DM Salsa's Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master AdamWarnock

Tyldric sips his ale lazily, taking in the sites of the tavern. His eyes wander around the room, pausing as he takes stock on everyone in the room.

What reason could he have for the sack? he ponders idly, watching the the strange little man approach the drunken gnome, before the half elf barmaid enters his line of sight and gains his full attention. Until movement in the corner of his eye draws his focus to a tall woman with a shaved head talking to a man with a hooked nose and a decisively sour expression. Ignoring the conversation, Tyldric's focus is drawn the woman's hand, as it eagerly drifts towards her sword. Is it too much to ask for just to have a quiet drink? he thinks in exasperation, then with a wry smirk, Of course not, where's the fun in that? After repositioning his legs to ensure the table wouldn't prevent him from reacting quickly, he leans back and watches in amusement.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Gellius eyes Kishta speculatively for a moment, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, before shifting it slightly away. "I'm not used to visiting... establishments... of this... quality. The only fight I'm interested in involves no one present. Tell me, have you ever heard of a man named Gaedren Lamm? I wish to... discuss something with him, using something a great deal sharper than my tongue."

Kishta's face turns guarded, and her eyes are far away, before she refocuses them on the swordsman's face.

"Gaedren Lamm. Now there's a name I'd hoped never to hear again. And one you won't utter again above a whisper, if you know what's good for you, with so many strangers around."

"But I can tell you some stories about old Shepherd Gaedren, indeed I can. But not a one ends well. Which way do your tastes run? Would you prefer one that ends with tawdry trinkets, with shattered virtue, or with children's corpses?"

"Gaedren Lamm...grrrr" Dreqar closes his spellbook with a loud snap as he hears Gellius talk with Kishta. He carefully places his spellbook back in the backpack and stands up, taking his ale with him. His ginger furred tail swishes in agravation that he tries to calm with a sip of the ale. "Forgive my prying ears, but I heard the name of a rodent I'm after" the catfolk Acadamae student trys to joke, but the smile is one masking a desire to question the two right then and there.

Tyldric's amusement vanishes quickly at hearing Lamm's name. Without thinking, he grabs his tankard and approaches the table. Once there he looks around the table, clears his throat, and raises his ale up in a toast," To Lamm's head on a pike." Then, after tapping the tankard to the table, he drains the last of his ale and signals for the the barmaid to bring him another.

Manny's ears perk as he hears the name Lamm float throught the air. Manny's fingers tighten on his mug and he grits his teeth as he turns an ear their way, hoping to get a clue to find that filthy man who thought he could make Manny his fool.

Thea shakes her head at Manny offering another ale, but realizes quickly that the gnome was already oblivious. She offers the dwarf a smile of thanks for the drink at which she stops, her milky blue eyes seeming far away and lost in the fermented, malted barley. Her hand takes the tankard for the longest moment at which time she considers a drink but stops herself and stands from the bar. Stepping across the floor her eyes find the growing party at the table that more seem to step to and curiosity takes control as he feet step closer.

"Lamm?" She sounds surprised. "What's your trouble with him?"

Kishta looked quickly around the room, trying to figure out which of these strangers with Gaedren Lamm's name on their lips were actually his spies.

"Trouble? With Gaedren Lamm? Why no trouble at all. He was practically a father to me. Raised me like his own. Not," Kishta added, "That he treats his own well, you understand."

"No, I want nothing from Gaedren but to never see his face -- or his club -- again."

"Only trouble with Lamm is I can't find the wretched sot. Owe 'im a debt, long since due." Tyldric mutters, clenching and wringing his fists as he stares off into space, remembering past grievances. Snapping back to reality, he looks to the shaved headed woman,"I too was 'one of his own', until he tried to feed me to that beast of his."

Dreqar looks over to Tyldric, with an almost predatory smile and raises his mug of ale as well, and drinks, still savorying the best ale he had drank in a while, especially since the Acadamae didn't provide for such...indulgences. "That rat has an answer to a question I'd like an answer to, and I'll roast him from sole to scalp to get it." Dreqar frowns a little thinking about Vensi, the beautiful love of his life. Her blonde hair, the dark blue eyes, the smell of her perfume, that he swore he could still smell in his book, all of it came to his mind at that moment. He then picks up his ale and sips it again, and he realizes he is gripping the mug so tightly it's shaking. "He took the most beautiful creation I ever had the pleasure of knowing from this world. I want to know why." The catfolk growls at the end, putting a point on his desires.

