"Do I hear 150?" The auctioneer , and the dark robed man, quickly raises his hand, sending a glare that could cut through a devil in Belgraen's direction, accompanied by a smile.
"160, then? -- these are rare pieces indeed! Come, inspect them closer if you must!"
Detecting magic concentrating on the coins for a few rounds
If the coins are magical:
Spellcraft 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (15) + 28 = 43 (+2 for the elven identifying magical traits already included)
Strength?
School?
Prediction of what the magic probably does?
Thinking to the others:
I know not if these coins are what we seek, but annoying these merchants is amusing enough that the price is well worth it.
Even if you cannot see Belgraen's face you're sure he's smiling.
As Belgraen and Underdune scan the items for magic, the coins are revealed to be well preserved, if mundane golden coins. Their values lies only in their age. The coins are worth 200 gold pieces total, based on what other rare coinage from that era goes for. The symbols on the coins are the crests of the Four Pharaohs.
Amongst the other chest Belgraen and Underdune can detect a moderate aura of enchantment, and a weaker, as of yet undefinable magical aura.
Realizing there are more interesting things going on in the chest Belgraen is content to stop bidding. It's fine if he wins, but he won't bid again.
Belgraens attention shifts to the moderate aura and over the course of a few rounds narrows in on the item then attempts to concentrate on it for a full minute.
Spell craft to identify the moderate aura; 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (16) + 28 = 44
Once Belgraen has spent a full minute concentrating on whatever has the moderate aura and time permitting Belgrean attempts to narrow in on the lesser aura and identify it as well.
Spell craft to identify the lesser aura; 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (17) + 28 = 45
F HP 229, AC 37, F+29 / R+28 / W +30 Human cleric (warpriest) 17
Can I make out what the girl is writing? I do speak Osiriani.
"Certainly you have no wish to just annoy people for no reason, Belgraen, do you? It seems a waste of your time and resources, and slows this auction from getting to something that may help us."
"150, going once, going twice ... SOLD to High Priest Julistar of the Empire of Cheliax for a sum of 150 gold pieces!" booms the auctioneer.
A short applause follows as several armored men with pentagrams crafted onto their armor step forward to take the lot back to the Cheliaxian noble.
Dianora reads the girl's notes and uncovers that they are extensively written descriptions of several of the items and bidders in the tent. She appears to be interested in the mundane statuette of a girl sitting, as that item is circled on her note sheet.
F HP 229, AC 37, F+29 / R+28 / W +30 Human cleric (warpriest) 17
Dianora relays the information to her confederates in the tent.
"Curious. I don't know too many girls who take such detailed notes, especially on other bidders, much less have the funds to afford some of the items in this auction. That statue might be worth trying to get for ourselves."
Can I make out what the girl is writing? I do speak Osiriani.
"Certainly you have no wish to just annoy people for no reason, Belgraen, do you? It seems a waste of your time and resources, and slows this auction from getting to something that may help us."
Ive had my fair dealings with unethical merchants, which is most of them. They're not my favorite group. However, you're right I'd never make special effort to inconvenience them. But if my actions accomplish a noble goal while simultaneously putting a deserving fat merchant in their place it's all the better. You're again right however, let's not tarry in this errand any longer than we must.
On a more important note; How old is this girl and are you certain it's truly a child?
F HP 229, AC 37, F+29 / R+28 / W +30 Human cleric (warpriest) 17
Can I tell if it is in fact a human child, using perception? She gets an additional +2 if she is human, which I think would work as well to tell that someone is in fact NOT human. I've included that bonus in the roll:
Can I tell if it is in fact a human child, using perception? She gets an additional +2 if she is human, which I think would work as well to tell that someone is in fact NOT human. I've included that bonus in the roll:
1d20+24
Apparently Bel is getting all the good rolls.
If she's using an illusion you'll get a bonus if you touch (interact) with her. Even low level items give an easy +10 to disguise. I'd say bump into her on "accident" then do a perception check. Detect magic too if you have it, but we're in a crowd so be discrete. my 2c
Can I tell if it is in fact a human child, using perception? She gets an additional +2 if she is human, which I think would work as well to tell that someone is in fact NOT human. I've included that bonus in the roll:
1d20+24
Apparently Bel is getting all the good rolls.
From Dianora's perspective, the girl is indeed a young human, somewhere between 14 and 17 years in age. Dianora also notes that the girl's note do seem to mention Asher. The last line reads, "I believe the savior of the slaves is here. If only he could whisk me away as well, away from Julistar, devil-kisser that he is."
Spell craft to identify the moderate aura; 1d20+28
Spell craft to identify the lesser aura; 1d20+28
The a statuette of a bull headed man radiates the moderate enchantment (compulsion) aura.
Belgraen also detects the lesser aura, which is coming from the statuette that the girl is taking notes on. The statuette depicts a beautiful slumbering noblewoman, resting with a masterfully crafted staff under her arms. The lesser aura is a weak transmutation aura, although Belgraen feels in his gut that this aura is out of place, or doesn't truly belong to the stone figure.
Spell craft to identify the moderate aura; 1d20+28
Spell craft to identify the lesser aura; 1d20+28
The a statuette of a bull headed man radiates the moderate enchantment (compulsion) aura.
Belgraen also detects the lesser aura, which is coming from the statuette that the girl is taking notes on. The statuette depicts a beautiful slumbering noblewoman, resting with a masterfully crafted staff under her arms. The lesser aura is a weak transmutation aura, although Belgraen feels in his gut that this aura is out of place, or doesn't truly belong to the stone figure.
Belgraen thinks at the others,
"The bull headed statue and the Slumbering noblewoman statue are the items I think are of particular interest. Particularly the latter. Something about it is...odd. "
F HP 229, AC 37, F+29 / R+28 / W +30 Human cleric (warpriest) 17
"Well, it appears you have some fame in this area, Asher. This girl wants you to take her away," Dianora thinks with a laugh. "However, if a child has recognized you, it might be worth noting that others here may know you as well." Assuming Asher asks, she'll tell him what the note says, curious if he'll be able to control himself or will disrupt the entire auction.
"The girl is taking notes on the statuette, so perhaps we should make sure we end up with those items. Unfortunately, I have little coin on me, only 90 gold sovereigns, though I can contribute it if any of you need it to win a bid. If I must, I can acquire them from the winner of the auction this evening."
"Well, it appears you have some fame in this area, Asher. This girl wants you to take her away," Dianora thinks with a laugh. "However, if a child has recognized you, it might be worth noting that others here may know you as well." Assuming Asher asks, she'll tell him what the note says, curious if he'll be able to control himself or will disrupt the entire auction.
"The girl is taking notes on the statuette, so perhaps we should make sure we end up with those items. Unfortunately, I have little coin on me, only 90 gold sovereigns, though I can contribute it if any of you need it to win a bid. If I must, I can acquire them from the winner of the auction this evening."
I have approximately 2000 sovereigns, which isn't much given the nature of the items. If the auctioneer is open to it I can barter spell casting, which is more valuable than the coins I carry. I'm not inherently opposed to getting the items from the winners, but it is something I'd like to avoid.
given what is mostly likely primarily a barter economy it's probably not that uncommon to barter ones skills for goods. In our collectives case those abilities are considerable.
"Welcome friends," a silky feminine voice injects into your thoughts, "Rest assured that the churches of Nethys, Abadar, and Sarenrae will pay you aid. The Pathfinder Society has also made a significant donation towards your expedition. From the churches you have a budget of 1,000 gold sovereigns for this auction, and the Society will outfit you as necessary before your departure. I am here, and will contact you at the conclusion of the auction. Best of luck bidding."
"Welcome friends," a silky feminine voice injects into your thoughts, "Rest assured that the churches of Nethys, Abadar, and Sarenrae will pay you aid. The Pathfinder Society has also made a significant donation towards your expedition. From the churches you have a budget of 1,000 gold sovereigns for this auction, and the Society will outfit you as necessary before your departure. I am here, and will contact you at the conclusion of the auction. Best of luck bidding."
I have the spell Mind Blank up. Unless this voice is that of a deity, I won't hear it. Though the others will unless they have similar protections.
As DM you can say it is, in fact, in my head, but in games like this DM's can't be expected to keep up with everything the players have going on. I say this only as a reminder. Just let me know.
