"What is this place? Puzzles in Azlant, more magic than you see in a year in Absalom. Wheels literally within wheels. Bound demons and wax golems? The expense must have been enormous. But why? To what end?"
The fateful morning has finally arrived- the 7th of Sarenith. The day the Trials of Grallus will be seen to its conclusion, with one adventuring group earning the reward- a mission from the Grand Custodian himself. Each of your recently formed band of seven is a cut above the average warriors, adepts and aristocrats in the city and you each have your own talents you may be eager to test in the trials. You are keenly aware that other bands of talented individuals have made their way to Eleder for the trials though; you expect the competition to be fierce.
Your band absconds from Picklebeard's tavern and makes its way through the streets of Eleder. Propaganda praising Sargava as a glorious nation and saluting the government for its wise decisions over the past fifty years is everywhere, as well as signposts labelled in both Common and Polyglot directing people out of the city proper and into the staging area for the trials. Bards on city corners sing the tales of Baron Grallus and his leadership that saved Sargava from a fate of diabolism, and a wave of fierce patriotism appears to be gripping much of the city. The small military forces that are based in Eleder itself are out in force on the streets, both to maintain order and to helpfully direct travellers and citizens. Your aware that a government decreed public holiday for the Trials is in effect so no one is working in Eleder today- the streets are packed full of people, mostly heading towards the outskirts of the city to leave it via the east and head to the staging area for the Trials.
You find yourself moving inevitably towards the Trials too- its a good thing that it is your intended destination because it would be difficult to travel elsewhere against the push of the crowd. Stalls selling souvenirs and toys at five times their usual price are accessible as you move along, proving very popular with the travellers who have come from other lands to see the tournament. You have seen almost nothing of the area the government has been preparing to stage the trials in. It has been heavily patrolled by soldiers and despite stories of groups trying to get a sneak peek into the area you haven't heard of any that were successful. What is known is that construction workers, local hedge wizards, officials and even a few druids have been seen entering it every day for the past several weeks. You don't know whats in store for you but it seems the Grand Custodian is determined to make it a momentous event.
Eventually, the crowd thins a little as you leave the crowded streets and can filter out more comfortably as the plains of Sargavabegin to roll out before you, albeit with trampled footsteps leading in and out of the city. In the distance, you can see a massive, red and white tent, flanked on either side by a long wooden fence. The occasional makeshift guard tower is dotted along the fence with a single, crossbow armed soldier ready to shoot anyone who tries to enter unlawfully. You also see a couple of patrols moving along the length of it. The crowd seems to have bottlenecked at the tent entrance- no doubt spectators are paying for seats of various qualities at the desks just outside the entrance. Each of you has a small, silver token with the Arcane Mark of local wizard Ilraith emblazoned upon it. You were given this token when you passed the qualifying requirements for entering and signed up as competitors. It is an uncomfortable reminder of the death waiver you were asked to sign in order to compete, but it should also allow you much easier access to where you need to go once shown to a soldier.
Male Human Haunted Nature Oracle 4 (Ac 20 Cmd 20 Will+4 Ref+2 Fort+4)
Jakob considers the tiny spark of silver in his palm. I am looking at my death. None the less he walks forward with the crowd. His gear is all organized. He spent the early morning watching and listening to the birds respond to the coming dawn. He is as ready, and resigned.
Can I start with a natural divination in force? Studying bird fight allows +10 to any one skill check. If not I will step out of the flow for ten minutes and use the earth divination to set up a +4 to any one initiative check.
Picklebeard glances at Jakob looking at his coin clenched in his hand and finds himself mimicing the man's actions and thoughts. He takes it in the proud dwarven manner he is accustomed to.
"Death. Bah." He spits on the ground to the side. "Not today, no sir."
He speaks up to Jakob, "Evar been ina tourneh before, boy? Not them fightin' rings ya see in tha streets, but somethin' like this? The people....The uncertainteh...." He pauses for a moment and takes a deep nasal inhale. "Tha fear?"
"That feelin' in your stomach...Thar ain't nothin' like it, boy."
Male Human Haunted Nature Oracle 4 (Ac 20 Cmd 20 Will+4 Ref+2 Fort+4)
Picklebeard wrote:
Picklebeard glances at Jakob looking at his coin clenched in his hand and finds himself mimicing the man's actions and thoughts. He takes it in the proud dwarven manner he is accustomed to.
"Death. Bah." He spits on the ground to the side. "Not today, no sir."
He speaks up to Jakob, "Evar been ina tourneh before, boy? Not them fightin' rings ya see in tha streets, but somethin' like this? The people....The uncertainteh...." He pauses for a moment and takes a deep nasal inhale. "Tha fear?"
"That feelin' in your stomach...Thar ain't nothin' like it, boy."
"There has never been a tourney like this before. At least not here. A competition to win the right to undertake a dangerous mission for the government. It seems odd. I expect as with all things in Sargava there are reasons with in reasons at work here. Still, we shall see what we will see."
"I heard rumors that there will be a joust involved. I hope they are false as I know I will not pass that test."
Ansha Saeralyan found something strangely comforting about the press of bodies about her, and this combined with the occasional brief flirtation with a nearby member of the crowd was enough to keep her mind off of the potential gravity of their situation.
"Can anyone even see how far we have to go in this line? Or maybe a soldier who can direct us to where we're supposed to be going? That was what we were supposed to be looking for, right? A soldier?" she says.
Like the other two of his newfound companions, the human and the dwarf, Kieran has the small silver token in hand. The half-elf, however, seems to pay it little mind as he almost absentmindedly makes the wizard-marked coin dance between the fingers of his left hand, listening to the dwarf's remark with a faint smile on his face.
"Fear, friend dwarf? Why not excitement? And the reward being a mission promises even more adventure, even more thrills," he remarks, his tone betraying no trepidation. If anything, he sounds almost anxious for the whole thing to begin. "I do admit, however, of knowing absolutely nothing of jousting."
As he walks, he takes care to stay perhaps a little closer to Ansha, the elven mage he has known the most, the two of them having shared some history together. His posture as he moves is relaxed, his right hand held behind his back, as if he is taking a stroll. And perhaps that is how he sees it more or less, though one might notice the dagger sheathed not too far from his reach.
N'bellocq squeezes his coin so hard, Ilraith's mark is embedded in his palm. His other hand hold holds his freedom papers safe in their scroll tube. He does not trust these crowds that abound in Eleder, and is not willing to risk his shot at a future on a pickpocket's questing fingers.
He follows his group quietly, allowing them to part the crowd. His large hat shields his eyes from the sun, yet his eyes busy dart about trying to take it all in. His nerves cannot take too much more. He is eager to get this competition started, where he can be away from the crowds.
"Calm yourself, cousin," Tebati urges N'bellocq with a small smile as she notices how tightly his knuckles are squeezed around the silver token. Her main reaction to the city's uproar has been bemusement. It seems odd to her, all these people getting so excited about watching people compete for the prize of going into more danger. As for herself, she feels herself a center of calm in the crowd, a small boat bobbing in the elusive eye of the hurricane. Ever since the small group had sat in the shuttered tavern around the copy of the proclamation and her fingers counting back the notches carved into her staff-of-days had discovered that the trials had been announced on the day of her birth, she knew that Shimye-Magalla's hand was on her for good or for ill in this competition. The colonials' calendar might not be her own, but the goddess of water and storm had brought the two worlds together on that day.
"Well o' course I don' mean THIS tourney, boy! I meant.. oh nevermind. Yer old enuff that I could be yer dad, ya know! Ye donno nuthin' aboot fear and what its like. 'tis all excitement fer you. Like the pretty boy Kieran behind us."
He turns to talk to Kieran.
"Ye think its only fear in me gut, fairy-boy? HAHAHA Good one! Yer dad couldn't even find a good enough lady of his own race! Do me a favor an' wipe tha' smile off yer pretty boy face and try growin' a beard. Hell I betcha Verithrex here could grow a beard faster than you can fairy-boy!"
Verithrex sticks his tongue out at Kieran as well like a child might.
Picklebeard composes for Ansha next to Kieran- "No uhfense mi'lady."
The salt-smelling dwarf lets out a big chuckle. He smacks Kieran's back in a very friendly manner.
"Nuttin' but confidence you are, boy. I like that in a fighter. If the gods had any mercy that woulda been an axe in yer hand and theydda made you a dwarf! And we both'll be piss poor at joustin' to boot!"
Male Human (Mwangi - Bas'o tribe) Barbarian (Brutal Pugilist archetype) 4
Qhude strode along silently, bringing up the rear of their group. He had garbed for war before they left the tavern and cut an intimidating figure as he walked. His spirits lifted momentarily when they cleared the city outskirts, before the looming tent brought his mind back to task. He unconsciously clenched and unclenched his right fist.
He scans the crowd looking for a guard that they might consult for directions.
N'bellocq visibly eases at Tabati's words. He sheepishly turns his hand over and opens his fist carefully. There sat his coin and the negative impression. He chuckles quietly in a self-conscious manner and shows her his palm, [b]"Well cousin, at least now if I lose the coin, they will still have to let me in." He closes his fist again, just not so tightly this time.
He is not sure where or what he would be doing had not Shimye-Magalla guided him to Tebati. She has a confidence in the world that he can only guess at. And when he is with her, he can allow most of his insecurities to flow away too. It is just some need a little nudging.
Ansha winces at Picklebeard's jab at Kieran's half-human ancestry, unsure how the half-elf would take the remark. She offers the dwarf a smile, her tone placating as she says, "I don't think I would blame Kieran's father for having good taste in women...."
"Good taste? Bah! He was charmed! E'rryone knows elves have a penchant fer enchantments."
"I wouldn't bet on it though. Half me mind just thinks he was a drunken fool!"
Picklebeard snorts and laughs.
"Maybe the pretty boy can help you out an' spot down a soldier for us. Spottin' humans ain't one of me specialties. Verithrex 'ould be of no use either."
Male Human (Mwangi - Bas'o tribe) Barbarian (Brutal Pugilist archetype) 4
"Cool your tongue dwarf, no point starting a fight amongst us when we're doubtless going to have call enough to spill blood soon." Qhude turns the silver coin over in his hand as he comtemplates it.
Ansha's smile turns into a bit of a smirk. "Just remember what you said, Picklebeard. Next thing you know, there will be dwelfs running around with your beard and pointed ears."
It doesn't sound like a threat, the way she says it...
"Oh my...," the half-elf quips, feigning a look of shock, "Now that would truly be a sight worth seeing! Though the smell would probably be a bit too salty still, despite the dilution..."
He turns to Picklebeard momentarily. "As for my mother charming my father, I would not have put it past her, though it was probably through conventional means rather than magic. I am also willing to bet that her initial goal was to pick his pocket, not his breeches, despite how it turned out." The wink accompanying the words shows that his spirits have not dimmed in the slightest.
"So, a soldier then to ever so kindly point us to the right direction?" Kieran muses in a softer voice as he too scans the crowd and his surroundings.
