WhtKnt |
Post in-character discussion and actions here.
French Wolf |
Same here. WhtKnt thanks for letting me into your game first of all.
I'll go over the character and add the class/level line tomorrow.
And for now I'll start off by introducing myself. If we are going to get far with our adventures then its always best to start on the right footing and I don't recognise many of you from games I've played in.
I'm approaching my 50th birthday and I've played on and off since 2007 (more on than off in truth) and I enjoy this format for the chance to take my time over a post and think about what my PC wants to do.
I have returned to live in Cornwall in the UK and have just had an interview for a new job locally today - so fingers crossed there.
In terms of gaming, Ravenloft and Al-Qadim were my favourites, but Greyhawk I grew up with. My gamer friends call me frenchie because of the characters I tended to play - my "soccer" called me wolfie because of the t-shirts I wore.
Cheers
FW
WhtKnt |
Good idea, French Wolf. My name is John, and I will be your humble DM. I'm also approaching the short side of 50 (in about 8 months) and have been playing RPGs for more than 36 years, starting with the Holmes boxed set and working up from there. Ravenloft and Al-Qadim are also my faves, but Greyhawk is where I got my start and holds a special place in my heart.
My favorite system is harder to pin down. Currently I am enjoying Pathfinder, Traveller, and Mutants & Masterminds, but as you can probably guess, I'm flexible.
I grew up as an Air Force brat, so I've been all over Europe, including RAF St. Mawgan, Cornwall, England! My father worked at the base and my family lived in Saint Columb Major. I started secondary school at Newquay.
Now, however, my wife and I live a quiet life in south Mississippi. Not where I'd like to be, but it's where her father still lives and she wants to be near him until his passing.
Sonya - OSRIC |
My name is Michael. I am 26 y/o and live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest (USA). I currently work in Human Resources.
I played tabletop RPGs when I was in middle school and a little in high school. Mostly playing AD&D in whatever the editions were that we could find second hand.
I have just recently been introduced to Pathfinder through the Humble Indie Bundle. My eyes were opened to the world of PbP. I love it. The ability to take the time to form each character's post really scratches an itch for me.
I am only in two games so far, so I cant say what I favorite system is thus far, but I am really excited about the Dungeon World system that I am playing in. Basically its less rules more narrative.
I usually post once or twice a day during the week and check in about the same.
fearcypher |
My name is Ben. I'm only 15 but I've been playing pathfinder for about 3 years now. I grew up listening to my dads stories of his time in highschool and the Navy that he spent playing D&D.
I started playing 4E as my first tabletop as a friend of mine had pdfs of all the books. However I didn't enjoy the lack of utiliy and creativity in 4E. I was introduced to Pathfinder by one of my dad's old highschool friends who ran a one shot of the Godsmouth Heresy for us.
After that first session I was hooked and now I have started multiple local gaming groups and am working to help set up a PFS lodge in my area.
However I've always wanted to learn and play in a game of AD&D because it seems to facilitate more rustic gritty type play as opposed to the super high fantasy of Pathfinder and I would like a game where creativity is more important than RAW. That being said I enjoy most kinds of games.
My favorite system so far is definitely Pathfinder however.
Bradley Hodges - OSRIC |
Hi guys, names Brent. I'm 28 and I've been playing 5 years or so. I've played mostly Pathfinder (1-30 homebrew epic), but I've played a bit of AD&D.
Right now, playing 5E off and on when life permits. Generally, will play whatever systems that friends want to run. Including a really strange WoD Changeling campaign where every player was trying to politically corner each other's factions.
I live in Los Angeles. Grew up in and around many Marine Bases, but family never left the states.
Albert Maxson |
Name's Victor and I will be your resident spaniard, so please forget if I appear to burst into random bullfighting attacks or I start dancing flamenco.
I am 24 y/o -and looks like I'm not the group's youngster- and have been playing since I discovered 3.5ed during my first college year. Since that first greatsword wielding human fighter I've played long, and lucky to me -and everybody around me- I've already passed my powergamey and edgy phases.
