Kingmaker [PbP] (Inactive)

Game Master Jeff Przybylo

Trying to keep his spirits up in the horizontal rain, Vosil hums an ancient madrigal to himself as he looks at the fort:

"Now is the month of Desnus,
The merry merry month of Desnus,
Fa la la la la la la la la
Fa la la la la la la"

He doesn't sound very merry. Possibly because a madrigal requires between three and six singers in order for the complex harmony truly to be expressed. Or it's because the rain is p!$sing it down - and sideways; he hasn't had a proper bathe in longer than he can remember; and he's still got bits of spider in his beard. Could be either.

"So, we've located the near-mythical Stag Lord's fort; what now? Sound the trumpets and advance? Or regroup for a plan of attack? I favour the latter option, personally." He stretches, with a wince. "If I were offered a Kelesh Bath right now in exchange for my soul, I'd seriously consider the offer..."

There it is! Naralesh's hand snapped to his bow upon spotting the hated bandit encampment. A twinge of remembered pain shot through his head, beneath the eye patch concealing the very first wound he'd received in the Stolen Lands. If not for this band of murderers and parasites, none of this would have happened. Stag Lord, make your peace with your gods... this is personal. Broken out of his thoughts by Vosil's question, he returned to the situation at hand. "Regroup. This damnable rain might have a use just yet - I can hardly think of a better cover for approaching the fort." He looked at the others. "And no mercy offered first this time. I lost an eye the last time we tried to give these animals a chance to talk before coming to blows."

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 Naralesh can see nothing of note in the fierce rain.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 Edric sees nothing of note

"I think we fall back. I doubt we can go into this half-cocked. We need to form a plan and gather our resources. No-one is going out in this."

Dregan who as normal is out in front will reign in at the site of the fort, dismount and get everyone else to do the same before motioning them to stay low and come forward.

"Even if we don't attack, dis is perfect wearfer t' scouht around an' look fer an easier way in."

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Talia rides towards the castle, her spirits light and buoyed despite the driving rain. Her House had never had a proper castle. Money, sure, and influence, quite a bit. Even some well-appointed townhomes in Restov. All of which is quite lovely to have, of course...

But a castle! That is a status symbol that makes the playwright giddy with possibility. For the safety and security of the surrounding lands, of course, Talia tells herself as she spurs Apple forward, humming to Vosil's madrigal.

Once they get closer, the fact that the castle is merely a fort becoming abundantly clear despite the storm, Talia's temperment comes crashing down to earth, like Apple's hoof into one of this damnable land's many rapidly filling mud puddles.

Tying off her horse, Talia creeps forward towards Dregan, taking in the enemy post. Mostly wood, not stone. A few towers. Heavy wooden gate. All the work of killing these bastards for half the prize.

Still, the fort-not-castle was a significant prize, and the method of claiming it - the killing of the Stag Lord and her or his men - well, that was a sweet prize itself. Payback for her capture, the deaths of her comrades, Naralesh's eye, the following weeks of trudging around in this blasted wilderness, soaked to the bone most of the time and kept awake by Dregan's snoring...

Fort-not-castle or no, the promise of revenge was enough. And it looked as if they were careless.

"They don't pay attention to the hillside!" Talia whispers, her voice rising in excitement.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Magna follows the others, and even if she has waited for a long time for this, the rain and the way to approach make her very uncomfortable.
"Be alert!"
She signals the others to take the Lookout stance.

"Well spotted, I'll sneak forward 'ave a look around tha base ov tha fort. Have tha 'orses ready in case I get spotted an' 'ave t' run." Dregan says. After a quick survey of the land he sets off towards the tower through the area Talia indicated that was poorly observed.

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Perception for spotting weaknesses etc when he gets close: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

The look of disappointment on Vosil's face is plain as he realises what a ruin the castle is in; still, at least a wooden palisade is easier to assault than a stone wall, if it comes to it.

The news that the bandits aren't watching the hillside makes him uneasy.

"Dregan, wait." He grabs ahold of the larger man's elbow, not hard, but securely. "Let's all think. Why aren't they watching the hillside? Either they're utter, utter, morons - which is possible - or they're not watching it because they're not worried about it. Suppose it's trapped? A few dozen bear traps buried in that mud would stall an army: step in one and you'd be held in place until they shoot you down."

He looks at the others. "Never, ever, ever, assume your enemy is a fool. If they aren't watching where they ought to be watching, there's likely to be a reason for it."

Vosil's last ward died in front of him because they got careless; he is not letting that happen again.

So is Dregan waiting? Or forging ahead? And what's the next step...keep posting. But let me add: There are things waiting for you back at Oleg's. See the quest rewards for the fangberries, the tatzlwurms, the kobolds, and Tuskgutter.

"How are we to know why they do what they do unless we look?"

