"Down there? What is-slurp-down there?" Ranna slurps at her soup, draining the broth before turning to the noodles with the two sticks. Unable to figure out how to work them, she gives a quick, furtive look before shoveling noodles and vegetables into her mouth. "I was told that there were goblins. Have they been digging below the town?" This could be a lot different than in the Cinderlands. I could, perhaps, regain enough honor to make a homecoming possible. I could go home! So preoccupied with her thoughts of honor and home is Ranna that she doesn't hear the elf arrive, and her untrustworthy eyes don't see anything.
One of the other guest is a striking but stern looking Elf in woodsman attire, a longbow on her back. She looks like she has been through a battle. She makes a quick stop at the bar to pick up a glass of red wine. "I need a bath," the Elf Woman says as though desperate.
"Of course you do," Ameiko says nearly laughing. The proprietor motions to an elderly Halfling Woman, who then heads up the stairs. The Elf Woman follows close behind.
"Do I? I thought my... kind... was comparatively rare. May I ask... No, it doesn't matter. I apologize if my appearance has brought you any distress."
I'm used to my presence being considered unnerving by someone, but this is the first time I'm told I actually resemble another person. Another Celestial-blooded? Dark things? Her curiosity picked (and more uneasy than she herself would admit), she takes a mental note to delve further into the matter - once and if a more tactful occasion should present itself.
Once she's brought before the couple who had previously caught her attention, she notices that a small crowd of two has already formed around them - the Taldane woman who had been discussing the goblin threat with the innkeeper and what looked like a Shoanti. Acknowledging their presence with a nod of her head, she proceeds to introduce herself.
"My name is Adamàs. Just Adamàs" she hastens to specify, anticipating the all-too-frequent question that usually follows that statement. "My parents have never been people to care too much for things like names and genealogies. They say the only lineage that matters is the one which is carried through the blood, not the family trees" she shrugs. "I happen to have overheard bits and pieces of your conversation. If it's the power of the divine you'd like to have at your side in your endeavors, some might say I was blessed with it. Others, cursed. But both would agree that my sword arm is strong. That said, I'd be honored to have the chance to prove myself at your side. Though it seems you're already surrounded by very capable people also offering their help, by the looks of it."
Rusty Dragon map up to add flavor. Zoom to 200% for greater clarity of image.
Garrath sits at the table with the others without saying much, clearly troubled by the loss of the cleric. "It is a bad omen to lose the help of the divine so early." He looks around at the others who are so willing to help, and drinks down his ale.
I agree, but it seems that Sarenrae smiles upon us, as there are several here who are willing to try and help.
Brandark then indicates the Amieko to bring Garrath an Ale and some of the Roast Boar.
Ameiko is happy to see the big Barbarian, and brings him out a mug of Dwarven Ale, and a slab of Roast Boar with some spiced potatoes. She also makes sure to bring another ale for Brandark and a refill of the water-downed wine for Elektra.
She looks at the new travelers to Sandpoint, "Is there anything else I can get you?"
"No...Ameiko, was it? It has been many nights since I have had a good, warm meal. I thank you." Ranna turns back to the group, surprised to see another Shoanti. What clan is he from? What will he do if he finds out I'm Tshamek? Perhaps it will be okay. He is working with these other Tshamek, after all. She adjusts her claw necklace a little, showing her Shoanti roots.
-- david
My thanks lady Amieko, would you be so kind as to get Kelvin the same. After she leaves, Brandark waves to Brathana to get her attention.
Sliding a handful of silver into her hand Brathana I know Amieko would not take this, but for the food, and ale for us.
Also, I would like some hot water later in my room.
"So," Calene says to the group between mouthfuls of salmon, "You have before you three potential..." she waves her hand through the air, searching for the proper word, "hires, partners, whathaveyous. Me, Ranna Feels-the-Embers, and Just Adamás. Yet it seems you only have need of one. It would seem to be a touch like a job interview, yes?"
"Therefore..." the cleric pauses dramatically in order to choke on a small bone in the salmon, "are there any questions you wish to ask of us before you pick one of us?"
"You wish to ask questions? I will answer as I can." Ranna notices the strange cleric choke on the salmon-bone, and reaches over to smack her on the back.
Aye this would be along the lines of a job interview. Brandark says around a mouthful of ale. But I will defer the questions to those a little more learned than myself.
Although, myself personally would hold a drinking contest in the true fashion of the dwarves of Highhelm, but that will not work here I am told.
Ameiko will bring Kelvin a tall glass of cool spring water.
