Gob Smash One

Game Master Tacticslion

ALRIGHT!

LISTEN UP, CADETS!

Despite any rumors you may have heard to the contrary, the following outfits and items are issued you in your size. You may choose not to carry all of it with you, but you must "choose" to carry the u-ni-forms!

This is all com-ple-men-tar-y!

soldier's uniform (x4) [explorer's outfit (x2), monk's outfit (x2)]
coat, duster, outer-robe, or jacket: styled to the wearer (some shade of maroon or red; brown elements are permitted)
NOTE: both uniform and coat/duster/etc gives you a +2 circumstance bonus (they overlap) to fly checks (though I'm unsure you'll ever need it); additionally, these can be enchanted at a 10% discount with fly magic or similar; this stacks with your discount below
swarmsuit
cleats
boots (fire-resistant)
small only: billow-cape
smoked goggles
battle mask (also functions as a doctor's mask)
neck guard
pocketed, reinforced scarf
adventurer's sash
diving suit
poncho
masterwork backpack
waterproof bag
belt pouch
waterskin
bedroll
blanket
tent (large) (x2)
camouflage netting (x2)
compass
small steel mirror
silk rope (x2)
signal whistle
waterproof bull's-eye lantern
4 days rations

These things are all identical outside of size!

We know how you roustabouts, ruffians, and ne'er-do-wells called "adventurers" all feel about your "personality" or whatever kind of nonsense that is, so, by the grace of her High Command, Emergency-General Amita Narahari - and why she bothered to take notice of you lot, I can scarcely imagine - you're all granted leave to "adjust" your uniforms - though, and I stress, they must still bear the proud coat and shield of the Duchy with the dragon behind them; you are still working for us, after all - to your tastes!

DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME CADETS?!

Good!

Now! I am about to give you a greater gift than you low-life folk deserve! The following were crafted - personally, I might add - by Emergency-General Amita Narahari! You will write her a "thank you" letter, for the mail-service to deliver, and it will be inspected and authorized by me tomorrow, or so help me, the push-ups will be the least of your problems!

These were crafted specifically for you people by the general! They are masterwork: they cannot get any better!

If there is any mistake: you are wrong! There is no mistake! And you will apologize for thinking there was! PM the GM, if there is a mistake.

Sunny: heavy armor (predominantly crafted from clamshells, dragon-turtle shell, and transparent blue-tinged coral and chitin) You may, instead, choose the medium armor; see below. (crafted from the same materials as noted above)
Beylinda Chumana: light armor (embroidered with a golden sunrise)
Stone (or a psionic slight variant): heavy armor (transparent blue-tinged crystalline substance instead of metal)
Lulu Yordle: caster armor (plus deep blue coat)
Eris Kaddren: caster armor (sky-and-ice blue with white rim)
Layla the Twin Blade: medium armor (comes with head band)
Vitreous "Darling" Dimplegatto: light armor (comes with a duster, see above)
Ooze: light armor (comes with removable armor spikes)
Shaedo: light armor (midnight blue)
Orin: heavy armor (any 'metal' or 'bullette' slabs are transparent)
Ceru: light armor (bright but reasonably colored)
Larkos: caster armor

Caster Armor [AC +3, max DEX +7, acp -, asf -, weight 4 lbs, speed: normal]

• Special: DR 6/- v. light ranged weapons or ammunition; or DR 3/bludgeoning and slashing
  
• Special: acid resist 1
  
• Style: torso, arms, legs [quilted silken ceremonial robe armor; araena silkweave and darkleaf], armored kilt [blue-copper-plated blue-tinted dragonhide]

Light Armor [AC +5, max DEX +6, acp -, asf 10%, weight 15 lbs, speed: normal]

• DR 6/- v. light ranged weapons or ammunition; or DR 3/bludgeoning and slashing
  
• acid resist 1
  
• torso [Lamellar (cuirasse; araena silkweave and darkleaf)], arms [padded <quilted> (araena silkweave)], legs [studded (bullette)]; armored kilt [dragonhide; blue-copper-plated blue-tinted dragonhide]

Medium Armor [AC +6, max DEX +5, acp -, asf 25%, weight 21 lbs, speed: normal]

• DR 3/bludgeoning and slashing
  
• acid resist 3
  
• lamellar (cuirasse; araena silkweave, darkleaf) <quilted>, lamellar horn arm [dragon hide], studded leg (bullette); armored kilt [dragonhide; copper-plated]
  
• lamellar (clamshell and dragon turtle shell; araena silkweave) <quilted>, lamellar coral arm [dragon hide], chitin leg (acquatic bullette); aquatic armored kilt [dragonhide; clamshell/chitin-plated]

Heavy Armor [AC +11, max DEX +3, acp -2, asf 20%, weight 40 lbs, speed: slow]

• acid resist 5
  
• no penalty to climb or jump checks (or to swim or jump checks, if aquatic)
  
• agile plate [bullette, dragonhide, eel], o-yori leg [bullette, dragonhide, eel], lamellar horn arm [dragon hide, eel], armored kilt [dragonhide; copper-plated]
  
• agile plate [coral, dragonhide, eel], o-yori leg [chitin-and-coral, dragonhide, eel], lamellar horn arm [dragon hide, clamshell, dragon-turtle, eel]aquatic armored kilt [dragonhide; clamshell/chitin-plated]

All materials are "living" materials! That means that they heal over time: they repair themselves at 2 hit points per day, or 1 hit point if broken! That means they are not subject to brilliant energy (whatever that is)!

These are also comp-li-men-tar-y!

That means you had best worship the ground that her High Command, Emergency-General Amita Narahari, because di-rect-ly worshiping her is too good for you!

Due to the limitless grace of her High Command, Emergency-General Amita Narahari, it has been de-ci-ded that you may "sell" some of your o-ver-lapp-ing e-quip-ment to our store-house at full price! Fi-nal-ly, you will notice that you have the option of making your gear ma-gi-cal! That is cor-rect! You get a 10% discount on such en-hance-ments!

That is right, you scum-bags! You are permitted to get that gold you so wastefully spent back, and you get to re-spend it on government-issue ma-gic that works even here! You should be ex-cee-ding-ly grateful to High Command, Emergency-General Amita Narahari!

If you choose to take ad-van-tage of this highly generous offer, you will do so im-me-diate-ly!

DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS-MISSED!

If there is any equipment you currently own that overlaps with equipment given here, you may sell the equipment you've currently listed to acquire the equipment you currently have. Further, you may choose to purchase any magic item you would normally be able to afford at a 10% discount. If there are any questions or concerns, PM me. Feel free to discuss things in here. Any in-character discussion is happening in tents, barracks, the meal-hall, or the first six hours of basic training - please specify. Although your gear was confiscated, but with the promise that it will be returned after your training - two days from now. The above weights are for medium creatures - as most of you are small, most of your armors only weigh half as much: respectively, 2 lbs, 7.5 lbs, 10.5 lbs, and 20 lbs. All have been stained (or are naturally) various shades of blue. You may add (and pay for) deflecting, jarring, or vital-guard bonuses, but you are in charge of those; remember to reduce the weight increase of those by 1/2 if you are medium or 1/4 if you are small. Your character is automatically proficient with the kind of armor listed above ("caster" armor counts as "light" for this purpose) in addition to any other proficiencies they normally receive; this gives no further advantage however (casters still suffer asf penalties unless their class description, feat selection, or other special ability notes otherwise). Acronyms: "asf" is "arcane spell failure" and "acp" is "armor check penalty"; "normal" speed means that it does not inhibit your normal speed, "slow" means that it does.

Beylinda will gather her new uniform along with the gear and the Light Armors.

Not bad at all she thinks to herself as she inspect the light armor

Note, all uniforms have the Shield of Alkenstar with a blue-colored dragon behind it on more than one place. The blue-colored dragon is a bit unusual: it's not one with an easily recognizably "chromatic (blue)" dragon-face or even body (though most is covered by the shield), nor is it the serpentine eastern "imperial (sky)" or "imperial (sea)" dragons in form or style, though there are elements that remind of all of these to an extent. The armors have a similar sigil etched in at least one or two places, though you determine where. Shield marshals (should we have any; it looks like we do not, however, which is fine) have an honoring gold star added to the bottom center of the shield.

Still at work.

Posting as/when I can. Won't be free for some time.

ok I think I got it all in the profile I still have some money to spend though

Worth noting: I did (despite the drill sergeant's words) make a mistake: it's two large tents and two camouflage netting total instead of two each. Everything else on that list should be as noted.

Finally, one more issued piece of "equipment": each recruit will receive one medium-sized mount. If you're too large for the mount... well, that's unfortunate, but at least you can pack stuff on 'em! Necessity: invention, mother thereof, etc. I will stat out these mounts and present them later today.

Alright! Now listen up, recruits!

This is another "gift" to you from the glorious state of the Grand Duchy of Alkenstar! And by "gift" I mean "additional responsibility"! These beasts are very expensive! We expect them back in one piece!

Each beast has yet to be named! You will name it! Then you will keep it, tend it, groom it, care for it, and love it as if it were your own mother! In fact, you will take better care of it than if it were your own mother! If you took good care of your mother, you wouldn't be here!

I expect each and every one of you to bring these back in top shape! TOP SHAPE, recruits!

There is one for each of you, and one additional mount to carry some - I SAID SOME - additional gear!

That is all!

