" I only heard of the extinguished torch shortly before getting on the boat. I stepped boarded the ship entirely due to said information; I, too, am seeking money. Yes."
" So, shall we go assist others in nee-, er, loot the valuable parts?"
Do you guys think we should spoil our Discussion RP? So any questions/clarifications don't get lost...
Raven turns her too-intense stare on Rywokit and cocks her head.
"It should be ascertained first whether there are survivors," she says, enunciating very clearly. "Otherwise, it would be a case of river piracy on our part, which is generally frowned upon by authorities."
"I'm going to learn more about the Torch and help anyone who's suffering due to its going out."
He turns back toward the barge..."If you guys think we should get the captain to turn the boat around to make sure there's no injuries, I'm all for it."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Looking back down the river you see many people wading in the shallows. The barge isn't completely submerged but it seems to be almost split in two, effectively blocking passage on the river.
The captain of your boat suddenly appears from his cabin, looking back at the smoking wreck, and cackles with glee. "That's the last time Brugan Creeld messes with a Drimplegatto!" In a more contemplative tone, the garish gnome mumbles, "Though that explosion was much bigger than expected."
A gnome in a garish and mismatched outfit with a stupendously oversized feather in his hat paces along the deck, his chest lined with medals clinking against each other. A little over 3 feet tall, his eyes gleam with mischief while his wild hair peaks out from under the hat.
With a DC 7 knowlegde history, local, nobility, profession sailor or soldier, you recognize the gnome as Admiral Trendicular Bogsworth Drimplegatto, famous for his use of elephants in naval combat!(Some say it was wooly mammoths)
Less than a minute after appearing on deck, he orders the crew,"Make haste! We don't want to be commandeered by those Technic League baboons!
"Are we to conclude you have committed sabotage?" Raven asks, head cocked in a gesture of curiosity. "Or ordered it committed, at least? If so, congratulations on your success. Your method has been very effective, however, so I would recommend something less explosive in future; less chance of mortality, which would cause... difficulties."
I really only have one more pre gameplay post planned. Also I will pull out the information here and add to campaign tab when satisfied. The role play here is helping me figure how to play certain things as we go.
Wow the tech guide is a massive chunk of info to devour, but I'll get the most important stuff down right away.
I will commit to making a character knowledge based timeline to the campaign tab as well.
When you stayed with the Baines, Val who is only 16 now, treated you as an older sister. She told you about the confused feelings she has for Rywokit. She also has awkward feelings for Lazur, but him growing up in the household and being four years older she hasn't really had a chance to explore these new feelings. While not afraid, she is uncomfortable around men she doesn't know. Most likely due to her trauma as a child in Starfall.
Give me a bit more time on the trait question, I should have response soon.
Rywokit blinks at Raven, unsure of what, exactly to make of her or how to process things.
" You are correct, Ms. Raven."
After the captain runs out and speaks, he adds, " Well, then, all is well."
"Some say sabotage, some say minor prank. That never would have been so impressive if that fool of a captain, Creel, would provide proper maintenance and upkeep on his technology."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Following the explosion on the river behind them, Locke carefully begins to observe all nearby with his head down so he can see them from just under his hat's brim. He is rather confused to see the wooden man aboard. He feels like he should understand what Rywokit Prometheus is...but it's just not coming to his mind.
His eyes narrow when Raven Usta speaks. Her mannerisms, however, seems much more familiar. He marks down a suspicion that she may be like him. The others do not seem as remarkably unusual in origin...though this wordcasting magic...hmm.
As per usual, Locke begins to catalog the details. Someone had to be involved in the explosion...of them all, the halfling was the only one unconcerned for the passengers of the now smoking barge. The sudden appearance and confession of the captain had certainly confirmed the source. Ah well, all evidence pointed that their boat would not be returning to assist, so the true perpetrator would go unknown for now...but if someone ever asked Locke to look into this, he would have these details ready.
Lifting his head up, Locke affects a smile and approaches the other passengers. His wide-brimmed hat is currently adorned with a feather much less ostentatious than the Captain's. He has a long coat with some simple clothes and armor underneath. He appears human and maintains a well-trimmed full beard that has a nice clean sheen to it.
