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Nysalor
21. tammikuuta 2008 kello 21.18
linkki
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Sankarimatkani ensimmäinen osa on ollut jo pitkän aikaa oikoluettuna, ja nyt saan sen viimein laitettua tännekin. Siinä on vielä joitakin kohtia, joita aion hioa, ja kaikki huomautukset kieliasusta ovat oikein tervetulleita. Myös myytin ja selityksien muotoa täytyy miettiä. Ilkka on ainakin ehdottanut, että ne voisi laittaa rinnakkain.
Toiseen eli Ernaldan osaan tarvitsisin kielenkorjausapua, sillä englanninnokseni on taatusti kaamea. Ensimmäisestä osasta sain Ilkan avustuksella kai edes siedettävää, ja Alison näyttää tehneen vielä hyvää työtä ja kiinnittäneen huomiota muutamiin tärkeisiin pointteihin. Olisiko siis halukkaita auttamaan toisen osan korjaamisessa? Olen valmis laittamaan tekstin sähköpostilla halukkaalle korjaajalle tai useammalla, kun en saa tiedostoa törkättyä tällä hetkellä omille sivuilleni.
Tässä tulee joka tapauksessa Orlanthin osuus Helerin vapautuksen sankarimatkasta:
[size=18:71f5be4d1e][b:71f5be4d1e]Orlanth Rescues Heler[/b:71f5be4d1e][/size:71f5be4d1e]
Once, the Storm Tribe suffered from severe drought. Heler had disappeared, and the rains didn’t come. The Tribe gathered to discuss together where Heler could be. No-one had seen him or heard of him for many days. With his magical skills, Lhankor Mhy found out that evil Daga had captured Heler and taken him to his desert far away.
Orlanth swore he would find his fellow kinsman and punish evil Daga. But Ernalda said there was another way: that they could negotiate with Daga. Maybe Daga would agree to free Heler if they offered him something in return. Barntar supported Ernalda’s suggestion and promised to plough the dry fields himself while waiting for the results of the negotiations.
However, Orlanth held to his decision, and he was supported by the warlike men of the Tribe and by Vinga. While the others argued about the course of action, Orlanth left alone to search for Daga and Heler. He walked through the Storm Village and past the steads, stopping at the Shining Hall of Elmal. There Orlanth gave Elmal the task of guarding Storm Village while he was absent. Orlanth gave to Elmal his Storm Spear, with which he could scatter his enemies like leaves in a gale.
Then Orlanth set out for Daga’s Desert. Soon he saw Urox Hills ahead, which Urox had chosen for his dwelling place. At the foot of a mountain Orlanth found Urox tied to a tall stone by a leash. Urox was running around the stone like a madman, trying to catch his tail. A cruel little creature was hanging onto it, that a wicked stranger had hung onto Urox’s tail after capturing Urox with his own lasso.
Orlanth slew the tail hanger with his spear, climbed up the stone and released Urox from the leash. Urox was so furious that he threatened to attack Orlanth, who first had to soothe him. When Urox had calmed down, he gave to Orlanth as a reward the Brass Horn, which he had formerly wrestled from the head of his enemy. Orlanth asked if Urox would accompany him on his quest. However, Urox didn’t bother listening to Orlanth, but instead rushed bellowing towards the Desert of the Outlaws, in the direction he had seen the stranger disappear.
Orlanth wandered through the stony terrain of Urox Hills. Whilst walking, he heard grating wails from the top of a high cliff. There perched a great king condor mother, who wailed for her nestling, fallen from the nest into the gorge below. When Orlanth saw this, his sense of mercy awoke and he swore to bring the nestling back. Orlanth climbed down into the gorge, and brought the nestling unhurt back to its mother. She thanked Orlanth and promised him anything as a prize. But Orlanth only asked the majestic condor for her favour.
Orlanth strode on, leaving the Urox Hills behind. Finally, he arrived at Daga’s Desert. The desert was scorching, and hot dusted coated Orlanth's feet. Even the slightest breath of wind was lacking, because the desert also was the home of evil and windless Molanni.
Soon Orlanth arrived in Drought Village. The villagers were gaunt and miserable, as almost nothing grew in the aridness of Daga’s Desert. Orlanth spoke with the people and brought them words of hope. But the evil chief of Drought Village, Hot Drought, did not like Orlanth’s words and treacherously attacked him. Orlanth slew Hot Drought, thus freeing the village from his tyranny. Grateful for Orlanth’s deed, the villagers gave him the Tin Compass, which showed where Daga’s Mountains were situated by pointing in the opposite direction.
Guided by the Tin Compass, Orlanth continued his way. As he was walking in the desert, the bright light in the sky reflected from the ground and blinded him. Thus he didn’t see the monster lurking in the sand. Horrible and worm-like it was, with a mouth full of sharp teeth. It sprang from its sand pit and tried to pull Orlanth down under. But Orlanth beat it and crawled up from the pit.
