There are five known ways for a living person to get to Zelkor’s Ferry. It has been reported that wizards have arrived in a puff of smoke. Once, long ago, a group of visitors descended from the sky. But most people, they either walk through the gates, or they walk off the docks. A very, very, very scant number of people arrive by the fifth path: being born into its dankly humid atmosphere, the stagnant scent of the wide river becoming the background of their existence.
You are going by sea. After weeks of waiting, after meetings with all sorts of paragons and scum, you are finally going. After tense interviews with the Riddleport authorities into your advertised journey’s intentions, after explaining again and again that you’ve received a message from the moon, they have finally stopped accusing you of intending to enlist with the forces of Duke Dorian of Magnimar. They suspect you of wanting to join his attempt to claim the fief of Rivenrake Island, a struggle he carries out againast the native monsters as much as against the self-proclaimed Count Crescius, a powerful man in Riddleport. After all that, you’ve managed to book passage on the Laughing Dolphin, an ancient lateen-rigged caravel from another, more heroic age of navigation.
Google images of Columbus’ expedition’s Nina for a visual…
Captain Aramis Lamb’s crew suits their vessel: ten well—grizzled, weather-beaten men of leather and salt, they say little to the party. Like the Dolphin, their timbers may be a bit waterlogged, but they look ready to hold back the sea a while yet. As for the boat itself, they made ‘em solid back in the day, and while the ship isn’t fast, it seems exceptionally maneuverable—the party would note that there are even what appears to be oars and river poles aboard. All the better. You are hoping to get as far into the interior as possible, to the one safe, neutral settlement on the entire island: Zelkor's Ferry.
You also notice a small party of adventurers boarding the ship.
Random Adventurers Chart:1d10 ⇒ 6
6 means Merchants, which further means:
Number of Merchants:1d3 ⇒ 1 Nat 20 means they have a wizard:1d20 ⇒ 9 Number of Guards:1d6 ⇒ 2
Plus one sergeant.
A woman with flashing eyes and a crossbow slung across her back paces the deck with the reckless air of a gambler who has just staked her all on the next roll of the dice. Three fighting men shadow her. They talk quietly among themselves.
They eye the six of you curiously, suspiciously. One of the sailors laughs and says, “Them folks are just followin’ you. Read yer poster and want the treasure for themselves. Take it from an ol’ skull-an-crossbones…" he grins, leering, his few teeth exposed.
The good news is that the passage is supposed to be relatively short, and the skillful sailors of Captain Lamb seem especially apt at tacking their way against the winds that seem to be pushing you away from Rivenrake Island. There’s always a chance of danger on the sea, though…
I might roll a random encounter on the Frog God Games "Deadman's Chest" chart, or I might let this first voyage go relatively smoothly. For now, feel free to introduce yourselves in and/or out of character, explore the ship a little.
Female Human Cleric of Nethys 8 | 71/71 HP (4/4 TEMP) | AC 22 (20; Haste, no Shield), T 12 (13), FF 20, CMD 21 | Fort +10 (+11), Ref +5 (+7), Will +13 (+14) (+1 vs. fear) | Init +1 | Perception +5 | 2/6 Channel Energy; 6/8 Divine Vessel; 1/1 Magical Epiphany | Active Effects: Haste, Prayer, Aid
"Yes, it WAS a message from the moon! No, I'm not stark raving mad!"
-----
Having stocked herself well for this journey while the group was making their arrangements, Aurora fiddles with the sturdy strap of her backpack — having opted to put down as little of her gear as possible, wary for any potential risks or threats that may be afoot even before the band sets foot in Zelkor's Ferry or dives into the depths they sought. She is a tall, pale, well-built woman with half of her hair colored black and half of it white and all of it currently braided over her shoulder in a whorl of the two colors.
She stands a few feet from the edge of the deck, staring out over the waters. "I was starting to think we'd never get out of Riddleport."
Still, at the teasing of the sailor she turns a look onto the indicated individuals — a coolly critical look, sizing them up with icy blue eyes. Aurora tilts her chin up with an exhalation of amusement and a smile more akin to that of a predator, "I should like to see them try..." The look softens as she trails off and finishes, "But if they'd like to assist us properly, I'd be happy to have them."
Female Shoanti Lunar Oracle (Spirit Guide) 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC 20 (T14, FF 18) | CMB: +5 CMD: 13 | F:+3 R:+3 W:+5 | Init -2 | Low-light vision, Perception +8, Sense Motive +10, Diplomacy +7 | Speed 20 ft. | Spells lvl1: 2/5 | Wolf HP: 18/19 AC: 19 | Active Effects: Shield of Faith
The moon speaks to all things. Very few listen.
-----
Deeply tanned skin turned white at the knuckles, the imposing Shoanti woman has a death grip on the rail of the gently swaying vessel, clearly unused to the ground moving so easily. Though she looks fairly stable now, her boarding had been something of an event as she nearly stumbled and had to lean heavily on the large grey wolf at her side to avoid falling in the water. The wolf, by contrast, rests at her feet comfortably, eyes half-lidded.
'Chases Moonlight' she had introduced herself as, a rather cumbersome name to say aloud, though any attempts at shortening it were met with a scowl. She made it clear that her name is important to her. Her whole name. The wolf, 'Bites Ears,' on the other hand, was rather satisfied with any name that came with a friendly or gentle tone.
As the newcomers board the ship, she watches them with a kind of calm intensity. She's not threatened by them, but she's absolutely ready to act against them if the situation warrants.
The massive earth breaker standing head-down at her feet makes that a rather intimidating possibility.
Male AC20,T11,FF20,CMD18,(AC20, T11, FF19, CMD15) | HP22/22 | F+7, R+3(R+4), W+7 | Init +1, Perception +2, Darkvision 60ft. | Active effects: Divine Favor19rds, Enlarge Person3rds, Shield of Faith20rds, Good Blessing10rds
Hakram scowls at the old sailor when he admits to being an ex-pirate, but doesn't say anything. They'd had a hard enough time finding passage, he wasn't about to rock the boat over one of the sailors having a rough past. Didn't mean he had to like it.
"You should have more care with who you invite on, Aurora." The potential irony of a half-orc saying that is entirely lost on Hakram.
He follows her stare out over the waters, noting the waves with trepidation - Gods above! but he didn't like boats. Without thinking, his hand slides to his sword, grabbing the hilt for security.
He'd paid a merchant a couple silver coins to take a look at a map before they boarded, and he knew that they were supposed to stay within the bounds of the Varisian Gulf the whole journey, but it did little enough to calm his nerves.
Tragershen watches the discussion with interest. It is a while before he contributes, stating "It isn't always the size of the force that decides such things. While it is true in many cases, consider the army of holy forces lost early in the Dungeon of Graves; they were a vast force. At the Worldwound, the forces of the Abyss are nigh infinite, yet a mortal host keeps them at bay. And in the forests of southern Kyonin, Treerazer alone confounds all of the wise and powerful elves that have arrayed against them over the years. We few may succeed where many, many more have not."
