Index: init.lua =================================================================== --- init.lua (revision 6365) +++ init.lua (working copy) @@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ Welcome to Maj'Eyal. This is the Age of Ascendancy. After over ten thousand years of strife, pain and chaos the known world is at last at relative peace. -The last effects of the #FF0000#Spellblaze#WHITE# have been tamed. The land slowly heals itself and the civilisations rebuild themselves after the Age of Pyre. +The last effects of the #FF0000#Spellblaze#WHITE# have been tamed. The land slowly heals itself and the civilisations have rebuilt themselves after the Age of Pyre. It has been one hundred and twenty-two years since the Allied Kingdoms were established under the rule of #14fffc#Toknor#ffffff# and his wife #14fffc#Mirvenia#ffffff#. Together they ruled the kingdoms with fairness and brought prosperity to both Halflings and Humans. @@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ While the people of Maj'Eyal know that the mages helped put an end to the terrors of the Spellblaze, they also did not forget that it was magic that started those events. As such, mages are still shunned from society, if not outright hunted down. Still, this is a golden age. Civilisations are healing the wounds of thousands of years of conflict, and the Humans and the Halflings have made a lasting peace. -You are an adventurer, set out to discover wonders, explore old places, and venture into the unknown for wealth and glory. +You are an adventurer. You have set out to discover wonders, explore old places, and venture into the unknown for wealth and glory. ]] starter = "mod.load" @@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_orc_orc_blood_mage.png", text=[[In the Age of Pyre the orcs learned the secrets of magic, and with their newfound powers nearly overcame the whole of Maj'Eyal.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_orc_orc_berserker.png", text=[[The orcs once terrorised the whole continent. In the Age of Ascendancy they were rendered extinct, but rumours abound of hidden groups biding their time to return.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_human_fire_wyrmic.png", text=[[Intense willpower lets wyrmics take on the natural powers of dragons.]]}, - {image="/data/gfx/loadtiles/alchemist_golem.png", text=[[Alchemist can transmute gems to create fiery explosions, and are known to travel with a sturdy golem for extra protection.]]}, + {image="/data/gfx/loadtiles/alchemist_golem.png", text=[[Alchemists can transmute gems to create fiery explosions, and are known to travel with a sturdy golem for extra protection.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/construct_golem_athamathon_the_giant_golem.png", text=[[In the Age of Pyre the giant golem Atamathon was built with the sole purpose of stopping the orcish leader Garkul the Devourer. The golem was single-handedly destroyed by the orc, who then slaughtered an army of thousands before the demonic fighter was finally slain.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/loadtiles/farportal.png", text=[[None know what the Sher'Tul looked like, or what caused them all to disappear thousands of years ago. Their rare ruins are a source of mystery and terror.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/horror_eldritch_luminous_horror.png", text=[[In deep places dark things dwell beyond description or understanding. None know the source of these hideous horrors.]]}, @@ -83,23 +83,23 @@ {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/vermin_sandworm_sandworm_burrower.png", text=[[Giant worms tear open huge passageways through the deserts in the west. It is said great riches lie buried beneath the sand, still decorating the corpses of those who went there seeking great riches.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_human_arcane_blade.png", text=[[Arcane Blades employ a fusion of melee and magical combat. Their training is harsh but the most dedicated rise to great powers.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/object/rune_green.png", text=[[Wild infusions call upon the powers of nature to protect the flesh and rid oneself of inflictions.]]}, - {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/object/rune_red.png", text=[[Shield runes act instantly, letting one protect oneself quickly whilst also preparing to flee or launch a counter attack.]]}, + {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/object/rune_red.png", text=[[Shield runes act instantly, letting one protect oneself quickly whilst also preparing to flee or launch a counterattack.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/object/plate_voratun.png", text=[[Greater training in the use of armour lets it be used more effectively, blocking more damage and reducing the chance of an enemy hitting a critical spot.]]}, - {image="/data/gfx/talents/thick_skin.png", text=[[The Thick Skin talent reducing all incoming damage, letting you survive for longer before needing to heal.]]}, + {image="/data/gfx/talents/thick_skin.png", text=[[The Thick Skin talent reduces all incoming damage, letting you survive for longer before needing to heal.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/object/rune_green.png", text=[[Regeneration infusions act over several turns, letting you anticipate damage that will be taken and prepare for it.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/object/wand_elm.png", text=[[In the most dire circumstances teleportation can be the best escape, but is not without risk.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_halfling_protector_myssil.png", text=[[The Ziguranth are an ancient order vehemently opposed to magic. Some have become so attuned to nature they can resist arcane forces with their will alone.]]}, - {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/giant_ice_snow_giant.png", img_y_off=-20, text=[[Records say that giants once lived civilised lives, with mastery of many crafts and sciences. Now though they have adopted nomadic cultures, turning hostile against those that encroach on their lands.]]}, + {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/giant_ice_snow_giant.png", img_y_off=-20, text=[[Records say that giants once lived civilised lives, with mastery of many crafts and sciences. Now, though, they have adopted nomadic cultures, turning hostile against those that encroach on their lands.