Jubilation fills the evening air in the normally staid town of Trunau, for it is the twelfth birthday of the Chief Defender’s youngest daughter, Ruby, and the townsfolk have been preparing all day for the ceremony and festivities to follow. A throng of spectators has amassed at the town Commons; the buzz of the crowd subsides as the weathered town leader, Halgra of the Blackened Blades, takes the stage and begins to speak, “Thank you all for joining us this night. I take immense pride in my responsibility as Chief Defender, especially when it comes to the honor of the hopeknife ceremony. It is always a great privilege to bequeath Trunauan youths their hopeknives as they come of age.”
Halgra stops speaking long enough to open an ornamental case and retrieve a slender, ornately decorated dagger hanging from a silver chain. “But tonight is a special occasion, for the recipient of this hopeknife is none other than my youngest daughter.”
Once again, Halgra pauses, but this time she turns to talk to the child beside her. “Ruby, by the traditions of our town, you have come of age. This hopeknife represents your responsibilities as an adult and defender of Trunau. You must be willing to use it on yourself, your fellow Trunauans, and your family—even me, should it come to that. It will be a far quicker death than that which the orcs will offer, and providing it is your duty. Do you swear to guard Trunau from all comers, and to use your hopeknife only for its intended purpose?”
Ruby—dusky skinned, black haired, and painfully shy—nods her head in response to her mother’s question.
“If the orcs come, and there is no other option, this is where you cut—here, here, and here.” Halgra demonstrates which arteries to sever while Ruby watches. When she is finished, Halgra sheathes the hopeknife and places the necklace around Ruby’s neck before turning back to address the crowd. “Tonight, Ruby becomes a full member of our community! Let us welcome her, and celebrate her passage into adulthood! Trunau forever!”
The crowd echoes Halgra’s last words in unison, signaling the end of the ceremony.
Male Half-Orc Barbarian (Titan Mauler) 1 | HP15/15 |
Quick Stats:
Fort +4, Ref +3, Will+1 | Perc +5 | Init +3
From as far back as possible in the crowd, Brolga watches the ceremony with mixed feelings. Happy for Ruby, and for the excitement of the town on her behalf. Wistful, that he never got a hope ceremony, spending his twelfth birthday in the wilderness having freshly escaped his tormentors. Fearful, that anyone here should ever find themselves subject to the brutal, mindless impulses of Orc invaders, like he had.
"Tr-Tr-Tr-Trunau F-Forever!" Brolga casts glances to those around him, hoping his stutter didn't draw attention to himself.
Male Elf Wizard 5 | AC 14, Touch 13, FF 11 | HP 37/37 | F +4, R +5, W +7 | Init +14 | Perc +4
Renliat, as a new member of Trunau and not fully accepted to the point of having his own hopeknife yet, sits off to the side to watch the ceremony. It was the first ceremony he has had a chance to witness so he came with much curiosity, taking notes on it despite the occasional odd glances he got from the other nearby citizens. He is halfway through a sketch of an anatomical picture showing the cuts that Halgra is talking about when the ceremony concludes. He sets down his notes and claps politely, much less enthusiastically than the rest of the crowd but with a quiet happiness nonetheless. Pragmatic, bonded people. Hardships truly bring out the best in them. Perhaps the pessimistic Pharasman's have the right idea.
Garri stands quietly. He's learned the hard way that when people are talking so seriously about orcs, goblins should not be seen or heard. No one believes that Garri wants to be good.
Sitko, in her human form, yawns. She never found ceremonies very eventful. She spotted some valubles, but decided that it was better not to stick out like a flaming sore thumb.
When everyone began to cheer, Sitko claped calmly and turned to look around. When she didn't see anyone of real interest, she began moving towards the side of the crowd, where there were some younger folk she could blend with.
female half-elf witch (winter) 1 | HP 7/7 (0nl) | AC 13 (17), tac 13, ff 10 (14) | Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +3 | Init +3 | Per +2 | Effects: mage armor
This wasn't the first ceremony that Lialda had been at, she had participated in her own when she came of age. It was always good to see another take the oath and retrieve their blade. As the ceremony completed she joined in the call, "Trunau forever!" From down around her feet came a "YiyiyI!" A small white fox had joined into the cheering as well. The attractive half-elf made her way up to where miss Ruby was receiving congratulations and waited her turn before saying, "Congratulation Ruby, it's always a joyous day when someone comes of age." Hvita let out a chirp and rubbed up against Ruby's leg before grabbing Lialda's robe and pulling on it in the direction of the food, "Looks like somebodies hungry."
Male Hobgoblin Hero Points 1 SW Skald 2/URanger 1 HP 21/21 | AC 17| T 11| FF 16| Fort +6| Ref +3| Will +3| Init +1 Perc +6 Dark Vision 60 ft | Concentration +5 | RS 8/8 | L1 3/3
"TRUNAU FOREVER"
Kreagor heartily joins in with is own shout, quite pleased with himself for managing to remember to be here today instead of out wandering the country side.
There is little more important here in Trunau than our Hope Knife ceremony Kreagor thinks to himself.
Not wanting to make the crowd around poor, shy Ruby any larger, Kreagor stays where he is at the side of the crowd, content to watch and congratulate Ruby later.
Getting caught in a large group stopping to watch the ceremony a strange sight this far north took place. Clad in red robes of the far south while carrying around a greatsword with one side teethed the Gnoll watched on in curiosity as the event unfolded, the fur distinct coloration on Sarada's forehead giving the impression of three eyes watching the mother and daughter talk.
Sarada didn't, as an outsider it would be rude, at least for right now.
Once Halgra finishes her speech, and the cheers die down, the people of Trunau waste no time heading for the ale barrels and tables of food. This marks the beginning of the more lighthearted festivities. A chant of "Rope, rope, rope..." started pealing through the air, and a pair of the militia came forward to the center of the Commons, carrying a long rope. The older looking one called loudly, "The militia of Trunau challenge Ruby Halgram to a test of strength to determine her worth at standing at the side of the other adults of Trunau. She may pick up to 7 champions to stand with her."
The tug-of-war is a typical hopeknife ceremony game, and everyone really gets into it. Ruby doesn't hesitate in her first choice. "I want Rodrik!"
"Oh no, you don't, young lass! I'm militia. I'm honor bound to fight with the militia, not against." The man known as Rodrick Grath grinned. He called his brother Kursk over, and motioned to a half dozen other milita men to join their side.
"Fine, then I choose big BROLGA!" A groan arose from the crowd as the strong half-orc was chosen. It was no surprise, really, feats of lifting tremendously heavy crates and barrels were known by all of the town's children.
"Next, I choose Kreagor, Garri and the new elf wizard. Magic's allowed, you know. You can't stop us now!"
Rodrik's smile and chuckles, nodding her on. "You have brute strength and magic, where is your luck and finesse factor? Hmmm?"
Ruby shouts, "I want Lialda! She'll make you all fall down I bet! Andandand that lady over there who's walking away." She pointed at Sitko. "She tells such good stories, she should be in mine."
