Svetocher

verdigris's page

Goblin Squad Member. RPG Superstar 6 Season Dedicated Voter, 7 Season Marathon Voter, 8 Season Dedicated Voter. Organized Play Member. 543 posts (7,469 including aliases). 1 review. No lists. 1 wishlist. 21 Organized Play characters. 28 aliases.


1 to 50 of 182 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | next > last >>

1 person marked this as a favorite.

knowl arcana: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 29

"Oh my goodness, but what if...There are things not seen in... oh yes, right..." Having just promised to be more careful, Mama D also averts her eyes.

high to avoid the trap: 1d100 ⇒ 36
reflex when needed: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Mallë-o i Otos Elen wrote:

With that special sparkle she has in her eye when she dotes on Underfoot Elen says (in Celestial, following Kort's example), ”We have fought all manner of evil. Taldor is at a crossroad where either very good things can happen, or very bad things can happen. The time has come for the true ruler of Taldor to be revealed, and only the Mantle with its divine influence will be able to tell who is worthy. It is with your permission we move on to perform the ritual and retrieve the Mantle of Kings.”

Elen

knowledge planes: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

diplomacy to aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

knowl history: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22 or knowl nobility: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (16) + 21 = 37

"Oh, I had not dreamed to meet such loyal guardians, but this is a True Honour, as it is our Honour to serve The True Princess. I have seen her this very day, and she was quite determined to see the Good and Rightful Leader to be settled once and for all." Oh, if only the LionBlades were as old as these valiant creatures. What a introduction, that might be! Alas, it is not to be, Wee Robkin. Not this time.


3 people marked this as a favorite.
Major K'Aldrian Kort 1ATD, Ret. wrote:


”M’Della, is that you? Truly?”
”M’Della? How? When…did…you…get here?”

”Just a few moments ago, I assure you. I am terribly sorry to be so late, but there was much to do in the Capitol… at home, and it took a bit longer than I had planned. “ Her eyes take in the stranger in their midst, and the edit is automatic.

Major K'Aldrian Kort 1ATD, Ret. wrote:
Kort’s eyes stay narrowt. ”Have you been …Is this…home? How long has it been?” Kort suddenly worries that he misunderestimated M’Della’s age by a few dozen centuries.

She laughs, genuine and light hearted, belying the many years that are her own own. “Oh heavens no, though you know what they say… Home is where the heart is? That would be far too forward for such circumstances as these and so she opts for something slightly less heartfelt. But nonetheless still true. ” Home is where your feet catch up with your soul.”

Kamari wrote:

Youthful Kamari is more trusting than the old cynical…

"Good to see you! How'd you get here? Do you know anything more about this place than we do--which, honestly, is not much. Learned any new tricks? I have."

”It is so good to see you too, Child.“

knowledge history: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14 ”Not much, I’m afraid, probably not a jot more than you. It *is* very old.. ah tricks, yes! Being here would be my latest new trick, but oh my goodness, your new one remains my favorite! “

The Night Swan wrote:

The Night Swan looks back to see their new arrival.

”Madame Madella Lotheed, I presume. ”

”it is a pleasure, Night Swan. “ She has had too much experience in secrets, and betrayals to be overly comfortable with a new person , but the obvious comfort of her family speaks well of the New Bird in the nest. “[/b]

Muri Daybreaker wrote:


"Thank you! It's really nice to see you again! Maybe not in a tomb, but we shouldn't be here long."

”well, a tomb was the opportunity offered, but let us do what we must and then find refreshment, shall we? A trading of trials and triangle sandwiches would be lovely, she sighs longingly at the thought, then straightens her shoulders and smiles, ”not long sounds just the thing! Let us make short work of it, and move on to other things, shall we?”

Mallë-o i Otos Elen wrote:


”M’Della?” Elen echoes, ”No, of course it’s you! Magic, right? I’m betting that’s how you got here! Glad to see you and Cuddles! We’ve been sorely missing your talents.”

As Kamari casts prestidigitation Elen self-consciously tries to brush construct dust off of her head and…

It is a moment, no more than that, but as Elen brushes at the dust, Mama D “Mamas” just a bit and cleans off her clothing for her. She suppresses the urge to flourish and sparkle and so it is a quiet sort of magic, just a gesture, for one long missed.

”As I have sorely missed yours, my Dear, I assure you” Her time away had not been all intrigue and bloodshed, but nearly so, and fond memories of camaraderie and lighter times mixed with their other duties were something that proved a balm in difficult straits.


4 people marked this as a favorite.

Her teleport is quick, but not terribly precise, and so her presence amongst the diggers and the sappers outside the tomb startles the old woman almost as much as it seems to startle the workers.

”Oh, Goodness me! I have curled the course, haven’t I? Please, don’t let me interrupt.. the Others are this way, are they not? No, do not fret on my account, I’ll just let myself in, shall I?

She admires the doors and the overall masonry work of the tomb as she sinks into its depths just as easily as she might make her way down an elegant stair case.

Once further on, Mama D ‘tsks’ to herself and to the small creature that travels with her, ”Oh goodness, Cuddles, One would think us new to such travel, with such a distance from our destination. “ she refuses to admit, even to her most constant companion, that perhaps a certain nervous anticipation may have sent her spell mildly off course.

“Still, it could have been worse.” it could always be worse. A hopeful disposition is first shield One should cast, every day! ”The same general vicinity isn’t bad, as those sorts of things go.“

She allows a bit of a smile to her happily crinkled features, which broadens at the noise ahead of her.

“ Oh, we have almost caught up with them, Cuddles. Yes, I think it will be a lovely surprise. And just in time by the sounds of it.”

