Salvator looks like he's about to say something in response to Firdall's question about where he can be safe, but then he looks stricken. "I... I... I don't know." he finally manages to stammer. "I... Vencarlo! He'll know. Get me to Vencarlo Orisini. He will know a safe place to go."
Firdall shifts again then responds, gesturing to himself,
"If nothing else, my friend my have a few ideas. We can find him and ask him if we can't think of anything else.."
Looking at Salvadore. Firdall thinks for a minute, then rummages in his pack, producing a slightly squished, but still fresh sandwich wrapped in a cloth napkin, and a bottle of rum, which he offers to Salvadore.
"Here, have a swig and something to eat. When we are done, we'll get you a bath and a change of clothes, maybe from your place, if it is still standing."
"In the mean time, we should probably pack. Sal, anything here you want to take with you? We can get your older paintings on the way out"
Salvator reacts to the questions about Vencarlo with a more dismayed look than before. He doesn't even react to the sandwich and rum offered to him by Firdall.
"You can't find Vencarlo?!?" a look of dawning horror grows on his face. "Oh, no! No, no no, no, no! Oh, it's my fault." He clutches at his lank hair. "Stupid! Stupid! Oh, gods, I've killed him! Oh, no! No!" he says as he breaks down in sobs, clearly extremely distraught.
Salvator takes a few shuddering gasps and then a torrent comes out. "I didn't know what to do. I didn't know! I couldn't keep Neolandus hidden forever so I took him to Arkona. I thought they'd be able to hide him, but then Vencarlo told me that Arkona couldn't be trusted. So he must have gone to see if he could get Neolandus back. But that means if he's missing they probably did away with him. But I didn't mean for that to happen! I didn't know!" he sobs again.
"Neolandus? You mean the King's Seneschal? I thought he was dead or imprisoned. What was he doing with you?
I don't mind dropping by the the Arcona Mansion and see what we can find Neolandus and Vencarlo if the rest of you are up for it. Sal, do you want come with, or we can find you somewhere safe to hide out until we come back?"
"Yes! Yes, that's him. Neolandus Kalepopolis. He's been a patron of mine for a while, even a friend, but I never expected him to show up at my flat - and not like that! He was bleeding and hurt and really sick. He said that the Red Mantis was after him. I did what I could and hid him a few days. But I can't defend him from assassins! I thought the Arkonas could so I took him there. Glorio Arkona is another patron of mine. I thought it would be alright. I eventually told Vencarlo about it and that's when he got mad. He told me they were a lot more dangerous than I thought. He was really mad at me and that I may have Neolandus's blood on my hands." Salvator sobs again. "But I wanted to save him!"
"Ahh now there is a true emotion worthy of capturing in a painting."
"Well what's done is done, and it looks like you have volunteers to help see what can be done." Firdall says, pointing at the rest of the group.
" of course, I'll help too, I could never resist a bit of mischief.
So, let's be about it then." Firdall hands the sandwich to Salvator then checks out and searches the small room to the north (on map, unless we already searched there.
"Is Arkona loyal to the Queen? If not entirely then Neolandus might still be alive. If he's useful as a pawn or bartering that is." Wednesday muses aloud.
Glorio isn't known to be particularly loyal to the queen. He's known to be more of a genial presence in the public eye than his father had been - notably the way he makes the rounds of the slums of Old Korvosa, handing out candy to children and coins to their parents. His younger sister Meliya is the more public of the two and she's closer in age to Queen Ileosa and with beauty to rival. Rumor puts them as rivals, at least on a rhetorical, passive-aggressive insult level.
Firdall changes back into the form that Salvador would know best, then wanders out into the hall and checks on the door across the hall. He listens for a second, and checks it for traps. If He doesn't hear or find anything, he'll open the door.
Salvator shakes his head and sniffles, "I don't know if Glorio is loyal to the queen or not. He seemed agreeable enough when I asked him to keep Neolandus safe. I pray he stayed that way. I just want to get out of here - to get away from here."
He looks about and gestures at the three paintings. "If you will look into Neolandus's safety, you can have those. Pilts doesn't deserve them, that's for sure."
Meanwhile, Firdall finds no sign of danger on the door across the hall. The chamber beyond seems to be a storeroom - packed with crates, boxes, and barrels. It looks like some have been opened and at least partly rummaged through as some colorful clothing and costuming is piled about some incompletely closed crates.
"Thank you, I'm sure they will make some collector somewhere very happy," Wednesday absentmindedly comments as he watches the expressive man wander back off.
A quick look about and riffle through boxes nets the Great Firaldi a jewelry box. It is unlocked and opening it reveals what appears to be mainly costume jewelry. A quick glance suggests that most of it is worth silvers at most, though there may be a find or two in there amid the gaudy brooches.
The final chamber on the floor and accessible through the hallways appears to have once been a storage room. It now sits mostly empty and a reason why is easy to determine... part of the room has collapsed, leaving it partly exposed to the outside. Peering through the corner where the wall and part of the floor has collapsed into the rubble below, it appears that another serviceable exit from Pilts's Palace has been found.
"Alright, we might as well get the hells out of here. I'm pretty sure we've stripped the building of any secrets it holds." Tiadora says heading toward the exit.
"So where to? Drop Sal off at his place, then head to the Arkonas? I think we checked out the Vencarlo house already, but we could swing back there if you want."
Salvatore glumly answers, "I really want to get away from here. But I do need to get a few things in my flat before I leave. It isn't far and I would feel much safer if you came there with me." He looks up and down the street. "I would be surprised if Pilts gave up so easily. But, maybe you really did put the fear of death and damnation in him..."