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_dwarf_ziguranth_warrior.png", text=[[Zigur was founded by escapees of Conclave experiments during the Allure wars between humans and halflings.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/terrain/statue3.png", text=[[The Thaloren and Shaloren elves have never had good relations, and have been outright hostile since the Spellblaze devastated many Thaloren lands.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/terrain/statue3.png", text=[[The third elven race, the Naloren, were rendered extinct after a huge cataclysm swept the eastern side of Maj'Eyal into the sea.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/giant_troll_prox_the_mighty.png", img_y_off=-20, text=[[Trolls were once seen as little more than beasts or pests, but the orcs trained them up for use in war and they became much more intelligent and fearsome.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/object/artifact/proxs_lucky_halfling_foot.png", text=[[Some say that the foot of a halfling is lucky to own. Halflings do not take well to those who enquire too forcefully.]]}, - {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/patrol_allied_kingdoms_allied_kingdoms_halfling_patrol.png", text=[[The Nargol empire was once the largest force in Maj'Eyal, but a combination of the Spellblaze and orcish attacks have dwindled it into insignificance.]]}, + {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/patrol_allied_kingdoms_allied_kingdoms_halfling_patrol.png", text=[[The Nargol empire was once the largest force in Maj'Eyal, but after a combination of the Spellblaze and orcish attacks it has dwindled into insignificance.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/undead_giant_heavy_bone_giant.png", text=[[Some of the most powerful undead do not fall easily, and only through extreme persistence can they be put to rest.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_yeek_yeek_mindslayer.png", img_y_off=-20, text=[[History says little of the ancient race of yeeks that lived in halfling territory, but vanished before the time of the Spellblaze.]]}, - {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_dwarf_dwarven_earthwarden.png", text=[[Dwarves are naturally inquisitive people, but do not enjoy such inquisition turned on them. Most live secretive lives in their closed off city, the Iron Throne.]]}, - {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/object/diamond.png", text=[[Alchemists can bind gems to armour to grant them magical effects, to protect the wearer or improve their powers. Some commercial alchemists can imbue gems into jewellery.]]}, + {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_dwarf_dwarven_earthwarden.png", text=[[Dwarves are naturally inquisitive people, but do not enjoy such inquisition turned on them. Most live secretive lives in their closed-off city, the Iron Throne.]]}, + {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/object/diamond.png", text=[[Alchemists can bind gems to armour to bestow magical effects, to protect the wearer or improve their powers. Some commercial alchemists can imbue gems into jewelry.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/terrain/ruin_tower_closed01.png", text=[[The Spellblaze was followed by the Age of Dusk, when disease was rife and civilisation collapsed. Necromancers and fell sorcerers took advantage of the chaos to spread their vile deeds.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_human_linaniil_supreme_archmage.png", img_y_off=-50, text=[[After the Spellblaze came the Spellhunt, when the normal people rose against the arrogance of the mages and hunted them down like wolves. Some survived and went into hiding, but many innocents were killed.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/demon_major_duathedlen.png", text=[[Demons are thought to come from another world, brought to Eyal by magical forces. Some are highly intelligent and follow their own ambitions. To what end, none know.]]}, @@ -109,9 +109,9 @@ {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_human_slave_combatant.png", text=[[Though slavery is illegal there is still a black market for it, and in some areas men are even used for blood sports.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/terrain/worldmap.png", text=[[Maj'Eyal is the biggest continent in the world of Eyal. Though records suggest other continents and islands may exist it has not been possible to cross the wide and stormy oceans since the Spellblaze and the Cataclysm.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/terrain/worldmap.png", text=[[The effects of the Spellblaze were not all instant, and many centuries later the Cataclysm tore the continent apart once more, devastating coastal areas the destroying all of the Naloren lands.]]}, - {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_elf_elven_archer.png", text=[[Archers are fast and deadly, and with pinning shots can render their foe helpless as swiftly dispatch them.]]}, - {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_human_reaver.png", text=[[Reavers are powerful fighters with corrupted blood, and the strength to wield a one-handed weapon in each arm.]]}, - {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_shalore_elven_corruptor.png", text=[[Corrupters fed off the essence of others, and can use their own corrupted blood to launch deadly magical attacks.]]}, + {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_elf_elven_archer.png", text=[[Archers are fast and deadly, and with pinning shots can render their foes helpless and swiftly dispatch them.]]}, + {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_human_reaver.png", text=[[Reavers are powerful fighters with corrupted blood, and the strength to wield any one-handed weapon in each hand.]]}, + {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_shalore_elven_corruptor.png", text=[[Corrupters feed off the essence of others, and can use their own corrupted blood to launch deadly magical attacks.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/trap/beartrap01.png", text=[[Clever rogues can lay traps to damage or debilitate their foes without having to go near them.