Dot
would tiefling or aasimar be ok? Leaning toward Aasimar Bard if ok.
stuff
That actually sounds pretty cool. I'd be fine with it.
Would that include Alchemical Items?
Yep. If you have Craft (alchemy) or the appropriate craft skill.
stuff
Any of them seem fine to me! Decisions, decisions!
would tiefling or aasimar be ok? Leaning toward Aasimar Bard if ok.
Nope. Tiefling and aasimar are not on the list. And for a reason. Nothing against your concept, I'm sure it is cool; I've just seen way too many aasimars and tieflings running around PFS. And if I allowed them, I'd probably have to allow the variant heritages and I really didn't want to do that.
So does anybody got an over-under on how many more applicants this hits on Monday? I'm looking at 26.5.
I've got 23 people on my list, some of them with full completed characters and some of them just dotted for interest.
Also, ever wonder how to make your character stand out among the many, many considerations? Make a high quality post that stands out from the crowd. I've seen a lot of interesting concepts and fun backstories but posts like that jump out to the GM as someone who is ready to play and knows what they are doing in the PbP arena.
Now, I'm not guaranteeing Painlord a seat just yet but let me explain my selection process while I'm at it. All of this will happen in private so no one will know where they were cut during the process and thus hopefully avoid hurting anyone's feelings.
Once I have all the applications, I will do an initial weeding to take out any submissions that I don't consider to be as high-quality as the rest. This will be determined by many factors and the player's posting quality and history will play into it. Once I have a set of quality submissions I will split them into party roles. If one submission really stands out among the 'melee' or 'arcane' group (for example), they might automatically win. More likely, however, there will be more than one good submission in each category and the winner will be determined by (you guessed it) a die roll.
Now, the trick is that the rolls will be weighted. For example, if I'm rolling a d20 to decide between 4 'divine' submissions, a submission like Painlord's above will perhaps get 1-8 and the other three will be 9-12, 13-16, and 17-20. In other words, the more you impress me with your submission the greater your chances will be.
It won't guarantee you a spot but I just thought I should let everyone know. Painlord's wasn't the only one to stand out, some of you have also had some interesting posts/characters/backgrounds that have caught my eye. But his was an easy one to point to as an example.
I looked over the story feats and none of them really seemed to fit Calin well at all. They were just considered added bonus correct? I could indeed put forth a post to display a slice of my pbp talents, I had been well half chastised about something simular in a previous recruiting drive so i didn't want to overstep my bounds at all. I will put something in place a when i return home from work later tonight.
"An adventure of such proportions? How can a gnome pass up such an opportunity?
One small step in a story, one giant leap for gnomekind!"
Applying with this alias.
Gnome Bard. Her crunch will largely be up tonight/tomorrow morning.
GM
Got PFS running on mists of mwangi, and soon one on 1st steps and possibly a season 5 run.
The small room was cluttered but in an organized fashion, or at least Jes thought so. A small, comfortable looking bed was pressed against the eastern wall, a pair of bookshelves containing any number of odd titles, adjacent, on the southern wall, a table - now somewhat charred – under the western window containing a number of different implements used for alchemical processes and a small armoire in the corner of the northern wall made up the contents of the room. Loud footsteps could be heard coming from another part of the home as the small girl hurried about cleaning up as best as she could stacking books and the remains of papers back onto shelves. An older man came into the room, arms crossed and glared at the girl. Jes stopped where she was, lightly setting down a few remaining pages, looking up at the man and smiling innocently, flashing her big green eyes. ”Erm…” she scratches her head nervously, ”I think I may have used a little too much heat while I was trying to separate the two compounds.” The man shakes his head disapprovingly, ”You are going to blow this whole place up one day with your little experiments and then where would all of our research be? Burnt up in a fiery blaze is where!” She bows her head, looking at the ground as she shifts the tip of her foot back and forth, simply taking the brunt of Brodert’s verbal reprimands and says ”I’m sorry…”
The old man sighs, uncrossing his arms as a tabby cat saunters into the room. ”You’re lucky I enjoy your company and that you are a brilliant researcher…” He looks about the room, seeing the broken window ”That’s another window we’ll be replacing, I suppose you’re also lucky we live in a town that has a glassworks right down the road! Once you are finished getting this cleaned up, come join me in the den I have a few tasks for you today. I think I’m close to unlocking a new piece of the puzzle to the Old Light!” She jumps up a bit and rushes around cleaning ”Wonderful!” After a few minutes Jes comes out into the den and hops up into one of the chairs, which seem to almost engulf her tiny form. He legs hanging partly in the air, not able to touch the floor swing back and forth as she waits for instructions from Brodert.
Endless, I know I want to submit a character for this. I just have to determine who that character will be. Offhand, I'm thinking a giant-hunting dwarf of some sort, or a Thasilonian obsessed Wizard.
Any chance of allowing words of power? They've always seemed like they'd be a really ancient system of magic (sort of a pre-Thassilonian system, which the Thassilonians replaced with their version of the standard magic system)
Full disclosure - I've played half of the fourth and most of the fifth book in a home game that I joined when the AP was already in progress and that we abandoned before starting book six.
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Allow me to introduce you to myself, Sheriff Hemlock; I am Miana, an initiate in the sanctified order of Irori. Yes, I understand if you may not be aware of such an organization. The faith of the Enlightened One seems to be quite sporadic here in Varisia. But while religious discussion would make for an interesting topic, that is not the reason for my audience with you today.
In my travels, the rumors and legends of the various monstrosities that roam call this countryside home has piqued my interest. I would like to offer my aid in removing them as a burden to your fair town of Sandpoint. It is upon my faith to challenge myself and vanquish evil small and large; while I do not bare the experience you have good sir, I am constantly in training and study to prepare myself for any and all who profess harm to the innocents and chaos to the world.
Where did I come from? That is a story upon itself. I'll say that I have travelled much in my youth between Kelish sands and the mountains of Goka, but my quest for challenging myself against villainous monsters has brought me here to Varisia, and now to this pleasantly quaint town of Sandpoint.
I understand if you need time to consider my offer of assistance; you can find me in one of the boarding rooms at the Hagfish.
Good day to you and may enlightenment find you.
I am the Venture-Lieutenant of South Dakota; 3 stars as I mostly GM. Thus, PbP is my best avenue for playing and I'm itching to spend the time to play this AP to develop a character I've been wanting to play for a long time.
My PFS # is 43025, and for credit I'll assign this to 43025-14
I currently GM 3 PbP games: 2 Thornkeeps (continuations from the PbP gameday) as well as a Night March of Kalkamedes. I have played in a PbP several times; two failed campaigns (GM burnout both times) and in several successful PFS games.
As soon as I saw the Champion of Irori prestige class, I knew I wanted to play it. The synergy between monk (my favorite class) and paladin is exquisite and flavorful. Because of the 25 point buy, I was able to create the well-balanced character required for such a MAD build otherwise!
While my initial build was based off of a core aasimar, seeing you opening Suli as a potential race option piqued my interest. So I adapted the build as best I could. I still wanted her to make the last place of travel Tien to explain the Quain Martial Arts training as well as provide a reasonable location of a paladin order of Irori. Thus, here is Miana!
Progression:
1: Paladin
2: Monk
3: Paladin
4-5 Monk
5+: Champion of Irori
In Combat: Goal will be to go for single heavy strikes while closing in, using AC in level 1 or Acrobatics in level 2+ to close in before attacking more aggressively. Smite will be used only on the vilest of foes or if necessary against a difficult evil foe.
Out of Combat: She will be a varied skill monkey once she gets another couple of levels. Due to the interesting requirements for the Champion of Irori prestige class, Miana will bear extra languages and supporting Knowledge checks. Diplomacy and Acrobatics will be key skills to focus on as well. Miana can take the face roll or support a greater one, using her wisdom to speak with guidance.
Endless,
I'm looking at replacing one of my feats with the Harrowed feat, but wanted to get your thoughts on it mechanically-wise. I also chose the Harrow born trait for fluff reasons due to the character's history. I wasn't sure if you even want to deal with the Harrow Decks for the mechanical changes they could make. If you'd rather not mess with it, I'll disregard the feat, but I'd like to keep the trait as it's very intrinsic to the character's backstory.
I've almost completed a dwarven ranger Endless; I would to ask though - would you consider Glory of Old to meet the Sky Seeker Prestige Class requirement for a Dwarven trait? It's technically a regional trait for the Five Kings Mountains.
Almost done. She'll have her inventory and background done in the morning.
Submitting Kror for consideration. May have to change the Glory of Old trait for Tunnel Fighter to meet prerequisites for Sky Seeker.
