What did Pyatt Pree do?
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(Howlands not allowed to post, lol)
It came up in IRC the other day, and its an interesting bit of mentality. Tons of newer people have heard this name, seen him in the Ladys Challenge, and throw up props (deserved) for the guy. Thing is, when asked "WHat did this character do?", the best answer is "well uhm.. he was a necromancer, or something"
So I figured it was worthwhile to drag them lingering old timers out to educate the unwashed masses. (I would, but long-term players will recall I took a large leave of absence during the period involved, and can't do it justice)
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He killed my character Marcus Nightcrawler 11 times.
To be more fair… Pyatt Pree was a character who was evil from day one. He started out "being a thayan supporter and nationalist", using the protection of the Red Wizards at the time to push his plots forward. Pyatt was a Velsharoon Cleric who sought to become a lich, and if memory serves, nearly succeeded. He promoted the Velsharon faith, amongst other things giving "life insurances", where people would pay him 500 gold or so, and if they died he would ensure they came back.
That said, he was evil, did evil things, yet a long way through still did it with enough flair. He was a man of his word for the most time, meaning he could actually be trusted.
He only killed when he IC had to, while plotting against his enemies. In essense, if you stayed well out of his way, you wouldnt get hurt. I know of plenty of people who met him in the wilds and survived without a scratch.
He set himself a goal, didnt outright force it on other people, and went after it. He left enough clues so others could plot against him without necessary meaning you had to off him.
He worked with and for the zhentarim when said attacked the city, but also on their behalf negotiated the peace treaty that allowed the server to survive.
To sum it up, he played the master villain. Courteous, even friendly on occasion, scary as hell, believable in his evilness. OOC a nice guy, even when he IC had to be a prick.
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Literally roll every James Bond villain ever into one package; Pree.
Olouth got the events correct as I remember them, I'm sure people can fill in some more details.
The biggest aspect to his story was the time it took to tell. He was not in a rush; he was patient and thought things through, he didn't burn bridges unless it was necessary. He wasn't Evil for the sake of Evil, every step he took had a full purpose to his agenda.
I was killed by Pree once on one of my characters, and it remains the most intense death I've ever seen. This was a character that had an unfathomable amount of power; he never flaunted it and he flexed only as much as he needed when he needed to.
His crowning moment was definitely during the Zhentarim Invasion where he effectively became a Super-Villain. Up until then it was plotting and scheming and building his reputation and his allies. When the time came, however, he stepped full-fledged into the spotlight, and everyone shuddered.
There are a lot of lessons in what he did.
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Roll best villain in CoA, proceed to make better off-shoot/CoA variant and steal all its players. That sir, is winning.
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He didn't hide in the sewers until he was uber level, like many do.
he was right out in the open even at low level. I recall one of the first things that "exposed" him was when there was some evil Tome, that he managed to steal from someone… I recall a confrontation with him in the city when he was like lvl 4, standing up against some high lvl/high political power people ( a noble and city hero) that were demanding it - When a constal (think high sheriff) was sent for... and it was found he was on his way.... rather than knuckle under... he had the brillliant move to sprint to the Thayan embassy and ask for sanctuary
Which led to some very very interesting things later.
Yes, he killed people openly later when he could thumb his nose at the city.. but he had the awesomeness to let people now he was running sacrifices, making people do rituals, etc... even early on.. He just did it so you couldnt prove it.
The IC arguments and screaming he generated between the CG heores and the lawful lawmen were fantatsic.
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@Broken:
Roll best villain in CoA, proceed to make better off-shoot/CoA variant and steal all its players. That sir, is winning.
He might have become a DM if he hadn't pulled the stunt which got him banned. But yeah pretty impressive that he was able to make his own server which got enough attention on its own.
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Stunt? curious face of curiousness
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He's also a warlock with blue lips who lives in the House of the Undying.
Wait..
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Pyatt Pree?
I don't even know who Kreswell is nor who is Venieth. -
Whenever in trouble with your plots or goals in CoA, ask yourself: "What would Pree or Kreswell do in this situation?"