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/talents/stealth.png", text=[[Rogues can move silently and stealthily, letting them approach foes unaware or avoid them entirely.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/object/rune_green.png", text=[[A movement infusion can let you quickly approach a ranged opponent, or quickly escape a melee one.]]}, @@ -119,8 +119,8 @@ {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_human_assassin_lord.png", text=[[Poison is the domain of assassins and master rogues, and its cunning use can cripple or kill enemies over a long fight.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/loadtiles/summoner.png", text=[[Summoners can call upon a variety of natural creatures to protect and support them, reducing the risk to their own flesh considerably.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_human_linaniil_supreme_archmage.png", img_y_off=-50, text=[[The highest sorcerers are known as archmages, and the masters amongst them are said to have the power to change the world. They are feared immensely.]]}, - {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_orc_orc_elite_fighter.png", text=[[Bulwarks are defensive fighters that can take hits more readily than other warriors whilst preparing for the most effective counter attacks.]]}, - {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_human_slave_combatant.png", text=[[Brawler are trained in the use of their fists and mastery of their bodies. They can be as dangerous in combat as any swordsman.]]}, + {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_orc_orc_elite_fighter.png", text=[[Bulwarks are defensive fighters that can take hits more readily than other warriors whilst preparing for the most effective counterattacks.]]}, + {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_human_slave_combatant.png", text=[[Brawlers are trained in the use of their fists and mastery of their bodies. They can be as dangerous in combat as any swordsman.]]}, {image="/data/gfx/shockbolt/npc/humanoid_human_urkis__the_high_tempest.png", img_y_off=-50, text=[[Lightning is a chaotic element that is hard to control. It is said that those most attuned to it are eventually driven insane.]]}, } Index: data/talents/cursed/gestures.lua =================================================================== --- data/talents/cursed/gestures.lua (revision 6365) +++ data/talents/cursed/gestures.lua (working copy) @@ -201,7 +201,7 @@ info = function(self, t) local damageChange = t.getDamageChange(self, t) local counterAttackChance = t.getCounterAttackChance(self, t) - return ([[You guard against melee damage with a sweep of you hand. All damage from melee attacks is reduced by %d%%. There is also a %d%% chance of counterattacking while Gesture of Pain is active. + return ([[You guard against melee damage with a sweep of your hand. All damage from melee attacks is reduced by %d%%. There is also a %d%% chance of counterattacking while Gesture of Pain is active. Requires two free or mindstar-equipped hands; does not require Gesture of Pain to be sustained.]]):format(-damageChange, counterAttackChance) end, } Index: data/lore/orc-prides.lua =================================================================== --- data/lore/orc-prides.lua (revision 6365) +++ data/lore/orc-prides.lua (working copy) @@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ name = "Grushnak's Note", lore = [[Treachery! During a patrol around the outskirts of the High Peak I witnessed two orcs - the envoys from our supposed "master" - talking in secret. Remaining to watch them, I beheld as their orcish features sloughed from their bodies, revealing a pair of human wizards! Humans! To think that our great pride has been deceived in such a manner! I should have crushed their skulls there and then. However, mages can be crafty, so I left them to their scheming. -Even now the blood runs hot! What would Garkul, our mighty berserker king, think if he saw our great race bending before humans?! Many times I have entertained the idea of taking a group of my finest warriors and ending this folly, but... loathsome as it is, I must use tact. A rebellion would leave my pride weakened, easy prey. That bone-picker Rak'Shor and his unnatural creations have dreamed of my death (and subsequent dominion) for years, I know this to be true. This conundrum frustrates and confuses! ... At least we are agreed on one matter - the total destruction of those sun-worshipping dogs of the Gates of Morning...]], +Even now the blood runs hot! What would Garkul, our mighty berserker king, think if he saw our great race bending before humans?! Many times I have entertained the idea of taking a group of my finest warriors and ending this folly, but... loathsome as it is, I must use tact. A rebellion would leave my pride weakened, easy prey. That bone-picker Rak'Shor and his unnatural creations have dreamed of my death (and subsequent dominion) for years. I know this to be true. This conundrum frustrates and confuses! ... At least we are agreed on one matter - the total destruction of those sun-worshipping dogs of the Gates of Morning...]], } newLore{ @@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ name = "Rak'Shor's Note", lore = [[The eyes of the dead bring interesting news to me. Our masters are not what they appear; they are human, simply masquerading as orcs in our presence. I might have suspected this... it is difficult to disguise the basic weakness and frailty of a human soul, even with complex spells. Their goals elude me, yet I sense strange energies in the vicinity of the High Peak - the voices of spirits long departed from this world... some not from this world at all. -But this is foolishness compared to my current trials. Gorbat remains as obstinate as ever, the dragon-loving, scale-shining buffoon. He thinks that dragons are special, different, not suitable for my craft. I care not for his prattling, I desire the corpses of dragons! Mountains of them! How can his heart not beat a little faster at the prospect of a dracozombie?! The mere thought of it is enough to send delightful shivers down my spine...]], +But this is foolishness compared to my current trials. Gorbat remains as obstinate as ever, the dragon-loving, scale-shining buffoon. He thinks that dragons