Sure enough, the mayhem inflicted mainly by Tolenn and Wednesday seems to have suppressed trouble in the immediate area.
Firdall claps Salvadore on the back and says, "Well, we'll escort you there, and then find you somewhere to hide, or a way to get out of Old Corvosa. Lead the way!"
Firdall then helps carry some of the better paintings that we recovered.
Firdall replies airily, "In polite society, it is considered rude to abandon a gift, and I am certainly leaving them here for Pilts, he is not worthy of them!
Then in a more normal tone, "Besides, if we are eventually heading over to the Arkona Mansion on a diplomatic mission, it might be best not to go empty handed."
Salvator leads you to a section of the Old Dock neighborhood not far from one of the burned wooden bridges that used to link Endrin Isle to the mainland. The small building he approaches is a decrepit affair that has a slight lean to it. Various subdued sounds of life can be heard about the street and from the Shingles above, far more subdued than before the traumas of the plague and quarantine.
There don't seem to be any particular dangers involved in getting to his home, but when Salvator reaches the door, he fumbles about in dismay. "I... I don't have my key. It would figure, wouldn't it?"
But almost as if someone were waiting in the house for the sounds of people arriving (because they were) the door is flung open and a high-pitched and perky voice calls out, "Salvator? Is that you?"
The question is almost immediate followed by an exclamation of joy and a torrent of talk. ”It IS you! Oh, thank Zon you’re alive. I was soooo worried that something really, really bad had happened to you, especially once I heard that dreary, old actor had his men kidnap you. But now you’re out and free and these must be friends of yours. I’m Laori and I’ve been looking for this man for some time.”
All of that more or less said in one breath by a cheerful looking elf with dark hair and eyes and a wardrobe that doesn’t seem to match her perky demeanor - she wears spiked chainmail and there’s a spiked chain hooked onto her belt.
Know Religion DC 15:
Spiked armor and chain, a reference to "Thank Zon"? Sounds like she has a fondness for Zon-Kuthon - god of darkness, loss, and pain.
Oh goody, another one. Wednesday bitterly thinks even as he puts on a hollow smile and introduces himself. "Pleased to meet you miss Laori, I'm Wednesday."
He makes sure to keep both Sal and the woman in his field of view, mostly to see the artist's reaction.
Didn't figure Wednesday would need to make that check given his previous interactions and experiences.
She certainly gives off the impression she's into Zon-Kuthon, and doesn't seem to bother to hide it, which is kind of weird. Usually worshippers are more subtle. That may mean she's got enough power to protect herself despite her bubbly demeanor.
Salvator's jaw drops when he sees Laori. "I.. I..I don't know this woman," he stammers. "How do you know me?"
"Hiya, Wednesday!" Laori beams at Wednesday's introduction. "Thank you ever so much for spiriting Salvator from a dreadful fate at the hands of a washed up actor. You have done the art world a great service."
Responding to Salvator's surprise, she says, "Why, Salvator, everyone knows you. Your brushstrokes, your vibrant color! Oh, you clearly show the signs of such an exquisitely tortured soul! And that's why I'm here. *giggle* I want to know what inspires your art. How do you paint such beauty?"
"Ahh, it seems your fans are everywhere." Firdall remarks to Salvadore walking up and clapping him on the shoulder. Continuing in a low whisper "but you might want to be careful of this one, she seems to worship Zon-Kuthon."
Turing to Laori, "Sal seems to be in something of a slump recently, but I have a few of his pre-slump works here if you want to have a look."
Meanwhile Firdall keeps an eye on the Girl, and tries to figure out if she is telling the truth, or if this is just an act.
"Hi YukioLaori," Wednesday beams back, while making sure he didn't step away from Salvator or let his fan get too close. "So, is the rest of the church worried about their favourite artist or was this a benevolence on your behalf?"
When Firaldi offers up the paintings he quickly adds "Works in progress, quite a treat I'd say."
"Oh, no, Salvator's work is reasonably well known about Varisia, but not that far outside of it yet. Though there are some of us a bit more interested in the arts who like to keep our eyes open for masterpieces that are clearly inspired... and inspirational." She starts looking through the paintings and is quickly drawn to one of them.
The painting depicts a handsome man in the process of peeling away the flesh of his arms as if he were taking off a pair of gloves. Underneath, his arms are muscular and covered with glittering blue scales. The man’s expression is one of delight, yet his eyes are empty pits of blackness. Half seen in the shadows beyond him are thousands of humans impaled on towering wooden poles erected in the shadow of an indistinct shape looming on the horizon—perhaps a castle, maybe a mountain, but likely something more.
Laori's eyes widen and her voice becomes a bit more breathless. "Whoa, hoh, ho! Look at this one here! It's incredible! It's almost like he could walk right off this canvas. And those brilliant blues. A Salvator Scream specialty. Oh, my Zon! This is amazing work, Salvator. Absolutely stunning!"
Firdall:
If Laori is hiding anything, you'd be surprised. She's so expressive and enthusiastic she doesn't really seem to have significant barriers.
Laori laughs at Firdall's observation about her chipper-ness, "I admit, I'm a little different from the rest of my fellows. They're much gloomier Guses than I am. But I can't help it. The pain, the suffering, the baring of the soul's torments for all the world to see - it's all just so exciting! I suppose that's what drew me to him and it's what keeps me going." "Oh, but pish! You don't want to know about me and all that, do you? Salvator is WAY more interesting. I have got to know where you get your ideas. Have you seen a man like this one before?" she asks, indicating the man with the empty pits as eyes.
