"Wait!" calls a voice from behind you. It is Aerys Mavato, the half-elf woman. She is standing and pointing at Jask and Mikail. "You aren't really going to let that...that...criminal...go are you? How do you know he's not a murderer or a raper? Why would you just free him?" she cries clearly frightened of the prospect.
Status: poisoned (-5 Dex); Conjurer 1 | AC 12 T 12 FF 10 | HP 9/12 | F +2 R +2 W +3 | Init +8 | Perc +2
[v]"Because whatever his crimes, to leave him bound this way, deserted as we are on an unfamiliar and probably hostile island, is likely a death sentence. I will not have that on my conscience. If we manage to escape this situation and return to civilisation alive, his status as a prisoner or criminal will become relevant once more."[/b]
Male Human from Absalom Bard (archivist) 1 (AC 15, HP 13, Fort +2 Reflex +3 Will +2, Perc +4, Init +1, Atk Rapier +1, 1d6+1, Spells slots: 4/2 Bardic performance 7/7)
"He has the right to a chance of living, and regardless of his crimes I hope he is wise enough to recognize that his best survival option is to collaborate with us.
Enlightened self interest is a strong motivating force."
HP 10/10, 0 NL, AC Chelaxian Human ***INACTIVE*** Life Oracle/1
Dragolan shakes his head. "All that is true, of course, but Aerys has a point. Jask, why have you been restrained, and how can you prove what you say?"
She sends icy glares at each of you. "If anything happens, I will hold each of you personally responsible. You may all end up in chains before we are through here." she then stomps off into the jungle beyond the beach, disappearing into the undergrowth.
"I am not sure my protestations of innocence can be proven in this setting," says Jask wearily. "However, should we really be on The Smuggler's Shiv, perhaps there is a longshot. Just perhaps the great god Nethys brought me here for a reason. I am happy to explain, once these shackles are off." He shakes his hands for good effect, watching the half-elf stomp off into the canopy.
Male Human from Absalom Bard (archivist) 1 (AC 15, HP 13, Fort +2 Reflex +3 Will +2, Perc +4, Init +1, Atk Rapier +1, 1d6+1, Spells slots: 4/2 Bardic performance 7/7)
"It is always the last one"
Wry smile.
"Mainly because you stop trying when you find the right one, so nothing follow it."
Rubbing his wrists where the manacles cinched him for so long, Jask sighs. "It is good to be free again. But it is rather ironic to be shipwrecked instead," he laughs the good-natured laugh you have heard from him before.
"My story is not a terribly exciting one, but I will tell it, since there seems to be nothing else to do on the beach today." he says with a wry smile.
"A long time ago, I worked in the Sargavian government in Eleder. The Governor-General there was afraid of the growing power of the pirates of The Shackles. Their piracy was choking off trade to Sargava, and the colony had little seapower to stop them. The Governor met secretly with the pirate captains and paid them off. I uncovered evidence of those illicit and corrupt deals, but instead of being hailed a hero, I was framed for the very crimes I had discovered."
"Faced with imprisonment, I fled to Corentyn where i lived a modest life as a scribe for nearly a decade. But recently, a Sargavan agent caught up with me and put me in irons. I was dragged aboard the Jenivere to be returned to my homeland to stand trial for crimes I did not commit. And here you find me, now doomed to die on this desert island instead."
He looks forlorn for a moment, his black eyes lustrous and brimming with tears. But he quickly blinks them away, "Unless of course you have other plans for us!"
"As I said, if we are indeed on the Shiv, then perhaps Fate has had on more final joke on me. You see, the pirate leader that was my superior's contacts --and took the bribes and Saragava's honor -- his ship was said to have foundered on the rocks of this very isle. The Brine Demon commanded by Avert Kinkarian. If we could find that ship, there may be evidence which exonerates me."
Male Human from Absalom Bard (archivist) 1 (AC 15, HP 13, Fort +2 Reflex +3 Will +2, Perc +4, Init +1, Atk Rapier +1, 1d6+1, Spells slots: 4/2 Bardic performance 7/7)
His story seem plausible, but hearing hime tell it, he seem sincere? Sense motive:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 Not enough to get an opinion
and Mikail know anything about the Brine Demon or this process against a pirate collaborator?
"Well, finding other wrecks and taking anything useful from them is surely worth doing, so I think we will have a chance to find the Brine Demon remains."
HP 10/10, 0 NL, AC Chelaxian Human ***INACTIVE*** Life Oracle/1
"We will certainly keep a weather eye out, as they say. Perhaps that will convince the recalcitrant Aerys." While he speaks, the oracle busies himself getting the salvaged equipment up above the tide line. "Now, we have a larger and more immediate problem. Survival is not too much at issue, once you discount the degenerate descendants of previously-wrecked sailors and whatever odd beasts are to be found here. What we need is a way to signal a passing ship."DM, from the Desperation Bay map do we have any idea where on the Shiv we would be most likely to be able to hail a passing ship?
Varya nods after hearing Jask's story.
"Then perhaps we have a destination to head towards while trying to find a way off the island. But we need to stick together, I am going to go try to calm Aerys down"
Male Human from Absalom Bard (archivist) 1 (AC 15, HP 13, Fort +2 Reflex +3 Will +2, Perc +4, Init +1, Atk Rapier +1, 1d6+1, Spells slots: 4/2 Bardic performance 7/7)
Mikail gaze follow Aerys.
Maybe I should ... No, my actions have upset Aerys. It is not a good idea to be the one that try to calm her. I should leave that to Varya.
Mikhail has heard of the scandal in question, the Sargavan government paying "protection" to the pirate captains of the Shackles. He does not know enough of the details to confirm or deny Jask Derindi's story or account however.
From what you know about the map of Desperation Bay, and from the legends of Smuggler's Shiv, that some of you may have heard, you believe that most shipping passes far away from the hull-crunching rocks and reefs of this spit of land.
Such understanding also makes you wonder why the Jenivere was close enough to founder here.
