his eyes for a temporary reprieve.

For the night is lovely and full of glimmering stars, the lunar moon both crimson and blue.

)0(

Author's Gab (i.e. AG. But not this AG)

Okay, I'm gonna clean up this entire section. Basically, you won't be seeing this section from now on. The reason why being that I talked too much crap at times. Also, my brain is nearing sleep mode atm.

Glossary:

Azrael: The god of the orcs. Unlike the conventional notion towards deities in general, the orcs saw Azrael as both their sole master and a being synonymous with destruction. And that includes their own as well. Hence, it can be surmised that Azrael is both their creator and destroyer (the former being literal, the latter being an actual possibility).

Brudder: Basically the way any orc addresses a fellow orc. Only usable between males.

Crown: The highest tier of currency in the Great North (i.e. the northern continent comprising of the Kalaran Empire, the High Realm of Teutonia, and the Free Confederation of Slarvea). Crowns are coins made of alloy mixed with gold with quarters (coins made of alloy mixed with silver) and pence (coins made of bronze) being of subsequent value.

Great Abyss: While this refers to the realm where Azrael resides, Great Abyss can also be used as an alternative name for Azrael. (no, I'm not about to answer whether gods do exist in this world of mine. Go figure)

Great Children: Self-proclaimed title used by the orcs. Quite obviously they're a race of racists (not that racial superiority should be a matter of one single race anyway).

Homm'Ogr: Formal term for orcs. To set the record straight, this is NOT a self-proclaimed title.

Jackpot: A difficult but rewarding task. A slang used mostly by sellswords and those associated with bounty hunting.

Moolah: Slang for bounty.

Raidband: A band of orcs numbering from ten to any number less than a hundred. Once it reaches the hundred mark, however...

Warband; Remember what I said about a raidband? Well, this is the upgraded version I mentioned above. Traditionally, warbands are used for larger scale conflict while raidbands are used for small scale skirmishes.

Eagle's Horn: A coastal area in the northeast of the Kalaran Empire. Primarily consisting of rocky terrain, any form of settlement is either situated in a valley or at the few hillocks surrounded by mountains. Lindel is incidentally situated at the junction connecting Eagle's Horn to the Empire's mainland. The area is shaped like an eagle's beak pointing upwards, hence the name.

Jackpot: A huge paying job or a bounty worth a sizeable reward.

Son of an eel: Someone who is particularly hard to catch.

Tamurian: My very own version of the Malay ethnicity. Known and prized as exceptional mercenaries due to their skill in arms and savagery in battle, they hailed from their ancestral home of Tamuria in the southern continent.

Terran: A derogatory term reserved for human beings quite literally (when you create a dark fantasy world, it means you can't go back after you go black).

Wrug: Wolf-like creatures used as mounts for orcs. Zoologists (i.e. scholars specialising in animal science) believed that wrugs are not wolves at all since they possess certain feline features like the tail and rounded ears. At the same time, an actual wolf will not hesitate to kill a wrug upon seeing one. Period.

Redmarch: A fief in Teutonia famous for the wine produced.

P.S: To those still in the dark, Vánagandr is the Old Norse for "the monster of the river Ván". In case you don't know where I got this from, it's basically just another name for the wolf son of Loki (not to be confused with Taylor Swift's latest ex/axe). Also, I've got no intention of doing a U-turn for Alestrial Eliaden. In short, SHynCorp can rejoice over my decision to retain their idol's status as the real-life blueprint.

Add P.S: If you think Aeravor's character seems eerily like yours truly, it means you know me more than I initially thought. To quote Minister Tan Chuan-Jin, "I would like to be your friend".

)0(

ネバーウィンターの勇者伝説~Concepts of something already existent [Mk III]

Having done the first half of the Six, I decided to finish the remaining half. After which I'll introduce a NPC by the name of Jay (not this Jay, mind you).

In other news, I blame my mother (and most likely my sister as well) for accidentally giving me an excuse to feel "murderous". Just now, some intelligent member of my family watched a real life crime show (i.e. basically a documentary chronicling some of the cases done by this guy). You see, there's this case of murder done a bunch of sikeena. Not even of a legal age and they already know how to murder some poor boy of the same race. The mastermind was only twelve back then, his arrogance decided to make me feel... well, "murderous". Which now comes the big question:
Will justice ever be done for poor Jega?

Before we start saying no, let us understand the implication for Moorthy provided his roommate didn't stick a knife into his eye.
Committing murder is no joke, whether you're arrogant or not. Moorthy was right when he said the jolly hangman from Changi couldn't hang him like what the Iraqis did to Saddam Hussein many years later. However, that merely means he's actually too dumb to realize what would likely happen 10 years down the road. Let me ask you a very simple question;
Are you willing to hire an ex-convict?
If your answer is yes, then let me ask you another question:
Are you willing to hire someone like Moorthy?