are special, different, not suitable for my craft. I care not for his prattling; I desire the corpses of dragons! Mountains of them! How can his heart not beat a little faster at the prospect of a dracozombie?! The mere thought of it is enough to send delightful shivers down my spine...]], } newLore{ @@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ id = "vor-pride-note", category = "orc prides", name = "Vor's Note", - lore = [[Strange lights play atop the High Peak. Torches? Nay. The fire of dragons? Not so. A volcanic eruption, perchance? Alas, no. It is unmistakably the fire of the arcane, the fire of mages, and seeing as every pyromancer within our pride is under my dominion, I can only assume that these lights come from one not affiliated with us. The lights are fascinating, I wish to study them; they put me in mind of the fires of the Spellblaze, burning so very long ago... + lore = [[Strange lights play atop the High Peak. Torches? Nay. The fire of dragons? Not so. A volcanic eruption, perchance? Alas, no. It is unmistakably the fire of the arcane, the fire of mages, and seeing as every pyromancer within our pride is under my dominion, I can only assume that these lights come from one not affiliated with us. The lights are fascinating. I wish to study them; they put me in mind of the fires of the Spellblaze, burning so very long ago... Sadly, such desires are denied to me at this moment. Plans are in motion, and we are scant weeks away from finally crushing the accursed sun paladins and their tin-plated harlot ruler. Even once the Sunwall lies in ruins I must be careful - the horde of sub-orc savages Grushnak calls a pride are ever at my door, claiming we do not follow Garkul's "true path". He is a fool, but dangerous, and I must be vigilant.]], } @@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ id = "orc-history-1", category = "orc prides", name = "Records of Lorekeeper Hadak part one", - lore = [[Our history is a history of battles, a history of wars. We orcs have always been under attack from the other races, always having to defend ourselves against their ruthless advances. The other races paint us as evil, they think of us as purely beasts. Not so! If we are cruel, it is because they made us cruel. If we are heartless, it is because they ripped our beating hearts from our chests and stamped them beneath their feet! + lore = [[Our history is a history of battles, a history of wars. We orcs have always been under attack from the other races, always having to defend ourselves against their ruthless advances. The other races paint us as evil; they think of us as purely beasts. Not so! If we are cruel, it is because they made us cruel. If we are heartless, it is because they ripped our beating hearts from our chests and stamped them beneath their feet! It was the halflings we first did war with, in the Age of Allure. We were weak then, and disorganised, and in their arrogance they sought to enslave us. But we fought back! And we have been fighting back ever since. They used magic on us, though we had never come in touch with the arts before. They used whips and chains and tried to beat us down. They used us for labour, butchering any young that were not strong enough for them, burning any constructions we tried to make for ourselves. @@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ id = "orc-history-3", category = "orc prides", name = "Records of Lorekeeper Hadak part three", - lore = [[During the Age of Dusk we lay hidden, nursing our wounds and plotting our revenge. But this turned against us, as centuries after the Spellblaze had torn our race apart, the Cataclysm would bring ruin upon us again. We were finally recovering our numbers when earthquakes tore through all of our settlements. Falling rocks crushed and smothered us, thousands of us were left trapped to die beneath the ground. What few of us were left came out to a changed world. + lore = [[During the Age of Dusk we lay hidden, nursing our wounds and plotting our revenge. But this turned against us, as centuries after the Spellblaze had torn our race apart, the Cataclysm would bring ruin upon us again. We were finally recovering our numbers when earthquakes tore through all of our settlements. Falling rocks crushed and smothered us; thousands of us were left trapped to die beneath the ground. What few of us were left came out to a changed world. The effects of magic left a grave impression on us then, and we knew we must learn its secrets in order to compete. For centuries we studied the effects of the Spellblaze, and captured enemy mages to experiment on them. Finally we were able to master the arts of magic and use them for ourselves. We built up our capabilities in secret, waiting for the right moment to strike a decisive vengeance. Garkul the Devourer, the greatest of our race, brought the plans to fruition. Under his awe-inspiring leadership we marched out upon the halfling kingdoms and burnt all before us. What glorious retribution we had! Whole cities were felled beneath our wrath. Everywhere we went we piled the bodies of our victims high and lit them in blazing pyres, as a symbol of our indomitable strength. @@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ id = "orc-history-4", category = "orc prides", name = "Records of Lorekeeper Hadak part four", - lore = [[How greatly our race advanced during the Age of Pyre! Truly none of the weaker races can compare. For it was vengeance that drove us, and so fervently we pursued our goals at the thought of our just retribution on the races that had punished us and beaten us for so long before. + lore = [[How greatly our race advanced during the Age of Pyre! Truly none of the weaker races can compare, for it was vengeance that drove us. Fervently we pursued our goals at the thought of our just retribution on the races that had punished us and beaten us for so long. During the Age of Pyre we discovered the farportal, deep beneath the dwarven cities. We were more cautious than the foolish elves before us, and managed to harness the portal's power to open a gateway to the lost east. We sent military forces over, and easily beat back the puny elves and humans that were hoveling there already. We established the Prides there - training camps for our soldiers where they could hone their