A male half elf wanders into the discussion thread, trailing his bladed weapon behind him. He seems amused to see the blade carve small furrows into the fresh ground of the discussion thread. He looks about, his eyes casting for others.
He lifts the makeshift bandage off his forehead, tried blood keeping it partially in place, and then returns it to his head. It was a bad wound, but he has chosen to let it heal naturally as a reminder to his foolishness.
I am lucky to be alive. Many men other than me died. I will keep this wound, this scar, as a reminder to be better in the future.
He walks further into the discussion thread, still looking for others.
"If you are here, show yourself. I had heard that other heroes might be called to face great evil here. I was told that I would have a chance at great deeds and heroic victories should I come here. And that others would join me. So where are you? Why do you hide?" Baszil says into the voidless darkness of the thread, his deep rich voice carrying far.
"Surely you wish the same? Victories upon victories? To hear the lamentations of their women? Songs sung in your name? Then join me here. Join me now. Come. We are almost ready to fight."
Baszil thrusts his blade into the ground and waits, arms folded.
As with other Ulfen men, he stands tall and is broadly built. He wears leathers that look several seasons too old (and a little tight), but his real pride seems to be a large battered round cold iron shield - carefully manufactured and grasped. He’s clearly a man who knows the value of a good shield. Though his clothes are lighter than you might find in the north, he does sport a fringe of fox fur on his cloak - a throwback to a colder climate.
He also wears a crossbow & simple quiver and dagger at his hip, but no other weapons of note. His pack seems light to him, and a holy symbol to Gorum, a small stone affair, hangs on his chest.
He takes a drink of something dark and frothy from a large steel flagon, "Aye, quiet down newcomer - I'm here and ready. Not sure I care about a goblinoids woman - lamenting or not, but I catch your drift none the less."
He finishes his drink and wipes the flagon before stowing it in his bulging rucksack. He stands and walks to the half elf, "Do you know what the pay is? No one has told me. I've yet to meet the man in charge."
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"Greetings travellers!"
The innkeeper takes your orders and returns shortly with plates heaped high.
"Waiting for a few more are we? Great heroes such as yourselves no doubt. Tell me man, do you need a healer? What of you large one, what brings you to my fine inn? Perhaps you've seen the bounty I posted?"
"Seeking out evil? Heroic Deeds? Heroic victories? These are usually spoken by those who have not seen the face of Death or true evil." A gruff voice speaks from the corner near a stall containing hand carved wooden keepsakes, carved from the Fangwood.
Leaning into the light is an ashen gray half-orc with a chipped falchion hanging from the side of his scale mail armor in a scabbard that looks to be filled with tree moss. On his belt is a wooden hand carved tube made from the same Fangwood trees and a small pouch of darts.
The table creaks as he leans in with a dirty and misshapen bandage across his face. "The dark times will come soon enough for those that are patient." His small tusks rub against his upper lip in what would appear to be an unintended snarl, though in fact he is just making conversation.
”Great heroes.” A man says from over near the fireplace. His voice is strong, yet supple, like honeyed-coffee. He looks to be in his early thirties and stands just above average height, but he carries a strong presence that makes him appear larger. He has handsome features and mid-length dark hair. Flames from the fire flicker in eyes that seem almost black.
He wears a slate grey long coat over a dark green tunic, linen shirt, black trousers, and cuffed leather boots. It’s the outfit of a successful merchant or tradesman. Hanging from his shoulder is a leather satchel designed to carry books and scrolls. A dagger rests in a sheath on his belt, and hung on a chair nearby is a crossbow with a quiver of bolts.
”Be careful what you wish for. Nirmathas has many a gods’ acre full of brave heroes.”
"Seeking out evil? Heroic Deeds? Heroic victories? These are usually spoken by those who have not seen the face of Death or true evil."
”Be careful what you wish for. Nirmathas has many a gods’ acre full of brave heroes.”
