DM Black Dow's Kraljotvorac - Skromni počeci (Inactive)

Game Master Black Dow

Here’s the OOC/placeholder thread for all would be adventurer’s in my Kingmaker Adventure Path PBP. Game will be looking to begin in say a couple of weeks [want plenty of time to prep characters and intro scenes].

For the time being we’ll use this to discuss character creation, backgrounds and the upcoming game itself.

As this is an AP I'm hoping it'll run slightly quicker than my Iobarian Saga game, but I'll be flexible to the party's needs.

Most of you know me as a player, so know what to expect in terms of style etc. I enjoy roleplaying as well as roll-playing, so please indulge yourselves when we get underway and don’t take myself too seriously. That being said my version of Kingmaker will be at times be pretty grim, as befits the land you’ll be travelling to. I’m drawing from Old Slavic and fey materials and mythos and also Tales of Old Malgreve sourcebook.

Recap of those interested in answering Restov's call:

Mark Sweetman: ????????
Drayen: Human Aldori Sword Lord?
Thanos Maximo: Elf Wizard (Diviner#?

Have a party of 4-5 in mind, and currently no-one is nailed down to any classes or concepts #hence the ?#.

May open a recruitment thread if needbe, but if any of you know of players in other pbp looking for a game and have had good experiences with then please direct them here.

CHARACTER CREATION

Okay now onto the nitty-gritty [most of this is under my DM Black Dow profile, but I’ll reprint for ease of reference]:

Classes: All classes/archetypes from Paizo sources.*/**

* Ninja & Samurai will need a great validation/background before I let them in; it’s not that I’m not a fan – just don’t them fitting into this AP too well.

** Gunslingers... Am torn here. Not typically a fan, but the "frontier" nature of the class and the prospect of "cold iron bullers" may make me a believer lol###

#b#Races#/b#: Core ideally, but any fey/slavic flavoured would be considered#

#b#Starting Level#/b#: 1st

#b#Ability Scores#/b#: 20 point buy#

#b#Feats#/b#: Paizo materials are sound# Other sources must be approved by me#

#b#Traits#/b#: 3 traits #one of which must be a Campaign Trait - see below, other sources as above## Please ensure the Campaign Trait selected is reflected in/of your character's background# As with my Iobarian Saga I'll be awarding traits as part of advancement rewards #although unlike the Saga will choose those that fit individual characters particular in-game achievements##

Kingmaker Campaign Traits

Languages: All characters start off with Common and regional language.

Experience Track: Standard.

Hit Points: Max at first level, rolled or class average [PC choice] from their-on in.

Alignment: No Evil cheers. You’re heroes, albeit potentially hard-bitten ones lol.

Starting Gold: Maximum for class.

Background: For those of you familiar with Kingmaker AP, you will probably begin the AP in Brevoy as prospective trailblazers selected to forge a realm in the wild uncharted area of the River Kingdoms. Consider a rationale why your character answered the call or was indentured into the venture #by guild, parent, punishment for crime, political alliance, divine inspiration - whatever#.

Part of the introduction will be the roleplay of the final stage of the selection process, so also give me a short self-summary that your character would have given describing their skills, background, heritage #whatever they would provide#; can be as succinct or verbose as your character would wish :)

Why isn't everyone jumping on this?

As it looks like Arcane might be covered, I offer a Divine alternate - or not, as I am starting to get excited by these concepts :-) .

The King in Exile: a human Feral Child Druid driven out of the Stolen lands by bandit activity, offers himself as guide to reenter his homeland. Travels with his Thylacine brother.

or

Otherworldy Link: an elf Menhir Savant Earth Domain caster seeking to investigate the thinness between worlds that has been rumored within the Stolen Lands.

Its probably not getting noticed as I've not opened a recruitment thread as such, just sought out a "few good players" lol

As for your concepts Meowze... both are great, very cool concepts...

The King In Exile; would work very well as the group's guide... give you some heads up on Exploration Hex rumours and significance... (hopefully you'd be up for cartography duty lol)

Otherworldly Link: damn, another fine one, especially as I'll be playing up the waning curtain between our world and the First World... (The Kames will play a big part in this)

Cartographer by trade. :-) Oh, I understand the small invite, just thought there would be more of a response for KM. But as others have pointed out, many have run it, or are in it, as it is a popular AP.

