Kurst scowls, "I need a ride, you can talk and follow while I saddle Hope." He heads out into the mist and makes his way around to the stables grabbing a set of fine leather tack and approaches a chestnut stallion with a white muzzle which greets him with an enthusiastic nuzzle.
"Hello lad, you want to blow of some steam with me?"
CG Male Human Summoner (unchained) 2 | HP 15/15 NL 13/15 | AC: 14, T:11, F:13 | CMD: 11 Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +4 | perception +0 | Init +1 | speed 30 ft
Edwin:
AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14 (+1 Dex, +4 natural) hp 17 (2d10+2) Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +3 Defensive Abilities evasion; Resist electricity 5; CMB +6; CMD 17
”steam is the last thing we need with all this fog sir, we have some evidence we’d like to discuss with you.” Edgar says to Kurst once they are in the stable. He will then produce the letter for Kurst to look over.not sure if he knows about his brothers betrothed, best keep the reciept to meself until we know for sure
Male Human Bloodrager 7/Dragon Disciple 5 | AC 24, touch 12, flat-footed 22 Uncanny Dodge | HP 109/109 (143/143 Bloodrage); 24 nonlethal | Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +9; Resist fire 10 | Perception +15; blindsense 30 ft. | Init +6 | Bloodrage 33 rounds/day | Active Effects: none
Kurst knows about his brother's betrothed, Edgar. He told us about her back on page 2. That's how we found out about her.
Menrozzar follows Kurst around and says, "The letter indicates that Captain Rodrik may have been investigating a plot of some kind. I think that plot may have been a threat to the town. Someone brought a wagon with three half-starved wolves in it into town, then let them loose on the streets to attack us. We slew them and burned the bodies. Further, the Urnsul listed on the receipt for the hopeknife was a new arrival in the town. She had been staying in the Ramblehouse, along with three other half-orcs. We went to their room, only to find they had left and the room in a state of disrepair - with damage done to the walls. Two of the halflings had begun the process of cleaning up the room and had half-painted over the most important thing. The half-orcs had drawn a map of the town on the wall, with several places marked with either a cross or a downturned sword - the Sanctuary, the South Tower, and one of the halflings said he remembered a cross on the Commons before they painted over it.
"Sir, I definitely think your brother's death was murder, not suicide, and that he may have been close to uncovering some sort of plot against Trunau."
Kurst exhales heavily petting Hope's neck affectionately, "I see your concern, but half orcs new to town drawing a map is not necessarily nefarious... Please do not spread that around, it is all I can do to stop my father rounding up the half orcs and tearing Trunau in two as it is. Ever since orcs killed my mother... You know Rodrik was born only minutes before me, yet hardly anybody knows we are twins, he was always the older, the more capable, I always followed in his wake, and now... I am no leader, I am no investigator, and with this fog I need to patrol, I am afraid I can be of little help to you. Perhaps try examining the locations you mentioned?"
He moves into the stall and begins tacking up Hope, grim faced and pale.
Male Human Bloodrager 7/Dragon Disciple 5 | AC 24, touch 12, flat-footed 22 Uncanny Dodge | HP 109/109 (143/143 Bloodrage); 24 nonlethal | Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +9; Resist fire 10 | Perception +15; blindsense 30 ft. | Init +6 | Bloodrage 33 rounds/day | Active Effects: none
Menrozzar nods in agreement. "Very well, we'll keep quiet about it. Stay safe, Captain."
Looking at the others, he says, "Bupkis has the right of it - let's check the Commons, then go to the South Tower. After that, we'll return to the Sanctuary and examine that."
He sets off in the direction of the Commons.
I adapted Bupkis's bit from the Discussion thread.
Fighter 10/Ranger 1/brawler 1 HP:127/127, 0NL | AC: 40(44 vs giant subtype) FF: 37 T:20|DR3/adamantine|| CMD: 33 (37vs trip, 37 vs bullrush, 37 vs overun)(+4 vs giant subtype)|Fort: +17(+5) Ref: +17(+5) Will:+12(+5)| Init: +4 Perception: +17
Ivan gathers his papers up as Kurst comes down. He was about to say something before Menrozzar spoke up, but just merely nods along.
Aye, that's tha way it seems. Hmmm. Aye, that'd be a harsh solution no doubt. We'll keep it quiet for now laddie, least till we have more evidence or information ta' prove it, or ta' direct the anger an' fear towards tha proper targets.
Ivan turns to the others. Well, spose' we should be off then. Should we split into groups O' three? Could cover more ground that way.
CG Male Human Summoner (unchained) 2 | HP 15/15 NL 13/15 | AC: 14, T:11, F:13 | CMD: 11 Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +4 | perception +0 | Init +1 | speed 30 ft
Edwin:
AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14 (+1 Dex, +4 natural) hp 17 (2d10+2) Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +3 Defensive Abilities evasion; Resist electricity 5; CMB +6; CMD 17
”that may be true, but suppose something worse than those wolves are lurking in the fog?” Edgar says as he points towards the commons, ”Commons is on the way to the south tower anyways. I think we ought to stick together”
truthefully I have no problem splitting up but that doubles the work for the GM.
