Thanks for the final story bits! :D
Wow, what a set up! I've gotta delve a bit more into Artemis' interactions with this town and the npcs. This is the kind of prep that spurs players to get deeper into their back stories. That's evident by the quality submissions.
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I expanded it just a bit to rope in some of the towns NPCs to set up some level of interaction. Not explicitly stated here is that I think Laird would be known by many or all but that he had/has that lens of "I am alone" that young folks can sometimes feel even if the outside world doesn't see it the same way.
Laird was born the only son to Arem, a weaver, and Jerend, a woodsman. Neither strong nor dexterous like his father the young Laird struggled to keep up with his parents life of manual labors as part of the community of Kessen. Despite his lack of skill he proved to be a shrewd observer, a resilient worker and had a knack with animals. Most of all the young Laird was sweet and had a voice that delighted all who heard him.
In time Arem grew frail with sickness and Jerend became less and less a father. There were late nights at the guildhall and shadowy conversations with Colbin Vetnar. There were heated conversations and long absences with Grimscar the half-orc on shipments. There was no hitting or casual abuse, only a fading of the flame of life as the man's truest love slowly dimmed as it was replaced with something harder and less kind.
Laird did his best to make money for the family but came upon hard times himself. Awkward in his youth the boy invited mockery from others his age and in time, withdrew from much of the world, content to do his work in peace, singing to himself and the creatures he would encounter.
Arem passed and Jerend soon followed, his grief the bitterest and deadliest of poisons. It was in his passing that Jerend revealed that even the hardest face he had put on was still but a facade to hide his fear.
Left with little means and an enduring work ethic, Laird took to his work anew but his songs were sad and the creatures of his little world grew sad in turn. Vetnar took all that Laird produced and offered little in compensation claiming it was "for the good of the guild" and that Laird needed to "make things right" when talking of fees and debts that Jerend had accrued in his time in the guild. Life was hard but Laird endured, working as best he could.
As time moved Laird did his best to reach out little by little to the world of Kessen around him. The bard Jocyn Elmaran was found wounded and Laird contributed wood to warm his room and some time sang to him as he struggled with his injuries. In time the man would sing along, teaching Laird to hone his music from raw talent to practiced skill.
Laird found kindness in the likes of Golofind Kir and often would share stories of the creatures of the forest with guardsmen who always seemed to smile and always seemed interested. Laird knew that Golofind was not all that other men might be in the head but he did not care.
Still life was hard work with only occasional bouts of anything approaching happiness. Laird could not help but withdraw to the wild and avoided most folks save for Golofind or Jocyn and even then he could not consider himself close to either. In truth the work was grueling and Vetnar's fees were high so the young man had to spend most of his time working to "make things right".
Then one night, while piling his latest cuttings and humming a somber tune, Laird felt a sensation he had not experienced in years; a sense of warmth and connection. In the distance a young man, no older than Laird, walked along the forest in awe of the world around him. The youth's gossamer clothes covered little yet he seemed unconcerned. Laird felt connected to this young man and approached him. In truth it was Laird's first encounter with his gift.
Over time Laird came to name the young man "Woodruff" for his mother's favorite flower. Laird came to understand more and more that Woodruff was from another place but came to Laird a boon companion, linked across all the world, the fastest of friends and allies. Woodruff was strong and imposing where Laird was not, yet just as the young son of a woodsman meant to do good work and be a good person, it was clear Woodruff was the same. Together they felt invincible and though Woodruff was a simple creature in mind, it was clear he was fierce at heart, ready to follow the gentle Laird wherever he might go.
It was Woodruff that stood behind Laird when he told Vetnar that he was done "making things right" and that he was now his own man and done with his father's debts. It was Woodruff who helped double Laird's work and aided in cutting and moving the wood. Woodruff became Laird's constant companion, never long in the leaving and always returning the next day.
Time has passed since then and Laird now knows his gifts are greater than those of a simple woodsman. With every song he sings to bring Woodruff back to him the young man senses that there is power in his friend and that some good might be done. Yet in his heart he still feels a meekness, and unsureness of self and awaits an opportunity to prove what these two friends can accomplish together...
hey Budd, this is RH's character, still putting in appearance and personality, the ideas are set but got distracted doing a couple of vignette's, may do one more, it helps solidify the character and location in my mind.
Here are the vignette's for your reading enjoyment, sorry no snappy patter like 'unwarranted'
She has always been a fighter, that’s why she went south, to fight Renet, was concerned for his sister, concerned enough to send for the Goodwife. Anelise should have been able to handle the delivery, but something is wrong. Did Crowley say the baby was breach, that woman gives me the willies but she knows her stuff, well Patrice has always been a fighter The labor had started after sundown Oathday, it was now the wee morning hours of Fireday, Labor going over a day is not a good sign, but she’s a fighter, I just hope the baby is a fighter too.
