The sounds of broken glass almost sets Merick's poor nerves on fire. An exotic-looking creature was examining her hands above the shattered mess. He started to call for a cookie, but noted the gambler taking a couple and changes his mind. Never could be too careful.
He raises a hand in farewell to Svalk, eyes cutting to Vladlena again. Perhaps this one should be punished...she seemed to consort with thieves and worse. He held his tongue, though, wagging it about was likely to cause trouble, which was exactly what he was trying to avoid.
He might have wanted a few of those nuts! Sure, he hadn't touched them yet, but it was the principle of the matter! Yep, the more people that streamed in, the worse the situation seemed to be. Maybe he ought to inquire the cost of a room.
Once outside, he puts on his apron and breaks out his masterwork hammer. No sense in using subpar tools for wares to be sold in his old home town. Only the best, after all, will do.
Svalk's first weapon, a dagger, is not the best, but will definately be on par with most weapons there. The second weapon, a sword, comes out better... he adds intricricacy to the hilt to set it apart.
The breastplate he crafts, however... that is a true piece of art.
Ah, Torag smiles on my forge tonight. May he smile as brightly on the festival tomorrow.
Vladlena softly swirls the wine in her glass, cupping it in her hand.
"Yes. This present situation bears a remarkable similarity. Strange, as I--"
She stops herself, shakes her head. She pretends to have lost her train of thought for a moment.
"I believe the culprit in that other case was caught. By someone."
She holds the glass up her face and sniffs the wine. She muses over the cup for a moment, then shrugs and takes a sip.
Eagerly, Talori grabs the cookies, some of the trail rations, and some nuts. "Thank you! After winning some money from this guy," she points towards Trygvve. "and you're kind donations, I may finally be sated. Eight days on two day's worth of rations. I was ready to do anything for food by the time I got here." Talori smiles warmly.
Svalk then makes a few toys and simple tools for farming.
The tools come out funtional, but not much more than that. Still, they will do. The toy, however, is well detailed and well crafted... some child will be very happy tomorrow.
"No, no please, I can do it", Skyla replies to Emyralda, her skin lightly flushed slightly at the spectacle she had made of herself as she quickly bends down to carefully pick up the shards of broken glass. She pauses, before looking up at Emyralda, wondering if she accidently caused offence by refusing help, and smiles apologetically, "Actually, if there is a rag or something similar nearby, I could use it to clean up the water"
As she looks up, she notices several patrons staring at her, so she tries to flash a quick, comfortable smile to set their fears at rest.
"Nothing to worry about here, I just dropped my drink", she attempts to say confidently
Unfortunately the anxiety, as well as the stress of the situation must have gotten to her, as her voice noticeably shakes.
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Much of the Bluffing and mental game play went right over Tryggve's head. Though he had dealt with many cut throat and untrustworthy individuals, some of the keener liars always seemed to elude his senses. He was more cut out for sensing approaching danger or tackling impossible deeds...not social dodge-and-weave games. Not that it made him less intelligent, he just had trouble sensing the feelings of others.
Accepting the cookies, the drink, and the unfolding events, he sighed in amusement. Even if it was small, just put together, and with barely anyone else knowing each other, they formed a quick little community of adventurers; reveling in stories, accidents, and experiences. He couldn't help the small smile that came to his lips as they all went on, him slowly fading to the background of the conversation as everyone else kept the conversation going.
"Oh, and to answer your question, Emyrelda, I heard the festival was happening in town and decided to come visit. Mostly because I knew that this," he motioned to everyone currently conversing, "Would happen."
Vladlena places a motherly hand on the Talori's shoulder, and nods at Therana, still smiling. When turning to look at Therana, Vladlena turns just a bit extra to get in a quick glance back at the bar.
That warrior at the bar has a strange demeanor. If I can rule out the girl for the time being, I should start watching other possible suspects....
Vladlena turns back towards Talori. "Are you here by yourself, darling?" Vladlena looks rather distressed by the notion.