"Ha! Hey now- no regular dwarf can smell salty like me! ma salty smell is a clan-secret me-boy! Salt-mines will do that to ye if yer family was at it as long as us Blackhammers!" Picklebeard acknowledges Kieran's quip very well. Bashing friends is what dwarves do best (besides drinking, fighting, story-telling, and being simply awesome). It is a sign of camaraderie. "Aye. A soldier be what the elf-miss thinks will get us into the ring."
He'd never admit it, but is happy Anasha is with us and at least is taking it all on good stride, too.
Unlike Qhude.
"Fightin' you say?" He looks around confused but his tone turns bitter and full of dwarven sarcasm. "Harharhar! Yer sure aboot that? Maybe you should spend more time around us dwarfs if you think that's how a dwarf starts fights! If ye wanna know how a dwarf starts a fight I should tell ya a story of me great-grand mum! She knew how to pick'em. And win too!"
"Dwelfs..... that'd be the day!" And so began the origins of leprechauns...
Male Human (Mwangi - Bas'o tribe) Barbarian (Brutal Pugilist archetype) 4
Qhude almost responded before biting his tongue at the last moment. Among the Bas'o, such words would often lead to feud. Casting aspersions upon one's parentage were seen as a grave affront. Instead he merely set his jaw and turned his scowling attention back to the crowd.
Sarcasm is sorcery beyond Qhude's ken at the moment :P
He'll be a fairly dour party member for a while, but depending on who rubs off on him he might eventually warm up to Dwarvish humour...
None of you (except perhaps Picklebeard) have any difficulty spotting soldiers on the edges of the crowd, attempting to keep order. As you banter you notice several festival stands in close proximity to you and the tent entrance- a makeshift bar selling alcohol at exorbitant prices that appears to be in the throes of a drinking contest, a wizened Harrower telling fortunes and even a makeshift 'Slay the Devil'- a mallet and bell game where the bell is an crude imitation of Asmodeus- people are lining up to prove their strength, slam the mallet onto the stand and drive the weighted spike under the devil's chin to strike the bell inside. Nearby, men who failed to ring the bell are attempting to recover their masculinity in a tug of war.
Qhude strides up to a soldier and shows the silver token "We are here to compete, where should we report?"
The soldier looks at the token carefully, comparing it to an image on a piece of parchment he produces from his pocket. Nodding in satisfaction, he replies-
Very well- be sure you are ready to accompany me now though. Once I take you to your teams tent, you will only be permitted to leave under escort and to specific trials; you will not be allowed free reign. If you wish to enjoy the stalls and festivities, now is your last chance. We don't need you for an hour or so.
He waits expectantly for your reply.
Not a DM nudge in any way- I try never to DM hint IC so never interpret what NPC's say as hints or nudging.
Male Human (Mwangi - Bas'o tribe) Barbarian (Brutal Pugilist archetype) 4
Touching his rope wrapped hand to his heart then his head "Thank you I'll check with the Induna" before moving back to the group and addressing Jakob "Once we go in we can't come back out, but they don't need us for an hour." before waiting for instruction.
No worries. This is my first time with a character whose charisma is a whopping 6. If he didn't insult or rub off the wrong way to someone then clearly I'm not doing my job! :) I'll make sure not to be too disruptive to anything though.
Picklebeard's eyes widen at the sight of a drinking contest. "A drinkin' contest? An' no one invited ME?" He pushes his way through the crowd to get to pounding back ales as fast as possible.
The crowd seems to part at the sight of the scrambling dwarf, until one does not move. Picklebeard collides with N'bellocq's large frame blocking his way.
This fool will not cost me this chance! Moments earlier, N'bellocq danced through the crowd, finding seams in the flow of the crowd to easily outdistance the struggling dwarf awash in the sea of bodies.
"A beer in celebration will taste more the sweeter. If you drink now, your good money will only get a fat python drunk."
N'bellocq stands there neither smiling nor scowling, but the deadened face of someone reciting facts.
Male Human Haunted Nature Oracle 4 (Ac 20 Cmd 20 Will+4 Ref+2 Fort+4)
Qhude wrote:
Touching his rope wrapped hand to his heart then his head "Thank you I'll check with the Induna" before moving back to the group and addressing Jakob "Once we go in we can't come back out, but they don't need us for an hour." before waiting for instruction.
Picklebeard stops for a moment at this patronization.. not sure if they are being serious. Realizing their seriousness he flies into anger.
"MY GODS! ME PARTNERS MUSTA LIVED UNDER ROCKS THEIR WHOLE LIVES! DO YE ALL KNOW NUTTIN' ABOOT HOW DWARVES WORK? ALCOHOL RUNS THROUGH ME VEINS!" He points to his muscular, hairy arms as if to show his veins. "DO YINS KNOW WHATS WORSE THAN A DRUNK DWARF ON THE BATTLEFIELD???? HUHH?? DO YE???
"A SOBER ONE! BEIN' DRUNK IS THE ONLY WAY TO FACE AN UNKNOWN CHALLENEGE WHEN YOU'RE A DWARF."
"Now get outta me way an' lemme have a few drinks or I'll show you me drunk fat python as I shove it down both yer throats."
"I wouldn't mind working the crowd a bit...." Ansha says, her emerald eyes wandering the wash of bodies around the group. She flashes a smile at a nearby man.
Are there any laws Ansha should be aware of about casting charm spells in Eleder or Sargava? If no, then the spoiler below applies. If so, then she's just attempting to smooth-talk her way into information with a gather info Diplomacy roll.
Spoiler:
Wandering off a few paces from the party and back into the edge of the crowd, she rests a hand gently on the forearm of the man she had spotted and leans forward to whisper in his ear: "Help a girl out? Tell me, do you know anything about any of the teams entered in the Trials here today?"
She's using her Beguiling Touch spell-like ability (DC15) to try to help gather information about other teams. She's also going to use Diplomacy to do the same, starting with this man and working her way through the crowds nearby, focusing on men: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
In a quiet, and perhaps reasoning tone, "You. live. in. a. tavern." N'bellocq lets that sink in. He straightens up and steps back into the crowd to go back and join the others.
Picklebeard says nothing but fiercely stares down the man.
yer g!~~&&m right I do you disgusting beardless ogrish sonuvab~*+#!
Picklebeard makes his approach to the drinking contest...his mind racing with insults at poor N'bellocq.
What kinda danged fool stands between a dwarf and his ale? Like stickin' yer hand between an anvil and a hammar! Ha! danged fool prolly never even seen a hammer or anvil. Damn jungle boys never know respect.
Kieran does not even attempt to suppress a chuckle at the scene unfolding before him before proceeding to move closer to the two that seem the dourest in his eyes, Qhude and N'bellocq. Putting an arm around each of the two men's shoulders, he leans in, "You know, although I am not exactly fond of ale-guzzling competitions -mainly because when one guzzles most of the ale in question ends up out of one's mouth rather than in- you have to appreciate the simple pleasure involved in enjoying a cup of fine wine, yes? Or maybe even more than just one cup?"
A wide smile appears on the half-elf's face. "Perhaps I could interest you in one or two while we enjoy the spectacle that Master 'Beard is sure to make of himself? No?"
Despite what is surely a bit of fun banter with his two companions, at least as far as he is concerned, Kieran takes care to keep an eye on Ansha, at least for as long as he has her in his line of sight, just in case her flirting ways have her bite more than she can chew, so to speak.
"I wouldn't mind working the crowd a bit...." Ansha says, her emerald eyes wandering the wash of bodies around the group. She flashes a smile at a nearby man.
Are there any laws Ansha should be aware of about casting charm spells in Eleder or Sargava? If no, then the spoiler below applies. If so, then she's just attempting to smooth-talk her way into information with a gather info Diplomacy roll.
** spoiler omitted **
Its rare enough and Eleder's management is new enough (True Neutral alignment mostly) that there are no laws governing it- it would be down to the individual judgement of the authorities.
Ansha:
1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5
The man smiles kindly as your enchantment easily overwhelms his resistance.
Of course dearheart- I heard from my mate at the docks that one of the teams is a group of ex-pirates trying their luck on land!
The man recovers his senses, looking a little confused.
Erm. Hmph. Good day ma'am, best to ask the officials for further information.
Ansha disappears into the crowd, weaving in and out of it and apparently making inquiries.
Ansha:
Most people are only interested in the festival stands, but you hear a few rumours. You hear that an all-Mwangi team from Kalabuto is competing in the hopes of using the victory as a political catalyst to earn greater respect and integration for their people. You also hear that a hardened group of bounty hunters have also entered the tourney, and an adventuring company from faraway Absalom is also competing. Finally, you hear rumours that the winners will have to face General Morvius himself in battle.
Picklebeard wrote:
Picklebeard makes his approach to the drinking contest...his mind racing with insults at poor N'bellocq.
Picklebeard and those watching-
You approach the drinking contest and the stall serving drinks. Several men are in the contest, mostly of colonial descent but a couple of well muscled and fierce looking Mwangi are also participating. An audible groan rumbles through two of the smaller colonials, and one of them audibly grumbles-
No one said nothing 'bout no Dwarf participating... Thats like, cheating ain't it?
The largest, barrel chested and hulkingly tall colonial in the group overhears this comment and snorts in derision.
I'll wager five silver hes no better at holding his drink than the rest of you old women and children he says, flexing and staring right at Picklebeard as he makes his challenge.
"Challenge accepted ya nit'witted basterd! Huzzah!" Picklebeard calls out boastfully. "Its a derned shame I have to take yer money and then beat ya in the tourney too."
"Fool! You fell victim to one of the classic blunders. The most famous is 'Never get involved in a land war in Asia,' but only slightly less well known is this: 'Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line!'"
"See dem jungle boys knew what they're up against. Drinkin' against a Blackhammer! Ha! Last chance to back down yerself... err what's yer name?"
Tebati lays a hand on N'bellocq's arm as they watch the dwarf continue on his way. "Many sailors drink as well, when the anticipation of danger is in their hearts, as though the liquor can make them forget that their death may be awaiting them. When the moment of testing comes, few fail their struggle due to a numbed mind; danger in truth rather than in theory has a sobering effect." She shrugs with a half-smile. "Besides, we have dwarves in Nantambu. Warning one of them against drinking is like warning a Bonuwat against a dangerous current: more a challenge than a dissuasion." She looks around at the crowd. "This is a small city to feed such a great press around us. You, cousin, do you prefer to watch the diversions or withdraw to a place of fewer distractions?" She gestures toward the soldier who had offered a tent.
"Challenge accepted ya nit'witted basterd! Huzzah!" Picklebeard calls out boastfully. "Its a derned shame I have to take yer money and then beat ya in the tourney too."
"See dem jungle boys knew what they're up against. Drinkin' against a Blackhammer! Ha! Last chance to back down yerself... err what's yer name?"
The big man grimaces and scowls down at Picklebeard.
