Recent events concerning humanity have done something wondrous to my brain. Namely, a video adaptation of A Requiem from Winter Past [冬の鎮魂曲]. Basically, I've developed parts of the skeleton.
From now on, I'll be upping links of the previous posts in the name of convenience.
Note: The Roman number for 9 should be IX, not VIV. -.-'
An interesting note on the Neverwinter Six...
To be honest, trying to do the planning according to the Neverwinter modules is now looking like a case of infinite looping. There's no way I can force my creativity to play by external rules. Assuming that Sakaguchi-san is crazy enough to acknowledge my ideas, what it means is merely a case of all good games having their own ending. Which is why I decided to pull the plug so as to speak once The Sea of Moving Ice arc is over. However, this is not to say things will end at here. Maybe, maybe not.
Partial Recall
Originally, I planned to write down the class feats for the ranger class. Then I realized it's better to classify all the feats under one post. In other words, this is not a total recall. Rather, it's a partial recall.
A dummy's guide to spellcasting while armed to the teeth...
In D&D, there are two ways to cast a spell. Either you do it as a spell caster or you do it like a hybrid. When I say spell caster, I'm referring to 3 classes available: wizard, cleric, and warlock (note that more may come if there's really a sequel and that Sakaguchi-san really likes my ideas so much that he decides to work with me).
For spell casters, the D-pad works pretty much the same. Namely, inventory item usage. For a hybrid class like ranger and paladin, there's only a limited option in casting spells. Which means I'll need to find a way to accommodate the whole damn thing.
Inventory slots and spell slots
The idea is very simple. The D-pad will still be used for additional inventory items. This also includes stuff like throwing daggers and arrows. For the hybrid class, however, the D-pad will also be used to store spells. To do this, your character needs to be outside of combat. Press Options during the game and your inventory menu will pop up. Included in the list will be the spells available. Like inventory item, you can just slot your choice of spells by selecting (i.e. via the D-pad) and confirming (i.e. press any button). A message will then pop up asking whether you really want to slot this item/spell in. You can only reserve 1 inventory slot for spells this way.
Spell stacking
By selecting any spell for your inventory, it means you can only use that particular spell unless you choose to slot in another spell. To do so, however, your character needs to be out of combat.
Any spell slotted into the inventory can be used more than once so long it has at least 2 stacks. The amount of usage is basically the number of stacks available.
As your character progresses in level, more spell options will be unlocked. This, however, will not increase the number of inventory slots available for the spells.
Once all your spells have been used up, the empty slot will be automatically filled in by an item. To make this possible, you'll need to slot in the item before slotting in your spells.
Note: Options button can also be used to assign your powers outside combat.
Note: Primary stats indicate the highest stat you get, no matter which class you choose. Secondary stats, on the other hand, tend to be either second highest or third highest rolled.
Add note: Because rolling a die requires luck more than anything else, there will always be that outside chance where a higher score will be rolled for any secondary stat instead of the primary stat.
Cooldown
At-will powers will not have any cooldown. Encounter powers, however, do have it. As for daily powers, it's the same as at-will powers. Because I'm too lazy to assign different cooldown timing across every encounter power, I might as well be lazy all the way.
Level 1 encounter power cooldown: 9 seconds
Level 20 encounter power cooldown: 12 seconds
Level 24 encounter power cooldown: 15 seconds
Level 28 encounter power cooldown: 20 seconds
List of daily powers available (Ranger)
Before I start, let me just say that I forgot how many daily powers are available for any character. Therefore, I decided to do a Total Recall by blowing up whatever I may have done previously (read: I'm going to set the number of daily powers available at 4. Please note that paragon daily powers are excluded because every paragon class will have only 1 daily power).
Note: Unlike at-will and encounter powers, daily powers will always stay at rank 1. At the same time, you can only choose one daily power to use during combat.
Add note: To pull off a daily power, the action point gauge need not be full. However, it will use up half of the maximum action points. Once your character's action point gauge is completely filled, any action triggered will not use up any of the action points unless a daily power is executed.
Level 1
Guardian Arrow:
[Damage type-Single target ranged; physical]
You let loose an arrow against target enemy. If you have an ally nearby, both you and that ally gains combat advantage for the next 5 seconds. [Combat advantage-Attacked opponent takes 4% more damage for every attacking ally including yourself]
Damage: 7400
Skirmishing Stance:
[Damage type-N/A; self-target buff]
You adopt a defensive stance relying on mobility. For the next 10 seconds, you gain +2 AC and +3 Reflex save. Your next attack will end the effect early. Damage dealt this way is counted as critical with +50% damage dealt.
Level 30
Ranger's Resurgence:
[Damage type-Single target ranged and melee; self-target buff]
For the next 5 seconds, you gain +2 AC and +20% movement speed so long you keep moving. If you hit an enemy with any at-will or encounter power in this way, that target takes twice the damage. All your encounter powers will be recharged immediately, after which the effect will end.
Cutting through the enemy ranks, you attack every enemy within sight. Once Gauntlet of Steel ends, the highest level enemy damaged this way will be marked. If only one target is hit this way, duration of being marked will be increased.
[Burst-+10% critical chance]
[Mark-Any target being marked takes 20% more damage from you]
Damage: 8000 per hit
Next: Hope I can start doing the ranger paragon class next. Gotta sleep, got work tomorrow, 3+ in the morning now.
1. To finish the first arc of A Requiem from Winter Past.
2. To finish whatever outstanding stuff in my gaming concept design (read: The Neverwinter Six and Souls of Faerûn).
Therefore, I decide to start one thing at a time. Also, I need to do something about the Crucible label. Most likely I'll do an Arnie on the lore of the world where A Requiem from Winter Past is concerned. After all, I realised I may added too much details for the good of my own brain. *shrugs*
Guess I'll start with geography first. Namely Teutonia and the Furthest East. Before I start displaying creative brilliance...
I'm going to do something from this post onwards. I'm going to tag my sister and a couple of my relatives. The intention is very simple: They're meant to be my guinea pigs. More specifically, my sis is to be that main guinea pig.
I don't really mind you all saying that I'm spamming other people's FB timeline. After all, the late Steve Jobs was both a genius and a jerk.
The purpose of being the Singaporean Victor (read: I'm referring to the scientist Victor Frankenstein of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, not my sis' boyfriend) is very simple. For four years plus, I suspected that I've become famous globally. This was due to the fact that the Kuok clan may have witnessed a genius in their midst. At the very least, I'm a proven(?) genius in creativity. Because I'm out to ascertain whether I'm merely crazy or truly a mad genius like Vincent van Gogh and H.P Lovecraft, I need to press the buttons of those closest to me.
If nothing happens (i.e. no one in the family decides to interrogate me), it means a few things.
1. I'm free to be a jerk like how the late Steve Jobs could get away 99% of the time for all the wrong things he committed.
2. There was this sudden U-turn on my PC's condition last time round. Within 24 hours of getting a critical error for my Windows 10, Bill Gates decided to fix it for me. In other words, it's really true that he's impressed by my constant show of creative genius and that he wants to be my friend.
