In his conversation with Kenzo, in my last post, Quint mutters, "Ignorant Portians."
This is the equivalent to "Ignorant Cretans."
The use of cretan as a term is based on the quote "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." Attributed to Epimenides and quoted by the apostle Paul, the word has become a part of our vocabulary.
There is of course no Crete in Varisia. Portians thus refers to the citizens of Riddleport, a regular hive of scum and villainry. The phrase "Ignorant Portian" is common to the scholars of Magnimar and southwest Varisia.
Overhead, as the sun moves inexorably through the sky, a blue tailed hawk spirals through the air before alighting above the town, its talons gripping the stone of the Old Light. The hawk has a nest there and it is bringing food back for its young. From its perch it can see all that goes on in the town below it.
The stones of the Old Light are massive and at first glance might appear to be just an extremely tall spur of rocks. But the stone bears the signs of being the work of hands. Scholars say that the old lighthouse that once stood here was at least seven hundred feet tall. Though the remains of the tower still rise over a hundred and seventy feet from the sea, fifty of those feet being on a level with the village, it is clearly only a remnant of its former self.
Interestingly, though the stones of the Old Light dwarf everything in town, save perhaps the new Cathedral, the local people give it hardly a glance as they bustle about on their business. As the bards say, a man can become used to just about anything, given the time.
KENZO
Spoiler:
While Kenzo goes through the motions of completing his chores, Quint spends some time downstairs. As it turns out, Kenzo has only begun to meditate when Quint stomps back upstairs, making an inordinate amount of noise for his small size. The old man appears happier than Kenzo can remember ever seeing him, though admittedly their paths seldom cross.
“I knew it,” says Quint and he gleefully rubs his bald scalp. “Hikjumin clearly says that fire from heaven is conversant with the oils of material emotions. What more proof does one need?” He addresses himself to suddenly to Kenzo with some sternness “You tell Sybl that I was right. Light for lost sailors indeed! Thassilonian architects cared more for fire than water! Ignorant Portians!”
With those profound words Quint gleefully stomps out of the monastery, a certain bounce in his steps.
EUGEN
Spoiler:
Heading towards Cracktooth, paying attention to his surroundings, Eugen passes The Rust Dragon (37) clearly an Inn and then notices The Sandpoint Meat Market (36). The square beyond (35) is filled with colorful booths and people. Merchants are selling wares from all over South Western Varisia. One hawker announces, “Holy Symbols blessed by the priestesses of Windsong Abbey!” Another calls out, “Wolf’s Bane from Wolf’s Ear! Wolf’s Bane from Wolf’s Ear!”
Pushing his way through the throng and making his way up Festival Street, Eugen notices vegetables and fruits on many tables and carts in front of a building that proclaims itself to be “Grocer’s Hall” (29) in bright red letters. Ahead, to the left, looming above the street is a rather large building(23) that dwarves its neighbors. A large cloth awning over the front doors reads, “Sandpoint Theatre” and a billboard on the side of the large front doors announces, “THE HARPY QUEEN, featuring Magnimarian DIVA Allishanda.” Following the blue haired gnomes instructions, Eugen turns left on Raven street past the theatre and proceeds until finally he sees the white sign in the shape of a broken tooth. Cracktooth’s Tavern (18).
The tavern within is surpisingly well lit. A large stage at the back of the room dominates, though it is currently empty. Many round tables fill the floor, though few of the tables are currently filled. A rather interesting looking individual is polishing wooden tankards behind the bar to the right. Two large tusk like teeth jutting out from his lower jaw proclaim him to be not quite human, and yes the left tooth is cracked. His brown skin is rather rough looking and his hands are quite large. His long black hair however is quite washed and combed and there is an intelligent glint in his eyes.
“Can I help you,” asks the barkeep, “Haven’t seen you in here before. I’m Jesk.”
RILO
Spoiler:
The common room of the White Deer is clean and spacious. True to its name, the predominate color is white, with just a hint of blue. The smell of food fills the air as does the babble of voices. Clearly this is a popular place.
A large, dark skinned man pushes his way towards Rilo, calling out rather gruffly, “What do you need?” Despite this off-putting introduction, Garridan Viskalai, as the man turns out to be, is indeed pleased when Rilo asks about rooms and meals.