I live in Madrid, which is an awful hot during summer and cold during winter city, where I usually play Pathfinder and D&D 3.5 with my homegroup. I gave brief shots to Mutants & Masterminds and Dark Heresy, but we ended sticking with classic D&D. That's during the day, because at night I wear my vigilante clothes and play every kind of system I can here on the Paizo Forums. Parhfinder, Savage Worlds, Osric -now, and I'm thankful-, whatever I can get into.
As you all may have guessed I'm fond of being light hearted and love to express myself a bit tongue-in-cheek, but that doesn't mean I can get my serious-bussiness hat on, I swear it.
And to end this mighty wall o' text, I post almost 24/7, mainly because being a computer student means many a night has been spent coding, for so many time I almost evolced into a machine who doesn't sleeps. I just rest while I update.
WhtKnt |
Kickoff
From Hochoch, the Realstream is quickly crossed at a shallow ford, and you follow a caravan track that winds along the south side of a narrow creek. The plains here are flat and grassy. Occasionally, large cottonwood trees grow along the stream, but in general the plain is unforested.
For several days, you pass through an uninhabited region with no untoward experiences. Finally, staying always to the right of the creek, the track enters a region of prosperous farms surrounded by fields of grain or pastures for cows and goats.
Early on the fourth afternoon of the trip, a cluster of buildings and trees becomes visible ahead, with the stone walls of a temple beyond—ORLANE.
At the outskirts of Orlane, a large grove of elms is visible to the left, while several wooden buildings border the road to the right.
Albert Maxson |
Albert gazes upon the elms, wondering how such a peaceful looking place can be under the attack of a monstruous creature like the one he heard of.
He enters the town and proceeds to look for a person to ask "May Heironeus be with you, good sir. I came here following rumors of a mighty beast that besieges the populace of Orlane. Can you point to me to the town's tavern, so I can ask for more information?"
Bradley Hodges - OSRIC |
Bradley stares at the village unsure of what to do?
How in Oerth, am I suppose to find marks in someones throat.
He looks at the grove besides the village for a bit.
"Wonder if they have a follow the old faith?"
He strides towards town and spots the would be knight ahead of him.
Great choice in blades, this one!, nodding in approval
"Yeah, I am looking for a great place to eat too. What options you have in this town?"
Charnum |
Charnum walks on the road, nervous at being in an unfamiliar place.
Crocodiles. Interesting beasts, but they're far too dangerous to let run astray. I wonder if anyone here will be able to help me deal with them.
Upon seeing the two heavily armed men his eyes light up
This will do
He approaches them cautiously.
"G-Greetings, I am Charnum. What might your two's business be here in town?
Bradley Hodges - OSRIC |
Turning to see another fellow walk up from Hochoch, Bradley is intrigued.
Bet there are more "coincidental" travelers to follow. Wonder if they heard the same.
"Hail, fellow wanderer. I guess you could say I'm a monster slayer like the gent beside me. What brings you down this way?"
Opalia Ceylinian |
DM Only
Skipping out of the elms comes the elven maiden in armour and shield. She carries no weapons and whistles as she approaches the gang.
"This Orlane? I'm looking for the man in charge. Any of you him? Because I've been told you have a problem. I'm here to help. My name's Opalia - what's yours? Sorry should have said that first but I ....I thought you would want to know about the water first. Well before names anyway."
Opalia takes a breath.
"Come on, you guys got names? I thought all men had names, elves do. Boys and girls like me. although some go by titles like Queen Yolande...I mean she is just called Her Majesty in Celene I bet. Not that I've been there but I've heard stuff."
Sonya - OSRIC |
From off the road a few steps Sonya has been praying under the cool shadow of a tree. As a group begins to form she rises to her feet and grabs her pack.
Time to see what all the action is about.
As she walks to the group she announces herself, so as not to startle anyone.
Greetings fellow travelers, I am Sonya. I hope this day finds you well.
Looking over the group Sonya is aware of more steel and weaponry in a single group of travelers than is ordinary.
Perhaps Opliras has ordained this meeting.
