Magnimar, a city filled with crime and oppitunity. The players each have an issue, most of them being plagued with nightmares of the city in flames and others having more personal problems. The one man with all the answer, the notorious Irthir.
Male Kobold Unchained Rogue 2/Unchained Summoner 2
Kikiri watches the cloaked half-elf speak, tolerating the babble with rigid motionless and quiet staring, before finally speaking up once more. "Animals do not kill with purpose like this." he spoke, looking down again at the body. "And unless it has a specific taste for elven features, they do not kill with recurring traits."
"The plump chief stated that a series of elf and half-elf deaths have been occurring, yes?" Kikiri asked, raising both claws to the ceiling again and moving more directly over the elf female's head... or what was left of it. "This is intentional. Your slayer wishes to send a message to those of elven lineage: they are not safe in this city. Our tribe uses tactics like this against the more intelligent creatures from time to time. It's a warning. 'If you do not wish to suffer the same, you will leave.' Crude, but effective."
Kikiri looked down and pointed at the crushed head. "They are also well versed in magic. Notice the crushing of the head and face. Intentional. Some of our tribe elders have mentioned that some magics permit communication with the deceased. None that we know, but they have spoken of it. You can no longer do so with this elf." Kikiri stared back at the half-elf, expression somewhat annoyed, but still neutral. "Your slayer... or, more than likely, slayers... are choosing specific targets and being careful to cover their tracks. But even so, they leave clues."
Male Human Barbarian(Superstitious)4 Hp:50[58]/55[63] AC:17[15] T:12 FF:16 Fort:6 Ref:3 Will:2[4]
After getting a response from Kikiri. I turn and acknowledge Tariel, shaking her hand. Then I move to the side and let those more versed in dead bodies have their way.
Male Half Elf Investigator 4 (spireborn) AC: 16 (T 11, FF 15), HP 21/21, Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +2 (+2 poison and enchantment) | CMB +7 , CMD 18 Init +3 | Perc +7
La'vriel raised his eyebrow at being interrupted by the strange small dragon creature clinging to the ceiling. He had known about exotic familiars due to his studies, but still wondered to whom in this room that pet belonged to. Or maybe it was the familiar of the mayor himself? It would fit for a mayor of such a dubious town like Magnimar to tame abominations like that... they even let half elfs freely roam the streets here!
Shaking his head La'vriel focused back on the topic at hand. Whoever talked through the strange familiar named Kikiri had a point, it might well be a message, 'sent to the more intelligent creatures' as he had said, meaning elves of course.
One day I hope I'll be as intelligent as elves are La'vriel mumbled, unconscious to the fact that he was talking loud again.
'being careful to cover their tracks', he repeated Kikiri's words, nodding. Yes, that was right, exactly that was what might had happened. He took another close look at the cloth. There had to be something hidden there, a tiny clue was all that was needed.
No covering attempt is successful if you know where to look.
A young, heavily tanned woman stands over the body, examining it closely. Her cloths are mostly brown, with a few red accents, under a open cloak of deep crimson, and she looks chipper and excited, despite her rather gruesome work. She looks up as you enter and says, "Ah, greetings. I'll be with you in a moment."
Cause of Death 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Her examination finished, she wipes her hands on her cloak and approaches the gathered group. "My name is Tariel." she says, and extends a hand briefly before thinking better of it. "I would shake, but my hands are all dead persony. Anybody know any cleaning spells?"
Kn. History, other 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
The cause of death is pretty hard to determine to a the untrained eye. She was attacked by a large axe that cut into her chest, taking her down, but what killed her was a savagely bite to the neck. Fang marks caused by some kind of canine like a Dog or Wolf.
La'vriel the Failure wrote:
La'vriel looked at the odd bunch of people surrounding the dead elf who looked as if he had been mauled by an animal, his own skin almost as pale as the body before him. He adjusted the grey veil covering his face once more, uncomfortable with it and the rest of his grey clothings still being somewhat damp. He also was uncomfortable by the strange lot of people in the room, having read about some of the races he now for the first time seeing them for real. Though a small dragonlike creature clinging to the ceiling was unknown for him.
Finally La'vriel removed his veil for it seemed to be the right thing to do for an envoy on official business in the home of a thassilonian magistrate, and took a decisive step out of the shadows of the corner. About to speak his well thought of string of words, out of the corners of his eyes La'vriel noticed one of the strangers, a certain 'Jaidoh' by the informations he got from the mayor, stepping into another dark corner of the windowless room - and simply vanishing.
I'm La'vriel, Mordant Spire envoy, eh... where did she just...?
Great... La'vriel thought. What a botched introduction. Great first day in the job just getting better... At least he had remembered speaking common, not Azlanti as had been usual on the Spire for adressing strangers.
If I may have a closer look at the body? La'vriel asked, stepping toward the dead elf, trying not to touch anyone. He then adressed the heavily tanned woman with the crimson cloak, Tariel, absentmindly shaking hands with her.
Did you discover something, Mylady? Looks like an animal did it, but first impressions can be deceitful. Those clawmarks at the shoulder look strange, but I can't put my finger on it.
dice=Heal 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Then he reached for equipment of the dead elf, treating them carefully.
And how about his equipment, and his clothes, or whats left of them?
Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
And there is his holy symbol...
Knowledge Religion with free inspiration: 1d20 + 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + (2) + 6 = 11
The clothing doesn't appear to be of any remarkable value or interest, but then something does catch your keen eyes. There is a small fragment of a piece of glass on the clothing. Possibly she fell on it or something was smashed near her.
The symbol appears to be that of Desna. One often worshipped by Elves and very popular in the area. A goodly God of travel and the night sky.
Oracle (Reincarnated Oracle)/ 4th AC: 16 (T 12, FF 14), HP 24/24, Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +4 | CMB +3 , CMD 15 Init +2 | Perc +0
Tariel keeps her hand extended to the others for a moment, before sighing and replacing it by her side. She walks over to the body saying "On to business then. Cause of death was this bite mark here. Carnivore, canine specifically, but before that she was struck here, in the chest, with some form of large bladed weapon with some crushing power behind it. An axe most likely. This leaves us with two possibilities: two killers, a humanoid and an animal, or a canine humanoid, such as a werewolf or Gnoll. Perhaps an examination of the crime scene is in order?"
Male Kobold Unchained Rogue 2/Unchained Summoner 2
Kikiri stared down at Tariel, scaly lips frowning. "If you are interested in such. I am not. I did not come to this city to solve it's petty affairs." Kikiri sat up (down?) as he looked at Rabe and Jaidoh, still frowning.
"My tribe receive our missions through visions, given to us by the obsidian dragon, Aaverax. Typically, it is the elders who receive them, but a few weeks ago... I myself began to see them. A city - this city - on fire. Howls of war filled the air. And when I awoke, always, the same word: 'Magnimar'. I don't know why, but the elders believe that Aaverax has foretold of disaster unparalleled coming to this city. For some reason, she wishes me to witness it... or perhaps, prevent it. Somehow."
