DM Stephens Serpents Skull Campaign - Chp1:The Smugglers Shiv (Inactive)

Game Master terok

Zon-Kuthon - character would be LN - focused on the pain aspect and sensation.

Charon (Horseman of Death) - character would be TN - the god is the patron of death by old age, so the character would be drawn to ensuring that people live through to meet that end.

No evil acts would be carried out and the character would be committed to seeing the venture succeed. I'm just drawn to the potential for more interesting RP :)

If you have ever had the chance to meet me and possibly become an acquaintance then you would notice that I always wear a piece of cloth around my neck, always. Underneath this cloth is the only physical scar on my body. For those who have the privilege of becoming one of my few friends you will find out the story about this scar of mine.... But then again, this tale would be incomplete without it.

It all started when I was a young adult, I was spending the day sparring with my master as I did a lot back then. My master, Altalis, was a great man. He taught me how to do almost everything I can do today. He was a big influence on my life and if given the choice I would have spent the rest of my childhood with him learning everything he was willing to teach me. Well on this day a strange new elf appeared in town.

The elven village I lived in, Trangoul, was populated by 140 or so elves but we all could pretty much tell when a new face arrived. He seemed a bit suspicious but the fact was he was new in town and most new comers are looked upon with some caution. Well later that day a scout came rushing into town right to the Hall of Council. Almost as soon as the door slammed shut behind him did a huge barrage of arrows come flying into town. My master and I ran for cover towards his house, about halfway there we noticed a huge group of orcs were rushing from that side of town. We both immediately ducked between the 2 nearest buildings and hid.

I noticed that these orcs had surrounded the village in a huge ring and had all charged into town after the arrows ceased. Most of the men who took up arms were shot up with arrows, those who chose to try and flee were killed by the orcs. After a small battle the orcs were victorious and rounded up all the bodies and brought them to the center of town where that suspicious elf was waiting.

I told Altalis that I was going to sneak up closer to see what was happening. I crept up to a small ditch and covered myself up with some of the surrounding terrain. I noticed that this elf was going through the victims one by one and with a small dagger was cutting the back of their necks. He went through all the slain elves and the women and children who couldn't fight were then brought to him, he did the same thing to them. After doing so he ordered an orc to execute the elf that was just cut. After a couple dozen more elves were killed, an orc came rushing into the center carrying an elf with him. He was talking about how he found the elf hiding in an alley. I thought to myself "Oh no! Altalis!".

I started to crawl closer and closer until I could see the elves face. It was Altalis. I had to do something, I had to save him. I quickly and quietly rushed back to Altalis' house and went into his small armory room that he had. I searched around frantic looking for something very special... then I found them, Altalis' rapiers. I took them out of their case and rushed back to the ditch as quick as I could without making noise.

As I got closer I could see the strange elf cutting the back of Altalis' neck, I decided to ditch silence for speed and started running with all my might, I saw one of the orcs closest to him raise his axe, with a loud yell I screamed out "ALTALIS!!". With that, every eye in the village was on me, I had both rapiers clenched tight in my hands. A couple orcs rushed me and cornered me, I slashed and stabbed at them connecting with a few of them, but I was no match for these beasts.

One grabbed 1 of the rapiers while another pummeled me to the ground. They tied me up and brought me over to the mysterious elf. He took his dagger, which glowed of blue, and cut into my neck. I did not scream, no way was I going to let these monsters have the pleasure of hearing my pain. My eyes began to water a bit but I did not cry. I looked over at Altalis, he was in bad shape, barely able to keep his eyes open. I looked around for the other elves, but they were nowhere around. I feared they had finished them all off.

I noticed that strange elf was standing there eyeing me and Altalis. He began to walk towards us. As he approached he unsheathed his glowing dagger. I knew what he was going to do with that dagger, we were both done for. Then my ear started to tingle. I heard something. I heard footsteps. They were footsteps alright but they were to light to be orcish feet.

