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With just under 2.5 hours left to go in the Challenge, I wanted to clarify something in regards to the Skill aspect of this challenge. Understandably, your thread or threads may or may not have a grade by the time the challenge ends. That is alright. List what skill you think you will likely get 5 points in after your threads are graded. With so many words being posted and so many things taking place, there is a high likelihood that you would get the 5 points in the particular skill as long as it was prominently used in your thread(s).
I want to start off by saying I was a little overwhelmed by the response to and participation in this challenge. Tens of thousands of words were written for this challenge with so much creativity going around. Congratulations to all who participated! Well done!
Next, the challenge awards that follow need to be acquired in thread. I offer the following exert that you can copy and paste into the thread; add your name in where it is appropriate. In addition to the item acquired in the item acquisition thread; characters will receive a Lore related to Starfire. They will know that Starfire is a tiny piece of the light of Leth and that it is tied to the concept of change and reflection.
The strange changes experienced by a number of people across Mizahar, eventually ended and life, as it was, returned to normal. Occurring at different times during the season and ending sometime later, the changes all ceased a few moments prior to sunrise. Those who experienced the change would awake or if they were already awake, would find their attention drawn to the strange rock; the rock that was never too far away. Attention would be drawn just as the rock flaked away to dust. As this happened, a voice could be heard echoing in the person’s mind.
“As the rays of my beloved Syna reach across the horizon, I wish to give you this bit of insight. The changes you’ve experienced were not without a purpose. They were meant to serve as a source of reflection. Change is an important force that drives all life. How you dealt with the changes you were faced with; changes in body, mind and even in the minds of others, speaks greatly to who you are as a person. As you continue to live your life, take time to reflect on what you experienced and ponder your reactions to the change. Did you hide them or hide from them? Did you embrace them? Did you exploit them or use them for the betterment of others? As you search for the deeper meaning of change and how you deal with it, know that I, Leth, God of Thought and Change have gifted you that opportunity. Also, as a gift and a reminder, I offer a piece of my light. The stone you discovered contains a piece of starfire. In your hands, it will undergo its own change. Take it with my blessing.”
The voice was no more and in the place of the strange rock is a small piece of an unknown silver colored substance that burns with a silver flame. It is cool to the touch and very light in weight. As you hold it, there is a brilliant explosion of silver light. In your hands, you can feel movement as the strange substance shifts and changes until it takes on a solid form.
The form that the starfire takes is random. To determine what form yours takes, roll 1d10 in Discord Challenges channel and consult the chart below to see what your roll grants you. When you have your result, post it in this thread and it will be added to your Storyteller Secret’s Thread. Because of the delay caused by the site crash, I am going to give everyone until next Sunday, October 28th, to claim their awards. After that, if you haven’t claimed your award, you lose out.
All of the items below are to the owner/wielder/wearer, cool to the touch and extremely lightweight save of course when some of the items have their powers activated. They are virtually indestructible and cannot be given away or sold else they lose their power completely. If stolen, they appear back in the rightful owner’s possession during the next moonrise. Their powers also only work for their true owner.
1 - Starfire Dagger – A dagger with a silver blade and silver hilt; perfectly balanced and weighing next to nothing. When wielded in combat, the dagger’s blade ignites with a silver flame that constantly crackles over the blade’s surface. The flame grants an automatic minor wound from burning in addition to any wound suffered by the blade itself. Effect active when engaged in combat; otherwise remains dormant.
2 - Starfire Ring – A tiny sliver of pure starfire set in a smooth silver ring. At will, the wearer can produce a ball of starfire in the palm of their hand. The starfire can be thrown at a target in a way similar to a reimancer’s firebolt. A successful strike causes an automatic minor wound. The starfire can be thrown with an equivalent skill level of 5. (1d100 +5 vs opposition such as dodging with unarmed combat or similar fighting style or finding cover). Range is 50 feet line of sight. Although there is a reduced chance for a successful strike as well as reduced damage and range, there is no djed loss or chance of overgiving. (Not affected in anyway by reimancy skill.)