Edit: As a work around though I could hear it in my ear easily enough. ;-)
"Welcome friends," a silky feminine voice injects into your thoughts, "Rest assured that the churches of Nethys, Abadar, and Sarenrae will pay you aid. The Pathfinder Society has also made a significant donation towards your expedition. From the churches you have a budget of 1,000 gold sovereigns for this auction, and the Society will outfit you as necessary before your departure. I am here, and will contact you at the conclusion of the auction. Best of luck bidding."
I have the spell Mind Blank up. Unless this voice is that of a deity, I won't hear it. Though the others will unless they have similar protections.
As DM you can say it is, in fact, in my head, but in games like this DM's can't be expected to keep up with everything the players have going on. I say this only as a reminder. Just let me know.
Edit: As a work around though I could hear it in my ear easily enough. ;-)
"Welcome friends," a silky feminine voice injects into your thoughts, "Rest assured that the churches of Nethys, Abadar, and Sarenrae will pay you aid. The Pathfinder Society has also made a significant donation towards your expedition. From the churches you have a budget of 1,000 gold sovereigns for this auction, and the Society will outfit you as necessary before your departure. I am here, and will contact you at the conclusion of the auction. Best of luck bidding."
I have the spell Mind Blank up. Unless this voice is that of a deity, I won't hear it. Though the others will unless they have similar protections.
As DM you can say it is, in fact, in my head, but in games like this DM's can't be expected to keep up with everything the players have going on. I say this only as a reminder. Just let me know.
Edit: As a work around though I could hear it in my ear easily enough. ;-)
Well, then, you didn't hear it. Failure. :/
then I'm just going to go about my business and when the others start talking crazy I'm going to ask "what voice?"
upon further review. I was thinking about the wrong version of mind blank. I would hear it unless the spell they used is a divination and if it's not I get a +8 to the will save vs what is very obviously a "mind effect.". Looks like grey area to me. I hear it if you want and don't if you don't. Doesn't really matter in this case.
Asher pays special attention to the girl. If she needs rescuing from a life of slavery, he will do everything in his considerable power to make it so. Hopefully Abraxiel will not object in grounds that it might jeopardize their mission from Sarenrae. While he understands this and submits to the will of his goddess and her chosen messenger, Asher still longs for freedom for all.
Diplomacy1d20 + 27 ⇒ (19) + 27 = 46
When the voice emerges in his mind, he shields his thoughts. He doesn't wish for Abraxiel's mind to overwhelm some poor unexpecting stranger, even if she is capable of projecting her thoughts into others' minds. 'Thank you, stranger. Might you give us a sign as to who you are? Bid 53 gold on the next item."
'Thank you, stranger. Might you give us a sign as to who you are? Bid 53 gold on the next item."
Belgrean thinks at the group (everyone can hear this in their mind),
Asher, who are you "talking" to? When you "think out loud," so to speak, we can all hear you.
Having figure out what items he's truly interested in, Belgraen takes a hard look at the crowd while he waits for his items to come on the auction block. he's looking for anyone he may know or just anything particularly interesting.
perception 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28
using detect magic and concentrating on any particularly interesting auras a few rounds as needed. It's a 60 foot cone so by looking around I should be able to sweep the whole room.
Here are a few rolls in case they are needed for magic auras
spell craft;
1d20 + 26 ⇒ (11) + 26 = 37 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (18) + 26 = 44 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (1) + 26 = 27
F HP 229, AC 37, F+29 / R+28 / W +30 Human cleric (warpriest) 17
Dianora begins looking around after the strange voice appears in her head, concerned about who the stranger is and how she became aware of them without revealing her own presence before now. She ill likes someone else having that advantage of surprise, a quality she uses in her own work.
The Kemesarian continues with the auction. "Our next item, dear friends, is a beautifully crafted stone statuette. Depicting a Osirion Noblewomen from the reign of the Four Pharaohs, and carved from marble, this fine piece will open bidding at a mere 25 gold pieces! Do I hear 25?"
"I would like to raise to 53 gold pieces!" a fully veiled (Burqa) woman says from the back of the tent, her voice smooth as silk, and surprisingly firm.
"An odd increase, but fair,"says the Kemesarian, "Do I hear 60 gold pieces then?"
Belgraen detects multiple auras, several surrounding weapons (mostly flame burst, lightning, other evocation spells, or simply enchanted), many on bags and backpacks, some on holy symbols, and so on.
A group of Vudrani in the back have several items that have moderate to strong auras of enchantment and conjuration. High Priest Julistar of Cheliax, who won the coins, has several unholy aura items, as well as a strong conjuration aura on his body. The guards around the perimeter of the tent all wear protective armor. The veiled woman (your contact) is covered in moderate abjuration auras. (More on this to come! So many items!)
The Kemesarian continues with the auction. "Our next item, dear friends, is a beautifully crafted stone statuette. Depicting a Osirion Noblewomen from the reign of the Four Pharaohs, and carved from marble, this fine piece will open bidding at a mere 25 gold pieces! Do I hear 25?"
"I would like to raise to 53 gold pieces!" a fully veiled (Burqa) woman says from the back of the tent, her voice smooth as silk, and surprisingly firm.
"An odd increase, but fair,"says the Kemesarian, "Do I hear 60 gold pieces then?"
Belgraen detects multiple auras, several surrounding weapons (mostly flame burst, lightning, other evocation spells, or simply enchanted), many on bags and backpacks, some on holy symbols, and so on.
A group of Vudrani in the back have several items that have moderate to strong auras of enchantment and conjuration. High Priest Julistar of Cheliax, who won the coins, has several unholy aura items, as well as a strong conjuration aura on his body. The guards around the perimeter of the tent all wear protective armor. The veiled woman (your contact) is covered in moderate abjuration auras. (More on this to come! So many items!)
Sister Dianora senses honesty from the woman.
Post a ton! I'm here all day! :)
Is this the slumbering noble woman statue which has the magic aura? If so I'm bidding. If not I'm not.
raising his arm casually to bid Belgraen says,
"I bid 60."
I'll increase in increments of ten until I win. If the bidding gets ridiculous let me know.
Belgrean Then thinks at the party,
"it would seem we found our contact. The woman who bid 53. Also..(gives a brief description of the magic item auras so the others will be aware)"
F HP 229, AC 37, F+29 / R+28 / W +30 Human cleric (warpriest) 17
Dianora feels somewhat reassured now that their contact has identified herself -- though who knows what is hidden under the veil -- and returns the bulk of her attention to the remainder of the crowd, and the girl she is standing near.
If Belgraen lets us know about the auras he detects, Dianora will mark those people and be prepared should she be forced to action.
Asher sits quietly, radiating peace and calm, but is gripped by an inner tension. He takes care to think only to himself, though Abraxiel can hear through their innate connection. 'This lust for money, for material possessions, is all that is wrong with this society. It is this love of possessions that causes men to enslave other men, to go to war for power instead of justice. If only they could see the suffering they cause, feel it for a moment...'
Asher stands, serenely walking towards the girl. He radiates confidence and self-assurance, a quiet dignity in his presence. He sits down next to her and gives her a reassuring smile. He whispers to her so as to not interrupt the proceedings. "Hello. I am Asher. What is your name?"
Sister Dianora and Asher take special interest in the girl. Dianora's interest is a silent and casual study, while Asher actually engages in conversation.
"Hello ... Asher," the girl replies, putting particular emphasis on his name, her voice full of fear and respect, "I'm Neferet Anu, servant of High Priest Julistar of the Empire of Cheliax, currently serving as translator."
She appears calm and collected, yet her curt reply shows she fears this situation, and she nervously glances over to the priest who has started a bidding war with Belgraen.
At present, High Priest Julistar leads with a bid of 240 gold pieces.
___
Anum watches the bidding war, keeping an eye on the other bidders in the tent, none of whom has broken up the bidding war between the diabolical priest and the elf, instead watching it with glee.
F HP 229, AC 37, F+29 / R+28 / W +30 Human cleric (warpriest) 17
"Well, this is lovely news," Dianora thinks to her companions. "Not only is Belgraen vying with the Chelaxian devil worshipper, but this girl is his servant. Be careful, Asher, lest we be drawn into a battle we may not wish to fight."
She casually moves away from Asher and the girl, moving behind Julister if possible, so she'll be in position should the situation turn ... chaotic.