My name is Cotoio- and we've got a headstart on you already, short ass. Your three ales behind; but we'll let you catch up before we resume, eh? The big man moves over to the stall, purchases and slams three tankards onto a table before Picklebeard, paying in silver coin. He sneers, continuing to belittle the Dwarf. Don't worry, i'll take the extra three silver pieces you owe me from yer unconcious, fallen body once we're done here. I won't take more, these boys'll make sure of it.
DM Only:
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Sense Motive DC6:
The obvious looks of confusion and the way Cotoio avoided meeting Picklebeard's eyes as he spoke of him being three beers behind makes it pretty obvious that they aren't nearly as far ahead as they claim. Cotoio is clearly trying to get himself a headstart against the Dwarf.
Jakob Mulle wrote:
Standing clear of the irate dwarf Jakob watches him walk to the drinking hut. He looks again at the token in his hand and shakes his head.
"Well come on, let us see what the merchants offer to those about to die." Jakob says to Qhude, N'belloq, Tebati and Kieran.
A little confused where everybody is/wants to be at the moment. For those who investigate the shops-
The locals have crafted toys and keepsakes and are selling them for several times their worth. You notice a recurring theme throughout the items- the naval war between Cheliax and Sargava. Toy devils, pirate ships and Sargavan soldiers are particularily prevalent.
Picklebeard spots the man's obvious ploy and laughs.
"Good thing ye bought three beers, lad cuz in fact that is precisely how far ye are behind ME! I've been drinkin' since I woke up! Six back by now I reckon' "
Bluff: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15
"Go on! Drink up now, lad! We be makin' this a fair fight."
Male Human Haunted Nature Oracle 4 (Ac 20 Cmd 20 Will+4 Ref+2 Fort+4)
DM Alexander Kilcoyne wrote:
** spoiler omitted **
A little confused where everybody is/wants to be at the moment. For those who investigate the shops-
The locals have crafted toys and keepsakes and are selling them for several times their worth. You notice a recurring theme throughout the items- the naval war between Cheliax and Sargava. Toy devils, pirate ships and Sargavan soldiers are particularily prevalent.
not sure how to do this without it being all metagamey but I would like to try diplomacy/gather information check to see what I can find out about the contest or competitors. I know I only have 1 hour vs the d4 it takes but worth a shot.
Jakob, with or without the others in tow weaves in and out of the pre-contest fairground. A question here a bit of evesdropping there and he begins to form a picture of the coming trial.....
Again N'bellocq is visibly calmed by Tebati's touch. In an initial tone of irritation that winds down to a resigned voice, "Can they not see these are but distractions? They all lack focus on the prize as they flit after the Wisps. Everything we need is here in my bow and your connection to Shimye-Magalla. Drink and gossip..bah! They fail to look inside for their strength. Yes...Let us put all of this behind us."
He will gratefully allow Tebati to lead him away from the crowds. He risks one last look over his shoulder toward the drinking event and mutters, "I am not dragging that short lump of stink across any finish line."
A little confused where everybody is/wants to be at the moment.
DM AK: For Ansha's part, I'm assuming that she spends almost the entirety of the hour flirting and charming information (or just flirting and charming when her sources dry up) about the Trial competitors from any man (or woman) she runs across, and arrives back outside the tent they were directed toward initially about five to ten minutes before the deadline.
Male Human (Mwangi - Bas'o tribe) Barbarian (Brutal Pugilist archetype) 4
To Kieran: "Another time half-elf. You play wet-nurse to the dwarf, I need to ensure that the Induna comes to no harm" and with that follows Jakob into the crowd.
Qhude is obviously not pleased to be surrounded by people, but stays a couple of steps behind Jakob eyes scanning the crowd warily. Though he makes a point of avoiding eye contact with any Bas'o that might be among them.
I won't actually engage in any of the diplomatic data gathering, just here to lend a menacing air and make sure Jakob comes back the same way he went out.
Tebati is as unperturbed by the behavior of the others as N'bellocq is agitated. "It is their way," she shrugs. "No doubt it makes sense in their own land. But this is not their land, no matter how they try to tame it." She turns an unimpressed eye on the imported and adapted Chelish architecture that makes up the Eleder skyline. "Their ways are not as ours. They believe that the world around them and their fates are separate things, unconnected, as if the smallest leaf that falls into the river is not eventually carried into the sea." She turns to look at Qhude, her cool eyes both question and invitation to join them, but he has already followed off after the one he names Leader. Shaking her head, she leads N'bellocq to the soldier to show their silver tokens and escape the crowd.
"Tsk...," is pretty much the sum of Kieran's reaction to the two Mwangi men leaving him, along with a shrug of his shoulders. Instead of following his own advice about wine, however, the half-elf, after a moment's thought, opts to keep an eye on Ansha. He tails her from a bit of distance so as not to interfere with her information-gathering, but not so far that it would make it improssible for him to lend a helping hand if need be, all the while offering a smile or a friendly 'How do you do?' to this person or that, even a wink or two if the person happens to be a pretty enough girl.
Once the elven maiden is finished with her task, he joins her in making their way to the tent the soldier directed them towards earlier. "So, fair Ansha, have you found out anything? I am sure you did not socialize with those people just to make new friends."
He adds with a sigh, "I do hope you have some interesting gossip to share, because I think I sacrificed quite a bit of fun involving wine and dwarven antics to make sure you stayed safe."
not sure how to do this without it being all metagamey but I would like to try diplomacy/gather information check to see what I can find out about the contest or competitors. I know I only have 1 hour vs the d4 it takes but worth a shot.
Jakob, with or without the others in tow weaves in and out of the pre-contest fairground. A question here a bit of evesdropping there and he begins to form a picture of the coming trial.....
When in doubt, make a roll. I'm happy to hand-waive the d4 hours, I have done so for Ansha.
Male Human Haunted Nature Oracle 4 (Ac 20 Cmd 20 Will+4 Ref+2 Fort+4)
DM Alexander Kilcoyne wrote:
Jakob Mulle wrote:
not sure how to do this without it being all metagamey but I would like to try diplomacy/gather information check to see what I can find out about the contest or competitors. I know I only have 1 hour vs the d4 it takes but worth a shot.
Jakob, with or without the others in tow weaves in and out of the pre-contest fairground. A question here a bit of evesdropping there and he begins to form a picture of the coming trial.....
When in doubt, make a roll. I'm happy to hand-waive the d4 hours, I have done so for Ansha.
Thanks. Diplomacy 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Jakob weaves in and out of conversations he seems at home talking with merchants, natives, and colonials alike. He just seems to fit in, a social ghost.
Picklebeard spots the man's obvious ploy and laughs.
"Good thing ye bought three beers, lad cuz in fact that is precisely how far ye are behind ME! I've been drinkin' since I woke up! Six back by now I reckon' "
Bluff: 1d20-2
"Go on! Drink up now, lad! We be makin' this a fair fight."
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
The big man starts to look a little uncomfortable.
Well, I don't think I can be held accountable for the drinking you did before the contest... Bah, just grab a pint everyone and lets see who can handle the most! DRINK!
Jakob:
You hear that a band of smugglers from Crown's End are among the competitors and you also hear tell of a plan by the Freeman's Brotherhood to raid the trials in order to make a desmonstration. An all-female contingent of exotic elven dancers from Kyonin is also rumoured to be competing.
I'm available for guidance, queries and advice re: character creation etc.
I am also on MSN throughout the day most days and you may find it much easier to ask me questions on it rather than in PbP format when checking something pre-post for example. I regularily clarify things over MSN for my kingmaker players and they seem to find it useful. My msn is-
alexkilcoyne@hotmail.com
I'm looking forward to seeing how your going to tie your backstories together.
Checking in. Have a lot to do on the build, as I did not work on it out of fear of jinxing it.
N'bellocq would have arrived in town perhaps hawking colorful feathers, a small crocodile skin, and some exotic meats. Something the jungle can provide and a bow can collect. But he would also be looking for work, if there was work to be found.
The Zen Archer can feel the lurk, more than see them. But they are there, he knows..one lurker..reptilian...the other? a kender? N'bellocq bites his lip. Oh, he so wants to shoot the lurker, but he awaits orders. Too bad, Kender meat bring a good price in the market, seems everybody likes a dead kender. :P
Thank you for letting me in AK. This looks like a fun ride.
Question on "Friend to animals" relavation. Does the bonus to animal's saves extend to hostile animals? I think it does which is very odd.
Thoughts?
I would rule it only applies to non-hostile animals, I suspect thats the RAI.
Cool that way does seem reasonable.
Next question. Is reading the entrails of a humanoid/thinking beastie an evil act?
Fair warning I tend to ask a great many questions.
Not a problem.
Not an evil act; neutral I would say.
Generally as long as people play their alignment with some degree of consistency I doubt we'll see any mid game changes (none forced by me at any rate).
Checking in as well, thanks for the acceptance - definitely looking forward to seeing this unfold.
Will have my profile up later today with the majority of crunchy choices made. Will also cast my eye over the other party members to start getting a feel for how Qhude will play off them.
DM Alex - for the background trait, I haven't selected one. Would you like me to propose something for you to review, or would you like to select something for me?
I'm available for guidance, queries and advice re: character creation etc.
I am also on MSN throughout the day most days and you may find it much easier to ask me questions on it rather than in PbP format when checking something pre-post for example. I regularily clarify things over MSN for my kingmaker players and they seem to find it useful. My msn is-
alexkilcoyne@hotmail.com
I'm looking forward to seeing how your going to tie your backstories together.
*pulls up a chair, mixes a cool drink*.
Just checking in. I should have Ansha ready by tomorrow. Thanks for having me!
Hope no one minds me copying all the backstories over here in one place. I didn't keep up with the character concepts as they came in so putting them all in one place makes it easier to go through them and look for connections. I think I got the latest version of everyone's characters.
Tebati:
Tebati, Mwangi (Bonuwat) human cleric of Shimye-Magalla
Tebati was born in Nantambu in the Mwangi Expanse and grew up happily in that bastion of safety and civilization among a large extended family. Like most Bonuwat, she took to the water, fishing with her family in small boats in the Vanji river from her childhood, but she always seemed to have an instinctual bond to Shimye-Magalla and her family was unsurprised when she left the fishing life to apprentice to a local priestess of the goddess of water and freedom.
The shamaness taught Tebati all she could, but as her apprenticeship neared its end, she told the young woman that she would never understand the goddess's full nature without experiencing her most wild and unfettered form on the waves of the ocean. Tebati's love for her home was strong, but her desire to serve Shimye-Magalla was stronger. Tearfully, she bade goodbye to her parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins and began her journey down the Vanji to the coast, her neck draped with multiple colored glass charms as keepsakes of her home.
Her arrival in Bloodcove was Tebati's first real encounter with the foreigners from the north and their incursion into her homeland. Expecting the same sense of openness and peace that pervades Nantambu, she found that this city was based not on beauty and knowledge like her home, but on power and money. She was in Bloodcove only for a short time, as ocean-bound ships recognized the value of having not only a healer but a cleric of the local ocean-deity on board, to please the native sailors, if nothing else, but the experience left its mark on her in a bad impression of Avistani colonials, an impression her time on board the Aspis Consortium ship and the various ports of call it visited did little to erase.