3. This also means that everybody from my family to my workplace colleagues actually knows the truth behind my super mignonne legal housebreaker. Not to mention her actual identity as well (note: I think I know who she is and that she's been holding a torch for me since 2013. Sounds a bit like how Tohsaka Rin came to fall in love with Emiya Shirou). And yes, it also means even my churchmates know about her.
4. Basically, it means I'm globally famous and that my sis is guilty of mistaking her bro for Job. Every online gamer can be my witness when I say stuff like YouTube can kill off your gaming experience for good. That plus my internet connection has been quite erratic lately whenever she did the same thing. Fortunately, I'm not Frankish and she's not a Roman. However, I'm perfectly capable of thinking like some tactician named Diego Simeone.
Add A/N: Before Sakaguchi-san decides whether to give me a dream job in the same manner before Middlesbrough decides whether to do the same, I'll need to discipline myself in terms of balancing my gaming time and creativity time. And yes, I have to do this alone in the same way I've been doing so for the past 4 years or so.
We all know this is merely fan art, we all know Archer was meant to be forever alone like me(?)...
Credit: Sobachan
List of at-will powers [6 in total]
Level 1
Warning Shot:
[Damage type-Single target ranged; physical]
Launches an arrow at a target enemy. If the target moves after taking damage, another arrow will be launched at the same enemy.
Rank 1: 500 damage per hit
Rank 2: +10% damage
Rank 3: +10% damage
Rank 4: Wisdom also used as damage modifier for the second shot.
Nimble Strike:
[Damage type-Single target ranged; physical]
Launches an arrow at a target enemy, after which you gain 10% chance to avoid damage for the next 5 seconds.
Rank 1: 500 damage
Rank 2: +2% chance to avoid damage
Rank 3: +2 % chance to avoid damage
Rank 4: +2% chance to avoid damage
Hit and Run:
[Damage type-Single target melee; physical]
Deals a fast strike to target enemy, after which you will gain action points at 2% per second while moving. This effect lasts 4 seconds.
Rank 1: 400 damage
Rank 2: +10% damage
Rank 3: +10% damage
Rank 4: +10% damage
Level 10
Marauder's Rush:
[Damage type-Single target melee; physical; lunge]
Rushes towards an enemy and delivers a high damage attack. Upon a successful hit, the target will be knocked back. [Lunge-This power has a 15% chance to miss with the attack range of 15 ft; every 4 points of opponent's Dexterity beyond the score of 12 increases the chance to miss by 3%.]
Rank 1: 1000 damage
Rank 2: +2% bleeding damage
Rank 3: +2% bleeding damage
Rank 4: +3 seconds in bleeding damage duration.
[Bleeding damage-Opponent takes more damage from other sources while under this damage over time effect]
Level 14
Twin Strike:
[Damage type-Ranged and melee; physical]
Deals two attacks in succession. If there is any enemy near the target, Twin Strike will target both enemies instead. Can be done either by range or melee.
Rank 1: 500 per attack [ranged]; 800 per attack [melee]
Rank 2: +2% critical chance if targeting only 1 enemy [ranged]; +10% damage [melee]
Rank 3: +2% critical chance if targeting only 1 enemy [ranged]; +10% damage [melee]
Rank 4: +5% critical damage [Archery Fighting Style]; +3% critical chance [Two Weapon Fighting Style]
Level 18
Shield of Blades:
[Damage type-Multi target melee; physical]
You're unable to move for the next 5 seconds, during which you gain +2 AC. Any nearby enemy will automatically take damage. If the number of attacking opponents exceeds four in total, you lose the AC bonus but gain an increase in damage dealt.
Rank 1: 600 damage [1000 damage if number of attacking opponents exceeds four in total]
Rank 2: +5% damage
Rank 3: +5% damage
Rank 4: +3% chance of parrying; for every opponent exceeding three in total, you attack 2% faster with the bonus chance of parrying reduced by 0.5%.
List of encounter powers [16 in total]
Level 1
Evasive Strike:
[Damage type-Single target ranged; physical]
Dodge the next single target attack, after which an arrow will be launched at the attacker.
Rank 1: 800 damage
Rank 2: +10% damage
Rank 3: +10% damage
Rank 4: Bonus damage modifier via Dexterity [+2% per every 4 points above 12]
Hindering Shot:
[Damage type-Single target ranged; physical]
Shoots an arrow at an enemy's leg. Affected target will move 30% slower and suffer -1 in AC.
Rank 1: 400 damage
Rank 2: +2% effect duration
Rank 3: +2% effect duration
Rank 4: Increases slow effect by 5%.
Skirmish Shot:
[Damage type-Single target ranged; physical]
For the next 10 seconds, you move 10% faster. Pressing any at-will power button during the duration will end this effect immediately.
If you decide to do this, a high damage ranged attack will be made. If nothing is done by end of the duration, your action points increase by 2% instead.
Rank 1: 2000 damage
Rank 2: -1 second in cooldown
Rank 3: -1 second in cooldown
Rank 4: +3% of critical hit per every 4 points of Dexterity above 12
Singular Shot:
[Damage type-Single target ranged; physical]
You're unable to move for the next 3 seconds. During the duration, you can do a ranged attack by executing Singular Shot again. If nothing is done by end of the duration, a random target will be targeted by Singular Shot instead. If there is no enemy within 5 ft of the target, Singular Shot deals increased damage.
Rank 1: 1400 damage [1800 damage against target if no enemy within 5ft radius]
Rank 2: +20% damage against target if no enemy within 5 ft radius
Rank 3: +20% damage against target if no enemy within 5 ft radius
Rank 4: -3 seconds in cooldown
Rapid Volley:
[Damage type-Ranged; physical]
Either shoot two arrows at a single target or two targets at the same time. The second enemy targeted this way does not need to be near the first target to be hit. However, you will suffer -2 penalty to your base attack bonus this way. If both arrows hit the same target, the damage will increase by 40%.
Rank 1: 1000 damage per attack
Rank 2: +5% damage if both arrows hit the same target
Rank 3: +5% damage if both arrows hit the same target
Rank 4: No penalty to base attack bonus when targeting two enemies
Precise Assault:
[Damage type-Single target melee; physical]
Your next attack will deal the minimum weapon damage on a fixed basis, after which the follow-up attack will be made. The second hit will deal maximum weapon damage plus whatever modifier applicable.
Rank 1: Gain 1% action point [first hit]
Rank 2: +20% damage [second hit]
Rank 3: +20% damage [second hit]
Rank 4: +5% critical damage [second hit]
Dire Wolverine Strike:
[Damage type-Multi target melee; physical; burst]
Attack all nearby enemies. Can target up to 3 enemies with damage decreasing by 2% for every enemy beyond the first targeted this way. [Burst-+10% critical chance]
Rank 1: 1200 damage
Rank 2: +2% critical damage
Rank 3: +2% critical damage
Rank 4: No damage penalty if more than one enemy is targeted this way.