"I would stay together, didn't someone already launch an attack at you?' Kurst says launching himself up into the saddle and instantly looking much more comfortable and cavalier. "I should be back within two hours. Just in case, I am going to ride the town perimeter and meet some of the scouts."
He moves off at a careful canter and soon vanishes into the mist. Heading over to the Commons it does not take the group long to find that someone has used a broad brush to paint a ten foot long white sword-like cross upon the floor in the centre of the amphitheatre.
CG Male Human Summoner (unchained) 2 | HP 15/15 NL 13/15 | AC: 14, T:11, F:13 | CMD: 11 Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +4 | perception +0 | Init +1 | speed 30 ft
Edwin:
AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14 (+1 Dex, +4 natural) hp 17 (2d10+2) Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +3 Defensive Abilities evasion; Resist electricity 5; CMB +6; CMD 17
Edgar approaches the white cross and casts detect magic and checks the place out just to be sure,stopping to focus for 3 rounds if he detects any signs of magic.
Daseem had stayed quiet and reserved around Kurst as befitted a superior officer. He was glad the others had the sense to treat him with kid gloves, no good would come from antagonizing the man.
When the question of where to go next arose, Daseem suggested what had been drilled into him by the temple instructors, "Always c-check the perimeter first."
When it became obvious folks where going to the Commons he sighed inwardly and kept his eyes open for trouble. He looked at the cross quizzically, 'I wonder if this inspired the marks made by those half-orcs?' Perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
I started writing this but got called away and the game moved on /sigh
The white cross as a familiar almost luminous brightness, and seems to match the substance used to graffiti the walls of the half orc room at the Ramblehouse. It does not detect as being magical.
You can use Craft Alchemy to try to examine the dye if you wish - it is an untrained skill.
It appears to be an alchemical marker dye made from such potent paints and oils it can only be removed using magic. Its likely fairly expensive stuff certainly costing gold rather than silver.
CG Male Human Summoner (unchained) 2 | HP 15/15 NL 13/15 | AC: 14, T:11, F:13 | CMD: 11 Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +4 | perception +0 | Init +1 | speed 30 ft
Edwin:
AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14 (+1 Dex, +4 natural) hp 17 (2d10+2) Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +3 Defensive Abilities evasion; Resist electricity 5; CMB +6; CMD 17
Careful not to get any on himself, Edgar says, ”This is a very, very expensive dye; the kind only magic can remove...”how did half orcs get ahold of this kind of merchandise?
HP 30/34, 1 Con damage, AC 18, Fort +5, Ref +10, Will +4, Perc. +7, Init +5, Panache 0/1
"Wha'sit mean?" Scrabbler asked, looking at the big cross. Being a Goblin he still had a slight distrust of writing. To him it looked like a great big letter.
"Half-orcs spent lots money to draw! Must be big deal!", Bupkis replied. "Mark something for later, maybe?" He looked around the area for anything else unusual.
There seems to be nothing else of note even after an exhaustive search made difficult by the fog and rain. The group must now decide whether to have lunch, or head to The South Tower with empty bellies.
CG Male Human Summoner (unchained) 2 | HP 15/15 NL 13/15 | AC: 14, T:11, F:13 | CMD: 11 Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +4 | perception +0 | Init +1 | speed 30 ft
Edwin:
AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14 (+1 Dex, +4 natural) hp 17 (2d10+2) Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +3 Defensive Abilities evasion; Resist electricity 5; CMB +6; CMD 17
”it’s getting to be lunch time, does everyone have trail rations or should we head back to the longhouse?” Edgar asks as he tears a small bite of hard jerky and chews roughly.
Fighter 10/Ranger 1/brawler 1 HP:127/127, 0NL | AC: 40(44 vs giant subtype) FF: 37 T:20|DR3/adamantine|| CMD: 33 (37vs trip, 37 vs bullrush, 37 vs overun)(+4 vs giant subtype)|Fort: +17(+5) Ref: +17(+5) Will:+12(+5)| Init: +4 Perception: +17
Ivan taps his chin. No point in workin' on an empty stomach. I say, we take 20 minutes to eat, ifn' that long, then we find someone what can remove this... paint. Get it off. Then, proceed on our way. Not like were hot on the tail O' anyone. Ivan grumbles under his breath in dwarven after his last sentence.
He then turns to head back towards the potential meal.
Male Human Bloodrager 7/Dragon Disciple 5 | AC 24, touch 12, flat-footed 22 Uncanny Dodge | HP 109/109 (143/143 Bloodrage); 24 nonlethal | Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +9; Resist fire 10 | Perception +15; blindsense 30 ft. | Init +6 | Bloodrage 33 rounds/day | Active Effects: none
Menrozzar studies the cross in the Commons - then studies it some more. He walks around it. "This wasn't here last night during the Hopeknife Ceremony, and has never been part of the Commons. The half-orcs must have drawn it at some point during the night. But why? That's what I don't get. Is it just random graffiti, or is it a mark indicating something?"