Salvator sheepishly answers Laori, "I, uh, no. I've never seen him before. Not in person, no. I... I dreamt of him. I have all sorts of dreams, nightmares mostly. When I wake up, I have to get what I saw down on canvas. So... my dreams, actually. The dreams I, er, had..."
"You dreamt of him?" Wednesday starts as he looks over the painting, occasionaly glancing down at his arm with all the symmetrical crisscrossing scars. "Ones like you can be quite refreshing, though." he says as an aside to the Kuthonite, though just as dangerous, he kept from saying that part aloud as old phantom pains ran through the arm.
"So you take your nightmares and seal them with paint, so that others can have them instead... have you not been having any bad dreams lately?" Wednesday asks as while still looking at the painting with Laori.
Firdall takes another look at the picture, then points to the man in the picture, and speaks to Liori, "He certainly makes an impact. I noticed that you seem to recognize him. Who is he?"
Salvator glumly responds to Wednesday, "Not the same dreams, but still bad ones. Just not ones that I feel the need to put on canvas. They're bad, but they're all fleeting now. Nothing sticks anymore. I no longer have anything to work with."
Laori points at the painting. "I've never seen the man before, but that castle in the background is something I have heard about. That's Scarwall and it's important to the history of my faith. Several centuries ago, a mercenary captain was sent from Ustalav to fight the orcs of Belkzen with his troops. He did well enough that he built a fortress to rule part of the orc lands himself rather than return to his patron. That fortress was Scarwall and it was dedicated to the glorious worship Zon-Kuthon... so of course there were all sorts of beheadings and impalements," she adds cheerfully.
"I think Scarwall and," she indicates the other two paintings from Pilts's bedchamber, "the subjects of these paintings mean that you are blessed, Salvator! Blessed by Zon-Kuthon himself!"
Of the other two paintings, one depicts a thin humanoid draped in shadows standing between huge dolmen - his eyes are a piercing blue - so brilliant as to almost glow. The other depicts a rugged mountain range standing over a desert under a harsh blue sky - a quartet of tusked camels ridden by tribespeople race across dunes made of tiny skulls.
Laori enthusiastically points out, "See! That first one is Zon-Kuthon! And the second one is of events described in Umbral Leaves, Zon's most holy text!"
"Who was this Mercenary?" Wednesday asks Laori before turning to Salvator. "Have you tried a different style, or maybe talk with some Desnans? Kuthonites would certainly give you encouragement but that might not exactly help where you're at right now."
"And what event would that be, Miss Laori?" Wednesday adds a second question to enthusiastic Kuthonite.
Currently seeking 2-3 players to continue our Curse of the Crimson Throne game. We will be continuing at the very start of Book 2, Seven Days to the Grave. If you are interested, please roll up characters as follows:
Character Attributes:
4th level
20 point buy
4,500 gold
2 traits (1 'can' be a campaign trait...I am not requiring it. If you choose a campaign trait, be sure to include it in your back story)
Neutral or Good Alignments only
A back story about why you are in Korvosa in the aftermath of King Eodred's untimely death.
Player Attributes:
Daily Posting - (Life comes up, and advance notice on absences can be worked around. Numerous absences will result in a dismissal. I want to keep a fairly quick clip.)
Flavor - No need for a book with each post, but we're writing for each other's entertainment...so make it entertaining, please.
Respect - I'm going to make mistakes, your fellow players are, and you are, as well. Please be respectful when pointing them out and gracious when they are pointed out to you.
A little about our current party:
We currently have two front-liners, so more muscle up front is not a need. I won't discount your fighter concept if you have a good back story and build, but just a warning up front. There is no deadline for recruitment, but it's not first come, first serve, either.
I look forward to seeing your concepts, and thank you in advance!
Dotting, I have a character that I used in a Curse game years ago that never made it that far. Rogue/Ranger but may play around with the class a little.
Other idea is an Urban Druid who actually talks to the spirit of the city and is sort of a Korvosan Batwoman.
I understand that you are full up on muscle, however my CotCT campaign just ended, and I would like to see Velius continue to exist in some way or form. I have only played the first part of the AP, up to the point where we meet for the first time.
I like to think I am very flexible and I am more than happy to retool to suit!
Dotting, I have a character that I used in a Curse game years ago that never made it that far. Rogue/Ranger but may play around with the class a little.
Other idea is an Urban Druid who actually talks to the spirit of the city and is sort of a Korvosan Batwoman.
*waves*
Have you looked at the Slayer class from the ACG?
Have you read the Pathfinder Tales Blood of The City?
Would a Cleric of Irori, receive Improved Unarmed Strike?
Thinking of someone from the slums of Old Korsova, trying to make good for himself and others around him after an extended run in with Lamm. Human or Half-Orc.
Djack - The rules state that a cleric is proficient with the favored weapon of his deity, so I would allow it, unless there is an FAQ that contradicts it. Also, even taking into account the +2 human/half-orc ability score, I have you at a 23 point buy with those stats.
Law implies honor, trustworthiness, obedience to authority, and reliability. On the downside, lawfulness can include closed-mindedness, reactionary adherence to tradition, self-righteousness, and a lack of adaptability. Those who consciously promote lawfulness say that only lawful behavior creates a society in which people can depend on each other and make the right decisions in full confidence that others will act as they should.
That pretty much sums up my general opinion. Not to say a lawful character can NEVER bend, or ALWAYS tells the truth, but their general demeanor follows these guidelines.
dotting for interest with an urban ranger looking at eventually gaining a hippopgryph and being a part of the sable company marines. I would be focused on ranged attacks and support.
Before I delve to deep into the crunch would you be ok with this option of having a hippogryph? Other campaigns I have applied for told me straight off that they did not like the option of a character having a hippogryph.