Two-fanged Strike:
[Damage-Single target melee; physical]
Attacks target enemy twice in a row with the second hit dealing twice the damage done by the first hit. Only one enemy can be targeted this way.
Leaps forward against target enemy to deal a high damage strike. Any enemy targeted this way will be knocked down.
If weapon used is a blunt weapon, target will be dazed for 10 seconds. Daze causes the affected target to move 20% slower while taking 3% more damage.
If weapon used is a blade weapon, target will suffer bleeding damage for the next 5 seconds. [Bleeding damage-Opponent takes more damage from other sources while under this damage over time effect]
[Lunge-This power has a 15% chance to miss with the attack range of 15 ft; every 4 points of opponent's Dexterity beyond the score of 12 increases the chance to miss by 3%.]
Rank 1: 2500 damage
Rank 2: +10% damage
Rank 3: +10% damage
Rank 4: Reduce the chance to miss by 5%
Fox's Cunning:
[Damage type-Single target ranged and melee; physical]
Avoids the next single target attack made against you, after which you will strike back at the attacker. Damage dealt this way is affected by your Wisdom.
Rank 1: 1000 damage [ranged]; 1200 damage [melee]
Rank 2: -1 second in cooldown
Rank 3: -1 second in cooldown
Rank 4: +5% critical chance [ranged; Archery Fighting Style]; +5% chance to parry [melee; Two Weapon Fighting Style]
Level 20
Thwarting Shot;
[Damage type-Single target ranged; physical]
Fires a quick arrow at an enemy. Target briefly suffers -2 penalty in AC and base attack bonus. Duration of effect is affected by your Wisdom.
Rank 1: 600 damage
Rank 2: +5% damage
Rank 3: +5% damage
Rank 4: Any ally attacking the target will gain combat advantage for the next 2 attacks.
[Combat advantage-Attacked opponent takes 4% more damage for every attacking ally including yourself]
Leonine Surge:
[Damage type-Single target melee; physical]
Strikes twice in succession against a single target, after which you will gain +2 in base attack bonus upon hit for your next attack. If only 1 attack hit or both attacks miss, then you gain combat advantage for your next 2 attacks instead. [Combat advantage-Attacked opponent takes 4% more damage for every attacking ally including yourself]
Rank 1: 1200 damage per hit
Rank 2: +5% damage
Rank 3: +5% damage
Rank 4: +5% damage
Level 24
Hunter's Shot:
[Damage type-Single target ranged; physical]
Fires an arrow at target enemy.If the target is under any control effect, Hunter's Shot deals increased damage with an additional burst property.
Rank 1: 1000 damage; 1500 damage [if target is under control effect]
Rank 2: +5% damage [if target is under control effect]
Rank 3: +5% damage [if target is under control effect]
Rank 4: Additional burst property [if target is under control effect]
[Burst-+10% critical chance]
Finishing Cut:
[Damage type-Single target melee; physical]
Strikes an enemy with devastating swiftness. If the target is under any damage over time effect, Finishing Cut deals increased damage.
Rank 1: 1200 damage; 2000 damage [if target is under any damage over time effect]
Rank 2: -1 second in cooldown
Rank 3: -1 second in cooldown
Rank 4: +30% critical damage [if target is under any damage over time effect]
Level 28
Wolf Howl Strike:
[Damage type-Single target ranged and melee; physical]
Unleashing a howl out of sudden, you strike the opponent via the element of surprise. If Wolf Howl Strike hit the target while fighting an ally, both you and that ally gain combat advantage against that opponent. Otherwise, Wolf Howl Strike deals lower damage without combat advantage. Duration of effect is affected by your Wisdom. [Combat advantage-Attacked opponent takes 4% more damage for every attacking ally including yourself]
Rank 1: 700 damage; 1200 damage [if target is fighting an ally]
Rank 2: +1 second in combat advantage duration
Rank 3: +1 second in combat advantage duration
Rank 4: +1 second in combat advantage duration
Windwalk Strike:
[Damage type-single target; physical]
With gliding movement and sudden pace, you strike at the opponent regardless of distance. For the next 2 seconds, you move 10% faster. Once the duration ends, you may target any one opponent to hit by pressing any at-will button (ranged at-will power will execute a ranged attack while melee at-will power will deal melee attack). You gain combat advantage against that opponent for 5 seconds. Duration of effect is affected by your Wisdom, but not the duration of combat advantage.
[Combat advantage-Attacked opponent takes 4% more damage for every attacking ally including yourself]
Rank 1: 1600 damage
Rank 2: move 2% faster and +5% damage
Rank 3: move 2% faster and +5% damage
Rank 4: -3 seconds in cooldown
Next up: Key stats and class feats for the ranger class. That plus four paragon ranger classes as well. Also, I'll need to do daily powers as well. P.S: Everything above was done a few days in advance. Today is just a day for proof-reading. Add P.S: I could have pushed my brain. Sadly, I'm too much like Emiya-kun.
"We're merely the ore, the world itself is a crucible."
~A Tamurian saying
)0(
"Erm, Sir…"
"What is it, Garev? Spit it out before I do it for you."
"I think you need to learn how to relax more often."
"I believe I need to learn how to kill those jokers from the Third Company. Do you want to talk? If not, then please get the…"
"It’s Gael Kodr again. He lost it big time against the lads from Wearsor and Tynis. Buff poker."
"What did he do?"
"Floored the entire lot with only his underwear on. And in public view, no less. Permission to summon, Sir?"
"THAT’S IT! Get him here! I’m gonna bray him till he's dead!"
Torve Mowbray grins ruefully before a not-so-distant past. A season has passed by swiftly, the inevitable stoking his inner fire. The Northern Lion has known Garyth Parkins for many years with Garev Southgate the only other soldier of the same generation close to him. A knock makes its presence heard, the guest none other than Garev himself.
"Don’t ask for permission over simple matters, Garev," chortles the war veteran, a friendly slap knocking the breath from Garev’s lungs. As his number two laughs in resignation, the grizzled soldier sneaks a glimpse towards a banner of white emblazoned with a lion’s head coloured red. The past revisiting him like one mass deluge, the Northern Lion recalls only too well Garyth Parkins' shocking revelation.
"He ain't my nephew. Can you believe it? I know this sounds absurd, but please keep this a secret between us. That boy… I mean Gael… he's my only shot at redemption."
"Parky, you retarded moron," growls Torve as he steps out of the door, "If that boy ain’t your kin, why did you lie by telling him your brother’s name ends at Kodr?"
Futile questions uttered beget a bugle blared, Torve Mowbray can only settle for something crystal clear from the start. Stepping out from the door, he mutters the very words he spoke to Louthes Gaius Eliaden six years ago.
"That boy may not have any share in Garyth Parkins' blood, but he’s truly his sole heir."