Drawing her sling and loading it, Talia nods to Dregan. "Dregan's our scout. This is what he's here to do. But, if it will make you feel better, I'll go with him. I've snuck out of - and into - a few manors in my day."

stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Dregan stops and nods to Visit. "You're right. Maybe in better weather it'll be safe. " Then Talia speaks and he nods to her too "Let me go first in case of bear traps."

Dregan's plan just to scout it out so when we go back to the trading post we know what we need to buy.

Crouching low to the ground, Dregan and Talia set out from the treeline, using the driving rain as cover. They reach the first boulder some 50' away from the rest of the group without incident. Moving quickly, they continue in this for some 100', until they are halfway to the fort. Still no activity from the bandits on the walls, and no sign of any traps, bear or otherwise. Dregan leans out from the boulder he is behind to get a better look at the palisade. Talia, hood drawn up to keep out the rain, steps up a little closer to the rock.

Grapple check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Then a desiccated hand bursts from the ground at Talia's feet, grabbing at her ankle!

Maybe it was a noise, maybe the fact she had her head down from the rain, but she manages to yank her leg clear at the last second! Now all around them zombies emerge from the ground, four in all, surging towards the two scouts.

ROUND ONE: zombies! Talia and Dregan can go; then the zombies. Then the rest of you can act. There is one zombie in melee range with Talia and Dregan, the other 3 are 30' away. All the other PCs are 150' away over flat ground. Not putting out a map because it's open ground except for the boulder near the two. Ready go!

"Damnit! Magna - we need to move forward now! Everyone else stay back, no sense getting anyone else stuck in this."

Edric knows that he is the best equipped for dealing with these things. He draws his earthbreaker and hurries towards Dregan and Taalia - praying to Desna most devoutly that the bandits have not heard anything and that he can arrive in time...

I just hope they run away, please Desna let them run away!

Talia stifles a scream, cutting it off before barely any sound escapes her throat. "Run!" she hisses, and then the noblewoman turns and does just that, as quick as her legs will carry her.

Move action(s): Run away! Bravely run away!*

*This scene is not making Talia's magnum opus.

Dregan quickly appraises the situation. The plan was to run if something happens and Talia was following the plan so he follows her, running for the horses.

*This scene is not making Talia's magnum opus.

Scene: It is ten years from now, and a Queen Talia sits in the royal box in the Capital City Theater, awaiting the opening of a new play by a an up-and-coming playwright. The title: The Fall of the Stag Lord. As the curtain rises, we see our heroine creeping through a boulder-strewn field, the silhouette of a ragged fort in the background. All of a sudden, a zombie rises up through the 'ground' and grabs at her. She squeaks 'Run!' and exits stage right. The crowd laughs uproariously. Too late she realizes that the young playwright was a former bandit she pardoned back on that fateful day...

The zombies lurch towards the scrambling Talia and Dregan, but their undead legs can't keep pace. Edric charges down from the woodline, intent on destroying them. The three meet, just as an arrow whistles past Dregan's head. The faint sound of jeers and catcalls can be heard from the fort walls now that the bandits have noticed you and your flight from the zombies. The zombies reach a point some 300' from the walls - just short of your hiding spot - when they stop and sink back into the ground.

As you reach the safety of the woods, you now know why they weren't paying much attention to the hillside...

Loved the theater "cutscene"! :D
"I am glad you are ok... are they not chasing us?"
She looks in case the bandits give pursuit.
Perception Check: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Striding to Apple, Talia mounts up. "Let's get the hells back to Oleg's and gear up. Then we come back here and put the Stag Lord out of our misery. Once and for all."

I really would love to be level 4 before we fight the bandits at the fort, heh.

"I hope they assume we're just harmless travelers," Naralesh said, already mounted among the trees. "They can think they've frightened us off all they want."

Dregan mounts up quickly and set off at pace back to the trading post.

I really would love to be level 4 before we fight the bandits at the fort, heh.

^ this

Vosil says nothing in the immediate aftermath of the zombie attack, giving all a chance to cool off.

After a while, the oppressive nature of the silence gets to him. "I don't go in for I-told-you-so's - I have made bad decisions in the past; I shall make poor decisions in the future. Life is not a game of second-guessing."

He smiles suddenly, white teeth gleaming. "Anyway, it's a good thing you discovered those zombies now, rather than when we're trying to rebuild the castle! That would have been an unpleasant shock for the builders."

"Very well. Re-group at Oleg's, eliminate the bandits, eliminate the zombies, claim the castle."

Edric pulls up short when Dregan and Taalia flee the zombies. He does too, and retreats swiftly with them, away from the bandit camp. On the way back he remains quiet for some time.

"So, how do we propose to go about dealing with that place? If the bandits get in and out then the main path must be immune. If we want to get in we have limited options. We could go through the front gate or we could try and sneak in some other way. Sneaking is not my forte and, forgive me Lady Magna, I don't expect it will be you strength either. That would leave the front gate and either fighting or bluffing our way in.