Menrozzar tries to determine how long the mark has been there.
Thinking about it Menrozzar realises that he is not at all sure it wasn't here at the Hopeknife ceremony, seven hundred people pretty much filled the place along with various tables for food and drink. It would have been very difficult to notice in those circumstances.
You do, but not whether it was there during the Hopeknife Ceremony. The militia drill here regularly so you can be pretty sure it was not there until the last few days.
Male Human Bloodrager 7/Dragon Disciple 5 | AC 24, touch 12, flat-footed 22 Uncanny Dodge | HP 109/109 (143/143 Bloodrage); 24 nonlethal | Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +9; Resist fire 10 | Perception +15; blindsense 30 ft. | Init +6 | Bloodrage 33 rounds/day | Active Effects: none
Frustrated by his inability to figure out the white cross, Menrozzar turns with the others and says, "Let's go get some lunch. Once we're done, we'll head for the South Tower and then the Sanctuary. We should try to find more of these there."
Lunch in the Long house common room is a tasty, but sombre affair, about half of those present are drinking ale, the rest a watered down cider, or heavily spiced coffee. There are frequent toasts in memory of Captain Rodrik, that are joined by all, and a few doubtful comments about Kurst taking over as successor to Jagrim,
"Cap'n Kurst is alright I suppose, but he's not much of a talker, not social like Rodrik, gods rest him."
"Well at least he isn't so fond of green if you take my meaning."
"He he, no I heard he's more into religion, and you can't blame him. I'd like to get into religion with that Blondie over at the Sanctuary!"
"They say her big sister is the High Priestess in Vigil, wonder why she is slumming it here? She is powerful to, dispelled a fireball some orc shaman threw at us in the last siege."
The venison is succulent, salty and plentiful, there are nine kinds of porridge, and slices of juicy blood sausage, the dish of mashed carrots is left largely untouched by the militia who tend to regard vegetables with suspension.
"You mark my words, if it turns out Rodrik's death had something to do with half orcs the Patrol Leader'll be wanting blood."
"Aye, but we work for the Council, end of the day and Sara's a half orc, she won't go along with that, nor Agrit, and she's a wizard. Don't want to mess with them two."
"Yeah, but you try telling Jagrim that, cause I damn sure don't want to be the one. Feel sorry for Kurst. But honestly we'd have been a lot better off with Rodrik..."
"Here... You know Sara and Agrit... How do you reckon that works?"
"Enlarge Person?"
" What the hells is with this weather anyway?"
"Thinks its the orcs?"
"If they could do this they would have done it before right? It would be a nightmare moving an army in this anyway."
Daseem was keen to inspect the tower, but at the mention of food his stomach rumbled. 'Oh darn it I skipped breakfast this morning again didn't I?' So naturally he tucked in even if it was something of a somber affair. The conversation was interesting in places, 'So Tyari is stronger than she looks, and with family connections, I shall be careful not to underestimate her.'
He did his best to listen into any other conversations that might be going on but with all the delicious food he was finding it difficult to concentrate.
Perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Bupkis was always ready to eat something. "Yes, lunch now," he agreed. When they made it back to the Longhouse, he ate generous portions of the venison and blood sausage. He decided to pass on the porridge and mashed carrots; those were for when there was no meat available.
When the meal was over, he said, "Food good! Now we check tower. After we look for Katrezra?"
Male Human Bloodrager 7/Dragon Disciple 5 | AC 24, touch 12, flat-footed 22 Uncanny Dodge | HP 109/109 (143/143 Bloodrage); 24 nonlethal | Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +9; Resist fire 10 | Perception +15; blindsense 30 ft. | Init +6 | Bloodrage 33 rounds/day | Active Effects: none
Menrozzar took some of everything, and seconds too. He even ate some of the carrots, since his mother would always insist he eat some vegetables growing up. He listened to the conversation, not contributing much. Most of the conversation was fairly typical of the Longhouse - comments about the priestess of Iomedae, speculation about Sara and Agrit, the usual. What they were saying about Kurst wasn't worrying, exactly, but there was a good chance that morale had taken a hit with Rodrik's death. Hopefully, no one would allow it to affect their ability in a fight - that was most definitely important.
Once his group was done eating, he answered Bupkis, "Tower, then Sanctuary. After that we'll look for Katrezra." He stood from his seat and lead the others towards the South Tower.
The group hear sobbing as they approach the South Tower and begin to see a number of buckets and ladder lying haphazardly around. Finally they see Sergeant Omast Frum, sitting with his back against the tower, a scrubbing brush in one hand and a jug of hard liqor, by the smell, in the other. Tears streak Omast's red cheeks and he focuses bleary eyed upon you as you approach.