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Pyatt had brokered the deal that made peace during the Zhent war, and felt that the city owed him big time after the peace was established and he demanded a tribute from characters and from the city afterwards. This was his ending actions, he was taken down finally by a mob of heroes and turned into stone and kept in the war wizard compound, and rumor had it he was taken with them when they made a tactical withdrawal from the city (along with the real Lord Bhaliir who was in the same state as Lord Deshurr having met the same thing, but a bit earlier than Deshurr)
He did wear gold armor when I knew him, and was always quite the gentleman, I do happen to know that in game that someone had made a promise to free him from his stone like prison, but that is no longer possible, since possible
As a side note he (the player is still involved in the game, overseeing another successful NWN server, and like many who frequent there, I think he had been popping in here from time to time in the past anonymously to see how coa is still doing, forum and server)
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I think Jestyr, Dond, Darlene and co. summed up his legacy nicely. Important note that might have been glossed over – he got people involved. Every character, and by extension player, had an opinion of him and reacted to his plans.
Adding to what O'louth said, Howland's villain suffered many fools good, evil and otherwise. That he gladly involved (read: smited) a lowly, meddling rogue like Marcus Nightcrawler countless times without complaint is a testament to his willingness to let others' plans affect, intertwine and conflict with his own.
/brainfart
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He was an awesome character, very well played.
Back in the day when you had to wait an age sometimes just for a slot on the server it's pretty hard for a single character to be known or heard of by pretty much every player on the server through ic interraction.Interestingly Dark watched Pree murder Marcus Nightcrawler one night. I had never met Pree but his name was known to me. I was following Marcus for reasons that I can't recall and they bumped into each other. They had a truly great display of rp and then Pree slaughtered him and casually sauntered off. I can honestly say that my heart was pounding in my chest, decisions decisions, I was half tempted to help Marcus but Pree totally put the frights up me. Another aside, I believe I could have killed Pree at this time when his magic had worn off as I followed him but it would have been totally ooc for me to do so, but I often wondered if I'd have been a hero or a villain had I killed him.
In response of what did Pree do. Well much has been said but I think he also bought a whole new level of villain to the table.
A very memorable character.
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A lot of people had lots of opportunities to kill Pree, a long time before he ended. The thing was that not many people wanted to kill Pree because of wondering what he was going to do next. Seriously, the dude ended up in jail on clear cut Capital Crimes and manages to get out of it by pulling one of the most ultimate CoA maneuvers of all time and then goes on an evil rampage but ultimately saves the City. I mean it when I say that with Pree, you just couldn't make the stuff up.
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Pree first officially hit the guard radar (i.e. a report filed) in August of 2004 for trafficking in stolen goods.
By September 1, Pree had stolen a necromantic tome related to the Bresk megaplot and helped a capital criminal escape arrest.
He then evaded arrest and fled to the Thayan Embassy.
He was promptly killed, then raised, and it turned out that he had faked his death, screwed over the Thayans, and by 5 September, they had a bounty out for his head.
Later that day he was arrested and turned over to the Thayans.
At some point, the Thayans killed him for the Tome and raised him requiring him to keep silent of its location. He then somehow managed to get the War Wizards on his side and they called off the guards for a time.
He managed to kill a Senior Magus of the Thayans and was arrested and waiting Capital trial by the Knights by 7 September.
On 14 September, Pree escaped on the way to trial while escorted by Guards and Thayans.
Later that day, he wrote a letter to the Miitia telling them he was framed and that the Thayans were guilty. He then claimed he was leaving Cormyr.
On the 20th of September, Pree was arrested again. On the 22nd, the Thayans had him in custody.
On the 23rd, the Thayans sent a letter to the guards saying that Pree was cleared of all actions against the Thayans.
The next day another Thayan says he is still guilty and missing, presumably in East Way.
Soon after, Pree is determined to be aiding the Zhentarim efforts against Arabel.
On 4 Oct, Pree attacks Northern barricades during the war and is doing sabotage in south arabel.
Later that day a large group of adventurers including Marcus Nightcrawler kill Pree in the fight with the Zhents. The Zhents take his body.
On 5 October, Pree shows up with demands from the Zhentarim as their official representative.
Later that day, he uses his undead to turn against the zhentarim.
On the 6th of October, Lord Marliir authorizes his senior PCs to find and negotiate with Pree for his help against the Zhents.
By the 9th, Pree's terms (he was representing Lord Fzoul) are agreed to. Pree is given amnesty for his crimes but is still wanted by Thay. The same day we find out that Pree had committed many crimes under the name Mr. M. in order to frame Mumad (another famous bad guy of the times).
Later that day we find out that Pree killed Lady Norah (Pers Sanes) predecessor as the head of the Knights of the Merciful Sword.
On 10 October he refused to be taken to the Thayans when a Militia Lieutenant tried to arrest him.
On the 13th, the Thayans offer to drop case against Pree, to save relations with the Zhents, if their immunity is reinstated.
