Children of Wrath [RotRL]

Game Master nate lange

The morning of the Swallowtail Festival is much like any other inside the Turandarok Academy. Out in the streets, however, there is a flurry of activity as all manner of vendors and street performers set up to ply their wares for the anticipated crowds...

Yesterday had been a good day for Axel Hagerson. With crowds of vendors arriving early for the festival, and excited about all the coin they stood to make, his performances had been well received; so well, in fact, that he'd made enough coin for a hearty dinner, a few drinks, a hot bath, a private room, and some spending money at the festival. As the first light of dawn broke through his window on the second floor of the Rusty Dragon, the young skald sat up and shook the sleep from his eyes. Quickly gathering his possessions, he hurried out into the street and headed for the church square to claim a prime spot for performing. It was strange to be heading out at down instead of looking for a place to turn in, but there was already so much excitement in the air as other buskers and multi-colored vendor tents began to fill the streets and squares that he hardly noticed the early hour.

Rising with the sun was nothing new for Josie Fizzwicket. This morning was different though. Like the other neophytes and initiates at the new cathedral, her morning began with prayer and worship. Until today that practice had been followed with chores- including cleaning and helping the builders with their work on the beautiful new building. No more. Today the cathedral was finished; all had been cleaned and preparations were complete for the dedication that would come later that afternoon. With no more responsibilities for the day, she climbed on Inc and set out across the church square while orange light and long purple shadows still spilled across the cobbled streets.

Ellen woke feeling surprisingly well rested. The voices that called to her in the darkness had been silent last night. Ilsoari used to say that when Desna draws near, as she often does on her holy days, the nightmares cannot come. How true that really is remains to be seen but this morning it felt true enough. Choosing which of her drab, unassuming outfits to wear to the festival proved somewhat challenging and only seemed to add to the mix of anxiety and anticipation that she felt. Afterwards, she barely had time to pour some coffee into two cheap clay mugs before she had to run to the door where Josie was waiting for her. The old friends caught up quickly while they walked (and rode) back to the church square and took up position near the stage where the halfling would be able to see.

Kejak's night had been a long one. Fortunately he'd had the good sense to sleep all afternoon, but he'd spent the night on patrol for the watch while most of it's members slept and prepared for today. Nothing serious had transpired, but he and the seasoned watchmen he'd been assigned to had broken up several fights and escorted more than a dozen surly drunks to the holding cell. Part of him considered returning to the Rusty Dragon for a nap as he stepped out of the Barracks and blinked in the morning light, but the smells of the food already filling the air, and the promise of the drinks that would soon be flowing, were enough to convince him otherwise. After a quick splash of cold water to wash his face and hands, and a glass of freshly pressed apple juice from a Shoanti street-vendor, the large ruddy man walks into the church square just as Mayor Deverin walks up to the podium on the stage.

A mighty boom roars out as the petite mayor slams together two thunderstones above her head, and stunned silence immediately overtakes the crowd. Hundreds of people, most dressed in vibrant, festive colors, stand in the square watching the woman at the podium and the three men seated on the stage behind her. "Good morning and welcome to Sandpoint!" she cries out with an enthusiasm that seems contagious. "It is an honor and a joy for us to host all of you on this fine day as we join in celebrating the Swallowtail festival and the dedication of our brand new Cathedral!" Its plain to see as she continues speaking why she was elected mayor- she is charming, articulate, and an expert at working the crowd. By the time she finishes her brief speech the gathered people seem even more excited for the day's festivities.

She concludes her remarks with, "...and now allow me to introduce to you our esteemed Sheriff, Belor Hemlock." The tanned and weathered Shoanti sheriff rises to a stirring round of applause and steps up to the podium. "Fun. Everybody wants to have fun, right?" he calls out with none of the charisma the mayor had, "Well, you're not gonna have any fun locked up in the Barracks, so you best remember this is still a city and there are still laws here." He seems completely unaware of, or completely unconcerned with, the sudden drop in enthusiasm. "With a crowd this big there's bound to be all manner of pickpockets and petty criminals, so keep your wits about you. Could even be some slavers, so don't go wondering off on your own. And don't go doing anything foolish. We already had one big fire here, let's not go startin' another one 'cause you couldn't control yourself. Speaking of the fire, let's take a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives to that fire five years ago."

A somber silence falls as the sheriff ends his brief but... weighty speech. Cyrdak Drokkus, the head of the local theater, sits with his arms crossed across his chest and a look of annoyance painted across his face for nearly a minute before rising, stepping past Sheriff Hemlock, and clearing his throat at the podium. "Yes. Amen, or what have you. Thank you, Belor." he says in a deep booming voice through his wide toothy smile. "It was to be the venerable Lonjiku Kaijitsu's honor to speak next but, sadly, Lord Kaijitsu was struck ill last night. Of course, when hasn't the good Lord fallen ill on the eve of any great gathering." The showman's tease elicits a chuckle from many of the better dressed people in the crowd and when he mimes a rather feminine swoon more widespread laughter erupts. Having revived the crowd, Cyrdak launches into a lengthy, dramatic, and very well-received narrative on the building of the new Cathedral. He makes certain to heap praise on the mayor and the new high priest, Father Zantus, for their work as well as on a number of nobles, including Lonjiku Kaijitsu, for their financial contributions before ending with a reminder that, "the Harpy's Curse, starring the famous Magnimarian diva Allishanda, begins its run at the Sandpoint Theater tomorrow evening! And now, our final speaker: Father Zantus."

The high priest is not at all ostentatious, like Cyrdak was, but its clear from the warm round of applause that he is well liked and respected. His remarks are the shortest of all the speakers. "Thank you all for coming to celebrate with us. I hope that you'll return to the square at noon for the releasing of the butterflies and the prayers of consecration for the Cathedral. Until then, please feel free to tour the new building and enjoy the festivities. It's my pleasure to officially declare this festival begun!"

A cheer goes up that does not die so much as transform into a cacophony of competing performances, vendors shouting out to potential customers, and noisy conversations between old friends and new acquaintances. The church square itself grows less tightly packed as the crowds spread into the surrounding streets where all manner of vendors have opened shop, and all manner of games have begun.

You all have a few hours before the butterflies will be released (at noon). Axel, you can make a perform check if your plan is still to spend the early part of the day busking. Everyone else can wander, roleplay with each other, buy pretty much anything you can afford, or try out the games (some are just for fun- challenging each other or NPCs for nothing more than bragging rights; others are games of skill where you pay to play and could win prizes). What would you like to do?

Kejak just can't contain his excitement. He's already been in more festivals, but this one's a special one, since the inauguration of the new cathedral drew a lot more people to the town.

After the (rather long, for his taste) speech, he starts wandering through the different stands, enjoying the festival and the all-around happy atmosphere. He looks here and there, maybe to catch a glimpse of his friends - maybe he can even see Keeanna...

He passes by while Axel is doing his show (if he's doing his show) and stops to watch for a while. During one of the pauses, he gives him their classical sign: 'see you when you're finished'.