"And finally...umm...I'll let the gods decide!" The crowd roared in appreciation as she began twirling in a circle, finger outstretched. Faster and faster she spun, until she staggered from the dizziness and stopped, finger pointing straight at the gnoll Sarada. "The fluffy one!"
Rodrik scrathed a deep line in the sand, then stretched out the rope to either side. The contestants took their places on the rope, with Ruby's team on one side, and the militia on the other. Halgra counted down from five and the contest was on!
female half-elf witch (winter) 1 | HP 7/7 (0nl) | AC 13 (17), tac 13, ff 10 (14) | Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +3 | Init +3 | Per +2 | Effects: mage armor
Lialda smiled and stepped up along with Hvita and said, "Thank you for this honor Ruby, I won't let you down." She takes a place on the rope whith Hvita jumping up and grabbing the rope with her teeth and hanging from it to "help" too.
"Bur?" the Gnoll exclaims while blinking, the movements almost seeming to make his third "eye" blink in tandem as well.
After whether into the shock of getting forcibly invited into the game by some god's whimsy Sarada moves over to the rope with the rest of Ruby's champions. "Thank you for... the honor, miss Ruby." he mimics the attractive lady who can make others fall down. Head over heels most likely.
Male Elf Wizard 5 | AC 14, Touch 13, FF 11 | HP 37/37 | F +4, R +5, W +7 | Init +14 | Perc +4
Renliat is so absorbed in his notes that he doesn't even notice he was chosen until one of the townspeople elbows him. Then he looks up at all the people staring at him and stutters for a moment. "Uhh, very well Ruby." He closes his journal and stands up, going over to her and Rodrik. He furrows his brows and leans over to whisper in Ruby's ear. "Sorry to disappoint, but unless you want the competition dead or unconscious I won't be any help. They will recover from going unconscious though..."
Ruby gives Lialda a big hug and with a smile adds, "I know you won't!" She reaches down and gives Hvita a quick rub before turning to her next teammate.
She claps her hands excitedly as Sarada moves in and in response to Renliat she ads, "Whatever! I've heard that you can shoot rainbows from your fingerips that have blinded no less than six dozen orcs at a time!"
Male Hobgoblin Hero Points 1 SW Skald 2/URanger 1 HP 21/21 | AC 17| T 11| FF 16| Fort +6| Ref +3| Will +3| Init +1 Perc +6 Dark Vision 60 ft | Concentration +5 | RS 8/8 | L1 3/3
Upon hearing his name called, Kreagor begins to walk over to the others, quite happy to have been chosen.
Upon arriving at the others, Kreagor addresses Ruby,
"Thank you for this honour Ruby, and congratulations on receiving your Hope Knife. I can only hope to do well by you in this challenge"
Male Half-Orc Barbarian (Titan Mauler) 1 | HP15/15 |
Quick Stats:
Fort +4, Ref +3, Will+1 | Perc +5 | Init +3
At being called first, a massive lopsided grin breaks across Brolga's face but it quickly drops as his forehead crinkles in worry. It's so nice to be included! But everyone will be watching. What if hurt someone... Or what if we lose? Will they drive me out of town? Oh, Ruby...
Hunching forward to try and make him look smaller than his 6'1 frame would really allow, Brolga shuffles up to the others. " Th-Thank you Ruby. Cong-g-g-g-g-... Well done." The half Orc pics up the end of the rope and ties it loosely around his waist to serve as the anchor.
Ruby responds to Garri, "Pull their big muscle faces onto the ground!"
Sitko moves into line and joins the rest of the team on the rope. Once everyone has a hold of it Rodrik shouts, "Ready!" and Ruby returns an eager, "Ready to kick the miltia's butt!" to which the crowd roars in laughter.
Halgra shouts, "5 - 4 - 3 - 2 -- 1!"
The rope snaps taught as the militia digs in. Maybe they are just starting slow or trying not very hard, but it doesn't seem like they are putting their backs into it. Nevertheless, Ruby's team seems to falter as they militia pulls them closer to the line, now only ten feet away.
I'll do the rolling for the checks for tug of war, just wanted to give you guys a chance to pop a RP post or so in. If you want to do something other than just pull with strength feel free to work it in.
Male Elf Wizard 5 | AC 14, Touch 13, FF 11 | HP 37/37 | F +4, R +5, W +7 | Init +14 | Perc +4
Despite the weak efforts of the militia, even after that small burst Renliat is panting for breath as his arms shake. I think I'm actually making it worse... He thinks to himself as he tries to grip the rope again and dig in. Beads of sweat cover his forehead and he takes another pull.
Even though it seemed so simple Sarada was still caught off guard once the game began. That and the unevenness of this team's physical prowess against a trained militia in sync was readily apparent.
Resisting the urge to bark at them the Gnopl gripped harder and tugged. Sarada didn't know a lot of things, least of all what was playing out right now, but he was damned if he was going to let something bad happen on the young girl's birthday because he was being lazy.
Male Half-Orc Barbarian (Titan Mauler) 1 | HP15/15 |
Quick Stats:
Fort +4, Ref +3, Will+1 | Perc +5 | Init +3
Brolga had been trying hard, but the disadvantage of his team against the militia was readily apparent. They're all bigger and stronger than Ruby and her other friends... It's not fair. They'll beat her then they'll never let her hear the end of it. It's not her fault she's little. Repressed memories of punishment dished out by his three "brothers" start flashing through Brolga's mind, and he starts to pull back at the rope wildly.
Brolga starts raging until they win the tug'o'war, he runs out of rage, or he sees Ruby is having an obvious good time, whichever occurs first.
female half-elf witch (winter) 1 | HP 7/7 (0nl) | AC 13 (17), tac 13, ff 10 (14) | Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +3 | Init +3 | Per +2 | Effects: mage armor
Lialda was trying her best but she knew she was over matched, what could she say strength wasn't her strong suit, never had been, her mind and magic were her assets. She sent a series of feelings to Hvita the gist of which were Play with those guys. The little fox yipped and let go of the rope, dropping to the ground and dashed over to start tugging on the pants legs of the militia team to distract them while being careful not to get stepped on.
Male Hobgoblin Hero Points 1 SW Skald 2/URanger 1 HP 21/21 | AC 17| T 11| FF 16| Fort +6| Ref +3| Will +3| Init +1 Perc +6 Dark Vision 60 ft | Concentration +5 | RS 8/8 | L1 3/3
Disappointed with his first effort, Kreagor decides to dig a little deeper. Noticing that Brolga seems to be preparing for a bigger effort he shouts at the militia
It looks like Brolga barely tried the first time, hope you can hold your ground this time around!
Kreagor then begins encouraging his team mates to greater effort, chanting out encouragement to them.
I am trying to intimidate the militia to throw them off their game if possible. 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
It would seem that Ruby's team of ragtag rope pullers suddenly got their act together in a hurry! Hvita dashes away and pulls at one of the militia's pants, shaking and pulling under their feet. After a few seconds of frustraiton, one of the men lets go of the rope and shoo's Hvita away, "Be gone! Go! Stop it!"
