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After a few minutes of setting camp, Andrin finds himself alone and with no one to direct him on how best to help. Shrugging, he retrieves his pack and begins to pitch his new tent. After a handful of minutes, Andrin ruefully realizes the process is not nearly as simple as the man who sold him the tent indicated.
Despite the unexpected complexity of the task, Andrin methodically sorts through all the poles and ties and in the end is successful. He looks over his work with an appraising eye when finished, "Hmmmm. This is considerably smaller than I'd imagined." He lays out one bed roll within the tent, then rolls the second one out on top of it. On this, he then lays two of the soft blankets, reserving the third should the night prove chill. At dinner, he addresses Daemon's question, "We are bound for Brinewall, good sir. Or far more likely, its ruins. If I remember Yosrick's recollection correctly, it should be at the head of the Steam River, to the north. I imagine our search for whatever Ameiko's grandfather tried so hard to secret away will begin there."
@Rennick - verdict on my pre-departure purchases in my last post?
Not sure how much time we had prior to departing, but Andrin would have certainly made some additional purchases in light of being on the road for more than an afternoon. Namely, a one person tent, three blankets, and a pair of bedrolls. That'd come to 10gp and 8sp, with our illustrious GM's permission or course. Also, did we earn/split any spoils from our previous foray into the wild? Anyone know what it'd come out to gp-wise? I still only have my starting gear recorded on my sheet =\
Andrin nods in agreement with Sandru's assessment, though the gesture is more for himself than anyone else. Despite this all being far beyond his typical and comfortable routine, a feeling of weight he can't describe pulls him onward and buoys his spirits. He helps how he might as camp is readied, offering a hand to whomever might need it.
Our goal should be to get as many Armored Wagons and Ballista-bearing Supply Wagons as we can. >=)
... We can fit TWO ballistae on a supply wagon and still have 2 cargo spaces left over for other things! ... We can also AFFORD two ballistae and a supply wagon. ... I do not think this is a coincidence. This is obviously what Fate wants.
This is what taught me to always CTRL+A, CTRL+C, THEN click the Submit Post button. Nothing sucks the steam out of my sails the same as loosing a lengthy post like that. Ugh. Caravan Stuff
Do you guys want to skip hiring extra drivers when we set out initially and just have Sandru, me, and the other 2 fellahs perform those jobs (presuming we purchase a fourth wagon)? We could also have as many people out scouting as we can so they won't count against our consumption score.
Yos, I think the way the Spellcaster job works is that you could fulfill the job of entertainer, guard, guide, healer, or scout even if you don't meet the skill requirements to do so. Entertainer would give us a +1 to resolve checks
I think when we get to settlements to trade though, Yos and Andrin and the very least should try peddling some wares. Every one of us has at least one rank in either bluff or diplomacy though, so if we wanted to we can hit the 5 trades/settlement cap.
Andrin's eyes narrow as the towering Shoanti reaches back for his mug. "There's still a chance for you to return to your chair, sir, befo-" but sadly, the nobleman's offer is cut off by a downpour of ale. All of a sudden the situation explodes into a messy fracas all around him, with Yosrick swinging in like some jungle ape. Everyone bursting into motion all around and yet, Andrin finds himself surreally calm. Oddly, it all seemed to be moving slowly depsite the chaos of a burgeoning bar fight. He observes as Lirrathan growls something to Vandell before dropping one of the Shoanti with a single, ringing blow. Vandell closes with another, the thug hammered twice and hard. The rude one upended yet again by Yosrick, this time by his whip rather than his foot. He looks to Shalelu and her expression is... unreadable.