Kikiri looks down at the body, huffing a little at it. "A dead elf is of little concern to me. Trivial, really. We have learned that someone wishes to instill fear in the elven blooded of this city. Is our task not complete?"
Female Fetchling Sorcerer - Shadow(Umbral) Bloodline/2 - HP 27/27; AC15, T11, FF14; F+3;R+4;W+5; Per +1; Int +6
From the shadows on the side of the room, a quiet, but beautiful voice speaks forth:
An axe and bite marks? Are there not those amongst the woodsmen who fight with beasts? Perchance the dog and the man fought together. Is it not rangers who select certain types upon which to focus their combat skills? If so, then this might be one rogue ranger, or one ranger with either a hatred for elves, or who is being paid by another.
Male Half Elf Investigator 4 (spireborn) AC: 16 (T 11, FF 15), HP 21/21, Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +2 (+2 poison and enchantment) | CMB +7 , CMD 18 Init +3 | Perc +7
La'vriel stops his examination of the dead elf for a moment to listen to Tariel's results, nodding thoughtfully to her wise words. He was about to add his own thoughts when Kikiri the familiar spoke again, obviously echoing the thoughts of his mistress.
So your mistress, the mayor, is a dragon in disgui...
La'vriel answered, interrupting himself at the last second as it occured to him that the familiar surely wasn't supposed to let that secret spill. Instead he grinned knowingly, having solved another riddle without a shadow of a doubt.
But then La'vriel realised what Kikiri had also mentioned.
You also had visions of disaster?
He adressed the mayor first, but then quickly eyed the familiar at the ceiling instead. If the mayor chose to speak through him, who was he to not tolerate this local custom? The elves always had said the mainlanders were strange, and once again they were more than right in their worldview.
Lost in that train of thoughts for a moment, La'vriel almost missed the quiet but beautiful voice coming from the shadows.
Possibly he agreed, but there are other options too. It may have been a druid, and Aethelreds Clawmark-Grimoire (ACG) mentions Hunters, who have a close connection to their animal companions, almost as close as our familiar here has to his mistress...
Thinking of Kikiri again, La'vriel came back to his original intention.
I myself saw doom coming here, my dream-tea-mutagen told me, but left out any useful detail. But wait, the holy symbol of that elf is that of Desna, goddess of dreams. Maybe there's a connection? If we get those visions, how strong must they be for the clerics of Desna? Has that carnage we have before us maybe happened in or near a chapel of the Song of the Spheres? By the way, there is fine glass on the clothing of the corpse. I'm no one to jump to conclusions or weird ideas, but if it would be a window of a cathedral smashed by someone, we'd have a connection.
On the other hand, maybe it has been a very weird drinking accident involving a heavy axe and an enraged beaver. Vurglar the Unlucky was famous for such desasters caused by his cursed ring of.... Does the elf mayhaps smell of strong beer and gnawed wood, Tariel? Oh, and I second your idea to investigate the crime scene of course.
The mayor speaks up at this point.
"I'm afraid that won't be possible. We needed to clean the streets to keep this under cover." he states openly. "It was in the street near the poor and homeless. My men questioned them, but they were either drugged up on Shiver, leering into the sky or babbling useless."
At the mention of Desna he gives a smile
"That is interesting. We have a temple in the poor section to Desna, maybe the priests there know who she is?" he asks. Blackthorn remains silent, but he continues to have a look of disappointment on his face, which seems more and more permanent.
"Lord Mayor, we really need to focus on important matters of the state. Our trade agreements need to be looked over and there are merchant requests you need to grant or else we will lose their interest." he looks over to Jaidoh for a second as if he recognises her and doesn't try to hide the fact before getting out his notepad to write something down. He keeps it guarded to his chest.
Knowledge Nobility Blackthorn DC 15:
It is said that the Blackthorns have been in power for many generations, but never direct control of the city. There is not much known about the family as they rarely appear at public functions and whispers circle that the family deals in dark arts or is cursed.
Knowledge Nobility Blackthorn DC 20:
The Blackthorns have had a odd history. Often buying and selling in artefacts from Nidal, some claim that they are linked to Zon-Kuthon. There was a scandal where one member of the family went to a brothel and was kicked out due to unsavoury appetites. Those involved were paid to be silent, but as always the whispers persist.
Knowledge Nobility Blackthorn DC 25:
Everyone who has ever met the children of the Blackthorns have been disturbed. They are often silent, pale and have a tormented look as if they hadn't slept in many years. It is often difficult to marry off the children besides for financial support or keeping the bloodlines noble. In certain cases the children have disappeared under strange circumstances. The Family claiming they went away to distant lands to study like Nex and then when they do not return, the family claims the child got married off to a noble of the land or were lost in a tragic disaster.
Knowledge Nobility Blackthorn DC 30:
What most people forget, was that the Blackthorns were once a good noble family who supported many charities and attempts to build up the city to what it is now along with other nobles who helped support the city. However, several centuries ago a member of the family got married to a Fetchling woman from Nidal and since then her husbands siblings passed away mysteriously and she often refused to be seen out in daylight and at social functions. More so after her husband's passing.
Male Half Elf Investigator 4 (spireborn) AC: 16 (T 11, FF 15), HP 21/21, Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +2 (+2 poison and enchantment) | CMB +7 , CMD 18 Init +3 | Perc +7
La'vriel frowned as the mayor chose to speak directly to them and not through his familiar Kikiri. The behaviour of the Thassilonians really was odd., but he accepted the statements.
The Temple of the Song of the Spheres it is, then. he nodded. When Blackthorn interfered, La'vriel frowned. He had prepared for this journey, of course, but had there been a reference to this Blackthorne?
Knowl. Nobility:1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + (6) = 13
He shook his head. No, everyone seemed to have been named Xin in his books, but this advisor wasn't mentioned at all.
Female Fetchling Sorcerer - Shadow(Umbral) Bloodline/2 - HP 27/27; AC15, T11, FF14; F+3;R+4;W+5; Per +1; Int +6
Jaidoh does not do unsavory things, like become involved in anything that might be considered education.
Jaidoh looks back at the man, uncertain why he looked at her so peculiarly. Nonetheless, she slinks farther back into to shadowy corner of the room and continues to watch the rest of the group.
Male Kobold Unchained Rogue 2/Unchained Summoner 2
Kikiri eyed the Mayor and Blackthorn, squinting slightly as he seemed most interested in Jaidoh. He didn't trust this guy... something about him just rubbed him the wrong way. Try to be very quiet, he slunk over across the ceiling and clung tightly to the top to keep as low a profile as possible. He wanted to see what that fellow was writing in his little book... no information was bad information.
Oracle (Reincarnated Oracle)/ 4th AC: 16 (T 12, FF 14), HP 24/24, Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +4 | CMB +3 , CMD 15 Init +2 | Perc +0
"Well, at least the streets are clean." Tariel says, slightly disappointed at the loss of potential information. "The church is most likely our best bet then, yah." She says, nodding in the elfish looking mans direction. The mayor's assistant's odd behaviour interests her, and she tries to think if she interacted with anyone called Blackthorn the last time she had been in the city, all those years ago.
