Thanks so much for the invite, GM Rednal. Looking forward to gaming with you all!
Thanks so much Rednal for the opportunity and greetings to everyone. :)
Hmmm...I'll break the ice. Let's see...
Possibilities for location encounters with Shelby are likely limited to:
At the Sandpoint Cathedral
At Koya's home, where Shelby currently resides (she practices her martial training in the morning outside Koya's home)
At the Rusty Dragon, where Shelby is banished for a portion of each day to improve her social skills (Koya's advice/orders)
Possible encounters might include:
Rivalry over Koya's attention
Hisoka & Shutai first coming to Sandpoint (Shelby has been here for about a decade)
A run-in over some petty law Shelby saw them break
A discussion of theology at the Cathedral (if they worship any of the gods, they'd come in at some point)
An encounter where Shelby was perceived as rude (She doesn't think of herself as rude)
Looking forward to building our characters together.
Let's see..
Hisoka would have spent about the same amount of time in and around Sandpoint. He might have seen her while selling hides and meat from his hunting trips.
Hisoka isn't very confrontational, unless his honor is at stake or someone's life is in jeopardy.
Hisoka worships no specific deity, preferring to venerate whatever god or goddess that suits the current situation at hand. Though he would gladly talk of the gods to whomever was interested. A visit to the Cathedral would be rare, but not completely unheard of.
Places Hisoka might be seen or encountered could range anywhere from the streets as he entertains the local children, or in a training setting practicing his swordsmanship. While in the city, he would visit whichever tavern was convenient, for a drink and/or a good conversation.
Well, Shutai and Selbarnia should probably have a talk if they both live with Koya.
Shutai also worships Arshea, so probably wouldn't worship in the Cathedral. Might also be cause for a talk?
Hisoka and Shutai talking about 'home'?
Hisoka and Shutai talking about both being Lunar Oracles?
Shutai healing someone else up after a Goblin encounter?
Shutai would likely go on raids and fights with Goblins. Someone may have seen the less...friendly side of her during one of these fights.
Rednal, when would you like our full profiles done for?
@Shutai
Perhaps a conversation of home might work. What did you have in mind?
Another possibility is that they might have battled together on one of her raids, as Hisoka would aim to defend the borders of his home.
@Selbarina
What sort of situation were you thinking that she would be considered rude? Overcoming this could lead to a strong friendship, if unique.
Hisoka, will this work for you;
You do the talk of home and fighting on a raid together scenario's, I'll do healing up after a fight and shopping together to help some kids?
It really could be just about anything, Hisoka. She's very matter of fact, and doesn't gloss things over. She might have commented that his style of clothing looked girly, or that he needed to work out more, or asked why he looked so different. And commented on the fact his forebear shouldn't have slept with an angel, because it was sinful and sullied the angelic.
Shutai, I can imagine Shelby and her have had many talks about religion and her choices. The fact that she is a product of an evil union (I think) would revolt her, but her ties to Koya and Koya's acceptance would create quite a conundrum.
Shutai's Nogitsune blood is the result of a ritual getting screwed up, rather than ancestry...but since she has no idea how it happened, that's pretty possible.
So do you want to take a religious debate and a talk about heritage? And I'll grab a talk about living together with Koya and something like working together to get her a gift?
Sure, sounds great!
@ Shutai
That works for me.
@ Selbarina
That could work, he might actually find it humorous. Did you have any other ideas? I was thinking maybe that conversation might have taken place during one of Selbarina's visits to the Rusty Dragon and happened by Hisoka by chance.
If you like, you could take an encounter in the cathedral. He might have visited it shortly after the passing of his master, and possibly on the same day every year to pay his respects and to seek guidance from the gods as far as him overcoming his grief and shame.
@ Rednal Were these scenarios supposed to be role-played out together, or were you looking more for what it looks like we're doing, and each player will define their characters interactions with the others? I'm asking because I'd like to avoid god-modding even in the slightest. I don't presume to know how Shutai or Selbarina might act in an encounter with Hisoka.
Awesome. I'll send you both a copy when I finish up.