Mr. GM,
Was wondering if my character's (Dherisan) backstory was alright, or if it need to be re-written a bit to make him a de facto resident of Sandpoint. I like his history as a nomad with a Varisian caravan, but I could overhaul his story and instead make him have something to do with the local Sczarni and maybe Madam Mvashti.
Also, ever wonder how to make your character stand out among the many, many considerations? Make a high quality post that stands out from the crowd. I've seen a lot of interesting concepts and fun backstories but posts like that jump out to the GM as someone who is ready to play and knows what they are doing in the PbP arena.
Here I am, following the GM's advice and trying to make my character stand out. :)
Here's a brief scene of Dimitrio before he arrived in Sandpoint.
His boots stomped; his hands clapped, and he danced and mesmerized them, all to the rhythm of the percussion drums. Those same drums that slowed down and blended with the audience’s heartbeat. The same drums that increased their rhythm and pace, taking the people along for a ride. And here was Dimitrio, in the middle of it all, directing the whole thing. Boots stomping, hands clapping Dimitrio. Dimitrio, whose performance was enhanced by a well-choreographed show of dancing lights and amplified sounds. It all ended like it did every Friday night, with a roaring applause and cheers. Enough adulation and praise to woo the young performer. But Dimitrio just wasn’t enjoying it. Not tonight.
The young man’s day had started all wrong. He had cut himself while shaving in the morning and Ms. Noria had seemed upset when he left for the small theater that afternoon. Seeing that black bird swallow up the butterfly only confirmed what the bard already knew. Not a good day. A day to take it easy and lay low, until the butterfly flies again.
Now, somewhat blinded by the light, he took his dancing partners’ hands and bowed to the audience. Only his honed sense of perception showed him what he needed to see. There, a few rows back, was his old boss. His disguise good enough to fool most men but not Dimitrio. Backstage, he entered the girls’ dressing room, sneaked in a few appreciative looks, and bowed with exaggerated flourish. With a heavy accent, he twirled his mustache, “Ladies, you make my heart skip a beat. I’m sure it was a pleasure to dance with Dimitrio. Likewise, Dimitrio will always remember you.” A couple of giggles later and the man was out the window; the rest of his gear and clothes abandoned in his own dressing room.
A few minutes later of carefully walking in the shadows and he was back in his Inn. Taking the back alley, the man stepped on garbage before taking a quick peek into the main room. “Cesare, why did it have to be Cesare?” Casting a quick cantrip to clean his boots, Dimitrio entered the dining room. The bard was comforted by the worried look of Ms. Noria as she virtually ran to the door, trying to warn Dimitrio. Seeing the commotion, Cesare, a young sczarni thug, quickly unsheathed a long curved blade and moved after Ms. Noria.
Dimitrio was quicker. “Yes, Ms. Noria. How nice of you to come greet Dimitrio.” With practiced ease, the bard drew an arcane sigil in the air while he whispered an unintelligible word. In the next second, Cesare’s shoulder visibly relaxed and the man’s angry face softened to a smile. Dimitrio opened his arms wide, “Cesare, my old friend. How nice of you to come visit Dimitrio. Tell me. How is everyone, all my brothers and sisters?”
The dancer quickly grabbed Ms. Noria’s hand. “Please, good woman. Two cups of your best ale for me and my friend here. We have lots to talk about.” As Ms. Noria left, with a confused look on her face, Dimitrio and Cesare sat down and started an amiable conversation. A couple of minutes later after they downed their drinks, Dimitrio invited Cesare up to his room, “to show you a beautiful jeweled dagger I came across recently. Perhaps you will like it.”
Five minutes later only the bard came downstairs; he’s dressed for travel. With a heavy heart, he neared Ms. Noria and gently kissed the matronly woman on the cheek and slipped a couple of gold pieces into her grimy palm. At the woman’s unvoiced question, Dimitrio answered, “No, I couldn’t. I told you before. Dimitrio is a lover not a cold-blooded killer. Let’s just say that Cesare will wake up with a big bump on his head.”
The woman was in tears, “Are you-“
“Yes, but only for a little while. There’s a ship leaving tonight for Korvosa. I think they have need of good dancers there.” At the woman’s sad face, he added, “Please tell me that you will miss Dimitrio, yes?”
The bard kissed Ms. Noria one more time as he exited the tavern. But his steps led him north, not south to the docks. Near the northern perimeter, the rogue found a small non-descript wagon; the men were going to deliver vegetables to Sandpoint for some sort of festival.
After sweet-talking himself on board, the bard settled in for the long haul. Who would have thought, going to Sandpoint on the back of a wagon full of yams pulled by two mules. The slow, rhythmic passage soon lulled the man to sleep but not before he saw a blue butterfly flutter by. Dimitrio yawned, “Yes, sweet lady I agree. It was time to move on. Grant sweet dreams and safe travels to Dimitrio, yes?” Another deep breath and the young man was fast asleep. He dreamed of Varisia and he dreamed of butterflies.
I think I will follow multiple examples . . ..
1) Do you, Mike, have any feedback for me about Gudada? Things you would rather see different or that you just don't like?
2) I've started playing with expanding his back-story to include more about his siblings as preparation for the Unforgotten Story Feat, because it seems the best (shock) story-related choice. Or would you rather I stuck with the character how he is in that regard?
3) A little bit of fiction, from the very first attempt to get Gudada into a game:
The crowded streets provide Gudada something he desperately needs, a distraction. The young Varisian is dressed far less vibrantly than normal for his ethnicity, but the darker colors make him less obvious in the crowd. Watching those flowing around him, he focuses on his oldest skill set: identifying strangers to town those who have enough to be worth taking, enough to not guard it jealously and little enough to not have the power to create a long-term problem. The most surprising part of that estimation is how common this combination truly is.
He verifies four old, comfortable escape routes through the crowd and out of sight before actually selecting a target. he manages to jostle another passer-by into the target as he quickly relieves her of her purse. In a single fluid movement he turns to follow one of his old routes and finds the path temporarily blocked by a stopped cart. Without hesitation, he keeps turning and follows someone else into The Rusty Dragon.
Glancing around the room, Gudada chuckles lightly to himself before heading for an open space near the bar. As he moves, he opens his new-found purse and slides the depressingly small number of coins from it into his own pouch before dropping the now empty one under a random patron's feet.
As he nears his target perch, another patron slides into it throwing money at Ameiko and talking about rooms. The darkly colored human turns, again, looking for a place to light. The small pile of bodies near the female elf provides the most space, but also attracts the most attention. Taking the time for another scan of the room, Gudada is surprised not only by the apparent wealth in the room, but also the obvious violent nature of so many of the people carrying it. He does spot a table of Varisian locals off to one side of the room. He goes to join them.
"It is a horrid night that finds a son in mourning with so many people trying to celebrate instead." He taps some of his recently acquired coins on the table. "Some wine for my companions and I, so that we may properly remember the departed!"
The over-worked waitress eventually brings a bottle of wine, and more cups, to the table of Varisians. Gudada hands her the entirety of his recently acquired funds. "Please, keep the wine flowing for my cousins until this is done," and he begins pouring the wine for those he joined.
The waitress looks at the coins in her hand, gives a typically flirty grin to Gudada and nods as she moves on to the next patron calling for something or another.
Once all of his fellows have a cup of wine, the young man stands before them and speaks in Varisian. "Nadya Purrun. A woman with many reasons to hate, who has fled . . .." At this point his voice breaks, and he pauses for a second, his cheeks beginning to glimmer before he manages to continue "Has fled our realm as a way to escape these things. May she find the peace and love she always desired. My mother, lost."
As he finishes, each of the Varisians pour a measure of wine onto the floor before drinking to the toast. After he finishes this cup of wine, the young man pulls a rope from within his vest and ties a knot into it before returning the rope to wherever he had kept it. This is the 38th knot in the rope. He sits without moving for several minutes while the others at the table finish the bottle and start on another.
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So does anybody got an over-under on how many more applicants this hits on Monday? I'm looking at 26.5.I've got 23 people on my list, some of them with full completed characters and some of them just dotted for interest.
Man I was really off. Normally these threads light up on Mondays. Maybe its the quasi-holiday today. Typically a RotRL and Kingmaker make gamers swarm like $5 cube of Mtn Dew.
I was curious why there was a spate of Skulls & Shackle advertisements, and then nothing!
He left the stables finally, a light sweat coating his skin as he took off his shirt before he head torwards the small home he shared with a few fellows who worked the mill. It was a warm enough night out but the cool air certainly felt good as he made his way home. when he noticed that dark haired beauty that worked down at the Pixie's Kitten and he blushed. He had indeed seen her before, at the market and had even gone so far as to inquire her name. Riessa was as pretty as her name.