)0(
The morning sky is uncharacteristically warm, the blazing sun above wringing sweat out of everyone. One season's worth of orientation finally reaping a profit deserved, only a rich man’s pampered son would protest against the Father’s will. They say boys are meant to enjoy, but men are made to fight. The journey for every boy has ended, ‘tis up to the men to decide whether to be mere mortals or a pride of lions.
Thrill and anticipation playing vanguard on his first day of duty, Gael Kodr is decked in a suit of leather scales. Like the members of every Support Command, fervent pride burns in him as he takes note of his green tunic. Donning a spangenhelm, the feel of his spear’s oaken shaft ignites a wave of passion. The time is now at hand, bugles announcing the gaffer’s coming. Knowing not what is to come, the lad nevertheless hopes his first mission will be a major one. And a successful one at that.
"Stand guard! Attention!"
Formal atmosphere permeates the Teslaide division, excitement giving way to tension threatening to overspill. Torve Mowbray makes his entrance with nary a pomp, this is a seasoned veteran used to braving the fires of war. Orbs of iron-grey dare all comers to challenge his stand, an old soldier’s features scarred revealing an old lion yet to fall. His shining shirt of mail compliments an aura of steel, his helm bearing the visage of a snarling lion.
"Is everything okay, Garev? You better don’t..."
"All is fine and dandy, Sir," replies Garev, his respectful salute defying the manner of his words.
"Alright then," mutters Torve curtly, his inner reaction nonetheless that of amusement before Garev’s expression, "As the division gaffer of Teslaide, I welcome you all to the Leonum Flammeus. I'm not good with words and far less skilled in tolerating morons. Hence, I may as well allocate your duties until any of you happens to get promoted. Or killed in action for that matter."
Despite the nature of that last sentence uttered, the recruits try their best to stifle their laughter. As soldiers, they have shared many a jape on dying like a hero after pleasing women like a man. As boys, they would always make boastful claims about conquests and accomplishments achieved beneath the sheets. Catterm Leen still recalls with a muffled laugh on what his best friend did last time around despite the insanity involved.
"I told these mad cats from Wearsor and Tynis to shut up. After all, I took the buff poker loss like a man!"
"Just tell me what they did, said, or both."
"A lewd song about Lolyx. Goes like…"
"Okay, I changed my mind. I’m not interested in the size of her stack or how attractive her arse is. Did her dad say anything?"
"Good job. But don’t sin again."
"Spoken like a true parish. We’re blessed to have the old Barn down the Straight Street."
"Enough of your sniggers and retarded thoughts! Look at me!" his voice cutting through the mirth like a hot knife slicing through butter, Torve inhales deeply and exhales slowly. A stoic facade erected is his only solution, declaring war on the actual unease his only way out.
The Support Command is there for a reason and everyone knows why. Recent events happening at Lindel have escalated into a skirmish of sorts. Bounty hunters were sent out, only to have their severed heads tossed at the gates of any nearby settlement. Already, the divisions at Wearsor and Tynis have seen casualties piling up like accounts long overdue. For now, the Viceroy of Yorke has declared a cease in pursuit instead of a state of emergency. Should word break out, the fire would burn all the way to Romus. Simply put, a crisis involving a barking mad brown fellow would have embarrassed the entire Kalaran people. Not to mention the northern part of the Empire.
Don’t like politicians, never like them in the first place. But at least it’s a good call from one of them.
"More importantly, take serious note of this," hollers Torve, the Northern Lion realising how harsh his tone was just now, "All you people are part of the entire Support Command. Hence, direct engagement should only be done with orders given. It's either you learn to obey or prepare to be brayed. Understand?"
They’re merely boys embarking on the path of men.
The gaffer of Teslaide now has to take that inevitable plunge, his thoughts mirroring the dire circumstances at hand.
"As you all have known by now, there’s a case of someone causing trouble at Lindel. Don't ask me how that brownie managed to kill and bail, but at least I'm pretty sure the description is spot on," Torve feels his throat going dry, yet the leader has to keep battling away till his fears are banished, "Refer to the info issued to you an hour ago unless you all want to die. Garev, elaborate further please."
"It’s been rumoured that a suspicious figure was seen in our county three days ago," scratching his head absently, Garev Southgate continues, "Just don’t ask me whether a parish's pretty lass down the Straight Street is more than capable of fibbing. We all know the prettier the lass, the better the liar."
Laughter abruptly invading the square, Torve heaves a silent word of gratitude towards his second in command.
"Right now, your immediate task is to scout the surrounding areas. Every single inch of ground belonging to our beloved Teslaide, that is."
"The Third Support Command is already mobilised together with the Eighth Engagement Command,” interrupting Garev’s speech, Torve displays nary a remorse over seizing back the initiative, "As for the Second Support Command, necessary deployment will be on the cards if there's a need for additional back-up. Until then, stay red!"
"Erm, Sir?" raising up his hand, Gael Kodr wears a nervous look, "What about the lads at Mancher? I thought they are supposed to be best of the best."
"Sound opinion voiced out here. Others call you a moron, but you're quite obviously not too shabby in the humour department. Good try in sarcasm here, Gael Kodr," answers Torve, his inner mirth blooming underneath a visage hard like flint, "Learn from him, lads."
"Sir... it's not too good to say things like that," whispers Garev, "The lad has a proven knack for starting fights. Remember why you got angry at him in the first place?"
"Well, I'm just stating the cold hard truth. If I can earn a quarter for every problem people got with me, I'd be living a high life in a manor perched on a majestic high ground."
)0(
The forest’s eerie calm brings forth a sense of serenity, the stark contradiction not gone unnoticed by the two travellers. Years have passed since the sack of Redcart, a brazen group of bandits blamed for the tragedy. In a span of few hours, men were slaughtered, their children enslaved, and the women ravished. Then demons appeared from rifts below, every monstrous form savaging all in their path. Both the guilty and innocent were not spared, there was only this much the Holy Quintet Church could do. When the Imperatum arrived, the tragedy was already a deal signed and sealed.
"I hope you know what you’re doing, Adine," sighs a dusky brunette, her petite frame shivering, "It’s already summer, but why is this forest so cold?"
"You’re not the only one feeling cold, Lolyx. And don’t worry, I know what I’m doing."
"Let’s hope so. Adine, did you hear that?"
The willowy brunette knows what her companion is talking about. From the moment they stepped into the outskirts of the current Redcart, faint whispers were already heard. If not for Lolyx’s strong faith in the Holy Quintet, she would have retreated. As it turned out, there are indeed some similarities between Gael and Lolyx regardless of any denial from either one of them.
Foolhardy at times and the willingness to sacrifice more than just a limb for a friend.
She cannot back away now, there is no leeway for her to regret her choice. That elven merchant told her all the information required in the first place, none of them was withheld from Lolyx. Adine Tayne starts cursing that nosey Rhyan under her breath, her vocabulary acquired as a serving girl emptied swiftly. If only he is half as brave as that sandy blond who gave her the confidence to be strong all those years ago.
Stick thin and ugly? Sorry, I don’t give a shit. Guess that’s why they call me retarded, huh?