Trying to meet someone else, he spots a stand where he cannot hesitate to go. He is immediatly filled with the sound of the cord, immersed in the 'thump' of the arrow reaching the target, thrilled by the beating of the practicioners' heartbeats while they aim. Archery contest!

-Here! I wanna try!

Ok, Nate, you tell me what kiind of contest is going on. Also, for the rest, I didn't want to engage you in a conversation you might have not wanted. feel free to engage Kejak as you wish, though, before or after the contest - or even during it!

Axel woke up with a slight hangover and it took him a while to realize, "Oh I'm in the inn..." Yesterday had been uncommonly good, and today was going to be even better! Everyone was going to be there, including folk he hadn't seen in years. They'd all dressed up to the nines, and then there would be the dances! A wistful mood struck him and he thought, 'Play your card right Axel, and who knows maybe romance will be in the air, Desna willing...'

As often happened after a few drinks, Axel had woken up deadly early. The sun was barely above the horizon and the birds where still singing. There was no chance of him getting back to sleep, he was far too excited so he set off to the Cathedral hoping to get everyone in the part mood. Even this early the area was filling up, and Axel wasn't able to get the best spot. There were already other would be entertainers there so he had competition!

As dawn turned into morning, Axel realized he'd never seen so may people before. This was by far the biggest audience he'd ever had and he found it rather daunting, literally having butterflies in his stomach! He tried a few popular songs and some of the crowd joined in, and when he finished there was a polite smattering of applause but things weren't working out quite the way he'd hoped.
Perform: Song: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Feeling a little nonplussed he decided to head off in search of friendly faces. Kejak had been in the crowd earlier, and there was only one place he would be, the archery competition! Sure enough there he was, stringing that great big long bow of his. Axel walks over with a big grin and calls out, "Hey Fella! Thought'd you'd be here. I want to see you get the sixty yard bulls eye this time!"

-Hey bro! How's the gig been?

Kejak is warmed by Axel's presence, but still he's aware that there are a lot of people watching. This ain't no ordinary contest... anyone who excels will be known, his name spoken on ale-meetings all over the next year!

-If I have to be sincere, I'm s&%%ting down my pants. I hope someone up there guides my aim, or else.

Shaking his head and clapping his hands together to shoo the fear, Kejak smiles and changes the topic.

-How come you're not chasing after a pretty skirt you've charmed with those verses of yours?- he says winking.

Not sure if 's&$$ting down one's pants' has the same meaning as in Spanish, lol, but anyway :P Here, it means 'nervous, afraid'.

Axel shrugged and admitted, "Yeah, well it could have gone better. So many people! I never thought that would bother me, but it was like I was ten all over again. Remember that awful school play, the one where I fluffed all the lines? I seem to remember you were a shepherd or something." In a normal school their parents would have been there to watch, of course at the Turandarok Academy that didn't happen. Instead various civic dignatries were invited, this meant the Academy staff took it all very seriously and it was quite the ordeal for the children.

At the mention of skirts, somewhat cheekily and oozing confidence Axel replies, "Anyway I've got a feeling about today, it'll be special somehow. Maybe I'll meet someone, maybe you'll fluke out the double bullseye! Won't hurt to send a few prayers to lady luck eh? Oh and no pressure Kejak, but I just placed 50 silver on you to win! Hop to it fella!"

If anyone is running a book, Axel will have done just that! If not then it would be his idea of a joke.

-You mean the play where that guy playing a sheep made 'mooo'? yeah, I remember that. It was a complete disaster!- he says, laughing.

Once again, Axel has worked a bit of calm into his heart, even if only for an instant. Because he has to spoil it by saying he has bet money on him. Oh, the pressure!

-I hope you don't need those 50 pieces to pay the rent, Axel, or they'll make me kick you out- he smiles, referring to the Rusty Dragon.

Axel laughed, "Could happen, but won't. I've got a feeling about today, you'll see!"

Pretty sure Axel is going to twist Kejacks arm into at least one other competition after watching the archery. Maybe we can use that to bump into the ladies? Although I'm sure events will drive us together in due course.

I'm going to use street names without explanation, assuming that you all have access to the map in the player's guide...

At the corner of Junker's Way and Main Street stands a purple and yellow tent with a large sign that simply states 'Archery'. A scruffy young man calls out from beneath the sign, "Archery! Come test your skill with a bow! Only one person in all of Sandpoint will be crowned Champion! You think you have what it takes?!?"

In the field north of the road six targets have been set up side by side down towards the old lighthouse. Each target is matched with a series of four shooting stations (a knee high rope hung between two wooden poles that have been driven into the ground). The stations are measured out at increasing distances from the targets: 10 yards, 20 yards, 40 yards, and 60 yards. For the sake of simplicity here we'll treat yards and meters as equal. Contests are held once each hour and the best shooter is named 'victor' (a title with some honor of its own); in the evening any victors who wish will gather for one final contest and the winner of that contest with be named 'champion'. Kejak signs up before the first contest is full and finds himself with fifteen minutes to either calm down or grow more nervous before his round begins.

There is no official gambling at the archery tent, but it doesn't take Axel long to spot Ven Vinder, the owner and operator of the general store. Ven enjoys a stiff drink or three just about any time he can find an excuse to partake and has made more than one questionable wager at the bars around town. The burly older gentleman balks at Axel's offer and replies, "Fifty silver?!? On a victor round? I ain't drunk enough for that yet. I got twenty silver that says your friend there won't take the round..." He extends his meaty hand expectantly to shake on the bet.

As the time draws near for the contest to begin, the competitors are lined up in the closest shooting stations. Kejak gets the fourth lane. To his left are two farmers from the hinterlands and a female Varisian traveler; to his right are a foppish man, probably from Magnimar, and a retired member of the watch. The barker has stopped calling out to the crowds and the dozens of spectators fall silent as a whistle blows and the bows are raised...

Kejak- I'm going to need some rolls (preferably in spoilers, though please write some flavor text normally). You get 3 shots at each distance. The first station is just barely in range of point blank shot. The second station in not but it's still in the first range increment. The third and fourth stations are both in the second range increment (-2 to hit).

Kejak walks from one side to anotherwhile he waits for the contest to begin.

-I know, nothing really important is at stakes, but... Performing well could take me a long way in making people forget about my past... and my present.

When the time is about to come, Kejak slowly takes an arrow and slides it through the bow, to gently touch the cord. The familiar sound of worked yew frothing helps him focus on the targets. Then the whistle blows...

While two of the shots are rather average, Kejak manages to hit the bull's eye with another, which makes him smile.

-At least Axel hasn't lost twenty silver.

This time he manages two good shots, one of them right into it.

-Nice. I might not win, but I think I'm leaving a good sensation.

Kejak manages a 'not bad' shot, but then everything goes down, to his dismay. The last shot doesn't even land on the target.

-Damn, this might be it, I might have thrown it all down the bin. Well, let's see the last one...

After shooting all his arrows, Kejak turns to see how the other participants have made it, and waits for the judges to announce the winner while he holds his breath.

Axel shakes Vin's proffered hand and laughs, "If I win, drinks are on me. If I loose, drinks are still on me. Best of luck to you sir, Kejak's been practicing!"