"Calm down Calin, she's a working girl, to please a lass like her you need coin, and plenty of it. He thought to himself as he fumbled with his key to the door. He glanced over and froze when he realized she was indeed watching him. Crimson flaired along his fair skin and he darted indoors breathing hard.
Working the mill's during the day and Mucking stalls at night had left him tired but he had promised his coworkers from the mill that he was going to meet them that night for one of the boy's birthday's It was just a matter of changing out of the dirty clothing now. He looked at the gear he barely wore now, except of course when the town militia was called in stacked up in the corner.
Hero's... ladies like hero's in the stories. Maybe tomorrow evening he would ask ol' Daviren a little more about goblin hunting. Perhaps he could make a bigger name for himself, earn coins from such efforts and then he could...He shook those thoughts away, Plenty of time to dream of being a hero and getting the maidens to swoon tomorrow. He was late as it is.
A small sampling If you would like i could also post up an example or two of combat actions i have taken in that past so you can get some idea of that as well. I have seen some great entries so far. Good luck to all.
GM, PFS # is 119488.
Sample of scene upon arriving.
Somehow Lizzy had
As the two drivers were discussing, Lizzy was between some stacks of hay, munching on a piece of bread. She was saving the juicy tomato for desert.
Surely it won't be a problem boys? You are wealthy merchants. It's for the greater good of culture and epicness in the world.
The caravan came to a stop at the gates to Sandpoint, sadly squishing the tomato. Her head popped up to take a look. At which point....she was staring into the eyes of the drivers who were unloading.
"Erhm....hi?"
"I saw a rat on your car and wanted to catch it before it ate your food. I had to kill it though."
She dives back into the spot, scooping together leftover bread and squished tomato, covering a red thick mush with her hands.
"See? Want it?"
Lizzy received 2 green apples. She thanked the drivers and headed into Sandpoint. Off to find mr. Cyrdak Drokkus.
@ Miana:
We meet again.
Will you drop more epic one liners like brother Saitama?
story feats
You don't have to choose a story feat if none of them suit you; it's just a bonus I thought I'd offer because not many people take them otherwise that I know of and I wanted to try them out.
stuff
I'm a sucker for PrCs and Champion of Irori is one of my favorite. I have my own for PFS, although he's a tetori monk and I'm taking a level of Warpriest because the blessings for Irori (particularly Strength and Healing) are pretty nice. But yeah, CoI is a MAD class if there ever was one so the 25 point buy helps.
ages
In PFS where there are no aging penalties you can get away with RPing an old man without taking the penalties but as this is run in 'campaign mode' and I am using the aging penalties, I'd rather not have people starting out above young age simply because I don't want people taking the age penalties right off the bat. Sorry if that messes up your character idea.
Harrow feat
That looks pretty cool. Sure, I'll allow it. We'd just use the dice roller for "cards" obviously.
Glory of Old
No, let's stick with actual Dwarven racial traits. But that PrC is certainly cool!
background
No, it's fine as it is. You could be passing through Sandpoint.
?s
Nothing glaringly wrong, looks good as is. Play around with the story feat however you want; that's what I offered it for, as an additional hook.
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Submissions are looking good everyone! Recruitment will stay open until Friday in case we have some stragglers posting or other people who are still finishing their characters.
Alrighty; I've changed it to Tunnel Fighter.
An Intro, Arrival in Sandpoint:
Alearin walked down the dusty old coast road he was tired… but his destination was in sight. He could hear the crashing waves of the ocean as it found the shores of the small fishing community of Sandpoint. Ahead he could see the small traces of smoke from the chimney cook fires of the homes of the various residents. It was deepening in twilight… but his elven sight, one of the very few ‘gifts’ of his father served himwell he could see clearly the goal of his travel… the ruins of the Old Light. It was …ironic that he was drawn.. always drawn back to waters and waterway communities. Alaerin hated the idea… his mad father’s disturbing devotion to HANSPUR had left the young half-elf quite nervous about the water and those who worship its depths… or worse.. the things therein.
He pushed such dark thoughts from his mind and focused on reaching his goal and setting up camp as quickly as possible.
Alerin had heard the locals were having trouble with giant-kin and strange happenings … something he was familiar with growing up in a swamp encircled community of mad water cultists. Hunting trolls and bandit raiders while… avoid the fanatical and darkly secretive… very likely evil cult of water clerists was something he was familiar with. He could do without water cultists …but trolls he could help with…. Among other things.
Alaerin once he had finally fled Riverton he’d travelled the River Kingdoms and finally gotten something of a formal education by joining briefly the militia of the Cordelon. His bright and quick mind picked up the knowledge of engineering and warefare quickly … his mind seeming eternally hungry for knowledge. Training with the Mivon Aldori sword duelists had taught him enough of swordplay to handle his own in a fight… and the few bouts he fought in the Gladiatorial Arena of Tymon had harden him to combat - enough to survive in the much wider world outside the River Kingdoms.
Here in Sandpoint he’d have a new start… here he could leave his past behind… leave Alaerin the sad, lonely, half-bred boy grieving the loss and memory of his mother… to become someone new. Someone who could make a difference.
Here he was SUNAMBER, the Troll/Giant Hunter Wizard, the Engineer who would rebuild the Old Light for the townspeople, the Wizard who they might allow to take up residence in the rebuilt Old Light… once he proves himself his worth. Here he would finally master the magical energies he could feel roiling under his skin to become great and renown. Perhaps, someday he would help other lost and disposed half-elves find a home of people who would accept them as well.
Yes... this was the home he had wanted all his life.. a home of his own making.
Alaerin was in high spirits as he entered the town of Sandpoint. Assani his hawk stirred nestling her feathers as she preened her wings. The hood and foot straps kept her from flying off but Alaerin knew she was mostly content. Once he set up camp he would remove her hood to let her see their new home. Her training was going well…
Alaerin heading down Church Street he looked at the various buildings as the shops started to close. He was new to town and was rustic in his travel worn clothing… use to sleeping in the wild he did not expect to find an inn… and besides he was more interested in seeing the ruins of the lighthouse to learn what cause it to fall and how much redesign it would take to rebuild it for the town… hopefully they would let him do so.
But that was the blessing of being a half-elf… Alaerin had time.
Finding his way to junker’s way Alaerin approached the ruin of the Old Light. Finding a spot near the cliffs but behind a piece of rubble in the lee of the wind Alaerin set up his tent to make camp. Staring a small camp fire to heat water from some tea and provide warmth in the coming night. Alaerin sat on a stone for a bench and set Asani on the tent-post to perch typing her talong thongs and removing her hood… for him to finish camp.
His travel gear set and the fire buring with the pot of tea brewing Alearin untied Asani’s thongs to let her hunt for her dinner, he was not hungry … gotten use to rationing trail rations. He watched as Asani took flight to range around the area… he knew she would return when she was ready, no matter.
Alaerin walked about the ruins still in sight of town getting the measure of the ruined light house in general… but no real surveying would be done until the light of day. Content he took a seat back on his ‘stool’ and poured a cup of tea sipping the warm drink as he pulled out his battered abd partially burned spellbook…pouring over the arcane shifting script reading the apprentice notes in the margins.. practicing the mental exercises.
Unbidden memories of home came to him… unpleasant ones. The dead eyes of his mother where she hung herself from the old oak at the edge of the Riverton.. as if even in suicide she could not free herself to go further away than the very edge of the dark river cult’s influence. The dark and terrifying image of the serpents head he saw in the black pool mirror of water in the floor of his ‘father’s’ temple quarters .. that image that haunted him still and filled his dreams with dread.
Alaerin sighed… he had escaped that terrible place with his life and even more importantly his sanity.
Gripping his Curve Blade hilt in hand its heavy presence bringing him confidence he stared into the campfire, his pretty amber eyes burning with a inner fire of fierce determination … and swirling memories as he allowed the sea’s songs to let his mind drift in daydream reverie... as the evening darkened into night… and eventual restless sleep.
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And samples of my previous PbP games writing...
...it was the dream again. A memory actually... making it more nightmarish than just a nightmare! This is always where she came at night when weariness dragged her screaming into the oblivion of sleep. As always it was her mother's cruel laughter and the foul stench of evil of the deep dark lands of Orv and its demon-haunted depths that terrified her. She had been chained to the sacrificial posts - whipped until she nearly fainted and made sport of by the dark elven male consort/acolytes of her mother's temple thralls.
Her mother, - had watched gleefully... as the hungry males had their cruel way with Silena. Duspara considered her 'possibly-weak' half-breed daughter {whom she expected would be found lacking and would not survive her 'test'} to be an amusing entertainment. Her father a Nidal priest in the lands above had lusted after Duspara for many years. The unnatural entrance to the Darklands that existed in the wastelands outside the wall of Ridwan in Nidal had been very useful to the dark elves to gain access to surface trade and the constant need of new slaves and sacrifices to their demonic masters. The church of the 'Midnight Lord' had resources that the Drow ... could make use of for they had... similar... needs.
had... made such a simple, trivial request for access to those resources - .
