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Kyphis the Bard

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Posts posted by Kyphis the Bard

  1. Quest Sponsorship Offer

    in Contests, Quests and Adventures

    Posted

    Are you an aspiring quest creator looking to enrich the community? Do you have an idea that you think will be fun? Do you wish you had more rewards to offer your participants?

    Well you are in luck, because that's where I come in!
    As a relatively retired long, long time player, I have a decent stockpile of things that, simply put, I don't need to have. If you have a quest you are looking for other players to sponsor, please send me a short forum message telling me about your quest and I will happily help sponsor it.

    Mostly I will be offering Silver Coins, Gold Coins, and Credits, however for the right quests I will even offer Items and Creatures.

    This is a permanent offer until I post on this thread saying it is no longer available. 

  2. I made a Digital Boardgame

    in Offtopic

    Posted

    Last year I made a physical boardgame that ties in to my group's pathfinder campaign, and with how well it went I've made a digital version of it and released it under the Paizo community use policy (it uses a fair bit of Paizo's IP as inspiration and flavour text).

    It's set in Thuvia and centres around the Sun Orchid Elixir Sale.

    The game consists of eight rounds with two main phases, and is a mix of strategic worker placement/resource management and card based bidding/bluffing.

    The game supports up to six players, but also includes rules for playing solo.

    It is fully free to play, and you can find it here: https://vassalengine.org/wiki/Module:Sun_Orchid_Elixir_Sale

    (Although mechanically complete, there are some cards that are missing flavour text right now. This might get updated in future versions, I invite your suggestions)
    (This was originally a physical board game, and some design elements still reflect that. I am considering redoing the main game board from scratch, if you see anything else that might need redesigning now that the format has changed to digital, I invite your suggestions)

  7. Inner Magic experimental interface

    in Work in progress

    Posted

    image.png.21c587afe61bf69917fd4a1fb8c2a8d4.png
    I've been working on creating this isolated circuit by first placing four unconnected lines, then using single point clicks to weaken the feed in flows. Haven't quite isolated it fully; cancelling out the currents inwards is very difficult.
    image.png.df9b3899454db8eaa0508c9420214074.png
    It's likely that different locations to perform single point clicks will achieve the desired isolation faster. The pattern shown above cancelled almost all of the counter clockwise momentum, but didn't do enough to mitigate the clockwise momentum (unsurprising, since the core circuit is a clockwise momentum)

  8. Inner Magic experimental interface

    in Work in progress

    Posted · Edited by Kyphis the Bard

    image.png.50be7dc01ddbca6ff5c645841d9b31ba.png
    I created this mask by placing a slow, tiny upwards line in the centre. After letting the heat flow and form it's initial lines, I used a process of clicking in a single location without applying momentum to influence the desire lines, creating the five lines around the top. Particle distribution is uneven because my single point clicks weren't exactly symmetrical, but these subtle manipulations are quite effective and fun to do.
    image.png.1c2c74cedbc1faef1dced4f85228f342.png

  9. Character Costume Contests

    in Contests, Quests and Adventures

    Posted

    On 2/10/2023 at 5:05 AM, Fyrd Argentus said:

    #2 Explorer

    Unfinished Treasure Map

    Cracked Barometer Broken Compass (Unless you'd rather....)

    Pinhole Camera

    Butterfly Net

    Scarab Beetle Fossil

    Fossilized Leaf

    Fishing Pole

    Fly Lure

    Theme: Explorer Archivist
    Account: Kyphis

    Spoiler

    It is fascinating to me how a given collection of artefacts may to one person suggest a particular thing, yet when viewed by another a completely different interpretation presents itself. This, in itself, is one of the key reasons that presenting such things for review is such an admirable and commendable thing to do. Everyone has their own unique perspective, and while it may be true to say that some perspectives are more valid than others it is, assuming good faith, rarely appropriate to regard such a thing as incorrect.
    Certainly, when someone authors a work they have a particular motivation in mind for what they intend to convey - but in the act of showing it to the public it invites personal interpretation beyond ones original intent. Should viewpoints different to the original authors be ignored as invalid? I say no, let them stand on their own merits. No two witnesses truly see the same events; no memory is ever a true account.
    This catalogue of items has been presented as an example of the gear an explorer may possess, yet in my viewing it speaks to me not as an explorer, but an archivist. Yet, it would not be true to me to say that archivists, especially The Archivists, are not explorers. By preserving the past, we hold up a lens with which to measure the present and inform the future.
    As per the prescribed task, I shall review the collected artefacts as catalogued.