Baszil's face rises, first to look at the Ulfen, then the half-orc, then the human. He snorts as he sees faces finally fill the hall.
"Yes, half-orc, tell me how I should feel about things. Tell me about pains that you think I do not know," Baszil's hand goes to touch his bandaged brow. "And you, human, please tell me of what I should fear. You should know my heart better than I."
Baszil smiles at the discussion thread, turning his head to the bartender.
"Tell me man, do you need a healer? What of you large one, what brings you to my fine inn? Perhaps you've seen the bounty I posted?"
"I do not require a healer for my wound. I intend to let it settle as a reminder of my failures. But maybe my companions would like to tell more of how I should look and feel?" Baszil looks again at his companions, his voice deep and rich.
"No matter, let me buy them a drink. I would have ale, then another while you tell me of the bounty you have posted. Maybe then, my companions will tell me how I feel about it."
”A round on the brave half-elf then.” The man smiles and glances around at the others. ”And may fortune favor all who drink here with him.”
To the half-elf, ”If you have no fear of death, then who am I to offer any wisdom on the matter? If you were offended, I offer an apology. Now, let’s drink and feel merry, for tomorrow we may die.”
"Thank you stranger." The half orc smiles. "Not often kindness is met by someone you don't know." The misshapen and scarred half-orc looks to the bartender. "I will have a blackberry wine."
Ullogash raises his glass. "To Tomorrow." He sips the wine slowly. His greasy black hair dangles around his shoulders as the blackberry wine goes down smooth. A lot smoother than the stuff he tries to make himself back in the Fangwood.
Faolan laughs at the half elf's bristling discomfort.
"Something stout I think for me please barkeep." He turns to the half elf, "You should feel pleased to be buying me a round and do it often out of the sheer pleasure of it!" he laughs again loudly and hoists his drink and bows his head in honor to the purchaser.
His ears however caught the future sound of coins in his pocket, and he returns to the matter at hand. Facing the barkeep he says, "I heard a rumor, but nothing more. Do you indeed have a task for us this day? A task that pays well?"
I humbly submit that this breaks the build intent and I ask you to rule instead that I can re-shoulder the shield at the end of the round as a free action so I can use it to protect myself (Shield to AC) on the opponents turn. That certainly seems intended - the whole trick of the Shield Champion is to throw and retrieve while being all cool looking. ;) Further, the archetype is by no means overpowered, and requires a number of feats to do well and additional cash, which detracts from other options I may have as a brawler.
Finally, if you rule that RAW Stands, and I cannot re-shoulder the shield at the end of my turn, no worries! I think this request makes for a fun balanced build, but you’re the boss and it doesn’t break my plans either way. How do you want to rule?
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The discussion thread jolts and shimmers in an area of the room as shadows crawl and whispers of madness are heard. Though if you listen close enough the whispers go quiet, just long enough for you to forget about them. Veiled in the corner, by himself is a man few have seen around town. Or if they have they quickly forget about him. His body is covered head to toe in dark greens and gray fabric. Bor Olrum has never stayed in one place for long. Few actually know what race he even is as dark black orbs for eyes are normally all that shows through his hood and stitched together scarf that covers most of his face. On the scarf is an embroidered black knotted ring.
While others seem disturbed and move to avoid his presence Bor Olrum seems at peace and content. His eyes shift as he sees the evil beyond the veil. The evil and whispers that noone else can hear unless they seek it. Most ignore the evil's presence and whispers as it does so well at staying in the darkest reaches and hidden. But Bor knows it all too well. He raises his glass. "The illusion of safety can't stay strong forever. One day it will crack and everyone will know this true evil. Then you can become the true savior half-elf."
To the half-elf, ”If you have no fear of death, then who am I to offer any wisdom on the matter? If you were offended, I offer an apology. Now, let’s drink and feel merry, for tomorrow we may die.”
Baszil resists touching his wounded scalp again, trusting that it will serve as a reminder to himself to do better in the future.