Orlanth travelled on, as darkness fell rapidly upon the desert. When he couldn’t see his way anymore, he stopped to rest. He fell asleep, alert even while sleeping, with his weapons beside him. It proved necessary, because a disgusting desert spider stalked in the darkness of the night and crept to attack sleeping Orlanth. But Orlanth awoke and fought a fierce yet victorious battle. Then he calmly slept the rest of the night. No more creatures dared to attack him that night.
In the morning, Orlanth continued his exhausting journey. He walked ever on and on, feeling that the desert was endless. His steps became clumsy, his lips cracked and his mouth yearned for water. Vultures circled over Orlanth, waiting patiently. He couldn’t refresh himself with his windy power, because in the heat of Daga’s and Molanni’s Realm even wind was smothered. Finally, Orlanth sank down exhausted.
When Orlanth woke up, he felt refreshing water on his forehead. It was Ernalda, who had heard of her husband’s trouble and hurried to help and support him. Orlanth lovingly praised his faithful wife for coming to his rescue. Together they continued the journey, and their love gave them strength to walk through the burning-hot land until they reached Daga’s Mountains.
Daga’s Mountains rose dry and barren before Ernalda and Orlanth. They started to climb the mountains, seeking any traces of Heler. On the cliffs they found some light coloured wet wool which Ernalda recognised belonging to Heler. Together they followed the traces a long time until they arrived at a cave. At the front of the cave, evil Daga was waiting for them.
Ernalda attempted to try a peaceful resolution, and started to haggle with Daga like an old woman. Evil Daga spoke deceitful words and Ernalda was fooled by them. At that moment Orlanth roared and attacked lying Daga, preventing him from misleading Ernalda further. Then a dozen of Daga's sons sprang from hiding, and they tried to kill Orlanth and Ernalda. But Orlanth blew his Brass Horn and stones rolled down the mountain and buried Daga’s sons.
Daga, the coward, tried to escape into his cave, but Orlanth pursued him and nailed him to the ground with a spear. By dripping water on Daga, Orlanth forced him to promise to reveal where Heler was imprisoned inside the mountain. Yet even though Daga agreed to show the way to Heler's prison, twice he tried to mislead Orlanth and Ernalda. The couple detected Daga’s deception, and after the third attempt, Daga had no option but to lead the rescuers to Heler. Orlanth beat Daga against the prison bars to break them, and freed Heler. Ernalda gave water to an exhausted Heler to help him recover. Orlanth then threw Daga into his own prison and locked the bars with Daga’s own club. After that the brave trio left for home.
Orlanth, Ernalda and Heler returned victorious to Storm Village. All praised Orlanth’s glory and even Ernalda admitted that Daga had been too deceitful to negotiate with. With Heler's return, rains came back and washed away Daga’s drought.
[size=18:71f5be4d1e][b:71f5be4d1e]Stations of Orlanth[/b:71f5be4d1e][/size:71f5be4d1e]
[b:71f5be4d1e]1. Heler Has Disappeared[/b:71f5be4d1e]
Heler should be absent from the collective representing Storm Tribe. The representative of Lhankor Mhy must perform a ritual, finding out by magical or non-magical means that Daga is to blame.
[b:71f5be4d1e]2. Dispute Over the Course of Action[/b:71f5be4d1e]
In order to defend their own opinions, Orlanth and Ernalda must have a dispute. Other representatives of the collective can support either proposal. The one receiving more support gets an advantage later.
[b:71f5be4d1e]3. Orlanth Leaves Alone[/b:71f5be4d1e]
Orlanth must leave the others to continue their debate and first go to the Shining Hall of Elmal. There he should give his Storm Spear to Elmal. If Orlanth doesn’t do this, enemies will be able to enter Storm Village and cause damage, because Elmal is unable to fight them as powerfully as he otherwise could. The same will happen if Orlanth takes Elmal with him for the journey.
[b:71f5be4d1e]4. & 5. Urox Hills[/b:71f5be4d1e]
Orlanth should go to south looking for Urox. There he must succeed in killing the creature hanging on Urox’s tail. A well-aimed missile throw is the best option, because otherwise it’s possible that Urox in his blind rage attacks Orlanth. Use of weapons other than a missile weapon give some penalty.
After killing the creature, Orlanth must climb up the stone (Climb), being careful of Urox’s horns. He has to either cut or release the leash (Weapon Attack, or DEX). When climbing down, he must calm down Urox by speaking (easy), or by force (difficult).
The Brass Horn given by Urox is a powerful item which can affect mountains. It can cause stones to fall, avalanches to occur, or anything similar. The horn gives a low, far-reaching sound, and can be used to warn for danger – except on the mountains, where it can put the blower in danger.
[b:71f5be4d1e]6. King Condor in Distress[/b:71f5be4d1e]
Orlanth has to notice the troubles of the King Condor mother. If Orlanth succeeds in a suitable trait roll (for example, Honourable), he is ready to endanger himself, and gets a bonus. If not, he might climb down, but it’s more difficult (harder Climb rolls). It’s even harder to bring the condor nestling from the gorge and to keep him calm enough without hurting him.
