Ruins of Thassilon (Inactive)

Game Master Locke1520

It is late evening in Sandpoint a warm summer rain shower has driven folks indoors. Inside the Rusty Dragon there are few grumbles about the weather as a cheery fire crackles in the hearth and the delicious scents of food both exotic and familiar waft from the kitchen. The low contented murmur of people enjoying their food and each other's company fills the bar. Ameiko smiles and makes polite conversation patrons at her bar suddenly laughing as a particular account reaches its unexpected comic twist. Camaraderie flows from the tap faster than the Two Knights beer. It's a good night.

Building character now. Will we be using Traits?

As stated before, Lysa first came to Sandpoint 4 years at the dedication of the new Cathedral and has been serving there at the altar of Shelyn. So characters native to the town most likely would have met her for the first time then.

Are any other character worshippers of Shelyn? What deities have people chosen to worship?

Lysa has been working on a community flower garden dedicated to Shelyn. She wanted to try to create a place of beauty that everyone can have a hand in maintaining and can come to it to meditate.

An idea:

Intelligent barbarian. Cast out after objecting to the slaughter of three travelers who ended up in his village.

Questions, especially those from the new lorekeeper, dont sit well in my village. The lore, the traditions... so much of it just doesnt make sense. I cannot understand how we accept traditions without question. My curiosity... only made these questions worse. My chance to escape... I didnt expect it. I've never seen a city; I know little of life outside our forest, and even a small one like Sandpoint...
I was expecting to be leading my tribe. But that justice... was not justice. We should not harm those who do not deserve it. I have no illusion that some blood may be shed in the name of good, but they did not deserve it. My new life awaits. I do not know what it will bring. For sure, my axe will command a price, and I will find work. But a simple thug, a bully, is not who I am.

So I'm thinking a Shoanti tribesman come to Sandpoint. There are a number of others in town of Shoanti heritage including the Sheriff and his brother, but you may or may not be from the same clan. Those are connections worth considering.

Building my char now also, since the printer is out of ink lol staples run.

He's not going to have been in Sandpoint for long, but may be notable mostly for his appearance. Shoanti by heritage, but left a couple of months ago. I'll flesh him out in a lil.

Building character now. Will we be using Traits?

Yes.

It looks like the magus follows Abadar and the rogue is a priestess of Desna.

My stats are now assigned and skills and traits are picked out. Her alignment is neutral good.

I went with:
Diplomacy
Knowledge
Spellcraft
Perform (singing)
Profession (gardening)
To reflect her background.

Here's the barbarian. He's a... we'll say neutral good based on his shifting views, former lorekeeper of a village dedicated to Desna. His views are shifting, and will prolly be a focus of the RP he/I do.

Nornan is his birth name, he cast off his other, tribe given name, although he still considers himself a Shoanti (ie: barbarian).

Backstory after I go get printer ink.

[edit]

Added the backstory. But they gave me the wrong ink. Thats what I get for not checking. Back to staples...

Are any other character worshippers of Shelyn? What deities have people chosen to worship?

Clarence does not worship any one particular deity. His abilities are divine, but they have only manifested recently and he unsure which deity (or deities) have granted him his powers. His leanings are toward Irori mostly, who values knowledge and self-perfection. He also has high respect for Brigh, the goddess of innovation.

** spoiler omitted **

You can rework your concept as a human that's fine. I wasn't picking anybody because of their PCs race. Your concept was cool and it could have been played as nearly any race so if you would rather play as a human then that's fine by me.

I'll be here to answer questions for about the next 1 1/2 to 2 hrs before I have to head to work then I'll check back tonight sometime after 11pm (eastern).

Updated. Yeah, I was unsure about wether or not that is a trait, as I saw it listed as a feat on the pdf, but a trait on a few webpages. Anywho, changed to something to reflect his upbringing, even though its not as awesome, ;)

DM Locke:
I've changed the characters name to Clarence Azaren (slightly more human I think) and refit him to be a human. Please feel free to check his profile for all of his stats and information. Note that he is an "old" character, so he takes a -3 to all physical stats and a +2 to all mental stats. I used 16, 15, 13, 12, 12, 11 for the 25-point buy stat array and placed the human racial bonus onto charisma.

I took the "Lore Seeker" campaign trait because it seems to fit the character the best, but the bonus of increasing the DC of three arcane spells doesn't apply due to casting divine spells. I'm considering taking a level in bard with the archivist archetype next. Would you allow me to apply the trait to the bardic spells once I have them?