"I feel no offense, Mister. I have seen and failed already and know the evils that plague the lands outside this city. You do not know the scars that I carry, nor do I know yours. We meet here," Basz looks around the discussion thread, bare but for the bar and chairs. "We meet here for the first time. I do not know if we will meet again...but know that I know the dangers of this land, and I have seen them with my own eyes. Which I have been lucky to keep."
Baszil smiles grimly, this rich voice buried into his ale mug.
"And now a second toast. To those who would fight. To those who would resist. To those that would take up arms to defend themselves." Baszil raises his mug.
Krowe’s eyes dart to the stranger in the corner. Do the others see him? Is here really there? Or is he another messenger sent to remind him of his past oaths, of those broken, and those unbreakable.
His smile, however, remains, and he raises his mug for the second toast. ”To those who would fight.”
He drinks and wonders if these men are up to the task to come...
Faolan hoists his tankard aloft at the half elf's second toast. He sizes up the assorted men around him and looks to the bartender. This seems to be the team, he thinks quietly to himself.
He smiles broadly, This is a good team! and takes another drink, though not as deep. He sets the stout down firmly and waits patiently to hear the nature of the job.
Baszil grunts, looking at the motley collection of fools heroes.
"Seems we have some heroes here. Which 3 of you will walk upon the fields of battle with me?" Baszil asks in his deep rich voice. "You may not recognize me once we leave this place, and I will not know you."
Baszil takes another sip of his ale, trying to place his mind into character as he finds his words.
"Next time you see me, I will probably trying to find work. You see...I've been a merc, a guard, a part of more than a few companies. Sadly, the last one I fought with...well...I...we..." Baszil's hand goes to touch his bandaged head. "...we didn't fare so well against the Ironfangs. No, I...we...no, that's a tale for another time." Baszil's deep voice trails off. He looks into his drink.
He makes a face and downs his drink, put the mug back on the bar. He looks to the group, nodding his goodbye.
He walks over to retrieve his long blade, still stuck in the discussion thread's soil. He pulls it out with two hands. The blade, with pommel and blade taken together, is nearly as long as Baszil himself. It is a fine heavy blade, used in two hands.
He looks back, hoping to etch the vision of this thread into his mind...as if to carry to the next thread, but knowing he cannot.
"Yes, I'm sure we will meet again, though...maybe not all of you..." Baszil's eyes flicker from Bor to Ullogosh, wondering which might be met again.
He prepares to leave the thread for a time, almost ready to go.
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Bor stands "I shall walk with you into the darkness." His rune shaped scar seems to redden and turn puffy as the blood pools. "The battle will see madness unlike anything the world has ever seen. We shall lift the veil before their eyes and disappear without a trace." Bor rests his carved cup on down onto the table as Ullogash smiles.
The half orc's hands twist and dissipate as they turn to ash. The ash blows and bursts away as if carried by some invisible wing back into the void of the shapeless mind. The orc's table, wares and poison along with it.
Bor looms over the table. Wizened eyes glint from behind his cowl as dozens more eyes blink back from the shadows. The whispers turn to screams of pain and the thundering thumps from the drums of war on the horizon.
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The innkeep nods at the new company.
"Well then, sounds like you've all decided. The bounty I spoke of is information. My old friend Aubrin the Green lives near the town of Phaendar and I've not heard from her in some time. I'd like you to seek her out and learn of her recent doings, and why she hasn't visited me in some time."
I've setup the Treasure Sheet (link). Balodek, can you put a link at the top of the page or on the Gameplay thread for easy access?
If anyone want to be able to edit it directly, or just wants to chat from time to time off Paizo's boards, please PM me with your email account and I'll add you - and chat back a hello!
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Regarding Perception checks:
Unless stated beforehand there is a tricky line with assuming what players would do upon entering an area containing hidden items or information. I try to break down the divide between passive and active perception checks.
