Semagoro |
2 people marked this as a favorite. |
For sake of convenience (and because it's 2 A.M. here, I'll try to get some honest interaction in tomorrow. Here's my go at the obstacle course though!
Semagoro, after going down one too many dead ends, is lead to the Wounded Wisp by his guiding bird. He greets everyone there with a warm smile, "My, aren't we all fresh as a rose this morning! Let me have a go at this track you've set up."
"అవును! నేను వంటి మనోహరమైన ఉండండి!"
The Cunningly Placed Bar Stool
Climb, DC 10: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (3) - 4 = -1 -- More of a vault than a jump…
Semagoro gets a running start, but trips on a totally unrelated bar stool and is sent careening into the one he was supposed to jump over.
"Ow! That fffffff... fantastically cunning bar stool."
Obstacle course
Perception, DC 16: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 -- Figure out the easy way through.
"అక్కడ వెళ్ళి! నేను వదిలి అర్థం! మీ ఇతర ఎడమ! ఆపు! స్ట్రెయిట్! ఇప్పుడు U- మలుపు!"
The Combat Dummy
AoO vs your AC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 -- Try to duck under it. For this one it attacks you with its spinning arms.
As Semagoro tries to maintain his calm amidst the melodious shrieks of his companion, he leaps straight under the dummy's arm...
Only for it to animate with homicidal intent, hitting him squarely in the chest and knocking the wind out of him. BONK
The Mad Dash to the End
Constitution, DC 12: 1d20 ⇒ 9 -- Fit enough to have a final burst of energy.
His energy spent, his companion nearly in tears, Semagoro manages to crawl to the finish line with such melodrama as to qualify for the annual Cheliaxian Operatic Award.
"ఇది ... ఒక మంచి విశేషం. పేస్ Requiescat."
Kiril Glinka |
Kiril offers the nagagi a hand, "A valiant effort, friend." If we are to travel together, I will clearly hide behind you."
GM Damo the Fourth |
@Semagoro: Great initial post. What a way to tick the boxes!
"Wow! Janira comments when Kiril nails every challenge, "That is the best I've ever seen. You are definitely in line to be the winner. Ooh, that Nagaji initiate is coming... let's see how he does!"
Semagoro has his run.
"Wow! Janira comments when Semagoro fails every challenge, "That is the worst I'e ever seen. You are definitely in line to be last. Sorry, but that was... wow. Where did you find that second stool anyway, and did you actually jump up a bit so that the dummy could hit you? Overall, not how I'd recommend going about your Confirmation!"
Cool stuff all. Going to leave this thread alone until tomorrow... if I can. Seems like I can't stop myself reading it all the time! Nice work.
Shuo, the Owl of Shokuro |
Shuo spends a couple of minutes memorizing the riddles words, trying to extract anything.
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Uhm… "To her pious men should kneel"... "Pious men" is a clear reference to paladins, especially with the prior "skin of steel" line. I was right, might be a goddess and, traditionally, the most common paladins are devoted to Iomedae...
Shuo starts to write his thoughts on the paper, in tien.
"Vanquishing the mage of fright"... might refer to the defeat of the Whispering Tyrant.
"Sorrows three, fled underground"... Iomedae was the third mortal to enter the starstone and become a god.
"Heart of gold and skin of steel"... this makes reference to when Iomedae roused to battle.
"Faced the test of sun and stone"... might refer to the starstone test.
"Wound with no blood, the blind eye"... how the lights of her shield blinds all evil.
"Oh why did he have to die?"...refers to the death of Aroden.
Uhm... there are too many coincidences... this is definitely the answer!
With a smile of triumph, Shuo writes “Iomedae, the Inheritor”in the paper.
Shuo is not native to Avistan an Iomedae in not a Tian Xia goddess, on the other side, he spent three years studying in the Pathfinder Lodge for the Confirmation, so it is up to you to decide if he has any chance to know the answer. By the way, according to the Society lore, shouldn’t all the players need to complete this three years in the lodge?