Kreagor hurls his words around as Brolga and the others dig in and pull. With the other team down a man, the party yanks so hard that the opposition is pulled forward all the way to the line! As the militia stumble forward they begin to grumble and mutter under their breath as the crowd begins to laugh and shout words of encouragement to your team.
Ruby laughs gleefully and yells to her team, "Again! Again!" as the crowd begins to chat, "RU-BY RU-BY RU-BY".
female half-elf witch (winter) 1 | HP 7/7 (0nl) | AC 13 (17), tac 13, ff 10 (14) | Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +3 | Init +3 | Per +2 | Effects: mage armor
When she realized the militia team would go tumbling across the line, in large part due to her effort, Hvita tipped at them as she streaked of back to Lialda's side. as the little fox did so she flipped her tail up at the militia team and ran behind Lialda's legs. For Lialda this was as much fun as when she had gone through the ritual herself, it'd been a while since she cut loose and enjoyed herself, since her own coming of age in fact. The loss of her mother and her newly found status as a which left her little time to enjoy herself and she was beginning to think that maybe she'd been trying to hard.
I meant it to be that they were brought right to the line, not over. Sorry for the confusion, let me tidy it up.
With one final heave, Brolga and the others pulled. The militia team was pulled across the line and a huge cheer went out from the crowd. After Brolga's hug, Kreagor lifted Ruby up high in the air to let her revel in her victory before placing he back on her feet and shrinking back to normal size.
Rodrik and Kurst walk over to clap Ruby on the shoulders and congratulate her. "And your team was amazing too."
Looking to Lialda he smirks, "Nice distraction with your friend there." He gestures to strangers in the party. "I am Rodrik, and this is my brother Kurst. I am glad you could witness the hopeknife ceremony, as it is one of the most important things in a Trunau native's life."
Kurst broke in. "My brother only says that because he really thinks he is the most important thing in Trunau." His brother elbowed him, with a grin on his face. "In fact, the only reason Ruby won so easily was because Rodrik here had writers cramp from penning his poems."
Rodrik laughed a hearty laugh and asked his brother, "Have you met Brolga? He would be a worthy addition to the militia, and Ruby desperately wanted him on her team. I shouldn't let her have that big of an advantage, though. Here, let's have a drink to celebrate your win."
Kurst nods and adds, "Some of your faces I recognize, but there are a few ones I do not know."
As he steered you over towards where the ale and wine casks are stacked, Ruby ran off to participate in some of the other games going on.
Male Elf Wizard 5 | AC 14, Touch 13, FF 11 | HP 37/37 | F +4, R +5, W +7 | Init +14 | Perc +4
Renliat leans on his cane, panting heavily from the efforts. I was not made to do this... As he recovers he gives a small smile at the bickering between brothers. So cheery in such a dark place."I certainly wouldn't mind some wine after all that. Magic she says, like it's a fix-all. I would certainly say that knocking out your whole team would have been considered poor sportsmanship." He quips.
Am I one of the faces that Kurst already recognizes? I have been in town for at least a little while, so I figured that at least some people would know me. Especially since, as far as I can tell from the player's guide, the village is kind of lacking in arcane magic.
Male Hobgoblin Hero Points 1 SW Skald 2/URanger 1 HP 21/21 | AC 17| T 11| FF 16| Fort +6| Ref +3| Will +3| Init +1 Perc +6 Dark Vision 60 ft | Concentration +5 | RS 8/8 | L1 3/3
Watching Ruby run off, happy that he had helped win the game for her, Kreagor listens to Kurst and Rodrik, and is happily steered towards the ale.
Kreagor responds to Renliat's quip,
"It probably would have been, otherwise I would've been sorely tempted to slick their end of the rope with some grease and watch them all fall on their asses!"
Kreagor picks up his pace slightly, eager for a drink and used to Kurst's and Rodrik's bickering, kind of wishing he had greased the other teams rope for the laughs but glad he didn't for Ruby's sake.
If you've been here for a few weeks at least, Rodrik and Kurst would know you. They are both patrol captains and make it their habit to know all of the folk coming and going from town.
Rodrik chuckles loudly. He puts a gentle hand on the wizard's shoulder, "Renliat, right? I never forget a face." He leans and whispers, but loud enough for all to hear. "Thanks for not showing us up with your magical prowess in our faces, eh?" as he alludes to Ruby's earlier proclamation. "We had no intention of letting her lose. This is her night to be the hero. Your group did catch us by surprise however, nice work."
Kreagor, Garri and Sarada move off and make their way towards the alcoholic beverages, leaving Lialda, Renliat, Sitko and Brolga with the brothers. Mugs of ale are quickly shoved into each of their hands as several people from the crowd slap them on the back, high-five or pass along some other form of congratulatory message in their win over the militia.
If anyone is interesting in digging up some intel, you can mingle with the locals to pick up some tidbits. Drop me a diplomacy or K:local check if you wish.
Garri offers Kreagor and Sarada some of his pickles. He even offers them his favorites, pickled cockroaches, but mostly various pickled vegetables. Then he asks the townsfolk if there is a shrine to Sarenrae anywhere in town.
"Pickles?" Sarada says inquisitively before taking a bite out of the offered item from the small green man with the big head before taking one of the offered roaches as well. He had never tried one before.
female half-elf witch (winter) 1 | HP 7/7 (0nl) | AC 13 (17), tac 13, ff 10 (14) | Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +3 | Init +3 | Per +2 | Effects: mage armor
Lialda nodded at the compliment on Hvita's "trick" and the little fox, knowing she was being talked about, strutted out from behind Lialda in her most march like pasture before scampering off to likely get into mischief. "Thank you, Hvita's very intelligent about such things. Sadly you've now inflated her ego and she's likely to get into and cause trouble now." As the two brothers bantered back and forth Lialda caught the mention of poetry and asked, "Really Rodrik, a poet? I'd be interested in hearing some of your work someday."
As Renliat commented in what seemed like disdain at using magic for such things she couldn't help but say, "I can't say I disagree with you, people do think it's a cure all for any problem." Her expression turned a bit cold as she continued softly, "It'd be nice if it were." She shook her head gently and the cold expression lifted, "Well, I should go mingle for a while or Hvita will scold me for it later on." She started to move off into the crowd then and began chatting with various people listening for any scuttlebutt on new rumors on information.
Male Hobgoblin Hero Points 1 SW Skald 2/URanger 1 HP 21/21 | AC 17| T 11| FF 16| Fort +6| Ref +3| Will +3| Init +1 Perc +6 Dark Vision 60 ft | Concentration +5 | RS 8/8 | L1 3/3
Accepting the offered pickled cockroach from Garri, Kreagor takes a bite and washes it down with his ale. It actually tastes half decent he finds
"Why thank you Garri, Sarenrae surely smiled upon us when she guided you to our village."
Kreagor then goes about socializing, trying to include Garri and Sarada in the conversation as much as they want to be.