I don't know enough about the bandits you've dealt with before but would it be possible to sneak some of us in as bandits - perhaps bringing prisoners or loot as a distraction? If we get in then we could then identify and eliminate the key players without a general melee..."

Edric looks around "I defer to our experts of course but disguise and stealth seem the best ways to avoid unnecessary deaths. Even more so, although I know the Lady Magna will disagree with me on this" He grins widely at this point. "We might do well to explore more widely around the fort, see if any other surprises await us."

"No, I am not subtle either. We had already a plan, using some insignias we recovered to infiltrate the place."

"Sounds good, but they use passwords, and its been a while since we knew their password so it is likely to have changed. We could set up an ambush near the fort and take out a group either going to or from the fort and question them. Maybe the alchemist can even make potions to transform us into to them that would make it easier."

3 Desnus 4707

The return to Oleg's is uneventful, even the weather remains mild. It is late in the evening when you bring Oleg's into view, and the horn sounds from the tower as you near the gate. Three long blasts, the signal of your return.

Despite the hour, Both Asha and Kesten are eager to hear the tales of your explorations, especially what you know of the fort.

"There's been a significant drop in bandit activity, the trapper's report. Almost nothing seen or heard from them in some time. Still, I would think the Stag Lord has been active. It's just not around here."

Asha is most interested in the zombies Talia discovered on the hillside. "The rumors say that the old fort used to be a monastery to Gyronna. And that she took out her wrath on the too-peaceful monks who lived there. I would guess they aren't old wives tales now..."

She pauses in thought.

"Still, ending the Stag Lord is too important to our cause here, and you need an expert. I shall accompany you for the assault."

Magna bows to Asha.
"And we appreciate it. It will help us a lot."

Talia smiles, despite the late hour, at seeing Kesten and Asha. "Of course! Let me get some hot tea, and I'll tell you all about the last many days. Of most import, we found the Stag Lord! Of almost as much import - Kesten, we've almost been done in by trappers twice now. Please let those coming through know that they are to attach a red kerchief or other clear warning to a stick or branch near to any trap that is set."

------------

Upon hearing the history of the old fort, Talia's demeanor grows quite serious. "A wicked place, then. We'll need you there to put the monks to rest and consecrate the land once we are done. Asha, the bandits have grown complacent with their zombie trap, and do not watch the area. Do you know of a way that we lay the undead monks to rest so that we can use the approach to enter the fort unseen?"

Setting the table for Hide Undead...

"Oh an' Asha there was an impawtan' quesshun I need t' ask you... Arrr, damn I forgot what i' was." Dregan looks around the others for help then brightens "We found a shrine t' tha Old Fawerst Farfer, 'twas very pret'y an' peaceful."

"We're going to make sure he stops being active - once and for all." Naralesh is grimly confident in his tone, full of determination to put an end to the bandits' predation on the Greenbelt once and for all.

Naralesh makes sure to find the time to ask Oleg about scroll-scribing supplies early on. "Oleg, before our final assault on the Stag Lord, I have quite a few magical scrolls to prepare. I'd like to take a look at parchments, and whatever inks, incense, and herbs you have in stock, to see what I could use for my spells." Naralesh is going to be scribing a bunch of scrolls for which he needs ingredients, which I'll make a list of shortly. List is in discussion thread.

"We aren't in any 'urry right? And ge'in' all da supplies people want'll take some time. I'm gon'a go 'ome an' spend a week wiv Mary. Will everyone be ready when I get back?"

"Still, ending the Stag Lord is too important to our cause here, and you need an expert. I shall accompany you for the assault."

Vosil bows low, doffing his hat with a flourish. "Our thanks, O fair and valiant priestess of the Deadeyed God!"

He nods at Kesten's report. "Good to know bandit activity is down. Once the Stag Lord is dealt with, and his den reclaimed, we should be able to drop it further."

With that, he seeks out Oleg & Svetlana. He arranges with Oleg for the tatzlwrym skin to be sent to a tailor in Absalom who has his measurements, to get it made into a cloak; and he gladly pays for Svetlana to have a hot bath made up.

Soaking in the steaming water, he has a long think about many things: if he is to make a future here, he needs to address his past. It is true that he owes his friend Dylan - the man - a great deal, including his life; but what he owes to Dylan - his commanding officer, the Savant-Major - is less clear.

The water is tepid before he comes to a final decision: he will not be reporting back to the Society on his current activities. He cannot be half-hearted in his loyalty to his new companions.

Thus cleansed, beard newly-trimmed & oiled (and de-spidered), he steps out, ready to enjoy a week's civilisation at the fort before they go and root out the Stag Lord.

It is late when Talia finishes her report to Kesten and Asha, but the excitement of story-telling still has her nerves on edge, each recounted tale of near-death keeping her mind churning. Leaving some coin on Oleg's counter, the playwright grabs a bottle of wine and heads up to the top of the southeast tower. There she sits, for a couple of hours, sipping wine from the bottle and looking southward into the darkness.