3 - Starfire Amulet – A silver amulet with a tiny piece of starfire embedded in the center. When one is attacked, the starfire in the amulet flares for an instant, creating a blinding effect around the wearer similar to what is experienced when one gazes directly at the sun. Attackers subtract 10 from any roll made to attack the wearer so long as they are indoors or it is nighttime or they are otherwise untouched by Syna’s direct rays.
4 - Starfire Goblet – This silver goblet is spiderwebbed with starfire veins on its surface. Each morning, just before Leth relinquishes his position in the sky to Syna, the goblet fills with a single swallow of liquid starfire. It is cool, refreshing and fruity tasting. When consumed, the starfire cosmetically transforms the drinker into the image of their perfect self. While there is no tangible increase in strength, intelligence or any other personal traits, the person will look and feel in all ways as being their perfect self. The change lasts until Leth reaches his highest point in the night sky of that same day; midnight.
5 - Starfire Armband – This smooth, silver armband is infused with starfire and it passes on its energy to the wearer. It grants a constant effect of enhanced weight capacity to the wearer. For the sake of carrying weight, the wearer of the band find’s their carrying capacity to increase by 3 times what they would normally be able to carry while suffering only normal fatigue. Their body shimmers in places; their flesh rippling passively with silver a silver shimmer and their veins pulsing with silver emanations when carrying the increased weight. Weight limits can push 300 to 400 pounds while wearing the armband.
6 - Starfire Goggles – Oversized Silver lenses are set in a unique silver headband. When worn, the goggles allow the wearer to see in total darkness as if the immediate area (50 feet) were illuminated by the light of the full moon. Also allows the wearer to know what direction they are moving even if the sun or moon are hidden due to clouds or other obstruction. The wearer cannot be blinded by any form of magic or natural threats while wearing the goggles.
7 - Starfire Earring – This silver ring is just the right size to fit in one’s earlobe. When rubbed, the ring activates the starfire within it. The wearer’s eyes immediately erupt in silver flames that lick their way out of the sockets. It is a truly intimidating effect which grants a 10-point bonus to intimidation rolls for the wearer.
8 - Starfire Torc – This surface of this silver neckpiece is webbed with veins of starfire. When worn, the torc creates a silver cloak that extends out of it and that crackles with random threads of starfire. Harmless silver flames crackle and lick the hem of the cloak. The odd beauty of the torc and its cloak grants a bonus of 10 points to attempts to persuade others. The torc also creates a hood for the cloak.
9 - Starfire Flute – This silver flute, when played, produces a soothing song that literally feels insightful and calming. In a 50-foot radius, the flute’s song causes nearby flames to turn silver and in the absence of existing flames, random nearby objects shimmer with a soft inner silver light. Those in the radius of effect, including the one playing the flute, find their minds cleared of conflict and confusion; their thoughts pushed toward self-reflection. The player is also covered in starfire, minor and moderate wounds quickly vanishing. Those within the radius of effect who hear the music will suffer a 10-point penalty to combat-related actions during and after the playing of the flute for the remainder of the encounter. No skill is needed to play the flute, simply lifting it to one’s lips and blowing does the trick.
10 - Starfire Orb – This silver orb, lightly crackles with the flames of starfire. When placed within one’s home and gazed into, the orb will reveal everything outside of the building within a 50-foot radius. If it is nighttime, it will illuminate that area with the light of a full moon. The point of view as seen through the orb is as if the viewer were hovering 50-feet above their home. Anything that would otherwise obstruct such a point of view; various forms of cover, remain the same but the viewer will still be able to sense the presence of others in that radius even if they can’t see them. The presence can’t be identified to specific sources however; just that they are in the area.
In addition to the above award, everyone who got at least 3,000 words total in this challenge will received some gold mizas that they can immediately add to their ledger with this thread being linked as the source of the income. At 3,000 words, you will receive 100 gold mizas. For ever 1,000 words beyond 3,000, you will get another 100 gold mizas. So, for example, 5,000 words would give 300 gold mizas.