She served out the term of her contract on the ship, enjoying at least her growing acquaintance with Shimye-Magalla's unbound side, but refused to sign on for another voyage, preferring to return to her home than to spend any more time with the profane and uncouth ship's officers. Angry at her refusal to continue to serve, the captain refused to let her stay on board until the ship returned to the mouth of the Vanji, insisting that no native whore would cadge free passage on his watch. Instead, she was let off at Eleder, her glass charms glistening around her neck, to find another ship or her own way back north to Nantambu. As she is more picky about what ships she will agree to serve on now, and as land caravans north are few and far between, she could well have been in and around the capital of Sargava for several seasons.
Tebati is a striking young woman, with a pretty face and an air of confidence. While neither an overt rebel nor a condoner of violence, she is a strong advocate of the Mwangi civilizations and way of life over and against that of the colonizers. She bears no particular ill will toward individual colonials, but they have their work cut out for them convincing her of their virtue and/or competence. While she is willing to share her continent with the foreigners, she firmly believes that they have more to learn from the natives than to teach them.
If any of the other party members were rescued from Smuggler's Shiv, her ship could have been the one to pick them up. Her motivation to enter the Baron's contest would be to demonstrate that a native Mwangi can achieve anything a colonial can try for. She hopes eventually to return to Nantambu, hopefully with any party members in tow, to show them how a real Mwangi city should look and behave. She would also be motivated to uncover relics or remains of any Mwangi civilization as proof that her continent has housed greatness at least as far back as Avistan can claim.
N'bellocq:
Name: N'bellocq
Alignmen: Lawful Neutral
Gender: Male
Race: Human (Ijo)
Classes: Zen Archer Monk
N'bellocq Details:
Campaign Trait
Laughing Jungle Hunter- a perfect fit, as it is the inspiration for the character.
Background/Ethnicity
N'bellocq was born to Ijo fisherfolk but taken by Ombo slavers in his early teens. He was sold to Captain Trasker, a member of the Rivermen's Guild. The Captain trained N'bellocq to assist piloting boats along the Korir River. Chained at the front of the boat , N'bellocq would call out obstacles such as sand bars, dead falls, and exposed rocks. From early on, he carried rocks and sticks to try to drive off or scare river creatures, such as snakes, crocs, and hippos away from the boats. When the Captain judged N'bellocq to be adequately broken in as a slave, spears and a bow were allowed to help ward off animals.
With the spear, N'bellocq channeled his pent of pain and rage into the moment he threw the weapon. Momentarily satisfying, but the thrill was too short lived. But with the bow, he developed a place in his mind that he could escape to. With an arrow notched, he could stand on the prow and see the whole river unfold in front of him. With the spear, his senses went out only as far as he could effectively throw it. But the bow, allowed his mind to roam from bank to bank, assessing, cataloging, and remembering. All this took him away, he could forget the chain on his ankle, the whip marks on his back, the bow connected him to every point on the river, in a sense, setting him free.
N'bellocq never saw the hippo that crippled the Captain. The monster rose from the bottom of the river, underneath the barge. It first capsized the boat, before smashing the stern and Captain Trasker. Chained to the sinking craft, N'bellocq used a pole, to reach the unconscious captain. He gained the key to his shackle and with it his freedom. Able to leave to captain to his likely deserved fate, N'bellock instead carried him ashore.
No longer chained and whipped, N'bellocq nursed the wounded pilot back to health. Once back at Port Freedom, the captain rewarded N'bellocq for his loyalty with his official freedom. Free, N'bellocq left his river life behind. Knowing Sargava needs those who can fight, N'bellocq figured his bow skills would be of value there.
Appearance
N'bellocq is a tall, lanky Ijo man. Denied a razor, his hair is long and braided, tied together midway down his back with a strip of leather. Colorful knotted cloth in his hair was his only allowed expression of personality. His eyes large and dark and no facial hair grows on his face. He is bare-chested, but wears a colorful paisley vest. The vest covers a network of old scars across his back from when he was stubborn as a new slave during his 'training'. His pants, red and white striped and voluminous, in a style similar to the pirates of the area. His feet are bare. His only possessions are his bow and quiver, a sack holding food and a water gourd, and a scroll tube containing his Official Writ of Freedom.
Personality
Despite a strong powerful voice, N'bellocq says little. He is stoic and never seems to rush. But his eyes are large and seem to take in everything around him. He bears the physical and mental scars of having been a slave. Over the years he had built mental barriers that have kept away the pain and anguish. Only recently, after having earned his freedom, has he begun to come out of this shell. He is extremely self sufficient as he never had anyone he could count on.
Motivations
N'bellocq had matured on his own, but had never really been alone. Never having a friend, he lives a lot in his own mind. Spending most of his time on the river or in small Port Freedom, the crush of people, the noise, and smells of Eleder are very strange to him, and thus make him retreat just a little more into his own world. It is not that he is afraid of the world, it is that is a lot to assess and process in his mind like he is always doing. He has learned of expeditions and caravans that have need of warriors and figures such a job will keep him employed and out of trouble. He had friends as a child and a family, but all that seems so long ago, it will be hard to ever have that amount of trust again.
Aspirations
Just being free is such an overwhelming rush, as that was his aspiration for the last six years. But he is discovering that a part of him misses his time on the prow...the search, the shot, the kill. He won't go back to the river or the pirates and guild that operate there, but he figures overland caravans can perhaps offer an equivalent experience. Or especially, whatever these games might be. A chance to shine at these games might land him with a prestigious group that defends the city or caravans.
Kieran Markavian:
Name: Kieran Markavien
Alignmen: Chaotic Good
Gender: Male
Race: Half-elf
Classes: Fighter/rogue/duelist
Archetypes: Free Hand Fighter, Swashbuckler
Trait: Reactionary
Array of Choice: 15, 14, 14, 12, 12, 12
Time Zone: GMT +3 (Athens, Greece)
Campaign Background:
Crown's End Smuggler
Appearance:
Raven-haired and silver-eyed, Kieran stands five feet and ten inches tall, his slender build and somewhat pointed ears serving as proof of his elven heritage. He tends to dress in comfortable fitted clothes of midnight blue and light grey, usually complemented with short gloves and knee-high boots made of soft black leather.
Personality:
Kieran is easy-going and relaxed, the smile gracing his features more often than not a clear enough indication of his nature. A well-spoken man, he is quick with a joke or a witty retort, a trait that seems to stay with him even during a fight, as much a weapon sometimes as the Aldori blade in his hand.
Motivations:
The thrill and challenges of adventure and the promise of honing one's skills that comes with it would seem good enough motives for the free-spirited half-elf, and indeed they are. They are not the only things spurring him onward, however. A certain falling out with a group of smugglers, people who would gladly cause him considerable harm were their paths to cross, definitely plays its part to his desire to travel and, if circumstances would allow it, surround himself with comrades who will support him if -or when- a 'meeting' with his former 'associates' occurs.
Aspirations:
Although not a particularly ambitious person, Kieran is not one to say no to material rewards. However, becoming a swordsman of considerable skill and renown, preferably after having his fill of adventure, is probably as close to a goal as the half-elven duelist will ever admit to having.
Background:
Born the bastard son of a minor noble from Brevoy and an elven dancer and part-time thief from Varisia, Kieran was raised by his mother. Unlike the way such a story usually goes, however, with the noble parent staying as far away from his illegitimate offspring as possible, in this case the man proved to be the exception. He kept in touch with both the elven woman and her son, sending her money and visiting the pair as often as possible; that is not to say, of course, that he went so far as to speak about them to his family and he did manage to keep them a secret for quite some time. Like most secrets, though, this one too eventually remained a secret no longer.
Once the half-elven boy was old enough, his father visited once again, this time with a proposition. He asked to take Kieran with him to Brevoy, not as his son, but as a squire of sorts. He wished to spend some time with his son, play a more active role in his upbringing. One might say that his feelings had clouded his judgement and, considering what followed, one would be correct. At first, everything seemed to be going well. The noble did indeed succeed in spending time with his son, even if he could not call him that, and started training the boy, now old enough to use a sword, in the art of dueling with an Aldori blade, something the young half-elf seemed to enjoy immensely. It was a good time. And, like most good times, it did not last very long. Soon enough people started noticing how alike the two of them looked and remembering how often the man would travel away from his home on unknown errands. Thus, as is often the case, it did not take long before thoughts and ideas turned to rumors and rumors turned into a scandal. Kieran had no choice but to leave and return to Varisia, a decision made by the young man in an attempt to at least spare his father, who still stood by his intention to care for his son, further disgrace. There was no warm welcome waiting for him when he reached his home, though. His mother was nowhere to be found and the young half-elf's search for her or for clues as to what had happened to her met with failure again and again. After a while, with nothing keeping him there anymore and thinking his mother gone one way or the other, Kieran decided to leave, to start a new life, even if he was not sure how to go about doing such a thing.
His travels eventually led him to Crown's End, where he found himself as the newest member of a smugglers ring. Alone and down on his luck, this seemed like a good way to earn both money and reputation, while at the same time training skills the basics of which had been taught to him by his parents. After all, what was the harm in moving some contraband now and then? And so he thought and so it went for some time. Until the items being smuggled started leaving a sour taste in his mouth, until his 'associates' started trading in weapons and drugs and people. That was that for him. Unfortunately, one cannot simply resign from such a 'business', especially when one knows a bit too much about its comings and goings and has told certain people of authority about them. Anonymously, of course, but there are ways to find out the names of even the anonymous, especially when a lot of money is involved. Unwilling to stay and just wait for such an inevitable event to take place, Kieran chose to leave, taking with him some of his earnings and putting some distance between himself and his former comrades.
Ansha Saeralyan:
Ansha Saeralyan, elf enchanter
Appearance:
Ansha is a delicate-featured young elflady, six feet tall and slim with almond-shaped emerald eyes and long platinum-blond hair. Achingly beautiful, she is quick with a disarming smile and comes across as something of a flirt. Obviously proud of her appearance, her porcelain skin is unmarred but for a pair of piercings through each ear, and she wears her hair down almost to her knees, a bright blue hair-ribbon binding it loosely into a long, elegant ponytail. She walks with the grace and poise of a noble and with the confident air of someone used to getting what she wants.
She dresses primarily in green and black, and her most common attire consists of a low-cut green corset and matching full-length skirt. Black half-gloves that end above her elbows cover her arms and similarly-dyed knee-high leather boots adorn her feet. A finely-crafted black choker adorns her throat and a slender silver necklace rests just beneath it.
