Extraordinarily Awful Orphan Adventures

Game Master Minister Pain

"Do crows taste like chicken?" HEY SARRUS, besides old, what kind of trees are these?"

knowledge(Nature)1d20 ⇒ 17 <-despite dice results baseline absolute |10|

Ren jumps to pluck a leaf from an overhanging branch, makes a loose grab for anything within reach.

Crows are symbolic of change and death, other's believe they symbolize evil or warn of evil. Crow's do not taste very good, they are bony and small...Ravens are bigger, they taste a little better The normally stoic girl seems a bit embarrassed.

"Trees, trees, trees! Is there nothing to talk about but trees!" The Professor suddenly seems to be paying attention to your discussion of dreams and trees and hastily moves to change the subject, beginning a (probably lengthy) diatribe about the strange carved stones and images which have been discovered in the forest and are allegedly cursed.

P.S. Some of you have made skill checks that I've seemingly ignored - I haven't in fact ignored these skill checks, but rather introduced the information that would've been gained from them via other characters in an attempt to simulate the fact that you're all mere children.

My rolls for mostly for flavor text, if you wanted them you had them.
Perception 1d20 ⇒ 18 OMG! Made it!

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

"Yes dreams have meaning, but not all dreams. Mine surely can't... rotten dancing rats."

At first shocked at the outburst, well, not really shocked. It was merely a matter of time, and Ren had found another way to irritate the Professor.

"Well then, Can we talk about the guy watching us from behind that tree? Maybe he knows something about this place. He seems interested in our conversation at least."

Ren smirks and lets fly a scoop of muddy gravel back at trail and man in question. Or is more gravelly mud. There might have been some weeds too.

"What?" Fezont spins around wildly looking for the man Ren has called out.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Fezont looks at Ren nervously. "I don't see anything. Are you- are you lying? That's not funny," he says angrily.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Like Fezont, Leera is unable to see more than the rain and the menacing trees.

"Please, Ren...it's not kind to make such jokes in a place like this," she says super softly...which means Ren—or anyone else—may not have even heard her.

Shortly after Ren lets loose a clump of gravel, someone in the bushes lets loose a clump of expletives.

"We been spotted!"

You all just barely manage to turn in time to catch the man in the bushes cut a nearby vine. Before any of you can react further a huge log comes crashing down from the canopy. Although most of you are too far ahead to be in any danger, Ren takes a nasty clipping to the shoulder as he moves just a little too slow. 6 points of damage to Ren. Furthermore, the log landed right in the middle of the expedition, cutting you off from the adults behind.

"We have been spotted." The trail ahead opens up into a sizeable clearing, the other end of which is blocked by another felled tree. Atop this tree stands a fearsome looking woman, armed to her alarmingly white teeth. "'We been' is simply incorrect, although honestly 'we have been' isn't much better, as it uses the passive voice. 'They have spotted us,' is the much stronger word choice."

From the edges of the clearing emerge five more brigands - two more crouch, bows drawn, in the undergrowth surrounding the clearing. The man who set off the trap still has yet to move from his hiding spot. "How come you always pick on me for the lessons, huh? Wait a minute, what's this? Captain Borosha, these is just children, I coulda sworn there's more of them a second ago. We been tricked! I mean...they been tricked us!"

Although the other bandits have their weapons drawn, they hesitate, looking to their captain for guidance.

Leera might have made an eeep!, but in all the commotion, the sound was probably lost. She fearfully looks around at their predicament wondering if she would need to reveal her powers. She sidles up to Aisling, her hands up in front of her face.

"If you really are an assassin...now might be the time to prove it," she whispers. "But probably only if they really mean to hurt us."

Whether by reflex or unconscious manifestation, Agana's powers suddenly activate, and the raindrops surrounding her quickly coalesce around her, creating an unusual sheen. If one were to have an unusual level of knowledge of the abilities of a kineticist, they would likely assume this to serve as a protective barrier. But, to the naked eye, it would look more like she had been standing in the rain for too long.

"W-what's happening? Who are these people?"

It doesn't matter who they are, knowing less protects the heart Aisling, draws her blade or at least she puts her hand on the hilt. Aisling directs her attention to the bandit's captain So what's the plan? we are only children, orphan's at that. If your going to try and rob us your not going to get much, not enough to make it worth the cost... She pauses for a moment contemplating her next action. Counting underbreathe one... two...five...not good odds

"OOOOOWWWWWW!!" Ren breaks into tears and is wailing up a storm, clutching his shoulder not moving from where he was laid out.
If you need a bluff from the drama queen, here ya go 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

"Wannago*sniff*Home!"

