"Ah! Great, we could use some ranged DPS."
Looking at the pair Bastion laughs
"yeah yeah we're trapped on another plane, this is reality and all that stuff the robed one said. The way I see it, we've got stats, we've got magical abilities and the only thing that's changed is that we can't log out and permadeath is VERY perma. The goal though and modus operandi is the same; tank-dps-healer will offer highest chance of survival, gear is paramount, skilling up will let us move forward, kill for a reward, kill the big boss for the ultimate reward."
Bastion becomes a little more serious
"I logged in with the goal of becoming the best tank on this server and be the first to kill the end-boss, this has not changed. How I will achieve it has not changed either. The stakes are higher, but this is still a magical realm that allows us unprecedented freedom and the opportunity to see wonders beyond our belief."
Bastion smiles again and lightly punches Garret in the arm
"So get busy living or get busy dying Errol Flynn"
Bastion laughs loudly at his own joke, his hair waving like flames around his shoulders.
"We were just heading out to snag a little Fire Dragon Welpling for a god-quest I've got going before heading to the Notice Board or Dungeon. Do you guys mind? We could finish a god-quest for you if you need to as well before setting off"
Garret listens, nodding his agreement with the majority of the fiery fellow's speech.
"True. ...Errol Flynn?", looking quite puzzled.
"Dragon whelp and god-quest. I don't mind assisting. The name's Garret Ironheart. At least, that's what I'll go by here. Me and Aien here have a delivery request to complete, they didn't give us a deadline though.", he explains, with a tip of his hat while offering a handshake.
"Hm..I've already met my goddess, she didn't say anything of a quest. Although, I did become a full-fledged member and devotee of the Death Temple.", Garret says as he exposes the silver skull mark on his neck.
"Ah, right, the mirror. Anyone else investigate yet?", Garret resumes searching his belongings.
Baris nods to Bastion in agreement about his name.
Then after Bastion's offer of fair he asks, "I see what you are saying but I don't want your hair and you want mine. Who asked you to do this quest? As long as it isn't one of my nemesis, I will trade you a Locke of my hair for an orange crystal."
As the two groups merge, the halfling greets the other two with a hearty handshake each saying exuberantly, "Greetings, I am Baris, also known as Zanthias god of monkery and speed. Since we have a chosen of Death getting a healer from the temple of Death would be ideal. What quest exactly are you on? I can go collect packages for all while you go get the healer. We will meet up at the Fire gate afterwards."
Garret looks at the halfling half-amazed half-dumbfounded, "Wow, a hobbit. Should've expected that."
Garret shakes the small man's hand, "Well met, Lord Zanthias. Although, it seems you prefer Baris. This is the delivery request we have taken up."
Garret shows the short god the request sheet.
Beware of gnoll activity. 5 gp commission. Failure to take the package to the correct outpost or back to the guard is a crime of theft. Ask at the front desk of the town hall.
"...Wait, god of monkey and speed?"
The halfling cocks his head to one side and then corrects Garret, "Monkery and speed!" With that said he shoots off dodging those in his way and running 240 feet per round. He yells back, "Hurry I don't like to wait!"
As he hears about the end boss that they want to fight, Aien whispers:
I don't think this is the safest group, Garret.
After he mulls it over:
So how the hell did you meet a goddess? All I did at the Earth temple is look around, say "hello" and leave.
Same situation every g@d d@mend time! 10 DPS to a healer
"Uh yeah one more DPS would be fine, might be good that you do magic, while these guys do physical. We're in dire need of a healer now though, we're up to 6 people without a healer, even now he's going to have his hands full with healing"
"See if you can sort the healer out guys, I've gotta run to the bank and drop off some stuff, I'll be at the Fire Gate in 2min"
Garret pulls the mirror from his pack, looks at Aien, "Better than no group at all. Besides, I'm sure our growth will be much faster and safer with this group that has a dedicated tank. Rather than trying to piecemeal a party full of factotums." He has a disgusted look on his face when says the last word.
To the hooded man, "I suppose this means, 'Welcome to the group'. The name's Garret. You?"
Back to Aien, "Ah, I just asked the girl that seemed to be like a receptionist about joining the membership of the Temple. After the process for that was finished, she asked me if I wanted to join the faith and I said yes. Turned out she was Death, or at least an incarnation of her. And apparently Kami-sama is a nudist.", Garret nods sharply with his eyes closed, remembering the image.
"...Healer. Baris suggested to look for one at Death Temple. I'll go do just that. See you guys shortly.", as he heads to the Temple, while examining the mirror in his hand.
"Don't worry Board I'll be back before you can say 'onomatopoeia'"
Bastion runs off to his bank
As Garret enters into the temple of Death the receptionist appears recognizable in her black veil, black corset, and short black skirt. She greets you pleasantly, "Greetings Garret, how can we help you?"
'Didn't expect to see her again so soon. Damn sure ain't complainin' though.'
