If the caravan is the motif we're going with, in addition to the Desna connection, it presents some fun possibilities.
I like the notion of a group of happy-go-lucky Desna adherents travelling Varisia to see what fate and fortune bring them. We might be part of a larger caravan that has both mercantile and entertainment aspects, as Eleshanto suggests. It could be made up of all folks who have a connection to Desna, or perhaps our party forms within the larger caravan because we are particularly fond of her.
I'm thinking I'll pick up Perform (Juggling) - would fit well with my never-sit-still, take-a-chance rogue - and add to the entertainment side of things. Eleshanto could help me wrap up a dramatic juggling finale by using his Disappearing Act performance - I finish juggling 2 shortswords, a flask of oil and a lit torch, and he makes me disappear before the audience - maybe we could practice it so the swords, oil and torch don't disappear!
I'm a native of Sandpoint, and would be very proud to show everyone how I've grown with the caravan (though I'm still shorter than my wee mother...), and that I haven't met the messy end the whole town expected, thanks to the Lady's favor.
Zestlian - You also might consider making the link to Zelladanyia's mother since she'd fit the "elder" mentioned in your profile.
Zestlian would probably make a good hunting partner for Eleshanto. He's terrible at the hunting part but not bad at the shooting part. A little frustration from Zestlian over how Eleshanto always has his mind on other things seems quite in character for both of them.
I think you could turn your Handle Animal skill into something that the caravan could make money off too. Do you train animals? Help care for horses that the caravan trades?
Nicat, that's an interesting shift. I think your character is one that would fit in quite well as a member of the caravan or someone in town that we know well. I'd been picturing Eleshanto and him at the Hagfish together. Maybe that works even better with both of them in the caravan and neither ever being able to keep the "water" down. I'd definitely been thinking that Eleshanto would synergize well with the rogues so good to see you're thinking along the same lines.
For those not in the know, there is a tavern in Sandpoint called the Hagfish that has a rather infamous fishtank and a standing bet about drinking the water. Just the sort of thing a rapscallion like Eleshanto can't resist.
Good idea, Zella will taking Profession Fortuneteller.
Also, I'm fine with any backstory links. :)
A little frustration from Zestlian over how Eleshanto always has his mind on other things seems quite in character for both of them.
That's funny, I like it.
You also might consider making the link to Zelladanyia's mother since she'd fit the "elder" mentioned in your profile.
That would be perfect.
No doubt Zestlian could help in the training and care of any animals the caravan might trade. I was envisioning him functioning as a drover when I took the skill. Certainly animal care in general is going to be a big part of caravan life.
You know I imagine Eleshanto (and the others) could become equally frustrated with Zestlian's sales skills if he were left to cover a stall for any length of time.
Since were going with the caravan idea I'll be tweaking my character today. Since I'm on a pilgramige already with no destination I shall gladly offer my services free of charge. Desna has always been in good standing with my god so I'm sure we'll all get along fine. Varisia is a fascinating place I've already learner so much in the short time I've been with you.
Ventus is already set up to train and handle animals as it is. I'd pegged him as a hired on teamster for the caravan but he'd make a good drover or trainer if the caravan wants to trade in livestock. I've got some gold left over and I can look into acquiring extra gear for training and handling animals.
By Gozreh's chest hair, he's turning into a cowboy. Why does this happen to all of my characters?
Anyway, for inter-character links. Ventus is not Varisian so that pegs him as something of an outsider to the rest of the gang. Following the gypsy theme, the core family of the caravan is probably pretty private with their internal affairs but hiring the odd outsider like Ventus is not out of the realm of possibility.
Jacob, character background is updated to fit the caravan idea please reread.
With the building of the cathedral in Sandpoint, I could see the caravan traveling to Sandpoint often to deliver and sell goods to the cathedral. As my background already had it in there that I was given work guarding such a caravan I tweaked that.
Alexander is not Varisian, but he has very strong family ties. He's on a pilgrimage as it is and has had to sever ties with his family for the pilgrimage as is tradition. It's been wonderful traveling with this caravan because you treat all who ride with you as family. Something he is sorely missing right now.
Zella - perhaps your fortune-telling will reveal an unexpected link between us - with our small stature (though I might grow yet...) and black hair, we could be siblings separated at birth, or long lost cousins. Pa always did seem to have some secrets he was keeping, and ma never would let him tell me very many stories of his younger days.
Eleshanto - always happy to hang out in the Hagfish, though I'd usually prefer ale over fishwater - and either way I'd be sure to spill a bit in offering to Desna. But hey, if you're going to go for it, I might as well - what time you want to meet?