It is almost without conscious thought, the quick sprinkle of magic that cleans tomb dust from her clothes and skin. Even with friends and family, there is a certain decorum to be maintained, after all. It is only as she steps fully forward that Mama D takes in the trap in front of Muri and his faithful Feet, too close for comfort.

”Oh goodness, Child, Do be careful!”

caster level check/dispel/trap: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

hi, everyone!


2 people marked this as a favorite.

yes, I was and am, if still available.

1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 = 30


1 person marked this as a favorite.

Mama D gives what advice she can. Not having had any children of her own, she has raised several, none the less.

“Now remember, she will cry about needs rather than wants for awhile yet. Food, Diaper, Comfort, repeat. She is very little and the distance from her mouth to her diaper is little too. She may not hold much at any one time, so be prepared to feed her as often as she needs changing, and if that isn’t at least 10 times in a day, see your midwife or send someone for us and we will see what can be done. Oh, but she is a precious one, isn’t she?”


1 person marked this as a favorite.

” The Lash first, if we’re going. Whatever we find may or may not help with anything going forward, but it certainly won’t if we don’t have it in hand. And every delay we have will leave time for some other inopportune “adventurer” to come across it..” Mama D smiles, softening her words. “That would be my suggestion, at least.


3 people marked this as a favorite.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

This reminds me of a ritual I heard about as a child ... only it was done at noon, in sand dunes. Come to think of it, not much like it at all. Are we going left?

using a hero point to reroll

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
“Oh now I remember! It was a spell!”


2 people marked this as a favorite.

Mama D’Souza “Nobility” drops dramatically once the thieving tax men have gone. She pockets the gold from Elen, making a note to do something kind for her soon. Still, her mind is on the recent Unpleasantness.

”Never again. Even if the Count still rules this area come the next year, I want one of us to do the accounting. If Eta comes back this way, I’m not certain I can be as civil as I managed today.” She takes a breath and makes a mental note, “Note to self: learn how to turn the boorish into pigs.”

She takes a turn looking over the plans Anselm has gathered together.

” Oh, quite right, that! Now, I know we need to put things in order for guests too, as we can, but The Market will make a difference for all of Stachys. “

” Yes, My Dear Major, as we can, doing more advanced repairs, both with and without Magic, should also follow. I will continue to work on scrolls in the evenings. And of course, the Iron Lash’s den needs to be found.“

Mama D is on board with all of the plans.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

”Ah, that is a shame, but I understand. Not everyone is cut out for the adventure of the Stalk Market, Anselm. Here you go, the 1700 in gold pressed Latinum, you Ferengi Scum!, and the rest is scrolls. Here are... Now these, these are excellent! And look at this ink here! It really is lovely and I do believe it adds that certain something to the casting!” Madella continues her chatter, showing the man each scroll individually. Finally, she hands over the stack of twenty or so scrolls of various low level spells.

Finally, she looks back and forth between her companions and the Taxman, ”It is a shame that we don’t have our home set suitable for company as yet, or we spellcasters could spend a quality afternoon going through these again. But...” she allows her smile to brighten as a future ray of sunshine occurs to her, ”I am certain we will see each other again, and who knows. Perhaps I can show you some of my other scrolls.”


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Mallë-o i Otos Elen wrote:


”Oh? So we’ll have to answer to the Count? Did you hear that, Lady Lotheed M’della? We'll 'have to answer' to your cousin. You will too -- Giado Eta, if you don't stop loading that wagon. See, you don’t understand. You have paid too much for your license. It’s either that, or you can’t do math at all, and THAT particular bit of accounting," Elen declares, pointing to Eta's head, "is easily adjusted. We can start with that here and now,” she says looking him in the eye, ” just below the chin. Remember, you can be easily replaced.”

Mama D looks up from her work to see her companions discussing vulgarities with a newcomer. She dusts her hands upon her skirt, then casts a cantrip to clean her face and clothing as she approaches. rats and roaches; it seems no harvest is completely free of them Bu the time she has drawn near enough to be heard, she fairly glows with health and cleanliness, and dare we say, a bit of nobility.

“Licensed Taxman, is it? Of course we shall pay the taxes. But not in grain. Hmmm, I am certain all is likely in order, though of course we do like to have things written down, a receipt, if you will. Now, how much is it you are thinking? Oh, no need to make a formal complaint. I am certain my cousin and I can discuss it at our next visit to Bird Song." Mama D’s hands trail faint lines of sparkle and glitter, as if her body cannot but announce the Lotheed bloodline with her movements.

“Now, don’t you worry about your letters and sums. We can of course write it for you once we know the amount and you will simply have to scribe your ‘X’ so to speak”. She positively beams, her words the very embodiment of Noblesse Oblige.

"Now, speak the amount and we will see to gathering it for you."

M'Della sends a glance to her friends, hoping for cooler heads. A spoonful of sugar, my friends. May he choke on it.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

Mama D prepares for the masquerade, changing into a gown of black and silver, to match her hair. She enhances her domino with a cantrip, adding a bit more sparkle, for fun. She “dresses” Cuddles in a similar fashion, turning his spines into a shimmering black cloak of feathers to match his tiny mask. Once ready, she returns to the others, taking The Good Major’s arm and gives it a squeeze, “once more, into the Breech, eh, Major?”


1 person marked this as a favorite.

Prior to walking back to the Palace of Birdsong

M'Della hesitates to break in to the conversation, what with all the talk about her terrible relatives, but well...

"would anyone mind if we stay her for a bit? There is this spell, you see. I've never used it, but I've been preparing it lately, in case we needed it, you see. And the manticore is here and all..." Realizing she is beginning to ramble, she straightens her shoulders and tries again.