“Got just one left. Cleanest rooms in town. No mice and that’s something the Rusty Dragon can’t say. Normally charge two angels a night but if you agree to stay a month it’s a single golden coin a night, two hands total. Meals are half price for residents. You can’t beat that deal. We have floor space two for a finger a night but tonight we’re already all filled. The law,” he scowls briefly, “won’t put up with us sleeping more than allowed on the floor. So, do you want the room and for how long? If you want it a meal of venison will cost you just two silver fingers.”
MAGAZIN & GYORGY
Spoiler:
Father Zantus eagerly latches on to Gyorgy, “A believer are you. Well met son, well met. May the goddess bless you and yours.” He smiles at the Thrush on Gyorgy’s shoulder. “I simply will not take no for an answer. You must come see the Cathedral. It’s no bother. I already have another coming and ah… here he is.”
Gyorgy sees another man approaching and is momentarily surprised by the points of the other’s ears, not expecting to see a half-elf.
“Brother Magazin, glad to see you here. This is Gyorgy. He’s staying with his aunt. Just been helping on the Cathedral. Gyorgy. Brother Magazin, a fellow venerator of the great goddess. So wonderful”
Hardly pausing for breathe, the priests sweeps the other two into the Cathedral. He shows them first the seven stones in the center courtyard, ancient stones in a clear pattern around a larger round altar carved from a single stone, “Representing seven gods,…” intones Zantus reverently. He then moves on to the rooms of the main building, showing off each altar and each great stained glass window above the altar. As he walks he keeps up a constant stream of excited patter.
“To the west are the shrines of Gozreh and Shelyn, Weather and Music… The artist that carved Shelyn’s altar did such a wonderful job... To the South we have the shrines of Erastil and Abadar, Abundance and Civilization, farming and community in a happy union… When you see Abadar’s window I think you will be impressed by the creative use of the colors… But you know we actually have so many followers of Erastil in the area. Not in Sandpoint itself, but in the many farms around. I won’t be surprised if he’s not the most popular in the area when all is said and done,… though of course I do what I can to promote Desna and the Varisian element is so dominate in parts of the town it really helps… And to the East! Desna and Sarenrae…. Sarenrae obviously to catch the sunrise… And I want you two to clearly see the excellent work the Glassworks did on Desna’s window.”
As he talks, Magazin and Gyorgy find themselves side by side behind him, striving to keep up with both words and steps.
When the first Korvosan immigrants settled Magnimar, they relied on the coinage they carried with them or on barter. When the government established itself in 4608, it naturally began seeking to print its own coins. The first of these coins were simple disks, marked only with the name of the city. Within a few years however something more was desired. This led to the minting of what are known as the Founders.
Founders, whether silver, copper or gold, were all minted using the same molds. They were round, featuring a bust of Alcaydian Indros on the face side and a likeness of Usher hall on the reverse. Because the coins were all made using the same molds, careless minting sometimes resulted in copper being mixed in with the silver or gold, or the silver and gold being mixed. Today collectors often prize “Mixed Founders” as rarities of coinage but they were for years an embarrassment to the council and Lord Mayor. After a particularly troubling episode with a snide envoy from Korvosa, it was decided that something needed to be done.
The coins today
Spoiler:
The city of Magnimar makes, in the main, three different types of coin. By decree none of the three can have the same shape or can be made using the same molds.
The first and most common of coins is the copper coin. Theses star like coins have four points. The eight edges of each coin are slightly curved. The artist at the time had in mind a four petaled flower, but the populace at large calls them copper stars, and few realize or care that the shape is really agricultural in nature. Copper stars are the only coins to still use the image of Indros for the face and the likeness of Usher Hall for the revere. For this reason, some residents of Magnimar still refer to the copper coins as Founders.
The second most common coin in Magnimar is the silver coin. These coins are long, thin ovals. They feature a likeness of the Arvensoar on the reverse and a bust of Ordelia Whilwren on the face. Most people refer to these coins as silver fingers, or just fingers. But they are also called silver ladies or sticks (the last is a usage most common in the seedier sections of the city).
Gold coins are not minted in the same quantities as the other two coins but the city still produces many of them. The golden coins of Magnimar are almost oval in nature but with one end being slightly smaller than the other. The face of each coin features a likeness of one of the angels of the Arvensoar and the reverse features a likeness of the Irespan. Golden coins have a number of nicknames. They are most commonly called Angels but they are sometimes golden bridges, eggs, geese, and even upon occasion Lord-Mayors, though the last is a reference to a crude joke told among the poorer residents.