If you don't mind, I could use some company, and perhaps a fresh meal.
Albert Maxson |
"Well met everybody! Looks like there is indeed a call for good in this town. My name is Albert Maxson, and I am but a humble servant of Heironeus travelling to this town to uncover and slay the many-headed creature that is ravenously stealing away Orlane's children." he stops to shake hands and greet everybody "But I don't want to be the centre of attention, why are you all here today? Maybe with my same goal, ready to team with me in the name of justice!?" he seems really excited about it.
Cedric Osric |
Cedric was grateful that he had met up with the paladin early on in his travels. As a fellow follower of Heironeus, they had common goals, and with his martial abilities, he felt more secure on the road than travelling alone.
"Remember, Albert, that I've heard something evil is at work in this village. We should be careful who we speak with and what we divulge," he says quietly to the paladin. He shakes his head in disbelief as his message seems to fall on deaf ears when the paladin greets the others. "I suppose if you have the ability to protect yourself, you don't need to be as careful as I am," he thinks to himself.
He tries to gauge the motives of the others that have gathered on the road. "Greetings. I'm Cedric. We have been on the road for several days and are looking for a place to eat and rest. Are any of you from here?"
Albert Maxson |
"You are right, Cedric, caution is a powerful tool and so I should be careful. But remember that justice have nothing to fear, and to be honest these fine people seem dependable." he claps his partner on the back "And the more people to join a righteous cause, the merrier!"
Bradley Hodges - OSRIC |
Bradley nods at Cedric prudence. "I'm not from here, and no offense, but none of you look like peaceful villagers. Maybe that one", pointing to Charnum. "But even then he doesn't look like someone who works with his hands. And he got no goods in quantity to sell, that makes for a pretty poor merchant. Snake oil, perhaps?
Bradley really eyes Charnum good before dismissing the idea.
"Anyway, I have heard some rumors of the goings on around Orlane."
He looks around pretty quickly, to ensure no villagers hear and whispers "I here that some of the villager are being altered some how. Changlings some say they are. The only way to tell the difference are by fang marks inside their throats. Don't know how that last part figures, but that's what I heard."
Opalia Ceylinian |
"Pah, I'm not keeping this quiet, I'm here to save lives and the water here is going to kill someone and someone is to blame. I mean someone else, someone with a bad plan or I suppose it could be an accident but I doubt it. No one poisons water by accident do they? Let's find the mayor and introduce ourselves so that he can see we mean business and the water must be cleaned - or is it cleansed? Hmmm, not sure."
She looks around quickly.
"But you could be right, Albert, and you Cedric. Maybe the mayor is the one and he knows all about the water being poisoned but hasn't told anyone. Perhaps he is a mass murderer! That's it - he is culpable and is hiding it. You guys are right. Yes, we should tread carefully. Maybe grab the mayor tonight and squeeze him till his pips squeak. Get in!"
Then she stops, claps her hands together and rubs them. That lets the others speak.
Charnum |
Upon hearing about changelings Charnum goes dead white.
Changelings? Posioned water? What's going on here? These people seem like they want danger, but they may very well be the safest people to stay with. Particularly this Cedric fellow, caution is always important
Charnum approaches the others more closely.
"I suppose I should introduce myself more fully. I am no villager nor merchant nor con man." Charnum snaps his fingers and creates a small flickering flame in his hand, he manages to keep it going for a few seconds but then it sputters out."I am a student of Boccob, and I've heard tale of Crocodiles coming from the marsh around this village."
WhtKnt |
Sonya - OSRIC |
Sonya listens to what the others have to say with a sense of excitement and some concern.
It appears we are all here to help and assist in some way. From what I can tell we all know that things are happening in and around this town. These stories you share appear strange to happen in a town, but for so many different things to be happening all in the same town at the same time...I fear a great evil is at work.
She looks at the others as she soaks in the gravity of what she has said.
I have heard a tale similar to the changling vein. I have heard that dopplegangers are replacing the townspeople. Dangerous creatures from what I have heard, inserting themselves into the lives of our towns.