---------

The next day, she places and order from Oleg and then retires to her makeshift office to write, making sure to check in on the others from time to time, until they are ready to go south again. She also makes a point to visit with Nat to see how his farming is going, and to check in with the other pardoned bandits, trappers coming and going, and anyone, trying to gauge the mood of those she chats with, and listening for good rumors and - godswilling - any gossip from up north.

diplomacy to gather info: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
diplomacy to improve relations: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

Buying one bottle common wine (2 sp), 2 alchemist's fire (40 gp), noble's outfit (75 gp), another traveller's outfit (5 gp).

Oleg takes the necessary orders, promising they will arrive within the next two days.

Over the next week, the mood around Oleg's is good, maybe better than it's ever been. Kesten has broadened the patrol circle around the area, and Asha has made contact with the various shrines and temples you found. She reports that are indeed, holy sites to Erastil, and that sometime in the future more must be done with them. Nat reports that his farm plot is planted and coming in nicely. In fact, he predicts he should have food to keep everyone at the trading post in fresh fruit and vegetables for the year!

Rumors from around the Greenbelt are mostly benign, no news being good news. There is some grumbling about 'marking traps', and the trappers say they will comply, but you don't have the most confidence that they will do it. You don't have the authority - yet - to make them do so.

The rumors from the north, on the other hand, are somewhat more concerning. It would seem that the Swordlords in Restov are not content, but more information is not available.

Stepping back...

"I can cast a spell to hide you from them, of course. The bigger issue will be dealing with the undead after the fort is captured. Why, I have to ask, do they not attack the fort? Why is it that the bandits can come and go at will, without disturbing them? All questions for later, I suppose."

Talia shrugs, looking to Asha. You're the expert, she thinks, but keeps her thoughts to herself. "Perhaps they are haunting the site where they were buried? They didn't follow us beyond the hillside either. At any rate, the confined nature of their haunting has left us an avenue of approach. Thank you for your help, Asha - it will be invaluable in the days to come."

"I can cast a spell to hide you from them, of course. The bigger issue will be dealing with the undead after the fort is captured. Why, I have to ask, do they not attack the fort? Why is it that the bandits can come and go at will, without disturbing them? All questions for later, I suppose."

"I imagine, Lady Asha, that the undead only rise on the hillside - or perhaps only from a certain side of the hill. Either way there must be a recognised way path that the bandits use."

"Just Asha, if you please. I gave up any pretenses and connections to my family when I dedicated my life to Erastil and came out here."

Leaving Apple tied up well into the treeline, Talia crouches and scoots forward onto the hillside (assuming Asha has cast Hide Undead on the group). Drawing her sling as she goes, the playwright, normally only nominally religious, finds herself offering a quick supplication to Abadar none-the-less. God of Walls, help us over this one safely and stealthily. These bandits have long done too much damage to Brevoy's southern border. Help us put these enemies to civilization in Pharasma's Book.

Crouching at the wall's base, Talia looks upward, her green eyes searching the night for signs of their discovery. Turning, she looks to her companions and nods. There was nothing to be done now but wait, and hope they made it up and over the wall without discovery...

Magna kneels and starts reciting in a clear low voice, preparing for the battle:
"My fire extinct
My forge decayed
By the side of my bench
My old vice is laid
My anvil and hammer
Lie gathering dust
My powerful bellows
Have lost their thrust

Hearts now cased in steel
To a blacksmith’s prayer I will kneel"

Vosil's - still unnamed - stallion whickers slightly as Vosil looks at the fort. His expression is unreadable, but the horse has clearly picked up on the excitement (mixed with trepidation) that Vosil feels right now. He absently pats the horse's neck before dismounting and tethering him safely. "Not your sort of fight, this, I'm afraid," he murmurs.

A wry smile at the idea of a horse climbing walls to assault a castle. Then a slight chuckle as he looks around at his companions. "A dwarf, an elf, a kobold, and four humans walk into the Stolen Lands - sounds like the start of a long-winded joke, doesn't it?"

He pauses, letting his light mood fall away. A grim smile. "Let's go and show these bandits what the punchline looks like."

He draws his whip, flexing it. "Shall we?"

"Desna is with us and we serve her great purpose in this." Edric agrees with a firm nod. "Let us begin."

He tests all his weapons, making sure they sit easily in the various scabbards he carries. Not being able to hold a weapon as he goes over the wall makes him nervous but the familiar routine comforts him somewhat.

"Are you ready, friend Kaalib? I'm right behind you."

So we've made it to the base of the wall then? I'm not super sure where we're currently at.

Crouched in the shadow of his nemesis's fortress, Naralesh had adopted a mood of cold determination. Mercy was not an option here. These brigands would throw down their arms or be cut down where they stood, and he would ensure as few of them escaped justice as possible. Mirroring his anger, his fox familiar Nora stood atop his shoulder, puffing her chest out bravely and growling softly.