Duspara found it a darkly amusing and distracting trivial thing from the boredom of casual cruelty that marked the entirety of drow society, but she had made one exception. The child could not be weak... and at some point Duspara reserved the right to 'test' the child to see to it the mongrel was suitably strong and sound - a 'deformed' offspring could not be allowed to continue.
Count Dulare only had smiled and said he would only have to try harder the next mating until the 'Midnight Lord' got this due for the assistance he would provide to the Drow peoples. Duspara planned to have him murdered at some point such audacity to make demands upon his betters was... annoying. Count Grindell had raised the child... named after a honored ancestor of Duspara's Drow House an added needling of her sense of propriety. For it was the Count's intent to make Silena a constant reminder of the nights he spent with Duspara and the demeaning Duspara had to endure to bear the unwanted child to term and care for its birth. A torment of spirit that Count Dulare took great pleasure in seeing in Duspara's eyes everytime they met he brought his growing half-elf daughter in tow. The Midnight Lord's own form of personal torment that he found most sweet... torment of the soul... and spirit! An Exquisite price paid as long as the child lived and Duspara knew she lived!
But now it was Duspara's turn to test the mongrel...
Silena hung from the silver plated cold iron chains... an added cruelty for her mother knew something in Silena's distant infernal blood heritage made silver uncomfortable to the touch of her bare skin, her body criss-crossed with lashings, defiled with the filth of her cruel molesters and exhausted from their many tortures... the foreplay was over. Silena had not resisted for she knew she had to marshal her strength for the real test.
Then her mother smiled and snapped her fingers. The male acolytes approached again and took hold of Silena.. they filthily fondled her one last time for they expected it to be the last. Duspara approached with the last test an ornate black crystal cup with the vile liquor of this hellish land. The ..
She spoke her voice a purr of cruelty... she never rose her voice above a furtive purr no matter how cruel or wicked her words,
Silena had no words for her only opened her mouth wide to drink the Black Blood. Something had glittered in her mother's violet eyes as she smiled and poured the foul poison down her throat.
It was here the dream always turned chaotic as memory and nightmare went into a collage of remembered pain and terror... things she could only recall in flashes... her body writhing on the rocky floor retching in freezing pain inside her as the black blood coursed through her... a summoned Dretch {likely by her mother} stepping from a gate leering at her naked body as she tried to survive the poison coursing through her... fighting the chains as the summoned demon tried to violate her... Duspara's laughter heard in the background... and in final Silena standing, screaming in rage channeling the negative energies of ZON-KUTHON forth to destroy her would be violators, wielding the snapped chains; her infernal fires coursing along the chain length melting the thin layering of plated silver to reveal the cold iron beneath. Silena raged swinging those chains to destroy the demonic lustful attackers, dark energies busting from her devouring the demon's lifeforce hungrily... and more dretches bounding towards her hungry to complete the sacrificial mating...
But she had lived and she had triumphed. Now always mindful of her mother's spite Silana makes her own path. Zon-Kuthon's power flowing through her... and the mad god's laughter in her dreams...
Katani seeing the otherworldly Ninn's drink empty her brow knits with concern and smiling at Aria nods for her to follow suit as she tips her mug pouring half of her drink into Ninn's empty cup, "Fear not sister... we are here to share our strength, our blood and our joys with thee... ye need not ever go without as long as your battle sisters of fortune be at your side...!! Drink of our comaradery!"
Katani's cheeks flush with Aria's supportive words and Ninn's slowly flushing composure and her memories slide back to her blood sister, Naria - how she begged her sister to come with her when she left the for the warm lands of the south in Gare. If only she would have left with Katani...maybe she would be alive now. She had been so frightened of upsetting the elders, to run away with her brazen sister. But Katani's heart quailed with sorrow, she sometimes felt, 'if only she would have stayed her sister would be alive!' She had always defended her with her strength her heart ached with the despair of how she must have suffered, knowing her sister had abandoned her as she died screaming.
Katani had learned months later among the scuttlebutt most adventurers hear in their travels that the 'Redhoof Horse Clan' had been trading in Bledcurst, a trading post on the edge of the Northern Deadlands. It was well outside of their normal trading and Katani was sure her clan the 'Riding Storm Horse clan' would never let them anywhere near the post in such numbers... unless something were amiss. With further, more out of curiosity, investigation she learned to her dread that the 'Redhoves' had raided her clan's 'Holdfast' and taken many prisoners while the 'Riders' were away raiding in the west... her sister had been taken as prize. Katani braved the dangers of the Horse clan and track them down desperate to free her sister... but she arrived at the ruined 'Redhoof' camp too late. From the broken lances and spears left in the aftermath she realized the her clan the 'Riding Storm' had struck and sent the Redhoof to flight.
She found her sister among the dead... impaled through her womanhood upon a sacrifical pole... a grizzly sacrifice to the Redhoof god - Nihilus denoting every man in their clan had filled her with his seed and she was to be offered to their 'gallows lord' as her 'final lover'. As per their custom... she had been 'pierced by their god' alive bleeding out - the pole dark with her blood and putrid with the smell of male seed. The Riding Storm clansmen had not bothered to take down her pierced corpse, not wanting the curse of the destruction god to come down on them. How Katani had wept cradling Naria's dangling feet to her face. Katani had been unable to take her down for a proper burning to set her spirit free... in the cold wastes... and could not tarry lest she share her fate caught by overwhelming numbers should another tribe pass by. It was a shame and personal betrayal her heart had never forgiven herself for.
The other woman at the table see the darkness of painful memories cross the young Barbarian woman's features... but her eyes fire with a fierce wolf-like determination and she smiles sadly waiting for Ninn to drink with her in her toast... unwilling to let pass this... moment of deepening friendship...
Katani looks first at the dark-haired, raven-eyed, buxom beautiful Aria - armed with her firearms and exotic gunblade - fascinated by the proud and capable elven woman. Then she casts her gaze at the otherworldly towering pale-skinned golden-eyed beauty of the Aasimar woman Ninn clad in her mithril plated workman's coat and her heavy Battle Aspergillum slung at her side - no weakness in her gentle eyes. No 'soft-women' these... not the pampered courtly 'proper-women' who... 'know-their-place' and make babies for half-wit boorish men enslaved to their whims and desires. No meek, mindless, silent, 'damsels' here but strong, fearless, independent... she-wolves - knowing who they are and what they want from life; taking their fate in their own hands and seizing their destiny with their skill and spirit!
Katani smiles at each woman in turn, "...tis is a strange fate... that brings me to the company of such like-sisters. Well meet, bold sisters... in all my travels... never have I seen your like! I... walked alone... facing death and violation... with only my belief in myself to gird me on... Never did I suspect... that other willful sisters of my own spirit would I meet."
He expression softens and changes... subtly to something... new... gratitude perhaps?
"If it please thee... let me travel with thee... bold sisters, and share our fates in love, and loss, triumph and defeat... for as long as thee can afford me? I think perhaps, faith and the blessing of CERELIA hath led me to thee anon.. that, though dark may the road be I must travel... I need not walk it alone, but with fellow sisters... cast into the shadows, but not consumed by the dark."
The darkened silver disk embossed with the symbol of CERELIA upon her breast glimmers in the tavern light.
Katani raises her mug in toast, "To lost sister's found and rejoiced with!"
GREYNEXUS groans in his metallic voice, [...somebody disjunct me! Please!!!]
Katani turns with Nevas remark noting the Templar's arrival, raising her voice above the din, her speech just starting to hint at slurring from the amount of mead she has imbibed, "OY!!! 'HARDHEAD'! Grab a tankard, you gold-plated peacock, and come drink with us!!! We girls don't bite... heh... too much! You fought well today... live a little! I'm curious if there's as handsome a meaty interior to to go with that face under all that iron-mongery! Show us your 'Iron' constitution and let us know if your a real 'Man of Steel!"
Her grin is completely sinful...
GREYNEXUS, groans like tired metal harp-strings, [{sigh}...you need a muzzle, you shameless trollop! Are you 'in-heat' again?]
Katani Gafaws in laughter at the annoyed blade. She picks it up in her hands and slides it in and out of its metal sheath slowly very suggestively...
"Awe... what's the matter Nexus... are you lonely? Me thinks you need a bedding worse than I! It must be... 'hard' to be so... 'stiff' all the time and find no... release!"
GREYNEXUS, protests in stuttered tones, [Yo-...ar-...NO-...F-...ny!!!]
