The third largest city in Varisia, Riddleport is also the most notorious. It is here that the machinations of an ancient race, once again boil up out of the Darklands and into the light. The sinister plots of the subterranean underwriters manifest!
I am under the assumption that Tam and Tippy have been included in this event and that Marcus and Ascaria have been left out for reasons of simplicity? Is this correct?
Marcus made clear he's not comfortable with this so he would rather not be included. But he sees no option but to let it happen. Perception1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Female Human Witch 2 (AC 12/12/10, HP 16/16, Conditions: Nil)
Ascaria also wanted no part in this. She also was not present at the temple and when the others told her about the task from Shorafa, she and Tippy had a nice little fallout ;-)
I don't believe Tam has been included in ANY of these secrets and scheming. Nor has he, been keen on prying into such matters - its rude. He's the new guy and not entirely trusted. He would not be interested in doing 'wet-work' merely on the desire of the church of Calistra... unless he knew more about the target and why he was a target... information that even Iscarel has been unable to uncover and HE is a worshiper!
Okay, it's just the three then. This has drawn out long enough so will try to resolve it quickly.
The four of you enter the lower levels. You quietly make your way to Bojask's chamber, past the closed wooden door to the wine cellar. Unfortunately, the porticullas to Bojask's room is down. Of course it would be. It is a solid structure obscuring view and the small eye slit is currently shut too. If it weren't for his snoring you would have no idea he was even within.
You see there is one piece of stonework with no cement around it's grooves as those someone had purposefully removed the fixing compound. It's at about your chest height so thigh height to humans.
The sound of tiny fluttering wings can be heard moving toward you along the corridor then the sound fades as it disappears around the corner leading down to the pit.
Iscarel's Initiative
Iscarel speaks in hushed tones. "Sidara, I dare say that Saul's pet imp is about to do something unexpected. We really should dispose of that nuisance."
Tippy, you double move all the way to the entrance to the cage pen and have not seen the imp. The zombie immediately starts moaning loudly and reaching out of its cage toward you. This disturbs pigsaw who starts grunting and eyeing the zombie in the adjacent cage.
The latch mechanism on Pigsaw's cage is undone and the door is creaked open slightly. Pigsaw lets out a squeal of delight and bursts forth. Pigsaw attacks Tippy who is standing directly in his path.
New Initiative order
Old Scratch
Pigsaw
Iscarel
Tippy
Sidara
Ethaniel
Other
Tippy AoO as Pigsaw moves to engage you.
The squealing is a keening sound and very loud. Your only relief is that the boar is not currently wearing it's usual pit fighting leather armor. It would be at least easier to hit than in when prepared for the pit.
Iscarel, "Oh gods, that rogue sure knows how to stir the pot. I fear that Imp has released the pit champion and unleashed it's caged up fury too."
He moves to the corridor leading down to where the animal pen and disappears down the stair well. There he see's Tippy being gored by the formidable beast.
"What possesses this beast? Sidara!"
He re-emerges from the corridor having seen enough and looking very pale in the lamp light. His black eyes as oppressive as the sight he had just beheld.
With her butterfly swords equipped, she moves to engage what ever this threat to her task was. Pushes pushes past Ethaniel and her weapons are readied to strike.
Ethaniel, due to there being a 15ft descending staircase down to where Sidara and Tippy are which effectively gives them total cover from anyone up the stairs, I would have to say no as your burst would not effect them. Disregard my action for Ethaniel and do what you like.
By the time your next action comes up you should be able to stand.
Tippy Perception please.
GM:
Stealth 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Round 4 commences
Pigsaw moves after Sidara again attempting to gore her.
Iscarel kneels down and looks to the loose stone that Tippy had discovered. Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 He decides to stand back and push it with the tip of his weapon. The stone pushes back loosely into the wall. He deduces that it could be removed entirely to allow a gap to be revealed.
You both see and hear something as you lie prone before being able to stand up. You are sure you see some small creature dash by the open gate of the pit. It looked like a wolverine. Your attention is caught shortly after that by the sound of tiny wings flying by over you and heading toward the pit entrance too.
Sidara and Ethaniel are happy to see Tippy rise from the near death experience and join the fight like nothing had just happened. He stabs at the bore but misses. Sidara having just deflected the boars last gore attempt makes good the new position of advantage gained by Tippy's position.
Marcus gives Ascaria a gentle shake.
Ascaria, wake up, something is wrong. I need you to help me put my armor on.
He dresses with Ascaria's Aid (2minutes with her help)and sets his dog to GUARD himself, so he has a flank partner.
