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Leinathan's Rise of the Runelords (Inactive)

Game Master leinathan

Drawn into an evil conspiracy by a vicious goblin attack, will the PCs be able to prevent the Rise of the Runelords?

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Loruk:
"You should have been here." Arturus didn't have much use for Loruk, at first. But after Loruk helped solve a few petty crimes, Arturus grudgingly accepted Loruk's perspective on things. Loruk knew everything that happened in town, and was useful in keeping the peace. When he went galavanting off with the goblins - and the Chopper struck - Arturus, perhaps wrongly, held Loruk partially to blame. Loruk kept an eye on everyone...he should have noticed the strange man stalking about at night. He could have stopped the murders early...he could have saved Arturus' poor sister. Relations between Loruk and Arturus have cooled considerably since his return - where once Arturus would have bought Loruk a drink and chatted, he is now more demanding, less polite. "Seen anything, Loruk?"

A'letta:
A fetching young lass with a wild spirit, Aletta has the attention of the Guild. She is on the list of folk to see when strange happenings strike the forests near Sandpoint, and has proved an asset in keeping the area safe from strange beasts and woeful magic.

Xogar:
Xogar is a regular pillar of the community, and though many probably write him off for his appearance, Arturus respects him for a few reasons: He has proven to be an upstanding, kind citizen, to be counted on in times of trouble; Iomedae and Abadar are compatible, civilized faiths; and Arturus respects Xogar's dedication to those ideals of justice and honor

Kyra:
Whenever Kyra is in town, Arturus watches her with a wary eye. Though she is polite, her eyes hold a dangerous light. Violence is within her; her bearing announces assumption of ownership of whatever and whoever is nearby at that moment. She asks for favors of the militia and local government as though she were a council member. That said, she is, at this time, a law abiding citizen, and it was rumored that she provided information that allowed the militia to root out the growing influence of a Korvosan crime family in Sandpoint. Perhaps she's not so bad?

Well best of luck to you guys!

Edited my profile a bit. Thanks go to Loruk for opening up another dark, conflicted facet for Arturus' past. My world-weary hunter is getting interesting!

Kyra:
Kyra and me could have been at odds once in the four years I have been in Sandpoint, either she fought in the Rusty Dragon inn and I was the one to restrain her or she noticed my monk teachings as I protected people from thieves.

If I had restrained Kyra once we could have a bit of a (friendly) rivalry going on between us, who is the better monk? The Defensive Mountain or the Forceful Kicker.

Khalbar:
Besides the obvious shared Shoanti heritage, when Khalbar and Korham met, Khalbar would have been upset that I've decided to settle in Sandpoint for the last few years. Though my tribe was a bit different from the other Shoanti tribes, very rarely bothered because of the many shamans around, Korham could understand the rage Khalbar felt and the regret of not being there to protect his family.

However Korham is more prone to not let emotions cloud his judgment and tries to comfort Khalbar in his rage of grief. If he comes across an opportunity to help him out, he will do so.

A'letta:
As Korham has made it through his early life protecting shamans of his own tribe, A'Letta, as a Shoanti seer, would have been a welcome comeback to his earlier bodyguard duties. She would not have to ask for guidance or protection from him, he would have offered it readily. A'letta could be his protegé in Sandpoint.

Xogar:
As we both fight for the law and righteousness, we may have crossed paths a few times. Though not a truely devout follower of a god, he keeps Erastil close to his heart as a reminder of his ancestral home and its values. He often comes to the gardens around the newly erected cathedral to meditate and offer a small prayer to Erastil. At times he witnessed Xogar coming to the cathedral himself, he wondered how an half-orc became a paladin. As a bodyguard to the weak and needy, he stood in the way of many thieves before back-up showed up, often in the form of a few lawmen, but Xogar appeared many times as well. This cemented a friendship between the two.

Pick:
I think Pick and Korham will not have had much conversation, mainly glances at night as Korham is startled as he hears/sees Pick scurrying about close to him and Pick being intrigued by the loyalty Korham shows to his protegés. Korham knows about Pick and knows he is not that evil, just skittish, therefore he is more relaxed as he sees a glance of something moving around at dusk knowing it is Pick and knowing he can be trusted.