"Just as well, I suppose. It wouldn't be much of a challenge if we made it a drinking contest," Calene says, holding up her left hand.
No...no more drinking... Ranna's thoughts turn to a night in Kaer Maga spent in the gutters and the headache and weakness the next day. "I would rather not drink to prove my worth. I had an...experience in Kaer Maga I would not want to have again."
Looking at the 3 woman sitting around her Elektra sighs. Job interview. Good. Now remember your symposiums and the moments you had to defend your theories. What did they ask you. Well, no I can´t ask about timelines. Let me have a thought! A yes
With a tiny sip she mentally focuses and then starts. "I will try to ask you all a few questions and I would like that each of you answer after each other. This is no contest, well actually it is, but we can be polite, can´t we? Now my first question, do you follow a god, or if not wich ideal. And why? Second. I know each of you is trained in weapons. What is your favorite style. Oh, and what curiculum did you follow, what are your hobbies. And anything else you can add to party fighting the unknown?"
Brandark winces at the rapid fire questions. I told you all, that I was going to leave the questions to those more learned than me. as he grins.
I bet you wish it was the dwarven contest after all now right.
He then takes a deep draught of the 4th ale that appeared in front of him.
"I'm not one to flee from a battle fought on many fronts, so don't mind me if I tackle both. Lady Ameiko, another pint of this delightful nectar. Keep it flowing, if you please" she asks, laying a gold piece on the table.
"What about me? As I've told you, my name is simply Adamàs – a fact that has earned me more than one soubriquet in my youth. Ironically, the one I've now so clumsily stumbled upon" she says, grinning at the Taldane woman while nodding her head in a sort of well played gesture, "is far from being the least fitting, as my devotion is not reserved to one god, but many, as long as they can rightly call themselves epitomes of Justice and Martial Valor. In particular, I pride myself in calling the most war-like Empyreal Lords of the Celestial Host my patrons, though it's Falayna, the Many-Ringed Lady of Beauty and Strength, whom I hold dearest to my heart."
The sound of an empty tankard being laid to rest on the table marks her last words. "You asked what's it that makes us stick to our ideals" she promptly presses on. "Alas, in my case, the most convenient answer is also the only one I can give you. It's in my blood. My mother is a half-elf, my father human. They both belonged – well, they still do – to one of the many Magnimarian cults devoted to contemplating the Mysteries of the High Heavens. When I was born, patently displaying the signs of Celestial blood in my veins, they took it as a blessing granted them by the Powers Above themselves. I grew up among their brethren, who raised me as a collective, extended family, but it wasn't until my adolescence that I discovered my true calling. Up until that point, I was all but having a hard time in dealing with the pressure my blood had burdened me with. Don't get me wrong: everyone has always been nothing short of kind to me, but still they were trying their best to make me feel special – whereas I felt anything but, neither better nor worse than your average human. Thank you, Lady Ameiko" she hastens to say as she realizes her tankard has already been filled as she was talking.
"So, where was I? Ah yes. I was twelve... thirteen perhaps at the time. I have little to no recollection of the event. They said they found me in an alley, a Sczarni thug bleeding but otherwise stable at my feet. I was... possessed, only speaking gibberish in the Celestial language. Since then, fighting has come natural to me. Donning armor, wielding a sword... even though I've never had any formal training, I've suddenly found myself as proficient in such things as any seasoned warrior. So this is it, I guess. Birds fly, fishes swim. And I fight in the name of the Celestial Host".
She averts her gaze for a while. "I'm sorry, I feel like you were entitled to a better answer, but this is the only one I can provide. At the very least, it brings us straight to your next question. My fighting style is simple – a sword and a shield, basically – but functional and, I'm told, elegant. Clad in my armor and invigorated by the powers bestowed upon me, I can outlast most of my foes – if not outfight them outright; though I see you already seem very well covered in that regard" she states, fixing her silvery eyes first on the dwarf and then on the tall Shoanti man sitting nearby. "Most of my blessings I can always impart to others, curative magic being the most prominent example, though not the only one. Out of combat, I'm also well-versed in the more mundane healing techniques, and I can safely say I have... let's say a way with people. I can usually curry favor with strangers very easily, both through pleasant and... well... less pleasant means" she says smiling coyly.