"I have questions for him. Questions that, if I'm right, he's unlikely to survive long past the asking. If you know him well, perhaps you could direct me? I suspect that if you do, you won't have to worry about seeing his face again.

"Of course, it seems to me that more than I have reasons to seek him out." Gellius nods to the man who approached the table. "Greed has never been my sin. If others have interest in him, I'm more than pleased to have along another pair of eyes for the search."

Manny eases off his seat and hobbles over to where Tyldric,Dregar and Gellius are. Pardon me, I overheard you talk about Lamm. I assure you that I am most certainly am not friend and like him. Manny gestures at Dregar. I have lost much due to him. My current predicament. Manny points his his covered head. Is due to him. So if you need another pair of eyes on your search, I would be glad to assist.

Gellius, having seen his walk, eyes the small figure skeptically. "Well, I suppose if at least your eyes work they would be useful for the endeavor. As long as I find him, I'm not overly particular about who helps, so if your offering aid, I'm accepting of it. I suspect there will be plenty Lamm to go around." Gellius thumps the hilt of his sword with a thumb. "The more who share, the smaller the cuts. I can't say that I'd shed a tear about that."

With all the talk of Lamm taking place Waydon steps forward, eager to listen. He looks pleadingly at the crowd talking about Lamm and says, "I have reason to believe that Gaedren Lamm may have taken my daughter. When did you see him last and does anyone know of his whereabouts?"

Much obliged. Although my stature is lacking I can see and hear well enough and I have learned some skill with a sling, helped keep me fed. As for cuts, I am more interested in stuffing a little keepsake in Lamm's mouth. An apple to the pig, hehe.

"So Lamm is to be mutton and pork?"" Gellius looks at Waydon. "I have never laid eyes on him myself, although I mean to do so very soon. Since there seems to be many of us interested in this, how about you grab chairs?"

With a gesture at the bar maid Gellius hold up his mug. "A round for these folk, my coin. I'll even pay silver if you manage to be swift about it."

When Lamm's name begins to resound through the bar Fenkar stops in his tracks and momentarily forgets about the harrow reading. It is obvious that others would want Lamm's head but how did so many come to be in this place at once. There are no coincidences Fenkar thinks to himself. These others have grudges against the wretched man so I could find allies against him. But it places me in competition against them for final revenge as well. he thinks to himself.

After some silent deliberation Fenkar concludes that he needs help in finding Lamm and that he will have to content himself with shared vengeance. with that he hoists his mug and joins the chorus "To Lamm's head on a pike!" He then adds "after suitable treatment to the rest of him, of course."

I would join in, but something about a barroom of people that all hate Lamm and discussing what they will do to him just seems off to me. I intend to stay character personality based, and not much more. Rumal hates Lamm as much as the next guy, but I'm trying to save the introduction to us all hating Lamm for when we actually start and meet again for the first time. Sorry, just my 2cp.

I second what Rumal said. It seems unnatural and once the lucky few are picked, the interactions with the rest are left hanging... Extensive pre-game RP is not my cup of tea.

I have to agree with Linard and Rumal. I do alot of RP, you can check the pbp's I am actively involved in. But right now, all that seems to be happening is general complains about Gaedren Lamm. Its the only common thread so its what the RP gravitates to. I'm following along DM-Salsa and would welcome the opportunity to show my chops in game though.

Make that a forth with similar thoughts. That being said...

Arianna continues to silently watch and listen to the conversation around her, consulting her ever-present deck of cards.

Kishta listens to the curses for Gaedren Lamm, and watches many of the assembled gather together in their fellowship of hatred. So many twisted by that waste of a man.

"Bah!" she says. I'll shed no tears for the man, whatever you do for him. But by talking about him in public, you've all but guaranteed he'll elude you. He has ears everywhere -- maybe even one of you.

Kishta wrings her hands, a habit she'd long since given up, then catches herself and stops.

"I might remember you. Tyl-Tyldric? Brute of a fighter, even as a child? Give it up. He's gone, don't let a search for revenge twist you. Congratulations, you survived. Now get on with your life. Make it a good one."

And yet, if he were here right now I wouldn't take my own advice. Kishta took an ale and sat at a table apart from the others, unable to look away or stop listening.