The last thing he had heard, as he pressed his ear against the door, was the goodwife tell Patrice and Anelise; that the baby was still breach, that everything they had done so far had not worked, that she would try to use the tools to straighten the baby out, that Patrice needed to be still and that Anelise would need to hold her. Patrice just moaned and Anelise responded yes Mam. He didn’t have to listen quietly at the door to hear the Goodwife this time ”Push girl, Push! Like your life depends on it” Renet nods his head she’ll push alright, she’s a fighter. Patrice screams one more time. Almost immediately there was a slapping sound, the loud cry of a baby and then all goes quiet.
Soon the door opens and the Goodwife Crowley walks out. She is holding a sharp small knife in one hand with her other she pushs back a strand of grey hair that has slipped out from under the scarf she is wearing. Then grasping the edge of her apron she wipes the blood and embryonic fluid off of the small knife, shaking her head. ”It’s a boy, she’s still conscious, I’m not sure how. I can’t do no more. Go check on yer sister. If she pulls through this it will be a miracle. Make sure yer wife gets some rest too, she’s almost as bad off. We’ll talk later about that gate you promised me.” Renet didn’t see the Goodwife leave, only hears the door shut behind her, as he goes into the back room where the three are at.
His sister, blankets pulled up around, as well as possible, with the baby nursing, her skin was pale and wet from sweat, her eye’s closed, her blankets and bed stained and bloody. She looks like she was in a fight that’s for sure as he approached Anelise put her finger to her mouth motioning to be silent. Sensing him walk in Patrice opens her eyes, attemting to give a faint smile, it barely reaches her lips but her eyes stay dull and listless. ”Your wife here is quite the sister-in-arms! She never gave up on us. She will make a fine mother.” Patrice closes her eyes again.
As Patrice seemed to dose off, Anelise motions for Renet to sit down. Soon the baby boy stops nursing and begin to sleep. Anelise starts to lift him out of Patrice’s arms, as she does so Patrice awakens abruptly: gasping for breath and grasping Renet’s arm pulling herself upright her eyes bright and intense. ”Promise me you will name him after his father! Promise me!” She sits there for what seemed an eternity as Renet slowly nods his head. Releasing his arm she drops back into bed, closing her eyes and breathing a deep sigh of relief. At least she has gone back asleep. Renet thinks reaching up to pat her hand, it was cold. He quickly looked at his wife and as he feels Patrice's arm for a heartbeat Anelise places her cheek near Patrice’s face. Shortly, looking up, telling her husband ”I’m so sorry, Renny, she has passed.” Renny chokes back a sob. She doesn’t have to fight anymore. Saying softly, sister he will have your name as well. Looking at the baby, seeing the babies face for the first time. His dark eyes, ruddy skin, thin lips and black baby fine hair. The baby has my father’s features. gently pulling the blanket up over his sisters face, he turns to his wife and child and says ”I believe he will have three names”
It was late spring and Sariel was returning the newly weened piglets to the pig farmers pens. I’m glad we are keeping the piglets away from the Sows, I like being outside the city walls. Especially since it’s getting warmer and the days are getting longer.” Sariel uses his goad to guide the small heard of piglets through the city gates, turning them toward the pens he hears the boys behind him. ”Hey There he is.” then another voice ”Hey pig boy, where you going?” Moving a little faster up the side street, he lets a couple of stragglers slip a little behind him. That first voice was one of the Vetnar brats, I didn’t recognize the second, sometimes I wish these pigs had longer legs.. Not stopping to answer the herd and herder continue on their way. ”Hey pig boy didn’t you hear me?’ said the first voice, then a familiar nasally voice calls out ”What’s your name pig boy?” Sariel slows down enough to get all of the pigs to turn up the next side street, fortunately they knew the way home as well as the boy. They know where I am going and they know who I am, I can just ignore them, wish I hadn’t told them my name though. I would rather they call me pig boy and leave me alone.
Sariel could hear them running up behind him, their leather shoes slapping on the occasional cobblestone. The first voice calls out again ”Don’t call him pig boy, he has a name, three of them right? Why does someone who lives with pigs need three names?” Another voice calls out laughing ”’ lives with pigs’ that’s three names!” then the third voice, the nasally one calls out ”That’s not the three names they were ‘cereal pig lick corn feed us’ ain’t that right pig boy?” Before the nasally voiced boy finished two other voices rang out. The first calling ”Look what I have caught!” the second was a squeal from the piglet that had fallen behind. Sariel stopped and letting the piglets pass him on the way to the pens he turns, goad in hand, to face the boys and retrieve the pilfered piglet.
It wasn’t just any pig. It was the runty brown one, the one with the wiry hair and the turned up nose. The one the pig farmer called ‘a throwback’. The one Sariel had named Proudsnout because of his nose and because he reminded Sariel of Erastil’s boar from the parables. It was Sariels favorite piglet.