Few take notice of the halfling curled up against the rail of the port bow, munching slowly on a kidney pie acquired from a seller's cart near the dock in Riddleport. He smirks as he watches his larger companions exchange words and debate their chances. As the tall elf speaks of the many strange chances presented across Golarion, Brand lets out a heart chuckle, "Aye, a great many things defy the odds the world places before them. But ye forget p'rhaps the best such case of all, the Lucky Drunk passed the Test of the Starstone while lost in an ale-fueled stupor!"
He takes another bite of his pie before standing, "With a touch of luck will reach the gates to the Graves, though hopefully not to be interred there ourselves. But, if we die, it will be in the writing of legends. So, let's be on then."
Female Human Cleric of Nethys 8 | 71/71 HP (4/4 TEMP) | AC 22 (20; Haste, no Shield), T 12 (13), FF 20, CMD 21 | Fort +10 (+11), Ref +5 (+7), Will +13 (+14) (+1 vs. fear) | Init +1 | Perception +5 | 2/6 Channel Energy; 6/8 Divine Vessel; 1/1 Magical Epiphany | Active Effects: Haste, Prayer, Aid
"I am merely saying. We may not require a massive force, but if more hands wish to help and are capable of holding their own, I do not see why they shouldn't be welcomed with all appropriate caution so long as they do not wish to... interfere... with our goals." Aurora shrugs lamely and pauses a moment. Her voice, already politely quiet, lowers further as she continues, "But I do not think they are currently very interested in that, so this is all merely hypotheticals."
HP: 21/21 | AC 16 [17] (T13, FF 13 [14]) | CMB: +4 CMD: 17 | F:+5 R:+6 W:+1 | Speed 20 ft. | Init +1 | Dark vision: Per +8 (several bonuses depending on situation)
Joden Stonetoe continues to sit huddled near the stern with his eyes closed. His has spoken little on this trip on account of the greenish cast his face has maintained. His few words have often been interrupted in order to commune with his newest acquisition: a sturdy wooden bucket previously used during deck swabbing. With much snickering, the crew had graciously allowed Joden to borrow the bucket seeing as they had many others.
Blearily, he eyes the other passengers on the ship and fervently hopes no need for his assistance in combat will be required. Just stay over there and keep your stupidity to yourselves, he wills in the direction of the shifty-eyed merchant and her guards.
The Laughing Dolphin continues to force a zigzagging path into the teeth of the wind. The deck is crawling with sailors. They rush back and forth, shouting cautions each time the pair of massive booms sweeps across the boat. Overhead, the sails luff noisily until they catch the wind again.
As such, the party finds itself shunted to the forecastle by Captain Lamb. “You’ll be safe here, or down below, if you’d rather. We’re making excellent time—should be there just before sundown. A day’s journey and yet so few make it… I’m hoping to pick up a few from the last group I brought over. No harm in hoping.”
Those who have remained topside are forced into closer proximity with the merchant and her bodyguards. They seem somewhat more comfortable afloat than certain members of your own party.
As always, feel free to pursue conversations and interactions with the NPCs—but you may also decide to keep quiet and hope that the time passes more quickly that way. We’re playing Rappan Athuk and not Skull and Shackles, and you may well get another chance to talk to Aramis Lamb later on. I'm going to work for a few hours and will get us to Zelkor's Ferry after that.
Oh, and I can’t resist a huge random encounter chart. I am not going to run the encounter that results, but just for funzies:
Deadman’s Chest:1d1000 ⇒ 37
Heheheh.
The party notices a fish leaping from the water and flashing in the sunlight. A single small barracuda appears to be following the ship, hunting for scraps.
Male AC20,T11,FF20,CMD18,(AC20, T11, FF19, CMD15) | HP22/22 | F+7, R+3(R+4), W+7 | Init +1, Perception +2, Darkvision 60ft. | Active effects: Divine Favor19rds, Enlarge Person3rds, Shield of Faith20rds, Good Blessing10rds
It's hard to tell, what with his already green-tinted skin, but it looks like Hakram's face is turning a bit of a color, getting worse with the gentle roll of the ship as they get underway.
Before long, the big half-orc is noisily sick, hanging his head out over the side of the ship. The barracuda will be getting scraps allright.
Female Human Cleric of Nethys 8 | 71/71 HP (4/4 TEMP) | AC 22 (20; Haste, no Shield), T 12 (13), FF 20, CMD 21 | Fort +10 (+11), Ref +5 (+7), Will +13 (+14) (+1 vs. fear) | Init +1 | Perception +5 | 2/6 Channel Energy; 6/8 Divine Vessel; 1/1 Magical Epiphany | Active Effects: Haste, Prayer, Aid
Seemingly unfazed by Hakram's state, Aurora stands by him and—if he doesn't reject the gesture—gingerly puts her hands against his shoulders to keep a loose hold on him and make sure he doesn't accidentally go flying overboard if the ship hits a rough patch of water. It would be tragic to loose someone so quickly.
To the group of merchants, Aurora is willing to offer a (clearly quite wry) quip of "Smooth sailing, eh?" and engage in pleasantries if prompted, but otherwise keeps to her own group unless spoken to.
The merchant nods politely, keeping aloof. Two of her henchmen giggle at Aurora's joke until the merchant shoots them a withering glare that strikes them silent. The third reprimands the others, barking a quick command that snaps the gigglers to attention.
Captain Lamb halloos from the poop deck: "Nearly there!"
Female Shoanti Lunar Oracle (Spirit Guide) 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC 20 (T14, FF 18) | CMB: +5 CMD: 13 | F:+3 R:+3 W:+5 | Init -2 | Low-light vision, Perception +8, Sense Motive +10, Diplomacy +7 | Speed 20 ft. | Spells lvl1: 2/5 | Wolf HP: 18/19 AC: 19 | Active Effects: Shield of Faith
The tall Shoanti stands stubborn at the rail of the ship as if forcing herself to face the unknown, despite her uncertainty at the prospect. Water is rare enough to see in the Cinderlands and there are certainly no ships in that barren place. This... is quite the change of scenery.
As the others chatter away, Chases Moonlight keeps a stoic eye to the sea and sky.
At one point in the journey, she takes a deep breath and wrinkles her nose, speaking briefly in a soft, low tone. Her voice is deep and smooth. Solid, like a weather-worn stone.
I'm gonna hold the post I'm working on until the morning! Wrap up any boat business you may have, because we'll be hittin' the Ferry next big post of mine.
As Rivenrake Island looms ever larger on the horizon, the same ill-toothed sailor from earlier arrives in the forecastle, taking up a position at the very tip of the Dolphin and darting glances at the rocks, the sea, and the horizon. He shouts orders to the tiller, and the party gets the sense that the entire ship is dangling from this one man’s expertise… and therefore his whim.
