RolePlay onLine RPoL Logo

, welcome to 2e Realms - Treasures of the Past

23:44, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Kora's Apprenticeship.

Posted by DMFor group 0
DM
GM, 1983 posts
Tue 14 Feb 2017
at 17:33
  • msg #46

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

Kora listens as you explain your reasoning, then glances down at the pile of shaft pieces. "When you say it like that, it sort of makes sense. Before, it just seemed like you were being a jerk. Giving a gift and taking it back in the most annoying way possible."

She hooks a thumb over in the direction of her horse, and where you had placed the staff after enchanting it. "I left the light piece where it lay. You're going to have to be the Lightbearer until the spell wears off."

((ooc: Since you didn't explain before the fact, this conversation happens the morning after Kora went axe-happy. But at least she's no longer angry with you. :) ))
Krackor Steelfist
player, 280 posts
Defender of 5th Rank
AC: 1/3/2. HP: 34/34
Tue 14 Feb 2017
at 20:54
  • msg #47

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

In reply to DM (msg # 46):

Looking down at the pieces, Krackors smile wanes a fraction until Kora speaks.

"I am not angry nor annoyed at this, it shows the lessons learned and a lesson learned is a lesson learned even if drestruction brought it about.

It was wooden for a reason, I shall commission the next in metal and ensure the end is still attached.  Should you decide to follow in the ways of Gorm, I'm sure he won't be disappointed, he would show you these spells."


Walking over to the horse, the priest sees the head part, damaged but still hiding the light.

"Mistress Lightbearer, this is and from now on, will be forever yours. I shall carry it until the magic wears off." He then walks back to Kora with a smile and offers her a rose petal to kiss explaining about the spell used to know when they are in danger as used previously.

ooc:all is good
This message was last edited by the player at 11:54, Wed 22 Feb 2017.
Karilla Silveroak
player, 212 posts
HP 36/36
AC 4 (2 w/SWpnS)
Wed 22 Feb 2017
at 11:11
  • msg #48

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

In reply to Krackor Steelfist (msg # 47):

Karilla spotted the splintered club. Karilla unceremoniously took Kora by the arm to talk with her privately. Before Kora had a chance to argue, Karilla laid into her like an angry mother.

"It is disappointing that you let your pride get in the way of your training. Krockor had a clever and useful  way to train your muscles to handle a great sword. If you had been able to carry that club for any significant length of time, it would have made a great sword seem to be a tooth pick in comparison. You were the one who decided on the gargantuan great sword as your preferred weapon and so you must deal with the consequences of that choice.

Before I teach you any spells, I want you to be able to show the patience and diligence of a squire. It will lessen my chances of being blown up since an impatience apprentice will result in loss of limbs or you being transfigured into a talking chicken.

If you want me to be apart of any of your training, you will fix this situation by learning the lesson and asking, kindly, for a second chance. Krackor placed a useful enchantment on the club to truly turn you into 'Mistress Lightbringer.' You should do your best to earn that title instead of being just another foolish human who couldn't swallow her pride to learn a useful lesson."
Karilla gave Kora a knowing glare to let her know that the conversation was over until Kora had a chance to think upon what Karilla had said.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:28, Wed 22 Feb 2017.
Kora Roustinghorn
NPC, 42 posts
6/6 HP
AC 10
Wed 22 Feb 2017
at 15:32
  • msg #49

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

Kora rolls her eyes. "He played a mean prank by pretending to give a gift that was actually a trap. And I gave it just as much respect as it deserved. I am willing to work. I am willing to listen. This whole idea of training as a warrior before teaching me magic was your idea in the first place, remember? I listened, decided you had a good point, and agreed, even though it meant putting off learning the magic that I really wanted to learn and much more physical work than I expected when I joined you.

"But there are limits. Being an apprentice does not give anyone, even those training you, license to unleash any kind of petty cruelty they find momentarily amusing. And if this group does not understand that, then you are not the people I thought, and I will find others to teach me."

