Gaming Outpost Discussions » User Favorites: Oak

Gaming Outpost Discussions » User Favorites: Oak oak Gaming Outpost Discussions » User Favorites: Oak en-US Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:36:51 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/search.php M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36191 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:47:08 +0000 M. J. Young 36191@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ There is no word in the bird's language for "insects", and when you try to come up with the word for a "bat" it's the same as the word for a "bird". When you press for the details, you find that all flying insects are also birds, and all crawling insects are "four-legs". Apparently that designation has more to do with their stance than the actual number of legs. ***** "I expect that there are those that deserve to die, and probably they die. Then of course there are those who die who probably didn't deserve it. Death comes to all eventually, and sooner if you don't do what you need to do to live. If you don't do what you need to do to live, would that mean you deserve to die? Perhaps that's what you mean?" --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36189 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:02:46 +0000 Oak 36189@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "What of insects, or of bats?" -=- "Ah, this all has to do with my story, the tale I sketched to you in song just now. For it is a tale of a wretched unworthy fellow, and of a great king he served. This fellow had jobs, things he had to do, things he was required to do... and yet did not do them. And the king was indeed very angry, for the conduct of this fellow was so utterly negligent and so utterly wretched as to be worthy of death." "Have you any such things in your experience, among your people? Things that are so important to do, or not to do, that those who transgress are worthy of nothing but death?" M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36188 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:29:09 +0000 M. J. Young 36188@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "Oh, yes, all of the two-legs are bigger than birds, even bigger than predator birds; but no, if they fly they must be birds. That's just obvious. The ability to fly is the definition of a bird." ***** "If I didn't make sure that my woman and her children were clothed and fed, she'd be very angry, and she's not so easy to live with when she's angry, and she's not so easy to escape, neither. As to the king, I suppose if he couldn't do his job we'd get another king. I really don't understand what you're about in all this." --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36187 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 02:10:55 +0000 Oak 36187@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "Are all of the two-legs about my size? Are any much larger or smaller? Do any look much different, as if they are a different type of creature than I? Do any of them fly?" -=- "Why do you have to do anything? What if you didn't do your job? Or what if your king didn't do his?" M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36186 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:35:12 +0000 M. J. Young 36186@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "I see two-legs, four-legs, snakes, and birds; I see predators and harmless. Two-legs are usually harmless, but they are egg-stealers sometimes. Most four-leg predators can't reach a nest easily, so only have to be watched when getting food. Predator birds are the dangerous ones." ***** "Well, we all have our jobs, that is, what we have to do. I have to keep my woman happy and fed, and get food and clothes for her children. That's my main job." --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36185 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:23:52 +0000 Oak 36185@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "What creatures do you see in these woods?" -=- I consider thoughtfully. "Do each of you have jobs, or things that you are required to do?" M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36183 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 16:56:05 +0000 M. J. Young 36183@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "Odd. I see creatures eating what is not food sometimes, and was glad they did not know what food was; but I never considered that something might be food for them that was not food." ***** "Ruled? The King's job is to make sure everyone has food and shelter, and can enjoy life. If we find anything that might be used for trade, such as human coins or jewelry, we give it to him so he can use it to get what we need if necessary. He's required to play the fiddle for our dances, and to know the songs to keep us entertained. But we have no law, if I understand the way you use that word." --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36182 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:46:42 +0000 Oak 36182@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "I'm sorry, but my food is different than your food. I don't know where your food is." -=- "Ah, good questions all. Very well then, let us be sure we understand together the context of my story..." "Now, you previously mentioned your Beren Briarfoot and Princess Alyna. Therefore, I take it that your people are organized into a kingdom, and ruled by a king. Is this so?" "How are you ruled, then? What is your law? If your king gives a command, is it to be obeyed, or is it to be ignored?" M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36181 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:42:58 +0000 M. J. Young 36181@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "Food". It appears that the bird's language does not have a different word for whatever it is. ***** "Aye, but a rather sketchy tale it was. Where were you lost, when were you blind, and what dangers have you faced? It's hardly a proper tale. It's a bit like saying, 'I went somewhere and something happened and I came back.' Where did you go, and what happened? Or did I miss something?" --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36180 