Giant Slayer PbP (Inactive)

Game Master Batpony

dot. here

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Word

flurry: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

Ud moves 10 ft forward, shouts, Vile beast
When he swoops in range

Dot

Dot.

dot

neigh!!! (translated from horse: dot)

Gearing up guys...will start prepping over the next couple of days. Will include a link to maps at the top of the 'Game-play' thread. Also need to read exactly what sections I'm suppose to run and come up with a good opening thread to tie your guys campaign into my campaign (which ended in a TPK)...So with that in mind..I'd like everyone involved in this campaign to head to the discussion thread and let me know some of the more 'meta' aspects of the campaign you've experienced so far (meaning where have you gone what have you done, has anyone died in your campaign? And what has been the two most memorable encounters roll-play wise and combat wise) .

In the mean time...Here in the game-play thread..I'd like each character to give an account of who he/she is (Race, Class, religious worship), a brief back-ground ( a brief history of where they came from, who and how big is their family, and any previous occupations and our interest they had prior to the Giant Slayer campaign), Lastly how they met their current companions and a brief thought or description of each of their companions ...as seen through their own character's eyes. Please complete all of the requested material so I can form a cohesive and enjoyable experience for everyone. thx.

Devko is a middle age human, the second son of a wealthy taldan noble from Oppara. He was raised as a true taldan, but knowing that it will come with nothing at his father death he searched an other way to gather power and wealth.
That how he found an Asmodean cell and start worshiping the ruler of Hell.
But, his worship wasn't that much appreciated and his parents tried to dissusade him.
He then realized that he will never found what he was searching by staying in Oppara. He decides to go to Egorian to live his faith openly and enjoy the opera he is a bard as much as possible and find a new path. He heard of the Pathfinders on a trip in Westcrown and intrigued he decided to join it (or may be one of this friend in the Hellknight order of the Rack ask him to do it).

During his days in the Society he fought a dark plague called the Shadowlodge until he cut the head in Absalom, he also participated at the Ruby Championship where the Society obtain the Hao-Jin tapestry one of his most impressive feat!

not knowing the other characters i can't really tell much on this part!

Harsk is a dwarf woodsman from southeastern Varisia. His elder brother was killed by a group of marauding giants from the Mindspin Mountains. He is the only member of his family left. He worships Torag and unlike other dwarfs doesn't drink ale or hard spirits. He prefers to keep his wits about him at all times.

He hasn't met the other Pathfinders and currently most works out of the Pathfinder Lodge in Magnimar.

With a colorful past and failed attempts at fame and acting, Theodric finally accepted his destiny and focused on what he does best: sword fighting. Coming from humble beginnings, he struggled to gain acceptance and tutelage with the Rondelero Duelists of Taldor, but his hard work, skill and complete lack of political acuity resulted in widespread acceptance in the end. In Taldor, who wouldn't like to have an actual friend on his or her side, instead of having yet another accessory to scheming or plotting? And so it was that he also joined the Lion Blades, out of skill and dedication, and not because of his maneuvering of the political or criminal elements of Taldor.

After joining the Pathfinder Society, he was part of a series of very successful expeditions, which brought money and fame, and he now enjoy the spoils of his effort in his country estate near Eagle's Head in the Prefecture of Kazuhn, overseeing the affairs of the County of Ravensford, a large tract of land overlapping no less than 4 duchies. When not in residence playing the role of sounding board for the Dukes and Duchesses of Kazuhn or providing reassurances to Grand Duchess Mellea Denzarni, he is normally in his Oppara offices or abroad managing his mercantile consortium, the Avistan Exploration Caravan.

Affiliations: Taldan Rondelero Weaponsmaster Consultant for the Lion Blades (Lion Blade vanity), Owner of Avistan Exploration Caravan and Freedom Country Estates, est. 4701, Oppara (Caravan and Country Estate vanities), The Right Hon. Earl of Ravensford, County of Ravensford, Prefecture of Kazuhn, Taldor (Noble Title vanity).