    Article K5471; an Unfinished Treasure Map.
    This type of record is an invaluable source of information about the past. Whilst it would certainly be more informative had the author (or authors?) completed their account, the missing details don't diminish the value of this artefact. Indeed, the information which is missing or otherwise unable to be cross referenced carries its own value. The article forms a valuable footprint on history which requires active preservation and research.
    Article Y4932; a Broken Compass.
    Rather an unusual find not for it's rarity but rather it's lack thereof - what has caused the alarming regularity of instances of broken compasses? While the navigational applications of such a device are somewhat limited, as a data point in potential further investigations it is hard to understate its value. Yes, there may be many similarly broken compasses, but it is only through rigorous analysis that we can not only formulate the most plausible hypothesis, but also test those same theories and form valuable conclusions.
    Article P2503; a Pinhole Camera.
    Also known as a Camera Obscura, these often simple devices are none the less surprisingly useful in both artistic applications and historic reviews. Certainly more "reliable" results can be obtained through the application of magic, however it is important to recognize the elegance of this device and the contribution it has played in our understanding of how light and vision works. The actual practical applications of operating a camera obscura, albeit straightforward, do also have considerable merit for educating initiates in these fields as it provides a practical and repeatable example of how to manipulate light to project complex images; quite useful in allowing varied instruction of illusion magic.
    Article H3069; a Butterfly Net.
    Sometimes a devices more practicable application is the most relevant factor, and this appears the case in this instance. Although there is certainly an argument to be made for analysing the construction methodologies of such nets by region and desired specimen selection, I find it more suitable to submit my own artefact as evidence for the utility of this article - that being this book I possess of pressed butterfly wings. As can be seen, these specimens are incredibly delicate and must be handled as minimally as possible. Such a device as Article H3069 allows for minimal damage in the specimen collection stage, affording optimal conditions for preservation and future study.
    Article I5833; a Scarab Beetle Fossil.
    Although it is relatively common practice to make counterfeit fossils for study - and perfectly valid, if done correctly - having access to the authentic article is very useful for verifying hypothesises that a model cannot reliably answer. This said, while scarab fossils tend to be relatively common place it is always best to avoid potentially damaging examinations where possible. You can never be certain when a new development may open the door to alternative examinations that provide information which could only be theorized previously.
    Article S4979; a Fossilized Leaf.
    In contrast to Article I5833, fossilized leaves are always highly unique specimens. Although the instances of leaves fossilizing aren't, broadly speaking, rare, the rich diversity of historic floral means that it irregular to find a high number of similar fossils. This same diversity of specimen can also be demonstrated within the traits of an artefact I am currently reviewing, that being a petrified starfish. Comparison of the properties of the preserved specimen when cross referenced against previously identified potential modern descendants has help to magic principle alterations to the related environments, as well as provide improved insights into how the heat veins of the land once functioned.
    Article E1161; a Fishing Pole.
    Whilst the design of such relics can provide a lot of insight into the practices it was applied for - what environments it was used in, what targets were desired, how it was stored etcetera - this particular specimen has the added property of having actually been used during Legend Speaker solo operations. Although it doesn't appear to have been assigned to a particular individual, not uncommon for supplies provided to initiates, the emblem is clearly visible on the reel seat and, when compared to this fish skeleton that I have retained from my own time as a journeyman Legend Speaker, it can be seem that the hook was of substantively similar design, that being one that is designed to break under the right conditions. After all, fishing tales are almost always about the one that got away.
    Article S2972; a Fly Lure.
    This particular example is rather unusual as it is a Lorerootian design, but constructed using Golemus Golemicarum originating materials. I've actually had occasion to "study" Article S2972 and found it to be quite a functional device, more than capable of minimizing contamination of specimens that are potentially more attractive to flies otherwise. It has come especially handy in performing controlled pollination studies on floral specimens, as Article S2972 has helped limit the instance of undesired fly based pollination beyond the control group. As an added bonus, when tuned correctly the lure can also cause certain species of flies wings to detach without otherwise harming the fly, and this has resulted in my collecting jars of fly wings, which are a useful reagent in certain spells.