Any chance one of you big strong types can show me which end of this sword to hold? I mostly use my shortswords for juggling, and if our caravan gets attacked, I don't think that will help much. But watch this! Oh, ouch!
I think its the ale that leads to the fishwater.
Alexander - I like the tweak to the consecration of the new temple. I think Eleshanto is going to be very wary of him though unless Alexander has a surprising sense of humor.
@Nicat - Perhaps Half-sibs from an affair?
Here is my submission for Viktor the Wizard. Willing to change school focus to fit the party if we desire, maybe to Conjuration or Abjuration as fitting the concept. Will update gear when I get the time.
Update: I don't have access to the new player handout for RotRL, so please just give me a campaign trait fitting my background.
@Nicat - Perhaps Half-sibs from an affair?
You're one of the few women who might not see me as too short, it would be a shame if we turned out to be related...
Sylvan is the type to hang about with Eleshanto. Bards tend to attract girls and there is also the possibility of starting a game of chance with some of the crowd. Sylvan's role in the caravan would be a gaurd and general laborer. Loading wagons, setting up camp, hauling water and cutting firewood. Sylvan is pretty good with a blade and would definately be willing to give Nicat some pointers. Sylvan uses his gambling to bring a little extra money to the caravan, but keeps the games freindly so as not to draw any unwelcome attention.
Zestlian sighs at Nicat.
The important thing is to quit tossing them about, you have to hang on to at least one of them. Good. No! Quit flipping it. The bit that's not sharp, hang on to it! Good. Now, poke me with the sharp end. Go ahead, I'll be proud if you hurt me. Nice try! Now pick it up. By the handle! Let's try again.
|
man I have got to stop sleeping everything happens then.
need to read up more on the posts but the cravan idea seems good. question I have...is the cracvan tied to Sandpoint at all? say had made stops there in the past or visits on a regular basis (say same times each year, etc.)
I know Noro was born and raised in sandpoint but has had her diffculties with some of the locals. trying to escape she probably joined up with the cravan searching for her aunt that is still a varisian gypsy.
only thing is what role a barbarian bouncer play in a caravan.
@Nicat you grew up with Noro so there is the connection there.
@Nicat you grew up with Noro so there is the connection there.
Sounds good! Nicat has gotten into his share of trouble (though not quite as profoundly as Noro) - that combined with his relative lack of judgement would make it likely we spent some time together.
I'd think a bouncer would be very suitable when we're visiting a town and entertaining, though you might be constantly at risk of being asked to leave, since you're drunk much of the time you're at work. But that can't be that unusual for that line of work, and could make for some fun roleplaying.
Arduino is hanging out on the caravan because he is bored and fairly lazy. I'm imagining him making a living through entertainment. "Yes sir please come up here please come up here wave to the crowd yes thats right thats right now sir look at my hand are you looking at my hand yes yes yes i wave the hand and HE'S ON THE FLOOR LAUGHING UNCONTROLLABLY! Oh he thought he could withstand it oh bother oh bother ladies and gentlemen please be kind to him, I'm here all day, thank you..."
A few points in reply to Eleshanto and Zestian, Nicat and Viktor:
The caravan could have been around for generations, with children born in the caravan (possibly from short flings) and those that passed away buried
near the caravan trail.
-My character wears a wedding ring anyway to come across as being more reliable. If anyone of the ladies want a husband...
-He has premotionary dreams that give him hints of possible danger -to himself, But if the danger is to be attacked by an Ogre, it would effect the entire caravan...
-Leave the trading to a expert! Jubrail has the experience and Intelligence to know what something's worth.
@Viktor: illusion or conjuration would be fitting for performances.
I also noticed a thing in the submissions list; some of you are listed as human, but not Varisian. This might impact your chances to be selected.
Wow, feels like there is a group application going on here that I missed. Well, my character was originally designed as a Varisian troupe entertainer, specifically as an Acrobat (a la Cirque de Soleil), so she'll easily mesh with a Varisian caravan... but I also note there is Rogues aplenty already in the group so I don't know.
|
|
Noro is described in her story her mother was a varisian gypsy and her father was Tien. (same nationality as Amieko).
as far as Noro in tha caravan I see her more as a worker. fixing wagons, pitching tents, tending the horses etc. The only reasons that her drinking is tolerated is becuase she works hard and never lets that get in the way with her work.
also I PM'd Zella about this I was thinking to ammend her back story a bit so that Noro is trying to get away from the Sczarni in sandpoint she went looking for her Aunt which just happens to be Zella's mother. so being family, Noro's quirks are more tolerated.