But the ship quits the sea without incident, and begins to weave its way up a wide, slow river. The sailors augment the wind with poles and oars, grumbling about the indignity. The river is surrounded by a mixture of hilly prairies and increasingly dense forests. At one point, it flows underneath a bridge made of enormous cyclopean stones, towering high above the river, arched and buttressed to support a narrow path while leaving just enough clearance for the Dolphin , especially when a timely slackening of the tension on the masts causes them to dip below the causeway. No larger ship could ever enter this river… not while the bridge stands.
After several hours of laborious sculling and more than one close call with submerged sandbars, the party of adventurers in the forecastle notices lights in the twilight ahead. The old pirate leers and says, “It be the will o’ wisps! and wanders back to the poop deck. Any momentary fears fade as it becomes more obvious that the ship is approaching a settlement—Zelkor’s Ferry. The waning crescent moon is rising, along with a river mist.
There’s a flurry of activity on shore. Momentary fears rise again. The keener-eyed members of the party peer into the mist and see:
Hornblower sees that torches are flaring up in the woods.
Chases Moonlight hears the sounds of warcries.
Joden notices that Zelkor's Ferry appears to be under attack by swarms of kobolds! The three of them explain the situation.
Captain Lamb rushes forward and mutters, “Too risky to turn around… an' I wouldn't be able to look Odo in the eye afterwards. We should make for the dock and reinforce the town. Town juts out into the river with a wall to landward. Doesn’t look like the lizardfolk are through the wall yet, we could make for the wall and try to hold them off. Or you warriors could take the longboat and take ‘em by surprise from the rear! Kobolds don’t like bein’ surprised much.”
Joden, having experience with kobolds, would probably nod in agreement with Lamb’s assessment of Kobold courage. Whether he thinks the plan sounds good is an entirely different question.
While Captain Lamb initially addresses his remarks to the merchant’s bodyguards, his eyes rove over to you folks when the merchant’s sergeant flatly says, “No dice. We stay on board with Mz. Bourse.”
After finishing his kidney pie, Brand had nodded off for most of the sail, the smooth rocking of the vessel easing him into rest. He'd grown up on the street, and was able to sleep in a gutter, so the pile of ropes he had found was more than suitable.
So it was with shock that he awoke to the chaos of the ship preparing for battle. Approaching his newfound companions, "Well, lords an' ladies, seems these would-be dragonkin are besiegin' our destination. What say you we earn a bit of good grace, an' put these filth to the blade! Kobolds are a crafty lot, would be fun to spring a trap on 'em. I say we take the longboat and show 'em whats for."
Female Human Cleric of Nethys 8 | 71/71 HP (4/4 TEMP) | AC 22 (20; Haste, no Shield), T 12 (13), FF 20, CMD 21 | Fort +10 (+11), Ref +5 (+7), Will +13 (+14) (+1 vs. fear) | Init +1 | Perception +5 | 2/6 Channel Energy; 6/8 Divine Vessel; 1/1 Magical Epiphany | Active Effects: Haste, Prayer, Aid
Aurora spent much of the journey in contemplation, variating between staring out to sea or sitting down somewhere with less seaspray and leafing through her holy text. Yet all reveries must inevitably be interrupted, and the priestess looks up as talk of kobolds begins.
"A fair a plan as any. How many kobolds do there seem to be?" she asks, getting to her feet and tucking away the book before stretching.
"If we mean to purge this realm and make our mark, this seems as good a task as any to begin with." Tragershen secures his cudgel under a strap of his backpack to make it easier to climb into the longboat once it is ready.
Female Shoanti Lunar Oracle (Spirit Guide) 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC 20 (T14, FF 18) | CMB: +5 CMD: 13 | F:+3 R:+3 W:+5 | Init -2 | Low-light vision, Perception +8, Sense Motive +10, Diplomacy +7 | Speed 20 ft. | Spells lvl1: 2/5 | Wolf HP: 18/19 AC: 19 | Active Effects: Shield of Faith
The tall shoanti woman has on a serious expression as she examines the merchant's entourage. Her normally calm, deep voice is severe and biting as she grips her earth breaker and moves with the others to the longboats.
"Some hide like coward. Others fight."
The large wolf yawns before getting up to pad after her.
Brand smiles and hastens toward the ship's rail, where sailors are already lowering the longboat for their intended mission. He places his pack of equipment on the deck of the ship, shedding extra gear that might hinder him in the events that lie ahead.
Turning back toward the others, he looks to Hakram and Joden, "The lasses an' our fine-eared friend have spoken for the action, I trust you brave lads will be joinin' us?"
Captain Lamb looks visibly relieved at the bravery of the party.
"If I was anything but the captain I'd come with you. But I need to look to my ship. I'll give you two men to row you ashore--the rest of us will dock at The Ferry and reinforce the walls. You shouldn't need to take out more than a dozen or so before they turn tail."
"And you!" he turns to the merchant and her mercenaries. "Can I trust you to watch The Dolphin while the rest of us are busy saving the town?"
The merchant loads her crossbow, while her guards check their bowstrings. She says, "As long as my cargo is aboard, the ship's as much mine as it is yours. And we'll all die in this pestilential hellhole without a way out. So don't worry."
The longboat is pulled up alongside the ship. A group of sailors assist everyone's descent as much as necessary, though nobody looks very thrilled about helping Bites Ears.
Soon as Jod and Hak check in, you'll hit the beach. I'll probably roll initiative and start combat as soon as we get down there. I'm going to try out an initiative tracking method where, once we have the list, all friendlies can act between enemy turns. I'll put your names in bold when you can act. Example:
Tragershen Fat Kobold Joden Chases Moonlight and Bites Ears Brand Aurora Four Skinny Kobolds
In this case, Tragershen has already acted, as has Fat Kobold. The next four players can each post their turn without worrying too much about who is technically next, though if you're ahead of someone and think your move would significantly change their already-posted move, I will allow a retcon if you both agree, especially if there's a possible character death or some other major consequence. But let's try to avoid that, if possible.
Once those four post, I'd do Four Skinny Kobolds and then Tragershen would be the only bold character.
I'm going to avoid grid style combats when possible--I'll establish the conditions on the riverbank, and you can act accordingly. Happy to clarify situations as necessary, too. The environment is fully interactive. If you start a fire in a dry field, expect it to spread, and the like. We'll save the grid for big boss fights or especially technical combats.
Tragershen says to the two sailors rowing them in "No heroics from the two of you. Once we are disembarked, get back out. If a pack of the kobolds manage to get this boat, it would create tactical complications that no one wants to consider."
"Aye aye, yer a good lad. I hope me cutlass days are behind me. If ye need to get out o' there, just head to the river an' holler an' we'll find ye." The old sailors look relieved to be, erm, relieved of combat duties.
HP: 21/21 | AC 16 [17] (T13, FF 13 [14]) | CMB: +4 CMD: 17 | F:+5 R:+6 W:+1 | Speed 20 ft. | Init +1 | Dark vision: Per +8 (several bonuses depending on situation)
The gentler currents of the river seem to work wonders on the dwarf's stomach, and while still not one hundred percent, he seems more mobile and talkative. Well, what passes for talkative with Joden. He is actually rather quiet and seems lost in his musings of the surrounding wilderness, his expression displaying hints that his contemplation is one of dark concern.