Yeah, I liked both as I came up with them. I could go with either, depending on what needs more support in the party.

Never fear for I am here :P

Given I'm on holidays and such will be a while before I get it solid, but I'm thinking of a character that is somehow touched by Chernobog (the Black God of Slavic folklore).

Pondering whether a Magus with a big ole two handed maul would fit at present.

Drayen here. This is the character I plan on playing. Please let me know if there are any changes that need to be made. I am excited for this campaign. The basic premise is a nobleman on the run. He is working towards becoming an Aldori Swordlord.

Welcome one and all :)

Meowze - cartographer by trade - very cool, and you've been so complimentary of maps in pbp's lol (probably thinking...tsk where the gradient indicators lol)

Right now still thinking either would work - means you've locked down the divine character.

Mark's scary sounding follower of Chernobog will give us martial/arcane... No rush mate, will take our time getting this one sorted and prepped to go.

Drayen's aspiring Swordlord also gives us further martial bolstering... Graven look's good. Really like the notion that he's grabbed his sword and ran (so to speak)...

So just pure arcane and a skill monkey to go and we'll be almost there.

Wee Note Regarding Backgrounds

You'll recieve the Charter in an early roleplayed section of the game, so at present you've merely signed up for the prospective endevour (I'll outline that process shortly) but avoid making mention of the charter (other than a rumoured prize/achievement if needbe)...

Thanks again for the interest :)

I've put the call out to another player, and recieved an

... damned interwebbage - ate my post??

Was going to say that we also have our skills character (who'll be coming along sortly)

So the board is almost set ;)

Hi all - I was really hoping it was DM Black Dow's innate sense of humor representing me as "skills character", but I am affraid he was not joking ;-)

Aran's background is OK, and I will be tweaking him a bit more in terms of mechanics to be more usefull in the field. Any and all suggestions or (constructive) criticism are more then welcome.

Any and all suggestions or (constructive) criticism are more then welcome.

You can add your light shield to your melee attacks. I don't look at other people's backgrounds to avoid spoilers but your character sheet looks near perfect.

Given Aran's lack of physical strength might a Heavy Crossbow be a better bet for a missle weapon? Unusual (ish) too (for a ranger)

Ultimately with the Crossbow Combat Style (down the line) it would work...

And if your worried it'll be all "bows, bows, bows" with the wilderness foes, don't be. I've made every bandit an indivdual NPC and as such some may even use crossbows...

Dunno what everyone else reckons? Apart from these musings all looks good :)

Hi everyone, And many many thanks to Black Dow for inviting me!

Thanos M. here with the character I'd like to play. It's not actually the elven wizard mentioned in the first post, but can basically fill a very similar role.

Still updating the profile (now it's incomplete, I'll finish it up in the next few days I promise!), but the main concept is simple:

Sorcerer with fey bloodline (wildblooded archetye), built around the "bastard" campaign trait. As for roles: battlefield control/buffer/debuffer in combat, party face/utility caster out of combat.

Hope you like her ^_^.

Heh had to do a second take - her profile pic is same as a beloved gnome cavalier that Meowzebub plays in another pbp we share.

Keara looks good enough, will have a good look over tonight and offer feedback.

Since I like both concepts, I am going to combine them: a Menhir Savant with the flavor of a Feral Child...with the twist that his home had been a barrow and he has been been educated by the noble spirits of the barrow instead of animals.

DM BD - would you allow me to take the Bladebound archetype and apply it to a club?

Thoughts are that the club is from a tree that has grown over the unmarked grave of Chernobog's fallen avatar. The tree grew gradually twisted and tainted, bearing some of the avatar's essence. Came to my guy after he found it in the midst of a bloody battle and had to prise it from the vise-like grip of one of the fallen.

If our benevolent overlord is feeling generous - I'd ask if he might allow my man to take shilleagh as a first level spell?

Club would look something like this

Both characters sound great; like the sound of the Savant and have no probs with the Magus tweaks - Shilleagh is fine Mark, fits nicely :)

No rush with pulling them together - busy weekend!