Alkenstar Mountain Donkey, Combat Trained

CR 1, XP 400
CG Medium animal
Init +3; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +7
DEFENSE
AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 14 (+3 Dex, +4 Natural Armor)
hp 19 (2d8+10)
Fort +8, Ref +6, Will +2 (+8 against Disease and Poison, +4 against mind-affecting effects)
OFFENSE
Speed 40 ft.
Melee gore +4 (1d4+4) 2 hooves +0 (1d3+4)
STATISTICS
Str 19, Dex 17, Con 20, Int 6, Wis 15, Cha 6
Base Atk +1; CMB +4; CMD 21 (25 vs. trip)
Feats Endurance, Armor Proficiency (barding) (B), Run (B)
Skills Climb +8, Perception +7, Swim +8; Racial Bonus: +4 Climb, +4 Swim
Special Qualities Hardy Survivalist, Omnivore, Swift Deformed Leg
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Hardy Survivalist (Ex)
Alkenstar Mountain Donkey is capable of surviving on its own, but, unfortunately, that survival does not extend to its rider or other creatures. It gains a +8 bonus to all Survival checks to find food for itself (but not other creatures), and constantly enjoys the benefits of an endure elements effect. It also gains a +8 bonus to saves against disease (including Mana Fever) and poison, and a +2 to stability checks to stabilize.
Omnivore (Ex)
Alkenstar Mountain Donkeys can eat anything. Anything. Including meat and - on occasion - rock (though... you don't want them to; seriously, it does not end well). Anything remotely edible can be fed to them with little fear of them being poisoned or catching diseases. Simply provide an amount of "food" of any kind equal to twice the weight normal amount of food, and an Alkenstar Mountain Donkey can survive indefinitely.
Swift Deformed Leg (Ex)
The legs of an Alkenstar Mountain Donkey are always deformed in such a way as to both increase its speed but inhibit its forward movement - this would seem contradictory (and it is), but the donkey gains a +4 racial bonus to its CMD, as well as the Racial Bonus to Climb and Swim.

Alkenstar Mountain Donkeys are a peculiar breed of donkeys ever-so-slightly mutated by the mana wastes, but who generally share their fellows natures.

Like other donkeys, they are stolid in the face of danger, hardy, surefooted, and capable of carrying heavy loads over vast distances. Unlike a horse, an Alkenstar Mountain donkey is willing (and sometimes even eager) to enter dungeons and other strange or threatening places.

Additionally, Alkenstar Mountain Donkeys are natural adepts climbing the cliffs of the Shattered Range and swimming the hard currents of the Ustradi River in the region, and an unusually keen intelligence, and bizarre spiraling ram-like horns.

Unlike normal creatures altered by the mana waste, Alkenstar Mountain Donkeys have no mana fever - in fact, they often seem nearly immune to it, though there are a few reported cases of it catching. The fact that they have been altered, however, is obvious: their very strange (and ugly) large legs and feet and semi-prehensile hooves clearly assist them in climbing, swimming, and moving despite the ungainly appearance. The fact that they're resistant to acid and normal steel (though cold iron works fine on them), that they can eat anything, have large spiraling ram-horns, and, of course, that they're only located in the Shattered Range near the Mana Wastes - confirms for most scholars that they're a particularly benign form of mana waste mutant (despite being just as vulnerable to most magic).

Oddly, because of their strange appearance, goblins find Alkenstar Mountain Donkeys substantially less disturbing than horses, and usually leave them alone instead of attacking on sight - they could never really be mistaken for a horse except by the most zealous. This suits the Alkenstar Mountain Donkeys just fine, as they ignore the goblins anyway. The few known times goblins have attempted to tame Alkenstar Mountain Donkeys, however, have been disastrous.

War Donkies are specially cultivated donkeys that have been trained for combat with the Handle Animal skill and that have the advanced simple template. Due to their smaller size than horses they are better suited to halflings, gnomes, and dwarves. They stand 3 to 4 feet tall and weigh about 600 pounds.

Each War Donkey comes with a variant of the medium barding, three dandy brushes, a military saddle, feed for 8 days, and saddlebags - all described below. There is no bit or bridle - each war donkey has been trained to understand common commands and will usually follow them.

Medium Barding [AC +6, max DEX +5, acp -, asf 25%, weight 21 lbs, speed: normal]

• special: DR 3/bludgeoning and slashing
  
• special: acid resist 3
  
• style: lamellar (cuirasse; araena silkweave, darkleaf) <quilted>, lamellar horn arm [dragon hide], studded leg (bullette); armored kilt [dragonhide; copper-plated]

Masterwork Dandy Brush [Weight 2 lbs.]: This hard-bristled tool has a handle that slips over the wearer's hand, and is used by animal breeders, owners, and grooms to brush the animals in their care, loosening dirt and detritus from the creatures' coats and stimulating the skin so it produces the natural oils that keep them healthy and clean.

Feed [Weight (10 lbs./day)]: Horses, donkeys, mules, and ponies can graze to sustain themselves, but providing feed for them is better. If you have a riding dog, you have to feed it meat.

Masterwork Military Saddle [30 lbs.]: A military-style saddle braces the rider, providing a +4 circumstance bonus on Ride checks related to staying in the saddle. If the rider is knocked unconscious while in a military saddle, he has an 80% chance to stay in the saddle.

Masterwork Saddlebags [8 lbs.]: Saddlebags weigh 8 lbs and hold up to 5 cubic ft. or 250 lb. of gear. When wearing a Masterwork Saddlebag, the mount can treat its Strength Score as 2 points higher for carrying the gear held within.

Masterwork Pack Saddle [15 lbs.]: A pack saddle holds gear and supplies, but not a rider. It holds as much gear as the mount can carry. When wearing a Masterwork Pack Saddle, the mount can treat its Strength Score as 4 points higher for carrying gear.

Yowza! Thassa lotta stuff! Huh. I'm used to traveling light. Some nifty doodads, though... Sweet armor! ... Oh, hey, hi, donkey! I get to name you. Hmmm... Howzabout ... Scrappy! Hi, Scrappy. I bet you'll like it when I scratch behind your ears...

Wild Empathy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17 to get off on the right foot with Scrappy...

A couple of things: do you think we will be leveling up over the course of this adventure, and I do think that Layla and Lulu will be quite the handful once we get going.

Standing beside Layla is an odd looking girl looks alot like a gnome except for the ears. she carries a staff with a tiny prism attached to the top of it.

she looks like this

fluttering around her is what could best be described as a pixie, but not quite. a slight musical tone can barely be heard as the little pixie flies about her.

She looks at the Halfling, Hi, I'm Lulu. she says with a cheerful greeting.

also how much money do we start with again? I only put our freebie stuff and a couple of other small items

You all start with 3,000 gold. Either you've got some things yourself, or you're issued a certain amount of value. In fact, it's kind of odd who's getting what. Those with a high appraise might be mentally tallying it up that, except for the armor, it's all just about exactly even... weird. Also worth noting is that if you have items that your are strongly connected to, due to your past (with the noted exception of armor - Stone, feel free to PM me more about that, though I think we're all set), for some reason you get money as if you had utilized the discount... it seems someone in command may be OCD? (Not the drill-sergeant, though. Or at least this doesn't seem to be him...)

ok cool, I didn't buy anything until I knew what was going to be provided first.

off to the magic mall

Good Saturday to you!

I've updated Eris' profile: 1) she is now at 2nd level; 2) her letter, description, and background now properly reflect this campaign; 3) I've carefully chosen all her equipment and gear (taking from the gear list on the first post of the Discussion page).

Eris has a smidge more money, so she may pick up a few more tidbits. But otherwise, she's ready to go.

(It's worth noting that I decided to spend the bulk of Eris' budget on an handy haversack, to make hauling all that gear easier. I decided that the haversack used to belong to her Grandfather: old dark leather, cracked and worn, with bright brass finishings. Given the haversack's capacity, I had her take one of the large tents and camouflage nets.)

Also, the Alkenstar Mountain Donkeys have the following carrying capacity:

Light: 174 lbs. or less (230 with saddlebags) (300 with pack saddle)

Medium: 175–350 lbs. (231-459 with saddlebags) (302-600 with pack saddle)

Heavy: 351–525 lbs. (461-690 with saddlebags) (602-900 with pack saddle)

Equipment weight and benefits:

• Swarmsuit <10 lbs.> cuts speed in half, but grants DC 10/- v. fine swarms and DR 5/- v. diminutive swarms
  
• Cleats <2 lbs.> reduce penalties for walking over slick surfaces by 50%
  - (ex: walking across ice only costs 1.5 squares of movement instead of 2)
  
• Boots (fire-resistant) <2 lbs.> resist (fire) 2 v. things directed at or under your feet for a total of 30 rounds
  
• Billow-cape <4 lbs.> when falling, treated as if having deliberately jumped from that height
  - NOTE: in strong wind or greater, -4 fly checks; small only
  
• Smoked Goggles <-> while equipped: always treated as having your eyes averted from gaze effects, +8 saves v. visual attacks; -4 perception checks, and opponents are treated as if with concealment)
  
• Mask, Battle-doctor's <1/2 lb. small or 2 lbs. medium> [ooc]+1 bonus to intimidate to demoralize, +1 circumstance to fortitude v. airborn toxins and scent-based effects
  
• Neck Guard <1/4 lb.> +1 AC v. vampire bites or other attacks that specifically target the throat; stacks with all but heavy armor
  