Theodric's Journal, 4718 AR -
I am eager to return to the Storval Plateau. My last time near there was during the ghastly affair in Kaer Maga, but at least we liberated a noble pegasus creature out of it. This time we are going further in, headed to the border towns there, which almost lie in orc territory. I find myself appreciating frontier people more and more with my advancing years. Creation, construction and starting something new - always. Not so much worried about maintaining what they have, least of all appearance or pretense. Of course, I am hoping to make good trades there, but I am also hoping to help these people against the hordes. If it means breaking even so be it. Making new connections there will lead to profit down the road anyhow, if what we do ends up developing the community in something bigger and better.

Now dotting with this character - Chaine is still in another adventure and will not be done in the near term.

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Thanks for inviting me along! :-) Please bear with me. I haven't played this character in over a year, and I have over 15,000 GP to spend.

When caught unaware, Glaube is a tired-looking man. His eyes have seen too much of the horror of war. Yet, his faith remains steady, and his purpose remains true. This man, this follower of the The Cleansing Light seeks to help those in need, heal the sick, redeem those in need of salvation, and stand fast against evil. (I can tone down the faith stuff if that sort of thing offends anyone. I do not see my character as the type to proselytize. There is a lot of internal monologue, however.)

After successfully completing nearly 30 missions for the Society, Glaube looks forward to the possibility of retirement. He wonders if someday he might be able to join Ollysta Zadrian at the Temple of the Shining Star to enjoy a more peaceful life ministering to those in need in Absalom.

This character is mostly an "original recipe" healer. He's a cleric with Healer's Blessing for 50% more healing oomph and Divine Presence to provide a "sanctuary aura" when things get too dicey. Whenever possible, he prefers to start every day casting Heroes' Feast and Status (duration 11 hours) on his adventuring companions so that he knows who might need help at any given moment. For the Heroes' Feast, you have to eat breakfast with Mr. Goody Two-Shoes, but in return you get a full belly, 1d8+5 temp HP, a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves, and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for the next 12 hours.

I will gladly have breakfast with Mr. Goody Two-Shoes! :)

Brother Theo entered the room and scanned the others. Wearing full plate armor and bearing a holy symbol of Sarenrae, the male Aasmiar glowed with divine light. While he serves the church hunting down undead foes, he serves the Grand Lodge in providing aid to the injured. Scanning the room, he was surprised to see another cleric of his order in the room.

Same here, been almost a year since I last played him. I have a character that is playing the first part but have not meet any of this batch for the third one. Brother Theo is an undead hunter cleric with Glory and Sun domains so he is more of a frontliner. He will be more than happy to join in the breakfast.

Glaube raises a carafe of ambrosial nectar. Tipping it slightly towards Theodric and Theo, he asks, "More?"

With delight, he announces, "The Everlight has blessed us this fine morning with pork sausages, bacon, apple biscuits, eggs over easy, beans, tomatoes, home fries, toast, and double whipped creamery butter."

The older man nods approvingly at Theo's holy symbol. Along with a plate of food and a smile, he offers: "Always glad to meet another who chooses to fend off the darkness with light."

"Yes! Perhaps Theo and others like him can take up the mantle I've worn for so long. I'm getting far too old for this $h!+." Before his shoulders begin to sag, he catches himself: "I must remember to be extra vigilant! I'm not retired, yet."

His mood bolstered by the company of amiable adventurers, the Sarenite hums a hymn softly to himself as he serves everyone breakfast.

As I understand it, the party is: Leetsa, Ud Nibbleaxe, Harsk Hammerfist, Devko Obradev, Theodric de LaMontagne, Glaube, and Brother Theo. Is that correct?

As I understand it, the party is: Leetsa, Ud Nibbleaxe, Harsk Hammerfist, Devko Obradev, Theodric de LaMontagne, Glaube, and Brother Theo. Is that correct?

It's Ilmakis (Character TBD), Harsk, Brother Theo, Glaube and Theodric.

Harsk sniffs at the ambrosial nectar and frowns. "Hmmm...smells like elf stuff but it's supposed to be real good for us hunh?"

