gigz's page

Wen-Sensei

Konban wa. I seem to have fallen in with a group who has made its share of enemies. The culprit was a woman who had enspelled herself to look just like one of the crew members, and upon our discovery of a body in the hold, changed to look like an existing crew member. I was able to put your Douten Genkotsu technique to excellent use, as it allowed Urgur-san to rush up and cleave the stunned culprit in twain. Quick and decisive was the judgment. After her fall, her features reverted to their normal state which the rest of the party recognized as very similar to a fallen enemy from before I arrived. I am now beginning to worry what other surprise enemies could take such underhanded measures for petty revenge. I must accept this as another part of my greater journey…

We have arrived at the place called Tamoachan, where one of the passengers has requested we accompany him on an investigation of the ancient ruins. I shall inform you of how these investigations went upon our return, Sensei. Your humble servant, Flea

Wen-Sensei

Konnichiwa. Once again, I must describe the oddities that occur on this vessel. The commotion I mentioned in my last post was a strange creature of slime and debris. We vanquished it easily (though Amhril-san was hurt due to investigating the oddity as it approached our vessel) and once again, Urgur-san decided that now would be a good time for swimming. Then, several days later Kavin-san became quite ill, and it was determined that he had been poisoned. Urgur-san called it Arsenic, and claimed it to be very hard to obtain. While Kavin recuperated from his sickness, we investigated the ship to determine who may have done something so heinous. According to the lady who was cooking that evening, she only left the soup long enough to grab the spices before returning. Using some minor magic, we determined that the entire soup was indeed poisoned. We located those who had not eaten, including the suspicious “nobleman” and interrogated them by getting them to eat a bowl of soup recently prepared so that it resembled the nights dinner. The “nobleman” declined so we threw him into the sail locker until Urgur-san could pray for a spell that would force the truth from him. Unfortunately, he was speaking the truth, though full of bitterness and arrogance. Wen-Sensei, I wish he could partake in a few of your character building sessions to help him realize his place better. The ship began to get restless, and suspicion was rampant. In an attempt to find the culprit, we are now investigating the entire ship. We will move all the passenger and crew to the deck before searching every nook and cranny for anything hidden. I plan to bring a sack of flour in case the culprit is invisible, though Amhril-san claims he can cast a spell that allows him to see the invisible. I will write again once our search has concluded. As always, your humble servant Flea.

Wen-Sensei

Forgive my long pause in writing, but my spell is not strong enough yet to cross great distances, so I must wait until we once again head south before sending. I find this trip to be most intriguing, as much happens that one would not expect upon such a voyage. Not only have we met strange men who do not understand the concept of “moderation,” we have feasts, slay imps, defeat child killing heathens and destroy treasure eating sharks, but now we have holy Houshi-sama who are not actually Houshi, and carry strange demon eggs embedded in their flesh. Yes, demon eggs. Yes, buried in his flesh. It seems Urgur-san views himself a doctor, as he practiced surgery trying to remove the egg several times. Once removed, the houshi-sama admitted to his farce, and informed us that he was to deliver a package to a temple in one of the ports we stopped at. Shortly after delivering the package he became ill and that is when we found the demon egg. We wonder if maybe this was an attempt to destroy our vessel? Anyway, he lives and we are continuing on our way. We have anchored in a cove for the night, though it sounds as if something is amiss on deck. I will send again when time permits, Sensei. Your humble servant, Flea.