@Drayen - DM suggested in a way that our PC's may know each other from before, have a shared background in a way, so you may (or may not) want to go and check my story. I will not read yours without yours or DM's approval.

@DM Black Dow - I like the Heavy crossbow idea. It sounds...different from what I played before. Let me look if I can afford it at all (what's the starting gold btw?), and reshuffle equipment and/or one or two feats accordingly.

One question for everyone - I was thinking of maybe taking a Urban ranger archetype. That would give Aran rogue-like skills like Disable device (which we seem to lack) and alike, at the expense of animal related skills. However I am stuck as to finding a good way to incorporate this into my background properly...but if others find it beneficial (seems it looks like we do not have a rogue), I will find a way ;-)

EDIT: Found my response in your opening post - Max gold for class at start

DM BD - would you allow me to take the Bladebound archetype and apply it to a club?

Thoughts are that the club is from a tree that has grown over the unmarked grave of Chernobog's fallen avatar. The tree grew gradually twisted and tainted, bearing some of the avatar's essence. Came to my guy after he found it in the midst of a bloody battle and had to prise it from the vise-like grip of one of the fallen.

If our benevolent overlord is feeling generous - I'd ask if he might allow my man to take shilleagh as a first level spell?

Club would look something like this

Mark, in Slavic folklore Chernobog is, if not inherently evil, directly opposed to "good Slavic deities of old". How do you plan to cope with that, since DM clearly stated No evil alignments at the start? Do you make Chernobog a Neutral deity or...?

Oh Chernobog will remain Evil, I'd imagine that the malevolent remnant in the club would essentially be Neutral Evil most likely. But my character will be Neutral - leaning towards Lawful out of combat and Chaotic within.

Niklos Bogdan will begin as a young man who is part of a militia group patrolling the borders of TBC. After discovering his club, he has garnered a minor reputation for... enthusiasm during the execution of his duties. The guard captain sees something in Niklos' eyes when he fights that scares him to the core, so he recommends the lad for an opportunity that will at least get him out of his hair and far away.

He will be a Blood Knight, Ax Crazy to a degree, though still have elements of youthfulness outside of the fray. It will depend on party dynamics to a degree how he progresses towards higher levels... but he won't be that disruptive or angst creating to the party.

If you've read Abercrombie - then I'll be taking some inspiration from Logen and the Bloody Nine... and a bit o' our DM's namesake.

Ooooooh, looks like a very challenging (and therefore very interesting) character to play. I have to check what that Blood Knight actually is/does, but sounds intriguing. Looking forward to playing with Bogdan :-)

Blood Knight - was meaning it more in the fluff sense than the crunch.

Gang bear in mind that nothing is written in stone as yet regards characters or even flavour of the game. IF you all wanted a grimmer, nastier feel to the game then as DM I'm cool with going in that direction...

One of the notions behind the group is indeed that they are all either on the run, loners who didn't fit in or (in the case of Niklos) better off far, far, far away from civilisation lol.

Now while I'm not about to suggest a wheelchair bound, bald psion as a mentor, there is plenty scope to make this a trip into darker fantasy than the AP as read suggests.

Mark also thinking that perhaps Niklos could have elements of both Černobog and Belobog within him? Slavic myth suggested they shared the day light/dark and the seasons - winter solstace to summer solstace for Černobog and vice versa? Not sure how you could mix that in per say, but food for thought?

Thanos/Keara: Noticedyou didn't make the cut of the Carrion Crown game hombre - bad luck, she is a very good character. On that note the reason I really liked the diviner was that Slavic myth and culture is steeped in divination (žrěbъ are the diviners wood chip runes) - something I thought would fit really well into my "vision" for our Kingmaker. Interested in everyone's take on this?

Regardless this is making for damn interesting reading (and stellar creativity)

My 2 žrěbъ worth

Aran,
Just to give a heads up, my Druid will not be very nature orientated as I have it now, as strange as that sounds, so there won't be much overlap there between our characters if you go the nature-ranger route. And nature is likely to be a bigger emphasis than traps and locks. And you would lose your terrains and Trapfinding is only really needed to find magical traps. I really love the Urban Ranger, but this is not the right setting for one.