Other monetary units
Spoiler:
Though the city does not itself mint Platinum coins, several merchant houses common to the city have. These coins invariably bear the stamp of the merchant company and often a date and coin weight. The city does not accept these for its own business dealings or for taxes, but most merchants will.
At times Magnimar has minted gold units of greater value than their typical angel. These are normally simple gold bars or sticks bearing a stamp of the city. Over the last twenty years the city has produced these in values of both ten angels and a hundred angels but few common citizens have ever seen the latter.
Korvosan coins, round disks bearing the likeness of rulers of Korvosa, are sometimes seen in Magnimar and merchants will accept them. Likewise the Octagonal coins of Riddleport with their distinctive holes (often called ‘Washers’ by the people of Magnimar) are accepted by the merchants. As with the platinum coins, Magnimar itself, as a government will not accept either.
At times adventurers will return with spoils that include ancient coins. Sadly many simply try to use these as they would normal currency. Canny merchants accept, knowing that to the right people, these coins will be worth far more than their mere weight in gold. Of course some ancient currency is more common than others and the more common a specific coin is, the less it is worth to collectors.
When we are writing jointly together as we are, there is always the possibility, even likelyhood of writing contradictory material. Bill and I already did this in small part with alternate views on the amount of traffic seen at the House of Blue Stone’s Library. Its no big thing but it made me start thinking of how to try and avoid most of that sort of thing. Part of the problem is that we did not write up sheets and sheets of background for a common worldview before beginning the game. That would, have course been impractical, firstly because it would have taken too long and some would have grown bored waiting to start the narrative (me for instance) and secondly because it is hard to say what would come up and need covered beforehand.
A twofold solution then. Firstly I request that you five try not to give motivation or actions to those places or people specifically enumerated on the map of Sandpoint and/or detailed as part of the published adventure (i.e. NPCs the DM mentions by name first). Eugen’s father, Aunt Luba, the masters of the martial arts on their mountains elsewhere, the little girl who smiles, gives a piece of candy and then goes her own way – all that is fair game for you (within reason of course – the candy can’t be a candy of cure light wounds :p and the masters aren’t going to be sending money anytime soon) .
Secondly, for my part, I will try and be as informative as possible whenever asked to better allow you to better interact narratively with the world of Golarion. I am not going to jump right out and write up a 450 page world-book/bible but I will try and occasionally describe the way that I perceive things to be based on my interpretation of the material published and my own add-ins. Lets start with a couple of NPCs that have already shown up and with whom you will be interacting.
Sybl
Spoiler:
The House of Blue Stones is a monastery, a temple and a home. The large main room that dominates the first floor of the House features a floor decorated with blue stones and red reed mats (set up as a symbolic pathway). The second floor contains a single room in which Sybl sleeps, eats and baths. The basement contains several rooms, including a larder and a storage room, but the chief room of interest houses scrolls and books. Many of these books have been purchased by Sybl using funds donated to her by those who use the monastery but the majority of them were laid up by her late father Enderaki.
Though in theory the House is open to all, in reality Sybl is very guarded about who she allows in. Those who carry with them some proof of worshipping Irori, god of self perfection, are always granted access and every Sunday there are a dozen to twenty worshippers who use the monastery to meditate. These worshippers are always allowed free access to the library as well. Others wishing to use the library mainly include scholars interested in religious theory or sometimes in transcendental theories (ascension to the planes). Sybl has been known to turn many of these away for no reason other than she did not like their attitude ( They rolled less than 25 on a diplomacy check.) There are at least a dozen in town who have earned her trust and with whom she interacts on a scholarly basis. There are another two dozen who sometimes will travel from Magnimar or Riddleport to read a text only she has.
Sybl is a very orderly woman, everything must be thus so in life and in housekeeping. The floors of the monastery are swept daily and the walls are washed weekly. The wood is polished monthly. Everything has a schedule. Outwardly she is always formal and obviously strives to show little or no emotion, feeling strong emotion is a weakness of character. When this becomes a struggle for her, her temper tends to be a little thin, though she would never admit this. Most weeks however she is pleasant enough, simply guarded in what she says.
Kenzo suspects there is another side to Sybl, one she refuses to show others. He has caught her at times writing in a book and it seemed she was writing poetry. The book was snapped shut and she would not answer as to what she wrote. Kenzo also suspects that if mention was ever strongly made that she was not as emotionless as she tried to portray herself, he would find himself roundly kicked (literally) out the door. Kenzo has also heard her once or twice complain about girls who threw themselves at a man with no sense of decorum and no proper courtship. She was talking at the time about the daughters of Ven Vinder, the owner of the General Store (26).