Everyone:
Now that I'm done with my character creation, I'm ready to discuss how we know each other. I think that my character would likely spend a lot of his free time at the House of Blue Stones with Sabyl, studying in her basement library. He would also likely have a good friendship with Ilsoari Gandethus, the headmaster of the Turandarok Academy. In fact, I think it would make sense for Clarence to be one of the teachers at the Academy. That would be a great way for him to earn a living here in Sandpoint, while still have enough free time to do his own research. If anyone group up in Sandpoint and is young enough, maybe he was your professor!

Lysa would most likely volunteer at the Academy and spend time with the orphans there. She would most likely organize some of them as volunteers to help maintain the flower garden. It's good busy work for the children and gives them something constructive to do. So Lysa may have met you there and I'm sure she would have asked to show you the garden and a good place to meditate there.

Lysa also spends quite a bit of time at the Cathedral tending to the altar and at the Rusty Dragon where she enjoys talking Ameiko into singing with her.

Blake Deverin is the late born son of Wade Deverin cleric of Abadar and the former brew master at the Two Knight Brewery. When Blake was 4, he was trapped in a fire with his mother Merril (originaly Merril Hosk, younger sister of Daviren Hosk owner of the Goblins Squash Stables) which burned him and killed her. Merril had three children from a prior marriage: Sherril who was already married to a farmer living on the outskirts of the Hinterlands, Ameil who wed a traveling merchant and relocated to Magnimar, and Adler who was only 9 at the time of the fire but was not in the house at the time ii occurred and was left unharmed. To keep up with business at the brewery Wade sent the boys to attend classes at Turandarok Academy during the day, where Master Gandethus saw Blake's potential and after the first year, with Wade's permission, started teaching the boy the Discipline of Magic. Blake enjoyed the study of the arcane arts but had a difficult time with the bullies in the school, one being his older sibling Adler the other a rejected half-elf born of a political scandal Tsuto. The two of them were sometimes cohorts and sometimes rivals and always gave Blake a hard time, Adler often blamed Blake for the death of their mother. Adler left home as soon as he was 18 years old, presumably to seek his fortune in Riddleport. Blake has not seen or heard from him since then. Two years later Wade was one of the first victims of the serial killer known as Chopper. Blake was only fifteen and distraught with wanting revenge after losing his second parent. Blake's uncle Gaven, a paladin of Abadar, helped the boy endure the emotional ordeal by training him in the Code of Abadar and teaching him the skills of sword play. Gaven hoped this would prevent Blake from getting himself killed while hunting the murderer. Now that the "Late Unpleasantness" has passed, Blake helps his uncle at the brewery and enjoys evenings at the Rusty Dragon listening to the adventure tales of Ameiko and the colorful travelers that frequent the inn. He often dreams of traveling the open road, but knows his duty is to Gaven, the brewery, and the memory of his parents here in Sandpoint.

Blake is a Lawful Neutral 24 year old human male, Magus. While not particularly religious he does loosely follow the edicts of the Code of Abadar. If the burns on his back and arms were not enough to remind him, Blake often has nightmares about surviving the fire and he has a strong fear of fire. He avoids using any spells that manipulate, cause, emulate, or even resemble fire.

Maybe Lysa would have met Blake at the Rusty Dragon. He may have even heard her sing there.

That is likely, he goes there to hear tales about adventuring and you probably could catch him day dreaming after hearing an epic tale. Because of the burns (he tries to keep them covered with high collar shirts, long pants and sleeves, and gloves) he is a bit shy. He is not apt to start conversations with strangers/ acquaintances but he doesn't run away from them either.

Lysa tends to be outgoing and doesn't mind being the one to start conversations.

Blake would probably tend to like her, though he is not too religious he respects the work she does and gets the community to do in the garden. He might even help out from time, particularly if she would allow him to plant some special plants that might be used in the making of mead or beer at the brewery...the batches haven't been good since dad passed and the sales outside Sandpoint have been dropping.

DM Locke...Question about my second cousin? Would she still be the mayor after all this time and if no...is Hemlock still the sheriff?

As long as the plants are aesthetically pleasing he can plant what he likes. :)

Nornan's just arrived to Sandpoint a couple of months ago. With a very limited skillset, and a... somewhat unusual appearance, he'd be a little ostracized. He's no dummy, though, so maybe he was working some odd job (heavy lifting, some construction, whatevs) and he struck up a conversation w/ Clarence or Blake? He also spends a fair amt of time downstairs from the tavern he is living at. Maybe doing some bouncing there to pay rent?