"Well met, friends. Speaking for myself, I would agree with you, Captain. Avoiding Technic League complications will definitely speed up our voyage. I, for one, am very much in a hurry to reach our destination of Torch. Yet...are you completely sure we should not go back?"
Locke's eyes regard the gnome carefully, all the while trying to catch the reactions of the other passengers within the edges of his vision.
Lazur sighs at all the concern for the Technic League.
"When we arrive in Torch you will find very little sympathy for the Technic League. I'll be surprise if any of the Technic League make it out of the river, though the crew probably will."
With that said Lazur goes back to calmly tinkering with his musket.
Still smiling, Locke turns his head to eye the man with the projectile firearm.
"I do believe you underestimate the Technic League, my good man."
Locke realizes a shrug would be appropriate at this point and does so.
"Concern for them is hardly my priority. Arriving in Torch, however, is."
"Heading back? That would be unwise. I've learned that a prank, even when deserved, is usually not enjoyed by all. With the, umm... particularly spectacular results of this one, it may be best for us to not be within reach..."Glancing at Locke, Raven, and Rywokit, he then winks and says,"and unless my eye deceives me, I'd guess that a couple of you wouldn't enjoy an extended boat ride with those Tech fellas."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Stuff everyone knows
Numeria, land of technological ruins and savage barbarian tribes. This is forbidding land, a hard place built to test creatures to their limits. The barbarians traditionally follow the herds of animals to make there livings. They also enjoy raiding each other and whatever towns they can manage. Over the last hundred years or so, a civilizing influence has been creeping in around the edges. The massive call to arms to fend of the demon invasion in the former Sarkosis, known as the Mendevian Crusades has been drawing the devout, the mighty, and those that would profit from hardship and war. Many of these travelers give up before reaching Mendev; either as their courage and determination wanes during the lengthy and difficult travels to the north or possible more lucrative opportunities present themselves in the wild Numeria.
Many years ago wizards traveled from afar to investigate Silver Mount, a hollow mountain that appears to be of otherworldly origins. As they investigate the mountain they are corrupted by foul fluids and alien devices and eventually form the Technic League, an organization dedicated to keeping the technologies found in Numerian ruins to themselves and it is rumored that they control Kevoth Kul, the Black Sovereign the conqueror of Starfall and uniter of the barbarian tribes. This unification is fracturing as Kevoth Kul seems to fall more under the sway of the Technic League and his primary concerns seem to be fulfilling his own carnal desires and fluid addiction.
Analise was about to continue her discussion with Rywokit when the gnome emerges. She shakes with fury for a few moments as the others discuss the gnome's actions with general skirting around, then thinks I'm not taking any of this s*!@.
She stalks up to the gnome, then yells "Briakovir!" A blue flame appears in her hand, and she points it at the gnome. "Now, mister. I betting a lot of innocent men died due to your 'little prank.' I would suggest that you do as I ask, or you'll be inhaling this little beauty here. It was drawn directly from the plane of fire, you know. So, I suggest that you TURN THE BOAT AROUND NOW!" At her anger, the flame in her hand flares up a bit, to about the size of a gnome head.
"Calm down, young miss," Jack says as he interposes himself between Analise and the gnome. "At least the water is shallow, and the next boat coming will be forced to aid or be delayed."
"The things that make us people, friend Locke, are the concerns we have for the well-beings of our fellow people. Not always positive when our fellow people try to kill or imprison us, but concern all the same."
Turning to face the small gnome, "Do you expect their to be any more... surprises Captain?"
"Briakovir" is one of the primal words for fire. It's extremely easy to use, and normally does only a small amount of damage. However, Analise wields it with extreme expertise.
"Look, Jack. I've heard about you from the old man. I know you're a good guy. But I can't ignore the fact that this little guy's 'prank' has probably killed at least some of the crewmembers-and who knows how many more are drowning." Analsie looks at the rest of the crew diving under and pulling their comrades out.