And, it wasn’t just any boys. He recognized Vetnar’s two boys and the Mayors son Wonder if their dads know they run the streets together It looked like a couple of the others might be Vargidan’s sons there harder to recognize, so many of them and they all look different because… He didn’t recognize the other two, of course there was not a lot of time.
Sariel stopped, waiting to see how close they would get, he noticed the Venar brothers staying to the rear. humph, they let others do their dirty work for them, wonder who they learned that from. Once the boys came to a stop, they all stood there grinning, Proudsnout calmly laying in the arms of one of the Vargidan boys. smug little pig, waiting to be rescued, I should just leave him Sariel smiled with the thought, but the others weren’t sure how to take it. "Put the pig down, please." Sariel asked as politely as possible. The Mayors son answered quickly "No, I don’t think so, were all hungry and I think we’re going to eat him.” Not to be outdone the nasally voiced one adds ”yeah, were going to build a fire right here and roast him,” Then to make his point he gestures toward a nearby houses wood pile, inferring they would use that wood. Sairel shook his head taking a step forward. ”That would be wrong, not only would you be stealing my pig, which is wrong. You would be stealing wood from that hard working family, which would also be wrong and even more you would have an open fire within the city gates which is a violation of city ordinances. Then you would have to answer to Guard Captain Gregor Wisslo.”
At the mention of the captain the mayors son shifted from foot to foot, looking at his new friends. The other boys just laughed. But the fellow holding Proudsnout, who appeared to be falling asleep, called out, pointing at Sariels goad, ”Look he has a club” As if on cue the other three sycophants ran to the wood pile and grabbed sticks of their own, as the two brothers stood there smiling, arms crossed and the mayors son, who seemed to be expecting the captain, took another step back. As the three with their log-length kindling approaches Sariel he realized the talking was over.
Approaching Sariel the biggest one starts swinging his stick wildly, hoping to land the first blow. Sariel dodged and weaved backing up as the large boy moved forward. The quickest of the three ran around to the side and whacked Sariel on his bare upper arm, taking the swat Sariel stepped into the second assailant and throwing his shoulder into him knocked him to the ground. Quickly stepping inside the wild swing of the first assailant and swatting him on the leg, just behind the knee, Sariel causes him to stumble. As the bigger boy stumbles away, and the second attacker is attempting to stand up, the third boy, who was hiding behind the first, swings his stick at Sariels head. Sariel, catching the stick on his goad, loses his grip on it and is slashed by a rough edge of the log across the forehead, cutting him slightly. As the blood starts to flow into his eye Sariel turns and punches the third boy in the face, breaking his nose. The first two assailants, having regained their feet and seeing Sariel had lost his goad smiling and gripping their sticks, while their friend grabs his nose and starts to cry, prepare for round two. Just as a clear deep voice calls out
As the group of boys ran up the small street after Sariel and the pigs, a cloaked figure, seeing the commotion and concerned about the odds, turned to follow them. The group of boys being focused on their entertainment and Sariel distracted by it, had not noticed the cloaked figure. The man watched as Sariel turned and held his ground. He listened as Sariel politely asked the boys to do the right thing. He smiled when Sariel explained the wrongness of their actions and the difficulty it could cause the community. He quietly moved forward as the three boys went and got their own pieces of wood; much thicker and rougher than Sariels thumb width pig goad. He flinched a little when he saw Sariel take the first blow and nodded approvingly as he took it. He came to a decision as Sariel stepped into one enemy catching him off guard and then doing the same to the second. He decided to act as he saw Sariel bloodied and draw blood.
As Sir Dramott stepped forward and yelled he reached out and grabbed each of the Venar brothers by an ear causing them to squeal out, much like one of the piglets would have. Dramott continued ”I don’t know who you four are, you with the sticks and the pig. But I know who these two are.” shaking their heads buy jerking back and forth on their ears, causing them to squeal again. ”And I know who you are young Uptal.” nodding toward the now cringing Mayors son. ”And I obviously recognize your victim,” turning and addressing Sariel ”How are you neighbor, none worse the wear, it seems.” Turning back to the pack ”Why don’t you boys put back the fire wood and put down the pig and go home.” As the four quickly run off Sir Dramott turns to the mayor’s son growling, ”will it be your nose broken the next time? What would your father say? You should know better than running with riffraff, go home.”As the mayors son runs off the knight asks ”What am I going to do with you two?” Then pulling on the ears of the two brothers, applying just enough pressure to cause the earlobe’s to separate from their base and begin to bleed, he continues ”On my honor, If I catch either of you two causing another child injury I will hold you down and let that child beat you black and blue with a stick, now leave before I decide to do that today.” then pushing them away, tearing their ears just a little more, they run off. He shakes his head and turns to Sariel.