Vagabond Child trait gives disable device. I haven't plotted out my traits and feats yet, but that can actually fit in my background, and with 3 traits available, that gives me a little room to play around.

Gang bear in mind that nothing is written in stone as yet regards characters or even flavour of the game. IF you all wanted a grimmer, nastier feel to the game then as DM I'm cool with going in that direction...

One of the notions behind the group is indeed that they are all either on the run, loners who didn't fit in or (in the case of Niklos) better off far, far, far away from civilisation lol.

Now while I'm not about to suggest a wheelchair bound, bald psion as a mentor, there is plenty scope to make this a trip into darker fantasy than the AP as read suggests.

Mark also thinking that perhaps Niklos could have elements of both Černobog and Belobog within him? Slavic myth suggested they shared the day light/dark and the seasons - winter solstace to summer solstace for Černobog and vice versa? Not sure how you could mix that in per say, but food for thought?

Thanos/Keara: Noticedyou didn't make the cut of the Carrion Crown game hombre - bad luck, she is a very good character. On that note the reason I really liked the diviner was that Slavic myth and culture is steeped in divination (žrěbъ are the diviners wood chip runes) - something I thought would fit really well into my "vision" for our Kingmaker. Interested in everyone's take on this?

Regardless this is making for damn interesting reading (and stellar creativity)

My 2 žrěbъ worth

Well, Selest my Cairn Druid will definitely fit the unusual loner moniker, but she is not anti-social, just asocial. And just being a Cairn Druid I would think adds a level of inherent grittiness.

Thanos/Keara: Noticedyou didn't make the cut of the Carrion Crown game hombre - bad luck, she is a very good character. On that note the reason I really liked the diviner was that Slavic myth and culture is steeped in divination (žrěbъ are the diviners wood chip runes) - something I thought would fit really well into my "vision" for our Kingmaker. Interested in everyone's take on this?

Oh well, even if I didn't meke it I still had fun creating Lilien, and I'm happy so many people liked the concept!

Also, an update on this char. Just finished stats and items (revamped a little and moved around a few things, but basically still the same), tomorrow I'll post background and last finishing touches.
Oh, and of course I'll gladly accept any kind of feedback/suggestions if anyone wants to give them to me :).

furthermore, since a considerable part of Keara's focus will be support and buffing, if you guys would like me to take a specific spell/adopt a specific tactic, you only need to say so and I'll definitely consider it!
(maybe you'd like a flank buddy, or maybe you'd like to be 'enlarged' to get reach, and so on).

Traits: 3 traits, one of which must be a Campaign Trait

3 traits? ooooh, I like it! It's like a mini christmas present! I love this game already ^_^.

Gang bear in mind that nothing is written in stone as yet regards characters or even flavour of the game. IF you all wanted a grimmer, nastier feel to the game then as DM I'm cool with going in that direction...

If I am playing darker, grimmer and nastier, it will be with Hakon. As I cannot play Hakon in this campaign, I am going for innocence, altruism and a love of truth, justice and the Brevan way.

Mark also thinking that perhaps Niklos could have elements of both Černobog and Belobog within him? Slavic myth suggested they shared the day light/dark and the seasons - winter solstace to summer solstace for Černobog and vice versa? Not sure how you could mix that in per say, but food for thought?

Hither came Niklos, the Brevorian, black-haired, sullen-eyed, club in hand, a guardsman, a brute, a slayer, a hero, with gigantic melancholies and gigantic mirth, to tread the jeweled thrones of the Bandit Kingdoms under his sandalled feet... .... yeah... I could do that :P

I plan on writing the backstory in detail when I get a chance to sit down and let the creative juices flow onto a page.

Niklos' personality can then be his own, though at times either augmented or twisted by the influence of both the white and black that may come from his club.

That sound doable o' benevolent overlord?

Niklos looks great Mark - like the idea of him being multi-faceted (Would the real Niklos please stand up?)

No rush - plenty o' time to nail down everything.

@Drayen: Indeed Hakon and Abitan stand ready to bring dark ruin to whatever pbp is brave enough to take them lol...

Okay heroic it is... :)

Meowzebub - thanks for the heads up, I will stay with current vanilla ranger, and you may (or may not) opt to take Vagabond child with Disable device.

