Female Human Cleric (Ecclesitheurge)/Sorcerer (Fey) of Desna - Level 2 - HP = 17/17 | AC = 13 | CMD = 14 | F +3 | R +3 | W +6 | Ini +9 | Per + 4 | Channels 4/9 Shadow's Status |
Talene finally approaches the group with Kira in tow, "Were you playing that awful racket to clear out room for the children to fly kites?!" Talene laughs.
"Well the strategy certainly worked that is for sure". she states as she looks around at all the children trying to fly them.
The winds of the Cathedral and lack of space make it tough to fly the kites very well but Windsight does his best to assist the children in keeping them afloat.
Kira comes by and gives Windsight a kiss on the cheek, "You are so thoughtful", she whispers and then dances away giggling.
The cart finally passes through the crowds and stops near the stage on its right hand side. Sister Thea steps down from the wagon and claps delighted by the display before the stage.
As the children play with the kites, their parents step between the flyers and touch the Godmarked saying short prayers to their Deities of choice for well wishes for the rest of the year for themselves and their loved ones.
This type of activity has been happening more and more frequently of late as you have all been out and about in town. When they can, these supplicants try to directly come into contact with your Birthmarks, nothing overt or pushy mind you. There is a sense of wonder and awe in the eyes of these people as they get near you all.
Perhaps it is the Cathedral finally being consecrated or perhaps seeing it happen to all of you together in the same place at the same time the effect is just, different than it was before, more spiritual. They see you as direct links to the Gods who you represent and it shows.
In truth, Windsight was expecting the children to take the kites down to where they can actually fly them, where there's more wind - the cliffs or the beaches - as that's the place he usually flies his kite. Speaking of his own kite, it's a bit more complex than the others, using two lines and not having the balancing tail the other kites have. Setting it up takes a moment, but with an expert tug and a couple of steps back, the bow-kite zips into the air. Tweaks and tugs of the lines make the bow dip and dodge from side to side, dancing close to the kites nearby.
The Shoanti's concentration upon the flying constructs of fabric is intense, watching his kite as well as the others, eyes bright as he can for once watch how the wind's ripple plays with one kite, then the next, then the next. His focus is strong enough for him to almost not notice those who approach and touch the dark bow-mark down his left arm.
Some of the members of the little “Godtouched” club get skittish about this part of the deal, the fawning, the requests for prayers, the touching. And fair enough if their mark is somewhere a bit more, personal. But Rojava is just fine with it. She’s perfectly happy to be in the crowd, to talk with, hug back, or whatever might be wanted. She’s happy to make them happy. Why not? Some of them need it, most all of them want it, and they should have why they want. It’s fun too, even if she isn’t confident it’s real.
Sure, the mark is there. People who know more about such things than her say it’s a true sign from Desna, so who is she to say differently? But the footprint, that’s Rojava’s private name for the mark, isn’t letting her in on any secrets. No answered prayers, or signs, or manifested imaginary talking butterflies for her.
That’s why she has come to think of it as a footprint. A person walks along and steps on a place, they leave a footprint. They move on. The footprint remains behind. It’s there for anyone to see. But, the footprint maker, do they remember their footprints? No ill will toward Mother Moon or anything like that, Rojava certainly doesn’t keep track of her footprints either. Can’t hold it against someone if you thought there was something between you, but actually there never was.
Footprints eventually fade over time, disappear, that’s the natural order of things. But if a footprint is dug out, taken in and put on a shelf for people to look at, the order of things can’t operate like it should.
While Rojava is working the crowd, she’s thinking Magnamar, Korvosa, Riddleport, south, east, north, which will it be? Or maybe I’ll try to make a new start with Mother Moon, take off my boots and blindfold myself then walk a few miles. Let that decide my direction. Whichever it is, once I’m clear of Sandpoint that mark becomes a tattoo. Nobody ever needs to know that I didn’t choose to put it there myself.
Lia is mostly still focused on her Kite flying, but almost lets go of the line when Kira touches her shoulder from behind, saying 'Hello'. Kira quickly grabs it before the Kite flies away, and hands it back to Lia, who hugs her friend:"Hej. Finally got away from dishwashing duty? Grab a Kite, it's fun! Don't worry about there not being enough for everybody...you can give it to one of the kids later, they'll have plenty of time to fly them all year...today is our day"
Only few of the adults try and touch Lia...despite her being to clearly marked by Desna, the fact her birthmark is slightly above her buttocks and she's usually wearing a dress makes it a bit hard to come into direct contact with it.
Instead, people seeking Desna's favor from her instead try to touch Flutter, who happily lets them, for a while...if it's too many people in a short while, he simply takes off and stays out of range, circling around for a while before indulging them once more.
People's hands reached out and grazed Gwyd's cheek, fingers brushing the songbird below his eye very lightly. Murmured words to Shelyn, some songs under their breath. One little girl came up with her father, desperate not to be seen, ducking behind her father's legs.
It's ok hun, come here. Gwyd said, as he knelt down. It's just a little mark on my cheek, nothing bad or dangerous. And I don't bite, he added with a wink at her. With a little trepidation, she came out and touched his cheek gingerly. See, no big deal. Go with Shelyn's grace little one. Dance and your heart will soar. Sing and watch your spirits fly, high as these kites.
M Human (Chelaxian) Fighter 1 | AC 16 (t 13) (ff 13) | F+4, R+4, W+3 | CMD 16 | Init +3, Per +3 | HP 11/11 | Hero Points 1
Marcelano shakes hands with those seeking him, most using their other hand to make contact with his godmark. He offers each a simple phrase; "may the Lawgiver watch over you."
The man plays what he introduces as "the spheres" a combination of windchimes and quite literally spheres which hold liquid upon which he taps with a wool skinned drum stick. The combination of sounds is in some instances haunting and others breathtaking. Mixed with Prestidigitation used to handle multiple drum sticks it is quite the virtuoso performance. Despite itself, the crowd is in awe of this Bard utilizing such strange instruments.
The show lasts for nearly an hour when Father Zantus arrives. Instead of taking the podium he instead heads to the wagon which Sister Thea set in place prior to the show. As he steps towards the wagon the crowd begins to hush.
"Goodfolk of Sandpoint. The Swallowtail Festival serves to commemorate one of the many legends of Desna. In this particular tale, an Avatar of Desna fell to Golarion after a fierce battle with the wicked goddess Lamashtu. She was discovered and nursed back to health by a blind child. To express her thanks, Desna transformed the child into a beautiful, immortal swallowtail butterfly so that he could explore the wonders of the whole world for all eternity.
May the Starsong keep you safe, and full, and full of joy this day and for many more to come! Remember, wherever you may wander to only one place is the place which you may call home." Father Zantus glances towards Marcelano as he finishes speaking, then he pulls the tarp off of the large cart and multicolored clouds of the eponymous Swallowtail butterflies fill the air.
The crowd lets out its biggest cheer yet to accompany the releasing of the swallowtails and children immediately begin chasing after the butterflies, as best they can in the crowds. It is considered a good omen for a worshiper if a butterfly rests on him or her for a short time. Many a worshipper is so blessed this afternoon.
Father Zantus then approaches you all, "Go my young Acolytes, be merry and enjoy the rest of the Festival. I expect you all to be here as night begins to fall though as that is the time that the Consecration of the Cathedral will begin. When you hear my Thunderstone, it is time to return here. From there you must do what you will, remember while you may not all be Clerics, the Gods of gthis Cathedral all walk with you".
Even before Zantus approaches, Lia happily joins the children in chasing the butterflies, being chased by butterflies in turn. The moment she stops to look around, several of the Swallowtails inmediately sit down on her, taking off the moment she moves on again. (some creative liberty, but since we ARE choosen/marked by the Gods, and this is a festival of Desna, I'd expect Rojava to get a similar treatment from them)
Perception 15 OR Sense Motive 10:
Nope, Lia's not really chasing butterflies...she's playing hide and seek with Flutter, who is using the immense numbers of Swallowtails to "hide in the crowd".