If you are considering trying to signal a ship, then perhaps the highest ground you can find would be useful.
Varya, if you speak with Aerys, please make a diplomacy check to try and change her attitude towards the survivors.
Male Human from Absalom Bard (archivist) 1 (AC 15, HP 13, Fort +2 Reflex +3 Will +2, Perc +4, Init +1, Atk Rapier +1, 1d6+1, Spells slots: 4/2 Bardic performance 7/7)
Mikail shares what little he know with the others.
After catching up with Aerys, Varya tries to calm her down a bit.
"We need to work together right now. We were all dumped here together, and the others that traveled to the wreckage believe that the captain may have been the cause.
Please, just come back to the camp and we can explain what we found, and hopefully find a way off this island together."
HP 10/10, 0 NL, AC Chelaxian Human ***INACTIVE*** Life Oracle/1
Dragolan contemplates the charts, shaking his head. "No one sane seems to come anywhere near this place, I fear. I don't recall any storms that might have blown us off course; if none of you do, either, I am forced to conclude that the captain brought the ship here for a reason. But that is not the most important thing.
"For the purpose of our survival, we must determine where we are, and what threats are present on the island. I suggest that we divide our group of castaways into two--a home base, if you will, and an exploration team. The explorers will, well, explore the immediate vicinity of the base; once that is done, everyone will cooperate on moving the base to another convenient place to explore from. We continue until we have completely explored the island, been rescued, or died. Then (assuming the first case, of course!) we find the best place to light a beacon and wait."
Male Human from Absalom Bard (archivist) 1 (AC 15, HP 13, Fort +2 Reflex +3 Will +2, Perc +4, Init +1, Atk Rapier +1, 1d6+1, Spells slots: 4/2 Bardic performance 7/7)
"We don't have much food. What we have will last about 5 days. I have brought 2 nets from the wreck, we should try to rig up a fish trap. some of you has experience with that?
And the people staying at the base camp should try to gather what they can while the explorers should forage along the way.
We need to find a source of potable water too. And move our equipment further inland."
Survival - take 10:10 + 414 = 424 Someone using the aid another action will welcome
Mikail try to organize a camp.
- * -
After the camp has been set up.
"Well, this is the best we can do, for now. I would like to be in the exploring group. We have other volunteers?"
HP 10/10, 0 NL, AC Chelaxian Human ***INACTIVE*** Life Oracle/1
In reply, Dragolan smiles. "Potable water is not a concern, my friend. I have magic to pull the salt out of sea water; as long as we are close to the shore and I am alive, I will be able to provide all the water we need."
Unfortunately, I can't take 10 on an Aid Another, though Dragolan has +5 Survival so he's got a pretty good chance to make it. By RAW, Dragolan and Mikail between them can take 10 and move at half overland speed while still feeding themselves and four more people.
As Varya speaks softly and skillfully to the angry half-elf woman, she begins to stop crying. In fact, Varya is pleased to see, she even begins to listen.
"You really think the captain was the problem? He and that scholarly Varisian hussy? I do see that blaming the rest of you for our plight is a bit foolish. Do you think they'll take me back after I acted so awfully? I am afraid, and don't want to be alone, but I am not good with people either. Will you help smooth it over out there?"
As you start to head back to the beach with the others, she stops you, putting a hand on your arm. "Can I tell you something? A secret? I trust you for some reason."
As it is getting on to mid-afternoon, the relentless heat of the sun is starting to bear down on you all.
Please make a DC 15 Fort save vs heat. You'll need one for each hour of exposure between 12:00 noon and 3pm, the main heat of the day. If a shelter gets built staying in the shade negates the need. While the jungle provides shade, the humidity makes up for it, and the checks will be required there also.
Mikail finds what he thinks is a suitable site for a base camp, and he begins work on clearing the rocks, leveling the sand, and rigging up shelters, using the big canvas sails foraged from the wrecked ship.
By text, building a shelter on a good camp site takes 8 hours, reduced by 1 hour for every two points the base DC is exceeded. In this case, we can predict 7 hours to build the campsite. Which will provide some safety for sleeping, from disease, and heat later on. Mikail is tied up until evening working on his shelter.
Someone should track how much food and water you have. A medium creature consumes a gallon of water and a pound of decent food each day to avoid starvatino effects. In hot climates, twice as much water (so 2 gallons per character, per day. Create Water or Purify Food and Drink remove the need to track water supplies. Hunting requires a DC 10 Survival check and 4 hours of time provides food for self; for every 2 you exceed the DC you provide food for another person.
Jask Derindi pipes up at the mention of water. "Now that you have restored the Eye to me, and freed my hands, I to can create water enough for us to drink. With that, if we split up, both groups will have water. I propose to stay with the camp. I can hunt a bit, and also can act as medic if someone gets injured...or worse."
Jask has geared back up in his suit of leather armor, buckled on his dagger, and spell pouch, and brandishes his holy symbol plainly. The two potions of curing are at his belt. You can tell he is quite pleased to have his gear back.
Freeing Jask makes him friendly to the party (he was indifferent to start). Making him friendly also earns the party 25xp per player. That makes your cumulative total 233/2000 or about 12% to level 2.
Male Human from Absalom Bard (archivist) 1 (AC 15, HP 13, Fort +2 Reflex +3 Will +2, Perc +4, Init +1, Atk Rapier +1, 1d6+1, Spells slots: 4/2 Bardic performance 7/7)
Fort save:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 Fort save:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 Fort save:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
You can do the aid another action to help Mikail set up the camp. Every success against a DC of 10 give us a +2 and cut the time needed by an hour.
Doctor Evil, beside the mess I have done with the number in the check (it show that I was half asleep), 14 is 4 points above the base DC of 10, so it should be 6 hors if Mikail alone do it.
"Guys, help me setting up a shelter. it will greatly enhance our chances of surviving.
Mikail try to convince the NPC to help too.
A single diplomacy check for all of them is enough or I should make one foe each of them?