"I need an hour here with the manticore, to attempt to create a map to it's lair. Can we spare the time?"


1 person marked this as a favorite.

Round 1

knowl arcana: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Mama D shakes her head to try to clear the fog.

“I can’t quite pin it down, my dears. Still, there must be something we can do to help our earstwhile prey.”

She draws her wand of magic missile as she skirts forward 25 feet and sends one unerringly at the creature, while calling out, ”Yoo Hoo! This way, you big brute! We will be better fare by far!”

mm: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

More quietly, she urges her companions, ”Bring it this way, so someone can go help the poor child.“


1 person marked this as a favorite.

Mama D wakes early and heads to the library. Her mind is already preoccupied, "Did I tell Kamari about her rapier, or only dream it? I shall have to make sure of it today. The defending capabilities should prove beneficial." Sorry, I wrote up a post, but apparently forgot to hit submit. Please read the Spoiler from GMEuan above for the history and the magical properties.

Major K'Aldrian Kort 1ATD, Ret. wrote:

"M'Della? M'Della, are you there?" K'Aldrian swivels to see if Mama D is nearby.

"I was just thinking that we should leave early tomorrow morning for the Ball, rather than sleeping out overnight. I would enjoy this new home...are you there, M'Della?"

"Good morning, My Good Major! Did you sleep well?" Her smile brightens as she looks about the room. "Yes, I rather think we will."

Kort opines wrote:

"Do you think it might be possible to acquire fast horses? Or a solid team for the carriage?"

"I can summon some friends to help us tomorrow, so our current team isn't overworked. But long term, we will want to invest in a few more friends for our team."


5 people marked this as a favorite.

Every bone in her body aches as she slips to the ground. Were it not for Lollipop's strength and stature, Mama D would likely land face down in the dirt. As it is, it is several steps and more before she can stand on her own and look about.

"Oh goodness, Lollipop, you are a wonder! Thank you, my friend." She could release her now, but she has more than earned a good spa treatment by a knowledgeable stable hand. It is the very least she can do for such a valiant pony.

"Of *course* we are running behind, Cuddles, what were we thinking? As if there was any answer other than *this*! Hours, days even, wasted. Well not wasted, there are *scrolls* of course, but our friends, our country, our Queen has need of us, and what did I do, but focus selfishly on my own wishes, and my magic ambitions!

How terribly Lotheed of me indeed!

Perhaps... perhaps they will forgive me my lapse. "

Her voice is mostly a mutter, so dry is her throat. Her stops have been few and very far between so that she might catch up with her companions.

"and mayhap we have, Cuddles, they should be here soon, shouldn't..." even her mutter goes gravel dry and dies to nothing as she turns towards the sounds of people in the square, standing in front of a grand coach in earnest discussion.

Oh goodness sakes! and here I am covered in dust and dirt! the spell is muttered and her clothing on its way to clean before the thought is complete.

She smiles as she takes in her companions at long last; Dear Kamari and erstwhile Muri and Underfoot. Elegant Elan and Ansalm, and the ever stately Good Major. Oh! How I have missed them, Cuddles!

"Good travels and fair my friends. Do you have room for one more, by any chance?"


5 people marked this as a favorite.

The horse's hooves thunder across the land, making up for lost time. Summoned, like the two before her, Intrepid pays heed only to the demands laid upon her by the mystical mistress that summoned her to Destiny this day.

Now, She urges additional speed; Intrepid obeys, with haste! She has her dams sense for danger and her father's speed; and she sees the herd of humans along the edge of the woods before even the woman upon her back has time to notice them. This deep into their travels, she knows not where the energy comes from; but as Destiny calls and Fate Demands, Intrepid delivers.

Ever has it been between the Mages of Man and the Manes of Equinessence; so it shall be today.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later, much later, though time is of no consequence when Fate calls, Intrepid slows to a canter, then a prim walk as they approach the scents of men and their stables. The edges of the spell upon her catch at her tail and she knows her time of oats and hay will soon arrive. The Mistress coos in her nonsensical human tongue, but it is soothing, none the less.

"That's it, Lollipop, we are sure to catch up soon. And you have been the sweetest thing. Such a sweet pony, yes you are!"


2 people marked this as a favorite.

”Hmmm, I would say worst case would be they were the good guys, and we’ve just winnowed our forces when we need every man, woman and...dog, on our side. But ‘tis too late now and our Clever Kamari is correct; we should move quickly onward.” Mama D pulls a scroll from a fold in her dress, ”shall we search for Our Good Lady’s cricket or Signet, of for the Jester’s Foppish Chapeau?”


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Mallë-o i Otos Elen wrote:

Elen bites her lips and glances at Anselm shaking her head once.

In her best baritone she croaks, "My Lady Lotheed, shall we consider trying again in a few days?"

bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Mama D's voice cracks with age and emotion as she answers, "I suppose we will have to, Child...if I survive that long. All I wanted was to see things set to safety, just in case, you know. Just in case. I'm not as young as I once was and..." She cries out and "stumbles" as she reaches out to grab Elen's shoulder for support.

She sends a feeble glance up to guard with the nice ass (no, she does not check to confirm) "I do hope your mother is doing better than I am, Son. These are no times for the elderly."


1 person marked this as a favorite.

Round 4, Init 21

status:
HP: 10/13
AC: 11/11/10 (+1 dex)
Fort +1; Ref +1; Will +6(+2 vs enchantments)
immune: sleep
Initiative +1
Speed 30
BAB +1
CMB +1
CMD12

"Oh for the love of all things great and small! If you can't play nice, then maybe you should not play at all!" Mama D rushes down towards the center of the circle room, and casts one of her last remaining spells of any significance.

grease(DC14 reflex or drop the item), on the Rat's rod/club/wand/ thing. "Now put that away before someone get's hurt! Errr, more hurt. she says with a slight softening as Anselm casts a little miracle of his own on her wounded shoulder.