I would caution against charging head-first into this problem and beating on any mayors for answers which they may not have. We must seek out the truth, but we must do so carefully. Things are not as they appear.
We need to develop a plan of action that can take us like bread crumbs to the heart of the problem.
I would propose that we work to gain the graces of the town and the mayor. Entering into the town as heroes may open more doors than as strangers bashing heads. Charnum, you said you heard of a crocodile problem. What if we deal with that issue and return to the town hides in hand?
Charnum |
" That does sound like an intelligent course of action, though all this news of shapechangers is quite disturbing. However we shall deal with that when it is necessary."
He looks to the rest of the party
" Unless any of you have a better idea I believe that we should follow her idea"
He quickly turns back to Sonya
" And what might your name be, Lady Dwarf?"
Cedric Osric |
Cedric listens to the others' stories carefully. His eyes growing big at the mention of changlings and dopplegangers. He has a concerned look on his face as he seems to contemplate their next move.
"If those rumors are true, we definitely need to be careful what we say as people may not be who they seem to be. Maybe we should be more diplomatic and just ask the townsfolk if they have any needs as we are simply adventurers travelling through the area. We keep what we know to ourselves so as to not alert any evil forces at work to our true agenda. If we take care of the crocodile problem before being told there is one, they may grow suspicious as to what else we know."
Sonya - OSRIC |
Turning to the young mage, I am Sonya of the Order of Opliras, god of the Sun...the Truth Seeker.
She extends her hand.
You did not mention you name either. What shall we call you mage?
Albert Maxson |
"Agreed then, the crocodiles shall know of Heroineus Swift Justice! But just so we know we can trust each other, how about we show our necks to be sure no changeling dopplegangers are among us?" says Albert as he removes his helmet to show his neck.
Bradley Hodges - OSRIC |
"Ooh-aww", clapping at Charnums display.
"Well said Cedric. I'm Bradley, by the way. Use to chop wood, now I chop monsters!", he says with glee as he looks to the group.
After listening to Albert, he giggles a little and says "No need to bare your neck, Albert. The rumor I heard was oddly specific in saying the marks were 'in' the throats and not on the neck. But not how deep. The marks could be inside the base of the neck for all we know, if it is true. Would have to kill a man, then peel him to be sure. A little too bloody for my taste."
Opalia Ceylinian |
"You said inside before. Inside the throat. We can't make people open their mouths for us to peep down anyway. Perhaps there will be other clues like a smell or big teeth."
Opalia shakes the hand of Charnum impulsively, "I'm no mage, but we elves know a bit about magic. In my case not much, not like a great wizard of Boccob. All that spellbook reading stops you from getting outside and swinging a sword...or even shooting an arrow. Boring!"
She spins round to do the same with Sonya but instead rubs her hand on her clothes. "Dwarf! Isn't that the truth. Ha ha. I mean no offence but my pater said you all had beards. Can't wait to tell him how wrong he is. Mater says not to judge a person by their cover so I guess the old court is out on you. Hope you prove a good one.
"Maybe someone else should do the talking. Once we get inside. I mean we should tell them that the water may be poisoned. Its something a merchant told me after passing through and he was on the up and up, I guess."
Charnum |
" Ah, So I take it that it is not a myth that all elves know a little bit about magic then? Mayhap there will be a chance for us both to learn something from each other. However we should best get moving as soon as possible."
Geary the Grifter |
The bright sun ignites more pain in Geary's head as he slips out of the inn's door. Too much ale the night before. Even sleeping until afternoon couldn't help the hangover. His hand reflexively weighs the coin purse attached to his belt. It has been getting lighter and lighter since he arrived in this strange village.
As he begins a walk to clear his mind with some fresh air, he notices a group of strangers talking among themselves. It was clear they were not from Orlane. Marks? Probably dangerous ones considering some of the weapons they were carrying. They are in Orlane for some purpose he imagines.
Geary strolls towards the group, hands in his pockets. "You folks definitely are not from here." He looks around conspiratorially. "And I'd say that you're making it easy for others to see that as well."