Sariel, by this time had wiped the blood off his face and picked up his stick and his pig. Not knowing what to expect he turned to accept any punishment the knight would dole out to him for public fighting. Sir Dramott approaches Sariel and asks ”Do you fight often boy?” Sariel shook his head, ”No Sir.” The knight scowls at him, ”The street is no place to fight.” Sariel looks down, ”No Sir.” The Paladin continues ”I have a place to fight, that’s what it’s built for.” Sariel, head down, looks up with just his eyes, Sir?” The Man continues ”I have the perfect place, a courtyard with a pell, targets, weapons, armor, shields, practice sticks, wooden dummies, a practice partner and an instructor, me.” Sariel looks up, ”Sir?” Dramott smiles, ”I have a new page, about your size, he needs someone his own size to practice with, you could do that, I cannot. I would train both of you, him because I told his father I would, you so he will have a competent sparring partner.” Sariel cocking his head asks ”Why me…Sir?” Nodding his head as he answers, ”Your timing was good, your speed was adequate, you were strong enough to knock that larger boy of balance, you instinctively took blows and didn’t shrink back instead you moved forward, that’s hard to train.” Pausing for a second he continued ”there was something else, your cause was just. Men who are willing to stand up for just causes need to be trained to be able to do so.”
Sariel nodding his head I think I understand looking down at the piglet, now totally asleep, Sariel shakes his head. ”I would really like to sir, but I can’t, I take care of the pigs from sun up to sun down, I wouldn’t have time to ‘spar’” The knight nods and smiles, ”Aren’t you Renet’s boy? Or was I mistaken, You could stop working for the pig farmer and work for me. I would only need you three hours in the morning and three hours in the evening. The rest of the day you could work as apprentice to Renet and learn the forge.” Sariel shakes his head ”the farmer pays me a copper a day and we need the money.” The knight cocks his head and sees the boy a second time, then smiling adds ”Then I shall pay you a copper a day also, and you will still have the time to apprentice, do we have an agreement?” The large knight put out his hand waiting for Sariel to shake it, Proudsnout, still asleep nudges Sariels arm as he reaches up and shakes the knights hand.
When Sariel arrived at the pig farmers pens he was relieved to see all the other piglets had arrived and someone had shut the gate. Dropping Proudsnout into the pen he went in and explained the events to the farmer. Not wanting to offend the knight they agreed it would be best that Sariel start the next day. As he left the farmers house and pens for the last time Proudsnout wiggled his way out following him home.
@PirateDevon - Looking good. Laird already had a great backstory, so this is just icing on the cake.
@Sariel - Proudsnout makes me happy. I like this character a lot.
@everybody - Awesome stuff. I know I said I was wrapping up recruitment early, but honestly, it's probably going to take until Monday to figure out exactly who'll make it in to the final party. I'd like to thank everybody for all the thought and heart they've put into this group of characters. It makes me sad that not everyone can get in, but that's the reality of the situation. If I had all the time in the world, I'd run two concurrent games, but I don't think I have that in me right now. As it stands, I kind of love the idea of all these characters sharing this little universe together. Well... there's still a few days left for any last-minute tinkering, if anyone has any other changes they'd like to make.
Can't wait to see the results!
I'm excited to find out myself. :)
Quick note: I changed my stats around a bit (traded Intelligence for Strength) and changed my feat from Weapon Finesse to Lingering Performance. I'll probably pick up Weapon Finesse at level 3, because my Dexterity is still the better of the two choices, but I think Lingering Performance will be the more important one to start out with. Odds are I'll be going mainly for Aid Another rolls in combat anyway, so a high attack stat isn't quite as vital.
Edit: Oh, also traded out the light steel shield for a buckler, so I can still cast spells if need be once I've drawn my rapier.
Indeed, I've got my work cut out for me over the next 24 hours.
I'm , and will be deliberating on the final party over the next day or so. Feel free to continue tinkering with your characters if you wish in the meantime, but I won't be taking any new character submissions as of now.
I've already decided on a few party members, but I now have to narrow it down to three more. It's gonna be tough, y'all.
Wait, it's closed? I thought it was already closed, DAMMIT!
Yeah, I got a little antsy on whether or not I was still taking submissions, so I wanted to go ahead and make it official. Don't worry though, I got your character in the running.
Oh? I hadn't even rewritten the crunch, nor did I rewrite the fluff because I thought I was too late. I can fix that fluff issue now if want though.
Hey Budd, If Sariel makes the cut I'm going to need to discuss "Proudsnout" his familiar with you. I have never had character with a familiar before, I usually play meatshields and sneaks, but there is a first time for everything. Do you want me to play "Proudsnout" as a separate character or would you enjoy playing him as an NPC? Seen it done both ways, not sure what your preference is. I definitely have some questions and opinions about him that I need to run by you either way.