He drinks down the nectar, "Cough!" and wipes his mouth and quickly grabs a plate. "Gimmie some of those pork sausages, that bacon and a few apple biscuits. Sheila Heidmarch has me on a lean diet and I'm ready to move out of the Lodge!"

A badger moves under his feet. "Rrrr.."

"Oh.." Harsk speaks up again. "A few sausages for my pet badger too"

When asked if he'll have more, Theodric joyfully replies, "By The Accidental God's left foot? why, yes!! this breakfast is divine, Father Glaube. I shall relish having you along to accompany my mercantile team all the way to the Storval Plateau. Where exactly are we going by the way? have we received the Decemvirate's mission package yet, or will they first brief the nearest Venture-Captain they can rouse out of sleep? I hear we also have a renowned bard along? I was hoping I could talk to him, as previous battle experience dictates that I do much better with enchantments of heroism! if that's impossible, I trust your battle blessings and those of Brother Theo will make me the unbreakable rock that the enemy's waves will crash unto so as to shield you all from the worst!"

"Brother Theo: you have a wonderful name by the way. In battle, I will defer to you as the first Theo, or THEOOOOOOO!!, depending how much I hurt. As for me, you can just call me LaMontagne as I doubt we have another one of those in the party! hahahah! oh, and before you ask: don't you go use any of my official titles in battle... or anywhere during that trip for that matter... that's like a homing beacon for arrows..."

It's Ilmakis (Character TBD), Harsk, Brother Theo, Glaube and Theodric.

Thanks!

"Oh.." Harsk speaks up again. "A few sausages for my pet badger too"

Still humming, Glaube quickly sets an overflowing bowl of sausages before the badger. "Field agents need their energy! Eat up, my friend."

Hearing about the diet, the Sarenite ties a bundle of bacon, biscuits, and butter (for no mechanical effect, because the Heroes' Feast ends in 1 hour) for the dwarf and sets it next to the underfed Pathfinder.
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"Where exactly are we going by the way? have we received the Decemvirate's mission package yet, or will they first brief the nearest Venture-Captain they can rouse out of sleep?"

"I, too, received naught but a summons." After a brief pause, the human cleric naively proffers, "Perhaps our task will be a mere training mission for some less experienced field agents?"

His eyes relax slightly at the thought. "Yes. Perhaps the Dawnflower will be kind and I can enjoy one easy mission before I retire." He exhales, almost contentedly, at the pleasant idea. "Yes. That must be it. 'Just one more mission,' they said. Maybe it's a ruse to throw a retirement party."

"I... rather doubt that very much, Father Glaube. It seems we are now headed to a battlezone, with no supply line to support us between enemy attacks. I do not think it a coincidence that they have paired the Society's top two divine miracle makers with the head of a mercantile consortium. What cannot be provided by the divine, my caravan of merchants can surely supply. I will, however, need a proper mission package to make the proper preparations and have the caravan supplied accordingly. What beasts of burden does one commonly encounters on the Storval Plateau? perhaps my handlers can bring along such animals along to offer as trade where gold is not readily recognized."

While in Vigil, Harsk places his belongings in the Pathfider Lodge and leads Biter outside the gates to survey the countryside.

A gnome in charge at the lodge...hmmm..I wonder what tricks she'll play. Hopefully she knows what she's doing

For the Heroes' Feast, you have to eat breakfast with Mr. Goody Two-Shoes, but in return you get a full belly, 1d8+5 temp HP, a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves, and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for the next 12 hours.

If we have the opportunity to enjoy the Feast, I suppose I should roll the temp HP.

temp hp: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Woo hoo! 13 temp hp, y'all!

And, I've used up one 6th-level spell slot and one 2nd-level spell slot (for Status). I can only Status 3 of you (one living creature touched per three levels). I think it makes sense to use it on those who are most likely to need healing/restoration/etc. Who wants it?

Several days later after his last conversation with Father Glaube, The Right Honorable Earl of Ravensford, Lord Theodric De LaMontagne, owner of the Avistan Exploration Caravan (est. 4701, Oppara) arrives in Vigil, his entire mercantile consortium in tow.