Background I had already created for him...:
Looking back on the short life span that encompassed his life, Horgus could pinpoint three major influences or events that shaped his life.
The first of which was his father and the lessons imparted to him by the wise man. I say wise now, but at the time I did not understand truly how wise he was. I don't think any young man or child does until they are on their own and forging their own path in life. Be that as it may others may not have found him wise as he was by their standards a simple driver for the numerous warehouses on the docks. not that he could claim any true allegiance to a single merchant or any merchant claim his allegiance as the economy of Korvosa limited such affinity. By not having a guild to manage the intricacies of wages and rights it was a matter of personal pride and hard work that determined who had a job that day hauling whatever was needed. Certainly there were some specific people that my father worked for on a regular basis but he was not an permanent employee of theirs. Why does this have a bearing on me. Simply put I rode with him and helped him when not required at home to help mother. While riding with him I learned many things, the value of hard work, the pride in doing a good job, patriotism, and how to handle an animal. This last was very important as some trips would take him outside of the city proper. It was then that I would help my father the most as he would take a rest and let me drive the wagon when I was older. Once he had a rest it would be my turn to relax. Indeed I owe much to my father for these life lessons that he imparted to me.
The second occasion that affected my life happened just outside of the city to the east. I was with my father on another one of his business trips. It was frequently easier to go outside of the city than pass through the middle depending on what the merchandise was and the location of the destination, but on this day we were headed to a small building 2 miles out of town. I remember it was my father's turn at the reigns for I was laying down in the back amongst some crates that we had just loaded. I was looking up at the sky when I noticed far above me the swift passage of a member of the Sable Company on his hippogriff. I recall thinking, as most kids do in Korvosa, that I would do anything to join that elite group. As luck, or unluck may be a better way to say it, would have it I was due to meet the hippogriff and its rider in the next few moments. As I said, my father was driving when I felt him slow down, I peeked my eyes up in time to see 3 men on horses in the middle of the road. The temerity of them was astounding as they all had crossbows pointing at my father. One of them ordered my father to give them the cargo and he would be fine. Trying to protect me he started to indicated that I was to remain still. One of the highwaymen thought he was going for a weapon and fired. The crossbow bolt slammed into my father. I could hear the bolt hit a rib and it was the only thing that kept my father from dying instantly. Suddenly the hippogriff and rider I saw earlier charged from the skies skewering one on a lance. They landed in front of the two remaining highwaymen who scattered before him. Drawing a bow he quickly shot as they fled dropping both of them in a matter of 20 seconds. Quickly he dismounted and approached the wagon. Turning to me he checked on the status of me and my father. Seeing that my father was gravely injured he started to bandage his wounds. While I tried to help I knew that I would just get in his way so let him be as he did what he could to help my dad. I turned my attention to the fantastic beast before me. Approaching slowly as ?I did not want to startle it I was able to get within arms reach of the hippogriff. Reaching a hand out and looking it in the eye I finally was able to touch the object of my admiration. That act must have been a surprise to my father's rescuer as when he turned around he was about to give a sharp order the hippogriff to heel. Instead at the sight of me petting his mount, his face gave a peculiar look. That look I was told later was surprise that the hippogriff had not rent me limb from limb at my approach without getting permission from the Sable Company Marine. It was that single touch that gave me direction in my life for the marine told me to come to the Endrin Military Academy and present myself for inspection. After those few words he told me that he was able to save my father from death but that I was to being him straight home for him to recover.
A couple months passed were I was taking over for my father as he healed. Once he was back to his former health The third of me life altering events happened. I presented my self to the Endrin Military Academy were I was tested to see my aptitude and ability. It was seen that I was a fit candidate and was enlisted. Since then I have been training in the art of aerial combat specializing in archery. Upon graduation I will fulfill my dream and join the ranks of the Sable Company Marines to protect the city and follow the orders of my superiors.
I left the ending more vague as to allow flexibility as to when I would get a hippogriff.
DM Variel - I think if I was going to consider it, I wouldn't allow the hippogryph until the start of book 3, for Plot-Related purposes.
I admit, I am hesitant and intimidated about adding a third dimension to fights...but since we're approaching the point where enemies and PC's could start flying with the use of magic, anyway, I guess I better go ahead and just resign myself to 3-D combat.
That being said, whatever animal companion you choose, I expect the PC to keep up with it in its entirety.
That is fine with the thought of not allowing it till the 3rd book. I understand having such an exotic beast means that it will not be able to go everywhere due to its size and nature.
There is just something that resonates with me about having a character flying on the back of a creature. Who wouldn't want that opportunity to play a character like that at least once? If it helps I have run a couple of encounters with flying so I am pretty familiar with the rule sets if you would like any help. Magical flying is easy. It is the mundane type that is more difficult but still easy enough if there are enough ranks in fly with the right feats.
I will get the crunch up then tomorrow.
edit...just found a class archetype for the Ranger: Sable Company Marine. going to go with that instead of the urban ranger as it fits much better if allowed.
. In the market area of Korvosa, we find a small ragged tent. Outside the tent is a crude sign labeled "Fortune Telling". Inside sits a tiefling named Akvius Sirthos. He passes time between the few patrons that seek his insight, by shuffling a Harrow Deck and occasionally flipping a few over on yop of the barrel in front of him concealed with tablecloth decorated in moons, suns, stars and the like. Obviously an attempt to add credibility to the promised services.