Just then I heard something else... HWSHHHHH! I dropped to the ground and laid flat. Out of the forest came an arrow, a single arrow. It landed in the ground just 3 feet in front of me and about 5 feet in front of this strange elf. The strange elf looked at the arrow sticking out of the ground, looked up, closed his eyes, then fear overcame his face. "RUUUUUN" he screamed in orcish.

Just then arrows started raining down from the sky. They were landing everywhere, some making their way into orcs and others hitting just ground. I closed my eyes as the arrows kept coming. The thought of getting struck was the only thing racing threw my mind. After I heard them stop a smile came across my face. I opened my eyes and looked over at Altalis to make sure he was ok. As I looked over I saw him kneeling down, looking straight up. As he fell to the ground I saw that 3 arrows had made their mark, right in his skull.

My body tensed, I was about to cry when a group of elves appeared. They checked the bodies of the dead. One of them came up to me and untied me. He had white hair and dark green eyes. He stood me up and wrapped my neck in cloth to stop the bleeding. I looked at Altalis, then at the elf who untied me. I asked him "Who are you? Why have you come?", and in orcish he replied "Don't ask questions that have answers you are not prepared for.". He looked up and walked away.

The group of elves walked into the forest, slowly disappearing from sight. I wanted to cry, there was nothing else I could do. I had to mourn for those which died, but crying was not the answer. I walked around town, looking for somebody, anybody. I looked everywhere, finding only fallen elves with arrows littering their bodies. As I found the dead bodies I looked at their necks to see the terrible marks that mad elf left, they were numbers.

As I examined the bodies I noticed that they all had already slain by the orcs before the other elves came. I started remembering the numbers, keeping in mind the highest number I've seen. I was at number 136 when I noticed I couldn't find any number higher. I wondered what these numbers meant. I returned to Altalis' body and pay him my respect before leaving.

I started to walk away and something gleaming caught my eye. It was a blade, laying in the ground. I went over to pick it up, it was one of Altalis' rapiers. I picked it up and searched for the second, I noticed the handle, it was over by Altalis' body. I bent over to grab it and as I did I noticed the mark on the back of Altalis' neck... 137. I froze. Quickly I rushed to the nearest house. I searched the house for a mirror, I found one. I smashed the mirror and held a broke part to the back of my neck. As I looked in the mirror I read the number... "138". I now knew what these numbers meant. Altalis was the 137th elf to die in this town, I was to be number 138. I was to be the last to die but now I am the only to live.

I took the rapiers, what little gold I managed to find, some food and water, and left that city. I left with no intention of ever returning. I learned a great lesson that day, trust nobody. Even though those elves saved my life, they had to take the one that was closest to me. The memory of that day still pains me, I lost everything I had that day, but in return I was offered the greatest advantage any warrior could ever have, nothing to lose.

When Landor asks him to sit and asks questions about his history, Kalis seems uncomfortable, both in the chair and with the questions. "My tribe's shaman sent me away to find an answer to the problem of outsiders coming to make the People slaves. He told me that the Spirits had spoken to him and told him I could find the answer. I think he had another reason, that he sent me away because of my shame." Kalis' expression does not change, but he looks away from Landor. A spirit has cursed me. Among the People warriors are respected, but those who feel joy in battle and are drunk with it are to be pitied and feared. I am such a warrior. I think the shaman sent me away before my curse could spread." He stands and looks down at Landor, "I would dishonor myself if I did not tell you of my weakness. If you find the weakness too great to risk, I will understand."

I have been following the Legacy of Fire game you play in with DM Dan E and just wanted to let you know I enjoy that game. I think that I would fit in with a similar style game and I am a regular poster in a couple of other games.

His exposed arms are wrinkled and creased with scars overlying the muscles. It is as though a chain had been wound around the length of his arm and then constricted with inhuman force. The hood of his cloak is raised against judgmental eyes, though you can clearly see his bestial jaw with tusks protruding from his mouth. His face is relatively non-descript and his scalp decorated with a shock of unkempt black hair.