vs Target's CMD (possibly lowered due to being prone?) It provokes, but unless he has improved unarmed strike or is somehow otherwise considered armed, he can't take the AoO. Status: HP: 14/14 AC: 11 (11 T / 10 FF) CMD: 12 F/R/W: +1/+1/+5 Channel Energy (1d6) uses left: 6/6 Level 1 Spell Slots left: 5/5 -Ongoing Effects-
I am having Oregon Trail flashbacks! I hope no one dies of dysentery! Wagon Statistics
To start, I'd suggest at least 1 point go into Mobility but I'd be more comfortable with 2. I also think 1 point in Defense wouldn't be a bad idea either, but I think it'd be useful anywhere we put it. The hero bonus that the PCs provide goes into everything BUT defense though, which is why I suggest shoring that up. So, my vote is 2 in Mobility, 1 in Defense. (If we flipped those around, I'd be alright with that too) Caravan Feat
Wagons:
We start with 1 Covered Wagon (Traveler Capacity 6, Cargo Capacity 4, Consumption 2) 1 Fortune Teller's Wagon (Traveler Capacity 2, Cargo Capacity 4, Consumption 1) 1 Supply Wagon (Traveler Capacity 2, Cargo Capacity 10, Consumption 1) That leaves the wagons giving us Traveler Capacity 10, Cargo 16, and Consumption 4.
Picking up a 2nd Covered Wagon (500 gp) will increase our total Traveler Capacity to 16, our Cargo to 20, and our Consumption to 18. (The Efficient Consumption feat would reduce this to 16, Ameiko as cook could reduce it to 14). A Horse Train (1,200gp) instead of a 2nd Covered Wagon would increase our Traveler Capacity to 16, our Cargo to 17, and our Consumption to 22. Also, our base speed would increase from 32 miles/day to 36/day. I vote for a 2nd Covered Wagon. Horsies are too expensive at this point, methinks. Wagon Jobs:
Each wagon needs a driver - so that eats up the 2 npc brothers and we still need x number of drivers. Sandru – Driver or Guard (see below) Koya - Fortune Teller makes sense. Ameiko - I'm very nervous about that consumption score, so I'd prefer her to serve as cook to get that down by 2. Hired NPCs - I think right out of the gate we should hire a driver for each of our other wagons. It's only 10gp and additional 10gp a month per driver and doing so frees up Sandru to serve as a guard(default). BUT - each extra traveler bumps our Consumption Score by 1. Spellcasters can actually do a bunch of roles, but if his relationship point pool with Shalelu should start to climb higher, then down the line I can see Andrin hoping to go off scouting with her. Have no fear, Lir, Andrin will exercise the utmost propriety and decorum should such a thing happen =P Due to Andrin's background with his family's shipping business and his focus in Diplomacy, Trader seems the easiest fit for him when we actually arrive at places to trade. While travelling though, I think he’ll default to the Spellcaster job to function as a Guide. Consumption:
The way consumption works, is each point of Consumption requires 1 unit of provision per day of travel. Each unit of Stores contain 10 units of provisions. So if we only have 16 Cargo Capacity, we can at most, carry 16 Stores. If our Consumption is 18 and we spend 10 cargo space on Stores, we can 5 days before running out of supplies. A Caravan w/ 1 Covered Wagon, 1 Fortune Teller’s Wagon, and 2 Supply Wagons would give us 20 Cargo Spaces to utilize and if we take the Efficient Consumption Feat and have Ameiko cook us delicious foods, a Consumption Score of 14. If Shalelu and Lir both run off and Scout, that'd drop it to 12. If we did all that, we could fill ½ our Cargo spaces with Stores and we’d have enough to go 8 days. That would leave us with 10 Cargo spaces to do what we want with. Trading:
It costs 10 gp to purchase 1 cargo space worth of trade goods. That unit is then “spent” at the next destination by someone performing the Trader Job to make a special Resolve check. At our current level, if we put no points in the Morale statistic, our total modifier for that check would be +5. The amount of gp we earn in a trade is equal to the result of that particular Resolve check. So… not a lot. Pegging a natural 20 would mean we'd make a 15gp profit. A 4 or less and we actually take a loss. It also seems that each person fulfilling the Trader job can only make 1 check at each settlement. So the absolute max amount of trade goods that can be off-loaded at any time is capped at 5. Putting it All Together The Caravan of Destiny
Travelers: Sandru (guard), Bevelek (driver), Vankor (driver), Hired Driver 1 (driver), Hired Driver 2 (driver), Koya (fortune teller), Ameiko (cook), Shalelu (scout), 6 PCs (+5 hero bonus to all checks, various jobs tbd) Costs: 2 drivers (20gp + 20gp/mo), Supply Wagon (300gp), 10 units of Stores (50gp), 5 units of Trade Goods(50gp)
Attack Bonus: +6 (5 heroes + 1 guard)
This leaves us with about 1500 gp to work with and 5 open cargo units. We could start to purchase the Enhanced undercarriages, but we wouldn’t get a mechanical benefit from them until all four wagons had them. We could stock more Stores instead, or we could add Wagon reinforcements to some of the wagons. Each wagon we add reinforcements to adds 10 to the max hp of the caravan.