• Pocketed, Reinforced Scarf <1/4 lb. small or 1 lb. medium> (container) 8 ft. long; +4 sleight of hand checks to conceal small items on your body - overlaps with bonus for wearing heavy clothes, but stacks with bonus to hide small objects; hardness 10, 4 hp, break DC 24
  
• Adventurer's Sash <3 lbs.> (container) six pouches, move action to open or close; secured by loops and ties, can be tugged free as a move action in emergency
  
• Diving Suit <2 lbs.> +1 circumstance to swim without heavy drag or bulky clothing
  
• Poncho <2 lbs.> weather, rain, and snow-resistant
  
• Masterwork Araena Silkweave Backpack <1/2 lb. small or 2 lbs. medium> (container) treat your STR score as if it were 1 higher for carrying capacity with this equipped
  
• Waterproof Bag <1/2 lb.> (container) can be immersed for up to 10 rounds before water seeps into it
  
• Belt Pouch <1/8 lb. small or 1/2 lb. medium> (container) carries up to 1/15 cu. ft. or 3 lbs. small; or 1/5 cu. ft. or 10 lbs. medium>
  
• Waterskin <1 lb. (when full) small or 4 lbs. (when full) medium>
  
• Bedroll <1.25 lbs. small or 5 lbs. medium>
  
• Blanket <3/4 lb. small or 3 lbs. medium>
  
• Compass <1/2 lb.> [ooc]+2 survival to avoid becoming lost and +2 knowledge (dungeoneering) to navigate underground
  
• Small Steel Mirror <1/2 lb.>
  
• Spider-silk-and-whale-sinew Rope (x2) <4 lbs. each; 50 ft.> 6 hp, break DC 25; +3 bonus to climbing this rope or to DC of knots
  
• Signal Whistle <-> can create a clear signal (Perception DC 0) up to 1/4 mile away [-2 per 1/4 mile beyond the first]; Perform (wind instrument) DC 5 to convey any of the following information: "Attack!", “Help!”, “Advance!”, “Retreat!”, “Fire!”, and, “Alarm!”
  
• Waterproof Bull's-eye Lantern <3 lbs.> [ooc]Removable shutter provides normal light in a 30 ft. radius (dim 60 ft.), or a 60 ft. cone (dim 120 ft.); it holds enough air to burn for 5 rounds before running out
  
• 4 days rations <varies>: gnomes receive gnome rations (1 lbs/day), Halfings receive Halfling rations (1/2 lb./day), dwarves (or Stone) receive Dwarven trail rations (1.5 lbs./day), all others receive standard rations (1 lbs./day)

Weights of Items Shared

• Tent (large) (x2) <40 lbs. each> holds up to four medium creatures (two small creatures count as one medium creature)
  
• Camouflage Netting (x2) <5 lbs. each> See this for details.
  
• Map to Hightower <2 lbs.> This shows you how to get to Hightower; this is a plot item, this will be described later.

Total weight (minus rations)
- small characters: 42.255 lbs.
- medium character: 49.25 lbs.
- ignoring size-dependent items: 39.75 lbs.
Ration Weight
- Halfling rations add +2 lbs.
- Dwarven trail rations add +6 lbs.
- Gnome and standard rations add +4 lbs.
Mount Gear
- mounts: 145 lbs. gear
- pack donkey: 88 lbs. gear

Another correction. Alkenstar War Donkeys should have DR 10/cold iron, and Resist (acid) 5, and all of their natural attacks are +5 and one dice size larger. There is one other correction, but it is not going to be noted here at this time. I believe that is everything for now.

Hi! Sorry, am just home after a very long day at work (Yay shift work) with two more to go before my week end.

So sorry for not getting on top of the character. :( There's so much fun I really want to have.

I hope to have Sunny up and bouncing around soon. Very much cheers to all.

*Falls over exhausted....Sleeeeps*

"I really think you got the wrong gnome for this job. My uncle Trendicular Bogsworth drimplegatto was the military man. I'll just be leaving now. " After about 20 seconds, "Wait, I get to name a donkey?!? Ooo! Where do I sign up to join this venture?"

Unlike my character, I'm horrible at names so I'll have a name for my donkey soon as well as updated stat block with all the added gear from the army. Should have finished by late tomorrow June 1st. Also having day trip on Tuesday June 3rd so might not get a chance to post that day. 20th year since hooking up with wife so we have to celebrate a little.

Beylinda recognizing the value behind a good mount will get closer to hers.

So i have to give you a name she smiles i do hope that we will get along Handle Animal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 Hum i am not not very good with names so for the moment how about i call you NEMO?

she goes on getting the donkey to know here as she checks the saddle bag for all the equipment that was provided, while making a mental list of everything

Quick post while consciousness has me.

Sunny here be second level, so that's okeys. (^_^)

Will work through the 3K allowance (Though should Sunny subtract what she's bought for her leveling to second for another game? Perchance she should start with only 1,000?)

Happy any which way. Lookin' forwards ta' beein' bright an' chipper...um...some times in'a future! (^_^)

Toddles off and slips beneath the blankets

'ZZZzzzzzz...'

Gahhh!!! So many nice things!!!
Alright, my submission is changing around slightly.
I am playing a goblin aegis wearing the heavy armor above (looking like a form of semi-translucient rock) and with a psycoactive skin underneath that gives him a very blue colouring... He is a blue psionic goblin. I expext a certian amount of discrimination from the lot o ya by the by!
He will be fighting with a special crossbow (noted below) that is particularly massive (it weighs more than he does, actually so does his armor...) this crossbow has a bowl shaped shield attached to the front (the arrow flies out of a hole in the middle) and the front is painted with the factions insignia, altered to have more pie shaped, altering colours. When slung over his shoulder you cant help but think it looks like a giant umbrella....
He also wears his trademarked floppy helmet XD

Crossbow as supplied by the GM.

Layla turns to greet Lulu...
"Well, hi, Lulu! I'm Layla. Nice to meet'cha! You ready to go get some gobs?"
Layla notices the pixie-like creature buzzing around Lulu...
"Oh, hey, cool! Is this your fairy?"
Layla attempts to address this tiny creature directly...
"Hi, there! Do you speak? Who might you be?"

Also, just to (hopefully) clarify a few things for everyone based on questions above...
(Correct me if I'm wrong, Tac!)

I believe Tac said we would likely be leveling up over the course of these adventures, possibly up to level six, depending on how far we take this, but leveling up at the speed of plot, not XP.

I believe we are supposed to assume a 10% discount on ALL the stuff we buy, including magic items.

I don't think it's a problem if anyone needs to delay working out final character details for a couple days, or can't post for a couple days. Tac is pretty flexible. The heads-up is nice, though.

Whatever stuff we buy or characters we create, we shouldn't get too rigidly attached to the specifics of it/them ... Tac has hinted that some strange occurrences and changes are likely!

Don't stress about the exact detailed numbers of weight and such. You can pretty much assume your donkey can hold all the gear you don't want to carry yourself.

And, if you have a problem with a house rule or anything else in the game, please PM Tac about it rather than getting upset or dropping out ... He really is ready and willing to work with anyone on just about anything to make this fun for all. :)

After her conversation with Lulu, which I would love to continue RPing if Lulu would like, Layla heads over to the easy-to-locate-because-she's-tall Eris Kaddren and tugs on her robe to get her attention.
"Hi! You said you're our squad leader, right? Layla the Twin-Blade here, reporting for duty! I've been hunting gobs for years now, and I know quite a bit about the nasty buggers, so feel free to call on me when I can be of help to ya!"
Layla grins brightly, but then a dark look crosses her ridiculously cute features, and she stretches up while tugging Eris down closer to her by the robe. She whispers conspiratorially...
"Pssst... I assume you've noticed this yourself, but a couple o' gobs have already managed to infiltrate our unit. They're not even well-disguised, but they're doing a great job of acting like they're actually here for training. I don't know why the drill sergeant hasn't kicked them out or sliced them up yet! He MUST have noticed, right? Do you think we need to talk to him about it? I haven't done anything myself yet, cuz I don't wanna mess it up if he's waiting for just the right moment to expose them. Whadd'ya think?"

Eris looks down at the bright-eyed halfling tugging on her robe, a bemused smile on her face. "That's well spotted, Layla. Very perceptive," she says.

"But please recall, darling, that appearances are often deceptive." Eris pours herself a tankard of water from the wide metal pitcher on the mess table, then conjures a few small chunks of ice to cool her drink. "For instance, although you seem carefree and innocent, those custom-crafted blades at your side (very stylish, by the way!) tell a different story."

Eris sips her water, a sly grin across her face. "Perhaps there's more here than meets the eye, wouldn't you think? And while the room thrums with chaos--everyone caught up in packing and assembling our generously provided gear--this is an excellent opportunity for those of us with cooler heads and sharper minds to observe and learn."

Her brow furrows as she glances across the room to where the red-faced drill sergeant continues to bark, shout, and stutter. "Although I should honestly say, darling, that I wouldn't expect much from the sergeant there. Thick as a rock. Keeps trying to insist I take a donkey! Me with a donkey. How absurd! One must keep one's dignity, of course"

Posting upon the run: Lady Firedove is correct. She would be... :)

Meanwhile, whilst all else is going on, Shaedo bristles in response to sergeant's shouts, blinking sleepiness out her striking violet eyes. Then she notices all the pretty things. Receiving her set of armor, and other gear, she pays special attention of the armor- and how well it suits her. Midnight blue- with dragon scales. Dragon scales! What a way to gob stomp in style! And such – rare materials. (Tehehe..!) We do get to keep all these after we return from the adventure, right? That is *clearly* what he meant by *generous*, isn't it? Shaedo begins donning armor and uniform, and then notices the donkeys. Hmmm... These fellows aren't much to look at, but I can carry lots more goodies n'loot on one of their backs! Rubs her slender little hands together greedily.