Of course deep down, Axel knew betting double or nothing with Ven Vinder was a dumb thing to do, he could loose all the money he'd earned that week. But on the other hand Lady Luck was sure to favor bold action on her holy day. Perhaps he was already lucky, Ven had been too much of a gentleman to take 50 coins from him, 'No don't think that way, you'll jinx it! Kejak's going to win!'

Initially Axel was sure he was on to a winner when Kejak scored two bullseyes, but oh gosh the third station! Was forty yards too much? Axel felt a frisson of fear, had he really just thrown away a week's earnings? Before he could get two panicked, Kejak landed an arrow within a hairs breadth of the sixty yard bullseye. Well now, he was back in contention, things were about to get interesting!

The first farmer looks not only nervous but inexperienced as he raises his bow. Despite his shakiness, his first arrow sinks into the outermost ring of the target. His next two shots, however, fail to even reach it and he walks off in defeat to laughter and jeers before the others have even finished the round.

The second farmer must be a hunter, or have chased off a few goblins in his day... His first shot is an unimpressive hit in the larger of the two white rings, but his second solidly strikes the bullseye and his final shot lands in the small white ring that surrounds it!

The Varisian woman seems quite comfortable with the bow but her first shot barely catches the outermost ring and her second flies high and glides off towards the beach. Her final shot is a bullseye, which garners some applause, but rather than carry on after such an embarrassing start she bows and exits the field.

The dandy to Kejak's right has no incredible shots but he is consistent, landing one in the innermost white ring and two in the red ring just outside it.

The retired watchmen beyond him is consistent as well, but consistently poor... he seems to be struggling with the bow he uses and all of his arrows are grouped to the far right of his target: one in the larger white ring and two in the outermost (red) ring. He contemplates continuing but instead pats Kejak on the back and says, "Show 'em what a young watchman can do!" before exiting the field.

Kejak lands one bullseye and two shots to the middle red ring and seems well in contention to win the round (much to Ven's displeasure) as the three remaining contestants move back.

The city dweller has a weak second round, landing one shot in each of the two white rings and one in the outermost ring. The farmer, holds his own striking each of the red rings, including the bullseye, but is outdone by Kejak who strikes the bullseye and both of the white rings. The crowd applauds a bit louder for the young shoanti who now seems favored to win...

The farmer starts the third round with another bullseye, but gets caught up in his own success and barely catches the outer ring with both of his other two shots. The foppish gentleman buries his first arrow in the mud short of the target. He recovers well enough to hit the middle and outer red rings with his remaining shots then shakes hands with Kejak and farmer and excuses himself from the field. Feeling the pressure, now more than ever, Kejak's first shot hits the middle red ring, his second the larger white ring, and his final shot completely misses the target! A round of laughter and guffaws goes up and the unassuming farmer suddenly finds himself the favorite...

Kejak turns in a respectable performance from the 60 yard line, striking the middle red, larger white, and smaller white rings. The farmer now seems a ball of nerves as he steps up to fire with the crowd cheering. His first arrow sails down course and sticks in the center of the bullseye! The crowd begins to shout and cheer and Ven begins making his way towards Axel before the winner is even announced. The farmer manages to get off his last two shots--hitting the middle red and larger white rings--before being swept away by the crowd. The scruffy barker steps up on a stool and whistles for the crowds attention. "Well, we can see you have a favorite!" he calls out, "but the results were closer than you may have guessed! 'Kejak the consistent' finished with a respectable total of 72 points, while Gary 'master of the bullseye' Cooke, your newest victor, scored 74 points!"

The crowd begins cheering again and people swarm around the victor to congratulate him. Ven pats Axel on the back with his big meaty hand and laughs, "Guess I shoulda taken that fifty gold bet after all!"

"Aw, I don't know what Sheriff Hemlock is so worried about," Josie says as she turns to Ellen. "Between the watch and brave warriors like Inc and myself, slavers and other bad folk would have to be crazy to try anything today! Isn't that right, Inc?"

Although there were quite a few strange-looking folk in the crowded that day, Josie and her companion Inc stood out. Josie herself was just an ordinary-looking halfling with short, dirty-blonde hair and gray eyes, but the feline-like creature that she sat astride was another story entirely. Although she stood roughly the same size and had the same build as a puma, the creature radiated a soft orange glow as if she were made from molten glass.

"Anyway, come on! We've got to get over to the food stalls before all the best goodies are gone!" she urges.

"Well, I suppose you've got a point but ah, maybe we should take a break from the 'brave warriors' thing for today," the creature addressed as Inc responds, craning her head around to look at the halfling sitting on her back. "After all, even brave warriors need to rest up from time to time, right? Especially after herding chickens all day like we did yesterday..."

"I mean, you can never be too careful..." Ellen protests weakly but with a soft smile. She had always appreciated Josie's bounding confidence, one of many endearing qualities that Ellen could look up to.

Ellen follows Josie to the food stalls, certainly not opposed to that idea. The crowd is stifling, so many people shuffling around so close, so Ellen does her best to stay near to Josie and Inc. The smells radiating from the stalls up Ellen's excitement a bit and she takes a look around.

'Damnit!' thought Axel, Kejak had been so close but that fluky farmer clearly had The Ladies luck. There was nothing to be done, he'd made a small fortune these last few days and lost it again, of late the story of his life.

"Guess I shoulda taken that fifty gold bet after all!"

Axel's heart lurched, the bet had been twenty silver. He half spluttered, "Fifty Gold! Ha that's too rich even for my foolish blood Mr Vinder. Well I guess I should go help Kejak nurse his wounded pride or something. Enjoy your winnings sir." He reluctantly handed over the last few days earnings. The day wasn't going the way he'd hoped, surely his luck would improve?

"Come on Kejak let's go for a wander. That was some pretty sharp shooting there fella, too bad that farmer was sharper." Axel was disappointed sure, but what happened was clearly fate and no Desnan was going to get angry about that.

-Yeah, I need a beer...

"Hum....well, I guess that's true," Josie responds as the three of them weave their way through the crowds towards the food vendors. "Better to be too cautious and not need it than not cautious enough and have someone get hurt! That wouldn't be good at all," she frowns. "Oh! Is that Ameiko I see over there?" Josie points to one particular stall, where it looks as if Ameiko and her workers from the Rusty Dragon have set up shop.

"Ooh, her cooking is the best! Let's hop in line!" she urges.

The mouth-watering aroma of curried fish rising from Ameiko's stand fills the air as Josie and Ellen draw close. Unfortunately, the Rusty Dragon's staff, like many of the larger food booths, will not open until lunch time. Nearby a beautiful Varisian woman in a billowy cotton dress and half a dozen colorful scarves seems to be having a great deal of success luring in other dejected customers from the Dragon with promises of fresh honeyed biscuits and thick slabs of grilled bacon on sticks.

Over at the archery course, Ven, who is apparently further into his drink than he first seemed, roars with laughter when his error in speech is pointed out. "Fifty gold! Ha, can you imagine?" he declares patting Axel on the back again, "The old lady'd kill me, even if I won! And, if I'd lost... I'd've had to sell me daughter to pay it... Shayliss, not the tramp, nobody'd pay that for her..."