battle skills before returning to fight the wars in the west. @@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ name = "Records of Lorekeeper Hadak part five", lore = [[The humans and the halflings made an alliance to defend their kingdoms, and soon the elves and the dwarves joined too, and we were pushed back. Our tactics became increasingly defensive as they made greater advances into our territory. -We fought well and hard, but we were not prepared for the terrible tactics they would use. Instead of attacking our military bases they went for our towns and cities, killing all of our civilians. Babes were slaughtered in their mother's arms, and every last woman and child was hunted down and murdered. It was genocide of the highest order. +We fought well and hard, but we were not prepared for the terrible tactics they would use. Instead of attacking our military bases they went for our towns and cities, killing all of our civilians. Babes were slaughtered in their mothers' arms, and every last woman and child was hunted down and murdered. It was genocide of the highest order. What forces we could muster we sent east, leaving behind token troops who bravely sacrificed themselves against the enemy attacks, convincing them that their genocide had been complete. @@ -164,15 +164,15 @@ #{italic}#"There are no such things as obstacles, no such things as impossibilities. When a problem presents itself you use your head and your fists, and you remove the problem. If you cannot punch you kick, and if you cannot kick you bite, and you do not unclench your jaws until the thing that was a problem is a problem no more." - Sayings of Garkul the Devourer#{normal}# -The next spring Verikor brought Garkul to the tribal council, when each of the leaders of the tribes met. Wargon the elder headed the meeting, as they heard reports from the happenings in each tribe. +The next spring Verikor brought Garkul to the tribal council, when all of the leaders of the tribes met. Wargon the elder headed the meeting, as they heard reports from the happenings in each tribe. Garkul listened patiently until one of the western tribes briefed about an attack on their base by the halflings, and he stirred as he heard about how their warriors had fallen to the Eldoral slingers and mages, but Verikor bade him be still. There were mutterings from some of the other tribal leaders, but Garkul was shocked that none called for an avenging strike. Wargon stayed silent and contemplative, but when the mutterings died down he raised his voice. "These are terrible events, but little can be done. To attack back would be to draw attention to ourselves, to invite further destruction. We must remain silent, perhaps-" -"Fangless dog!" shouted Garkul, standing up suddenly, no longer able to control himself. "You have no teeth! We should fight back, we should teach them a lesson for daring to assault our tribes!" +"Fangless dog!" shouted Garkul, standing up suddenly, no longer able to control himself. "You have no teeth! We should fight back! We should teach them a lesson for daring to assault our tribes!" -Wargon seethed with rage at the insult, and gestured for several guards to chop down the young warrior. Garkul tensed as he saw them reach for their weapons, ready to fight back against the whole room if needs be, but Verikor swiftly stood up to intervene. "Elder, forgive the boy; he is young and keen for battle. It is my fault for bringing him here, I accept full responsibility." +Wargon seethed with rage at the insult, and gestured for several guards to chop down the young warrior. Garkul tensed as he saw them reach for their weapons, ready to fight back against the whole room if need be, but Verikor swiftly stood up to intervene. "Elder, forgive the boy; he is young and keen for battle. It is my fault for bringing him here. I accept full responsibility." Wargon's eyes turned to slits as he looked at the spellmaker. "You would take this boy's stead?" Verikor gravely nodded, and a thin smile crossed the elder's lips. Long had he suspected the mage of building up secret forces, and now he saw a chance to remove a potential rival. He motioned to the nearest guard, who advanced on the unresisting mage and slit his throat. @@ -199,11 +199,11 @@ #{italic}#"Fire is a symbol all races understand. To burn is to destroy utterly. When I conquer I leave behind fire - every house, every field, every corpse, burnt to a cinder. This is a sign of our dominance, and the word of it spreads amongst our enemies. To them I become a living, unquenchable flame, and the sight of my army fills them with the dread of incineration." - Sayings of Garkul the Devourer#{normal}# -Garkul united the tribes swiftly and effectively. He reorganised them, joining together the warriors and the wyrmics into their own bands, encouraging competition between them. Seeing the strength of the mages he split them in two, one for the elements, and one for corruption and death, and he encouraged them to compete against each other further. He said that only orcs could compete against other orcs, for the other races could never compare. Only through competition with ourselves could we achieve our true strengths. +Garkul united the tribes swiftly and effectively. He reorganised them, joining together the warriors and the wyrmics into their own bands, encouraging competition between them. Seeing the strength of the mages he split them into two groups - one for the elements, and one for corruption and death - and he encouraged them to compete against each other further. He said that only orcs could compete against other orcs, for the other races could never compare. Only through competition with ourselves could we achieve our true strengths. He organised protective groups around the orcish territories, so that any attacks from the other races were quickly put down. But the halflings saw our increased organisation, and began to enlarge their scouting groups and bolster their patrols. Garkul saw that this could not continue any longer, and that the time was ripe to bring his plans to full fruition. He began to plan an attack on Barton, the largest Eldoral city in the region. -The attack was made in the dead of night. Under the shadow of darkness his army marched towards the city walls, and they were not spotted until they were