https://thefirstage.org/forums/ Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:46:41 +0000 MyBB https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1962.html Sat, 07 Feb 2026 12:49:31 +0000 Nox]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1962.html
I'm just curious.

I'm considering adding another life to Nox's past lives.  One in the 4th age that is a spun out Hero of the Horn.  (Though I don't know if it's necessary as Geb might possibly qualify as a hero for the actual things he did before the god wars.)  Which I don't actually know if he participated on what side lol.]]>
I'm just curious.

I'm considering adding another life to Nox's past lives.  One in the 4th age that is a spun out Hero of the Horn.  (Though I don't know if it's necessary as Geb might possibly qualify as a hero for the actual things he did before the god wars.)  Which I don't actually know if he participated on what side lol.]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1936.html Thu, 25 Dec 2025 13:26:15 +0000 Nox]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1936.html https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1907.html Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:21:05 +0000 Nox]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1907.html
So all Thread should hopefully be showing up again.]]>
So all Thread should hopefully be showing up again.]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1878.html Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:18:45 +0000 Ascendancy]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1878.html ]]> ]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1868.html Thu, 07 Aug 2025 20:06:29 +0000 Ascendancy]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1868.html
SPOILERS for BG3 ending!! So if you dont know how the game might or could end, stay away!














This was my resist Dark Urge, Dao. A wood-elf monk who fell in love with Astarion and became his spawn. In my head, they go on to rule Baldur's Gate for a long time until the Urge came for her.

]]>
SPOILERS for BG3 ending!! So if you dont know how the game might or could end, stay away!














This was my resist Dark Urge, Dao. A wood-elf monk who fell in love with Astarion and became his spawn. In my head, they go on to rule Baldur's Gate for a long time until the Urge came for her.

]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1838.html Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:14:27 +0000 Ascendancy]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1838.html
https://renewwot.com/the-wheel-of-time-s...-petition/]]>
https://renewwot.com/the-wheel-of-time-s...-petition/]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1833.html Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:55:27 +0000 Aristomenes]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1833.html
But beyond that, I'm wondering if any of you remember me from those old days. I go by Thar here, just like I did then, and I used to hang out in the chatroom all the time. Hope you are doing fine, it would be fun to reconnect after all this time.]]>
But beyond that, I'm wondering if any of you remember me from those old days. I go by Thar here, just like I did then, and I used to hang out in the chatroom all the time. Hope you are doing fine, it would be fun to reconnect after all this time.]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1828.html Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:08:23 +0000 Rachel Shale]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1828.html
My idea was that the sentient touch is in essence a drug. Generally speaking if used sparingly and wisely, it can manipulate emotions in a short term manner, but applied consistently it can lead to an addiction as the body “loses” its ability to regulate emotions. Essentially the mind becomes so reliant on the external push of emotions that it quits doing so itself. They are not emotionless, but they kind of get reset to whatever emotions were usually pushed or just significant mood swings. It’s not a lack of emotions but an inability to regulate. 

There are of course varying degrees and certain people will have higher tolerances to the effects. For example, people who are more vulnerable (depressed, anxious, mental disorders) will be more susceptible. The quantity of the pushing and how hard they push also plays a factor.  Those who are more stable will take significantly more work. People like Nox may even develop enough of a tolerance that it has little to no effect. They may be immune. 

Like all drugs, withdrawal symptoms will occur if they don’t get their fix in time. Shaking, irritability, insomnia would be common. Eventually they may seek their attacker for their fix (any sentient will do, but psychologically - they will search for the one who manipulated them) Treatment is the same as drug rehab. Sleep will help, and so will distractions, but they are temporary to delaying withdrawal. Over time, the body will relearn how to regulate, but it can be sped up through therapy. Other sentients can “wean” them off of their addiction to speed up the process as well. 

Anyways - that was just what I was thinking going through this :-D I’m up for discussion on it though.]]>
My idea was that the sentient touch is in essence a drug. Generally speaking if used sparingly and wisely, it can manipulate emotions in a short term manner, but applied consistently it can lead to an addiction as the body “loses” its ability to regulate emotions. Essentially the mind becomes so reliant on the external push of emotions that it quits doing so itself. They are not emotionless, but they kind of get reset to whatever emotions were usually pushed or just significant mood swings. It’s not a lack of emotions but an inability to regulate. 

There are of course varying degrees and certain people will have higher tolerances to the effects. For example, people who are more vulnerable (depressed, anxious, mental disorders) will be more susceptible. The quantity of the pushing and how hard they push also plays a factor.  Those who are more stable will take significantly more work. People like Nox may even develop enough of a tolerance that it has little to no effect. They may be immune. 

Like all drugs, withdrawal symptoms will occur if they don’t get their fix in time. Shaking, irritability, insomnia would be common. Eventually they may seek their attacker for their fix (any sentient will do, but psychologically - they will search for the one who manipulated them) Treatment is the same as drug rehab. Sleep will help, and so will distractions, but they are temporary to delaying withdrawal. Over time, the body will relearn how to regulate, but it can be sped up through therapy. Other sentients can “wean” them off of their addiction to speed up the process as well. 