If I can get any of that with a Kn. History, here you go. If not, oh well, just hope I don't waste a 20. Kn. History, Blackthorn:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Male Half Elf Investigator 4 (spireborn) AC: 16 (T 11, FF 15), HP 21/21, Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +2 (+2 poison and enchantment) | CMB +7 , CMD 18 Init +3 | Perc +7
Perception:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 Then we all agree about going to the church next. La'vriel returned Tariel's nod and looked at the others for confirmation. Oddly, Kikiri the familiar had disappeared without a trace and he had lost sight of Jaidoh also. Scratching his head, La'vriel adressed the mayor and his assistant.
Can you give us a guide to reach the church of Desna? And even if there are no clues left, I'd like to see the scene of the crime, if but to get a feeling of the lay of the land. Is this possible?
La'vriel put on his veil again, preparing to leave.
The Mayor smiles towards La'vriel and nodding.
"Well I am too busy so guide you myself. I can lend you the services of someone who Lord Blackthorn here recruited to assist in this situation." he smiles and looks over to Blackthorn and rolls his eyes. "Alright, we'll get to the merchants. You don't have to start writing up the minutes."
@Kikiri I don't believe you can simply dissappear unless you have Hide in Plain sight, however he wasn't observing you and if anything, thinks you're so low on the food chain he really couldn't care less.
Kikiri manages to get close enough before Blackthorn gets a chance to notice him as he appears so involved in his writing.
Kikiri:
It appears that at the top of the page he had a list of appointments marked out for the Mayor with the following listing:
Tessara of the Woods - Pathfinder Society Representative
General Gustov - Representive of the Crimson Banner
Lady Shadowblight - Merchant Hailing from Nidal
Lord Greenthorn - New Fledgling Kingdom, setting up trade.
Captain of the Guard - Concerns over increase in savage humanoid appearences and crime figures
Lord Jacobson - Member of the Anti-Elf Group.
1d20 ⇒ 4
Below these names he appears to have been doing a sketch of Jaidoh. It looks rough, but it's obvious he has some talent in art and she does come off a little more regal in this drawing.
Once jaidoh moves away into the shadows and becomes harder to percieve, he seems to stop for a moment, but continues his writing and stops as everyone begins to leave the room.
The Lord Mayor opens the door to reception to call someone in.
"Sophie, I need you to escort this group to the temple of Desna in the poor section of town." he explains as in enters a young woman, dressed in all dark red leather clothing that some members of the group my find familiar. She also wears a badge on her chest with a matching symbol on her cloak. The symbol is a shield with a pair of daggers crossed over it.
Knowledge Local DC 10 or Jaidoh, Rabe and Jerry:
The symbol is of the Crimson Banner. This is a variation known as the "Blades of the Banner" who are often hired for scouting or spying, depending on the price you wish to give pay.
Male Half Elf Investigator 4 (spireborn) AC: 16 (T 11, FF 15), HP 21/21, Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +2 (+2 poison and enchantment) | CMB +7 , CMD 18 Init +3 | Perc +7
Knowl. Local with Inspiration:1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (9) + 6 + (2) = 17
La'vriel nodds toward the mayor, then adressed Sophie.
Ah, Lady Sophie, you are of the Crimson Banner, I've read about your organization. Please tell me, are you scouting for us or spying on us for Lord Blackthorn?
La'vriel hesitated for a moment.
Was that rude to say? I beg your pardon. I'm not accustomed with your thassilonian habits, or strange familiars for that, so I hope I haven't offended you. By the way, the price lists in my book weren't up to date, but I guess you are still expensive? And isn't an all dark red leather clothing, let alone a shield with a pair of daggers crossed over it, a bit of a giveaway for spies?
Male Kobold Unchained Rogue 2/Unchained Summoner 2
Sorry, wasn't trying to disappear. More to move over quietly and see what he was so busy with and not be noticed. I half expected him to look up and flick my snout before shooing me away. :P
Kikiri took mental note of the writing in the book, along with his other stuff, before quietly trying to slink back away. Looking over at La'vriel, he sighed, shaking his head and moving above him. Hanging down, Kikiri reached over to tug one of the half-elf's pointy ears his way and whisper to him. "(As a general rule of thumb, if you know someone is acting as a spy or scout, keep such information to yourself.)"
Male Half Elf Investigator 4 (spireborn) AC: 16 (T 11, FF 15), HP 21/21, Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +2 (+2 poison and enchantment) | CMB +7 , CMD 18 Init +3 | Perc +7
La'vriel's heart almost stopped beating when his ear was tugged. He was about to reach for his weapon when he heard Kikiri's words.
(Of course, mayor.) he whispered back, taking a mental note to heed this wise advice in the future.
Okay, lets go! he said louder, opening the door.
Male Human Barbarian(Superstitious)4 Hp:50[58]/55[63] AC:17[15] T:12 FF:16 Fort:6 Ref:3 Will:2[4]
I roll my eyes at all the meaningless antics and Follow La'vriel out. I ponder why the Mayor is hiring Crimson Banner if we know they are shady operators and sigh. Nothing for it "Let us finish this killing investigation and move onto things that I am more apt at, such as putting a stop to the killer or investigating some of our other job leads." I say shooting a side long look at the member of the Crimson Banner in our party.
The woman looks at La'vriel like he asked somekind of alien question and appears blatently offended by this.
"I do not know what you have heart, but the Crimson Banner is a Mercenary group that is beyond approch." she mentions, clearly irritated by what she assumed to be a veiled accusation. "Now, let us get a move on. It'll be dark soon and I have one or two more assignments tonight."
She leads you all through the town, not caring too much about how close or far away you might be from her.
What will the party order be? She'll bat at the front as she's leading the way.
Male Half Elf Investigator 4 (spireborn) AC: 16 (T 11, FF 15), HP 21/21, Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +2 (+2 poison and enchantment) | CMB +7 , CMD 18 Init +3 | Perc +7
I'd suggest Rabe next to our guide, I'll be the rear guard with Tariel, Kikiri in the middle right behind our guide should she get funny ideas, Jaidoh also in the hopefully safe middle.
La'vriel looks suspiciously at Sophie as she scolds him.
Sense Motive:1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3
Seeing that he was misinformed, La'vriel took a short bow in Sophie's direction.
Oh, in this case please accept my sincere apologies, I've been misinformed it seems. Lead on, will you?
Oracle (Reincarnated Oracle)/ 4th AC: 16 (T 12, FF 14), HP 24/24, Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +4 | CMB +3 , CMD 15 Init +2 | Perc +0
Tariel looked up towards the front of the group as they gathered for their journey, but rushing headlong into danger had gotten her killed more than a few times. Besides, the rather large man had already taken his position with their guide without comment, and she would rather not disrupt such an ingrained routine. She instead moves to the back of the group, to act as a lookout, where the rather... Interesting is a polite word she decides, yes, interesting half elven man is standing. Remembering his ramblings from earlier, she looks to him and says "Tos averal Azlant? Nel talek volteair piel, da ti envic, paldos il tos eldek?"