Avatar change! Apologies for the suddenness of it, but I wanted to find something that fit Shaedo's -current- appearance just a little better, as a performer, with bright, prominent eyes, and well, as a little person. Her clothing would probably be of slightly darker tones, and armor of course is dark blue. What do people think?

hello all that are in... I will be out all day (been out most of today already) but only home for a shot bit then off to see Sheryl Crow in concert, won't be home till midnight. (EST)

will try and get some responses in before I have to leave.

i also have some more gold to spend and will update the character sheet when done

Layla turns to greet Lulu...

"Well, hi, Lulu! I'm Layla. Nice to meet'cha! You ready to go get some gobs?"
Layla notices the pixie-like creature buzzing around Lulu...
"Oh, hey, cool! Is this your fairy?"
Layla attempts to address this tiny creature directly...
"Hi, there! Do you speak? Who might you be?"

Lulu bows to Layla Pleased to meet you she says a little giggly and a little formal.

referring to the fairy, his name is Pix, and even though I think he understands us when we talk, he doesn't say things back that i can understand. but that's OK really because one day we will be able to talk to each other again, like we did back in the fairy glade.

Pix flutters around Layla making all sorts of whimsical musical tones as she flies around.

When Layla asks about speaking, Pix stops and is hovering in front of her. and he takes a formal bow. the flutters to her hand and gives it a kiss. Layla can't even feel it as Pix is so small and light but where he did touch her hand there is a tiny glow of purple light for a second then it fades.

Recovering from the excitement of being handed such a score of loot, thinking, generosity is a virtue I truly respect- in other people!, Shaedo notices the conversation between the halfling- more her size- and the tall human woman. She listens in for a moment, and is hesitant to approach until she notices Eris' familiar, the golden fox by her heels.
Assuming your familiar is visible and by your side!
Shaedo gasps in delight, and strides over to the three of them. She first catches the fox's eye, and addresses him. Well hello there handsome. I'm Shaedo. Looks like you brought us a tall person to help us out too! She then turns to Eris to introduce yourself. Hi there! I'm Shaedo. I like your fox companion. Any fox friend is a friend of mine as well! Shaedo bows low, taking off her hat for a moment, revealing two little silvery canine ears pointing out of the top of her head of silvery hair. She stands and replaces her hat on her head. So she is the leader of our group? She asks the halfling.

Crouched on the mess table beside Eris is an unusual-looking fox: fur gleaming metallic gold with jet-black spots on her eyes and ear tips and irregular black marks on her back that seem to form some sort of pattern. The plump vixen sniffs curiously at the food laid out for the recruits, but seems to find nothing of interest. Occasionally, Eris slips her familiar a dried apple slice from her pocket, which the fox eagerly pounces on.

When Shaedo approaches, the fox chatters excitedly, then raises herself onto her hind legs and performs an awkward bow. Up close, another of the animal's startling features becomes evident: her eyes, just like Eris', are bi-colored; the right blue and the left green. The playful fox winks at Shaedo and twitches her whiskers.

"Oh, do stop showing off, Kallisti," Eris lightly chastises her companion, smiling. Turning to Shaedo, "Don't mind her. She's a mischevous little scamp, and she loves attention." Kallisti glares up at Eris and chitters in an annoyed fashion. Eris laughs. "Don't be upset with me, my fairest one. You know it's true!"

"But where are my manners? It's a pleasure to meet you, Shaedo. You have such delightful little ears!" Eris smiles warmly.

Ok. Lets see if I can do Stones appearance justice... He really is quite the looker >.>
Over in the corner, packing up his pack you see probably one of the most curious looking creatures of the bunch, and well out of place in such a ragtag bunch.
The short creature is squatter than he is tall, his front covered in fine, almost translucent blue crystal like rock and adorned by a very floppy and wobbly helmet. a cape billows behind him, covering his back (which looks like a massive hump, carrying all his gear) and substantial backpack. The backpack is so large on him as to double his width, giving him the appearance of an enlongaged dwarf complete with steel boots, a lanturn hanging off his side and what looks like a giant umbrella slung over his side. Across every surface possible is emblazoned with the Shield of Alkenstar. Worst is underneath all of that is a cigar smoking blue goblin...
The Goblin trundles (actually he moves quite fast for all the weight he is carrying) on over to the others
Am I to assume you are Commanding Officer Eris, SIR?
Stone, Dwarven Paladin reporting for duty SIR!
Why yes I am a dwarf, isnt it obvious? Then muttering under his breath These tall folk, mumble mumble mumble SIR!
You cant help but notice the massive umbrella slung over his shoulder with a rather wicked point in the middle...

Layla also pets Kallisti the fox, and answers Shaedo's question with a
"Yup! Hi, I'm Layla..."
but is then quickly distracted by the obviously-not-Dwarven goblin trundling in their direction.
Layla instinctively readies both hands on her twin kukri and tenses noticibly.
When Stone doesn't attack but instead blathers something ridiculous about being a dwarf, Layla glances suspiciously from Erin to Shaedo and then back to Stone, and answers in a completely unconvinced and unconvincing voice
"Uh, right. Sure. Of course you are. Definitely a dwarf. Um, nice to meet you, Dwarf Stone. I'm Layla the Twin-Blade, goblin hunter extraordinaire, and don't you forget it!"

Yeeeeeeeees. Yeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssss. Your role-play. It feeds me!

...
...
... uh, er, by which, I mean, of course, "Keep up the good work!" Yep! S'aaaaall I meant.

>.>
<.<
>.<
(Whew, looks like the bought it.)

cough...cough

Am I understanding correctly that we get all the gear listed upthread, plus? 3,000 GP of whatever we want to buy? Alright, I'll work on that.

A scent of apples and spices wafts over from a cookfire, where a fuschsia haired gnome bends over a small pot. She occasionally tastes and stirs whatever it is she is making, pulling this or that spice out to add to it from pockets all over her person... and other folds of clothing that did not appear to be pockets, but apparently are. "Dash of turmeric... cardamom.... and of course, cinnamon.... where did I put my cinnamon?" She reaches into the pocketed scarf and produces a dagger, then drops it on the ground, then reaches into a belt pouch and produces what appear to be a handful of index cards, then in another a small carved wooden toy. Finally, "Yes, here it is!" She shakes the prescribed dose of cinnamon into the pot, and then with sudden alacrity, re-collects the junk she produced earlier and, in a flurry of hands, they all disappear back within her clothing.

She looks up at the group. "Curried applesauce anyone? Believe it or not this started off as an alchemist's fire recipe, but this works much better as is..."

Yes, Ceru, plus we get a 10% discount on whatever we buy with the 3kgp. You can't say Tac isn't generous! Now, let's just see how long we actually hold onto this stuff in game...

Keeping her eyes warily on Stone and her hands on her twin kukri, Layla slowly turns at the call of the gnome and the delicious smell of the applesauce ... only to notice a rat scurrying across the Mess Hall.
"Pest alert! No worries, I'm on it!"
Layla leaps forward, twin blades flashing, and is barely stopped from her attack on the rat by some quick words from Dijiron, the rat folk wizard which he will probably add later in this thread
"Whoa! You're a rat-person! I've heard of you folk... Whazzat? That critter's your familiar, huh? Well, I guess, to each their own. You might wanna be careful, though. I mean, they spread disease and stuff. Yeah, I've killed even more rats than gobs. You might wanna put a collar or somethin' on that little guy soz I won't be killin' him by accident, k?"

Eris finds herself caught somewhat off-guard by Stone's arrival. She had seen the heavily-encumbered goblin stomping around the hall, of course--how could anyone miss him!?--but she hadn't expected him to march straight up to her and announce his species. His statement of racial heritage was clearly inaccurate, but Eris briefly found herself so flustered that she wondered Where's his beard? before regaining her composure.

With a twist of her fingers and a hastily mumbled arcane phrase, Eris summons a cool gust of wind, blowing Stone's thick cigar smoke away. "Dreadful stuff, that smoke. We mustn't let it get into Kallisti's fur, or she'll smell like burnt tobacco for a month or two."

"At ease, Cadet Stone!" Eris gives the goblin a swift salute. "While I've yet to be officially named as squadron leader, I can assure you I have every confidence that I'll be assigned the position. After all, my natural leadership qualities are highly renowned."

Eris examines the goblin soldier closely, noting his armor, shield and warhammer all crafted from stone, and his massive pack stuffed with gear. She raises an eyebrow. "My, you're a strong one, aren't you? I'll be assigning you to the front lines, that's for certain!"

To Layla, Eris says soothingly, "Please relax, darling! I have a good feeling about Cadet Stone. After all, shouldn't we be entitled to the freedom to chase our dreams, even if those dreams may seem a bit...unusual to others?"

But before Eris can go into further detail, her attention is suddenly drawn away by the sharp smells drifting over from a bubbling cauldron in the corner, and the gnomish cook's friendly offer.

"Did you say applesauce?", Eris asks, chuckling. "I'll have you know that Kallisti here is absolutely mad for anything involving apples!" The golden fox was already in motion, leaping off the table and scampering across the room, chattering in excitement.