This is basic wisdom, not rocket science. You don't need to be K. Shanmugam or Karpal Singh to understand what kind of grave Moorthy had dug for himself. If he's lucky, it means he's already repentant plus making a decent living instead of killing people like a twelve years old terrorist.
If not, then he's most likely jobless and still begging for money quite literally. Worst come to worst, he'd already have a family, in which the poor wife would always get beaten up once every three days due to a fit of drunken rage. This is not me being a racist, I'm merely telling the story of humanity for what it is. Just don't ask me whether he's already dead.

The human psychology can be very fragile more oft than not. We tend to think ourselves as invincible, but that's because we've yet to sniff glue and become drug addicts. I've been through near twenty years of darkness, I've stared at hell eye to eye while wrestling with my inner demons (i.e. the figurative succubi). If you're to ask me, Moorthy was merely a pathetic little boy who must eventually wrestle with a massive inner demon wearing Jega's mask. There are many ways to indulge in your inner demons, not just watching porn. If no one is willing to hire you because of what you did ten years ago, it's only natural. Society had never owed Moorthy anything in the same way Jega had never owed Moorthy even a single cent. Moorthy owed the society because the jolly hangman could have hung him.if he's not a minor. Moorthy also owed Jega because the victim did not deserve to die.

Note: Because there are more than jus a few things capable of stoking my inner fire, any scene which may come into play for ネバーウィンターの勇者伝説 will be written in the form of short stories here. Basically this type of format.

Add note: I need to learn how to dodge backward. Or rather getting used to it since I tend to dodge forward 99% of the time. I swear Orcus' massive weapon is made of undodgeable material. Or just about anything used by a giant. -.-'

More add note: The whole depressing episode above reminded me of a J-drama I've watched N years ago. Back then, my pretty legal housebreaker had yet to convert my sis to Running Man.

Remaining character profiles

~Paramour~

Myrreas' path on his formative years amongst the Harpers. In a fateful stroke, his world came crashing down in the form of a foe most terrible: Manshoon. That was years ago, but the wounds still bleed ever surely. As if Beshaba have her eyes on him, events soon to come will challenge everything he has lived for.
For every ounce of profit comes an ounce of loss, luck and misfortune are always like eternal enemies and best friends forever at the same time.

A/N: Myrreas' path will begin at Fort Precipice where he's informed of the annual Protector's Jubilee nearing. Apparently, he knows Quorthon.

~Dhaerow~

Sheallyn Melarn's route. The first half focuses on her traumatic past surrounding Menzoberranzan, which would eventually led to her leaving the city. The second half tells of her years with the Harpers and that chance meeting with Elminster Aumar, an event which would change the course of her life forever.
Dhaerow means traitor, such is the drow nature. Before a goddess of treachery, perhaps the worst kind of dhaerow is one rejecting betrayal and lies.

A/N: Sheallyn's path will begin shortly after Myrreas' abrupt departure from the Harpers, after which the scene will fast forward to the Protector's Jubilee.

~Intrigue~

The story of Kariss Locras exploring her inner demons both figuratively and literally. Starting from her early years in Wheloon, her path would eventually take her from Luskan to its most hated rival Neverwinter.
With great power comes great responsibility, but with absolute power comes absolute corruption.

A/N: Kariss' story will start from her years at Luskan, after which we'll see plenty(?) of flashback from her past. Most notably a certain military genius who would eventually become an actual hero of Neverwinter.

NPC Jay

It's quite funny imagining a bard named Jay appearing in-game, but meh. The moment you start the story mode (no matter which character), you'll see Harper Jay conversing with an innkeeper. Due to a lack of traveling funds, Jay has to come up with a plan to keep himself warm (note: the timeline is most likely shortly after the events of Storm King's Thunder). Depending on which character you're starting, you'll see Jay singing at different locations.

~Left Hand of Kelemvor~

Location: Lonelywood

Hear my words, you who seek refuge in Lonelywood.

Certain heroes are born, some others made.

Then there are those forced to be one.

'Tis a tale of a wolf with a mind of steel,

Chosen of Kelemvor and victor over Crenshinibon.

A master of tactics and strategy,

Knight of the Feywild and Kingslayer.

~Fist of Torm~

Location: Termalaine

Discern for yourself, folks of Termalaine.

Hear the story of a soul noble and strong,

Of orcish blood and a human's soul.

A child conceived from union forced,

A shield of Torm and a sword against Gruumsh.

Brave and strong like Agorwal of yore,

Second only to the son of Beornegar.

~Image of Mystra~

Location: Caer-Dineval

Listen, you refined ones of Caer-Dineval,

For I shall sing a ballad of a noble lady fair.

Her love lost to death,

Her family both the dagger and hand.

Pride of Corellon and a beacon of Mystra.

Her stature akin to Lady Alustriel Silverhand,

Her beauty like one of the Seven Sisters.

~Paramour~

Location: Good Mead

Enjoy, revelers of Good Mead,

Here is a tale about one like you.

A Harper he has always been,

A charmer of ladies and lover of mead.

Beloved of Selûne and blessed by Tymora.

A carefree soul like the Sage of Shadowdale,

His nimble hands rivaling one of Bregan D'aerthe.

~Dhaerow~

Location: Bryn Shander

Savor my tale, brave souls of Bryn Shander.