Vladlena slowly repositions herself so that she can continuing speaking to Talori, while also having an eye on the mysterious man at the bar, pretending that she is just getting into a position that does not block passage between tables.
sense motive
sense motive
Satinger thinks the smile is genuine but when he hears the quiver in her voice he knows that it is a lie... His voice is an alien baritone, deep and filled with eldritch wisdom...
Your smile is convincing, your words however are lies...
Merick locates a dry rag, then tosses it to the woman. He nods briefly, then turns away. He's spilled worse before, he knows how it feels to bare the stares of the other patrons as you are forced to clean up after yourself. He sighs, accepting another mug of dark ale. He couldn't let it go to waste, and in the excitement from earlier his buzz had been reduced to a gentle murmur.
To those close enough to hear:
Strange things are afoot here. I wonder if this is the norm, or if trouble is brewing in this land?
It sounds prophetic, to his ears. His intuition has led him astray many a time, but he felt sure he was getting pulled into a whirlpool of events the scope of which he couldn't grasp at the time.
Therana slips her backpack off, which is hidden by the cloak, and pulls out five trail rations for Talori. It is half her supply, but she's far from being in danger of starving. She then grins as the woman takes the food.
"I hope you don't go hungry again."
She then glances to Skyla and nods. She's lying. There's definitely something to worry about here.
"Perhaps you would like to sit by me and drink? Less chance of dropping your drink if it is on the bar."
That guy watching her is strange. I don't trust him. Not with how he acts or what he said.
But before she can speak further, she hears what Merick says. She then nods to it. If there is trouble brewing in this land, is that why I'm here?
Vladlena places a motherly hand on the Talori's shoulder, and nods at Therana, still smiling. When turning to look at Therana, Vladlena turns just a bit extra to get in a quick glance back at the bar.
[dice=Perception] 1d20+4
[dice=Sense Motive] 1d20+4That warrior at the bar has a strange demeanor. If I can rule out the girl for the time being, I should start watching other possible suspects....
Vladlena turns back towards Talori. "Are you here by yourself, darling?" Vladlena looks rather distressed by the notion.
Vladlena slowly repositions herself so that she can continuing speaking to Talori, while also having an eye on the mysterious man at the bar, pretending that she is just getting into a position that does not block passage between tables.
[dice=Bluff] 1d20+6
Talori suddenly felt a fresh surge of hope as the woman laid her hand on her shoulder. She suddenly felt like no more lies. Maybe she could tell the woman later about the men, but for now, she didn't want to ruin the moment. She seemed like the mother Talori never had. "Yes, miss. After losing lots of gold in a Towers tournament, I had to borrow from some loan sharks. I couldn't pay back in time, so I had to get out of Dodge."
Talori suddenly looks a bit worried, and Vladlena, being a detective, can easily pick up the scent of a possible case. "Uh... miss? Um, I want to talk to you about something, preferably in private."
Svalk, a bit sweaty after his work, decides that maybe another ale might be in order. Or at least a glass of water. Besides which, the tavern had some interesting people and he wanted to show the warrior the breastplate he made.
Time to craft another two pints, he says with a grin.
Seeing the quality of his work, even without his best hammer, he whistles.
Or not... I think I will sell this tomorrow instead... someone might want a buckler after all.
Putting the well made light shield in the stack of goods for sale tomorrow, he procedes to make a weapon.
He finishes the shortsword. Again, not his best work but definately well crafted... and certainly worth more than the two pints of ale he would take for it in trade.
Svalk removes his apron, and walks away, saying thanks to Torag in dwarven as he entered the inn again.
Well, I am back. Much has been made and I am grateful to Torag that I could make it. Here is a shortsword, my good barman. I know, I gave you an axe already, but I swear you will get much more for them than the cost of the few drinks I have been consuming.
He sets it on the bar by the barman, and takes the offered ale.
Noticing that everyone is cleaning up a spill, he avoids it and sits by the other warrior again.