Finally, for the three individuals who had the highest word counts (which by the way between the three came in around 45,000 words total!), Madeira, Lani and Kelski who also have or will likely have after grading, 5 points in a single skill, you will receive a special award:
Madeira – 900 gold mizas
Secret :
Starfire Key – The surface of this small, silver key is crackled with lines of starfire. Set in the bow of the key is a tiny pearl shaped like a human skull. Other than being cool to the touch, weighing nothing and looking quite unique, the key seems to have little other purpose; it fits no particular lock. From sundown to sunrise, when Leth rules the skies, the key’s true power can be activated. Holding the key and turning it in an imaginary lock while focusing on the feelings experienced during the change caused by the Falling Skies, will open a silver doorway in the fabric of reality. The process is not instantaneous and takes a few moments to get the thoughts and feelings aligned right to activate. Nothing can be seen without entering other than a shimmering silver portal hovering in place. Stepping through the doorway, Madeira will enter a completely different place.
No matter where she was before, she will step into a small, profoundly ancient looking cemetery. An old iron fence surrounds the grounds which contain a couple dozen grave markers. The markers take many forms and are made of different materials; stone, wood, bone. The night sky is filled with stars and the moon is impossibly full and appears much larger than it should. The air is cool, crisp but not uncomfortable. If anything, it is deeply soothing. There is an earthy smell to the area, also not unpleasant but it leaves the impression of the impressive age of the cemetery. Soft, neatly trimmed grass covers the ground and a couple small, lightly leafed trees stand nearby. Beyond the fence, an endless field of grass stretches in all directions.
While the cemetery itself is roughly 30-foot by 40-foot in size, only a small portion of it is accessible due to an invisible boundary that prevents travel beyond a 10-foot by 10-foot space. No effort will allow the boundary to be broken. In that space however lies a large gravemarker masterfully carved out of the bone of some large creature. It is three feet tall and two feet wide. There is writing on the marker but it can’t be made out; its as if looking at the words makes them go out of focus. No amount of effort allows the words to be read. Where the grave belonging to marker, or where it would be, is covered in the softest of grass; softer than the grass around it. It is so soft that the thought of sleeping on it brings thoughts of waking up impossibly rested.
This place is similar to one that can be created through the use of Dominion although far more limited. It acts as a safe, quiet, peaceful place where Madeira can escape to reflect on any and all aspects of existence that may concern her. While it is influenced by Leth, the space is also something of a reflection of Madeira. While in the space, the only distractions are what Madeira brings with her. It is the perfect place for meditation, reflection and deep thinking and prayer. Items from the outside world can be brought into the space but as it is only a 10 x 10-foot space, it can get cluttered quickly. Plus, there is the large gravemarker which is impossible to move.
Note that intentional damage to any existing part of the space will force Madeira to be ejected from it with her key unable to ever open the doorway again. A single other person may be brought into the space as long as they are in physical contact with Madeira when she enters the doorway and only if she willfully wishes them to enter. The doorway will not allow anyone not allowed by Madeira. Possession of the key and use of the space does not grant any knowledge or use of Dominon. The key can only be used by Madeira. If it is lost or stolen, it will return to Madeira upon the next moonrise. If it is given away, it loses its power completely and will not return to Madeira. The doorway vanishes after entering or exiting the space and the key must be used again to open the door once more.
Lani – 1,800 gold mizas
Secret :
Starfire Key – The surface of this small, silver key is crackled with lines of starfire. Set in the bow of the key is a tiny pearl shaped vaguely like a wolf or maybe, jackal. Other than being cool to the touch, weighing nothing and looking quite unique, the key seems to have little other purpose; it fits no particular lock. From sundown to sunrise, when Leth rules the skies, the key’s true power can be activated. Holding the key and turning it in an imaginary lock while focusing on the feelings experienced during the change caused by the Falling Skies, will open a silver doorway in the fabric of reality. The process is not instantaneous and takes a few moments to get the thoughts and feelings aligned right to activate. Nothing can be seen without entering other than a shimmering silver portal hovering in place. Stepping through the doorway, Lani will enter a completely different place.