I think Proudsnout deserves an alias of his own!
Good fortune to everyone.
Alias of his own. It's so much fun that way!
Good luck everyone!
Yep, Eidolons, Animal Companions, and Familiars can all have aliases of their own.
@Korak the Boisterous - My apologies. I hadn't completely looked over the crunch yet, so I suppose I would've caught that tonight in my review. Feel free to go ahead and update your character. I'll give you until tomorrow; the final roster will be posted sometime that night.
@CrisisChild - What the...?! I just realized you're Captain Andoran from "Tears at Bitter Manor," the first Play-by-Post game I was ever in! Rafaello's naming his first son "Stephen" after you. Or maybe "Stefan." Sounds more in line with the Lorenza family style.
- - - -
In the meantime, I'd like to go ahead and formally announce the first three members of the party that have been hand-selected from this loaded roster of promising adventurers. Congratulations to Doreen "Spooky" Crowley, Artemis Lihanuga, and Calia Pevanazee, the first three of six young Kassenites chosen to undertake this year's Quest for the Everflame! Mayor Uptal and his advisors are still holed up in the Greathall debating who the remaining participants will be, but chances are they'll have a final decision by tomorrow night.
I'll just have to pull out. Sick and cant conentrate
Hooray, and thanks! :D Good luck to everyone else!
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This is starting to feel less like 'noble quest' and more like 'a way to get rid of the problem citizens we don't like'.
You discovered their secret plan! D:
@Korak - Sorry to hear that. Maybe next time.
@Crisischild - I like to think that whenever a game dies out or is canceled, the characters simply saved the day and went on with their lives. In my headcanon, Raf returned to his wife and bought a fine villa to raise their child in. And Stephen went on to form the Avengers of Golarion. :)
@Doreen - Somehow, I feel like that's exactly what Doreen would think. ;)
@Sariel - So, having thought about it a bit, if you are picked here's how I'd like to handle Proudsnout. You'll have control over him for the most part, but I'll occasionally throw in a little something regarding him in my own posts to reflect something the piggy might know that Sariel does not. Make sense?
He knows where the truffles are.
Wow, Thanks for the selection! I'm looking forward to the challenge and the writing.
...nervous
Grats to everyone succussfull so far. Well deserved! (Good luck Proudsnout)
Congratulations to the first three of Kassen's chosen - regardless of whether someone drags Antoine from his drunken state of despair in the Seven Silvers or not, I am certainly looking forward to seeing how this story develops...
Acapella dubsteb! For the low CHA bard.
Stop giving me ideas... ;)
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A bard who appears to be performing music but his actual skill is acting. He performs in order to appear pathetic enough to elicit sympathy from his audience. His companions are inspired by the fact they're so much cooler than he is.
Ok, this is the last instalment on Sariels back story, His Familiar Proudsnout will have his own alias, but when they are talking I will keep it in one "alias" to make it easier to follow.
Good luck to everyone!
Ok about Proudsnout. Presently he looks like a pig that is brown and a little extra hairy, he is not large, Sairiel asks him when he will grow up and Proudsnout answers “when you do” so at seventh level when His “real image" can be revealed He will look like a proper boar.
Now his personality, I liked the comparison to "Seven Deadly Sins," except were going to do it in reverse, Sairiel is a young innocent follower of Erastil, home, hearth, hunting the simple lifestyle. Proudsnout, as an avatar of "thee Proudsnout" who is also a devout follower of Erastil, but he is a “Boar:” his world view, paradym if you will is that of a wild pig. So questions like “you killed it, why don’t you eat it” “Why don’t you have a harem?” “you beat him in combat, why don’t you get his females?” would be common, he is a Lawful Good Boar, not a human so he will need things explained to him. That is if he and Sariel can actually talk to each other, it would be more entertaining if they actually had to talk, instead of telepathy because it could lead to people overhearing the explanation like:
Sariel trying to be discreet as he answers Proudsnout ”Yes she is attractive but we are not married,” Proudsnout looks up at Sariel, his piggy eyes curious ”Oink Oink Oink” Sariel rolls his eyes, almost whispering "yes we are told to multiply but it doesn’t work that way” The young lady with the water pail turns and smiles at Sariel, her eyes light up when she sees how ruggedly handsome he is. She asks, her eyes raising meeting his, holding his gaze ”Pardon me, we're you speaking to me? Is there something I can help you with?” Sariel blushes deeply, ”Um, no I’m sorry miss, I was, um, talking to my pet pig.”