Any tidbits about rumored giant sightings, newly found caverns/ruins, other oddities etc would be of particular interest to Kreagor, and he would ask about them in passing during conversations. A mite bit obsessed he is
Male Half-Orc Barbarian (Titan Mauler) 1 | HP15/15 |
Quick Stats:
Fort +4, Ref +3, Will+1 | Perc +5 | Init +3
As the conversation flows freely between the group, Brolga stands awkward to the side. A few times he starts to muster up something to say, but before he can the conversation will have already moved on. As Lialda leaves to follow Hvita, the young half-orc takes the opportunity and finally manages to blurt something out.
”Rodrik, h-how long have you two been in the militia? You seemed to work well together until we beat you.”
Instantly, Brolga realizes what he said might not have come across as the compliment he intended, and again his shoulders scrunch up as he tries to look smaller than he really is.
Male Elf Wizard 5 | AC 14, Touch 13, FF 11 | HP 37/37 | F +4, R +5, W +7 | Init +14 | Perc +4
This town truly doesn't understand arcane magic. Six dozen orcs at once...I feel like I'm overestimated constantly. He gives a small smile as the half-elf comments on what he happened to be thinking. I wonder if I knew her elven parent. I imagine that must be terribly rude to ask about though. Still, I have always wondered why my kind has been so interested in human partners.
Renliat winces at the pat. "Yes, well we all have our strengths, and yours is strength. Just how I wouldn't expect you to try to handle researching the Siegstone you shouldn't expect me to tamper with a contest of strength." He hears the man admit their intent to lose either way and raises his brows in surprise. Their culture still surprises me. I wonder why that is... He's halfway to asking when the man turns away and he decides to bite his tongue. Watch and observe for now.
Renliat tries to find a place at the table where he can sit and not be slapped on the back, but is happy to shake hands and exchange words with anybody interested.
The goblin he had been largely attempting to ignore starts offering pickles and asking about a temple of Sarenrae can no longer be ignored. He keeps a strait face; if the townspeople tolerated him then there must be a good reason. "No thank you, I prefer my vegetables fresh. And this town has a temple of Iomadae, but none of Sarenrae."As far as I can gleam from the player's guide anyways.
And then there's a gnoll and a hobgoblin as well. This town's wonders never ceased to amaze him. He politely doesn't say anything, waiting and observing. He reflects back on what the town has to clear his mind of them.
hen he asks the townsfolk if there is a shrine to Sarenrae anywhere in town.
The answer to Garri's question seems fairly universally answered when everyone he receives numerous responnses that Iomedae has a church here, but not Sarenrae. One or two go on to mention that when Trunau’s old church of Iomedae— now known as the Plague House — was burned by marauding orcs, Iomedaean missionaries built this new temple inside the town’s walls.
Reliat wrote:
Just how I wouldn't expect you to try to handle researching the Siegstone you shouldn't expect me to tamper with a contest of strength."
Rodrik and Kurst exchange silent looks and then Rodrik exchanges a slow nod to the man. "Exactly. My place is on patrol, not tinkering with the sludge of stew that the Siegestone produces! I have no qualms leaving that up to you fancy magic types."
Brolga wrote:
”Rodrik, h-how long have you two been in the militia? You seemed to work well together until we beat you.”
Rodrik takes the half-orc's comment for what it was and slaps him hard on the back with a hearty laugh. "Good one! My brother and I, we've been in the guard since we were wee lads. Or father has been patrol captian for as long as I can remember, it's in our blood you see."
Lialda wrote:
"Really Rodrik, a poet? I'd be interested in hearing some of your work someday."
Rodrik and Kurst talk to various party members about life in the Trunau militia, and Rodrik's poetry. There was little of interest about militia life, other than the curious rule that before you could join, you had to have served in the defense of Trunau in some form or fashion.
Kurst took great joy in talking about Rodrik's poems, as the watch Captain's son writing poetry seemed amusing to him. The Ballad of Bloodmarch was the best known of his works, Kurst said. "It details our defense of Trunau versus the Legbreaker orcs some six years ago. Lots of gore and battle chants, but also a poignant sense of the inevitable being turned aside as well. Great stuff. Much better than that drivel he put out recently."
Rodrik made as if to splash his mug into his brother's face, but held off. "No sense wasting good ale. A toast then, to us! Long live the defenders of Trunau!" His toast was echoed by many others in the area, and a round of Huzzahs went out.
Lialda:
“Rumor has it that Rodrik Grath is next in line for the position of patrol leader after his old man Jagrin retires. Jagrin’s a good commander, but he’s getting old, and it might be time for some new blood in the militia’s leadership.”
Kreagor:
“Shame about the graffiti all over town. The militia’s got better things to do than clean up youngsters’ messes, but even stranger is how long it lasts. Try as one might, soap and water don’t do a thing to those marks!”
Brolga:
“Even though she’s the Chief Defender’s daughter, Ruby has to pledge to uphold the Standing Vow in order to receive her hopeknife, just like the rest of us. She must agree to hold Trunau against all comers and to never forfeit her homeland willingly. That is the Vow.”
Garri:
“Even though she’s the Chief Defender’s daughter, Ruby has to pledge to uphold the Standing Vow in order to receive her hopeknife, just like the rest of us. She must agree to hold Trunau against all comers and to never forfeit her homeland willingly. That is the Vow.”
Renliat:
“Rodrik Grath is slated to replace his father as patrol leader, but from what I hear, he’s more concerned with his poems and plays than with militia matters. He’s diligent, don’t get me wrong, but I’m not quite sure either of the Grath boys is ready to lead the town’s defense.”
He also he overhears, “Have you read Rodrik Grath’s latest work, ‘The Other Side of Contempt’? He’s our own home-grown writer. It’s a controversial poem, but that’s what makes Rodrik’s writing so strong—he’s not afraid to push limits.”
You may also reveal all others spoilers as well, overhearing all of that in various forms.
Male Hobgoblin Hero Points 1 SW Skald 2/URanger 1 HP 21/21 | AC 17| T 11| FF 16| Fort +6| Ref +3| Will +3| Init +1 Perc +6 Dark Vision 60 ft | Concentration +5 | RS 8/8 | L1 3/3
Apparently I spend too much time outside the walls, when did this graffiti non-sense start??
Kreagor conveys what he has learned to his companions and then continues,
"Have any of you seen much of this graffiti people are talking about? I would like to examine it since it seems to staying on better than normal paint would"
Renliat wrote:
Renliat conveys what he knows about Rodrik.
On the matter of Rodrik Grath potentially replacing his father Kreagor keeps silent, though he does have some thoughts on it
Rumors and speculation about a man's character and ability is unseemly, though unavoidable for the towns folk I guess. Maybe it should be looked into to ensure the most suitable leader is chosen though. Renliat is good at noticing things, maybe he could help
Renliat wrote:
"I would like to read that poem one day."