Anyways - that was just what I was thinking going through this :-D I’m up for discussion on it though.]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1806.html Mon, 14 Apr 2025 16:41:51 +0000 Ascendancy]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1806.html
Whitherer]]>
Whitherer]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1785.html Sat, 05 Apr 2025 23:26:29 +0000 Ascendancy]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1785.html
Do the forums need more sub-boards? The general moscow board gets so busy with a lot of threads. Do we need to make location-specific boards? Or rearrange in another way? 

Thoughts? Ideas?]]>
Do the forums need more sub-boards? The general moscow board gets so busy with a lot of threads. Do we need to make location-specific boards? Or rearrange in another way? 

Thoughts? Ideas?]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1782.html Thu, 27 Mar 2025 18:23:10 +0000 Ascendancy]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1782.html







Ye be warned.]]>







Ye be warned.]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1749.html Tue, 04 Feb 2025 15:09:56 +0000 Cadence]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1749.html https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1745.html Sat, 25 Jan 2025 22:43:08 +0000 Adrian Kane]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1745.html
Main players

The short of it is Adrian owns various land spaces and buildings around moscow via AK Holdings. He has leased his property to the club owners on 30-year contracts. 

The Yakuza group, the Edenokoji-gumi based in Moscow are building a series of 5 Japanese-style Host and Hostess clubs, which until now are completely new and novel business in Moscow as they generally only exist in Japan. This is the group that Kiyohito has now joined. His brother, Haruto, is part of the plot as well. They will operate any gambling that takes place within the clubs. The theme of each club will feature a Japanese-style wrestling circuit and entertainment.

Zixin will use the Syndicate to orchestrate human trafficking of discovered channelers (usually very weak ones) discovered in Southeast Asia to offer them "work" in the Clubs. They are coerced into going to Moscow on the promise of wealth and independence, but are indentured to remain on site. Security does not allow hosts or hostesses to leave without permission or being followed until they have "paid off their debts", which may have accumulated for any number of reasons. This is very shady stuff. Other non-channeler hosts and hostesses are also 'employed' by the clubs. The is the primary reason Zixin was sent to Moscow from Singapore. 

Previously, the Amengual cartel was going to provide drugs, but now that they are defunct thanks to Jay, that job will likely transfer to the Russian mafia. 

The vodka kingpin, Gregor Petrovich will supply the clubs with alcohol exclusively. However, other members of the Russian Mafia can participate in various ways. For instance, Gregor's son, Zholdin was instrumental in recruiting Alistair to be a headlining wrestler in the club circuits. Zholdin is into the theatrics and story of wrestling. Other members of the mafia may be involved in the construction process. 

Clubs

There will be 5 clubs around Moscow. I'll post detailed descriptions of each in future posts.

"Hikari" - Arbat Street, Enlightenment District
"Kaizen" - Moscow City Business District, Adjacent to the Radiance Hotel
"Sakura Noir" - Patriarch Ponds, Central District
"Yūrei" - Red October Industrial River District
"Nocturne" - Red Light District

What exactly is a Host/Hostess club?

A host/hostess club is a type of nightlife establishment where customers pay to spend time in the company of professional hosts (typically men) or hostesses (typically women), who provide companionship, conversation, and entertainment. These clubs are known for their luxurious, intimate atmosphere and are a prominent part of Japan's nightlife.

Hostesses engage with men or women patrons, while hosts entertain female or male customers. The focus is on personalized service and attention, with hosts or hostesses acting as charismatic companions who create a relaxing and enjoyable experience. They pour drinks, engage in lighthearted or meaningful conversations, and may sing karaoke with patrons.

Importantly, these clubs are not usually about physical intimacy. Instead, they emphasize emotional connection, flirtation, and escapism, allowing customers to feel special and valued. Guests often become regulars, forming ongoing relationships with their favorite host or hostess like on-site girlfriends/boyfriends. The clubs can be quite expensive, with customers paying for time, drinks, and sometimes extravagant gifts for their host or hostess. Drinks, services, and gifts can run into the thousands, and guests are encouraged to spend lavishly to maintain their connection with their favorite host or hostess. Many are led to believe they’ve formed a genuine romantic bond, only to discover that their affections are part of a well-honed performance designed to secure loyalty and drive revenue. This emotional manipulation can drive customers into debt, with some even turning to loan sharks—often with ties to organized crime—to fund their habits.

Hosts and hostesses operate in a fiercely competitive environment, where their income depends on meeting sales quotas or commissions from drink sales. Those who fail to perform may face significant penalties, both financial and professional, creating a culture of relentless upselling and constant stress. Some workers are pressured into accompanying clients on paid dates outside the club, a practice that can veer into dangerous territory.]]>
Main players

The short of it is Adrian owns various land spaces and buildings around moscow via AK Holdings. He has leased his property to the club owners on 30-year contracts. 