Sorry, the base DC of setting up safe camp is not 10, but 12. So your 14 shaves off one hour. Also, the DC's of the Fort saves are increasing each hour of exposure, so 15, 16, 17. Failing means 1d4 of nonlethal and fatigue for the character in question.
Mikail failed save:1d4 ⇒ 2 that's 2 NL for Mikail and fatigued condition.
As Mikhail looks for assistance with his project, he asks each of the castaways for a hand. Jask Derindi seems to be deep in prayer or meditation, perhaps preparing his spells, and does not respond. Aerys and Varya are still off in the jungle somewhere and cannot be asked just yet.
The gnome looks askance at the industrious Mikhail who is building the shelter. When asked to assist he quips:
"I am happy to live in the shelter, but I don't know a thing about building...If we were in Absalom, I'd be much more in my element, friend. If you need anything, I'll be right over here, taking a nap.
Sasha Nevah, finally back from the surf, eyes the bard curiously. "We aren't staying here long, are we? I mean, won't someone come and save us? I don't see the point in building anything."
Ishirou, who hasn;t spoken a word since the wreck, gets up from his squatting position when asked to help. He nods to Mikhail, and then begins to assist, showing the bard how to tie certain sailor's knots that will help secure the tent in wind. He grunts as he works, and makes a few hand motions, but does not speak.
Ishirou survival, aid:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
That help will shave another hour off the project time, making it 6 hours now.
HP 10/10, 0 NL, AC Chelaxian Human ***INACTIVE*** Life Oracle/1
"Ah, Sasha. We don't know how long it will take before we are rescued; the Shiv, I am told, has a bad reputation as a graveyard of ships, so wise captains steer well clear of it. Perhaps we will find a way off of the island quickly, but I fear we will be here for some time."
Fort save, first hour:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 Fort save, second hour:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 Fort save, third hour:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Dragolan will also assist with setting up camp, complaining loudly about the difficulty of the work, why it has to be done in the heat of the day, and generally being kind of a pain. However, despite his complaints he manages to work tirelessly for the first two hours, only flagging towards the end of the time.
Male Human from Absalom Bard (archivist) 1 (AC 15, HP 13, Fort +2 Reflex +3 Will +2, Perc +4, Init +1, Atk Rapier +1, 1d6+1, Spells slots: 4/2 Bardic performance 7/7)
"We need to collaborate to survive. Gelik, even if you know nothing about constructing a shelter you can help moving stuff.
If you want to eat now you can gather some wood to cook the food.
Sasha, look the rocks, see if there is some edible
mollusc.
Thanks for the help Dragolan, Ishirou."
Fatigued: –2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity
2 non lethal damage
Varya nods knowingly. "I think they will understand if people are a bit on edge, it's a stressful time for everyone. And yes, I think Ieana is part of it too, those two are the only ones unaccounted for now, we found both Chef Rambar and First Mate Alton aboard the shipwreck, and they did not die of natural causes."
Varya stops to listen to Aerys. "Of course, you have my word that it will stay between us unless you want to share with the others."
Food log: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tRhMNJzj3f6W-YRB9u6VqKcZmSR4ioqagMQ 0tLxHtvM/edit?usp=sharing
As far as what we have found, we have 24 rations (shipwreck storeroom), and by the end of the day that will be 14 rations. If anyone has rations that I missed, then we can add that. With Jask, we have unlimited water. We need 10 rations per day to survive indefinitely.
Can I leave the canvas, shovel and 100' of rope as part of the camp gear and just have it as part of the camp with NPCs instead of direct inventory? Knowing that I can only get them when we rest for the night.
Just updating my inventory: Grabbed masterwork shortsword from ship, leaving canvas, shovel, 100' rope with camp. Got 70g share of the ship's loot.
Male Human from Absalom Bard (archivist) 1 (AC 15, HP 13, Fort +2 Reflex +3 Will +2, Perc +4, Init +1, Atk Rapier +1, 1d6+1, Spells slots: 4/2 Bardic performance 7/7)
HP 10/10, 0 NL, AC Chelaxian Human ***INACTIVE*** Life Oracle/1
"Shelter...was the right thing...to start with." Dragolan fans himself with one hand as he pants in exhaustion. "We can forage...tomorrow morning, when...it's cooler."
I don't know how long my little excursion will take, so I haven't made a check yet. I think how survival/foraging works is you make the check while travelling over a distance, and it reduces your speed but you can find food. So we could all make our checks tomorrow while travelling I think? Correct me if I'm wrong, this campaign might use a different rule.
If I do have time when getting back to just search for food, here's my check Survival for foraging:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18resulting in 5 rations of food
Male Human from Absalom Bard (archivist) 1 (AC 15, HP 13, Fort +2 Reflex +3 Will +2, Perc +4, Init +1, Atk Rapier +1, 1d6+1, Spells slots: 4/2 Bardic performance 7/7)
If Varya and Aerys disappear for more than 15 minutes Mikail will go and search for them.
And he will wait so long only because he know that Varya can handle herself in a fight.
It would be different if you inform us that you will be away for a long time before leaving, but simply laving for hours without a word? He will fear for both of you.
"We need to collaborate to survive. Gelik, even if you know nothing about constructing a shelter you can help moving stuff.
If you want to eat now you can gather some wood to cook the food.
Sasha, look the rocks, see if there is some edible
mollusc.
Gelik looks askance at Mikail. "Really, manual labor? Who do you think you are talking to? I mean, perhaps Ishirou or Jask will gather wood for a fire, but me...? I can entertain, if you like."
"Stop me if you heard this one...A travelling bard looking to ply his trade walks up to a inn named "The Dragon and the Knight". He approaches the bar seeking the innkeeper, but before he could open his mouth, the shrewish innkeeper's wife snaps "What do you want here, you tramp?" The bard eyes her for a moment and glances at the inn's sign. "Is the knight in?"
The quirky gnome laughs hard at his own joke, clutching his sides and tears streaming down his face.