Ameiko Kaijitsu
Spoiler:
Six years ago Ameiko Kaijitsu returned from a life of adventure and bought the Rusty Dragon, soon turning it into the most popular eatery in town. The Rusty Dragon features a large common room in which travelers can sleep after hours and several rooms upstairs for more discerning guests. The food at the Rusty Dragonis generally thought to be the best in town, though there are those who hold out for the Hagfish, but there are those who sniff critically at the often unwashed walls, the cracked plates and the mice rumored to infest the walls. These souls often prefer the White Deer, which if nothing else, is cleaner and newer.
Outwardly Ameiko is a very warm and gregarious individual. She sings, and sometimes dances, for the amusement of her clientele. She has a laugh, a smile and a joke for everyone.
Those who know her best however realize that this is mostly a show. Aunt Luba has told Gyorgy that Ameiko refuses to talk about her family, her adventures, her finances or her true thoughts. Sometimes it is apparent to her employees that Ameiko is unhappier than she lets on. Outwardly successful, it is clear that Ameiko wants something more from her life than what she has. Sometimes Luba says its just ‘feminine issues’. But other times Luba shakes her head and wonders when ‘that fool girl’ will wise up.
Incidentally, since there are some (hi daniel) who are new to these particular boards, the words in light blue are considered out of character comments in the game thread. I will use them myself mostly for mechanics discussion in the game thread.
For example:You, with the nose, make a spot check!
On the whole, however, I will try to keep most of my out of game comments, like these, in this thread.
Weaving in and out among the feet of the citizens of Sandpoint, dogs and young children chase each other, barking and laughing. Though there are places in the world where darkness reigns, it is clear that this town is not one of them. The good people of Sandpoint have had little reason to fear over the years and whatever fears they might once have felt have vanished with time. This is a town where parents don’t worry about what trouble their children might encounter when unsupervised
One might assume, of course, that the presence of the Sandpoint militia helps to keep it that way.
KENZO
Spoiler:
The price of a room at the White Deer, for those who agree to stay at least 4 weeks is a gold coin a night. The owner, Garridan Viskalai, charges only 2 silver fingers (sp) a meal for boarders. Otherwide, meals at other locations cost normally cost 3 fingers though of course there are both cheaper and more expensive fares. Kenzo has come to know most of the workers at the white deer by sight and they he.
Sybl does not actually allow uninvited visitors into her library, though there are a few regulars from the area who have a standing invitation. To Kenzo’s disappointment, though he checks several times, the morning brings no questing scholars. Shortly after lunch however, Kenzo spies an older man impatiently waiting outside the doors of Sybl’s abode. He is looking angrily about and seems about on the verge of leaving when he spies Kenzo. Kenzo recognizes the man, Sybl calls him Quint and he in fact lives only a couple of hundred feet from the House of Blue Stones, making his abode (8) at the base of the 150 foot tall pile of rocks the locals call the Old Light. While Sybl has made it clear to Kenzo in private conversation that Quint is not one of her favorite of people, (she feels he is a bit too pompous) she nevertheless allows him occasionally to peruse her books.
“I had about given up on you,” says Quint, “I ran across a mention of planar fire in my reading today and I remembered seeing it in one of Sybl’s scrolls. Is she here? Don’t tell me that she has got caught up in this Swallowtail nonsense?”
RILO
Spoiler:
The Gatehouse guards look Rilo over with what appears to be an amused glint in their eye. The taller of the two says, “I haven’t heard of ye yet. I’m Sergeant Trent.”
“And its hoping that we aren’t hearing of you for being in trouble while you are here,” says the other with a chuckle, obviously pleased with his wit.
“Are you here for the festival?” continues the first, heedless of his companion, “If you are you will have to be finding a place to sleep. We don’t allow sleeping in the streets. Nor begging. If you need an inn, they’ll be running you 2 gold coins a night this week for rooms and 1 golden coin for the commons, though I heard tell that Garridan Viskalai might be offering slightly better rates if you agree to stay beyond the festival. I assume you have the coin to pay for lodging?”