"Thank you, Anselm. That is a wonder!"


2 people marked this as a favorite.

”Oh my goodness, oh my..” Mama huffs a bit as she catches up. ”Don’t worry, My Good Major, I shall see you free. I have just the thing here if I can only remember it..how did that go aga...” She sputters to a halt as she sees first the Major has been freed, and secondly, and rather courageously, he saves dear Elen from its final death throws.

”Ah. So it’s been sorted, then. I’ll just save this for later, shall I?” Her eyes brighten at the sight of the inanimate scrolls, ”Oh yes, if no else should desperately want them, I would gladly take them. Should we get out of here, or even possibly even if we don’t, I could scribe them into my book, then make another for someone else. That sounds like just the thing, doesn’t it? “ she laughs a little with relief and a bit of optimism, though both are short lived as Muri and Underfoot return, and not at all happy about their excursion..

Muri said wrote:

” ... It swirled, but it reformed. I don't want to move. I might hurt her again..."

”Ah, don’t move then, easy now. Let’s all catch our breath for a moment iand all the healing and such ... and then perhaps someone else, can go chase the circles. Perhaps Factor !2 might know something about them?”


1 person marked this as a favorite.

“Oh do be careful, All! Tetanus is nothing to take for granted!” Mama cheers from a safe distance.

passing the turn.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

round 1 status:
HP: 12/13 (-1nl)
AC: 11/11/10 (+1 dex)
Fort +1; Ref +1; Will +6
Initiative +1
Speed 30
BAB +1
CMB +1
12 CMD

knowledge Rel: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

“with apologies, Dear Kamari, Lovely Elen is without protection as well, and I can reach her this instant. “ She moves with an aging grace to within arms reach of Elen, and casts mage armor upon her. if only I had a wand of many charges, and some wings, I could flit from place to place and protect them all.


2 people marked this as a favorite.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Mama shakes off the fugue she’s been in and joins the present, though it lingers a bit around the edges.

Quote:
Sir Plastion doesn’t have the answers Muri seeks, sharing simply that ”All I know is that there are, were, magics within the badges that transported us here out of danger. I was told we’d be sent to a small room beneath the Senate Chambers. A place of safety.” he frowns as he steps over the dead lords body and into the hall. As he goes, he takes his senatorial badge off Lord Manshum who clearly no longer needs it.

“who told you, if you don’t mind my asking, Sirrah. I do wish I had been forewarned. I would have worn a different gown.”

Kamari wrote:

She looks about the room dreamily talking to herself. "Maybe there's some elven chain hanging in one of these."

...
**SMASH!!
**CRACK!!
**SHATTER!!

”OH, Goodness, Dear, I don’t have any elven chain, but I can put a bit of something to you, if you don’t find any. “

Should Kamari accept, Mama D casts Mage Armor on her.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

A smile breaks at Major Kort’s concern for both her and for Cuddles. “Oh, thank you!” She says with a laugh, “I never could stand a bully! Yes, we are fine, just a bit jostled by the evenings activities. “

Mama checks on “Artie”, tssking and muttering the whole time, “Oh, Artie, you can do so much better than the likes of her. “

Finally, she turns her attention to The Good Senator, horrified by the his present state.

” Oh Goodness, this will never do! I don’t care if it *is* against the rules! “ With that, mutters something and sets the Senator’s clothes to rights.

“Really! It’s not a jot more “magic” than most of the cosmetics that are painted on everyone out there!” She resists the urge to move the most embarrassing aspects over to Trant, but just barely. Even after all these years, being a grown up is hard!

Once started, she can’t help touching up Artie as well. “ I do hope you take this to heart, Artie, and change your social circle. “ though whether he hears her or not is immaterial.

Finally, she turns her hand to Anselm’s request. ”It doesn’t seem quite right, but I suppose we can do so. linguistics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13


2 people marked this as a favorite.

Straightening her shoulders, she bustles into the room, seemingly talking without taking much notice of the current situation. Suddenly, she draws up short and smiles brilliantly.

"Artie! Is that you!?! Why you're the spitting image of your father. Do tell me he is here this evening with you? I know how much Seimon hates these sorts of things, but they really are important, you know. And how are things at the Sleeping Gno..." She cuts off short, as if just realizing she might be interrupting a previous engagement.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Ar-Arthur, I didn't realize you were already with friends. It's just I haven't seen anyone from Skathen in, well, practically forever. Do you think they could spare you for just a few moments? I have something I want to send to your father."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 1 + 2 = 13


2 people marked this as a favorite.

Mama D attends the quick check-in with Lady Lotheed and her cricket, then heads to the courtyard for some fresh air and perhaps some enlightened conversation with the good people there.

Social Round 3

"Oh Goodness!" Mama D exclaims (but at just the appropriate decibel), as she fans herself.
"The Senate is quite the place, but the air is so warm in there!" She states, using her fan for emphasis.

"A breath of fresh air, that's what is needed just now, I think."

"Don't you?"

knowl nobility to influence the Courtyard: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Perception to see if she can spot Malthene Trant: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Social Round 4

After catching her breath, and catching up on anything noteworthy in the Courtyard, Mama D excuses herself to head back inside. She skirts around the Senate floor and heads instead towards the servant area.

