Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: Notesfiles $Revision: 1.6.2.17 $; site uokvax.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!decwrl!amd!dual!zehntel!ihnp4!inuxc!pur-ee!uiucdcs!uokvax!lmaher From: lmaher@uokvax.UUCP Newsgroups: net.games.frp Subject: Owner of a Thirsty Heart Message-ID: <2400072@uokvax.UUCP> Date: Fri, 5-Oct-84 01:06:00 EDT Article-I.D.: uokvax.2400072 Posted: Fri Oct 5 01:06:00 1984 Date-Received: Fri, 19-Oct-84 05:59:58 EDT Lines: 71 Nf-ID: #N:uokvax:2400072:000:3503 Nf-From: uokvax!lmaher Oct 5 00:06:00 1984 I have a character with a problem, and I'd like to solicit the net's advice. If the matter sparks discussion, even better. Either post your solutions or send me mail and I'll post a summary to the net (really!). The extremely squeamish may wish to skip this. But then, how many FRPers are squeamish? First, a little background. If anyone wants further details I'll be happy to post them. The characters involved are Danielle and Garret, elven twins, raised out of the company of other elves. Their only friends were twin Uruk-hai, of the same age. Dani's a druid and Garret is an Illusionist/Thief. The two Uruks are Outlaws (Anti- Rangers, if you will). All are more or less 4th level. The foursome was hired to investigate bandits in the southern mountains, on the other side of a huge wall that keeps various nasties in the south. Once beyond the wall, the four decided instead that the poor Goblin masses only needed proper leadership to form a very effective fighting force. They overthrew the evil human leadership of one of the Orc groups, and organized the 60 orcs, 5 ogres, and 2 trolls remaining. With this force, they intended to start a snowball effect, culminating in a jihad against the humans to the North. Through superior tactics, their force killed two very old red dragons, and looted their lair. No casualties, but 5 Orcs were killed in the brawl for the loot. Garret killed one of the Dragons by himself (as a 3rd Level) - admittedly VERY lucky. The Dragons had earlier slain and robbed a heavily-armed force that had been transporting a black crystal heart. The Uruks wanted to find out what it was (they're very materialistic), but obviously Dani or Garret would be a better choice. With some trepidation, Garret placed the heart (which was on a Mithral chain) over his head, and in a few minutes it faded away, replacing his own. It gives substantial power to the user, including enhanced strength, dexterity, constitution, charisma, regeneration faster than a troll, extended life 100 seconds beyond 0 Hitpoints (with no ill effects if healed back above 0 before the extension is up - Regen doesn't work then, unfortunately), The user (owner? bearer?) is invulnerable to poison and disease, never tires, never needs food, sleep, or other sustenance. It has one serious drawback. It cannot be removed, and the user must drink 5 pints of elven blood each 24 hour period, or die. His own blood doesn't count, as it has already been consumed by the heart. Five pints will seriously weaken and probably kill an elf, as it would a human. The nearest elf colony is across the mountains, several days march away. It seems very unlikely that there are any elves closer than that (with one obvious exception). Dani and Garret have never met any other elves, but they know there are elven forests to the south. So what does he do? I'm interested in seeing any solutions or discussion. Especially comments on whether it is better to die than be corrupted, or whether hope is more important than morality, or anything else anyone wants to say. Preferably post, but if you mail please indicate whether you mind if I summarize and post your reply. I've got several ideas, but I'll post them later on to avoid influencing your suggestions. Carl {allegra,ihnp4}!convex!ctvax!uokvax!lmaher