"Ah, uh, yes. Um, not sure how to go about this. ...Is there anyone available, gifted with healing magick, that would be willing to join an expeditionary...well, mercenary group?", Garret removes his hat, looking a little flustered by the difficulty of the question.
"Ah yes, easily enough to accommodate your request I have another chosen with the skills you require. Take care of her and she will amaze, may I present Jellena Darkling." As she says her name Jellena appears from the shadows just like one of the members of the temple.
He turns to Jellena, offering a handshake, "H-hello, my name's Garret Ironheart. Nice to meet you, Miss Jellena. Your talents would be highly welcomed in our group. Of course, it's entirely up to you whether you wish to join us or not."
'Are all the women of the Death Temple generally this attractive or am I just lucky.'
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'Most female priests and acolytes are beautiful. If nothing else an ageless beauty. Only within the temples can the priesthood read minds. She thinks back.
"Oh. ...I, I see.", glancing at the woman he's near certain is this Temple's goddess, rather red-faced.
*A-ahem*, clearing his throat, he turns back around and begins to head back to the square.
As he's walking, Garret inspects the mirror that appeared in his belongings, 'What's this thing supposed to do?'
Garret exits out of the Temple of Death only a few minutes after he entered into the temple. A scantily clad woman following with dark hair.
James shrugs and heads for the lumberyard.
Aien does a quiet whistle when he sees Garrets friend.
I gather this is the person you told me about?
Aien offers his hand for a handshake.
My name is Aien.
In response to Board's question, "More of an acquaintance at the moment. Seeing as we just met. She's the healer recommended to our group by the Temple. I'll let her do the formal introduction, as I feel I wouldn't do her justice."
Garret steps slightly beside and behind Aien, "Uh, no, but it appears all the women of the Death Temple are beautiful. Or at least, that's what I'm told."
Garret attempts to activate the mirror in his hands.
If there is nothing he runs off to the Fire Gate to wait for the guys
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She brushes a loose strand back out of her face and smiles at all the buldging eyes. She takes a swallow and licks her lips before introducing herself, "Jellena Darkling, priestess of Death, healer at your service. I am pleased to meet you all." She takes Aien hand and says, "Aien is it? Nice to meet you, ranged DPS? I have played some MMOs before but nothing serious. At least until now."
Tin_man you venture out on your own heading out of town to the North East. The guards at the gate let you through without a second look. Down the switchbacks then onto the road. The road seems safe enough, no mobs, nearly no one at all. After several hours you see a large stone building on the side of the road, a dwarven inn. Outside is a traveling merchant with his wears out on a blanket and on a crate. He appears to be selling mostly red crystals, a golden rod with a blue sapphire on its top, tribal jewelry focusing on bones and claws, finally a few idols.
As you go and deposit the robe you see some items are still in the bank. A blue potion, a red crystal, a mirror, a bag of coins 15 gp, a blacksmith hammer, a quest writ, a mug of mid summer ale, and a pair of friendship rings.
1. Do you want to change your race?
2. Do you want to change your gender?
3. What appearance changes do you want?
There is many, many choices here.
4. Are you sure you want to make these changes?
5. Good luck and may the force be with you.
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Delman waits for all the others to greet her first and will introduce himself as the group's moves out to the Fire Temple.
Bastion stuffs the robe in the bank vault
ka-CHING!
and gets the blue potion, red crystal, 15gp, quest writ (and reads it) and the friendship rings out
Quest Writ:
To the South there is a quest where the reward is boots that allow those in armor to move as if you were not wearing armor. Speak with Garravel at the fire gate to escort a caravan through the desert in the South. It should take about three weeks to cross the desert.
Reward given after the first day of travel. The boots allow those not in armor to not fall through sand.
CR 5-9
Other side quests on the way very possible.
Garret intently stares at the small mirror in his hand. A glittery gray smoke, like crushed hematite, suddenly pours forth from it, enveloping Garret's whole form. It remains in place, flashing from within like a thunderstorm, for a good five minutes.
When it finally dissipates, a new Garret stands before the group. Well, new isn't exactly true but he is quite different from before.
From what is immediately obvious, his clothes changed somewhat. Now he's wearing a light brown wide-brimmed hat with a black hatband, a black red-trimmed duster with black ribbons tied on the shoulders, a dark crimson hooded vest, with the collar of a navy blue shirt sticking out from beneath the vest, you can also see a silver skull-shaped belt buckle peeking out from below the hem of the vest, he's also wearing black denim pants, and black red-trimmed boots.
His arms and hands have become scaly and clawed. The less obvious details are his eyes are now solid green, like emeralds, and he's grown a thin four foot long tail. Also, you can see the edges of scales on the back of his neck, beneath his black ponytail.
Garret looks at his hands and clothes, "Uhh...I think, I think I figured out what that mirror does folks."
Noticing his tail at the corner of his vision, he snatches it up in his left hand, "I have a TAIL! I could get into all kinds of trouble with this thing.", as he grins mischievously, exposing his newly enlarged canines.
Seeing the merchant James decides to get a better look. Maybe there's something to learn about how this game works. He approaches the man:
"Hey, how's it going? Can you tell me what you're selling here?"