This message was last updated by the player at 15:32, Wed 22 Feb 2017.
Krackor Steelfist
player, 292 posts
Defender of 5th Rank
AC: 1/3/2. HP: 34/34
Wed 22 Feb 2017
at 18:02
  • msg #50

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

ooc: By 'Great Sword', does Kora refer to a Bastard Sword/Claymore (The latter being the former, a greatsword of the Scottish Highlander) or do you mean a Two-handed Sword?
DM
GM, 2003 posts
Wed 22 Feb 2017
at 19:09
  • msg #51

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

((ooc: I mean a standard two handed sword from the PHB. While I realize that there are number of different "massive two handed swords" down the years in a variety of cultures, they pretty much all fall under the header of "PHB two handed sword" for simplicity's sake.))
Krackor Steelfist
player, 295 posts
Defender of 5th Rank
AC: 0/2/1. HP: 34/34
Wed 22 Feb 2017
at 19:41
  • msg #52

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

Krackor was disappointed in Kora yet amused by her at the same time. He also learnt a lesson, there is more than one way to solve a problem.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:48, Wed 22 Feb 2017.
Corym Ildroun
player, 1230 posts
19/21 HP
AC 1 (0 w/buckler)
Tue 28 Feb 2017
at 13:26
  • msg #53

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

Kora Roustinghorn:
"But there are limits. Being an apprentice does not give anyone, even those training you, license to unleash any kind of petty cruelty they find momentarily amusing. And if this group does not understand that, then you are not the people I thought, and I will find others to teach me."</Periwinkle>


"Different people understand apprenticeships differently.  Apprenticeships don't even really happen in Evereska anymore with the rise of the Academy.  Well--you might have a noble sponsor who might supplement your lessons, but aside from that--" he ends abruptly.  "My interest is in seeing you develop.  You have raw ability and considerable potential.  But stones don't turn themselves into towers.  Design, intent, and shaping is important.  I feel that Karilla and I are concerned about your choice of sword because it seems an aesthetic decision with little consideration for the practicalities of such a selection."
Harun As-Saif
player, 98 posts
Gladiator 6th Level
AC 1, 23 / 62 HP
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 11:47
  • msg #54

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

Harun continued cleaning his wounds as best he could.  His body was covered with scars, large and small.  Most seemed older, faint markings against the more weathered texture of his skin.  He had apparently seen a few battles in his time.

"Well, impressive it is," he said, gesturing to the large sword Kora carried. "It's much like the weapon I first picked out to train with. My choice had a curved blade, though. It did fearsome damage against the larger, more cumbersome opponents I faced but I found it was far less effective when fighting a small, nimble foe.  Thus my teachers taught me to use the right tool for the right job."

Harun finished bandaging himself and began to stiffly pull his armor back on. He winced a few times. "Magic?  That's really impressive.  Have you begun that training yet?"
Kora Roustinghorn
NPC, 57 posts
6/6 HP
AC 10
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 12:15
  • msg #55

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

"No," Kora sighs. Though she seems to make light of basically everything, she's cleaning and caring for her blade with every bit of devotion you're showing. "They keep putting me off. I think they're just doing it to annoy me now."

She slides the clean blade back into its sheath. "There was a Calishite traveling with the group when I first met them. An arrogant, stuck up, jerk, and an idiot to boot. Not a nice person, like you." She hefted the sword onto her shoulder. "I got this so I could chop off his horse's head if he annoyed me."
This message was last updated by the player at 12:15, Fri 06 July 2018.
Corym Ildroun
player, 1493 posts
12/21 HP
AC 1 (0 w/buckler)
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 13:54
  • msg #56

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

Corym interjects with a confidence Harun has seldom heard from Corym, “You asked elves to train you, so the training is long and unfamiliar to a human. Being trained in magic solely leaves a being unbalanced—an over developed mind and an under developed body. The hearts of such ones invariably become twisted and their decision making flawed. Like a carpenter whose only tool is a hammer. How will he cut a board?  We’ve had to adapt our training to your situation, true. At this point your body is not strongly enough developed to undertake the mystical arts.”

Smiling, he regards Harun directly. “Perhaps you could help us accelerate Kora’s training. While it is true that we relented on the point of the Barbarian Sword, the training we prescribed was wrestling. As a discipline it strengthens all muscle groups of the body at once, enriches the heart and lungs, develops flexibility and strength of grip—particularly the fingers which are important in the weaving of magic. Most importantly, it ensures that she will never be without a weapon. She received considerable training from the good brothers of the Binder in Berdusk, but requires regular practice to develop the appropriate physicality.”

