Post from Arawn on actions... To: PnP Subject: Re: [pnpgm] Update #83 "It is good to know that you strive for peaceful resolutions to situations, Raban. As to when to cross a line, to fight or talk, it is not always an easily definable line. Life is a precious thing but we cannot deny death its due. Both are part of the great cycle, for all life subsists on the lives of other things. The hunter eats his prey just as the prey feeds on the lives of plants. It is not an issue of whether an action is right or wrong, it is an issue of motivation, why we choose the action. If I were to tell you that a man violently slaughtered a group of women in his home, how do you judge that? Did he do wrong? If he lured them there and forced himself upon them before killing them he would be condemned. But what if they had broken into his home and attempted to kill him and his family out of jealousy? Now is he in the wrong? In either situation the women died, the difference wasn't in the man's choice of action but why he did it, his motivation. One was selfish, fueled by lust and violence, while the other was done out of a need to protect himself and his loved ones. You, like all of us, have motivations. Do you know your priorities? Do you know why you do what you do, on deep level? You seek to protect women above all others, so it seems. Why? Do you cherish them above all, if so, why? Or do you seek penance for something in your past that haunts you? Are you protecting them because you've yet to resolve this? Aren't all things, or at least men versus women, deserving the same level of respect, protection, and love? Is a man or child truly less deserving of your protection than a woman? Or is it that you feel that women are weak? Strength comes in many packages, not just in our arms and legs. It could be one of the above, a mix, or none at all but ask yourself why you make the decisions that you do and then after finding the answer, dig deeper to find the root emotion behind it, the motivation and prioritize them. Raban, the saying goes, we all have two wolves within us, one good- love, hope, compassion, truth, and wisdom- and one bad - anger, hate, jealousy, resentment, and deceit. These wolves fight daily, who wins depends on which wolf you choose to feed. If you still seek penance I suggest you ponder my words and decide if you truly need it. In my mind I do not think so but only you can remove the stain on your heart and free the voices of your past. All anyone else can do is offer you the tools to aid you in this, they cannot free you from yourself. As to whether or not to armor yourself, there is no wrong in it. All things fight for their lives, do so knowing that you are striving to do good things and to protect those who cannot protect themselves and you must be armed and armored- physically, spiritually, and morally- when you must face a challenge and have no recourse but to fight. Choose your actions knowing your motivations, focus on love and respect for life, remain principled and you should have little reason to doubt your choice of actions." Arawn paused and smiled quietly, "I do not know if my words are eloquent enough for you, if my message has been properly worded, but when this is done, if you are not in a hurry, there are some you might wish to study with. In the forests to the west lies a Sacred Forest guarded by a Forestal, a Green Lady, and an Archdruid and his disciples, including a Bard that is friend to us. They are dedicated to the Court of Life, the Neutral Path, and in that place all life is sacred. They can teach more than I think I will be able to. Let me know if you wish to travel there and I will happily sponsor you before them." Arawn can cast Shadow Sculpt to create armor for Raban (and anyone else who feels they need it. I think eveyone else is armored but I'm not sure about Fremea. Does Fremea need any armor?). I can create any armor for you as I'm almost an EL 80 armorer. The armor will last 2 days minimum and I can craft up to 2 shadow items still (might be more now but I'd have to check). Arawn is low on mana but if you don't want to wait until morning he'll cast it now. Let me know what you decide (or if anyone else needs some). ----- Original Message ---- From: J Hooten To: PBEM List Sent: Monday, October 20, 2008 8:50:23 PM Subject: Re: [pnpgm] Update #83 john haight wrote: > > “In the meanwhile, whatever follows we should armor you. My magical > scalemail was wrought in Alfheim and holds strong enchantment upon it, > unfortunately it is too small for you, Raban, and too big for Fremea. > Kiet has chosen chainmail but if he, or anyone else, feels that my > magical armor will do them some good then please feel free to wear it. > > As for those who remain unarmored, Raban for example, I can craft > temporary armor for you right now. My magics are low and I must rest > to restore them but if any wish me to do so now, before the morning, > then let me know and I will call forth the stuff of shadows.” > Raban listens and tries to understand his strange friend, but it is difficult. "A druid is a cultural treasure, an embodiment of everything that culture tries to be or knows. Such a being gave its childhood up to learn things most adults cannot comprehend and gave its future to returning such knowledge to its people. To assault such a one is a crime punished by death. They are Judges and Law givers whose wisdom is beyond reproach. A Bard is expected to obey a Druid in all things as his role is to assist the Druid in teaching the people what they need to know. To keep the culture's history and wisdom alive through story and song. As a follower of Miryan of the Courts of Cernunnos, the Sidh are usually my allies in most things, so even though you are a Druid of a different Culture, you are one I am required to assist at need. Because there are differences, I am allowed some choice in following your orders even to disobey ones that cross my teachings. So I am in a difficult