He takes in the city in full, giving a rest to his white Taldan destrier, and with a smile, leans forward and vaults his right leg off the saddle. Handing the reins to an approaching stable boy, Theodric looks back to Father Glaube and the rest, spreading his arms wide.

"We made it, gentlemen! Praise sweet Desna! let us find ourselves a suitable place to refresh ourselves while my men make arrangements for our stay and find us some local messengers to get the word out for our arrival. YOU! lad! where's the best tavern in town?"

"We made it, gentlemen! Praise sweet Desna! let us find ourselves a suitable place to refresh ourselves while my men make arrangements for our stay and find us some local messengers to get the word out for our arrival. YOU! lad! where's the best tavern in town?"

The freckled faced boy responds cheerfully, My Pa like's The Lady's Shield-Hand!

Remember you can use either diplomacy (gather info) or knowledge local to garner rumors (if you have a specific topic you want to know about, please mention it via roll-play)

Why prayed chance when careful planing and organization is all what we need. Says Devko

The bard don't seems as friendly as most of his kin. His black armor, and grim face is all you've seen during the travel.

Lets talk to some people while we are here, may be they know more about what's going on here. I hope they know more about discipline and order than the orcs.

May be his years in the company of other Hellknights or his ability to change his facial expression so easily to look more friendly, Devko is able to find some useful informations.
Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32

"Well if your Pa likes The Lady's Shield Hand, I'd be the son of a winter troll if I didn't try it!" cheerfully replies Theodric to the boy, handing over a silver piece for the information.

Heading to the recommended tavern, Theodric hears Devko's nagging once more. "Do you even hear yourself, man!? this is Vigil, the town's that kept watch over the Whispering Tyrant and kept you safe ever since they put him down. Comparing them to orcs is disgraceful, and I won't stand for it."

Devko and Theodric enter the The Lady Shield-Hand together. You notice immediately that the tavern is overflowing with the local Vigilant population. Many with both the Shield-Mark and Sword-Mark (DC:11 knowledge local to know exactly what the marks represent).
Many of the patron's some of them quite obviously soldiers, look with distaste at Devko and his black Armor.

The rest of you have arrived at separate times...You wouldn't have been with Devko or Theodric at the Shield lady's hand. So, please make a short post about what you're doing in Vigil or were you just summoned by the Venture Captain? You may still roll knowledge local or gather info.

Know. (local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Kn.Nobility to recognize Devko's Hellknight symbol: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Theodric observes people's reactions to Devko's symbol while walking in the streets of Vigil on the way to the The Lady Shield-Hand.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Arriving at The Lady Shield-Hand, he excuses himself from the group. Approximately 10 minutes later, the group sees a mildly fat merchant enter the establishment, with moderate wealth displayed and in the livery of Theodric's merchant caravan staff.

Disguise: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (8) + 23 = 31

"Lord LaMontagne sends me, gentlemen, to attend this meeting on his behalf. He apologizes for the delay and shall meet with you all in the evening."

The freckled faced boy responds cheerfully, My Pa like's The Lady's Shield-Hand!

"What a nice lad! Reminds me of my nephew. I wonder how he's doing. I should really make time to visit the extended family once I retire." The human sighs slightly. "Soon. Sarenrae willing, I'll be retired soon."

To the freckled boy: "Pardon me, young man. Do you know where I can pay my respects?" The cleric smiles broadly and taps the holy symbol on his chest to indicate his intent.
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Remember you can use either diplomacy (gather info) or knowledge local to garner rumors (if you have a specific topic you want to know about, please mention it via roll-play)

Are there other commoners milling about? Anyone who looks like either a farmer, apothecary, gardener, herbalist or similar? I would like to use either diplomacy and/or profession herbalist to make inroads with the locals. I'll also use Touch of Glory on myself.