((From my iPhone. Posting from the doctor’s office))
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:31, Fri 06 July 2018.
Harun As-Saif
player, 101 posts
Gladiator 6th Level
AC 1, 23 / 62 HP
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 14:35
  • msg #57

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

Harun grinned at Corym. "I think I understand.  If you want to learn something fast, don't ask an elf to teach you.  But there's a difference between fast and thorough."  He nodded and gave Kora an appraising look. "I'm happy to instruct if she's willing. I have to warn you though.  My methods are faster but significantly harsher.  The arena masters were interested in profit and time was gold.  I will try to alter the training some but I can only teach what I know."
Krackor Steelfist
player, 718 posts
Defender of 6th Rank
AC: 0/-2/-1. HP: 34/09
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 16:20
  • msg #58

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

In reply to Harun As-Saif (msg # 57):

Krackor enjoyed hearing of Kora's training, he'd been helping and watching, right now he listened and nodded at the conversations.

As before, with Gorm's grace, I can fill the gaps in training. It's as much about the mind as it is finesse and strength.

Do not worry Harun, Kora is a determined student, isn't that right Mistress Lightbearer?

This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 16:21, Fri 06 July 2018.
Kora Roustinghorn
NPC, 58 posts
6/6 HP
AC 10
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 18:23
  • msg #59

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

Kora grins at Harun. "You better believe it. When I want something, I don't give up until I get it." She glances at his wounds and then at the leather armor she's wearing. "And right now I want better armor."
Harun As-Saif
player, 103 posts
Gladiator 6th Level
AC 1, 42 / 62 HP
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 18:43
  • msg #60

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

Harun laughed, "I never turn down a chance a better armor.  Given a choice between better armor and better weapons, I take better armor.  Hard to strike a powerful blow if you're dead."
Corym Ildroun
player, 1495 posts
12/21 HP
AC 1 (0 w/buckler)
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 19:12
  • msg #61

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

Kora Roustinghorn:
Kora grins at Harun. "You better believe it. When I want something, I don't give up until I get it." She glances at his wounds and then at the leather armor she's wearing. "And right now I want better armor."


"And yet for a fighting wizard, no armor is possible. Well, the Akh'Velar make a special mail so light it can be worn under the clothes, and given the proper training spell-casting in such armor is possible. I have never, however, heard a human in possession of such armor though, much less mastering the necessary technique. There are, of course, spells one can shield oneself in. I will be preparing one in the morning.  I can prepare another for you if you wish."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:21, Fri 06 July 2018.
Kora Roustinghorn
NPC, 59 posts
6/6 HP
AC 10
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 19:26
  • msg #62

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

"If it would get me out of this sweaty leather that would be amazing." Kora picks at the leather armor with distaste. "At least until Waterdeep. Then I'll find a new way to bake. Thank you."
Corym Ildroun
player, 1496 posts
12/21 HP
AC 1 (0 w/buckler)
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 19:31
  • msg #63

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

The spell affords the same degree of protection as a coat of scale mail.  You will not be able to see it or feel it.  It will not encumber you in any way.  It will continue to protect you whether sleeping or waking until you have taken several blows.
Harun As-Saif
player, 104 posts
Gladiator 6th Level
AC 1, 42 / 62 HP
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 19:34
  • msg #64

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

"Take him up on that," Harun said as he jerked a thumb in Corym's direction. "Protects like scale but doesn't have to be cleaned and doesn't slow you down.  That's a good deal."
Corym Ildroun
player, 1682 posts
28/28 HP
AC 0
Thu 11 Apr 2019
at 17:51
  • msg #65

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

After a morning of working with Talathel, Corym knocks on Kora's door and gathers her to his room with a simple promise: "It's time to start learning magic."

The urbane elf takes off cloak and coat and soft leather boots as he begins to speak. "Magic is a universal language," Corym begins. "Whether the spells are written in Halruaa, Netheril, Evermeet, or Thay, all magic is known and knowable by any that can read its formulations.  That is not, to say, however, that magical knowledge is omnipresent, or that the matter of recording it is universal.  Learning magic begins with how to Read Magic."