GYORGY
Spoiler:
I was planning on the game starting on the 22nd but the adventure itself beginning on the 23rd. Subtle distinction I recognize but what I was meaning to say is I was aiming on just a little role-playing set on the 22nd before beginning the actual events of the module. Just repost your 23rd morning entry at the appropriate spot.
During the festival, Ameiko Kaijitsu is charging 2 golden coins a night for rooms and 1 gold coin a night just for the privilege of sleeping on the floor. On the positive side, she is giving a half price discount for meals for all lodgers during the festival.
As the finishing touches are being put on the roof of the building adjoining the cathedral, Father Zantus and another of the acolytes approach the workers, carrying some pitchers of water and a platter with meat and bread.
“Well done, well done,” says Zantus with pleasure, “Slack your thirst my friends. Eat up. The good worker deserves his wages, as they say and then some.”
“Hullo,” says the priest as he hands Gyorgy a sandwich, “Have I seen you at work here before? The face looks vaguely familiar but I can’t recall the name. So tell me, what do you think of our new Cathedral? Have you had the tour yet?”
MAGAZIN
Spoiler:
The price of a room at the White Deer, for those who agree to stay at least 4 weeks is a gold coin a night. The owner, Garridan Viskalai, charges only 2 silver fingers (sp) a meal for boarders. Otherwide, meals at other locations cost normally cost 3 fingers though of course there are both cheaper and more expensive fares. Magazin has come to know most of the workers at both the White Deer and the Rusty Dragon by sight and they he.
Father Zantus has no problem with allowing vestments to be stored in the Cathedral. On more than one occasion he has explained to Magazin that all should be welcome to worship and serve in worship in the house of the gods.
There is not a whole lot to do on the Cathedral that has not already been done, but Zantus cheerfully greets Magazin when he sees him, makes sure to obtain a promise from Magazin to be at the consecration ceremony on the following evening and asks if Magazin would like a little tour of the Cathedral this very afternoon, when things have got a little quiter?
EUGEN
Spoiler:
The Two Knights Brewery, it turns out, is not in fact a tavern or a pub but is in fact a brewery. Eugen only finds this out for certain however after standing in line for several minutes in the small front room. He thinks it a little odd that most people carrying things out are carrying them out in crates and barrels rather than by the bottle or mug. But his suspicions are confirmed when the exasperated and haried little gnome behind the counter refuses to sell him anything smaller than 2 gross bottles at a time of ale, beer, wine or mead, that is unless he wants to buy a 50 gallon barrel of ale or beer, untapped.
Despite his obvious irritation the Gnome advises Eugen to seek out either the Rusty Dragon (37), The Hagfish (33), or Cracktooth’s tavern (18) and he gives directions to each.
“There’s also Fatman’s,” says the Gnome, “but personally, I recommend Cracktooths for the atmosphere. Mind you, only the Rusty Dragon and the White Deer will put you up for the night.”
I'm Jonathan and I will be your Dungeon Master this evening.
34, married, four children (11, 10, 8,and 7). I game with the whole family about once a week. Mostly D&D but we also enjoy the odd Munchkin Cthulhu, 3 Dragon Ante, etc.
I have been gaming for about 25 years on and off, mostly on. Normally I have been DM, mostly because noone else wanted the job but also because I like planning games.
A few years ago I was about the second most frequent poster at ENworld, and a frequent Iron DM participant but then life intervened for a while and I dropped out of the online gaming community. My Servants of the Swift Sword's Campaign is still available to read, for as far as it went, as are Cthulhu inspired short stories (Daniel, my story about Walter Poindexter III is in that thread). I have some other stories and a few adventures floating around cyberspace but I offer the preceding as examples of my writing. I started posting on Paizo recently when I found ENWorld had changed just a little from the way I remembered it.
As I said, this is my first PbP game and I am looking forward to the experience.
I will try and hold off posting to the game thread until most of the players have chimed in at least once
Oh, and feel free to make suggestions as to how to improve the play of the game in days, weeks and months to come. I don't promise to take it but I will be glad of feedback in this thread. This is my first PbP game and I am sure there are things I will change in style as we go along and I learn the tricks better.
Just a few notes that seem more appropriate for the Discussion page than the game thread.
