Lurking Shadow

Raiders and Ruins

@Rydude17 I'll leave it as it is then, anything else to change or is it alright to go in the CS tab?

Raiders and Ruins

@Rydude17 They might be, though it is not clear. I do know that in their peak they have made temples to Yig, the Father of Serpents who is also identified with/as(?) Quetzalcoatl who was worshiped by the Aztecs. They would also regularly perform sacrifices to Yig like Aztecs would, but then again basically every cult in the Mythos practices Human (or other, though usually it is just Humans because we must be delicious or something) sacrifices.

So, we going to go with the whole infiltrating society thing? If we do, I think I'll change my Char's backstory accordingly a bit though he would not hate Humans and other races but be indifferent.

Raiders and Ruins

@Rydude17 I probably worded something incorrectly but I was trying to imply that they are not well known by the general public outside of areas where they may be geographically present. Almost certainly some people would know of them. Alternatively, maybe they could be mistaken as a sub-species of the lizard folk if they are around as well?

Although, similar to your first suggestion I could borrow more from the source material in the Cthulhu Mythos where they are basically plotting the same thing. In a nutshell they were the dominant species on Earth prior to Humans millions of years ago but eventually suffered a decline following wars with several other species including Humans. Eventually the remnants retreated underground, the majority of which are hibernating in pods filled with life extending chemicals. They generally hate or resent Humanity feeling that they are blocking their rightful re-ascendance to power. There are a few agents disguised within society, probably to learn about the culture and seek weaknesses to exploit, and some may even hold positions of power. Something like this might make an interesting plot point somewhere.

As for the second point, yeah. The tail probably wouldn't follow him in a straight line in the back but somewhat coiled around him. As a result, he would often have a generous amount of space between him and anyone around him lest they trip over 'nothing'.

Raiders and Ruins

@Rydude17 Here's my Serpent Folk/People CS. Sorry it took a while but I tend to over think things, rewrite paragraphs a few times and do a lot of research on various topics to maintain some degree of plausibility (I spent the better part of an hour considering the practicality of coating bullets in venom before deciding it is not). Let me know any questions and/or concerns.

S’Hraa

Name: S’Hraa
Race: Serpent Folk (also referred to as Serpent People)

race description

Serpent Folk are a humanoid race that appear like large serpents but with arms and digitigrade legs. Compared to the average Human, they stand a head taller (though their long tails lead to a longer overall body length head to tail). Serpent Folk have poor vision in normal lighting conditions but have great vision in low light conditions and a specialized heat detecting organ that gives them a sort of ‘heat-vision’. Serpent Folk produce a paralyzing venom in their fangs to weaken and kill prey that they swallow whole due to their carnivorous diet. Serpent Folk can swallow something up to slightly smaller than them and can go weeks without having to feed again.

Serpent Folk are relatively low in number and prefer the company of their own kind and thus are rarely seen by other races, their existence largely being little more than a rumor. As a race they tend to be adept at alchemy and are inclined to magic, most knowing a spell or two at the least.

Age: 37

Appearance: S’Hraa stands 6’8” tall and is 11’ head to tail. His scales are a pale green on color with a finlike dorsal appendage consisting of spikes connected with a thin membrane running along most of the back. He wears a small enchanted silver necklace depicting a human-like face and carries several pouches filled with various alchemical ingredients poisons and potions.

pic for reference

He also has an alternate appearance with the aid of his enchanted necklace. With a little bit of focus, he can almost instantaneously take the appearance of (though not the form. He still has the same physical ophidian form but visually appears differently) a 6’4” tall Human with a lean build and pale white skin. This illusion appears like a human in every way except for the eyes, the only thing the necklace does not alter, which still betray its beastly origins. In addition, other clues may betray the illusion such as the footsteps not matching (for a particularly observant individual) or the odd mannerisms of S’Hraa (as sometimes he may forget or be unaware of how a typical human would react to a particular situation such as his preference to consume live prey, though this might be attributed to eccentricity) This is the default appearance S’Hraa takes with those unfamiliar with him and often uses this disguise to blend in unnoticed with society. This Human form often wears a hooded robe concealing most of his features, especially the face.

Skills and abilities:

Alchemical expert. He is fully capable of crafting beneficial potions and crippling poisons.