One who is like that statue before your gates.

A child of Menzoberranzan,

A wizard like one from Cormyr.

A traitor to Lolth, a friend to Eilistraee.

A touch like the Harpells of Longsaddle,

Yet more refined a spellcaster than they.

~Intrigue~

Location: Caer-Konig

Pay attention, rival to Caer-Dineval.

To the one straddling between light and darkness.

From Wheloon she set off,

To Luskan she went.

A daughter of Belial, a champion from the Nine Hells.

Beguiling like Sharess,

A touch of madness with a temptress' charm.

Paragon class level up

Realized I've yet to say anything on paragon class here. When we talk about paragon class, there has to be a way to level up. Simply put, your character's paragon class will automatically level up together with the starting class.

As you level up...

You'll gain new at-will, encounter, and daily powers. Not to mention class features as well. You'll end up unlocking new powers at level 10, 15, and 20. Once you reach paragon class status, new paragon powers will unlock at level 25, 30, and 40 (together with that of the starting class as well). Note that this system only works with the class level, not your character's overall level.

Also, you'll unlock an additional slot for your character at least once paragon class is eligible.

Encounter powers and daily power

L1:

Encounter power 1

L2:

Encounter power 2

R1:

Encounter power 3

R2:

Encounter power 4

L1+L2+R1+R2:

Daily power

A/N: Please note that your character can only slot 1 daily power.

Daily (plus) encounters

At-will powers do not have a cooldown, but encounter powers have. However, encounter powers are also more powerful so as to speak. Different encounter powers will have a different amount of cooldown period (duh!). However, there no stats which can affect this aspect of the gameplay. When it comes to gear, however, that's where the fun starts. However, it's not so much about the gear, but rather the nature of gear enhancement. In specific areas/places, you can purchase gear enhancements. The only catch? You must please your patron deity first.

Depending who is your character's patron deity, killing stuff will earn you favor points. These favor points can be used to purchase enhancements which will confer three kinds of bonuses. 

1. Cooldown reduction

2. A specific property

3. Bonus for a specific attribute

As for daily power, you can only use it once per day. As your character levels up, however, the number of usages will increase. Basically, it's 1 additional usage time per every 10 levels (i.e. the character's overall level).

You can only use the daily power associated with the starting class, paragon class, and prestige class. Secondary classes are not eligible for their respective daily powers.

Actions

Actions are now probability based. In other words, stuff like second wind and healing surge requires an element of luck to trigger. At the same time, every action will have a 20 second cooldown. More than 1 type of action can be triggered this way. Below are the actions available in-game and their respective chances to proc.

Latest note: My brain was going on auto-pilot. Gonna tweak extra action.

Healing surge-30%

What it does: Restore twice the amount of HP healed whenever using a healing spell. Healing scrolls will have a fixed 45% to 60% probability (depending on the scroll's quality).

Second wind-25%

What it does: Gives temporary HP and increase in debuff resistance. 40% chance instead if under any control effect.

Extra action-25%

What it does: Conferring invulnerability for the next 5 seconds upon hitting a target or receiving a hit. Extra action cannot be triggered at the same time with other actions.

Stand up-50%

What it does: Recover from knockdown status. 30% chance of preventing knockdown status if your character has either at least a minimal Strength of 16 or a minimal Dexterity of 18. Chances of triggering this action will also be affected by your character's Constitution score (+1% per every point of Constitution above 14).

Charging-60%

What it does: Rushes at the nearest opponent before combat starts. Will trigger knockdown if your character's Strength is above 16.

Shifting-30% to 70%

What it does: Moving out of an opponent's attack, be it either ranged or melee. Chances of triggering this action depend solely on your character's Dexterity (30% with a Dexterity score of 12 to 70% with a Dexterity score of 16 and above). Only applicable against one attack. Cannot be used with the parrying action.

Parrying-30% (+1% bonus chance per every point of AC)

What it does: Deflecting an opponent's attack, after which your next attack will deal 50% bonus damage should it hit the target. Only applicable against one attack. Cannot be used with the shifting action.

Healing potion-10% to 80%

What it does: Enables your character to use a healing potion. Chances to trigger depends on how the amount of missing HP.

ACJC

AC does not mean Anglo-Chinese *insert relevant school here*. Rather, it means Armor Class. Basically, this is your character's defense stat. AC not only affects the damage you receive, it also affects your chances of suffering a critical hit.

At the same time, Dexterity and Constitution also contribute to AC. For every 3 points of Dexterity/Constitution above 12, one point of AC will be given. Every piece of armor will have its own specific AC rating.

P.S: Need to sleep now. Need some sleep now.

Final note: Last Monday, I realized someone has been doing a legal housebreak all the while. I'm pretty sure my family members know the truth, that I'm the only one in the dark. To that unnamed housebreaker, be noted that (I think) I know who you are. You took five pellets of sweets from my box of Halls lime mint earlier on and put them back come that Monday morning while I was sleeping soundly. I swear my life for the past four years has been a K-drama. I should have realized something was wrong when you faked your actual name in front of me four years ago.

I only up this vid for fun...