Stealth to make her movements seem like idly moving around the area, as opposed to repositioning herself for a potential fight:1d20 + 24 ⇒ (3) + 24 = 27
Are you kidding me? That's my third 3 in a fricking row. Of 8 rolls, I think only 2 have been in double digits. Anyway, just in case you'd rather use bluff, it would be 21, or 19 against non-humans.
"Well, this is lovely news," Dianora thinks to her companions. "Not only is Belgraen vying with the Chelaxian devil worshipper, but this girl is his servant. Be careful, Asher, lest we be drawn into a battle we may not wish to fight."
She casually moves away from Asher and the girl, moving behind Julister if possible, so she'll be in position should the situation turn ... chaotic.
Stealth to make her movements seem like idly moving around the area, as opposed to repositioning herself for a potential fight: 1d20+24
Are you kidding me? That's my third 3 in a fricking row. Of 8 rolls, I think only 2 have been in double digits. Anyway, just in case you'd rather use bluff, it would be 21, or 19 against non-humans.
are you copying and pasting your formulas? The random number generator will come up with the same number every time if you do. You have to rebuild the formula every time.
Dain DM, I am bidding on the statue that radiated magic, right?
Belgraen continues to up bid in ten gold increments.
He Thinks to the group,
" Well this is lovely. *sarcasm* "
Dain DM, I am bidding on the statue that radiated magic, right?
Belgraen continues to up bid in ten gold increments.
Correct.
Dain DM, Good to see you up at this hour. ;-) I'm not sure what to do other than keep outbidding the priest.
Belgraen thinks to the others,
"I'm not sure what to do other than keep outbidding the priest. I've tamed some fairly vile devils in my time. They may be powerful, but they have rules that can be exploited. I digress. Anyone have any ideas? I'm hoping my next bid will give him pause before bidding again. I'm going to up the stakes slightly to speed this process along."
"Well, this is lovely news," Dianora thinks to her companions. "Not only is Belgraen vying with the Chelaxian devil worshipper, but this girl is his servant. Be careful, Asher, lest we be drawn into a battle we may not wish to fight."
'There are things worth fighting for in this world, more than just killing for profit and power.' He smiles at the girl, reassuring her. "This bidding bears no interest to me. It reminds me of the day I was shown off like property, bid upon, and sold like livestock. It was horrendous. But I persevered and prayed to Sarenrae, who answered my prayers. Do you pray to the Dawnflower?"
Belgraen Thinks to the others,
"This Chelaxian has apparently taken my bidding as a personal insult. Would one of you either out bid me or him by ten or so gold. That way he may not take my outbidding him personally and give him an honorable way to lose. Hopefully that will bring this little back and forth to a speedy end."
F HP 229, AC 37, F+29 / R+28 / W +30 Human cleric (warpriest) 17
Not sure if it works this way in fantasy, but in real life an auctioneer will ignore a new bidder until someone has stopped if there are two people going back and forth. At which point he/she will look for a new bidder.
"I'd rather the priest not notice me," Dianora thinks. I suspect Asher is distracted, so Anum, would you help Belgraen?"
Not sure if it works this way in fantasy, but in real life an auctioneer will ignore a new bidder until someone has stopped if there are two people going back and forth. At which point he/she will look for a new bidder.
"I'd rather the priest not notice me," Dianora thinks. I suspect Asher is distracted, so Anum, would you help Belgraen?"
If a new bidder offers more than the two who are currently bidding he'll be ignored? Sounds like bad business to me, but stranger things have happened.
Neferet makes eye contact with Asher, fear in her eyes. "No, savior, I pray to the Dark Prince, else my master find out. I have silently begged the other gods to help me, but to no avail. Can you, teach me?"
___
The Cheliaxian suddenly halts, not passing the three hundred mark. He looks disgusted, but it's hard to tell at this distance. Belgraen is awarded the statuette and victory.
The Kemesarian continues along, "Our next lot, is a most mysterious collection of scrolls and star charts, once again dating from the era of the Black Sphinx. The star charts map the movement of the celestially bodies, and the scrolls are complex numerical formulas that may aid in spell casting, and possibly be of use to a summoner. Because of the obvious value, opening bid is placed at 305 gold pieces!"
" The other item that has magic is a bull headed statue. To prevent raising suspicion it would be wise for someone else to bid on the item. I'm going to see about our contact."
Belgraen makes his way through the crowd to the veiled woman in a Burka that identified herself as our contact. Standing to her side as to keep an eye on the auction, Belgrean strikes up a conversation,
" How are you this fine afternoon? I am Belgraen. May I presume to inquire your name?"
For sake of not having this conversation take too many posts, As belgraen and the woman speak he'll want to ask her;
What group the woman is working for? (remember he didn't get her mental introduction)
What does her group wish of his companions?
Are the items they're bidding on of importance to "the mission?"
Male Human Rogue 1/Cleric 8/Balanced Scale of Abadar 6
Belgraen wrote:
Belgraen accepts his prize and holds it gingerly.
Thinking to the others,
" The other item that has magic is a bull headed statue. To prevent raising suspicion it would be wise for someone else to bid on the item. I'm going to see about our contact."
Belgraen makes his way through the crowd to the veiled woman in a Burka that identified herself as our contact. Standing to her side as to keep an eye on the auction, Belgrean strikes up a conversation,
" How are you this fine afternoon? I am Belgraen. May I presume to inquire your name?"
"I'll bid on the bull headed statue, that caught my eye. Maybe Dianora can bid on the charts?"
Neferet makes eye contact with Asher, fear in her eyes. "No, savior, I pray to the Dark Prince, else my master find out. I have silently begged the other gods to help me, but to no avail. Can you, teach me?"
___
The Cheliaxian suddenly halts, not passing the three hundred mark. He looks disgusted, but it's hard to tell at this distance. Belgraen is awarded the statuette and victory.
The Kemesarian continues along, "Our next lot, is a most mysterious collection of scrolls and star charts, once again dating from the era of the Black Sphinx. The star charts map the movement of the celestially bodies, and the scrolls are complex numerical formulas that may aid in spell casting, and possibly be of use to a summoner. Because of the obvious value, opening bid is placed at 305 gold pieces!"
Here until 4, then back after 11!
Based on Belgraen's expertise in such matters is there anything that leads him to believe these parchments are of any true value or simply have their contents overstated to push the price up?
"I'll bid on the bull headed statue, that caught my eye. Maybe Dianora can bid on the charts?"
in response Belgrean Thinks back,
" We don't need to purchase everything at the auction. Our main purpose is to find out contact, whom I am speaking to at this moment. The bull statue is of interest due to its magical nature. The charts may or may not be of value."
Waiting for DM response to a question about the Charts value
Asher whispers back to the young slave girl. "You're doing it right. There's no wrong way to pray, silent or otherwise, as long as you're pure of heart. You will be free one day. You simply have to have faith." He stands and addresses the auctioneer confidently. "Three-hundred and five gold pieces."
Without turning, the veiled woman answers the Elf mage, "Greetings Belgraen. May the gods smile upon you this day. I am the Mithral Scarab, an agent of several religious organizations operating in the northern Garundi countries. The churches of Abadar, Nethys, Pharasma, and Sarenrae have a vested interest in these ruins, and the fact that the occupants are indeed, passed on. I'm sure you've heard of Osirion mummies... Oh group would like you to raid the ruins, collect any information about the Four Pharaohs, prove that they are, indeed dead, and prevent any other organizations from playing with things they do not understand. I am also suppose to offer you a side job for the Pathfinder Society, the details of which will come later."
She pauses for a second, clearing her throat, and making sure that their conversation is safe from prying ears. "As for this auction, indeed there are many things you may find of interest, and may aid in your quest. As to what items are valuable, that is entirely up to you. I'm sure each item will be useful at sometime. After all, nothing is ever created without purpose is it? A broken sword can bring down the mightiest of dragons if the gods so desire."
___
The charts and scrolls may indeed have value, if one has enough time to spend studying them.
After Asher's bid, the Vudrani in the back fire back with a bid of 315 gold pieces. One of the Vudrani men - a handsome man with slightly pointed ears, walks forward to view the papyrus scrolls. As he does, he slowly shifts forms, growing larger as his body is replaced by that of an anthropomorphic Vudrani elephant. A murmur of surprise runs through the crowd, but several of the bidders act completely unimpressed, having dealt with the Vudrani before.