"As would I. Any man ready to create is an author I am prepared to read. One such as I can always find something to learn in a work of art"
Kurst overhears some talk about his brothers poetry and speaks up. "What's that? His poetry? If you ask me Battle of Bloodmarch was his best work. Rodrik wrote his hit poem “Ballad of the Bloodmarch” after Trunauans held off the orcs of the Legbreaker tribe for 6 days before finally routing them. The epic piece is not as somber as its name might indicate, and it is practically synonymous with Trunauan pride and the iconic militaristic fervor of the townsfolk. While the poem does manage to capture much of the solemn reverence that accompanies the trials and horrors of warfare, those sobering themes are contrasted by emotionally powerful scenes of wartime heroism and examples of holding one’s own. Why, even Chief Defender Halgra declared Ballad of the Bloodmarch to be Trunau’s official anthem!"
Rodrik smiles and lifts his mug in salute to his brother's comments.
As the hopeknife ceremony wound down, Rodrik and Kurst invited you to the Ramblehouse for a night of card playing and drinking. Rodrik didn't drink much, but Kurst drank enough for both of them, and lost horribly at the card game. During the evening, those that were there got a sense that the two brothers were very close, and that Kurst looked up to his older brother a lot. Rodrik was the more personable of the two, and made up ditties about the people in the room that had Storn snorting beer through his nose.
Rodrik turned in early, barely an hour after full dark, claiming he had an early watch duty. Kurst left not too long after that, staggering towards his father's home. As the evening waned, you each drifted off to wherever you are staying for the night.
There are plenty of rooms in the Ramblehouse, if anyone wants to spend the night there that normally sleeps elsewhere.
Hello everyone! I'm starting a Giantslayer game for a party of SIX players. Currently there are two players who already have reserved slots and so I will be accepting four more into this game. The two who are selected are a Female goblin cleric of Sarenrae and a Male half-orc barbarian (titan mauler).
Recruitment will be open for a week and will close Wed February 24nd at midnight EST.
What I want from you right now:
When you post I would like to see three things:
1) I want your character concept (class, focus, how you see your character progressing near term) and background, preferably in its own alias (though that’s just to help me keep track of everything). If you want to put together the crunch also, knock yourself out. It will be required, but not in your first post.
2) A list of driving forces, aspirations, secret desires, etc - (Check out the the background information in the creation rules for more examples)
3) An IC post describing your recent history, and how you ended up in Trunau. Write it as if you are telling your story to a stranger at the pub who just bought you an ale. If you are a long-time resident, or someone just passing through, your story is interesting to him. Maybe interesting enough to buy you another ale?
CREATION RULES:
ABILITY SCORES:
• The point buy for abilities will vary depending on how "powerful" your race is. The breakdown for point buy is below, consult the race section for additional details.
• 25 point buy for all allowed races that are 7 RP and under.
• 20 point buy for all allowed races that are 8 - 11 RP
• 15 point buy for all allowed races that are 12 - 15 RP.
• No stats below 8 or higher than 18 before racial modifiers.
• If you are dumping a stat I fully expect you to RP your character to be lacking that ability.
CLASSES:
• Most Paizo-Published Classes and Archetypes permitted.
• One Archetype per Class.
• Playtest characters allowed under the agreement you will accept changes to the classes that Paizo finalizes when they go final.
• If you intend to play Paladin, I expect strict adherence to alignment and decision making.
• Witches are allowed, but Slumber Hex is not allowed.
• The following classes are not allowed: Gunslinger, Summoner, Samurai.
FEATS:
• Most Paizo-published feats are permitted, no third party feats allowed.
• One free Story Feat
• Banned Feats: Leadership & Antagonize.
• Crafting is allowed, but any custom gear requires GM approval.
RACES:
• Core, Featured and Uncommon races 15RP and under will be allowed. Table. Breakdown.
• Core [Dwarves, Elves, Gnomes, Half-Elves, Half-Orcs, Halflings, Humans]
• Featured[Aasimars, Catfolk, Dhampirs, Drow, Ifrits, Oreads, Ratfolk, Sylphs, Tengus, Tieflings, Undines]
• Uncommon[Changelings, Duergar, Gillmen, Gripplis, Kitsune, Merfolk, Nagaji, Samsarans, Strix, Vanaras, Vishkanyas, Wayangs]
TRAITS:
• Two traits total from Paizo-published sources, one of which must be a Giantslayer campaign trait (Found in Player's Guide).
• You may optionally take a drawback to add a third trait.
SKILLS::
• 1 extra skill point per level to be used on Craft, Profession, or Perform (not Perform for Bards)
• We will be using the Background Skills system from Unchained.
GOLD:
• Max gold for your class
HIT POINTS:
• Max per Hit Dice at level one, 1/2 HD + 1 thereafter.
ALIGNMENT:
• Good Alignment preferred. I'm not hung up on Lawful vs. Chaotic. If you want to play Chaotic Neutral you will have to convince me why you shouldn't be spending time in a padded cell instead of adventuring.
• No Evil alignments.
RELIGION:
• Characters may worship any deity but must be within one step of their alignment.
OTHER STUFF :
• XP: The group will level up at the same time based on when I feel it is appropriate within the campaign. I will not be handing out XP individually for encounters.
• HERO POINTS: We will be playing with Hero Points.
• We will be using critical hit and fumble tables with some custom rules. I'll post the rules for these in the campaign area once we are underway. To get an idea of what they are like you can see a generator here.
DESCRIPTION:
• A physical description will allow you and the other party members to visualize your character.
BACKGROUND:
A character background will allow me to RP with your character a little better, understand their motives, and even tailor hints or dialogue to them specifically. I will look upon those characters with a detailed background more favorably than those with two lines of "I was born, my parents were killed, I was an orphan, I want to kill things for revenge". Be creative!
I've listed out a series of questions or thoughts that you do not need to fill out verbatim, but instead of listed to help you build a history items.
• There is some great information available in the Giantslayer Player's Guide on the surrounding area.
• If you're playing as a common race, how do you view other, rarer races? If you're playing as an uncommon race, how did you come to live among the common?
• What will your character contribute to the party in and out of battle?
• What goals/aspirations does your character have? These don't always need to be lofty or noble.
• What is my role in town? Am I settled there, or just passing through? How do I make a living? (Good examples include Craft skills, occupations listed under Profession, or as an unskilled laborer.) Is this a family business or trade, or am I doing something new? How long have I been doing this in Trunau?
• Did I inherit my equipment / receive it as a gift? Did I save up to purchase it? Did I steal it / steal to get it? Did I kill for it?
• How are the Traits that I have a part of my story? What training or experiences have I undergone to get the Skills, Feats and Class Features that make me good at what I do?
• How strongly do I live out my alignment? Am I a constant beacon of good/evil/law/chaos? Or am I more surreptitious about my moral choices? What are my religious commitments, and how do these shape me?
PLAYER EXPECTATIONS:
Post as often as is necessary, but keep it regular. I tend to check the boards several times a day but less often on the weekends. Ideally, we’d have at least 1 post per day from everyone, as needed, but I understand that’s not always possible. I am going to do my best to keep this game moving. If you only check the boards on the weekends, this is not the PbP for you.
Perseverance is preferred. This is a long lasting story arc split into multiple modules with multiple parts each. If you don't think you can devote the time to hang around for at least a module at a time, this is not the PbP for you.