I'll update Korham's background in a few minutes

Since we're only supposed to post one, I should say that my favourite is the relationship between Kyra and Xogar, with Pick being a close second.

dien wrote:
Kyra and Pick:
...it seems all of these are tying into the 'authority' thing. Kyra comes from a worldview that Pick would acclimate to easier than others-- she expects to give orders and to use people, and, frankly, Pick expects to be given orders and to be used. His society was very cog-like, serve the tribe, which meant, serve the elders giving you orders. And Kyra would likely not have any hang-ups over his race, but would instead just assess him for his usefulness.

Kyra and Pick:
I actually thought the same thing for Kyra and Pick, but went even further with it. There's definitely a potential there for symbiosis, but it actually seems to me as well that they could very well become friends.

Every single other potential person in the party is of the Good alignment. Obviously I have no intention of any kind of PvP thing happening, but it's likely that the others and Kyra won't always see eye-to-eye. With the focus on order more than morality that Pick shares, he might be the only one who actually ever understands her, and she might become very attached to him for that. I think that would be rather interesting.

Kyra and Loruk:
Loruk has shown in his past an interest in redeeming those that might seek to do evil. While the goblins he worked with before were certainly more extreme than Kyra, I think they might have things to learn from each other. Loruk seems like he could use some understanding of duty and responsibility. He is haunted by guilt from letting down the people he cares about, and Kyra would probably have that same fear, which makes her more likely to listen to him.

Khalbar Bloodsong wrote:
Kyra:
your alignment is exact opposite of Khal's. She was raised in the city among nobles; he in the wilderness of the Storval. I can't imagine two more unlikely companions. They'll probably fall in love...

Kyra and Khalbar:
That would be hilarious. I would definitely be all for that, haha. Actually, it's funny, because despite them being completely different, I think she'd like him right off the bat. He's strong, he's determined, he's wounded, and he can fly into a rage and cleave things in twain. WHAT MORE COULD A GIRL WANT.

Kyra and Xogar:
A lot of the relationships with Kyra have focused on "We're different, but here's how we're the same". This one I like even more because it's "We're different, but we almost weren't."

Xogar's early life is based around being abused, but learning discipline and strength, not entirely unlike Kyra's. But when they reached the crossroad, they went in entirely different directions. He gave himself up to Iomedae to be something more. These two would very much carry out the law in every scenario, but in entirely different ways.

I keep thinking of them having this awesome relationship like Professor Xavier and Magneto where, yeah, they are/were friends, and they want the same things, but they see the world so differently that it's hard for them to agree on how to get there.

Korham wrote:

Kyra:
Kyra and me could have been at odds once in the four years I have been in Sandpoint, either she fought in the Rusty Dragon inn and I was the one to restrain her or she noticed my monk teachings as I protected people from thieves.

If I had restrained Kyra once we could have a bit of a (friendly) rivalry going on between us, who is the better monk? The Defensive Mountain or the Forceful Kicker.

Kyra and Korham:
I can't imagine her just wanting to get into a brawl in a bar, but hiring Thieves to infiltrate the town to see how it would react does sound like something she would do. Seeing a monk stand up to them to protect people would definitely make an impact on her, especially having seen your technique. I imagine her, being impressed, approaching you while meditating, and essentially demanding a spar with you. And yeah, I think a friendly rivalry is definitely in order.
Arturus wrote:
Kyra:
Whenever Kyra is in town, Arturus watches her with a wary eye. Though she is polite, her eyes hold a dangerous light. Violence is within her; her bearing announces assumption of ownership of whatever and whoever is nearby at that moment. She asks for favors of the militia and local government as though she were a council member. That said, she is, at this time, a law abiding citizen, and it was rumored that she provided information that allowed the militia to root out the growing influence of a Korvosan crime family in Sandpoint. Perhaps she's not so bad?

Kyra and Arturus:
Oh man, I like that idea. Her sense of entitlement is sure to get her into trouble. I'm not sure what kind of relationship the two of them would have. She'd no doubt want to hear about him having slayed mighty beasts, but he doesn't seem very up to talking about it. She may very well see him as old and worn out, past his prime, which could be interesting.

Posting with this alias, which has my stats and backstory you saw on the page. (The other alias is a PFS character I want to keep PFS-legal =)

Cheers!

Updated Korham's backstory, few things added now.

Khalbar:
Khalbar's loss punched a hole in her soul. To love and be loved was a blessing and to have that blessing taken away in such a manner .. she could not fathom the fires that must rage in the barren wastelands of his soul. She felt obliged to help the man as it was her duty and would try to do whatever she could to mend the wounds of his soul. And perhaps he'd see the wisdom and reason in the ways of the Spirits of Old.