Vladlena sees the plain honesty in the girl'ss words. "Oh, my dear, dear girl." Vladlena looks around for any more suspicious figures. She notes that the mysterious warrior at the bar has returned to his drinks, then turns back to Talori "Lead the way, darling."
Those men at the door were Sczarni. Assuming that they were related to the men after this girl may be prudent as a working hypothesis at the moment. No such thing as coincidence.
Vladlena runs her Desnan holy symbol through her fingers. She furtively thinks while waiting to follow Talori.
This girl is just full of secrets. Maybe I was too quick to discount her before, in the case of the men that mysteriously fell. She may have some untold powers. A young sorceress? A disguised magical creature? So many questions...
Vladlena can feel herself getting excited. This meeting could be the start of quite an interesting case.
...I wonder where Dodge is?
Zephir jerks with a start as the glass breaks behind him.
" What...."
He turns around to see all manner of things happening, and to notice that he has lost the attention of the pretty gunslinger.
Damn. Last time I take a drink of that stuff He thinks as he pushes the glass away.
It sure has gotten crowded in here...
"I agree, Merick is it? Strange things are going on. I was lead here by Gozreh. I am his chosen. Set forth from the Bastion Of Storms to help the land defeat a great evil. Though to be honest, the High Priest was never to clear on what that evil was.... Anyway, if strange happenings abound, then I am in the right place.
Excuse me a second."
With that he bounds across the crowded room, to grab his longspear left by the door. Taking it back to the bar...
" Barkeep, stash that back there out of the way for me please. Wouldn't want some drunk to get it and get the wrong idea..."
It'll be fun to see who gets in the group. Sucks my attempts at pre pick RP failed though lol.
Talori leads Vladlena to an alleyway behind the inn. She looks around furtively, then words start spewing out of her mouth like a geyser. "Okay, to start off, my name is Talori Lyons. You heard about the parts about my origins and the loan sharks, so I'll tell you the stuff I don't like shouting to the rest of the world. To start off, I'm a wilder. I'm a type of psionicist-somebody who uses the power of their mind, soul, or in my case, emotions, to manifest amazing powers that may seem like magic to a layman. Wilders are a rare few, even rarer than psions, because we are simply born with the gift rather than having to train for it. Anyways, on with my story. A couple years back, I played against a psion who found my key to success: I was unconsciously emitting psionic energy that messed with my opponent's head, rendering them unable to think straight. So, the guy took me under his wing, and helped me recognize and refine my talent. Several days ago, I completed my training, and was awarded my equipment and Tally, my psicrystal, as a reward. Say hello, Tally." The strange, perfectly cut dodecahedronal emerald on the pommel of her sword glowed in greeting. "A psicrystal is a part of my psyche bound to a crystal. It enhances my capabilities. Anyways, you know about me getting drunk and losing all of my money. Now, however, I realize exactly who I messed with. The biggest gang in Varisia: the Scarzni. I don't know why they came after me so hard, but I know it must've been big. And, yeah, I was the one who knocked out the men." Talori looks slightly sheepish as she says this. "Anyways, is there any way you can help me?"
As a professionsal investigator, Vladlena should know that making loans is a common Scarzni practice for laundering money. They hand the dirty money to the unlucky fellow, they take his coins, and they walk away clean while the helpless victim is busted by the police. The coinage must've been really dirty to alert even the local gang in Sandpoint to come after her.
Skyla jumps slightly, as Satinger addresses her, before attempting to brush it off and defuse the situation "I simply misspoke earlier, a crack in the glass, nothing more"
Skyla succeeds in quickly cleaning up the water on the floor, before smiling gratefully at the raven haired women's invitation "I might take you up on that offer" she says with a slightly sheepish look on her face "It wouldn't do for me to make even more of a fool of myself now would it?"
Hunting around for an unbroken, unattended glass, Skyla quickly locates on, and fills it again with water. "My name is Skyla", shes says by way of an introduction before addressing her and anyone else privy to the conversation "and your names are...?"