"When you're ready, Kaalib," Naralesh whispered. When the kobold indicated he was prepared, Naralesh produced the scroll they had ordered and whispered its unfamiliar incantation. "Ivikoras inispiri totemak," he said, unleashing the scroll's magic. Its words faded from the parchment just as Kaalib faded from view.

Now, all they had to do was wait.

Magna's faith reminds him and he says a quick prayer for the coming hunt before heading leading the others across the hill side. Once at the base of the fort he whispers "If Kaalib is going to be invisible he should tie off all three ropes and Edric Magna and I should burst on to the roof at the same time."

Was waiting for Kaalib to chime in here, but if I don't hear from him by the time I get home tonite, I will move forward. Yes, you are at the base of the wall.

It's dark, the sliver of a moon barely visible in the clouds that roll across the skies above the Kamelands. The fort is a blocky shadow silhouetted against the night sky as you begin creeping across the open space of the hillside. At each step, you expect a desiccated hand to reach up and grab you, dragging you down to a horrible death.

It is with some sweat and anxiety that you reach the base of the rough wall. Fifteen feet high, and rough on the exterior, it is not a difficult obstacle to scale. From inside, the sounds of men and women in some stage of gambling and drinking can be heard. Clearly the bandits have not gone to bed early this night. Of the men on the towers, only bare glimpses through the cracks in the wall can be seen.

It's now or never...

I will update the map and move forward as I said earlier. Please add appropriate rolls in your posts: Climb, Stealth if needed, etc. Right now you have 20% miss chance due to the low light conditions, please roll this where applicable. Keep in mind the two maps and the 3D relations of the upper sections. This will make more sense when it comes up, but be very aware of which map you are on. Go get 'em, you've been waiting for this...

It was certainly nice to have the backing of at least most of the group as he went forward. He would have liked to repay his debt in a less dangerous way, but this would definitely do the trick. He reached out and patted the paladin on the knee, as it would have to do since he couldn't reach his shoulder. "I won't let you down. We'll be over the wall in no time at all."

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 + 20 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 20 = 41
Climb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

With the magics in place, he was able to scramble up the wall with little effort and even less sound. The first rope fell down in short order followed by the next just after Edric started climbing.

Magna starts sweating, thinking in the effort to climb the rope.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Stealth: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (3) - 3 = 0
Climb: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 - 4 = 13

Edric takes one last look across the top of the wall but doesn't see anyone before gripping the rope firmly and hauling himself up. Without the extra support he wouldn't have been able to haul his armour all the way up . As is he makes it to the top but is unable to prevent himself bumping and scraping the palisade repeatedly as he climbs.

Whispering a prayer to Desna that the bandits be deeply into Her realm of dreams he shuffles sideways across the parapet, retrieving his new bow as he does so. Placing an arrow on the string he scans for movement.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

FYI, there is no parapet to stop on. There is the palisade wall and that's it. Once over, you go onto the ground. Having said that, I completed the map but forgot to add it to G Drive so you could see it. So Kaalib and Edric are over and on the ground. Let's see if I can describe it and we can go ahead while I get the map up later.

Kaalib drops to the ground silently, after dropping a rope over to the outside. To his front, a short wooden stair leads up and right to the small tower on his right. The tower is 20' tall, just over the top of the 15' wall. The tower consists of a wooden platform with a low wall around it and small roof. In front of you stretches a crude stone wall that extends to the right and left. The stair is between you and this wall. There are no openings that you can see in the stone wall.

Kaalib stops a moment to take in his surroundings, when Edric lands on the ground with BANG!, his shield clashing on his armor.

"Eh?" A voice from the tower says in alarm. "Oo's der?" The silhouette of a man appears at the edge of the tower, peering down at you...

Edric and Kaalib can do something about the guard in the tower. There is no way to reach him in one turn because of the climb up the stairs. The rest of you can hear this, but can't see anything from your side of the wall.

So, three bastards and an elf walk into the woods...

This thread is completely for OoC discussion. Feel free to acquaint yourselves with each other, chat, ask questions, and make plans all you wish in here. Any OoC in the gameplay thread should be limited to remarks and clarifications regarding your post and rolls.

Please PM me with your gmail account so that I can give you permissions for files. You will need to make one if you don't have one already.

Hello, everyone! I'm very excited to be working with each of you. I liked all of your applications, and I'm glad we were the ones selected.

...Did you all actually pick the Bastard trait? I hadn't caught that on the first read-through.

Hey everyone! I'm ready to forge a new empire onto the face of Golarion with you all! And yes, I picked the bastard trait. I'm pretty sure the others did too.

Hello! Nice to meet you all - I'm excited for this campaign.