@ Lysa...I am thinking some kinds of herbs or plants that have seeds that can be used to flavor the beers and ales we brew.

@Nornan...My unlce and I might have hired you a time or two to help load barrels onto ships or wagons bound out of Sandpoint. Uncle Gaven is a paladin of Abadar and he taught me to live by the code not so much as a reason of faith, but more to keep me from getting killed chasing after the serial killer who killed dad. Part of the code is

I make opportunities, and teach others to recognize them. When I aid others, I open the way for them, but will not carry them—they must take responsibility.

If Nornan approached them at the brewery looking for work, new in town but obviously not a threat they would probably look out for him. Maybe over the past few months the two of us have become friends, united in our common feeling of outsider because of our unusual appearance..your tattoos my burns. What do you think?

That could work. Definitely. Done.

He might also be acquainted with Lysa from the rusty dragon. I still like the idea of Nornan bouncing some nights to pay the rent. He's pretty directionless at this point, and sleeping in the stables for the price of making sure stuff stays civilized fits.

Sounds good...when you first came to town someone probably pointed you to uncle Gaven,knowing he wouldn't turn you away. We gave you work, I took you to the Rusty Dragon gave you an intro to Ameiko and if DM says okay you work out a deal with her to bounce the bar in exchange for a room...we still toss some coin your way to load beer orders and you start settling in. We hang out, get to know Lysa some and three of us are cool friends.

Okay just got in, long day. I've skimmed the thread and will read in greater detail in a moment but I wanted to address some of the questions:

Clarence: Yes the trait could apply to your bard spells I don't have a problem with that.

Blake (and everyone): Yes Kendra is still Mayor. Figure that the printed source material is fairly accurate at least as play starts.

Brinda is in Sandpoint to learn from the priest of Desna at the temple and to take care of my distantly related aunt: Niska.

Working on my character now.

Shelyn preaches how to see the inner beauty in people and not just their outer selfs, so Lysa wouldn't let anyone's unusual appearance stop her from trying to befriend them. Hopefully you guys enjoy her singing when she peforms at the Rusty Dragon. I have no idea what to use to flavor beer, but I'm sure we can plant something pretty in the garden for you that tastes good. I'm sure Lysa has run into Brinda at the Cathedral and our goddesses are friendly with each other. :)

@ Clarence...I figure you were 45 yrs old when I was 5 starting at the Academy, my older brother Alder (a bully...mostly to me but other small kids as well) was 9. Have you been in Sandpoint that whole time or did you come later than that? When my magical aptitude was discovered (age 6) Ilsoari Gandethus, took me on as apprentice as well as a student. I think it would be cool if you were one of the teachers I learned more general lessons from, but how would we view each other? How would you react to the situation of my older brother's constant badgering me? What is your reaction to his burns? Have you been here since before the Late Unpleasantness? How do you react to that fact Dad was one of the first Chopper victims and that mom was killed in a fire? Would you believe or ignore rumors that Alder started that fire?

@ DM Locke...since we are starting at Max Gold do you have any problem with us using some of it to buy Magical Items? Obviously we cant afford much, Im thinking potions and scrolls.

So my profile is done except for writing up an appearance and personality, but I like to wait for the thread to get moving to see how he will flesh out roleplay wise befor filing that in. Check him over and see if anything is amiss, Note I have his stats to reflect he is in town so not wearing armor or carrying big weapons about-- that stuff is stowed away. I also have picked spells to represent what he might be typically using when in town for working at the brewery. I did buy a magical scroll of create water, mostly a roleplay thing to have a "fire extinguisher" always around. I didn't buy a lot of adventuring gear since right now he's just a guy in town...with dreams but no plans to set out and seek his fortune.

EDIT: Okay I lied about not putting some appearance and personality in.. Some of that is developing in this thread already. I reserve to right to adjust it some as we flesh out the characters and actually get started though.

@Blake: I had originally planned on my character as having traveled here recently (prior to the Late Unpleasantness, but not 20 years ago), but the more I think about it, the more I like the idea that I've been here for some time now. I can see Clarence as being the prominent history teacher at the Academy, one that just about every kid has had as a teacher. That would mean he taught you, just like everybody else.

His reaction to your burns would be one of sympathy at first, for them having been brought upon at you at such a young age. He would have been more than willing to give counsel to Blake, as you would expect a good teacher to do, but Blake would have had to come to him first, not wanting to push anything.