Whatever the boy answers, in a strong voice, Glaube pronunces: "You seem like a strong, bright lad! No doubt, you have a promising future ahead. If everyone in Vigil is a kind and responsible as you, we are in good hands, indeed!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (1) + 31 = 32

Yikes! What a roll. I don't mind, GM, if you want to count the end-result of my attempt as significantly lower than a 32 due to the nat 1. :)
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If applicable:

Profession Herbalist: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25

Depending on what types of commoners are about, Glaube will offer helpful comments about produce, crops, the types of curative herbs grow in this area, etc.

The rest of you have arrived at separate times...You wouldn't have been with Devko or Theodric at the Shield lady's hand. So, please make a short post about what you're doing in Vigil or were you just summoned by the Venture Captain? You may still roll knowledge local or gather info.

Sorry. I missed this part of your earlier post and didn't realize we were not all together. Doesn't change what I would do, based on the NPCs who might be around. I suppose Glaube would simply respond to a summons. He thinks this is his last mission before retirement.

Gather Info: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
"Why thank Theodric. My name is Theobald Decallia but Brother Theo is the name that I go by in my travels."

Brother Theo made his way into the tavern, keeping his ears open as to the needs of the community. "What pray tell is happening in the community? Any restless dead that need to be put back into the ground?" he asked, looking to see if the others in the group had arrived.

Without retconning too much...if you made one of the above rolls let's assume you (all) Knew about the laws of Vigil and obeyed them.
IE. none of you has weapons or armor unless you previously had the shield mark. We're also going to assume the following: you all traveled to Vigil together in Theodric's merchant caravan (Theodric being a Pathfinder agent and a merchant was a good way to invite many noteworthy Pathfinders circumspectly to Vigil). All your weapons and armor can be collected at the gate's on your way out of the city.

Also the confrontation in The Shield Lady's Hand only involves Devko and Theodric (though no one has scene the merchant the black garbed knight walked in with...there's another fatter merchant in the pub but not the one Devko entered with.) We'll assume both brother Theo and Glaube both go to the legendary Cathedral of Sancta Iomedaea to get a peek at the world famous structure. (to do less would be like going to Paris without visiting the Eiffle Tower or Athens without visiting the Parthenon.)
Lastly Harsk visits the lodge first then explores the Orchards of the Inner walls. These neatly laid orchards, garden plots, animal pens, and sheds that lie between the walls (of the outer ramparts and the city wall proper).They are tended by Erastil’s faithful servants.

So Proceeding forward: Devko and Theodric are currently together in the The Shield Lady's hand. (though Theodric is currently disguised): Brother Theo and Glaube are having a tourist day talking to merchants, venders, eating street food, while walking toward's the largest and most magnificent attraction in Vigil. Harsk is out exploring the Orchids surrounding the city..letting his animal companion stretch his/her legs. None of you has any weapons or armor on (besides a dagger or staff) unless you retcon a reason you might have smuggled them in. If this is acceptable..let us proceed with the story from here. If not; now would be the time to object ...or otherwise make adjustments to the narrative I've laid out.

Before entering town Harsk checked his weapons in with a guard at the city gates. [

- - -

After wandering the gardens Harsk makes his way to the Shield Lady's hand for a warm meal.

He makes his way to the bar. "Bar tender..what's the news in town?"

None of you has any weapons or armor on [...] If this is acceptable..let us proceed with the story from here.

All good here. Glaube is pleased to leave his armor and weapons at the gate

Glaube takes good notes about the Cathedral. "What a fine show of devotion! These will be good inspiration for my sermons when I retire."

Are there any needy/downtrodden/beggars around? If so, Glaube will share a kind word, reassurance, a mending spell, or the like. He doesn't think of it as "making inroads" or "working the people." This is what he naturally prefers to do on a daily basis. He loves people. All people.

Same for Brother Theo. Nice to play tourist once in a while.

Brother Theo looked in amazement at Cathedral of Sancta Iomedaea. Enjoying the view of the place but trying to not interfere with the worship of the followers of Iomedae, Brother Theo observed the Holy site, soaking up the ambiance.

