The Retaking of Aine OOC

[Qyron]

Nothing so fancy, Jedi. I´m more of a techie than a magi myself.

I actually made a gross mistake when I wrote that. The atahlans are sensible to energy shifts, not their equipments

Those vanbraces and necklace are of athalan (I really must revise the race bio for their name) craftsmanship and made in a very sturdy metal alloy called manor. Far in the future, the athalans will explain that the metal has its unique characteristics due to molecular smiting, but at the time when this story is being played, they only know that the centenary technique they use to work the metal infuses it with quite fantastic capabilities.

The vanbraces and the necklace are in fact a contracted full plate armour, that reacts to the energy levels of the wearer. The jewels act as energy anchors, absorbing and directing it from the armour´s owner and the surrounding environment to the metal and powering the armour, that enhances its wearer combat capabilities, specially strength and speed. The down side is that the armour is only as effective as its wearer which is why the athalans endure their gruesome physical and mental trainings throughout their lives.

Back to our debate:
Nayil, waking up in a dungeon, stripped of his weapons and equipment, even if (or specially because of being) chained to a wall would most certainly power the armour and break out from the dungeon. But you know what? that even sounds good to me. Lets do it.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Wait....what?? Those bracers and necklace are essentially pieces of a retractable powered armor suit which enhances the wearer's strength and speed? Dude...that would be awesome in a sci-fi/future story, but here in the time of Aine it's just a little over the top, unless of course you could explain the physics behind it.

 

[Qyron]

Perhaps you could explain why sometime ago a team of researchers found weapons inside a tomb that had been forged using a technique we only recently discovered and are capable of applying in industrial grade facilities... when those items were hand made...

 

[Qyron]

If you really must, if you research a little, many ancient cultures developed crafting techniques that today still eludes our understanding.

Maian culture left behind metal disks that can contract or expand when bombarded with certain sound frequencies. In Japan and China were found armours crafted with a level of precision so high that we need high precision tools today to mimic the work and suck at it. Romans developed a special cement that takes centuries to completely dry and start to crack, thus weakening. I could go on forever...

 

[Qyron]

Wait....what?? Those bracers and necklace are essentially pieces of a retractable powered armor suit which enhances the wearer's strength and speed? Dude...that would be awesome in a sci-fi/future story, but here in the time of Aine it's just a little over the top, unless of course you could explain the physics behind it.

And the armour is not powered in the true sense of the word. It uses the wielder own energy, harnesses it and amplifies it. IT DOES NOT self fuel and does not accumulate energy. And it takes a great toll on its wielder; it actuality demands will power to activate. In extremis, if the wielder tries to go over the edge, the armour can become its tomb.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Um...I've never heard of any of that stuff you've mentioned.

Weapons found in a tomb that were made using a technique we've only just discovered? Metal discs made by the ancient Mayans that expand and contract depending on the sound frequency being blasted at them?

I find those items to be hard to believe, whereas the Japanese armor and the ancient Roman cement are somewhat believable. The Japanese have always created excellent work, plus they were rather technologically advanced compared to Europe prior to the Renaissance. Also, cement today never really completely dries. The cement used in the construction of the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River is still curing, all these years later.

As for the "powered" armor, it draws on a source of energy to make it work, therefore making it "powered" armor. Whether that energy be from a battery, a generator, or the will of a human being, doesn't matter. Energy is energy.

Oh, and good night, once again.

 

[Qyron]

You have a good point about that, but still how could people without rocket science could develop such advanced techniques? We took years of chemistry research and physics to accomplish it and they simply reach it by who knows what method. Perhaps even because of a happy mistake.

What I mean is that things like these can happen. Technical advances can exist and used without being totality, if they prove to be safe for use.
I´m thinking on the Baghdad Battery right know, that uses vinegar, iron and copper to generate an extremely low current; Egyptians had already discovered them and some have been uncovered when digging in the Valley of Kings, recently.

About those maian metal disks... those things are considered exotic items. I remember reading a book about alternative knowledge a few years ago where a guy stated that it could even be possible that those things enable flight if the correct sound frequencies were used; had something to do about elevating the atoms energy thus creating magnetic fields... That I have a hard time wrapping my mind around. But it common knowledge that metal is sensible to sound waves.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Um...I can't make any response to that post Qyron, especially considering the exceptionally poor English (even for you) and the vague generalities. Would you like to try again?

 

[Qyron]

No generalities this time.

The armour stays.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

An armor that defies the laws of physics. Okay.

 

[Qyron]

Magic defies the laws of reality. And I don´t recall anyone complaining about that.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Of course magic defies the laws of reality and physics, but I thought that Nayil and his people didn't like magic?

 

[Qyron]

Its because they do not use magic items at all that I made them technologically advanced. I never stated the armour is magic.

I was stating that in fantasy worlds magic is common trade and yet nobody complains about that.