The half-elven woman sighs deeply. "I am a bit embarrassed about this, but also quite worried. I don't know what to do. You see...I have been so stressed for so long, I started taking to drink, you know an occasional glass of wine, or what not. But before long I have developed a habit. I am addicted to liquor, and without it, I am afraid I will start to get sick quickly. I imagine no one on the island has a drink?"
She looks at you testing your reaction to her news, before continuing.
As Mikhail orders Sasha to begin looking for mollusks, she gets up and walks to the waters edge. "Yeah, sure, okay." she mutters but she doesn't seem to be making much of a show of doing anything in particular.
"Ah I see, that's definitely a problem, but for the short term there may be a solution. Of the others that went to the shipwreck, Dragolan found a bottle of brandy that would work. He seems like the person that would enjoy sharing it with someone."
"Though since we could be here for a while, you should try to be careful and wean yourself off. I'm here to help if there's anything I can do."
Do I recall correctly that healing magic works double on Non-Lethal damage?
Varya:
The half-elven woman shows some relief when you don't immediately criticize her exposed weakness. She continues:"I had come to Sargava in hopes of finding a cure for my addiction. It is said that certain berries, found only in the tropics of Garund, may act as a curative for withdrawal symptoms. The are viper nettle berries; will you help search this island and see if, by chance, any of the berries grow here?"
Her eyes are beseeching and her voice quavers as she hopes that you will help.
At about this time, Mikahil crashes into the undergrowth ahead of you, making sure nothing is amiss in the jungle.
"Remember," says Aerys with conviction, "It's a secret, between you and me."
She puts on a resolute smile and greets Mikail, "We are fine, just girl talk. What is the latest?"
The group gains 100xp for making Aerys friendly (at least to Varya). This moves you to 258/2000 or about 13% to level 2. Good work!
After a trip to the Jenivere and building of the shelter, there is little time for else this first day of being shipwrecked on Smuggler's Shiv. The hardtack and preserved food from the ship becomes the evening meal and the freshly conjured water from the divine casters keeps everyone as cool and refreshed as possible.
Everyone is quite thankful for the shelter as the sun's setting brings on a sudden downpour of tropical rain. The grim mood only intensifies with this storm but soon enough it ends, and Ishirou begins making a fire out of dried driftwood gathered from along the beach.
By the time the rains cease, it's too late to send out hunting, scavenging, or exploring parties, but sitting around the fire, you are able to start hatching plans for tomorrow's activities.
I will give you a little time to discuss what you plan to do on Day 2. And then will close the day a little later.
Male Human from Absalom Bard (archivist) 1 (AC 15, HP 13, Fort +2 Reflex +3 Will +2, Perc +4, Init +1, Atk Rapier +1, 1d6+1, Spells slots: 4/2 Bardic performance 7/7)
"We should set up a watch for the night and then go to sleep.
Tomorrow we should wake early and start gathering food and exploring the nearest area.
Who is less tired after today work?"
Mikail give Gelik a cool look.
"With 10 people we can have 2 people on guard duty and divide the night into 5 turns.
I would suggest:
Okhsa and Ishirou
Morgrym and Gelik
Varya and Aerys
Dragolan and Jask
Mikail and Sasha
The two arcane spellcasters get the first and last turn as they need to recover their spells.
Tomorrow morning we divide into 2 groups, one will guard our equipment and gather what food they can find in the nearby area, the other will start exploring the interior of the island, both gathering food and searching for the island for everything that can help us getting away from here.
Volunteers for the groups?
I would like to go with the explorers."
HP 10/10, 0 NL, AC Chelaxian Human ***INACTIVE*** Life Oracle/1
From the PRD:
PRD wrote:
Healing Nonlethal Damage: You heal nonlethal damage at the rate of 1 hit point per hour per character level. When a spell or ability cures hit point damage, it also removes an equal amount of nonlethal damage.
"I would also like to go with the exploring party." Dragolan chuckles. "After all, I fully intended to go out into the jungles of the Expanse...this is merely a little sooner than I'd intended!"
The oracle points to the map. "I would take exception to your proposed destination, Mikail...let us begin by following the coastline to the west. I suspect that we are on the north side of the island, but there may be useful items to be gleaned from wrecks...eh, Jask?"
Thanks, I couldn't find the reference from some reason, but it was likely right in front of me.
Jask nods readily. "Since my primary role here is healer and conjurer of water, it is best if I stay back at camp. I can hunt and act as a medic if required. Besides, I am not as young as i used to be. If you see the Brine Demon along the coast, search it for me, eh friends?"
Gelik looks around at the others. "So you are asking do we want to traipse around the dangerous jungles looking for cannibals, carnivorous monsters, or who knows what, or just hang here and wait for survivors to return? I think you know where I am leaning..."
If you have been selected for Group A of Serpent's Skull, or would just like to drop us a note, please post here. OOC conversations belong on this thread.
First order of business is finding your 5th party member.
After that, I would like to review each of builds in detail to make sure they are all rules compliant. So there may be a little Q&A here.
Cool! Grats everybody.
So we have Dargolan the life oracle, Okhosa the conjurer wizard, Mikhail the archivist bard, and then me with vengeance paladin. Maybe another front line person would help?
HP 10/10, 0 NL, AC Chelaxian Human ***INACTIVE*** Life Oracle/1
Dotting. And I agree with Varya. It might be metagamey at this point, but knowing that there's a bit of underground stuff coming in later parts of the AP maybe Harbek would be a good bet--not only combat power, but also some digging.
Awesome, I feel very lucky to be selected :) Can't wait to get started! So I guess I should get my alias together...
Yes, I've noticed a few things about Okhosa's statblocks that need fixing, but I'd be thankful for any help. First things first, I'll add his extra hp from Toughness :)
As for a fifth member, I was also thinking another melee character. Having said that, I'd be more inclined to make my decision based on the character than the role, and depending on the role in question, I wouldn't necessarily favour the next highest vote getter...