She smiles. "I always forget human nature. So many of the people I come from are power-hungry clot-poles, but here... It's amazing what people will do to help each other in such a desperate environment." Analise lets the spell dissipate. "They can probably get on without us. It's just-"
Analise remembered the story vividly. The day her older brother, Brian, died. It was a terrorist attack, Analise was told. While Brian was playing his tuba on a cruise boat, some nutjob planted a bomb on board. The whole thing went up. There were no survivors.
"That one of my siblings was killed in a similar accident. There was nothing I could do to help him." She shakes off the memory, then turns to the gnome.
"As for you, I don't care who you are, you are going to the clink for this. After all, you just confessed to major arson. Now, you are going to get us to Torch, and you aren't going to do anything tricky. As you can most likely see, we're all capable individuals. We don't want to hurt you, we just want to see you in the clink for what you did." Analise growls.
About two weeks before you left, Analise came to town. She looked extremely rough, so Khonnir took her in. He came to find out that Analise had magical talent coming out of her ears, and although he was a prepared caster, the arcanist tutored her on the finer points of magic.
Analise was always extremely hotheaded and protective of Val. They bonded quickly, and became like sisters. Although Analise's temper could flare easily, she never got needlessly angry.
Lazur shakes his head. I always thought never would be too soon before seeing that temper again. Time to pull her out of the fire...again.
"Analise, calm down before you get yourself in trouble. Again. You know father told you your outbursts aren't helpful. You must maintain control or you are the one being controlled. Besides it was just some Technic League thugs getting what's coming to them.
You might want to apologize to the Adm... Captain here before he throws you over his knee and spanks you for your behavior. I've no doubt he can handle to lot of us on his own without the help of his crew. Besides I never heard any admission of guilt."
With that he goes back to cleaning his musket.
A habit Locke had picked up over time with a bounty hunter he had met a while back, the android raises an eyebrow at Analise's rather unexpected level of outrage. Well, isn't she something to worry about...word magic and a temper...I'm glad I won't have to spend much time with that human.
Jack's response seemed not to be in keeping with what Locke had generally come to understand the people in this area thought of the Technic League.
Could he be a sympathizer? Locke began running through his memories for any possible signs he may be able to read about the human male.
Failing to realize Jack must be referring to the victimized people of the barge, Locke regrets drawing the obvious fighting man's attention. The last thing Locke needed now was to fall into the sights of the Technic League or its cronies.
Lowering the brim of his hat with the covering move of doffing it in Jack's direction, Locke says simply, "Aye, concern for the doings of the Technic League affect us all. I did not mean to suggest we ignore them or the Black Sovereign, just that I find myself in a hurry. You have my apology for misspeaking."
Slightly hunching down and bending his knees a touch, Locke attempts to look harmless and not worthy of notice.
Lowering the brim of his hat with the covering move of doffing it in Jack's direction, Locke says simply, "Aye, concern for the doings of the Technic League affect us all. I did not mean to suggest we ignore them or the Black Sovereign, just that I find myself in a hurry. You have my apology for misspeaking."
" No." the small wyrwood breaks in, "I do not think you should apologize. The Technic League and the Black Sovereign are malignant oafs content to do nothing but profit off of the misfortune of others."
It turns toward Analise, and, more softly, " I can see you are passionate about this. I, too, would go back. But we cannot at this time. Look," it points, "everyone is fine."
" And threatening the captain with imprisonment is neither wise nor intelligent. I suggest we keep things quiet, and pursue proper legal recourse once we are docked in a town, if we continue to feel it is necessary. Besides: this one is famous for his use of elephants (or mammoths - it's not entirely clear) in naval combat. I'm not in a hurry to face those. Additionally, setting fire to our boat is a terrible idea. You put us all in danger. Please do not threaten everyone else in that manner again. That is... unwise. For us all. Our master would be... displeased with such use of power."
He pats a hand on Analise, wondering what, exactly, it must be like to feel emotions that way. He watches the the ship and the survivors.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Ah the fires of youthful exuberance, an impressive display of magical prowess! Don't you worry none however, other than the captain and his so called engineer, the only thing on that boat was League soldiers. ...and unless my eye does deceive me that would be all of them standing on the shore over there." The gnome looks thoughtful for a moment, "My condolences for your sibling."