Rednal: Since I'm working on stat blocks and such is there anything I should know? Obviously it's 25 point gestalt, but what about traits, drawbacks, HP, starting cash and the usual? I've been assuming it's the same as the Runelords game, but I figured I should really ask.
Also, do we have an expected start date that we need to be working towards? I am be a bit...meh, tomorrow, as I'm donating blood and it tends make me go a little off.
Shutai, I have my two interactions with you written up. Take a look and let me know what you think. Your profile is blank, and I didn't look up what you wrote as Jon Garrett, so I might have Shutai too light-hearted.
Need to write up my interactions with Hisoka, otherwise I think I am done.
I'm hoping to get stuff written up. As Rednal probably knows, I was in pretty poor shape the last two nights with a nasty fever. But I'm feeling better and Sundays are easy nights at work, so I should be able to write.
Or watch Community on Netflix, one of the other.
EDIT: Those stories look good, Selbarnia. A little more light hearted than I would typically go, but having Shutai be more fun than I planned doesn't hurt.
Still working on interactions with Selbarina, have yet to get into Shutai.
Here's the stuff for Selbarnia. I'll do Hisoka's tomorrow, with a bit of luck, and get my profile sorted too.
Hey eye caught on one item. A small black lacquered box. The writing on the lid, carved in with gold leaf to make it more visible, suggested it was a box for medicinal herbs. She reached out, careful of the long fingernails on that hand, and picked it up. Empty now, not surprisingly, but she could smell...something. Her nose wasn’t as good as a true foxes, sadly. It tingled at the edge of her memory.
”Well?” Shutai turned to Selbarnia, glad she once more wearing her mask to hide her startelement. The other woman had seen her wearing less, it was true, and involved in acts that people other than a disciple of the Host of Delectation might find private, but outside those moments she prefered her face covered. She did not like seeing it reflected, and his any mirrors during her prayers.
”It is perfect, thank you.” Shutai nodded her head to the other woman, who nodded back. Shutai knew that Selbarnia wasn’t comfortable with the taint in her blood. That it was only Koya’s insistence that she was even trying to be pleasant. But despite the many differences between them, Shutai was grateful that the other woman was at least trying to act nicely.
Selbarnia paused for a moment. ”Look, I know we’re both here for Koya but...we don’t see eye to eye. On a lot. Everyone needs Justice. But...it’s said in the temple that Arshea and Iomadae are allies. That your...church fights against oppressive people. That she promotes freedom and justice.”
Sutai nodded, surprised that Selbarnia had looked into her patron. ”Yes,” the Kitsune replied. ”There is more to it but...yes. Arshea tells us that freedom is vital to all living things, but real freedom is not found in chaos. She grants strength so that we can be ourselves, and help others be themselves.”
Selbarnia nodded slightly. ”That...isn’t what people said Arshea was all about.”
The Kitsune wasn’t surprised. ”Most people think the worship of Arshea is about sex. But sex is simply another freedom. It reminds us of the beautiful feelings our body can create, and the blessings the Gods freely bestowed.”
The other women smiled a little. ”Well, if they can be allies, maybe we can too. Now that you’re all healed up let’s talk about how to divide the chores up…”
It was also more money than she currently had. That was why Selbarnia and Shutai had agreed to buy a present together. Seperately they could buy perfectly adequate gifts. Together they could buy something exceptional. Both young women also knew it would help show Koya they could work well together.
Selbarnia glanced at it and shook her head a little. ”She has brooches. And when would she wear it? No, she needs something more like...that.”
Shutai looked over. It was a healer’s kit. An expensive one, and better than the one that Koya currently had. It was a very practical gift, but Shutai had always felt that Practical gifts were dull and boring. And said so.
This was, of course, part of the problem. Shutai and Selbarnia were very different women, and thought in very different ways. They prioritised different things. But in Koya, they found a common ground.
”What about that?” Selbarnia nodded towards one stand. Shutai examined the item inside. A book, old but well made and cared for. The script was in a clear, flowing hand that still spoke of care. Shutai read the first few sentences, her mind stumbling over a few unfamiliar words. It was the story of a traveller in a region up north. She glaned at the other open page - a well drawn, detailed map. Ideal if one was travelling in the areas mentioned in the book, which given the title plaque seemed to be quite a large area, and exquisitely made.