Background:
Ansha Saeralyan is the only daughter of an elven noble family corrupted into the worship of the demonlord Nocticula. Raised in a family that prized the arts of magical and mundane manipulation, Ansha had a fairly unhappy childhood--right up until she discovered the family secret and fled home. Pursued by demonic agents of her family, she was briefly captured and traumatized before being rescued by a pair of married elven adventurers. The trauma was enough that she developed a form of amnesia called dissociative fugue, and she came to believe that her rescuers were her parents--in fact, the only thing that she remembered from her old life was her name, Ansha.
The married pair, for their part, took the elf in and cared for her much as if she were their own daughter, right up until they met their end on an expedition south into the Mwangi Expanse at the hands of smugglers.
Ansha was taken prisoner by these smugglers, but over time managed to work her way into their confidence and joined the smuggler band herself--right up until she betrayed them all in retaliation for her "parents'" deaths. In the wake of her adoptive parents' deaths, she has slowly had her memories return, and she realizes that in addition to the fact that she can never go home again, she has been living a lie for years. As a result, she has taken to wandering and adventuring on her own, trying to find a place for herself in a world that she doesn't quite trust.
Personality and motivations:
Ansha is a flirt who uses physical and magical charms to get what she wants out of life, but behind the facade she is a very lonely, scared young elf who feels like she doesn't belong anywhere. She is prone to bouts of depression, but has learned to deal with it by throwing herself wholeheartedly into whatever she does. Physically and mentally running away from her past, she can be very subdued and quiet at times, and forces herself to put on a coy and sociable front at others.
More than anything, she wants to belong--and is terrified that she will lose everything should her real family ever find out where she is.
Jakob Mulle:
Jakob Mulle. NG Human (Sargavan of Cheliax decent) Haunted Nature Oracle.
Campaign background trait.
I was thinking Laughing Jungle resident to represent a childhood spent up country, or Native Sargarvan to reflect growing up the square peg. But Noble of Eleder looks good. Scion of peace would fit and be an unusual choice for a fighter. Yes, not the most combat optimal but the most flavorful, Noble of Eleder to represent the sheltered, upper-class child hood, Scion of Peace to reflect his personal attitude.
Flesh.
Baqckground.
The Mulle family is well established in Sagava. They are a trading family with interests from the inner sea to the deep interior. They do not have the best reputation. They are known to deal with the Apsis consortium and are closer to several leading shackled pirates than the Sagavan government likes. Most suspiciously they pay their taxes on time and correct to the copper.
Jakob is not an ornament to the family. He is not a drunkard, or a womanizer or incompetent or trying to sell his soul to demons. The family could deal with that, Gorzeh knows they have in the past. No Jacob is honest, upright, friendly and has no head for business.
Luckily the family noticed this flaw and kept him from becoming aware of anything too upsetting, but Jakob was getting brighter. He was asking questions. Something had to be done.
So they sent Jakob to a school in Magimar. They hoped it teach him how the world works, or at least keep him quiet while he learned something useful. The reports sent back by the investigator the family hired to keep an eye on Jakob were exactly what the family had hoped for. Jakob was doing well in classes, making friends and contacts, even getting in a squabble with the local law. The family was happy. But in the last year the reports changed. They told of Jakob focusing more on his studies following a relationship gone sour. They told of him starting to excel at history , ethics, and Natural philosophy. They even mentioned private tutelage under Abraxes, a prominent thinker and powerful druid.
That was the last straw. The family would not have one of theirs hanging around with those green blooded rabble rousers. They were the cause of half the security and labor problems up country. Jakob was pulled home fast. Not knowing what to do with him the family sent him to Kalabuto to inspect a date plantation the family was buying.
Jakob enjoyed the trip. It was good to get out of the city. More and more of what Abraxes had spoken to him about on their long walks was making sense; the need for a balance between the urban and the wild, between different peoples, between the parts of the self.
The date plantation was in a bad shape. The orchards were salvageable with work but the buildings were badly overgrown the guide who led him to the remote station warned him to stay out of the main warehouse but Jakob felt he needed to make a full inspection. The rotted floor gave way. Jakob never felt himself hit the ground because the cellar was a breeding ground for dream spiders. It took two days for the guide to smoke out enough of the spiders to get Jakob free. It was a clear week before Jakob could talk again.
Since then Jakob has taken to wandering. Taking long walks in the forest surrounding the city; meeting with tribal people in strange taverns and road houses. At least he seems disinterested in family business but he is becoming an embarrassment.
The Trials of Gallus were an answer to the family’s prayers. They are applying some gentle persuasion to see Jakob is chosen. If he dies, it is unfortunate but an acceptable loss. If he wins he may yet make a profit.
I see the family as something like a proto-mob. Closed, conservative to fascist politically, profit oriented, prone to violence but under strict internal rules. Jakob is someone with strong liberal ethics who received half a druidic education and a massive dose of hallucinogens. He is a hippy raised by the Cosa Nostra.
Appearance.
Average height. Not bad looking more supporting cast than leading man if you know what I mean. Skin tan from the sun. Favors dusty reds and browns. You could pass him on the street except there is something that catches your eye. He always seems relaxed .
Attitude and Motivations
Attitude.
Jacob is not as stupid as his family thinks he is. He is aware that his family business is frequently well over any conceivable line. He has even started to do something about it. Some of the people he meets work for the government or have ties to the more active resistance movements. The information he is passing is not very important but it is useful.
Jakob knows that Sargava has problems. The 'fees' paid to the Shackles pirates make normal commerce and government very difficult. Jakob sees this as the main force driving the exploitive relations with the native population and the rising role of crime families in the government. Up until now though he didn't know what to do about it. He hopes the Trials will open up more options. Jacob knows the government has an agenda in sponsoring the trials he just hopes it is an agenda he can agree with.
Motivations.
Long term.
Jacob wants to see a strong Sargava.; one not as dependent on the shackles for defense and not as fearful of, nor as rapacious towards the interior. He knows this is an ideal and like all ideals something that can never be reached but he hopes in spite of that. He sees adapting to the land as key to the future. The government is trying to force the jungle to act then way they want it to. This is dooming the former colony. Only by living with the jungle can Sargava prosper. Northern methods can be adapted to these southern climes but they cannot be imposed.
Short term.
Jakob wants to complete the Trials and whatever real mission lies behind it. He hopes this will be a quick path to influence or at least a way out from under the families thumb.
To do this he will need help. So his first priority is to find friends and comrades among the others competing in the trials or among those he knows in the adventuring community. His family contacts with the Apsis might be useful here or they might lead him to the wrong kind of people.
Once the trials begin though Jacob's main goal will be to see that everyone survives. He will work with people he disagrees with in pursuit of long-term goals.
Personality.
Friendly. Open. Outgoing. Jakob actually enjoys helping people. He can take a joke and prefers to trust people until they betray him.
Qhude:
Qhude (meaning Rooster)
Human (Mwangi – Bas’o) Fighter (Free-Hand Archetype)
Fluff:
Personality:
Qhude is an open book, though the pages to date are mostly filled with dark words and deeds. Growing up among the tribes he lacks the subtlety of city folk and tends to be blunt and direct. While he drinks deeply of the draught that is life, his outlook is currently bitter due to his life experiences. He enjoys wide open spaces and gets uneasy when in a city or the jungle.
He has cast off the shamanistic roots of his tribe, and is currently not in worship of any single god.
When raised to anger or during combat his demeanour changes. His eyes take on an analytical hardness and he fights ruthlessly to win – deriding his opponent with words and assaulting common decency with his actions.
Appearance:
Qhude is a muscular yet wiry man of five feet and nine inches. His skin is darkened to almost black due to long hours spent in the sun. Hair is cropped short, cut remains in tight curls against his head. A jagged scar across his cheek is the key feature of his face, but when turned to anger his eyes also take on a noticeable hardness. He is garbed in a pair of shorts in the colonial style, but his upper body is left uncovered bar a simple amulet hanging round his neck. The right side of his chest also sports three jagged scars. His feet are bare, as his years of walking the plains has built up impressive callouses.
When garbed for combat, he cuts a different figure. Dropping into fighting stance his left hand is held forward and upward, palm facing the enemy. Though the hand is free, his arm bears leather armor along its length culminating in a pauldron that is secured by a leather strap across his chest. A wide leather belt studded with rivets offers some gut protection. Combined effect of armor would be studded leather
His right hand is held drawn and ready to punch, making a fist while wrapped tightly in rope covered cloth Cestus. His left leg is wrapped is also wrapped in knotted rope, and he occasionally raises it before him as though a shield. His right leg is uncovered and held back, used as a pivot.
Fighting style was inspired by Dambe
Background:
Qhude was born into the Bas’o tribe to a mother who died in childbirth, leaving him as his father’s only child. His father was a butcher, low in the caste structure of the tribe due to his handling of dead flesh. Growing up among the tribe the children held no prejudice and he has happy memories of his early wanderings along the plains of Sargava. His youth spent wrestling, running and sparring helped him grow into a muscular yet wiry frame of five foot nine.
It was in his early adulthood that his caste began to make a difference. When hunting parties were sent, he was not selected and was held from claiming his first scar (Bas’o ritually scar when they kill an antelope or worthy enemy). Qhude would spend the time during the hunt sparring with his father, before being put to work butchering the antelope carcasses during the evening when the hunters returned. Despite being overlooked due to his caste, Qhude was still comfortable in tribal life and enjoyed the days spent with his father.
At the age of twenty, Qhude first competed in his tribes’ annual combat tournament. Fighters were paired off in elimination bouts of wrestling and striking with hand and foot. Bouts were settled through submission or unconsciousness. His first tournament saw him survive only one bout before he was knocked out by the son of an elder with a kick to the head. He let out a womanly cry of pain as he collapsed, which is where he gained the derisive nickname Qhude (or rooster) due to his sign of weakness.
Shame grew from that experience and each day he endured the taunts of those returning from the hunt. Growing bitter as he was repeatedly kept from any opportunity for glory, his thoughts became darker. He spent all his spare time over the year training for the event. Honing his body and fighting style as much as he could to put in a better showing.
When the event arrived he went well through the first few rounds and had to luck to be drawn against the same opponent as the year before. As they faced each other, Qhude settled into his fighting stance while the other man mocked him and insulted his family. In action born out of pure rage, Qhude crippled his opponent with a kick to the groin before launching an uppercut into the other’s chin snapping his head back with a sickening crack. The opponent crumpled to the ground silently as Qhude lived up to his namesake and crowed in victory.
As his foe failed to rise, a medicine man came to his side and tried to rouse him. As Qhude continued to cock and crow, the shaman declared the elder’s son dead. In the aftermath that followed, much was made of the dishonour shown by Qhude in combat and in victory. The bitter elder successfully lobbied to have Qhude and his father banished from the tribe as penance – an act that broke his father’s heart. An unrepentant Qhude took a knife and gave himself his first scar across his cheek at the same time that the elder delivered the tribe's judgement.