Yeah, I didn't think that through. I respect your decisions to opt out, it's not going to hurt you. I understand not everyone likes having RP in the recruitment thread and I can see the reasons why, but for me, at least, it helps get into character, and I have seen some of that happen here with several of you. I really enjoyed some of the introductions, and some of them are what put the characters in the top of the pack, and I wish I could take the lot of you, but that really wouldn't be fair to any of you considering the nature of tabletop RPGs and PBPs.

That said, I'm shortening the timeline a little. I'm closing recruitment at 7 PM CDT today, that's in about 8 and a half hours. I'll post those who made it either tonight or tomorrow night, since it looks like everyone has a complete submission and things are winding down. I'll try and post a complete list sometime today. No guarantees though, I'm going to on the road or in class or at work until 7-7:30 PM CDT. I'll try and get the game started early next week.

Sounds good! Looking foward to the results and good luck to all!

Sorry for putting people off. Just got carried away a little.

Right Cleric of Abadar coming up...quick question how do you feel about Leadership? Personally I can live without it if it is trouble.

Dreqar pulled up a chair at Gellius's advice, sitting in it backwards to give his tail ample room to swing back and forth, while resting his arms on the back. Before he is able to say more he listens to Kishta's chastizing and feels his ears burn a little, a sign of embrassment. He wasn't used to the seeder underworld still, having spent more time in a classroom then on the streets. "Ma'am...forgive me but that....creature...has to pay, revenge is all I have left. If not on the creature, then who? He speaks in a lower more subdued voice to Kishta.

Gaius sat quietly in his corner, suddenly very uncomfortable, yet intrigued, among the talk of Lamm. While it made perfect sense that there would be many that hated Lamm as much as him, perhaps more, he had never actually spoken to another person about it. He knew where Lamm was... He just couldn't get the reinforcements to shut him down. A new idea presented itself... One he'd never considered before. He didn't care for lynch-mobs... but for a monster like Lamm, he might make an exception.

An interesting idea. Sometimes the bureaucracy of law protected villains as more than the people. Hmmm....

Right Cleric of Abadar coming up...quick question how do you feel about Leadership? Personally I can live without it if it is trouble.

Honestly, I'm indifferent. That said and having read the entire AP, there's the question of where would you find followers and cohorts. I'm going to say no, unfortunately, but by all means get the character in. I'm interested to see what kind of Abadarian they turn out to be.

"I might remember you. Tyl-Tyldric? Brute of a fighter, even as a child? Give it up. He's gone, don't let a search for revenge twist you. Congratulations, you survived. Now get on with your life. Make it a good one."

Tyldric is caught off guard, but studies Kishta's face closely. Then, with a small shake of his head says,"Sorry, don't remember much but the arena an' His club, can't say I know you." Then, leaning back in his chair,"Yer right though, jus' got carried away. But given a chance..." Tyldric's eyes drift out of focus, clearly lost in his thoughts.

Personally, I didn't reallly consider this to be part of the campaign, more of a prequel to say, like in a TV show where you see flashbacks and see the characters actually had been around each other, and were more connected than you are led to believe at first. Not everyone is interacting with everyone, and after Kishta's berating, most will go their different ways, unless Salsa throws something into the mix. It does kinda open some doors for the forming of the party later though, even if not everyone here comes back (i.e. gets chosen for the group). It also gives small ties so that should one drop out, there are other characters that didn't originally make it that Salsa could shoot of a PM to to see if they are interested. And this will actually be my first PbP if I make the cut, so this is a chance for me to stretch my creative muscles and get used to fleshing out a character in text, which I much appreciate. I'm seeing there are whole levels of nuance you can use to add more levels of detail to the character. /endwalloftext

"I agree with the cat on this. I mean to put paid to Lamm for what he's done. Get on with my life? Maybe you can forgive so easily what was done to you, but I cannot. Call it what you will, justice or vengeance, I will find Lamm and have my words with him. You can take the high ground, or you can cower like his victims, but in the end its the same. Meanwhile, I and those of like minds will do as we will."

Dreqar pulled up a chair at Gellius's advice, sitting in it backwards to give his tail ample room to swing back and forth, while resting his arms on the back. Before he is able to say more he listens to Kishta's chastizing and feels his ears burn a little, a sign of embrassment. He wasn't used to the seeder underworld still, having spent more time in a classroom then on the streets. "Ma'am...forgive me but that....creature...has to pay, revenge is all I have left. If not on the creature, then who? He speaks in a lower more subdued voice to Kishta.