Azlanti Translation:
"You speak Azlanti? Not many do these days, that I have seen, where did you learn?"
Male Half Elf Investigator 4 (spireborn) AC: 16 (T 11, FF 15), HP 21/21, Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +2 (+2 poison and enchantment) | CMB +7 , CMD 18 Init +3 | Perc +7
Taking his position in the rear guard La'vriel frowned when asked by Tariel where he had learned Azlanti. Then he remembered that this language was rather uncommon nowadays even in the old colonies of Thassilonia.
Me location natal Mons Mordanta est. Lingua franca hic Albia. Azlant lingua secunda, ante primaria scola descendat. lingua communis tertia est,
Spoiler:
I'm from the Mordant Spire. Our native language is elven, but we learn Azlanti as our second one, usually before primary school starts. Common is a far third,
To get some practice with Common, La'vriel switched back to it.
we seldom bother with it. Strange how the Taldans managed to replace Azlanti with their own somewhat crude tongue. Did it really happen during the Shining Crusade that it went so popular? Or was it after the death of Aroden, like others say? He was the last Azlanti, I presume he talked to his clergy in his mother's language.
Oracle (Reincarnated Oracle)/ 4th AC: 16 (T 12, FF 14), HP 24/24, Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +4 | CMB +3 , CMD 15 Init +2 | Perc +0
Tariel snorted, and then laughed aloud at that, "I've travelled with some of his followers in my time, and they never said, but I bet he did. He loved to hear himself talk, though I'm not sure how often followers can hear their gods." she giggled again, "That probably annoyed him to no end. It is good to know the language hasn't died out completely, I remember the humans stopped using it regularly around the time of Thassilon, as they had a much different language, and most Azlanti stopped viewing themselves as refugees as they integrated with the rest of the world. I do wonder why though, why do your people still teach such an old language? Its obviously useless as a trade language, which is probably why you learned it in the first place. Why not switch to teaching this 'common' tongue as a second, and hold off on others for the scholars?
Jerry was used to leading when stealth was indicated, but now he was content to stay near the rear and look to watch their backtrail. He also wanted to see if anyone was taking undue notice of their passage.
Male Half Elf Investigator 4 (spireborn) AC: 16 (T 11, FF 15), HP 21/21, Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +2 (+2 poison and enchantment) | CMB +7 , CMD 18 Init +3 | Perc +7
La'vriel scratched his head pondering about Tariel's question while they kept following their guide. Finally he answered:
I'm pretty sure my teachers had no clue about how rare Azlant has become in Thassilonia, or at least in upstart Magnimar. It's true I've never heard it spoken here before you used it, come to think about it. I had thought it was at least a strong second in useage still, maybe even common here, in spite of what my books suggest. Strange, but maybe my elven teachers are a bit slow to adjust. If you teach something for a thousand years or so I think its hard to break that habit just because of minor inconveniences like the death of a God who spoke it or the vanishing of that language you always tortured your [k]scolarii[/k] with...
La'vriel looked around, still pondering the questions. Had there been any other outdated things he had learned in school?
By the way, I think we are closing in on our destination, this quarter of the town surely must be the poorest one
Oracle (Reincarnated Oracle)/ 4th AC: 16 (T 12, FF 14), HP 24/24, Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +4 | CMB +3 , CMD 15 Init +2 | Perc +0
Tariel giggles again, before sighing wistfully, "Even Thassilon is long gone ties comples, they call this land Varisia now, on the continent of Avistan."
Azlanti:
"My friend" though the use of the formal form of My makes it more somewhere between that and "My professional acquaintance."
She looks around, "I believe you are right, perhaps we should be on our guard, yes?" perception:1d20 ⇒ 15
As you arrive you notice that this temple appears to have once been a inn, converted into a temple over the years. Once arriving, Sophie gives a bow to the group.
"My job is done, I shall report to the Mayor." she states as she makes her way back down the street. Before you manage to enter, the door open and many people start leaving the temple. It appears to be the end of a sermon and everyone is returning home for the evening.
Jerry and Tariel manage to spot a single female elf who is heading down a dark alley nearby.
I'm going to start using Google drawings for maps. This is more to let both new and old players that I'll be doing this little change as I've found it's more convenient for players to move their characters, ready for me to look over.
Female Fetchling Sorcerer - Shadow(Umbral) Bloodline/2 - HP 27/27; AC15, T11, FF14; F+3;R+4;W+5; Per +1; Int +6
Jaidoh quietly watches from the middle of the group unsure of what to expect.
I trust neither the spy nor the mayor. But, this elvish genocide must be stopped.
Oracle (Reincarnated Oracle)/ 4th AC: 16 (T 12, FF 14), HP 24/24, Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +4 | CMB +3 , CMD 15 Init +2 | Perc +0
"I'm going to try and get close to the potential bait. Follow us if this works."Tariel says, before turning to the closest person who had exited to church and asks, "What was the sermon about today?" Diplomacy (untrained), Gather Information:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Kn. Religion:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Tariel hustles after the woman, calling out, "Miss?" stepping into stride besides her, she blushes and stammers, "I saw you in there, and was wondering if you wanted to discuss it. I like getting different perspectives on religion, and there is a good pub not far from here so..." That last part isn't technically a lie she thought to herself. This was Magnimar, there is bound to be a pub around here somewhere. If not in this section, she could try and lead her back towards the wealthier section of town. Bluff (untrained):1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Sorry for the late response. Been distracted recently with some IRL issues.
Tariel manages to speak with a young human woman who smiles and just gives a nod.
"It was a normal sermon about the wonder of our Goddess, but I must be making my way home. Please excuse me." she says as she makes her way.
As you call out, the woman doesn't respond and appears to be in quite a rush down this dark alley. You do manage to catch up with her and she looks at you for a moment nad shakes her head.
"Err...no sorry. I have somewhere I need to be." he replies and continues on, however there is a sudden howl and you see ahead of you a large hairy humanoid with a wolf head. This creature has a greataxe and is wearing a chain shirt for armour. The girl seems terrorfied of this creature's presence.
"Sorry I'm late for our date." it growls as it makes it's presence known.
Bold are up first before NPCs, please move yourselves n the map provided. I found this set up makes things much easier with the PFS games I've been involved with recently :D
Female Fetchling Sorcerer - Shadow(Umbral) Bloodline/2 - HP 27/27; AC15, T11, FF14; F+3;R+4;W+5; Per +1; Int +6
Jaidoh sighs: I really don't like wolves. Too much like the shadow monstrosities of Nidal.
With that, she raises her hands and calls on her shadow magic. However, instead of shadows, a bright ball of fire suddenly appears above the wolf, instantly dropping on its head.
Male Human Barbarian(Superstitious)4 Hp:50[58]/55[63] AC:17[15] T:12 FF:16 Fort:6 Ref:3 Will:2[4]
I draw my sword from my back and state. "You chose a poor time to show yourself to kill another. Explain who you are and why you are killing these people and we may show leniency."
Holding my action to see what the wolf creature does.
Kikiri moves up closer to where the beast is to attack it when he gets the chance.