spot, when should I assume your wisdom was inadequate enough that what you ask me to do can be ignored? I am told I am a bit slow in understanding, so perhaps I will find a way to balance this later, but all I can do now is to weigh your 'requests' against the risks to others as I have been doing. I am not one who enjoys hurting others, I much prefer a more peaceable solution. But I cannot tolerate anyone hurting a woman, even though my goddess does not always require that of me. That has always gotten me into trouble, but to me it is worth the costs, and this mission is no exception. These ladies have embarked on a dangerous mission and though more formidable than any I have known before, they still need my protection. If nothing else, those who are attacking me are not hurting them. But I am quickly finding, there are limits to how long I can keep a quantity of enemies away from them without having to hurt them. I am being forced to seriously hurt them, even kill them because that is easier and quicker to do than knocking them out. It will need much meditation and prayer to cleanse this stain from my heart. And worse I have asked for better armor to make it possible for me to do even more harm! But I do not see any other way to do what is needed, I cannot allow myself to fail yet I cannot dodge every attack. So I ask for a means to make myself into an unstoppable juggernaut! More so than that poor metal man that so frightened others, I risk becoming a true monster. Maybe the difficulty in getting such armor shows that I should not have it, that letting myself be hurt will remind me what I am doing to others?" "So this is really what I ask of you, in your wisdom, can I be allowed such defenses? To better allow me to stain my hands with the blood of others? Is this mission worth such risks?" <8' 403 lbs should keep him as a lien dancer build? He is far stronger than he looks. Its hard to picture his appearance and be sure I have the right weight for his height and build. Not too many 8' humans to compare with and 'Hulks' appearance would require far more weight.> _______________________________________________ pnpgm mailing list pnpgm@abroere.xs4all.nl http://abroere.xs4all.nl/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/pnpgm _______________________________________________ pnpgm mailing list pnpgm@abroere.xs4all.nl http://abroere.xs4all.nl/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/pnpgm To: PnP Subject: Re: [pnpgm] It is role playing after all... Based on Kiet's proposal Arawn will take point if the others wish but will go along with the groups decisions, opting for the most practical approach to things. Beyond that, if Chion or anyone else comments on the ring Arawn mentioned and is willing to travel down Arawn will readily join them. Also, might snuff some candles in the chandalier if anyone in the party is skilled with Magical Theory or something similiar and thinks it would be safe to do so without triggering more traps (arawn still thinks the candles might be linked to wards around the place). ----- Original Message ---- From: Scott Adams To: PBEM List Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 2:57:36 AM Subject: [pnpgm] It is role playing after all... Wow. I remember the days when no posts came in and I was trying to make 200 lines up with made up introspections and such. now tons of posts. But its 15 to 3am and bed soon. After *10* hours working on the update since Thursday (off and on). I JUST finished the old stuff - ie the action posts, formatting, replying, etc. So thats done. You guys may read the update in 20-30 min but it takes time. I have to grab the emails, extract to files, format for website, put on website, put files into update format (easy to read paragraphs) and the hard part is putting the dialogue all into a cohesive timeline as if one big story. The action posts at top and those below are the same but I do insert replies and introspection comments. It may be redudant but the final update should read as one big story that can be followed. Repeat reading is done for some dialogue if you've already read it. But I think it fits well in this format instead of just ignoring it all and doing new ! stuff. I'm not complaining. I am enjoying the interactions of the group. It adds spice and a dynamic view to the group. Interaction of Sidh and Humans are going well. After all this is a role playing game. So I'm not complaining on the amount of posts coming in either. I just wanted to let you guys know why it takes a long time to get an update with teh amount of text coming in. I have to read it too. :) Right now the update sits at 1600 lines when an average update is about 500 or 600 at most. That means likely a 2 or 3 parter update coming out. Wow. :) Nifty Keen. So it'll come out when I get it done. Asto exploring it seems no one has discussed groups or as a whole. So will assume then all go as a whole. Ben'dare recommends Unali and Chion scout ahead. Unali recommends a small group go out. Kiet volunteers to stay with knocked out guard. So no clear consensus. So I will assume all leave on exploration. Guard is well tied up and not goign anywhere. Kiet you can stay behind if you want let me know tomorrow. But will assume you go out. A general feel is that Unali and Chion scout ahead so guess will do that with Fremea close behind with the others. Most of the rooms will be empty so it won't matter in the end. :) Will assume interrogation is done later after he wakes up in a hour or two. Unless Kiet decides to stay behind and play around :) Off to bed. Will work finally on NEW Stuff (exploration) tomorrow and post as soon as I get to a point I can... Yak Yak Yak. yada yada yada. Nice role playing folks! :) _______________________________________________ pnpgm mailing list pnpgm@abroere.xs4all.nl http://abroere.xs4all.nl/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/pnpgm To: PnP Subject: [pnpgm] Fw: Kiet answering Arawn X-BeenThere: pnpgm@abroere.xs4all.nl ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: john haight To: Schnockel Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 2:28:22 PM Subject: Re: [pnpgm] Kiet answering Arawn "I am fine with that, Kiet," Arawn said as he rose to his feet. "Though I wonder if you ask out of anger or practicality," he added calmly as he walked away. ----- Original Message ---- From: Schnockel To: pnpgm@abroere.xs4all.nl Sent: Monday, October 20, 2008 10:52:06 PM Subject: [pnpgm] Kiet answering Arawn < Sensing the frustration and anger seething within Kiet Arawn regarded him calmly and lovingly.