    In summary, although I do see the argument that these articles are representative of an explorer, as previously stated from my personal perspective these would seem more suggestive of the personage of an Archivist, such as myself.


    (Also I just wrote this as a lark; it is a serious entry but if I win I would like to donate my prize to the first entry that did not otherwise win a prize)

  13. MD 17th Anniversiary Plushie Auction

    in Commercial events

    Posted

    If I'm not mistaken (and I could be, I'm doing other things while I write this post) these should be the current bid standings:

    On 7/5/2022 at 4:38 AM, Else said:
    • Item 1 – 2 Use Kill item : 653 plushies ( 453 mine - 200 from @lashtal)
    On 7/23/2022 at 6:17 PM, Ailith said:

    Item 2 – 9th Anni creature  - 200 plushies

    On 7/9/2022 at 11:31 PM, Ledah said:
    • Item 3 – 11th Anni creature - 150 plushies
    On 7/10/2022 at 11:01 AM, Ivorak said:

    Item 4 – 13th Anni creature - 155 plushies

    On 7/18/2022 at 6:18 AM, Invie said:

    Item 5 – 15th Anni creature - 40 plushies

    On 7/6/2022 at 6:58 PM, Miq said:

    Item 6 - 400 soft things

    On 7/4/2022 at 4:23 PM, Kyphis the Bard said:

    Item 7 – 500 shards on any creature of your choice (This cannot be split across multiple creature types)

    I bid 50 plushies.

    On 7/17/2022 at 8:23 PM, Else said:

    Item 8: rein 300

    On 7/21/2022 at 3:13 AM, Invie said:

    Item 9 – Rustgold Drachorn (full tokening available) ID: 485146 Age: 4818 - 251 plushies

    On 7/18/2022 at 6:06 AM, Else said:

    Item 10 – Shade Horseman aka Horseman aka rider aka CID 22 (full tokening available) ID: 696293 Age: 4217
    480 plushies

    On 7/22/2022 at 6:47 AM, Invie said:

    Item 11 – Full tokening of 5 creatures (These must be your creatures) - 350 plushie

    23 hours ago, Eara Meraia said:

    Item 12 – Tainted Angien - 636 plushies

    (290 from Eara, 44 from Tal, 188 from Anruil, 114 from Lazarus)

  14. Spell Focus Items

    in General Forum

    Posted

    17 hours ago, death ray said:

    This is not an item based off one I currently have or have ever had. It would be a new item with possably a new feature added to it.

    I hope i have explained myself well enough for decent understanding. Thank you for your reply!

    You've explained it well enough for my understanding certainly.

    While when I created this thread it was fully with the idea of thinking of not only existing items that could have spells added as well as discussing potential new items designed around the idea of items having spells, Mur's own topic has laid out specific rules about what will currently be considered, and what won't be considered. I've got no problem with discussing ideas for new items - but I'm not the one giving spells to items :P. So beyond talking about this as a hypothetical, if you want to actually see this idea come into existence you will need to consider the rules Mur has put in place in his thread for making these requests: 

    This said, for my own part I've been asked to help people identify exact existing spells to help them with their requests. For the idea that you've suggested, a possible existing spell if we were talking about GG instead of NC would be "key-gg_deep" which grants users access to the locations in Golemus that used to be unlocked via Ch3 of story mode. I'm not certain exactly how flexible the "spell must exist" requirement is as Key granting spells are normally permanent, however your idea would likely be best served as a temporary access, meaning it would need a modified version of the spell.

  15. Spell Focus Items

    in General Forum

    Posted

    11 hours ago, death ray said:

    What about an old dusty map? have one for say... the laberanth, set it to fall apart after use, but it detail all locations in that zone. or like for MB same deal maybe allow temp. access to not so well known areas before the expiry time?? There are plenty of other locations to work with, like necro, prison and who knows where else(secrets??)

    Is this inline with what you have requested? I'm sure if it is, this would be an expandable idea.

    It is possible for spells to grant the same keys used for scene access; I would assume that it is feasible to setup a spell that includes an expiration for the keys access it grants.

    Given that it is highly unlikely something like this would be allowed for secret locations however, what would distinguish this item from the existing Land Pass Papers?