. As he turns over the 1st card, an energy showers over him. More so than the occasional "vision" he receives from the mysterious patron that, depending on your perception, either curses or blesses Akvius with his abilities. It signifies a king! As soon he sees the card a picture forms in his head. It's that of Queen lleosa Arabasti. The 2nd comes with a higher intensity of energy. It signifies an army. A different sight comes to focus in his mind. It's a vast collection of undead fighters. Akvius flips card after card over, and each continues to provide increased intensity. A castle. Several monstrous creatures. A crown. Each card he turns shocks him with a higher intensity of power, followed by a single "photograph" imprinted in his head. He flips each card over faster than the previous. Finally he grabs one last card and as he goes to flip it over, he's struck with such a powerful blast of energy that he is propelled off the small wooden milking stool he was sitting on... unconscious to the ground. When he wakes up, he struggles to grab the barrel and pull his head high enough to see a single card sitting in the center of the table. The card of DEATH!
. Knowing this prophecy must not be allowed to manifest, Akvius begins a journey to find the right group of "heroes" with the skills to thwart this future from happening. Willing to lend his gifts of magic, intellect, languages, and social skills... he only hopes whatever master over the game of life, controls this world will grant him the opportunity to help mold an alternate reality than the horror he has predicted.
race/class:
I hope this provides enough to validate a Tiefling, de-buff witch. I know it's more of an "event" than a complete backstory, so I can certainly add more about the character if requested.
The race is easy to change if needed (to either elf or human), tiefling just seem to be perfect for the stigma and mystery of a witch and tarot card reader to fit the archetype (Cartomancer). I've only recently tried out the witch class and really enjoy the "make the rest of the party look good" aspect of the buff/de-buff classes. If I can help the fighter make that exciting final blow that brings down the enemy; or, make it possible for the magic user to have that "cool" spell... not to be lost to an unexpected saving throw, then I have made a valuable contribution to the party AND the player.
backstory:
Having escaped slavery in Cheliax, Akvius tries to find a new life in Korvosa. While Korvosa was not necessarily his intended destination, he has managed to find his work as a fortune teller profitable enough to sustain himself. It seems with the sorted history of Korvosa, many are interested to get an insight to what the future holds for them and the city. His outward appearance (tiefling) may raise some eyebrows here and there, but it seems to add credibility in his chosen profession. Perhaps providing a unique marketing gimmick unavailable to other harrowers of the city. Akvius' ability to speak to most races in their native languages also seems to ease their speculation.
All, going to accept applications, sparse as they are, for today and tomorrow. Don't necessarily have to finalize at that point, but I will close recruitment to new applicants at that time.
Horgus Gwerm
Human (chelaxian) ranger (sable company marine) 4 (Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Inner Sea Combat)
LN Medium humanoid (human)
Init +4; Senses Perception +8
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Defense
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AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14 (+3 armor, +1 Dex, +1 shield)
hp 28 (4d10)
Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +3
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Offense
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Speed
Melee dagger +6 (1d4+2/19-20) or
longsword +6 (1d8+2/19-20)
Ranged +1 darkwood composite longbow +10 (1d8+3/×3)
Special Attacks combat style (mounted), favored enemy (humans +2)
Ranger (Sable Company Marine) Spells Prepared (CL 1st; concentration +2)
1st—gravity bow[APG]
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Statistics
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Str 14, Dex 19, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 8
Base Atk +4; CMB +6; CMD 20
Feats - Custom Feat -, Endurance, Point-blank Shot, Precise Shot, Weapon Focus (longbow)
Traits drug addict (friend), indomitable faith
Skills Acrobatics +2, Climb +0, Fly +2, Handle Animal +6, Heal +8, Knowledge (geography) +6, Knowledge (local) +5, Perception +8, Ride +5 (+7 to stay in the saddle), Stealth +5, Survival +8 (+10 to avoid becoming lost when using this), Swim +0
Languages Common, Dwarven, Elven
SQ favored terrain (urban +2), hunter's bond (hippogriff named animal companion), track +2, wild empathy +3
Combat Gear cold iron arrows (50), silver arrows (50), acid (3), alchemist's fire (3), healer's kit; Other Gear barding, mwk studded leather, mwk buckler, +1 darkwood composite longbow (+2 Str), arrows (60), blunt arrows (20), dagger, longsword, animal harness, bedroll, belt pouch, belt pouch, bit and bridle, compass, everburning torch, feed (per day) (40), flint and steel, masterwork backpack, military saddle, exotic, sack, saddlebags, silk rope (100 ft.), sunrod (5), waterskin, weapon cord, whetstone, 696 gp, 1 sp, 8 cp
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Special Abilities
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Animal Companion Link (Ex) You have a link with your Animal Companion.
Compass +2 circumstance for Survival or Knowledge (Dungeoneering) to avoid becoming lost.
Endurance +4 to a variety of fort saves, skill and ability checks. Sleep in L/M armor with no fatigue.
Favored Enemy (Humans +2) (Ex) +2 to rolls vs. Favored Enemy (Humans) foes.
Favored Terrain (Urban +2) (Ex) +2 to rolls when in Favored Terrain (Urban).
Point-Blank Shot +1 to attack and damage rolls with ranged weapons at up to 30 feet.
Precise Shot You don't get -4 to hit when shooting or throwing into melee.
Share Spells with Companion (Ex) Can cast spells with a target of "you" on animal companion, as touch spells.
Track +2 Add the listed bonus to survival checks made to track.
Weapon cord Attached weapon can be recovered as a swift action.
Wild Empathy +3 (Ex) Improve the attitude of an animal, as if using Diplomacy.
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hippogriff:
Animal Companion
Hippogriff
N Large animal
Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, scent; Perception +5
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Defense
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AC 19, touch 12, flat-footed 16 (+3 armor, +3 Dex, +4 natural, -1 size)
hp 25 (+10)
Fort +5, Ref +8, Will +2
Defensive Abilities evasion
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Offense
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Speed 40 ft., fly 60 ft. (average)
Melee bite +4 (1d6+4)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 10 ft.