"Won't come off, won't come off, should have protected him, and now... Why won't they come off?"
On the wall of the tower behind him is a massive white cross, although most of it is veiled by the fog it must be around thirty feet high. How someone managed to paint a thirty foot high white cross on the side of a permanently manned guard tower is not apparent.
CG Male Human Summoner (unchained) 2 | HP 15/15 NL 13/15 | AC: 14, T:11, F:13 | CMD: 11 Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +4 | perception +0 | Init +1 | speed 30 ft
Edwin:
AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14 (+1 Dex, +4 natural) hp 17 (2d10+2) Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +3 Defensive Abilities evasion; Resist electricity 5; CMB +6; CMD 17
When they arrive on the scene, “Omast calm down and give me that!” Edgar says as he goes to take the bottle away from Omast.
CMB, hopefully not needed...:1d20 ⇒ 16 but might actually be enough...
”Why don’t you head to the longhouse and lie down... there should still be some lunch left as well my good man. We mustn’t forget to take care of ourselves in times of grief, especially a guard.” Edgar says kindly,” take solace, we are gathering evidence to find the culprit as we speak. “
It is not difficult for Edgar to acquire the jug, Omast reflexes are far from sharp currently,
"Ehhhh? It was me! My fault supposed to protect them, I was more of a Da to them than Jagrim ever was, but I let him down and now he's dead! If I'd never told Jagrim about them he'd never have been at the Ramblehouse. Oh, Rodrik!" Omast slurs, before attempting to take a swig from his scrubbing brush and staring at it as if betrayed when he gets bristled in the face.
Fighter 10/Ranger 1/brawler 1 HP:127/127, 0NL | AC: 40(44 vs giant subtype) FF: 37 T:20|DR3/adamantine|| CMD: 33 (37vs trip, 37 vs bullrush, 37 vs overun)(+4 vs giant subtype)|Fort: +17(+5) Ref: +17(+5) Will:+12(+5)| Init: +4 Perception: +17
Ivan just stares at the guard He understood how he felt,but now wasn't the time for this. He shouldn't say anything but he just couldn't keep quiet.
Ivan would move to stand over the sitting man before giving him a firm smack to the face.
Git yeself together Laddie! Think about ifn' Rodrik saw ye now? What would he say? Rodrick was a good man, and aye, grieving him is somethin' should be done, but not like this! Ye 'ought ta' know better! Ye should honor his memory, not try ta' wash it away! Think about what Rodrik would want ye ta' do. Ye 'ought ta' be tryin' even harder now ta live like he would have ye!.... Ivan pauses for a long moment. His tone and expression soften just a bit.
I've lost a lot in me life already, me home, me family. But That jus' makes me ever more determined to ta' put me 'ead to the world, and knock it right back 'ard as I can. It makes me ever more determined ta' live how me parent's would O' wanted me ta'. Ta' honor them. Rodrik spoke of ye a few times ta' me. Said you were like an uncle to 'em, an' he spoke highly of ye. Well, I don't think ye be wantin' ta' disappoint 'em now do ye? He takes another pause and in a quieter voice, says again.
Rodrik woulda been there regardless, ye hear? He was investigatin' something. Besides, naught a sole here worthy enough ta' take all the blame for what happened. Do the lad proud now, an' be tha man he knew ye ta' be. Not this half crazy drunk.
Ivan finishs his rant with a surprisingly soft-spoken voice, and offers the old man a hand to help him up, if he had the strength to take it.
diplomacy:1d20 - 2 ⇒ (20) - 2 = 18
Nice speech Ivan +2 bonus :) Since you were so close and hit a lot of his soft spots!
Omast peers blearily at Ivan, and shakes his head, slapping his own face and pushing himself awkwardly up leaning against the tower wall, "You are right Ivan, I don't know what I was thinking... Trying' to clean up these bloody crosses everywhere, driving me crazy, got it in my head if I could wash them off Rodrik would rest in peace... But it ain't that simple... Just got to think what Rodrik would say to see me like this again... Break his heart. I'll not touch another drop by the Lady of the Sword, and me olkpd Ma's grave!"
Staggering forward resolutely he begins a careful drunkards walk towards the Long house.
Male Human Bloodrager 7/Dragon Disciple 5 | AC 24, touch 12, flat-footed 22 Uncanny Dodge | HP 109/109 (143/143 Bloodrage); 24 nonlethal | Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +9; Resist fire 10 | Perception +15; blindsense 30 ft. | Init +6 | Bloodrage 33 rounds/day | Active Effects: none
As Omast begins walking towards the Longhouse, Menrozzar, "Sergeant, a quick couple of questions. When did you notice the crosses, and who did you tell Jagrim about?"
Daseem was less than impressed by the Sergeant, 'A drunken sot. It's not that I don't have sympathy for his loss, but the town needs sober defenders particularly now.' He watched and listened to the others talking to him and marveled as Ivan managed to pull the man together somewhat. It was something of a minor miracle.