No matter where she was before, she will step into a vast desert surrounding a set of ancient stone ruins and a tiny oasis which Lani finds herself in the middle of. The night sky is filled with stars and the moon sits on the horizon as an unimaginably huge semi-circle; the rest of it still not having rose above the horizon line. The air is cool, crisp but not uncomfortable. If anything, it fills Lani with a strange sense of comfort; of belonging. It’s a feeling that diminishes her desire to keep moving on. There is the lightest of a breeze which carries with it the slight scent of flowers. The ruins are made up of broken pillars that surround a small stone lined pool of water. On the pillars there are symbols but every time Lani tries to decipher them, they become blurry and impossible to make out. There are some small desert flowers and patches of grass dotting the sand around the ruins.
The ruined pillars are arranged in a circle and look as though they may have once held a roof with the pool of water sitting in the center of the small structure. The ruined pillars surround the pillar in a 30-foot radius although Lani is blocked from moving very far from the pool by an invisible barrier that no amount of effort will break. 10-foot by 10-foot space that includes the pool is the only space available. The pool itself is filled with crystal clear water. It is three feet in diameter and two feet thick. The water level never drops and the water is cool and refreshing.
This place is similar to one that can be created through the use of Dominion although far more limited. It acts as a safe, quiet, peaceful place where Lani can escape to reflect on any and all aspects of existence that may concern her. While it is influenced by Leth, the space is also something of a reflection of Lani. While in the space, the only distractions are what Lani brings with her. It is the perfect place for meditation, reflection and deep thinking and prayer. Items from the outside world can be brought into the space but as it is only a 10 x 10-foot space, it can get cluttered quickly. Plus, there is the pool which is three feet in diameter. Note that intentional damage to any existing part of the space will force Lani to be ejected from it with her key unable to ever open the doorway again.
A single other person may be brought into the space as long as they are in physical contact with Lani when she enters the doorway and only if she willfully wishes them to enter. The doorway will not allow anyone not allowed by Lani. Possession of the key and use of the space does not grant any knowledge or use of Dominon. The key can only be used by Lani. If it is lost or stolen, it will return to Lani upon the next moonrise. If it is given away, it loses its power completely and will not return to Lani. The doorway vanishes after entering or exiting the space and the key must be used again to open the door once more.
Kelski – 1,100 gold mizas
Secret :
Starfire Key – The surface of this small, silver key is crackled with lines of starfire. Set in the bow of the key is a tiny pearl shaped vaguely like an open eye. Other than being cool to the touch, weighing nothing and looking quite unique, the key seems to have little other purpose; it fits no particular lock. From sundown to sunrise, when Leth rules the skies, the key’s true power can be activated. Holding the key and turning it in an imaginary lock while focusing on the feelings experienced during the change caused by the Falling Skies, will open a silver doorway in the fabric of reality. The process is not instantaneous and takes a few moments to get the thoughts and feelings aligned right to activate. Nothing can be seen without entering other than a shimmering silver portal hovering in place. Stepping through the doorway, Kelski will enter a completely different place.
No matter where she was before, she will step onto the top of a mountain that seems impossibly high; higher than any point she’d ever experienced, even in her sea-eagle form. There are no clouds and she can see clearly as far as her eyes will allow. There are forests, mountains, hills, lakes and rivers, all able to be seen. The night sky is filled with stars and extends in all directions seemingly endlessly around the mountain top. The moon, impossible large, sheds its light over all that lies below; allowing Kelski to somehow see it all in detail relative to her height. The air is cool, crisp but not uncomfortable or impossible cold and thin as it should be. If anything, it offers Kelski a unique perspective, a sight that nobody else would experience. In the air, a most out of place scent drifts about although only ever so slightly, the scent of the ocean.