Besides, the race as several penalties:

1) no use of magic items at all

Even fighters in AD&D can use magically empowered items like protection rings and necklaces, shields and armours and a great assortment of magically enhanced weapons.

2) no ranged weapons

Besides hurling a knife or an axe or perhaps a spear, athalans do not use ranged weapons at all.

3) extremely large

Makes them an easy mark, right?

4) no unique racial traits

None whatsoever. No special resistances, no special senses (ultra, infra, or dark vision, special hearing, etc), no unique abilities, nothing.

All added up, an athalan is basically a super-sized human with all its weaknesses and none of its advantages. In AD&D, humans have a great flexibility when multi-classing and receive extra bonus. Athalans would receive a -2 on charisma and would receive a +2 on strength as a trade-off. Being blocked of using magic items and even potions would make an athalan a very challenging character to use in the game. And the size would prevent the use of certain armour and weapons.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Okay, so the armor is not magical. That is established. Then how can it be reduced to simply a pair of bracers and a necklace? That defies the law of conservation of mass. Only magic can do that. Unless this armor is not full body, then what you are suggesting the bracers and necklace to be is impossible.

 

[Qyron]

Molecular rearrangement.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

But that doesn't account for the increased mass, unless it somehow converts Nayil's own skin into the armor, which would then be magic.

Molecular rearrangment can account for the bracers and the necklace stretching, which results in the "armor" being paper thin or less. In order for the armor to be any good, it'll have to be thicker than 5 sheets of paper, and to do that with molecular rearrangment from a pair of bracers and a necklace would require some mass to mysteriously appear out of no where.

 

[Wolfsister]

Hey, I'm back but currently too lazy to go over all the posts I missed.

Sorry for the absence, as I'm blasting all over the ORP, my comp got sick and died.

Anyway, anyone to care to bring me up to date with anything important?

 

[Qyron]

we are just debating something. you really need to read. and add your 5 cents to the pot.

 

[Qyron]

But that doesn't account for the increased mass, unless it somehow converts Nayil's own skin into the armor, which would then be magic.

Molecular rearrangment can account for the bracers and the necklace stretching, which results in the "armor" being paper thin or less. In order for the armor to be any good, it'll have to be thicker than 5 sheets of paper, and to do that with molecular rearrangment from a pair of bracers and a necklace would require some mass to mysteriously appear out of no where.

You assume the armour is made of steel; it is not. Manor is not steel. And it is not a metal; its an alloy.
Please think about the famous mithril in JRR Tolkien´s work. And you can also consider reading the wikipedia entry on it where is mentioned an alloy with an intriguing characteristic, without being magical.

The armour retracts to form a pair of vanbraces and a necklace. The last one is not a string; it is an heavy piece of metal, very wide and thick, with one large black stone set in the front, similar to an Egyptian necklace in style and construction.

Finally, I never said I would explained how the armour truly works. Its a full plate, its retractable and that is it. Is it impossible to exist? Perhaps today.

This is a fantasy world. Here, anything goes. I am not creating an invincible character here nor I am trying to spoil the game for anyone. I took great care when creating the race and given it severe penalties to balance their tech advances, like their armours, weapons and others things that will not appear in this project-to-be.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Alloy: a substance composed of two or more metals, or of a metal or metals with a nonmetal, intimately mixed, as by fusion or electrodeposition.

Alloy == metal.

Anyways, enough arguing. Let's just get this thing started.

 

[Wolfsister]

Well, I read it and I don't know what I have to add to it. Truth be told, I was completely bored and only forced my way through it cos you asked.

I don't care if its magic or tech. I couldn't be bothered with physics beyond the thought of whether or not an attack will hit believably or not.

As far as I can make out, the vambraces and the necklace act somewhat like the helmet out of the latest "Lost in Space". It retracted, but was full plate when fully extended. I see that as completely believable, but I would say that both pieces of jewellery would be 'extremely' heavy. (perhaps another way an Athalan conditions his body?)

Also, if you want retractable plate armour, why not have anklets as well? Or boots - or something similar. Or perhaps a belt. Unless I'm mistaken on what a vambrace is - you've got the head and the arms covered, but nothing below the waist. If you want to go with physics its logical that you don't want to the entire armor going into the necklace.

So hence the belt or something like that.

Ummm... if I've not made myself a complete idiot by saying that, think on it. I also don't think that it its too much of a stretch. Even if Athalan's don't use magic, the use of Energy (or Mana) is something that is widely used in fantasy realms. Its not too hard to believe that the way the alloy is forged can actually increase the aura or energies of the wearer, hence their increased capabilities like strength and speed.

Though one wants to ask why the Athalans need the use of the alloy to bring out their increased capabilities.

Just one more thing. Jedi, if you haven't heard of something, it doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Just one more thing. Jedi, if you haven't heard of something, it doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

I know that Wolfsister. It's just that in some cases, it's hard to believe that the thing exists.

 

[Qyron]

[...]I was completely bored and only forced my way through it cos you asked.