Passive perception would apply to situations that don’t require the character to do anything more than be in the area and rely on line of sight, sounds, or maybe even smells. Examples: hiding creatures, suspicious books on a desk, a burning fuse, a silent but deadly fart.
Rules note: I think a GM should always make these rolls (and allow the players make an additional one if they decide upon active perception).
Active perception would apply to situations that require interaction. Examples: the contents of containers, a key under a rug, and anything considered secret (doors, latches, and discovering who “dealt it”).
Rules note: I think players should almost always be responsible for these rolls.
By establishing these as standard play assumptions it can both speed along the game and make players more active in situations where they know the GM isn’t going to do the work for them.
Note: I also think that sometimes a passive perception check might notice clues that lead to an active perception check.
Trap Spotter Talent: any character with the trap spotter rogue talent should get to make passive checks for all traps within 10 feet, and I would allow a second check if they take time for active perception.
Thanks for the heads up!
Invisible at the edge of the smoke, Krowe calls out in his best hobgoblin sergeant voice using the language all goblinoids speak.
[dice=Bluff]1d20+3
Forgot to mention it in my post, but this here is a fat load of awesome. Nice play, Krowe.
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We have concluded Part 1 of Book 1 of the AP. Please advance yourselves to 2nd level.
I have added a new section to Campaign Info for the Camp rules of this AP. As you're all aware each AP has its own unique thing and for this one you're guiding a band of survivors, growing the camp, and generally turning yourselves into a pain in the backside of the Legion.
During the course of fleeing the town you accumulated various pieces of loot. In addition to what has been listed in the Treasure sheet you have the following:
32 Provision Points
Aubrin
Jet
Rhyna
Kining
1st-level adept
1st-level aristocrat
1st-level warrior (4)
1st-level adept
1st-level commoner (12)
On the corpse of the bridgegoblin you find the following:
potion of cure light wounds (3)
potion of endure elements
alchemist’s fire (2)
antiplague
antitoxin
scent cloak (3)
mwk breastplate
mwk buckler
dagger
mwk cold iron scimitar
mwk light crossbow with 20 bolts
animal harness
backpack
bedroll
compass
crowbar
manacles
Provision Points (4)
signal whistle
silk rope (50 ft.)
small tent
16 gp
The adventure is slightly freeform at this point. After you've got your level and loot sorted plus any questions about the mechanics answered here, I'll use the NPCs to provide information and whatever push is needed to get the PCs moving where the railro...er, forest path takes them. ;)
+11HP ( class +2 con +1 favored class) (total 24)
+1 BAB (CMD/CMB)
+1 Fort and Reflex saves
+5 skills (4 class +1 human) (Acrobatics, Intimidate, Knowledge Religion, Perception, Sense Motive)
+1 Bonus Feat Combat Expertise )
Brawler’s Flurry (Ex): Starting at 2nd level, a brawler can make a brawler’s flurry as a full-attack action. When doing so, a brawler has the Two-Weapon Fighting feat when attacking with any combination of unarmed strikes, weapons from the close fighter weapon group, or weapons with the “monk” special feature. She does not need to use two different weapons to use this ability.
A brawler applies her full Strength modifier to her damage rolls for all attacks made with brawler’s flurry, whether the attacks are made with an off-hand weapon or a weapon wielded in both hands. A brawler can substitute disarm, sunder, and trip combat maneuvers for unarmed attacks as part of brawler’s flurry.
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I've updated the treasure sheet to include everything we've picked up. I need to fine tune it yet, and put some of the values in there, but I'll get to that later today. If anyone wants anything, just speak up! If two people claim the same thing, I'll let you know and we can sort it out in character.
hp + 1 con + 1 FC = +8 total hp
+better, more persuasive singing voice
+moar spells
Skills (+5 for level)
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+1 Climb
+1 Perform Oratory
+1 Know (Geog)
+1 Perception
+1 Spellcraft
+BAB, moar saves
I've updated the treasure sheet to include everything we've picked up.