When it comes to bullying, Clarence would have stopped any bullying he saw, of course, but if doesn't see it there isn't much he can do. Once again, if Blake ever came to him, Clarence would have taken it upon himself to try and do something about it, though it may not have helped much.

I expect Clarence would have reacted with horror at Blake's father's death due to Chopper. He absolutely would not have believed that Blake had anything to do with the fire. He would believe that is was most likely due to a freak accident, sad as it is.

Since you've known him for quite some time, Clarence would have told you about his recent revelations. How does your character react to this. And especially how do you react to Clarence becoming more frail in his old age, including his lame leg.

@Everyone: So here's how I see it. Clarence has been teaching at the Academy for at least 20 years, so anyone who grew up in Sandpoint (such as Blake) would have had him as a history teacher. He now spends most of his free time either with Ilsoari Gandethus at the Academy, with Sabyl at the House of Blue Stones, or meeting with his friends and acquaintances in the Rusty Dragon. He would likely have met everybody else there. I imagine he would greatly enjoy Lysa's music, and would have befriended Nornan, despite what others might think about him.

@ DM Locke...since we are starting at Max Gold do you have any problem with us using some of it to buy Magical Items? Obviously we cant afford much, Im thinking potions and scrolls.

Potions and scrolls would be acceptable.

@Blake: I had originally planned on my character as having traveled here recently (prior to the Late Unpleasantness, but not 20 years ago), but the more I think about it, the more I like the idea that I've been here for some time now. I can see Clarence as being the prominent history teacher at the Academy, one that just about every kid has had as a teacher. That would mean he taught you, just like everybody else.

His reaction to your burns would be one of sympathy at first, for them having been brought upon at you at such a young age. He would have been more than willing to give counsel to Blake, as you would expect a good teacher to do, but Blake would have had to come to him first, not wanting to push anything.

Im starting to see Blake as a shy, stalwart friend. Very loyal, but not to outgoing because of the deformation and the constant badgering of his older sibling. I also see him having developed a mentor relationship with Ilsoari because of the extra time they so I don't see him coming a confiding alot in another teacher.

When it comes to bullying, Clarence would have stopped any bullying he saw, of course, but if doesn't see it there isn't much he can do. Once again, if Blake ever came to him, Clarence would have taken it upon himself to try and do something about it, though it may not have helped much.

I'm thinking that Blake wouldn't be very forthcoming about his situation when he was younger. But perhaps there was one afternoon after classes that you encountered Tsuto and Adler keeping me from going home, taking my stuff ect... and you intervened and both of them were punished. However that only made the bullying worse later on, which could lead Blake to have a misplaced dislike of you (from a childs mind.)

I expect Clarence would have reacted with horror at Blake's father's death due to Chopper. He absolutely would not have believed that Blake had anything to do with the fire. He would believe that is was most likely due to a freak accident, sad as it is.

I hadn't thought of rumors that Blake may have caused the fire, I was thinking rumors that Adler did it on purpose to hurt his mom and or me. Hmm interesting, rumors like that may help account for some of his timidness and reserved nature. In his mind everyone believes he is at fault...Alder made sure he knew it, townsfolk talked hushed about it. I like it.

Since you've known him for quite some time, Clarence would have told you about his recent revelations. How does your character react to this. And especially how do you react to Clarence becoming more frail in his old age, including his lame leg.

This is interesting, why would a former professor confide in a past student? Could it be your seeking the arcane knowledge that Blake has to try and explain what is happening? I think that Clarence would go to Ilsoari for that. I like the idea of the two of developing a post education relationship, we just need to flesh out how it that might happen. I think it would be an awkward tenuous relationship for Blake, but it would have the potential to become a strong bond.

@Everyone: So here's how I see it. Clarence has been teaching at the Academy for at least 20 years, so anyone who grew up in Sandpoint (such as Blake) would have had him as a history teacher. He now spends most of his free time either with Ilsoari Gandethus at the Academy, with Sabyl at the House of Blue Stones, or meeting with his friends and acquaintances in the Rusty Dragon. He would likely have met everybody else there. I imagine he would greatly enjoy Lysa's music, and would have befriended...

This is interesting, why would a former professor confide in a past student? Could it be your seeking the arcane knowledge that Blake has to try and explain what is happening? I think that Clarence would go to Ilsoari for that. I like the idea of the two of developing a post education relationship, we just need to flesh out how it that might happen. I think it would be an awkward tenuous relationship for Blake, but it would have the potential to become a strong bond.