In regards to Heavy crossbow - I really like the idea, although I hate the alternate of shoot/reload rounds. However, if DM would be willing to allow Rich parents trait, then I could start with 900gp with which Medvyed family "outfitted" me, allowing me to purchase Heavy repeating crossbow (and burning a feat to cover Exotic wpn. Proficiency). I know it is not very "optimized", but it sounds intriguing ;-) plus it gives me 5 rounds of shooting, and one of reloading.

What say you Black Dow, would that be acceptable?

Heh. Am a sucker for making my players happy lol - however rather than Repeating Heavy Crossbow and the associated Exotic Weaponry feat you could select Rapid Reload and keep Heavy Crossbow?

However I am open to the idea (so don't see about as me nixing it) - if no-one else sees it as an unbalancer then cool. Presume Aran would still run with Crossbow: Specialisation?

Interested what everyone reckons?

BTW Aran - is KraljTvorac: Pokoran Početaks slavic/Croat for KingMaker: Humble Beginnings? (thought I'd use your cultural expertise)

In regards to heavy crossbow - I feel stupid for missing the "obvious route" of taking Rapid Reload. Your suggestion is perfectly fine, so I will update Aran accordingly.

As for Slavic roots and language - what you have up there is (very basic) translation into Croat language. Being Serbian myself, I can tell you that we are fairly close, yet for whatever reasons we (both sides) keep focusing on our small differences, than on our many similarities. Something like the English and the Scots or Irish - very similar languages, can easily understand/communicate yet...but enough of the politics, let's get back to "translating business".

With KingMaker - KraljTvorac, google.translate was more or less accurate, except for one thing. You simply do not put those two words together, since in that way they do not make much sense. You could put "Kraljotvorac", (put O in the middle) which would mean "Maker of kings", not a real word in any of our languages but immediately understood.

The other part "Pokoran Početaks" is misspelled and simply incorrect. If you wanted to go for "Humble Beginnings" best translation would be "Skromni Počeci" (that is plural) or "Skroman početak" (singular).

So my advice would be "Kraljotvorac - Skromni počeci". Most Slavic speaking people (or at least those of us from Balkans) should be able to understand that easily.

Aran - seriously don't feel stupid on that one - am the first person to become overly focussed on a pathway as a player and not see the subtler option - ask Mark about Cruxcarr's "out of character" behaviour at the first hurdle in his Way of the Wicked game :S

As for the translation - tusen takk as the Norwegians say (I work for a Norgie company here in Scotland). Great translation and hugely appreciated, methinks this won't be the last time I'll call on such your translation hombre.

I almost missed this. Do you still need characters?

Hoi-hoi Scranford

Aye looks like we’ve a full complement at present… Group shaping up at present;

Drayen: Leithbridge Gravenhurst; Male Human Fighter (Aldori Swordlord)
Mihajlo: Aran Innatven; Male Human Ranger 1
Mark: Niklos Bogdan; Male Human Magnus 1 (Bludgeonbound:)
Meowzebub: Selest; Female Elf Druid (Menhir Savant?)
Thanos: Keara Caradas; Female Human Sorcerer (WildBlooded – Fey/Sylvan bloodline)

I’m happy to consider you should anyone drop out, but am hoping they’ll be in it for the long haul :)

Here's the crunch. The fluff is coming.

I really wavered with this build, as some of the Druid's schtick is covered by a Shillelagh-Magus and a Fey Sorcerer with Lion. So I went with a Growth-Domain Menhir Savant Half-elf Druid...or Cairn Druid, someone who minds the standing stones and burial mounds. Considered an Oracle and a Bard, but figured the Druid spell list wins out.

I would like some unique flavor to her spell casting...nothing mechanically changing, but something visually different from summoning bunnies and badgers. I will pose that when I post her background as it will make more sense.

More than happy to go unique Meowze... have a look at 3PP spells also, if they've the right flavour for Seleste then I'm all for it :)

Looks good though - she's an ususual one (which is exactly what we're looking for here)

BD

As a footnote to some of my earlier comments gang - I'm a great lover of traits... however I want to make sure everyone selects traits that are either mirrored in their backgrounds (were shaped by life events) or reflections of their character/demeanor etc.