Bazs is eying some items, but will wait to see what others take first. He's already nabbed a nice longbow and an alchemist fire from earlier. You all should select first.
+1 BAB
+1 Will
Skills (+6 ranks)
+1 Bluff
+1 Diplomacy
+1 Knowledge Arcana
+1 Knowledge Local
+1 Spellcraft
+1 Use Magic Device
+ Spells
Mwk Breastplate on Line 80
You bastard. You stole my armor. Fine. I hope you trip on it and you get eaten by a grue.
Bazsil claims:
Line 50: 3 Alch Fires
Line 51: 1 Antitoxin
Line 58: 1 AntiPlague
Line 88: Compass
Line 89: Crowbar
Line 92: Silk Rope
Faolan will collect one of the MW Backpacks and a potion of cure light.
You can have the armor if you need it Bazsil. It only increases my AC by 1 and truthfully I am saving for Mwk full plate anyways.
Nah, dawg. You've already tried it on. When you get your plate, maybe Bazsil will take your armored handmedown.
Krowe claims:
Line 59 Antiplague
Line 72 Dust of illusion
Line 75 Potion of Cure Light Wounds
Line 77 Alchemist fire x2
Line 79 Antitoxin
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Day 2 Camp
Scout NPCs trained in Survival or Stealth can scout the area or keep an eye on Phaendar for the PCs. With a successful DC 10 Survival check, an NPC can either discover one point of interest in the area (such as an encounter location) or reduce the chances for a random encounter by 5%.
Forage or Hunt Characters who spend a full day hunting or gathering and succeed at a DC 10 Survival check gain 1 Provision Point. Characters gain 1 additional Provision Point for every 2 by which the result exceeds 10.
Herd Phaendar’s sheep and goat herds were scattered in the attack, and many were lost in the Fangwood. NPCs can recover a single goat or sheep with a successful DC 16 Handle Animal check.
Stand Watch An NPC can stand watch, attempting Perception checks and even confronting danger while the PCs rest uninterrupted.
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Day 3 Camp
Scout NPCs trained in Survival or Stealth can scout the area or keep an eye on Phaendar for the PCs. With a successful DC 10 Survival check, an NPC can either discover one point of interest in the area (such as an encounter location) or reduce the chances for a random encounter by 5%.
Forage or Hunt Characters who spend a full day hunting or gathering and succeed at a DC 10 Survival check gain 1 Provision Point. Characters gain 1 additional Provision Point for every 2 by which the result exceeds 10.
Herd Phaendar’s sheep and goat herds were scattered in the attack, and many were lost in the Fangwood. NPCs can recover a single goat or sheep with a successful DC 16 Handle Animal check.
Stand Watch An NPC can stand watch, attempting Perception checks and even confronting danger while the PCs rest uninterrupted.
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Scout NPCs trained in Survival or Stealth can scout the area or keep an eye on Phaendar for the PCs. With a successful DC 10 Survival check, an NPC can either discover one point of interest in the area (such as an encounter location) or reduce the chances for a random encounter by 5%.
Forage or Hunt Characters who spend a full day hunting or gathering and succeed at a DC 10 Survival check gain 1 Provision Point. Characters gain 1 additional Provision Point for every 2 by which the result exceeds 10.
Herd Phaendar’s sheep and goat herds were scattered in the attack, and many were lost in the Fangwood. NPCs can recover a single goat or sheep with a successful DC 16 Handle Animal check.
Stand Watch An NPC can stand watch, attempting Perception checks and even confronting danger while the PCs rest uninterrupted.
44 PP. Need to name the halfling and the aristocrat, they're really killing it out there.
I am headed abroad (UK) starting tomorrow and will be gone for a week. Travel days not withstanding I should be able to post more or less as usual (though from a very different timezone). However if there is a lag in my posting, that's why.
Please bot me as needed.