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Statistics
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Str 16, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 9
Base Atk +2; CMB +6; CMD 19
Feats Lightning Reflexes, Run
Tricks Attack, Attack, Attack Any Target, Come, Defend, Down, Fighting, Guard, Stay, Track
Skills Acrobatics +3 (+7 to jump with a running start, +7 to jump), Fly +5, Perception +5, Stealth +3
SQ attack any target, come, defend, fighting, guard, track
Other Gear mwk studded leather
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Special Abilities
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Attack Any Target [Trick] The animal will attack any creature on command.
Come [Trick] The animal will come to you on command.
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white vision only).
Defend [Trick] The animal will defend you.
Evasion (Ex) No damage on successful reflex save.
Fighting [Trick] The animal has been trained to fight.
Flight (60 feet, Average) You can fly!
Guard [Trick] The animal stays in place and prevents others from approaching.
Low-Light Vision See twice as far as a human in low light, distinguishing color and detail.
Run Run 5x your speed in light/medium armor or 4x speed in heavy armor and keep Dex when running.
Scent (Ex) Detect opponents within 15+ feet by sense of smell.
Track [Trick] The animal will track a scent.
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Pathfinder® and associated marks and logos are trademarks of Paizo Publishing, LLC®, and are used under license.
Presenting Terri Riverrun, Priestess of Shelyn, Sculptor, Painter, Potter, and almost hopelessly Naive. :D
Stats:
Terri Riverrun
Female human (Chelaxian) cleric of Shelyn 4
NG Medium humanoid (human)
Init +0; Senses Perception +4
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Defense
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AC 16, touch 10, flat-footed 16 (+6 armor)
hp 27 (4d8+4)
Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +8
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft. (20 ft. in armor)
Melee mwk glaive +5 (1d10+1/×3)
Special Attacks channel positive energy 5/day (DC 14, 2d6)
Domain Spell-Like Abilities (CL 4th; concentration +8)
. . 7/day—bit of luck, touch of good (+2)
Cleric Spells Prepared (CL 4th; concentration +8)
. . 2nd—align weapon (good only)[D], bull's strength, hold person (DC 16), communal protection from evil[UC]
. . 1st—bless (2), charm person (DC 15), protection from evil[D], shield of faith
. . 0 (at will)—create water, light, mending, stabilize
. . D Domain spell; Domains Good, Luck
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Statistics
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Str 12, Dex 11, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 18, Cha 14
Base Atk +3; CMB +4; CMD 14
Feats Extra Channel, Lightning Reflexes, Toughness
Traits affable, intense artist
Skills Acrobatics -3 (-7 to jump), Appraise +6, Craft (painting) +9, Craft (pottery) +9, Craft (sculpture) +9, Diplomacy +9 (+11 to gather information.), Heal +11, Knowledge (religion) +7, Perform (dance) +7, Perform (sing) +8, Sense Motive +10, Spellcraft +6
Languages Common, Elven, Shoanti
Other Gear mwk agile breastplate, mwk glaive, handy haversack, artisan's outfit (2), cleric's vestments, masterwork artisan's tools, masterwork artisan's tools, masterwork artisan's tools, silver holy symbol of Shelyn, 1,445 gp
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Special Abilities
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Affable +2 on Diplomacy to gather information and do so in half time.
Bit of Luck (7/day) (Sp) Target takes the higher of 2d20 for a d20 roll.
Cleric Channel Positive Energy 2d6 (5/day, DC 14) (Su) Positive energy heals the living and harms the undead; negative has the reverse effect.
Cleric Domain (Good) Granted Powers: You have pledged your life and soul to goodness and purity.
Cleric Domain (Luck) Granted Powers: You are infused with luck, and your mere presence can spread good fortune.
Intense Artist (Perform [sing], Perform [dance]) Your devotion to Shelyn has caused you to delve more deeply into your art. You gain a +1 trait bonus on two Perform skills of your choice, and Perform is always a class skill for you.
Touch of Good +2 (7/day) (Sp) Grant +2 to skill checks, ability checks and saving throws for 1 rd.
Backstory:
Terri was found on the doorstep of the small Shelynite church that served as the faith's home when the head priest tripped over the heavy crate and work the infant. While it was shocking at the time, the clergy had taken it in stride and now-a-days everyone laughs at the attempts to get the yell, and the curse, just right.
As the young girl grew, she made friends easily. Cute as a button, and always willing to help, it was hard not to like young Terri. While she had many friends, her closest friendship was with a young girl named Trinia Sabor. As they two grew up, they practiced their crafts and managed to avoid winding up in jail despite an almost awe inspiring habit of getting in over their heads. The two remained close even as Trinia became a freelance artist and Terri went into the church. Terri mellowed out and often helped her friend make ends meet.
As King Eodred's death drew near, Trinia was commissioned to paint his portrait. Terri celebrated with her friend and helped through the process, suggesting colors, pigments, techniques, anything she could do to help her best friend reach the pinnacle of her skill. Shortly after Trinia finished the portrait, Eodred died and the city plunged into chaos.
The riots and violence tore at Terri's heart. She couldn't leave the church, so busy was she with aiding the injured, but she also worried for her friend. Worry that would turn to full-blown panic as Queen Illeosa's accusations against Trinia spread like wildfire. Terri flew into a rage as the lynch-mob swarmed her friend's neighborhood, and the normally sweet, innocent young woman had to be knocked out lest she do something she would regret.