I did indeed also choose the bastard trait. However, I can choose a noble trait instead and just drop the bastard trait. My backstory is easily editable. Instead of being a bastard, a member of an upstart noble house and a provocateur playwright, Talia could just be a member of an upstart noble house and a provocateur playwright.

Mello of Blades, would it be OK with you to make those minor edits to backstory and one trait?

Also, I forgot to add a scorpion whip to my inventory before my submission. Would it be OK to make that change as well?

I enjoyed everyone's submissions - this should be a fun game!

Yep, third bastard here haha. Honestly surprised I got in. Glad I did though! This is going to be awesome.

Yes, you're all welcome to make any changes you deem necessary as long as they're hammered out before you make your first post.

I was aware that three of you had chosen the bastard trait when I selected you, so no worries. It's such a strong trait, it's hard not to want to pick it as a human, and it's very flavorful too. If you wish to change it up, you're welcome to. I wasn't too worried about it since each of you had a different spin to it.

At the top of this page right above "Campaign Info" you should see a link that says "Tracking Sheet". You'll see a page for your character in that spreadsheet. You all should be able to edit it after logging into your gmail accounts. If not, let me know. If you have any questions about how to use this sheet, let me know. The left side is your inventory, the right side is the sum of all your gains and expenses.

Yes, you're all welcome to make any changes you deem necessary as long as they're hammered out before you make your first post.

So I can completely reconstruct my character from the ground up? XD

I got my sheet updated and I'm ready to roll into the stolen lands!

Also, You had a difficult job narrowing us down to us. I read through each other recipient and there were some really good applications in there. I was biting at the bits to see if I got picked with all the awesome submissions. I don't think I could have picked if I were you! XD

I'm glad we're the ones that got picked. You guys all had awesome submissions!

Also, You had a difficult job narrowing us down to us. I read through each other recipient and there were some really good applications in there. I was biting at the bits to see if I got picked with all the awesome submissions. I don't think I could have picked if I were you! XD

I agree - there were a lot of really strong submissions to this game. I'm glad I got picked, as I really enjoyed creating this character and I think she'll be a lot of fun to play, but I was pretty prepared for disappointment.

I was aware that three of you had chosen the bastard trait when I selected you, so no worries. It's such a strong trait, it's hard not to want to pick it as a human, and it's very flavorful too. If you wish to change it up, you're welcome to. I wasn't too worried about it since each of you had a different spin to it.

It is a great trait, especially for low-wisdom characters like Talia that can't afford a feat slot for iron will until like level 9 :) I'll make the change or not tonight so as not to hold anyone up.

@Mello of Blades - question about the scorpion whip. In UC it is just listed as a performance weapon. However, the OGC SRD has it listed essentially as a whip (disarm, reach, trip as well) that does lethal damage, with the note that whip proficiency allows the user to use the scorpion whip as a whip. However, I couldn't find anything in the PRD that states this is the case. I was just curious as to how you'd rule on it? Lethal-damage whip or just a whip-like weapon used for performance but without the reach, disarm and trip qualities?

Ah, the infamous Scorpion Whip. Here's what I've found.

A scorpion whip uses the same rules as the whip in the PFRPG Core Rulebook, except (1) it deals lethal damage, even to creatures with armor bonuses, and (2) the stats in the table.

The only thing left to question under that clarification is whether or not the Scorpion Whip works with Whip-specific feats. Since it's intended to work under EWP (Whip), I'd imagine yes. So, yes, it's literally a whip that's better in every way; as long as you're proficient with whips.

The reason for the differences between the PRD and OGC SRD is that there are three printings of the Scorpion Whip. All three of them are different, all three of them are just as vague, and none of them have been designated as the "official" version.

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Yes, it was certainly difficult to choose, especially limiting myself to only 4. I'd have loved to take 5, but that would mean rebalances and a slower game. I'm confident in my decisions, however.

Naralesh, your Pioneer trait lets you begin play with a horse. Will you be doing so? I didn't see you mention anything about your potential horse anywhere, so I'm unsure as to whether you want it or not.

Naralesh, your Pioneer trait lets you begin play with a horse. Will you be doing so? I didn't see you mention anything about your potential horse anywhere, so I'm unsure as to whether you want it or not.

Yes, I will be starting with a horse, the only animal he didn't sell from his farm. I included saddlebags, a saddle, and feed for the horse in my inventory, but I hadn't picked a name for the horse yet so I didn't include it in the write-up. I assume that would be a non-combat trained Light Horse?

That is correct.

Alright, I got Naralesh's info up in the sheet. I decided to put down the individual price of each item in the left section for reference, even for the items I got for free or as part of my Wizard's Kit.

Are we going to be tracking encumbrance, feed, and rations strictly? I would actually be entirely into that for this particular campaign, since logistics and organization seem to be the order of business rather than pure flash and action scenes.

Also, can I begin with additional 0-level spells scribed into my spellbook if I pay the scribing cost? As a specialist, I don't start with any cantrips from my opposition schools, and I'd at least like to pick up dancing lights.