The archer Shoanti of Erastil (to differentiate him, notably, from the earthbreaker-using Shoanti of Erastil - two neighbors more unalike there rarely are, but then Windsight is not a tall brawny brute like most Shoanti) turns when Father Zantus enters with the wagon; with a rapidity that is perhaps astounding to those who haven't seen him sail a kite before, he reels in the two-line bow-shaped one, getting it out of the air before the good Father begins his retelling.
Afterwards, of course, is another story; once the swallowtails are out, Windsight smiles - almost that same most-un-Windsight-like grin that he had for Lia upon demonstrating the existence of the kites - and gets his Erastil-kite back up into the air. Standing not quite still, but close enough, he and his stable kite-lines serve as a resting-point for many a swallowtail in the time to come. He will speak, if addressed directly, but as he's been for much of the last year, he's a reticent fellow.
Karina happily sets aside her kite as people begin to reach out to touch her arm. "May the Dawnflower's light guide you."
"Someday, perhaps this mark will actually make me worthy of this attention. Although, all my training is due to it. Without it, I would be dead or in prison."
Impressed by the bard's performance, she almost misses Father Zantus' arrival. She watches the release of the butterflies with hidden delight, maintaining her composure.
Taking 10 on Sense Motive for 16
She watches Flutter lead Lia on a merry chase through the butterflies and actually lets the smile show.
You ought to be red in the face, dismissing Chris just because of his clothes. The man knows what he's doing, and he's doing it well.
Rojava listens to the bard's performance and watches with interest. The music isn't of a type that she would perform herself, but it's obvious that Chris Wink has talent. The thing that really grabs her attention is his use of magic to augment his playing. Ro has been tossing around a few ideas along those lines in her head for a while, but hasn't figured out quite how to pull them off yet.
After the swallowtail release Rojava hurries straight over to talk with the bard. Chris, Mr. Wink Sir, you gave a wonderful performance. Thank you. I really appreciated the way you were using prestidigitate to add extra texture, and I'm wondering if you'd have a minute to talk about how you use magic...
She excitedly continues on about spell durations, casting without interrupting a performance, and the possibilities and limitations of spells such as prestidigitation, alter instrument, and magic mouth. Ro attracts a couple of butterflies who land on her hair and shoulder, but she's so excited about her conversation with the bard she barely notices.
You ought to be red in the face, dismissing Chris just because of his clothes. The man knows what he's doing, and he's doing it well.
Rojava listens to the bard's performance and watches with interest. The music isn't of a type that she would perform herself, but it's obvious that Chris Wink has talent. The thing that really grabs her attention is his use of magic to augment his playing. Ro has been tossing around a few ideas along those lines in her head for a while, but hasn't figured out quite how to pull them off yet.
After the swallowtail release Rojava hurries straight over to talk with the bard. Chris, Mr. Wink Sir, you gave a wonderful performance. Thank you. I really appreciated the way you were using prestidigitate to add extra texture, and I'm wondering if you'd have a minute to talk about how you use magic...
She excitedly continues on about spell durations, casting without interrupting a performance, and the possibilities and limitations of spells such as prestidigitation, alter instrument, and magic mouth. Ro attracts a couple of butterflies who land on her hair and shoulder, but she's so excited about her conversation with the bard she barely notices.
Wink nods and smiles at Rojava's excitement, "Thank you. I can never know how a crowd will react to my music as it is very odd compared to most. Despite the small size of this town, with so many adherents to Gods of the fine arts, I was somewhat worried I would be booed off of the stage!
At first I was hesitant to play but when your friend fixed one of my instruments and at no cost to me, I felt compelled to do so.
Magic Mouth is indeed a terrific idea, I wish I had thought of it. Though I am not sure lyrics would work well with what I am trying to accomplish.
What I really wish to incorporate is a light show of some sort of course that would be effective only at night..."
He seems more than happy to continue the conversation wit you for as long as you continue to be interested!
As the crowd starts disbursing Karina puts an arm over Marcelano's shoulder. "Before you leave us, you should take part in Shalelu's annual archery challenge. Maybe you can finally best her."
As she begins to guide him away she calls back over her shoulder. "Hey, Windsight, when you're done playing with your toys you should come join us." She has a huge smile on her face as she says this.
"Maybe Jasper and Gavin will have a reasonable sword list at the garrison this year too."
Flutter, after hiding among the other Butterflies until now, decided to instead use Kira as cover. More guessing his presence than actually seeing him, Lia runs to her friend, smiling:"So what shall we do?"
Kira ponders for a moment, then responds:"Well, dishwashing was very tiring work...so I'll need some new energy if I am to enjoy this festival. Hey, Gwyd, do come along...racing both of you to the sweets stand", Kira is already running off, shouting back:"Last one there treats the others!"
Lia doesn't react very quickly, and with that many people, it's hard to weave through the crowds...and there were so many distracting things to see...while she was fast, she only caught sight of Kira already waiting in line...she looked around, wondering if Gwyd managed to arrive before her-
I thought we go with Acrobatics and Init=Tiebreaker...you got good chances to win I guess ;) But if you're not feeling like joining the race, all fine, Lia would probably not notice before she arrives alone- anybody else is welcome to tag along of course, the butterfly-play-time was unspecified.
His dancing practice paid off in spades as he deftly wove through the crowd, leaping to and fro off of poles and walls, skidding into line at the sweets stand just in time to watch Flutter and Lia break through the press. With a grin, he nudged Kira. Free sweets eh?
M Human (Chelaxian) Fighter 1 | AC 16 (t 13) (ff 13) | F+4, R+4, W+3 | CMD 16 | Init +3, Per +3 | HP 11/11 | Hero Points 1
"Might as well give it a try" says Marcelano with a half-shrug, as he lets the young half-orc woman lead him to the contest grounds he thinks she always seems so confident; I wish I could be so certain of what it is I ought to do. A-anyway, it's not like I'll be able to leave today with the consecration starting at sundown.
Last year, Windsight had arrived after the aforementioned annual competition; to be fair, the expression on his face as he saw the huge number of swallowtails fluttering around, and discovered that the festival was all about them, sort of made up for the fact - at least for him. Hearing the tease from Karina, he glances her way, seeing her sauntering off with Marcelano. "Well, if you'd wait a moment," he calls after them, and begins to reel his kite back in, after getting it only twenty or thirty feet up.
Collapsing his kite into its component sticks, then wrapping the cloth around them, he tucks the bundle into his thigh-quiver and the kite-string into his belt-pouch. "Do they have a hand-to-hand contest too?" he asks the more locally-experienced pair once he's hurried and caught up to the other two.
You ought to be red in the face, dismissing Chris just because of his clothes. The man knows what he's doing, and he's doing it well.
Rojava listens to the bard's performance and watches with interest. The music isn't of a type that she would perform herself, but it's obvious that Chris Wink has talent. The thing that really grabs her attention is his use of magic to augment his playing. Ro has been tossing around a few ideas along those lines in her head for a while, but hasn't figured out quite how to pull them off yet.
After the swallowtail release Rojava hurries straight over to talk with the bard. Chris, Mr. Wink Sir, you gave a wonderful performance. Thank you. I really appreciated the way you were using prestidigitate to add extra texture, and I'm wondering if you'd have a minute to talk about how you use magic...
She excitedly continues on about spell durations, casting without interrupting a performance, and the possibilities and limitations of spells such as prestidigitation, alter instrument, and magic mouth. Ro attracts a couple of butterflies who land on her hair and shoulder, but she's so excited about her conversation with the bard she barely notices.
Wink nods and smiles at Rojava's excitement, "Thank you. I can never know how a crowd will react to my music as it is very odd compared to most. Despite the small size of this town, with so many adherents to Gods of the fine arts, I was somewhat worried I would be booed off of the stage!
At first I was hesitant to play but when your friend fixed one of my instruments and at no cost to me, I felt compelled to do so.