Kishta sighs and shakes her head.

"I don't know. I'm not a wise woman. I'm just a storyteller."

But I know what Milani would say. Milani would say the real enemies are the ones who buy Gaedren's wares and allow him to flourish.

"Do you know Crossing the River? Don't be Puma, cursing the water that dampens her whiskers and fur. Be Beaver, building a dam so all can cross." Kishta colored slightly as she realized who she was talking to. "No disrespect intended to felines, of course."

Black Dow's full submission :)

Will be keeping Mercy's RP until the actual game if selected...

Okay, ten minutes until recruitment is closed. If you want a shot at joining, speak now or wait until someone else opens up a game.

@ H.P. Makelovecraftz: I'll give you until 10 PM CDT to get your submission in.

Good luck. I actually made a character but decided to not submit. Looks fun. And wish everyone luck with being picked.

Good luck. I actually made a character but decided to not submit. Looks fun. And wish everyone luck with being picked.

Thanks, I wish you had though. You still have five minutes.

The List:
Krieyna - Josh Shrader - Sanctified Rogue
Theanna Lyonsbold - SweetCharity - Oracle of the Heavens
Eydan Windcaller - Vhalas Rhun - Magus
Manny - Andrea1 - Rogue
Fenkar - Bill Lumberg - Witch
Arianna Sirmikova - Talomyr - Witch
Halfast Proudfoot - Fangaur - Scout/Knife Master Rouge
Linard Toivan - flykiller- Urban/Skirmisher Ranger
Dreqar Soriano - KingmanHighborn - Magus
Kishta Feathersmoke - pH unbalanced - Arcane Duelist Bard
Tyldric - cjgrimm - Fighter
Detective Gaius Lerroung - Razorstrom - Investigator Rogue
Gellius Thrune - poesraven8628 - Free Hand Fighter
Terrano - Sorcerer (Aberrant)
Waydon Cordus - Honor Guard/Strategist Cavalier of the Sheild
Rumal - Troy Malovich - Mindchemist Alchemist
Veklen Stonefist - Runner 188 - Magus
Mercy Quaalearn - Black Dow - Redeemer Paladin
Gundahar Brandt - Micheal Sumrall - Wizard (Geomancer)

??? - H.P. Makelovecraft - Cleric of Abadar

Tick-Tock! Good luck all!

Well, I'm going through the submissions right now. I'm trying to narrow it down, but damn you guys made it hard, so hang on to the characters if you don't get in, I may start up second group after the start of the new year (I'll be too busy to even try two games at once until then).

@ H.P. Makelovecraft: You've got 35 minutes to get your character in.

Well, looks like I'm chunking my "only 4-5 players" rule out. Congrats to the following Players. You have not only caught my interest, but have provide a good number of juicy hooks (Almost all of you did, but some of these meshed really well).

Mercy Quaalearn - Black Dow - Redeemer Paladin
Waydon Cordus - Meditation - Honor Guard/Strategist Cavalier of the Sheild
Theanna Lyonsbold - SweetCharity - Oracle of the Heavens
Dreqar Soriano - KingmanHighborn - Magus
Veklen Stonefist - Runner 188 - Magus
Kishta Feathersmoke - pH unbalanced - Arcane Duelist Bard
Arianna Sirmikova - Talomyr - Witch

To the rest of you, Keep your eyes and ears open you get first dibs if I need replacements.

To those who made it, please report to the Discussion thread. Click Here»

"Congra..*hic* Congrasha..*hic* Congrashalashus! I hobe yew fine thiz fellir." and with that his head lurches forward, smacking into the table, and he begins to snore.

Good job guys, and have fun.

Manny shakes his head at Rumal, swipes his purse and hobbles out into the night.

Congradulations to all selected! Have fun!

I came down with a bad case of no Internet, but I'm sure my character wouldn't have been as good as those selected, congrats.

... Can't believe I missed this. And I have the perfect character for CotCT.

It does seem that there is still enough interest, though. All I need now is someone who can DM.

Imposter! Get your own avatar!

Good gaming to everyone who was picked.

Sobs in corner

I came down with a bad case of no Internet, but I'm sure my character wouldn't have been as good as those selected, congrats.

Yeowch, that sucks. Hopefully you'll have better luck next time.

@ Fenkar: If it makes you feel any better, you were one of the ones that was causing a good bit of hemmin' and hawwin' on my part.