Avoid picking them if poss, just so they grant X bonus or Z access to skills etc. So incorporate them into your backgrounds good an proper :)

Am also good with characters starting at Middle Age if it also suits the characters background/history.

Remember also I'll be granting achievement traits (group) and individual, which will relate to goals and how your character plays in game.

Now after all that high brow system speak I just noticed I spelt unusual as isusual in the last post.

(waves to credibility as it walks out the langhus lol)

Niklos lives!.... though still needs to be updated and what not - which shall occur over the next day or so.

And I have found a great Slavic Proverb that I'll be working in as a mantra for Niklos:
Bog je prvo sebi bradu stvorio - God created the beard on himself first.

Having done a little bit more reading and thinking - Niklos will have Kellid blood, and if the DM permits the connection to Chernobog and Bielobog will be via the Lost Empire of Sarkoris. The Avatar of Chernobog will be one of the deity like individuals lording over a tribe of Kellids.

With DM permission, am I able to have the ancient lettering on the bludgeon act as Niklos' spellbook? - and can I also be so bold as to claim Russian cyrillic as the written language of long dead Sarkoris?

Aaaand... Finally I'm done!

Well, more or less... At least now build is set and background is up!
Pheww, took me quite a bit more than I thought, I'm usually much more concise with my characters' backgrounds, got a bit carried away this time (and some parts might need a little reshaping), but there you have it ^_^.
(it ended up a bit on the dark side too, but have no fear, Kea will still be friendly 'nuff and ready to help the party any way she can!).

Ofc, I'm still completely open to suggestions/criticism/ideas if someone wants to give me their opinion. And as I said before, if you think your character could benefit from some specific arcane spells being cast on them (for instance, if you need reach I could "enlarge" you), fell free to tell me and I'll definitely consider picking them up along the way!

Traits are proving a little difficult to find ones that fit well... however it looks like I'll be a second Surtovan bastard (though grew up around Port Ice).

@Niklos: Heh, love the proverb – as a longtime beardsman myself think that’s one I’ll be nabbing and using :)

Kellid blood and connections to Sarkoris works perfectly – really like it. You know how much I love languages in my games, so Cyrillic is perfecto.

Having the ancient lettering on his bludgeon works well; like the (magickal) schtick (no pun intended) of having new letterings appear or be carved to represent his growing arcane ability... Obviously it’s also a “eggs in one basket” scenario as it makes his cudgel o’ doom even more important...

With regards the traits headache (and this applies to you all) if you can come up with a new campaign trait or basterdised version of another - please just run it past me...

@Keara: Like the new avatar :) I’ve PM’d you with some suggestions regards your background. With regard the mechanics, with your Fey Blood remember Compulsion sub-school spells are cast at +2 DC. So cantrips such as Daze and 1st Level Sleep might be a better shout (and more flavoursome) than Colour Spray? Moment of Greatness would compliment the group (if) we have morale bonus buffers. I’d also like to add Beguiling Gift to Keara’s spell-list, as it fits her modus operandi somewhat...

@Seleste: Okay have come up with some alternative Summon Nature’s Ally suggestions to reflect Seleste’s “Cairn Druid” background... (not a hard & fast list btw – just my musings...)

Quasi-Elemental, Obsidian (Small)
Leshy, Gourd
Beetle, Giant Mining
Marsupial, Thylacine
Barrow Rat

Aran and Leithbridge – not much to add to you fellas... will have another look over your sheets tomorrow and if anything comes up I’ll address it :)

Slowly making progress...

For traits I'd like to take one from Northlands, and reflavour one from Faiths of Corruption that was originally attached to Rovagug.

So...

Everyone seems to be coming along nicely; we've still potentially a fortnight before kickoff so no rush (although if we're ready to roll earlier I'll bring that forward).

Prior to the first session you all will have either enlisted, answered or being pressganged into the call by Lord Mayor's call for:

Privateers, Pioneers and Proficient Individuals of a discerning nature, who seek expansionist profit and intrepid adventure.
Interested parties should enquire after Anando Veresisi; Steward of Restov.

As part of the initial process you will have been required to provide the following info:

Name: Let me know the name (real or alias, full or otherwise) that you will have given.
Nation of Origin: "Hailing from... :)
Vocation: Description of your profession/skills/abilities etc - as succinct or verbose as you wish to give...