Belligerence is one thing, the ability to start a fight quite another. Win, lose, or draw, Gael Kodr is never one to take back his words. No matter how logically absurd or morally right, this is a man of impetuous chivalry who dreams to be a hero one fine day.
I swear the current Viceroy of Yorke is more retarded than me. As for Ser Brus of Yorke, he will always be a hero I want to be. Just watch, all of you. Just watch.
Ser Brus of Yorke, the stuff of legend every northern boy aspires to be. Never one to back down from a challenge, he was nevertheless not someone known to fight battles at the forefront. A tactically gifted leader of men, his reputation as both a humble person and a ladies’ man was well known throughout the Empire. His courtship of the feisty Stavea of House Layne has been immortalised in the form of songs and plays, the most notable one being the much embellished Taming of the Lioness. As for his humble birth as the prodigal firstborn son to a smallborne family mired in poverty, quite likely this was the reason behind the existence of the Leonum Flammeus.
"You still remember the moment where Gael took on a bear?"
All that is eerie and sombre evaporate in an instance, Lolyx being the source of comfort. Adine understands what she means, a giggle escaping from her lips. For the sake of a dare, Gael agreed to take on a bear which was terrorising little children playing in the fields. That was two years ago when Gael was a mere lad of sixteen winters. Yet, he defeated the odds. Not to mention death as well. Then she starts humming a song composed by Cheril, a friend boasting a talent for music.
"Send the next!" "Send the next!"
Said the bear and moaned the bear.
"For delicious were the previous ones."
Joining in the fun, Lolyx's lower pitch compliments perfectly Adine's higher tone.
Then he saw our hero bold.
Armed with fists, but not with wits.
Our hero bold broke his arm.
Armed with fists, but not with wits.
Our hero broke its teeth. Not with wits, but with a rock.
There’s no next one, no next one.
For not delicious is the final one.
Both maidens break out in peals of laughter, the comedic nature of Gael’s most insane feat not lost on them. When he stumbled upon Lolyx’s doorstep, he was badly injured. Within hours, he recovered swiftly by wolfing down more than five helpings of food in a sitting. An event biting off a massive chunk of her family’s budget for the next cycle. Within days, he was called that lion amongst men as word of his beastly appetite started spreading like wildfire. Despite the sarcasm belying a seeming accolade, Gael wore it as a badge of honour as if he’s really one.
Then a haunting song is sung in reply. It is not the singers sending a chill down the spine, but the lyrics. Adine and Lolyx know the words all too well, for this is the introduction to the greatest legend the Empire’s north has ever seen. It is a song of ambition, the source of Gael’s unattainable dream.
Ser Brus of Yorke, a lion of yore.
A prodigal son, a useless brat.
Wanted to be a hero, mocked as a fool.
His retainer was Laen the Fire-haired, both armour bearer and best of friends.
His spear was Brionac, a cold steel at times and bursting aflame in times of need.
He beheld the beauty of Stavea Layne,
He tamed her fire and made her shrewdness his.
Dark and brooding, full of laughter.
Is there ever a man true like him?
A group of children singing loud, they encircle their visitors like enthusiastic children given the freedom to play. Their spectral form instilling neither fear nor intrigue, Adine and Lolyx nevertheless remain stupefied. They know the manner of emotion which should be there, yet they feel nothing apart from that of regret. Then one of them, a little girl wearing her hair down, waved in their direction.
"Seelia! We have guests here!"
The girl is nothing short of beautiful, her red hair trimmed at the shoulders. Wearing a smile, it is one of lamentations and regret. Her hazel brown eyes are the direct opposite of Gael’s sapphire orbs of passion, a testament to a beauty housing an icy soul.
"So you’re Seelia?" asks Adine, slight jealousy stinging her heart. There stands a beauty unattainable. Not in terms of the outward, but rather the inward. Nevertheless, she suppresses that feeling with full knowledge that such an emotion is not right.
"Yes," bows Seelia, a hand placed on her chest.
"You’re a Teutonian," says Adine as Lolyx stays her tongue, "I hear that this is the manner of a smallborne’s greeting there."
"You are right. I was born in poverty, my mother gave me up for adoption in hopes that I could have a better life. However, my local parish betrayed me. To settle his debts, that scoundrel sold me to slavers from the south. They said I will live like a queen among the Sudhlits, but I knew better than to trust them. I may have been adopted by a wicked man, but at least he never deprived me of the right to seek knowledge, no matter how irrelevant."
At the mention of such a clergyman, Lolyx trembles with rage. Men of moral reproach exist no matter the denial from truly ignorant folks, like a wolf in sheep’s clothing they always are. Her father has always lived an upright life. Even when his beloved wife was on her deathbed, his convictions never wavered once.
"What happened then?"
Much to Adine’s surprise, it is Lolyx's turn to ask a question. It is never the nature of the deed catching her unaware, but a tone of animosity undisguised.
"I slaughtered both bidders and sellers like dogs, for they were born in this manner. Does that answer your question, my fair ladies?"
It is not Seelia who replied, for the answer is spoken in a harsh tone low and composed. Turning around, Adine and Lolyx behold a hulking man. Dressed in a simple garb of tunic, pants, and boots, a single gauntlet of steel is strapped to his right hand covered by a long sleeve. His eyes reflect that of Seelia's. Unlike her, however, volatile wrath churns within his hard unyielding gaze. The top half of his face is covered with burns, the disfigurement stopping at the hairline. Wearing a dark brooding visage with matted black hair reaching his shoulders, the stranger points towards a random direction after striding past them.
"Go. This is no place for damsels, fillies, and little boys. If I am no knight binding self to an oath, the two of you would be feeding the crows."
"Wait!" exclaims Adine, "I need to know…"
"That boy at Redcart. I need to know whether he’s alive."
The speaker is another person, this time around a white-haired elf with a dusky complexion not dissimilar to that of Lolyx’s. The adopted daughter of Barnes Asher saw him days ago, it was during one of her errands where she’s forced to take a detour passing by a brothel. She has nothing but sympathy towards women sold to the worst form of slavery. At the same time, it also means she has nothing but contempt for men who abuse them in the name of correct values. He wasn’t like those dastardly scoundrels dressed either in finery or shabby clothes, though. There was a smugness in him, a cold exterior mocking every shred of her faith. It's as if he merely treated every person, good or evil, as dross meant to be consumed in a furnace.
Great. Just the kind of man I hate most.
"Who are you?" growled the unnamed guardian.
"Arondight!"
Before Seelia’s attempt to reign him in. the hulking knight pays no heed. With a roar shaking the foundations of heavens above, a woodsman axe materialises out of nowhere in his left hand. It is a fine work of craftsmanship, the standard contradicting its rugged wielder.
With fluid grace belying his massive frame, Arondight attempts to cut down the smirking elf with a single flick. Teleporting away, the opponent appears just behind Seelia.
"Let her go, you demon!" shouts Lolyx, "If not…"
"Name is Aeravor. Ranger by trade, a bastard by birth, a wolf above all."
