PDA

View Full Version : Azrai`s Servants - Specifically



Craig Greeson
03-04-1999, 03:46 AM
Tim Nutting wrote:
< most of the good stuff snipped>
>
> THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE LOST ONES
> The Nine Disciples of Azrai, The Chosen of the One God,
> Name - Class - Level - Race - Sex - AL
> Atar the Viper, Shadowlord - Fighter/Sorcerer - 19th/23rd - Vos - Male - NE
> El-Sheighül, The Lord of Ghouls - Priest/Sorcerer - 17th/19th -

> Annishall the Raven - Fighter/Sorcerer - 15th/21st - Andu/Vos - Male - CE

As with most everyone else, I enjoyed Tim's post on the Lost. One of the
things that caught my eye was his "Annishall the Raven" character,
specifically his level as a wizard. 21st. Is this the same Raven who has
taken over Ust Atka in Vosgaard? I assume so.

I've always wondered about the wizard level listed for the Raven in the
Blood Enemies and TotHW supplements. It seems odd that this character, one
of the first human true wizards, is actually a higher level warrior than
sorceror. I've always assumed his wizardly power is reduced as a result of
his link to the Shadow World. I like to think some of his power is still
tied up there, and that he can't bring all his magical ability to bear in
Cerilia while still maintaining a foothold on both sides of the
Evanescence.

In my mind, the Raven is probably a more powerful wizard than el-Sheighul,
even though they're listed as 14th (Raven) vs. 19th (el-Sheighul). The
Raven currently sacrifices some of his magical power in Cerilia in order to
have a presence in both planes at once, while el-Sheighul has to be firmly
planted in 1 plane or the other. Thus, el-Sheighul can bring slightly more
magical power to bear in Cerilia during the short time he's there (1 action
round/domain turn), while the Raven sacrifices a bit of his peak magical
ability in order to remain in Cerilia as long as he desires.

Does that make sense?

Regards
Craig

Gabriel
03-04-1999, 04:19 AM
> I've always wondered about the wizard level listed for the Raven in the
> Blood Enemies and TotHW supplements. It seems odd that this character, one
> of the first human true wizards, is actually a higher level warrior than
> sorceror. I've always assumed his wizardly power is reduced as a result of
> his link to the Shadow World. I like to think some of his power is still
> tied up there, and that he can't bring all his magical ability to bear in
> Cerilia while still maintaining a foothold on both sides of the
> Evanescence.
>
> In my mind, the Raven is probably a more powerful wizard than el-Sheighul,
> even though they're listed as 14th (Raven) vs. 19th (el-Sheighul). The
> Raven currently sacrifices some of his magical power in Cerilia in order to
> have a presence in both planes at once, while el-Sheighul has to be firmly
> planted in 1 plane or the other. Thus, el-Sheighul can bring slightly more
> magical power to bear in Cerilia during the short time he's there (1 action
> round/domain turn), while the Raven sacrifices a bit of his peak magical
> ability in order to remain in Cerilia as long as he desires.
>
> Does that make sense?
>
> Regards
> Craig

I tend to agree with you on that one, although I think that if anyone actually
decided to brace the Raven, they would end up being surprised. The BE entry
(vague at best, I know), implies hidden power to such a degree that I consider
him formidable far beyond any other lesser powers out there. In fact, IMC, he
actually does manipulate the other Awnsheglien (and my PCs to some extent) as
much as he claims he does.
Thx,
Alaric
alaric@deltanet.com

JulesMrshn@aol.co
03-04-1999, 05:53 AM
In a message dated 3/3/99 9:52:40 PM Central Standard Time,
cgreeson@ccipost.net writes:

>


I too believe the Raven is a better wizard then presented in the Book. My
explanation is that he looses some of his power in the keeping the body of the
warlord alive and he also keeps the majority of his power hidden form even the
most observent (A reserve of sorts). At most though, I put him at 16.

Robert Trifts
03-04-1999, 06:53 AM
>> I've always wondered about the wizard level listed for the Raven in the
>> Blood Enemies and TotHW supplements. It seems odd that this character,
one
>> of the first human true wizards, is actually a higher level warrior than
>> sorceror.