At the Shoanti's crass advance, Andrin's chair tips over he stands so quickly. His forehead knots in contained anger as he turns to and approaches the huge man. Though his voice is loud enough to be heard over the din, the nobleman's tone remains respectful, "My dear ! It is plain to all that your advances are not welcomed by the lady. I kindly ask that you return to your table and your drink!"
Andrin nods to Vandell as Daemon introduces him then arches his eyebrow in confusion as he also realizes that Yosrick is absent.
Thanks for the notification, Rennick! I was still check in periodically just because I enjoy this pbp so much but sure enough the notifications had dropped off. I reviewed the Caravan rules, and by 'review' I mean 'read thoroughly for the first time' =P I was pleasantly surprised to see how many different caravan roles Andrin can perform thanks to his skill set! I also discovered how the relationship scores work with regard to how many points we start with and how we accrue them, so I've adjusted them on my profile accordingly. Naturally, I put the single relationship point we got from hitting level 2 into Shalelu's pool.
Lirrathan's teasing and Vandell's flirting combined shake Andrin out of his distant thoughts, "Chelish. The adjectival form of Cheliax is 'chelish'. The noun form is 'chelaxian'. A chelaxian who also happens to be a countess would be a chelish countess." His correction is offered with a slight grin and a friendly air, his tone and manner clearly demonstrating his emendation was intended to be helpful rather than belittling.
Andrin sits at the table, half the wine from his goblet gone and the remainder forgotten. He is deliberate, almost noticeably so, to keep his attention fixed on Sandru and this new comer, Vandell. His eyes are unfocused and his gaze distant as the conversation rolls on around him.
I hope to be able to go someday - haven't done it yet though. Them things is expensive!
Still kickin' here as well!
"In any event, where is this Brinewall? I've not ever heard of it."
Despite his enthusiasm for what Ameiko now holds in her hand, Andrin's expression suddenly shifts to one of uncertainty. His mumbles quietly to himself, "Oh... oh dear. Just who exactly was that who was guarding that box then?" His eyes then flit up to settle on Ameiko. Another softly muttered whisper, "Oh dear."
Andrin quickly regains his composure, abandoning the slack jawed expression. "As the Wind blows, a letter from your grandfather's own hand?! What a treasure! It sounds like he cared deeply for your father, even if the two didn't exactly see eye to eye as it were." It's plainly obvious that Andrin is amazed by the idea of reading such a personal note from one's grandfather. Driven by his own grandfather's legacy as he is, his reactions come as no real surprise.
Andrin starts as Sandru's hand drops down upon his shoulder, his reverie broken by the boisterous gesture. He turns to look up at Sandru, but his gaze falls on something behind him - a flash of blonde hair in the firelight. Andrin's eyes remain unfocused for a second as he tries to center his attention on Sandru. "Ah yes, but of course, sir. Where are my manners tonight? Come, come - let's hear what the lovely and generous proprietor of this establishment has to say about Lirrathan's prized blades, eh?" Andrin rises from his seat and follows Sandru back over to the rest of the group. He listens intently to Ameiko as she reads the letter, though his jaw drops open in surprise and bewilderment as she reads the name of its author.