When the ship begins to make its approach on the isolated settlement, Joden sees activity of which he quickly advises the others. No time to mince words now!
He also leaves his pack of meager survival items on the ship's deck and dons his armor in preparation for the fight. Joden nods along with the plan regarding using the longboat to flank.
"Keep your eyes open for traps. They may seem stupid, but in some things, the dragonkin are as wily and clever as the best knave."
Female Shoanti Lunar Oracle (Spirit Guide) 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC 20 (T14, FF 18) | CMB: +5 CMD: 13 | F:+3 R:+3 W:+5 | Init -2 | Low-light vision, Perception +8, Sense Motive +10, Diplomacy +7 | Speed 20 ft. | Spells lvl1: 2/5 | Wolf HP: 18/19 AC: 19 | Active Effects: Shield of Faith
Chases Moonlight sits awkwardly in the longboat, the wolf at her feet glaring at the ones who lifted it into the boat. The Shoanti woman speaks a quiet, calming word in a primitive language, to which the wolf snarls but puts its head down.
She looks a little uncomfortable sitting this close, the handle of her hammer sticking up between her legs. From this vantage, it's easy to see the large, sharp-looking tooth embedded at the end of the handle. Easier still when she speaks a brief, sharp spell and it begins to glow silvery-blue, like moonlight.
As the longboat sets off toward the town, Chases Moonlight covers the tooth with a large hand, blocking the light almost entirely.
I assume nobody speaks Shoanti. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Male AC20,T11,FF20,CMD18,(AC20, T11, FF19, CMD15) | HP22/22 | F+7, R+3(R+4), W+7 | Init +1, Perception +2, Darkvision 60ft. | Active effects: Divine Favor19rds, Enlarge Person3rds, Shield of Faith20rds, Good Blessing10rds
Hakram has settled down some as he's lost the contents of his stomach, and by the time they're about to make landfall, he's almost back to himself. He nods at the halfling's initiative. Of course they'd help.
"They shouldn't be expecting enemies from this direction though, Jorden."
He tries to secure himself a spot near the front of the rowboat, to put his shield between any missile fire they might take and the oarsmen an the rest of the group.
This was exactly the sort of fight he'd trained for, protecting townsfolk from raids.
The party hops off the boat downriver from the commotion. While each of you has seen danger before (you’re level 2, Aroden’s sake!), Joden and Brand seem most at home in the shadows and mists, and with only a quick whisper and nod, detach themselves from the group to walk somewhat ahead, say about 30 ft.
They see a pair of Kobold sentries some distance ahead...
They’re the only ones with decent Stealth rolls, so I’m assuming they’d want to use them. Bear with me if I'm making too many assumptions and correct me if your character would act differently--I want to keep the campaign action packed so I'm grabbing the reins for this lil' kobold skirmish, but y'all are in charge of your stories. We're still getting to know each other, so do school me in the ways of your character and gaming habits.
Even soft-footed Joden, moving carefully due to his experience in dealing with kobolds, can't quite muffle himself enough to escape the notice of the first two sentries. With a startled yelp, the sentries call their friends to the fray!
Kobold Reserve Aurora Kobold Reserve Tragershen Kobold Sentry x 2 Hakram Brand Kobold Reserve x 2 Chases Moonlight and Bites Ears Kobold Reserve Joden
The party has stumbled on a group of kobolds who have yet to be called to the assault on Zelkor's Ferry. One of them, preternaturally quick, hears the alarm yelp of his companion and immediately spins around and slings a stone at
Sling, high Joden low Brand:1d2 ⇒ 1
Brand! But the sentries are still standing in the way... it'll be a tricky shot.
Sling, Soft Cover:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4
Too tricky. The stone crashes into the woods.
But Aurora Fallowarc has already grasped the situation and acts decisively, before her companions (even the prescient Tragershen) have a chance to blink...
Joden and Brand are about 30 ft away from the sentries, and about 60 ft away from the reserves. The other party members are about 30 ft behind those two. You're walking through a scrubby sparse forest. There's a fairly easy-to-navigate space between the party and the kobolds--they've placed themselves with a clearing to their rear out of good wilderness practice. However, there are denser woods to either side--difficult terrain and cover for those who might be interested in such. The sun is setting, but there's still no penalty for dimness (might be soon). The river mist fills the woods to the (party's) right side of the clearing, interfering with visibility, but it hasn't quite reached the clearing itself.
Female Human Cleric of Nethys 8 | 71/71 HP (4/4 TEMP) | AC 22 (20; Haste, no Shield), T 12 (13), FF 20, CMD 21 | Fort +10 (+11), Ref +5 (+7), Will +13 (+14) (+1 vs. fear) | Init +1 | Perception +5 | 2/6 Channel Energy; 6/8 Divine Vessel; 1/1 Magical Epiphany | Active Effects: Haste, Prayer, Aid
Aurora grasps the holy symbol she wears around her neck—a wooden mask whose surface has been stained half white and half black—and lifts it up in presentation as she utters a prayer. An aura of pale magic flares around her for a moment before dimming away, yet the touch of the divine lingers upon her and her allies.
Standard Action — Bless! All allies within a 50ft. burst radius of Aurora get a +1 morale bonus on their attack rolls and on saves vs. fear. This effect lasts for 2 minutes.
Aurora lets go of the holy symbol to let it once more hang loosely at her neck and strides forward with a strong sense of determination, retrieving from her back a beautifully-made quarterstaff with a grip of well-worn black leather and a strap of white cloth that let her hang it across her back when not in use.
Move up 20' and draw Masterwork Quarterstaff.
@GM Parrot — There is some degree of uncertainty in the exact wording of things as to whether or not Bless is sufficient to proc Divine Vessel (DV requires the cleric to be the 'target' of a divine spell, but Bless doesn't actually have 'targets', it just effects caster+every ally in a 50ft. radius.) If you deem Bless sufficient to proc it, Aurora would use a Swift action to proc one of her 6/day uses of Divine Vessel when she cast Bless, to give everyone within 15ft. of her an extra (untyped!) +2 bonus on the next attack roll, skill check, or ability check made before the end of their next turn.
Kobold Reserve Aurora Kobold Reserve Tragershen Kobold Sentry x 2 Hakram Brand Kobold Reserve x 2 Chases Moonlight and Bites Ears Kobold Reserve Joden
A second kobold springs into action--this one rushes forward to stand beside his fellows and whips a stone at Joden. There are now three kobolds standing abreast ahead, and three remain behind.
On Bless/DV: Whoa, good question! At first I was like, of course! But now, I think not. Relevant quotes:
On what a target is: "Some spells have a target or targets. You cast these spells on creatures or objects, as defined by the spell itself. You must be able to see or touch the target, and you must specifically choose that target."
