Skull and Shackles PbP (with Heavy RP) recruitment thread


Recruitment

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Gladly!

perform: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15


When Sven breaks into song, Travis taps his feet along and joins in with a soft humming once he's sure of the tune.

perform song: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

I know I'm cursing myself by using up all my good die rolls now, sigh

Lantern Lodge

Sensing a momentary lull in the conversation, Ri'el leans back against the counter, content to let the music wash away the present concerns, if at least for a moment.

I wonder what the hooded one seeks to hide? Does he fear being recognised, or does he seek to hide some aspect of his features?

I'd do a perception check at this point, but I won't have time to work out Ri's crunch till Saturday.


Carious takes another swig and begins tapping his foot.


This is the start to a poem inspired by The Raven... which also has the same rhyme scheme and meter. Imagine it being played to a spooky tune. And though it isn’t said, it is about Ustalav. I have no stats up, so I'll just say that's a nat 20 peform check. Give or take. ;)

Alkyd nods her head at the request of a song and starts to sing

Sing bards and tell us what you know of that awful land filled with woe,
Where happiness is a luxury and keeping it a chore,
And the people must share their space with every race,
And... things only heroes should face: undead, bandits, worgs and more,
Such as names that are but whispers in tomes of forgotten lore.
Names better left lost in lore...


Carious swings his arm slowly to the song about the land of horrors.


Suny begins to skip, spin, cavort and dance to the tunes being played.

Dance:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

While her motions have no formal cadence, her enthusiasm and joy shine through her actions. (^_^)


When Sven is done and cheers go around for his song Travis lifts his half full glass and toasts the singer "Thankee, young skald.. well sung!"

... then when all grows quiet again and Alkyd fills the silence with her cadenced recital, he listens raptly... receding further into his hood as she speaks of the unspeakable things of distant lore. He nods to her when her performance is done. He fills his now-empty glass and lifts it in her honor. "An interesting choice of poesy this eve. Thank you for an inspired performance."


"Great performances, both of ya. Sven fillin' men's hearts with courage, and Alkyd's use of poetry to convey feelin', brings out the emotions in people."


She grins as her tune ends. "Can you blame me for the spooky tune in the midst of Lamashan? A bard must have a song for every month, and every occasion, I think, whether that be to inspire, frighten, be merry, or hone the fallen."


At the mention of what month it is, Carious frowns a bit, but perks up again, "True, and it was a lovely piece of poetry."


Suny calms as the music ends, happy and flushed with the excitement and joy of the dance.

"We kind'a has only a couple o' big seasons. Sunny an' not rainin' or sunny an' rainin'..." (^_^)


In Cheliax, the only time it ever rains is when the high priests allow it to. Otherwise, they just control the weather with their magic. Apparently, anything more extreme than cloudy skies is a potential factor of rebellion." She noticably shudders. "Oh how I wish I get to see rain more often. Gozreh, thankfully is all too happy too comply, even if I'm not a cleric of his. hers depending on what aspect of Gozreh we are speaking of... it's not so great when on the open sea, and the winds are trying to kill you, but Gozreh works hand and hand with Shelyn to create beauty in nature."

Lantern Lodge

Ri'el slowly opens his eyes as the performances end, the renewed discourses returning him to the present moment.

"An inspired performance indeed. Most evenings all I hear in the watering holes around these parts are tuneless ditties of vain erotic fantasies or empty boasts of ludicrously-embellished bravado. To have such a gathering of genuine performers in one evening...tell me, is there something stirring of which I have managed to remain ignorant about, or have the spirits simply chosen to favour me this day?"


Carious shudders at the mention of Cheliax, "Sorry ya had to grow up in that literal hellhole, lass. Hate that place's religion,their ways. Cheliax used ta be nice from what I hear, until House Thrune got their tainted mitts on the throne."


Alkyd is about to order another glass when she notices how tipsy she is. Perhaps she would wait until tomorrow before having more ale.

"Aye, well, the one good thing that came from that place was that the horse drawn carriages ran on time. As for the time before Thrune... I wouldn't remember it as I was not yet born. Shame too. Living there might have made for an interesting story. As for this gathering, Ri'el, I think the gods have brought us all together for some reason. I can't quite put my finger on it yet, but there is something brewing in the world."