As the two men head back towards the church square Ven calls after them, "I ain't forgot about them drinks, Axel! I'll find you later for 'em!"

It doesn't take long for the two men to spot more familiar faces in the crowd... as they enter the square they see Ellen and Josie--with Inc, as usual--looking unhappy just in front of the Rusty Dragon's stall...

-Ellen! Josie!

Kejak calls the girls before walking towards them. After the disappointment at the contest, the more company he can keep the better.

-Hey, why those long faces?

Axel and Kejak wander around at random for a while, taking in the sights. By some unspoken agreement they meander towards the Rusty Dragon, just as they enter the square Axel stops dead. Quietly he whispers, "Don't look now but isn't that Ellen?" It had been some years since he'd spoken to her. It was hard to believe now, but five or six years ago he'd had quite the crush on her. Of course that was before the incident where she'd nearly drained the life out of some fool.

The fact the idiot had it coming helped somewhat, but Axel found he was more than a little scared of her, even if she apparently had grown into rather an attractive young woman. He was about to suggest they try elsewhere when he noticed Josie which put him in a quandary. Now Josie was good people, and Axel tended to think of her as the little sister he'd never had. What to do? Axel glanced at Kejak wondering his friend was thinking.

Yeah lets have a bit of the Dark Tapestry vs Desna thing - but not so much it gets annoying ;)

"Guess we'll have to wait a bit on Ameiko's cooking." Ellen's stomach growls in protest and her face reddens slightly. It growls again when she catches a whiff of the biscuits the Varisian is selling nearby.

Ellen was just about to make the suggestion when Kejak approaches. He had always been a fairly nice, friendly fellow so she happily waves back at him. The hand falters a bit when she realizes that Axel is with him; he was no bully either but something about him made her a bit uncomfortable. This was generally fine since he seemed to be uncomfortable around her too, but sometimes their small circle of friends interconnected.

"He's not a bad guy... I just need to try harder."

"Um, hi Kejak. Axel. We were going to eat at the Rusty Dragon but it seems they won't be open for a while still." She points at the neighboring stall before asking Josie, "Those biscuits smell good, maybe we should go over there for now?"

Josie turns at the sound of familiar voices from the crowd. "Huh...? Oh! Hi Kejak! Hi Axel!" she waves as the two men approach. "It's like Ellen says, Ameiko's stall is still closed...guess most of the food stalls are, at least until a bit later," she sighs.

Then her expression brightens as Ellen points out the nearby stall offering biscuits. "That's a fine idea - and it looks like they've got biscuits and honey! One of my favorites," she smiles happily. "Hey, do you two wanna go with? It smells pretty gooooood~..." she adds, in a cajoling tone. She'd always gotten on fairly well with Kejak and Axel, though she didn't see either of them as much now that they'd all left Turandarok and gone their separate ways somewhat.

point of clarification: the Rusty Dragon is on the south side of town (past the Market Square), but they have a stand set up in a prime location on the edge of the church square (the heart of today's festivities).

I'm going to give you guys a chance to RP a little and I'll chime in when someone takes and action that requires a response (or I get bored of not posting, lol).

-Biscuits, uh?

Kejak has a quick look over the stand, then looks at Axel.

-What do you think, mate? If your economy cannot withstand another expense today- he says, smiling -then I'll buy you one. Actually- he adds, turning to the girls -the first round is on me!

Happily Axel shouts, "Hey Josie! How's things? Still riding that crazy pet I see. Looks like it's grown another foot or so since I last saw it!" A little less entheusisticaglly, but still brightly he added, "Oh and uh Hi Ellen. Long time no see, been keeping well?"

"-What do you think, mate? If your economy cannot withstand another expense today"

Money was somewhat tight, "That's uh. Cheers Kejek, I hope to buy dinner tonight. I might have another go at busking first, after the swantails have been released, mind." There was no way he was going to miss that.

"Aw, are you sure about that Kejak? Well, thank you! We owe you one then," Josie grins. "And hey, don't call Inc a 'pet'! She's so much more than that," she adds to Axel, with a slight frown. Then she smiles again. "But things have been going great! We're all settled in at the cathedral and I'm well on the way to becoming a real knight," she beams. "How about you two?"

Axel shrugged, "Oh well you know how it is, easy come easy go." It had pretty much always been this way with Axel, some days he actually earned quite good money but always frittered it away on silly things.

Beaming he added, "Yesterday was a good day!" His smile dropped slightly as he continued, "Today. Well it hasn't gone quite the way I'd hoped, but it's not over yet! There's something about today, I know it's going to be special somehow, and I'm not just talking about the obvious."

"It'll be a special day if we actually get to relax and enjoy it," Inc sighs. "Between chores and Josie offering to track down and rescue every lost critter from here to Magnimar, it's a wonder either of us get any rest!"

"Oh! Thank you Kejak. That's... very nice." She turns to Axel and adds, "I'm doing okay, I guess. Still at the Academy." Ellen quietly hopes that they don't ask more than that; she did not like to think about her tenuous living arrangements, and the conversation would only make things more uncomfortable.

Ellen manages a giggle at Inc's comment. "That sounds like Josie. I'm sure she takes up any chances at heroics the cathedral allows her."

"I'm well on the way to becoming a real knight,"

-Wait, weren't you, already?- he winks.

"How about you two?"

-You mean before epic failing at the archery contest? Not bad, I guess. Doing some guard shifts to get seasoned and the stuff. Boring work, but I guess that's how one starts.

He walks slightly apart to the biscuit stand and purchases a big one for each. Nate, you tell me how much.

-Here you are, ladies! Mate...- he offers to all of them. -So, what do you fancy doing?

"Ooh, thank you!" Josie smiles, happily taking a big bite from her biscuit. "Um...I'm not really sure, actually. Maybe we could try one of the other contests or see what sorts of trinkets might be for sale?"

"Sure, there's probably a weight lifting competition. I reckon I could give Kejak a run for his money!", Axel gives Kejak a playful clap on the back before asking, "Shall we try and find that?"

The beautiful Varisian woman smiles at Kejak as she pulls out four warm biscuits for him. The young archer has so much trouble looking away from her incredible violet eyes that he has trouble retrieving the few silver pieces he owes from his pouch. When he turns back to his friends all the festival colors seem somehow duller for a moment.

I don't like to worry about the minutia of tracking food and things like that. I'm not going to bother handing out copper or silver for treasure (occasional I might say something like "there's a handful of silver pieces" but nothing that we're going to track), and I don't expect you to track expenses that should be measured in copper or silver. Axel's bet was equal to 2g so he's on the hook for that ;)

Heading south down High Street, a barker just before Festival Street is picking out some of the larger men in the crowd and shouting, "Test your strength! You sir, the burly fellow, step up and show the crowds how strong you are; perhaps you'll even catch a young lady's eye! Just one silver pieces, step up and win a trophy to prove your strength to your friends and lovers!" There is no tent at this game but only a red wooden tower about twenty feet tall with a metal rail running up the front and a bell at its top; attached to the rail is a weight that currently rests on one end of what looks like a small see-saw. The barker, a thin man of Chelaxian descent with a big bushy black beard, holds a large wooden mallet and stands next to a barrel of smaller, brightly colored wooden hammers. When he notices Axel's interest he calls out, "You sir! You seem a strapping young man, care to test your strength? One silver for three swings- just hit this raised side of the see-saw and see if you can fling the weight high enough to ring the bell!"