Geary smiles showing his crooked teeth. "Perhaps I can be of some assistance. What brings you to Orlane?"
Cedric Osric |
Cedric was too engaged in the conversation to notice the man walking up to them. A brief feeling of panic rises in him when the stranger speaks. "I hope he didn't hear anything we were talking about."
He turns to face the man, eyeing him suspiciously. "Is this someone we can trust or is he part of the problem in the village."
"Greetings. I am Cedric. My companions and I are adventurers passing through the area. Are you from this village? Who is in charge?" he says with a friendly tone.
WhtKnt |
Geary can tell you that there are two taverns/inns in the village. The closer of the two is the Golden Grain Inn, the further is the Slumbering Serpent Inn. The Golden Grain is visible ahead, about 100 feet down the road.
Buildings line either side of the road. To your right, a wooden house is surrounded by attractive flower gardens, with a small barn beyond. A teenage girl is churning butter on the porch, but she sees your group and runs into the house at your approach. Shadowy forms are visible behind closed curtains. Beyond this, a nondescript square wooden building has heavy shutters closed over the windows. The door looks stout, but stands open. No people are visible. Behind this building is another long, low structure.
On the left stands a house and barn; clean, whitewashed wooden buildings. Several cows chew their cud just outside the barn. Three little girls playing in the yard of the house stop to gawk at your group.
Beyond these structures, the road forks, and the Golden Grain Inn sits in the middle of the fork. To your left, water can be heard in the distance.
Opalia Ceylinian |
"Not passing through today though," the elf maiden links hands with Geary and proceeds to point towards the various buildings so that he can explain what their function is. Opalia is all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
"Meeting you is a gift, a friend from a stranger like you so quick and so helpful."
Geary the Grifter |
Geary, still smiling, responds to Cedric: "Geary, Geary Campbell. I've only arrived here a couple o'days ago. As for whose in charge, that's a good question. It's a quiet little village and no one has rolled out the red carpet to welcome me that's for sure."
Pointing toward the Golden Grain. "That right there is The Golden Grain. A good place as any here if you want a bite and a rest. There's also the Slumbering Serpent further into the village."
Startled when the elf lady holds his hand, Geary instinctively reaches for his purse with the other. Old habits die hard. "I haven't heard much about any trouble around here if you're looking for a job. They say there's a troll controlling the marshes in the area but you know farmers, they hear a stick break and think giants are about to crash through and eat their livestock."
Cedric Osric |
Cedric tries to gauge if Geary is telling the truth about just arriving. Seeing that everyone else wants to go to the inn, he follows, smiling and nodding hello to any of the townspeople they see on the way.
"Maybe once we get a bite to eat, we can ask who to speak with about the village."
Bradley Hodges - OSRIC |
Bradley stares about contemplating. The cold reception of the towns people is a bit odd for him. May be they think us bandits, he thought.
He saunters closely to the group, watching the town for activity.
WhtKnt |
You enter the common room of the inn. This room seems like a pleasant place, but the people are subdued, generally sitting alone. Those sitting together are not talking and no fires are lit in the fireplaces. Several barrels of light and dark beer are tapped behind the bar.
Besides the barkeep, there are eight people in the bar. The hefty proprietor greets you warmly. "Welcome, friends! We have food and drink aplenty! What would you have?"
Opalia Ceylinian |
"Food and drink aplenty it is then! Perhaps we could light that fire as well to warm our bodies on the outside too. Us elves like a bit of warmth and light. I am Opalia, innkeep and I'm told by my new friend Geary here that this is a fine inn. I look to you to prove it."
She unlimbers her cloak and reveals her neat elfin body, and well cared for weapons and armour.
Sonya - OSRIC |
Sonya steps to the bar.
Innkeep, I would like a mug of your darkest ale, although it likely wont compare to that of my mountain home, I am willing to give it a try. I would also like to have a roll or loaf of bread if you have any.
She places the required coinage and leaves a small tip on the bar top. Let me know what that costs and I will deduct it from my character.