Korham:
The mountain of a man named Korham felt like a beacon of safety in this sea of foreigners. Yes, he hailed from a different tribe, but what time they had spent together showed that they had adaptable outlooks on life. He had offered her protection and in return, she promised him she'd look out for him. Strong arms, a kind heart and dedication, A'letta liked Korham.

Arturus:
She had stumbled upon Arturus while being out in the wilds with Loruk. The man explained to her the ways of his Spirit and how he must venture forth into the wild to claim safety for those at home. His sense of duty inspired her and he was just the right person to go to when she needed more information on these strange lands and its strange cultures. (I see this as a mentor-student relationship, because she respects age and wisdom and he has plenty of both!)

Loruk:
A'letta had needed someone who knew the land. She had come by people with maps, but she needed someone who truly knew it. After asking around, a trapper named Loruk seemed to be the man.
Her kindness and patience might've surprised the half-orc when he first met her. This masked giant of a woman knew nothing of the torment that raged like a storm under his skin. Instead of looking to the past, like the other townsfolk, she gave Loruk an opportunity to look towards the future by asking his aid in helping her with her divinations. A'letta valued his knowledge of the wilds highly and saw in him a man who tried to move forward, but who was held back by the chains of the past. For now.

Rhanloi:
I don't think they'd have a strong existing relationship just yet, but if they happen to travel together their thirst for knowledge would bring them closer together. Rhan's structured and academical approach would be an eye-opener for A'letta and she'd be most willing to learn from him and in return teach him about the ways of the Hawk Shoanti. Them both being good means they'll also have the same'ish outlook on life.

Kyra:
The same as Rhanloi, I don't think they'd have formed a proper relationship just yet. Their disciplined approach to life might help generate mutual respect, but she sees her pride as a flaw. They'll bump and A'letta will do her best to make Kyra see the light - and try to convert her to at least becoming a LN person. A ruler has to give to his people and in return they shall give him their support. No wicked person can do this. Right? *laughs*

Xogar:
Kindred spirits - to serve and to protect, to carry the burdens because we're blessed. No existing relationship, but they should get along just fine. Their different religions and cultures might be the reason for some distance at first, but that gap should be closed in no time.

Pick:
I, the player, LOVE duergar! I don't think they'd formed any meaningful relationship just yet, but their shared Lawful alignment should mean they should get along. Him needing guidance might help Pick being mentored by A'letta, Arturus and Xogar?

My apologies for the gigantic wall of the text, haha.

Glad I was able to weave forth something interesting last night.

Looking over the story with Pick left a bad taste in my mouth, not entirely sure what I was trying to create there - but it's easy to determine that the store written is not an interesting one.

I do like the Arturus & A'letta stories, on the other hand.

Khalbar:
Khalbar seems to be quite powerful, perhaps in similar terms to the 'Chopper' - seeing as how he has slain an entire tribal camp by himself. As a player, I don't mean any offence in this - but I do not like characters that have 'super-powers' in their background stories - if not explained in great detail why he is not as powerful anymore. Sure, a player could kill maybe one or two Shoanti barbarians on his lonesome - but an entire tribal camp, I just can't relate. Such power is not something Loruk assimilates with strength and respect, but rather fear and worry. As such, I do not think the two have formed a relationship prior.

In all honesty, having read through the other characters - I find that I like the possible relationships with A'letta and Arturus the most intriguing - and will rather use my previous post plus the following story with A'letta as my submissions.

A'letta:
"She came from the north, tall as a mountain - and broad like you had never seen a woman before." The youngest goblins laughed heartily, not quite familiar with how to act during a story just yet. "I met her a few times, tracked and showed her the lay of the land. But this woman was no ordinary woman - no. She knew things men and women should not know."

Glitters, standing up on his feet - boasted heartily: "Like Glitters know how to make fire burn !" His eyes reflecting the fire under the starlit sky.

"Yes, Glitters - almost. Well thought." Loruk smiled to the other goblins, he could see how their eyes and small bodies ached to grab blades and run off into the wilds - but they did not. He had made progress with them. They listened.

"We came across something in the wilds, not too many moons ago - something new. Something frightened, angry and alone. We approached it carefully - I had unsheathed my longswo-"

The Goblins break out into laughter and cheer, making stabbing motions to eachother as they giggle. "HA-HA-HA! Yes, you stabbed and gutted it! Stabbing makes everything better, Boss!"