On the 18th, Pree brokered another deal with the Thayans for 40,000 coins for amnesty. Pree is a completely free man with no record, wanted by no legal authorities.
By the 1st of November, Pree was wanted for the murder of several Noble Retainers, but insufficient evidence removes the warrant.
On the 2nd, Pree gets into an altercation at the southern cemetary with some well known good guys and has the nerve to approach the authorities about it.
On the 6th, Teth Silvermane, one of the good guys from the cemetary altercation, turns in Pree's body that was found dead and decapitated in the south sewers. An autopsy reveals a rare poison in his system.
On the 9th, his corpse is stolen from the House of Death and Pree is alive again. Pree is found negotiating a truce with the Unseen Hand (thieve's guild). Pree also is believed to be planning an action against House Bresk.
12 November Pree is believed to be involved in the murder of Ky'ran Lordoron, a well-known Paladin.
14 November Pree is trying to acquire Berena Bresk's power and seeks a magical staff. He also is known to have a Militia Private on his payroll.
17 november the guards find out Pree intends to raise a dead dragon.
01 December, Pree is workign for the Zhentarim to gain control of the Baneblades which would allow the Zhents to control demons. The Law Factions, Pree, the Thieve's Guid, the Harpers, Bhallir, and several others are all seeking the blades.
05 December Pree is spotted by a War wizard and Royal Scout having summoned multiple vampires. Capital warrant issued. Later that day Pree is seen in the middle of an orc invasion of south arabel. He is killed by two black clad assassins. His body is found later and raised for trial.
07 December, Pree escapes from the Militia Jail. Later that day, the Militia fellow that screwed up and let him escape was fired and then killed trying to kill Pree.
On 08 December, Pree announces to the city that for 120,000 gold lyons, he will leave Arabel. Otherwise, bad things will happen.
09 December, Pree relocates to the Poison Water Inn to escape from our jurisdiction.
10 December, with the help of a Thayan Senior Magus, a mixed group of Purple Dragon Scouts, Militia and War Wizards, with adventurers, attack Pree who escapes. A running battle ensues, ending with mass chaos at the Poison Water. Pree was struck down by a Paladin and his minions captured as well. They were drug across the border and then arrested.
11 December, Pree is turned to stone by War Wizards.
Weeks later we find out that a Militia Private (PC) had been working for Pree from the inside.
For several months guards continue rounding up Pree's accomplices.
So, that is a little taste of what Pyatt Pree did. Just the stuff the guards found out about.
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I'd also like to note.
Pree did all this in the face of what many have considered the anti-evil/crime adversity of v3. Which is as important to his legend as anything. Doing this in the v4 environment wouldn't be as impressive by half.
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**Pree first officially hit the guard radar (i.e. a report filed) in August of 2004 for trafficking in stolen goods.
By September 1, Pree had stolen a necromantic tome related to the Bresk megaplot and helped a capital criminal escape arrest.
He then evaded arrest and fled to the Thayan Embassy.
He was promptly killed, then raised, and it turned out that he had faked his death, screwed over the Thayans, and by 5 September, they had a bounty out for his head.
Later that day he was arrested and turned over to the Thayans.
At some point, the Thayans killed him for the Tome and raised him requiring him to keep silent of its location. He then somehow managed to get the War Wizards on his side and they called off the guards for a time.
He managed to kill a Senior Magus of the Thayans and was arrested and waiting Capital trial by the Knights by 7 September.
On 14 September, Pree escaped on the way to trial while escorted by Guards and Thayans.
Later that day, he wrote a letter to the Miitia telling them he was framed and that the Thayans were guilty. He then claimed he was leaving Cormyr.
On the 20th of September, Pree was arrested again. On the 22nd, the Thayans had him in custody.
On the 23rd, the Thayans sent a letter to the guards saying that Pree was cleared of all actions against the Thayans.
The next day another Thayan says he is still guilty and missing, presumably in East Way.
Soon after, Pree is determined to be aiding the Zhentarim efforts against Arabel.
On 4 Oct, Pree attacks Northern barricades during the war and is doing sabotage in south arabel.
Later that day a large group of adventurers including Marcus Nightcrawler kill Pree in the fight with the Zhents. The Zhents take his body.
On 5 October, Pree shows up with demands from the Zhentarim as their official representative.
Later that day, he uses his undead to turn against the zhentarim.
On the 6th of October, Lord Marliir authorizes his senior PCs to find and negotiate with Pree for his help against the Zhents.