Katani roars in laughter at the sword's annoyance, until Nexus quiets down to a grumbling petulance.
Baring any unexpected happenstances, Katani returns to the inn accepting the room offered by Thral's generosity. She decides she would indeed like that bath. She soaks for almost an hour relaxing in the hot water and cleaning herself of the day's grime.
When she feels weariness threaten to send her to sleep she finishes her bath and heads for her room...
She pauses in front of Thral's Door... considering...
She really does like the powerful, fast, capable Half-Elven warrior, and she does not want to offend him. She has had so many brief flings... and though they were satisfying for the short... everyone of them has not been lasting {some tragically so...} and though she does not admit it... it hurts to be abandoned.
She longs for a man to claim her for his own... not out of domination or raw lust... but for love. Thral is not ready... she knows in her heart of this...
...and walks by without knocking.
In her room her hair clean now it radiant strawberry reddish-blonde is quite vibrant. She brushes her hairs and sharpens her swords...
Greynexus speaks his metallic voice soft for once, [You could have tried ...you know?]
"He's not ready Nexus... and besides {aheh}... it would probably be just a evening fling... my men rarely have little use for my spirited ways..."
[There is nothing wrong with your spirit... mistress... only the hole in your heart you keep trying to fill.]
"You going soft on me now... Nexus'?"
[No mistress. You are a skillful warrior able to endure great hardship... you have never failed me... but some wounds are not on the surface... though they are no less deadly. Your ...well-being is ...practical for me.]
Katani smiled sadly, "Why Nexus... I think you just said you care about me! How sweet!"
Katani kissed the cold mithril blade playfully before leaning Greynexus to her bedpost within reach. The blade went silent.
Finishing up her preparations - organizing her scrolls, polishing her Dark Mithril chain armor; Katani knelt naked upon the room floor, only her dark metal dish of CERELIA upon her breast, and prayed...
”I swear,
To defend the oppressed;
To Honour, CERELIA;
To Serve, With Pride;“I am Chosen of CERELIA,
Bound to Fate,
Rage shall not blind my Eyes,
From my Duty!”Dark Goddess... bless me let not my strength fail thee...
in thy service!"Then the pretty barbarian woman, pulled on her simple night shift a long white cloth peasants chemise and climbed into bed... alone.
The metal Holy symbol warm on her breast.
[Sleep well mistress... I will keep watch...]
"Good night Nex~"
A simple gesture with her {Mage Hand} spell snuffed the candle light in the room.
Then the memories came... as they always do... of battles, of agonizing pain, of soul wrenching pleasure, of loss, of violation, and the laughter of Mad Gods... her tears stained her pillow... eventually she cries herself to sleep.
Looking back at Katani, he continues; "I am not offended by your ways, merely taken aback. I have long been away from civilization, working with a few companions in the deep woods of Tomo, and as such am unused to any mannerisms not found in that small group. You are indeed quite beautiful, a marvelous, er,'specimen', and a powerful warrior. I am glad to have you fighting at my side. But as to your other...needs...I fear I cannot currently satisfy them. You see, I am a Journeyman of Þannig vindur, the sacred martial art of my people, the Way of Wind, and the blood of Isaura runs in my blood. As a Journeyman, I must remain chaste for ten years; I may take no spouse, and lay with no one, until that time is done. I have four years left as a Journeyman, then I may return to take the tests, and if I pass I will be a master and may seek my own fortune wherever..." at this he claps his hand on Katani's shoulder in a comradely gesture, "...or with whomever that may be. So please. Take no offense at my demurrals, I do not think ill of you or your ways, as I said, I am glad to be in your company. As we adventure together and learn more, who knows what bonds may arise. But as I respect your ways, I ask that you respect mine. I must complete my term as Journeyman, or fully half of my life will have been wasted." He smiles warmly at the northlander, inclining his head. He then turns to greet the rest of the group, or at least those that have arrived. "Tristan and Zero, Aria, Ninn; excellent to see you all. Any word from our Templar friend?"
Katani's eyes widened in... wonder at the dedication and ...personal willpower it would take to believe in something so strongly, {What do I believe in?} - she asked herself, {...nothing.} she had to answer truthfully... devotion to serve is not the same as belief... CERELIA 'Choose' her... no faith was required. Whether she believed or not was also of no consequence... she was a tool of the Dark Goddess, for the Dark Deities' own purposes. CERELIA would do as she willed with Katani... and no amount of her resistance would change what the Dark Goddess had chosen for her fate. {10 YEARS!!! Even still, 4 Years remaining...!!!)
Katani doubted she would live to the end of the next month... how violent and cruel her life was... Thral's dedication marveled her and ...admiration grew in her heart even more... even as cold despair gripped her in its icy dark clutches... Thral would make that 4 years... she was SURE of it... but she would likely be dead by then ...on some forgotten battlefield somewhere... unmourned and unknown... the fodder for carrion birds and jackals...
Thral was out of her league and she knew it... he... deserved... better than her...
At his gentle touch she felt desire... a burning longing filled her heart... knowing she would never possess so... great a man... and she leaned her cheek tenderly against his hand her eyes turning sad and her hands taking his affectionately.
To thrall ... she looked ...vulnerable for the first time in his short acquaintance with her, her pretty face etched with pain.. and longing her eyes watering slightly.
Her voice cracked a little, "You have a Noble and Dedicated heart, Valorous Thral... I have no doubt you will make... a great master! Of course you must achieve greatness first... I would do you no dishonor to hinder or ruin your noble endeavor... Follow your dream... you will make... some... heart beat with joy... ere you accomplish your mastery! I... envy... your faith and belief..."
She turns seeing the others approaching and takes a respectful step away from Thral turning to hide her tears that she quickly dries...
{Get a hold of yourself you stupid strumpet! A night owl can look upon the sun and be blinded by its glory... and yet not slain... so can you... your fate is already sealed... best get on with it... Your life ... and death are not meant for... happiness... NITTEN awaits...}
Katani gathers her dignity about her fighting down the swell of her emotions until the cold warrior is all that remains... 'The Stormrider...'
At Luc's words Katani stiffens, {...that's right...remember... you are not meant for love and happiness ...you are just a red killer, a mercenary ... a tool of destruction - nothing more... NEVER forget that fool!!!}
Katani replies her tone cold and non-commital, "As long a Ren has gold to hire my sword... then we have no quarrel... What care I for political disputes? None have ever done me any good or changed for the better my life one wit... all is blood, steel, death and survivors... Might as well have gold to enjoy what time I have left... lead on..."
Ascaria shrugs at Tam's question. "No, not really. Not really negative either I should add. I suppose it's like all family business. Sometimes you disagree on something, sometimes you might want to kill your relatives." She grins. "But it's all in good humor... mostly."
She looks around the room. Perception to spot a sign of Old Scratch: 1d20+3 "By the way, did you see Old Scratch yet? He's kind of the Goblin's mascot. Nasty little imp, always up to some mischief. I think he tried to eavesdrop on us earlier!"
Tam's eerie violet eyes shift when Ascaria mentions killing relatives taking a very brief and frightening coldness to their gaze... but the cold intensity vanishes quickly and he smirks, "Let us hope it always is so for thee milady... 'all in good humor'."
He cocks his head at the mention of an imp and his eyes flash about the place on reflex before common sense reasserts itself, "No, I have not...for shame. Someone should end the infernal pest...no good will come of courting in the company of fiends. They sow sorrow and hurtful schemes like other beings breath air...", he pats the silver Starknife of DESNA at his side reassuringly.
At Iscarel's approach Tam gestures to a nearby stool at the bar, "Of course... come join us."
At his comment Tam remarks a smirk and mirth on his not unhandsome face and eyes, "...em wycc irela laallaala ylanec ira ela aillaa tymaa. fyan... meviran leam... E anireln anirilan seviran fa il nelwlalala... ilan caillaan oem sa."
...perhaps if he were not always so stand-offish and brooding he might be considered attractive?
Elvish 'Forlorn':
"...or dull his senses until he is easy prey. But... right now... I think that might be a kindness... at least for me."
"A song... my Liara was a minstrel... her voice could sooth even my troubled heart! She would serenade me to sleep with a song... 'Only Time will Tell'. I'm not sure if it was a song of her composition... do you know it perhaps Iscarel?"
Tam ponders... then softly sings the song... hoping Iscarel may have heard the tune and can put it to musical accompaniment...
Perform: 'untrained' 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
"Time will use tomorrow,
When we’ve used today.
It will find the sorrow,
And wash it all away.
And maybe in the new day,
We can break the spell
It may be tomorrow,
but only time will tell.
Somewhere in the darkness,
there must be a light,
Leading us together,
Through the misty night
Love can play a new tune,
On this carousel.
It may be tomorrow,
But only time will tell.