Magic Mouth is indeed a terrific idea, I wish I had thought of it. Though I am not sure lyrics would work well with what I am trying to accomplish.
What I really wish to incorporate is a light show of some sort of course that would be effective only at night..."
He seems more than happy to continue the conversation wit you for as long as you continue to...
Rojava happily chats with Chris Wink for a while. Who was it who fixed your instrument? Gwyydym? That was very nice of him. I'll have to thank him for doing that if it convinced you to peform.
True, Magic Mouth wouldn't be much help in your case since it's limited to words. But I think fundamentally we are interested in the same questions. How to use magic as a multiplier in performances given spell limitations and possibilities. For example, with Magic Mouth I could sing counterpoint with myself, or sing my own backup. With two castings I could sing three point harmony or rounds. But, with the small word limit to what the spell will repeat the parts carried by spell would need to be very sort, or repetitive. Of course most of this is theoretical since my magical knowledge is still a little too limited to put these ideas into practice yet. But it's still very interesting I think to consider the ways magic might vary more simple performances...
Rojava goes on with the conversation like this for some time. At one point, as an aside, she mentions: You know you're right about lights not being very useful in situations where there is already plenty of light. But, maybe you could use the light that's there already? For example, you could use an illusion to change the colors of objects around you, like the liquids in your glass containers. If you used a patterned illusion you could set up sequences of color changes to happen following the rhythm or melody. Since it's visual a pattern that simply follows one of those, it wouldn't be too much emphasis like sound could be. And it would reduce the demands on your concentration...
After a while the conversation wraps up, and Ro bids the bard goodbye, asking where the bard hails from and promising a visit if she's ever there.
After leaving the bard, Rojava decides to take a look through the stalls to see what might be for sale.
A new scarf for traveling might be a good idea. And while I'm at it, I should check around to see if Rynshinn has set up a Vernah's stall. I could really use some time with Ryn right now.
Wink replies, "Actually Talene had someone here in town repair it for me, it is why I agreed to do this at all".
As you leave, "Thank you for the suggestions my dear, perhaps we will see each other again one day. The life of the Bard is one of travel. Good luck and Godspeed to you!"
"Damn straight!", Kira answers to Gwyd with a grin, before waving to Lia:"Slowpoke, it's your turn to pay, today!"
Lia shrugs"I guess it is, then!", and joins Gwyd and Kira in the waiting line. Once it's their turn and they picked out what delicacies they want, Lia walks up to the counter to pay.
Then, over the course of a good 30 seconds that Lia, from an outside viewers perspective, spends staring at the salesperson without speaking or blinking, a number of realizations fall like dominoes into her conscious mind.
First, having stepped into something sticky, Lia notices that she is barefoot...mentally scanning over her articles of clothing as a reaction to her barefootness she realizes that her dress is pretty much the only thing she's wearing except her component pouch necklace.
Following that train of thought, she figures out that she has no coin pouch or purse on her. Consequently it dawns on her that there is no money on her person.
Finally(after those 30 seconds) arriving on the conclusion that she cannot pay for the sweets, she turns around to Kira and Gwyd:"Uhm...could either of you borrow me some money? I kind of....left it in my room"
Gwyd chuckles as the gears all clicked into place for Lia. When Kira reminded her that all the food was free at the festival he broke out into a full body laugh.
So where should we be off to with all this delicious bounty? He mumbled through a mouthful of sticky bread.
"Oh...right..." A few moments of consideration pass, then Lia turns around to the counter..."Another handful of the honeyed nuts, please!"
Smiling at the amused Gwyddym, she looks around:"You know, if we've nothing else to do, we may go watch the others taking part in their respective competitions. Wish them luck, cheer them on, see them fail, give them a piece of free candy to make them happy again, that sort of thing!"
In the random draw ordering, Windsight is selected to go near the end of the round. He applauds vigorously when Marcelano puts his last two shots into the double-handspan-wide center of the target, the second shot dead center. Unfortunately for the thoughtful Shoanti, between that point and when it's his turn, Kira, Gwyddym, and - particularly - Lia show up to watch. Perhaps it's the being in front of a crowd, perhaps it's trying to find the sense of rightness he'd felt only yesterday when shooting at the buck. Perhaps it's the fact that there's a time limit, or that he's still working on the basics.
Most likely, though, it's the fact that Lia's there, because though the others probably can't see how his gaze shifts slightly to the side, towards his compatriots of the last year, he can feel it. His first shot strikes in the outer ring; the other two fly past the target entirely. Blushing in embarrassment and self-disgust, he trots out to recover his arrows.
Rojava wanders among the vendors’ stalls looking through the different wares on display. A Varisian woman from out of town has soaps and scents that tempt her, but she decides to wait and come back later if nothing else looks better.
Before too long Rojava comes across the Vernah’s Fine Clothing display. Unlike the other sellers’ table or two piled with clothing, Rynshinn Povalli has set up a wooden frame like the type that would support a pavilion. Many multi-armed displays adorned with clothing and accessories hang by rope from the overhead frame. Tiny bells attached to the ends of the arms jingle when a breeze moves them. The whole effect is of a collection of giant, color swathed wind chimes.
“Beautiful, you’re a clever girl Rynshinn.”
Rojava stops a few feet away to check her smile and posture, and then strolls in to look around. As she starts to browse, she glances over often at the young half-elven woman, who is occupied with customers. Eventually she catches Rynshinn’s eye. Ro mouths “Hello” while giving a quick wave. Rynshinn gives a slight nod and wave in return without breaking the conversation she is having.
Although she went in thinking about a scarf, a short cape grabs her attention. It is waist length and deep blue, with an embroidered pattern of vines and small birds along the edges.
“Oh, this is just perfect! The price is going to hurt though.”
While she’s considering the cape, Rojava notices a middle-aged woman near her who seems to be having similar difficulties with a shawl. Ro approaches her and says: “You’re making a great choice, it’s like that shawl was made just for you.” The woman purses her lips. “Oh, I don’t know dear, I’m sure it’s rather expensive. I don’t really need anything so nice.”
“But you do” Ro insists. “Your friends will envy you so. If you don’t get it, you’ll regret it later. I don’t doubt that for an instant.” Ro sees Rynshinn give her a curious look from the other side of the small space.
With only the slightest bit more cajoling from Rojava, the woman smiles mischievously. “You know you’re right. I’m going to do it.” The woman takes the shawl and walks over to Rynshinn to pay for it.
Rojava decides to take her own advice and fetches the cape from where it hangs. She waits until the woman buying the shawl leaves and Rynshinn is alone.
“Hi Rynshinn, it’s nice to see you. How have you been?" Rojava’s cheeks have gone a little pink. “I hope you’re not cross with me. I wasn’t shilling for you. That woman did look quite good in the shawl.”
Rynshinn smiles at Rojava. “It’s good to see you too Rojava. I’ve been fine, and of course I’m not cross with you. Thanks for your help. Are you enjoying the Swallowtail Festival?”
"Just call me Ro, it's mostly the people at the Cathedral who call me Rojava. Yeah, the festival is great fun.... Maybe I'll see you around out there later on...."
Rojava purchases the cape and retreats from Rynshinn’s stall thinking about what it would be like to nibble on one of those delicate ears. “I wonder if she’s ticklish?”
The day is too warm for wearing the cape, so she folds it carefully to carry under her arm.
Let me know how much to deduct for the cape purchase.
M Human (Chelaxian) Fighter 1 | AC 16 (t 13) (ff 13) | F+4, R+4, W+3 | CMD 16 | Init +3, Per +3 | HP 11/11 | Hero Points 1
As Marcelano proceeds to make his three shots for the second round his first flies just a little too high while his second and third both hit the outer ring.
Looks like that's my limit for now. Still I did better than last year. He thinks back to the pathetic showing he made last time as he smiles weakly. He proceeds to pull out his bolts from the target and goes to collect the final one from among the pile of hay stacked at the very end of the archery range.
A cloaked figure walks onto the archery range and fires a succession of 9 shots aiming at the targets from all of the other competitors. The figure wears gloves and is a few handspans shorter than the rest of the competitors.