On area spells: "Regardless of the shape of the area, you select the point where the spell originates, but otherwise you don’t control which creatures or objects the spell affects."
It's the specifically choosing vs. you don't control which creatures that makes me skeptical enough to say nay. Still, that ability rules and I look forward to seeing it in action!
Related: On when the target is yourself: If the target of a spell is yourself (the Target line of the spell description includes “You”)...
"Hakram, I'll use my magic to swell you to the size of an ogre!"
Assuming Hakram doesn't protest, Tragershen will move close to Joden (5' behind him) and begin casting Enlarge Person back at Hakram. He has a 30' range with the spell, so it should be fine.
If Hakram protests that he doesn't want the spell, Tragershen still advances and offers to cast it on Boden instead.
Kobold Reserve Aurora Kobold Reserve Tragershen Kobold Sentry x 2 Hakram Brand Kobold Reserve x 2 Chases Moonlight and Bites Ears Kobold Reserve Joden
The kobold sentries start screaming and hollering in Draconic while launching slingstones at Joden and Brand: "Čudeži, ki prihajajo za nami, fantje! Pripravi se! Pridobite ostale!"
I'm using a random language selector that will pull world languages for us to use--looks like Draconic is Slovenian!
Draconic:
Monsters coming up behind us, boys! Get ready! Get the others!
Male AC20,T11,FF20,CMD18,(AC20, T11, FF19, CMD15) | HP22/22 | F+7, R+3(R+4), W+7 | Init +1, Perception +2, Darkvision 60ft. | Active effects: Divine Favor19rds, Enlarge Person3rds, Shield of Faith20rds, Good Blessing10rds
His armor slowing him down, Hakram runs towards the front lines as fast as he can. In the proccess Tragershen's spell hits him, and he grows to prodigous size.
Taking a run action to get into melee with the sentries - that should be possible with 80ft, at least. With enlarge person, his dex effectively becomes +0, and with a size modifier he's at 18 and subject to possible sneak attacks if that's a thing.
Aurora Kobold Reserve Tragershen Kobold Sentry x 2 Hakram Brand Kobold Reserve x 2 Chases Moonlight and Bites Ears Kobold Reserve Joden
Hakram towers over the kobolds, huffing a bit from his run. With his magically enhanced height, he is well within range to strike them (5 ft away, threatening but not adjacent makes sense to me... unless you want to get right in their faces). His bulk now intervenes between the kobolds and the rest of the party.
Brand had hoped to skulk up, drawing his blades upon witless rodents. But damn, that dwarf just couldn't keep quiet. And he was now about to rush forward against aware foes, but then Hakram, grown to monstrous size, charged past... then THWACK, a damned sling rock cracked him in the jaw.
Drawing his bow, Brand steps to the right, giving him a clear vantage on the third kobold, the one who joined, just past his much larger companion's leg.
Kobold Reserve Aurora Kobold Reserve Tragershen Kobold Sentry x 2 Hakram Brand Kobold Reserve x 2 Chases Moonlight and Bites Ears Kobold Reserve Joden
Brand's arrow lodges itself in the kobold's leather armor, doing no damage at all. The kobold snaps the shaft, thinking to itself that a few more of those'd upgrade him to studded.
One of the next two kobolds yells, "Zgrabil bom dečke in ubili bomo velikana! Zadrži njega in njegove prijatelje za trenutek...
Draconic:
I'll grab the fellas and we'll kill the giant! Keep him and his friends busy a second...
And then he scampers off into the distance. The other whaaangs a slingstone at Giant Hakram...
Sling:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
But kobolds have turrible aim. The kobold draws his spear as he cautiously moves forward, muttering nervously... now he's just behind the three kobolds who had already moved forward, making a nice clump of four in front of Hakram.
Female Shoanti Lunar Oracle (Spirit Guide) 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC 20 (T14, FF 18) | CMB: +5 CMD: 13 | F:+3 R:+3 W:+5 | Init -2 | Low-light vision, Perception +8, Sense Motive +10, Diplomacy +7 | Speed 20 ft. | Spells lvl1: 2/5 | Wolf HP: 18/19 AC: 19 | Active Effects: Shield of Faith
Earth breaker in hand, Chases Moonlight chants a spell, drawing silvery light around the wolf at her feet in a sort of shield before issuing a command in a strange language.
Handle Animal DC 10:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
The wolf darts ahead toward the kobolds and the big shoanti lumbers after.
Cast Shield of Faith on Bites Ears, making his AC 19 (17 if he can charge). Move 20' toward the kobolds. Then Bites Ears will charge the nearest enemy, or run up if that's not possible. He can move 50' per move action or 100' on a charge.
Kobold Reserve Aurora Kobold Reserve Tragershen Kobold Sentry x 2 Hakram Brand Kobold Reserve x 2 Chases Moonlight and Bites Ears Joden
Kobolds defeated: 1
No charge lane to the nearest kobold, but with 100ft of move speed he can whack the one that hasn't acted yet...
Bites Ears rushes forwards, scooting straight past Giant Hakram and his bait ball of kobolds towards the two still standing toward the back. In a particularly lupine maneuver, he goes for one of the creatures' legs to drag it to the ground. But the weedy little kobold's joints can't handle the jolt intended to trip it, and Bites Ears ends up with a kobold leg dangling from his jaws. The one left standing near the wolf looks on in horror.
One of the kobolds in the main group yells, "Volkovi! Njeni volkovi so nas izdali!"
Draconic:
Wolves! Her wolves have betrayed us!
They seem more upset by Bites Ears than by Giant Hakram. That may change, though...
HP: 21/21 | AC 16 [17] (T13, FF 13 [14]) | CMB: +4 CMD: 17 | F:+5 R:+6 W:+1 | Speed 20 ft. | Init +1 | Dark vision: Per +8 (several bonuses depending on situation)
Joden growls as the rock strikes his hard dwarven head. He darts forward to the closest enemy while pulling both his battleaxe and shield from their stowed locations. He swings his axe down while keeping his shield high for protection.
Kobold Reserve Aurora Tragershen Kobold Sentry x 2 Hakram Brand Kobold Reserve x 2 Chases Moonlight and Bites Ears Joden
Kobolds defeated: 2
Joden's axe fells a kobold--while it isn't quite dead yet, its survival instincts are making it curl up and feign defeat, hoping to skulk away later.
Meanwhile, the kobold who just witnessed Bites Ears amputate his friend moves in to try to slay the wolf, more out of desperation than courage. He draws his spear and gives it a go:
His thrust manages to catch the wolf, but only just.
Now that we're through a round of combat +1 kobold, I'll summarize the situation:
Three of the kobolds are standing nervously in front of Giant Hakram. Two are ten feet away from Hakram, and the otehr is just behind them at 15 feet distance. There used to be three abreast facing him, but Joden has just laid one of them low: he is to the west of the kobolds with a five foot gap between him and the next kobold, with a nearly-dead kobold between him and the rest.