Stealth.

Due to a slow metabolism, he eats much less often compared to others. Fully fed (with large enough prey like the occasional bandit), he can be sustained for weeks at a time.

His potent venom can incapacitate a fully grown human in minutes, and often death in about an hour provided no treatment is given.

Adept at illusion spells.

His scales provide some resistance to weapons like sword or daggers and small arms outside of close range.

S’Hraa is surprisingly agile for his size. While by no means untouchable he does a good job of slithering out of the way of some attacks and hazards.

Weapons:

An ornate dagger with grooves for storing and injecting poison in any wounds inflicted.

A drilling with side by side shotgun barrels over a rifle barrel.

A pair of Fangs that can inject venom from his glands.

Other Equipment:

A wooden staff with a pair of snakes intertwining near the top which is used as a magical focus.

Various ingredients and containers of potions and poisons. Some empty, some filled and all contained within three pouches S’Hraa carries with him.

A metal tool resembling a fang meant to inject potions/poisons while minimizing tissue damage (like a syringe). Primarily used for medicinal purposes like injecting a healing potion directly into the blood stream rather than having to wait for it to normally be absorbed through ingestion for example.

Enchanted necklace that disguises S’Hraa as a Human (The disguise is ‘bound’ to S’Hraa and will not work with any other wearer unless they have the know-how to enchant it to them specifiacally).

Background:

S’Hraa was a little different than the rest of his kin. While most were content to live away from the other races, S’Hraa had a curious nature and sought to learn a little about these other beings he shares the world with. The only problem being he resembles a very large snake. Something often tied together with venom and a quick grave. Not ever hearing of Serpent Folk before, most people reacted negatively at a snake the size of a man.

S'Hraa quickly realized the solution and enchanted a necklace to cast a spell he would use often. With the convenience of appearing as a Human at a moment’s notice he began to mingle with society. After a few awkward encounters (Learning a language is tricky, learning the slang is trickier) he quickly acclimated and only occasionally slips up.

Of course, with the whole battle for survival thing going on now most anything resembling society would tell strangers to get lost unless they were trading or were adept at something, which fortunately for S’Hraa was alchemy. With the usual potion to cure a sickness, heal some dismembered fingers, and the occasional poison, S’Hraa became a highly regarded figure. Or, at least the Human form did. With the occasional bandit corpse (following a raid) going missing, like anyone cared, S’Hraa was content for the time being.

Eventually S’Hraa had an urge to move on. Satisfied with the stories he gained from socializing he decided to look for a new group with new stories. He never did feel close with any of them, feeling trapped in a form unlike his own, having to monitor his words and actions. Perhaps with others he might reveal a little about himself, might act like himself, or perhaps it will be more of the same. Regardless he decided to leave, to see where the road leads him to next.


Other stuff:

As one might expect, S’Hraa has a fondness of snakes and takes great care to not harm one. He thinks less of those who harm snakes intentionally or not and may even outright attack anyone who does so.

Raiders and Ruins

@Rydude17 Would it be alright to have enchanted gear that could perform a specific spell? Specifically I'm thinking of a ring or necklace that would alter the appearance (but not the physical form) of my character to look like another specific character (an alter ego used as a disguise).

Raiders and Ruins

I'm interested in this, though the character I have in mind is not from D&D. I have a serpent folk (adapted from Cthulhu mythos, not those from Conan the Barbarian) char from another rp that kind of fizzled out that I can convert for this pretty easily.

Serpent folk are kind of like lizard folk except they can feel emotions though differently than others might. They are adept in alchemy and magic (knowing spells from a variety of schools but especially illusion), and naturally produce a potent venom for their fangs.

Cinema General

<Snipped quote by Hey Im Jordan>
Yeah, it was.

@Inkarnate

It was good, then it was dumb. I personally don't think it was bad. That's just my opinion but I don't care enough about superhero type of stuff to defend it more than a few posts. From what I know it seemed to follow the source material enough to check that box, had a decent enough plot, a villain with a motivation other than to be a villain. Only problem I had was it felt kind of slow to reach the second act and towards the end the motivations of some characters got kind of confusing (Scenes were almost certainly cut that would gleam information about this).

If a sequel was to be made, I would likely watch it.