”Yes,” she agreed, ”That is it.”
Those look very good, Shutai. Well done.
I have my interactions with Hisoka written up, if he would care to give them a glance.
If they meet with satisfaction, I believe I am done! :)
Hisoka, how are these?
”Pardon?” Hisoka asked, one eyebrow raised.
The Kitsune picked up a pack of cinnamon and weighed it carefully in her hand. ”Higashi. They were one of things I remember from home. They are...not dissimilar to biscuits, I suppose. Mostly rice flower and fine sugar, mixed with sugar water.”
Hisoka nodded. ”They sound tasty. And the kids will love anything that sweet. Why not just make regular biscuits, though? I can’t imagine rice flower is that cheap.”
It wasn’t, since it was rare to have anyone grow it nearby, but there was a few places that did and some people imported it as well. ”They would e easier but…” She paused for a moment, searching for the right words in Common. ”The people here have given a lot to people from Tian. Many of us have found homes around here. It would be a nice act to give them something of Tian in return.”
Hisoka considered, then nodded. ”Makes sense. Let’s find some of that flower and I’ll carry it back so we can get cooking.”
Hisoka sat on the rock, calmly ignoring the two arrows sticking out of his chest and the gash from a horse chopper along his ribs. ”I was careful,” he replied simply. ”But others would have been hurt if I hadn’t acted, so…”
Shutai made a noise that was somewhere between a growl and a sigh in the back of her throat. ”I should make heal yourself.”
”I can’t,” the Samurai replied calmly. ”You have a lot more magic than I do. I’ve already used mine up.”
Shutai made the same noise again, but one clawed hand reached out and plucked the two crude arrows out of his skin. That caused a flinch, but only just. Then Shutai laid one hand on his chest, careful of the long claws, and cast. The Healing magic caused the wounds to reduce in size, scabbing over as though they’d had days to heal...but the blessings of Arshea weren’t with them this time. It didn’t remove the wounds completely.
”Again?” she asked.
Hisoka shook his head and stood up. ”No, that’ll be enough to see us home. Keep the rest of your magic in case we find more Goblins and someone else needs it. Let’s get going.”
Checking in. We about done, Hisoka?
Sorry it's been days since I've last posted. Had some family stuff happen that took up a lot of my attention span. =/
Shutai, those look great. I particularly like the healing scenario. Well done.
I'll have my own up momentarily. I admit, I may have slaved over these a bit more than necessary. But I'm like that, I suppose. xD I think I've deleted and rewrote a couple of them three times now.
Everything should already be on my profile, if you want to give it a quick once-over.
All profiles should be formatted the way this one has been, including adding the quick reference line to your stat bar. Special Abilities, in particular, should be organized alphabetically and include both feats and traits. ^^ This makes them much easier to find when I need to reference things.
(Incidentally, those who prefer a different profile format are always welcome to have a second profile for personal use - I ask for profiles in aliases to be organized in this particular way so I always know exactly where to look for a given thing. It really does help save time for me.)
Crunch is done bar most of the items, still needs to have the fluff done.
Ok, I think I've gotten everything updated appropriately.
I'm in the midst of getting my profile set. Shutai, let me know what you think of these. Selbarina, I've sent you a message about one of the others, I'll post yours after your response.
Fires still blazed about their camp as a result of the goblin attack. Hisoka and Shutai stood over their slain opponents and shared a moment of mutual respect. With a nod, Hisoka indicates the others with their caravan beginning to put out the flames in preparation for their journey home.
The kitsune female, if she could be called such, examined the field then her partner. “You are a very different person when in battle. If I had not been paying attention, I might not have recognized you.”
Hisoka returned her gaze, his eyes still alight with a fierce excitement in deep contrast to his stoic expression. “I could say the same.” After a moment passes, he lets his eyes wander upwards to the woman’s mask, still removed as was her habit before kneeling down to wipe clean his blade on a convenient goblin corpse. “You fought well.” He said, focused now on his blade, meticulously wiping it clean before returning it to its sheath.
Shutai pulls down her mask, any reactions she might have had were now hidden from view. “We should be on our way. Night will soon be upon us and there are wounded to tend to.”