Brand is slightly to the right of Giant Hakram and slightly behind--close enough to keep peppering the kobolds with arrows or to engage them hand-to-hand if he'd rather.
Meanwhile, about thirty feet to the northeast, Bites Ears is dueling the kobold mentioned above. Another lies dead at his paws.
One final kobold has run upriver, towards the sound of the ongoign battle for Zelkor's Ferry
Aurora, Tragershen, and Chases Moonlight are all behind Hakram, some distance away from his knot of kobolds.
Tragershen closes the distance between himself and Hakram. He is wary of getting surrounded by the little scaly menaces, so he lurks in the shelter of Hakram's huge form. He pulls his cudgel from its place to have it in hand, in case one gets too close.
Double move to get adjacent to Hakram, hopefully not next to any kobolds. He is trying to get to a spot where he can hit a bunch of them with a burning hands next round (after a step) and to make it harder for the kobolds to flank Hakram.
Female Human Cleric of Nethys 8 | 71/71 HP (4/4 TEMP) | AC 22 (20; Haste, no Shield), T 12 (13), FF 20, CMD 21 | Fort +10 (+11), Ref +5 (+7), Will +13 (+14) (+1 vs. fear) | Init +1 | Perception +5 | 2/6 Channel Energy; 6/8 Divine Vessel; 1/1 Magical Epiphany | Active Effects: Haste, Prayer, Aid
Draconic had been a worthy language to slave over learning a number of months ago. In Common, the cleric calls out to her allies, "They're calling for reinforcements and have allied with someone who has wolves!"
Adjusting her grip on her quarterstaff, she wastes little more time before charging into the fray to swing it at one of the kobolds facing down Joden and Hakram.
Charging Attack:1d20 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 10 Womp Womp. Charged, so Aurora takes a -2 penalty to AC (down to 15) until her next turn.
Kobold Reserve Aurora Tragershen Kobold Sentry x 2 Hakram Brand Kobold Reserve x 2 Chases Moonlight and Bites Ears Joden
Kobolds defeated: 2
As the elven wizard positions himself for future pyrotechnics, Aurora dives bravely into the thick of the fighting--though her attempt does little to hinder their foes. She is now standing just to the right and five feet ahead of Hakram.
Two of the kobolds carefully shuffle five feet closer to Hakram and take halfhearted stabs at his enormous figure, though each of the dragonlings appears to be favoring his defenses...
Do you want to roll HD after level one, or take average rounded up? I'm inclined toward the latter but if you're a gambling type, by all means.
Background skills are fun. I love Lore and Artistry. Personally I think some of the skills rolled into Background Skills are pretty darn good to be flavor, but I'm feeling generous. Let's do it.
Dex to damage is hard to get, and I'm pretty ok with that (and one relatively successful RA character of mine is a dex-to-damage Daring Champion/Cleric). While I don't want to adopt the feat tax revision, I'm also into people getting cool toys as long as the party stays balanced.
Good point on Dervish Dance, Groundhog. Background skills lower the tax on that, too.
LadyGrayRose: clerics of Nethys are rad!
As soon as everyone has a character concept ready, we can start!
I'm eager to hearing more about your motivations, and whether you'll manage a shared background. If not, that's ok--you'll just find yourselves on a boat together, each with their own reasons for being aboard.
Female Human Cleric of Nethys 8 | 71/71 HP (4/4 TEMP) | AC 22 (20; Haste, no Shield), T 12 (13), FF 20, CMD 21 | Fort +10 (+11), Ref +5 (+7), Will +13 (+14) (+1 vs. fear) | Init +1 | Perception +5 | 2/6 Channel Energy; 6/8 Divine Vessel; 1/1 Magical Epiphany | Active Effects: Haste, Prayer, Aid
*looks at saves* Ahem... I AM A GOD!
Statblock:
Aurora Fallowarc
Female Human Cleric of Nethys 2
Neutral Medium Humanoid (Human)
Init +1; Perception +3
===== Defense =====
AC 17, Touch 11, Flat-Footed 16; (+6 armor, +1 Dex)
hp 17 (2d8+4)
Fort +6, Ref +2, Will +7
===== Offense =====
Speed 20ft.
Melee Masterwork Quarterstaff +4 (1d6+2; 20/x2)
Ranged Light Crossbow +2 (1d8; 19-20/x2)
Special Attacks Channel Positive Energy (1d6, DC 12, 6/day)
Spells Prepared (CL 2nd; Concentration +5)
1st—Bless, Divine Favor, Liberating Command, SanctuaryD (DC 14)
0 (At Will)—Create Water, Detect Magic, Guidance, Stabilize
Domains Divine, Protection
===== Statistics =====
Str 14, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 13
Base Atk +1; CMB +3; CMD 14
Feats Extra Channel, Versatile Channeler
Traits Eldritch Delver (+1 trait bonus on all Knowledge (dungeoneering) and Knowledge (history) checks, and you may treat your caster level as 1 level higher for all conjuration spells of the teleportation subschool), Underlying Principles (You gain a +1 trait bonus on Use Magic Device checks, and Use Magic Device is a class skill for you.) Skills Craft (Alchemy) +4*, Knowledge (Arcana, Religion) +5, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) +3, Linguistics +4*, Use Magic Device +5
2/level class, 1/level racial, 1/level FCB. 2/Background skill, marked by *. Languages Common, Draconic
SQ Domain Abilities, Spontaneous Casting (Cure)
Combat Gear 20 bolts; Other Gear Breastplate, Masterwork Quarterstaff, Light Crossbow, Cold Iron Dagger, Silver Sickle, Cleric's Kit (backpack, a bedroll, a belt pouch, candles (10), a cheap holy text, a flint and steel, an iron pot, a mess kit, rope, soap, a spell component pouch, torches (10), trail rations (5 days), a waterskin, and a wooden holy symbol.), Spring-Loaded Wrist Sheath, Sunrod (2), Vermin Repellent (4), 340gp
===== Special Abilities =====
Divine Vessel (Su): Whenever you are the target of a divine spell, you can, as a swift action, grant each ally within 15 feet of you a divine boon. This boon grants a +2 bonus on the next attack roll, skill check, or ability check made before the end of their next turn. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
Protection Domain: Your faith is your greatest source of protection, and you can use that faith to defend others. In addition, you receive a +1 resistance bonus on saving throws. This bonus increases by 1 for every 5 levels you possess.
Resistant Touch (Sp): As a standard action, you can touch an ally to grant him your resistance bonus for 1 minute. When you use this ability, you lose your resistance bonus granted by the Protection domain for 1 minute. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
Aurora is a wandering priestess of Nethys who moves from place to place and town to town in search of greater knowledge and arcana; she's interested in being hands-on in her studies and acquisitions, as opposed to locking herself up in a library to study or a laboraty to craft. I'm certainly willing to work with my fellow deathseeking schmucks on tying together character backgrounds~
This is a really cool feat option for characters who worship Nethys.
Also, I think Nethys has one of the better Divine Obediences. Did you look at this archetype?