As he turns away, the altercation already forgotten, he causally slips a very deadly looking dagger with a blade of a greenish crystalline metal back into his belt sheath, partially hidden by his ostentatious cloak. He heads back into his cabin with a soft chuckle. "These young'ns will have stories told about them for years and years to come."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Analise sighs. "Yeah, Wicket, I 'spose you're right. It's just that Brian died nearly in the exact same way. I guess I let my emotions cloud my judgement." She cracks a brilliant smile. "Maybe I'm just not used to not having wild, raging hormones running free thrpughout my body. Once we get to Torch, you can ask Val: she knows about my explosive temper."
Once the captain mentions the Technic League, Analise cracks up. "The League?! Why didn't you say so sooner? I hate those pompous asses! If you had told me straight away, I would've thanked you for screwing them over!"[/b] Analise is back in good humor again.
She sits back down. "Kinda funny that so many of us know Khonnir, huh?"
Lazur shakes his head and sighs. For a mighty magic user Analise doesn't notice much.
"So that's why you were so upset about some of the Technic League thugs getting their what nots. You didn't know that was a TL boat? Open your eyes girl and get out of your head!"
With that last being said Lazur grins mightily at Analise so she knows its good natured and doesn't go off on him.
" I understand 'bad' memories." Rywokit says, complete with air-quotes. " I, too, hold similar ones; I am hesitant to return to explosive locales as a result."
He stands by Analise in companionship, wishing, for once, he had emotions. How powerful emotions must be! As his gaze continues over the side, he feels both remorseful and thankful that he doesn't have any.
Analise looks up at Rywokit. "Thanks, Wicket."
She stretches out on the bench and starts working on her notes again. This always makes me feel better.
"Well, problem solved," Raven says, and she saunters back to the prow. She clasps her hands behind her back and just stands there, staring unblinkingly at the landscape as it approaches.
'Did the captain actually have a noqual blade? Documentation indicates Numeria is rich in many varieties of sky-metal, but it still seems extraordinary.'
Jack shrugs, listening to everyone as the excitement ebbs away. "Maybe not so surprising. Those with friends and family in Torch Hill would be interested in returning as soon as they heard about the torch being extinguished." Jack shrugs as he adds, "Or trying to profit from it."
"Wow...hey, who's Khonnir? Most of you guys seem to know him." He addresses the group. You notice that he's standing on his tip-toes to appear taller that his 2'8" height, trying to blend in with the tall-folk better. He stands next to Rywokit, both from curiosity about the woodman, but also because it is only a few inches taller than himself.
The Technology Guide has a lot of semi-spoilery stuff. Really this will take years so I can't ban you from the book.
The main thing to realize is your characters, for the most part, would have no idea what a lot of these items are or do. Also your characters won't really know the names the Androffa had for the items unless they find documentation for it. The concept of lasers is unknown to Golarion, though Analise will have a good idea about a lot of the tech since she's an earthling and has watched a lot of TV and played a lot of video games.
I expect Analise to come up with good names from her fictional Earth and the rest of you should come up with fun or interesting names for tech devices you find.
So to start the gameplay thread I need two pieces of information, you can roleplay this out or just discuss it.
First, when you get to Torch you basically have 3 options:
You can head to the town council to find out the "truth" of whats happening.
You can begin to investigate on your own.
You can head to the Foundry Tavern, Khonnir and Val's home.
Second, are you planning to be a team or partial team with some individuals for now? If a team, someone should suggest a "Company" name.
Lazur will be heading to Foundry Tavern straight off the boat. Khonnir and Val are his first concerns, the Torch is secondary.
Jack shrugs, listening to everyone as the excitement ebbs away. "Maybe not so surprising. Those with friends and family in Torch Hill would be interested in returning as soon as they heard about the torch being extinguished." Jack shrugs as he adds, "Or trying to profit from it."
" Yes." Rywokit says, watching Jack, "that is definitely why I am going. To profit." he shrugs like Jack.
He cocks his head to the side at Allen's comments.