"Goodness, it smells delicious in here!" she says, quite truthfully as she enters the kitchen. "But that is not why I'm here. There's a rather loud gentlemen on the far side of the Senate floor that is quite out of sorts over a lost signet ring. He was afraid it fell onto one of the trays accidentally. I told him I would come check with you. Do you mind if I take a look?" she says, slipping into governess mode like a favorite slipper.
"You know how they can be when they feel they've lost something. I figured better to be me than him, if you know what I mean."

Should they allow her to look about, she checks anywhere that a ring might possibly me missed, while chattering about nobility. "Oh, don't let this dress fool you. If one of "them" hadn't wanted me to be here in it, I wouldn't be, and that's the truth. But, sometimes, when you watch them til they're one of your own, sometimes, they remember. A little."
she says with a wistful smile.

"Oh look, there it is! In his cup, I should have known!" she lets a signet ring slip into a cup of a deep red wine only to hold it up again with a grin.

"I'll take it right to him, and maybe another goblet to keep him occupied."

ring:
The good Judge,Dartist Mercenian's ring, of course.

knowl nobility to influence the Servant Area: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Perception to see if she can spot Malthene Trant: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Muri said wrote:
"So, tomorrow night? What should we do for dinner? My uncle is hosting friends, so we can't return for a second night." Muri looks expectantly at his guests, curious for further planning.

"My lodgings are quite cramped when compared to your lovely home, but we could certainly make do and meet there"and if it becomes necessary, I will take rooms elsewhere. If.

Elen said wrote:
"You mean, to help with finding a forger? To be honest, I don't even know where to begin. I believe I am expecting a delivery tomorrow. Where shall we meet?"

"We will just have to see what we can do with what we have. We can meet in my rooms, if you like."

forgery(linguistics): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 2 = 26
forgery(linguistics): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 2 = 18
forgery(linguistics): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 2 = 24

Wealday, Calistril 28th

Comparison is everything; Mama's lodgings are comparatively meager next to Muri's home, but compared to the living quarters of Taldor's natives, they are quite comfortable, for her. Even with Elen, it is roomy enough, though it is a bit more cramped once every one arrives.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

The gentility of Muri's home is both heart warming and bittersweet. such a home will pass to whom once his uncle dies? To Muri? If we are successful, to his cousin? He is one to watch, and yet, he seems kind, and genuine. Being amongst the Gentility again will take some getting used to.

"Oh my goodness, you have both been more productive than me, I'm afraid. While I was able to procure a dress - Thank you, Miss Kamari, Mistress Batzena is a wonder to be sure - I was not able to actually meet the Good Baron as of yet. I must do so tomorrow. "

Madella turns her attention to the Major, intensely interested in what he has to say. " Yes, How was your day, Major?"


3 people marked this as a favorite.
Major K'Aldrian Kort 1ATD, Ret. wrote:

"Are you...are you royalty as well? I don't have much experience with the nobility. I may come to you as I might need help with my tasks."

"Oh, Heavens no, Major, not royalty,and currently barely even nobility to some, I am sure." Her smile breaks into something bright and lively, lines crinkling more deeply about her eyes. " But I've... a bit of knowledge and experience in that world. If it is within my power, I will, of course, be happy to aid you. Perhaps you may be able to aid me as well. Do you know anything about Baron Nicoloaus Okerra's war record that may not have made it out to the prefectures?"

She takes advantage of the young woman's approach to the Major to make a request of Kamari as well.

"Kamari, I know that a good seamstress is a treasure rarely shared, but would you mind if I infringed upon our new acquaintance? I will have need of something quickly, and would not want to risk an unknown for something this important. I'm afraid my favorite establishment from my previous time in Oppara is... no longer in business." A memory casts a shadow on her countenance, but only for a moment. She'd thought to go, when she'd received tonight's invitation, but alas, her favorite had passed some ten years ago. Now it sold hats. Ugly hats.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

prior to Lady Martella's entrance:

Mallë-o i Otos Elen wrote:


She nods and curtsys to Mama D, "Lady." ...and then takes a seat...

Madella smiles at the lovely foreigner…and really, aren’t we all foreigners somewhere? ”Oh my dear, that is not necessary, neither the curtsy, nor the title. Having never married, I am currently considered beyond both of those. At my age, one supposes there should be something else, though, shouldn’t there?”

She pets the hedgehog in its little cage, then continues, her face the very image of fond memory, ”Our dear little Robkin settled upon “Mama D”, when he was very very young, and never altered course, much to his Father’s chagrin. You would be welcome to as well, since it seems we may be… companions through this little venture.” With a nod of her head, she includes the rest of the troupe.
”but for those less comfortable with such familiarity, Madame Lotheed will do.” She does hope they opt for the former, it will be less confusing with Martella in their midst.

sorry so slow


3 people marked this as a favorite.
Lady Martella wrote:
“... So where have you been for the last half-century? What has your life prepared you to do in this moment, balanced on the edge of history?”

Madella's reply:
“It’s not a particularly rare story… I was called home from school to find that my father was dead. A stranger, by dint of the bit of pudge between his thighs, now owned my home; lock, stock, and jewelry.

While he felt no familial responsibility to aid me in returning to school, he did allow me to work in his home for my room and board, as did his son. I have worked as a governess, sometimes learning the lessons days, if not hours, before teaching them to my charges. All, save for the arcane arts. Those were forbidden to me by both the eldest Lord Robert, and his son, who was killed two years past."

Madella’s expression never changes through the telling, the only clues to her rage swims deep within the icy blue of her eyes. It is only at the last that they, and she seems to thaw once more.

”Young Lord Robkin, the grandchild of my cousin Robert, had not quite reached majority, but was close enough that he stayed in my care until recently. He uhh, took ill, three months ago, and though I and the good brothers of Abadar tried our best, he was eventually lost to us. Not, though, before he gifted me with enough to make my way back to The City. His heir, another distant male cousin, was… not amused with the loss, but the contract was ironclad.”