"Aye, would've made for good stories of hope for Aroden ta return. At least ya got that and the exploits of Iomedae as good things."


"Born and raised in the Shackles, spent most of my life here... still I've heard of Cheliax and House Thrune... who hasn't -- What with Chelaxian warships and slaver ships plying the waters of the Shackles regularly. I can see how coming from such a place can lend you a strong predilection towards either good or evil... glad to see you favored the good. It seems to suit you well. Of course, to be honest, I've only met a couple of evil bards in my days, and I wouldn't consider either of them good company, nor good captain material. Though good with a song, thoroughly unlikable fellows both of 'em." Travis trails off as the memories of old days return for a moment... He shakes his head, the hood swaying back and forth as he does so, shaking off the old thoughts.

"Sorry, getting maudlin... forget my musings, they are inconsequential."


Suny offers a hug to Alkyd in reaction to the woman's shudders. Suny raises her hand in response to Travis' question of who hasn't heard of what.

"I be about ta' see an' learn about tha' world." (^_^)


My first ever character in a TTRPG was a LE bard and worshipped of Asmodeus... Ah, good times. He played out, quite a bit like Paracountess Zarta. Then again, how do you know I'm not a level 20, inquisitor of Asmodeus, seeking those who speak against him, and waiting for my opportunity to strike and sell you all into slavery? I'm not, but hey, I'm just a random person you met in a tavern ;) (besides, Neutral Good fits me)

"Inconsequential? Humbug, I'm actually interested in hearing more about yourself. I've been doing a bit too much talking about myself for my liking." Shecsmiles at the elf's offering of affection, returning the embrace.


"More about me?... What's to say? ...Let's see..." He pauses, musing a moment, considering what to say... "I was born on a remote island, during a torrential storm, by my mother's account. I was raised with my twin sister there, but taken to sea by my father when I was twelve. By a twist of fate, I left the life of a sailor behind me to learn more of the world and myself through self-perfection in a monastery. When my master passed away, I took to the seas again, and find myself here in Port Peril seeking a new berth. While that leaves out much detail, that's the gist of my life... My father is dead. I know nothing of the fate of my sister or my mother since I saw them last when I was but twelve years old... "

He shrugs under his cloak and hood. "That's my life in a nutshell. What else would you like to know?"


Alkyd frowns. "If you would like to see your sister and mother again, perhaps we should journey together. I'm sure in the midst of dispensing justice throughout the seas, we would be able to visit many ports to hear rumors about them. Only a suggestion of course. I know for certain that if I saw my brother again, it would not be a good time, but, not all family relationships are as hostile as one, from what I've heard." She pats the man on the back. "I'm sure you'll say more when you wish to. Not everyone in the world is as loud mouthed as myself."


"Yes, findin' your family would be a great highlight ta our grand adventures,Travis. Who knows, we might see my kin as well."

Lantern Lodge

Ri'el attempts a discreet peak under Travis' hood as the mysterious stranger shakes his head, but the gloom of the tavern prevents him from catching more than a passing glance at his features. His curiousity frustrated, Ri'el instead turns his attention to the conversation topic at hand. At Travis' recounting of his life story in brief, Ri'el is unable to hold back a wry grin.

"Ha! Our lives appear to be a curious inversion of each others'. I was raised by my parents in a monastery, but my father took me along when he left, and I travelled with him until his passing, after which I took to the seas. I'm beginning to wonder whether the spirits that brought us to this meeting were motivated by some wry sense of humour."

Lantern Lodge

Yet two details intrigue me, mysterious one. Text in lower-case italics, for me at least, refer to Ri's inner thoughts.

"At least you still have the hope of a reunion with your mother and sister. If I may ask, what made you part ways with your father in favour of the monastic life, and how did you come to learn of his passing?"


Suny's demeanor saddens a little at Travis' tale... though her motion to offer the fellow a hug peters out as she remembers the previous attempt, so she remains with a friendly arm around Alkyd's shoulder,

"Whut were ye masterin'?"And she asks intrigued, then frowns, "No...um... ye Master passed off an' ye were in a mastery...." Suny blinks, looking into her mug, "That in't right....." She shakes her blond mop.

"Whut were it ye were doin'?" She tries again.