There can be a new dream,
One for us to hold,
Made with peace and hope
And built upon the old.
No one has the answer
To give away or sell
Tomorrow holds the secret
But only time will tell..."
At first his voice is soft but as he sings... he looses himself in the the spirit of the song and his voice carries across the bar. His voice is tender and somber, lovely - actually mellow and piercing the heart-strings of all who listen. There can be no doubt... his love for this Liara... was true and deep.
His eyes show a slight... watering at his conclusion but by force of will alone, he sheds no tears.
Tam turned looked down the alley they had all just fled and saw the knot of thugs carrying Andrezi the orc leader bad-eye still issuing orders.
Tam watches Marcus charge unwilling to abandon an ally slaying th closest foe even while struck but still his intention was not vague he was not going to abandon an ally to the clutch of a foe.
Then Tam looked to the the north west and escape... and he sees Ascaria... and her eyes. He never really noticed just how lovely they were until then and he saw the fear and hurt dawn in them as she watched Marcus charge in to battle bravely. She was proud of him that was obvious but her heart was crying in pain for fear of losing of their budding love... all in one gaze.
{...what do I owe these people? Nothing. But... I owe myself... something better something more noble... even in death. No one will remember how we lived if we were good or bad. But how we choose to die... that is immortal.}
Tam looked down at the crossbow bolt still lodged in his side...
"Desna, elane aeym irillw E nyessean sa latyemean... caan aeym cynyn laaa sa anirmeyvir amirilanaelam anirilan oilana fa..."
Elvish 'Forlorn':
"Desna, into your hand I commit my spirit... let your luck see me through whatever that fate be...”
Tam turns brandishing his weapons and moves to Marcus' side ready to support his rescue of Andrezi. He says nothing but his gaze and set of his shoulders need no words... he is prepared to fight to the death in defense of a comrade...
Tam gently lifts and urges Ascaria down the streets back to the Golden Goblin speaking softly and comforting to her, "...worry not milady. The goddess smiled upon us... she was not late, her blessing of fortune came just when we needed! Please do not cry... Marcus is a valiant and canny warrior... he will be fine. He knows when and when not to fight... mostly."
Tam smiles ironically for her drying her tears with a gentle touch.
"I have faith in him... you should too he will be fine and join us shortly."
Tam himself is little more than a walking wounded... and retires to his room to undress and bind his wounds with cloth. His clothing and armor stained with his blood and others. Shirtless, boots, pants and weaponbelt still on; he lies down upon his bed on his back {the only portion of his torso unwounded} and drifts into a troubled sleep...
A taunting voice comes unbidden as if from just below the skin of reality...
...before a fitful sleep takes him.
Tam gets outside the 'Lodge' and a weight seems to leave his shoulders immediately. Its ...very puzzling to him. His anger is still there... but the fire of it is suddenly gone.
{That was... so very ..odd! Why did I get so angry? I've been in places that require one to surrender ones arms... Marcus seemed to trust them enough to not be suspicious. What came over me?}
Perplexed Tam finds a perch off to the side in a small alley down the street; one where he can hide in the shadows of the overhanging eaves but still clearly see the Cypherlodge entrance.
The moment he sits to get comfortable his side aches him like it did as he entered the Cypherlodge. He'd concealed it from the others... barely but now it was annoying. Placing his hand on the muscles to sooth the obvious cramp he is met with stabbing pain... a pain so sudden and intense that it almost buckles him over!
{I'm injured? How? When?}
Tam gasps once sudden uncertain if the Cyphermages somehow struck him with magic... unbuckles his weapons belt, removing his hooded cloak.
Undoing the outer layer of his clothing he lifts his chain shirt to look at what manner of injury is afflicting him..."LAMASHTUS' LOINS! What did this to me... and when?!?", he whispers in shock and horror...
Upon his lean muscled abdomen scratches and bruises criss-crossed his skin as if he'd been tortured - long angry violent scars that surely went around to his back as well.
Shifting his posture slightly produced a sharp stab of pain from his back... indeed upon his back as well - when none were there this morning when he left his room!
Tam's eyes closed in horror, {Its getting stronger.. my time is short}
"I am damned. DESNA have mercy!"
Ashe replies to Ishani, "A noble choice indeed, Honored Acolyte. Have you called upon any miracles on behalf of this family?"
But his attention is taken immediately at the young mother's words about the chest.
Ashe turns and walks over to the chest swiftly and detects evil, "Varrel, please cast a detect magic from where you are, please at this chest?"
"Matron you should get your children away from this chest, Acolyte Ishani... you may want to listen to this... but keep your distance. There may be evil magics at work here."
Ashe opens the chest, reasoning if the chest has already been opened before - if a disease is the effect of opening the chest it has already triggered but even if a curse someone must open it to know more and examine the contents.
Ashe draws his gleaming shortsword made of alchemical silver and carefully uses it to picks through the coins of the chest... immune or not unwilling to touch the coins unnecessarily and counts their total. When satisfied with the count he retrieves his sealed bundle of the coins and drops all save one he retains into the chest before re-sheathing his shortsword and closing the chest. Carefully putting the single coin away he announces...
"For sure they are the same evil magic radiating coins..."
[Total number remaining please Megan?]
Turning to Ishani Dhatri he replies, "A charitable kindness beyond the tenants of your faith.. not one I'm sure your superiors look un-askance at I would assume? Thank you. I will likely need to consult your advice them as herbal remedies may be all that we have for now."
"Though you may need to hurry Cleric Dhatri... you must warn the Bank of Adadar about these accursed silver coins so that they do not accept them and redistribute them among their business clients!"
Turning to the matron Ashe is about to speak... when the children outside gasp and squeal in excitement as Majenko flies up fluttering through the ajar front door to wing in and perch upon Asherick's shoulder... hissing in excitement and exertion. His thoughts sound to all in the room...
Ashe smiles and scratches the tiny dragon between the wings, "Excellent my friend... rest now you seem a bit winded..."
Ashe continues turning to the young mother, "I did not get your name miss...? I would like to claim that chest and remove it from your home so no one else can get sick, but despair not... I'll see to it from my family coffers, if I must, that your children can go to school replacing this cursed windfall with true coin. I will beseech my goddess Iomedae to do all 'She' can for your daughter... I have access to 'Her' Divine blessings that I can and will use freely and without charge to aid in Brianna's recovery. May I now - alone see 'Breeze' please? I must get a magical diagnosis of this ailment... to be absolutely sure of what sickens your daughter."
Ashe briefly takes Tayce's hand and smiles, "...Milady Saldado, it is never a bother to hear the concerns and dreams of a hard working mother seeking only the benefit of her family's welfare. I cannot help everyone.. everywhere.. all the time.. but I can help and want to help you and your family here and now. I am not lord but fate has blessed me with some means to give assistance... worry no more."
{Hmmm... I think I may have the makings of an idea that may be something that kindhearted Ishani might be able to propose to his church superiors that might make getting apprenticeship fees covered for those wishing the gain marketable skills among the poor much easier and still.. provide for Abadar's needed profit! But that is a discussion for another time...}
Ashe continues up stairs the toe large loft bedroom an closes the door behind him before moving to the young lass' bedside.
He pauses, deep concern and worry stirring in his heart at seeing the pretty young girl... obviously the image of her mother so ill. He does what any pious man would do before doing what he can... he makes a silent prayer of supplication...
Ashe moves into the room and pulls up a stool taking a seat next to her. Smiling he removes his right cold-Iron gauntlet and gently takes her bare hand holding it tenderly, "Hello, little Brianna 'Breeze', I'm 'Ashe'! Looks like you've caught something of a mean cold! Don't worry little one... let's see about making you feel better hmmm?"
Ashe removes retrieves his healers kit from his pouches and first pulls out a bottle of 'Sooth Syrup' and a spoon to give her throat and stomach a little easy hopefully lessen her violent coughs for a little bit. He gently slips his bare hand behind her shoulders to help her sit up and pours a dose into the spoon.
"Here dear sit up a little... and swallow this down... its sweet but not candy... that comes later. but it will make those coughs a little less harsh."
Feeding her the dosage he gently settles her back down until she is comfortable again.
Smiling again for her, to keep a cheerful demeanor & warmth with a good beside manner for his patient he says, "I'm going to call upon a miracle 'Breeze' to get some idea of what is making you sick ok?"
Ashe pulls out the silver coin with the evil enchantment upon it holding it well away from 'Breeze' but within a 5'ft of her so the coin and her are in the area of effect and casts 'Diagnose Disease'.
Bluff: {untrained} 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Ashe takes in the divinely granted knowledge and contains his seething outrage... under a cool calm smile for little 'Breeze'..."Well now... I think I know just what you need... rest easy little one. I'll be right back."