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:00:19 +0000 Oak 36180@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "What do you like to eat?" -=- "Ah, but I already did... though there are many hidden treasures within it that are worthy of further detail. You heard the song I sang when we first met. Have you ever heard the like of it before? What did you glean from it? For that song is the heart and soul of my story..." M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36179 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:53:35 +0000 M. J. Young 36179@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "Do you know where there is any food close at hand?" ***** "All right, then--you first. Tell me your story." --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36178 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 03:32:54 +0000 Oak 36178@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "Thank you for talking with me. Is there any way that I may be of service to you?" -=- "But do you not share stories among your people? Why bother with ever speaking of Beren Briarfoot and Princess Alyna, even amongst yourselves, if it is nothing but a lie to distract?" "I suppose that you have a point about control... but I love and serve the LORD my God by loving and serving those around me as best I can. Bridging the gap from strangers to friends won't happen unless someone is willing to reach out, and risk, and be vulnerable. So I freely initiate taking such risk, in the hope that others will also. And you are a good example. With all that your folk have suffered from humans, you would scarcely be inclined to initiate such risk with me. The only hope, slim though it might be, is if I do so first. Is it not so?" M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36177 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 21:49:57 +0000 M. J. Young 36177@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Your suggestions of what else there is seem only to confuse the bird. The word for "beauty" appears to suggest primarily sexual attractiveness in a mate; changes in temperature are not other than facts about the world that must be endured; he doesn't really pay attention to ground where he cannot land other than to keep going until he finds a place where he can. ***** "You have a strange idea of the use of stories, stranger. But then, if you're right, that knowing someone's stories helps you understand them, that would be all the more reason why you shouldn't tell your stories to strangers--understanding others lets you control them, and so being understood makes you controllable." --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36176 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:15:35 +0000 Oak 36176@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "What of the beauty of the forest, or of the great waters you fly over when you follow the sun, or of the rising sun's warmth on a chilly morning, or of the coolness of a breeze on a warm afternoon?" -=- "Some stories can be for such base things, but not all. Stories may recall worthy events of the past, such as Beren Briarfoot and Princess Alyna. Stories may convey great truths by illustration or parable. And the stories that folk treasure in their hearts help me understand and know them better. Is it not so?" M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36175 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 20:42:36 +0000 M. J. Young 36175@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "Other things? Sometimes I thank the maker for my territory, mate, and food. Sometimes I sing warning to my mate that there is a predator in the area, whether a bird hunter or an egg stealer. What else is there?" ***** "Why? Why do humans think anything at all? They find that we're hard to catch, and figure that we must use magic, and then they think that magic can do anything at all, so we must be able to conjure untold wealth, magical healing of whatever ails them, or anything else they can imagine. Many of my kin have escaped the grasp of a human by making unbelievable promises that the humans then stupidly believe--begging your pardon, I'm sure. As if a pot of gold would be any use to someone living in the woods!" "To my thinking, the best service you could do to me and mine would be to forget you ever saw me and never mention it to anyone. The sooner humans stop believing we're out here, the safer we'll all be." "Sharing a song or story? Well, you've heard the bird sing, and I dare say there are other birds with other songs. And there's a fellow comes through from time to time, with a stringed instrument that's not a fiddle, who sings stories to the humans that camp in the woods not far from here. But what's a story but a lie told to distract?" --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36174 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:49:14 +0000 Oak 36174@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "What things do you say when you sing? Is all your singing related to territory, mating, and food, or do you ever sing of other things?" -=- "But why do the humans think you have pots of gold, or wishes, or whatever other nonsense? Are there none that have ever been friends with your people?" "Well, I am grieved at how your people have suffered, and I understand how I might not be welcomed among them. It is a pity, for given half a chance, I think we could learn much from one another. Are there any other ways I might be of service to you and yours?" "Are there any other folk in the woods that might enjoy sharing a song or story together?" M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36173 Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:05:43 +0000 M. J. Young 36173@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "Why would I converse with other kinds of birds? It's about territory, mating, food. If a bird is dangerous I hide, if it's non-competing I ignore it, and if it competes I tell it to leave." ***** "Seek them? Have you some power to travel to the afterlife and return?" There is some disdain in his tone. "No, stranger; they're dead, and that's the sure of it. It only takes so much torture trying to get a pot of gold or a