Communication is key. Whether it is letting me know of a vacation where you might not have internet access, questions about some minutiae of game play, or simple clarifications; communication is how I gauge how engaged my players are, and how I can tune the adventure so that everyone is enjoying themselves. If you don’t think it’s important to let the other players and GM know when you aren’t going to be able to post for a few days, this is not the PbP for you.
Roleplaying. As mentioned above, I like for my players to take the lead in a goodly portion of the adventure. Cues and clues will be given to prod, but I'd rather you go off on a wild hare chase rather than be spoonfed copied portions of the AP over and over. If rolling dice is your thing, and your character is the strong silent type, this is not the PbP for you
Quality posting. Know how you get when that hamburger you ordered doesn't look anything like the picture on the poster? That's how I feel about craptastic posts. No one (but you) is forcing you to rush a post out the door, so take your time with it. If you prefer to let the others do the talking, while you toss in one word responses, and like to roll for social skills with no explanations, this is not the PbP for you.
Have fun! This is one of the most important, because if you aren't having fun, why are you playing? Of course, this applies to everyone else too. So, don't be a jerk. If you want to have fun, then this is the PbP for you!
Here is a half orc goliath druid that I submitted for a prior claim. I will do some tinkering with the stats and background, making it more in line with your requests.
Please let me know if you see issues or have suggestions. Thanks for your consideration.
Here is a Hobgoblin Spell Warrior Skald name Kreagor for your consideration, I assumed all races under 15 rp were allowed even though Hobgoblin was not specifically listed. If thats not the case them I can change out the race easily enough.
The alias has pretty much everything done in it, though I am still checking the numbers for correctness. Any suggestions to fit better in the campaign would be appreciated. I tried to play up the exploration/giant side of things without taking the story feats/traits that help kill giants faster.
IC bar story in coming sometime tonight or tomorrow.
Kreagor - Hobgoblin's are allowed, I didn't mean for my list to be limited that only but merely an example for those that were not aware of the classification.
GM, I think the Vengeance story feat might be a good fit with Guraza's background. I have name a particular tribe of the orcs, the Skullcrushers. Is it too powerful to have the feat apply to a whole tibe, or should a come up with a named leader and have him be the target of the feat? I'm fine with either way you want to play it.
Ooh very cool. I've really been wanting to get into a Giantslayer campaign ever since the last one I was in died out.
The character I want to bring in is a elven evoker wizard with the shadowcaster archetype. He is a loyal disciple of the gospel of boom, solving most problems with a well-aimed fireball or six. Not that he won't be able to throw out a haste or dispel when it's needed, but explosions solve so much.
I'm thinking of using the Eldritch Researcher story feat, but wanted to make sure you were ok with going through the process of developing new spells (as well as seeing if I could start off with one). If not I will go with the nemesis story feat.
Let me know if you think that general character concept is something you're looking for, and let me know what you think of the story feat (if you want I can heave some example custom spells your way). If it's something that you like I'll get to work on fleshing it out.
Digger Chandler here, went with Scroll Scholar instead of relic hunter. A fussy academic upset with being sent to this nowhere, outside of his chosen specialization due to what he thinks are school politics but are, in fact, much darker forces are at work, and he is meant to fail. (Thinking of the nemesis story feat.) He'll be caught up in a story bigger than all this and slowly realize the importance of it all.
I am now considering a Sylph Monk (or possibly Elemental Ascetic despite being weak mechanically), something I've always wanted to try. 25 points really helps with the MADness, though I still wish it were easier for monks to rely on dex over str.
Dotting! I love the concept of a womanizing gnome wizard, who uses magic to compensate for all his...uhm....shortcomings. Possibly on the run from Kaer Maga after sleeping with the wrong girl. I'll post something more extensive in an hour or two.
I have a character I would like to play, my battle wolf riding gnome! He is currently PFS legal and I am also applying to another game with him. If he suits your taste I can throw some things around to fit him to the game.
I'll make my official post with him once I know more.
Hey there! Here's my humble submission: Gareth Gulfurion, dwarf titan fighter, ready to hunt goblins, orcs and giants! He's designed to be more tanky, and I imagine he will immediately partner out with the half-orc titan mauler. :)
The profile has a quick concept and backstory, besides the tentative crunch. I'll be developing more the background and other details on the next days. Thanks for the opportunity!
Here is Iangrim Swiftgear, gnome fey sorcerer. He is ready to travel the lands in search of wome....errr...glory. His concept is debuffing, battlefield control and buffing. Highly persuasive, mildly mischievous, all man.
The profile has a detailed background and concept, with the basics of the mechanics. I'll finish the crunch if the character is approved, and I'll post here soon as well for an introduction. If you don't think this character will serve well in the group or your aim for the campaign, but would like to have me in your group, I can also throw together an elven wizard-buffer. Thanks for your consideration!
@william Nightmoon. Kitsune aren't listed anywhere. Using the racial creation rules, here's what I got.
0 RP - Standard Ability Modifiers
0 RP - Size: Medium
0 RP - Humanoid
0 RP - 30ft Speed
1 RP - Low-light Vision
3 RP - Lesser Change Shape
2 RP - Agile
2 RP - Kitsune Magic = Gnome Magic. This could even be a 1 since it's technically weaker than Gnomes.
2 RP - Bite attack, one category size increase
0 RP - Standard Languages
Okay, kitsune umchained rouge with the counterfeit mage archetype, her story feat is the accursed feat. For her curse it slows her down 10ft and lights her up like a beacon when she attempts to steal. Although it says "steal" it activates whenever she tries to pick locks and when she takes something from anyone else without authorization, as well as whenever she intends to swipe something.
It acts like a light spell mixed with faire fire...so it renders invisibility useless. It lasts 5 minutes each activation
It is an adimant anklet that holds her down and bestows the curse.
Sitko was adopted at the age of 5 by a half-elf family who couldn't have children of their own. She lived with them until she was 16, when she began to work for her village's Merchant guild. She learned how to weild a rapier and fight with swift strikes from her mother, and learned how to debate and lie from her father. She picked up how to open locks and disable traps from her mentor in the merchants guild.
She uses her natral magical ability to make her skills even better, she even dabbles in using magic occasionally.
One day she left and decided to gain profit from theivery. She tried to steal from a very powerful mage, but was caught and had a curse bestowed upon her. The curse made it so that any time she attempts to steal she glows like a torch and is outlined in farie fire, the cause comes from a heavy anklet that slows her down(-10feet).(this is the curse for the story feat)
Appearance: in human form Sitko is a human about 5'4", with copper hair and green eyes, her face is covered with freckles and she has a babyish face. Most people find her cute, but not wholely attractive.
In fox form she is the same height and her fur is a silky orange, her chest and neck are a cream white, and her eyes are still a beautiful green. Her ears are black and her tails are tiped with black
I dearly hope you pick me :)
Besides, it seems like I'm the only rouge applying. :D
Note: this is only the draft so far, details will be added
Here is the working background for Ferus Swiftpaw. I will hold for now on doing the crunchy bits until I get the proceed or waive off from your side on how you feel he may fit with the party.