Omast pauses, "Ugh? Told Jagrim about Rodrik and his half orc girl... About Brinya... Should have kept my mouth shut, never understood how he could forgive them after they killed his M'am, orcs I mean, that poem of his... Saw all this graffiti night before last? No I saw it in the morning, everywhere, even the Hope spring, not right!"
CG Male Human Summoner (unchained) 2 | HP 15/15 NL 13/15 | AC: 14, T:11, F:13 | CMD: 11 Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +4 | perception +0 | Init +1 | speed 30 ft
Edwin:
AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14 (+1 Dex, +4 natural) hp 17 (2d10+2) Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +3 Defensive Abilities evasion; Resist electricity 5; CMB +6; CMD 17
”the other marks,” Edgar says suddenly, “were they large, like this one? Large enough to see from far away...” he looks up to the foggy sky, ”or from above....” he finishes quietly. they said the Shaman cast a fireball...if this Orc horde has that level of magic, could the orchestrate some sort of arial assault? Or aligned with some unknown flying beasts? Edgar a wasn’t sure which was worse.
Omast blinks at you blearily, "Errr, no this is the biggest, one behind Sanctuary on the cliff, the commons, here, and near the Hopespring. Mostly about ten feet tall?"
That said he resumes his precarious walk back to the Longhouse.
Heading back to the Sanctuary you move round the back of the building and can indeed see a roughly ten foot tall white mark on the cliff face - perhaps because Sanctuary itself is painted bright white?
Moving into the building you see Tyari treating a small girl with a scrunched upon red face and moist eyes that promise tears, the Priestess is examining a wound on her leg, she gives you a wave and then lays a hand upon the girls leg a soft golden light rippling forth and leaving clean skin in place of the bloody tear.
"Well done Alicia, it should be all better now," the priestess says with a smile.
"Thank you Miss Tvari! Bupkis! I fell down in the fog and hurt my leg, but I didn't even cry, and now its better and I got to be magicked!" Alicia says, wiping her eyes and running across to grab the goblins hands excitedly and pump them up and down.
Tvari smiles and addresses the rest of the group, "I am afraid Katrezra has not returned, and confess I am growing worried with this weather. He is very weak, and his lungs are badly damaged, beyond the help of healing magic. If you see him, he is an elderly half orc, white hair, walks with a cane."
Bupkis held Alicia's hands and said, "Bupkis glad Alicia is better. Careful in fog! Better stay home; safe there." He thought about warning her about the wolves, but didn't want to frighten her. He worried about the things that had happened, and the strange markings around the town. Must protect town. Bupkis keep Alicia safe!
"Yeah, but its so boring! And Mom is making me weave, and its just not fun. When this horrible weather goes we are going to go blackberrying picking and make sweet cakes, so you should come by." Alicia says releasing Bupkis as her mother emerges from an area behind the altar talking with a stern looking old man wearing a tunic embroidered with the holy sword of Iomedae.
'Oh hello Bupkis, keeping out of trouble I hope," Alicia's mother says, talking to the goblin like any other child friend of her daughters.
The thought of blackberry cakes made Bupkis hungry again. Bad things stop happening; we play again! He wished things could go back to the way they were, before Rodrik died.
"Yes, Alicia mom," he replied, trying to sound upbeat. His expression became more serious, and he advised, "Best inside till fog gone."
Alicia's mother nods, "Very sensible, and we hold to that as much as possible, isn't right this weather. But there is still work to be done. Come on then 'Lici we should get back, your Da should be back with a barrel of porridge so we'll make fixin's."
Alicia takes her mothers hand, and turns to Bupkis pulling a face and mouthing "porridge yuck" before heading out into the rain and fog.
"Bupkis make Alicia laugh," he told the other goblin. "Like this." He levitated a wooden doorstop with his telekinetic powers, and sent it flying at his own head. He made a great show of falling over from the impact.
Perform Comedy:1d20 ⇒ 19
He got up and returned the doorstop to its place. He went over to ask Tvari a question: "Big white mark on cliff outside; alchemy paint doesn't scrub off. Magic remove?"
Welcome everyone! Please be friendly and try to resolve any disputes in an exceedingly lovely fashion. It is fine for your characters to rub each other the wrong way, but keep it civil out of character and chat about how you can make your conflict interesting and avoid disruption, etc.
Please remember as far as posting expectation go, you are expected to post at least once a day, and your posts are expected to average about 2 paragraphs. It is fine to make a quicky post if necessary, but you need to give me something more substantial later and it cannot become a habit. But even a quicky post need to have a bit of description on it.
I would categorise myself as a rules heavy GM, feel free to dispute rules and decisions that do not seem to fit within the rules - I would be a massive hypocrite if I minded :) Generally we will not retcon unless it puts a PC at great risk in some way. Please do so here in the discussion thread.