The Yakuza group, the Edenokoji-gumi based in Moscow are building a series of 5 Japanese-style Host and Hostess clubs, which until now are completely new and novel business in Moscow as they generally only exist in Japan. This is the group that Kiyohito has now joined. His brother, Haruto, is part of the plot as well. They will operate any gambling that takes place within the clubs. The theme of each club will feature a Japanese-style wrestling circuit and entertainment.

Zixin will use the Syndicate to orchestrate human trafficking of discovered channelers (usually very weak ones) discovered in Southeast Asia to offer them "work" in the Clubs. They are coerced into going to Moscow on the promise of wealth and independence, but are indentured to remain on site. Security does not allow hosts or hostesses to leave without permission or being followed until they have "paid off their debts", which may have accumulated for any number of reasons. This is very shady stuff. Other non-channeler hosts and hostesses are also 'employed' by the clubs. The is the primary reason Zixin was sent to Moscow from Singapore. 

Previously, the Amengual cartel was going to provide drugs, but now that they are defunct thanks to Jay, that job will likely transfer to the Russian mafia. 

The vodka kingpin, Gregor Petrovich will supply the clubs with alcohol exclusively. However, other members of the Russian Mafia can participate in various ways. For instance, Gregor's son, Zholdin was instrumental in recruiting Alistair to be a headlining wrestler in the club circuits. Zholdin is into the theatrics and story of wrestling. Other members of the mafia may be involved in the construction process. 

Clubs

There will be 5 clubs around Moscow. I'll post detailed descriptions of each in future posts.

"Hikari" - Arbat Street, Enlightenment District
"Kaizen" - Moscow City Business District, Adjacent to the Radiance Hotel
"Sakura Noir" - Patriarch Ponds, Central District
"Yūrei" - Red October Industrial River District
"Nocturne" - Red Light District

What exactly is a Host/Hostess club?

A host/hostess club is a type of nightlife establishment where customers pay to spend time in the company of professional hosts (typically men) or hostesses (typically women), who provide companionship, conversation, and entertainment. These clubs are known for their luxurious, intimate atmosphere and are a prominent part of Japan's nightlife.

Hostesses engage with men or women patrons, while hosts entertain female or male customers. The focus is on personalized service and attention, with hosts or hostesses acting as charismatic companions who create a relaxing and enjoyable experience. They pour drinks, engage in lighthearted or meaningful conversations, and may sing karaoke with patrons.

Importantly, these clubs are not usually about physical intimacy. Instead, they emphasize emotional connection, flirtation, and escapism, allowing customers to feel special and valued. Guests often become regulars, forming ongoing relationships with their favorite host or hostess like on-site girlfriends/boyfriends. The clubs can be quite expensive, with customers paying for time, drinks, and sometimes extravagant gifts for their host or hostess. Drinks, services, and gifts can run into the thousands, and guests are encouraged to spend lavishly to maintain their connection with their favorite host or hostess. Many are led to believe they’ve formed a genuine romantic bond, only to discover that their affections are part of a well-honed performance designed to secure loyalty and drive revenue. This emotional manipulation can drive customers into debt, with some even turning to loan sharks—often with ties to organized crime—to fund their habits.

Hosts and hostesses operate in a fiercely competitive environment, where their income depends on meeting sales quotas or commissions from drink sales. Those who fail to perform may face significant penalties, both financial and professional, creating a culture of relentless upselling and constant stress. Some workers are pressured into accompanying clients on paid dates outside the club, a practice that can veer into dangerous territory.]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1731.html Fri, 10 Jan 2025 10:48:25 +0000 Thalia]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1731.html
My intention with her in the Chamber of Echoes ritual was that the ritual itself (coupled with a little past life influence) was what finally guided her to channel. She had tried multiple times in the past, unsuccessfully.

At the moment she does not understand what she's done, but she will when she repeats the process, guided this time by Seraphis.

Does that work for the rules of learners? Or did she just spark?

My preference is that she remains a learner. In part because it's more symbolic for her character, but also because it means it's something that can then be discovered and allow other learners to learn.

So, did she learn or did she spark? What do you guys think?]]>
My intention with her in the Chamber of Echoes ritual was that the ritual itself (coupled with a little past life influence) was what finally guided her to channel. She had tried multiple times in the past, unsuccessfully.

At the moment she does not understand what she's done, but she will when she repeats the process, guided this time by Seraphis.

Does that work for the rules of learners? Or did she just spark?

My preference is that she remains a learner. In part because it's more symbolic for her character, but also because it means it's something that can then be discovered and allow other learners to learn.

So, did she learn or did she spark? What do you guys think?]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1709.html Fri, 27 Dec 2024 02:29:08 +0000 Giovanni]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1709.html
That means as of now - we’ve been here about 11.5 years. 
1600 threads
19,700 posts
A user created and maintained wiki
Character/author driven worldbuilding
So many characters

That’s a recipe for some great storytelling. What we’ve done here is truly amazing.]]>
That means as of now - we’ve been here about 11.5 years. 
1600 threads
19,700 posts
A user created and maintained wiki
Character/author driven worldbuilding
So many characters

That’s a recipe for some great storytelling. What we’ve done here is truly amazing.]]>