The beast laughs at Rabe's words.
"Chaos will save the world." he snarls before charging the unarmed elf.
Attack:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
damage:1d12 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
the woman falls to the ground in a cry and the beast gives a nasty grin as it sets it's eyes on you all.
Order:
Jaidoh
Kikiri
Wolf
Rabe (Delayed)
La'vriel
Elf
Tariel
Jerry
Male Half Elf Investigator 4 (spireborn) AC: 16 (T 11, FF 15), HP 21/21, Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +2 (+2 poison and enchantment) | CMB +7 , CMD 18 Init +3 | Perc +7
Momentarily shocked by the savagery displayed before his eyes by the wolfman, La'vriel uncorked one of his potions and hastily drank it. He smiled as his muscles started to bulge and his skin hardened, while his mind retreated from needless ponderings about language or history.
Mutagen: Strength +4, Intelligence -2, Nat. AC +2
With a far more feral grin than usual La'vriel jogged straight forward, placing himself right behind the fallen elven lady. Trusting his spear and the reach coming with it, La'vriel was ready to attack the moment opportunity presented itself should the vile creature move inside his reach, either to attack him or to further harm the elven lady. To enhance his plan, La'vriel also tried to provoke the wolfman, presenting himself as a target instead of the wounded elf.
"I've elven blood in my veins also, you mad dog!" La'vriel snarled, "Try to get me instead of a helpless girl, coward!"
The wolf needed to make a DC16 save first to avoid the flaming sphere - which should have been that nice 6 you rolled.
oh crap I forgot. Sorry.
Reflex:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
He manages to dodge the ball of flame. Rabe's swing smashes into the creature's armour, but causes no harm to it. After La'vriel's words he leers at the half-elf, now not paying attention to anyone else.
Also the Elf does nothing as she simply bleeds out on the floor. You'll need a heal check to see if she's still alive, but considering the horrible creature here, that wouldn't be wise.
Oracle (Reincarnated Oracle)/ 4th AC: 16 (T 12, FF 14), HP 24/24, Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +4 | CMB +3 , CMD 15 Init +2 | Perc +0
Tariel looked on in horror as the beast struck down the woman without a moments hesitation. She had expected a confrontation, but not this close to the church. It had been foolish of her, just like so many other times she had been foolish, to think they could lure the killer out without his target getting injured. Her mind flashed back to all the others she had failed to save over the millennia, and she screamed "Neth Tavren", and drew her mace.
Azlanti:
"Not Again"
Using Spirit Memories. DC 15 will save, or Sickened and Staggered.
Jerry successfully knocks the creature prone with it's whip, leaving it open to attacks if it attempts to get up on it's turn. The creature roars in a rage and leers over at Jerry.
"I will enjoy sucking out the marrow from your bones!"
I am opening a re-recruitment for my homebrew, Buried Secrets. The homebrew is set in Magnimar and has it's own story and events going on, however I also incorperate the player's backgrounds into the story with bringing in ideas for possible redemption and other things devised from your backstory.
Set up:
Magnimar, City of Monuments. It brings in all kinds of travellers, from scholars to study the ruins to hardened adventurers who wish to dive into the great Irespan in search of treasures. Many of these things or possibly more has brought you to the city.
The group are in contact with a mysterious man named Irthir. He deals with a lot of behind-the-scenes activities in Magnimar, but so far has not asked the group to do anything evil or unethical. If anything, he has been helping clear up the city and rid it of evil so far. He can get anyone, anything, but he doesn't deal with slavery, nor murder of innocents.
For one reason or another you may have searched for him through your contacts or choices. Either to gain work, information or whatever you can imagine.
Traits:
Start with 2 traits. One campaign (either one below or from another campaign that goes with your backstory) and another non-campaign trait.
Blood of Ancients: You have ancient and powerful blood running through your body. No matter your ancestor, you choose your own path, but you gain a boon from the strength of your ancestors. It may have manifested itself since birth or late teens, but either way you feel that you are destined for greatness.
Azlanti: Somewhere far in your past your ancestors were part of the great and ancient human race known as the Azlanti, who managed to escape the initial destruction of Earthfall. You have a natural skill with all things magical. You gain a +2 trait bonus to Spellcraft as you appear to understand all spells on a subconscious level.
Dire Corby: Your blood once crossed with the Dire Corby, bird-like humanoids that it was said once lived on the surface before being driven into the Darklands just as the Serpentfolk were. You have had many dreams of flying, more than the average person. You gain a +2 trait bonus to fly, which increases to +4 if the character gains wings.
Serpentfolk: Your ancestors mixed with the Serpentfolk, most likely as slaves that produced offspring or some kind of experiment in mixing the two species. You have an affiliation with serpents and reptiles, and can cast Speak With Animals at will to converse with such creatures (including various forms of dinosaurs, lizards, and other cold-blooded creatures). In addition, you gain a +1 trait bonus on the initial save to resist a poison.
Thassilonian: The lords of Thassilon decided that the lesser races should be allowed to practice magic just as the Azlanti do, however the civilisation fell into decadence and those that were there have been scatters, most likely either as Varisians or Shoanti tribes, both of who practice their own kind of magic. Your ancestor might have been one of the "lesser races" or an Azlanti who lives in Thassilonian. Because of your Affiliation with magic you gain a +1 trait bonus to one sub school (such as compulsion or polymorph).
Missing Colleague/Friend/Partner: You know someone who went to Magnimar to study the monuments of Magnimar as they appear to have become recently charged, though no one knows why. Your colleague went ahead of you to investigate this but has not returned your messages for several weeks and has gone missing from their inn room leaving no trace. From your study you gain a +1 trait bonus on Knowledge (history) checks made in Varisia due to your familiarity with its historical remnants. This bonus increases to +2 if the check relates to the city of Magnimar. Additionally, you gain a +2 trait bonus on any skill check made to receive a boon from one of Magnimar’s magically imbued monuments.
Omen: You one night have a vision of Magnimar in fire. You were then plagued with visions, yet retain no memory of them but you get a sense of Dejavu. Because of this you gain a +1 to initiative and reflex saves.
Child of a Hero: Varisia breeds many heroes in its history and you are the child of one of these many heroes who have travelled the lands and killed impending threats to Varisia and Golarian. That greatness has been passed to you, whether you ever knew your parent or not doesn't matter as they have passed down their greatness to you. You gain a masterwork breastplate and a +1 trait bonus to diplomacy within Varisia, due to the high standing of your parent or parents.
Character Creation:
Level: The characters are now 4th level
Ability Scores: 15 point buy
Alignment: Any non-evil welcome.
Hit Points: Max at first level, then average every level afterwards.
Classes: Core + APG + UM + UC and other Pathfinder sources
Starting Wealth: Average for your level, but note that this is a normal level of magic in this pathfinder world, so magic items will be available at markets, but artifacts and incredibly powerful items will be hard to come by for example, you won't find anyone selling a intelligent magic item.
Races:
Almost any race, apart from those with HD for obvious reasons, but as stated earlier it's better if it's tied into the backstory. For example, why would your character be a Kitsune that travelled all this way? Maybe a slave who broke free either by themselve, Ithir or someone else.