As Gethric approaches the table where Larissia is seated, he has to push past a particularly drunk Ulfen at the bar….which has the result of spilling the Ulfen’s ale. ”Son of a Southlander, you’ll pay for that” the Ulfen reaches out and grabs Gethric by the shoulder – spinning him around. The motion of turning makes the hood of his cloak fall back from his head, showing his half-orcen heritage to all. Chuckling the Ulfen goads ”We’ll if it isn’t the king of bastard offspring, you owe me a drink pig”

Although giving away the best part of a foot in height and at least 50 pounds to the Ulfen, Gethric is not cowed. He steps forward to within inches of the northlander staring straight into his eyes while growling gutterally. The bluster of the Ulfen gradually fades as he looks into the face of the half-orc… seeing something within that façade disturbing enough to cause him to back away with hands held up in acquiescence. Gethric pays no further mind to the Ulfen and instead turns back to continue on towards Larissia’s table.

Speaking in a quiet and precise voice that belies his bestial appearance ”I was told that you are in need of muscle. I am recently of Gheradesca, but I am beholden to the Chain no longer. I have no ties to bind me to this land, and so can give my service to you entire.”

Continuing on, Gethric speaks in a level and measured voice. Larissia has the sense that he is not boasting in any of his statements, merely stating facts ”My feet lie steadfast upon the ground and will not give way while my heart pumps blood. My arms are scarred but strong, and when roused to anger can wield terrible ruin. I am sheathed in a skin of steel, but will not falter even when that is breached. I have known pain but have no fear of enduring it.” Larissia gauges there is a hidden depth to Gethric's statement about knowing of pain, but he does not elucidate the details.

”I can seek answers from those that are unwilling to speak and gauge if their tongues are faithful. I have delved elbow deep into the guts and blood of the broken and made them whole again. If I call out to my lord divine for aid, he will answer my call. My eyes have borne witness to beasts of both this world and the ones that lie beyond. Through this they have learned to ken both the strength of their flesh and how best to slay them.”

”I do not care for your society of Pathfinders, but this should not trouble you. My word is my bond and my promise is sealing. If you take down my mark then my life will be your plaything until I am no longer in your employ. My word will ensure that you shall not be harmed unless I am already dead.” Gethric then pauses a few moments before finishing with ”I will await your advice of where I need present myself."

Gheradesca is the Citadel of the Hellknight Order of the Chain

The parts in italics are those that are not Core or APG, and are thus unconfirmed until your approval.

I have a basic plan for her levels and combat style. If you would like to know more, let me know. you can e-mail me at mittean@hotmail.com.

I thought I'd eventually come to terms with having to settle onshore and get a peaceful job, but it never happened. You know, these docks can never be peaceful, and I've learned to defend myself and others just fine, as many of the local thugs would attest, if they'd still be alive after facing me. I am giving you my word, madam - I am now better suited for this job than I've ever been, and as the local captains know, I've always been pretty darn good at it.

Hello, poppet. No, don't look so shocked -- I can well see what you're thinking -- "what's this fat old woman doing here?" And the belly wobbles yet again, as another deep cackle wells up from the depths. "Well, don't let my age cause you any concern, I've had 8 children, six of them boys, and they've all survived. Most of them strong as oxen. They used to have competitions to lift me! The little one put his back out the first time he tried -- I should have stopped him, really. Fortunately, I knew a special cure for that, and he was back upright within the week, I'm pleased to say. Until he fell out the top window of the barn when his brother pushed him." Another bubbling laugh breaks the surface.

"But hark at me, babbling on, you'll not want to hear about Golawi's trouble, and certainly not his broken arm. You'll want to know what I can bring to your little project here? Well, whatever I may lack in youth, I more than make up with experience, in my humble little opinion. Now lots of people call me a witch, specially my children, ha-ha-ha, but that's because they liked scaring their friends. It is true, however, I have certain skills that can seem -- unusual, to those that are not familiar with the ways of the world. But I reckon I can do the sort of things that may well come in very useful in this sort of expedition. And my life's a long way from over, let us hope! And now all the children have grown up and left home, and my bastard husband's gone and drowned himself in some stupid boating accident -- I blame the drink, of course, was always taking his silly little flask with him on that bloody boat, and I warned him, I warned him so many times -- daft old bugger."