High Priest Julistar eyes Asher with disdain, and begins to move to break up the pairing of Asher and his favored slave girl.
After Asher's bid, the Vudrani in the back fire back with a bid of 315 gold pieces. One of the Vudrani men - a handsome man with slightly pointed ears, walks forward to view the papyrus scrolls. As he does, he slowly shifts forms, growing larger as his body is replaced by that of an anthropomorphic Vudrani elephant. A murmur of surprise runs through the crowd, but several of the bidders act completely unimpressed, having dealt with the Vudrani before.
Is he some kind of were-elephant or did he cast a spell. Also is this some kind of Vudrani intimidation tactic or what? I as a player am not familiar with the Vudrani. Although Belgraen is more schooled than I.
Possible appropriate skill checks related to the Vadruni
Male Human Rogue 1/Cleric 8/Balanced Scale of Abadar 6
Belgraen wrote:
Is he some kind of were-elephant or did he cast a spell. Also is this some kind of Vudrani intimidation tactic or what? I as a player am not familiar with the Vudrani. Although Belgraen is more schooled than I.
Player to player he is probably a Rakshasa. Vudrani is infested with them.
Anum will also confer will Belgraen and try to identify the Vudrani.
Is he some kind of were-elephant or did he cast a spell. Also is this some kind of Vudrani intimidation tactic or what? I as a player am not familiar with the Vudrani. Although Belgraen is more schooled than I.
Player to player he is probably a Rakshasa. Vudrani is infested with them.
Anum will also confer will Belgraen and try to identify the Vudrani.
Knowledge (Planes) 1d20+23
Where is this cultural information? I didn't see it in the Osirion guide.
@Belgraen I think a dragon is a good choice, better than a demon/devil, and we also have Abraxiel (hopefully) to fulfill the angelic host role. Also, his history mentions "centuries" of experience, but you have his age listed as barely 100.
@Weir If your character is now immortal thanks to his class ability, you really ought to make that a prominent part of his story. Does he still "connect" with mortals? Does he consider his past as just part of his history, or still part of his identity?
Oops. I meant decades. Unless of course if you'd like me to advance an age category with all the plusses and minuses I can do that. :-)
Edit: @Weir. I'm not immortal for another five levels. :-)
I like the concept. If the blade is a djinn who is truly trying to feed himself perhaps you/it would seek out a high level spell caster to help you. <-- plot device to introduce our characters. Natually it would be beyond my power, but a good plot device regardless.
Just a thought.
Ooh! Your character seeks me out due to Belgraens reputation as a sage. Though Belgraen does not have the direct answer the magical investigation does yield a location where the next piece of your puzzle is. Intrigued by this mystery Bel transports the two of you to *insert campaign appropriate location* and the adventure begins.
Just a thought. Feel free to use it or some variation if you like.
-Straight Wizards
-Angelic Host Summoner
-Elven Living Monolith
-Summoning Based Druid
-Holy Vindicator (possibly?)
-Grippli Witch
-Balanced Scale of Abadar
-Phalanx Fighter
-Bloodbound Magus
Quite the variety there, but I would LOVE to see more! If you can, try to follow in Bel's and Barca's style, it really helps me piece the party together when I have almost an excess of information! :)
I'm sure that by "straight wizard" you really meant "Master Conjurer of the Eighth Circle who bends the laws of space and time to suit his whims." Merely a typo, im sure, :-)
I like the concept. If the blade is a djinn who is truly trying to feed himself perhaps you/it would seek out a high level spell caster to help you. <-- plot device to introduce our characters. Natually it would be beyond my power, but a good plot device regardless.
Just a thought.
Ooh! Your character seeks me out due to Belgraens reputation as a sage. Though Belgraen does not have the direct answer the magical investigation does yield a location where the next piece of your puzzle is. Intrigued by this mystery Bel transports the two of you to *insert campaign appropriate location* and the adventure begins.
Just a thought. Feel free to use it or some variation if you like.
I think it works to some degree. It's had some time to evolve in my head since I last looked at this and I have my choices of feats and arcana's and with them comes more story. When I have abit more time I'll detail these things.
@ Levis,
Spells Picked Peruse at your leisure. Naturally spells are subject to change daily as needed, but unless he's got a good reason bel's going to have this list memorized.
I'm going to add some notes to myself like durations I don't have memorized etc.
I was thinking about having a demiplane to use as a refuge. Were I a mage making a "fortress of solitude" so to speak would be on the top of my list.
I had this whole thing written up that I was going to get you to peruse and my internet timed out before I could save it. *sigh*
So here's the brief version Using the 8th level spell would require 20K to make it permanent. I considered purchasing an item to get the 9th level version, but thought that might be a bit too much.
Basically it's a self sustaining temperate forest with a keep and four level 1 commoner servants (actually simulacrum) Basically that's it. Nothing fancy.
On another note:
I was thinking about making some other low level simulacrum, but I'm not sure exactly what "special abilities" means in the simulacrum spell description. So if I find a 2HD brownie and use that to make a simulacrum. (the brownie in the bestiary 2 is one HD so i'd basically be making a construct copy of that) Would it be able to use it's spell like abilities normally? I'm going to browse the forums to see what they say, but I wanted everyone here's feedback.
I do not know where 'Weir' comes from, but my PC application picked-up immortality from going 10 levels of Living Monolith, so maybe he is referring to me...?
Either way, he makes a good point, and I will look into expanding on it :-)
I do not know where 'Weir' comes from, but my PC application picked-up immortality from going 10 levels of Living Monolith, so maybe he is referring to me...?
Either way, he makes a good point, and I will look into expanding on it :-)
I shall call you Sadis, as I don't really know how to pronounce your full name. :-)
So I have my Arcana and Feats selected giving me an idea of where I want to go mechanically with him. Part of me really regreats my low charisma score since the eldritch heritage feats provide some really good ways to add seasoning to my magus beef. Perhaps another time.
I'm seriously considering Word Casting for my Magus to get that more "ancient forgotten secrets" feel. Need to look over it closely to see if that's what I want.
The Story of the Man and Blade.:
There are many schools and philosphies regarding the art of martial magic that magi practice. There are the fists of Nethys a religious monk like order who wield quarterstaves and are practiced in both the healing and destructive arts. There are the Burning Blades a group dedicated to the philosiphy of fire. Than there is the Explosive Thunder style, a style spoke of not as an actual style but an ideal. A style where a master practitioner could lay opponents in a single magically charged blow. This style exists and it only ever has one practitioner at a time. It's story reaches back millenia, before the time of darkness, before the fall of azlanti, to the realm of the Djinni.
The story goes that one of the Djinni a hero among them named Abdular created the Explosive Thunder style adn used it to create an army of the Djinni to crush heir sworn enemies the Efreeti. They were met with some success and news of Abdular's coming was often heralded by terror from the opposition.
It was not until the Efreeti appealed to the fiends of Hell that the crusade was stopped. A particularly cunning devil (some stories say it was a pit fiend other's say Asmodeus himself depending on who tells the tale). Made a bet with the the Djinn. The nature of this bet is debateable and sages still argue the exactness of it. What is known is the stakes. If the Djinn won then the Devil's woudl turn on the Efreeti and wipe them out. If they lost then the Djinn would forever forfeit his freedom and power. Seeing that the deal was well worth his life he decided to take it. Then lost.
His essence was captured by the devils and forged into a Black Blade and with it all of its knowledge of the explosive fighting style the Djinn practiced. For several millenia this blade was all but forgotten seen but rarely in the hands of tyrants or other servants to hell.
It was not until adventurers caught up with the blade and defeated its owner that it had a more prominent run in history. Several of its owners had tried the test of the starstone (and failed) others were great heroes who took part in major events throughout history. Though it was never mentioned nor played a pivotal role, the blade was there.
In the meantime Abdular bides his time. He has learned much, and taught many. When, and if he's released it will be hurricane in Hell the likes of which hasn't been seen since the Rough Beast himself fell upon the land.
His most recent host was a rather unfortunate Half Elf by the name of Rezamar Kesselen. A desert bandit in search of money and glory.
His life began in the deep desert where his mother's and fathers tribes often intermingled and sometimes married. For the most part his childhood was happy and his parents kind and loving. The toruble for him did not begin until his teenage years saw him becoming increidbly infatuated with a wealthy but beuatiful woman from another nomadic tribe. Realizing that he could never get her attention with his common upbringing and simple lifestyle he took up his blade and what magic he had learned and joined with a group of desert bandits.