If Axel, or anyone else, wants to play don't worry about tracking the silver- just make 3 strength check for your 3 swings. You get +1 to the roll if you have weapon focus in warhammer or earthbreaker. There is also a strength competition where you face off against others, if you'd prefer to keep looking.

"Well, well! Tests of strength are just what we need to keep ourselves in top form," Josie grins excitedly. "I'd like to try, sir!" she responds, pointedly ignoring any snickering or incredulous looks her statement might garner. "But the others can go first, if they want. I don't mind waiting!"

When her turn does come, Josie grips the mallet tightly in both hands and steps up to the see-saw...

"KEEEYAAAAHHH!"

Str #1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Str #2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Str #3: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
________________________

Bwahaha, I love it! I always get 20s on the strangest checks.

Ellen nibbles quietly and happily on her biscuit as the others talk about competitions; tests of strength were never particularly interesting to Ellen, largely because she was never any good at them, small, frail thing that she is.

She stops with the party when they reach the see-saw game, and laughs softly when Josie volunteers; not at her, but with her. It was hard to take a halfling's strength seriously for most people, but Josie had fought off boys much larger than her enough times that Ellen knew exactly what was coming. She keeps nibbling, eyes looking around with amusement as the other spectators gawk at Josie's accomplishment.

Josie's mallet hit with a thunderous crack
Axel grinned, "Impressive! You really smashed that. Let's have a go too."

Axel limbered up for a moment before bringing the mallet down with all his weight behind it. His first go was just a hairs breadth off target. Having sized it up, his second swing landed right on target just like Josie's had. The impact of these two heavy hits jolted his arms so much his third and final strike was nothing special.

Str: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Str: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Str: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

"Ooh, niiiice," Josie gasps, looking quite impressed with Axel. "How'd you manage to keep up your strength through all three hits like that? My arms kinda gave out on my second swing," she frowns.

A chorus of laughter and guffaws rises from those nearby when Josie hands over her coin and hoists the large hammer. When her first swing sends the weight clanging into the bell a sudden silence takes hold of the whole intersection before an eruption of cheers. A crowd quickly forms but starts to disperse just as quickly when her second swing fails to reach the halfway mark. Her final swing clears the three-quarter mark and earns her some more applause and congratulations while the very surprised barker removes a bright pink wooden hammer and hands it to the triumphant halfling.

Trying hard not to be outdone by his much smaller friend, Axel steps up and brings the mallet down with all the force he can muster. He garners some attention of his own when he rings the bell on both of his first two attempts but a disappointed groan goes up when his final try falls short. "Nice try kid," the barker says giving Axel a firm pat on the back and handing him a silver painted mallet.

As the festival around them returns to normal a soft voice calls out from behind the two competitors, "That was pretty impressive, Axel." Turning around, the young troubadour finds himself standing face to face with a curvaceous redhead with emerald green eyes. He's so struck by her beauty that it takes a few seconds to recognize her as Shayliss Vinder, Ven's younger daughter. She looks considerably more grown up than the last time he saw her.

As Kejak realises why Axel has turned around, he hits him slightly with the elbow. Then he winks at Josie and Ellen.

-Uh, girls... have you seen that? Come, let's have a look!

'Wow' he almost said it out loud, would have too if Kejak hadn't elbowed him. "Hey Shayliss nice to see you. We're going to, Well actually they are going to try their luck at one of the other contests. I was planning to see the swallow tails released. They say it's good luck if one touches you. Want to come and see it?"

"Of course we'll come see it," Inc butts in before Josie has a chance to put her foot in her mouth. "Isn't that right Ellen? Right! Then let's go - lead on Kejak!" she continues, turning and sauntering off into the crowd with what might approximate a knowing smirk on her feline features.

"Oh, um...okay..." Josie responds, looking a bit puzzled. "I guess we'll catch up with you later Axel!" she waves.

Shayliss smiles as the others walk away. "I'd love to," to she answers looking deeply into Axel's eyes. She wraps her left arm around his right so that her handle cradles his bicep, and she steps in close enough that he can't help but feel the softness of her curves against the hardened muscles of his arm. Axel knows very little about flowers but he can tell she smells like one- a nice one, something he's smelled before... lavender, maybe, or lilacs.

The two draw some stares as they walk arm in arm back to the church square. Though they are only about twenty feet behind Kejak, Ellen, and Josie, Axel seems unaware of their nearness. When the two groups arrive separately back at the Cathedral they are just early enough to find good places to stand near the covered carts containing the butterflies. Perhaps accidentally, or perhaps by someone's design, the two groups end up at opposite ends of the same wagon, where they can see each other.

After a few minutes of the crowd growing denser Father Zantus steps up to the podium again as the Mayor and the Sheriff stand on stage behind him. While the crowd still talks noisily, the bearded priest begins to sing one of Desna's best-liked hymns. Slowly the song grows as row after row of spectator ceases talking and joins in singing. By the end of the fifth and final verse the whole crowd assembled in the square is singing and the song can be heard echoing doing the streets of Sandpoint. Quiet settles in as the last note fades away and Father Zantus begins to recite the prayers shared each year at the festival. As he finishes, a few minutes later, a pair of acolytes at each wagon pull back the canvas coverings releasing clouds of brightly colored butterflies into the air.

As children clap and squeal, and begin chasing butterflies around the square, the Mayor steps forward once more. "Praise be to Desna, and all the gods who watch over our city!" she cries out, "And thank you to Father Zantus and Sheriff Hemlock, and to the White Deer, the Hagfish, and the Rusty Dragon who have worked with my office to provide lunch for the festival at no cost to you!" At this last statement the crowd explodes in claps and whistles, while several nearby food vendors curse and shake their heads.

Things in the center of the square begin to thin out as people push their ways towards the free food stalls around the edges of the square. Several of the acolytes smile and wave at Josie as they carry their neatly folded tarps back to the Cathedral. A group of children, meanwhile gather around Axel and Shayliss as about half a dozen butterflies land on her hair, shoulders, and chest.

-So, ladies, what shall we do now?- asks Kejak. -The Mayor said lunch would be free, but on the other hand that will mean a lot of queuing. Are you hungry?

"Wow!" Axel is amazed and delighted to see the so many butterflies land on Shayliss. Even one landing for a moment was considered good luck, but half a dozen! "Shayliss, that's incredible, the goddess smiles upon you."

"He's right," Josie calls from her vantage point on the other side of the wagon. "It'd make a pretty painting!"

"And yeah, I'm hungry enough but I don't mind waiting if you want to do something else until the lines thin out," she replies to Kejak. "Maybe we should go see what sorts of souvenirs and trinkets people are selling!"