The Mage Guild of Alsijan

Name: S’Hraa
Time of Day: Noon-ish
Location: Outside
Interacting with: Anyone who cares
----
While the rest were out for a meal, S’Hraa worked on alchemical concoctions eventually filling a handful of vials with various potions and poisons only discernible by color and, for those perceptive enough like S’Hraa, smell. While alchemy is simple enough that anyone can create something, it takes education and skill to know which ingredients to combine into a solute and what solvent to combine with that to reach a desired effect. Such a task often initially relies on trial and error and later on with rote memorization and dedication, which makes alchemy a long and difficult craft to master. A craft that S’Hraa has been doing nearly all his life and yet still has more to learn. Eventually it came time for him and the other initiates to show their aptitude.

Marius was the first, and though he showed skill his personality left a bitter taste for S’Hraa. Mnanh’ Ssyahr… His ego clouds his judgement and will only beget his eventual demise. To see him fall would be satisfying and may even teach him humility. This fool will likely drag the rest of us down otherwise, but how can I make him suffer?

Next was Sylvanna who also demonstrated some skill but likewise opted for a childish prank. Between Marius and her, S’Hraa will find himself agitated frequently.

The rest have kept an acceptable behavior and proven themselves to be competent. Nothing really stood out to S’Hraa but at least he can see himself befriending them out of convenience of proximity if nothing else.

Then came S’Hraa’s turn. Everyone else performed readily apparent acts S’Hraa preferred subtlety. Slithering up to his place, he paused briefly to ensure the proctors were ready. “I am S’Hraa of the Hri’Saa tribe, legendary for our hunting prowess. I will be displaying my aptitude for Illusion and Animancy.” S’Hraa then proceeded to create an illusion of a human, visibly bruised and cut up. “While our bodies do have a natural healing process, it is time consuming and requires a lot of energy. Obviously with the capability and mana one can speed up this process tremendously… “ S’Hraa said, while visibly healing the illusion. “… even life-threatening wounds for those particularly skilled enough. I have acted as my tribe’s Nnn’Bthnk, or a prestigious healer, for my aptitude and given the opportunity I can display my skill here as well. However, unlike many other Animancers, I was responsible for dealing with troublesome animals that proved to difficult for the others.” S’Hraa shifted the image, displaying various parts of a human body as he mentioned them. “This part of Animancy is where I shine. I can sense the tears in organs, the cracks and shattered pieces of bone, and most importantly the flow of blood within the body despite them being obscured by flesh. Knowing the flow of blood… S’Hraa said as he removed a small vial from his robe filled with a yellow liquid, and attaching it to an indention in one of his fangs. “… and given my natural venom I produce, or any alchemical poison I create. I can identify the ideal spot to attack and paralyze or, if need be, kill something quickly within seconds.” S’Hraa coiled up and sprung rapidly opening his maw vey wide and biting the illusion, injecting the yellow liquid into thin air. Although visually the yellow liquid spread through the veins as S’Hraa altered the illusion, in reality it fell to the ground.

”Of course I can do more than just make a visual aid with my capability of Illusion.” S’Hraa then created several copies of himself, each coming apart from him in a different direction like paint peeling off a wall. Each illusion moved independently of each other, none of them being real as S’Hraa concealed himself, turning invisible. While illusion can hold many purposes, one stands above the rest and is usually the most useful reason to employ… S’Hraa said as he created the illusions and hid himself. After Silently moving away from the apparitions and hiding his tracks as he did so, S’Hraa then moved behind the proctors and coiled up. He dispelled the illusions making it seem as if S’Hraa just simply disappeared. After waiting a moment for the likely confusion he sprung, making a clearly audible rustle of leaves and likely grabbing their attention before landing just a few feet directly behind Den and slithering upright with the sort of look only a predator can give.
“…and that is to distract someone from realizing what is actually happening.” S’Hraa finished, confident that his skill would not be in doubt. While S’Hraa did not mean to potentially frighten Den he decided it was worth the risk. ” Apologies if I frightened you, I just think that would be both the best, and a notable way to display my ability.” S’Hraa said before returning to his spot.