As they were nearby Katabuto at the time, Qhude gravitated there to attempt to find safe harbour. However the prejudice against Mwangi weighed against him, and he could only find work at a slaughterhouse in the slums of the city. His father, spirit broken by the exile, became ill soon after their arrival. Unable to raise enough money to pay for his father’s care from butchery, Qhude turned back onto his fists and began fighting in shady taverns and rinks set up in dark corners. His practiced hand and killer instinct brought him some measure of success, but despite the additional care it bought – his father still passed on.
Qhude continued to fight in the alleys after his father’s death. Without the guidance his father offered his outlook on life has become even more bitter and twisted. He fights without rules and without honor, but three more scars have been added to his tally. The tail of his story can be filled in as required to mesh in with the party if chosen. I’d imagine that someone saw him during a pit-fight and gave him a better offer.
Aspirations:
Banished from his tribe and his father recently dead, Qhude has no ties to bind him and no moral centre to guide him. He seeks personal glory at all costs, but under the bitter exterior yearns for a sense of family that he has lost.
Picklebeard:
Full Name Rurlick Blackhammer II
Race Dwarf
Gender Male
Class Witch (Elements Patron and Monkey Familiar)
Traits Scholar of the Great Beyond , *Crown's End Smuggler (Shackles pirate flavored of course)
Array of Choice 16,14,14,14,12,8
Zone of Time EDT (Eastern US)
Appearance
----------------------------------
Is that thing even a dwarf?
The first thing you should know about ol' Picklebeard is that he isn't old. In fact, he looks like a rather youthful dwarf. He is quite an unkempt naturalistic dwarven fellow. Not naturalistic in the sense his manhood is typically on display, but he has a preference for simple garments of brown, dull blue, green, or gray. His current motley seems to be a patchwork of all of these colors. He has sort of short brown hair that is all wild and hangs on his head like wet shaggy dog fur. His big eyebrows seem to give him the appearance he is always squinting. Some say that is a typical dwarven trait, but I figured it needed noting. His long, dark, wiry beard is where half his nickname comes from. His beard is a strange color of brown. So strange that most wouldn't even call it brown. It most of the time, in most lights, looks more green than brown. Like I said, his greenish colored beard is only half of why he is known as Picklebeard. The other half of the reason stems from the fact he smells of sea. Rather strongly, I might add. Legend has it that his clan of Dwarves have been on the sea so long they SWEAT sea water. He is typically seen with a gnarled driftwood-esque stick a little bit taller than himself in on hand and his monkey, Sasha, perched on his shoulder.
Sasha is an Emperor Tamarin. It looks exactly like the wikipedia article image of one.
Background
-------------------------
The history of the Blackhammer clan is a long one, indeed. Legend has it that the Blackhammers were miners who shipwrecked in the Shackles long ago who took reaving and raiding out of desparation. It turned out they were good at it and even more so... they liked it. Others say they were miner slaves from Ghol-Gon. What is certain is that, although relatively small in number, Blackhammers are reputable fellows. Picklebeard's father was no different. Except for the fact he was particularly cruel. Not as cruel has his grandfather had been, but still not a nice guy. He was always pictured adorned in gold chains and rings on every finger.
Keep in mind that the Blackhammers have a custom: dwarven men of the Blackhammer clan wear no jewelry unless they bought it "in iron." Meaning they killed the person for it.
It was the first night Rurlick was of age to reave the seas with his father. Boy he was eager to leave Bloodcove and be like his pops. Actually, he wished to better than him. His father was no captain. First mate to a future Free-Captain sure enough, but no captain himself.
"I'll be a captain un' day. Fer shure. Or I'm a bearded gnome!"
Rurlick was never the best fighter, but he was tough and smart. Traits that meant he wasn't the best at combat but not a dead man, neither.
This was the night he would prove himself. They had the ship in their sights. The winds and rain were almost constant since they left port. They soaked Rurlick to the core. It didn't matter to him, though. He felt his muscles tighten and ready for combat. What a feeling. That's all he remembered of that night. It was told an explosion from below deck knocked the dwarf unconscious and flew him to the other ship! Unarmed and badly injured, he awoke briefly to see the carnage around him. The sounds of fires burning, swords clashing, men dying, and animals screaming. The last thing he saw was a small monkey,a small black little thing, darting around fires, barrels, swords, arrows, and feet. It jumped and landed on his chest looking at him right in the eyes. The pain of this tiny creature jumping on him knocked him out again.
He awoke again on his ship. This was not the same dwarf that was launched from his ship via firey explosion, though. Something changed in him. He grew up.
Back in port, he made preparations to avoid being a raider. He declared he was interested in magic and seeked to become a magewright. This was true enough. He always thought he had the smarts for it. He seeked out the ship's mage, a witch named Sasha Greyjoy. That black tamarin following him all the time. He didn't mind.
He found magic much more appealing than swordplay. Mages were not frowned upon by the swordsmen, in fact they were somewhat afraid of their power, but they certainly did not treat them the same as swordsman. This was fine for Picklebeard (a nickname he was given while recovering). He was trained in history, geography and the arcane arts and was ready to once again board a ship.
Only this was not what his father said. Something was wrong. This ship was not going north, but south. To Sargava. Afraid and scared, he was put in the brig. A few weeks later, he was in Eleder.
Unbeknownst to Picklebeard, his father sent him away for his own saftey in secret. The captain of his father's ship (The Free Captain) had come under allegations of selling out routes to Cheliax or Rahadoum or maybe even both. The Free-Captian fled before he could be questioned. A few days later, although the crew was innocent, Picklebeard's father and the rest of the crew were killed. Such is justice in the Shackles.
Poor Picklebeard had not a clue about what was going on when he got to Eleder. He was thrown in jail and awaiting trial for some charges... he was never told what they were. Questions meant less food for dinner.
"Wake the f*c4 up, saltsh%1t. Visitor."
"Whaa?"
The visitor was a dwarven woman. Short and small. Her back was to him when he entered. The door locked and it was just them. She seemed familiar though.
"Mum is that you? Well shave me beard!"
The figured turned around. It was the magehand, Sasha Greyjoy!
Picklebeard was silent. He didn't know how to react.
"Notta werd ye weasly gnome!" Said she in her accent. She also always used to call him a weasly gnome.
"It so good to see ye......" He stopped. His mentor shhh'd him, smiled and vanished. Left behind were a few papers explaining the previous events, how she and her father died not long ago. Also there were signed offical papers of pardoning. The notes also said as far as anyone in the Shackles knows, you're dead. This is good because if they knew he fled he'd be craven and be put to death if he returned anyways.
Picklebeard was a free dwarf again. Confused, sad, and angry sure, but free!
Returning to him were his meager supplies and his monkey. Until then he had no name for the beast. He referred to it as monkey. But now, he'd call the thing Sasha after his instructor. He liked the name, missed his mentor, and half believed her powers were somehow tied to the beast itself.
With no hope of returning home and a rather decent fortune in his pocket, he did what any dwarf would do: Drink and gamble.
Now risking being in debt to some not-so-nice people, he entered the Trials of Grallus to get out of debt and prove to everyone what a true dwarf is made of.
His muscles clenched as he registered like that first night reaving. He felt the adrenaline again. He missed it.
Motivations
-----------------------
His primary motivation is getting out of debt.
His secondary motivation is glory.
He'd also like to, one day, track down the Free-Pirate captain.
Personality
----------------------
Picklebeard is a dwarf true and true. He drinks, spouts gruff remarks, and is loyal as a dog. He is ok with most morally dubious activities but will be the first one to help out a friend or companion needs it.
"I donnae why yer pickin a fight with this town official, but I'd be damned if ye take him just by yerself!"
"This is what ye beardless fairies call BEER?"
Male Human (Mwangi - Bas'o tribe) Barbarian (Brutal Pugilist archetype) 4
Qhude now has a profile that has been updated with crunchy goodness. I massaged a few things around, but nothing major.
Array used: 16 / 14 / 14 / 14 / 12 / 8
Still need a background trait.
Also - for wealth are we rolling or taking average?
Joana - thanks for the compilation, makes it alot easier to look over the fellow party members. Only difference for Qhude is that he is a Barbarian now.
Male Human (Mwangi - Bas'o tribe) Barbarian (Brutal Pugilist archetype) 4
Ok as per DM Alex's initial recruitment post, we need to come up with the background of our little troupe and what led us to compete in the trials. I've been looking over the backgrounds of our merry seven and would like to posit a possible reason for the convergence for people to review and critique.
Jakob's backstory looks like it could provide us with a catalyst for drawing us together. He is being forced / pressured into going into the trials by his family, and was in Kalabuto immediately prior to the Trials. He receives word from his family of their arrangement and has to make for Eleder to join the Trials.
Travel path is from Kalabuto to Port Freedom by river scow, then north along the coast to Eleder.
Qhude - joined Jakob in Kalabuto.
N'bellocq - pick up him in Port Freedom.
Tebati and Picklebeard are both in Eleder - so can join there.
Kieran's backstory places him in Crown's End - so would need to have a means of him getting to Eleder, though his backstory has him on the run so that should be easily doable.
Ansha's backstory is flexible and can have her joining the crew at any location.
Thanks for choosing me! I'll work on getting Picklebeard's crunch in order tomorrow.
Picklebeard probably doesn't know any of you unless you were in jail the same time he was since he hails from the Shackles. I'm thinking the easiest way for me to meet everyone is to be setup by the trials putting him with the rest of you. If anyone has any more creative ideas I'd love to hear them.
I think an interesting connection could be the exotic animal smuggler that was a target in my backstory. Perhaps that could be a strange tie to others. Not a direct tie, but maybe you knew someone on that ship or something.
Joana - thanks for the compilation, makes it alot easier to look over the fellow party members. Only difference for Qhude is that he is a Barbarian now.
Sorry about that. I knew several of the characters had evolved throughout the thread. I just picked the latest post that had backstory to copy and paste; for finding connections between PCs, that seemed the most important part.
AK, I don't have a campaign background trait, either. The only one that seemed to tie in to Tebati at all was the Crown's End Smuggler one, but she's not very Sleight of Handy.
Male Human (Mwangi - Bas'o tribe) Barbarian (Brutal Pugilist archetype) 4
Jakob - have put a possible chance meeting between you and Qhude in spoiler.
In a Kalabuto Backstreet:
Jakob was walking back to your house after a meeting with some tribals in a run-down tavern.
Not paying enough attention you drifted into an alley and were accosted by a thug.
Qhude was on his way back to his hovel after a pit fight - still in armor and with a blood covered cestus.
Qhude stared down the thug, then bludgeoned him to unconsciousness when he wouldn't turn away.
Then you either recruit him for the trials at that point, or hire as bodyguard / muscle and we have a little history prior to the trials?
In keeping with Qhude's tribal dispossession and general spiritual malaise (at least at the start of the journey) - he's going to start as a mild flayleaf addict. If any of the smugglers want to start afresh as drug dealers that could be a connection.
@ Joana / Tebati - no problems, nothing changed in the backstory / appearance anyhow so it is still all valid and true.
Once he is in Eleder, N'bellocq would attract Tebati's attention, as the Ijo are part of the Bonuwat people. She would greet him as a near-relation and probably try to puzzle out if they really are related somehow.