With the grace of a dancer, like a leaf on the wind, Corym sits on his feet, his two knees before him, together.  On the rug by his bed lay two books open for study.  One borrowed from Karilla, the other, his own.  Corym's shows winding symbols, folk art, shapes and patterns, while Karilla's shows flowing elven script, crisp diagrams, annotations, and formulae. He strokes the pages gently with long, thin fingers. "These pages are revealing the same spell."

"Magic is about knowing the world--deeply, intimately, and truthfully. It is only once we fully know a thing that we will be able manipulate, alter, represent, obscure, or enhance the thing.  Great wizards whose knowledge is deep even come to know the words of power.  You or I could speak the words of power, but they would accomplish nothing, because we do not know the words of power.  The greatest word of power is wish.  The pinnacle of mortal wizardry is to with a word to bring into existence your will.  That is the final lesson."

Corym pauses a moment to let this idea sink in.  Then gestures to the books as if they are of equal importance, "This, is the first one."

"Karilla was trained, as all scions of noble houses are," he winces, "at the Academy in Evereska.  There they learn the blade, our history, our crafts, and magic simultaneously as instructed by ancient masters.  Each of these things is about truth.  The truth of who we are.  The dimensions of a blade.  The angles it may be held at. The Weaves that enhance the blade to defend the People.  This book reflects that learning." He traces the lines in the book with his finger.  "These runes were formed over millennia, formulated to account for each variable in reality.  Flexible enough to adjust to unforeseen discoveries, and rigid enough to be handed whole to any student initiated in their rudiments."

Corym shifts his attention to his own book.  Much more finely bound, by far, but much more rustic and hodge podge in it's contents.  "I was denied entry to the academy on account of my mother's blood.  Though considered elven in Aglarond and the Yuirwood, I was thought to impure to allowed to learn the Academy's secrets.  This is the magic I learned from my mother, who learned from her mother, who learned from hers.  I could recite them for 100 generations.  Because my younger brothers and sisters are academy trained, they will never learn this, and unless I succeed in teaching you, this knowledge will likely pass beyond knowing.  The Yuirwood has no schools.  The Yuirwood has life, and it is from life that we learn."

He withdraws his hand.  "Both books are open to the same spell.  Both describe the truth of reading magic. How can this be?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:46, Thu 11 Apr 2019.
Corym Ildroun
player, 1705 posts
28/28 HP
AC 0
Mon 13 May 2019
at 22:29
  • msg #66

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

It seems a response isn't forth coming--no worries.  I'll go more descriptive than interactive.

Corym is going to get into a routine of exhausting Kora prior to training.  We'll start with wrestling, but move to climbing (something Corym can win at), balancing, gymnastics (tumbling?).

Whenever she starts really panting, we'll switch off to a magic lesson.  Whenever she starts fidgeting, we'll switch back on to exhaustion training.

Corym will explain that spells are prepared with a clear mind after a night's rest, but that spells are almost always cast on the run, bleeding, and in mortal danger.  Moreover, because you must connect yourself to the Weave it is important to become intimately familiar with the way your body feels inside and out.  We're never more aware of our bodies than when they are on the brink of failure.  It is precisely at that moment of peak awareness and surrender that you're best able to connect to the Weave.  Human apprentices are frequently exhausted through drudgery like scrubbing floors, or scrubbing kitchen pots, or transferring spell reagents and weighty tomes between rooms.

Elven apprentices are typically also warriors--simple chores should not be enough to exhaust them.
Corym Ildroun
player, 1780 posts
28/28 HP
AC 0
Mon 29 Jul 2019
at 19:24
  • msg #67

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

Kora Roustinghorn:
Kora rolls her eyes. "Then you'll need to teach me some, first." But she's smiling through the pain.


Now that you have mastered the Read Magic spell, you'll be able to select any number of spells to prepare and cast.  I have many spells which you are capable of casting now, but you'll only be able to cast one per day to begin with.  I'll teach you Detect Magic and Armor no matter what.  I'll explain the uses of any spell I have, and let you select one spell.

Most human wizards initiate their apprentices with Magic Missile.  Indeed most wizards think of this as quintessentially the most powerful first-circle spell.  It strikes its target inerrantly.  There are no creatures with an inherent resistance to its form of energy.  The damage it causes is significant, and grows with your power.  Indeed, Magic Missile may be used as a reasonably accurate gauge of a wizard's power.