Shuo writes something in the paper, folds it and hand it over to Janira, with a smile of triumph.
Jillia Tennille |
Jillia looks out of her riddle-induced reverie at the sound of multiple crashing bar stools.
"Whoa! Are you okay? And is your bird speaking in tongues?"
Jillia notices the half-elf has completed the run while she wasn't paying attention.
"So, how'd it go? I didn't hear you go...did the dummy claim another body?"
Kajar |
The half-orc sidles into the room, eyes and ears alert. A short sword hangs from a scabbard, and a wicked double-axe is strapped to his back. He sidles up to the bar, motioning for an ale. He watches the others, chuckling occasionally at their spirit in the games.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 617 = 17 "Seems like all's fair in sport, eh?"
code is new to me. A great read so far, though-
Kajar downs his ale.
"If there's more fun to be had, I'm in!"
Shuo, the Owl of Shokuro |
Shuo solved the riddle in time to see the nagaji crawling until the door of the Wounded Wisp and, after handing it over to Janira, walks toward the door and offers his hand to the nagaji.
Are you all right noble friend? It has been a while since I saw someone from Xian Tia and it is always a pleasure to speak to the noble people of Nagajor! My name is Yori Shuo, from Shokuro.
Shuo sees the thrush and how the nagaji treats it.
Uhm, I must remind myself to tell Fei not to hunt this little one… she will not be pleased.
Looking around, Shuo sees that the Wounded Wisp is getting crowded really fast.
I will be complicated to talk to everyone, I hope they do not think of me as an impolite person.
Lissa Villasani |
Lissa yawns as she approaches the Wounded Wisp. Early mornings have always been an chancy proposition for her, and today was no different.
Why in Desna's name does so many people insist on waking with the Dawnflower?, she thinks while trying to stifle a second yawn.
Spotting the crowd, she wanders over to the group and takes a glance at the course.
"A little warm-up before the more serious event? Sure, I'm game to try."
The Cunningly Placed Bar Stool
Acrobatics, DC 15: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 -- Jump over the bar stool.
With a flourish, Lissa attempts to vault the stool, only to place her hands a little too far forward, which causes the stool to totter for a second before falling over.
Obstacle course
Perception, DC 16: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 -- Figure out the easy way through.
The obstacle course looked easy as she walked in. Being on it, however, is another story. After several misteps and stumbles, Lissa finally finds her way across the course for slower then she had hoped.
The Combat Dummy
AoO vs 16: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 -- Try to duck under it. For this one it attacks you with its spinning arms.
Now slightly irritated and fully awake, Lissa just tries to dive past the dummy. As she gets around it, the last swing catches her in the rear, sending her sprawling on the ground with a very undignified squeal. For a second there, she reaches for a dagger, but instead reminds herself that it's just a training dummy.
Of course, the stupid thing crits on me...
The Mad Dash to the End
Dexterity, DC 12: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 -- Just good at sprinting.
As a faint chuckle echoes though the gathered crowd, Lissa, red-faced, just dives straight to the end of the course. At least without the obstacles, she's able to put on the speed, and charges through the door. Quickly, she spots an out of the way spot to hide in, and catches a server as she heads to that corner.
"What's to eat? I'd love something to focus that won't embarrass me as thoroughly as that course did."
As the waitress walks away, she mutters under her breath.
"Minule som urobiť niečo tak hlúpeho tejto malej spánku."
Penelope 'Nella' Tabor |
With the festivities of both the obstacle course and the riddle contest in full swing, the door to the tavern opens once more and a young red-headed woman hurries inside. "Finally!" she gasps, having clearly been running or at least walking at a good clip. "I thought I'd never find the right place - some of these streets have names, some have numbers, and some changes names while you're still on them! I kept getting lost and wound up at two other taverns before I found the right one!" She gazes around the room, taking in the various goings-on and noticing several familiar faces from the earlier classes.