Emotions are clearly never far beneath the surface with Magamumi, for now it's a sob that wells up, and in a second a handkerchief is out, and dabbing at her eyes. "Oh, goodness, this isn't making much of an impression, is it? Aren't I a silly old sod. I'm so sorry. I hope my make-up hasn't run too much, has it? It's just that Old Pappy may have been daft, but I have to say, he was the love of my life. I looked after him so much, and all the kids. But, he's been gone for over a year now, and I need to move on with my life. And Lilitha -- she's my youngest daughter -- said I should get out more, and here I am. What else would you like to know?"

Magamumi has a quick look at the heavens, as though seeking inspiration. She throws her hands up. "Oh my, aren't I a ninny. I've not even told you what I can do for you." The lady takes a deep breath, and begins a catalogue of abilities. "I can do a certain amount of magic, and I know a fair few secrets of alchemy as well, but my primary skills are as a healer -- as you might imagine with so many children, and, of course, all the others in the village sending their sicklies to me, old and young alike. That's where I think I might be of most use to use. I'm also a practising midwife, though I guess it's not very likely you'll be doing that on your adventures..." Magamumi makes a point of staring down at Larissia's belly... no seems not. And chortles yet again, magnificently. "Only teasing, my apple. Oh! I can also tell you the names of most flowers and herbs, and their uses, of course, and the nature and habits of many of the animals roundabout here, and indeed creatures that ain't really from around here at all. And did I mention the magic? Yes, I guess I did. Not much for hitting things on the whole, unless it's a clip round the ear. Haha! But I'm hoping there will be others in the group that can do that sort of thing. Having said that, I'm tougher than I look, and I hope you'll do me the grace of considering me. I'll make sure I serve you well. Spent me whole life looking after others, so don't see no reason to stop now, and I'll be having an adventure at the same time. That'll be something to tell the grandkids! Now, was there anything else?"

Heh - the recommendations are appreciated, but as I'm sure you will anyway - please evaluate my submission on the same level as the others. BTW - I was once Krathok in the Crimson Kings, so you've first hand experience with my twisted and nefarious ways as well ;)

I know you said the interview is the main deciding factor - but I'll also have a background up closer to when the submission window finishes. I like to work on them over time and mull things over to make sure it makes sense.

Also in the interest of full disclosure - I will be going on vacation from December 14th to January 10th. I'll be in places where I can get online, but nowhere near as often as when I'm at home - so my posting will likely slip to once every 2-3 days during that period.

"I heard you were hiring for an expedition to uncover Azlanti ruins. I am interested in this, history and magic are my first and second loves and I could be an invaluable addition to your expedition. My skills? I am a witch of the...yes, witch...yes I am a male witch. I'll wait for the laughing to stop."

"Now, I where was I? I am a witch, trained in the healing arts by my mother, who learned from her mother before her. Although I am young I am well versed in magical lore, history, and the natural world. I heal the wounded and buy new life for the sickly. Although I understand you are paying for this job I consider that to be secondary to my primary goal of learning more of the ancient Azlanti, and what healing arts they may have possesed."

"I am not as well versed in the combat arts, but I am capable of defending myself when necessary. Yes, I am a healer, but I am also a witch. Sometimes in nature the old must die to make way for the new. And sometimes the old must be studied to insure the life of the new."

"Well, I grew up jest outside o' Janderhoff near the Mindspin Mountains. Me father was a miner and me mother stayed at home to raise me. I don' wanna go into details about me early life, so I'll jest say it was ordinary. Me father died when I was jest 42 and so I decided t' support me mother by taking a job as a guide. Believe it or not, but the Mindspin Mountains are more dangerous than ye might think. I had t' learn how t' defend meself and the folks I took on as a guide. Tha's why I learned t' use this here Dwarven-made waraxe." At this last statement Tarith pats the hilt of his weapon.