Victory, however, is seldom a function of power alone, nor is power the most considerable factor in the calculation most of the time.  While there are no creatures with inherent immunity to magic missile, immunity is granted by another first-circle spell, Shield, and yields a number of other benefits as well. Finally, while the damage caused is certain, it is relatively small for your level of power, comparable in many ways to a single flight arrow fired from a short bow.  Unlike the bow, however, after you fire a single shot, there are no more shots to follow.  In all likelihood, a wizard that considers Magic Missile to be the pinnacle of the first-circle of magic would have been better suited to taking up a bow and quiver.

I therefore would advise against Magic Missile.  Indeed, I would advise against spells that replicate capabilities of others in our party.  Select a spell that make you either uniquely capable, enhances an ability you uniquely possess, or minimizes a deficiency which you are incapable of mitigating otherwise.

Armor is a good example of that last.  As a wizard you can't wear armor, but that won't stop people from swinging swords at you.  Indeed, since you're planning on swinging a sword at them, it's likely that you'll see more of your share of it than normal.  Armor is a spell you can cast days in advance, and it will protect you from physical blows whether waking or sleeping until broken down by an enemy. Detect and Read Magic is an ability that you uniquely possess--none but wizards can do these things. 


Armor
Detect Magic
Audible Glamer
Alarm
Enlarge
Tenser’s Floating Disc
Burning Hands
Identify
Unseen Servant
Change Self
Magic Missile
Shield
Charm Person
Read Magic
Color Spray
Sleep
Krackor Steelfist
player, 996 posts
Lord Protector Steelfist
AC: -5/-3/-4. HP: 54/30
Mon 29 Jul 2019
at 21:01
  • msg #68

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 67):

Watching as much as he is allowed, Krackor chimes in.  I've seen Mistress Lightbearer working; a spell I heard of being used a lot may come in handy, that Unseen Servant one, it'd be able to carry her sword for her in a battle in case she needs it quick.  How about Enlarge, that sounds fun it is makes someone's armour too big for them to move in or too heavy for them to move about in, maybe leave that one until you have more experience casting.  Besides, you wouldn't be making your huge sword any bigger but you could make someone's boots too big to run in, now that would be fun.

Krackor was acutely aware of how far Kora's humour stretched and how much determination she had at any given time.
Corym Ildroun
player, 2057 posts
28/28 HP
AC 0
Wed 20 May 2020
at 11:36
  • msg #69

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

Corym calls Kora for a private conversation in the shattered library of the tower.

"I think it's time to redefine our relationship, Kora. There are new opportunities that have presented themselves that I'd think you'd be foolish not to take advantage of.  But doing so, should formally end your apprenticeship to me."

Corym waits for Kora's response, then continues.

"When Myth Drannor fell, Talindra was poised to take on a teaching position at the Six Tyryl Towers, one of the famous academies of wizardry here in Myth Drannor.  She never got to teach, and teaching you is something she's very keen to do.  She is a being of spirit, and it is important for our spirits to be fulfilled.  While we wear flesh, the distractions of the flesh can frequently keep us occupied in the face of unfulfillment. A being of pure spirit has no place to hide from their own failures. This is why undead beings so frequently go mad and strike out at life.  They strike in envy of the opportunities of the living.  This presents a unique opportunity for you to learn, and a unique opportunity for you to help a beautiful soul in need."

"My proposal is for you to remain here with Talindra when we go to the Irithillium.  The survival of our group is on the line, and I fear greatly for your survival most of all. You haven't yet achieved your power.  Under Talindra's tutelage your power will wax quickly.

"Moreover, you'll have the opportunity to plumb the depths of her knowledge of the city.  It is difficult to learn all that I need without becoming an inquisitor. That knowledge can be essential to our continued survival and success."

"When we depart the city for a season, you'll return with us, and we'll take new measure of your strength."

"What do you think?"

This message was last edited by the player at 11:50, Wed 20 May 2020.
Corym Ildroun
player, 2263 posts
19/28 HP
AC 0
Thu 11 Mar 2021
at 23:58
  • msg #70

Re: Kora's Apprenticeship

"How were things while we were away?  Tell me about your studies with Talindra?"
Sign In