WARNING!: This part has spoilers for the end of book 1 of Curse of the Crimson Throne. You have been warned.
No, really, only the GM should be looking at this.
Why ar you still reading this?
Alright, don't say I didn't warn ya.
After Trinia's scandalously brief trial and sentencing, Terri was allowed to go to her friend's execution as long as she was escorted by two of the elder clergy. Terri trembled in rage, fear, and grief as Trinia was brought to the executioner. The emotional maelstrom nearly made the young priestess physically ill. The moment came and Terri made herself watch through the tears, hoping that Trinia would know that she wasn't alone. The axe reached its peak, and the man screamed as a dagger scarred his back and a deep, resonant voice called out the queen.
Blackjack! Blackjack had come to save Trinia!
Some shouted in dismay, others in anger, and many cheered as Korvosa's legendary hero made a daring rescue. Making fools of Sable Company Marines, Korvosan Guardsmen, and Hellknights alike. Terri's contribution to the bedlam was an enthusiastic, "Kick his stones between his ears!" She knew that a Shelynite shouldn't revel in such violence. She knew she'd be praying for forgiveness later. She even knew that as soon Blackjack was gone, she'd be the first one on the platform pouring out Shelyn's comfort until she passed out. At that moment, she didn't care.
Blackjack vanished with her friend in tow. The crowd turned angrily on the queen, and Terri was indeed the first on the platform. She started by mending the execution's wounds.
Appearance and Personality:
Terri is a kind, if naive, soul. Her temper is terrible when roused, but so far, she's only truly lost control when Trinia, her best and closest friend was in danger.
Terri simply tries to believe the best in everybody. She does her best to treat everyone as if she was a friend, no matter the how vile or despicable they may be. This has hurt her in the past when some callous person stomped all over her kindness and generosity, but it does allow her to easily make friends.
Terri is short, but lean, giving her a pixie-like look, though it does lead to some issues, especially given what she feels like in traditional Shelynite clerical vestments. Her hair is the color and luster of aged, burnished bronze while her skin is fair and her eyes are a jewel-tone green. She prefers simple, sturdy clothing that helps hide her lack of curvature.
Party role:
Terri is supposed to be the face while outside of combat and support for the frontliners while in it. I'm mainly going to have her focus on buffing the party.
two frontliners, huh, so you don't need a stranded Viking...just as well, don't know a blasted thing about curse of the crimson throne, just connected the dots and figured it couldn't hurt to say hey, ...Have a good game :)
I'd have to reread the rules for specifics, but the Words of Power were an attempt to break out of the Vancian mold that the d20 system uses. Spellcasters know or prepare a certain number of words of various power levels then combine them or use them solo to cast spells.
The two major issues I think most people have with it are that the Words of Power spells are weaker than the normal Vancian spells, and the rules just aren't written in a way that makes it easy to understand. On the up side, you, in theory, have a more flexible spell casting system.
It's a shame too, since the system did come with a good amount of flavor.
I am interested in submitting a character to join this campaign. I am still working on the stats but here is my idea:
From an early age, Cassandra Wagner was told how important her family was. They were special. They were noble. They were related to the King himself. Never mind that the relation was that of a cousin to a cousin. The blood, however thin, was there and that made it clear that, as a Wagner, great things were expected of Cassandra.
But all Cassandra wanted to do was move. She loved to run. Loved to jump and leap. Sitting still was impossible for her. She needed to be in motion and feel the wind in her hair. That was when she was alive.
When she was twelve, she was seeking to escape her lessons. Another tedious day of heraldry and etiquette to prepare her for her future. So she took to the rooftops... and she ran. She bounces from rooftop to rooftop, laughing as the family guards chased her. She didn't even think when she saw the gap up ahead. She simply leaped.
It was too far. She wasn't going to make it to the next roof and she was three stories above hard cobblestone. Cassandra screamed.
The guards say that Cassandra vanished in midair, only to reappear on the next roof over. Ever canny, the family had her tested. Cassandra did have a gift for magic. Tutors were arranged for and, when she was old enough, entrance into the Acadamae as well. For once, Cassandra didn't mind her family's control over her life. Because this was her path to freedom.
In the Acadamae, Cassandra flourished. The program was intense. It was hard. But it couldn't be dictated by her family. Instead, her instructors encouraged Cassandra to follow the paths of her natural talent and, in return, she turned out to be the best student of teleportation the school had ever had.
On the day of her graduation, Cassandra was ready to tell her parents that she had no intention of following in the family's business.
Instead, the whole city's gone to hell.
===
As one might guess, I'm hoping to play a human wizard specializing in the teleportation subschool of Conjuring.