Ignoring Lolyx’s ire, Aeravor takes a single stride as he unsheathes his sword with equal grace.
"I’m not gonna foot the bill if you die. But that excludes your pretty whores."
In the blink of an eye, the ranger appears behind Arondight. With a single turn, the hulking warrior positions his weapon diagonally downward as Aeravor swipes Fragarach upwards. Arondight takes the hit with nary a wince, his right hand lashing out as the only form of defence against an attack changing direction at the last minute. The opponent is a good one, muses Aeravor. The circular nature of his movement was deceptively fluid and fast, the positioning allowing him to swing that gauntleted hand of his.
Then without taking a step forward, the knight lashes out with an awesome force no mortal is ever capable of. A tree is cut down much to the watchers' shock, the quarry nowhere to be seen. Any fear of Seelia being taken hostage is vanquished as Aeravor closes in from the rear, a vicious smile drawn.
Slash versus slash, the occasional forceful thrust repelled by a technique honed and refined. This is a visual feast for the strong, not for the weak in heart. The air of aggression displayed by both combatants assails the spectators, the tension behind what may come the next moment forcing their breaths into rapid bursts.
"Such a beautiful sight... a pity it lasts only for a moment."
Those were the words from Kagetsu no Ji'Yeon countless years ago, Aeravor recalling clearly his answer.
"We’re going to die anyway. Might as well create our own sparks and lit our own pyre."
Every moment of the fight and the possibility of death comes the next move, such is the beauty Aeravor has beheld since he learnt how to wield a sword. It's the spark of life, the immense effort taken to sustain a bonfire. Every tale about love and dreams is nothing bar a lie, what matters truly is a momentary flash called a lifetime. He doesn't need friends, for he has Fragarach. There is no point in having love, for he's never short of whores. There is no one righteous, not even one. Therefore, holding tightly on pointless values and a life equally so is pure drivel.
Then the end appears out of nowhere, an abrupt conclusion arriving in the form of blades attached to silver chains. Burning pain lances into both combatants, Aeravor’s reaction being the direct opposite of Arondight’s passive look. Impaled from various directions, Aeravor and Arondight are miraculously immobilised instead of being slaughtered on the spot.
"Ji loves you, not me. Promise me that you’ll take care of her."
The former Vánagandr snarls his wrath against a handsome youth with golden eyes, his raven black hair cut short contrasting against a complexion fair like ivory. While Seelia manages to retain her composure, Adine and Lolyx begin blushing furiously. Like any traveller, he is wearing a pair of trousers with leather boots. Yet, his athletic torso is partially naked with an open shirt offering a scant semblance of male modesty.
"Stop it. There’s no point fighting like little boys at the playground."
Turning towards Seelia, Adine, and Lolyx, the youth curtsies with a courtly grace.
"Lars Alterfate, at your service."
"What? What do you mean by ‘at your service’, you rapist?"
Before a flustered Lolyx, Lars merely shrugs and gives a mischievous grin.
"Rapist? Oh no, please don’t get the wrong idea. Real men respect women. The act of rape belongs to animals walking on two legs instead of four. I can assure you that I’ve never committed such an act. And neither will I do so. But I did commit stupid acts before…"
"Free me, Lars" snaps Aeravor, "Free me and I'll expose your stupid act!"
"It seems some people never change," answers Lars, his face becoming that of a wounded soul, "I’m here to tell these two beautiful princesses that the Serpent has bluffed them. There’s no information waiting to be found. Not from anywhere six feet underground."
As the hauntingly handsome man speaks those words, Lolyx senses something in him. For a moment, she is unable to discern exactly what. Then an image flashes before her.
It is the same person, yet he is now impaled by the weapons used by himself. Encircling above him is a large murder of crows, their incessant cawing sending shivers down her spine. Yet, there is a beauty within this morbid portrait painted atop a mountain of dead people. For some reason, Lolyx is willing to acknowledge Lars as a figure who deserves nothing less than sympathy.
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Glossary:
Bray: Basically my version of the hairdryer. Gaffer: The official title for any chief commander of any Leonum Flammeus division (ten in all). Parish: My equivalent of a church priest/pastor. Romus: My equivalent of Rome. And yes, Rome did catch fire once before during the reign of Nero. Brownie: Racist term reserved for people of dusky complexion (note: please do not try using this word against your neighbour even though my work is reserved for mature people). Kill and bail: Killing people and running away afterwards. Can also mean the act of cut and run. Stay red: Remain on full alert (I blame Command and Conquer)
The Imperatum: The military arm of the Holy Quintet Church. There are two roles of the Imperatum. Namely, dealing with demons and maintaining peace in any event of conflict. The former is a case of independent authority exercised by the Church while the latter can only be done at the request of any party involved. Imperatum is the Latin word for command and order. Viceroy: An overseer of governors within a specific stretch of land (read: each governor is in charge of a county). Yorke: The combined territories of Wearsor, Tynis, and Teslaide. Taming of the Lioness: A play/song extolling Ser Brus' feat of earning the hand of Lady Stavea Layne. Quite obviously, ninety percent of the content is either nonsense or exaggerated. Title inspired by William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.
Teutonian: One of the three factions/kingdoms of the northern continent. It lies to the west of the Kalaran Empire (the other one being Slarvea which encompasses the entire northern half of the continent). Inspired by a combination of the Celtic, Teutonic, and Anglo-Saxon people.
P.S: Something is wrong with my internet connection for the past few days. Weird...
Add P.S: They say my department got talent, so I decide to tag some relevant people on this. And yes, I know the title is crap. Can you blame me for being a late sleeper?
I know I may risk the anger of my beautiful legal housebreaker by upping this type of title. After all, she's most likely the type who enjoy a nice romantic tale sans the dark stuff. Perhaps that's why she prefers songs like this below.
~Tsukihime~
Above vid is fan-made stuff. Therefore, we shouldn't be dumb enough to think this was something official from Nasu Kinoko and his guano loco crew at TYPE-MOON (and no, Urobuchi Gen isn't one of them. He's too crazy to fit in anyway...).
Mr Randy Tan and Mrs Lydia Quek-Tan, I'm gonna tag the two of you in this post. The reason why being that I'm interested in seeing any response from the real Land of Far Far East.
If ufotable can do it... well, then can't the rest...
I apologise for the horrible Engrish above which sounds more Singaporean than angmoh. Anyway, the blokes and ladies at ufotable may have given every Nasuit a glimmer of hope. Before it was made official, it seems that plenty of people were dismissing the likelihood of Unlimited Blade Works being part of ufotable's plans where the Fate/stay night anime was concerned. Out of the three routes, only Heaven's Feel remains untouched. Fate and Unlimited Blade Works, on the other hand, have been covered by the blokes and ladies at Studio Deen. I think it may have something to do with the details in copyright or whatever. Don't we all hate the devil at times, if not always?
