Weary
After stress yesterday at work and more today, I feel run a bit ragged. But, once again, things are functional for the moment, at least. Yay? Probably going to try to see Prometheus this weekend, though I'm not sure where my expectation level is, exactly. I've been reading more Chronicles of Elantra, and plan a post more on the series than the individual books when I finish the latest.
Chatted this morning with a coworker who's really into Diablo 3 (though due to distractions like getting married, is still in Nightmare mode). In the process, I'm realizing/admitting/declaring that it's getting less fun not because of the repetition, but because of the frustration. One of his big points was how powerful the game made him feel. Well, that's true in Normal. Even somewhat in Nightmare, though it gets more challenging. I'm about halfway through Hell difficulty and I dread coming across champion packs and rares. They may drop better loot, but at best I'll have to kite them for five minutes before getting anywhere and at worst I'll die half a dozen times before getting past them. Maybe my gear isn't fully optimized, but it isn't bad, dang it. I can't imagine I'm going to be intrested enough to really play Inferno much.
Further pondering possible MUCK characterness: a demoness intrigued by mortal desires. Someone who will at least have a reason to interact with others, to learn who they are, what they want, and to push them in ways toward that. Even if it causes trouble. A lack of mortal morality can be liberating, though I don't picture her as out to cause problems deliberately. I hope that this can keep her from becoming too insular (like Jezra) or hedged in by others, but I guess we'll see...
Amani kal Ka're
Summoned among the ka're of the Nimby deserts by one of their priestesses, Amani's first experiences with mortals were steeped in their desire. Such was natural enough for an enticer, but she grew into a genuine curiosity about it during her time among those people - sometimes given form and sometimes spiritually riding her summoner, sharing thoughts and experiences. As her knowledge grew, so did her will and curiosity, eventually leading her in her study of mortals to the trade city of Threshold...
Amani appears not unlike many other long-tailed felines of Kith Kanaan, standing not much over five feet tall. Her pelt is a pale sandy yellow with the occasional black band, lightening to white beneath her chin and along her underside with reddish lines extending over her cheeks from the corners of her eyes. Her ears are large and pointed, and her nose black. Her eyes are most often a greenish yellow, though their color is prone to change.
She wears an immaculate double-breasted cassock which, while covering most of her form, hugs feminine curves. Golden buttons gleam in the light, matching the embroidery around the edges of the garment. The fabric itself is a satiny black with patterns in a deep red that are only visible upon scrutiny, swirling in an almost hypnotic way. Over that, she wears a velvety cloak of deep purple that looks more for appearances than any protection against the elements.
- Infernal Being (1): As a being native of the infernal realms, Amani's true form is an entity of essence. Her physical form is, in truth, a construct of that energy and the will behind it. Though largely indistinguishable from a mortal form, it can be sustained or repaired on essence along and physical damage may discorporate, but not ultimately kill, her. She can restructure this body with deliberate will, though does not (and this rank) gain any unusual form-based powers, such as flight.
She is, however, potentially subject to wards, bindings, and banishment in a way native mortals are not. Her presence is a chaotic element that influences the Tapestry of Creation without being a part of it.
- Unbound (1): More than most demons, the notoriously-tricky nature of enticers makes them difficult to keep bound or contained in any sense for long. Amani is often able to escape mental or magical control, as well as slip through wards and bonds.
- Infernal Wizardry (1): Amani is able to create magical effects in a manner similar to Spiral Path sorcery. This power, however, is of a more instinctive nature and draws from her own essence and name rather than requiring pacts with other infernal beings. Because this draws upon her own power, it can be taxing in ways mortal magic usually is not.
- Empath (1): As a form of enticer, Amani is, by nature, attuned to the feelings and desires of other beings. She can read emotional states and, with effort, discern what a target wants - in both an immediate sense as well as long-term goals. Additionally, she is able to read some surface thoughts if there is strong emotion associated with them and to potentially evoke or suppress emotions in others.
- Essence Feeding (1): Since being initially summoned from the infernal realms, Amani has learned to draw on essence in the mortal realm. Unlike most demons, she is now able to siphon enough ambient essence to support her presence while maintaining a physical form and using limited amounts of magic. Greater amounts of essence can be drawn from living beings (as a form of replenishment or short-term boost), but the act is resisted unless the target is willing.