The evangelist boons can get you fly or mirror image as a cleric. :P
For the list of boons and other Nethys-specific options, you can check here.
You automatically get some extra spells on your spell list that might be useful.
Lazyclownfish is in love with Nethys, confirmed.
Divine Paragon is certainly a nice archetype, but it doesn't quite fit with my image of this cleric... and I like my free resistance bonus from the Protection domain.
Magical Epiphany is a neat feat though! It might just be worth either swapping something out for or taking at level 3 (if she makes it to level 3.)
On that cool Magical Epiphany feat: you might consider it (or something else) because I'm not sure that Versatile Channel will work until you hit level 3. Some controversy on this on the rules forums. I wouldn't mind you channeling neg as a "cleric of your level -2 (houserule minimum 1)" if you'd like, though.
I have Tragershen as a follower of Nethys too! I am still debating switching out for the Magic is Life trait. A bonus on death effects may be handy. And, assuming he survives a few levels, I was thinking about crafting items with sacred bonuses. I'll have to consider Magical Epiphany for a later level; how have I not seen that before now?!?
LadyGrayRose, let me know if a wandering wizard would figure into your background. I have him as having left Kyonin because he was a little too willing to be 'edgy' when it came to ways of gathering lore and power.
GM, would you be good with Tragershen scribing scrolls with some of his starting wealth before we get rolling?
Oh, Clownfish, you asked about an alias for Bites Ears a while back. I can go either way or both ways there--I'm running a druid right now, and have aliases for both him and his camel. But when Cammy is not doing much, I sometimes combine their posts to save the fiddling.
More importantly--how should we do initiative for the two of you? In that game they both roll, but the first automatically delays to the second and they always act together. Makes them a little slow, but saves having to take two turns separated by other folks.
Yup, I imagine that Tragershen's ability to scribe scrolls will be extremely useful. And maybe he and Aurora know each other.
Maybe Nethys has sent a message via a strange oscillation in a phase of the moon, calling the chosen to attend to the deep magic of Rappan Athuk? And only Tragershen and Aurora Fallowarc both noticed and were bold (or foolish) enough to investigate... except for a woman from the tribes, who happened to intercept the message while moongazing. They find each other when trying to put together an expedition, and choose to combine forces. It's exhilarating to find someone else who believes your lunatic theory, so imagine how happy the cleric and wizard were to find something of an outside source 'confirming' that they did indeed see something that cold, clear night--a feeling mirrored by Chases Moonlight.
As the expedition is fitted out, the Nethysians advertise for experienced thieves, trackers, warriors, mages and whatnot, managing to reel in a few with their tall tales and promises of power and treasure. An Iroran Warpriest catches wind of the operation and decides this a good chance to crush evil, and perhaps sees a good chance to keep an eye on a few powerful people who look vulnerable to temptation. Others respond as well. These are the remaining characters, though by all means work yourselves in elsewhere if you want--the remaining characters could be friends of Chases, other followers of Nethys, maybe someone else who noticed the mooncall, or just someone with their own reasons to loiter around the docks waiting for a ship to The Ferry.
They wait, and they wait. Nobody sails to Rivenrake Island. But as the weeks pass, finally, the rumor reaches them of a ship heading to Zelkor's Ferry. They book a passage west from Riddleport on the Laughing Dolphin. Most of the people on board seem to be running away from something. These six, though, seem to be searching...
Something like that? Eh? Feel free to suggest changes!
I don't mind doing it however you want. We could simplify it further and I could just roll once with the lowest modifier and have both act then. I also don't mind having them both act independently. Whatever you want to do.
The wolf has combat reflexes so he'll be able to defend even if he's delaying.
The background stuff seems good to me. Chases Moonlight is primitive and probably strange to the others, but is surprisingly comfortable around foreign people.
Female Human Cleric of Nethys 8 | 71/71 HP (4/4 TEMP) | AC 22 (20; Haste, no Shield), T 12 (13), FF 20, CMD 21 | Fort +10 (+11), Ref +5 (+7), Will +13 (+14) (+1 vs. fear) | Init +1 | Perception +5 | 2/6 Channel Energy; 6/8 Divine Vessel; 1/1 Magical Epiphany | Active Effects: Haste, Prayer, Aid
I'll swap out Versatile Channeling for Magical Epiphany; it'll be really good for those spells you didn't know you needed... until you suddenly need them and soon.
I quite like Parrot's idea for how the group came together.
@Tragershen: I could see Aurora having met Tragershen some time after he left Kyonin and grouping up with him; the more Nethysians to travel together is the better, in Aurora's book, and less likely to run into trouble they can't beat up~
male Dire Halfling Spl 1st (2), Luck (9), Adapt (3); HP 8, In +3, Per +5, AC 17, T 14 ,FF 14, Fort +0, Ref +5, Will +1; CMB +0, CMD 13; sword +2, 1d6+1, bow +4, 1d6; Acro +6, Blff +7, Dipl +7, DsDv +3, Kn(loc) +7, Kn(other) +3, Prf +7, SlHn +6, Stl +6, UMD +7
Hahaha, damn, I have wandered down the rabbit's hole of endless builds - a rogue(unchained) 2, a bard(archaeologist) 2, and a rogue(unchained) 1 / bard(archaeologist) 1. Good thing is, my first character will likely die. Soooo, I will go rogue 2. Will have it posted shortly.
I like that you folks seem to enjoy the simple pleasures of character creation! That really helps in Rappan Athuk. I'm only half-joking. Personally, I found it exciting to work through the backlog of builds I'd let pile up.
The party begins to take shape... perhaps this weekend will be a good time to launch?
Great! If Wanderer can do the same, we'll launch either overnight or tomorrow morning.
Get excited for a world of fearsome monsters, devious traps, absurd random encounter tables, fabulous treasures, and terrible dangers... and the sandbox-y social-economic world of the village and its environs!
Female Shoanti Lunar Oracle (Spirit Guide) 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC 20 (T14, FF 18) | CMB: +5 CMD: 13 | F:+3 R:+3 W:+5 | Init -2 | Low-light vision, Perception +8, Sense Motive +10, Diplomacy +7 | Speed 20 ft. | Spells lvl1: 2/5 | Wolf HP: 18/19 AC: 19 | Active Effects: Shield of Faith
Ok I finished gear and filled out an appearance/personality section. I may get time to do a quick background tomorrow but I either way, I should be ready to start!
Lookin' good! I look forward to having the (REDACTED) you meet in (REDACTED) assume that Chases Moonlight and Tragershen are siblings due to their superficial resemblance.
And Pins, Wander: If you want, we can start the story while you finish up the crunch. If you send along names and general info about your characters, I'll ship you over and you all can do the in-character pre-quest stuff.