Opsie! Lots'a peoples talkin! (^_^)


Travis shrugs away from Alkyd's pat on the back, but the noticable hunch on his back under the cloak is definitely something sort of solid she can feel as he shies away from her touch.

"If they still live, I would love to find my family. I never stopped missing them. Perhaps it is just the longing of a child that still feels the need to seek them."

He turns to Ri'el and feels the piercing look that attempts to see under the hood and lowers his head slightly, further hiding his features. He nods at the assessment of the correlation of their lives. "Aye, we seem to have histories with strong similarities and odd oppositions... How suiting in a way. The gods are indeed laughing, I think."

"My father died at sea, and I felt it was time I put to shore after his death. I found myself on an island with a small village and a remote monastery. I sought refuge in the monastery and they recognized a shattered soul seeking solace. The master of the monastery took me in as his personal student. I lived there for some time, learning about life and myself. Those were good days, I must say."


"Let us hope it is the gods of good that are laughing, and not those of hellish or abyssal origins..." she raises an eyebrow when she feels Travis' back and sees him shy away, but says nothing. It was none of her business to be honest.

Alright, night guys. Too tired to post anymore.


"Aye, all of us seem ta have colorful pasts. Then again, we live in a time where gods can die, so hard not ta have strange backgrounds"


Night, Alkyd. Also, I won't be here tomorrow or during the weekend so trying to get as much RPing done as possible.

Lantern Lodge

"I would assume that Travis sought to master the pugilistic arts whilst at the monastery. We had several back in Quain, each specialising in a different form. Though I never got to train in any of them, I did find them fascinating. Exponents from the different monasteries and traditions would regularly seek to spar against each other. To 'swap pointers', as they would insist, but everyone really knew that it was a competition to prove that their style was superior to the other's. Perhaps that was why I never felt inclined to train in those arts. To avoid being a part of that whole competition for supremacy."

"Nonetheless, I do find the art itself fascinating to behold, and would love a display, if you would. Not against me, or indeed anyone here, of course. Perhaps a kata, good sir?"


g'night Alkyd... see you tomorrow maybe - I'll be out late tomorrow though and don't know when I'll be able to post


"Perhaps another time... this would not be a good place for a display of such arts.. and I have been drinking. But you would be right, I did train in both martial and spiritual arts. Perhaps a demonstration at a later date when I am not so impaired as tonight."


Suny nods at Travis' explanation. (^_^)

G'night Alkyd. An' a g'night ta' any one who be toddlin' off ta' sleepin' as well. *waves*

Lantern Lodge

Catch ya later, Alkyd. Have a good sleep. =)

"Of course. I apologise. It has been awhile since I have seen the art practiced for love of the art itself, and the mention of a life in a monastery brought me back to... a simpler, more peaceful time. I do look forward to seeing your forms at a more opportune time and location."

Though I also do hope I do not see in your demonstration a familiar form. Things might get complicated if members of your monastery were amongst those whom my father had challenged and...subdued.

"This monastery you mentioned, however. Was it perchance located in Golarion, or did you have to travel to Tian Xia to pursue your art?"


"It was here in the Shackles, on a small island, mostly forgotten or ignored on most maps... though the occasional ship did moor off shore for trading at the village. I think the presence of the monastery and the small size of the village protected it from raiders. I have never been to Tian Xia, though my master spoke of it from time to time, and as I recall, his own master came from that far eastern land."

Lantern Lodge

"A monastery in the Shackles? I had no idea that the practice of the pugilistic arts had spread so far beyond our lands." Ri'el says with a smile, as much from friendliness as from relief at the revelation.

Well, the good news is that members of his monastery are unlikely to rank amongst my pursuers. I only hope the same can be said of his grand-masters school. I shall have to note his stances when he gives his demonstration.

Deciding it was time to change the topic, Ri'el turns the conversation to the other word Travis had used that intrigued him.

"And when you say 'spiritual arts', can I take that to mean that you also commune with the spirits?"

I have never met another who spoke with the spirits as I do. How much more will this mysterious stranger intrigue me, I wonder?