Chatted this morning with a coworker who's really into Diablo 3 (though due to distractions like getting married, is still in Nightmare mode). In the process, I'm realizing/admitting/declaring that it's getting less fun not because of the repetition, but because of the frustration. One of his big points was how powerful the game made him feel. Well, that's true in Normal. Even somewhat in Nightmare, though it gets more challenging. I'm about halfway through Hell difficulty and I dread coming across champion packs and rares. They may drop better loot, but at best I'll have to kite them for five minutes before getting anywhere and at worst I'll die half a dozen times before getting past them. Maybe my gear isn't fully optimized, but it isn't bad, dang it. I can't imagine I'm going to be intrested enough to really play Inferno much.
Further pondering possible MUCK characterness: a demoness intrigued by mortal desires. Someone who will at least have a reason to interact with others, to learn who they are, what they want, and to push them in ways toward that. Even if it causes trouble. A lack of mortal morality can be liberating, though I don't picture her as out to cause problems deliberately. I hope that this can keep her from becoming too insular (like Jezra) or hedged in by others, but I guess we'll see...
Amani kal Ka're
Summoned among the ka're of the Nimby deserts by one of their priestesses, Amani's first experiences with mortals were steeped in their desire. Such was natural enough for an enticer, but she grew into a genuine curiosity about it during her time among those people - sometimes given form and sometimes spiritually riding her summoner, sharing thoughts and experiences. As her knowledge grew, so did her will and curiosity, eventually leading her in her study of mortals to the trade city of Threshold...
Amani appears not unlike many other long-tailed felines of Kith Kanaan, standing not much over five feet tall. Her pelt is a pale sandy yellow with the occasional black band, lightening to white beneath her chin and along her underside with reddish lines extending over her cheeks from the corners of her eyes. Her ears are large and pointed, and her nose black. Her eyes are most often a greenish yellow, though their color is prone to change.
She wears an immaculate double-breasted cassock which, while covering most of her form, hugs feminine curves. Golden buttons gleam in the light, matching the embroidery around the edges of the garment. The fabric itself is a satiny black with patterns in a deep red that are only visible upon scrutiny, swirling in an almost hypnotic way. Over that, she wears a velvety cloak of deep purple that looks more for appearances than any protection against the elements.
- Infernal Being (1): As a being native of the infernal realms, Amani's true form is an entity of essence. Her physical form is, in truth, a construct of that energy and the will behind it. Though largely indistinguishable from a mortal form, it can be sustained or repaired on essence along and physical damage may discorporate, but not ultimately kill, her. She can restructure this body with deliberate will, though does not (and this rank) gain any unusual form-based powers, such as flight.
She is, however, potentially subject to wards, bindings, and banishment in a way native mortals are not. Her presence is a chaotic element that influences the Tapestry of Creation without being a part of it.
- Unbound (1): More than most demons, the notoriously-tricky nature of enticers makes them difficult to keep bound or contained in any sense for long. Amani is often able to escape mental or magical control, as well as slip through wards and bonds.
- Infernal Wizardry (1): Amani is able to create magical effects in a manner similar to Spiral Path sorcery. This power, however, is of a more instinctive nature and draws from her own essence and name rather than requiring pacts with other infernal beings. Because this draws upon her own power, it can be taxing in ways mortal magic usually is not.
- Empath (1): As a form of enticer, Amani is, by nature, attuned to the feelings and desires of other beings. She can read emotional states and, with effort, discern what a target wants - in both an immediate sense as well as long-term goals. Additionally, she is able to read some surface thoughts if there is strong emotion associated with them and to potentially evoke or suppress emotions in others.
- Essence Feeding (1): Since being initially summoned from the infernal realms, Amani has learned to draw on essence in the mortal realm. Unlike most demons, she is now able to siphon enough ambient essence to support her presence while maintaining a physical form and using limited amounts of magic. Greater amounts of essence can be drawn from living beings (as a form of replenishment or short-term boost), but the act is resisted unless the target is willing.
I feel your co-worker is going to have a dash of cold water when/if he ever makes it out of Nightmare and into Act 1 Hell. Thoughts on Amani to be discussed in person.
ReplyDeleteWe'll see. 'tis Shujin, incidentally. ;)
ReplyDelete