If Orlanth chooses to have a favour as a prize, the King Condor mother will compensate the favour by seeing Orlanth when he is lying exhausted in the desert (Stage 11). If Orlanth chooses to have something else, she will not owe a favour to Orlanth, and she doesn’t go to get Ernalda.
[b:71f5be4d1e]7. & 8. Drought Village[/b:71f5be4d1e]
In Drought Village, Orlanth has to preach hope to the people (e.g. Orate, plus suitable bonuses from the contents of the speech). In this way, he angers Hot Drought, who will in his blind rage attack Orlanth. Treat the attack as a surprise if Orlanth doesn’t see it coming (difficult Scan). If Orlanth wins the fight, and treats the villagers well, they will give him the Tin Compass.
If Orlanth doesn’t get the Tin Compass, it will be much harder for him to choose the right direction. If Orlanth gets lost, the King Condor mother won’t necessarily find him when he is lying exhausted in the desert (Stage 11). In addition, later dangers may be more threatening for him.
[b:71f5be4d1e]9. Sand Swimmer[/b:71f5be4d1e]
Orlanth is blinded by the bright light, and he suffers penalties to his Scan. If Orlanth can somehow cover his eyes (his hands aren’t enough), the penalty will be smaller. Orlanth would probably fall into the trap set by the sand swimmer and have to fight. When fighting, the light doesn’t give any penalties.
[b:71f5be4d1e]10. Desert Spider[/b:71f5be4d1e]
Orlanth must rest but stay watchful (a suitable roll). If Orlanth perceives the spider’s coming during his sleep (Listen), he is ready to fight the spider. Otherwise the spider will surprise Orlanth when he is still sleeping.
[b:71f5be4d1e]11. Orlanth Can No More[/b:71f5be4d1e]
Orlanth will start to suffer from exhaustion and thirst. His exertion and physical condition determine how tired he is. If Orlanth collapses too early, vultures and other scavengers may attack him before Ernalda arrives to help him.
[b:71f5be4d1e]12. Ernalda Refreshes Orlanth[/b:71f5be4d1e]
Ernalda’s refreshing water restores strength to Orlanth, and heals all possible wounds. Orlanth has to show his love towards Ernalda in some way, or he gets a penalty for the rest of his journey. If Ernalda doesn’t come, Orlanth is doomed to die.
[b:71f5be4d1e]13. Daga’s Mountains[/b:71f5be4d1e]
On Daga’s Mountains, Orlanth and Ernalda must search for traces of Heler (suitable Search). If they succeed, they will find the wool of the Rain Ram, and by following the traces, they will finally arrive at Daga’s Cave. However, if Orlanth and Ernalda don’t advance with extreme caution, Daga will see them coming, and will be waiting for them.
[b:71f5be4d1e]14. Meeting Daga[/b:71f5be4d1e]
Ernalda must try to negotiate with Daga. If she lets Orlanth attack before the negotiations, Orlanth suffers a penalty. Orlanth should first recognize that Ernalda’s negotiations don’t help them, and not attack before he has realised this.
Orlanth must use the Brass Horn when the Sons of Daga appear. If he doesn’t have the horn, Orlanth and Ernalda are attacked by the Sons of Daga, and will be overwhelmed. The Brass Horn makes big stones roll down the slope, thus killing the Sons of Daga.
[b:71f5be4d1e]15. Freeing Heler[/b:71f5be4d1e]
Orlanth must catch the fleeing Daga (DEX) and overcome him somehow without killing him. Orlanth can only force Daga to show the way to Heler by pouring water on Daga, which Daga cannot tolerate for long. Ernalda may attempt to prevent Orlanth doing so. If Orlanth doesn’t catch Daga, it’s very difficult to find Heler. Daga may come back with reinforcements.
Daga tries twice to lead Orlanth and Ernalda into danger. There may be a trap pit, a hostile creature, or something similar. By detecting the dangers in time (Scan, Listen), Orlanth and Ernalda will be able to avoid them. Otherwise they just have to overcome them, and Daga may attempt to escape during this confusion.
When they come to Heler, Orlanth must break the prison bars (Weapon Attack, STR, etc.). There is a risk that his weapon will break when hitting the bars. Daga’s club is the best tool for this. After Daga has been imprisoned in the cell, Orlanth must lock the bars with Daga’s club. If Daga isn’t imprisoned, he may have time to get reinforcements and attack Orlanth, Ernalda and Heler on their return journey.
[b:71f5be4d1e]16. Return to Storm Village[/b:71f5be4d1e]
The return journey should be easy. If Orlanth and Ernalda got any penalties during their journey, there may be minor troubles, connected to the situations where the penalties were earned. On their journey home, it starts to rain, and the rain waters the fields. The heroquest will make the next harvest bountiful. Items gained during the quest may or may not be magical.
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