Firstly, let me just say chances are that Xiaxue would have known what Heaven's Feel is like. You got Matou Shinji the rapist son. Then you have Matou Sakura the slut daughter (okay, the former is literally true while the latter case is flamebaiting). Secondly, am I the only one who sees Heaven's Feel as a real sequel to Fate/Zero in ways more than one?
Introduction
This post can be seen as some sort of free-of-charge endorsement for the Heaven's Feel anime adaptation for Fate/stay night come next year (unless ufotable decide to do a Mahou Tsukai no Yoru). We all know in Fate/Zero, there are seven Masters and seven Servants. Plot-wise, Urobuchi Gen's personal creativity was truly the prequel to Nasu Kinoko's personal creativity. But it's very easy for us to stop at how Emiya Shirou was saved. Period.
Out of the seven chosen ones and their respective... well, chosen ones, three of them had minimal impact on the next generation with four others having a big say on the same matter.
The three Masters who didn't matter much when comes to the future list as below:
Le Psychopathe, Uryuu Ryuunosuke
An Uasal, Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald
The Elitist, Tohsaka Tokiyomi
The four others who mattered in ways more than one list as below:
The Hero, Emiya Kiritsugu
The Killer, Kotomine Kirei
ο ήρωας, Waver Velvet
The Betrayed, Matou Kariya
Because I tend to be very long-winded when it comes to self-expressing, I decide to use this entire space for Matou Kariya. Come the next part, I will touch on the three Masters who never mattered much. Finally, I will go back to the last three of the list.
Heaven's Feel and the Holy Grail: Both a Curse and Legacy
More than the other two routes, HF is more Grail-centric than what we'd otherwise think. In the Fate route, the Grail was used as a plot device to develop Saber from a tragic heroine to a flawed heroine coming to terms with herself. In UBW, the Grail was merely used as a secondary plot device meant to conclude the story (despite being a jerk by abandoning Rin to Shinji's lust, Archer did save her from the Grail come the end. Ironically, Shinji was also saved because of this).
As for HF, we get to know the evil nature behind the whole wishing fountain. Ultimately, Urobuchi-san merely let us see more of the monster rather than the monster itself.
Case in point? Self-explanatory.
Heaven's Feel has more than one purpose so as to speak. If Fate/stay night is to be an analogy of reality when it comes to life itself, then Heaven's Feel is basically the end where idealism is proven to be nothing more than a farce. When it comes to anomaly named Emiya Shirou, however, it must be stated that Heaven's Feel is the only way to conclude a contradiction.
Ending wise, HF actually has the best true ending out. In Fate, Shirou was left to his own devices. Which was possibly why Realta Nua version has to add in that hidden ending. In UBW, we don't have to think twice on what will happen to Shirou.
In fact, the 2015 anime went one step further and showed us this vid below.
Unfortunately, I can't find the English sub. However, you can switch to French translation. Just don't ask me how my super mignone legal housebreaker and her BFFs will feel over this.
If the Grail has always been the biggest lie, it's because we're talking about reality. Our expectations on reality has always been like how the Grail was seen. Ultimately, understanding what the Grail was all about is basically the same as understanding reality for what it is. In this sense, the Grail is definitely something personal to Shirou. On the first glance, Fate/stay night looks like your standard shounen work. In reality, it's more of a seinen work sans the excessive blood, violence, and... well, sex (last part depends on which version you play).
In HF, we have two dead men walking. The first would be Emiya Shirou. We all know that. What about the second?
Shirou was a dead man walking physically, Kariya was a dead man walking in the sense that there's not much difference between him and his future "son in-law". Sounds confusing? Let's just see this as a dead man made alive by his legacy.
If we're to see Heaven's Feel as a form of legacy plot-wise, whose legacy should it belong to? Matou Zouken? Yes, we all know his backstory by time we finished the playthrough. To him, the Grail was a legacy to his unresolved feelings towards Justeaze Lizrich von Einzbern (ironically, the original aim of the Grail was all about creating a utopia where everyone could live happily ever after. Sucks to be Zouken, not so much if your surname is Emiya). In the same way reality has corrupted the Grail, Zouken began being corrupted by time itself. Mayhap more than anything else, 'tis the real curse of the Grail.
In the same way we can easily become the monsters we professed to hate, there's nothing much separating Kariya from the man he hated most. Not in a bad way, but in a humane way. If Zouken's unresolved feelings was towards the head of House Einzbern back then, surely Kariya did have unresolved feelings towards Tohsaka Aoi. In the same way Zouken lost the woman he loved (or at least that how I see it) to the Grail, Kariya lost the woman he loved to Tokiyomi. Both did so willingly, both did so with their blessings given to the other party. Unfortunately, shit will always happen because people will always enjoy stirring up shit.
Spoiler: It was Kirei and Gilgamesh who double teamed Tokiyomi. Kariya was merely that fall guy.
Years later, the curse of Matou never showed any signs of abating. In fact, it got worse. Shinji was extremely bitter and a misogynist. In fact, we can just put the two together like 2+2=4. He's bitter because of a girl. He's a misogynist for the same reason as well. He wanted Tohsaka Rin, he couldn't get her. He wanted the leadership of the Matou family, Sakura was seen as a better alternative. To make things even more dramatic (definitely more dramatic than the Monday Couple of Gary and his Song), Rin and Sakura are sisters in blood (if not for the tragic circumstances, I'd have called Tokiyomi's fate a verdict by death and karma).
Then enter our not-so-heroic hero. Unlike the Fate route, Shirou chose to forsake his foolish idealism of being an ally of justice (i.e. 正義の味方). Unlike UBW, Shirou chose to embrace reality over a dream he knew was never meant to be. In HF, Shirou would go on to make decisions to save one person instead of billions. It was like what Archer said during his showdown with Shirou in the UBW route, that the ally of justice can only save those whom he sides with. Shirou chose not to side with Zouken, he chose to side with Sakura. This has got nothing to do with altruism even though we know who that big bad ah-kong is. And neither did Shirou use it as an excuse. As an individual, we have to admit the boy has matured into an honest man.
Make no mistakes about it, Shirou's feelings towards Sakura was the same thing when it comes to Kariya's feelings towards Aoi. In the same way Tokiyomi ruined the life of a wife he may not have truly loved, likewise Sakura was running the risk of being ruined. Not by Zouken per se, but the Grail itself. Which is why we have this super badass scene.
Shirou may not know the real Kariya, but I can say he's basically the same type of guy as his "uncle in-law". In reality, many local Singaporean guys will complain about how local girls being the high upkeep type. Which leads to the SPG culture so as to speak. To Kariya, sacrificing everything was never about high upkeep. To Shirou, protecting that one girl he loved was never about high upkeep. As a man, you can boast about earning your first one million SGD or even USD by time you hit 30. But so what? What's the use of earning the entire world at the cost of being a dead man walking? You have money, but you don't have peace. You have status, but you don't have someone to love. Even if you have a Hollywood A-lister as your girlfriend, there's a difference between bragging rights and being right.