Wen-Sensei

Konnichiwa. We have just returned to our trip after a strange detour. The one called Dyn-san was up in the place the Seiyuuki-san calls the “Crow’s Nest” when he spotted smoke and flame. We informed our companion ship through strange lights that we would investigate, then sailed closer to the shore. As we neared, we saw strange men attacking the remains of a small village. Before we could get close enough, one of the men murdered a little girl, before turning his attention to our vessel. His comrades leapt into the water, and with amazing speed headed strait for us. Even more strange, the giant sharks in the water ignored them. I invoked a Fuda of Protection and a Fuda of Strength, before demonstrating to the first despicable heathen the power of the Crescent Star. The one called Urgur-san and Kavin-san attempted to use the large ballista on the remaining man on shore, but missed. The man on shore then also leapt into the water and swam out to meet us. Which suited us fine, as it saved us the hassle of trying to find a way to him. As he came onboard, we greeted him with fist, fang, and steel. He lasted mere moments. What happened next though makes me worry. Urgur-san decided to leap into the water after the giant sharks, screaming something about “Steel Dragon treasure!” as his axe nearly cleaved the beast in two. Before I could react, both sharks were dead and being hoisted out of the water. I was under the assumption that we would be dining on sushi tonight, but it turns out they were more interested in what items might be on the bodies currently residing in the monsters stomach. THIS is why those of the Crescent Star need not material items. What good is armor or jewelry if you must cut through the stomach of a giant shark to obtain it? Again, I still follow my path to enlightenment aboard this vessel. Your humble servant, Flea.

Wen-Sensei

Konban wa. We have set sail, and are rounding the peninsula before heading in a much more southerly direction. I expected to spend most days in meditation and training. The rope obstacle course on this vessel is very intricate. The Seiyuuki-san calls it “rigging,” and I must assume there is some function to it. Anyway, I expected to spend most days in meditation or training but have discovered that these types of voyages are wrought with strange and unusual occurrences. First, our companion boat had a feast where everyone dressed as if they were still on land at a council meeting. Needless to say my plain brown ishou stood out almost as much as my companion’s armor and swords. I still question the purpose of this strange feast, but in the land of strangers one must also be strange. Next, as we returned to our vessel a strange water creature attacked us. I planned to use a fuda that would allow me to leap at the creature, but the one call Amhril-san had a pet that ate it instead. Then the one called Urgur-san discovered a bottle coated in water, so it seems it may have been set upon us. We will investigate this further on the morrow.

With that, I must retire to my allotted resting. Your humble servant, Flea.

Wen Sensei:

Konnichiwa. I hope this message finds you at peace. I have established communication with my Great Aunt's employer, Vanderboren Lavinia-sama. Lavinia-sama has informed me that Aunt Kora was killed when Lavinia-sama’s estate was invaded by nasty frog creatures. She then told me that a group of adventurers she had hired called the Company of the Steel Dragon rescued her, though they were unfortunately too late to save Aunt Kora. I have asked both Lavinia-Sama and the Steel Dragons if I may travel with them for a time, until the fiends behind this have been brought forth to justice. They have agreed, though I suspect the Dragons are a little leery of me. I accept this, as it will now be my challenge to show them how strong the training of the Crescent Star is. They say we will be departing for parts unknown at a place called “The Isle of Dread” so I am unsure how often I will be able to send word of my journey. Fear not, Sensei. I will find a way to share my journey with you, so that you can share in my growth.

Until then, your humble servant, Flea

Once again, I present to you a character background. You'd think I'd be getting good at this, eh?

Born Fillius Whistlegap, he was raised in the small town of Freeman’s Ferry along the Emerald River, just southwest of Evermire. Short even for a Halfling, Fillius allowed his temper to rule much of his thoughts. Easily provoked (especially by “short” comments) he spent the majority of his formative years in fist fights, most of which he lost. His parents (Grillin and Trealla Whistlegap) tried their best to teach him how to avoid conflict, how to turn the other cheek, or how to control his temper. Finally, after bailing his broken and bruised body out of the local jail again, they asked for help from the Magistrate overseeing his most recent legal issue. It was from him they learned of the Monastery of the Crescent Star, some 2 days due south deep into the mountains. Traveling there, the head of the order Tao Zhi Wen saw the beleaguered parents, and after meeting young Fillius, immediately agreed to allow him entry. Waiving the normal donation
required to join the monastery, Tao claimed that something was special about Fillius, and that under the correct guidance he would become one of the strongest members of his order, and in time may replace Tao as head if he so desires.

With that, Fillius’ parents returned to Freeman’s Ferry, and Fillius began his new life. He trained for over 8 years, regularly visiting his parents in Freeman’s Ferry along with his great aunt Kora in Sasserine. His visits to Sasserine increased after his parents perished in an accidental fire that nearly destroyed the entire town.