granted wish or some such nonsense before it's too much and we expire. Our crime is that we aren't what your people want us to be, and for that we are executed." --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36172 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 01:55:02 +0000 Oak 36172@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "Do you ever converse with other kinds of birds, or are you unable to understand their speech? Can you converse with non-avians?" -=- I listen to his words with increasing dismay. "I demand nothing of you, though I would welcome your friendship. But I had no idea your people have been suffering at the hands of mine. From my heart, I am sorry." I ponder thoughtfully. "I cannot undo what has passed, but perhaps I can help now. If many have been caught, never to be seen again, would you have me seek them? If any are still alive, I could search for them, and perhaps find them, as I was able to find you. And, if any could be rescued, I could exert myself to try to free them... if your people would have me make the attempt." M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36171 Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:57:18 +0000 M. J. Young 36171@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "Flock? I do not understand what you mean. The paths get crowded when all are going the same way." "I know that the creator of birds is great and deserves to be praised for giving us all this world to enjoy." ***** "Curious about humans? The only thing that interests me about humans is how to stay out of their sight, which is usually a lot simpler than this. You're short-lived and superstitious creatures, and many a poor fellow has been caught never to be seen again, or to have escaped with harrowing stories of how their captors demanded wishes, or pots of gold, or some such nonsense. And what, pray tell, would you be demanding of me?" --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36170 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 03:25:11 +0000 Oak 36170@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "Do you flock together with others, or only with your mate and offspring?" -=- "The LORD God Almighty created all things. And it is written, 'All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD', and 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.'" "Do you know anything about the LORD? What have you heard?" -=- I smile warmly. "I don't mind. I know well that I am still but a stranger, and not of your folk. But I would be keen to learn of you all, and to call you friends." "Are there bards among you? I am something of a bard, though I have much to learn, and stories and songs of your people would mean much to me. A worthy history should not be forgotten, but passed on from people to people, and from generation to generation." "Besides, are you not also curious about others? I was not in your history until a few minutes ago, yet was I not interesting enough for you to want to observe and learn something of?" I finish with a good natured twinkle in my eye... M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36169 Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:18:58 +0000 M. J. Young 36169@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "Oh, yes, I follow the sun when it takes the warmth away, but come back when it grows too hot. There are places where the lakes are vast and wild, and do not quench the thirst. There are different trees beyond that, and it is not so easy to build a nest; it is easier to have young here in these forests." ***** <blockquote>Are any of your folk sick?</blockquote> "Sick? Oh, that thing where bodies stop working right because other creatures overwhelm them. No, we don't get sick, thanks all the same. Anyway, why would the gods of men care about us?" <blockquote>Do you or your people have any interesting stories or songs?</blockquote> "Aye, that we have; but we're not so keen on sharing with the humans, if you don't mind me saying. Our stories and songs are our own, and what would it mean to you if Beren Briarfoot went on a great quest to win the love of Princess Alyna, who loved him anyway, and to prove that he was worthy of her hand, when he didn't know that he was actually the rightful heir to the throne, his uncle having never told him that his father had been the king? It's not your history." --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36168 Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:23:58 +0000 Oak 36168@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "Do you travel far when the seasons change, and the leaves begin to fall? What other places have you seen, and what are they like?" -=- "Ah, my seeing you was not by my own might or power, but by the Spirit of the LORD my God. For I have been traveling about the forest, meeting and greeting folks, and ministering to their needs as best as I can. And I heard rumors of other folk dwelling here, and came seeking to meet and greet... and found you." "Are any of your folk sick? I would be happy to pray for them, if you wish. The LORD has been very gracious, and has healed many of the nearby sick human folk recently." "Do you or your people have any interesting stories or songs? As you may have seen, I have a heart for good songs and stories, and would love to hear more." M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36166 Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:33:19 +0000 M. J. Young 36166@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ <blockquote>"Praise be to our Creator. How long have you been here?"</blockquote> "All day. Well, I did go looking for food a bit earlier, but I came back." ***** "Rather hasty of you, to be givin' your name so freely to strangers. As for me, call me dimwit and slowfoot, which is what they're sure to call me when they find I was seen by a human. Still don't know how you managed to do that." --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36164 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:33:29 +0000 Oak 36164@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ OK, I'll continue the conversation until my language tap runs out. "Praise be to our Creator. How long have you been here?" -=- I blink as I see the creature, and give a friendly nod of greeting. Then, without making any threatening moves, I begin to sing. Quietly at first, hoping to avoid scaring him away, and hoping to attract him with the music... and the lyrics... Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see. ’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed! Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures; He will my Shield and Portion be, As long as life endures. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace. The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, The sun forbear to shine; But God, who called me here below, Will be forever mine. When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’d first begun. I give another quiet friendly nod. "Peace be unto you, friend. Well met. I am John, though some call me Oak. What is your name?" M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36162 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:25:24 +0000 M. J. Young 36162@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Concerning "exploring" the vocabulary, my thinking is that 1) you must want to say something specific to have any contact with the appropriate words and 2) you must actually say it to hear them. By analogy, if you're thinking of explaining something to someone, you think conceptually; it is not until you actually speak it or write it) that you come up words like "eschatology" or "cloud server", because your knowledge of language is responsive to your need to communicate specific ideas. Thus if you are thinking about what to say to the bird, you will have a feeling for what it is possible to say, but you won't know the words themselves without speaking them (or singing them, in this case). You pray your prayer, and suddenly, in the woods a few feet away, you see a small man-like creature, less than two feet tall, dressed in leaves, dark hair and eyes and a pug nose, startled that you have noticed him. --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36161 Sat, 17 Dec 2011 01:54:39 +0000 Oak 36161@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "Praise be to our Creator. How long have you been here?" I don't know how long I will have this connection to the bird, so I do my best to telepathically explore as much vocabulary as possible, in the hopes that my perfect memory will help me to be able to converse with birds in the future... -=- I am trying to perceive magical beings that actually do inhabit this forest. In the same way that the traveler's thoughts about "bandits" and "robbing hood" led me to seek the actual leader of the actual bandits that inhabit this forest, the traveler's thoughts about "magical beings" lead me to seek the actual magical beings that inhabit this forest. After all, I seek to meet and greet and befriend and witness to actual inhabitants, not non-existent figments of someone's imagination... :) M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36159 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:40:29 +0000 M. J. Young 36159@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ There does seem to be a concept of "ancestor" that extends beyond the avian to the creator of avians, something of the same way "father" is used of "God", a sort of "The Ancestor" conception. It is nowhere near as theological as that, but the bird has a recognition of a race-creator. Ah, the magical beings that a traveler believed haunted the forest. Clarify this for me: are you trying to perceive magical beings that he believes inhabit the forest, or magical beings that actually do? I note that the prayer involved gave a specific description of a specific individual you wished to see, but the description you give is going to have a significant impact on what result you get. --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36156 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:35:31 +0000 Oak 36156@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ OOC: As I sift through available vocabulary, does it have any concept of God? -=- After the conversation with the bird eventually ends, I ponder again that first rider I saw traveling through Sherwood, and his thoughts that the LORD graciously revealed to me. And I ponder how I was able to take his thoughts about "bandits" and "robbing hood", and how I was able to present them to the LORD, and how I graciously was given a vision of Robin Hood, and even eventually transported to him. And I ponder his thoughts about the magical beings in the wood as well... And, in a manner similar to how I prayed before, I petition the LORD for a vision of these "magical beings"... I believe that this was M7@2 Magical Clairsentience? The previous use was <a href="http://discussions.gamingoutpost.com/index.php?showtopic=82995&st=20">here</a>... :) M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36152 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:55:10 +0000 M. J. Young 36152@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ "Peace to you, neighbor. There are some smaller birds in nearby trees that are no threat to me and of no interest. I worry about the nut-gatherers, because they are not above killing eggs. Sometimes larger fur creatures come through, and sometimes uprights like you, and not all of these are safe, but none can fly and my nest is high enough that I do not fear the dangerous ones climbing to it." --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36149 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 03:15:09 +0000 Oak 36149@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ As I sift through the available vocabulary, I modify my intended greeting to match. "Peace be unto you, neighbor. Do you know what other creatures live nearby?" M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/6#post-36146 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:42:19 +0000 M. J. Young 36146@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ The bird's language does not contain a word for "friend". There is a word that is closer to "neighbor", which means a creature that lives nearby who is neither a threat nor a food source and therefore irrelevant, and another that clearly means "mate", and another for "offspring", and another