The collected crowd murmurs as the first shot splits Marcelano's shot in half! The rest all find the bulls-eye but two which are just slightly off target.
The crowd gasps at the amazing work of the competitor, many begin to laugh as she pulls her cloak off, it is Shalelu the local Ranger.
The man judging the contest declares her the winner and hands her a small prize.
She heads over to Windsight and Marcelano, "A gift for the Cathedral". She splits half of her winnings between the two young men, 5 gold each. She then smiles and walks away into town to presumably enjoy the festivities.
Lia approaches Windy after his performance:"Sorry I was late. I meant to wish you good luck, too, not just cheer for you! Close your eyes and say Aaah"
Inmediately after, she'll place some of Windsights favorite sweets in his mouth(regardless of wether he goes along with her request, or merely opens his mouth to answer), then smiles:"I have seen you training, you have been doing a lot better then. I think when it counts, your arrows will find their mark. I mean, the target is not moving, and most things you'd shoot at are not as small as that bulls-eye."
Shortly after, Marcelano is also done with his second round, and Lia turns to him, still smiling, and offers him some Chelaxian sweets she found."I meant to wish you good luck too, which kind of ruined the plan I had. But I guess we continue right to the part where both of you get sweets!", she mentions, looking at Gwyddym and Kira, who giggles.
When Shalelu gives the two contestants both a gift, Lia will frantically search for some Elven Candy, and hold it out to her, only to have Flutter sit down on it and starting to nibble at the edges.
[dice=damage]1d4+6[/dice][dice=sneak attack]2d8[/dice][ooc]-2 on attacks vs me 1d4 rounds
Human Knife Rogue: 4|AC:17|T:13|F:13|F/R/W: +5/+8/+3|HP:40/40|BaB:+3| Init:+6 |Perc:+9|CMB:+4|CMD:18
Matrim has been moving through the crowd, trying to get people to cheer for Marcelano, while keeping an eye out for young pickpockets. Stopping any that he sees are getting into too much trouble. Crowds like this tend to gather a lot of thieves.
Gwyd pops another sweet into his mouth while Lia delves into her own stores of candy once more.
Really, both of you, great job. Certainly better than I would have fared with a bow. At least a bow that you use with arrows! He said, winking at the archers.
Gwyddym will essentially just tag along with the crowd at this point. He'll suggest heading back to meet Father Zantus as the sun starts to hit the horizon. He will occasionally summon a lute to pluck at while they wander.
A sharp retort, like the crack of distant thunder, slices through the excited crowd as the sun’s setting rays paint the western sky.
A Thunderstone! You gather together and begin to hustle through the crowds not wanting to miss the Consecration ceremony. The crowd realizes who you all are and begin to part allowing you to pass quickly.
You come around the corner and notice a stray dog that has crawled under a nearby wagon to sleep starts awake, such a cutie!
The chaotic race to the stage becomes more chaotic when a woman’s scream slices through the air. A few moments later, another scream rises, then another. Beyond them, a sudden surge of strange new voices rises—high-pitched, tittering shrieks that sound not quite human.
The crowd panic and begin to race to and fro in the streets. Something low to the ground races by, giggling with disturbing glee as the stray dog gives a pained yelp and then collapses with a gurgle, its throat cut open from ear to ear. As blood pools around its head, the raucous sound of a strange song begins, chanted from shrill, scratchy voices.
Goblins chew and goblins bite.
Goblins cut and goblins fight.
stab the dog and cut the horse,
Goblins eat and take by force!
Goblins race and goblins jump.
Goblins slash and goblins bump.
Burn the skin and mash the head,
Goblins here and you be dead!
Chase the baby, catch the pup.
Bonk the head to shut it up.
Bones be cracked, flesh be stewed,
We be goblins! You be food!
When she hears the thunderstone, Rojava begins to move with the rest of the crowd back in the direction on the stage by the Cathedral. The usual bustle toward the stage begins to go wrong though, there are a couple of screams, a loud yelp, and then strange, inhuman singing coming from her left. The crowd starts to change direction, moving away from the sounds and the people passing by her from that direction look frightened.
What's happening over there?
Rojava veers to the left to see what's going on, and breaks out of the crowd to see goblins skittering around. What? Did they come up here from Junk Beach? That's crazy!
Seeing that the goblins are menacing the people anywhere near them with weapons, she drops her pack and new cape. Readying her buckler and drawing her rapier, she moves toward them to stop the nonsense.
Since I was in a different location from the others I figure I'm either entering or on the map opposite them (I'm assuming they entered from the north and I entered from the south, but vice versa if appropriate). Rojava moves to melee distance if there is a goblin near enough and attacks. If there is no goblin within 30' Rojava moves forward 15' or 20' to put herself in front of the crowd and readies an action: attack any goblin that comes within melee distance.
Same attack and damage can be used if either occurs. Either attack will use arcane strike.
[dice=damage]1d4+6[/dice][dice=sneak attack]2d8[/dice][ooc]-2 on attacks vs me 1d4 rounds
Human Knife Rogue: 4|AC:17|T:13|F:13|F/R/W: +5/+8/+3|HP:40/40|BaB:+3| Init:+6 |Perc:+9|CMB:+4|CMD:18
Hearing the big bang, Matrim shakes his head, Party crashes... he thinks before charging after them. If he has a chance he will flank with Rojava and attack.
At the screech of the goblins and the heartrending gurgle of the dog's expiring breath, Gwyd looks around rapidly, seeing people scream and cry. Not again. Just like the fire. People everywhere, the pain, the screams. Images of orange flickering flames coursing over the old cathedral assailed him. With a shake of the head and a determination born of his love for Shelyn and the people of Standpoint, he took a breath and began to sing loudly over the din.
Brothers and sisters stand tall.
Don't let them see you falter or fall.
The gods stand with us today.
So woah ho stand up come what may!
Knowing the sun's going down, Windsight starts with the others towards the square in front of the temple, to be conspicuously present in attending the ceremony. The thundrous crack that calls the festival-goer's attention definitely hurries him up through the crowd that parts for them; he looks a little embarrassed at the prospect of being late for something they very specifically were supposed to be present for.
The cackling chant of the goblins wipes those concerns from his mind, however, as he extracts a pair of arrows from his thigh quiver. A couple of quick steps forward, and while the first arrow smacks into the wood cart above the goblins' head, the second sinks into the flesh of the goblin that had put his blade through the canine's throat.
As the battle begins in earnest the Goblin chant continues unabated.
Three Goblins scramble from under the cart the fourth remains stabbing the dog again for what reason is not clear as it just received a shot from Windsight. It lives despite the shot in the upper shoulder likely because the second shot missed high.
Goblin #1 - Charges straight north and towards Ro, well not right towards Ro, as the charge is erratic.
Matrim sees the Goblin heading in that direction and charges after it but misses. Matrim, you are now standing 15' from Ro at the northern section of the map.
Matrim:
Sure, since we are both running the Game I have no problem with you handling the maps, I appreciate it, there may even be some extra spoils in the treasure hordes specifically designed just for you!
All the same, Ro manages to slice the creatures jugular as it charges into her general vicinity, it dies a horrible gurgling death thrashing on the ground.
Goblin #2 - Seeing Matrim swing at his companion and miss while Ro succeeded, he makes the logical choice and attacks Matrim!
He connects, the dogslicer seems to slice human meat just the same as dog meat! Matrim is at 10 of 12 HP.
The remaining Goblin #3 - is enraged by Gwydd's performance and charges towards the rest of the group.
DMD ONLY:
Goblin Attack - Dogslicer 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
The Goblins' slice though is wide to the right his charge having been a bit overzealous.
The rest of the Party may GO!
The Goblin attacking Matrim is about 20' from the remainder of the party while the one that charged is within Melee range.