"There's one last thing I have to tell you, however. That first incident with the Sczarni: I'm afraid it wasn't a one time thing. Every time I'm in combat, I enter a trance-like state; not like a fury, but more akin to a tranquil, focused sense of purpose. In that state, my tongue gets knotted. The only words I can say and understand are those that can be uttered in the Celestial tongue. Rest assured though, even during that, I'm still in full possession of my faculties" she promptly adds as a form of hasty reassurance.
That said, she asks for another round of Dwarven brew and falls silent, waiting for the others to introduce themselves.
Ameiko will bring Kelvin a tall glass of cool spring water.
"Thank you Ameiko You always bring what is needed." and he looks over at Brandark downing the house ale.
"Yes ladies, you could call this a job interview, but we are looking for a friend, not just some hireling."
"Lady Adamas, thank you for your answer. You seem to have had interesting experiences."
"Lady Calene, Lady Ranna. How about your stores, if you will?"
With that said, Kelvin will slip slowly on water and listen intently to the stories of the women.
Gods? Ideals? What can I say? I suppose I should tell them the truth; I still want to be Shoanti again someday, after all. Ranna takes a quick sip of water, once again marveling at how cool and crisp it tastes after her long journey, and begins speaking. ”You ask about my gods or ideals? I suppose I must begin with the two events that best demonstrate them. The first happened perhaps ten years ago. My sight had been going bad for a long time, but it had not yet become the curse it is today. In fact, I could still serve my clan in all the expected ways. That day, however, I received my name.
The boy was young, too young. He’d been caught on the wrong side of an emberstorm (walls of fire and ash that travel across the Cinderlands. The rest of the clan marked him as lost, but I set out alone through the aftermath and brought him back. Both of us were covered in burns, but while he cried pitifully, I could only laugh. That is how I got my name, and it is the first part in understanding my…ideals. The second happened only three weeks ago, and it’s why I see my gift as a curse, rather than a blessing. I had kept my…disability a secret from my clan, but I could only see perhaps thirty feet out before my vision blurred and swam. This is still true today, and nothing has proven able to fix it. The emberstorm that fell upon us that night was unlike anything I have experienced, and I was unable to warn them. I smelled fire, but one always smells it out there, and the wind pushed it in from a strange direction, so I couldn’t hear it until it was far too late.
A single tear runs down from Rann’s right eye. Her left one stays dry. I know my father survived; he was the one who pronounced my sentence that night. I can only hope my mother and brother did, but I saw our tent burn, just like many others. I know the sentence was fair; I was disowned, pronounced less-than-Tshamek, and given a week to leave the Cinderlands. You asked if I follow an ideal. I do not. The flame, however, seems to follow me, for good or for ill. Ranna shoots a somewhat-nervous glance at the big Shoanti warrior, seeing how he’ll react to the news that she’s an exile.
”As for how I fight, I prefer to be as far away as I can. This, for me, means only 30 feet. Any further and I cannot see, so I cannot aim. True to my status as less-than-Tshamek, I’ve abandoned my people’s weapons, but I have become a decent shot with a crossbow. I prefer to use my…gift, however. In the last three weeks, I’ve decided that the gift will not leave me be, so I will use it with caution and thought. I offer a conduit to the divine, and one that’s not bound to the faith of a god or goddess, but tied to the elements themselves.
I was trained almost from birth to be the daughter of the Sun Shaman, with all the responsibilities that implies. This means mostly healing, of which the Sklar-Quah needed much, and serving as a receptacle of knowledge. I was considered skilled in both divine and mundane healing, and over the last several weeks I’ve learned that I have some talent for talking to Tshamek-no, I suppose for me, you are just people now, not outsiders. I enjoyed running the paths of the Cinderlands and discussing our past with my father, and I’ve become fascinated with the card game the Varisians call the “Harrow”. I do have a quirk, and I tell you this now so it won’t violate your trust of me later. I eavesdrop. It’s not on purpose, but in order to have some idea of what’s happening beyond my sight, I’ve trained myself to listen to everything. When the time comes for you to choose your new companion, I will step outside. I will not be able to hear you there. I hope this answered your questions, and I hope you will pick the candidate you feel serves your needs the best.”
Hearing the words of Kevin Elektra blushes for a second before replying."He is correct of course, we seek a friend, a comrade in battle. I rely on Kevins guilde, he knows he can trust my intellect, we trust in Brandarks toughness and Garreths strength of arms. So, you see we need someone to make us complete."
Our wonderful female Cleric is unable to continue in our Burnt Offerings campaign. So we need a Cleric of 2nd Level. The first post in this thread offers some criteria.
A female player playing a Good female Cleric would be ideal, as this is who you would be replacing. But ultimately the party will help decide who will join.