If you do post out of character in the gameplay thread, usually to explain actions please ensure it is in OOC tags and thus shows up blue. Or if you are posting information about an ability, or spell, put it inside a spoiler, as seen below.
Move to move, cast Burning Hands to catch goblin 3 and 4, swift action to draw dagger from spring loaded wrist sheath.
Burning Hands DC 15:
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S
Effect
Range 15 ft.
Area cone-shaped burst
Duration instantaneous
Saving Throw Reflex half; Spell Resistance yes
Description
A cone of searing flame shoots from your fingertips. Any creature in the area of the flames takes 1d4 points of fire damage per caster level (maximum 5d4). Flammable materials burn if the flames touch them. A character can extinguish burning items as a full-round action.
Loot Rules:
We will be handling loot distribution with a split based upon sale prices. The split can either be between the party, or between the party and a group fund for items like cure wands, etc. I will throw up a google spreadsheet and update it each time I award treasure. This is mainly a way of ensuring that characters who are not suited to the APs loot do not miss out. PCs can choose to "buy" items you find at half price which comes out of their share and it is perfectly fine to go into debt for more than your share. If two players want the same item roll for it, but if you are in significant "debt" please consider giving up the item.
@Ivan not a problem, I am about to sleep anyway :)
@Scuttler my apologies for sending you 2 invites, I noticed I had not switched to the GM alias at the last second and thought I had been able to catch it, but evidently had not.
@All I really should have sent links to the threads in your invites, but it only occurred in hindsight.
Please note that unless there are significant deviations from the AP I will be awarding levels where the AP suggests to rather than tracking XP. Happy to here arguments against this if you have them :)
CG Male Human Summoner (unchained) 2 | HP 15/15 NL 13/15 | AC: 14, T:11, F:13 | CMD: 11 Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +4 | perception +0 | Init +1 | speed 30 ft
Edwin:
AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14 (+1 Dex, +4 natural) hp 17 (2d10+2) Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +3 Defensive Abilities evasion; Resist electricity 5; CMB +6; CMD 17
I third the approval of lvling when the AP says it’s now I’ve always done it As well. I’ll have a proper introduction in the gameplay of thread by tonight.
Goodness two goblin PCs, if only the playtest forum knew ;) Interesting class mix, we'd better load up on CLW wands, best not tell the playtest forum about that either...
LOL, well I warned you guys that party composition was not really a factor in selection :) Please note that I will be putting all of the characters into herolab over the course of this week, as it gives me both easy access and a chance to see any potential issues.
@Scrabbler could I get you to insert your "essential stats" in the classes bar for easy reference please? Never know quite what to call that, must be a better name knocking about?
Bupkis could pick up the Kinetic Healer utility wild talent at lvl 2. It's healing with a price: either the healer or the healee has to take Burn (one point per level of non-lethal damage that requires a night's rest to restore).
Bupkis is currently built as a switch-hitter, using telekinetic blast and kinetic blade.
I thought I'd raise a rules issue/ambiguity with Kinetic Blade and Aether Kineticists.
Kinetic Blade wrote:
You form a weapon using your kinetic abilities. You create a nonreach, light or one-handed weapon in your hand formed of pure energy or elemental matter. (If you’re a telekineticist, you instead transfer the power of your kinetic blast to any object held in one hand.) The kinetic blade’s shape is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect the damage dice, critical threat range, or critical multiplier of the kinetic blade, nor does it grant the kinetic blade any weapon special features. The object held by a telekineticist for this form infusion doesn’t prevent her from using gather power.
You can use this form infusion once as part of an attack action, a charge action, or a full-attack action in order to make melee attacks with your kinetic blade. Since it’s part of another action (and isn’t an action itself), using this wild talent doesn’t provoke any additional attacks of opportunity. The kinetic blade deals your kinetic blast damage on each hit (applying any modifiers to your kinetic blast’s damage as normal, but not your Strength modifier). The blade disappears at the end of your turn. The weapon deals the same damage type that your kinetic blast deals, and it interacts with Armor Class and spell resistance as normal for a blast of its type. Even if a telekineticist uses this power on a magic weapon or another unusual object, the attack doesn’t use any of the magic weapon’s bonuses or effects and simply deals the telekineticist’s blast damage. The kinetic blade doesn’t add the damage bonus from elemental overflow.
Telekinetic Blast wrote:
If the attack hits, the target and the thrown object each take the blast’s damage.
RAW, this would appear to mean that if you use a weapon with Kinetic Blade, it takes damage whenever you hit someone with it (subject to hardness), so once you're doing more damage than the hardness, the weapon is quickly destroyed.
I could always avoid the issue by sticking to a purely ranged build.
Male Human Bloodrager 7/Dragon Disciple 5 | AC 24, touch 12, flat-footed 22 Uncanny Dodge | HP 109/109 (143/143 Bloodrage); 24 nonlethal | Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +9; Resist fire 10 | Perception +15; blindsense 30 ft. | Init +6 | Bloodrage 33 rounds/day | Active Effects: none
Worse comes to worse we can try to find you an adamantine stick or two to use with kinetic blade. That plus the mending cantrip should cover things.