I was under the impression you were looking to have a post-education friendship. If it isn't there, Clarence wouldn't have confided in you, of course. He does confide in Ilsoari, and perhaps you would have found out about it then.

It isn't uncommon for teacher and students to become friends once the student has become an adult. It would be a little awkward at first (more for the student than the teacher), but that would go away over time. Maybe we are just starting to become closer friends, probably through Ilsoari, which could lead to some interesting interactions between us.

Maybe Lysa would have met Blake at the Rusty Dragon. He may have even heard her sing there.

Brinda is a frequent flyer at the Rusty Dragon and considers Amieko a fairly close friend. She spends her time playing Harrow/Towers (with any old deck) or doing readings (with her own Harrow deck). It is likely that this is where most of the others would have met her.

Shelyn preaches how to see the inner beauty in people and not just their outer selfs, so Lysa wouldn't let anyone's unusual appearance stop her from trying to befriend them. Hopefully you guys enjoy her singing when she peforms at the Rusty Dragon. I have no idea what to use to flavor beer, but I'm sure we can plant something pretty in the garden for you that tastes good. I'm sure Lysa has run into Brinda at the Cathedral and our goddesses are friendly with each other. :)

I suspect that Lysa and Brinda have more than a passing knowledge of one another given their very close proximity to one another in many aspects of their lives. Good friends? Friendly rivals? Ex-besties trying to work it out? I'm open to your thoughts.

I suspect that Lysa and Brinda have more than a passing knowledge of one another given their very close proximity to one another in many aspects of their lives. Good friends? Friendly rivals? Ex-besties trying to work it out? I'm open to your thoughts.

For now we'll go with friends and save the rival part for whenever we both fall for the same guy.

For now we'll go with friends and save the rival part for whenever we both fall for the same guy.

You mean Clarence right? *wink*

@Blake:

I was looking at your sheet and you might for flavor's sake consider exchanging knowledge planes for history, proof that your were paying attention to Clarence's lectures.

@ Clarence...I'm good with them having a post school relationship I guess I was thinking of it as something fairly recent but it could as long as 7 years too. I like that too, since you have been close with Ilsoari and I was his apprentice we could have that common connection to build a relationship on. What if there was an "intellectuals club" that Ilsoari invites to have meals and discussions with on a semi regular basis. It would include the two of you and Chask Haladan (owns the bookstore), Bodert Quink (a sage studying the Old Light), and Sabyl Sorn (House of Blue Stones). When I became of age it would make sense Ilsoari would start to invite me too. Our relationship would have been awkward at first, but our love of information and discussion and learning would soon surpass that and now we laugh at the "nickname" I had for you as a kid, because of course it was no surprise to you that kids have that kind of immature mean streak. We could be quite good friends by now and i think that is a good way to tie us together. In response to the reaction of your aging, Blake would be concerned and want to do anything he could to help. Especial try to find some sort of understanding of the cause of the lame leg. How long ago did the oracle powers begin, and the limp start compared to our relationship?

@Blake:

I was looking at your sheet and you might for flavor's sake consider exchanging knowledge planes for history, proof that your were paying attention to Clarence's lectures.

I was just thinking that I might reallocate a point, but Planes is a class skill and History unfortunately is not. But I will probably do that anyway.

EDIT: I swithched my favored class bonus hp to a bonus skill point so I could keep Planes knowledge and gain history too.

What if there was an "intellectuals club" that Ilsoari invites to have meals and discussions with on a semi regular basis. It would include the two of you and Chask Haladan (owns the bookstore), Bodert Quink (a sage studying the Old Light), and Sabyl Sorn (House of Blue Stones). When I became of age it would make sense Ilsoari would start to invite me too.

I'm sold.

Rumors are a key element of Sandpoint I have included a few rumors on the resources site.

@Blake there is a rumor (originally published by Paizo) that says your family was chelish resistance. Do you want there to be any truth to the rumor? Or should I surprise you?

@Lysa are you still plan on being from Magnimar?

@Nornan are you still thinking an Axeclan village?

Yes, I still plan on being from Magnimar originally.

Rumors are a key element of Sandpoint I have included a few rumors on the resources site.

@Blake there is a rumor (originally published by Paizo) that says your family was chelish resistance. Do you want there to be any truth to the rumor? Or should I surprise you?

Let me think about it...Im thinking no, I'd rather not add another out there unknown character hook, but If there is some interesting possible encounters due to it maybe.