Handle Animal1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4, once again the dog just looks at him stupidly,TRY AGAIN1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 and
TRY AGAIN1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16 and
thankfully the dog appears to understand.
Then he leaves the room and heads in whatever direction the dog seems to indicate, listening for anysign.
Perception1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Ethaniel is going to close with Tippy and Sidara as quickly as he can, orders be damned. His plan is to channel, but he'd like to be able to include both his allies in his 30 ft. radius and not the boar. Is this possible? How close can he get this round?
Female Human Witch 2 (AC 12/12/10, HP 16/16, Conditions: Nil)
Ascaria wakes from Marcus' shaking her. Still drowsy, she helps him into his armor, fiddling straps into buckles with clumsy movements. She makes a mental note that Blacky is still perched upon the chair, oblivious to all the ruckus in the room. When Marcus finally manages to get Apollo to do his will - the dog seems to be at least as tired as Ascaria herself - she bites her lip. Should she let Marcus set out on his own? No, she decides, grabs her sling from the table, and follows him out of the room, always a good ten meters behind.
Ethaniel is going to close with Tippy and Sidara as quickly as he can, orders be damned. His plan is to channel, but he'd like to be able to include both his allies in his 30 ft. radius and not the boar. Is this possible? How close can he get this round?
Ethaniel, you are a mere 10ft from being right next to Sidara. A 15ft move up the stairs will leave you in the hall with a direct line of sight to Iscarel and Bojask's room. You are only able to exclude Pigsaw if you have selective channeling feat.
I don't have that feat, but I have another plan. Ethaniel will move up behind Sidara, drawing his whip as part of the move, and then cast True Strike on himself.
With a stumble and a murmured prayer, Ethaniel arrives behind Sidara, whip in hand.
Tam is in his room. Turning in after the divine healing his wounds healed and his spirit lifted by a charming private dinner with Samaritha he was feeling on the whole rather well.
He went to bed immediately afterward, and for once... in a long time he pondered taking a companion to bed with him. Something he had not considered in some time. Usually, his grief at the loss of his beloved Liara made him disdain taking any woman to his bed... his heart feeling a sharp pang of betrayal of his slain fiance'. But now... the thought was not so... distasteful. Especially with thoughts of the lovely Samaritha fresh in his mind. Was he learning to let go of his pain and loss?
But as he lay on his back gazing up at the wooden boards of the ceiling he honestly pondered... was it true affection and attraction he felt toward Samaritha... or just the fact that she reminded him so poignantly of his Liara? Samaritha was kind and beautiful and capable... all very similar to Liara... but she was not Liara. Did she not deserve a... fairer evaluation of her own merit rather than a comparison to the memory of a dead woman? Samaritha had no past knowledge of Tam's life or less worthy deeds unlike Liara who knew of Tam and his father Tiam's deeds and villainy and yet... Samaritha was kind and warm merely because that was who she was inside.
Thinking, {Samaritha deserves better devotion than just because she looks like someone I used to know... and love. If I am ready... maybe to move on and let someone else into my life again... I need to do so because of what I and they feel... not what I remember.}
He pondered these thoughts for some time before weariness settled upon him his last thoughts...
{Starting tomorrow learn to like Samaritha for who she is... and her own uniqueness... and feelings... as her own woman and person... not as a reminder of what was... and is no more. Samaritha deserves that... and so does Liara's memory...}
Tam slept a scant three hours - as elves rarely need much actual sleep. Getting up he pulled on his trousers and retrieved his swordbelt with his rapier and daggers {as he usually sleeps nude.. when in a lodging situation - its an elf-thing}. He climbed back into his bed's center laying out his weapons & belt neatly before him, crossing his legs beneath him sat shirtless as he went into that meditative reverie that elves did to replenish their spiritual natures, not quite asleep... but not fully awake either.
Memories flashed through his conscious mind as he relived both joyful and painful memories...
I hope Iscarel realizes there will be violent repercussions for this.
Sometimes Marcus really toes the line between "gruff bastard" and "dangerous psychotic". Perhaps Iscarel and his 8 wis think they're genuinely helping?
'cmon, live a little. :P Marcus wouldn't hurt a lady, right?
I never said anything about the ladies. Iscarel is a different matter. Remember the character is based off Enterai.
Think of it this way. You're in love. Said love is brutally murdered. You meet a girl your starting to feel for after a long grieving period. Then a person you see as a jackass rival arranges to have you forcibly (magically in this case) do something you don't approve of. Less about the act, more the whole, not of my free will type of thing.
I'm actually unsure how you thought this was a good idea. Were they actually friends and Marcus was into paying for it, maybe. But he's displayed fierce independence right from the start.