Welcome to the team, Vandell! Also, I am back! =)
I don't have any one in mind to step into the gulf - any chance we could send Einjeru's player a PM to see if he/she is still interested? Though you've probably already tried that, I'd reckon. Additionally, I'll be leaving for an annual trip to a mountain cabin tomorrow afternoon and won't be back until Monday. There's no phone signal or anything up there, so I'll be off the grid for the duration of the trip.
Same here - I check in on this game in particular daily just in case the site stopped telling me there were new posts =P
Andrin seems oblivious to Yosrick's loud prodding, his gaze fixed hard on the cup of wine in his hand. His right index finger taps the cup rhythmically and the resulting ripples seem to have him transfixed.
"Ah, gentlemen!" Andrin enters the room cheerfully, looking much more at home in his finer clothes and without swamp muck smeared all over his person. "What have I missed? Oh! And ladies as well," he bows informally before each one in turn, "well met, one and all." His eyes then briefly catch Shalelu's as he is addressing the group. "Ahh - ahem Excuse me, I think I must be thirstier than I'd thought. Your pardon, friends." He then moves over to a less crowded portion of the bar and quietly orders some wine. If there is a stool or bench available he sits at it while waiting for his drink, his posture perfect and his attention fixed solely on the person fetching his wine.
After returning to town, Andrin briefly excuses himself from his companions but agrees to meet with them a short while later at the Rusty Dragon. He then returns to his family's estate and with as little delay as possible proceeds to wash as much evidence of the swamp from his person as is possible. After bathing and having his foot tended to and bandaged, he changes into clothes more closely in line with his noble heritage. He enters the Dragon wearing a fine pair of supple calfskin boots, unadorned but fairly expensive leather breeches, and a burgundy silk shirt with a black, short-sleeved vest over top. It's a dramatic change from his sweat-stained, swamp-smelling travelling clothes and it seems to have done the man some good; his eyes shine brightly as he looks about the room for his companions.
The soft murmur of his companions' conversation fades from Andrin's recollection as he begins thinking of their return to Sandpoint. A faint smile ghosts across his face as he imagines himself with his feet in a hot soak while enjoying a fine cup of imported coffee. He is shaken from his day dreaming by Yosrick's bawdy tune. Having missed most of it and only just caught the entrance of Pattycake, Andrin arches a dark eyebrow inquisitively as he regards the half-elf. He sidles over to Daemon, quietly whispering, Daemon: "Why is he singing a love song about an ogre? Is this why he seems so sad when he thinks no one is looking? He is pining for his lost love perhaps?"
Aaaand now I can't get images of Chris Farley in Beverly Hills Ninja out of my head. lol
Andrin's only response to Yosrick's attempt at humor is to arch his left eyebrow and regard the half-elf with a glance out of the corner of his eye. His limp is slightly less noticeable afterward, but the grimace on his face is also slightly more pronounced.
A few minutes after they begin their long walk back to Sandpoint, all the discomforts of the journey return to Andrin. He begins favoring his right foot again though to his credit he continues to bear his grief silently. He is, however, bound and determined to remember to purchase more suitable attire should he ever venture out of the town again.
Well illustrated and fascinating tomes from Tian Xia could be in Ameiko's or even Einjeru's possession as well. I know that reading about samurai is what made me want to be one when I was growing up! Sweet pictures of their awesome armor and tales of their martial prowess and valor couldn't hurt either =P
Andrin pauses a moment after Daemon's joke, then the humor and relief of having survived the undead guardian's wrath crash over him all at once. He laughs heartily, clapping Lirrathan on the back in good humor. He'll then assist Daemon in looking over the rest of the area. Occasionally, a soft chuckle escapes him as the two work together.
Chuckling at Lirrathan's sudden enthusiasm, Andrin addresses the group, "Is anyone wounded?" If so, he'll channel for of healing.
Lol - Lir ninja'd all the loot! He'll fit right in in Tian Xia!