The events of the adventure will actually begin on Rova 23, a Sunday. We are starting the characters a day early to better tie the characters into Sandpoint. I don't want to spend very long on the events of the 22nd, no more than a half dozen posts or so each if we can help it. Basically we want to know where everybody is staying and maybe set up a few NPC relationships (I use the term very loosely). Your aid in moving the narrative along is appreciated. :)
My apologies to Supernatural, I've been watching the first two seasons on DVD lately and their use of THEN and NOW in foreshadowing and flashbacks is currently in my mind. I will try to start each chapter of the game with a Flashback of somesort that relates to the events of the current chapter. Do what you will with it.
Spoilers within the posts are intended for the character named above the Spoiler and will use the second person singular. I don't much care if you read them all or not but I thought it would make the postings on my part more concise.
The last day of summer is a time of preparation. Across Sandpoint all are bustling. Horses, men, women, children and dogs alike fill the streets. The smell of food is everywhere as cooks in kitchens across town prepare for tomorrow’s feast. In the stores, there is shouting and prodding and the tinkle of coins as all try to buy the last trinkets, crackers and copper-whistles. The Swallowtail Festival is at hand.
Above the roofs of the downtown buildings rises the newly completed Cathedral (1)*, a towering structure of stone and glass, gleaming in the light of the sun. Five years after the fire that burned so much of the Uptown buildings, the Cathedral stands as a monument to Sandpoint’s resilience and determination. In the open square besides the Cathedral the finishing touches are being put upon the stage from which the speeches will be given. Men, acolytes from the cathedral for the most part, work to string bunting across the area.
*When appropriate reference numbers will be used in conjunction with the map of Sandpoint, found on page 2 of the Players Guide.
MAGAZIN FIBROS
Spoiler:
Having arrived early you have your choice of Inns. The White Deer (3) is newer, with quality, spacious rooms, good service, and easy access to the festival, being situated some 150 feet from the new Cathedral. Asking around Magazin knows that “Everyone” in town says they prefer the food and atmosphere of the Rusty Dragon (37) which is located downtown near the southern entrance to Sandpoint. On the other hand the White Deer is owned and operated by a Shoanti individual who seems to take his heritage seriously, or at least as seriously as a town-born tribesman can.
RILO QUELLROSS
Spoiler:
Traveling south on the Lost Coast road you arrive at the Northern Gatehouse of Sandpoint. There is a sign here, reading “Welcome to Sandpoint,” with a mirror and words of a smaller print below this. The words below the mirror read, “Please take a moment to see yourself as we see you.” Clearly an invitation to primp in front of the mirror. Two guards stand in the path, inspecting those who come through.
To the southwest, through the gate you see a large inn, two large white wooden deer stand in front of it. To the south, above the gate you see the top half of what must be the new cathedral, resplendent in its glory, the sun reflecting from the many windows. To the North and west of you the ocean thunders and to your left the wind quietly rustles the leaves of the woods that come right up to northern wall of Sandpoint.
EUGEN ENESCU
Spoiler:
Traveling north on the Lost Coast road you arrive at bridge over the Turandarok leading into Sandpoint proper. Behind you the wind quietly rustles the leaves of the woods that grow right up to the eastern shores of the Turandarok. To the right of the bridge is a sign, reading “Welcome to Sandpoint,” with a mirror and words of a smaller print below this. The words below the mirror read, “Please take a moment to see yourself as we see you.” Clearly an invitation to primp in front of the mirror.
Across the bridge the streets of Sandpoint bustle with activity. Immediately across the bridge and to the right is a tall imposing building, the front of which proclaims itself to be the Two Knight’s Brewery (39). Many men are going in and out through its doors. Further down is what appears to be a large stable (38) though the sign in front of it shows a goblin being trampled by a horse. Next to the stables is a rather good sized inn (37) with a large rusty iron dragon perched atop its roof.
GYORGY ELBERION
Spoiler:
Aunt Luba, one of three cooks at the Rusty Dragon (37), was quite delighted when her nephew arrived to see her, even more so when made the gift of spices. Unfortunately, with the festival approaching, Ameiko Kaijitsu, the owner of the Rusty Dragon cannot afford to give discounts, even for the favorite nephew of a favorite cook. Because he arrived early, Gyorgy can stay at either of the two inns in town if he wishes. The rooms of the White Deer are bigger, but the food at the Rusty Dragon is better (at least Gyorgy has to agree it is if he wishes to remain a favorite nephew).
KENZO
Spoiler:
Sybl, like all of Sandpoint, has been in high anticipation of the Swallowtail festival. In keeping with her veneration of Irori, god of self perfection, she is planning on hosting several events aimed at encouraging the young to develop both mind and body. In short she is planning several races, relay and obstacle alike. Kenzo is invited to join her in setting up both the booth and the obstacles.