I only half kid, btw.
As far as healing goes, kinetic healer is a good option to start, if not necessarily the best for prolonged use, and CLW or infernal healing wands should work fine, as well. Most groups use CLW or infernal healing wands as the main source of healing, so I don't see that as an issue. We have a few different people who can use them, too.
That is the way I read it Bupkis, but then it ought not to be a big loss, and a "club" will usually be available in most environments as a quick replacement. Plus you could always choose something more substantial like say a three inch iron ingot which would have 30hp since it can be any object, or more expendable like any random rock.
Fighter 10/Ranger 1/brawler 1 HP:127/127, 0NL | AC: 40(44 vs giant subtype) FF: 37 T:20|DR3/adamantine|| CMD: 33 (37vs trip, 37 vs bullrush, 37 vs overun)(+4 vs giant subtype)|Fort: +17(+5) Ref: +17(+5) Will:+12(+5)| Init: +4 Perception: +17
@ bupkiss,
you could always just use random items. I remember my first telekinectist, he was a "investigator" sorts.
he was inspired by harry dresden and gambit. Basically, he carried around a couple bags of marbles, a few decks of playing cards, and some containers of toothpicks. He would use the marbles for bludgeoning damage, cards for slashing, and toothpicks for piercing. RAW it works just fine too. It was also awesomely thematic when he killed an orc by literally mind-throwing a toothpick through its head.
that fixes any throwing problems.
For the blade, I would recommend just allowing him to form a solid weapon out of aether, like the other elemental types. It wouldn't change much, and makes for another thematic thought. Just my 2-cents.
Aether kineticists need to use an object. Unlike other kineticists, they can't form a blade out of their element (see the bolded text in my previous post).
Some people have argued that a length of rope wouldn't take damage:
Ineffective Weapons wrote:
Certain weapons just can’t effectively deal damage to certain objects. For example, a bludgeoning weapon cannot be used to damage a rope.
It's possible to draw a new object every time, although that can run into action economy problems (at low levels you need to Gather Power as a move action to avoid the burn cost).
Fighter 10/Ranger 1/brawler 1 HP:127/127, 0NL | AC: 40(44 vs giant subtype) FF: 37 T:20|DR3/adamantine|| CMD: 33 (37vs trip, 37 vs bullrush, 37 vs overun)(+4 vs giant subtype)|Fort: +17(+5) Ref: +17(+5) Will:+12(+5)| Init: +4 Perception: +17
Also, I'd argue that, the weapon used for telekinetic blade Doesn't take any damage, as the wording states the thrown weapon bolded for emphasis. Since you aren't throwing the blade for kenetic blade, it doesn't classify as a thrown weapon.
Bupkis could pick up the Kinetic Healer utility wild talent at lvl 2. It's healing with a price: either the healer or the healee has to take Burn (one point per level of non-lethal damage that requires a night's rest to restore).
Filbert has that in my Strange Aeons game. It's proved very useful for them although it is a bit of double edged sword as he recently found out when he'd built up enough burn to be KOd early.
Anyway like Edgar says I think we'll be fine for healing with that in mind. Daseem will certainly learn the various cure spells and presumably we can buy / find wands and scrolls for more situational things (healing ability damage, diseases etc).
Daseem, did you choose positive or negative energy for your spontaneous casting? Or does Arsenal Chaplain sacrifice that?
Molthuni Arsenal Chaplin sacrifices channel energy (for weapon training which is a good trade these days). He can use fervor normally and he'll select positive energy for sure.
A good warpriest (or a neutral warpriest of a good deity) can channel stored spell energy into healing spells that he did not prepare ahead of time. The warpriest can expend any prepared spell that isn’t an orison to cast any cure spell of the same spell level or lower. A cure spell is any spell with “cure” in its name.
An evil warpriest (or a neutral warpriest of an evil deity) can’t convert spells to cure spells, but can convert them to inflict spells. An inflict spell is any spell with “inflict” in its name.
A warpriest that is neither good nor evil and whose deity is neither good nor evil chooses whether he can convert spells into either cure spells or inflict spells. Once this choice is made, it cannot be changed. This choice also determines whether the warpriest channels positive or negative energy (see Channel Energy, below).
Male Human Bloodrager 7/Dragon Disciple 5 | AC 24, touch 12, flat-footed 22 Uncanny Dodge | HP 109/109 (143/143 Bloodrage); 24 nonlethal | Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +9; Resist fire 10 | Perception +15; blindsense 30 ft. | Init +6 | Bloodrage 33 rounds/day | Active Effects: none
Bupkis wrote:
Should I be making a strength check at all? Would it help our efforts if Bupkis didn't pull, given his strength penalty? :)
I thought I'd answer this here. If it's most appropriate for Bupkis to pull, have Bupkis pull. If his Strength penalty makes it more inconvenient for us, that's half the fun of roleplay.