for "parent", and another for "sibling". Pick one, or find a way to ask without using that word. In giving it your name, are you pronouncing it as "John" or are you translating it, and if you are translating it what meaning are you using for it? It does not understand your reference to the white creatures. --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/5#post-36141 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:28:23 +0000 Oak 36141@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ My whistling is mediocre, but my singing is good, and I possess perfect pitch. I have been everything from Bass II to Tenor I, but I don't really go lower than Bass I. I sing Tenor I these days, with a well-blended falsetto that can hit high notes with ease and accuracy. I slowly take a reassuring step away from bird and home. "Peace be unto you, friend. I am John. May we be friends?" "I seek the fair folk. Do you know how I may find them?" M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/5#post-36139 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:01:21 +0000 M. J. Young 36139@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ You attempt to read what the bird is thinking, and for a moment you have a glimmer that feels almost like a connection, and then it is gone. You try to focus, and try again, but you don't recapture that. Shifting to the language center tap, you suddenly find that you understand what the bird is saying. It is saying "this is my home, stay away." You could probably say something to it. How good are you at whistling, or will you attempt to sing it? (What is your vocal range--e.g., baritone, tenor, countertenor?) --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/5#post-36136 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 02:59:31 +0000 Oak 36136@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I attempt to Read Thoughts of the bird. If I'm not successful, I attempt to Focus, and if Focused then try to Read Thoughts of the bird again. After this, I attempt to Tap Language Center of the bird, and then see if I can converse with it. If I'm not successful, I attempt to Focus, and if Focused then try to Tap Language Center of the bird again... :) M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/5#post-36135 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 01:38:16 +0000 M. J. Young 36135@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ You head out into the woods, traveling some distance from the camp alone, and then attempt to "hear" the thoughts around you. You hear nothing. You sit and think for a while about how you might do this, and decide that it might be easier to see thinking than to hear it, so you close your eyes, focus on what you know about thought from mind reading, and then open them again. There is a blue glow--no, not blue, purple, no, that's not right either, it's a color unlike anything you can process with your eyes. It is very faint around the trees and shrubs, and slightly brighter in little specks that are apparently insects, and brighter yet in the two larger animals that stand out slightly--a bird on a branch above you and a squirrel on the exterior of a nearby tree. --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/5#post-36133 Sun, 11 Dec 2011 22:59:44 +0000 Oak 36133@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ OOC: I'll make my first attempt as auditory only. If that fails, then I'll try visual only. If that fails, then I'll try both. :) M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/5#post-36130 Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:49:19 +0000 M. J. Young 36130@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I would consider it combining two skills, probably make it -10, although since in some sense you're really doing one thing two ways I might make it -5. What I see, though, is that the auditory gives you the advantage that it is full spherical with a directional sense not limited by line of sight combined with the disadvantage that you can't be certain whether the first object you see is what is thinking or whether the thinker is beyond it, while the visual gives you the advantage that you can identify the thinker quite specifically and immediately, but the disadvantage that you have to be looking in the right general direction and have no obstacles. If I allow them to be combined, then you eliminate all the limitations, really--you can "hear" that something is thinking in "that direction", and turn that way, and either you will see it immediately or you will know that it must be hidden behind (or inside) something else. It sort of eliminates the "flavor" of psionic detection, which either has you turning and scanning to find what you seek (the visual) or gives you a vague directional sense (the auditory). It does not "have to be" one or the other, certainly. If you'll take the -10 penalty I'll roll it as having both components. If you'll pick one, I'll roll it straight. --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/5#post-36128 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:18:28 +0000 Oak 36128@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ If it is to be one or the other, I'll go with auditory. Once I master that, I may at some later time explore combining them. How much of a penalty would that be? M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/5#post-36124 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:25:02 +0000 M. J. Young 36124@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ <blockquote>I wonder whether or not it is also possible to include some type of visual component, so that the source(s) of thought stand out (a faint glow around the thought source(s), or etc.)?</blockquote> When you were analogizing it to an auditory concept, I was thinking in terms of stereolocation, that you could tell the directional vector toward the thought, no matter what direction it was, and objects would not block it. Now that you have me analogizing it to vision, I'm thinking you can identify the specific object thinking, but only if it is in line of sight and you are looking generally at it. I am comfortable with either concept, but I am not particularly comfortable with combining them without a penalty. So what is your preference in this regard? --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/5#post-36118 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 02:57:49 +0000 Oak 36118@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ Your idea (separate detecting and hearing) sounds fair. I wonder whether or not it is also possible to include some type of visual component, so that the source(s) of thought stand out (a faint glow around the thought source(s), or etc.)