Seeing the small goblin horde attempt to swarm the crowd, Karina stands momentarily stunned. She shouts at them while drawing her scimitar and readying her shield, "હવે આ સ્ટોપ! તમે આ કરતાં વધુ સારી બની શકે છે! કોણ તમારા સોજો હેડ માં આ વિચાર મૂકી?"
Goblin:
"Stop this now! You can be better than this! Who put this idea in your swollen heads?"
She steps forward if necessary and swings at the closest goblin.
[dice=damage]1d4+6[/dice][dice=sneak attack]2d8[/dice][ooc]-2 on attacks vs me 1d4 rounds
Human Knife Rogue: 4|AC:17|T:13|F:13|F/R/W: +5/+8/+3|HP:40/40|BaB:+3| Init:+6 |Perc:+9|CMB:+4|CMD:18
If i got this right, I am 10 feet away from the Goblin attacking Ro, who is 15 feet away. I should be able to 5 foot step and get into range to stab one of those Goblin on Ro.
Matrim will 5 foot step and get into flanking with Ro and attack one the Goblin on him.
dagger:1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 2 = 19damage:1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8sneak attack:1d8 ⇒ 7
I believe that i got everyone's position correct. This sheet is for this game, new maps will be uploaded once your tell me to. Right now, i have loaded the current mobs, tell me when to add the dragon.
As I understood it, Ro killed the one attacking her. Leaving one Goblin that attacked you, and one that charged towards the rest of us. Karina attacked that one, and due to lack of targets, you probably attacked the one near you.
"Hu? Whats going on?" Still having happily chatted on while returning to the cathedral plaza, Lia is somewhat taken by surprise when the Goblins strike.
Upon even realizing there ARE Goblins, the others with her pretty much already dealt with them. And good, too, since she did not bring the little crossbow she owned to this formal occasion.
Looking out for more Goblins, Lia seems to be waiting.
Ready action if any new Goblin becomes visible:
Lia will cast Ghost Sound, a little(~10-15 feet) behind said Goblin, imitating a pack of dogs barking and growling, as if ready to jump at it/them.
(Will DC 13 disbelieve for those who hear it(they still hear it, but know it's not real))
Color Spraying single targets that may already be dead seems wasteful...I'd hope the chaotic little buggers instead get distracted looking for dogs that are not there-
M Human (Chelaxian) Fighter 1 | AC 16 (t 13) (ff 13) | F+4, R+4, W+3 | CMD 16 | Init +3, Per +3 | HP 11/11 | Hero Points 1
Going forward under the premise that the google doc map is accurate.
Goblins!? What could have provoked them to attack? No matter, I can't risk firing into this melee. Marcelano thinks as he rushes forward past Gwyddym and Karina while pulling out his crossbow. He quickly assumes a fighting stance as he tries to use the butt of the crossbow to bludgeon the goblin, but his momentum is too much and the goblin easily sidesteps the blow.
Moving 20' forward to the nearest goblin while drawing crossbow as Move action. Entering Empty Quiver Style as a Swift action, and attacking as a Standard.
Karina makes short work of the Goblin that charged her friends (#3) slicing a large part of the front of its head clean off while Marcelano charges at the raving Goblin (#2) who sliced open Matrim's leg but misses the agile little critter.
The Goblin under the cart (#4)
DMD ONLY:
Will save DC 13 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17
ignores the sound of barking dogs behind him and it narrows its eyes at the group.
Matrim:
Close enough! Only the Goblin under the cart is alive at the beginning of round 2.
Round 2
Matrim takes advantage of Marcelano's charge sinking his dagger into the beasts eye bringing it low, blood splattering his hand.
Lia had that right, no flank bonus there as the Goblin came after you Matrim!
Block 1 - Matrim already acted, Gwyddym, Rojava, Windsight.
Block 2 - Goblins #4 located under the cart.
Block 3 - Karina, Lia, Marcelano.
Rojava walks over to about ten feet from the goblin under the cart. She readies herself in case the goblin decides to attack her and then calls out to the goblin.
You're all by yourself now. You might as well drop your slicer and come on out. We won't hurt you if you give up.
Readied attack if the goblin approaches to within melee range with weapon in hand. Immediate action for Arcane Strike
[dice=damage]1d4+6[/dice][dice=sneak attack]2d8[/dice][ooc]-2 on attacks vs me 1d4 rounds
Human Knife Rogue: 4|AC:17|T:13|F:13|F/R/W: +5/+8/+3|HP:40/40|BaB:+3| Init:+6 |Perc:+9|CMB:+4|CMD:18
I'll move the NPC's, but everyone else has to move their own guy from here on out. Map is current. Any creature in the white area of the map is dead unless otherwise stated by DMD.
I'll move the NPC's, but everyone else has to move their own guy from here on out. Map is current. Any creature in the white area of the map is dead unless otherwise stated by DMD.
Feel free to interact in the Gameplay thread. The adventure will start once everyone has checked in on the Gameplay side. No need to use your sample post as your first post unless you want to.
A bit about me.
I have been running and playing D&D since I was 12. In high school I ran a 2ed Ravenloft campaign off and on as players were interested and available.
In college I ran a VAMPIRE the Masquerade game with the characters hitting snapshots of time from 1190 to 2000.
Since 2002 Table Top I have run:
A 3.0/3.5 Forgotten Realms campaign from 1st to 37th level utilizing various 2ed and 3ed modules as well as home brew adventures.
The Age of Worms (plus other side quests) with the characters topping out at to 24th level.
I now run a Waterdeep based campaign with the players at 7th level having just arrived at New Waterdeep in Maztica.
Since 2012 here on the Boards I have run:
A V20 Dark Ages game on the boards for 3+ years currently with 13 players one from each Clan.
I stepped in to DM a 5E Ravenloft campaign when the DM disappeared.
A Way of the Wicked game which two other DM's vanished from.
A Call of Cthulhu campaign Beyond the Mountains of Madness.
And now this.
I also play in about 12 other campaigns.
Point being i have been doing this for a while and I will not vanish as I have seen many DM's on these boards do.
Thank you for picking up a second table. I look forward to finally playing through this AP. Do you have any preferences for the format of status bars?
Not a problem, there were just to many good submissions to allow so many people to not get in a game!
Plus I find that it is hard to get into a game when there is not a big track record of already being in games which is why I seriously considered prior PbP history for this group.
This is an interesting group mix with no dedicated healer. However 2 Bards with Cure Light Wounds, a Druid, and a Paladin should make up for that collectively.
No preference for status bar formats.
I will handle all Perception & Initiative checks for the PC's on my side and do Block Initiative to remain consistent in what I am doing in my WoTW game as it has been working well so far. I am not a huge online map DM but if it becomes necessary I will seek some out. I generally prefer to explain the scene in front of the PCs than use maps.
One of Karina's archetypes does replace spell-casting and another replaces Mercies. So, she's not a healing focused paladin. Her specialty is protecting others and shining a bright light into the darkness.
She still has her base Lay-on-hands ability for some healing later, she'll be able to do some other things with it.
As for maps, since I do most of my posting from mobile devices (phone and tablet) I've found that Google Slides is the "best" option. Or at least the one where I don't have to ask others to move my avatar. It's got all the features of Google Drawings, but also a native app.
She still has her base Lay-on-hands ability for some healing later, she'll be able to do some other things with it.
As for maps, since I do most of my posting from mobile devices (phone and tablet) I've found that Google Slides is the "best" option. Or at least the one where I don't have to ask others to move my avatar. It's got all the features of Google Drawings, but also a native app.
When I think of Paladin healing I generally think of Lay on Hands.
Should we figure out some prior relationships and so forth considering our fairly long shared past at the beginning?
Feel free to do so. I will not require it though.
While you may all study at the same Cathedral, you all worship different Gods and have different duties which the Gods expect from you. So it is possible that some of you may have passed by one another for years without engaging each other.
I once went out on a date with a girl I spent three years in Law School with including overlapping classes and our first date the was the first time we ever spoke to one another.