Status: poisoned (-5 Dex); Conjurer 1 | AC 12 T 12 FF 10 | HP 9/12 | F +2 R +2 W +3 | Init +8 | Perc +2
There we go...
Okay. As for specific picks for the fifth member:
Melee: I'd favour either of the dwarves, largely because it looks like the duelist will get through anyway, but St John is interesting too... Given we don't have to cast an official vote here, I'm going to abstain :)
Divine: Lhinneth seems the most interesting character for me. I voted for her, which I guess is irrelevant now, but given that we have a life oracle, the extra utility-based magic she could bring would be pretty helpful.
Arcane: Still Alain, mainly because of his build, with Lartis just ahead of Marik because of his imaginative concept and writing. Having said that, Marik is probably the strongest mechanical choice. Diviners rock.
Skill: I'd really, really rather Shackleton if we go the skill role, both for his obvious narrative skills and as Felix looks like he'll be in group B anyway. Also, I found Felix's misreading and misapplication of the voting process slightly annoying (voting for himself, and then re-voting when it was explicitly prohibited) - a minor thing to be sure, and possibly not reflective of the player in general, but when you know nothing about someone, those little things seem important!
Having said all that, every single character could bring something great to the party, so I won't be lobbying particularly hard for or against anyone.
Anyone and everyone, please feel free to join GM in auditing my character sheet, I'm more than happy for any of you to point out mistakes or inconsistencies.
Oh, that reminds me. The Str 7 thing seemed to be a real concern for some people - to me, if there's one thing a wizard doesn't need, it's Strength, and while it looks like a pure dump, I did it more in the interest of being able to have my other stats really reflect my idea of the character (Wis and Cha in particular). I'm not keen to change my ability scores, but if the majority of you think it's absolutely necessary, I'd be willing to consider it.
I'm really looking forward to playing with all of you. I know nothing about this AP, which excites me also. I'd be interested in building some connections with your characters, as I'm sure we'd have spent quite a bit of time with each other during the sea voyage at least.
Mikhail, we certainly share a scholarly aspect, and I think our characters would have enjoyed at least some cerebral discussions on board.
Varya, we share a LG alignment, so we are likely aligned philosophically. If there were to be any moral arguments or decisions required during the voyage, we would likely have taken the same perspective.
Dragolan, I'm not sure what common ground our characters would have, but I'm assuming Dragolan is a people person with Cha 17? It could be as simple as a general appreciation of each other's company :)
I did promise I wouldn't be posting walls o' text, didn't I...?
I say lets go with Harbek or Morgrym. I like both characters thoroughly, either of their roles are definitely useful, and I think my character at least would get along very well with either of them. If a definitive choice from me is necessary, I'll go with Morgrym, he has been pretty active and enthusiastic in the threads.
Characters from other categories are definitely still very good, but with a arcane caster, divine caster, bard (who's like 1/2 arcane, 1/3 caster, 1/6 ???) and paladin (baby divine), I feel like another caster would mean fewer times for individuals to shine in their own skills. I'm neutral towards another skill person if that seems important to others.
Status: poisoned (-5 Dex); Conjurer 1 | AC 12 T 12 FF 10 | HP 9/12 | F +2 R +2 W +3 | Init +8 | Perc +2
Yep, no argument here. I felt like Morgrym probably didn't get as much attention as the others as his pitch was a little after their's, but he's a cool chatacter too.
Male Human from Absalom Bard (archivist) 1 (AC 15, HP 13, Fort +2 Reflex +3 Will +2, Perc +4, Init +1, Atk Rapier +1, 1d6+1, Spells slots: 4/2 Bardic performance 7/7)
Sigh, cat on the keyboard deleted my first post
I agree that we need a extra combatant. currently, if we find the wrong kind of opponent we can only say to Varya: "Go our Hero!". With a 5 people group we can do better than that.
Morgrym Seareaver, Harbek Toruun and St. John Smythe all fit the bill.
Then there is Jord Sturmsson, another good pick.
If she was still with us I would have proposed Zuwena, as a archer would be a great addition to our group.
Seeing what we have, I propose we invite Morgrym Seareaver.
Not only he is a good combatant at this level, but he will continue to be one, and I am impressed by his choice of 16 wisdom. Too many people in these boards seem to think that "if you have a bad save there is nothing that you can do to help, so dump the relevant stat".
Another thing: Perception +7. I am convinced that a good perception is very important in the game and we are a bit lacking in that department.
I would love to have one of the dwarves for the darkvision. With the spells we have I have no doubt that we can lighten up the area around us like a car during a night rally. And we will be visible for miles like it, too.
An alternate option wouldn't be bad.
Note to Okhosa: I don't have problem with low strength for a wizard. I have problems with strength 8/constitution 10 in a game where the first levels will be "survival on a desert (maybe) island after a shipwreck" and in a character that will be wearing armor.
Male Human from Absalom Bard (archivist) 1 (AC 15, HP 13, Fort +2 Reflex +3 Will +2, Perc +4, Init +1, Atk Rapier +1, 1d6+1, Spells slots: 4/2 Bardic performance 7/7)
Now the social part:
Mikail like to chat with everyone, especially people that know the Sagrava coast or the jungle.
Out of respect for people work he will try not to disturb the crew members while they are working, but he will spend some time around the ship asking about it and the crew experiences.
Points of contact with the others:
Varya: Mikail would be very interested in speaking of religion with her, as that is one of the fields where his preparation is lacking.
As Mikail is fond of debating and playing evil advocate probably she would find him a bit annoying. On the other hand he is honest to the fault and when he debate something it is to find the truth, not to win at all costs. he is willing to concede or even help his adversary arguments, if they are worthy.
Dragolan: both him and Mikail share an interest in geography and Dragolan is more knowledgeable about nature. The have both boarded the Jenivere in Chelaxia, and that help cement friendships during a sea voyage.
Okhosa: again Mikail share a lot of scholarly interest with him. And even more interesting, Okhosa is trying to find his roots, while Mikail is interested in the Mwangi history, so I think they will have plenty to discuss.