"Speak with the spirits? No, I've never had such an honor... when I say spiritual arts, I refer to knowledge of the self, and connection to one's own essence. With experience and training, such connection can be quite powerful. Though I have met those who claim to commune with spirits -- such abilities amaze and intrigue, but are quite beyond my meager skills. I am told that some who claim such are but charlatans, but I believe that spirits are real and there must be those who can see and speak with them. Perhaps I am too gullible, eh?"


Carious just listens while taking swigs of ale.


Suny skips over and orders herself a topping up of Rum. (^_^)

Happily spinning about and bouncing back to join the group.


Travis looks at his bottle of whiskey, now down to about a 1/3 of a bottle and examines his empty glass... tips the bottle as if he intends to fill the glass again, then thinks better of it, caps the bottle and sets the glass on the bar. "Perhaps more would be a bad idea right now... All things in moderation."

Lantern Lodge

"Gullible? I would hardly say so! The spirits are indeed real, and always with us, even now! They are the knowledge that people hold in their minds, the creatures and forces of nature, even the very life-force that sustains us. In fact, many of the spells employed by pursuers of the arcane arts and the various servants of the gods do nothing more than wrangle and bind spirits to temporarily do their bidding, whether it is to impede, bind or even to slay."

A hint of passion mars the aasimar's previously calm demeanour as he continues, the subject matter evidently one that he feels strongly about.

"But of course most men are oblivious to this, for they are often concerned only with the results that can be wrought by their spells. It is for precisely this reason that the spirits often choose not to reveal themselves to men - men who either fear them from lack of understanding or see them only as a source of power to be exploited. I am told that there was a time once when men and spirits enjoyed a better relationship, but man's selfishness and desire for advancement strained that relationship time and again till it was all but permanently sundered. Now the spirits hide themselves from the sight of man, and only a rare few will even consider revealing themselves before men."

Lantern Lodge

Realising that he was speaking slightly louder than he usually would, Ri'el quickly recovers himself and takes a moment to inhale deeply before addressing the group again.

"But from your words, friend, it sounds like you may be one whom they might be inclined to reveal themselves to, if that is a path you wish to explore. In a way, spiritual training in the sense to which you refer is a communion of sorts with the spirits of life and battle, even if you do not realise it, and mastery of such techniques could be seen as having achieved a form of communion with such spirits. Or perhaps cognizance of the spirits involved in such a venture could serve to advance you in your training," he adds with a smile.

Ri's second-level ability allows him to actually talk to various spirits of affliction and ask them to depart. Mechanically it's status-removal via a diplomacy check, but I'm more looking forward to seeing the party members give Ri'el wierd looks when he talks to a nauseated ally, only to be surprised when said ally suddenly recovers. ;)

Until that happens, it's also entirely possible that right now everyone just thinks that Ri'el has had one too many ales...notwithstanding that he is still on his first one!


Travis nods and listens to Ri'el's words carefully and with intense consideration. "I'm glad to hear others believe in such spirits... but you speak as one who has had direct contact with the spirit world. You talk as if you KNOW... and that passion is strong in you." He speaks with a degree of admiration and respect and not a little awe as well.


"I never thought of my training in that way... perhaps you are right in an indirect way, though I'm not aware of any actual interaction with spirits in my meditations. Perhaps with further training and experience...?"


"Only spirits I know o' are ghosts, spectres, and the like. Incorporeal apparitions that scream and yell at the fact they haven't passed on. Sad,really."

Sorry I'm not contributing much, just dunno what to say.


its okay Carious - just chime in with anything... your input is always welcome

"I believe there are spirits in everything around us, ghosts and spectres and such are only one aspect of the spirit world. All sorts of things have spirit energy - rocks and trees and elements and places and sometimes people... I have been told such beliefs are blasphemous to some religions..." He shrugs, not sure what else to say...


Suny listens to Ri'el's talk, even offering a little 'fist pump' in support... Though possibly showing she didn't quite catch the gist of every thing that has been said. (^_^)

She nods in a agreement to Travis, "Aye, there be connections to spirits all over tha' place. Kin are all'a ways lookn' out fer tha' spirits of any a tha' plce we be goin'."


Carious gives a big grin and waves his upside down hand across the bar, "And here is where my religion's spirits lie."

I'll go hide in the dumb joke corner now XD


Travis laughs aloud, the first time he's done so since arriving in Port Peril, at Carious' pun. "Aye, your religion does indeed honor spirits in a real sense."

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