Sorry...

I couldn't be bothered with physics beyond the thought of whether or not an attack will hit believably or not.

A swing at him, as long as it has enough power to knock the man inside down will knock him around. And will make a nice sound when the metal reverberates.

A giant swinging a hammer perhaps wouldn´t be able to dent the outer plating, but the shock wave would have severe effects on the man/woman inside.

but I would say that both pieces of jewellery would be 'extremely' heavy. (perhaps another way an Athalan conditions his body?)

Never had really given much thought about it, but I like it. Highly dense when contracted, really light when expanded.

Also, if you want retractable plate armour, why not have anklets as well? Or boots - or something similar. Or perhaps a belt.

I´ll go with the anklets. Sounds nice.

Ummm... if I've not made myself a complete idiot by saying that, think on it.

You haven´t. Really. And I already did.

Though one wants to ask why the Athalans need the use of the alloy to bring out their increased capabilities.

The armour reacts to the energy of the wearer in order to contract and expand.
The amplification it gives is negligible; this is not a good image but I see the armour as a supercharger, elevating and outputting the available energy faster.

An athalan, stripped of his armour, would also be able to harness their increased capabilities and perhaps with spectacular effects in the older members of the race, who have had a very long time to learn how to handle them. I always thought about the athalans as race that use their entire life to improve themselves, as individuals and as a people. Their items are like zen weapons. that take years and years of training to achieve mastery.

And what about your PC, wolfsister?

 

[Qyron]

BTW...

Does everybody agrees on the location of the Morg realm for this project? I looked at it after Jedi commented and I shifted the kingdom a little more to the East: the realm is now formed by the real world, modern day, provinces of Pavlodar, East Kazakhstan, Almaty and part of the province of Karagandy.

If we assume that Ain is located somewhere (or is formed by) the Limousin region of France, the two regions have 5190Km separating them. Adding 15 years of warp, I think its relatively sure to say that Ain will be pretty much an unknown place in Morg territory.

I need feedback on this. And I need info about your new PC, Wolfsister, please.

Jedi, I´ll need an updated bio for your Elf, please, and how and why as he wondered into the Morg realm. Any questions, I´m here to answer. Next Monday, I´ll open the new OOC thread for the project, which I´ve temporarily baptised "Rebellion". Suggestions for a different title are welcome.

Your truly,

Q

 

[Wolfsister]

Name: Arish Blade
Age: 19 (but looks 16)
Height: 5'1"
Weight: 100 lbs
Hair: Dark red tinge (natural) short and straight. (just below ears)
Eyes: Opaline green
Occupation: Assassin (Guildless)
Starting location: Dank Town (slum part of the city)
Race: Human
Skin: Fair
Abilities: Woodcraft, martial art, sword craft, limited weapon smithing, stave craft, bow craft, throwing knives, thief craft, mimicry and some small spell craft, some herb craft

Physical description: Slender and small, Arish is often underestimated. She is lithe and extremely agile with wiry muscles she hides under clothes - built up through years of body conditioning. She has slender fingers through working with knives since she could hold them. She is an extremely good shot.

Equipment: She has numerous equipment - it usually depends on the job - but she usually carries a lock picking set, sewing kit, leather scrip with herbs, grappling hook, makeup set, spell book, tinder/flint kit and other useful tools.

Clothing: She usually wears clothes that cover all. And a cloak that has a deep cowl, with darker colours suiting her best. She occasionally wears dresses, it depends on the job. She wears predominantly breeches with long sleeved shirts. She wears no jeweller except for a single golden bracelet on her left wrist. She does not wear revealing clothing willingly.

Weapons: Numerous throwing knives as well as ordinary blades. She carries bow and quiver in the forest. Arish usually carries a walking staff that doubles as a quarterstaff. She also wears a short scimitar like blade that has a simple baldric which allows her to wear it at hip or on back. She also carries several fuse bombs at a time (usually smoke or flashbangs) as well as the small quantity of spells she carries with her.

History: Arish belonged to the Guild of Assassins since birth. Her parents were sub par members, never reaching the higher echelon, but Arish worked hard and achieved a great many things. It was like she was compensating for her family. True, initially she didn’t have much choice in her career, but she grew to love it. She is a solitary type of person and likes the ‘cloak and dagger’ approach to assassination – though she will do pretty much anything to get the job done.

Relatively poor, despite her accomplishments, Arish was never one for the trappings of wealth. When the Guild decided it would make more profit working for the Morg – she decided to leave. Well, run away, is more the term. Soon after she was cast out, she learned that the Guild had abandoned all to the Morg. They were slaughtered. She now lives in the city – stealing for her food and generally just hiding. She doesn’t care overly much about the city, or who controls it.

Finding some orphans, she became their patron, of sorts. She keeps them fed, clothed and teaches them some of her trade – the more bloody aspects she keeps to herself – and subsequently safe. She can usually be found in their den – playing the mother.