Nicolai Fortescu
Male human (Varisian) wizard 4
CG Medium humanoid (human)
Init +4; Senses Perception +7
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Defense
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AC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 10 (+2 Dex)
hp 29 (4d6+11)
Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +5 (+1 vs. enchantment effects)
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +2 (1d4/19-20) or
. . dagger +2 (1d4/19-20) or
. . dagger +2 (1d4/19-20) or
. . quarterstaff +2 (1d6)
Ranged light crossbow +4 (1d8/19-20)
Wizard Spells Prepared (CL 4th; concentration +8)
. . 2nd—detect thoughts (DC 16), glitterdust (DC 16), invisibility, mirror image
. . 1st—color spray (DC 15), comprehend languages, grease, mage armor, magic missile
. . 0 (at will)—dancing lights, detect magic, prestidigitation, read magic
. . Opposition Schools Enchantment, Necromancy
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Statistics
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Str 10, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 18, Wis 12, Cha 13
Base Atk +2; CMB +2; CMD 14
Feats Alertness, Fortune Teller[ISWG], Harrowed[ISWG], Scribe Scroll, Toughness
Traits dockside avenger, harrow chosen (varisian)
Skills Knowledge (arcana) +11, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +10, Knowledge (local) +11, Knowledge (planes) +11, Knowledge (religion) +11, Perception +7, Perform (oratory) +5, Profession (fortune-teller) +5, Sense Motive +3, Spellcraft +11
Languages Common, Draconic, Elven, Giant, Shoanti, Varisian
SQ arcane bond (tavi, mongoose), forewarned, prescience
Other Gear crossbow bolts (10), dagger, dagger, dagger, light crossbow, quarterstaff, backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, familiar satchel, flint and steel, harrow deck, ink, black, inkpen, mirror, spell component pouch, spellbook, trail rations (5), waterskin, wrist sheath, spring loaded, wrist sheath, spring loaded, 2 gp, 15 sp, 18 cp
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Special Abilities
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Deliver Touch Spells Through Familiar (Su) Your familiar can deliver touch spells for you.
Empathic Link with Familiar (Su) You have an empathic link with your Arcane Familiar.
Enchantment You must spend 2 slots to cast spells from the Enchantment school.
Familiar Bonus: +2 to Fortitude saves You gain the Alertness feat while your familiar is within arm's reach.
Foresight Associated School: Divination
Forewarned 2 (Su) Can always act in surprise rounds.
Fortune Teller Cast some divination spells at +1 caster level
Harrow Chosen (Varisian, 2/week) +2 caster level for divination when using heirloom deck as focus.
Harrowed +1 on saves vs. enchantment; can draw Harrow cards for bonuses
Necromancy You must spend 2 slots to cast spells from the Necromancy school.
Prescience (7/day) (Su) Roll a d20 at the beginning of the round, and use that result as the result of any other d20 roll before the next turn.
Share Spells with Familiar Can cast spells with a target of "You" on the familiar with a range of touch.
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Background:
Nicolai Fortescu grew up in the slums of Old Korvosa, where he lived with his mother Tatiana (a fortune teller) , his father Bogdan (a minstrel in the local taverns) and his sister Katrina. Life was good for the young boy as he did all the things that young boys do. One of the things that Nicolai loved to do was to sit in on the readings that his mother used to do . He would sit quietly in the corner of their tenement room as his mother would bring out her harrow deck and lay the cards out on the table. He listened intently as she described for her clients the portents that the cards signified and what they meant for that person's future. After each reading the client would pay his mother and leave happy, hearing exactly what they wanted to hear in the reading.
Whenever his mother wasn't home Nicolai would often take the harrow deck and lay out the cards to do readings for his friends. One day one of Nicolai's friends fell to his death while running the Shingles through Bridgetown. A frightened Nicolai told his mother that night that he had used her cards to do a reading for his dead friend and that he had forseen that accident but couldn't tell his friend that and now that boy was dead. Shaken, Nicolai's mother put the young boy to bed that night with reassurances that it wasn't his fault and there was nothing he could have done to prevent the accident either. That night his parents discussed what to do and decided that whatever it took they would get Nicolai into the Acadamae to learn how to control his Gift.
Time passed and Nicolai began doing readings of his own to help the family make ends meet. As word of his eerily accurate readings began to spread he soon had more and more clients, some of them wealthy merchants or minor nobility wanting to know their futures. Soon the family had the necessary money to send young Nicolai to study at the Acadamae. Nicolai's stint at the prestigious school didn't last long as he found the rigid environment of the school too stifling and he dropped out before his first year was completed. Although he didn't make it past his first year Nicolai had learned enough of the basics that he continued to teach himself magic and soon had honed his craft.
Shortly after his mother's death of fever, with his father staying out in the taverns after his singing gigs and drinking most of his take home pay and his sister out running the streets with one of the local street gangs Nicolai found himself at the Pantheon of the Many praying to Desna for guidance when he heard the most beautiful sound he had ever heard. Turning his head he saw an angel singing to the goddess' statue in her shrine. The "angel" was a young initiate of Desna named Natalia who smiled shyly at Nicolai when she noticed him looking at her. The two soon became lovers and moved into a one room apartment in Old Town together. Almost a year passed before Nicolai proposed and Natalia accepted. Giving his betrothed his mother's ring Nicolai and Natalia soon settled into wedded bliss, until one night.
One afternoon Natalia left their apartment to do some shopping in the market while Nicolai entertained a few clients. As darkness began to fall Nicolai began to grow concerned that his wife had not returned yet from shopping. Determined to find her Nicolai grabbed his cloak and headed toward the door only to stop short as someone knocked on the door. With his inner dread growing he opened the door only to be met by two men in the livery of the city guard. His fear confirmed, Nicolai shouted out against fate as the two men asked him to come with them. Dumbstruck Nicolai followed them to any alley not too far from his home. There he found his beloved Natalia face down in the gutter. She had been knifed in the back and left to die. Her purse and it's meager belongings as well as her wedding ring were missing.
Devastated, Nicolai sank into a deep depression and soon his morose readings began chasing his clients away. Destitute, Nicolai began wandering the warrens of Bridgetown hoping someone would take his life as they had taken Natalia's. It was during one of these walks that he happened to glance a familiar object in a nearby stores window. It was Natalia's wedding ring. Overcome with rage Nicolai burst into the shop and accosted the owner until the man told him where he had gotten the ring. The owner told him he had purchased the ring from a local Ne'er do well named Gaedren Lamm. Determination flared inside Nicolai as he became determined to find this man and extract vengeance upon him for his beloved Natalia and himself.