The House of Blue Stones (19) is not set up as an Inn and Sybl, though she has accepted Kenzo as a fellow student of both mind and body, has never invited him to rest within her home. However, because he has arrived so soon before the festival, he has his choice of Inns. The White Deer is certainly newer, with wide, spacious rooms. It is also cleaner and slightly better run than its competitor the Rusty Dragon (37). The food of the Rusty Dragon on the other hand is better and many of the locals seem to appreciate the more relaxed atmosphere it provides.
A crisp wind blew east from the ocean, carrying with it the tang of salt and fish. It blew across the massive stones of the Old Light and rattled lightly across the wooden shingles of Sandpoint. In the safety of their homes and the security of their beds the townspeople heard the wind and shuddered for it was an evil night, the height of the month of monsters. Too vivid yet were memories of the slain and few yet found comfort even in the warmth of hearth and fire.
The wind blew softly under the door of the northern gatehouse with a shrill whistle. Drevis Trent, newly promoted to watch sergeant, felt a shiver go down his spine and unbidden to his mind came the image of a horrible statue and the thin piping of birds. He stomped his boots and went to add another log to the fire.
The wind twisted at the iconic rusty dragon above the inn that bore its name. Within her room below Ameiko Kaijitsu thought of her mother and cried. She had not slept in days and the memory of her last fight with her brother still echoed in her restless mind.
The wind played with the leaves along the empty streets, blowing them down Raven Street and up Festival until they gathered at the Undercliff. Above the Undercliff the wind paused for a moment at the quaint chapel, and then slowed and shifted back towards the west.. A power darker and more troublesome than the wind had plans and the weather would this night comply.
Within a window of the chapel, a small red light could be seen, if there had been anyone to see it. The light flickered and played with the shadows and a moment later it became brighter. Soon the window was blazing with the light of fire. Precious seconds passed and now there were screams from within the chapel. There was a banging on the heavy front door to the sanctuary but the exit was barred. Every window of the chapel was flooded with a radiant light and as Drevis Trent looked out from the windows of the northern gatehouse and saw it he had the thought that some god was visiting old Father Tobyn tonight.
It was then that the roof collapsed with a roar and a whoosh. Flames leaped from the structure, illuminating the thick clouds of smoke that were rolling heavenward. The fire leapt onto the roofs of the buildings adjoining the chapel and now the residents of those buildings were fleeing out, clutching whatever clothing or valuables they could find in the space of a few heartbeats
Somewhere, a fire bell began to clang.
In the heavens above dark eyes gleamed in pleasure.
i lowered one of the non-class skills, and added in the save bonuses, i think i did them right, and i think i'll take you up on your city recommendation but need to reread the players guide section on it. also i'd listed the languages in the form but for some reason they don't show up, so i moved them to the notes section.
I think you are still slightly off on your skills and the reason is two fold. First you can't have more than two at first level at a non-class skill. But that's not really the problem since I said you can count all crafts as class skills. So give make your craft a class skill and give yourself exactly two more points.
I just finished printing off 4 out of 5 character sheets (the monk obviously not being done) and it struck me... The only one playing a Lawful character is the guy with the creepy evil clown avatar. That doesn't seem quite right :/
Magazin is done. Check out his profile to see the semi-final version :)
Good to see it :)
I'll allow the starknife as a weapon that clerics of Desna are proficient in.
But the Klar is a martial weapon and requires a feat to be proficient in (to use it as a weapon without the -4 penalty) - as a cleric he is proficient with it as a shield. I assume you aren't trying to fight with two weapons a round?
You might note his jump score as your feat gives you a bonus there of +2.
The only in character change I might see making is to put some skill points into Knowledge: Geography to go along with the character idea, perhaps move some from spellcraft and concentration.
Otherwise it looks pretty good. Is his father also a priest of Desna or just a religious elf? And if you want, your character can be at the ceremony as an official representative of the Shoanti people and/or the church of Desna, such as it is. Perhaps a combination of both.
I think you used 1 too many skill points. They add up to 25 instead of 24. And you might want to add Saving Throw and Languages. Other than that it looks good. Oh and you might want to pick a city for your cityborn. Magnimar born get a +2 on Diplomacy checks. You might consider that
Rilo
Looks pretty good. Except... :-) You can't take weapon finesse as a first level rogue. Prerequisite is a BAB of +1. Your dagger will do 1d4 damage. The 1d3 is for small characters. And disguise kits cost 50 gp. How did you afford that and still have 78 gp left out of 120?