Not that *I* don't see where Iscarel is coming from. I had a chuckle when I read it. But now I'm struggling to see how MARCUS is gonna deal with this without severely breaking char type.
I'm pretty sure Ethaniel would. He knows Marcus doesn't approve and is probably the closest thing to a friend Marcus has in the group (except for Ascaria).
And yes, it was not a very wise move on his part but hey, he's right. It is an appropriate action with a WIS of 7. You just need to make it crystal clear about where you and him now stand I guess.
I'm pretty sure Ethaniel would. He knows Marcus doesn't approve and is probably the closest thing to a friend Marcus has in the group (except for Ascaria).
Wait and see.
That is honestly what I was expecting to see when i went ahead with it.
Off to bed now.
Night fellas.
Hope our Kingmaker gets up soon.
Same for you in Crimson throne Maslen. (Megan just got a new job so maybe slow for a day or 2)
Ah, that's quite a different matter, then. If you hurt the ladies you'd have more than Iscarel to answer to.
Also I must confess I'm not entirely sure who Enterai is (perhaps you could enlighten me?), and Marcus hasn't seen fit to share his backstory in character (understandable, considering how he feels about Iscarel) so I've not payed it any mind. As for the whole ethics of enchantment magic, that's an entirely different matter, but that isn't what Iscarel had in mind with this particular bit of mischief (but unfortunately there's no such thing as a "will save against seduction", to my knowledge :P) Were we crossing the line here, though? Given that Marcus recently converted to the faith, I really don't think so, but the last thing I want to do is spoil anyones fun.
But figuring out how your character is going to react is one of the many joys of roleplaying. The beauty of PbP is that you have time to think about it. (Right now I'm glad I checked the discussion thread first so I can think seriously about the one last jeer in my next post...) Were we crossing the line here, though? Given that Marcus recently converted to the faith, I really don't think so. This is probably one of the most fun game for inter-party relationships I've played in now or since, but I think this merry war between Iscarel and Marcus is a fairly new development, isn't it?
DM_Waife_the_BiPolar wrote:
You just need to make it crystal clear about where you and him now stand I guess.
I think the easiest way to blow this out of proportion is to discuss it here, but I really can't resist a chance to get into our characters heads. If you want to talk this one out tomorrow you'll find me more than willing.
As for me, I've had far too much fun posting and backstorying today than is good for me. I really need to get to work on my essays so I can crank something out in the AM... Looks like another late night for me. x.x
How can a fellow DnD nerd not have read any of the books by R.A. Salvatore. He has about 15 odd Forgotten Realms novels, featuring the most famous Drow elf in all fiction, Dizzt Du' orden.
Drizzt is the Dual Scimitar wielding elf whose char used to get copied on the old Wizards boards. In the books- his arch enemy was one Artemis Enterai, a Human Rogue/Fighter/Assassin who fought with Sword/dagger.
Were drizzt.is all fire and passion, Enterai is a souless killer.....
...pray tell, how much nerd cred would I lose if I said I haven't touched a Salvatore book (or indeed any D&D novel) in my life? I even asked my home group, and not a soul knew. Short of being able to tell you who Drizzt is, I couldn't tell you a thing about 'em. :P
Good to know I'm not the only one up at 3 in the morning, though. Has anyone watched the new game of thrones? I should've known better than to watch an episode I knew was going to be so g**!*%n big before I pissed off to bed. :P
Here now. You are right, Ethaniel will try to stop it. He is already conflicted about the role of lust in Calistria's worship, but he justifies it as another aspect of personal freedom. He would be fine with Marcus seeking to sate his desires with the abbesses (it's somewhat chauvinistic, I think, but Ethaniel isn't concerned with the abbesses right to pursue lust...he figures they get plenty of opportunity).
To see it forced, though, taps into some instinctual stuff from his background - he has spent the majority of his years as a slave, basically. He won't abide this happening to one he has begun to think of as a friend, especially done in the name of his goddess.
But I guess the key question is, does Ethaniel know how to stop it? I don't want to meta this. I think his instinct would be to pull Marcus's feet out from under him via whip, but I'm worried that course is too based in me, as a player, knowing that attacking the target of a charmed spell often breaks the effect.
Better mark those nerd points off for me as well. I think I read a Star Wars novel by R.A. Salvatore years and years ago, but I might be wrong. I've never touched Forgotten Realms at all, save for playing Baldur's Gate for a few hours once or twice. I do know who Artemis Entreri is, but only because I used to play the D&D minis skirmish game, and I had that piece.
I do know my Tolkien, though, and I am on the third book of Song of Ice and Fire.