Merick nods at Zephir...he could understand the man's motivation. He himself had that same drive, only tempered by...he glances at the heavy pewter...experience.
Sczarni scum seems a bit underwhelming for such a divine mission, but I fear that is the worst you will encounter here in Sandpoint.
Did he believe it? Not a damned word! He still had that feeling in the pit of his gut, and for a change it wasn't the beer...rebrewing. That sense of destiny remained, gnawing at him.
He glanced up in alarm as was her name Therana? invites the purple-haired youth to the bar, only to sigh in relief as she is led off by the inquisitive noblewoman. Two birds with one stone right there. If his luck got any better he'd have two beers in his hands. Nope, still only one.
I'd like to join with Marchesa, the Neutral Demodand Spawn Tiefling Abyssal Bloodrager who should, by all means, have been a Half Elf if it wasn't for the strange curse on her mother's line. Her story feat will be Accursed.
The profile isn't done yet.
Later she joined her father, a Shoanti warrior of the Shadde-Quah. Even though they were more welcoming and appreciative she never was a true part of the clan. As such she harbors some jealousy towards people who do have a group or organisation to belong to for she has never had that beyond her own family (as such, immediate family's don't count for this jealousy). This envy isn't as intense as the envy of Elves and their kin though.
Initially Marchesa was raised by her mother and for a while all was well. As she grew older the taint upon her blood became more domninat and her features started to shift. The result of this was ridicule from the Elves around her, the younger ones calling her "The Ogre" or "Dwarf-kin" simply because she was larger, burlier and just slightly less intelligent than the average Elf. Her grey, rubbery skin only added to the image.
Once she was old enough to do so, around the age of 15, she left the Elves, sick of their ridicule and scorn, and decided to join her father's people. They were proud warriors who appreciated strength and skill and she had both so it should be good. It was good, at least to a certain extend, for while she was appreciated more and did not meet any scorn or ridicule she also could never truly become part of the clan. The most symbolic parts of this were that she was forbidden to shave her hair like the Shoanti and she was only allowed the tattoos of her family line, nothing that identified her as part of the Shadde-Quah or any other group.
Eventually she grew tired of this as well for no matter how hard she tried or how many times she proved herself she could never truly be a part of the Quah.
Instead she wandered, hiring out as a mercenary to any who would have her, which were very few people. She now finally has a place to stay, even if temporary, as the priest of Desna in the town of Sandpoint has hired her to guard their Swallowtail Festival. Shee knows he gave her the job out of pity but at the moment she'll take anything that pays and allows her another chance to prove she is worthy.
Logged in to check on everyone's progress before I go to bed. I have decided something. Due to the quality of players, and the fact that I hate having to crush people by cutting them from selection, I am considering two options, both of which involve two sets of 7.
Option 1 is that I create 2 RotRL groups. In this case, I will try my hardest not to bumble and mix the two in-game.
Option 2 is that one group plays RotRL and the other group plays a different AP. This would keep me from mixing campaigns, but would exclude one group from RotRL.
Feedback from you all on this matter would help tremendously!
And now, I'm cashing in for the night. Been a long day. Peace out everyone! :)
I'm fine with either one, although I'd really prefer to be in the RotRL game if two AP's are ran, considering I made the interest check for it obviously lol.
Therani lets out a sigh and relaxes as Talori is led out to talk elsewhere.
That was somewhat intense. She is definitely hiding something.
She then looks around the room. The blacksmith gets a quick wave as he returns. And she spots Zephir waking up! She smiles.
"There has not been one single aspect of Sandpoint I have not found strange so far. Something is definitely up, and I suggest we keep on our guard. It seems to connect somehow with that temple."
She then nods to Skyla. "Therani. And, please, feel free! I think you'll enjoy your drink more." She winks.
Therani then reached down to grab her backpack, pulling it up onto her lap to look inside and make certain everything is still there.