Daseem: As someone who's played a base Warpriest of Gorum, let me just say that if everything goes right, you won't need to use it much, but it's very good to have when you need it.
Also, around the time you get level 3 spells, the only level 1 spells you'll prepare are divine favor and shield of faith. I don't think I ever swapped them out after a certain point.
To be honest I am not wild about the tug-o-war mechanics, but it is just a bit of fun, you do get minuses for the gobbos low strength, but also for Ruby's, but removing a weak team member should not make you stronger so I will give a -2 for non participation - I will eyeball distraction so if down effectively they are, well, effective :)
And to be clear you cannot aid the strength score is your combined strength.
@Menrozzar: Menrozzar would likely have met Bupkis before, through Rodrik.
Relevant background exerpt:
That day the lookout was lax, and the raiders got quite close to the market, before they were spotted. Traders and townsfolk ran in panic as the alarm was sounded, and orcs ran through the stalls. Bupkis was filled with fear for Alicia's safety; he had to do something! Hiding behind a vegetable stand, he picked up a rock with his mind, and launched it at the nearest orc. The villain was closing in on a woman just a few steps behind Alicia, when the rock slammed into its shoulder. Surprised and angry, the orc turned and chased him. He dodged out of the way, scrambling through the maze of tables, and threw another rock at it. The commotion confused the other orcs, and delayed them long enough for the a group of guards, led by Patrol Captain Rodrik Grath, to arrive and drive them off.
Before this point, Bupkis had been very good at remaining unnoticed, but his concern for Alicia had caused him to throw caution to the wind. He had been spotted, but luckily for him, Rodrick had realized what had distracted the orcs, and that lives had been saved. Bupkis was cornered by the guards, but Rodrik ordered them to spare the little goblin.
Rodrik took a liking to Bupkis, and made sure he could get enough to eat without stealing, in exchange for a promise to defend the town if it came under attack again. The Patrol Leader also arranged for a place in a shed for Bupkis to sleep, so he didn't have to camp out beyond the walls. Bupkis now had two friends! Rodrik introduced him to his brother Kurst and some of the guards; if they had any reservations about a goblin in the town, they kept their concerns to themselves, deferring to Rodrik's persuasive manner. He continued to visit Alicia; he would amuse her with his slapstick routine, and she would play games with him (these were a lot nicer than the goblin games played back in his former tribe).
CG Male Human Summoner (unchained) 2 | HP 15/15 NL 13/15 | AC: 14, T:11, F:13 | CMD: 11 Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +4 | perception +0 | Init +1 | speed 30 ft
Edwin:
AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14 (+1 Dex, +4 natural) hp 17 (2d10+2) Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +3 Defensive Abilities evasion; Resist electricity 5; CMB +6; CMD 17
GM Placeholder of Doom! wrote:
LOL, well I warned you guys that party composition was not really a factor in selection :) Please note that I will be putting all of the characters into herolab over the course of this week, as it gives me both easy access and a chance to see any potential issues.
Honestly I think we are farely well balanced, we have plenty of muscle, a dash of divine, a bit of arcane, a sneak and it sounds like the kineticist has ranged options as well?
Also GM, if you like I can just email you my hero labs raw data file save you some time
Male Human Bloodrager 7/Dragon Disciple 5 | AC 24, touch 12, flat-footed 22 Uncanny Dodge | HP 109/109 (143/143 Bloodrage); 24 nonlethal | Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +9; Resist fire 10 | Perception +15; blindsense 30 ft. | Init +6 | Bloodrage 33 rounds/day | Active Effects: none
Bupkis: Yep, although I don't think they'd necessarily be friends. Here's the relevant excerpt from my Intro post.
Menrozzar wrote:
Towards the front he saw Captain Rodrik Grath leading that goblin he'd taken a liking to to the front - it was a curious friendship, but the goblin didn't cause trouble, so no one would likely care.
Menrozzar just might not quite remember his name - I imagine they've only met once or twice.
@Edgar Bronson, no thank you Edgar, I generally learn a fair bit about characters while inputting them so I find it a useful process - appreciate the offer though :)
Fighter 10/Ranger 1/brawler 1 HP:127/127, 0NL | AC: 40(44 vs giant subtype) FF: 37 T:20|DR3/adamantine|| CMD: 33 (37vs trip, 37 vs bullrush, 37 vs overun)(+4 vs giant subtype)|Fort: +17(+5) Ref: +17(+5) Will:+12(+5)| Init: +4 Perception: +17
In addition to its great common room
for feasts and meetings, the structure also contains several
barracks where young unmarried warriors of either gender
can live in order to focus more on their militia training.
Chief among these is Jagrin Grath,
Ivan was going to the longhouse, but he would go the ramblehouse if kurst sent him there.