nearly upon it. When the guards let up a cry of warning they tried to close the city gates, but the orcish mages let loose a barrage of spells that tore the defences apart. The Barton army finally rallied and began to flood out of the city gates to meet their attackers, but Garkul ordered that balls of fire be shot into their midst, splitting the troops apart, so that his fighters could easily slice through the few that came through the gates, whilst the archers shot down those held back by the flames. The pyromancers continued to send conflagrations of flame over the city walls, and as the halflings inside tried to escape their burning homes a new chaos erupted. For Garkul had sent necromancers into the city in advance through the sewers, and hidden by arcane illusion they now began to raise the fallen halflings as their undead minions. People screamed as they saw their deceased loved ones suddenly rise as ghasts and wights to attack them. And no leadership could be found amongst the defenders, as Garkul had sent through stealthed assassins to strike them down at the moment of attack. As all resistance crumbled the great leader then let loose his berserkers and wilders into the city, and they tore through the streets butchering every last opponent. Within a few hours not a single halfling remained alive, and not a single cobblestone in the city was left unstained by their crimson blood. And Garkul's victory was truly transcendent, for not a single orc had been hurt in all the battles. +The attack was made in the dead of night. Under the shadow of darkness his army marched towards the city wall, and they were not spotted until they were nearly upon it. When the guards let up a cry of warning they tried to close the city gates, but the orcish mages let loose a barrage of spells that tore the defences apart. The Barton army finally rallied and began to flood out of the city gates to meet their attackers, but Garkul ordered that balls of fire be shot into their midst, splitting the troops apart, so that his fighters could easily slice through the few that came through the gates, whilst the archers shot down those held back by the flames. The pyromancers continued to send conflagrations of flame over the city walls, and as the halflings inside tried to escape their burning homes a new chaos erupted. For Garkul had sent necromancers into the city in advance through the sewers, and hidden by arcane illusion they now began to raise the fallen halflings as their undead minions. People screamed as they saw their deceased loved ones suddenly rise as ghasts and wights to attack them. And no leadership could be found amongst the defenders, as Garkul had sent through stealthed assassins to strike them down at the moment of attack. As all resistance crumbled the great leader then let loose his berserkers and wilders into the city, and they tore through the streets butchering every last opponent. Within a few hours not a single halfling remained alive, and not a single cobblestone in the city was left unstained by their crimson blood. And Garkul's victory was truly transcendent, for not a single orc had been hurt in all the battles. When his troops asked what should be done next he stayed quiet for a moment, looking at a hill to the south of the city. Then he said, "Chop down wood from the forest nearby and bring it to the top of that hill. Then gather all the bodies from the city - every part of every man, woman and child - and construct atop the hill a mighty pyre." And his army did so, and did it quickly, for the word of Garkul now stood above all else in their minds. When the pyre was finished it was over 80 feet high, and crammed with the bodies of thousands of their victims. As dawn began to glow red on the eastern horizon they lit the pyre, and the flames rose up to make a mighty furnace, incinerating the fallen corpses. @@ -224,15 +224,15 @@ #{italic}#"Our strength must come through our pride, and our pride must rise from our strength. Many are our powers and abilities, and we are unified in our pride of them. Be proud in our great race and revel in the glories we can achieve together." - Sayings of Garkul the Devourer#{normal}# -For many years the great conquest could not be held back. Garkul marched across the lands, insufferable of any resistance. The Eldoral were broken, and they fled to their halfling cousins the Nargols in the south. The humans were split into many kingdoms, and Garkul began to pick them off one by one, leaving just a few isolated in the west and south. The Thaloren hid in their dark forests, penned in by the mighty orcish armies. The Shaloren tried to fight, and with their great magics they created grave opposition to the orcish troops, but gradually they were beaten back and forced to retreat to their capital in the south-west. The dwarves viciously defended their halls in the east, and Garkul could not penetrate their cities of stone, but he laid plans in place to take them through caves below. +For many years the great conquest could not be held back. Garkul marched across the lands, crushing all resistance. The Eldoral were broken, and they fled to their halfling cousins the Nargols in the south. The humans were split into many kingdoms, and Garkul began to pick them off one by one, leaving just a few isolated in the west and south. The Thaloren hid in their dark forests, penned in by the mighty orcish armies. The Shaloren tried to fight, and with their great magics they created grave opposition to the orcish troops, but gradually they were beaten back and forced to retreat to their capital in the south-west. The dwarves viciously defended their halls in the east, and Garkul could not penetrate their cities of stone, but he laid plans to take them through caves below. All the centre of Maj'Eyal was under Garkul's dominion - from the northern wastes to the southern lakes; from the Daikara Mountains to the western ocean. Orc patrols covered every valley and every field, and any enemies found were eradicated. Garkul's support was utterly unwavering, as every orc took new pride in their amazing achievements under his leadership. But victory was not complete, as many centres of power and resistance still remained, and the Nargol were still a grave threat from the south. Garkul was careful not to overreach, not to