Kallisti greedily laps up a spoonful of the curried applesauce, her tail twitching in pleasure.

Lulu looks to Pix as the person she was talking to just walked away mid sentence practically guess she doesn't like us Pix

after finally getting her stuff together lulu looks about for what else there is around this place.

Hearing the call for applesauce Lulu smiles at Pix you wanna try that? sounds interesting. she asks he diminutive friend.

Pix simply flutters around with a light musical sound.

ya know Pix one of these days I am gonna know what your saying.

Lulu makes her way toward the smell of applesauce, but cannot seem to reach it with all the people in the way.

Pix on the other hand seems to find a way and flies right toward the bowl. crashing into it.

soon everyone there finds a tiny pixie like creature swimming in the applesauce

unless I am to late and everyone has moved on to something else of course then nobody sees anything

"Wait, what? Wazzat me? Sorry, Lulu! I like you jus' fine. An' Pix is really sweet, too! But, there were gobs, an' rats, an' ... Well, I jus' get distracted sometimes. Hey, c'mere, let's us meet the chef!"
Layla grabs Lulu by the arm and scurries over to the gnome by the sweet-smelling pot.
"Hi! I'm Layla and this is Lulu. Are you the chef?"

Okay, all. Later tomorrow I will post something important story-wise here in Discussion (waiting on two responses to clarify). After that, the players will need to describe their basic response to that event. Once we've heard from all the players, I will create a Gameplay thread - or, if we haven't heard from everyone, I'll create it Tuesday morning at some point in order to start our first adventure! If you've not entirely finished your character... okay! No worries. We'll just get started and then iron out the last bugs or errors on characters, sheets, and similar things.

"Wait, what? Wazzat me? Sorry, Lulu! I like you jus' fine. An' Pix is really sweet, too! But, there were gobs, an' rats, an' ... Well, I jus' get distracted sometimes. Hey, c'mere, let's us meet the chef!"

Layla grabs Lulu by the arm and scurries over to the gnome by the sweet-smelling pot.
"Hi! I'm Layla and this is Lulu. Are you the chef?"

Wait, where is Pix?

meanwhile in the applesauce. Pix is swimming around leaving little blue sparkly trail in his wake.

Shaedo winks back at Kallisti with a grin. She visibly brightens at the compliment about her ears, and then says musingly, I think you have an excellent judge of character lady Eris, and with Kallisti- I mean you- in charge of our expedition, I think we shall do well!
Shaedo has hardly finished her response to the wonderful vixen and her human companion before the heavily armored goblin enters the room, introduces himself as Stone, and claims to be a dwarf. Shaedo's little floppy hat nearly leaps off her head, indicating ears perking up as her eyes widen in response to the dwarf-goblin's introduction. She tugs her hat down and regards the goblin with a confused expression, exchanging suspicious glances with Layla, then looking expectantly at Kallisti. She finally glances back up to Eris as an after thought. She then regards the goblin again.
And I thought I'd seen everything in these Wastes. Has this poor fellow had his shape changed and not even know it?
She takes a moment to sniff at the strange, oddly sweet alchemical scent, and giggles as Kallisti darts off after the applesauce. She resumes to study Stone a moment longer and relaxes as Eris seems to give Stone her approval. Shaedo's expression then abruptly turns mischievous. I am impressed with your disguise good dwarf. I have no doubt we shall be able to infiltrate the enemy- all of us wearing blue armor as we are- and I have a strange feeling you shall do best of all in this! Shaedo says with a tricksy grin.
By this time the golden vixen is delighting in the taste of apple sauce, and all the others are beginning to gather around the gnome with the pot emitting sweet apple-ly scents. If a fox likes it, it must be good, she muses to herself. She then strides over to the gathering to see if she can get a taste of the curried apple sauce. I heard something about fire? Ooh, does that mean it's spicy? She says stepping up to the group around the gnome's cauldron, addressing the alchemist, with a quick glance into the pot. Hi, I'm Shaedo- may I have a spoon of the- wait- Why is the sauce all sparkly?

After a considerable time outside in the stables working on a name for his donkey, Vitreous comes into the mess hall. (Snuffles)

He then attempts to march(looks more like skipping) up to the gear dispensary and begins digging around in the pile of gear assigned to him. After thoroughly making a mess and spreading it all out in 10 foot circle he adds each item back into the backpack and then adjusts his bandoleers turns and says, "Why is there a dwarf stomping around the hall? Who's the big lady? And is that applesauce I smell?"

Yes, Ceru, plus we get a 10% discount on whatever we buy with the 3kgp. You can't say Tac isn't generous! Now, let's just see how long we actually hold onto this stuff in game...

Hey-now! Two points of clarification!

I understand that many of you are busy and have a busy life.

That said, I have some reading for you all to do a little lot of. Apologies. (Also Walls of Text warning - lots and lots of eye-searing blue text. I'm going to re-post this in Recruitment as well without the "ooc" code. Feel free to read either, as they'll be identical except for this note - I'd probably prefer the other. Ugh.)

These are not an attempt to address current issues, nor are they my iron-shod commandments-in-staff-form descending from on-high. These are rules for the betterment and enjoyment of all - especially you!

First, this is how I handle in-character/out-of-character alignment and decisions. (The most relevant parts are quoted below.)

I wish to be clear about this: this is a fun game for the fun of all. If you wish to engage in any sort of PvP behavior, whatsoever, clear it with both the player and the GM - that's me - before hand. Again, let me re-iterate: I do not care what your character "would" do - you are the player and thus you are in charge.

So, what have we learned so far? Make decisions that work best for your fellow players then justify it in-character, regardless of alignment or class; and no PvP unless you have permission from both the player of the 'target' and the GM before-hand.

On a related note, if someone says or does something that's irritating, frustrating, annoying, or irksome... they probably didn't mean it. It's almost certainly not a slight against you. Relax, have fun, and realize it's not something they're doing to hurt you, or because they don't care - it's just an accident. We're all here to have fun and to be friends... well... sort of. :D

The fact that you're all (currently) under a very subtle compulsion to obey orders (the spirit, not the letter) and not kill each other (though you can still threaten each other or expect to have to kill each other in the future) may be just the thing to keep any untoward violence from breaking out before the game begins... oh, wait, did I say that aloud? Spoiler-alert! OR IS IT?! >:D

None of you realize you're under a compulsion at present. Nothing anyone has done would cause any sort of conflict with said compulsion... in fact, it's all entirely in-line with how it would work. The compulsion works as follows, so you can RP it: if there is any reason, no matter how small, for the group of you to not kill, harm, or otherwise harm each other (see above), it will present itself, and you follow through with that... exactly as has happened so far. It has exactly zero impact on your personality otherwise.

Oh, hey, you magic users may pick up on that at some point, what with your detect abilities and all... though that's not guaranteed. If - and only if - you use detection abilities, You may want to roll me a Perception check and a Will save, in addition to any Spellcraft checks. I will inform you if you notice it or not and what you know about it.

Strangely, though, even if you are able to detect it, you're not too worried about it - none of you are as worried about it as you probably would be, normally. In fact, everything about that is perfectly normal. Funny how normal things are. Well, that's weird, but entirely normal. Oh, look: something important that isn't thinking or talking about this with anyone, right over there! How shiny or otherwise interesting!

Second: You may be interested in reading Doomed Hero's Guide and Advanced Doomed Hero's Guide (by Painlord) to PbP, if you never have. I would make this mandatory, buuuuuuuuuut... some people just don't have the time (Sunny, Layla; I'm looking at you two...! :/ sorry! Have good days!) and I've never been a fan of inequitably-enforced requirements. I strongly recommend them, both for the sake of yourself and your fellow players! Some of you may have already read them: in which case, great!

Regardless, thank you all for showing such interest! I'm looking forward to playing more with you!

Also: soon... muwa-ha-ha-ha-hah... HaHaHaHaHa... aaaAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! *lightning and thunder*

Hee-hee. I made a temporary joke title into canon. "Oh how clever I am! Oh the cleverness of me!"*

* Peter Pan reference.

I am going to presume that Pix is in a bowl of applesauce that has been dished out, and not in the pot that is on the cookfire, or we would have a cooked or at least severely scalded fairy. As it is, just off the fire, it should still be quite warm. Also, if I miss anyone, it is by accident.

"No no no," Ceru cries when she sees Pix floating in the bowl of applesauce, "Fairy dust will will offset the turmeric and make it taste soapy. Wait!" She pulls out another spice jar. "A little clove! That'll fix it!" She sprinkles ground clove all over Pix's head, then hands the bowl to Shaedo. "Yes, there is a little red pepper, just a dash, and ginger... ginger and apples, so good! And just a little of alchemical reagent #5, for a little punch."

She fills another bowl and hands it to the fox. "Be careful little one, it is still quite warm." She adds to Eris. "Oh, I have a tart recipe I should love to try for her..."

As others are introducing themselves to her, she dishes out more bowls and responds in kind, "Ceru Cloakchaser, at your service. Chef, general wanderer, and getter-insider-of-boxes-and-other-forbidden-things. And you are... let's see... Lulu, Layla, Kallisti, Shadow... and a... dwarf... "

hey all I want to point out that alltho Pix is in appearance and role play a fairy (like a male tinker bell) he does not have any sbilities of said creature. (not until I reach level 7 and take the improved familiar feat) so all of Pix'x stuf (fairy dust, etc) is purely fluff and provides no in game maechanics effect.

basically I just too a bird familiar used those stats and made the physical appeance of Pix.. but once I get the feat,Pix will have spells and be able to talk and have a much wider array of abilities

Pix was enjoying the warm applesauce, until it started raining down spices on his head. he flies up shaking off the spices and applesauce and flies right up to Ceru's nose. giving her a stern look.

but before he could do anything else (like ive an even more stern glae) lulu comes up There you are, come on Pix lets go over here. she says as she grabs Pix's tiny arm and drags him along with her.