Ellen winces as the butterflies hover over Shayliss, though when the reaction is over she cannot fathom why. She just hopes nobody noticed it.

"I could wait a little bit for lunch, I think. I'd like to do some shopping while the line thins out." Ellen had been saving up the small allowance the Academy provides to buy something for Josie since they don't see each other as often as they once did. "Just no butterflies," she thinks to herself.

-Oh, yes. I would also like to buy a memento. What do you have in mind, Ellen?

"Shayliss, that's incredible, the goddess smiles upon you."

"Yes... she does..." Shayliss answers looking Axel up and down hungrily. Stepping so close that he can feel the warmth of her body, she presses her cheek to his and whispers, "don't spoil it for the children but it's probably just the perfume." She rests her hands on his hips and lingers next to him for a moment while she giggles softly.

*****************

Although there are vendors, games, and performers lining many of Sandpoint's streets the best place for shopping is the market square (where Water Street, Festival Street, and Market Street converge). Stuffed with more stalls than even the best market day, the wares available in the square range from brightly colored paper butterflies and tiny carved wooden cathedrals to commemorate the festival, to real trade goods like silks and spices from far off lands, and there are even some stands selling potions, scrolls, and minor magical trinkets.

So, just over a year ago a ran a recruitment for a playthrough of this AP where everyone shared a theme, and a special power, and everyone had some built in connection in their background... it's gone so well that I've decided to start another table, with a new special theme and power!

If you're not familiar with Sandpoint, this document is very much a work in progress (in that I just started assembling it now), but please read the sections on the "Late Unpleasantness" and the "Turandarok Academy" before proceeding.

What makes this game special: All of the characters will be orphans who spent most or all of their lives at the Turandarok Academy. All of them, also, will have had a terrible temper as children; this temper climaxed in "the incident" a few days before the first Chopper murder was discovered. During "the incident" several orphans (all the chosen PCs) flew into an uncontrolled rage during which they hit other children and broke Academy property until Ilsoari magically sedated them. In the years since then you will (or can) have gained control over your temper but deep within you there remains a well of magical wrath... see 'wrath-tainted' below for more details

I tried to be thorough, but I'm sure I forgot stuff. If you have any questions feel free to ask! Recruitment will be open until midnight GMT on Friday January 13th! I'll post the selected 3-4 party members by Monday morning (1/16) and hopefully have gameplay running by the end of the week.

Dotting for interest. I haven't an idea of what to make, but I'm sure I'll be able to figure something out. First instinct is an Abyssal bloodrage Tetori, but I'll consider some things before I settle upon it.

If I created a barbarian, that would mean I would have two types of rage?

@waskally- yes. You'd have to track them separately (and they wouldn't stack because they both provide morale bonuses to the same things).

Hmm. Mechanically, this could be a hilarious opportunity for an amplified rager or a skald, though I'd have to think about if that's something I'd actually want to play.

Nate, here is the crunch for my submission for this RotRL campaign, Jardan, a shoanti barbarian.
Fluff I should post tomorrow.

tentative dot

Alright...this sounds awesome. I'd love to be a part of this.

Name Konrad Lichstein
Race Human
Alignment CG
Class Dragonheir Scion Fighter (1)
Bloodline Draconic (Gold)
Languages Common, Draconic
Str (18) Dex (13) Con (14) Int (12) Wis (10) Cha (16) HP (13) Fort (+5) Ref (+1) Will (+0/2) Init (+1)
Traits
* Ease of Faith-Apsu (diplomacy as class skill and +1)
* Blood of Dragons (low light vision)

Combat Earthbreaker
To Hit: +5 (+7)
Damage: 2d6 + 10 (13 when raging)

Combat Claws
To Hit: +7 / + 6
Damage: 1d6 + 7

Armor
AC: 14 (12)
Touch: 13 (11)
Flat Footed: 11

Equipment
* Studded Leather (+3 AC, -1 ACP)
* Earthbreaker (2d6, x3)
* Fighter's Kit (backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, flint and steel, iron pot, mess kit, 50 ft. of rope, soap, 10 torches, 5 trail rations, and a waterskin, common stonemason tools)

Feats
* Arcane Strike (Lvl 1 Fighter: As a swift action, you can imbue your weapons with a fraction of your power. For 1 round, your weapons deal +1 damage and are treated as magic for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction. For every five caster levels you possess, this bonus increases by +1, to a maximum of +5 at 20th level.)
* Power Attack (Lvl 1: -1 hit, +3 damage)
* Furious Focus (Bonus Feat: Ignore power attack penalty on first attack)

Wrath Tainted
* Bloodrage (6 rounds per day. +4 str, +4 con, +2 Will, -2 AC. Fatigued for 2x rounds raged)
* Bloodline Power 1 (Grows class while raging. Primary Natural Attack, 1d6 damage)

Skills
* Diplomacy: +8
* Intimidate: +7
* Use Magic Device: +7
* Knowledge Arcana: +5
* Background Skill: Knowledge Engineering (+5)
* Background Skill: Masonry (+4)

Description
Konrad is a tall, young man with golden yellow hair and, strangely enough, eyes. As an orphan he has known the Turandarok Academy to be his only home. In Sandpoint, he is known for being more than just a strange looking orphan. He is also halfway decent in the art of masonry, and for having a working knowledge of engineering as well. This is because all things mechanical come easy to him...including magical devices as well. Where others study long and hard, for Konrad the knowledge comes to him the way someone else would remember a long unpracticed skill. If he ever truly applied himself he might have the makings of an artisan. But, because he relies on his natural talent, these skills have never become anything more than passable.

For those who know him, he comes across pleasant enough, and is usually easy to get along with. However, he has a terribly violent temper. One that scares even him. It is a battle for him to control it, for when he gets angry, his hands transform into scaled claws, his eyes become lizard-like, and reason seems to leave him. He also inexplicably can cover his hands (and weapons) in flame and can speak the tongue of dragons untrained. He is convinced that this is due to a blessing from the God Apsu, and that the power of dragons runs through his veins. It is his goal to learn whether or not this is indeed true, and to build upon the power that he sees as his birthright.

Rules Question:

Dragon Heir Scion: "At 3rd level, a dragonheir scion gains a +1 natural armor bonus and energy resistance 5 against her energy type. At 7th level, this increases to a +2 natural armor bonus and energy resistance 10; at 13th level, it increases to a +3 natural armor bonus and energy resistance 20.

This ability replaces armor training 1, 2, and 3."

Bloodrager Draconic Bloodline:

"At 4th level, you gain resistance 5 against your energy type and a +1 natural armor bonus to AC. At 8th level, your energy resistance increases to 10 and your natural armor bonus increases to +2. At 16th level, your natural armor bonus increases to +4."

Does any of that stack? And if not, can I take the Primalist option to trade the Bloodrager power for rage powers?