There's the two halflings...didn't catch the guy's name, but I think the female was Jillian? Jillia? And that lizard-man...a nagaji? The Pathfinders really do draw all kinds, don't they? Oh! And there's that tall boy from Cheliax...I thought I heard him talk about the Everbloom during Spells class earlier.
Her brow furrows slightly as she tries to remember what little she's learned about the Everbloom from her fellow Shelynites.
Kn. Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Maybe we'll have a chance to talk more in a bit. Looks like we're supposed to be participating in these events they've got set up...
Though Nella fancies herself a matchmaker for others, she has an odd blind spot when it comes to someone (PC or NPC) having an interest in her and tends to miss signals fairly easily.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nella eyes the obstacle course curiously as she waits her turn. "Boy, they weren't kidding when they said that we'd need to be in good shape!"
The Cunningly Placed Bar Stool
Acrobatics, DC 15: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10 -- Jump over the bar stool.
Though she gives it a valiant effort, Nella's foot catches on the stool as she jumps and topples it over. "Whoooa, almost ended up on the floor there!"
Obstacle course
Perception, DC 16: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 -- Figure out the easy way through.
Although initially confident that she could handle an obstacle course with ease, she has a few missteps that slow her up before she finally shimmies her way through to the end. "Ugh...that wasn't as easy as I thought it'd be. Serves me right for being overconfident I suppose..."
The Combat Dummy
Bull rush vs CMD 15: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8 -- Bowl it over.
Hoping to knock the dummy over, all she manages to succeed at doing is slamming directly into it to no effect. "Owwww...why did I think that was a good idea!?" she groans in pain.
The Mad Dash to the End
Dexterity, DC 12: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 -- Just good at sprinting.
Completely worn out from the obstacle course as well as her earlier jog to the tavern, it's all that Nella can do to put one foot in front of the other to reach the finish line. "Well...maybe we get something for participating?" she huffs as she drags herself to a nearby stool.
Spent most of the day ill on the couch, so I wanted to at least get an intro and the obstacle course done tonight - sorry for the long post!
Luthor Volandis of Absolom |
Luthor heads towards the server and orders a nice big breakfast and a cup of coffee.
He listens attentively as Janira tells her riddle, and by the end is starting to put some of the clues together.
"I hope you all don't mind, but I'll eat while I think"
..and what does that bit about the stone mean...
I may know the answer but let's see what Luthor knows. Not as many knowledge checks from me as I'm 'not that kind of bard'
knowledge(local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Markus Notine |
Markus listens intently to Janira's riddle, and his face falls further and further with each line. I barely even understand the riddle, let alone how to work it out. Hoping that others in the group are more adept with riddles than himself, he tries for a few minutes to work out an answer, but gets nowhere. Dismayed, he wanders over to the finish line of the obstacle course to watch the performance of a number of new arrivals.
He watches an incredibly agile half-elf slide his way through the obstacles like they weren't there, and then sees some kind of tall-lizard crash and blunder into all of the obstacles, in stark contrast to the half-elf. Two young Varisian ladies are next up, and neither of them can match the half-elf's agility, but nor are they as unfortunate as the tall-lizard.
Markus approaches the newcomers at the finish line to introduce himself.
"You're making the rest of us look like lumbering zombies!" he says jovially to the half-elf. "I'm Markus, it's nice to meet you all. Looks like there's something of a crowd for this Confirmation, eh?"
Penelope 'Nella' Tabor |
"Nella," the redheaded woman offers once she's had a chance to catch her breath, holding out her hand to Markus for a friendly handshake. "Nella Tabor, and it's good to meet you too. You're not kidding about the crowd, either. I had no idea that there would be this many initiates here this morning. Of course I also had no idea that I'd be made to look like a lumbering zombie right off the bat," she adds, winking at the half-elf that Markus had just spoken to. "Otherwise I would've practiced my act more...worn my best zombie rags for the occasion..." she chuckles.