During his training, he changed his name from Fillius Whistlegap to Ta Shi Xiao Da Xiao Ding Yao He Ji Qiao Da Yu Shen Cai Ta De Di Di Shen Ti, and adopted the nickname Flea. He finally began to find focus in his life, in the blending of arcana and self discipline and the constant training in both mind and body. By his 26th birthday (4 years after his parents passed) he was told that he should leave the monastery, to experience the world and all its wonders in order to fully realize his potential. He put this off, feeling that he wasn’t ready, that his ability to control his temper was not strong enough yet. He continued training for 2 more years, when word reached him that the last member of his family, his sweet great aunt Kora, had passed away under strange circumstances. Taking this as a sign, he left the monastery for Sasserine one more time, this time to find out exactly what had happened and if possible, ensure those responsible for her death
were brought to justice.

One thing I've never liked much in 3.x is the one stat point per 4 levels. Ever since a friend of mine read this optional rule on a message board, who's poster had heard it from his brothers wife's friend who had heard it... yeah... like that. Anyway, in each campaign I've run since, instead of gaining a stat point every 4th level, every level would provide you with a saveable point you can use to upgrade a stat based off the point buy system. In example, at first level you gain a point. It can be used to upgrade an 8 to a 9, or a 13 to a 14. Since going from 14 to 15 would cost 2 points, you would have to wait until you get your second point at level 2. This allows you to either upgrade your lower stats to a level state, or continue saving points for your primary stat. Anybody else see the 1 point every 4 levels as an area ripe for improvement?

What I would really love would be something simple in the mechanics that would make an elven ranger or wizard different from a dwarven, human, or half-orc one. Something that makes it so that race and class come together and make something whole and different from both--like Kool-Aid powder and Water, each element adds something to a combined whole. I think that's what we're really looking for--a grumpy dwarven woodsman cranking open a big rusty beartrap, axe over one shoulder. Meanwhile, lightstepping through the branches above, his guille suited elven companion peers through the impenetrable folliage keeping an eye on the approaching chimera that's been hunting them both, flashing down the distance in tracker sign in the dwarf's peripheral vison.

See. They're both rangers--but wow there's a difference. Now if only we could come up with some nice easy mechanics to peg them on to. That kind of thing I would REALLY go for.

Mom, Da:

I've come across a few hints here and there of where Tiira may have disappeared to. My query's have led me to a strange band of men and monkeys that are knee deep looking for a man who also happened to be the last person to see Tiira. I've managed to convince them that I could help their own search while simultaneously learning more about what happened to Tiira.

This may be hard to hear, but I am coming to the realization that she may have fallen in with a bad crowd. Remember that silly tattoo she just got? It turns out that a group of unsavory characters calling themselves the "Lotus Dragons" or some such bear that same mark. Don't worry though. When I find her, I'll be sure to talk some sense into her. Knowing her, I'm sure she's just gotten herself in a little over her head.

I know I said that my "retirement" would only be until I found Tiira, but now I'm beginning to wonder. While the constant danger and threat of death seems a decided downside, the thrill of overcoming obstacles that are not as simple as greedy merchants is a refreshing change for me. I'll stay safe though, and let you know how things go.

Do me a favor, will you? I've enclosed a small gem that was... well, let's call it a payment from someone who neither deserves it nor will be able to use it anymore. Would you go and see if there is anyone in town that was related to a Dalimar? He was one of that motley crew that unfortunately was killed by one of those "Lotus Dragons" I was talking about. I know it isn't much compared to a life, but I just want them to know that he was a good man who I wish I could have known better.

Anyway, hope everything is well there. I'll stop by sometime when I know more. I'm sure I can convince of few of these fellows to make a stop by especially if Ale or Food is involved. Talk to you then.

Love, Tiir.