I'm not so certain thugs are the worst we'll encounter.
"Skyla, what brings you to Sandpoint?"
Considering that all of these people want to play RotRL, I'd say go with 1. However, if the overwhelming majority says 2 APs, I would prefer RoW or JR.
Also, I believe me, Trygvve, and Vladlena are a package deal, considering the dynamic between us three.
I would also suggest increasing enemies, health, and BaB by 150% to provide a challenge for such a large group.
And thank you for considering my suggestion :3
I'm okay with either :D
I like one as well. 7 is large for a party, but, unfortunately, I suspect attrition may claim a few over time.
Her arms crossed and her right hand raised furtively to her chin, Vladlena listens attentively to Talori's story. All of the talk of Wilders and Psionic Powers and Psicrystals plucks at Vladlena's inquisitive instincts, but she holds them back, keeping to the problem at hand. As soon as Talori finishes, Vladlena leans down slightly to put herself at eye level with her. "First of all, you need to stay calm. I appreciate your honesty even if it was a bit...complete."
Should not have said that. Do not want to make her feel guilty for being honest.
Vladlena heightens the tone of her voice a little, trying to sound a bit more pleasant and smiles.
"Having the whole picture will actually make things easier going forward."
Vladlena scopes out the alley, walking a little towards each end, trying to get her bearings. Such a shame that this section of town decayed so much. In a place like this, Sczarni could pop up anywhere. She walks back to Talori. "We need to get to a better area first, first. I am afraid that incidents such as the one I investigated in Kaer Maga are not uncommon." Where to go, though? Vladlena closes her eyes and focuses. She has a good memory for the architecture and street plans here in Sandpoint. She had spent every summer here for almost ten years, after all. She had tracked Uncle Goran to this very bar more than once. What other places could....
She knew where to go.
"It has been a long time since I was last here, but I think I may know of someplace we could go, but I will need you to trust me."
I think I heard that Ameiko had taken over an inn. The Rusty Dragon, I think?
Now that she had a course of action, Vladlena loosened up. "Oh, Desna, I forgot to introduce myself." She bows with a mock formality. "It is my sincerest pleasure to meet you, dear Talori. In the interest of full disclosure, my name is Vladlena Petrovna Dasnadova." She cocks her head to the side as she shrugs and smiles. "That name is rather a mouthful, so my friends tend to call me V.P. or Lena."
Now that I have my character's backstory and personality written up so much around RotR hooks, I would hate to switch APs. I might be able to be convinced for RoW or JR, but I have totally different characters for those in mind.
Running two tables of the same AP sounds like it might be easier on the GM, too.
(I'm also happy with the current RP dynamic going :D )
Talori gives a smile-her dimples show that she is well practiced in doing so-and follows Lena. "Nice to meet you, Lena."
Seeing the gleam in Lena's eyes as she talked about psionics, Talori says "If you want to learn more about psionics, I can teach you a little bit if you want." Talori pulls a tome full of notes, marks, and dogears out of her pack and shows it to Lena. "This is a compilation of notes-both my mentor's and mine-about psionics. When we have time, you can study it if you want."
Vladlena can tell that Talori is appreciating being treated like an actual kid. If she looks closely, she sees Talori is about fifteen, fifteen and a half, maybe?
Would not mind either options. Party's of 7 can work as long as people post and the GM gmpc's whoever is holding back the combat/interactions or just puts them on delay.
I', amazed by how much free time everyone has for the rp going on here ;). Looks positive.
I don't think you should talk about package deals, such interaction will come naturally while the game is going again anyway. And it helps to balance the two groups to just divide based on classes/abilities between the groups.
I would have loved to put Garox and Tal in those interactions, but alas did not have the time to post as I was busy sleeping and rpging at a table ;).
I don't think there is room for Garox in one party and Tal in the other if that is going to be something like RoW with all the awesome characters in here, but fingers crossed :).
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I concur with Talori; it feels like the three of us should all be at the same table.