Majenko looks on the little girl from Ashe's shoulder and his wings stir nervously, {... little girl 'Breeze' child going to die Ashe?}
{Not if I have anything to say about it! Perch on that lamp stand and try to keep her attention and amused if you can my friend... but DO NOT touch her or ANYTHING she has touched!}
Majenko flutters from Ashe's shoulder and begins to preen and trill occasionally drawing the girl's attention. Telepathicly Majenko makes small talk with her asking about her collected shineys...
Ashe pats her hand gently and stands heading out of the room to shut the door behind him making his way down the steps.
Ashe returns to the family room and is removing his cloak and setting his helmet down with a grim determination in his eye.
He keeps his voice low so as not to carry to the child upstairs, "..The disease is definitely intentional and is specifically carried by the coins. Someone has manufactured this plague specifically modifying another more obscure malady... to even GREATER virulence! It is a refined form of Vorel's phage, in itself an unnatural disease that first came into being deep under Foxglove Manor, on Varisia's coast. Ishani... if you can inform the temple clerics of this and see if they can consult greater wisdom for dealing with it. The Disease is spread by contact... I need a few things please. I need a bowel of hot cleaning water, some cleaning rags, and towels. I need a set of fresh sleeping garments for 'Breeze', sheets for the bed and a thick burlap sack to dispose of all the old linen Breeze has touched. Please get them for me quickly. I must clean her sores put her in fresh clothing and bedding so that the rest of your family is not endangered by simply being in her presence... the old linen MUST be burned! Then I can give her what medicines I have... she is young and that should help. Please hurry time is fleeting!"
Ashe nods to Una, "It was all Iomedae's power... I was merely a bearer - but yes a divinatory miracle."Looking over at Ishani, "Godspeed, Ishani... it does my heart well to know we are allied in a common goal. When I have time after our leader decides our next goal... I'll try to get by the Archbankers Temple and share what I've learned in detail from treating Brianna... if all my efforts fall short a cure disease may still be needed."
Ashe helps where he can to gather the needed linen.
In passing Ashe pulls Varrel asside and whispers,
------------
With the linen gathered Ashe proceeds upstairs to the bedroom.
Entering he smiles again and set the washbowel on the nightstand next to the bed."Hello 'Breeze', now lets get you sorted out..."
Ashe sets down on his stool next to her and retrieves his healers kit a bottle of wood alcohol and a jar of topical paste meant for soothing burns.
Smiling again he takes Brianna's hand, "Now sweety, I must clean your sores... and it will sting a little ok? I'll go slow and stop and let you recover if it hurts too much ok... but I must clean you up so you can get better."
Ashe dabs the cleaning rag into the warm water and methodically cleans the sore on her little face being very gentle and unhurried. Pausing when Brianna seems to be in pain and waiting for her to calm before continuing on. All the while smiling for her and encouraging her on. Then he dabs a little of the wood alcohol on the sore even more tenderly.. then covers the sore with a light coat of the topical paste to sooth the hurt.
Majenko leaves his perch to flutter to Ashe's shoulder to watch as he works his tail thrashings slowly in concern as well...
As he works he calls to mind a lullaby his elven lady friend - and fellow Pathfinder, Tessara Kalissreavil the Mierani elven ambassadors daughter, sung to him once... one intimate evening...
Ashe sings softly for her as he works.
When Ashe is done cleaning Breeze's sores he will put the rags and towels into the burlap bag.
"Ok dear, I need you to get out of that old sleeping dress ok? Here..."
Ashe will hand her the new sleeping garment and will stand to raise a fresh bedsheet stretched between his arms raised just above his head level for her privacy...
"Now everything must come off small clothes as well... tell me once you have on your fresh sleeping gown. A keep standing after your changed deary."
when she indicates she is dressed Ashe will settle the fresh bed sheet gently around her shoulders a little frame crouching down to look her in the eye smiling kindly he takes her softly in his arms and hugs her warmly, "..your a brave lovely little girl! Don't you worry... we'll get you some rest and medicine in a moment... just hold on a little longer."
Ashe will stand and step around her and quickly changed the bed linen packing into the burlap sack.
When done he will remake the bed with fresh lining and gently help Brianna into bed and cover her with the fresh blankets.
Once she is settled in, "...There now. Let's get that medicine into you."
Ashe will retrieve from his Healer's kit a bottle of 'Body Balm' and a fresh spoon, "...now this is a little bitter sweety but you must take at least two tablespoon fulls... ok.. but I know you can do that..your a strong girl..."
Ashe gives her the bitter remedy.
"And one more medicine that will help you dear and you can rest..."
Finally, Ashe will have her drink Varrel's Anti-plague alchemical remedy.
He will settle a hand upon her head and pray aloud,
Asherick will lean over and kiss Brianna on the forehead gently.
"Now get some rest sweet Brianna. I'll come back in 4 hours to check on your progress. I'll have your candy then and some broth for you to eat. Rest now little one."Ashe will gather her discarded clothing the old bedding and place it all in the burlap sack taking it it all with him as he leaves her room shutting the door behind him. Finally he lets his own emotions free his eyes tearing up, 'please goddess ... please save this child... I have done all I can...'
Heal {Treat Disease}: +5'cir' Masterwork Healer's Kit w/surgeon's tools, +5'alch' Body Balm, +4 'Diagnose Disease' bonus 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (20) + 19 = 39
Since I've gotten plenty of entries so far, I think I am going to cut recruitment short and end it at 10:00 am EST on Thursday. I will hopefully make my decisions some time shortly thereafter on Thursday.
Those of you still mulling over your characters, you've still got a couple days to finish them up (or at least get them close enough; final tweaking will be allowed before we get started).
Good luck everyone!
You did not answer my last question Endless so.. I'll just err on the side of caution and just takes as a no... no biggie really... just a clarification question really. I still need to finish some of Sunamber's gear. Mostly his travel mundane camping gear.
I should have everything set up properly if I have made any mistake pelse let me know.
Alright then, I'll take a crack at Dherisan stepping into Sandpoint...
"You're going to miss the festival, you know." The remarks toward the owl, who merely regards him with one large yellow eye before going back to sleep. "Well don't expect me to brief you on the whole affair tomorrow," the half-elf shrugs. He continues his aimless journey through the celebrating throngs, waiting for something to really catch his interest (he does plan to stay a few days, after all, so there is no hurry to resupply now) when his nostrils twitch unconsciously. The smell of... fish? Yes, a delectable scent of salmon is wafting from a nearby tavern.
"The Rusty Dragon? Charmingly rustic, I suppose." He makes his way towards the door of the tavern, stopping along the way to admire the newly built cathedral. It's laughable, really, building such an enduring moment to a goddess as flighty and ephemeral as Desna. He wonders if she would appreciate it or find it amusing? But that is the way of Desna, is it not? To let everyone find their faith in their own way. To Dherisan, she is the roads and stars in the sky by which he finds his way. To these people, maybe something else. He press two fingers to his lips and offers a short salute to the structure before nearly being bowled over by a group of young boys chasing a ball painted to be the head of a goblin.
Dherisan sighs. The sight of children at play is always heartwarming, and he's sure that thoughts of violence are far from their minds, but he wonders if that goblin-headed ball is conditioning them to the prejudices they are sure to display in years to come. Well, worries for another today. For now, he tries in vain to shake his owl awake before huffing and stepping into the Rusty Dragon.
Ah... I see many from Shattered Star here as well.. welcome Miana.. though admittedly you were here before me. Hope you get in here!
For those of us not familiar with the environs of sandpoint (which aren't well discussed in the remake of the adventure path guide), are there resources that describe some of the town sights and personalities?
You can also look for some info on the pathfinder wiki LINK though the best source of info is in the Appendix of the AP.
Thank you. I grabbed the newer edition but haven't read through the original. I will do so.
Hi there EndlessForms!
I wanted to drop by and let you know I'm still highly interested in taking part in this amazing campaign. Since you expressed the desire to know the applicants more, I thought I'd elaborate on my application. You've already read my character's background, so I'll expand a little on it and speak about my views on Lucian.
Mechanics-wise, I see him as a support-oriented full caster and healer with a few fire-themed spells coming from his curse. "Blackened" is indeed a curse I like (jointly with the "Dangerously Curious" trait) as a metaphor of how knowledge or power obtained too quickly and without care can backfire. Lucian can't be great in melee, but makes up for it with his casting abilities. In time, I'd like to take the full "Eldritch Heritage" feat line for the Arcane bloodline, which fits RotRL thematically, I think. After several run-ins with the arcane might of Thassilon, it makes sense that this rune magic could awaken latent powers inside Lucian.
That looks pretty cool. Sure, I'll allow it. We'd just use the dice roller for "cards" obviously.