Curses! And yet at the same time Hooray! Einjeru doesn't speak Celestial either - let the confusing-language-barrier-of-combat continue! =P
"It seems this creature was guarding several finely crafted items. Surely the contents of this meager chest cannot be all of it though." He then turns to Yosrick, "Did you previously identify thier armor as being Tian in origin? I find it unlikely that these men travelled such a vast distance just to sit atop an ornate box."
Indeed! Welcome, Einjeru!
Shaken from his reverie, Andrin accepts his weapon from Lirrathan with a nod then watches the elf test the skeleton's blade, "Indeed. It will be far more at home in your hands than in mine, my friend."
"That was Common?" Andrin shakes his head, then regards the cherrywood chest as Yosrick examines it. "That didn't sound like a heavy accent to me, but rather an utterly alien tongue. Strange..." The noble's words trail off as he crosses his arms and strokes his goatee in deep reflection.
With a slow breath, Andrin's eyes fade back to their normal brown. He turns to Yosrick, "You understood the creature? If you were able to understand it, does that mean you recognized what it was? All the tales I've heard of skeletons and the lesser undead mark them all as utterly mindless."
Seeing that their skeletal foe has little for Daemon besides words and that it still focuses its attacks upon Lirrathan, Andrin rushes back over to his elven companion. His hand touches Lir's shoulder again and the wound just inflicted nearly closes itself entirely.
In totally unrelated to this game's news, I finished Mass Effect 3 earlier this week. The ending wasn't as satisfying as I had hoped, but apart from that the game was nearly perfect in my estimation. Stuff that rocked my world:
Seeing how much better Jack was doing after having spent time with the crew of the Normandy SR2. It was so, so good to see her connecting with people and doing well emotionally. I could hardly stand her in ME2, but seeing her in 3 made me appreciate everything with her all the more from the previous game. The little boy not making it off Earth. Bioware paced that scene PERFECTLY. I found myself edging forward in my seat hoping that shuttle would clear the path of the beam... and then to see Shepard's reaction as his shoulders slumped and his eyes fell. His reaction exactly mirrored my own. Shepard's dreams - especially the first one with Kaidan whispering his name. Chilling. Mordin's sacrifice at the Shroud. I got a little teary here and was just so darn proud of that Salarian. On the Citadel, there's a Turian in the Docking Hold that's converted into refugee housing who just has an ambient conversation with an orphaned human teen. I found it surprisingly endearing. Nearly every post-mission conversation with Garrus, but the trip to the top of the Presidium w/ him takes the cake. I felt lucky when that scene was done to think that there are a couple of guys who have been and are that kind of friend to me.
3 Things That Made Me Cry Like A Little Girl:
I'm not talking just a tear running down the cheek, I mean full on sobs and shaky breath. Legion's death and Tali's acceptance and affirmation of him just before his noble sacrifice. It was good to see that something awesome, the uplifting of the entire Geth race, could come from something so very ugly (the Quarians attack and the Reaper's subsequent manipulation of the Geth). I'm not saying the ends justified the means, but that, thanks to Legion - something so ugly and wretched and hopeless was instead redeemed. Gave me chills when the Geth Prime approached afterward and Shepard, just like me, was hopeful it was Legion. Ashley. The stress and difficulty of that whole relationship and the underlying questions of trust and identity were powerful. The final goodbye, when Shepard quotes poetry to her instead of the other way around, and her tearful "I don't want you to go" just wrecked me. The most powerful moment in the game for me though, was Thane's death. That scene is still with me, even though it's just a game and it was days and days ago. There aren't many deaths of characters in various forms of media that have actually brought me past sadness to legitimate mourning, but this was one of them. Boromir's death (in the book and the movie both) had a similar affect on me. But man, Thane's death was riveting. In short, the game is amazing but I can't just jump right back in. I still need time to process it all before I try again.
Daemon, Not Rennick (thisisnotforRennicktoreaddon'teventhinkaboutclickingonthisbutton!):
Well in that case, I am MORE than happy to share my channels. Let's just do it and then ask Rennick to forgive us later. It's easier to apologize than it is to ask for permission, right? =P
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