The other noteworthy characters on the ship:
Players guide wrote:
Aerys Mavato: This severe half-elven woman boarded in Port Peril, where she immediately got into a scrape with a crude sailor. She spends most of her time in her bunk, seeming to purposefully avoid fraternizing with the ship’s other passengers.
Alizandru Kovack: A Chelish man whose family has made the Magnimar to Eleder run for generations, Captain Kovack is pleasant enough with his passengers, but a strict disciplinarian when dealing with his crew.
Alton Devers: The Jenivere’s first mate is friendly with both passengers and crew, but he sometimes seems to chafe under the strong discipline of Captain Kovack.
Gelik Aberwhinge: A sharply dressed gnome from Magnimar, Gelik spends much of his time writing in the ships’ common areas, and takes every opportunity to tell long-winded stories, boast of past journeys, or quip about anything in his field of view.
Ieana: A bookish Varisian scholar who tends to keep to herself, Ieana is traveling to Sargava to explore the ancient ruins there. Rumors aboard the ship alternately suggest that she’s the Jenivere’s owner, a Chelish agent, or Captain Kovack’s secret lover. Ieana keeps mostly to
herself, and grows more intent on her studies with each mile the ship travels closer to Eleder.
Ishirou: A scruffy human of Tian heritage, Ishirou boarded at Bloodcove and waits to reach Sargava with a quiet eagerness. Aloof but not rude, he gives the impression of one who has had a hard life but find himself currently without direction.
Jask Derindi: A prisoner loaded aboard in Corentyn, Captain Kovack sees to this taciturn human’s needs with curt courtesy, but insists he be left alone, sequestered in the ship’s brig.
Rambar Terillo: A taciturn man from Senghor, Ship’s Cook Terillo has served in that capacity aboard several ships, though apparently not on account of his culinary skills, which seem to be limited to watery soups.
Sasha Nevah: This red-haired human boarded the Jenivere in Ilizmagorti. Since leaving Mediogalti Island, the woman’s somber demeanor has gradually faded, revealing a boisterous and optimistic personality. None have yet questioned her about her missing left pinky finger.
Aerys Mavato: after an initial attempt to befriend her he will respect her wishes and leave her her privacy.
Alizandru Kovack: if the passenger and captain share the same table Mikail will ask him about his experiences as a sea captain.
Alton Devers: again a person with which Mikail would like to chat to get any useful knowledge of interesting tale he is willing to share.
Gelik Aberwhinge: Mikail reaction to him will be very different, depending on the impression he get. If he think that he is greatly exaggerating in his tales he will rapidly find him very annoying. if he instead is simply "coloring" the truth a bit to make them more interesting he will listen to them.
Ieana: to Mikail she seem an interesting person that share a common interest. He will try to get her to know her and get her to open a bit more,
Ishirou: Mikail will try to speak with him about the Tian lands and traditions. Depending on the replies and reactions he will decide if he should continue to bother him or not.
Jask Derindi: Mikail will respect the captain request and leave him alone.
Rambar Terillo: Mikail here will show his prejudices. To him the cook don't seem to be worth bothering.
Sasha Nevah: Seeing where he boarded she probably has some interesting knowledge. And, let's admit it, she seem to be a good looking woman and he would like her personality. So he would try to become friend with her.
- * -
Note: I am not a native English speaker, so if you want to signal some grammar error or suggest a better way to say things, I will not be offended. Do it using a spoiler or as a PM, so that we don't bother other peole.
Yep, no argument here. I felt like Morgrym probably didn't get as much attention as the others as his pitch was a little after their's, but he's a cool chatacter too.
Speaking of which, why is there an aposotrophe in "theirs", Vusutan? I thought wizards were supposed to be intelligent? Drop and give me twenty, pencil neck!
It looks like Morgrym Seareaver is the choice for the 5th party member? I didn't see a choice from Dragolan, but 3 out of 4 of you have picked him, and that's a supermajority.
I will announce and invite him to the group.
After that, I will start going through your builds one at a time, verifying you for legal and ready to play. If you don't have things like equipment, spells for the day, etc selected for your character on your alias, now is the time to do that.
It is also time to put the stats on the line of your posts, like Varya Tial has them.
The campaign notes section of the thread has the intros for the key NPC's you will meet aboard are there, along with an image of each should you be curious. I sort of like casting my NPC's with actual movie stars so people get a better visual, so I would like to hear your suggestions for each of the NPC's listed.
The Jenivere is just about ready to set sail so batten down the hatches, and full steam ahead.
@Okhosa and Mikail - Both of your descriptions of interacting with Varya seem spot on. She would be onboard as crew doing fairly low skill grunt work to pay for her voyage, so she'd have time to chat while doing things like spooling ropes, cleaning cookware, and whatnot.
@Dragolan - Probably more reserved towards Dragolan if he immediately looks like he comes from wealth, but polite enough because he seems to be a friendly person.
Okhosa, I like what you did with describing your relation/reaction to the other people, so I'll probably do that once I have some time.
Oh also, as I had said somewhere in my application, I should talk to you, DoctorEvil, about detailing the monster in my backstory. I do not know exactly what comes up later in the adventures (other than snake themed things), so I am open to suggestion.
Essentially I need enough that I'd be able to recognize it on sight or by description, but otherwise Varya hasn't actually been able to track it down or learn much more about it successfully so it can be tied into the story at any time.
HP 10/10, 0 NL, AC Chelaxian Human ***INACTIVE*** Life Oracle/1
Morgrym would have been my second choice, so no issues. (Traveling today, so light posting; with no Gameplay thread yet, this game isn't showing up on Wayfinder for me, so it's kind of a pain to post from my phone.)
Morgrym would have been my second choice, so no issues. (Traveling today, so light posting; with no Gameplay thread yet, this game isn't showing up on Wayfinder for me, so it's kind of a pain to post from my phone.)
Opened the Gameplay for your dotting leisure, if it helps your mobile posting. Fire away, ladies and gentlemen.