He doesn't speak much of that time only admitting that "I was not an honorable man."
He might have been destined to die at the end of a caravan guards blade or eventually slain by a group of hired mercenaries or adventurers were it not his chance finding of the black blade in the deep desert.
At first he thought he had found some simple magical blade and reveled in his luck. However as the blade began to awaken from its long slumber and the Djinn within realized the nature of its owner it began to influence him, take control, and force him to do its will.
Eventually he had to give up his life of banditry and started a journey to rid himself of the blade that he viewed as a terrible curse. He went on many adventures, slain many evil things and has walked into more cities and exotic places than many have had in their lifetimes. He has done battle with vikings in the frozen lands, wandered through the mists of Ustalav and has even seen the precipice of the World Wound. He has become quite the hero and accomplished warrior, but the blade is never satisfied.
Though he has come to terms with his past and feels that it is past time for him to be forgiven he can never stay in one place, nor can he have any long meaningful relationships as the blade always reminds him of his past misdeeds and tells others in gory detail about it. Sometimes it takes control whenever Rezamar tries to stop him. So, he wanders. As the blade grows in power and influence Rezamar grows more and more desperate to free himself of it. At the same time he has a growing terror that he has come to rely on it. It was the one who taught him how to fight, how to blend spell and blade into a seamless and explosive force. In the end all he wants is to retire to a quiet life in one of the beautiful cities that he has visited. But, the blade will never allow that so long as it exists. Rezamar is all but a slave to its power.
Rezamar is a dark skinned half elf with brown eyes and short curly brown hair. He tends to dress in the thick but loose fitting attire of his homeland worn over his heavy armor. His weapon is a Falcata made of an oddly colored light blue steel that alternates from speaking in whispery windy voices to thunderous reprimands and coercion. Rezamar has collected many thigns on his journeys and these are foten hanging from a belt or worn on his person as sentimental reminders of where he's been.
If Belgaer still wants in on this he's welcome to but you basically have to be able to tolerate a black blade that likes to remind people that Rezamar was once a thief, rapist and murderer.
And some mechanics:
1 Power Attack
3 Weapon Focus (Falcata)
5 Intensified Spell
5 Arcane Strike
7 Spell Penetration
9 Furious Focus
11 Extra Arcana(Close Range)
11 Weapon Specialization (Falcata)
13 Greater Spell Penetration
15 Improved Inititive
So I have my Arcana and Feats selected giving me an idea of where I want to go mechanically with him. Part of me really regreats my low charisma score since the eldritch heritage feats provide some really good ways to add seasoning to my magus beef. Perhaps another time.
I'm seriously considering Word Casting for my Magus to get that more "ancient forgotten secrets" feel. Need to look over it closely to see if that's what I want.
** spoiler omitted **...
As one of the longer lived races Belgraen understands the ability, and frankly need, for personal transformation over time. When the murder/rapist thing come up Bel will simply say something like "we wear all once something else." His backstory has a personal transformation element to it also. He was raised a pretentious noble, but over time his perspective changed for the wiser. So i'm down with the plot assisting backstory if you are.
On another note:
I posted the write up of my Demiplane if anyone wants to check it out. Its simple, but pleasant. It'll be a cool refuge to use if needed. I'll probably add magic dominate and time features to it when I can cast the ninth level version.
Also, spell casting is expensive! I've got to edit my gear so I can afford to have certain things for high level spells. DM just note that I know I need to do that.
On another note:
I posted the write up of my Demiplane if anyone wants to check it out. Its simple, but pleasant. It'll be a cool refuge to use if needed. I'll probably add magic dominate and time features to it when I can cast the ninth level version.
Also, spell casting is expensive! I've got to edit my gear so I can afford to have certain things for high level spells. DM just note that I know I need to do that.
Demiplane looks pretty neat, definitely handy as a refuge!
I've finally got my gear done, I think. Choosing typical spell selection now, that is slow going...
based on this i'm going to edit my simulacrums a bit. I'd like one to be a higher level cleric for the useful downtime spells.
James jacob speaks:
Tiny Coffee Golem wrote:
Is there a good thread somewhere that discusses the limits of simulacrum? If no could you clarify the limits of simulacrums? Specifically in reference to spell casting and spell like abilities. If I make a simulacrum of a cleric does it get to cast spells? Can it pray to renew it's spells? Stuff like that.
A simulacrum is in all ways identical to the thing it duplicates. A cleric simulacrum could cast spells and pray to get new spells, but just like a cleric, if it does things out of keeping with its religion, it becomes an ex-cleric. So if you're a good guy and you make a simulacrum of an evil priest, then order the simulacrum to do things out of keeping with its alignment and religion, it WILL lose its powers.
The spell is a really interesting one and a fun one, but it's so open ended, like wish or miracle, that you really do need to work with your GM if your'e going to use it a lot. Some folks who prefer having all their rules nailed down get weirded out by this, but having spells like this where there's a lot of variables and that the GM gets to help adjudicate are, in my opinion, good for the game. They help enable stories and cool plots, for one thing. If a GM is running a game where he or the players aren't comfortable with this style of play, he should really just cut the spell from his game.
In ANY case... there's plenty of argumentative threads about what the spell can or cannot do. Feel free to post questions here to this thread and I'll do what I can to give MY opinions on what it does, but I'm not interested in turning this thread into a simulacrum rules lawyer meeting—there's other threads (or there COULD be) for those plots.
I've actually written two (actually three) adventures in which simulacrums play a key role... some fun ideas can be mined from these adventures:
Spoiler:
"Headless" in Dungeon magazine was about a derro worshiper of Orcus who created simulacrums of herself as minions.
There was a short adventure in "Frostbite" about a simulacrum-obsessed wizard.
"Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk" has a pretty significant simulacrum villain whose master is dead and so now she's free to do what she wants, which is to seek a method to become a "real" person so she can overcome the major limitation all simulacrums have of being unable to gain power.
As one of the longer lived races Belgraen understands the ability, and frankly need, for personal transformation over time. When the murder/rapist thing come up Bel will simply say something like "we wear all once something else." His backstory has a personal transformation element to it also. He was raised a pretentious noble, but over time his perspective changed for the wiser. So i'm down with the plot assisting backstory if you are.
Works for me. Though it mgiht feel a bit hopeless if someone capable of forging small worlds is stumped as how to separate the sword from the man.
Perhaps they've adventured for a long time. Cant get much more emntally stimulating than a talking cursed sword, its unfortunate owner, and the combined fighting style between the two. Maybe that's his ongoing project? To discover the nature of the blade and what to do about it.
Decided against word casting. Was giving me a headache looking at it and I'm already doing a rather complicated character.
Asher and Abraxiel would both be somewhat forgiving of Rezamar, as he would be repentant. As followers (well, one follower and one extremely powerful archangel) of Sarenrae, they would understand the value of redemption and would want to assist him in cleaning his soul.
Works for me. Though it mgiht feel a bit hopeless if someone capable of forging small worlds is stumped as how to separate the sword from the man.
To that Belgraen would reply,
I am a skilled practitioner it's true. However, you're fate seems to be tied to the will of the gods and i am not one of those.
thinks to himself
yet. ;-)
TarkXT wrote:
Perhaps they've adventured for a long time. Cant get much more emntally stimulating than a talking cursed sword, its unfortunate owner, and the combined fighting style between the two. Maybe that's his ongoing project? To discover the nature of the blade and what to do about it.
We can be adventuring buddies. It would mean we already know each other and probably regularly hang out in the demiplane. It's "home base" so to speak.
TarkXT wrote:
Decided against word casting. Was giving me a headache looking at it and I'm already doing a rather complicated character.
I haven't even looked at word casting. I think that's something i'd have to learn by starting at first level at a in-person game.
Asher and Abraxiel would both be somewhat forgiving of Rezamar, as he would be repentant. As followers (well, one follower and one extremely powerful archangel) of Sarenrae, they would understand the value of redemption and would want to assist him in cleaning his soul.
If you want to know us and have been adventuring together for awhile that works for me. That way we can discuss strategies and various things we could have done for each other as would have happened organically anyway. Subject to DM discretion, of course.