    And is this idea based on an item you actually have, or is it a suggestion for a new item to be created for the purpose of casting such a spell?

  16. imagination challenge

    in Contests, Quests and Adventures

    Posted · Edited by Kyphis the Bard

    Beginning with a raindrop shape, consider the spherical part of the shape as 3/4 full of water, with a choppy tide line marking this transition point.
    Centrally, there is a figure (in complex form). This figure extends both above and below the tide line, however they are only drawn down to about their pelvis (extending to the base of the raindrop, after this they would be outside the droplet).
    From roughly the point just above where nipples would be they are above the waterline.
    Below the waterline, they are mostly a skeleton. Their ribcage is spread slightly open, showing their heart (either realistic or artistic heart symbol). A pair of skeletal arms reaches from behind the figure, across the lower section of their rib cage, and embraces the heart in an offering gesture.
    A second pair of skeletal arms also extends below the waterline, this set coming from the figures shoulders as normal instead of from behind them. The upper arms rest down their torso, with their forearms pointing inwards and up towards the surface of the water once more. From shortly below the wrists the hands emerge from the water, regaining their flesh, forming the sawadee kap gesture in the rough vicinity of the upper sternum.
    Above the waterline, the figure appears to be shown facing both left and right (that is, they are shown to have two heads).
    The right head faces to the right, with their face tilted downwards. A set of arms extends from the torso's right shoulders, in a gesture of offering, with the hands held in front of and above the downward facing right head.
    The left head faces towards the left, head tilted upward and mouth open as though trying to say something. A single arm extends from the torso's left shoulder, this is extended in front of and above the left head approximately in line with the left head's eyeline. The hand is extended in a gesture best described as a caress.
    Below the waterline, fish swim through the water and the bones.

    This is as far as the scenes naturally suggest themselves to me, any further elements would be forced symbolism from me so I'm disinclined to expand further without additional feedback that might provide inspiration 🤷‍♂️

  20. Spell Focus Items

    in General Forum

    Posted

    On 6/17/2022 at 6:23 PM, Valoryn said:

    Well, I have a unique "Acorn Whistle" item that could get the bringin spell via its name. Its description may not be a perfect match though, unless people don’t mind role-playing the loyal war-steed: 🤣

    "A small acorn cap turned into a whistle, which is used by its owner to call his loyal war-steed to his side."

    Bringin spells are capable of being attuned to a specific person. If you can find someone who from a roleplay perspective (avatar, RP history, character docs, etc) fits the role of being your war steed then you could possibly get a version of Bringin that is attuned to just that person.

    Spell casting via items isn't restricted to just the explicit existing spells. If a spell of the same type already exists and the modification is appropriate, then modified versions of some (but not necessarily all) spells can be possible. Gotta have a strong enough argument to justify it though 😉

  21. Spell Focus Items

    in General Forum

    Posted

    1 hour ago, Muratus del Mur said:

    I got about 100 spells documented, i will continue next time. Kyphis contact me about these when you can, you need access to the docs, if you want to (i dont know if you want since you did not reply anything yet). If i hijacked your topic and you don't intend to help with it, its ok, just let me know. I realize it might be too much.

     

     

    Oh I'm happy to help out. There just hasn't been a reason for me to reply directly yet 🤣

  22. Spell Focus Items

    in General Forum

    Posted

    With the introduction of spell enablement through item possession as per announcement 5700, I thought it might be fun to talk about what sorts of items might be appropriate to add spells to.

    https://magicduel.com/page/Announcement/view/5700

    While the assumption is most items won't get spells on them, that doesn't mean we should limit our discussion accordingly. Rather, if an item seems appropriate then I think it fair to include it in the discussion, and considerations like how easy to obtain it is should be discussed after. Just because an item has a common version available right now doesn't mean a rarer version can't be introduced - after all, if a version of the item is already in the realm it's not much of a stretch to contemplate something more fitting down the line.

    Here are some of my suggestions:

    Locate
    Maps
    Binoculars/Opera Glasses

    Give Vital
    Healers kit
    Bandages

    Chaotic Boost
    Potion bottles
    Strange foods

    Mirror Ritual
    Mirrors
    Pure Water

    Move Lock
    Manacles
    Heavy Weights/Rocks

    Army of the Dead
    Bag of bones
    Cursed objects

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