So we look to your character submission. Please feel free to read through the actions so far.
Good luck!
We know that weekends can be busy for some people, so our group has agreed to keep Recruitment open through at least this coming Wednesday.
Starting gold for 2nd level is 700G.
For those that have submitted characters, please do not take this as a rejection. We are just seeking as many candidates as possible for consideration.
Garrath raises an eyebrow at Ranna's story, and dismisses it quickly behind a brief shrug and healthy bite of food. "People are people," Garrath says around the food, then swallowing back a big drink of ale, "The Shoanti need to learn this. They have too few people as it is, unless they join together in one clan." He looks up at Ranna, "So you would consider yourself a healer first?"
"Yes, I would. I have seen enough of pain and suffering. Sometimes, though, even healers must cut and cauterize, and I am not unwilling to do either." Ranna pauses for a moment to take another sip of water before continuing. "Our clans are foolish in many ways, but I do not think they could unite. At least, not permanently. Separation helps keep our warriors from killing each other, and it allows our differences to survive. If I may ask a question, why did you leave the clans? Were you made less-than-Tshamek as well?" For a brief moment, Ranna allows herself to hope she's found someone to talk to about the whole experience, someone who understands.
Calene raises her left hand and ticks a finger upward with each sentence. "Cayden Cailean, born into it. Rapier, quick strikes in light armor. I have been trained by a curriculum of a court fencing trainer, several surly men, and real life application. I suppose my biggest hobby would be the detective work, but that's more of a job, isn't it? I do collect mementos of some of my more memorable cases, however," she says, producing three objects from a small pouch and laying them out on the table: three links of a heavy iron chain, a capsule filled with a rust-colored powder, and a small piece of glass cut into a perfect circle.
"My own talents in combat are devoted less to personal glory than to bolstering my allies. Have you ever given the perfect answer to a question? Been in the exact right place at the right time?" The priestess lets her questions hang in the air for a second before continuing. "My own divine power is nothing so great, but it emulates that feeling, enhancing the courage and bravery of others. It brings out all that one can be. But seeing is believing."
The Caydenite closes her eyes and takes a slow, measured breath. When she reopens them, they are staring off into the distance, as if focused on something that does not exist. "All that one can be," she intones in a crystal voice. A light thrum of divine energy accompanies her words, and all who hear them feel a small surge of power and glory, should they so choose.
Calene continues speaking, but her eyes remain focused elsewhere. "My other talents are those of a typical priest; god-granted spells to strengthen allies and weaken foes. Creating light where there is none," she says, creating a small, ethereal lantern in the palm of her hand. "Channeling the power of a god to create water from nothing," she continues, placing her hand over her own mug and creating a small cascade of water to fill it to the top. "Gaining complete understanding of every language, written and spoken both," she pronounces, her voice building in strength and volume.
"These are the strengths I could bring to your group," Calene finishes, focusing back on Elektra, as the effects of the divine words dissapate. Her answer complete, the priestess leans back in her chair, and takes a hearty mouthful of her ale. The twisted expression of disgust that washes over her face makes it obvious that she forgot that, only seconds earlier, she had watered down her own drink.
EDIT: I just realized that the Liberation domain is not one of Cayden's. Changing it to Travel (Trade), as that domain (and subdomain) emphasizes Cayden's charm and wanderlust.
Ameiko returns with another round of drink for everyone, then looks at the party that had just returned from under the Glassworks, "You all look like you have fought the devil himself. What is going on under the Glassworks?'
As I saw it, there were goblins, and things that I cannot explain, nor hope to describe. But there are a lot less now.
Brandark shudders a bit, as he recalls the ugly undescribable creature.
Garrath smiles at Ameiko, "Maybe not the devils themselves, but certainly some things that want to be. They fell easily enough to blade, bow and spell, and would fall again to us if they were fool enough to face us! Garrath puts arms around Elektra and Brandark, giving them a good natured jostling, and then raises a mug towards Kelvin.
Hearing the words of Kevin Elektra blushes for a second before replying."He is correct of course, we seek a friend, a comrade in battle. I rely on Kevins guilde, he knows he can trust my intellect, we trust in Brandarks toughness and Garreths strength of arms. So, you see we need someone to make us complete."
"Ah, Elesskenefiatra, I did not mean to embarrass you by my comments. As you say, we all have our strengths, and we all need to know and trust one another. Both as adventurers and as friends."
Turning back to the three young clerics. Thank you for your stories. We would be fortunate indeed to have any of you join us."