She shakes her head and smiles,”In short, Lady Martella, I have been born female, and survived.”


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Lord Petnick wrote wrote:
”Ahh, I am Lord Petnik Miragella, at your service.” …. ”Forgive me for getting right to the point. You have an excellent reputation, I hear, and there is someone I’d dearly like you to meet. She’s quite powerful in certain circles.”

Madella turns a well practiced smile to the young lord, an almost maternal pride in her voice, “and Well Done to you, Lord Petnik! This is sure to be the hit of The Season. Ah, but I understand demands on your time must be intense on such a night. Please, lead on.’

An excellent reputation? In which circles, one wonders? The thought that it is a ruse to kill her some place less crowded flits in and out again. No, this would be far too much effort to kill her. Patience, her primary virtue, must stand her in good stead once more.

Lord Petnik wrote wrote:
, ”Oh yes, Lady Lotheed, this is one of those people I mentioned to you. One of those adventurers.”

Madella gives a quiet “tut” of disapproval at such an introduction, as if he had misread his primer in front of his father at tea. and we were off to such a good start. Ah well, it is to be expected from the young, I suppose. She wonders again, where the young lord gets his information, for there are few that would consider her “adventurous”, let alone, an “adventurer”.

Lady Lotheed wrote wrote:
”I wonder, are you such an individual? I hear good things about you, but please do tell me a bit about yourself.”

Madella looks about for any one of the Line that might be nearby, but no, Lady Martella would not be within their ranks, nor they, with Her. With a breath, the older “M” tries out a little used trait, Trust.” I could and would be such an individual. I have returned to Oppara after a rather long absence only to find that not much has changed in the half a century I was away. I found it… disappointing. I think I could enjoy helping bring a bit of Change to the Capitol. she does not go into the details of her absence; in all likelihood, her distant “cousin” has heard most of it before. And, as she said, the Woman has important business tonight. Geneology can wait.


3 people marked this as a favorite.

Madella let's the party crowds swirl about her; age and general experience easing her way. Even so, she tucks the delicate cage and it's inhabitant close to her bosom in hopes of
minimizing the bumps and swings for her companion. And if this brings added comfort of her own, well hasn’t she earned a bit of comfort, after all of these years? She gives a mental shake, takes a breath, and forces her attention outward, at the bedecked masses flowing into the party proper.

"Oh isn't this just the thing? Young Lord Robkin would have loved the spectacle, wouldn't he, Cuddles?" the thought dampens her enjoyment of the surroundings, but with a breath, she lets it pass.

"we shall just have to enjoy it for him, won't we, pet?" to that end, she brightens, and finds a passing glass of something bubbly to hold, if not to drink. She does not need to hear the whispers to realize that the young half elf must be the Lord of the Evening, for who else would call everyone’s attention in such a manner. A bitter ball of spite attempts to rise, but she thrusts it down before most would ever mark the emotion on her well trained face.

Knowledge nobility for weakness: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Instead she begins to truly mingle with those of a “certain grace”, listening as is her wont, sprinkling in bits of knowledge gained over the years as needed to keep the conversation flowing.

influence an area (knowledge nobility): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16


2 people marked this as a favorite.

knowledge nobility: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Madella lets the invitation linger on the tray until she is certain.
”Not poisoned. That’s a plus.” Safety assured, at least for the moment, she picks up the card, turning her seasoned gaze upon its quality contents.

”Mira...gella...Miragell...a, where do we know that from, hmm, Cuddles?” she ticks this quills of the diminutive pet while she considers the name and where she may have heard it before.

“Oh yes, I remember the Miragella’s. They had business with the old lord a score or so ago, though what was it… what...was… it? Never mind, likely as not, that Miragella is long gone, and this is some new son, looking to take Oppara by storm. Though why an invitation for us, hmm, Cuddles? Perhaps our efforts are to be rewarded after all.”

She lets her mind wander through the past while she prepares for the evening, weighing each choice in turn, until there is only one left.

”Oh, I could never leave you here alone, my pet. Besides, I hear it is just the thing this Season."

Grand Lodge 5/5

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Pirate Rob wrote:
I spotted a wild blazej. He escaped though :[

I too spotted a wild Blazej today. He was in Todd Stewart's midday run of Felicar's Whirlpool. This was SO good! I didn't get a chance to talk to the wild Blazej, though, before we were both on our way to our next events.

Tonight, I have some small hope of finding a card game that is in need of players.

Grand Lodge 5/5

1 person marked this as a favorite.

The skirmish at lunch

Grand Lodge 5/5

2 people marked this as a favorite.

In between the above, and worthy of it's own post and then some, I met Motteditor, GM Extraordinaire. He is one of the reasons I tried my own hand at GMing Play by Posts. It is only for a moment, but I am thrilled to put a face to the name of someone I admire so much. I am hopeful that we will meet again before the end of the con.

Grand Lodge 5/5

5 people marked this as a favorite.

Just finished breakfast with Painlord and Gabrielle _H. Great breakfast, tremendous snark. We discuss many things; tweets, politics, embarrassing Crystal Frazier stories (our embarrassment, not hers. She's amazing). And coffee, so much coffee. It is necessary and appreciated.

Now Gabrielle and I are in the Writing for Usability seminar. Secret Super Heroes of Pathfinder; Christopher Carey, Judy Bauer, Lyz Liddell, and Joe Pacini, engage the audience with harrowing tales of battle against meandering rules explanations, serpentine titles, and elaborate font choices in their attempt to keep our games fun and accessible to experienced gamers and novices alike. They have colorful pens and they are not afraid to use them. I am awestruck and humbled by their service to both worlds.