Yes, these things will need to be kept in mind. I'm leaving it to you guys to keep track of your encumbrance, but I will be checking on it occasionally to make sure it's right. Most of you have an animal capable of hauling most of your goods, so I don't imagine this will be too much of a problem. The only things you shouldn't track weight for are your clothes and gold.

As far as feed/rations, here is how it will go. If you're out exploring, you'll need to expend one feed/ration per day per animal/person or forage using survival. If you run out, best hope you can find food before you and your animals starve to death. If you are in a civilize area, you may either continue to expend a ration each day or you may use the Meal Rules from the Core Rulebook. Of course, if you're provided meals for free for some reason, you won't have to worry about that.

Edit: Yes, as long as you pay the cost for them, you may add spells to your book. Also make sure you track how many pages you're using.

What is your stance on refluffing feats? I'm interested in taking the Acadamae Graduate feat (either now, or at higher levels) to represent Naralesh being able to "rush" a summoning spell at the risk of exhausting himself from the strain, but I don't plan on him having studied at the Acadamae in his backstory.

Would you be opposed to that?

Refluffing is fine as long as you run it by me and actually refluff it, not just remove the fluff altogether.

Cool. Is the idea I had for Acadamae Graduate okay with you? I imagine that it would be a technique Naralesh would discover out of desperation the first time he uses the feat, frantically chanting the convoluted spell more quickly for fear of being interrupted by an enemy mid-cast. Performing the difficult incantation in this way puts a strain on his body, though, and can quickly leave him drained of energy and too exhausted to exert himself until he's able to rest and recover.

I think I'm going to take it at first level in lieu of Improved Initiative since it seems like a much more interesting option.

That sounds fine to me.

So, yes, it's literally a whip that's better in every way; as long as you're proficient with whips.

Sweet! Thanks for the clarification! I am going to drop the longsword and add a scorpion whip then.

I also can't wrap my head around the idea of a noblewoman traveling without a horse, so I'm having to ditch the bard's kit and disguise kit and go a la carte for some stuff to make room for a riding horse, bit and bridle, saddle, saddlebags and feed. Kitting out a horse is expensive!

I've got the spreadsheet and the character sheet updated to reflect Talia's current equipment. Don't think I'm going to change out the trait or anything else, so I should be good to go!

Excellent. Naralesh has been updated with his new feat and opposition school selection (he has a knack for conjuration, but he struggles to control the chaotic energies of evocation, and finds necromancy distasteful). His mare is named Susan.

Kitting out a horse is expensive!

That was one of the big reasons I wanted the Pioneer trait. I considered Noble Born (having his wife be part of one of the families), but Pioneer fit a little better and the horse is a beautiful benefit.

Oh, and I just saw you gave me a nice donkey token, Mello of Blades. I'm sorry to make you do the extra work!

Just had a thought, is it alright if I pick regional languages for my bonus languages known? I don't have any reason for Naralesh to know "Orc" and "Goblin," and it makes much more sense for him to know the local languages of his new home.

@Talia: That's alright, that's what I get for jumping the gun haha.

@Naralesh: That is fine with me.

That was one of the big reasons I wanted the Pioneer trait. I considered Noble Born (having his wife be part of one of the families), but Pioneer fit a little better and the horse is a beautiful benefit.

Pioneer is the perfect trait for your backstory, which I loved, by the way. Being a fan of drama and romances, if Talia ever hears your story, she'll probably swoon (and then go about adapting it to the stage).

I thought about the trait that gives 900gp (can't remember the name off the top of my head) at game start to kit Talia out as a noblewoman should be, but decided instead that her departure was a bit rushed and unplanned. Why, she even forgot changes of clothes, jewelry, her mirror and disguise kit stage makeup kit!

Pioneer is the perfect trait for your backstory, which I loved, by the way. Being a fan of drama and romances, if Talia ever hears your story, she'll probably swoon (and then go about adapting it to the stage).

Thank you! Writing him made me feel sorry for him. I've got a soft spot for characters who have endured pain, and I gave Naralesh the adorable fox familiar reunion because I felt sorry for him! He deserves some comfort.

He doesn't share his emotions often with others, so he'll put up a happy and friendly facade. Being around other humans is good for him though - sixty years did nothing to dull his fascination with the quick-moving younger race, and it is likely to help him greatly in his recovery.

I thought about the trait that gives 900gp (can't remember the name off the top of my head) at game start to kit Talia out as a noblewoman should be, but decided instead that her departure was a bit rushed and unplanned. Why, she even forgot changes of clothes, jewelry, her mirror and disguise kit stage makeup kit!

I believe it is simply called "Rich Parents," which is admittedly pretty perfect for Talia.

Naralesh's opinion on a possible civil war is, for reference, "Somewhere very far away from me would be nice, thanks."