spread his forces too thin before victory was assured. He knew he must bide his time and build up his forces to their greatest possible strength. -Then beneath the dwarven city of Reknor our scouts discovered an amazing thing - a Sher'Tul farportal. The blood mages studied it, and after some time they succeeded in activating it, and discovered a new land. It was the lost East, sundered from Maj'Eyal after the great cataclysm. Garkul saw here a great opportunity, and he instructed many thousands of young warriors and mages to be sent over to the east. There they formed training grounds where the military could train and practise to master their techniques before returning to join the wars in the west. Garkul named them the Prides, for he said here was were the strength of our race would lie, and here was what we would be most proud of. +Then beneath the dwarven city of Reknor our scouts discovered an amazing thing - a Sher'Tul farportal. The blood mages studied it, and after some time they succeeded in activating it, and discovered a new land. It was the lost East, sundered from Maj'Eyal after the great cataclysm. Garkul saw here a great opportunity, and he instructed many thousands of young warriors and mages to be sent over to the east. There they formed training grounds where the military could train and practise to master their techniques before returning to join the wars in the west. Garkul named them the Prides, for he said here was where the strength of our race would lie, and here was what we would be most proud of. -But while Garkul was busy establishing the Prides the Nargol king was planning a strategy of defence. He knew that the orcish armies would come for his kingdom soon, and he drew on the powers of his greatest strategists to prepare a force that could not be overcome. He summoned the mightiest alchemists from all the lands and together they laid plans for a creation that could not be beaten: the giant golem Atamathon. +But while Garkul was busy establishing the Prides, the Nargol king was planning a strategy of defence. He knew that the orcish armies would come for his kingdom soon, and he drew on the powers of his greatest strategists to prepare a force that could not be overcome. He summoned the mightiest alchemists from all the lands and together they laid plans for a creation that could not be beaten: the giant golem Atamathon. When Garkul next returned from the east he heard from his spies of great operations afoot in the Nargol kingdom, and he knew that he must face down the halflings. He did not know that it would be his last battle.]], on_learn = function(who) world:gainAchievement("GARKUL_LORE") end, @@ -257,7 +257,7 @@ Garkul saw his troops in disarray, and knew that against this new weapon none of his army could prevail. He ran to his wolf-riders and grabbed the greatest beast, a vicious warg over ten feet long, and mounting it he charged into the fray. He rushed the wolf straight towards the giant golem, and made it leap towards the monster's towering chest. The golem swiped down a massive fist that smashed the warg apart, but Garkul jumped at the last moment and grabbed onto the golem's head, and drawing out his axe he swept it into one of the ruby eyes, shattering it. -Then the golem reached with both hands and grabbed Garkul by the arms, and his axe fell to the ground below. Atamathon held tightly to the great orc's limbs in its marble grip, and proceeded to try and rip them off. But Garkul flexed his muscles with all his strength, and resisted the might of the golem, and slowly he began to twist the golem's fists forwards, drawing him closer to monster's head. When he was close enough to that marble brow he smashed his head forwards against it, and the ringing sound of his steel helm hitting the solid stone tore through the air. The golem shuddered a moment, and Garkul headbutted it again, and his steel helm was torn from his pate. Once more he thrust his head forward, and the impact made a deep gash across his temples, but the thick marble of the golem's head was also dented. Another headbutt was launched forth, and two more as the golem's skull began to crack apart and its legs gave way beneath it. Garkul turned his bloodied head to the sky and roared before delivering a final fatal plunge of his head. His brow met the thick marble, and the golem's head shattered apart beneath the force. The golem collapsed, and Garkul with it. Thus fell the giant golem Atamathon, and its like has not been seen again. +Then the golem reached with both hands and grabbed Garkul by the arms, and his axe fell to the ground below. Atamathon held tightly to the great orc's limbs in its marble grip, and proceeded to try to rip them off. But Garkul flexed his muscles with all his strength, and resisted the might of the golem, and slowly he began to twist the golem's fists forwards, drawing him closer to monster's head. When he was close enough to that marble brow he smashed his head forwards against it, and the ringing sound of his steel helm hitting the solid stone tore through the air. The golem shuddered a moment, and Garkul headbutted it again, and his steel helm was torn from his pate. Once more he thrust his head forward, and the impact made a deep gash across his temples, but the thick marble of the golem's head was also dented. Another headbutt was launched forth, and two more as the golem's skull began to crack apart and its legs gave way beneath it. Garkul turned his bloodied head to the sky and roared before delivering a final fatal plunge of his head. His brow met the thick marble, and the golem's head shattered apart beneath the force. The golem collapsed, and Garkul with it. Thus fell the giant golem Atamathon, and its like has not been seen again. At this the halflings were dismayed, for though the orcish troops were decimated their mighty weapon was also broken. Then they advanced towards the ruins and saw movement within, and before them rose Garkul the Devourer. His head was gashed and bloodied, and his arms were badly bruised, but he had recovered his axe and now faced them with a grin. @@ -269,7 +269,7 @@ But the fight could not carry on forever. A stab from a sword crippled his leg, and a blast from a bomb blinded his eye, and though he continued to battle, wading through the corpses around