Not odd at all. That is the very NATURE of the Raven. He does not love magic
for its own sake - as does the Magian. The Raven is first and foremost a
military man. He commands. He conquers. He dominates. He prevails. He
looks for the weakness and exploits it. He looks for allies and finds them.
He chooses his enemies far more carefully than he would ever choose "a
friend" (to the extent he has them).

The Raven is a warrior. He is not simply A General - he is THE General.

Formidabiliy does not equate with level. The DM must think through the
persona of the Awnshegh and see a Regent for what a Regent truly is - a
politican. A ruler. A commander of men.

And realize - in doing so - that a great number of Awnshegh (perhaps most)
are truly mad.

The Raven is one of the more stable. THAT is what makes him so dangerous.
Conceited to a fault - no doubt. But a master strategist.

The difference in Birthright is that is steps away - in part - from the
concept of pure heroic fantasy. It approaches battle - and a nation's
rulers - not in the Homeresque vein; instead the object is to depict the
fantasy struggle - more realistically - as merely a continuation of The Art
of War.

If you want to assess the Raven as a power - look to his potential and his
drive. His ability to inspire loyalty in those who follow his banner. His
ability to be NOBLE - or at least to have others see that quality in him -
even though they know what he is.

I see The Raven as a tragic figure. A Fallen Lord. Not entirely beyond
redemption - but somehow unable to alter his destiny.

You must learn to look past the simple "level=power". That is just not an
accurate reflection of the designer's vision for the Birthright setting,
IMO.

And to be perfectly honest - in doing so you have to step back from a *VERY*
AD&Dish approach to an FRPG. The level of a being does not necessarily
equal the threat it poses.

ROLEPLAY the Raven and all the BEs differently. You'll have a better
campaign for it.

Jim Cooper
03-04-1999, 08:38 AM
Robert Trifts wrote:
> You must learn to look past the simple "level=power". That is just not an accurate reflection of the designer's vision for the Birthright setting, IMO.
> And to be perfectly honest - in doing so you have to step back from a *VERY* AD&Dish approach to an FRPG. The level of a being does not necessarily equal the threat it poses.<
> ROLEPLAY the Raven and all the BEs differently. You'll have a better
> campaign for it.<

I couldn't have said it better myself. IMNSHO, the Raven is a warrior,
pure and simple; the Raven simply uses magic as another tool to
conqueor, just like the Gorgon. Its a means to an end, a tactical
advantage that any good general would be a fool to ignore.

(On the other hand, I can also see it as one of the Raven's few
weaknesses, but that's another post).

IMO, not *all* of the Lost were great and powerful sorcerers. In fact,
IMC (or if I was designing them in any official capacity) I would make
them a balance of (single-) classes. I firmly believe that Azrai
searched out capable champions no matter what their profession, and
seduced them to evil. Take a look at Belinik - he was a warrior, and
nothing more, yet he was one of Azrai's top dudes. Kriesha was simply a
priestess of extraordinary power, I bet, not a wizard dual-class. Even
though these two were not the Lost, I hope my point is clear. The Lost,
I would think, are the Hands of Azrai, his evil cadre of hand-picked
assassins (or whathaveyou) on whom he could count on absolute loyalty
... all others, including nasties like Belinik and Kriesha, I bet Azrai
didn't trust farther than He could throw them.

Indeed, I would think that Azrai would search out single-classed beings
over dual-classed, as they would tend to be higher in level. Therefore,
I would conclude that of those awnsheghlien that rate as dual-classed,
they learned their second profession AFTER Deismaar. The Gorgon, I
argue, is a perfect example. So, too, The Raven. Why not? Guys like
these have been around for over 1000 years!!!!

[Hell, IMC, Azrai even seduced one of the Old Gods to His side: Brenna
(but, heh, true to her form, and like those elven turncoats, at the BoD
she stabbed Azzy in the back!)]
:)

Cheers everyone,
Me