"Ye wouldn't believe the types o' people I had t' take care of up in the Mountains. There was this one guy who decided t' wipe his own arse with some poison ivy! I tell ye, he was scratchin' down thar like... OH!" Tarith claps his hand over his mouth dramatically. " I beg ye pardon miss. Anyway, where was I?"

"Me mother wasn't happy much with me taking care o' her. So she got herself a job in a tavern and told me to go follow me own dreams. Unfortunately, I didn' no what me dreams were! So I jest left in search o' some adventure. I met some real interestin' folks and one o' them pointed me to you and this expedition."

"Ye'll find that I have a good eye and a skill fer tracking, but I am also skilled in combat. I think I'll make a good bodyguard or scout fer ye, if'n ye'll have me, that is."

Arriving at Larissia's table, the halfling hoists herself up to one of the seats, swinging a dusty satchel onto the table, and breathing a long sigh of relief.

"Good to finally meet ya, Perrin wasn't it? No bother, I got the item in question, though it wasn't as easy as was made out. Don't you mind about that blood on the map, it's mine, and it doesn't obscure any of the important details." Pausing just long enough to dig out a map and lay it out infront of the bewildered Larissia, the halfling continues, "Now, extra trouble or not, I'm not here to rake you over the coals. What we agreed upon is fine..." She looks at Larissia, almost as if seeing her for the first time. "Wait half a second. You're not Perrin...You're a woman! Damn! All you bloody humans look alike..." Looking around at the tavern she asks, "What town is this? No bother, where were we? Scout? Azlanti ruins?" Grinning, she slouches back in her seat. "Well, you might be the man I came to see after all..."

With a deep breath he begins to explain. "You see, even though my father was the younger brother he inherited the family business. Jank Trading, out of Absalom, you might have heard of it? That's because my uncle Gabber inherited the family responsibility of guarding Asilande. She's supposed to be an Azlanti blade of power, or something like that, but nothing special had happened in generations. Except uncle Gabber didn't just sit around being a guardian. He went traveling, and when they came back she was awake."

"She was different then. I was just a kid, but I'd never seen anything so beautiful." His hand gently rests on the blade. "Black as night with a gleaming red eye, sharp enough to cleave granite, and even if I couldn't hear her voice I could feel the life in her." He pauses as the memories overtake him. "Uncle Gabber said she had a mission for him. That it was why our family had protected her all these years, to help her when she needed to act. So he went south, to the jungles of Mwangi. Only he never came back, and she came back like this."

"I don't know what happened to uncle Gabber, but I think he has to be dead. Asilande wouldn't leave his side otherwise. I also don't think she finished what she needed to do. That's why I've trained in combat and spell work like uncle did, so I can finish what he couldn't." A frown overtakes him. "But she still hasn't woken up again. Maybe I need to be stronger, maybe I need to be somewhere she's needed. If I'm going to find either of those it's by going south, where she sent uncle Gabber."

He looks up with a mixture of pleading and determination. "I can read Azlanti runes and understand the arcane workings that still linger in their places. If you're going to be investigating ruins I can be of help with those. I've also trained enough with Asilande that I can hold my own in a fight, even with her in this state. So please, let me join you on your journey. I promise I'll be of use to you."

Child of Nature (Gozreh)
Benefit: You gain a +1 trait bonus on all Survival checks, and it becomes a class skill for you.

Any other questions or thoughts for me? I just noticed I forgot to give my character name, which is Silus Ornspanga. An elven witch raised by his mother in a less traditional arcane manner than most elves. Strong interest in the natural world and the creatures therein. Patron would be Elements right now, with the idea that the elemental powers are the most powerful force in nature, outlasting even the elves. I've also considered Healing and Time from Ultimate Magic.