So, we have a Sarenite paladin, two bards (one Desnan, one Shelynite), a Gozreh druid, an Abadaran ranged fighter, an Erastilian monk, and a Desnan arcanist. A very interesting and unusual group.
One thing that I'm noticing is that we may be skewed a bit toward ranged combat with a ranged fighter, a zen archer, and my intention to go ranged with Rojava. Think I should plan to be more of a melee skirmisher?
M Human (Chelaxian) Fighter 1 | AC 16 (t 13) (ff 13) | F+4, R+4, W+3 | CMD 16 | Init +3, Per +3 | HP 11/11 | Hero Points 1
Definitely think that this will be an interesting group to be a part of. It will be nice to see how Marcelano learns to get along with the less lawfully inclined members of the party.
Edit: Block Initiative? What's that? I'm unfamiliar with the term.
Definitely think that this will be an interesting group to be a part of. It will be nice to see how Marcelano learns to get along with the less lawfully inclined members of the party.
I'd been hoping to get in with Rojava - that icon is just so cheerful!!
I don't know if Sandpoint has ever had ... oh, wait, it has. Sandpoint officially has 1,240 people, so it's a small town, and isn't actually all that large; going off the map, it's got at most 125 families, and maybe a lot fewer. Going with 125, though, puts the average at 10 people per family - 1 grandparent living with the family, 2 adults, and 7 children, some of whom may be old enough to be considered adults. Going off typical sociology, most everyone will 'recognize everyone by sight', even if you don't know their name. Going off various sociological research of medieval-level societies (I cannot recommend S. John Ross's Medieval Demographics Made Easy enough), there'll be 31 members of the clergy, but only 2 actual priests. With Sandpoint, that might actually shift a bit in favor of the clerics - 6 clerics, one for each god, and 27 members of the clergy (i.e. acolytes, etc.), including us. We should all know each other by face and name, especially since (I presume) we're all living on the temple grounds itself (that square of buildings 'behind' the temple I would guess to be living quarters, kitchen, etc.).
Except for myself, all of you have been in Sandpoint, living at the temple complex, for at least 4 years; there is only a maximum age difference of five years - and though the 15-year-old half-ork is a close-combat sort and the 20-year-old human isn't, I can easily imagine the former being used as a live training partner for the latter in developing his emergency-close-combat skill. Otherwise, well, I can't imagine not knowing who the people living in my own dorm are.
I know Windsight (which is the name everyone would know him by - the alias'll change by the 10th post, just getting y'all used to him) will readily practice with both Marcelano (ranged) and Karina (close); since Panther Style is something I'm planning on him having, he'll keep his close combat capabilities in working order. I can see him debating with both of them and, actually, all three of them being something of a trio, Marcelano and Windsight being the eldest and Karina being more upright than the rest. (The Three Lawfuls, if you will, even though Windsight's 'lawful' is more 'structure and discipline' than 'laws of men'. :P )
I think Windsight would get along well with Lia, despite her Desnain (Desnaic?) apparent flightiness; he's an often-preoccupied sort himself, and I think he would understand if she, in the middle of a conversation, just stopped speaking and started thinking - or even just wandered off. (I think he might treat her as a little sister, if he doesn't have a secret crush on her. Not sure.) He'd definitely enjoy making a kite for her. (Speaking of which - Craft (Kites) into Craft (Bows) or no? I'm good either way.)
Rojava and Gwyddym probably make music together, playing and singing and dancing. (I notice, though, that Rojava doesn't have Perform (String) - has to default, but it's a +3, so ... ;) Might move a point from K-Nature into it, I dunno. :P ) They might also be involved, considering they're the same age. I think Windsight would acknowledge and enjoy their music, but I'm not sure how much they otherwise have in common; combat practice with Rojava (Gwyddym's is still undefined) at the very least.
Believe it or not, the only one I see as being potentially misanthropic in this group is Thorn (or Rat, whichever he prefers). I do think Windsight might connect with him in a bass-ackwards sort of way, as Windsong's a hunter, Thorn a druid; they may well spend time together outside of the city.
Anyhow. That's my two coppers worth!!
To help things along, here's a useful list ...
Character . . . . . . . . | . . Player . . | . Race . | M/F | Age | Sandpoint | Algn | . Deity . .| Class Marcelano Alazario . | HenshinFan |. Human .| . M . .| . 20 . | . 4 years . |. LN . | . Abadar .| Fighter
Lia Tani . . . . . . . . . . | Mordred'o'F |. Human .|. . F . | . 16 . | . 4 years . |. CG . | . Desna . | Arcanist (Blood Arcanist, Dreamspun Bloodline)
Rojava Brishen . . . . .| . rdknight . |. Human .|. . F . .| . 18 . | . 6 years . |. CG . | . Desna . | Bard
Hudok 'Windsight' . . | . . TWO . . . |. Human .| . M . .| . 23 . |. . 1 year . | . LN . | . Erastil . .| Monk (Qinggong Zen Archer)
Thorn 'Rat' . . . . . . . . | . . 12.5% . .|. Human .| . M . .| . 15 . | 5-8 years | . TN . | . Gozreh .| Druid
Karina of the Flame .| Demon Lurk | Half-Orc |. . F . .| . 15 . | . 7 years . |. LG . | Sarenrae | Paladin (Divine Defender, Warrior of the Holy Light, Sacred Shield)
Gwyddym Soarsong | Bimpnottin . |. Human .| . M . .| . 18 . | 18 years . |. NG . | . Shelyn . | Bard
Looking For ...:
Just as a side note - I am still looking for someone to jump into my own (homebrew) game on the boards here, Homecoming. You would be stepping in to create a specific character - a changeling paladin from well out of town. (Eberron-shapeshifting changeling, not PF-standard child-of-a-hag changeling.) Those restrictions - changeling race, paladin class, comes from out of town - is all that is required for the character, as everything else is up in the air / undefined. Drop me a PM if you're interested.
I am currently visiting family over part of the holidays. While I do have internet access and a laptop here, I won't be making many or long posts until I'm back home monday or tuesday-
But let me say that I'm very happy to be here, and doubly so that we're with an GM that won't disappear :)
I think TWO had an interesting point there...since Sandpoint is small, we should probably at least have some prior knowledge of each other. Especially because we're such an exclusive "club" of "choosen-by-the-gods" youths.
Can't quite imagine the "yeah, you are truly special, uniquely choosen by your god. There's a couple others like that here at the cathedral but you won't ever talk to them"-version...I'm open, of course, but I think it's a more natural setup if we do know each other...how much we interacted still is open, of course(as TWO so aptly described Lia, she may not be everybody's cup of tea for friendship/prolonged social interaction...and I guess other characters have their own quirks on which to base how much time is spent between any 2 individuals)
(on that note, TWO: I'm open to both a little sister role and a secret crush one, we can take things fluidly and see what direction we go - She'd definitely enjoy spacing out while watching a Kite dance in the wind-)
either way, checking in, and I think it's a very interesting and great table. Also, it would be interesting to know if Marcellano is commited to ranged or open to switch-hitting. It DOES seem we are rather ranged-based. But will need to take a closer look at everybody again when I'm back home to get a feel for things :)
Yeah, I can imagine Lia and Windsight on a cliff or the beach, flying a kite or two or three for a good long while. I can also easily imagine Windsight crafting butterfly kites. And while I'm not sure a butterfly shape would work for a two-line stunt kite, I'm sure a bow shape would work ... ;) (And maybe he treats her like a little sister -because- he has a secret crush on her ... ;) )
Edit: Block Initiative? What's that? I'm unfamiliar with the term.
Just saw that when reading again...basically it amounts to "US vs THEM" style combat.
so not
Player 1, Player 2, Enemy 1, Player 3, Player 4, Enemy 2, Enemy 3, Player 5, Enemy 4, Player 6, Player 7, Enemy 5,
but rather
Players, Enemies
If initiative for enemies is in the middle of players, such as Players 1-4, Enemies, Players 5-7, then it basically turns into
Players 1-4 act
Enemies
All players
Enemies
It's a rough explanation, but it works a lot better in pbp than regular initiative, as theres no "waiting" for actions or your turn to come up for players. You come online, you can post, because the tactical situation won't change(barring actions of other players, but mostly with blocks it's "first post, first act", so you don't need to wait on other players actions.)