Ok, think Trapper Joden is finished. Here's the crunch for now, but I was toying with adding either the Deep Walker or Dungeon Rover to his kit but want to ask for everyone's opinion on which. Since they both replace Woodland Stride, I have to choose only one. :(
Trapper Joden:
Trapper Joden
Dwarf ranger (trapper) 2 (Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Magic 65)
CG Medium humanoid (dwarf)
Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +8 (+10 to discover traps, +10 to notice unusual stonework)
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex)
hp 21 (2d10+6)
Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +1; +1 trait bonus vs. fear effects, +2 vs. poison, spells, and spell-like abilities
Defensive Abilities defensive training
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 20 ft.
Melee battleaxe +4 (1d8+2/×3) or
. . light shield bash +4 (1d3+2) or
. . unarmed strike +4 (1d3+2 nonlethal) or
. . warhammer +4 (1d8+2/×3)
Special Attacks combat style (weapon and shield[APG]), favored enemy (undead +2), hatred
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 14, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 9
Base Atk +2; CMB +4; CMD 17 (21 vs. bull rush, 21 vs. trip)
Feats Alertness, Two-weapon Fighting
Traits fearless defiance, kobold's neighbor
Skills Acrobatics +4 (+0 to jump), Appraise +1 (+3 to assess nonmagical metals or gemstones), Climb +6, Craft (traps) +4, Disable Device +7, Handle Animal +3, Heal +5, Knowledge (geography) +5, Perception +8 (+10 to discover traps, +10 to notice unusual stonework), Sense Motive +3, Stealth +7, Survival +6, Swim +5; Racial Modifiers +2 Appraise to assess nonmagical metals or gemstones, +2 Perception to notice unusual stonework
Languages Common, Dwarven, Goblin
SQ track +1, trapfinding +1, wild empathy
Other Gear studded leather, light steel quickdraw shield[APG], battleaxe, warhammer, bedroll, belt pouch, flint and steel, masterwork backpack[APG], mess kit[UE], pot, trail rations (5), waterskin, 13 gp, 1 sp
--------------------
Tracked Resources
--------------------
Trail rations - 0/5
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white only).
Defensive Training +4 Gain a dodge bonus to AC vs. monsters of the Giant subtype.
Favored Enemy (Undead +2) (Ex) +2 to rolls vs. undead foes.
Greed +2 to Appraise to determine price of nonmagic goods with precious metals or gemstones.
Hatred +1 Gain a racial bonus to attacks vs. Goblinoids/Orcs.
Stonecunning +2 +2 bonus to Perception vs. unusual stonework. Free check within 10 feet.
Track +1 Add the listed bonus to Survival checks made to track.
Trapfinding +1 Gain a bonus to find or disable traps, including magical ones.
Wild Empathy +2 (Ex) Improve the attitude of an animal, as if using Diplomacy.
Alright! With Trapper Joden in the fold, we're just waiting for Wanderer's rogue. I might put a first post on the game thread soon so characters that want to can start bantering.
Since both options that replace Woodland Stride are more or less the same ability, I'd be OK with you creating a mega-dungeoneer triple-archetyped ranger using your choice of Rock Hopper or Subterranean Stride.
Stumbled across the artist and the song on a YouTube playlist a few days ago and was very glad to have such a perfect theme song for the first leg of the quest--he seems pretty great.
@Yas: I think we have a full complement of six characters, with one alternate already ahead of you in line. If you want, you can be second on the list of people I'll contact if someone has to drop out.
So apparently I left this post in "preview" on my desktop since Saturday morning, never actually submitting it. As such, my apologies for the delay. Without further ado....
This is Wanderer82's submission, the street urchin, pickpocket, and grifter Brand Hornblower (halfling unchained rogue 2).
If you choose to roll for your hit dice, you may--just roll 'em out here on the forum (if you rolled at home for level 2, that's ok).
It might just be easier to take average, though.
If you have dockside business to attend to, go ahead and describe it, but I'd already launched us.
As for the moon, it'll be out later this afternoon, around 4 PM, hopefully about when you arrive at Zelkor's Ferry. It's a waning crescent. I'm (arbitrarily) going to tie our moonrise and set to January 1, 2018, Seattle--moving forward will advance the moon from that date.
HP: 21/21 | AC 16 [17] (T13, FF 13 [14]) | CMB: +4 CMD: 17 | F:+5 R:+6 W:+1 | Speed 20 ft. | Init +1 | Dark vision: Per +8 (several bonuses depending on situation)
Despite my better judgement considering the expectation of death, I find myself musing as to the background of an Underground Ranger. I feel like I've come up with some pretty good stuff especially banking on the lore of Golarion in regards to Earthfall, the moon's history, and the dwarven Quest for Sky. So pending a possible collaboration, I will get some of that written up a bit later.
@Hakram:
I don't know what origins you have planned, but if you are interested in collaborating with me, I plan to have Joden be from Kovlar in the Five Kings Mountain region. As half-orcs are surely to be more prevalent in a region that actually has orcs, Hakram could easily have been a foundling/birthed by a human survivor/escaped from his orc clan and made Joden's acquaintance.
Given my plan for Joden's backstory, I feel like his response to a half-orc would either have to be one of instant distrust and wariness or pity and concern. The latter would probably be the easiest for cohesion, so if you're amenable to a shared backstory I'd like to go with that.
Which would very probably lend itself to your earlier comment about Hakram's motivation, "help the followers of the two-faced one." I plan to have a dwarven shaman be the one to cause Joden Stonetoe to have undertaken this possibly doomed quest with some cryptic words. The fact that half of the party is listening to the moon is going to be pretty unsettling to Joden for *reasons*.
Let me know what you had in mind for Hakram or if you had any desire to flesh him out that much at all. Ha!
One short story on character death interfering with beautiful backstories:
In my deadliest delve into Rappan Athuk, I had success linking character backstories of replacements to those of the recently fallen. So, a wizard who was searching for money to cure a sister's illness died before succeeding. But his now-plauge-witch sister showed up as my next character, on a quest for 1. the wizard's body (lost in the all-but TPK) and 2. enough money for a Resurrection.
The GM was going to allow my witch to take Leadership with the wizard if she ever succeeded in her quest (after all, dumping so much WBL into a resurrection for what had become an NPC deserved a reward). Alas, the campaign flamed out long before that point, but I'm SO into that kind of backstory-campaign interaction.
Seems reasonable to expect some little dangly bit or inlaid gem or something that is separate enough to cast Light on. I imagine such would be very common in a magical world.
Male AC20,T11,FF20,CMD18,(AC20, T11, FF19, CMD15) | HP22/22 | F+7, R+3(R+4), W+7 | Init +1, Perception +2, Darkvision 60ft. | Active effects: Divine Favor19rds, Enlarge Person3rds, Shield of Faith20rds, Good Blessing10rds
Jorden:
Insofar as I had much planned for Hakram, the idea was for him to be a city boy. That might be a dwarven city as easily as a human one. He's the sort who tries to fit in where he goes, despite being rather out of place, and so he'd probably adopt some dwarven mannerisms. Maybe he wears his beard braided, that sort of thing.
And he would benefit nicely from a mentor.