Since Nyll has departed for a place where his HP no longer matter, here is what Tiir has been forthcoming with reguarding his past.
...
He grew up in the Azure district of Sasserine. Born to a loving, though very poor, family he spent his youth constantly in the company of his best friend, his twin sister. Being twins, they thought very much alike and both learned at an early age that it was better to have someone else do something for you, than to do it for yourself. Tiira would use her girlish pout and dimples to get extra candy, Tiir would use his charming smile and wink to talk the gate sentries into allowing them free reign from one district to the next. Together they could pretty much get anything they wanted, and get out of any trouble they got in.

As is typical, they grew apart as they grew into adulthood. After his 16th naming day, Tiir apprenticed himself to Dhalven Miomar (before he rose to Lord of the Merchants Guild) by convincing Dhalven to buy an unmarked potion he was holding, then convincing him to sell it back to Tiir for half of what Dhalven paid. Tiir was immediately sent to Perival, Dhalven's lead envoy. For the next 5 years, Tiir traveled with Perival throughout the known world, brokering deals and establishing contacts and contracts for the Miomar House, and for the last 4 years was doing these by himself, unable to learn anything else from Perival. It was on his most recent return that he heard about Tiira.

While he had worked to establish himself as a charismatic negotiator, Tiira had continued to live by her charm. She never had to work hard to find someone to keep her "happy," there were many men who would be swept in by her beauty, then held hostage by her will. As the years went by, she became colder, more distant from her brother, and began to develop a cruel sense of humor. Tiir always tried to get her back to the little sister he knew, and hoped that she would grow out of it.

Tiira has been missing for months now. His parents haven't seen her, and she hasn't been seen at any courtier's ball in even longer. Convinced that something has happened, Tiir withdrew his name for the time being from the Miomar house payroll and began using his talents to find his sister.

Tiir is a striking figure. Rugged good looks and a disarming smile are the first things you see. He is a born talker, and used to getting others to do what he wants. He dislikes compulsion spells, but is not above using them if needed. Usually calm, especially when in some form of negotiations or diplomacy, when something does push him over his emotions burst forth like an avalanche. (If you play Magic the Gathering, he would be the epitome of Red-Blue). Somewhat selfish, he cares little for the common man though he is fiercely loyal to his family or those who earn his friendship. While he won't put others above himself, he is willing to sacrifice anything to protect those close to him, especially his sister.

Man, that's what I get for not paying more attention to this thread.

I'll be sure to be a little more graphic in my manauvers as long as you don't mind a little artistic license (Nyll has a little Swashbuckler in him, not enough to be swinging from every chandelier but enough to give it a try once or twice).

As for Skype, I'd prefer to stay in chat mode. I find I have an easier time with staying in 1st person in chat than voice. Not to mention it's easier to type descriptive text and backspace out mistakes than to make mistakes while speaking. :p Though I'll go along with everyone if they decide to switch.

Note to history:

So, I'm on my way to my fortune. Its baby steps of course, but I can at least SEE progress. However, I've noticed a slight trend in this new career path. I tend to get knocked around and spend entirely too much time on deaths door. So, in an attempt to ensure that I don't spend the rest of my (possibly short) life in obscurity, I have decided to keep this small journal detailing my quest for fame and fortune.

First off, I hired on with a motley crew of... UNIQUE... individuals. All around good guys though. They seem to be getting proficient in patching me up, which in all honesty is a sight better than the alternative. The bunch of us headed out and re-appropriated a ship for our employer (who I shall endeavor to keep nameless should one of these bouts with unconsciousness become permanent and this journal become my last Will and Testament) along with a signet ring onboard that gave her access to her family vaults. We escorted her through the vaults (with a few minor issues regarding... er... guards) to a smaller fortune than she expected. Turns out her estranged brother may have appropriated a good portion of her monies. She then asked us to investigate the rumors about him for a sizeable reward. We of course agreed, and off we went. I managed to hear some rumors about him hiding out on Parrot Island, and with the assistance of the snitch we headed there. Shortly after entering the hide-out our snitch was tossed down after us (dead, of course and not even the practiced members of our party were able to patch him up). And who do we see? The estranged brother. For a split second as he closes the trap door on us and proceeds to place heavy objects on it. Now, I'm not scared of the dark or small spaces or anything but the thought of being trapped underground for the remainder of our lives seemed like a bad choice. Luckily, my previous pay had gone to buying one of the handiest things I had ever seen. A torch that burns brighter than a real one, and lasts forever. Very handy to have in the damp and dark caves. We managed to fumble around the decrepit hide-out, stumbling upon some dead, some undead, and some soon to be dead. Surprisingly, we ended up with a decent amount of "Finders Keepers" treasure. A bunch of coins, some gems, a few potions, etc. All in all, not bad for a couple of days work. Of course, none of this did us any good as we were stuck in this stinking cave. 2 of the guys who were good a swimming decided to chance it and follow an underground current out. We waited for a long time, and just when we were going to write them off as fish food, they showed up outside the trapdoor with a rope. Man, I don't think I've ever been that glad to see something that hairy.