Naralesh's opinion on a possible civil war is, for reference, "Somewhere very far away from me would be nice, thanks."

Ha! I think that is a perfectly reasonable opinion on a civil war. Talia, being young, romantic, and full of notions of honor and duty, would probably be right in the middle of it, until the reality of it set in, at least.

Godwin would be all for a civil war as long as it was for the right reasons. He'd definitely want to be an active factor.

Whenever you are all ready to move on, just play out your approach to the gates and I will continue. Feel free to continue your roleplaying if you're feeling into it, though. The pace of the game is largely up to you as a group, I'm merely the facilitator here.

I'm ready to move on.

I think we're all ready for Oleg's, right?

Talia is ready!

Yeah, I'm ready too

Godwin is at work but he is also ready to move on.

Sorry for the wait, that was unintended. During the time I had allotted to make posts the other day, Paizo was down. Things got a little busy for me after that, but everything is fine.

I like how seriously Gavriil doesn't take everything. :P

Me too - it is a lot of fun to read!

Thanks!It helps that you guys set him up for his non-chalantness. XD He may grow up over time, buuuuuuuut for the time being he's just trying to make a few gold.

I'm still kind of working out Godwin. He's probably going to need just the right moment to really bring out his character. The root of his concept is a "medieval ronin" (which is why I specifically made the reference), which is quite a bit like a knight errant as Gavriil suggested, but still kind of different. Combined with his youth, poverty, and need to overcome his origins, he's got a forward but complicated driving force.

Naralesh's personality is coalescing nicely. I always figure out who a character really is in the first few days of playing them, and they evolve from there.

Talia's turning out a lot more self-involved and cheerful than I had originally pictured her. It is always interesting where characters go when you put them on the page. It usually takes me a little bit to get everything figured out as well.

How do you all want to handle the bandits? Let them come on in and jump them. Give them a chance to surrender and/or change their ways?

Talia would probably want to talk to them and offer then terms of surrender before any combat starts.

Naralesh would rather ambush them, and if it comes to discussion (which we could handwave away for the sake of time), he will point out a flaw with any plan involving surrendered bandits. If the penalty for banditry is death, and we have no other way of imprisoning them... what do we do with a repentant bandit? Set them free to return to their camp, so they come back with an army like the first time they visited?

I've no desire to face a dozen heavily-armed thugs all at once.

On the flipside, Naralesh has never been in a true fight - decades of dueling practice and formal, ceremonial combat, but he's never honestly drawn blood, even in his more than a century of life. I actually have no idea how he'll react the first time he's required to take a life.

Godwin would wish to confront them upfront. If words come to blows, then so be it, but it is entirely against his nature (and by extension, his Cavalier Order) to perform such an ambush himself, even against bandits. He isn't opposed to delivering their penalty for banditry, however, as it is the law for their misdeeds. Lawful Good doesn't ncessarily mean Lawful Nice, after all. I could see a setup working where Godwin and Talia confront the bandits themselves to try and talk to them, and if push comes to shove, Gavriil and Naralesh will conveniently step in from an unseen location to assist. This gives us the chance of handling matters peacefully (though I doubt it will work) and still allows a semi-ambush. from the more ambush-inclined characters.

Naralesh would like to summon something to ambush, while perched somewhere either concealed, or with cover, for archery support.

Sorry about no post yesterday, guys. Time got away from me.

Gavriil's official stance on the bandits is: NOT OUR PROBLEM!

That being said, he knows the others aren't going to let that slide. He'd be a little more comfortable getting them into a position where they have no choice to surrender.

I could see a setup working where Godwin and Talia confront the bandits themselves to try and talk to them, and if push comes to shove, Gavriil and Naralesh will conveniently step in from an unseen location to assist. This gives us the chance of handling matters peacefully (though I doubt it will work) and still allows a semi-ambush. from the more ambush-inclined characters.

I like this idea. I doubt they bite, but Talia would like to offer them the chance to surrender and work off their debts to Oleg and Svetlana. When they say no, then we kick their arses ;) Would that be OK with you, Naralesh?

Since we know there are what - 12? - of these guys total, should we try to take at least one alive to take us to their home?

He'd be a little more comfortable getting them into a position where they have no choice to surrender.

I'm not quite understanding - are you saying that you want to get them into a situation where they have to surrender, or where they won't even think about surrendering and will fight to the death?

Oops, meant to say no choice BUT to surrender. Yeah he'd rather not fight if it's not necessary.

Naralesh would like to summon something to ambush, while perched somewhere either concealed, or with cover, for archery support.

Perhaps on top of the building to the inside right of the gate? The one with the beds in it? That could give you a good spot to drop a summons and snipe. I imagine that Oleg and Svetlana have a ladder that we can borrow to get you up there.

Oops, meant to say no choice BUT to surrender. Yeah he'd rather not fight if it's not necessary.

Aha! I agree.