The mountain top is roughly 30-feet in diameter although an invisible barrier prevents Kelski from leaving a 10-foot by 10-foot space. The space is positioned so that she can step to the edge of the mountaintop, lean over a bit but never fall. There is a firepit within the space, 3 feet in diameter and lined neatly with masterfully cut stones. There is an elaborate carving that encircles the outside of the stones lining the pit yet no matter how hard Kelski tries to see what it is, the carving blurs every time making it impossible to make out. Inside the pit is a bundle of fresh firewood. If lit, the wood burns with a soft silver flame. The flame goes out when Kelski leaves the space through the doorway but each time she returns the wood is ready to be lit again. The flames from the fire are cool or warm depending on Kelski’s desire.
This place is similar to one that can be created through the use of Dominion although far more limited. It acts as a safe, quiet, peaceful place where Kelski can escape to reflect on any and all aspects of existence that may concern her. While it is influenced by Leth, the space is also something of a reflection of Kelski. While in the space, the only distractions are what Kelski brings with her. It is the perfect place for meditation, reflection and deep thinking and prayer. Items from the outside world can be brought into the space but as it is only a 10 x 10-foot space, it can get cluttered quickly. Plus, there is the firepit which is three feet in diameter.
Note that intentional damage to any existing part of the space will force Kelski to be ejected from it with her key unable to ever open the doorway again. A single other person may be brought into the space as long as they are in physical contact with Kelski when she enters the doorway and only if she willfully wishes them to enter. The doorway will not allow anyone not allowed by Kelski. Possession of the key and use of the space does not grant any knowledge or use of Dominon. The key can only be used by Kelski. If it is lost or stolen, it will return to Kelski upon the next moonrise. If it is given away, it loses its power completely and will not return to Kelski. The doorway vanishes after entering or exiting the space and the key must be used again to open the door once more.
I am thinking that future challenges that I design will involve direct or somewhat indirect influences from a variety of gods. These challenges will result in awards heavily influenced by the gods tied to them. Is this something that you all would like to see? Challenges tied to gods with more god interaction and influence? Gods on Mizahar are heavily involved in the lives of not only their followers but all life in general. I want to impress this with challenges that give more insight into the designs the gods have for Mizahar. While they won't always involve grand awards, they will involve influences on characters and their development as well as giving a bit of insight into what the various gods are all about. I look forward to these challenges and to what you, the players, offer as a result. Reading through many of the threads put forth for this challenge, I am frankly amazed at the sheer amount of creativity and effort you all put forth. It inspires me and makes me want to delve ever more into all aspects of Mizahar and what it has to offer to you the players, you the writers and to the fantasy world WE all have helped to create.
I just wanted to thank you for this challenge once more! I love what it turned out to be and love what it brought out in Mauriel! I was struggling for a while with making her with various psychological problems I got a bit tired of writing, and this was super-handy in speeding up her character development a bit.
More IC challenges related to Gods sound great! Mauriel getting a message from Leth was very important to her, and I'm sure other people would be excited about the deities their characters worship being invoked.
It was a really awesome challenge Gillar. I'm sad that I wasn't able to participate, but I can tell you for sure that I'll very much look forward to challenges similar to this in the future.
Although might be tricky, since I don't think Crylon has pierced ears. Although after spending time as a lady, who knows!
But anywho, the challenge! Great, one of my favorites so far. Was really fun to rp out the change, my pc's reaction to it and his mental process of going through it all, very fun trying to do so realistically. Always good plot/thread fodder from these challenges.
Would love to see more god related stuff/challenges, as its such a fun aspect of the site that doesn't always get to be seen due to the need for mod's.
It also makes me want to be around more active pc's, to reach out and interact, to bounce stuff off each other when these plots/challenges get going.
I'm in the same boat as Anja; while I sadly wasn't able to participate, this challenge was super cool! I would definitely love to see more challenges in the future that are a bit more closely tied in with gods.
I love the idea of god-centred challenges, especially since they can't normally be directly or indirectly interacted with without permission. The fact that anyone could participate and inject a bit of divine mischief into their characters stories is exciting. Thanks for putting this together, Gillar!
by Jomi on October 23rd, 2018, 12:09 am 