So, we managed to get back to S-Town, and have holed up in the Thrice Born Phoenix counting our bounty. Not sure what our next step is yet.

Current fortune is around 250 gold, but I have a feeling that most of that will be spent on gear. If there's one thing I've learned in the last week, it's you need to invest gold in staying alive long enough to earn more gold.

By daring and charismatic, he means the ability to laugh in the face of his own inadequacy while picking his bloody body off the floor after his most recent bout with unconsciousness.

Nyll Greylocke

Nyll is the bastard son of a minor noble. While his childhood was far from difficult, he always felt that his life needed more. Partly to legitimize his own heritage, he decided to try and become rich and famous enough to buy into the Nobles Court. He has tried several things, all with little results to show for it. A small stint at his parents gem store has proven that he hasn't the buisness sense to succeed. He tried out for the Gladatorial pits, but was neither strong
enough nor flashy enough to do much more than slow down the rise of others. He contemplated theivery, but looking at the headsman's axe made his neck itch. Adventuring, however, seemed perfect. The only
requirement was the ability to risk your life, limb and sometimes soul for an unknown amount of treasure. Gearing himself up with the winnings from his last Gladatorial combat (including a Spiked Chain used against him. Now THAT was a flashy weapon with a practical use.) he outfitted himself the best he could, honed his skills to hopefully provide a needed service to any group, and began asking questions about
other adventurers in town.

Interested in the game, already sent you an email. :)

If Christpher Hantzman or Mike McArtor are reading this: Thank you! If you had any other ideas that were left on the cutting room floor, or even house rules for your home games, I'd be glad to hear them!

I loved this article, and it is exactly what I've been looking for as an alternate class feature for the sorcerer. I like exchanging the familiar for a special ability, and I like abilities that are dependent on level.

The primary issue I've had with the sorcerer is the whole "no reason to stay a sorcerer when you can take a full caster progression prestige class." I've seen plenty of alternatives, but they always either circumvent the sorcerer's intrinsic limitations (metamagic casting time) or an ability that does not increase with level, or both. With many of the abilities listed in this excellent article, there is now a greater benefit for a sorcerer to remain a sorcerer, at least for 7 or 15 levels.

Again, thank you to the two authors. I would love to see more of this type of alternative for the sorcerer, be it in the magazines, published, or as enhancements: I've been waiting to see a balanced idea like this for a very long time.

Anyone on from K Falls needing a good player for a 3.whatever D&D group? Post or shoot me an email to lordgigz(at)yahoo(dot)com

Hmm... I noticed that you didn't cross off the chartreuse reticulated wyrm. I think I know what's in next June's issue...

gigz
Founder of the m.k.mcartor fanclub

... But I digress. :)

;)

/gigz
Founder of the m.k.mcartor Fanclub

Hey all. Just throwing a note out seeing if there's anyone in need of a game in the Vancouver WA, Portland OR area. Our group has had a few people leave over the last year (not pointing any fingers to anyone on this board though...:p ) and we would like to fill the empty seats to the point where games are no longer being cancelled when someone is unable to show.