Spells, Equipment and Feats: Like classes, everything from offical paizo is allowed.
A few ground rules because I've had bad experiences with party members arguing and going at each other’s throats over the split of treasure and so on so please read these rules before applying. If you complain later, don’t say I never stated them.
Treasure: This will be done as fair as possible with a system that I have found has worked flawlessly.
The sale value of items and combined value of coins gem's etc. comes to 3000 gold pieces.
Each player gets 500 gold to claim out of it.
Player X wants item Y, which costs 1,000 gold.
He takes the item, and everyone else gets 400 gold. He then 'owes' the additional 500 gold out of his next treasure share; simply put, he takes 500 less from the next share, without having to pay gold back in.
This means people can claim what they like and it works out balanced and fair to everyone. As long as loot keeps coming in it works.
Everything else are forum rules, don’t be a pain and argue out of character, so on and so forth, yadda, yadda. We’re all grownups so I think you know the rest.
Application: I don’t need to see numbers for a character, but I put my stock in backstory. This is not a “first come, first serve” deal so please take your time with a backstory and how it ties into your traits, race and everything. I want to know why your character came here, what they’re after and what is their reason for seeking the mysterious Irthir? Not to mention what this person can get them that they have been unable to obtain information about.
I was originally thinking of running 6 players so I'll need three more, possibly 4 players to re-fill the slots. Whilst the recruitment is going on I'm going to devise a way for you to make an appearance.
An envoy – of all things. La'vriel sighs again, like so many times in his life. Then he continues mumbling to himself, half loud and more to the vial in front of him than to anyone else, for of course he is alone again. Envoy to get rid of me. Like most times of my life. Well, at least that loneliness would change. After 10 days at sea, crossing the Arcadian Ocean, landfall in Magnimar is imminent. The City of Monuments, with many times more inhabitants than the whole Ironbound Archipelago together, let alone his own little island. But most of them his enemy, the seed of Azlant. If that kin of my father won't kill me at first sight. And if no aquatic Gelantinous Cube will eat me before I arrive. Or were there none in Varisia? Someone had mentioned those oozes only existed at the shores of his home island, a parting curse of Azlant, but before La'vriel could find out more, he was detected and chased away with some well thrown stones. They don't like him at home, he doesn't belong there, they made that clear abundant times.
La'vriel – mistake. Failure. His name has many layers in the elven language, non of them even bordering on nice. As if it had been his mistake or failure that his mother had spoiled her pure blood with human mud. Fallen for his fiendish azlantic spells, most likely. At least she could have been so nice not to make it so obvious, La'vriel mumbeled, looking at his reflection in the glass of the vial. If only his ears would have been longer, his chin more elegant, without those hairs he carefully removed every morning. The chin was hidden behind his mask mostly, of course, but still.
La'vriel shakes his head to chase the bad thoughts away. You have to concentrate on the future! he reminds himself. Being an envoy to the humans of Thassilonia, that colonie of hated Azlant. Or had that part of their empire fallen and drowned, too? I'm not sure... they could have given me some informations at least. They had not even given me papers, or gold. There is no house waiting for me. If I am an envoy of the Mordant Spire... his thoughts trail away. I'm an exile with a nice job describtion, a shame send away to die. La'vriel always had been proud in his talent for studying, for investigating, but this one was so obvious a Gelatinous Cube would have figured that one out.
But all that envoy-thing is but one reason for being here.
No one had cared where to send him, obviously most important was him being away. Magnimar had been his own choice.
He hadn't dared to tell anybody about the reason for the City of Monuments, not that anyone would have listened anyway. The reason was bottled in the vial before him. That was supposed to be a mutagen... but something had gone wrong. He had examined the potion afterwards, of course. It was something new, more akin to dream tea. And it had given him visions, strong visions. Visions of doom, visions he couldn't comprehend, for all his knowledge, all his studies, all his investigations. I'm useless. La'vreiel shakes his head once more, tightens his grip on his longspear, which had fended off so many of his folk back on the Mordent Spire. Still I have to try.
Try to find that man so prominent in his dreams, that Irthir...
Why do I even know his name? Shalarat Thassilon! He hears an elven voice calling out. The coast of Thassilon. Magnimar. Home of the enemy. Home of his destiny. And no home at all. Exile.
And so, since his ship had thrown him overboard a few miles north of Magnimar, La'vriel the Failure, Investigator, half elf, half human with an Azlanti trait, a bastard of Golarion, envy of the Mordent Spire, enters the City of Monuments on foot, with wet clothes and not much more, looking for a name and an explaination for his disturbing dreams...
La'vriel:
Name: La'vriel the Failure. Class: Investigator. Race: Half Elf. Alternate Racial Trait: Mordant Envoy (Bastards of Golarion). Campaign Trait: Azlanti. Home (sort of): Mordant Spire
Yep, I am here. Looking forward to getting this moving at a good pace again.
Plan is the archaeologist bard with a low wisdom to show he is impetuous. Running around with a magic mithral shirt and whip. He has been know to trip foes with his whip, but combat is not his forte.
Alrighty! Mostly finished! I need to finish work on the equipment section, but beyond that, he'll be ready to roll!
Crunch (Unfinished):
Kikiri Shadowscale
Male Kobold Ninja 4
LN Small Humanoid (Reptilian)
Deity: Irori/Apsu
Init +6; Senses Perception +7, Darkvision 60'
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Defense
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AC 16 Touch 13 Flat-footed 13 (+1 Size, +1 NA, +1 Armor)
HP 8/8
Fort +0 Ref +8 Will +1
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft.
Melee Kunai +4 (1d3/x2/10')
Ranged Shuriken +7 (1/x2/10')
Special Sneak Attack +2d6,
Ninja Tricks Flurry of Stars, Smoke Bomb
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Statistics
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Str 10, Dex 17, Con 8, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 14
Base Atk +3; CMB +3; CMD 16
Feats Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Uncanny Dodge
Traits Reactionary, Omen
Skills Acrobatics +10, Disable Device +10, Disguise +9, Escape Artist +10, Kn. Local +5, Linguistics +2, Perception +7, Sleight of Hand +10, Stealth +14
Languages Draconic, Common, Undercommon
Combat Gear Haramaki, 50 Shuriken, Wakizashi
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Equipment
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History:
Born into the secretive Shadowscale tribe of kobolds, Kikiri grew up learning the art of ninjitsu from those around him, as was custom. According to his tribe's history, long ago, an extremely rare obsidian dragon gifted the Shadowscales with the ninja arts, and was so good at them, none have found her again to this day. The Shadowscales use their nigh-mystical techniques to protect themselves and their warren with ruthless efficiency. And they receive their "missions" when the tribe elders experience visions, supposedly given to them by the obsidian dragon herself.
However, a while ago, Kikiri began experiencing visions of his own. The sight of a city in flames and the name "Magnimar" continually ringing in his ears upon waking up. After several nights of the same dream, he brought it before his elders, who discussed it amongst themselves. After much debate, the elders returned to tell Kikiri that the unusual nature of his dream must be a special vision gifted to him by the obsidian dragon. As a result, he should seek out this city and investigate it, with the understanding that he should be on the lookout for anything weird or out of the ordinary.