OK going to presume everything is OK with Devko and move on with narrative. Devko Knowldge local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 Devko knowledge nobility: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Before visiting Vigil, Devko was aware of the unfriendly attitude and ignorant attitude many of the Vigilant populace might feel towards him. He also knew that (the city), disarmed all non-citizen before they allowed strangers to wander their streets. He even reluctantly turned in his precious and battle earned, Hellknight armor, over to the louts who deemed themselves gate guards. Even so...Devko was not fully prepared for the ugly looks and shocked murmurs he received as he entered The Shield Lady's Hand.

Perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28

Despite having giving up his armor, Devko still proudly wear his insignia making him a member of an officer of the Hellknigth order.

He smile at the assembly and says.

Greeting proud warrior of Vigil, I'm honored to be a guest in these walls. I've heard that Law is a strong tenet of here and I can see that most of you have the mark of the bravest of the bravest.
I'm Devko Obradev, and yes, I'm an Hellknight of the Order of the Rack. I seek justice in the lawless lands and be sure that criminals are brought to Justice. But, today, I'm not here as an Hellknight, as I'm sure that there is no criminal in this place.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38

Slow clap on the nat 20!

Theodric observes Devko from afar, hiding in plain sight under his disguise.

Impressive. It appears that this one could sell flint and steel to a red dragon... Rumors about his speeches were not exaggerated.

Nice!

Devko notices a man in the corner, finish the somatic portion of a what looks to be a divine prayer or spell of some sort of spell.

A moment later, all three men walk up to Devko. The apparent leader is dressed in rich looking gold and silver. Although he bears both the Sword and shield on his hands, he is only apparent weapon is a dagger. Hail friend! What brings you to Vigil? I'm Adulentus Volso and these are my commrades in arms. We are the hands of the Inheritor.

Adulentus continues, You'll have to excuse the patrons. Hellknights are uncommon in these lands. Adulenus pauses for a moment clearing his throat, ut umm, They only know your organization by reputation you see? Adulentus looks to his companions, My brothers and I however, have fought besides some of your order in the Medevian Crusades. Brave soldiers to the person..I say! We even had the opportunity to meet some of the Order of the Godclaw? Do you know it?

Theodric, may attempt to make any of the DCs above as he is an observer to the conversation but, is being largely ignored due to his disguise.

Knowledge Nobility: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

The Hands of the Inheritor... Lastwall doesn't waste any time with newcomers. I wonder what kind of magic is at work here. I wish Glaube and Theo were here...

Knowledge Nobility: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

The Godclaw... could Devko be part of this?

The slightly fat merchant sip at his ale, and makes inkpen entries in a small logbook, listening intently to what will come next.

Sense motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Spellcraft DC 21: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Read lips: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (19) + 23 = 42
K: Religion DC 25: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
k: Nobility DC 20: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
"I would hope that casting spells on new comers is not an everyday occurrence, even if you are checking to see if evil is in the area." Brother Theo said, giving the trio a scornful glance

Excellent! Theo is back from his Cathedral tour! marvelous!

"Ah! welcome back Sir!" says the slightly fat merchant to Brother Theo, "I take it your visitation to the local religious facilities was satisfactory. Please, do not hesitate to make your needs known to me - Lord LaMontagne has specifically instructed me to provide for anything you or Father Glaube wants."

Since Harsk and I are waiting...

GM. If you had a different idea to get us all to the tavern, please feel free to disregard this aside. :)

Harsk orders tea from the bartender and waits for news of the area.

Hmmm..this blend isn't that bad

He turns to Glaube. "Thanks! Biter was hungry from the long journey. I'm not sure about those Hellknights. But if they aren't evil, that's even better."

"I'm not sure about those Hellknights. But if they aren't evil, that's even better."

"Indeed! Say, isn't one of our traveling companions from the merchant caravan a Hellknight? Perhaps this worry was for naught."

I can only Status 3 of you (one living creature touched per three levels). I think it makes sense to use it on those who are most likely to need healing/restoration/etc. Who wants it?

Since nobody has requested status, I'll arbitrarily pick Harsk, Theo, and Theodric. That cool with everyone? As long as we're all on the same plane of existence, I'll know your relative positions and general condition.