Anyway something like that, It would just be fun to see the conflict between the two “lawful good” world views…
Sariel finished his predawn morning devotions as he always did, with thanks giving. Thank you Erastil for providing me with the longbow and arrows, I know I am not as good as archer as most, but when I shoot it I will do so to your glory. I also thank you for the mace and shield my mother saw fit to bring home with her, when I use them it will be for the defense of your people. I especially thank you for the opportunity to prove my worth to the counsel by letting me be one of the lantern-bearers who return the everflame to Kassen this year. finishing the prayer aloud ”To the one who provides the harvest the hunt and the hammer, amen.” He smiles to himself as he heads to breakfast. Most craftsmen probably don’t end their prayers that way, but their not blacksmiths are they.
Eating a quick breakfast he heads to Sir Dramott’s estate; well house, though it has a courtyard it is a town house in town, not a large estate out of town. Every morning since the Lord hired him to spar with Moritmer Sariel has shown up at dawn. First the boys would do calisthenics then go for a run around the city wall. Years ago Mortimer would sprint away from Sariel and after he was winded Sariel would pass him. Now as they ran Mortimer would keep pace with Sariel and then sprint away when they reached the city gates. When Sariel would arrive at the gates of the estate Mortimer would glare and smirk, a quick cuff from Dramott had taught him not to gloat out loud. After their run they stretched and then came Sairiels favorite part, sparing.
In the evenings they would start with combat theory: styles, weapons, armor, techniques and tatics. Then they would stretch again and put on armor spar with weighted dulled weapons. In the morning it was different, they would spar naked with wooden weapons. Well not naked they would wear what they exercised in; Sariel his course woolen kilt, his hair pulled back with a leather thong, Mortimer in his burgundy hose and his hobnail sandals. Dramott said it kept their speed up and prepared them for contact in combat, at least as well as one could, explaining that if they were fortunate they would only receive bruises like these through the armor. It was not uncommon for both of them to be covered with bruises.
This morning was no exception. Both were wielding ‘sword and shield,’ while made out of wood the items were the same size and shape as the real weapons. Sariel carrying a large round shield and a long sword, Mortimer carrying a ‘heater’ shaped shield and a hand and a half sword. It was one of the few weapons that Sariel had not been trained in. Mortimer would attack with both sword and shield, moving quicker than Sariel, swinging more times, occasionally hitting, when he did he would whisper under his breath. ”enjoy it while you can pig boy, this is the closest you will get to a true knights sword, a war sword, not some pig sticker.” Sariel would attack with the sword,using the shield for defense. He moved with a purpose when he attacked, making scores of his own, hitting much harder than his sparring partner. Leaving red marks that would turn black and blue. He would only smile.
Sir Dramott stopped the sparing on the third hour, as he had every morning. Mortimer handed his wooden sword and shield to a servant and headed inside to clean up and have his bruises attended too, as he had every morning. Sariel placed his wooden sword and shield on the weapons rack and turned to thank Sir Dramott, before he headed to work in the forge, as he had every morning. As Sariel turned to thank Lord Dramott smiled and addressed the young man, now almost at tall at the knight. ”I have taken the liberty and spoke with Renet, after all we are neighbors.” looking at Sariel with a gleam in his eye. ”He gave me permission to detain you for a moment and speak with you, would you join me in the armory?”
Sariel followed the Paladin into the rear door of the house, where just inside was a mud room, off of the mud room was two doors, one going to the house the other into the armory, it was where the armor and steel weapons were kept. They sat down in the two chairs usually used for putting on armor. As they sat Sir Dramott continued speaking. ”Your uncle tells me that you have been accepted as a lantern-bearer to return the everflame.” As Sariel begins to speak sir Dramott waives his hand as he does when the question is rhetorical and he conitues. ”He also tells me that your mother, when she returned home, brought with her a mace she carried and a shield your father carried. “ Keeping his hand raised so Sairel knew to let him continue, ”He also tells me that you and he have been making a suit of scale armor, with a proper spangle helm.” Looking Sariel in the eye. ”What I want to know is if you have purchased any other ‘weapons of war’ for your arsenal?”
As Sir Dramott lowered his hand. Sariel, uncomfortable talking about finances with a lord, paused for a moment, ” I have purchased a longbow from Carpenter Lihanuga, it is a functional weapon, not as fine as the ones you have here.” Sir Dramott smiles softly, ”That is what I presumed, the longbow is a fine weapon, though we both know that with your vision, and the difficulty you have seeing distances, that the money may have been better spent elsewhere.” Sariel frowned he is always so direct, blushing slightly. ”I did not purchase it because I was terribly efficient with it, I bought it to honor Erastil.”