@Grumbaki- Wow, that's a poorly written archetype (half the abilities are at the wrong level). Those powers don't stack, and you cannot replace the powers from your bloodrager bloodline at all. Honestly you'd be better off with a different archetype... at 3rd level you'll qualify for arcane strike... taking away that and everything that doesn't stack with bloodline stuff pretty much all you're left with is some intimidate stuff. If you want to take it anyways that's alright but I'll have to fix its issues (fearful might, draconic strike, and draconic presence would all come 1 level later, and the second 2 would replace your 4th and 6th level feats).

Hi, nate!

I was a player in your game "The Library", playing Igmutanka Hanhepi.

I'd like to play this RotR, since you seemed a nice GM and I've started the AP like 3 or 4 times and never got to the end of book 1.

I'd like to apply with a ranged character and was wondering if there was a way to alter the bloodrage's benefits (I found the Urban Bloodrager, but that's an archetype for the class so it wouldn't work). Are we meant to all have a rage which gives a boost to Str? In which case, I would consider a Str-based character.

Thank you!

Edit: Also, will being able to cast the bonus spells gained from the bloodline count as "being able to cast arcane spells"? As in the requirements for some feats/PrC.

This sounds intriguing, I am liking a skald for this game

Edit: Also, will being able to cast the bonus spells gained from the bloodline count as "being able to cast arcane spells"? As in the requirements for some feats/PrC.

Forget it, I have read the first post properly now and thus found the answer :)

Dot. That sounds like fun. How about a character going for rage prophet? Sounds like that should fit thematically.

Dot

Dotting for interest.

Initial concept is a draconic bloodline skald, with a focus on his claws for doing damage in a fight; two-weapon fighting, improved natural attack, and a few other suitable feat thrown in with a few skald feats.

Question regarding the draconic origin of the bloodline; can I fluff it as coming from a linnorm (who are all quite suitably wrathful in their madness) and reskin the draconic powers appropriately?

Further question: would the bloodline spells count as being derived from another source for determining arcane spell failure chance when casting in armor?

Given that the last submission was problematic, here is a rework. Should work much better than the last one. Also designed him to be a heroic paladin, while having his code be personal enough so as to not be lawful-stupid or an annoyance to the party. Also really a fan of classes that allow martials to be useful without a weapon, something which this one does.

Will say though, I was really tempted to go Fighter-1 with racial heritage storm giant as Lvl 1 feat, storm soul (immune to electricity damage) as bonus feat, and storm warrior (+1d6 electricity damage each hit) as fighter feat. Add on elemental bloodline-air, for a total of 4d6+9 damage hits at Lvl 1. But at the end of the day, the paladin below seemed more fun to RP.

Please use spoilers when posting builds (or other large blocks of stuff).
Thank you!

Third question! Draconic bloodline claws: always on, or bloodrage only? There's some convincing arguments either way, mostly based around the wording of the abyssal bloodline's own claws power. It specifically calls out that the claws are only present during a bloodrage; the draconic power version omits mention of the bloodrage, but is otherwise identical in wording.

@fangdragon- you'd still have to dip barbarian in order to get moment of clarity, but I could see there being some potential there.

@jereru- no altering bloodrage. I know that's less useful for a ranged character but eventually you can get an adaptive bow to benefit from the increased strength. In the meantime you can carry a melee weapon and count on bloodrage as a backup plan when enemies engage you in close combat.

Looks like there's no (good) way to enter Rage Prophet before level 7 (typically people go Barbarian 2 Oracle 4). In the fastest PbP game I'm in getting to level 7 took over 18 months, not sure I'd want to wait that long :)

Shame since I like the idea of it otherwise. Anyway /dons thinking cap .

Playing all the way through the AP takes you up to like 17-18th level (iirc), so it would take some patience but you could potentially take all 10 levels of it.

Aye. But as this is PbP that'll take awhile. I've run my own PbP forum before and have had campaigns go on for years. You really need to make a character who comes online immediately and who you are happy to play with right now. If your build idea becomes what you want in several months you'll get bored. In my mind, getting a prestige class is gravy, or a move to keep a familiar character fresh.

@Sam C
1) you're an orphan, so you won't really know much of anything about where your bloodline comes from... regarding reskinning powers, post exactly what you're hoping for in a spoiler and I'll take a look at it.
2) spell-like abilities don't suffer from arcane spell failure chance.
3) claws only while bloodraging. the general rule is that bloodline powers only work during bloodrage; that's true for every power unless it contains a specific rule that overrides the general rule. The text that the draconic power omits from the abyssal version is completely superficial and the omission in no way constitutes a specific rule.

Well, this is interesting. Thinking about an Inquisitor of Ragathiel; will have more soon.

@Grumbaki- I do agree that your character needs to be enjoyable right out of the gate, but it's been my experience that being happy with the RP is better for remaining interested in the game than liking your mechanics...

Speaking of Ragathiel, a Sacred Servant Paladin could be pretty interesting.

@Grumbaki- I do agree that your character needs to be enjoyable right out of the gate, but it's been my experience that being happy with the RP is better for remaining interested in the game than liking your mechanics...

Oh, without a doubt. I didn't intend to say otherwise. To rephrase: your character concept should come online. If you want to play a character who fired magic arrows, I'd recommend not waiting to play an arcane archer. Start with a magus with that archetype, so your character does what you want.

That said, being mechanically sound at the get-go isn't a bad idea. I mean, starting a Lvl 1 zen archer with 10 Dex isn't a good idea, given that he doesn't get Wis to hit until Lvl 2. That is, unless you plan to RP him suddenly becoming a good archer...

Agreed (although in that one particular case it might be fun to play a guy who understands the concept of intuiting his shot but can't quite seem to get it right).

Alright, nate, no problem with it then. Fighter, it is.

2) Missed that tidbit. Good to know.

3) Hmmm. Then I need to find another way to get claws that are available all the time. If I'm spending feats from my very limited pool of character feats to improve them, and build a viable fighting style, having them available a handful of rounds when everyone else's weapons are available on demand is not on. Dang it, I was hoping to avoid having to level dip or go with a race that would require special consideration.

Edit: Since you stated that classes with bonus craft feats can trade those feats out for something else at your discretion, could I trade the skald's Scribe Scroll for Aspect of the Beast (claws)?

With all this attention on melee, perhaps I should go with a more aggressive casting bent. Perhaps a Blade Adept arcanist, only using his weapon if need be. Abyssal tetori sounds fun, but something a little more arcane sounds pretty useful.

I'll put more thought into it in the coming days. For now, New Year's.

I am working on a non-traditional un-armored tank. A monk. I have pretty much the crunch worked out except for the bloodline part, and am working on a solid background now.

I'm considering a character with Black Blood, but there isn't a matching Sorcerer bloodline for a spell list. I've taken the liberty of conjuring one up based on the bloodrager spell list and things that generally make sense, let me know what you think:

@Sam C
1) I'm going to have to say no to that. I was willing to consider purely cosmetic changes, but not altering mechanics at all.
3) I would allow you (or anyone else) to take the aspect of the beast feat as long as the benefit you gain from it is somehow related to your bloodline (so claws with the draconic bloodline would be fine).

I'm considering a character with Black Blood, but there isn't a matching Sorcerer bloodline for a spell list.