At the end of the day, Shirou stepped on the same path as Kariya and Zouken. It's a path of no return since all three were being afflicted by corruption of their own making. Zouken corrupted himself because he couldn't withstand the torture of time. Kariya corrupted himself because he gave himself over to madness. As for Shirou, he corrupted himself knowing full well that the cost may be bigger than death itself. If we're to die without regrets, it's because we know the reason why. For Shirou, forgetting the girl he loved before dying was a fate worse than death. It was exactly the curse Zouken inflicted upon himself, the same kind of demon Shirou risked becoming and the same monster Kirya truly hated. Yet, the only way for him to save Sakura was to risk getting corrupted by that absolute power called his left arm. It was virtually a case of losing himself versus losing his loved one. In terms of having such a mind of steel, there's not much difference between him and Archer. Shirou didn't want to surpass Archer based on his former belief. Rather, he's out to surpass Archer via a new set of standards. And that standard is a selfish one. But so long an ally of justice can save one soul he chose to side with, it's good enough.
It's bad. Really bad. I don't know who to blame, but my sis now has a new toy after her Korean bandwidthglutton. While it's too early to tell whether Gary "boh kangtao liao" Kang's departure is the cause, knowing that she will switch on two mobile devices at one time means my Neverwinter experience is screwed. Or rather always, is, and will forever be. So much for her having a PRC bandwidth glutton...
Add note: It shouldn't be that bad if not for the insane nature of the 2 x event in Neverwinter.
More add note: It's official. I'm truly unofficially famous and that there may be hackers out to screw my Arc client as a result. So yeah, not necessarily my sis' fault lol.
Some more add note: Seems that the rabbit hole is far deeper than expected. The hack job may be far more pervasive than I thought. Arc support page hit an internal error... :S
Unlike feats and powers, skills cannot gain any increase in rank via levelling up. Rather, they need to be trained/unlocked via certain NPCs who will offer lessons for a fee. Duration of training can vary from 2-3 days in-game to even a month (1 in-game day is equivalent to 15 minutes of gaming time). Upon undergoing training, the character cannot exit the settlement he/she is in. However, the player can choose to save the game, after which the training will still continue.
The number of ranks in any skill will have a greater bearing on the outcome than the key stats involved. Maximum rank achievable this way is capped at 5.
Note: There will always be a chance of failure depending on your current skill rank.
Action point gauge
No action may be taken if the character's action point gauge reaches 20% or below. Upon reaching 100%, daily powers can be used while actions and encounter powers will not cost any action points for the next 2 minutes. Upon using a daily power, the action point gauge will be reset to 0.
Apart from at-will powers, other powers will cost action points to activate.
Note: Action points will always start off from 0 at the start of combat.
Daily powers
Any daily power can only be used once per day. Upon the next in-game day, daily powers can be available once again.
Note: Recharging will take one full day (i.e. 15 minutes in real time) unless the character is in an inn. In this case, recovery will take half a day instead (i.e. 8 minutes in real time).
Free action
Free action works like extra action, but without the need to spend action points. Whenever an extra action is triggered, there will be a 30% chance of that extra action becoming a free action instead.
Honoured of the Forsworn
Hero of Neverwinter
Knight of Feywild Kingslayer
A local Mediacorp drama extolling the feats of local heroes has arrived in its full glory. As for me, I prefer creating my own type of heroes. Initially, Arylos was meant as a mere pastime than a potential work of personal creativity. Thanks to my sis' lack of understanding on her bro after I stated that her Running Man shows are slowing down my gaming connection, I decided to do something about it. And it didn't help that Arylos was indeed inspired by Archer right from the start looks wise.
My sis' lack of understanding ended up creating unintentional consequences. Period.
At the same time, I decided to make traits and a fixed set of skills as the only factors separating the playable characters (e.g. The Neverwinter Six) and the created ones (i.e. those generated via the dice).
Traits
Mind of Steel:
Arylos gains 5% bonus chance to parry and 2% chance to trigger one free action without the need to execute an extra action. Only one effect can be activated with a 60 second cooldown afterward. Arylos gains +1 Fortitude save and +2 Will save.
Unlock requirements: Completing the quest Greatest Escape.
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Master Tactician:
If Arylos attacks first at the start of combat, Strategist's Gambit will be triggered. Both he and nearby allies will be conferred 10% bonus chance to critical hit until the end of combat this way. If any enemy attacks first at the start of combat, Tactician's Foresight will be triggered. Until the end of combat, Arylos' action points will gain 3% faster with his encounter powers cooldown reduced by 30%.
Unlock requirements: Completing the quest A Hermit's Farewell.
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Feywild's Fury:
Whenever taking critical damage, Arylos has 40% chance of dealing back arcane damage to the attacking foe and enemies near the target. Upon his hit points dropping to 30% or below, Feywild's Rampage will be triggered. Arylos will gain +40% in damage dealt, +2 AC, +10% resistance to any damage over time, and +2% regeneration. Encounter and daily powers cannot be used when Feywild's Rampage is active. Feywild's Rampage can only be triggered once per battle. This effect lasts 60 seconds.
Unlock requirements: Complete the quest Never a Hero, Yet Meant To Be.
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Chosen of Kelemvor:
Arylos gains 10% resistance to necrotic damage and 30% chance of activating Kelemvor's Judgment per hit once his hit points drop below 50%. Kelemvor's Judgment is a divine spell dealing high radiant damage in a small area. Any undead target affected by Kelemvor's Judgement will deal 5% less damage for the next 15 seconds.
Unlock requirements: Complete the quest Never a Hero, Yet Meant To Be.
List of skills available
Perception (rank 5)
Stealth (rank 3)
Nature (rank 5)
Religion (rank 1)
Character stats
Strength-14
Constitution-13
Dexterity-19
Intelligence-13
Wisdom-20
Charisma-11
Title bonus
This will be the last part of the post. I swear I'm truly a Tesla guy. Just don't ask me whether my beautiful legal housebreaker is a Tesla girl.
Basically, titles work like achievements. If you did something so terribly low-class, you get a stupid achievement. If you did something like a true blue son of a gun, you get a badass achievement. Titles also work the same way (note: don't ask me whether there will be dumb titles reserved for the dumb). However, a title also grants unique in-game bonus. Some titles are quite easy to get since it's about completing quests. Then there are those which are not so simple as ABC. Below are the title effects for Arylos.
Honoured of the Forsworn: All allies enter combat with 25% action points. +1 Charisma if there is any Forsworn in the party.
Unlock requirements: Complete the quest No Return for An Arrow Loosed.
Hero of Neverwinter: +2 base attack bonus.
Unlock requirements: Complete the quest Never a Hero, Yet Meant To Be.
Knight of Feywild: +2 AC. +1 base attack bonus if there is any fey member (including elves) in the party.
Unlock requirements: Complete the quests Before A Looking Eye and Towering Betrayal.
Kingslayer: +4 base attack bonus against boss enemies. +6 base attack bonus instead if there is any mob present.
Unlock requirements: Knight of Feywild title and completing the raid quest Feydark's Crown.