The Mage Guild of Alsijan

Name: S’Hraa
Time of Day: Morning
Location: Kitchen--Hallway
Interacting with: @CaptainMarvel
----
S’Hraa was puzzled by the foreign words the orc uttered. An unfamiliar language that proceeded a familiar one. Why would he mix them together? Was S’Hraa supposed to understand it? Was he not? Perhaps the Orc may have uttered it incidentally, occasionally uttering incomprehensible words unwittingly. Regardless, S’Hraa was a bit disappointed at his rejection, Hunting is a favored activity and he likes to see the techniques and habits of others in order to find methods he can use to improve his own.

It was then that Orky threw a portion of his steak towards S’Hraa, who only detected something small moving towards him. Reacting instinctively rather than consciously he bared a clawed hand and catching it successfully. S’Hraa was confused at why the orc tossed a slab of meat at him, did he not hear his request for live meat? What would he even do with it, maybe as bait for hunting? After some thought he threw it towards the wolf “Maybe you’ll find the satiation from this that I won’t, I require fresher sustenance than this for my palate. I’ll just have to find something later.”

S’Hraa decided to sneak out to the forest later in the day to hunt down a meal, dusk being the best time as the darkness will help to hide his movements though it may make it harder to track something if the fauna tends to be diurnal. It would also give him an opportunity to collect alchemical ingredients, perhaps even some of the more… illicit substances for his experiments. First, however, he would need to procure more paralyzing poisons to augment his own, and perhaps a stimulant to keep himself alert. With that in mind, he elected to leave the kitchen and go to the dormitory where what ingredients he did have is stored along with what few personal items he has.

On the way, he mentally gathered the ingredients he needed, reciting it quietly though others may hear and, without an understanding of the agents, would likely dismiss it outside of some rather frightening names. …Foxglove….Deadly Nightshade….Rock Zinnia…Blue Cress… Prairie Cap… a miniscule amount of Weeping Plague, wouldn’t want death to come to quickly…” S’Hraa is too lost in thought to notice anyone, though the red stains from having a steak hurled at him may rise some concerning glances.

The Mage Guild of Alsijan

Name: S’Hraa
Time of Day: Morning
Location: Kitchen
Interacting with: @Shard@CaptainMarvel@OrkytheOrc
----

S’Hraa quickly turned towards Thalia, annoyed by her remark and ascending to normal height and towering over her. He sized her up for a moment, considering something before speaking.

”Preferably? Yes, preferably. You know what I resemble, right? A snake. A serpent. One of nature’s most deadly and feared predator and I did not come here to abandon my traditions and consume carrion like the lot of you. You see these fangs? S’hraa ranted, opening his maw. ”They don’t exist for chewing plants, they inject venom. The venom kills things and starts the digestive process. Kind of hard to consume something without veins spreading digestive enzymes. Finally, things get killed and get consumed. That is life, I’m sure the wolf you have killed a few rabbits before. Oh, and don’t worry. I’m not going to eat it because of the fur, as stated before and that you already laid your claim on it. I know my boundaries.”

Turning back to Willow and keeping a little more distance this time.

”The meat they sell in the market is not fresh enough for me. Like I said, I will have trouble digesting it unless I synthesize a compound to break the carapace apart. While I could create such a concoction it requires some rather dangerous ingredients that I doubt this guild will just hand over, assuming they have them that is. Either way, unless there is something around here suitable for my needs I think I’ll have to sneak over to the forest to satisfy my hunger.”

Right after finishing, S’Hraa sensed the green skin coming back. He turned towards the entrance before Orky could even be seen coming. Moments later Orky indeed came through with a large, bloody cut of meat. There’s that green skin, still covered in fear but it is faint. Whatever he was afraid of, it must have been settled. Good for the both of us, I doubt I can eat him anyway. Much too large, He’ll rot faster than I can digest. Plus, it is just embarrassing to have to vomit up your meal for being too large. The short one was unable to accommodate me, perhaps this green skin will know where I can find something fresh enough.

After staring at Orky for a moment, wondering why someone would eat something so little cooked like the others seemed to enjoy. Why not eat it raw? Or better yet alive? He responded to Orky.

“I apologize but I am not aware of your name, mine is S’Hraa. I would join you but I have not eaten in nearly a month and coming here has not procured the required sustenance. I need something alive. If you would happen to know where I can find something I would appreciate it, otherwise I will hunt in the forest for a suitable meal. Your welcome to join if you wish.”