Sorry for the long post, and apologies to GM if my understanding of Block Initiative from the other games I am in is different from his, but I thought I can try and explain it.
Edit: Block Initiative? What's that? I'm unfamiliar with the term.
Just saw that when reading again...basically it amounts to "US vs THEM" style combat.
so not
Player 1, Player 2, Enemy 1, Player 3, Player 4, Enemy 2, Enemy 3, Player 5, Enemy 4, Player 6, Player 7, Enemy 5,
but rather
Players, Enemies
If initiative for enemies is in the middle of players, such as Players 1-4, Enemies, Players 5-7, then it basically turns into
Players 1-4 act
Enemies
All players
Enemies
It's a rough explanation, but it works a lot better in pbp than regular initiative, as theres no "waiting" for actions or your turn to come up for players. You come online, you can post, because the tactical situation won't change(barring actions of other players, but mostly with blocks it's "first post, first act", so you don't need to wait on other players actions.)
Sorry for the long post, and apologies to GM if my understanding of Block Initiative from the other games I am in is different from his, but I thought I can try and explain it.
Wow! A demographic breakdown of Sandpoint! That's the kind of thinking I can appreciate! One thing that should probably get thrown into the analysis is that Golarion, at least those parts detailed, don't tend to follow medieval family patterns all that faithfully. When families are detailed they tend to look more like modern families, well say late 20th century modern families with 2-3 kids. (Now what the farmers out in the boonies around town might be different) Also there are more single individuals than would fit the pattern. So, more more likely a larger number of families (or households) with a smaller number of members each.
Rojava uses her rebec as an accompanying instrument only. She'd never play it without singing. I see it as the difference between a person who sings and plays piano to accompany the singing, versus someone who plays piano in concert. I any case I'll be picking up string at 2nd level.
It's hard to imagine that Rojava wouldn't know everyone, that's sort of her business, but as for compatibilities, let's see. She and Gwyydym would seem to be a logical match, but there's a lot of ambiguity there. They might be good friends. Rojava might have broken his heart :P But Rojava is a free agent baby, and friends, possibly with occasional bennies is as far as that would go. They could also be rivals, a less likely direction for Rojava, but it also depends on how Gwyydym is played. I could also see them as having difficulties communicating about music due to different philosophies of it. If Gwyydym is focused on the music itself as art as a Sheylynite, while Rojava sees it as a medium for communicating with others, they might not get each other very well. Sort of like putting Philip Glass and Bob Dylan in a room together.
I can see Rojava not mixing too easily with the lawful types, nothing too difficult but a "sticks up butts" versus "mend your ways" type of friction. Again depends on individual play. Probably Rojava and Windsight would be most comfortable with each other?
Whether or not Rojava and Ratsy actually hang out, they have broadly compatible socio-political views.
Individual reactions to Lia may vary but in the end I think she's going to be everyone's little sister. Rojava would view her as an adorable puzzle.
One thing for Windsight. There is a monk in town (House of Blue Stones? Something like that?) A woman that he would almost certainly know. He might train with her, etc.
Thanks for the info on block initiative Mordred, and very good insight into character connections TWO. I was already starting to think along similar lines as you regarding who Marcelano would associate the most with from the other blessed children.
In fact I think that Windsight would be the one Marcelano would most likely consider a friend at the start as I see their initial approaches being very similar, though as Marcelano gets more "stick-up-butt" regarding the letter of the law as he learns the laws of the land by picking up Knowledge (Local); I think he'll start trying others patience and someone (I'm actually seeing Karina for this though if others get to it first c'est la vie) chews him out on it causing him to reflect and instigates his turn to LG.
Edit: Where's the gameplay thread? Been looking for it but haven't had any luck.
Oddly, with their similar background (Rat in Magnimar and Karina in Riddleport) there may be some bonding between Rat and Karina. Although she views civilization and the laws of man as things that raised her up out of darkness. She'll probably have tried to convince him of that, so they may have had a falling out over that.
Martial training with Marcelano and Windsight makes a lot of sense. Her being the target of blunted arrows works to all their strengths. The shield has always been her strong point, moreso than the sword.
Until the late unpleasantness, she probably tried to convert goblins from the beach. But after the fire and Father Tobyn's death, she has simply watched them. (They would likely been violent at some point.)
While charismatic, she has never been interested in the arts, so I'm not sure she'd really connect with the bards. Lia on the other hand is destined to start out as everyone's little sister (a very River Tam vibe there).
Also, it would be interesting to know if Marcellano is commited to ranged or open to switch-hitting. It DOES seem we are rather ranged-based. But will need to take a closer look at everybody again when I'm back home to get a feel for things :)
Marcellano has taken Empty Quiver Style, which makes it seem like he's pretty committed to ranged, Of course fighters have so many feats they're almost automatically switch hitters. I've never seen one in action, but by reputation zen archers can melee with a bow very well.
What I wonder is if we will have anyone who can deal high enough damage to end fights quickly. If I were to use my combat allocated feats to melee rather than ranged Rojava could help out. With weapon finesse, arcane strike, and a keen rapier, along with snake style, I can stay in melee alright I think. Snake style would let me use sense motive for my AC and I can use versatile performance to substitute my perform singing for sense motive on the rolls. But I won't hit as reliably and my damage will be lower.
By mid levels we should be doing okay I think, but it looks like every melee option will take a while to come online. We could be hurting at low levels, and we may be lacking in damage output at high levels.
Ugh, I'm very sorry Karina, I forgot about you! With so many of us maybe we're fine for melee damage, even though sword and board tends to be lower damage, You'll still have those smites!
I like the group because of the balance, there are no hevy duty frontliners or blasters, a bunch of Batmen who will need to approach combat strategically. Should make for a really interesting campaign as we proceed!
Once everyone checks in on the I/C thread I will move the game forward.
Over the course of the next 10 days the group can also finalize their various ties to one another.
I will be away the first through the 6th and will update as I am able.
Ugh, I'm very sorry Karina, I forgot about you! With so many of us maybe we're fine for melee damage, even though sword and board tends to be lower damage, You'll still have those smites!
Yeah, no smite. Yet another archetype trade-off.
PRD wrote:
Bastion of Good (Su)
At 1st level, a sacred shield can call upon the powers of good to defend her and her allies against evil. This ability functions as smite evil, except that the paladin gains no benefit on attack or damage rolls against her target. Instead, any attacks the target makes against allies within 10 feet of the paladin deal half damage. Attacks against the paladin deal full damage, but the paladin gains a deflection bonus to her AC equal to her Charisma bonus (if any) against attacks made by the target of the smite. This bonus increases by +1 for every four paladin levels (to a maximum of +6 at 20th level). As with smite evil, if the paladin targets a creature that is not evil, her bastion of good ability is wasted with no effect. Feats, abilities, and the like that increase a paladin’s number of uses of smite evil per day increase a sacred shield’s uses of bastion of good per day.
This ability replaces smite evil.
Karina is all about surviving the long haul. And helping others do the same. Damage output does seem to be our weak point.
I think Windsight will at least enjoy the bards; I would tend to believe (have to do more reading to make sure) that the Shoanti tend more towards skaldic performances, epic sagas and the like - singing, simple instruments, driving rhythms, etc. I haven't thought about his singing voice, though, which is something I usually do. Hm.
I did plot out Windsight's future; once we hit 2nd level Windsight will be the next best thing to a front-line fighter, with 3 standard AoOs for those bad guys who try to break his bow; he's already got a competitive AC. When we hit 3rd he WILL effectively be a front-line fighter, something that gets boosted (AC-wise) at 4th, when he's got 3 standard AoOs + 1 movement AoO, flurry, and 1d8 base melee damage.