As for in game action...yes, I do think that Ethaniel would be certain that Marcus was being compelled against his will, considering what he knows of him (although he was not privy to his flirtation with Ascaria). His Spellcraft might be nil, but he is trained in Sense Motive.
I'm just hoping Tam doesn't knife him when he uncoils his whip.
I have one Salvatore book in my collection but never got into it. Read about quarter of it. No idea who Enterai but he sounds cool. Drizzt, we all know him as an iconic drow but I don't know him like I know Pug or Malus or Thomas the Revenant or ........ A shame. I had the best of intention but now my interest has shifted to Pathfinder novels. Need to get my hands on that for I wish immerse myself in Golarion content and lore. Watched Lotr, never played it, no interest. Only played 3.5 and a dabble in 4.0 but i quickly shucked that oyster, mouthed it and spat it out. I also don't research how to optimise my pc's through multiclassing etc. I think of all i am the least qualified for a nerd title but I bloomed late i guess.
(Btw you guys gotta read the Drizzt novels if only to get to know Enterai. Drizzit is all 'oh i am so torturted because everyone thinks i am evil.' Enterai is much deeper. For like 6 novels he's just a stone killer who for some reason hates drizzt. Later we find out its cause his childhood was just as horrific as drizzt's. Enterai lost his feelings as a matter of survival to become this unfeeling killer. People fear him. Nobody can touch him. The reason he hates drizzt is because the elf endured but kept his humanity. Enterai NEEDS to kill him to prove he's better. To prove losing his soul was worth it.)
As for in game action...yes, I do think that Ethaniel would be certain that Marcus was being compelled against his will, considering what he knows of him (although he was not privy to his flirtation with Ascaria). His Spellcraft might be nil, but he is trained in Sense Motive.
Heh. I thought that would be a lot to ask of poor, shy Ethaniel. Now I wonder how he'll react with half the eyes of the city on him?
Male Elf Rogue 3 | Init +8 | Perc +6, low-light vision | AC 18/14/14 | DR/1 Bludgeoning | HP 14/15 | F +1 R +6 W +1; +2 vs charm and compulsion | CMB +2, CMD 16 | acid splash at will | mwk rapier +7 (1d6+4/18-20)
Skills:
Acrobatics +10, Bluff +7, Climb +4, Disable Device +10, Escape Artist +10, Intimidate +7, Perception +6, Perform (sing) +5, Perform (string) +5, Sense Motive +6, Sleight of Hand +9, Stealth +10, Swim +4
As for in game action...yes, I do think that Ethaniel would be certain that Marcus was being compelled against his will, considering what he knows of him (although he was not privy to his flirtation with Ascaria). His Spellcraft might be nil, but he is trained in Sense Motive.
Heh. I thought that would be a lot to ask of poor, shy Ethaniel. Now I wonder how he'll react with half the eyes of the city on him?
I'm guessing he'll be pretty paranoid about the whole thing.
Yeah, I really enjoy Treantmonk's stuff. Iscarel's being a Treantmonk brand bard from the get-go, and the fact that his guides are core only is a big plus in my eyes.
I'm actually somewhat relieved that's over. I'm enjoying butting heads immensely, don't get me wrong, but it's escalating in a way I don't like at all.
You might want to step it down a bit, STR Ranger. You've managed to shatter Iscarel's opinion of you in a matter of two days, and I'm having trouble reconciling Iscarel's reactions. In the two days of game-time since our quiet spell you've threatened his life three or four times and now insult him and his honor in his own language (or worse, that of the Drow). These are much more serious slights than a cruel joke or two (although Iscarel was convinced you two would bond over the experience. :P), and I'm not certain how to react. Even if these threats aren't serious (I hope not) I'd really wonder what place the "good" has in Marcus' alignment.
I guess what I'm trying to say is Iscarel isn't the only one who's taking issue with Marcus' tone. I just want to be assured we can find a way to settle the bad blood between them before either of us pushes the other too far. (Also how are these matters typically settled? I think we're a bit past sharing a drink at this point. Perhaps a duel? I'm looking forward to our next clash with equal parts delight and trepidation. I'm just hoping it's a little friendly than this one.)
Female Human Witch 2 (AC 12/12/10, HP 16/16, Conditions: Nil)
Back from the long weekend. Seems I have missed a lot of stuff. Originally I was planning to leave Ascaria out of the trip to the Silken Veil. Thus, I did not read the spoilers. But judging from your comments something Ascaria-related was going on there. Any advice on how to handle this? Was she supposed to be there? Or would it be cooler if she would not have a clue what happened there?