Bastion leaves the bank, turns in the red crystal for +3 HP (I assume I add my Con bonus too) making it a total of +5
Then he runs off to the Fire Gate to wait for the rest of the guys
Aien looks at Garret transforming.
So it works...
Aien pulls out his mirror.
He looks at it for a while before putting it away.
[i]I don't need it just yet.[/b]
He looks at the tail.
If you're going to do mischief, do it to him.
He points in Boards general direction.
At the fire gate Baris waits with a pile of packages. Tapping his foot impatiently. Bastion shows up first and then a few minutes later the rest of the party.
_________
The merchant greets James back pleasantly, "Hello, here I have crystals of growth. For 20 gp you may have one. If you deposit it over in the dispenser you can grow. The golden rod with a blue sapphire on its top is an artifact that will help you gain more crystals as you defeat monsters, a mere 2,500 gp. The tribal jewelry focusing on bones and claws are from the catfolk in the plains, wear them and they won't attack on sight, give them as a gift and you might find a new friend, 15 gp each. Finally a few idols which could grant you extra favor, one is to Death herself, one to Sol the sun giver, and this little bueaty of points is to Gorum; 200 gp each."
"Alright! Who's ready to catch a dragon?! It's one of these bastards over there."
Bastion points at one of the Fire Dragon Whelplings
"I need to get one for a god-quest. My original idea was to grab it and run with it to the Fire Temple, where I need to give it to Hephaestus, letting my fire resistance absorb the damage. But I don't think I'm good enough to catch it. Anyone have an idea of how to trap it or knock it out? I can probably take the fire, especially since we're got a healer with us."
At the fire gate.
Baris slips around the group to introduce himself to the new additions. In his happy go lucky mood he says, "Greetings! May I introduce myself, I am Zanthias, god of monkery and speed. But my friends call me Baris. It is good to have pretty faces in the group, easy on the eyes." He directs his comment more towards Garret and winks at Jellena.
Then he gets serious and quietly says, "Wait Garret is that you?! What happened? Who did this to you!!!" Lightning begins to spark off his clenched hands and hair.
________
On the way down the switchbacks to the whelp area.
"I suggest those who can't do nonlethal keep the dragon whelps not in the initial fight at bay, while the rest of us wail on the poor target. Bastion you pick one and we will support you. Unless someone thinks they can draw some of the dragons away... Either way no need to drag a conscious whelp into town." Baris says his tactical thoughts out loud.
pointing at one close by he says
"lets get this one"
picking up a rock he throws it at the dragon
str+4, dex+2 (which is it)
dice=Initiative Bastion]1d20+1[/dice]
dice=Initiative Baris]1d20+5[/dice]
dice=Initiative Jellena]1d20+1[/dice]
dice=Initiative Aien]1d20+3[/dice]
dice=Initiative Garret]1d20[/dice]
dice=Initiative Board]1d20[/dice]
dice=Initiative Delman]1d20+3[/dice]
dice=Initiative Dragon Whelp attacked]1d20+2[/dice]
dice=Initiative other dragon whelps]1d20+2[/dice]
23 Baris
18 Delman
17 Jellena
6 Bastion (surprise round done)
5 Dragon whelps
4 Aein
3 Board
1 Garret
Round 1
Baris just stands there with his mouth wide open, he then looks a bit angry and just goes full defense.
To Aien's suggestion, Garret says, "I have plans, Aien, plans...Muhahaha!", laughing sinisterly.
He turns to Jellena, "Interesting? That's all? ...Wait, you're a player!?"
________
Once the group meets up with Baris and Bastion, "Uh, Lord Baris, I kinda did this to myself. I feel somewhat stronger for it."
________
On the way down, Garret contemplates his offensive options, "I could just punch or kick the whelp but with my current training I don't think that'll be wise. So, I'll try to keep the others at bay."
Garret draws his pistol. (move action)
Round 1
Garrets loads his pistol with a paper cartridge (move action) and then moves 20' to the west.
"I'll do what I can but no promises to success."
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To Aien's suggestion, Garret says, "I have plans, Aien, plans...Muhahaha!", laughing sinisterly.
He turns to Jellena, "Interesting? That's all? ...Wait, you're a player!?"
"Of course I am a player, I am a chosen..." She laughs out loud at his confusion.
At the fire gate.
Baris slips around the group to introduce himself to the new additions. In his happy go lucky mood he says, "Greetings! May I introduce myself, I am Zanthias, god of monkery and speed. But my friends call me Baris. It is good to have pretty faces in the group, easy on the eyes." He directs his comment more towards Garret and winks at Jellena.
She giggles at the farce. Obviously happy that she is not being ogled by all of them.
Once the group meets up with Baris and Bastion, "Uh, Lord Baris, I kinda did this to myself. I feel somewhat stronger for it."
The electricity seems to discharge as Baris calms down but is very very confused and still unsettled. He is rubbing his head and obviously just thinking to himself.