Kelvin goes back to sipping the water, eating the food that Ameiko had sent over and relaxing while letting the conversation go on around him. He knows that the group will have to make a decision tonight, so they can go back down to the catacombs tomorrow and finish the job of clearing it out for the safety of Sandpoint.
Brandark gets up from the chair Pardon me, but I have to go check upon something He then walks out of the inn.
He returns a few minutes later, Kelvin, where did you sell that one bauble, you know the one that looks like that ? waving a hand at Elektra's new weapon.
We are nearing the end of the process to find a 2nd level Cleric or other Divine for a Burnt Offerings campaign. Our current Healer had to leave the party. If you have an interest in playing in this campaign, go ahead and submit your character.
As you can see from the Recruitment thread we do like to role play, so come and be a part. There will be a lot of action too. You can't escape this when playing in Rise of the Runelords. Our intentions are to go on to Skinsaw Man after we finish with Burnt Offerings.
Just read through the most recent post and jump in to the discussions going on at the Rusty Dragon in Sandpoint.
Thanks and Good Luck.
Ranna looks around for Ameiko, hoping that she's in sight range. Sadly, she doesn't see the proprietor. I was going to ask for another bowl of that soup. It was nice having a warm meal again, and the flavor was much different than...home.
Her head pervaded by a not-too-unpleasant sense of dizziness, Adamàs' gaze starts wandering around the room, penetrating the ever growing darkness enveloping the Rusty Dragon.
The lights are getting dim, the hour is growing late. Soon the patrons will all be returning to their homes – or their rooms. A pity, I'd truly like a glass of water now, like the one the elf is drinking.
She smiles, more to herself than to anybody else. They seem nice fellows. Valiant, too. I wonder if these are the kind of people the smallfolk ends up calling heroes once their deeds are recounted. It brings me comfort to know that whomever they pick, they'll be in good hands.
Looking at the three woman sitting before her, Elektra sighs heavely. Each of them seems nice, each of them would work. Alas her soul resonates for one, her mind advocates another and her gut felling the third.
Brandark makes his way back across the tavern. Ladies, I have been impolite. My name is Brandark, and it is my honour to meet with all of you.
I do wish that we could take all of you, but alas, that is not to be, but a decision will be made soon.
"It looks like the ballots have been cast. Spending this little time with you – it's been an honor and a pleasure. Lady Calene, I leave them in your care. I'm confident you'll unravel this mystery in no time. Goodbye then; I wish you but the best. I'm sure I'll be hearing of your exploits no matter where my feet will lead me... and who knows? Perhaps another time, another life... we'll have the chance to draw our swords together".
That said, she once again puts her cloak on and takes a few steps towards the entrance, only to disappear in the cold Varisian night.
"I wish you safety in your fight against the goblins. Perhaps it is just as well, for there is rumor my eyes can be fixed in Magnimar. I think you again for the soup." Ranna sets off, heading for the big city.
Ameiko provides Adamas and Ranna with additional drinks, "Thank you for coming by the Rusty Dragon. Drinks and meals are 'on the house' for the friends of the Heroes of Sandpoint."
An exotic looking beauty, with a streak of white in her hair, brings you another Dwarven Ale, its strong yet fruity flavor is a treat.
"You look capable. The Heroes of Sandpoint could use your help," the proprietor of the Rusty Dragon gives you a wink.
We are in the big city of Magnimar. The party's Rogue has ventured on to find other adventures. We wish him well.
But now we need another skill oriented replacement. The party has recently arrived in Magnimar. They are about midway through Book Two of Rise of the Runelords, the Skinsaw Man. The namesake of Book Two has been defeated and the party is following clues that have lead them to Magnimar.
The party will be recruiting a 6th level PC. Please submit your PC here. Conditions for recruitment are noted on the first page of this thread.
Rise of the Runelords is not particularly rich, so you can purchase 8000gp worth of items at book value to start. I have the right to veto any starting item.
i have a spy-esq character i've been wanting to play, he used to work for a government but basically was branded a traitor and ran away. now he is a traveling private investigator who tries to work closely with law enforcement, going places and doing things they can't due to the laws. in order to bring in criminals and such by pretending to be one.
he is an inquistor so i would need to know if that's allowed, but with your rogue gone he might work
I'll be working on it, should be done within the hour
let me know if it's needed in stat block format i can do that to
I am cool with an Inquisitor.
If you can, I do prefer that the stats are linked to your profile. Note the other PCs in this campaign.