I like your backstory. Simple and provides motivation. You might consider however moving a few skill points to Craft: Writing if you want him to actually excel at his chosen vocation. Oh and don't forget saving throws and languages for Rilo as well.
Actually, I didn't see your post before making mine, and you've given me some other ideas. I like the other maybe using my first idea, monk out seeing the world, with visiting Sabyl to possibly expand his training as being the reason he's in Sandpoint. If that works, I'd be happy to post some backstory via letters to the old masters/sifu/sensei at the monastery.
Why don't you type up a letter of introduction to give to Sabyl instead or in addition. It could be from your old master. Sabyl is not quite experience enough to be considered a great teacher but she has a good library.
I take it you are looking at having a fighter/monk character?
Actually, if it works for you, I was thinking a Monk/Sorcerer.
Depending on how you tie it into the world, it should be fine.
You might want to consider being a cousin of the Kaijitsu family of Sandpoint. They were exiled from Tian Xia and settled in Magnimar, to the south of Sandpoint. The Sandpoint Kaijitsu are of course glass blowers.
Alternately, the house of Blue Stones of Sandpoint is a monastery and Sabyl, the female monk who runs it, could have connections through her late father to other monasteries.
On the whole though, as you write up a backstory, remember that monks are a rarity in Varisia.
Magazin, 1/2 Elf Shoanti Cleric of Desna (Storm Wolf)
Gyorgy, Varisian Sorcerer (and also a worshiper of Desna) (Geraint)
Varisian Rogue (Rilo)
Wandering Fighter (Daniel)
Billzabub, if you read this, go ahead and throw in your character. If Tim ends up wanting to play we will just have six PCs.
Don't forget to give me a reason why you think you are in Sandpoint. The event is the consecration of a new grand cathedral. It is perfectly permissable to be from Sandpoint originally. Otherwise the Cathedral should probably fix into your plans somewhat.
Let me clarify on the cooking. If you want to cook for large groups (as in an inn) profession would likely make sense. If you wanted to cook dishes mainly for small groups, such as for yourself, I would guess craft to be better.
Adding up the Ability stats I get 34. (2+2+4+6+10+10)
And cooking is often a craft skill not a profession (as there is something produced). Though I notice in the list above it is the other way around. There is actually I realize a great deal of leeway between the two but you can take it for what its worth.
well, i was thinking of a vanilla fighter, not so much a tank though as kind of a wanderer. any suggestions on the location of the list of crafts and professions?
The Kalamar Player's Guide has a pretty decent list:
It means that in addition to the normal skills available to each class as core class skills, the above listed skills are also available. I don't restrict them to certain classes (This is mostly applicable to the knowledge skills). Furthermore, you may choose one of the skills from the list and apply it to your 1st level character at a skill level of +4 in addition to those skills normally available. This is intended to represent a fuller background for your character. Was he raised by a family of fishermen (profession: fishing) or was he trained as a carpenter (craft: woodworking).
A sorceror would normally have (2+int)x4 skill points to spend on skills at first level. Humans get an extra +4 skill points. I am offering an extra 4 skill points on top of that but they all have to be spent on one of the skills from the list.
Ok, Billzabub is first alternate (despite his creepy clown avatar).
And on another note, one convention I am using in my RotRL table game that players might consider concerns names.
For Chelaxian names I used Latin names.
For Varisian names I used Romanian names.
For Shoanti names I used ... actually we didn't have any but Russian might work
Elves are named after angels (though Hebrew names might work)
If you need names a site I use is Baby Names World where the advanced search lets you break down names by origin and languages.
Character creation is 32 point buy. Characters need to be non-evil, of a basic class and race. If you have a prestige class or variant feat you want to use from an outside source I'm open to them so long as I have the material myself and approve of the idea game wise/world wise. Starting gold is 120 gp per person. If the player has a craft skill, items belonging to that craft are half price. Each character gets a free skill from the following list and these skills are never considered class skills:
Craft (Any)
Knowledge (Nature, Local, Religion, History, Geography, or Nobility)
Profession (Any)
Characters may be from anywhere in Varisia, though they need a reason as to why they are in Sandpoint.
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