him, blood now seeped through cuts all over his body. The blades of the axes he wielded became cracked and dented, and he was left wielding the shafts as clubs. He swung them through the troops before him, until his movements slowed to a stop, and the alchemists rained down bomb after bomb until his charred corpse moved no more. So died Garkul the Devourer, though his body stayed upright even in death, clutching his weapons above his head, and standing atop a field of over ten thousand bodies. For when the halflings counted their numbers after, only a few hundred remained. -Our forces never full recovered from the loss of our great leader. The wars continued, but without his strategies failure became more frequent. Eventually the other races began to fight back, and we were driven from our homeland. But the spirit of Garkul remains with us all, and his lessons stay in our hearts and minds. One day we will return to the place of his birth, and the glory he began shall be completed - Maj'Eyal will be ours.]], +Our forces never fully recovered from the loss of our great leader. The wars continued, but without his strategies failure became more frequent. Eventually the other races began to fight back, and we were driven from our homeland. But the spirit of Garkul remains with us all, and his lessons stay in our hearts and minds. One day we will return to the place of his birth, and the glory he began shall be completed - Maj'Eyal will be ours.]], on_learn = function(who) world:gainAchievement("GARKUL_LORE") end, } @@ -283,7 +283,7 @@ name = "Clinician Korbek's experimental notes part one", lore = [[#{bold}#Clinician Korbek's experimental notes part one#{normal}# -What a dread and woeful task I have been given - the revival of our race. The swine humans and halflings have destroyed our whole society, and only the brutes of the military remain to rule our people. We are left with just a handful of women left, and without drastic measures we shall soon be extinct. +What a dread and woeful task I have been given - the revival of our race. The swine humans and halflings have destroyed our whole society, and only the brutes of the military remain to rule our people. We are left with just a handful of women, and without drastic measures we shall soon be extinct. And those drastic measures come down to me. I am the sole orc left with any advanced medical knowledge, as I evacuated to the East before our settlement was wiped out. I must find a way to prolong the lives of our remaining females and have them breed at far faster rates. I will use all natural and magical means at my disposal. @@ -326,7 +326,7 @@ I have so long been concentrating on my objectives that I never stopped to think of the monstrous acts I was performing on these women. But last night I decided to take one out of her coma to see what reactions there might be. What reaction indeed! Her first action was to moan in pain - her swollen lungs have deprived her of any other form of communication. But then she opened her eyes and saw herself, and saw the others around her, and the panic and disgust that filled those eyes reached into my very soul. -She wanted to die. I know she wanted to die, I could see her accusing eyes on me begging to let her die. But I cannot, I cannot... This is too terrible. I should burn this cave to the ground, and erase my horrible actions from existence! But where would that leave our people... +She wanted to die. I know she wanted to die; I could see her accusing eyes on me begging for death. But I cannot, I cannot... This is too terrible. I should burn this cave to the ground, and erase my horrible actions from existence! But where would that leave our people... My mind is in torment. I cannot live like this any longer... I cannot live...]] } Index: data/lore/fun.lua =================================================================== --- data/lore/fun.lua (revision 6365) +++ data/lore/fun.lua (working copy) @@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ name = "how to be a necromancer, part 2", lore = [[#{italic}#2. Domination Of The Deceased#{normal}# -A contentious issue arises when it comes time to breathe life into your gathered specimens - do you raise them as lifeless drones, or do you bind the souls of the deceased within their vessels once more? There is much disagreement on this between the various movements of necromancers. The Beinagrind method of necromancy extols the torturous imprisonment of the soul as fundamental; the anguish generated by the captive spirit makes for a much more effective undead thrall, they claim. The recently founded Trenë method however disagrees, claiming that allowing souls freedom not only results in more obedient slaves less prone to rising up and slaughtering their masters, but also causes your work to become marginally more acceptable to the unwashed masses. Sure, they'll still thrash you, drag you through town and burn you at the stake if they get the chance, but they'll feel ambivalent about it, by thunder! +A contentious issue arises when it comes time to breathe life into your gathered specimens - do you raise them as lifeless drones, or do you bind the souls of the deceased within their vessels once more? There is much disagreement on this between the various movements of necromancers. The Beinagrind method of necromancy extols the torturous imprisonment of the soul as fundamental; the anguish generated by the captive spirit makes for a much more effective undead thrall, they claim. The recently founded Trené method however disagrees, claiming that allowing souls freedom not only results in more obedient slaves less prone to rising up and slaughtering their masters, but also causes your work to become marginally more acceptable to the unwashed masses. Sure, they'll still thrash you, drag you through town and burn you at the stake if they get the chance, but they'll feel ambivalent about it, by thunder! Remember, when utilising a runic circle to bend your new minions to your will, make sure beforehand that every rune in the circle is enchanted properly and in no danger of fizzling out. If the unthinkable happens and one of your thralls is freed from your control, offer them goods or equipment in exchange for your life. Few undead will kill their creators after receiving such an act of generosity.]] }