"Wow...hey, who's Khonnir? Most of you guys seem to know him." He addresses the group. You notice that he's standing on his tip-toes to appear taller that his 2'8" height, trying to blend in with the tall-folk better. He stands next to Rywokit, both from curiosity about the woodman, but also because it is only a few inches taller than himself.
He shrugs again in the exact same gesture he made a moment ago, once again imitating Jack.
" Master Baine is my teacher, mentor, and... greatly respected man." he explains. "I owe him much, as does Torch." noticing the Halfling stand on his tip-toes, Rywokit does as well.
Then turning (looking slightly silly on his tip-toes), Rywokit says, " I suspect it is more than random chance that brought us together again. According to my horoscope and that Varisian harrower of Desna, I was going to find 'my people' once again, and come across a long streak of luck on my journey's destination. It seems that both were correct. As you all know Khonnir, I believe you are 'my people' that were discussed. Therefore, let us work together. It seems Desna has worked it to be so."
Rywokit looks at Jack. "We are more likely to survive and make money as an organized group." he spins, looking at all the group, " and although our 'take' would be individually smaller, our chances of survival - of acquiring the 'take' - will increase."
Rywokit looks around again.
" We should convene with Khonnir Baine... and..." suddenly Rywokit waivers just a moment, obviously being distracted, "... of Val" he adds, softly.
Then in a normal tone, "... and focus on an organized series of probes and explorations for the express purpose of helpi-" he glances at Jack, "<Run: deception protocol> er, of acquiring funds. Which is what I am after. Definitely."
" With Khonnir's help, we are certain to be able to succeed."
"I bet you guys'll run into some people who need help at the Foundry Tavern, I'll tag along with you!" With that he looks ahead as if by paying attention to the front of the boat he can make it arrive sooner.
Analise turns to Rywokit. "*Sigh.* It's okay. You don't have to pretend you're in it for profit just to fit in. Anyways, I say that we all seem to be individuals of reasonable talent. If we put our heads-and internal processors-together, we could probably save Torch. However, we can probably do more than that. I don't have much faith in astrology-no offense, Wicket-but it does seem peculiar that all of us are specific individuals with specific talents that make up for other's weaknesses. Maybe it's fate, maybe it's luck, but I do know one thing: we can probably accomplish great things together. Including a dream that most in Numeria have, but none dare hope for: to despose the Technic League. I know that I want to. Is anyone here with me?!"
Locke notices the sudden outpouring of anti-Technic League sentiment and the shift in the young spellcaster as the breeze changed. Everyone seemed to be rather concerned with the well-being of one Khonnir Baine. And claimed their meeting was coincidence. Hmmm.
In his time since awakening, Locke had noticed that few things were as coincidental as they tried to appear to be. It was rather statistically improbable that such coincidence would include several separate individuals all boarding a ship without prior knowledge of the others' existence on said ship or even the small town from whence the ship launched, witness a convenient explosion hampering the Technic League from possible pursuit, all to head to a town where a once-in-a-lifetime singular event such as the cessation of the violet fire of Torch's Black Hill had just happened...Oh no, this indeed could be the lead Locke needed to solve The Mystery of the Extinguishing Torch.
Locke considered the mental name he had assigned this case. It seemed like something that would catch the humanoid ear. They always exhibited such attachment to such turns of phrase. Yes, it would do nicely when it came to trade in a story for fuel.
Locke continued to watch them quirking his eyebrow in that imitated habit once again when the young halfing suddenly announced his attention to follow the "surprise" reunion. Excellent. The halfling's insistence and unexpected presence should help distract them from noticing they are now under my investigation.
If Locke had truly understood humanoid emotion, he would have understood a poker face was needed here. Instead, he had pulled up protocols to emulate being pleased as whenever coincidence overlapped with one's own goals, he had observed humans often chose to express this joy visibly. In keeping with that expectation, Locke smacks his hands together and affects a large smile.
"Alright!" Locke says loudly, nodding in Allen's direction. "You, sir, have just made my day."
And as if he had done nothing, Locke lowers his head and his face loses all emotion entirely.
If not, I am happy to play him straight Investigator as he is, and I have adjusted the stats to match the minor changes from playtest to official.