Now pix, you have to be nice to her, she is making the food, and I don't want to get sick.

Pix (after being let go) flies around Lulu landing on her staff. with an angery grunt but he concieds.

Vitreous walks up to Ceru. "It appears that you are to be the chef for this adventure! That applesauce smells even better than my mother's. She used to add lots of spices, but it never turned out the same. Oh. My manners... Hello!" With a stiff, but wobbly bow, Vitreous begins to introduce himself. "I am Vitreous Samson Quzu Smailing Von Childers Drimplegatto, for some reason all the local barmaids call me Darling. It is a pleasure to meet you and your applesauce. "

"Well," Ceru sniffs at the fairy, "If you don't want to help with the cooking, don't get in the food!" Her ire lasts a good half a second, and then she giggles as Pix angrily flies back to Lulu, to whom she winks.

Turning to him, Ceru grins at Vitreous. "Happy to, we can't go killing goblins on an empty stomach." Since one of her own kind offered her the courtesy of a full introduction, she returns the same gesture: "Sirina with Eyes Like the Faraway Cerulean Seas Bimthorton Wispcaller Cloakchaser-Smith," she says, "But, as I hinted earlier, most call me Ceru. Pleased to meet you!"

Alright! Listen up, you mamma-fed rug-rats!

What we have here, is a serious kind of situation!

There are goblins! I repeat! There are goblins!

Now, I don't know how "you people" think about them - wherever you come from - but 'round the mana wastes - yes, Reb, it is technically the Grand Duchy of Alkenstar - *mutters* spoiled brat politician's son *gumble*, that is some serious business! Goblins are to be terminated with extreme prejudice! And to make sure that if they do stay around, they ain't happy!

So you are now reporting for duty - because I said so, that's why! - that the militia of Shan-town - no, I don't care what it sounds like in Elven, Reb, shut up and get in line, or so help me - and it is your job to do whatever I say! What-ever I say! Immediately!

You may not have signed up for this, but I. don't. care.

Whether you wanted this or not, you have now stepped in it very well and good, and take a long, hard whiff right through the nose, ladies, because it's. not. getting. better.

I am now your lord-high god and commander!

I am the one who controls your destiny, your thought, and your bodily functions! You heard me right: you do not take a crap without my say-so!

If I say, "I shine my shoes", you shine them until I've got a new pair of blinding shields on my feet!

If I say, "Jump," you had best be jumpin' before I manage to finish my sentence with, "-rope are needed for your trainin'" - WHY AREN'T YOU JUMPIN'?!?! ... that's better!

If I say, "Stay here until I say otherwise." you will die before you leave that spot! Do I make myself clear?!

...

...

... you have a question, ... Reb?

Are you stupid?! Don't be stupid!! Goblins can't control minds! They're savages! Dumb, stupid savages! Dangerous, but because of their fire!

*grumble* deliver me from this mortal coil that I need not put up with such stupidit-

...*wheeze* that... that wasn't a command, Reb... *gag*

~ the last words of Drill Sergeant Q. Miller as Private Reb B. ran him through with a spear, as recorded by Stone of Recall during the Great Goblin Invasion of Shan-town, five weeks past

When Shan-town - on the very edge of the Grand Duchy of Alkenstar - was first assaulted by goblins, none thought it was too serious. I mean, really, they were goblins - good for killing, and not much else, though, sure, if you didn't kill them quickly, they could be deadly, sure. Even the fact that they looked a bit odd didn't bother too much - after all, the sky was blue, the water was blue, and the mana wastes produced mutants who may as well have been blue, too.

When the militia began murdering their commanders, however, things started to be taken more seriously. That, combined with the complete lack of fire-use or traditional goblin songs has led many sages to speculate that something exceedingly strange is afoot - about the only thing these goblins do similarly to how any expect is eat the dead.

In the subsequent weeks, the goblin-war has been a serious problem for the western edge of the Duchy.

It is because of this that people from all walks of life - even those passing through, and some of the Shield Marshals (though some have volunteered) - that seem to have any reasonable degree of competence have recently been more or less forcefully been drafted into the military and, though many are unhappy, they're getting fair wage, the ability to loot dead goblins, and promise of promotion or freedom after the war - looking, thankfully, brief - is over.

Fortuitously for the Duchy, Amita Narahari, a brilliant-if-slightly mad sage from Vudra, had rather badly underestimated the wild magic of the mana wastes, and has found herself stuck in the Western region of the Grand Duchy of Alkenstar (originally aiming for Jalmeray, she missed), and her vast knowledge of bio-alchemical alteration, training, and military strategy has been able to turn the Shield Marshals and recently formed W.D.G.F.F. (Western Duchy Goblin Fighting Force) - the latter of which was founded on her suggestion - into a viable enough force to fight off the strange goblins. (She's assured all involved that and strange effects are strictly temporary. She thinks.)

As it turns out, she's recently discovered that blue is the key to defeating blue... or something; though it's possible that she's just making it up, it's certainly seemed effective so far, and, as a result, everyone has been equipped with a small selection of cracked magical rocks, blue whinnis poison (despite the fact that the concoction is mostly a pale-green, she insists that it works), and special uniforms made from a strange blue material recently uncovered. (See equipment, below.)

You lot have been thrown together in a haphazard fashion, "rigorously trained" for all of two days, in which you were temporarily hopped up on some rather powerful alchemical and magical enhancements and forced to read all you can about strike missions (through a magic ring shared between you), then, after a day of bed-rest, given a mission: go find the Hightower and ensure that it's been cleared of the goblin menace. Sadly, the alchemical and magical enhancements have faded and the ring was reclaimed by the forces that mandated you use it for two days anyway.

You don't really have much choice, considering you're both stuck here and kind of magically compelled to follow orders (and will be for another... week, from what you can tell, at least). Fortunately, your orders are at least somewhat vague - you just have to go, check for goblins, do your best to kill any goblins and stop any plans they have, and, after that's completed, report back, presuming you're capable of doing so.

Sounds easy. Looks easy. There's probably not even any real danger, since Hightower's been abandoned ever since a new Mana Well began spewing its weirdness out there... but that never happens anymore either. Probably.

Character Guidelines:
* 20 point buy
* any class whatsoever, preferably something fun (for you)
* for now, let's say you're starting at 2nd level, though I may switch that to 3rd level - we'll see (if several already-third-level characters come in, it'll be 3rd indeed)
* either way, you'll start with 3,000 gold; however, tell me what you're going for armor-wise/play style-wise, and I'll provide it as part of your enforced recent training
* we're not using an XP system, but we're going to be leveling according to adventure's completed ("at the speed of plot" in other words) - your rewards will be based on story, treasure, and non-tangibles
* don't worry about this being a "GM controls character" because other than, "go, find, kill/stop goblins, report if possible" you have no other strict commands and... well, let's just say it won't last anyway; despite the fact that there are some things that are planned, and this is for a relatively short set of adventures made for the lulz, this can be made more expansive and serious, if there's enough interest. I don't guarantee that there is.

To quote myself elsewhere,

If you want me to run a series of adventures, I can do that: the first would be little more than a couple of one-shot skirmishes that could (potentially) lead into more adventures.

1) A dark and stormy knight could (if you follow the clues/speak goblin) lead to...
2) ... a dry spell, that, in turn, could lead to...
3) ... a base of operations! (Though you might have to fend off a plague and/or some deep-earth critters, first.)
4) ... with a fond farewell and fangs for the memories!
5) (Optional: You quell a rising storm...)

Ultimately, it's up to you guys. This would just be for fun, not for keeps.

This will be set in the Mana Wastes.

It will be entirely up to the players if they want to continue.

Themes: goblins (lots of them! of all different types!), mutations, random magical events, the importance of a nice culinary experience, and the complete helplessness of a some folk without adventurers. Also a slowly mounting burden of leadership on all of you (though some of you may not quite realize it).

Over-all tone: fun! Silly! But with the potential for serious moments, and with genuinely serious consequences for failure... at least after the first one... Also, if you guys make the tone more serious, it will be more serious. There will always be a bit of surreality to the mix, but that won't be the focus if that's not what you want the focus to be.

... and maybe... just maybe... a touch of mythic. (Unless no one likes that, in which case, never-mind. :D)

There. The planning and prep-work is mostly done.

Also, be advised that I'll be importing older things - this is a blended game, based off of the fact that, hey, Mana Wastes amirite? - so there may be a few things that may seem a little unusual, but you probably won't notice. I hope. :D

If there's interest, I'll make a new forum.

I have no problem with more people showing up, either; just remember, if more players show up, the GM can always (well, almost always...) add more creatures, too. :D

EDIT:
To be clear:
* Beylinda EDIT: or a character made by the player
* Little Orphan Annie EDIT: or a character made by the player
* "Sunny" EDIT: or a character made by the player
* Snaglor EDIT: or a character made by the player
* Eolgrin Kalderon EDIT: or a character made by the player

... have first right. I'll be slightly tailoring this one to their over-all preferences. Example: it'll be in Golarion, unless you guys want something else. It'll be a little surreal, but it doesn't have to be goofy, unless you guys want it to be (that's just my natural tendency). Don't expect pure Golarion's goblins (which is, by the way, a plot point. You're welcome to the hint. :3) I'm willing to accept a larger group, third-party requires approval, and open-call for others.