(this is only an idea here nothing concrete yet, witing to see what others thoughts are on that
Sure, if I can be yout uncle ;)
Drinking is more than tolerated, I think. Fairs,carnivals and Feast days are good opportunities for a caravan to hawk their wares, and there is probably a lot of drinking going on. The Alchemist could also learn to brew a pretty good beer. (Hmmm, where's my formula book ?).
Just don't drink during work, and don't interrupt an performance because you are drunk, or you'll get into a fight with a lot of people.
|
|
Sure, if I can be yout uncle ;)
Drinking is more than tolerated, I think. Fairs,carnivals and Feast days are good opportunities for a caravan to hawk their wares, and there is probably a lot of drinking going on. The Alchemist could also learn to brew a pretty good beer. (Hmmm, where's my formula book ?).
Just don't drink during work, and don't interrupt an performance because you are drunk, or you'll get into a fight with a lot of people.
you do realize you are talking to a former bouncer/ring fighter barbarian saying to not get into fights with lots of people right?
but I do understand what you are saying and I can guarantee it will not be a problem.
That would make you Zella's uncle too. :)
And I think an Alchemist makes a great snake-oil salesman. :)
I think its the ale that leads to the fishwater.
Alexander - I like the tweak to the consecration of the new temple. I think Eleshanto is going to be very wary of him though unless Alexander has a surprising sense of humor.
Sense of humor? I don't understand, what is this humor you speak of?
Kidding aside, it all depends on what hes doing. If I'm "on the clock" I'm very emotionless. Alexander will engage in conversation with the customers are any who engage him but his mind is very focused on his duty. "Off the clock" Alexander is known to tell stories and trade tales far and wide from his travels. While not a practiced storyteller as the bards, Alexander is no bore to listen to and gives a unique perspective to many of the Desnaites (followers of Desna) in the caravan.
You do realize you are talking to a former bouncer/ring fighter barbarian saying to not get into fights with lots of people right?
but I do understand what you are saying and I can guarantee it will not be a problem.
If you need someone to back-up/subdue said barbarian, Ventus could help with that.
The gypsy vibe of varisians just seems to fit Rouge characters. The way I envision the caravan is about 30 to 40 people with 10 to 12 wagons. An extended family group would form the core of the caravan (leaders and owners of around half of the wagons). The rest would be small families or individuals. there would probably be a lot of fluctuation among the group that doesn't belong to the core family. Some would leave and others would join. The longer they are with the group the more they are trusted and accepted. Sylvan has been with the caravan for four years and would be a trusted and accepted member of the community. They would probably have a regular route that they follow. you can get other races involved. A halfling working as a cook. A dwarf that is a smith or tinker and joins the caravan for a certain part of the journey every year or two. Half elves and Half orcs would find acceptance once they proved themselves. Elves probably wouldn't be a part of the caravan unless they found it amusing to travel with them for 10 or 15 years. We wouldn't be the only caravan arriving for the festival. Sandpoint was supposed to be an important camping area before the town was built. So it could be assumed to be a frequent stop. maybe every year or every other year.
Zestlian used to get in fights when he was young. He knows there are places and times where a brawl or two present no real problems, and other places where it would be unwise indeed to get into trouble with the locals. He'd probably try to get Noro to work out some aggression by scrapping with him, especially if she looks like she's drunk and looking for trouble.
|
|
what I think is funny how so many picture Noro as a drunk but even in the background she doesn't drink like that. she is no more a drunk than a drunken master monk would be.
she is a drunken brute but she doen't drink to start fights she drinks to finish them.
her real problem comes from being picked on alot when young making fun of her speech problem.
Here are the players:
>Sylvan Hawke
>Adventus Artemidorus
>Noro Kasuri
>Zelladanyia
>Zestlian Korvo
>Arduino the Lesser
>Nicat Brightluck
>Eleshanto
That's one more than I originally expected, but there are a few relatively new players that I would like to extend a chance to. Plus, if we lose one or two players we're still good to continue.
We have 2 rogues, 2 rangers, 1 barbarian, 1 cleric, 1 bard and 1 sorcerer. Pretty much a standard travelling caravan of Desna worshipers, actually. I like it. We should have a lot of fun with the unique dynamics.
Chosen players, make your way over to the discussion page. To the rest, thank you for your time, and good gaming.
she is a drunken brute but she doen't drink to start fights she drinks to finish them
Okay, I get it. Alcohol aside I think the larger point is that a short fuse may need a little shepherding from her friends in sensitive situations.
GM you crazy!! 8 people.
But you 8 are going to have a blast.