I can definitely see that. Being Ijo, N'bellocq was a coastal fisherman's son, but yes he is a Bonuwat. His faith in Shimye-Magalla is probably not kosher, as it is what he knew as a young teen, and then what has kept him going. He has likely latched on to the Desna-destiny aspect of the faith, as sort of everything happens for a reason, including his slavery and release.
And I shamefully forgot to mention it above, but thanks for the invite Alexander.
Okay, I think Ansha's good to go. As expected, she's got a fair amount of jewelry on her. She's also got the House Saeralyan signet ring and the remnants of the outfit she wore when she ran away from home buried in the bottom of her backpack, and a host of masterwork-quality gear more suited to a con-artist than a wizard.
Her betrayal of the smugglers who captured her was fairly recent. Kieran is likewise in hot water with the Crown's End smugglers, and it's possible that the two worked together to bring this about before leaving Crown's End, though Ansha is likely to make sure that her own betrayals are fatal, or at least crippling.
As for how she is added in to the main group, I'm open to ideas. My initial thought is that she went to Eleder intent on attaching herself to a group that could help shield her from the reprisals of the smugglers she had just betrayed. She may have tried to insinuate herself into the first group she met that seemed upright, possibly using her fortune-teller's deck, beguiling touch spell-like ability or general diplomatic skills to convince the party that it was their idea that she tag along.
Hello all! Glad to be selected for what seems like a very very promising and fun game. I will begin work on the character sheet as soon as possible and should have it ready in a few hours.
As far as connections between the characters are concerned, I too find that Ansha's and Kieran's backgrounds lend themselves to the two knowing each other even before the group came together, having worked with the Crown's End smugglers before both characters turning on their associates and leading to the smugglers', shall we say, intense dislike of the pair. :-P
The above would also make the two of them sticking together after their leaving the smugglers ring and joining the adventuring group together a plausible scenario.
As for the relationship between them, friendship and cooperation or a healthy mix of friction and uneasiness? Given Ansha's initial imprisonment by the smugglers and the fact that Kieran was a willing member of the group before he turned himself around, I would probably lean towards the latter.
Male Human (Mwangi - Bas'o tribe) Barbarian (Brutal Pugilist archetype) 4
Just collating the possible connections:
1) Qhude and Jakob come together from Kalabuto.
2) N'bellocq is picked up in Port Freedom.
3) Tebati is connected in via N'bellocq in Eleder.
4) Ansha and Kieran come as a package deal from Crown's End to Eleder.
5) Picklebeard is currently in Eleder and could be either added to the group by the Trials, or recruited in Eleder.
Giving us our merry band of seven.
DM Alexander - I know that the original intention was for the party to have been together for a while, but would you be amenable to the bare-bones of the reasoning so far?
We can embellish the journey from Kalabuto, and also have a short history in Eleder once we were joined together.
here's hoping this game will provide as good entertainment as AK's other ones. Definitely following this one as well. Good luck everyone and remember most jungle beasties can be escaped by hamstringing a party member before legging it.
Joana wrote:
Hope no one minds me copying all the backstories over here in one place.
If I may ask, would it be possible to sell or exchange the free masterwork simple weapon -in this case, a masterwork dagger- that the Crown's End Smuggler background gives? Given the fact that the Aldori dueling sword is Kieran's weapon of choice, a masterwork dagger would not be of as much use to him as, say, a suit of masterwork studded leather.
If such a thing is not allowed, there is of course no problem at all. Just thought I should ask is all. :-)
Hi guys. Was excited to wake up to 18 new replies. I'll go through the thread and answer questions where I can.
@Mark/@Joana- You are free to come up with a background bonus based on your backstory. The crunch of the background essentially boils down to a free feat or the combination of two traits; it has to be a feat you are eligible for at level 1 though if you go that route.
@All- Average wealth for your class.
F. Castor you may sell the masterwork weapon you get for half its value as per normal selling rules. I often find keeping a dagger is handy for those pesky times your swallowed whole or really want to throw a dagger at someones face though personally.
Working out the bare bones is fine, you have a few days to refine it. I was particularily interested in Kieran and Ansha's story of fleeing the smugglers :). I'd like you to have already made introductions to each other by the time the Trials roll around and have some idea of how you interact with each other; perhaps you've been an adventuring group for one week in preparation for the trials starting.
So Kieran is finished and so is Ansha- anyone else ready for review?
Edit: One more thing. Work out your characters age, height and birthday. I'm serious. If the Kingmakery elements end up happening game time can very swiftly progress. The half-orc in my KM game is a couple of years from middle age now.
F. Castor you may sell the masterwork weapon you get for half its value as per normal selling rules. I often find keeping a dagger is handy for those pesky times your swallowed whole or really want to throw a dagger at someones face though personally.
You find me in complete agreement as to the uses of the dagger, which is why almost none of my characters leaves home without one. Which is also why Kieran will still be getting himself a dagger, just not a msterwork one. :-)
If I may ask, would it be possible to sell or exchange the free masterwork simple weapon -in this case, a masterwork dagger- that the Crown's End Smuggler background gives? Given the fact that the Aldori dueling sword is Kieran's weapon of choice, a masterwork dagger would not be of as much use to him as, say, a suit of masterwork studded leather.
If such a thing is not allowed, there is of course no problem at all. Just thought I should ask is all. :-)
Wow, that is one fine character sheet!
Crunch wise I don't spot any errors, looks like your on the ready list.
Male Human (Mwangi - Bas'o tribe) Barbarian (Brutal Pugilist archetype) 4
Qhude should be ready for DM review and approval.
For my background I'd like to take this:
Childhood Wrestler Growing up among the Bas'o tribe a large part of your childhood was spent wrestling and sparring with your peers. Fighting with the older and larger boys has helped teach you to keep yourself protected and hit your foes where it hurts
Gain the Improved Unarmed Strike feat
I've been mulling over how Qhude views the rest of the party over the course of today and will put up some pointers (as well as quirks you'd know about Qhude himself) later tonight.
For my background I'd like to take this:
Childhood Wrestler Growing up among the Bas'o tribe a large part of your childhood was spent wrestling and sparring with your peers. Fighting with the older and larger boys has helped teach you to keep yourself protected and hit your foes where it hurts
Gain the Improved Unarmed Strike feat
I've been mulling over how Qhude views the rest of the party over the course of today and will put up some pointers (as well as quirks you'd know about Qhude himself) later tonight.
I applied to DM Barcas' Kingmaker: Korvosa game with a tweaked version of Picklebeard and I think I like him more that way than the piratey version I came up with. With the DM and the group's consent I'd like to change the backstory of Picklebeard. I assure you this is not some sort of bait and switch. Picklebeard will still be gruff and eccentric dwarven witch with the elemental patron. I just think the changes I make to him let him have a stronger personality, more character hooks, and better overall direction that is more suitable to this campaign.
His appearance stays the same except for a change in familiar perched on his shoulder. Instead of a bearded tamarin, it is a bearded dragon lizard named Verithrex. His name still comes from the greenish tint in his beard, but also because of a clinging smell of salt due to his family's history of being salt miners in the Bandu Hills of the Mwangi Expanse.
Picklebeard's new backstory:
The history of the Blackhammers is a long one.They are well known for being great miners, brewers and having a curious approach to the arcane arts. They have relations and connections to the Deeptreasure Mining Company. These connections got strained after the dissappearance of Picklebeard's great-great grandfather and the increased use of Xorns to mine out gems but more on that later.
The Blackhammer clan were salt miners and damn good ones at it. His great-great-grandfather, Brannidar, was legendary with a pick-axe. One day, while mining, Brannidar went too deep and a cave-in occured. He got trapped and cut off from the tunnels out and from his comrades. For almost a year, he remained trapped in the deepest niches of earth. Alone. Or so everyone thought.
While trapped, he was visited by the earth itself which took shape and offered him these exotic, tasty purple mushrooms called Plump Helmets. This creature taught Picklebeard's great-great grandfather the secrets of these mushrooms and how to ferment them into wine. When he was finally rescued, Brannidar taught his son (Picklebeard's great-grandfather) the secrets as well. Then his great-grandfather taught Picklebeard's grandfather. All the while this earth beast remained at the side of Brannidar. When it was time for his grandfather to teach his father, the legendary Brannidar dissappeared! To this day no one knows what happened to him. Some say it had something to do with the pit he was trapped in. All that was left was a ultra-smooth rock with a strange symbols engraved in it. It remains undeciphered to this day. The creature also was gone.
These events estranged the Blackhammer clan. Their strange arcane magical abilities combined with the dissappearance of the legendary Brannidar led Clan Blackhammer to relocate to Eleder instead of staying with the Deeptreasure Mining Company. Clan Blackhammer also had a problem with the use of Xorns for mining purposes. They viewed it as slavery. Although still reknowned miners, they are primarily brewers now who sell wines made from these purple helmet mushrooms and of course regular ol' dwarven brewskis.
Like his father before him, Picklebeard, adopted a pet- a bearded dragon lizard. Like his father always said: "Us dwarves find it easier ta forma empathic bond witta creature that's bearded too!"
He named his lizard, Verithrex after an ancient dragon of dwarven tales. It was a custom to name one's bearded dragon lizard after dragons from stories. He exceled at his arcane practices and began learning the secrets to brewing thanks to his familiar and father.
When clan Blackhammer settled down in Eleder and tried to set-up shop, the city guard told them to close down because they lacked proper permits. They went to the magistrate to apply for permits but were denied again and again. They began asking questions. The magistrate, backed into a corner, said they would sign off on the proper permits and waive all fees necessary for the founding of the Blackhammer Brewing Company in Eleder if one representative would win the Trials.
Picklebeard wasn't going to stand by and his family not be able to sell their brews. No sir. He signed up for the Trials the next day.
"Its arr goshdurn livelihood and i'd bea bearded gnome if I diddunt win this for me clan!"
--optional extra plot twist--
This didn't stop the threats though. A polite dagger stabbed through a piece of paper was found on the bedside of Picklebeard's father saying, "Watch yerselves or next time this dagger won't be lodged in yur table." Someone or something still doesn't want their Brewing Company to get going.
I think Picklebeard has a better motive for joining the Trials and a better connection to the region. He hopes one day to see to the start and success of his family's brewing company and track down the mystery concerning the dissappearance of his great-great-grandfather. This, of course, is in addition to wanting to be rich and bring honor to his clan like all dwarves do.
As far as character plans go, I'd be lawful good and still an elemental patron witch. I'll be taking the cauldron hex at level 1 and hope one day to have an earth elemental as a familiar much like his great-great-grandfather.
I'd also like to make a custom background trait and take Steel Soul.
Deeptreasure Dwarf:
Racial Requirement: Dwarf
Your time spent working with the Deeptreasure Mining Company in the Bandu Hills have made you more in touch with your senses and the magical resistances in the Barkskin Lake toughened your dwarven soul.