I will be staring character review now with Ms. Varya.
Looks like 3 things but all are quite minor I believe:
1) Swim is not a class skill for paladins. As such, with a skill point in it and the reduced ACP penalty, you should be at +3 not +7.
2) Even with Extra Traits, you must only one trait from a category. You have two combat traits currently: Armor Expert and Reactionary. One will have to be replaced by a trait from a different, unused category.
3) You selected the trait Silent Hunter, which d20pfsrd says is in the book Inner Sea Primer. I own that book, and couldn't find it anywhere. I did find a trait called Silent Watcher, which gives a +1 stealth bonus in city's and +1 Sense Motive in crowds. That isn't what you are looking for I bet. Can you find the real source, and/or pick something else?
I have the rest of your build okayed, and show you with 1 gp remaining, and 51gp of encumbrance (light) which checks out with your profile (if you remember to add your armor and weapon weight, which you forgot it appears).
Male Dwarf Barbarian 1 | AC 15/10/15 | HP 16/16 | F +5, R +1, W +4 (+2 vs. spells, SLAs, and poison) | CMB +4, CMD 14 | Init +2 | Perc +7
Just so you know, my Acrobatics skill does not currently include an ACP. Also, if you want me to change my Kikko armor (a gift from a Tien man who I saved from drowning) because it's Eastern, I can do that.
Just so you know, my Acrobatics skill does not currently include an ACP. Also, if you want me to change my Kikko armor (a gift from a Tien man who I saved from drowning) because it's Eastern, I can do that.
So noted. I don't love the idea of kikko armor, but if you are married to it, go ahead.
Dragolan is next under the microscope. Most of the character build stuff looks good. No major issues. Just one thing: your stat block says mace, but your combat gear says morningstar. They are nearly identical for stat purposes, so it doesn't really matter, but which is it?
Under close scrutiny, there are some issues with encumbrance (and it's side effect of -3 ACP) and money.
I show you, as currently geared, at 64lbs of gear, which makes it medium load for you. As such, you get slowed in movement to 20' per round, and the -3 ACP kicks in. This effects the Swim and Climb skills you added ranks to, making them stand at -1.
Since you took the Boarded in Cheliax trait, you got 200gp extra to spend on mundane items. This means you start at 350gp. I show you spent 175.73 which means you should have 174.27 left in coin.
Can you backtrack through your weight and gear and confirm my numbers.
Woops I made a mistake - originally I chose Swim to be my Jenivere Crew trait bonus skill, I think I got confused when I changed to acrobatics, and listed both. Or vice versa I am not certain.
Apparently it is incorrectly named on d20pfsrd, and is called 'Uskwood Hunter'? But Uskwood Hunter's description does not apply to me, really, so I'll have to drop that.
Moving some things around since none of the other stealth as class skills really make sense.
My fixed traits will be:
*Jenivere Crew (Campaign)- +1 Acrobatics, class skill. Varya had to get used to the ever changing slope of the ship, and her balance has improved over the months.
*Shackles Seafarer (Regional, Ultimate Campaign) - +1 Swim, class skill. +1 Geography and Nature while on the ocean. Varya picked up a few things while serving as the Jenivere crew through their trip in the Shackles.
*Armor Expert (Combat) - Reduce ACP by 1
*Bully (Social) - +1 Intimidate, class skill.
*Eyes and Ears of the City (Religion, Ultimate Campaign) - +1 Perception, class skill. As part of the her training as a paladin, Varya was tasked to work for the city guard, to teach her to be ever vigilant and to notice all that is going on.
Sorry that this moves around my skills a little. Only major change at level 1 is that I put one in perception instead of intimidate. I will invest in intimidate next level.
In other news, speaking of Doc wanting to have images to make it more movie-like, there was an artist's character that I based Varya's appearance off of, so I have a couple images if people wanted to see. They are on the alias in appearance.
Status: poisoned (-5 Dex); Conjurer 1 | AC 12 T 12 FF 10 | HP 9/12 | F +2 R +2 W +3 | Init +8 | Perc +2
I have numerous little glitches or omissions on my character sheet, I think; I'll do an audit myself some time during the next 12 hours after I get home to spare you all the obvious ones, GM, but I'll be surprised if I don't miss one or two.
Also, I want to expand on my backstory to include all the ideas I thought up for my traits and stuff like Profession (leatherworking)...
HP 10/10, 0 NL, AC Chelaxian Human ***INACTIVE*** Life Oracle/1
I would have updated his gear today, except that my wife and I spent far too long wrestling with a piece of IKEA furniture (see HERE for commentary), and then did a bunch of other errandry. We'll be on the road a chunk of tomorrow; shooting for tomorrow night.
Status: poisoned (-5 Dex); Conjurer 1 | AC 12 T 12 FF 10 | HP 9/12 | F +2 R +2 W +3 | Init +8 | Perc +2
I think I'm good to go apart from my gear (unless you'd like a statblock for my familiar?). Just checking, am I right to purchase scrolls of spells I know as if I've scribed them myself?
Sorry, got knocked on my rear by a spring cold. Am still trying to get around to checking stats on all the players. Please bear with me a little longer.
You may purchase spell scrolls that you scribed yourself, but make sure you follow the rules in regards to the proper fee etc.
Okhosa is next for review and as usual, I found a few issues:
1) His profile lists Init as +8, but I could only get to +4 (+2dex, +2 trait)
2) His HP should be 12, not 11 as listed. (6 from HD, +2 from Con, +1 from FC, +3 from Toughness)
3) For some reason his Will save is at +6 when it should be at +3 (+2 class bonus, +1 Wis).
4) Gear: I agree on your encumbrance, but you should have 103 gp left, not 99.
5) I need your spells for Day 1 of activity (aboard the Jenivere) prepped unless you are going without filled slots?
Make those fixes and you should be good to go. Thanks!
In other news, speaking of Doc wanting to have images to make it more movie-like, there was an artist's character that I based Varya's appearance off of, so I have a couple images if people wanted to see. They are on the alias in appearance.