Also mention how your character might have come across to the Steward taking your details (Anando is a somewhat bureaucratic halfling)

What you put down will have a direct input into the initial meeting where you will be outfitted with your charter so think it through :)

Added a quite extensive background and an appearance section.

Name: Seleste Talyn
Nation of Origin: Hailing from Rostland, Brevoy
Vocation: Bounty Hunter Herbalist

A weathered envelope is handed to the halfling by a wiry old man with a cruel leer to one side of his mouth. The front bears the words Anando Veresisi; Steward of Restov in spidery writing. Unimpressed the halfling looks upon it askance, until turning it over shows the back sealed with the waxen imprint of House Surtova. Opening the envelope, he reads...

Steward of Restov,
The bearer of this letter is my emissary and acts with my authority, I trust you will give him the same respect you would show in my presence. I am sending you a young man, Niklos Bogdan, for the expedition for which you seek volunteers. He is a simple child, but has shown some skill in the wild and has been blooded this past year guarding the walls of my city.
It should be understood that acceding to this request will be viewed favorably... failing to do so would not be wise.
Regards,
The Lord of the White Manor
Domani Surtova

Name: Niklos Bogdan
Nation of Origin: Hailing from Port Ice, Brevoy
Vocation: Militiaman and Pathfinder

@Selene: Cheers for the background etc – is excellent and works in nicely :)

@Niklos: Hah! Perfect... already hints at the "cut and counter thrust" of Brevic politics... heh.

On that note I am also hoping to up the ante on the political intrigue and powerbroking that Kingmaker alluded to (but never quite delivered) thus the Slavic fey element will loom large and also the shadow of Brevic politics. Again though if there is no call for this, its not something I'll build the game on - just think its an untapped source of weal and woe for all concerned :)

Name: Leith
Nation of Origin: Brevoy
Vocation: Swordsman

Took some liberties, hope you don't mind. Will retcon if I overstepped, just having a bit of fun.

Anando sits bored, watching the riff-raff drift in, all seemingly wanting to put a claim in on the Charter for the Stolen Lands. Adventurers, Landless Bastards, Scoundrels, and surely some out right Killers are signing up.....Scum. His interest is sparked when the young lady stepped up. Armor a bit too big....in a style long out of date. "Sure you are in the right place Missy?" That gets a gaffaw from those loitering about the proceedings and others still in line.

She pauses to push her white hair out of her face. She tosses her heavy blade upon the table that shakes Anando's ink pot. "This is where I sign up to kill bandits isn't it? You want someone to reclaim the Stolen Lands, right?"

"That is right, these folk here have all come to...." As he looks up and meets the look in her eyes, he quickly gets the sense that she knows exactly where she is. Her eyes seemed....old? beyond her years...he gives himself a shake for having such an uncommon thought. "..um yes...so let us get you signed up."

"Name........Nation of Origin........Vocation"

Anando calmly jots down the girl's first two answers, simple enough as they are....Seleste Talyn......Rostland, Brevoy...formally of the Stolen Lands. But upon asking the third, she thinks for a moment. Looking a bit confused, she looks slightly to the left and then nods, "Bounty Hunter....no?..." She turns as if to an unheard voice to her right and mutters, "Well, if that is important,...Herbalist. Bounty Hunter/Herbalist....oh, and apparently I should tell you Sage also. Put Sage down there as well."

Anamdo waits to see if she is quite done, but she just stares at him with a strange far off expression, as if nothing is out of place with an adolescent sage. Satisfied no further vocations were coming, he writes down all that she stated. She signs next to his entry in the lists and gathers her weapon. As Anamdo watches her buckle it to her hip, he sees the other men in line avoiding her gaze...he has the sense that something about this girl bounty hunter/herbalist/sage might be that something above the cut of most of the scum he has been seeing this day. He puts a small mark next to her name, looks at the next unwashed uncouth sell sword in line and calls "Next!"

Right-o, major character choices made and updated to profile. I'll fill in the offense and defense sections shortly with the mechanical bits. Appearance is below, and am just lacking two backgrounds - one for Niklos and one for his cudgel.