? I would work on this when away from the camp, in the forest alone (whether for far flung firewood, or on my healing journeys). I would actually be keen to converse with anything and everything non-human (animals, trees, rocks, etc.), but I would probably want to give priority to things that might be rarer and more intelligent, such as fairies. However, I would happily take what I can get in whatever order, and try to find different source types of thinking on subsequent attempts. I hope to befriend those I converse with, so friendly is better than unalterably hostile. M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/5#post-36116 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:30:50 +0000 M. J. Young 36116@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ <blockquote>I'm not a rule expert by any means, but doesn't stealth include silent movement? Will Scarlet gave me my first lesson in stealth when I was making so much noise stomping through the forest soon after my arrival. Wouldn't I therefore be able to put such training into practice whenever I am walking through the forest?</blockquote> Well, yes and no. The merry men move quietly leaving little trace of their direction, but they pay for it in speed and comfort. Since you've had a lesson, you could practice the skills when you move outside the immediate campground, such as gathering firewood; but for the long trips between the villages you could not maintain it and travel quickly enough. However, you could do it for parts of the journeys, so we'll allow that you're practicing what you've been taught in that regard. The men certainly agree that the Normans need to repent and turn from their sins, and that if you're going to preach peace to them you probably ought to have a sword, or at least a good quarterstaff, so perhaps your explanation does make sense. Your explanation of detecting thought makes good sense, with the caveat that detecting thought and hearing what is being thought are separate concepts. You could combine them into a type of detection/mindreading combination that lets you hear all thought in a given area, but it would be easier to take it as incomprehensible muttering in different kinds of voices, languages, accents, et cetera, that you can distinguish in the ways you've described without being able to understand as part of the process. That is different from detecting life, which I think you did not address, unless you are regarding them to be the same. I will say that they are not. Whether there are living things that do not think or thinking things that do not live I leave as an unanswered question for the present, particularly because you have not yet defined what you mean by "life". But assuming that you are satisfied with the concept of detecting thought, I think then the problem I face is knowing which kind of thought you are hoping to discriminate first. However, that might be a more difficult question for us to address than appears on the surface. You have read the minds of people; I do not know what people or what kinds of people, nor do I know whether you have ever read the mind of anything that is not human in the strictest definition of the word. If that is so, then the only kind or "flavor" of thought you can identify as such would be human. That doesn't necessarily mean you couldn't sense kinds of thoughts that were not human; it only means that you would have no point of reference to know whether those thoughts were those of a bear or bird or even perhaps a tree, but only that something was thinking and it seemed different from human thought, and it seemed to be coming from this direction. And again we have the problem of detecting water in an ocean: if you are in camp and you detect thought, you are surrounded by creatures that think. So I return to the problem of what exactly you are going to do in trying to learn this skill. --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/5#post-36111 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 02:45:27 +0000 Oak 36111@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I'm not a rule expert by any means, but doesn't stealth include silent movement? Will Scarlet gave me my first lesson in stealth when I was making so much noise stomping through the forest soon after my arrival. Wouldn't I therefore be able to put such training into practice whenever I am walking through the forest? I explain to my confused hosts that I prefer to minister and to heal, and to preserve opportunities to witness even to the Normans, for as sinners they need to be exhorted to turn from their sins and be saved. However, should an occasion arise when they reject the Gospel and respond to me with arms, it is well to have the option of mounting a defense. For detection, I suppose that I am thinking of something analogous to being in a large crowded room. You hear the overall buzz of conversation. You can discern individual conversations if you focus upon them sufficiently, and direct that focus where you will. You can discern differences in the background noise, such as male versus female, loud versus soft, hostile versus friendly, old versus young, English versus French, complex versus simple, etc., and follow up as you will. So I think of detecting thought as being able to hear with my mind the thoughts in my vicinity, as if they were being spoken aloud. And if there are many sources, I can direct my attention based upon the distinguishing characteristics I may "hear", and discern the specifics of what is being thought. Thus, I could try to focus upon those portions of the background noise that stick out as being "interesting" based upon whatever characteristic(s) I am currently seeking, such as the most intelligent, or the most hostile, or the most birdlike, or