Sir Dramott nodding his head, looking very wise, ”Yes one should always give honor where honor is due, no matter the personal cost.” He then, standing up quickly, walked over to one of the several cabinets and opening it up withdraws a burlap wrapped cylinder about a hands width and twelve hands long. Handing it to Sariel Sir Dromatt explains ”Today will be the last day that you practice with Mortier, you have both learned what you can from me and each other. When you return from your successful foray after the flame you will be prepared to join the guard and all that entails and Mortimer will be so jealous of you that if you and he spar he may try and injure you out of spite. “
Sariel unwraps the burlap cloth, it is a simple, unadorned longsword in a leather scabbard. It’s cross guard cruciform style its pommel a ball, both made of bronze, its handle wrapped in leather, it’s blade hammered steel and sharp. Sariel begins to tear up. Sir Dramott continues ”As you say ‘give honor where honor is due’. I’m sure that the weapon your mother gave you is a fine mace, and that you will honor her when you use it. As you said you carry the bow to honor Erastil. You will wear the cloak that Father Prasst has given you to honor him. You will wear the armor you and your uncle have made to honor him.” Then the knight took the sword from Sariels hands.
As he drew the simple sword from the unadorned scabbard making the steel ring, ”And you will honor me by carrying this sword. It was my duty to train Mortimer but it was my pleasure to train you. Just as these others have invested in you and given you a gift so do I. When I saw you, that evening, willing to stand against the odds for what was just, I knew it would be my honor to teach you to be able to stand against evil.” Looking off wistfully he continued ”Mortimer may be a good knight once he learns humility, but you are pure of heart. Erastil has a servant in you that he will be able to use, to what end I do not know, but it was my pleasure to instruct you. Use this sword to fight against evil and you will represent my training well.” Sir Dramott sheathed the sword and handed it back to Sariel.
As Sariel took the sword he stood up and wiped away a tear. Saying ”Thank you” he quickly hugged the paladin, surprising them both a little then he went to the door. As he headed across the courtyard to the gate he turned and waived at Sir Dramott, who smiled and waved back.
Sariel is tall for his fifteen summers, six foot tall and lean muscled from working the forge at his uncle’s shop. With long dark brown hair gathered in a leather thong and dark brown eyes, tan skin and a square jaw he looks very much like his mother’s father. When he is working in the shop he wears his leather apron. But when he goes to return the Everflame he will wear his new scale armor and spangle helm and leather cloak with its bow and arrow clasp. He will be armed with his longbow, his mother’s mace and shield and the simple cruciform longsword given to him by his mentor.
Sariel is courteous and a good listener, quick to make friends and gets along with most folks easily. He has a very clear idea of what he believes right and wrong is and will stand by his convictions. He embraces the teachings and parables of Erastil and desires and encourages a simple fulfilling lifestyle.
On the Myers-Briggs scale.
ESTJ - The Guardian
Practical, traditional, and organized. Likely to be athletic. Not interested in theory or abstraction unless they see the practical application. Have clear visions of the way things should be. Loyal and hard-working. Like to be in charge. Exceptionally capable in organizing and running activities. "Good citizens" who value security and peaceful living.
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A bard who appears to be performing music but his actual skill is acting. He performs in order to appear pathetic enough to elicit sympathy from his audience. His companions are inspired by the fact they're so much cooler than he is.
Verily I thought I was the worst of all the realms but truly this is the most pathetic creature to exist among those that walk upright and desire to exist. I am so much cooler than that guy, it is as though the Gods themselves have brought him to me as a sign of my own worthiness.
I haven't forgotten about y'all, by the way. I'm just working a night shift, that's all. Announcement should be up later tonight.
Go night shift! (It's been my standard for two and a half years now. :D)
Okay, people. Drumroll, please...!
The final roster of young hopefuls chosen for this year's Quest for the Everflame are...
...Doreen "Spooky" Crowley!
...Artemis Lihanuga!
...Calia Pevanazee!
...Sariel Patrick Cornelius (with Proudsnout)!
...Jenna Redthorne!
...and Damien Lambert (with rabbit)!
Holy crap, this was a hard one. I had to turn to the players I'd already picked out to help me choose, and with all their opinions in place and a great deal of personal struggle, I was able to settle on this party. Well, that, and a bit of juggling as to the mechanical composition of the party...
Everybody who applied: bravo. Those are some of the best-developed characters I've ever seen on these boards, considering the theme of this adventure. You all turned in very good characters, and there's not a single one I'm not at least a little bit torn up over having to leave out, so I really hope you guys will take me up on my offer to stay "on-call" in case of a character death or drop-out in the future. I'm still considering all the characters who applied to be canon, and working any of you in at some point in the future should be a simple matter. Feel free to follow along with the adventure if you'd like, and don't be surprised if you see a name-drop of your character teasing their potential future appearance...
I'll get the Discussion thread up and running, but then I'm going to have to go cry in the corner for a bit. And sleep. Those of you who have been selected, feel free to hop over to said Discussion thread to check in and talk amongst yourselves!
Recruitment is so bittersweet. ;_;
Huzzah! Thanks for the selection and commiseration to those who missed out. As Budd said, there were some great applications!
Congratulations to Kassen's chosen...
Congratulations to all my fellow outcasts and troublemakers.
Congratulations to everyone selected! I'm sure you'll keep it lively.