Semagoro |
Semagoro takes Kiril and Shuo's hands and helps himself up off the floor.
"Thanks Kiril, and Yori... shan, is that right? I don't have much experience jumping around bars, but it was fun!
He turns to face everyone, "It's better to struggle and fail, than to remain still."
"గుడ్! మీ నికృష్ట విఫలమైంది నైతిక బోధనలు కనుగొను!"
Semagoro then addresses Jillia, but is still speaking loud enough to be heard over the tavern's patrons: "Yes, Aria can be quite... difficult to understand," he says as he gives his thrush a sideways glance, "but she's a great mentor. She's especially excited for today's confirmation, normally she'd be a bit more reserved."
"అవును! Shelyn యొక్క ఎజెంట్ మచ్ ఆనందం!"
Semagoro moves towards Shuo: "I'm sorry to disappoint, but I'm no noble from Tian Xia. My parents left Nagajor long before I hatched. The name's Semagoro Nhoonsong, by the way. It's a pleasure to see that we at least share a passion for birdbrained companions!"
He laughs heartily.
Semagoro |
Aria flits across the room and perches herself atop Nella's head, letting loose a euphoric chirp. Semagoro excuses himself from Shuo, and makes his way towards Markus and Nella.
"Oh, a fair lady of the eternal rose! I thought I recognized you from the temple. I had no idea you were training as a Pathfinder, no wonder Aria seems so fond of you.
"ముందుకు! కొత్త గుండె వికసిస్తుంది!"
"And well met, Markus!" Semagoro flashes his most charming smile for the pair: Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
"It's indeed a fine crowd for Confirmation, I would have it no other way. It's also heartening to know I was not the only one bested by that devious obstacle course. I'm certain Shelyn's grace will bless us when the time comes for our real challenge. In the meantime, have you already had breakfast? I hear the muffins are terrific!"
Varus Teutoburg |
Thinking back on the teachings from the Milani Temple, Varus tries to recall anything related to the riddle
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
The "pious men" line clearly refers to paladins. And it may be little more than a guess, but "faced the test of sun and stone" sure sounds like the Test of the Starstone. And her crusade against the Whispering Tyrant might be what the line "Vanquishing the mage of fright" is referring to. And "Why did he die?" is probably about Aroden, the god that died. Yes, that settles it. The answer is Milani's sister and Aroden's old herald, Iomedae!
Varus starts beaming with pride at his deductions. He starts scribbling on the paper, then hands it to Janira. "That was a tough one, ma'am, but I think I might have figured it out."That was an awesome riddle! Way to go!
Having finished, he approaches each of the newcomers and introduces himself, genuinely excited to meet so many new people."Hello, my name is Varus Teutoburg. It is a pleasure to meet you!"
Kiril Glinka RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8 |
Jillia Tennille |
Jillia does not seem to have the luck/smarts/skill of the others when it comes to riddles. She keeps circling back to a single line that stands out.
It's says 'To her pious men should kneel.' You kneel before foreign rulers, altars, and executioners. But pious men wouldn't be executed. Except maybe in Galt. Riddles are hard.
Semi-frustrated, Jillia decides the direct approach is just as good as any other, and starts writing down any female name she can come up with that fits into any of those three categories, then crossing them out when she can't seem to reconcile them with the rest of the riddle.
FOREIGN LEADERS
Queen Galfrey She's a Paladin, right?
Queen Abrogail
Princess Eutropia Too young.
Lady Arazni
Lady Morilla
Paracountess Dralneen Pious men?
VC Heidmarch
VC Iroae
Janira (?) She wouldn't as a riddle about herself. Right?
White Estrid
Baba Yaga
Runelord Alzanist Dead for too long.
ALTARS (goddesses?)