Although the challenges are several different levels (increasing in difficulty each time), the over-all length is a little less than a single AP entry. In fact, it's about as much as 4-5 very small one-shots. You can do things in between those, though.

I'd hazard a few weeks to a couple months, total, with plenty of places to stop before hand, if you're not interested in continuing.

Planning is effectively completed for generic parties, will be tailored to the specific party we end up with.

Due to the nature of the game I'm setting up (and location), participation will not disqualify you from this one. It's really as simple as a flash of magic...

So, let me know. I'll get my GM face on, if you like.

If you don't - no hard feelings in the slightest. I'm happy! :D

Currently, I've got three people (one of which is not listed above), but I want you to post one post as your primary Alias (mine would be Tacticslion, but, you know, I'm not a player, so woo-hoo! free bird!), and then post as your submitted character.

The final decision of whether or not you are in this game is mine, and mine alone, and reasoning is mine, if I do.

I don't particularly care to reject anyone, but I do have my limits, and I'll apply them, though probably regretfully, if I need to.

Do not be shy about placing a specific character here: there are plenty of potential reasons for a character to be here... and to suddenly leave. If you have a character you've made and you want o use them, but don't want to lose the ability to play them in another game... no problem. Seriously.

I will also likely be adding a couple of abilities or traits and items to the crew, tailored to the final make-up of the party and how important (or not) I deem it; if it helps the story, you guys'll be gettin' some stuff; if it doesn't, you won't.

And you're likely going to be slightly... scarred.

In a good way.

Regardless, peace, and I hope you're ready to have some semi-serious fun, because I know I am.

At work.

*Bounces to attention*

I be here! (^_^)

Will re-read through opening post when I can. (^_^)

Just a note to the DM. Are you aware/familiar with the 'Wand rifle'? It was created/detailed in a module a while ago, though I admit to mot having seen it since.

Basically a stock who's trigger acts as a mechanical UMD for any wand locked onto it.

Also adds a +2 to hit with ranged ray attacks.

Again, am at work but though it worth bringing to you attention. You adventure being set in the Alkenstar area of Golarion. (^_^)

Also...would you be against adding a 'stock' and fireing mechanism to 'Bottled lightning' (An alchemical thing in the SRD) to create a one shot at a time ranged weapon?

Sorry for the weird ideas but thought I'd post them and help a bit. (^_^)

I'd like in. I'll read the OP in more detail and come up with a character submission by Tuesday. Is that soon enough?

Sounds Good; EDIT: Work is a thing people do, I've heard. :)
Yes; EDIT: I've heard of it, but I don't know the details; I like the concept :)
No; EDIT: but you'd need to post it before final approval :)
Yes; EDIT: Tuesday is soon enough :)

in that order. EDIT: :D

I be all okeys fer yer game? I'll be adjustin' things when I can fer level an' stuffs when I can, but on tha' whole I be all okeys, yeah? (^_^)

well this is my primary alias.

and bcease I didn't get to play Lulu very long I will be submitting in that alias.

here is the alias.

I am sure there will be questions regarding the character and as soon as I can I'll try an answer them.

Well, this looks like fun. If you've got room, I'd think about entering (wasn't clear with three players already how many more you'd want?). And see if I could come up with a good character soon.

Deathquaker...If you can be a small race we could be friends...

even more fun if we were all small races....

Lighting just ate my post/turned off my power.
Short version
Sunny: no need to level down.
Could Sunny or Lulu hunt down and contact/PM those on the list for me? Thunderstorm and iPads makes that frustrating.
DQ, it's always a pleasure. Feel free. Nebulous number of players on purpose.

EDIT: sigh. iPad.

EDIT 2: this time with feeling!
EDIT 3/1: actually, I'm just making a new post instead of editing my above post.

Trying to add what I said before, but it's less eloquent (bad) and probably less clear (bad) but also probably shorter (very good!).

First, be aware that surreal or humorous else bee will be treated with deadly seriousness by those in the world... because it will be. See the quote in the first post as an example.

There are going to be a great many strange and weird events that are likely to occur. Some of which may well impact your character - permanently, or temporarily, it's probably up to you. If you want to keep the change, roll with it and it makes solid RP, otherwise, there will be ways of changing those elements.

While those events within this game can be considered canon for your character history, there is going to be enough plausible deniability and random chance that any character submitted here can show up elsewhere.

The only things you definitely need to have are your characters' stats mostly (not fully) banged out - again, yell me what general kind of armor/clothing/etc you're after, so I can give you specific things along that line that you don't have to pay for (examples like "I'm thinking light armor Locke chain and buckles" or "I was thinking heavier armor to maximize my AC despite low dexterity" are fine, but "I'd like a mithril breastplate" will not, in fact, get you a mithril breastplate; reasoning and general idea rather than specifics :) - and how you ended up near Alkenstar. BEFORE YOUR FINAL STATS ARE DOWN: I will give you a few final boons.

I forgot to mention: you gain two free additional skills that must be craft, perform, or profession.

Were you born there? Did a random magic storm suddenly envelope you to deposit you there? Did you come to study the gun works or mana wastes? If you traveled, did you come through the Mwangi, Nex, the sea, or (somehow) Geb?

Are you a volunteer for the W.D.G.F.F., or we're you drafted?

IF YOU ARE A GUNSLINGER: are you a shield marshal? (If so, you likely volunteered, though it's possible you were legally re-assigned to the W.D.G.F.F.; which was it?)

Submitting to change my son's diaper...

Uh... and older, un-edited version of my post, seems to have been saved in my post-box in the computer.

No, I don't know why this version specifically.

Anyway (with apologies for the bad English in the post title)

Feel free to submit if you like, DQ! I'd love to have you!

My point is that the players listed above were first priority/vote.

How many players is left up in the air on purpose: that crew gets to decide how many more they want (I pre-accepted someone else based on the chat in another thread), though if they don't have a particular preference, I'm a "the more the merrier" kind of guy.

It's kind of their show, as I liked their character concepts in another thread (though they're free to use different characters here!), I'm just running it for 'em. :D

Sunny, your character works. You don't even have to de-level her, if you don't want - that was the nature of my "iffy" status on 3rd level. If you do start at 3rd level, everyone will simply level up one additional time before you do. (Having level 1 in three different classes isn't likely to overpower anyone else's build in any case. At all.) So just as you are, works. :)

(Also, hey, Lulu or Sunny, would you mind tracking down and contacting/PMing some of the others on that list for me and link this thread? They can let me know whether or not they're interested. I'm actually stepping out soon, running out of time to handle a few things, and don't know when I'll be back on today, so....)

Oh, and one important note: your characters will go through really odd things. Sometimes they may (at least temporarily) come out changed. You can always find your way back out of that, should it happen to you, or you can choose to alter and adapt.

The most important thing, here, is fun.

There will be very silly things occurring, and being taken deadly seriously by those in the game... because, at the same time, they're deadly (and thus serious) - see the quote at the top, for an example.

Also lots of nuggets and references for those who care to find them in that first post. :)

I'm going to roll a Goblin Ranger named Ooze Flearin "Kinslayer". He is very upset about the strange behavior of these traitor breathren.

I'd like to submit
Gnome Experimental Gunsmith
Vitreous "Darling" Drimplegatto

Profile is partially complete, will get full stat block with feats and skills later tonight.

Why am I in Alkenstar: Well the best place to find parts or idea for building the perfect gun/woman(see profile) would be at the gunworks.

For "armor" I'd like a kind of duster made out of a material like darkleaf for armor. Gunslinger in the desert totally needs a duster, especially if he's only 3 foot 1 inches tall and moving at 15 foot will be even tougher since standard armor coats are medium armor. Goggles would be a necessity as well, they don't need to be particularly fancy.

Arrived in the wastes 73 years 2 months and 17 days ago , in a barrel labeled "Explosifes Hardled with carts". No one can really say how it got there and Drimplegatto isn't telling.

Drafted? More like abducted.
Gunslinger archetype that attempts to stay off the Shield Marshall's radar as it were.

"Look, I know it looks like I belong here. But I didn't volunteer for this, I've got things a brewing back home. Special experiments that will change the uni.. umm... things." Shouts a gnome with masterfully coifed mustache and shockingly blue hair running down the hallway. His smoked goggles hanging around his neck, show many years of explosive use. "... and where the heck are my clothes?!"

It appears that this gnome was abducted by recruiters while he was in a drunken stupor. He apparently woke up right after they took his clothes and were attempting to stuff him in a uniform. He managed to escape the dressing room completely naked except for his goggles and run at top speed right into Amita Narahari.

"Why hello, beautiful! How do you feel about replacing that arm with a nice new mechanical model? I have just the thing right here." Darling turns about in circles searching for his backpack then realizes he is stark naked and blushes a deep purple all over his body and then covers himself...