> “You have suffered much here today, Kiet. I am sorry for your hurt. I do not think you understand my actions, my motives. Those who almost died here today did not suffer so due to inaction on my part, for my apparent inaction was a choice, an action, and a statement, but almost died due to the actions of others. A'kril did not strike first, we did. He reacted to our actions, from which this trouble sprang. I seek for peace among all, as hard as that is. If I did not I would be no different from most of the immortals, Sidh included, for they hold this realm and the mortals that walk upon it as insects or a blight to be destroyed in some cases, Since they were here first, are they right? I do not believe so for there is something greater in the universe that we do not see. To focus on our hate and prejudices feeds suffering. I agree that one must be wary while looking for peace but as adventurers it is all too easy to err on the side of violence when it might not be a wise choice. Such actions perpetuate and empower forces of evil, such as Chaos and the Great Serpent as you mention, while weakening the forces of good and of love. It is such views that allows humans to war against each other and to hate the Sidh, hunting and enslaving them when they are innocent, as happened to Fremea. Do not assume that I am unaware of need for violence at times, if you know my mother and father you would realize that I was raised amidst war and violence as much as I was in magic, art, and civility. I am sorry we do not see eye to eye but know that I love you all, as I do all things, regardless of how you and they may feel about me and my ways. I too have much to learn but I hope that in time we will be able to walk harmoniously together someday.”> Kiet "Hey, I have an idea! Let's let our armor-clad Alfar friend take point for the rest of our time on this floating rock pile?" To: PnP Subject: Re: [pnpgm] It is role playing after all... Based on Kiet's proposal Arawn will take point if the others wish but will go along with the groups decisions, opting for the most practical approach to things. Beyond that, if Chion or anyone else comments on the ring Arawn mentioned and is willing to travel down Arawn will readily join them. Also, might snuff some candles in the chandalier if anyone in the party is skilled with Magical Theory or something similiar and thinks it would be safe to do so without triggering more traps (arawn still thinks the candles might be linked to wards around the place). ----- Original Message ---- From: Scott Adams To: PBEM List Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 2:57:36 AM Subject: [pnpgm] It is role playing after all... Wow. I remember the days when no posts came in and I was trying to make 200 lines up with made up introspections and such. now tons of posts. But its 15 to 3am and bed soon. After *10* hours working on the update since Thursday (off and on). I JUST finished the old stuff - ie the action posts, formatting, replying, etc. So thats done. You guys may read the update in 20-30 min but it takes time. I have to grab the emails, extract to files, format for website, put on website, put files into update format (easy to read paragraphs) and the hard part is putting the dialogue all into a cohesive timeline as if one big story. The action posts at top and those below are the same but I do insert replies and introspection comments. It may be redudant but the final update should read as one big story that can be followed. Repeat reading is done for some dialogue if you've already read it. But I think it fits well in this format instead of just ignoring it all and doing new ! stuff. I'm not complaining. I am enjoying the interactions of the group. It adds spice and a dynamic view to the group. Interaction of Sidh and Humans are going well. After all this is a role playing game. So I'm not complaining on the amount of posts coming in either. I just wanted to let you guys know why it takes a long time to get an update with teh amount of text coming in. I have to read it too. :) Right now the update sits at 1600 lines when an average update is about 500 or 600 at most. That means likely a 2 or 3 parter update coming out. Wow. :) Nifty Keen. So it'll come out when I get it done. Asto exploring it seems no one has discussed groups or as a whole. So will assume then all go as a whole. Ben'dare recommends Unali and Chion scout ahead. Unali recommends a small group go out. Kiet volunteers to stay with knocked out guard. So no clear consensus. So I will assume all leave on exploration. Guard is well tied up and not goign anywhere. Kiet you can stay behind if you want let me know tomorrow. But will assume you go out. A general feel is that Unali and Chion scout ahead so guess will do that with Fremea close behind with the others. Most of the rooms will be empty so it won't matter in the end. :) Will assume interrogation is done later after he wakes up in a hour or two. Unless Kiet decides to stay behind and play around :) Off to bed. Will work finally on NEW Stuff (exploration) tomorrow and post as soon as I get to a point I can... Yak Yak Yak. yada yada yada. Nice role playing folks! :) _______________________________________________ pnpgm mailing list pnpgm@abroere.xs4all.nl http://abroere.xs4all.nl/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/pnpgm