Also I have my advanced dragon posted for anyone interested. Subject to DM discretion, of course. ;-)
I'd be interested in joining as well. I'm currently playing in one other PbP that has lasted a year and a half. I love the idea of playing a higher level character. Great idea!
I'm currently mulling two characters: a Fighter 5/Pathfinder Delver 10, or a Cleric 7/Loremaster 8. Either of those would likely have an archetype applied to the core class. And the character would likely be a middle-aged human with those penalties and a Pathfinder member.
I'd be interested in joining as well. I'm currently playing in one other PbP that has lasted a year and a half. I love the idea of playing a higher level character. Great idea!
I'm currently mulling two characters: a Fighter 5/Pathfinder Delver 10, or a Cleric 7/Loremaster 8. Either of those would likely have an archetype applied to the core class. And the character would likely be a middle-aged human with those penalties and a Pathfinder member.
Please do! :)
Remember, don't go tying things together yet. We have until Friday to see what comes up, and I may put a twist on things...
Remember, don't go tying things together yet. We have until Friday to see what comes up, and I may put a twist on things...
Just brainstorming. Everything is subject to change. ;-)
Also, I changed my simulacrums in the demiplane. Gave them a little more detail and made one of them a level 10 cleric. Someone to tend to me/the party in case of something dramatic.
Edit: dammit! Disregard the simaulacrum thing. I'll have to do it all again tomorrow. I waited too long and the friggin server didn't save my stuff when I hit submit post. *sigh* I'll learn one day.
Basically two level one sorceress(fire and dreamspun), a level 1 bard, and a level 10 Cleric with healing and something TBD simulacrums. I even had the clerics spells picked. Dammit.
Asher and Abraxiel would both be somewhat forgiving of Rezamar, as he would be repentant. As followers (well, one follower and one extremely powerful archangel) of Sarenrae, they would understand the value of redemption and would want to assist him in cleaning his soul.
Well the thing is he's already more or less redeemed at this point. Heck at this level he's saved countless lives and crushed many evils. This was all at the coercion of a rather pushy sword but he still did it and did learn from it. The Djinni just refuses to acknowledge that.
I'm having in mind half-elf monk 2/Inquisitor 13. A sister of a secret order (think Bene Gesserit from Chapterhouse Dune to a certain extent). She's as powerful as she's frail...
Str 17, Dex 16, Con 7, Int 10, Wis 16, Chr 10.
4th Str, 8th Con, 12th Con, probably taking toughness and favored class hp to show how she's been focusing on a regimen to bring her health back.
I'll try to come up with something better fleshed out by Friday.
I have expanded Seif-al-Din's background with a section on how immortality has affected him (bolded for ease of reference).
Background:
Seif-al-Din is the eldest son of the powerful Subhi Trading Consortium. His father, an Elf originally named Galendor Ka'Narlist, moved to Sothis more than 400 hundred years ago, at the height of Keleshite rule, and set-up a clearing-house for exotic goods along the caravan lines, adopting the name 'Subhi' to better adapt to the local population. Firmly believing that blood-ties provide the best security, he takes a new wife every seventy years or so (usually from a minor trading house within Sothis) to produce a new batch of children to take over his caravans.
Although Seif-al-Din was well cared for as a child, and provided with excellent instruction through his father's contacts in the Church of Abadar, he found his father to be emotionally distant, focusing as he did on spanning the country, and beyond, with a web of commerce that ultimately answered solely to him.
As such, Seif-al-Din became more and more caught up in the doctrine of progress and global betterment of the Master of the First Vault, eventually becoming ordained as a Holy Warrior of Abadar (with his Father's tacit, if distracted, approval). With his faith providing him a solid bedrock of contentment from which to work, Seif-al-Din was able to throw himself into the jobs that his father assigned to him, usually providing protection, and guidance, on troubled routes, or investigating rumors of bandits or missing caravans...
...However, as he traveled the satrapy, all he saw everywhere was the despoilment of Osiriani history, and the auctioning-off of his nation's heritage for a pittance to wealthy foreigners and indolent nobles. This awakened a fierce national pride within him, and so he petitioned his father, and was granted permission, to start discreetly buying-up Osiriani artifacts whenever he encountered them, so that some of the nation's history, at least, would remain in the land that created it.
Eventually, however, he realised that all he was doing was tacitly approving of the trade in his country's antiquities; there was no point pruning the branches of the problem, only to allow the root to flourish...
To that end, he formally petitioned to be released from his father's immediate service, so that he could focus on ferreting-out tomb robbers and smuggling rings, and shutting them down, permanently. Eventually, his activities drew the attention of the elite order of tomb guardians known as the Living Monoliths, and he was inducted into their ranks...
For years, Seif-al-Din traveled around Osirion, doing what he could to save his country's history. Over time, he lost himself more and more in the past, as what he himself had experienced became 'ancient history' from the perspective of 'normal' humans. He could almost have been forgiven for considering himself to be a relict from the past, doomed to preserve that which had passed on; after all, it is difficult to maintain sanity, let alone relationships, when one sees one's friends, colleagues, and family wither and die in the face of the inexorable march of time. However, his father served as a crucial life-line, helping to anchor him at least partially in the present; indeed, his father, and his ever-expanding web of business connections is the one constant in his life. Seif-al-Din may disappear for years at a time, going off to hunt-down a particularly wild rumor, or to stand vigil for a time over a nearly-forgotten ruin, but he knows that he can always come back to Sothis, and still receive the same welcome that he has known for centuries...
...What will happen when his father eventually dies, however, is anyone's guess... Without him, it is entirely possible that Seif-al-Din could completely detach from 'mortal' society, and decide to task himself with a permanent vigil over some important site, becoming a nameless statue, guarding a forgotten piece of history...
motteditor
RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16
I can't resist a high-level game and the idea of doing something dessert-y also appeals to me. No concept yet, but I've got a four-hour car ride coming up in 15 minutes, so hopefully I can think of something and get him/her up tonight.
As for PBP experience, I'm on the East Coast. I've been running a Kingmaker campaign since Christmas that I think is going very well. I've played in a couple short-lived games and am now playing in Tark's Council of Thieves. (Also have an upcoming sixth-level rotating DM game that's due to start June 1.)
I work evenings, which means I usually can post a few times during the day and sometimes at night during the first part of the week, when it's a bit slower at work. (I will be on vacation through Sunday, though, so will likely only be able to post at night.)
Guided
Source Pathfinder #10 22
Price +1 bonus
Description
A weapon with the guided property allows its wielder to use his instinct when striking blows with it. Attacks from a guided weapon generally don’t strike hard, but they strike at precisely the right moment to maximize damage if in the hands of a particularly wise wielder. A character who attacks with a guided weapon modifies his attack rolls and weapon damage rolls with his Wisdom modifier, not his Strength modifier. This modifier to damage is not adjusted for two-handed weapons or off-hand weapons — it always remains equal to the wielder’s Wisdom modifier. A guided weapon may be wielded as a normal weapon, using Strength to modify attack and damage rolls, but this goes against the weapon’s nature and imparts a –2 penalty on all attack rolls made in this manner.
He is a Cleric 8/Loremaster 7 who is passed the prime of his life.
Here is the bio. I'll post the complete character build soon.
History
Khaleem has had many callings in life, and has chosen to follow most of them. Born in Sothis, year of 4670, he was the only child of unwed parents, both of whom are now deceased. He grew up mainly as an amusement for his father, a cold and unethical sellsword who often dressed his pre-teen son in armor for sparring. Whether in armor or not, Khaleem was often beaten by his father, most of the time for no apparent reason. Often, his father would tell him horrible stories of scary beasts just to frighten the boy.
His mother would try to protect him, but she was no match for a drugged up and infuriated man who fought for a living. Khaleem’s happiest times would be when his father was away on a job, usually as a bodyguard for some rich merchant or as muscle for an underground crime boss. He and his mother would live in peace for a few days or, if lucky, a few weeks.
As his father grew older he became less capable of fighting and, as he was not a particularly bright man, would be out of work for long stretches of time. He was home more often and in worse moods. A jealous and petty man, his father would beat Khaleem’s mother whenever he felt slighted. As his age progressed so did the beatings until one day he went to far. His mother could not recover from her wounds and passed away. At the age of 13 Khaleem fled his home, the only person who had shown him love now gone.