Loruk sighed, perhaps he had made progress - but it would still take many more years to make them understand that stabbing someone isn't the best way to solve every encounter.

"Not exactly, Bog. The creature we encountered was cloaked, hooded even - and not aware of our approach. Or well, seemingly not. A'letta, the Shoanti woman I traveled with, stood a few feet off to my side as I came within arms-length of the creature. As I placed my hand on his shoulder, he turned - and as my spine shivered and froze - the face I gazed upon was mine. That is when I awoke to her words: "Now, do you see?"

The goblins burst into laughter once more, obviously unable to comprehend what Loruk had just told them - and instead deemed it humorous.

Loruk smiled. My dear children.

leinathan wrote:
I'd like each of you to post an interesting relationship dynamic that you could have with one of the other characters in this list. This could be one that develops or one that already exists prior to the game.

I pick Korham. The spoiler will explain why.

Korham:

Xogar came often to the cathedral to pray and to meditate. When he was not at the cathedral he would wander the town so he could better learn where he might be needed when the time came. That and he thoroughly enjoys meeting new people.

It was on one particular night that he felt guided to a section of town that he found thieves being faced off by someone he had not seen before. It seemed that the man was outnumbered but he valiantly rebuked them for their acts. Before it came to blows Xogar stepped forth.

"By Iomedae there will be no bloodshed unless you want it to be your own. Drop your ill gotten gains and leave. Do not let me catch you again."

It was on this night that he met Korham, a man of upstanding character. Xogar would assist him on occasion as he helped others from those who would oppress them. Xogar was impressed by his training, resolve, and steadfastness to his beliefs.

"A kindred spirit if I ever met one. He is truly blessed. I hope to see him again."
RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16

Wow, really enjoying reading all of these, guys. We clearly have some potential applicants who put thought into their characters! I simultaneously want y'all to keep being awesome and at the same time wish you were less awesome since the competition is stiff. :P
RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16

And Loruk, I don't think it was bad. It's a foundation to build on, etc.

God, this has never been so hard. This started out as a post to tell you that I've chosen, when I realized that I still haven't actually managed to eliminate even two of you. I might figure out a way to actually take all nine of you, or eight or seven of you, barring that, but I'd need to change a few things. Perhaps just have separate quests going on with different groups. I'll get back to you later with a decision and a discussion thread.

Really, really good job you guys. Seriously.
RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16

Aye aye, cap'n!

Thank you, leinathan - much appreciated.

And good luck to everyone, even though I might have been a bit harsh towards Khalbar - I did not intend to critique him in any way, it's just something I see very often that I as a player can't relate to.

I enjoyed reading everyone's background and relationship stories.

It really is nice to see so many talented people.

So I believe that I've reached a decision, and it's actually exciting me more than my original plan to just run a normal RoTRL campaign with four people.

I'm going to accept eight of you, and run an amalgam campaign with all of you. The only person that I'm going to cut (and I'm sorry that I'm singling you out) is Korham, and the rest may report to the soon-to-be-created discussion thread to get acquainted and to solidify those relationships.
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Fiddlesticks, missed applying by just a nick again. Have fun!

Shame to hear Korham ain't in, but maybe we meet in some other game on this forum! :)
RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16

Maybe next time, Korham!

Really excited to adventure with everyone who is in it.

Pick would like to register a complaint regarding racial discrimination in that there is one, and exactly one, available avatar of a duergar. Tsk, tsk!

Not sure I'll keep this avvie for him, honestly, but it'll do for now.

A dang shame, good luck to you all guys.

I'd wager a guess in why I wasn't picked, my story didn't allow to many tie-ins.
Leinathan would you mind to elaborate for my future applications in your games?

Honestly, there are two reasons why I didn't accept you.

One is that I only wanted eight, a double regular party. The other reason was that you weren't convincing enough that your character would react to things any differently than a cliche, and I didn't want average cliche characters. My advice? Don't make "the cliche hero", generally. And make sure the GM that you're applying to has an idea of much of the personality of your character.

Sure thing, thanks for the explanation.
Guess I didn't have that much inspiration for him yet.

Good luck with the campaign everyone, I'll be sure to check in on you from time to time.
RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16

Good luck out there, Korham.

dien, you ought to dot the discussion thread.
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