With a stretch and a sigh, Hisoka turns to the others. The corner of his lips lift in a small smile as he spies one of the wounded wake under the care of a girl he could have sworn held romantic feelings for the boy. “Let’s get them home.”
Hisoka tilts his head at the question as if it was a great conundrum. “Home?”
Thinking the question spoke for itself, Shutai nodded slowly, as if any sudden movements might spook him. “Yes, where is it you come from? Do you have family here?”
Hisoka lifts his head from his hands, lying on his back atop the stone fence and looked her over. “You should get comfortable. Here, come along.” He pats the space next to him and grins at her as she merely stares at him. He drops his head back down and looks up at the clouds, deep in thought. “I never knew my family. I don’t even remember where I come from. My Master found me in the middle of nowhere, shivering in the cold and rain. He took me in and raised me, taught me the way of the Samurai for all the good it would do. He died some years back, saving me from my own foolishness.”
Shutai spoke softly, “I’m sorry to hear of his passing, he sounds as if he was a great man.”
“Yes, he was.”
Silence enveloped them for some time, each trying to find their words. Hisoka shifted in place, turning to face Shutai fully. “What of you? Were you born here? I know little of your kind, where is it you hail from?”
“I’m afraid we are in much the same boat. I remember a little of my family, but all else is a blur.”
Looks good. I'll be finishing my profile tonight unless I fall asleep, and should be ready to go.
Just checking in to see how things are going, and if everyone might be ready?
Still need to do fluff. I took a fall and managed to hurt myself. Hopefully I'll have a chance to do it tonight, but it's my daughter's sleep over. I can start now though.
I honestly have never dealt with the caravan rules, so I have no opinion on it.
I'll read up on the caravan rules later, see how they are. I've heard people aren't impressed by them but I usually like the optional rules to make things unique. Maybe there are some third party alternatives like Fire as She Bears for Skulls and Shackles?
I read over them, it seems like a bit of a hassle honestly. It's a cool concept, but I would have to say pass as I have no experience with them either and a lot of the things it mentions can be role-played out anyway.
My fashionably late scenarios. :3
Hisoka turned, his stoic expression put to the test as Shelby accuses the parents, and ancestors that even he did not know. “So you are saying that the angel in question was wrong to choose a mortal lover? What gives you the right to dictate what is right or wrong when it comes to the choices of another, let alone a divine being? Are we not blessed with our own will by the gods whom even you worship?”
"The angel sullying his/her blood, tainting it with the weakness of mortality. Dooming any offspring to lead a half-life, viewed as outcasts by both mortals and immortals alike. Such a choice is cruel on many levels. The child will likely never know the angelic parent. It will grow up alone, shunned by its fellows. The partner might have illusions of love that will never be fully sated. So many things!"
Anger flashed in his eyes before he could rein in his emotions. The moment passes, eyes shut as he regains his composure. “I’m afraid we’ll have to agree to disagree on this, lest we waste each other’s time. Besides..” He motions to the drinks they’d each barely touched. “I could hardly neglect the hard work of our host any longer. Shall we?” He raises his glass in toast.
With a moments’ hesitation, Shelby clinks her glass against his and nods in acknowledgement. “Very well.”
He’d been staring for what seemed like hours. “What is it?”
Blinking a few times, and a confounded look suffusing his expression, Hisoka continues to stare as he asks, “Hmm?”
“Do not play me like a fool, why do you stare? What is it you are so fascinated with?”
He could not call himself a man if he were to pass up the opportunity that so handily presented itself to him now. He only wondered where he should draw the line. “You, Shelby. You’re a good looking woman.”
She harrumphed, rolling her eyes at the man's words. "What a pick up line. I like blunt, don't get me wrong, but here's a hint. It's weird to just keep staring at someone."
With his usual smile and a chuckle Hisoka blinks for the first time and relaxes back into his seat. “I’ll be sure to remember that.”
Ready and willing.
Also ready!
Aye aye cap'n.
I'm sorry guys, our net over here had some issues and I haven't been able to get much of anything done. Were we disregarding my post that I'd made before in favor of a new one?
Hurray!