I would LIKE to do RotRL, since it fits the scenario for my character's quest and closeness to Belkzen, but as long as I'm with those two, any AP should do (afterall, whatever we do would be my FIRST AP, so I have no qualms). RoW would work well with Tryg's Archetype for standing the cold, and then Jade Regent....I don't know much about it, but I'm game.
The only changes that would have to be made is that Tryggve would know the rumor about Talori's hijinks, instead of being in the dark at the start...Unless the other adventure paths take place close to belkzen, that is. I don't know if they do or not.
So make two tables, if you're up for running two parties. Your move, GM.
Edit: Personally, Jade Regent is my second choice after RotRL.
I'm okay with either. Putting up backstory and appearance in a bit.
"Oh, mostly the festival", Skyla remarks casually "Although I do like to pop into Sandpoint occasionally, just to get a sense for what's happening in the area, for instance, if there is any recent giant activity, or slavers resuming operations...that sort of thing".
She hesitates for just a second "And you, what brings someone such as yourself to Sandpoint?"
In general, I don't mind a second group of RotRL, or an alternate campaign, although if I played in a different campaign, I would potentially pick an entirely different character (most likely a Heavens Oracle). Likewise, if the new AP was something such as RoW, then I would potentially drop out altogether, since I'm already involved in a RoW AP, and two characters, for the same AP, at similar points...well I think I would just get confused!
So basically, I don't mind what option we go for, JR or RotRL would work fine, although currently character wise I would only plan to use Skyla for the RotRL AP, and would go for something different if selected for a Jade Regent AP. I have heard great things about both of these campaigns, so wouldn't really mind how things turned out.
I'm currently in MM, CotCT, RoW, and WotR, so would not be up for those, but other than that either option works for me.
If not RotL I would think Jade Regent and Shattered Star could work good since people wouldn't have to change much in their back stories.
A massive woman with grey skin and long black hair walks into the inn, her hands ending in wicked looking, black tipped claws. The tattoos on her shoulder and upper arm mark her as Shoanti though she has very few compared to the image most people have of the Shoanti. She slowly moves towards the bar, keeping an eye on any reactions to her entrance.
Despite what one would expect her voice is smooth and more befitting an Elven maiden than someone of her appearance, "Is this a place where a gall could get herself a stiff drink? Not too much, mind you, father Zantus still expects me to keep watch later."
Svalk see the woman approach.
He pulls out the chair, but also keeps a hand his axe.
Satinger moves back to his former position lest his place be taken by another and he lose the only table available to himself only... The establishment was a crowded mess after all.
Svalk gets two more ales, one for himself and the other for the new arrival.
Come, sit. Have a drink. You look like you need one. And as long as you aren't a witch I have no problems sharing my little corner of the bar with you.
"It is no war paint, these are the marks of my ancestors." She sits down next to the man who was actually several feet shorter than she herself. "Ale will do I guess, though some whisky would have done as well."
"What issue do you have with witches?" She did not consider herself one, more a shaman or priestess if anything, but some did assume she'd have to be a witch purely based on her appearance.
Hah, my work is good, but I haven't crafted a blade fine enough to cover glasses of whiskey worth drinking just yet.
He takes a sip with his right ungloved hand. At the same time, he raises his gloved left hand. A quick glance can tell that it is not a normal glove.
Witches and my family have a long history. Ice witches particularly. If you know about the history of my people, I imagine that you are aware of that. For me, though... it is personal.
He lowers the hand to the axe and draws it a notch.
Marchesa laughs heartily at the barely veiled threat, "Some say I am purely because of the curse that runs through my veins. Then again, there are others who call me Ogre and I'm clearly not one of those." She taps on the bar with her long, black talons.
She sighs, "Maybe I am a witch, maybe I'm not. I could not tell you for I do not know the answer. All I do know is that I have no issue with you but if you insist that blood must flow I will oblige." She draws one nail over the bar, forming a thin curl of wood as the nail drives into it.