Yeah, sorry, it was a tough call. However! Laird is a fantastic concept, and a great idea for a summoner. If a slot opens up, he'll be one of the top people I'll call for first.
Fantastic news and huge regrets! Too many submissions of exceptional caliber. I'm glad I didn't have to do the final selection.
Looking forward to this one!
@Crisischild - I agonized over not getting you in there, man. Thanks for the endorsement, we'll get you in there next time, fella.
As often happens in the wild and woolly world of Play-by-Post gaming, real life has caused a few of our players to drop out of our Price of Immortality campaign. We're still fairly early on in the first adventure, as the young heroes of Kassen are exploring the first level of the Crypt of the Everflame. I sent out a few PMs to other players from the original recruitment period, but I haven't had any response as of yet. While the remaining party members can certainly handle themselves, I'd like to reopen the gates and see if anyone else out there might be interested in joining up!
For character creation rules, please check out the first page of this thread, and check out the campaign tab for the "Gazetteer" describing the people, places, and folklore of Kassen. Characters with a strong tie to this community are going to fit in better than any random wandering hero!
But how does your character fit in to the current circumstance?
Other reasons for being in the Crypt are possible, though probably more circumstantial- as the Crypt has been infested with evil for some time now.
The current party lineup includes a paladin, a barbarian, a witch, and a bard.
So- any brave adventurers out there willing to take a stroll through the Crypt of the Everflame and the horrors that wait beyond it? Gimme your best shot!
I'd be interested if Magus is allowed. If not i can revert to her original sorcerer / eldritch knight build, her build will be something along the lines of evocation magic specialist.
She is a neutral half elf here is her background information
I've lived most of my life as experiment number 9, of the mad Shadow mage Archae Nym. He wished to create the ultimate life form. From scouring his old journals I learned of the many bloods and magics he used in creating me.
I spent much of my child hood under his tutelage, that is when he wasn't gone on one of his trips. Dad always told me never to leave the tower there were other mages around they were not to be trusted.
It was not long before we both noticed my body deteriorating, I learned to hide the black inky blotches creeping up my arms. Archae was angry and frustrated, those were the years he locked himself in his laboratory, I snuck in to see what was going on and read one of the journals on his desk.
Experiment number 9 is a failure, the vessel lacks stability. The body will be dissected when the deterioration reaches its final form.
that was the only part I read before dashing out of the tower. I grew to hate my father, reading his journals i learned more and more about how i was just an experiment to him...one of nine. I wanted him dead, but i was slowly dying even if i couldn't feel it i knew. I had to take care of my self, that's what matter right now.
Illya often acts the leader, she is confident sometimes to the point of arrogance. She can be both kind and cold depending on the situation. She has very little qualms with killing , viewing killing humanoids as no different than killing monsters. when it comes to opponents she is clearly stronger than she will often play around with them. She views her actions as just, and knows right from wrong saving her more sadistic tendencies for people very clearly viewed as enemies. Being the daughter of a powerful and old wizard she spent much time growing up studying magic and other subjects, unlike her father she is adept at manipulation. She is True Neutral, despite knowing right from wrong and mostly choosing right, she has a few less than kind moments especially when directed at enemies that balance this out.
Illya or Illia if you prefer can be spelled either way, last name Nym. Whitish Grey hair, tiny horns underneath the hair possibly from the dragon blood. Takes on an odd appearance, with pale skin due to the mixture of blood in her. Her eye's are violet colored, like her father who changed her to resemble some family appearance. Patches of pale grayish blackness, like ink stains on her skin cover her arms, she keeps them covered this is from her body breaking down. She is tall roughly 5'11 weighing around 110 pounds.
Her stat might change slightly depending on whether or not magus would be allowed so i'll post laters. Originally i designed her to take part in this campaign line. but point being she grew up just outside the town watching it from afar
Wow, that was quick!
Magus is definitely allowed, though the party is a little heavy on arcane power at the moment- not that this should discourage you from applying! Check out the original recruitment post for the details and make sure she matches up with the character-build standards, and she can be a contender.
All i would need to do is lower her point build down by 5 points, i usually build my character ahead of time at 20 point buy anyway seems a good base so should take to long to fix up. Either way her build will be roughly similar, frontline secondary physical and kind of blaster magic. Oracle adds in a bit of healing for free so added bonus
One last question Oracle could work just as good, if the party has a lot of arcane I can bring in divine with her instead, oracle is my favorite class so i'd be willing to change her up. I only ask cause it says core preferred on the original post, usually that means core rule book only
Preferred, but not necessarily required. I accepted a Shaman into my initial group of characters (though this is one of the ones who unfortunately is no longer with us).
If you can make your concept work with divine magic, go for it. However, my best advice is just to play the character you want to play! I'm not overly concerned with party roles as much as I am interesting characters.