Khaleem had thought his parents prisoners by the inability to better their lives. He determined that knowledge was the key to a better life. He had always been awestruck by the large white and gold structure of the Temple of the Eternal Sun. Not knowing where to go and tired of trying to survive on the streets, he was given shelter for small duties by a young priest there named Mkhai. It wasn’t longer before Khaleem discovered the library there.
DM only:
Although Khaleem was starting a path of enlightenment, he could not shake his disturbing upbringing. A few years passed, he became a young man, and his rage over his mother’s death grew silently inside him.
One night, he summoned the courage and challenged his father to a fight. Although badly outmatched, Khaleem knew his father’s tendencies and his inability to defend certain strikes when he was using drugs. It was bloody fight that nearly killed him. But with the help of a few potions he had saved many months to purchase, Khaleem was the last man standing.
Ashamed of his actions and certainly no way to behave for a follower of Sarenrae, Khaleem knew that he must leave the city.
Soon the time came for him to leave his hometown. Khaleem didn’t have the money to travel far, so he joined a caravan of Sarenrae pilgrims to Eto. By now he knew enough of Sarenrae to know he didn’t identify completely with this god, so once he reached Eto he found a god more suited to his interests and beliefs: Irori, the god of history, knowledge, and self-protection.
He studied here for many years until he found his next calling. After the Ruby Prince’s announcement that the deserts of Osrion were open for adventuring to all, Khaleem decided that he would seek out to become a Pathfinder. With his appreciation of Ancient Osirion history, he had admired several Pathfinders that he had worked with over the years. Now, with foreigners coming into Osirion and taking many priceless artifacts out of the country, he wanted to learn the skills required to seek out these relics himself.
After making the leap to travel to Absalom and make his case for being accepted for training at the Grand Lodge, he was eventually accepted as an initiate. The next few years were some of the most challenging and rewarding of his life. Although his personality was that of a quiet awkward outsider, he seemed to shine when it mattered. He personally saved two other initiate’s lives during the great quake of ’98 and spent almost a year of extra time organizing and restoring many volumes of Pathfinder lore after that event.
Now many years later, he is a celebrated and experienced Pathfinder. Had he more leadership qualities he could have become a Venture Captain years ago, but that is not his calling. Instead he spends days and days studying and examining ancient documents, trying to learn more about history and where some exotic locale may be hidden. He has traveled all over Osirion, from the Alamein Peninsula to the Brazen Peaks and even into Katapesh.
He has never married. Always a little too gruff, he has never learned the art of polite conversation. He has a terrible scar where he almost lost an eye battling an undead creature, and he has had an Ioun stone sewn into his forehead, which he usually keeps hidden under a turban, has kept him from many female admirers. His temples now gray, and without any wife or children, his entire life devoted to knowledge.
DM only:
He is now 51 years old and is showing signs of his age. He is not as fast or string as he used to be, and his eyesight is steadily declining. He can only see clearly out to about 40’-50’, although he never shows anyone this deficiency. He know he only has a few good years left as an adventurer and his memories of his father’s unhappiness with aging weighs on him at night.
I have expanded Seif-al-Din's background with a section on how immortality has affected him (bolded for ease of reference).
** spoiler omitted **...
At 120 I really did expect to be the oldest character. Should be an interesting role play.
On another note: do you look like a statue or just stoic flesh and blood?
Most of the time, Seif-al-Din appears to be 'merely' stoic flesh-and-blood (although he does have an incredibly ornate scarab-stone embedded in his forehead). However, when he activates the powers of his Ka-stone, his flesh takes on the appearance of gold-veined marble, and his eyes glow with a terrible purple light...
Also, regarding an earlier comment, he might grumble the first few times he is called 'Sadis', but will eventually begrudgingly get over it ;-)
Most of the time, Seif-al-Din appears to be 'merely' stoic flesh-and-blood (although he does have an incredibly ornate scarab-stone embedded in his forehead). However, when he activates the powers of his Ka-stone, his flesh takes on the appearance of gold-veined marble, and his eyes glow with a terrible purple light...
Also, regarding an earlier comment, he might grumble the first few times he is called 'Sadis', but will eventually begrudgingly get over it ;-)
That's a cool visual. I can't wait to add some flavor to my spell descriptions. I keep thinking about Form of the Dragon III and associating it with the scene in Sleeping Beauty. lol.
Though I'm (Belgraen) quite capable of pronouncing your name correctly I like Sadis. Also trying to yell your lengthy full name to warn you of danger could get you killed. I'm just saying. You can call me "Bel" for short if it makes you feel better. ;-)
Though I'm (Belgraen) quite capable of pronouncing your name correctly I like Sadis. Also trying to yell your lengthy full name to warn you of danger could get you killed. I'm just saying. You can call me "Bel" for short if it makes you feel better. ;-)
I am sure that we could come to some sort of arrangement ;-)
400 years? The cursed Djinni in my sword can recall a time when humanity was a prototypical concept and elves were in fact all the hot stuff they believed themselves to be.
And poor Rezamar just wants his own private island.
motteditor
RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16
OK, looks like we've got a lot of casters, and much as I wouldn't mind trying a higher-level magus/APG class, looks like you've got some good offerings for them already. So I present a rogue.
"Ah, effendi, please tell your master that I am most sorry for this slander, but I have taken nothing of his. I should hate for him to have to send al-Ashar here for something that I am certain you and I can clear up," the merchant said, reaching out to offer a cup of strong tea to his halfling guest.
"Al-Ashar? You have heard of him?" his guest asked, taking the tea and setting it down untouched on the table.
"Oh yes, even here, in my humble home along the Junira, we have heard of the most famous of Sothis' courtiers. It is said that he stole the virtue of the Ruby Prince's daughter, and has impressed Sarenrae herself with his charm. They also say he is one of the deadliest men in Garund, having defeated a great sand scorpion while completely unarmed. But I see you smile at my stories; what is it that makes you laugh? Have you had the good fortune to meet the foremost man in Osirion beside Khemet III?"
"Oh yes, my friend, you could say that. I laugh because I think it is funny how rumors can make larger things of little stories. Al-Ashar merely stole a kiss from the prince's daughter, not her virtue. And, of course, al-Ashar is no man, he to is a good deal smaller."
The merchant's eyes grew wide, first as he realized what his guest was saying. And then as the halfling's dagger slipped quickly between his ribs, stilling his heart instantly.
The halfling, al-Ashar, quickly rifled through the fat merchant's clothes, pulling out the enchanted coin that had caused him to be sent her. Closing the man's eyes, he pocketed the coin and slipped out of the room, already making plans for his return to Sothis and his master, the royal adviser to Prince Khemet III.
Al-Ashar though the name will almost certainly change; that's usually one of the very last things I decide on is a royal courtier, and secretly he crown's foremost agent in times of need. He is devoted to the crown though secrely loathes when he is sent on missions of assassination.
Shortbow: +17/+12/+7 (BAB+1 size+4 dex+1 weapon focus)
OR +15/+15/+10/+5
1d4-1 Crit: x3
+1/+1 within 30'
Weapon Familiarity: Halflings are proficient with slings and treat any weapon with the word “halfling” in its name as a martial weapon. Rogues are proficient with all simple weapons, plus the hand crossbow, rapier, sap, shortbow, and short sword. They are proficient with light armor, but not with shields.
Evasion (Ex): A rogue can avoid even magical and unusual attacks with great agility. If she makes a successful Reflex saving throw against an attack that normally deals half damage on a successful save, she instead takes no damage. Evasion can be used only if the rogue is wearing light armor or no armor. A helpless rogue does not gain the benefit of evasion.
Trap Sense (Ex): +5 bonus on Reflex saves made to avoid traps.
---
Rogue talents (7)
Sniper's Eye (Ex): A rogue with this talent can apply her sneak attack damage on ranged attacks targeting foes within 30 feet that benefit from concealment. Foes with total concealment are still immune.
Fast Stealth (Ex): This ability allows a rogue to move at full speed using the Stealth skill without penalty.
Finesse Rogue (short sword): A rogue that selects this talent gains Weapon Finesse as a bonus feat.