Twigs wrote:
Also how are these matters typically settled? I think we're a bit past sharing a drink at this point. Perhaps a duel? I'm looking forward to our next clash with equal parts delight and trepidation. I'm just hoping it's a little friendly than this one.
A duel (to third blood?) in Saul's fighting pit sounds nice. It could settle your feud and would tie in nicely with the location. Plus you could stop pestering each other all the time. :-)
Okay, perhaps I misinterpreted a line from Marcus. In particular when Tam approached and Marcus said, this one is taken.
Ascaria, what ever you decide is fine as you will probably learn of the events IC anyway. But if you don't find out, you may just become fed up with the feud between the two and step in.
I don't encourage duels or martial means of resolution. Nor do I appreciate it getting to a point where steel is drawn or damaging spells are cast.
My suggestion would be to manage this through another who is common to both. Either Ascaria takes the reigns which I do enjoy, being such a young flower reigning in two much older than her.
Or Iscarel confides in Ethaniel for council who aids Iscarel and reveals something that Iscarel could assist with out of Marcus' knowing. Maybe a lead to more information about Marcus' backstory if he thinks it necessary.
It needs to be something that warms the hearts of both, not belittles one to favor another.
ACHTUNG!! I am back at work as off Monday 4th June. I have had much time over the last few weeks to post regularly. There will be an adjustment period as I return and posting in that period may be affected. I do hope it is not.
It needs to be something that warms the hearts of both, not belittles one to favor another.
I think this is pretty much the crux of the matter. The problem with our word-games and banter (which I by no means want to stop) is that, due to the nature of PbP, we'll always be vying for the last word.
I'm with you on the duel point, in retrospect. If we did come to arms, I'd probably want to play it out like Ascaria suggested, but it seems like a very un-calistrian affair. I think in the scheme of things, our reconciliation will happen naturally, after a particularly nasty battle or turn of events puts things back into perspective. I think I decided early on (long before Marcus and I begun this little feud) that the party members would have to earn Iscarel's respect. For the most part, they have, but Iscarel is increasingly worried about having Marcus at his back and is so far thoroughly unimpressed by his threats.
As for the others stepping in, or voicing their opinions... Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!
That's what I've been looking forward to the most! I don't feel like I've built much of a rapport with anyone else so far, so I'm hoping to turn my focus on the rest of the party in the coming weeks.
As for the matter of time, no sweat. I've had absolutely no time to post in the last few weeks and I've been posting CONSTANTLY. I don't know what's good for me, it seems. :P
Well, well. Not to worry everyone. I was gonna have Marcus getanother night visitation from that disembodied voice.
Coming together has been exceedingly difficult for Marcus.
And altogether the whole issue was that Iscarel imposed upon Marcus's WILL. Something vitally important to the ranger. Marcus believes free will to be the most important right of a sentient being. We choose to be good or evil. Iscarel took away his free will. Nothing frightens the man more.
What'smore he doesn't so much as have 'faith' in Calistria. It's more like he feels as if he has been 'Marked' by her the way some people feel trapped by thier religion.
3rdly Marcus feels as though he's is at the start of a love triangle all over again. Perhaps not quite that. Iscarel actually helped Marcus begin to see some separation from that scenario when he said he wasn't interested in Ascaria.
Ethanial is acting as a guide/conscience for Marcus. He has the greatest insight and knows the most about what is happening to him.
Female Human Witch 2 (AC 12/12/10, HP 16/16, Conditions: Nil)
Alright. I've read up on the Silken Veil encounter. Great stuff! Let's say Ascaria did not accompany them and that she does not know of what happened unless someone tells her IC. I guess that by now she will be able to sense if something is wrong with Marcus (that is more wrong than usual...)
Posted.. you guys post...A LOT! lol.. not a bad thing but I get somewhat lost in the mix.. no problem.. Tam is not Ashe.. so he would prefer to stay in the background. but I try to give some insights into his personality in my 'monologues'. Hope you enjoy it.
Also Tam is a worshipper of DESNA he does not like strife in his life or int he interactions with others..."Its far easier to ask for forgiveness than to plot a revenge or prepare to receive a coming vengeance..." is his opinion. He's not a priest but he is basically a nice guy.. if a little dour, so he will try to give advice off-handedly to spread peace love and happiness...DESNA' ethos. but it will be couched in dry wisdom. I hope I can pull it off well.
Female Human Witch 2 (AC 12/12/10, HP 16/16, Conditions: Nil)
Ascaria will rejoin you the next morning and accompany the group to the Cypher Lodge if she may. I'll just wait for the nightly encounters to be wrapped before I post.