By the 9th, Pree's terms (he was representing Lord Fzoul) are agreed to. Pree is given amnesty for his crimes but is still wanted by Thay. The same day we find out that Pree had committed many crimes under the name Mr. M. in order to frame Mumad (another famous bad guy of the times).
Later that day we find out that Pree killed Lady Norah (Pers Sanes) predecessor as the head of the Knights of the Merciful Sword.
On 10 October he refused to be taken to the Thayans when a Militia Lieutenant tried to arrest him.
On the 13th, the Thayans offer to drop case against Pree, to save relations with the Zhents, if their immunity is reinstated.
On the 18th, Pree brokered another deal with the Thayans for 40,000 coins for amnesty. Pree is a completely free man with no record, wanted by no legal authorities.
By the 1st of November, Pree was wanted for the murder of several Noble Retainers, but insufficient evidence removes the warrant.
On the 2nd, Pree gets into an altercation at the southern cemetary with some well known good guys and has the nerve to approach the authorities about it.
On the 6th, Teth Silvermane, one of the good guys from the cemetary altercation, turns in Pree's body that was found dead and decapitated in the south sewers. An autopsy reveals a rare poison in his system.
On the 9th, his corpse is stolen from the House of Death and Pree is alive again. Pree is found negotiating a truce with the Unseen Hand (thieve's guild). Pree also is believed to be planning an action against House Bresk.
12 November Pree is believed to be involved in the murder of Ky'ran Lordoron, a well-known Paladin.
14 November Pree is trying to acquire Berena Bresk's power and seeks a magical staff. He also is known to have a Militia Private on his payroll.
17 november the guards find out Pree intends to raise a dead dragon.
01 December, Pree is workign for the Zhentarim to gain control of the Baneblades which would allow the Zhents to control demons. The Law Factions, Pree, the Thieve's Guid, the Harpers, Bhallir, and several others are all seeking the blades.
05 December Pree is spotted by a War wizard and Royal Scout having summoned multiple vampires. Capital warrant issued. Later that day Pree is seen in the middle of an orc invasion of south arabel. He is killed by two black clad assassins. His body is found later and raised for trial.
07 December, Pree escapes from the Militia Jail. Later that day, the Militia fellow that screwed up and let him escape was fired and then killed trying to kill Pree.
On 08 December, Pree announces to the city that for 120,000 gold lyons, he will leave Arabel. Otherwise, bad things will happen.
09 December, Pree relocates to the Poison Water Inn to escape from our jurisdiction.
10 December, with the help of a Thayan Senior Magus, a mixed group of Purple Dragon Scouts, Militia and War Wizards, with adventurers, attack Pree who escapes. A running battle ensues, ending with mass chaos at the Poison Water. Pree was struck down by a Paladin and his minions captured as well. They were drug across the border and then arrested.**
And in response m'lords to the charge of being too drunk to walk and pissing up my neighbours wall, that is my defence….
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Forgive me for saying this.
There will never be a player as good as Howland in my lifetime ever again. None of you. Not me. Nobody on EfU. Nobody anywhere. The man is a prodigy in this regard. Maybe it's his lifetime of travelling. Maybe it's how well read he is. I have no damn clue.
But the man turns every character he makes into solid gold. He made some secret DM PCs on EfU. Want to know how to tell which ones he played? It's the ones people still fearfully or reverently talk about in IRC. It's the characters I studied in their screenshot threads again and again, trying to understand what made them glorious. Reading every single of their lines and log files, trying to emulate what made them great.
And failing. I've never seen anyone else who can make a character so real, so straight out of myths and storybooks and legends.
And the weirdest, most jealousy-inducing part? They are all bloody amazing. They all end up being the talk of the town. Be you ally or enemy, you know that character. He directly affects you or is talked about in stories, arrest warrants or secret meetings.
It's freaking amazing and more often than not made me want to quit playing because I don't have a glimmer of hope of playing a character 1/10th as memorable or amazing as Howland's best.
Sorry for gushing. Oh, that's another thing. The guy is the most humble soul you'll ever meet! You can't even compliment him; he'll just brush you off in the most polite and respectful way, making you feel foolish. It's amazing.
His characters are exactly what the perfect player would play like: 100% courteous in PvP, 100% complete knowledge of mechanics in PvP and PvE, 100% flawless, always-in character roleplay, ruthless, effective advancing of goals and plots and including every PC he runs across in some way or another. We could be happy if we ever were 5% as good as he is.
Yes, I really feel that way; feel free to mock me.
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That's good and all, sure…
But how's the cybor?