Awesome! I'll get Garridan's crunch wrapped up, knock out his backstory, and then get an introduction post up this evening.
Hooking into Jessalissa's story for a little rp...
Lizzy was exploring Sandpoint. Quite a sight to a gnome foreign to the place. Dodging the legs of the taller people, she made her way past the town square.
"Hmm, where to go next? Should i go to that tavern or look around some more?"
After a brief moment, she saw an old cobblestoned building. Noise was heard from it.
Looks interesting, i'm going to have a look.
The windows being too high for the small Lizzy, she had to find another way to look inside.
Taking a bite from the apple in her hand, her hair was waving after a loud BOOM from within. Looking at her apple, she saw some fragments of glass sticking out.
"Hey...my apple!" :(, she picked out the fragments. Conveniently, a small barrel was near the window.
"Allright, time to see who or what hurt my apple."
Peeking inside, she saw a little red-headed figure in a chair.
"Psst...psst...hey miss in the chair. What happened in here?"
.......
Merchant:Hey you! Don´t pull all scrolls out and unfold them here if you don´t buy anything! That´s the third day you´re only lurking about! Buy something or be gone!
Elf woman:Buy something? Those scrolls are third choice at maximum. Why would i buy those. Look, there are even spelling mistakes! Wonder if they actually function. Turns around, tossing an unfolded scroll at the markettable.
Buy something pah. If i had more money i would buy something, but not from those! Maybe i can find something interesting at the library. There have to be more books about Thassilon somewhere around here and not only those marginal histories for peasants and children. Perhaps they hide it somewhere.
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Although i´m pretty undecided between this character here and another one (a halfling swashbuckler) i´m applying this here.
I know some parts of the third or fourth book of the AP, but untill we would get there i´ll forget that for sure. Really would love to experience the AP from the beginning.
History and more Info on the character site.
Okay, its taken a while, but here is my character Paladin of Ragathiel Fenchus Deverin.
Fen, as the boy became known, was a bright and likeable lad and the apple of his parents eye. Handsome and gregarious he quickly became a leader amongst the youth of Sandpoint, and was something of a star at the Turnadarok Academy. His only real rival was Tsuto Kiajitsu, also from one of Sandpoint's founding families, but abandoned to live with the Turandarok orphans, by all save his sister Ameiko, due to the dubious circumstances of his birth.
From the start Tsuto hated Fen, who it seemed had everything he did not. What made things worst for Tsuto was that Fen had none of the blood of his parents who loved him dearly, while he Tsuto at least carried his mothers blood. The half elf would constantly taunt Fen about the strange circumstances of his birth, claiming his parents were more likely a goblin and a goose than angels as most of Sandpoint half believed.
Fen had never experienced hatred before, and in some strange way it fascinated him. He found himself drawn to the slender half elven boy, who sneered and treated him like dirt, while everyone else fawned and fell before his relentless charm. Only Tsuto was immune to Fen's silver tongue, only Tsuto denied him.
The two boys clashed frequently, both bright, Fen a skilled singer and actor, Tsuto the more agile and skilled. They were well matched. Then at fourteen Tsuto dared Fen to break into the Academy's basement with him at night to view Headmaster Gandethus's fabled treasures. But when Fen snuck into the academy and crept into the orphanage he found Tsuto sobbing and clutching his kness upon the stairs. Tsuto had tried to speak with "his father" and once again received only scorn from the stern Tian, he would remain banished for the sin of his birth.
Alone in the dark Fen reached out to the wounded boy, told him that it was not his fault. Hugged him, held him, and then it became more. Frightened of their feelings the two boys experienced something intoxicating, they knew it was wrong, knew they would be scorned for their actions, but that only made it more tantalizing. At school they continued to snipe at one another, more bitterly than before if anything, and even engaged in several brutal fights. For years they were foes in public, and lovers in private and then Elsa Morgan walked in on them in one of the back rooms at the Sandpoint Theatre.
Fen was given a furious lecture by his father, accused of sullying his name, and of bringing the family into disrepute. When they boy protested that there could be nothing wrong with loving someone and that they were hurting nobody his father said quietly, "Would that I had left you where I found you," and walked away.
The next day Fen found himself bundled aboard a traders ship bound for Taldor. His mother and Aunt were distraught, Fen himself cried long and hard, but his father was nowhere to be seen as the ship pulled away. Fen was enrolled at the Kitharoian Academy. He never saw his father again, returning only after Fenchus Deverin's death from a snake bite, to comfort his grieving mother and aunt who welcomed him with open arms.
The Kitharoian Academy was a great experience for Fen, for once he was a little fish in a big pond. His charm was nothing remarkable amongst the best and brightest students gathered to study music and acting in the Taldan capital Oppara. He made friends, he learned, and he grew.
When he returned Fen sort out Tsuto, and for a while their relationship resumed. But Tsuto's bitterness had hardened and he began to speak of destroying his father, expressing idle fantasies of bringing suffering and even torturing the man who had caused him so much pain. Fen tried to talk him out of such dark thoughts, but a distance grew between them, and they began to drift apart.
Then Tsuto struck his sister Ameiko, and when Fen confronted him about it things devolved into a furious argument where both men said things that could never be unsaid. Fen ended up giving Tsuto a black eye before fleeing, and a week later when Fen's beloved horse Titus died, Tsuto hinted that he had poisoned him. Fen never quite believed Tsuto, but he was striken with lingering doubt and decided to take up his Aunts offer to go and help with family interests in Magnimar.
In Magnimar Fen saw a carving of a strange fiery angel which he found himself drawn to. The figure was Ragathiel a divine spirit, whose doctorines of justice and righteous vengeance upon the wicked appealed to Fen. The Magnimar cult was small, but the men and women who made up its numbers impressed the young Deverin and he became a fervent believer, something about it feeling deeply right.
Some months later Fen encountered Tsuto in Magnimar. Tsuto looked brittle and angry, and when Fen tried offer his help he laughed in his face and told him that he and all of Sandpoint would pay for the way they had treated him. Fen declared that he would never allow such a thing, and then someone hit him on the head from behind.
When Fen awoke he was back in Deverin Manor in Sandpoint, having been found near death in an alley in Magnimar. He had been in a coma for some two months. And in that time he had dreamed of his new god, and come into a purpose, he would be a sword of justice in the name of Ragthiel, he would protect his home, and if he ever encountered Tsuto Kaijitsu again he would make him pay for his crimes.
Since then Fen has recovered his lost strength, spent time helping his Aunt, more at The Sandpoint Theatre performing, and even helped with the construction of Sandpoint's new cathedral. Now that he is recovered he seeks a path that will allow him to serve Ragathiel.
I am an experienced PBPer as both player and DM, and already run Omorose in one set of your games. I believe in being a proactive player and generally prefer to push the pace of games as much as possible.
I am not homosexual, but Fen is, and I think this could lead to some potentially interesting RP opportunities. For the most part this will make very little difference with how I intend for him to interact with the world. I like to think he has a firm connection to Sandpoint, and I "know" much more about his relationships with most of its prominent citizens since his background required a great deal of research and thought.
For the most part Fen will be a pretty archetypal paladin, with a slight focus on Lay on Hands. I would likely take a Bonded Mount, but I would like his build to be fairly organic and adapt to the adventure, its pretty hard to go wrong with straight paladin IMO.
Gear all finished. Sadly, I could not afford a water clock.
Also, Mr. EndlessForms, I had a question regarding your ruling on stacking the Evil Eye hex. Can I use it to debuff multiple stats on a single foe at once, or am I limited to having only one instance of Evil Eye on a given foe at a time.
For example, could I hit them with Evil Eye to give them -2 to attack rolls, then the following round use it to give the same foe -2 to AC?
Once i heard a human say paladins all have a branch in their buttocks. While i found his expression strange, i thought that meant paladins were not what you humans call straight?
Sometimes i wonder how this species can thrive that much.
its pretty hard to go wrong with straight paladin IMO.Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!
I actually doubt the punny contradiction was intentional, but it IS cute.
Lol, unintentional I assure you.
Gear all finished. Sadly, I could not afford a water clock.
Also, Mr. EndlessForms, I had a question regarding your ruling on stacking the Evil Eye hex. Can I use it to debuff multiple stats on a single foe at once, or am I limited to having only one instance of Evil Eye on a given foe at a time.
For example, could I hit them with Evil Eye to give them -2 to attack rolls, then the following round use it to give the same foe -2 to AC?
I don't know of any reason why you couldn't do that and have seen other people use it to that effect.
Right on. That's just one I like to make sure of early on. I've got a couple of other hex-related questions, but since they only impact future selections, I'll hold off on asking until I see whether I make the cut (fingers crossed!)