Grand Lodge 5/5

2 people marked this as a favorite.

I've made it to the con, only a few hours late. I ran into my favorite Pirate in the game store. We dropped our stuff in our room in the next county, then I headed to the ballroom where I found Painlord and Balodeck playing the Mummy's Mask card game. It's just in time for lunch so we headed to Mango to grab some food to go (delicious). The snark flows with us across the street and back again, then pools around our feet as Gabrielle and I join the next game with the two previous yahoos and David Montgomery, VC from the Massachusetts area., in the next game.

It is good to get to play with old friends and new friends at the same time.

Grand Lodge

1 person marked this as a favorite.

Ooh, me! And very much looking forward to it as well.

Grand Lodge

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Gabrielle wrote:
So, GEARS OF FAITH is finally here! .... I wrote this for us; I wrote it to help to normalize us.

Thank you! I love this novel and it was well worth waiting for* (though I wish the wait hadn't been quite so long). Thank you for your envisioning a world with room for all of us.

*:
While I have occasionally been accused of bias when it comes to your work, please do not let that diminish your belief in my very real love for this novel. Had we never met, I would love it all the same.

Grand Lodge

1 person marked this as a favorite.

Excellent! I've been waiting for this since before it was a thing and I can't wait to hold and read this!

Also! Physical copies of Gabrielle's (first?) Hellmaw novel, "Of the Essence" are now available on her site. They're both gorgeous, but the hard cover is amazing.


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Map

Eli says a prayer for his friends and against his enemies. Unfortunately, his enemy doesn't believe in that god, and so it washes off of the shadow,with no effect upon him. it still gives everyone else the +1, however.

Jestak growls futily from below. "Someone give Jestak a chair or something to throw, yes? Shadowman is too scared to come face Jestak; she must go to him."
The woman startles as she nearly rises into the air, only to force herself down again.

"Not you, Shadow man! I don't trust your lift!"

Cole, Serra, and Jurin are up!

willsave, Jestak: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 4 = 28

spellcraft: 22:
Apparently, the shadow demon tried to Telikenitically lift Jestak up to him, probably for some nefarious purpose, but she saved vs his magic.

Grand Lodge

1 person marked this as a favorite.

Hey! Gears of Faith now has a cover picture on Goodreads!


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Map

"Oh, MiLady, that is no work of mine. The Cursed Forge is only for weapons."


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Map

Staunton's Journal:
This journal records events from Staunton’s life, recited from his childhood in the Five Kings Mountains to his time spent in the First Mendevian Crusade searching for the lost Sky Citadel of Jormurdun, on to his betrayal of Drezen and his time spent serving Deskari and Baphomet alike. As such, I've included much of his backstory here.

Staunton Vhane joined the Mendevian crusade as a young dwarf of 36, excited to fight against the Worldwound. While part of his eagerness was spurred by the idea of battling demons, young Staunton also had another, more personal reason: he’d heard rumors that the lost Sky Citadel of Jormurdun was located somewhere behind enemy lines. Blinded by dreams of fame and power for finding the lost city, Staunton hoped for a swift end to the demonic threat so he could explore Sarkoris in relative safety.

But over the next 2 years, the fighting quickly wore on Staunton. With each report of another lost battle or influx of a seemingly endless number of demons, his hopes for a swift resolution to the conflict and the opportunity to find Jormurdun faded, and when the marilith Aponavicius laid siege to the city of Drezen early in 4638 ar, the dwarf knew these fears had become fact. The presence of the Sword of Valor kept the bulk of the demonic armies from harming Drezen, but the city would soon be broken by the smaller groups of skirmishers that continually harried its walls.

Then one day while on a patrol beyond the walls, the crusading company to which Staunton belonged was ambushed by demons, and all but Staunton were slain before the demons suddenly fled, howling in fear as a beautiful elven soldier leading a troop of powerful-looking archers arrived on the scene. The elf pulled Staunton from the grime and introduced herself as Jerribeth, and what she said next resonated with Staunton to the core: “Drezen is protected enough, but the city’s rulers are too cowardly to defeat the demons. While they know they could break the host if they rode out to meet the enemy with the Sword of Valor carried proudly at the vanguard, they fear taking risks. Drezen is strong; it doesn’t need a magic banner to stand fast. But if you bring this banner to me, I will use its power to lead my army against the demons and save us all!”
Staunton already harbored similar beliefs in his soul, and immediately vowed to bring the elven general the Sword of Valor, knowing that by the time anyone noticed it was missing, the demons would have been driven driven back to the Abyss. Unfortunately, in Staunton’s eagerness to believe, he fell right into the “elf’s” trap—Jerribeth was in fact a glabrezu, and when Staunton delivered the Sword of Valor, she revealed her true nature and made him watch as the demons invaded Drezen. As he watched, something woke within Staunton’s heart. He realized he was glad to see the cowards go, and in awe of the power of the demonic host. His fall from grace was completed when he was brought by Jerribeth into the captured city and pledged his loyalty to the conquering marilith Aponavicius.
And so for the next 75 years, Staunton Vhane served the Worldwound. At first, he played the role of advisor for the marilith, informing her about crusader tactics and advising her on the best ways to battle paladins. In time, he was recruited by the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth and trained to be a double agent. With their aid, he forged himself a powerful weapon, Soulshear, to aid his quest, and in 4658 he returned to Mendev and joined the crusade again as a captain of an all-dwarven mercenary company called the Hammers of Heaven. But this time, Staunton and his mercenaries were in fact hidden disciples of Baphomet.
Over the following decades, Staunton and the Hammers of Heaven served both sides of the war. He lured his cousin Thurl to Mendev, and used his connections to the Pathfinder Society to fund his own expeditions deep into the Worldwound to seek Jormurdun when he could, but most of his time was spent fighting in small skirmishes against demons whose defeat wouldn’t matter to the Worldwound while simultaneously sabotaging countless war efforts all along the border. His last act of treachery was to compromise many of the defenses of the Kite in Kenabres, an act that ultimately allowed the Storm King to attack the city once again, but it was in this final act that he was ultimately discovered by the paladin Irabeth. In the ensuing fight, Staunton was defeated, and fled north to Drezen on his fiendish giant wasp mount Vrexed. Since his return to Drezen, he’s burned for a chance to face Irabeth, or any paladin.