I am taking some dramatic liberties with making up positions of Scouts/Wardens for Trunau, as the player's guide didn't mention a standing militia. It did say that they relied heavily on their hunters and trappers for food, so Ferus would also augment that role as well.
Background:
Cut to save space:
"You want to hear why I am joining the others in preparing for the Hopeknife Festival? While your eyes do not deceive you, as there is not another of my kind for hundreds of miles, Trunau is my home and has been since the thrice damned red wyrm killed those I loved."
"What's that? You think I am telling you this because it makes me special? Not at all, look around you and you will see a town full of people who have had something they love stolen from them by this land. It is a cost that I have come to accept, as have all those who call Trunau their home. Outsiders come and go, sometimes they even go without paying the Reaper's coppers, but some find that the land calls to them, the way it does to us and they accept the cost the land demands."
"You are correct, I wear the badge of a Scout and were it not for the desire to see some of my nephews and nieces be presented with their Hopeknife, I would not be in town right now. The Scouts and the Wardens are a close community and their children are as dear to me as any I could have sired, but as we have established, there are none of my kind here to offer the pleasures, and dangers, of a hearth and home."
"After the ceremony I will depart and resume my patrol. The orcs are always testing to see if our guard is down and one day they will figure out the importance of this ceremony, as they are not as stupid as they would have us believe. This land does not allow fools to survive long, but dark thoughts have no business on festive days."
"Do I carry a Hopeknife? Why yes, I do but let me assure you that no orc would seek to keep me alive if they captured me. They would seek to wear my skull and fur like a trophy and a live Scout does not a trophy make."
"Enjoy the festival traveler and who knows, maybe this land will call to you as well. If she does, remember there will be a price to be paid. There is always a price."
Traits
Dragonfoe: Ferus' clan was wiped out when he was a youngling by a red dragon seeking to establish territory. Ferus is unsure if the dragon is alive or dead currently, but his burning hatred of wyrmkind is not limited just to the chromatic, but to the metallic as well. He sees the metallic dragons as being far to passive in letting the scourge of the chromatics spread unchecked.
Thanks to everyone for your submissions so far. Don't forget to give me your IC RP sample! I haven't gone over all the individual submissions quite yet, the crunch is one of the least important pieces to me.
I've had two requests for Path of War classes from Dreamscarred press. Because I've played in a game with them before, I will be allowed characters to submit use of these classes if you wish.
in all honesty, she'll be exaggerating everything and changing details... So don't expect this to stay the same
IC RP:
Sitko laughs loudly as she tells the man her not-so-tragic story of her life up to when she arrived in Trunau,"so then the mage says ' why my lady, you're glowing like a beacon!' And I smiled and hid the necklace in my shirt. He staired at me for a moment, and said,'now why might you be glowing?' I rolled my eyes and put my hand on his chest lushly and said,'why, I'm glowing for you,' and he totally fell for it.
Sitko took a swig from the beer and made a shrewd face, like the drink was vile, anyways he took me to his room, and I snuck out as he was getting ready. I slipped out through the window when I stole his winged boots. Unfortunately I was flying through the air looking like an angel wreathed in flame and was spotted by the town gaurd. They took the boots back, and as they did I slipped away. Since I'm wanted there, I skipped town. This little village just happened to be the next in line.
Sitko sets the beer down and smiles at the man it's been nice talking, but I got to go. she stands and walks to the other side of the room, outlined with red flames and as bright as a torch
I was wondering if you had any thoughts on the two story feats I was considering. I know you've said multiple times that crunch isn't an important piece, but which story feat I have will impact my character's personality and backstory so I want to make sure I'm going down the right path when I start writing. Thanks!
Talathel nods to the man who just bought him a round.
"Thanks lad."
He grabs the cold beer and flinches, his forearms blackened by a fire are still very sensitive to touch.
"I've run into some spirits a few weeks ago. Threw me in the hearth fire."
He says as he nods to his arms.
"You could say it was mostly my fault but..."
He sighs.
"Lost my home and my fortune because of them."
An ominous wind suddenly passes the couple at the bar.
"Kept bothering me ever since they did. One positive thing though, they gave me some pretty neat magic!"
The last he adds with a flash of a grin, he points at the man's beer which slowly starts icing over.
"But tell me more of yourself!"
Here is my updated background
and hopefully finalized
Background and Fluff:
Sitko was adopted at the age of 5 by a half-elf family who couldn't have children of their own. She lived with them until she was 16, when she began to work for her village's Merchant guild. She learned how to weild a rapier and fight with swift strikes from her mother, and learned how to debate and lie from her father. She picked up how to open locks and disable traps from her mentor in the merchants guild.
She uses her natral magical ability to make her skills even better, she even dabbles in using magic occasionally.
One day she left and decided to gain profit from theivery. She tried to steal from a very powerful mage, but was caught and had a curse bestowed upon her. The curse made it so that any time she attempts to steal she glows like a torch and is outlined in farie fire, the cause comes from a heavy anklet that slows her down(-10feet).(this is the curse for the story feat)
Appearance: in human form Sitko is a human about 5'4", with copper hair and green eyes, her face is covered with freckles and she has a babyish face. Most people find her cute, but not wholely attractive.
In fox form she is the same height and her fur is a silky orange, her chest and neck are a cream white, and her eyes are still a beautiful green. Her ears are black and her tails are tiped with black
Goals: Sitko is slightly kleptomaniac, she sees everything as a means to profit. She swipes things off of people when she can, but has become frustrated with her curse. It is her greatest goal to remove her adimant anklet. She even considers amputation, but as a last resort.
Party role: Sitko will be the trapfinder and the backstaber. She will sneak about and lie, fake weakness and blend in with everyone. She will appear to not stand out, but in fact do a lot to help. She will trick people into helping her and she'll swipe their gold from beneath their noses.
How I got my Traits: Sitko studied alot when she worked at the merchants guild, she picked up a lot about rare and expensive artifacts. She learned that many people don't know anything about artifacts, so she can scam people out of powerful objects without them knowing.
Sitko's parents where both raised by their elven parents. They taught her the finer skills with a blade that they where taught themselves.
Sitko is also very analytical, and uses this to her advantage.
Although she is smart, she is very vain. She can't deal with herself if no one finds her beautiful, or when no one believes her, even if it was a lie.
Hey I've had a chance to think over my submission, i'd love to play a pyro kineticist. But since you offer a wide range of races I want to go something different since you never normally get options like this. So I want to go a hobgoblin or race like hobgoblin shuned for what they are.
I want to play it off as he was burnt bad(dragon fire would be my first idea tie that into a dragon we might face? The dragon took out his tribe), take draw back and lower charisma to play off on that. If love to see how he's seen by other people not just because he's a hobgoblin but because of the burns and how he acts very anti social at first.