Technically, according to my Hero Lab, the Eyes and Ears of the City is a religious trait only for those that follow Abadar. However, I will allow it at this point.
With the rest of the changes, I believe Varya is good to go!
I looked over Mikhal Ruben's build and don't see any issues. Good work! My only question is how much money you have left after gearing all that stuff in your chest? What is your starting gold after purchases?
Male Dwarf Barbarian 1 | AC 15/10/15 | HP 16/16 | F +5, R +1, W +4 (+2 vs. spells, SLAs, and poison) | CMB +4, CMD 14 | Init +2 | Perc +7
Varya Tial wrote:
Have you calculated your item weights Morgrym? I'm sure Doc's pretty busy with two groups to check
I have not. I do know that it won't make too big a difference, given that my ACP is -3 anyway (and I use the worst one) and I'm Slow and Steady, but it does make sense to do just in case. The twenty mugs of Dwarven Stout I bought will probably start to add up!
I'll get to it shortly, I just did some but I need to be somewhere for two or so hours.
Male Human from Absalom Bard (archivist) 1 (AC 15, HP 13, Fort +2 Reflex +3 Will +2, Perc +4, Init +1, Atk Rapier +1, 1d6+1, Spells slots: 4/2 Bardic performance 7/7)
DM DoctorEvil wrote:
I looked over Mikhal Ruben's build and don't see any issues. Good work! My only question is how much money you have left after gearing all that stuff in your chest? What is your starting gold after purchases?
Money 0.36 lbs - 3 gp, 6 sp, 9 cp
It is in the carried equipment, after flint and steel and before the powder.
[Edit: sill in the belt pouch, but I have moved it as the last item in the pouch, so it is more visible]
Most of the gear is from the "Boarded In Cheliax" trait. It give 200 gp of equipment and a map. Actually I think that the map don't appear in the equipment list, I will add it.
Male Dwarf Barbarian 1 | AC 15/10/15 | HP 16/16 | F +5, R +1, W +4 (+2 vs. spells, SLAs, and poison) | CMB +4, CMD 14 | Init +2 | Perc +7
Well, I said I would weigh his gear, but of course the forum went down, so I'll do it now before I have to leave. I'll just say here that my heavy load begins at 154 lbs. in case I forget.
Edit: All done!
Turns out I have no questions on Morgrym. I will do a little homework, and perhaps be ready to initial posts as soon as tomorrow. Maybe the next day depending on how I am feeling.
Status: poisoned (-5 Dex); Conjurer 1 | AC 12 T 12 FF 10 | HP 9/12 | F +2 R +2 W +3 | Init +8 | Perc +2
DM DoctorEvil wrote:
Turns out I have no questions on Morgrym. I will do a little homework, and perhaps be ready to initial posts as soon as tomorrow. Maybe the next day depending on how I am feeling.
Status: poisoned (-5 Dex); Conjurer 1 | AC 12 T 12 FF 10 | HP 9/12 | F +2 R +2 W +3 | Init +8 | Perc +2
Just before we start, given that I'm a huge fan of pre-existing relationships when starting a campaign, I'm wondering if anyone else in also interested in spelling out such things before we get started...
@Mikhail: I'd like to suggest to you that our characters begin the game as firm friends. Having spent so much time on the ship, and finding someone else aboard who is just as interested in the Mwangi from an academic viewpoint would have seemed like a huge stroke of luck to Okhosa. He would have gravitated immediately to Mikhail, and see him as the more worldly of the two. I think he'd be happy to spend quite a bit of companionable time with Mikhail discussing their research, magic, or anything, really.
@Morgrym: Not really sure where to go here. Okhosa, being a live and let live kinda guy, would probably wait and see how Morgrym decided to act towards him. Hey would be polite, in any case.
@Dragolan: I think Okhosa may be uncomfortable around the life oracle, for a number of reasons, not least that he represents the amoral, somewhat hedonistic upper class of Cheliax (where his family were slaves for generations). Having said that, Okhosa is slow to judge, and if Dragolan made any friendly efforts towards Okhosa, he would reciprocate.
@Varya: Okhosa grew up with a strong matriarch of a mother, and a bunch of sisters. As such, he is unfailingly polite to women, and observes strictly the basic protocols of male/female acquaintances. I think that, despite his admiration of Varya's ethical and moral outlook, his ultra-polite approach to women may have prevented him and Varya fom becoming real friends thus far.
Any of you have any thoughts, expansions, or disagreements with any of that?
Male Human from Absalom Bard (archivist) 1 (AC 15, HP 13, Fort +2 Reflex +3 Will +2, Perc +4, Init +1, Atk Rapier +1, 1d6+1, Spells slots: 4/2 Bardic performance 7/7)
Okhosa, I did one of my wall of text pieces about possible relations with the other people on ship. Only Morgrym is missing.
I agree with you, Okhosa and Mikail share a lot of interests and they will have bonded during the voyage, we will see if that friendship will survive the test of the shipwreck.
Mikail and Morgrym: Mikail don't seem to share any interest with Morgrym. He will notice that he is generally dressed in his armor while on shipboard and wonder why he risk that, but seeing as he is a taciturn guy he will tag is as a "member of the ship crew" and leave it alone.
Male Dwarf Barbarian 1 | AC 15/10/15 | HP 16/16 | F +5, R +1, W +4 (+2 vs. spells, SLAs, and poison) | CMB +4, CMD 14 | Init +2 | Perc +7
Okhosa, I think that's basically how I would act to most everyone. I mean, he'd probably respect Mikail for his methods, but that's not going to mean he'll pal up to him. He might jeer at Varya and Okhosa's way of doing things, but he respects a warrior, and he wouldn't like them any less for it. Really, being jealous that the knight in shining armor is getting more attention and doing menial labor (or being very jealous at all) is against his values. Actually, I thought of a Morgrym/Varya tactic against single (especially evil) enemies. I can't find a lot of common ground with Dragolan though, any thoughts?