Other information found in the journal:
• A list of dozens of sacred and holy weapons and armor
he and his brother have successfully tainted through the use of the corruption forge in area G7
• A description of the Sword of Valor, including Staunton’s frustration over Aponavicius’s desire to keep it as a mere trophy and not to attempt the banner’s corruption.
• Several detailed pages of how he hopes to someday torture Irabeth for “nearly ruining everything” when she confronted him almost a year ago in Kenabres.
• Notes on the shadow demon Eustoyriax, an unusually powerful shadow demon who came to Drezen a few weeks after Staunton fled here from Kenabres. The shadow demon arrived in the possessed body of a crusader named Maranse (a man the diary records as now being long dead.


2 people marked this as a favorite.
Map

During the rest of the day, the group sweeps through the remaining rooms of this level of rooms. Built by dwarves, the place is impressively made, though the most recent previous inhabitants have left it a mess on their way out.

They run into several remaining cultists and demons, including a succubus with her 4 pet knights (saved two, killed two).(F-5)

Joran is able to point them to both the false vault and the secret vault where the Sword of Valor once hung when the forces of good called this place home. Two mimics were quickly dispatched, ending their charade as Sword and Valor and an altar. (F6-F7) For their trouble, they were also able to liberate 3 suits of masterwork full plate armor, as well as one that pings magically.

Next Joran pointed them to the Armory(F-8), where they found many weapons and ammunition.
1 adamantine battleaxe, 50 +1 arrows, an arrow of human slaying, a +2 breastplate, a +1 keen longsword, a masterwork composite longbow (Str +2), a masterwork flail, a mithral heavy shield, and a suit of +2 elven chain.

On the way to the Western Garrison (F9) Joran warned them that it was the one time stomping ground of a rabid barbarian cultist. Sure enough, Jestak, a six foot tall human female of Kellid ancestry, greets them with a fury and despondency that seems sure to lead to her death. It is only through Mathilda's keen insight and diplomacy and Jurin's charismatic insanity, that the large woman is talked down and turned to the party's cause.

After they passed through the mess hall (F-10)The same cannot be said for the Eastern Garrison(F-11), for here they found, fought and destroyed, a Nabasu demon and his new freshly made dwarven Ghouls.

In what was once known as "The Defender's Chapel"(F-12), the group was attacked by three defiled dwarven statues. Now covered in demonic ruins, they were turned into Graven Guardians of Deskari. Once defeated, the group was able to salvage a +2 warhammer from the destruction and move on their way.

description:
A huge statue of a squat dwarf with a massive hammer and shield stands at forefront of this small chapel, flanked by twin tapestries depicting forges. Several rows of benches extend back from the dais on which the statue is mounted, watched over by three more stone dwarven sentinels in the alcoves along the eastern wall. A final, larger tapestry covers the back of the chamber, apparently illustrating and commemorating the construction of Citadel Drezen and its stand against demonkind. All of the room’s decorations have been torn, smashed, scratched, and otherwise befouled—their original sacred purpose can be barely seen below layers of filth and ruin. The three eastern statues in particular seem to have suffered the brunt of this blasphemy, for the entire surface of each has been etched with demonic runes.

Aside from a pass through the food stores(F-13), where they found enough food to help keep the army upright for another few days, the group found nothing else to keep them clean out before turning over control of this level to the army. They camp near the stairs leading to the dungeon below, with a wary eye on Joran and Jestak.

Summary complete. The night passes uneventfully and the day dawns ready to continue.


1 person marked this as a favorite.
SR:27*:
Affects beneficial spells. Takes a standard action to lower for 1rnd, doesn't provoke.
Unusual Anatomy 50% vs crits/sneak attack
languages:
Common, Draconic, Goblin, Kelish, Orc, Polyglot
stuff:
hp 104/104hp,..................... AC 18, T- 16, FF-14, ........ Saves: F. +7, R.+8, W +9 ..................... Unusual Anatomy 50% to ignore crits or sneak attack
motteditor wrote:
Don't forget your special quill, Kyson!

Oooh, is it whining? I'm sure his special skill is whining!


3 people marked this as a favorite.
AC:
AC (when in chain shirt) (16)18, touch 11, flat-footed 18(16) (+7(5) armor, +1 Dex)
HP and saves:
HP:41(49 if raging), Saves:Fort +7, Ref +2, Will +3
Skills:
Acro: +7 (+9 to avoid AoO for leaving a threatened square/move through a creature's space, jump :+11), Climb +6, H. Anim.: +6, Intmdt.: +6, Know.arc.: +3, Prcptn: +9, Spllcrft: +3

Thank you all for your patience. As is probably apparent already, I have to step away from this game. It was truly a joy to get to play with each of you. I know you all will kick worm ass over the rest of the campaign.

Ratsass, thank you for providing such a great game, and for your understanding as I came to terms with needing to leave.

1 to 50 of 182 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | next > last >>