Fezont's eyes widen in terror as the log hits Ren and separates the kids from the rest of the group. He pulls out his morning star in self-defense when he notices the brigands have their weapons in hand, slightly fumbling over the handle of his new weapon. He watches Aisling as she tries to confront the captain, but stays back. Hopefully this wouldn't turn into a fight. He doesn't feel ready.

"They says they're just orphans," the trap-tripper shouts back.

"They may say they're just orphans but they're quite heavily armed orphans at that," Borosha eyes you warily and then draws a javelin to point in your direction. "What business have you children out here in the woods? Furthermore, if we're talking cost versus benefit ratios, I'd equate the effort in robbing a group of children with taking candy from a baby. And you clearly carry possessions worth far more than a baby's candy."

We are armed to defend ourselves, the world isn't safe. We're just trying to get through...What few possesions we have, are from our parents, before... well you can know Aisling tries to explain.. Besides why rob us, there were adults traveling with us. i think the log trap separated us from them.

Aggie's eyes widen, and she turns to face Aisling.

"W-why would you tell them that?! If they find the professor, we'll be in so much trouble!"

"Do you always attack children hiking in woods? *Sniff* Is that how you get your jollies? Captain Dorkosha, If you are so smart, why not run an orphanage, you'd get paid to do it. Beating up kids and skimping out on food. You'd fit in like the rest of them. Ow Ow Ow."
Ren sits up, red-eyed, glaring and wiping snot on his muddied hide armor and clothes. He distinctly favors his shoulder as he cradles an arm. He makes a very rude gesture to the trip-tripper.

My concern is keep the bunch of you safe, the professor is a grown man.If he truly cared for his life he would not have forced children into this. Aisling says breaking her usual uncaring monotone and stoic demeanor if only for a moment.

"Well we certainly don't intend to attack you. Especially if there really are some adults to attend to. Instead I'll cut you a deal. Drop your weapons and we'll allow you to pass." At a motion from the captain some of the bandits begin moving to get around the log barricade. "Of course, if you plan to play heroes we'll gladly play along - although, fair warning, we do play rough."

"Please... he'll throw us out on the streets!"

I'll take care of you, don't worry she looks stunned, confused at her own words.

Closing her eye's, she takes a deep breath, Counter proposal, i'll duel you. If i win we keep our weapons, if you win i'll throw in what gold i have.

'I really hope they are all planning on dropping the charade now and attacking these people, we need to act while we can...' Ven stayed to the back of the group, glaring at the bandits.

'Brave but stupid girl, I hope she knows what she is doing!'

Fezont looks anxiously between the captain and Aisling.

"You're not gonna fight them by yourself, are you?" he quietly asks the girl. "They'll kill you! And then us!"

Leera gives Aisling a queer look and then summarily steps back decisively to allow her whatever room she needed. Leera had been perfectly fine with handing over the simple sickle she carried. After all, she didn't need it to defend herself or her fellow orphans.

She was beginning to realize that the situation was not likely to be concluded without some hostility. She glanced at Agana and Fezont wondering if the pair would be able to do what may become necessary. For her part, Leera had resolved ever since that night...yes, she would do whatever she had to in order to let them escape.

Behind her lace cuffs, Leera's mouth set in grim determination, her mind already emptying in order to be filled...with the void.

I'm not afraid of a fight, or dying...They won't kill you if you surrender, they do this for money . She explains to the anxious gnome trying her best to smile.
I proposed a simple duel, not a fight to the death. Something quick and simple, every second they waste bothering us, is more time they could be using to go get tne adults, they could be escaping as we speak. She continues explaining aloud

Picking himself up, Ren takes a few awkward swings favoring his shoulder and holding flail purposely wrong. "Father said I was a natural. I got your back Aisling." He steps ever so bravely to Aisling's side.
if attacked he becomes disarmed, brave boy incompetent fighter

You need not... She pauses looking over to Ren, a barely perceptible smile crossing her face as she sighs If you wish you may, your bravery is noted.

Look upon my works, ye orphans, and despair.

would if i could but i can't. Despairing i mean...

also hello everyone

Oh look how I quiver in my boots. From your halitosis I mean.

Hey all. :)

Shifty eyes scan the room waiting for more bad news. Acting cool though, he is the most relaxed person in the orphanage. Fingers tapping against the wall he keeps his back to.
"Yeah. I am despaired all right."

"You-you want me to go on the expedition, Professor? But-but...I thought no one was supposed to see me...I thought I would be staying here..."

Leera looks stricken and is rather taken aback. She hides her mouth and mumbles from behind the lace spilling out of her cuffs. She doesn't make eye contact with the Professor but looks down and to one side.