I think our main tactics will be suppression fire - wound and let the hardest come in one at a time, take out the rabble; anyone who -really- wants to shoot the opposition in close combat with our front-liner(s) should of course pick up Precise Shot if you haven't already. I disagree that we don't have any heavy damage-dealers; while we may not have an 18 or 20 STR among us, I think we average a pretty good damage output - and anyone Lia touches with her 'bit of luck' power is going to be hammering the enemy. (That works for the -entire- round!!)
Incidentally, re: Lia - you think Windsight taught her unarmed combat, perhaps? Or maybe the two go down to the House of Blue Stones two or three times a week ...
I do wonder some about the un-archetyped characters; were you guys considering archetyping, but wanted to see what was needed, or did y'all want to keep your options open? I can see either way. :) I did notice that we don't have a trapspringer/lockpick among us, though ...
Also am looking to see how Gwyddym is finalized.
Speaking of finalizing - Oh Great And Powerful Oz DMD, any ruling on the two asterisked items on Windsong's character, namely a) saving the feat, and b) whether I can get 'Craft (Kite)' as part of the archery crafting? I have realized that he might've made numerous kites for kids to fly during the festival ...
There is a Trait that allows Disable Device from the Mummy's Mask Player's Guide to be as a Class Skill which would fill as an effective Trapspringer if needed (assuming someone wahts to spend a feat to get 2 traits).
I would not worry overmuch, the AP was designed for 4 PC's, your group is 7!
@Rojava+Rat...Regarding the age gap between Rojava and Rat, should actually only be 2 years...human characters usually start with 16 years earliest according to age table...so Rat should be 16, which, if you are not close to 19, could be a rather small gap of just over an year, then(you just turned 18, he could soon turn 17)-
@close-combat...the problem I see is that while everybody picking up point-blank master is very effective regardless of melee(zen archer automatic, fighter likely, etc...), ranged weapons CAN be shut down quite easily.
Increase Wind levels to where ranged combat is not viable. Fickle Winds spell. Darkness(not only spell, natural too...as mainly humans we have no darkvision or low-light vision), Solid Fog(+other Fogs, including natural). Grapple specialists, warp wood, people with improved Sunder or Disarm(not provoking)...I know most of them will have melee as a backup option, but it could still be bad for us if a single spell(e.g. Fickle Winds) can basically shut down most of our damage output and feat choices...(as the backup melee options may, without invested feats, simple not be powerful enough).
we CAN work around that, but it's something to keep in mind. I run home games, too, and there is a lot of people going for ranged combat in hopes of always getting of full attacks...and some groups have come to regret that decision, just by playing intelligent enemies as intelligent enemies...its a "all eggs in a basket"-style of play that CAN work, or fail spectaculary.
@traps: aye, i noticed that too. One option would be if one of the bards wants to pick up Archeologist Archetype. While it does NOT make them into class skills, they are absolutely great trap monkeys. Would also help to differentiate them a bit from one another if either wants that. And dual-bardic-performances...dunno...they'd have to learn to play well together first, otherwise that would probably be very disharmonic :) Just putting that out there as an option.
@River Tams vibe: I should really take the time to watch Firefly, should I not? Been planning to do so since forever, but always delayed...but now I've got an excellent excuse to do so ^_^
@Karina: Hi Ooran. Just noticed.
As said, I'll write some more about chars and in gameplay once I am back home, but it's very inconvenient using this laptop(old model, small screen, keyboard bugging out sometimes...) but I am very happy to hear that so far Lia seems a likeable character ^_^
I know you only get few chances for first impressions, but it MAY take a while with Lia to gauge the sweet spot between efficient pbp and "out there", so if she doesn't come across as imagined at first, give her a little until she's reached that point. Thanks :)
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This AP BTW tops out at level 15, will have too see what I cab run to bring the group to 20+ :-)
I love that way of thinking :)
(yay spell focused persistant(metamixing) Weird spell) (J/K...or am I?)
In my case regular bard seemed the best option for Desna and the all around feel of the character. It's really hard to beat a plain bard with any of the archetypes. The only ones I like very much are Dawnflower Dervish, Arcane Duelist, and Archaeologist.
Dawnflower Dervish is incredible. I love it! It's also obviously not an option for Desna.
Arcane Duelist is good if you really want to melee, but I kind of feel like too much is traded away for things that you can come close to with a regular bard anyway.
Archaeologist has good flavor and could about halfway work with Rojava's character fluff as written, but I think it would require a goodly amount of reworking the character for it to fly. And it's still not quite a rogue. Quite a bit of work for traps.
Two regular bards seems a bit odd for a party but we'll have inspire courage from dawn to sunset and that's what bards really contribute to a fight.
I am thinking pretty hard about going into the Evangelist prestige class when I qualify.
Is Evangelist even in? I prefer to ask first before planning for that. Aligned Class simply seems too good.
(especially for some base classes...it would increase my HD from D6 to D8, my BaB from 1/2 to 3/4th, skills from 2 to 6, 2 extra class skills, plus all the other boni. Even if I lose out on ONE caster level, evangelist would be too good to pass, alone the extra fluff possible with all those skill points...i could dance in the moonlight, and craft origami-)...
Missed that before:
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Incidentally, re: Lia - you think Windsight taught her unarmed combat, perhaps?
Could be quite likely...I saw it as a form of instinctive Aikido, but IF there's someone to train with...she can have picked it up there. In that case, she would actually try and use it for self-defense(otherwise would have just seen it as prerequisite), even if not very successful.(But funnily enough, she would likely hold her own in a tavern brawl, since MOST people would provoke when brawling, and even at -1, her damage should sum up...obviously weaving around blows and countering where it hurts, then :))
@Barbarian lock picks...doesn't even take a Barbarian :)
One of my favorite Home-Group characters was a strenght-based Dwarven Rogue fighting with Waraxe and Shield, flanking for Sneaks.
He carried a portable ram called "lockpick" that he inherited from his father...good times. Subtlety was not his strong suit, but gods was he fun to play.
Yup, it's so good it's almost embarrassing. I'm assuming that Evangelist is allowed since it is for Table 1, If it's not for us I don't mind.
I guess when you step back and think about it this is sort of a "rich people's problems" type of conversation. We're a 25 point buy party of 7, each of us with a domain. :)
And yes, you DO need to watch Firefly. The River Tam comparison to Lia is not stretching things at all.
Due to the DMing situation for Table 3 (It seems Desneans like to DM!), Rojava will be shifting to Table 3 and Matrim will be the second Desnean for Table 2 with us.
M Human (Chelaxian) Fighter 1 | AC 16 (t 13) (ff 13) | F+4, R+4, W+3 | CMD 16 | Init +3, Per +3 | HP 11/11 | Hero Points 1
For me, I went with a non-archetyped fighter because I see going for mithril breastplate and maybe even later mithril full-plate as being solid options when combined with Armor Training's bonuses and my focus on dexterity. The Empty Quiver style is more of a back-up in case someone tries to take me on directly. I also didn't want to give up Weapon Training because of the advanced weapon training options I was planning on taking like Versatile Training at 9th level for perception and stealth, and at 13th Focused Weapon to give my crossbow some extra damage; at 13th I also pick up Ace Trip which if you've read it is pretty solid letting me attempt to "trip" flying enemies to send them plummeting to the ground. Was going to pick up the Burrowing Shot weapon mastery feat at 16th via the Advanced Weapon Training feat for the Weapon Mastery option. If you can't tell I really like the options from Weapon Master's Handbook.
M Human (Chelaxian) Fighter 1 | AC 16 (t 13) (ff 13) | F+4, R+4, W+3 | CMD 16 | Init +3, Per +3 | HP 11/11 | Hero Points 1
Overall? Excellent, one of the best Player's Companion's I have ever seen. If your character uses a weapon there's something in there for you. Does it "fix" the fighter? Not completely no, but its definitely part of a trend towards that goal that started with the Ranged Tactics Toolbox. It personally has my expectations set quite high for the upcoming Armor Master's Handbook.