Crap. I forgot Advanced Class Origins introduced two bloodrager bloodlines that don't have a sorcerer counterpoint...

@Aachnofiend- if you really want to do something with blackblood you could always take black blooded oracle archetype?

@Sam C

1) I'm going to have to say no to that. I was willing to consider purely cosmetic changes, but not altering mechanics at all.
3) I would allow you (or anyone else) to take the aspect of the beast feat as long as the benefit you gain from it is somehow related to your bloodline (so claws with the draconic bloodline would be fine).

1) Meh. Dragon Bloodline: 1d10 ⇒ 6 Then I'll go with the utterly pedestrian brass dragon as the source--as determined by a random roll--because that surely hasn't been done to death already. A random roll is as good as a choice, now that I have little reason to care about it.

And chromatics and metallics are apparently the easiest draconic lays on all of Golarian, what with all the dragon-blooded this and that running around descended from them alone...

3) Good to know, but is the trade permissible, Scribe for Aspect?

Mmmh... thinking, thinking...

Summoner has to be Unchained. Does it have access to the same archetypes? (Same question for a monk). I am looking for a melee char which doesn't get applied like dozens of times (barb, fighter, looking at you two).

If everyone is taking rage-ish classes perhaps a Skald would work well? I reckon they'd be fun to RP (honestly you get to incite a mini-riot what is there not to love?). Unlike the rage prophet they come online at level 1. I might have him become a dragon disciple.

@Sam C- metallic and chromatic dragons are the easiest lays (of all dragons) because a number of them have shapechanging abilities... I shudder to think of the mechanics of having a linnorm ancestor... and, if you're making a natural attack wizard I suppose I'm fine with trading scribe scroll for aspect of the beast.

@Sam C- metallic and chromatic dragons are the easiest lays (of all dragons) because a number of them have shapechanging abilities... I shudder to think of the mechanics of having a linnorm ancestor...

Aside from the wrathful aspects of the linnorms, that was the second reason--of three--I had in mind for choosing a linnorm. He does his form of the dragon, and everyone does a "Wut? No, seriously, wut!?!" in response. With maybe some horrified speculation from anyone who knows what a linnorm is and how they're not at all like true dragons... particularly in the area of magic that would permit their changing shape. And him being a skald in a land not all that far from the region where linnorms are most common? Yeah, he would definitely know what a linnorm is, and why the fact that he can become an itty-bitty one is not a good thing :D.

Seemed like an good backstory bit with potential for some killer plot hooks. But, even the most interesting story idea has to work with the rules available, so angry brass dragon-blooded skald it is! Now I just need to juggle feats for right balance between skald enhancements, rage enhancements, and natural attack enhancements. And, maybe, figure out a means of getting a bite attack as a human...

Might I recommend wyrm singer skald?

http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/skald/archetypes/paizo---ska ld-archetypes/wyrm-singer-skald-archetype

Skald song doesn't stack with rage. Same bonuses. But this archetype changes it to +2 hit and Dmg, which will stack with everyone's free bloodrage. Also seems to fit the character bloodline

As for a human bite attack. Trait Adopted and pick up Tusked. http://www.d20pfsrd.com/traits/race-traits/tusked

Gives you a 1d4 bite attack.

Not trying again, as I've never had any luck in Nate's recruitments(I think my characters don't really work for him), but I'm in a second table run by someone else from that other recruitment and it's great fun so far.

So, best of luck to everybody who submits, and enjoy the game those who get picked.

As far as I understand it rage overlaps with rage song so you get both sets of rage powers, but no double dipping stat bonuses / penalties.

For what it's worth wyrm singer sounds like a cool archetype, but I don't think it's the right feel for this. Also in a way you might as well just play a bard if you're not going for rage song :)

Might I recommend wyrm singer skald?

http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/skald/archetypes/paizo---ska ld-archetypes/wyrm-singer-skald-archetype

Skald song doesn't stack with rage. Same bonuses. But this archetype changes it to +2 hit and Dmg, which will stack with everyone's free bloodrage. Also seems to fit the character bloodline

As for a human bite attack. Trait Adopted and pick up Tusked. http://www.d20pfsrd.com/traits/race-traits/tusked

Gives you a 1d4 bite attack.

Wyrm skald was considered. But the loss of the Strength increase from inspired rage makes Skald's Vigor and its follow-up feat nonviable, while trading a scaling bonus to Will saves for a scaling bonus to saves against paralysis and sleep (really, sleep?) is a poor trade in my book. Further, the archetype eats a rage power slot from a list that's already frightfully small as it stands. If the Extra Rage Power feat could apply to inspired rage--in that the selected power affects everyone under the inspired rage's effect, not just the skald--it might be a different matter.

Raging song, while not stacking with bloodrage, does allow the affected to choose whether to use their own set of stats or the skald's for the various thing affected, whixhever is better, with the added bonus of no fatigue afterward (unlike bloodrage). So everyone can enjoy the stat boosts provided under raging song and when that runs out, trigger their untouched bloodrage duration for--roughly--more of the same.

Mind, wyrm singer isn't entirely off of the table, but it's definitely not a frontrunner either.

I have finally made a monk (unchained), will post it here when the fluff is finished (I hope by tomorrow).

Done with my submission; ended up going with a dark tapestry theme, a confused young lady with the voice of the Old Ones in her mind. Mechanically the concept is a debuff/control caster, taking the role typically assigned to the wizard in the party. Let me know if you noticed any errors that I missed.

Nate, here is the crunch for my submission for this RotRL campaign, Jardan, a shoanti barbarian.

Fluff I should post tomorrow.

Um..I'm afraid I'm withdrawing my submission for this campaign. Over the holidays, I've had an embarassment of riches in the form of being selected for multiple pbp campaigns, and I think I've hit my limit. This is a great concept for a campaign and I wish the other submitters good luck in the coming year!

@Sam C- that reaction was the main reason that I considered allowing it, lol (though it would probably have been something more mundane, like an Ulfen barbarian who ate the still beating heart of a linnorm he killed and then went home and conceived the progenitor of the bloodline).

@Arachnofiend- I was wondering how long it would take for someone to pitch an oracle (and I'm kind of partial to that combo because I used to play a dark tapestry oracle with the eldritch heritage [aberrant] feats).

@Waskally- congrats, enjoy your new games!

@Everyone- it's been a busy weekend but I will be adding more details to the Sandpoint primer soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions about where you could have learned various classes (or from whom) please feel free to ask. Wizards and magi could be trained by Ilsoari; spontaneous magic classes figure it out alone mostly and he would have fostered that; martial classes might have received training from a benevolent member of the watch; prepared divine casters could be trained at the Cathedral (even if they don't worship one of the six there's probably someone there who would train you to use your power, unless your god opposes them).

Okay! Submitting Josie the unchained summoner and her fiery eidolon Incandescence. Cheerful and rather delusional, she'll be a mounted build and there are some plans for a fighter dip at 2nd level to pick up some necessary feats and proficiencies. Everything should be there on each profile but let me know if there are any questions or quibbles.

Also, will we be getting the bloodline feats for our bloodlines or just the powers and the SLAs?