Iangrim stared down into his almost-empty ale mug, waiting for the liquid inside to settle so he could see his reflection. His two tiny hands tightly gripped each side of the oversized made-for-humans mug as he let out a soft sigh. There was a tinge of irony in his choice of a drinking container, considering the establishment he was patronizing, Trunau's "Ramblehouse," specifically catered to little folk.
Still, even in an inn filled with halflings and gnomes, Ian stood out like a sore thumb, if a sore thumb were a supermodel. His naturally tanned skin, brilliant green hair, and fey-like almond shaped silvery-blue eyes defined him as something far different from most of his kind, and by the Gods did it ever bring him some attention.
Looking back up from his mug, he took note of the several beautiful women surrounding him, including the lovely halfling Glam on the other side of the bar. "You know, in hindsight, maybe I shouldn't have...", he continued his story, starting with those words that he so often uttered when describing the unfortunate situations he got himself into, "...flirted with the bugbears daughter, but they were the only two bugbears in all of Kaer Maga! And she was beautiful indeed," he paused mid-sentence, looking in an arc around him while flashing a smile, "nowhere near the caliber of you lovely folk, but beautiful nonetheless! Oh but her father, the brute he was, chased me around the southern quarters with a club bigger than the door to this place!" he exclaimed, throwing his arms up and spreading his hands out, as if the spread of his tiny arms could actually reflect the size of the club he spoke of.
"Thankfully, he's not quite as fast as ol' Iangrim. A hop and a skip and I was hundreds of miles away. I must say, I'm glad I made the trip now, considering my present company." He suavely spoke out, winking at Cham. Smoothing over his fancy vestments, his gaze met the barkeep, "so Cham, which one of these lovely girls were you trying to introduce me to...?"
Oh, I can just see Iangrim hitting on Sitko, and then getting dumped when she Lets him know she's not interested :)
Though she might have at it if you put up a good game, it would be a battle of who can flirt better.
Just off the top, what are your rules for intoxication?
I (when I'm DM) use the old version 3 rules. Each full drink is a fortitude save. Each successful save increases the DC by +1, and each failed save is temporary Wis and Dex damage. Damage heals 1per hour rest, and hangover is represented by fatigue and light vulnerability.
Reduction of Dex results you falling into a drunken mess, wisdom results in you basically being high
Then the drinks are divided into three major groups: beers, wines, and whiskey. Beers have DC:10+ wines:15+ and whiskey: 18+
Wow. In a little over a day there has been ten submissions with a handful more coming. I don't think I'll be able to accept new submissions for another six days at this pace - we already have more than twice what I can take. I think what I will do is allow people to dot in with interest until Saturday 2/20 - Midnight EST and allow people to flush out their submissions until the original date of 2/24.
-=-=-=-=-
Adjunct Professor Silverwood - I concur about background skills. I believe they are my favorite part of unchained!
Ferus - I Wouldn't expect you to know the locations, it's perfectly fine - thanks!
CampinCarl - Hmmm. I've seen anyone actually pick Eldritch Researcher in any of my games before so I've never had to consider it! If you feel like you create a spell that is not going to become unbalanced I'd consider it otherwise I think nemesis is a solid feat that is commonly chosen.
Ictoo - There be dragons! That would definitely work.
Sitko - I've played numerous games with numerous intoxication rules, it really depends entirely on how much alcohol consumption is going to come into play. I'm open to adopting any set of rules if we can reach a general consensus on it. Also, did you really model yourself after Swiper? I'm sad I know who it is, but I supposed a as a father of three it would be impossible to not know. ;)
Azule son of Abendago Hero feats can't be traded out for feats. If you don't want to use them you can let them accumulate if you wish. I don't particularly enjoy killing PC's and if for nothing else it gives you some death insurance if need me.
IF you missed it above, the submission deadlines have changed!
GM V here. Since there is already 1 titan fighter supmission I might just go with this Stonelord paladin instead. I will update his background and point buy later.
“Thank you for the ale kind sir” Kreagor says as he lifts the mug and quaffs a good third of the drink down. “For your kindness I would regale you with a story of a hero, or at least his origins” A regular beside Kreagor snorts a bit at hearing this, possibly knowing the tale that's about to unfold. Kreagor eyes the regular askance before continuing.
“So this hero, well he began life not unlike the rest, born of a set of parents who tried their best but could not live up to the task. As such, he was found near a settlement perched atop a set of cliffs, and a couple in the town took him in, having just recently lost their own new born son.”
As he speaks, Kreagor studies the man, noting how the structure of the sentences, his tone of voice and the inflection of the words affect him. Noting that the man responds better to a lower tone with the words strung together smoothly, he alters his speech to better affect the man.
“As he grew, he took to labour and the helping of others with an ease that surprised everyone at first. He worked hard, helping with the crops, hauling lumber, whatever was needed, and to pass the time he would entertain those around him with stories and jokes, his soothing baritone voice comforting to others and allowing them to forget their sore mussels and their fatigue and work harder for a time.”
Letting out a sigh, Kreagor quaffs from his mug again, doing so in a slightly stiff but laid back manner, intimating the behaviour of a hard working man done work for the day
Eventually, this young intrepid man would begin to venture out into the wilderness around the town in his free time, exploring the lay of the land and those small caves or ruins he could find, seeking to understand it all. Soon enough, he was venturing far enough afield that he saved his money to acquire a bow, a bedroll and the other necessities required to safely spend the night out in the wilderness for days at a time.
It was on one of these outings that he saw one for the first time. At first he heard the sound of loud foot steps so he peered through a fracture in the wall of the ruin he was in. At first he only saw movement, then he could make out a limb here or there, a bits of the torso now and eventually he realized what his eyes were on...
Enjoying the moment, Kreagor takes a final quaff, finishing his drink and placing in on the counter. I do love to drag out a climax he thinks as he drinks.
In seeing a giant for the first time, he was filled with awe and wonder. That something so big could move with such ease, or even exist seemed to defy the very laws of nature!
After the giant moved off, either not noticing him or simply not caring, our hero quickly made his way back to town to tell his parents what he saw. After regaling them with the tale, he set out to find every bit of information on giants that he could, plumbing the minds of people and the depths of caves alike. His life goal was to learn all he could about them and one day venture into the mountains to experience their culture for himself. Eventually becoming a man renowned for his intellect and skill in battle by both the people of his village and the giants he was so enraptured by.
Having the man right where he wanted him, Kreagor set about to end his story with a flourish and a twist, set on earning another drink by dint of his story alone.
Now, why have you never heard of this man, you must be thinking. A hero as great as this would have his story shouted from the roof tops of every town in the land! There must be no such hero as this! And you'd be right, except that this heroes story is still in the making, and he is currently sitting in a tavern in Trunau telling a man a story over a free mug of ale.
At this point Kreagor looks into his empty mug and with a wry grin subtle slides in closer to the new comer.
Now I'd like to thank you for the ale again, and hope my story was worth a pint or two! With that, Kreagor finished his performance with a wry grin.
Ahh I hope it was enough. he thinks Another mug of ale would go well with the bit of adventure I am sure I'll find myself in tomorrow. There's many more caves and ruins to search for information about the giants.