We currently have 4 serious members (well, serious attendance anyway) and a 5th that is there fairly often but has other commitments at certain times of the year. We are all in our middlin' years, with no outside issues to impede our friendships or our game (i.e. no psycho ex-spouses that are hunting us, no dungeons in our basements, etc...) and are looking for similar people in similar situations.

We game on Friday nights in Vancouver from around 7 until 11 or 12. We currently have 3 members who alternate as DM, but none of us mind handing the chair over, so to speak. We usually play a mixture of D&D 3.x and AU, but have been known to dabble in Star Wars and D20 Modern on occasion.

If anyone is interested or wants more information, please drop me a line or reply to this thread.

gigz,
Founder of the m.k.mcartor Fanclub
lordgigz@yahoo.com

I don't know, man...Sim is still alive....

/gigz
Founder of the m.k.mcartor Fanclub

...We may very well see the first casualty tonight. The gloves are about to come off. "Pegging" the encounter levels for a party of eight players is challenging, and I'm afraid I may be erring on the side of lethality.

Just remember though, Mike's character dying usually has little to do with the lethality of the campaign, so don't use that as a marker.

gigz
Founder of the m.k.mcartor Fanclub
;)

Sean Mahoney wrote:

So this thread has made me decide I might throw a few class act queries at Mike myself. As I am heading over to Bellevue this weekend, do you mind if I wash the truck ahead of actually submitting? ;)

That will be fine, thanks. ;)

/g

I can tell you that my light hearted bright eyed tried a roasted wolf leg (I do not recommend.. too much fur)...

Mike, I bet you thought that kind of stuff would stop happening in game when you left here, huh? :P

Remember, we only torment the ones we love the most. :D

/g

Mike McArtor wrote:

gigz wrote:

I have SSSOOOOOO many things I want to say to that, but will refrain as I am generally a nice guy.... ;)

/gigz

... grumbles about meetings and donuts......

I know, I know...years of haranguing you about donuts and meetings makes me now a hypocrite. ;) Oh, speaking of donutless meetings...I have one here in about 20 minutes! :D

Once again.. there will be donuts.. but none for you... :-P

/g

Zherog wrote:

Were there donuts served in those meetings, though? That's the important question. ;)

Sadly, no. :(

It's not really much of a meeting without donuts, I guess. :\

/gigz

... grumbles about meetings and donuts......

Hey Mike, there's this really cool invention called Magic: Online. You should give it a try. It allows you to play Magic any time you want with any friends and buddies you may have who are online at the time. All you need is an internet connection.... :p

/gigz
Founder of the mk mcartor Fanclub

::Mechanical Breathing::

"You don't know the POWER of the Dark Side."

/gigz
Founder of the mk mcartor Fanclub...

Mike likes dogs too. Especially ones with wet, cold noses when he's wearing shorts....

Something about herbavore's....

/gigz
Founder of the mk mcartor fanclub...

/me thinks you've been watching B movies too much... that or you're writing a script for Gamers III.

/gigz
Founder of the mk mcartor fanclub...

Hmmm.... 6 years of veggies huh? Should be just about ripe..... :p

/gigz
Founder of the mk mcartor fanclub...

LOL! Yay, I'm a waffle! :D

No wait...

/gigz
Founder of the mk mcartor fanclub...

/me suspects a Pirate vs. Ninja column coming soon...

gigz,
Founder of the mk mcartor Fanclub

Do you need to bring it in for her to beat you at it? :p

/gigz
Founder of the mk mcartor fanclub...

Hmmm... Well, if Mike loses at it, it MUST be fun.... ;)

gigz
Founder of the mk mcartor fanclub...

I would, but I have no clue what Spiel des Jahres means. ;)

/gigz
Founder of the mk mcartor fanclub...

Ditto here. Glad to have a 'board to discuss some of the content.

Well, overall I enjoyed the magazine more than normal. One of the sections I was never very fond of was the fiction. I love a good story, but I read Dragon for D&D rules / supplements / ideas. I also liked the 1 page treatment to each core class, but am afraid that the section may get repetitive and boring if it is to repeat each month. But overall,I'm enjoying it, and looking forward to the next.

/gigz
Founder of the mk mcartor fanclub