No further explanation is offered, and soon Leera is alone with her fellow orphans who have also been voluntold for the expedition.

"I...I hope this goes ok..." Leera looks ready to cry.

If everyone could get HP, AC, Saves, Init, and perception in their stats line I would be very grateful.

Wonderful! Let the suffering commence.

How terrible. I had hoped we'd all find something more pleasant to do. But, like all hope, it turned out to be false.

I'd actually like to point out that Agana CAN heal Leera. The Kinetic Healer ability is not a positive energy effect.

Hmm...interesting. Kinetic Healer doesn't explicitly state that it is positive energy based.

Kinetic Healer

Element aether or water; Type utility (Sp); Level 1; Burn 1; see text
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance yes

With a touch, you can heal a willing living creature of an amount of damage equal to your kinetic blast's damage. Instead of paying the burn cost yourself, you can cause the recipient to take 1 point of burn. If you do so, the recipient takes 1 point of nonlethal damage per Hit Die he possesses, as usual for burn; this damage can't be healed by any means until the recipient takes a full night's rest.

However...

Void Healer

Source Pathfinder Player Companion: Occult Origins

Element void; Type utility (Sp); Level 1; Burn 1

This functions as kinetic healer, except it heals undead (and others healed by negative energy).

The implication is that Kinetic Healer must be positive energy based in contrast. But RAW can be argued here...

How would you like this handled, DM Pain?

There is also a fluff argument to be made. It wouldn't make sense to treat Agana's healing as a burst of positive energy, because she does not have power over positive energy. She has power over water and blood, which somewhat implies that the healing is caused by physically manipulating the target's body in a gruesome and unpleasant manner.

Edit: Wait, does the rules text for Kinetic Healer actually say "living"? Drat, I've been wrong the whole time.

Never mind, I guess! That's so weird.

In defense of your original interpretation, "living" =/= "positive energy" only. A Dhampir is a living creature who responds to positive/negative energies in reverse

True. I suppose that doesn't entirely rule it out. Let's wait for Pain's ruling.

In the interest of causing grief (and given the wording of Void Healer), Agana's Kinetic healing will harm Leera.

That's settled, then.

Sorry, long weekend. Ven is ready to go. I'll have a post up this evening. :)

Since it seems this going to be a lengthy chat, switching to discussion to prevent clutter. :)

I'd like to think Ven doesn't know everybody personally, Girls are confusing and he is a loner anyway so he keeps to himself. He probably knows Ren and hates him a little, in the way that you hate someone who is loud and obnoxious. Buthe also in the way you hate someone you know can kick your ass with anything they have to hand...

I have basically been thinking about it like elementary school. You probably know who everyone is even if you don't have a personal relationship with them. So I suppose reintroducing yourself just to reaffirm it might make sense, but I doubt there is a complete lack of any knowledge unless there are really that many orphans running around. If it's just us...well, we would obviously know one another unless we're only let out of our rooms one at a time. :P

I mean, if you guys want to have a whole introductory session, I guess we can, but since we already have everything about this setting against us, it feels like we should assume camaraderie to make our party cohesion easier which gets tough to roleplay when you have a bunch of loners who have no reason to trust each other otherwise. Given our relationship to Togren is already established to be semi-adversarial (or at least fear based), we probably need to be at least friendly.

I'll concede to the group's feelings though. I'm here to roleplay, so I can do mistrustful and scared just fine. I just think it may be tougher to explain why Leera would stick her neck out for you guys though unless cohesion just gets unexplainably handwaved...which is not something I prefer.

its a good question. Aisling at least i imagine would either be new or out often enough to were she is mostly known only by appearance.

Ren likely served as a lightning rod of sorts for the other orphans, simultaneously bullying the others in line, hiding their(our) shenanigans and taking those punishments that the adults could not pin specifically on the others. Leadership skills of a 12/13 year old, you may have a love/hate relationship with him but you likely hate the adults more.

Plus he is not adverse to swiping you guys something to eat if'n you got sent to bed without dinner... Which Of course, makes him the "Cool" guy in his own eyes at least.

Plus he is not adverse to swiping you guys something to eat if'n you got sent to bed without dinner... Which Of course, makes him the "Cool" guy in his own eyes at least.

Well that might come in handy now, it seems.

I have found an error with Ren Cooper. Apparently the feat "Catch off Guard" is a bonus feat for Cad Fighters upon attaining 3rd level. Alas, he selected this as his first level feat. I would be happy to swap out with another now before anything more unfortunate happens and pick it up at third or pick an alternate for the 3rd ascension later with should he survive.