After packing and many days of travel, Kikiri has arrived quietly in the city of Magnimar, and has begun investigating a series of events that have been occurring around town recently. A strange group of individuals seem to be turning up at every corner, and Kikiri believes they may have something to do with his visions.
Personality:
Kikiri's training has made him quiet, observant and reclusive to all, but his own kind. He is quick to react to danger and almost always has a weapon hidden somewhere in case of trouble. Kikiri doesn't speak much, and when he does, it's generally no nonsense and to the point, but he does enjoy company for what it's worth - he is fond of simply listening to others speak their minds, and as such, although he may not show it, Kikiri is a great confidante and good for speaking openly about what plagues the mind. Kikiri is faithful to his tribe and the kingdom he calls home, and would sooner off himself than give up secrets about either. Thankfully, his knack for getting out of trouble typically prevents such situations from occurring.
In battle, Kikiri often appears to have abandoned the fight, when in reality he is merely hiding and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. He prefers to keep at a distance, but if an opportunity to floor a foe presents itself, he is often the first to rush in and deal the crucial blow. Aside from his more mystical ninja arts, Kikiri has a habit of tinkering with things to assist where his ninjitsu would normally not get him past, and when given downtime, can be found fumbling with something he's been hiding on his person.
I have had an idea for a Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade)/Arcanist (Blade adept)/Elritch Knight build. Aasimar for the early entry. He would have the Missing colleague trait, being a scholar of some ability, and I think it likely that it would be a love interest (he is a swashbuckler after all - perhaps I should call him Westley aka the dread pirate Roberts, lol).
The Ancient Blood is linked to the few below, though I could've brought it out a bit better.
Basically the choice of:
Azlanti: Somewhere far in your past your ancestors were part of the great and ancient human race known as the Azlanti, who managed to escape the initial destruction of Earthfall. You have a natural skill with all things magical. You gain a +2 trait bonus to Spellcraft as you appear to understand all spells on a subconscious level.
Dire Corby: Your blood once crossed with the Dire Corby, bird-like humanoids that it was said once lived on the surface before being driven into the Darklands just as the Serpentfolk were. You have had many dreams of flying, more than the average person. You gain a +2 trait bonus to fly, which increases to +4 if the character gains wings.
Serpentfolk: Your ancestors mixed with the Serpentfolk, most likely as slaves that produced offspring or some kind of experiment in mixing the two species. You have an affiliation with serpents and reptiles, and can cast Speak With Animals at will to converse with such creatures (including various forms of dinosaurs, lizards, and other cold-blooded creatures). In addition, you gain a +1 trait bonus on the initial save to resist a poison.
Thassilonian: The lords of Thassilon decided that the lesser races should be allowed to practice magic just as the Azlanti do, however the civilisation fell into decadence and those that were there have been scatters, most likely either as Varisians or Shoanti tribes, both of who practice their own kind of magic. Your ancestor might have been one of the "lesser races" or an Azlanti who lives in Thassilonian. Because of your Affiliation with magic you gain a +1 trait bonus to one sub school (such as compulsion or polymorph).
As the choice for the blood. Your species doesn't have to be any scaleykind to have serphentfolk somewhere in your blood so there is no restriction there, just a bit of flavour that one of your ancestors was possibly related to one of these races.
Are Racial Archtypes race locked? I have an idea for a Reincarnated Oracle who was an Azlanti priestess ~15-20 lifetimes ago. Every few centuries she wakes up in the body of a young human woman, with a mental compass pointing her somewhere she may be needed. Her Tongues curse would be ancient Azlanti, but she doesn't really remember much from that time. If not, I have a few other ideas floating around.
Are Racial Archtypes race locked? I have an idea for a Reincarnated Oracle who was an Azlanti priestess ~15-20 lifetimes ago. Every few centuries she wakes up in the body of a young human woman, with a mental compass pointing her somewhere she may be needed. Her Tongues curse would be ancient Azlanti, but she doesn't really remember much from that time. If not, I have a few other ideas floating around.
That's perfectly fine. I'm very open to the different races as mentioned above and I'm really more interested in backstory than build. The way I'm running the campaign is that there is a overaching story, but there will be situations that I may involve your backstory.
A example would be where in my KM game the Bard had become the ruler of the kingdom, but I had him recieve a note stating "I know who you are. Come here and meet me, old friend." which was not in the campaign at all, but his backstory was that he ran with criminals before killing someone who was meant to have gone to the Stolen Lands and he basically used his invite and now these people had returned.
Another example would be, as Noah Antwiler (AKA Spoony) once said about this being a effective technique to keep players interested is a player could be searching for a man with six fingers on his hand and when interrogating someone, he mentions that he took orders from a man with six fingers.
They may not play a big part in the rest of the story or may not be involved in other things that are going on at all, but you may end up crossing paths with them.
Got some very interesting characters here so far. Not only that, it's giving me lots of ideas of what I can do later and how I can bring them into the story. This will be very interesting.
Got some very interesting characters here so far. Not only that, it's giving me lots of ideas of what I can do later and how I can bring them into the story. This will be very interesting.
Combat Gear:+1 Studded Leather Armor, +1 Light Crossbow, 50 crossbow Bolts, Light Mace
Other Gear: Healers Kit, Wand of Cure Light Wounds (1d8+1)
1680 GP
Background:
Tariel was first born near the end of the ancient Azlanti empire, and was a scholar at a prestigious school for magic during her short life. She was only twenty-five when Earthfall came, and that should have been the end of it for her. She doesn't know why she 'woke up' a hundred years later in the body of another young woman, but she has been doing it for millennia since.
She has often been on the sidelines for great events, or events that would later turn out to be great. Convincing a few of her friends and traveling companions to give in to their mutual attraction has led to bloodlines that produced legendary heroes or powerful rulers. She has offered small bits of advice that led to the development of some of the strongest spells of our time. She has been present for the defeat of demon lords, and the sacrifice of noble angels. And she has awoken in modern times in the body of a merchants daughter.
Three years ago Eliza Tabeli regained her ancient memories and, as she has so many times now, set out to see how the world has changed in her absence. Or did she? In her darkest moments Tariel wonders if she really did live all those lifetimes. Perhaps she is simply Eliza Tabeli, a young Oracle cursed with the ability to see the past in the same way others can see the future, and it has driven her mad. She has no way of knowing either way, and so pushes these dark thoughts to the side as she gazes in wonder at the sights of the fabled 'City of Monuments.' There is adventure to be had here, and it is with this in mind that she approaches Irthir, fresh off of helping a group of healers in a poor section of town deal with a strange disease, eager for another assignment.
Before I do a full on submission, would you be willing to allow an unfettered Eidelon?
Shi here was made for a game that died, and I had a blast playing him. Before you worry about 'monsters as PCs', he's not built as an unfettered eidelon (from the bestiary). He's built as half a class. That is, he's built as a summoner without the spellcasting mortal.