EDIT:

Adding more; ... lowering the list to make easier reading

EDIT 2: linking for ease

Because there's been a great deal of interest in the small races thing, and I can use that for story-purposes, allow me to present a semi-comprehensive (to the best of my knowledge) list:

* gnome (or svirfneblin; ask about this option first, please)
* halfling
* goblin (or goblin monkey)
* grippli
* kobold
* ratfolk
* wayang
* gathlain

SPECIAL: ask about these first, please
* kitsune (variant)
* android (unique)
* aasimar/tiefling (choose another race on this list - you look like the other race)
* ghoran - ask about this first, please
* wyrwood - ask about this first, please

ALSO CAN FIT ON-THEME
* dwarf (or duergar) - presume minimum possible height, in this case; I will work with you

This is my usual avatar. My suggested and in-progress character Layla the Twin-Blade will appear below...

Ooh ooh, pick me! I can help! Lemme at those murderous scum! My twin blades will make short work of 'em! ... Short. Heh.

*Laughs brightly, enjoying the gathering of teh cute folks. (^_^)

I'm interested but how will being in the Mana Wastes affect a spellcaster? I've been shopping around a witch character that I'd like to play but I understand if the setting would just make that too impractical.

It will be a bit more pressure on casters due to the potential wild magic/primal event/etc results, but you should be able to play a witch just fine. In fact, casters are especially welcome, as they make the story a little more interesting, if you don't mind the occasional low-potential of maybe turning semi-permanently blue, purple, or green (or something). :)

(In other words, any character you bring to the table will be effective; I'm not going to be running a character-ruining game, but I might have a character-changing game, and there are always ways to reverse the effects in-character, if you feel strongly enough about them.)

Hey. I was wondering about traits as they weren't mentioned in the creation part. Might work up a variation of an old 2ed character of mine.

Oooo...thas' a point. I'll has ta' be seein' how 'Ki' points pan out,an' all.

Oof.

I forgot about traits! My apologies!

They were intended.

Updated Guidelines:

Character Guidelines:
* 20 point buy
* any class whatsoever, preferably something fun (for you)
* for now, let's say you're starting at 2nd level, though I may switch that to 3rd level - we'll see (if several already-third-level characters come in, it'll be 3rd indeed)
* either way, you'll start with 3,000 gold; however, tell me what you're going for armor-wise/play style-wise, and I'll provide something similar as part of your enforced recent training
* we're not using an XP system, but we're going to be leveling according to adventure's completed ("at the speed of plot" in other words) - your rewards will be based on story, treasure, and non-tangibles; potential level is up to sixth
* don't worry about this being a "GM controls character" because other than, "go, find, kill/stop goblins, report if possible" you have no other strict commands and... well, let's just say it won't last anyway; despite the fact that there are some things that are planned, and this is for a relatively short set of adventures made for the lulz, this can be made more expansive and serious, if there's enough interest. I don't guarantee that there is.
* two traits
* two additional skills chosen from craft, perform, or profession; these are in addition to your normal skills for your class and intelligence

I have a question across the board, for the players to answer:
Mythic: yes/no/maybe/Other: <explain>? (Choose one that applies.)

EDIT: Also, let's mandate that those who are not grandfathered in be required to have a small-sized character. That'll make the choices easier. As mentioned before, the players with potentially grandfathered races (those listed in my first post up top) can instead choose new characters; however, let's make these new characters small-sized, too. If you know of creatures I missed, let me know.

EDIT 2: Also, psionics is allowed, if desired. I'm well aware of the arguments, and fairly versed on the rules. Thanks! :D

Ooze's

Ooze, like most goblins, is an evil being, hellbent on destruction. Fortunately for the peaceful folk of Alkenstar, he his exclusivly genocidal against his own kind. Who knows what foul mutation caused him to be so reproachful of the race of his birth, but Ooze won't stop until he is the only goblin left, believing that he will gain the strength of all the foes he fells in combat.

He is in Alkenstar to deal with the Goblin threat and has volunteered for the W.D.G.F.F.

Light armors, and anything with a "hunting" or "destruction or goblins" theme. Uses bows and will take any weapon or magical item that further increases his martial aptitude or his ability to find/kill his bethren.

Yes to Mythic! Goblin Champion here!

If the pre-accepted group is happy to take one more, I would like to join up as well. I have a character concept in mind- a kitsune ninja/bard if that combination of race and classes is okay. I'm thinking she's a performer by evening, and then a stealthy, magical thief by night. Those pesky goblins, however, stole the night from her- forcing to get up in the (gasp!) morning to fight them. She has bloody vengeance on her mind. If that sounds good, then I'll post the character as an alias later this evening.

Oh, right, we pickin' stuff?
I want some light armor I can move okay in, like maybe studded leather or sumat, and, a' course, my twin blades!... light, maybe short swords... definitely identical to each other... definitely sharp and shiny ...Gotta love 'em! :)
Hey, while we're askin', can we all have rings o' sustenance? It'll keep us go in' against the gobs!

Suthuri, I PM'd you. Please respond so we can get something built! :)
EDIT: Asking nicely will get you... the armor that I'm making for your style of play rather than the armor you're looking requesting. :)
Outside of armor, you buy your own stuff at present. :D

GM do you need the stats for Lulu's race?

it is from the Heroes of the Jade Oath book from Rite Publishing.

when I put it together with the race builder it comes out to be a 12 point race.

I'd love that as a PM, Lulu. I was, in fact, just looking for it right now! :D Great timing, really.
EDIT:
mythic "yes" 1
mythic "no" -
mythic "maybe" -
mythic "other" -

EDIT 2: Okay, until the other "auto-in" people weigh in, no more submissions at present. If they opt-out, then I may accept more. Thanks!

EDIT 3: What I mean by that is that if you've made a post in this thread (or are on my list in my OP), you are okay to submit a character. If you have not yet posted in this thread, you may post here, but no further submissions of characters at this time.

EDIT 4:
People who have been grandfathered in, submitted posts, or similar. These people are effectively accepted until or unless they drop out.

* Edward Sorbel: Lulu Yordle Little Orphan Annie
* Sunset: "Sunny"
* Gridlock god of Rage: Snaglor (or a different character made by Grid for this game)
* Algar Lysandrius: Beylinda Chumana (or a different character made by Algar for this game)
* Jon the Unlucky: Eolgrin Kalderon (or a character made Jon player for this game)
* Gobo Horde: Stone (or a different character made by Gobo for this game)
* Viskous: Vitreous "Darling" Dimplegatto
* Bane88: Crunch
* Suthuri: (character in progress)
* Death Quaker: character in theory
* grimdog73: character in theory
* Larkos: character in theory

At potentially twelve characters, we've quite a few!
With this large a group (if all respond), we're going to be running things a little differently. I'll post more on how, when necessary.

Dagnabit! I had just finished a PC. :(

I choose Mythic yes but not sure which path for Lulu

aslo should I level up Lulu to 2 or 3?

Two for now.
Also: sigh. I'm softie sucker. I may regret this, but post your character, Andrea1 - let me see it. :)
EDIT: but make it quick!

At work.

Thumbs down to mythic.

mythic "yes" 1
mythic "no" 1
mythic "maybe" -
mythic "other" -

Yay! Here is Groot!

You're coding's a bit off fixed, I'm afraid happy to say!
But as for the character, you're a half-orc: we're doing small races at present (except for those who wish to be grandfathered in), so that's a non-starter, I'm afraid.
PM me with your pitch/wants for a half-orc, and we'll see if we can work something out.

You still recruiting?

Mythic Maybe - I'm really fine either way.

I know it takes a bunch of work on the GM side of things and if you haven't really prepared it mythic characters destroy regular content, which I discovered the hard way.

Never mind. No unspiration for small PC

Updated Stat Block for level 2

I know you're going to have a lot of players submitting for this, so it may be hard for me to get in. But I'm going to apply anyway--this looks like a heck of a lot of fun!

This is my primary alias, and I'll be submitting the prideful and arrogant sorceress Eris Kaddren below. She's just about ready to go, though I'll need to finish spending her gold and bring her up to the campaign level (either 2 or 3, whichever is decided upon). Oh, and I'll need to add her bonus skills, probably Perform (Writing) and Craft (Calligraphy).

Please check out Eris' profile to see her personal letter to the W.D.G.F.F.!

Fair 'nough, Andrea! Sorry! Maybe next time.

Vitreous, your point is well-taken. I am (I hope) familiar enough with mythic to make it work anyway. Perhaps we'll see!

Azaelas, the answer is "maybe". Check the character creation guidelines here and here (or just... scroll up), and PM me your idea.

mythic "yes" 1
mythic "no" 1
mythic "maybe" 1
mythic "other" -

So far is mythic "maybe" which will mean that it's up to me. I ahve my own leaning, but I'll continue to wait interested in the responses in general.

Eris strides cockily into the main room, sparing a glance and a snort for the other recruits. "Hrumph."

She folds her arms and glares around the room. "Listen up, troops! My name is Eris Kaddren, and I'll be your squad leader for this mission. Now, first of all, you'll want to know what my favorite--"

"What? Oh, yes, I'm aware that a squad leader hasn't officially been named yet. But it's obvious, isn't it? Who else has the poise, the confidence, the aura of command? I'm clearly the only reasonable option."

Eris nods, her logic self-evident, and heads for the mess table. Then she pauses, doing a quick double-take at the gathered recruits. "Um. I'm sorry, did I miss a memo or something? Why are you all so short?"

(Pfft-Hahah! "Medium". Heheheh!) Uh, what? Nothing. Carry on, citizen. (Heehee!)

EDIT:

The PM should be away shortly.

Hmmm... I think a husband is in the doghouse for completely forgetting his wife on the character list above... ;)

Received and responded, Azaelas.

Also: urg. Forgot to list Layla the Twin-Blade before.