Wacky weekend - the folks were visiting and I've been too busy entertaining to post anything (not that I care about any of you horrid children anyways). I'll get something up tonight or tomorrow morning.

Adjusted Ren, feat replacement removed catch off guard for improved trip

Leera's internal monologue is about the fact that we're kids.

There's technically a reason for the minimum age requirements for the classes we are all taking, Aisling, so that's really what my comment is about. While what you wrote in your OOC text is 'mechanically' true, we are still roleplaying children, and children just don't have the life experience our class roles otherwise indicate.

I don't have any problem with Aisling making such claims. I did think it odd you described Aisling more like a ranger than a warrior out to protect knowledge, but that's your prerogative as the archetype name is just a concept not a hard and fast rule. :D

But Leera, in character, is going to think Aisling is just being a boastful tomboy.

I'm pretty sure Agana in on the same page as Leera regarding the explanation of our age v. ability. Our skill and power are entirely derived from instinct and natural talent, but only represent actual life experience in the slightest degree.

Aisling's experience in life may have included being taught early on how to hunt and survive. But that is not Leera's, so her perspective will definitely be skeptical until Aisling can actually demonstrate it.

Leera will still probably give Aisling a hard time about calling herself an "assassin" though. :P

All ya'll arguing and jawin and I'm just sitting here eatin my biscuit and playing with my dino. Also being bitter and planning to murder our benefactor but that is just something we are all thinking I would imagine. ;)

Ren just trying to get Dear Father to pay for our dinner (via public shaming)

I'm pretty sure Agana in on the same page as Leera regarding the explanation of our age v. ability. Our skill and power are entirely derived from instinct and natural talent, but only represent actual life experience in the slightest degree.

Yup. She hasn't had any combat experience yet, and she's not eager to learn. She's taught herself to control her power well enough that she doesn't kill anyone by accident, but that's about it.

Lol, considering the description given about the Kineticist class' awakening being a possibly traumatic event, I consider obtaining level 1 Kineticist is basically like 'this just happened.' Level 2 when the Kineticists defense kicks in is the 'you finally figured out how not to kill yourself with your own power' moment.

@DM Pain: Should we be expecting the pace of posting in this game to be relatively slow? I only ask in case you are planning for it to move quicker, or if you're waiting for specific cues from us before you post.

Not waiting for any cues but I've definitely fallen behind on my pacing goals - I've had some mysterious matters to attend to these past days. I'm going to try to pick up the pace this week.

Blast! The most convenient time to post is always never! I've just been fired from my job (for sleeping) and tomorrow I'm flying to New York (not for sleeping). Posts may be a bit slow this week, but we shall prevail! We, here meaning we the players, not the characters, who most certainly won't prevail.

You have my sympathies.

I'm so sorry to hear that.

No sympathies necessary, I'd already been searching for a new one and I was barely working there anyways and I've got enough savings to support myself for a good bit in the meantime.

Just in case the situation escalates to violence, and I am by no means trying to insinuate that it will, Venthrus, you'll probably want to update your character to level 2 like the rest of the orphans.

Huh...? Im not level 2? I thought I was, sorry. I'll do that.

I'm level 2. I just have to input my AC. I missed it, I'll fix it now.

Leera holds a melee weapon? That's an odd choice for a kineticist. You know you can't use Gather Power if you're holding a weapon, right?

Leera has a melee weapon. That's not holds. And a kineticist gathering power is a flashy, loud affair. There will be many moments where such a thing would be very undesirable. Not to mention being unable to act on any AoOs since you're not threatening unless you have a weapon or Improved Unarmed.

Edit: Oh, and since kinetic blast provokes AoO in threat range, having a back up means of attack isn't a foolish plan.

FYI: posting without flair, busy schedule and got power back in Detroit area.

So... how about that weather?

Got power and snow. yay me. I think Ren did not really post an action per se. Right now he is full of psuedo bluster but he is all about malicious compliance and petty revenge. So he knows he will get beat up no matter what. might as well enjoy the experience until retributuion.

pardon the spelling and grammar.

We are at 14 days since the GM posted in Discussion and 15 in Gameplay.

I put a lot of time and thought into this character, so I am sad to see the game dying so quickly. I really hope that's not the case...

I really do like this group, and it would be disappointing to just let it die. Not that we can really do anything about that with no GM.

TBH, I like the concept. I love your characters. I will keep this in back of mind. Perhaps GM was not ready for launch. I'll not fault the GM for the attempt, everyone has a learning curve. It is why I do not GM. I lack the time to coordinate all. I will keep this campaign marked just in case he comes back.
See ya'll on the boards later. Good hunting.

I hope the game does come back. Like everyone else, I really like the concept and the characters involved. Here's hoping.