"No need to impress me friend. I find that friendship and profit can go together hand-in-hand in this venture. And in case you're concerned, I'll say now that friends come before coin."
Jack considers for a moment the words that he has spoken and the conversation at hand. "If you all will allow me to travel with you and combine our efforts, I will be glad to be in good company. I will do my very best to keep you from harm while we are together." Jack adds as an after thought, "Unless you go seeking it recklessly, of course."
"As a group, a name will garner more recognition and tales of our possible adventures will spread and be more well known than many individual names. I offer 'Destiny's Designated; Dynamic Derivatives,' or the '4Ds' for short."
Raven turns around from her observation of the water ahead and gazes at the rest of the group.
"I am amenable to a union of convenience," she says. "The combination of various skillsets can only be beneficial. As a name for such a union, perhaps, you might all consider 'Alseta's Mask', as we are to pass through a doorway to the unknown."
I'm fine with either archetype, the Empiricist is how you've been roleplaying so good fit. Also I really don't mind more guns so steel hound sounds good too(I wish that was PFS legal...)
With a twinkle in her eye, Analise says "Good names, both of those. But how about... The Rebe Alliance!"
Raven blinks, turning her full attention to Analise.
"Would that not imply obligations which this group has not yet incurred?" she asks. "Not to mention cause difficulties for the local authorities in paying us, should the name get out."
Rywokit looks at the people who so easily saw through his deceptions, uncertain what to do or say. Fortunately, in a casual change of topic, the group seemed to accept his call and Analise asked a question he could definitely answer.
" I am with you, for certain!" Rywokit responds to her call.
As the topic comes around to names, he pipes up after a few have been mentioned.
" We could be something more like, 'Group 1; Party 1 of X; Serial Number Y-90T; Designation 'Heroes'; Type: Adventurers'!" says Rywokit, helpfully. "'Y0papah' for short!"
He pauses a moment.
" No, that's stupid. I... I don't have Val's talent."
He looks down. Then, after a moment, back up.
" Or maybe, we could be something more like, 'Group 1; Masters 1 of X; Serial Number Y-90T; Designation 'Mighty Heroes'; Type: Adventurers'! You know, 'Y0mamas'!"
" Maybe... maybe I should just stop." he says, softly.
" Or... maybe... since Desna brought us together, something like 'the children of the stars' or 'the people of the stars' or 'the warriors of the stars'?" he asks. Looking at Analise, he says, " Oh, no. 'Star Warriors' is not something you'd like, as you do not follow astrology. My apologies."
With that, defeated, Rywokit tries to find a place to hide. Finding none, he hunches near the Halfling.
"On the contrary. Should 'Alseta's Mask' not find favour, I would not be opposed at all to being known as a 'Star Warrior'," Raven says while staring Rywokit directly in the eye. "The name has the merits of the poetic and enigmatic. Besides, there are connotations to the stars besides the astrological which may please people. Numeria is littered with materials which validate some forms of interest."
Some posting guideline stuff
To keep things moving along, especially in combat if you haven't posted by the next summary of combat post, should I 'bot you or assume you've delayed?
How are weekends? Should we relax the daily post on the weekends or are they good for everyone?
So far you all seem to have a handle on the post formatting, and we are playing a game not writing a collaborative story so I don't have any need to have strict posting formats.
I'm okay with being botted if I fail to post on time, so long as you allow for at least a 12-hour interval between combat summary posts. I'm sure we're not all on the same time zone. ^^; Also, sometimes my internet craps out on me; this is something I have no control over, unfortunately.
I've noticed weekends are slow around here no matter what anyone might want. It's probably best to just roll with it.
I would probably hold off for closer to 24 hours on a summary post, unless I have actions from everyone or it has already been determined someone is planned to be absent.
My guess is that the first few combats, will be well attended and responsive, and later on they will most likely slow down.
Also unless everyone really is into it, I'd like to keep the gameplay posts per person (excluding me) to no more than 3 a day when in explore or combat modes.
Back and forth conversation with NPCs or each other can go more but for thread sanity lets not get to exciting! I have setup several alias for npcs and will post with them as we go along.