So, he levels up as an Eidelon from the Summoner class, but without the spellcasting alter ego. This means he's far from overpowered (the usual first chorus I hear.). :)
Originally, he was built with the GM of that game with the idea that at the levels he doesn't get hit dice (4th, 8th, etc) he'd get a class level instead to keep him up with everyone else as far as hit die and skill ranks, but still get his evolution points for that level.
Anyway, if he's allowable, I'll rebuild him per the character build requirements. His backstory is in his profile, and I'd keep it similar. TL/DR version is he was a Paladin/Summoner's Eidelon, one who had rather a good reptuation with his church. Said Paladin fell and became an Anti-Paladin. The former Paladin is afraid to kill him lest she permanently loose her summoner powers, so she tried to turn him evil after their link was rent asunder. But he escaped and now he works for his church as scout priest (without the spellcasty bits).
A very interesting concept, though I'm afraid it might be a little out there for me. I do like the idea, but is a little out there. I do apologise, especially considering things going on in the campaign it would fit better than most.
I see an archeologist bard but this game sounds perfect for one I tried in another similar setting.
Owl:
As cliché as it sounds, and one of his life's greatest regrets, the man who would come to be known as Owl was dropped off in a hand basket at the steps of an orphanage in the city of Harlan. He was barely a few hours old when his parents abandoned him to the cruel fate of an orphan in perhaps the worst orphanage imaginable. The meals were cold and sparse, the beds threadbare, and the head woman a nightmare. Woe to any child that acted against her orders lest they want to spend the night in the iron maiden. No really, she had an iron maiden. Spikes and everything. It was ghastly the way she treated those poor, defenseless children. At least the other children were full human. That's right. The little baby left on the steps of an orphanage was in fact a little bastard. Explains why his parents didn't want him really. He was also pretty sure it was the reason the head woman singled him out. He spent an excessive amount of time in that iron maiden for the smallest of crimes and got less than the others during meals. The children weren't much better. They would blame him for mishaps and usually it would work.
Small wonder when he ran away. Barely five years old and he was out on the streets. Alone. He knew he couldn't survive long this way so he fell with a gang of street urchins. They were about as friendly as the children from the orphanage but they recognized his knack for planning and keen eyes. For a while things were pretty good. That is until one plan went south. Though it was completely his fault, a prominent member of their little band of misfits got caught and punished severely. Doubt I need to tell you the punishment for stealing. Let's just say he became a lefty after that. From then on Owl became the bait. When they needed a quick escape they would leave him behind or trip him up so he
would get caught. He suffered many a beating this way. And when he did make it back to the others they had little left for him to eat and even less to say about leaving him behind. The child dealt with all of this for several years until a particularly brutal thrashing. He was left for dead in an alley, barely conscious, broken and starving. Several people passed by but all paid him no heed, except for one.
Had he been a little older, or less sore, he would have found the situation he was in after waking rather appealing. He awoke in a bed with a pair of thin arms wrapped about him a loving embrace. His mind was still hazy from being knocked around and the slightest stir caused his head to explode with pain. His groan of pain seemed to have awoken his savior though. As gently as possible the arms unwound and the warmth next to him disappeared. A woman, though barely so, then strolled into his vision range. At one point she might have been a beauty but the years had been hard on her. She was paper thin, almost gaunt, had thin wispy hair, and several blemishes from abuse. She was also completely naked but he was far too hurt to care. The only thing that really registered was her slightly pointed ears, just like his.
Her name was Valadhiel. She was a prostitute at the Pixie's Kitten, not from Runelords I just like the name a brothel that would be considered low standard. It certainly showed in the amenities. The bed was thin and hard, the room was small, and more than once he saw a rat scurry by. The only thing that was even mildly nice was the vanity and the curtains to one side of the room. He found out quickly what happened on the other side of those. The curtains were thick but they didn't drown out all the noise.
For several months she took care of him. She fed him some of the food given to her. She bandaged his wounds and reset his bones using only what was available in the room, which was sometimes her own clothing. And when the owner came by she hid him under the bed, for they were not allowed un-paying guests. She didn't talk much but he found out enough to know their situations were similar. Her parents died when she was young, leaving her to fend for herself until the man who owned the brothel found her. Some patrons love a little exotic beauty but elves are usually far too expensive. So they sometimes settle for a half-elf. This made Valadhiel very popular but she never saw any of the profit.
It was strange for Orym. Every time she left for a client she would put on a fake smile and it would disappear the moment she came back. She would just sit on the small couch that served as her bed, for the real bed was for customers only, and pat his head. And every night he fell asleep in her arms though that is as far as it went. She was the one taking care of him, and yet, as broken as he was, he wasn't nearly as broken as her. When he asked her about the smile, all she said was, "Its so they'll never know they won." It was her only act of defiance. It was the only defense she had left. They never knew they had broken her years ago. And they never would for she died soon after, a real smile on her face this time.
Orym stayed in the room on more night. In the morning he took what valuables he could find and made for the front door. When the owner tried to stop him, the boy stabbed him repeatedly with a hair pin he found in her room. And the whole time he did he smiled. Even as he watched the whore house burn down he smiled. And even as he watched his old gang get rounded up thanks to an anonymous tip to the authorities he smiled. He promised himself he would never turn out like her. He would never let the world break him, never let it control him. He was a free man and he could do whatever he wanted in life. Like an owl flying high in the midnight sky. Owl. It had a nice ring to it.
I'd like to submit a gnomish abjuration wizard for your consideration, venerable DM.
Shermuk Zarbuckle:
Raised in the gnomish Isgeri town of Umok, Shermuk had more experience with the infernal then most of his kin. When he was of age and he showed talent for conjuration, a Chelaxian noble named Tirek Arneste approached the gnome and invited him to join his entourage in exchange for any and all access to summoning beings from beyond the Material Plane.
Shermuk, ecstatic, agreed at once, only realizing too late that he was a key piece in darker deals with the forces of Hell. Witnessing ritual after infernal ritual, his appearance began to change, his hair darkening, his skin growing ruddy, and his eyes taking on a fiendish glint.
After a haunting event that required a halfling slave to be butchered before his eyes, he could take it no longer. He requested his master to send him to Korvosa, lying that he heard of a tome that could ease his own summoning and mastery (as he failed time and time again to keep devils under his control). Tirek agreed, but the heir, a youth named Darius, suspected the gnome of treachery and warned the wizard what would happen should the Arneste family be betrayed.
Shermuk did indeed arrive in Korvosa, but when an epidemic broke loose he fled to Magnimar, vowing he would find a way to banish any evil he found.
Currently working on a sheet, will post profile soon if the concept is acceptable.
This was very hard to put together in my mind as all your sumissions were all interesting, but these were the ones who stuck with me the most whilst reading them over.
Congratulations to:
La'vriel the Failure
Tariel the Reincarnated
Owl
Please report to the Discussion Thread. I have a few ideas for something to add to your backgrounds (but not alter it) for how you come to join the group. I'll get onto that tomorrow.