Select either Steel Soul or Improved Stonecunning as a bonus feat.
For my second trait, I'd like to take Deep Guardian from Dwarves of Golarion.
Male Human (Mwangi - Bas'o tribe) Barbarian (Brutal Pugilist archetype) 4
Olondir / Picklebeard - no issues from me.
Qhude Fun Facts:
1. He doesn't talk about his past much
2. Only possession he overtly cares for is his amulet
3. His rage is a bit like NSFW, and you'll see Jango Fett in a whole new light
4. Only goes armored / armed when fighting is in the offing, otherwise only wears shorts with a dagger in the belt
5. Bit of a death-seeker tendency in conflict situations, more likely to inflame rather than defuse
6. Currently godless, and presently looks down on religion
7. Flayleaf user - specifically in smoked form
8. His four scars so far have come from: 1 - the elder's son, 2 - first antelope kill en-route to Kalabuto, 3 - half-orc killed in a pit fight, 4 - Sargavan mugger in backstreet of Kalbuto
Picklebeard the changes and proposed background are fine. It looks like it might take a little more work to tie him to the group though, but I leave that to the seven of you.
I think integrating with the group could be exactly the same as before. I will meet everyone by being matched up for the trials. That is, unless someone else has a clever idea.
The trials are being kept very hushed up but there are a variety of different contests to determine the winners. The only one you know for sure will be coming up is a jousting tourney.
Concerning the shared history of Ansha and Kieran, here are a few things I came up with.
At the time Ansha was captured by the smugglers, Kieran was still a willing member, although he had just started to come around and reconsider his place among the group. He could not simply resign, however; instead, he would bide his time, waiting for the opportunity to not just part ways with his associates, but hurt their operation as well. It was during that period that Ansha went from a prisoner of the smugglers ring to a new recruit, a fact which surprised Kieran.
From that point onward, he kept an eye on the woman, trying to spend time with her and get to know her, at least as much as she would allow him to. Was her partnership with the smugglers a real thing, or had she chosen to become a part of their organisation because of some ulterior motive? That was what he was trying to determine and before long her true agenda became apparent. And when the elven mage finally turned on her 'associates', she found in the half-elf a willing partner and ally.
Once the smugglers found themselves in trouble, thanks in no small part to the two of them, Kieran and Ansha left together and tried to put as much distance between them and their former 'friends' as possible, at the same time remaining together due to their former common goal, as well as the fact that together they would have a better chance of defending themselves and surviving against potential reprisals if or when it came to that.
It was not, and probably still is not, a match made in heaven, however. There is a certain amount of friction and uneasiness in their relationship. After all, Kieran was a member of the smugglers when that group killed Ansha's adoptive parents and captured her, even if he was not present at the incident itself. Such things are not easily forgotten or forgiven, no matter what good intentions may follow.
So, what do you think Ansha? DM AK? Any and all feedback is most welcome.
Oh ok. I think I understand how the trials are set-up now. I assumed it was kind of a group vs group thing. If you registered for the trials and did not have a group you were assigned based on merit to a group. The tournament would be a bunch of different groups competiting for the same prize. (Like a race through an obstacle course/maze, capture the flag, jousting, etc.) Anyways, the point is that I thought you register and then get assigned to a group if you didn't have one. Its more clear now.
As far as meeting people, I could have easily sold a few cure light wounds potions and alcohol to Qhude. Perhaps several members of the group were in my clan's recently opened bar (days before it got shut down due to the missing paperwork) and I overheard them talking about entering the tournament. When the bar closed I tracked Qhude or someone else down and asked we join strength and enter the tournament together.
Perhaps I even met our zen archer before in passing as my clan took the Korir river south to Eleder.
Male Human Haunted Nature Oracle 4 (Ac 20 Cmd 20 Will+4 Ref+2 Fort+4)
Qhude, I like the alley meeting. Jakob most likely views you as a friend. He disapproves of the pit fighting but realizes ther are worse ways to make a living. We could back this meeting up a couple of months and have Jakob even helping out at the fights with the odd cure light.
AKCrunch is done. Just need to buy gear and add background and such.
As for the relationship between them, friendship and cooperation or a healthy mix of friction and uneasiness? Given Ansha's initial imprisonment by the smugglers and the fact that Kieran was a willing member of the group before he turned himself around, I would probably lean towards the latter.
She probably doesn't entirely trust Kieran, but given her background as an enchantress and manipulator, she probably wouldn't let him know it was anything other than friendship.
F. Castor wrote:
At the time Ansha was captured by the smugglers, Kieran was still a willing member, although he had just started to come around and reconsider his place among the group. He could not simply resign, however; instead, he would bide his time, waiting for the opportunity to not just part ways with his associates, but hurt their operation as well. It was during that period that Ansha went from a prisoner of the smugglers ring to a new recruit, a fact which surprised Kieran.
From that point onward, he kept an eye on the woman, trying to spend time with her and get to know her, at least as much as she would allow him to. Was her partnership with the smugglers a real thing, or had she chosen to become a part of their organisation because of some ulterior motive? That was what he was trying to determine and before long her true agenda became apparent. And when the elven mage finally turned on her 'associates', she found in the half-elf a willing partner and ally.
Once the smugglers found themselves in trouble, thanks in no small part to the two of them, Kieran and Ansha left together and tried to put as much distance between them and their former 'friends' as possible, at the same time remaining together due to their former common goal, as well as the fact that together they would have a better chance of defending themselves and surviving against potential reprisals if or when it came to that.
It was not, and probably still is not, a match made in heaven, however. There is a certain amount of friction and uneasiness in their relationship. After all, Kieran was a member of the smugglers when that group killed Ansha's adoptive parents and captured her, even if he was not present at the incident itself. Such things are not easily forgotten or forgiven, no matter what good intentions may follow.
So, what do you think Ansha?
I think this works, though again, the tension between Kieran and Ansha may not be apparent to the casual observer. He may not entirely trust her, expecting that enchantment magic may have been involved in Ansha's insinuation into the smuggling ring; and she probably doesn't trust him, either, for the aforementioned reasons.
Jakob looks about ready although I would personally advise using a different stat array for Oracle- charisma does a lot of heavy lifting for a nature oracle (especially as with noble scion it essentially substitutes for dexterity in everything but reflex saving throws) so i'd get an 18 or 20 in it if you can. Building an oracle is a bit more like a sorceror than building a cleric.
Edit: His feats line confuses me-
Feats:
Cosmopolitan, Bluff, Handle Animal
And I can't see his chosen revelations. As a human he should have two feats.
Male Human Haunted Nature Oracle 4 (Ac 20 Cmd 20 Will+4 Ref+2 Fort+4)
Alexander Kilcoyne wrote:
Jakob looks about ready although I would personally advise using a different stat array for Oracle- charisma does a lot of heavy lifting for a nature oracle (especially as with noble scion it essentially substitutes for dexterity in everything but reflex saving throws) so i'd get an 18 or 20 in it if you can. Building an oracle is a bit more like a sorceror than building a cleric.
Edit: His feats line confuses me-
Feats:
Cosmopolitan, Bluff, Handle Animal
And I can't see his chosen revelations. As a human he should have two feats.
Gah! looks like the last update didn't take.
Feats.Cosmopolitan: Bluff & Handle Animial, Extra Revelation.
I will fix this and add gear in a few hours when I am back at my real computer.
Re: Stats. I thought about really focusing in CHA but I was afraid it would cripple the character. Combat wise the Oracle does need to get his hands dirty at least at first so a good STR and CON are needed. At least that is what I am seeing but then this is the forst time I've played an Oracle. You think 18Cha / 14 STR might be better?
Yeah, i'd only recommend str 16 or more for a battle oracle or the like. You have a lot more spells than a cleric does and in a party of seven I suspect you won't need to hold the line much. Cha and Con are probably your main stats.
I applied to DM Barcas' Kingmaker: Korvosa game with a tweaked version of Picklebeard and I think I like him more that way than the piratey version I came up with. With the DM and the group's consent I'd like to change the backstory of Picklebeard. I assure you this is not some sort of bait and switch. Picklebeard will still be gruff and eccentric dwarven witch with the elemental patron. I just think the changes I make to him let him have a stronger personality, more character hooks, and better overall direction that is more suitable to this campaign.
His appearance stays the same except for a change in familiar perched on his shoulder. Instead of a bearded tamarin, it is a bearded dragon lizard named Verithrex. His name still comes from the greenish tint in his beard, but also because of a clinging smell of salt due to his family's history of being salt miners in the Bandu Hills of the Mwangi Expanse.
** spoiler omitted **...
Awww. I was looking forward to Picklebeard the dwarf pirate, too! But no real objections here, either.
Male Human Haunted Nature Oracle 4 (Ac 20 Cmd 20 Will+4 Ref+2 Fort+4)
Alexander Kilcoyne wrote:
Yeah, i'd only recommend str 16 or more for a battle oracle or the like. You have a lot more spells than a cleric does and in a party of seven I suspect you won't need to hold the line much. Cha and Con are probably your main stats.
I could take the str to 10 and the int to 14 for some more skills. I would be very spell dependent at that point. The curse starts biting then as well. A spell focused character relies more on scrolls/potions and alchemical items than someone who can swing an axe. Might change the curse......hmmmmm......advice is welcome.
re. The line. We are caster heavy and muscle short though.
Awww. I was looking forward to Picklebeard the dwarf pirate, too! But no real objections here, either.
Haha I know. I'll save him for another time. I'm afraid that he's too volatile to be played for this campaign and would have no issues selling you guys out or turning on the party. I'd rather not fudge his personality so that he won't do those things. He deserves better than that.
Anyways is everyone as pumped as I am for this campaign?
I finished my his sheet on my netbook which is currently not on the internet here at work. It will be up here before I got to bed tonight.
Just wrestling with my feats and then will be ready to go. Having Point Blank Shot as a Trait has me in a nice quandary. :-) Any input is appreciated
I have Child of Nature as my other Trait- gives Know (Nature) as a class skill, which with a Nature Oracle might not be such a big need, but it fit the character. Other thought was Poverty-Stricken for Survival. Actually just thinking on it, he might go that way. He doesn't know what every animal in the jungle is, but he knows which ones are harmless, which ones to avoid, and which must be killed.
I have three other Feats (1st level, Human, Monk) Precise Shot is a definite, but I don't have the BAB for any of the other interesting archery feats. So then I thought Dodge (meh!) and extra ki (even though I wont use Ki till 4th level). So I can really use some help.
And not that I expected to have much equipment as a Freedman. But a Shortbow and 40 arrows leaves me with 3 gp for equipment. "Bring on the Games!"
You can't take Extra Ki until you have some ki for it :).
Dodge is not a bad feat- its also +1 to CMD as well as AC so I am a big fan of it.
My other suggestions are- Improved Initiative, Deflect Arrows (if you still get IUS, can't remember), Far Shot, Mobility if you want shot on the run later (mobility also leads to the excellent Sidestep from APG).