etc. Does that make sense? :) M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/5#post-36109 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:02:40 +0000 M. J. Young 36109@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ You won't really be practicing stealth traveling through the forest between villages; you do learn some woodcraft in the process. Your hosts are confused that you want to learn the use of the weapons but don't want to come on the raids. It's because of the incongruity, though--Tuck does not usually go on raids, but he tends the sick and serves as confessor and pastor for the men; but he does not study the weapon use. To this point you appear to be more akin to Tuck, someone who is a holy man helping the sick and wounded, and it thus makes sense that you would not be part of the raids; but it does not then make sense that you would want to learn to fight. Now, let's start with the detect life and detect thought ideas. Detecting life in the middle of a forest is a bit like detecting water in the middle of the ocean--you're surrounded by it. Detecting "thought" is a more complicated question--are the choices made by animals "thought", or are they somewhere below that? So let's get some better definition on what it is you are seeking and how you distinguish that from all that is similar to it in this area. --M. J. Young Oak on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/5#post-36106 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:03:57 +0000 Oak 36106@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ I don't remember if we have established a regular training program with the weapons yet. I may not have been here long enough yet. I would like to establish one, though. I haven't been going on the raids. My good name and potential for future ministry among the Normans would be hampered if I did, and I am not necessarily comfortable in robbing others even to give to the poor. Thankfully, I haven't been asked to do so. However, I figure that I can practice stealth and woodcraft as I move through the forest on my periodic healing trips and/or as I help around the camp... I'd love to hear the details about the news Alain has, and thankfully take whatever opportunities for learning and practicing. I've played many instruments in my life, including guitar, so I suspect that I could pick up lute fairly quickly. I would love to be able to communicate with anything and everything, whether sentient or not, even whether animate or not. My first world with Kyler had me making telepathic contact with both insects and trees, and even mind swapping with a tree when I botched! :) One possible approach would be psi-based, taking variations from my experiences in B Movie Monster World. That might suggest some type of Detect Life and/or Detect Thought, plus some type of Tap Language Center and/or Telepathy. However, I don't recall psi doing so well in this universe. Therefore, a more likely approach would be mag-based, taking variations from my experiences here. That might suggest some type of Detect Life and/or Detect Thought, plus some type of Communicate with Non-Talkers and/or Hear Thoughts. For "magical beings", I might go for some type of Detect Spirit Powers, if needed, or perhaps some type of True Sight. Of course, my in-character knowledge of these various approaches is limited, but I do have had some experience in both psi and mag, plus the overview of the bias and skill progressions that I received from the Architect. Is that enough to get us started? Or do I need to be more specific? M. J. Young on "An Unfamiliar Familiar Forest, John Oakmaster alone in a new world" http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/an-unfamiliar-familiar-forest-john-oakmaster-alone-in-a-new-world/page/5#post-36104 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:33:40 +0000 M. J. Young 36104@http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/ O.K., in sequence-- <ul> <li>Continue to minister to the physical and spiritual needs around me, both in camp and through periodic healing trips, spreading the true Gospel as I do so</li> </ul> At the moment there are no sick or injured in the camp, and no one has come seeking help for a few days at least. You are certainly welcome to seek the scattered farm communities and see what the needs are, but at present everyone in camp is preparing for the busy work of ambushing wealthy Normans. <ul> <li>Develop woodland skills (survival, stealth, woodcraft, archery, quarterstaff) with such worthy instructors nearby</li> </ul> Particularly on the two weapons, do you have a training program in place? The survival you can be picking up by participating in the came work, the stealth you would practice by going on the raids, and the woodcraft is some combination of the two, but your advancement in the weapons will be ruled by what kind of training and practice you are getting. Certainly there are men training men in these, and Robin helps teach the archery, Little John the quarterstaff, if you put yourself into working several hours a week with them. <ul> <li>Develop bardic skills with such a worthy instructor nearby, and see if a bardic musical instrument can be acquired</li> </ul> Alain a Dale is the only minstrel that frequents the camp, but he's glad to teach you the songs. They mostly carry news--the news that tells in detail what has happened to Richard (which if you like I can try to copy here for you). They paint Richard in a favorable light, John in an unfavorable one. He shows you a bit how to play his instruments, but he does not have spares and does not let you practice them unsupervised. <ul> <li>Develop skills to detect and communicate (ideally, via telepathy, but I'll take what I can get) with various lifeforms, including non-humans (forest critters, plus any "magical being" legends that may be around</li> </ul> Let's start simple. What kind of skill do you intend to use to locate animals, and what kind of skill would you then use to communicate? I should also ask whether your reference to "various lifeforms" means that you will be attempting to communicate with the trees. Once we've gotten past that, we can explore what you might do to find the magical beings you hope to locate. --M. J. Young