Bleeding Attack* (Ex): A rogue with this ability can cause living opponents to bleed by hitting them with a sneak attack. This attack causes the target to take 1 additional point of damage each round for each die of the rogue's sneak attack (e.g., 4d6 equals 4 points of bleed). Bleeding creatures take that amount of damage every round at the start of each of their turns. The bleeding can be stopped by a DC 15 Heal check or the application of any effect that heals hit point damage. Bleeding damage from this ability does not stack with itself. Bleeding damage bypasses any damage reduction the creature might possess.
Weapon Training (short bow): A rogue that selects this talent gains Weapon Focus as a bonus feat.
Hunter's Surprise (Ex): Once per day, a rogue with this talent can designate a single enemy she is adjacent to as her prey. Until the end of her next turn, she can add her sneak attack damage to all attacks made against her prey, even if she is not flanking it or it is not flat-footed.
Stealthy Sniper (Ex): When a rogue with this talent uses the Stealth skill to snipe, she only suffers a –10 penalty on the Stealth check, instead of –20.
---
Feats 8
Point blank shot: +1 bonus on attack and damage rolls with ranged weapons at ranges of up to 30 feet.
Precise shot: Shoot or throw ranged weapons at an opponent engaged in melee without taking the standard –4 penalty on your attack roll.
Rapid shot: When making a full-attack action with a ranged weapon, you can fire one additional time this round. All of your attack rolls take a –2 penalty when using Rapid Shot.
Dodge: +1 AC
Shadow Strike: You can deal precision damage, such as sneak attack damage, against targets with concealment (but not total concealment).
Fleet (x2): While you are wearing light or no armor, your base speed increases by 5 feet. You lose the benefits of this feat if you carry a medium or heavy load.
Dastardly Finish: You can deliver a coup de grace to cowering or stunned targets.
---
Skills
12/level (8+3 Int+1 favored class)
+24 Acrobatics (15 ranks, 3 class skill, 4 Dex, +2 sure footed)
+10 Appraise (4 ranks, 3 class skill, 3 Int)
+9 Bluff (5 ranks, 3 class skill, 1 Cha)
+19 Climb (15 ranks, 3 class skill, -1 Str, +2 sure footed)
+19 Diplomacy (15 ranks, 3 class skill, 1 Cha)
+22* Disable Device (15 ranks, 3 class skill, 4 Dex)
+5 Disguise (1 rank, 3 class skill, 1 Cha)
+16 Escape Artist (10 ranks, 3 class skill, 3 Dex)
+5 Intimidate (1 rank, 3 class skill, 1 Cha)
+9 Knowledge (dungeoneering) (1 rank, 3 class skill, 3 Int)
+16 Knowledge (local) (10 ranks, 3 class skill, 3 Int)
+16 Linguistics (10 ranks, 3 class skill, 3 Int)
+19* Perception (15 ranks, 3 class skill, -1 Wis, +2 keen senses)
+5 Perform (dance) (1 rank, 3 class skill, 1 Cha)
+3 Profession (courtesan) (1 rank, 3 class skill, -1 Wis)
+5 Ride (1 rank, 4 Dex)
+17 Sense Motive (15 ranks, 3 class skill, -1 Wis)
+22 Sleight of Hand (15 ranks, 3 class skill, 4 Dex)
+26 Stealth (15 ranks, 3 class skill, 4 Dex, +4 size bonus)
+19 Use Magic Device (15 ranks, 3 class skill, 1 Cha)
A rogue adds 1/2 her level to Perception skill checks made to locate traps and to Disable Device skill checks (+7). A rogue can use Disable Device to disarm magic traps.
If he's accepted, I'll make up a full alias obviously... Also didn't get him gear, but I've got to get to bed. Hopefully he's not TOO rough to be considered...
Glove of Storing
Belt of Physical Perfection +4 64,000gp
Headband of cast intelligence +4 16,000gp
Glove of Storing 10,000gp
Cloak of Resistance +4 16,000gp
Amulet of NAtural Armor +3 18,000gp
Ring of Protection +3 18,000gp
Mithral Fullplate of Speed 26,500gp
Lesser Extended Magic Rod 3,000gp
Lesser Empowered Magic Rod 3,000gp
Lesser Dazing Metamagic Rod 7,000gp
Blessed Book 12,650gp
Efficient Quiver 1,800gp
Dusty Rise, Ioun Stone, 5000gp
Clear Spindle Ioun Stone, 4000gp
Ring of Evasion, 25,000gp
Wands:
Wand of Shocking Grasp 750gp
Wand of Magic Missile 750gp
Wand of Cure Light Wounds 750gp
Spells for Mr. Magus:
Overland Flight 1,250gp
Aqueous Orb 375gp
Detonate 700gp
5475 gp left
Hewards Handy Haversack 2000gp
everburning torch 110 gp 1 lb
crowbar 2 gp 5 lbs
5 pitons 5 sp 2.5 lbs
grappling hook 1 gp 4 lbs
50-foot silk rope 10 gp 5 lbs
3x chalk 3 cp
10-foot pole 2 sp 8 lbs
caltrops 1 gp 2 lbs
acid 10 gp 1 lb
alchemist's fire 20 gp 1 lb
Total Cost: 154.73 gp
I like a lot of what I've seen, but I wouldn't mind seeing some larger variety in where the characters come from. Granted, I don't want you to change anything, but it's always more fun to play a foreigner in a mysterious land imho. :)
Oh bother well, my mouse has decided to to get murdered by my lemonade so I'm doing this the slow and irritating way. I'll try to have a new mouse and finished character sheet sometime tomorrow morning.
So here's what I would like by tomorrow at midnight.
To officially apply please post the following in a single post:
-Post your Avatar Name (Main)
-You character's name - and a link to their profile (Background/Stats)
-Your timezone
-Past experiences
-In three sentences: Why I should pick you to be on my team.
Character NameAsher Hanafesh Timezone Central US
Past Experiences GM: Carrion Crown; Kingmaker; Star Wars
PC: DM Downrightamazed's Mists of War (Kyras Erodal); DM Downrightamazed's Legacy of Marianasu (Sir Damian Lamorak) Pitch Asher offers both the human perspective of a former slave and devoutly religious man as well as the immortal perspective of an archangel. He seeks to root out evil and injustice, redeeming those who accept it and smiting down those who will not with the terrible power of Heaven's might. Asher will call down the awesome might of Abraxiel to destroy any threat to Osiron, Golarion, or his freedmen, though he longs for the day that Sarenrae allows him to tear down the entire corrupt apparatus of the slave trade.
Character Name: Seif-al-Din Ibn-Subhi Time-Zone:
Australian Eastern
Current Experiences (Player): ProfPotts Legacy of Fire PBP Ith's PFS PBP Children of the Void Sunshadow's Kaer Maga Adventures JaceDK's Realm of the Fellnight Queen In Three Sentences:
As a timeless warrior from Osirion's past, who is nonetheless still firmly rooted in the present, Seif-al-Din provides a unique perspective on Osiriani culture and history. His primary motivation is the preservation of his nation's rich past, either through leaving it undisturbed, or by making it a subject of reputable study, within the borders of his great nation. From a mundane perspective, Seif-al-Din is a competent and implacable melee warrior, who can call down the power of the ancients, and derives strength from the very land beneath his feet; an ancient and powerful land that may have slumbered for a time, but has not, and will never, truly be defeated...
Past and Current Experiences
Currently dming an Eberron E6 PbP (Our War-Torn Souls Suffer Still). Also, I'm playing in Wrath's Rise of the Runelords (Tania Teg, bard), Scipion's Kingmaker (Corso Gaczi, rogue), James Keegan's Carrion Crown (Trevor the Yellow, paladin), Nazard's Arcadia (Noche'Wa the Wild Mouse, druid). I've replaced Scipion as dm for a few months for his Kingmaker game. I have never played beyond level 11.
In Three Sentences
Sister Milena brings to the group a foreigner's point of view, as well as a fast and resourceful melee pugilist and wrestler. As her quest to bring a new age to Cheliax brings her to an ancient and foreign land, she will seek to partner with allies and help achieve their goals. Dedicated, resilient, looking for simple efficiency in all things, she is a 'larger picture' hero who brings combat prowess, skills and divine resources to her team mates.
I like a lot of what I've seen, but I wouldn't mind seeing some larger variety in where the characters come from. Granted, I don't want you to change anything, but it's always more fun to play a foreigner in a mysterious land imho. :)
I'm a foreigner. It was an intentional choice since I'm a teleportation specialist.