Desna
Chaldira Zuzaristan
Shelyn
Calistria 'Pious men kneeling' means something COMPLETELY different here.
Urgathoa
Iomedae
Sivanah
Pharasma Maybe it's all an allegory for death? Everyone sees Pharasma.
Lamashtu
Executioners (Killers? Armies?)
Razor Jenny How long has Galt been around? And what do they import?
Grey Maidens
Jadwiga
"I don't suppose we're allowed to get a hint? Janira? Markus? Anyone?"
A flash of insight comes over her.
"...or work together? Explore, Report, Co-operate, right?" She smiles, hopeful for a reprieve.
Semagoro |
Semagoro orders a muffin, then turns back over to Kiril with a wry smile:
"Well, I suppose you could say I was hatched like a chicken, but I'd rather not be associated with those pesky birds. Gossips, the lot of them. No harm in genuine curiosity, though, I doubt they teach basic Nagaji anatomy in schools around here. All forms of birth are equally beautiful, you know?"
Honestly, I've never met another woman of my race... is it true what my parents told me, that I was hatched from an egg?
At Jillia's plea for help, Aria flits over to her and begins chirping:
"స్టడీ! మతం జోకు!"
Semagoro gives Aria an exasperated look, and says; "Sorry, fellow Jillia, but I think Aria isn't much help here. I've never been good at riddles or wordplay myself."
Shuo, the Owl of Shokuro |
Shuo hears Jillia’s plea for help when he is back from the obstacle course.
"It would be an honor for me to give you a hint Jillia-san, but it would not be just and against the rules of the riddles game to do so. A pathfinder must exercise his mind, it is not enough to have valor."
Shuo blinks discreetly. I hope Janira-sempai did not noticed my intention to help Jillia-san...
Markus Notine |
Markus isn't entirely sure of what to make of the tall-lizard. He seems friendly enough, and that bird of his seems pretty sharp.
"A pleasure to meet you Semagoro, though I will admit to knowing very little about your kind. Please don't think me rude, but you are the most unusual tall-folk I've ever seen."
Hearing Jillia call his name, Markus looks round. "I haven't the foggiest about that riddle I'm afraid, seems I'm not really a Scrolls type, as the instructors will doubtless have already written on my final grades. Ne všechny stromy rostou stejný, as my mother would say."
GM Damo the Fourth |
Man, how did I get so far behind on this in just half a day? You guys rock!
Janira takes the riddle answer from Shuo and smiles as she reads it. She quickly scribbles something down and slides it back over to him. "I wish I were paying as much attention in Scrolls class as you clearly were!, Shuo-san!"
Not quite correct on your reasoning - as per the riddle - but your assertions and answer are all 100% accurate! Oh, except Iomedae was the FOURTH (and final) mortal to ascend to godhood using the Starstone. Don't forget to count Aroden himself!
Feel free to open all the spoilers on the riddle now, if you like.
---
"Oh, still more initiates pouring in! This one is following Varus's example and having ale for breakfast... oh, he's a half-orc, should be fine..." Janira moves over to Kajar's table, [b]"Janira Gavix, at your service! I'll be taking some of you through the confirmation today... can I interest you in a challenge? Look, that red headed woman is going to give it a go... ouch!"
Janira rushes over to help the Varisian women, Nella and Lissa back to the Wounded Wisp after their disastrous runs, "That Aspis dummy got you both right in those pretty faces of yours! Please, do come sit down. It was almost as humorous as Luthor's run, and not quite as spectacular a sprint to the end for you, Nella. Never mind. Perhaps you two can help cheer Semagoro up, he thinks he lost... but now he has company in the last position! Here, have a muffin anyway. On me."
Luthor hears his name and passes Janira his note. She dutifully hands it back to him with an annotation of her own.
Correct! Nice inference from the story.
Feel free to open all the spoilers on the riddle now, if you like.
---
"Hey, another answer!" Janira takes the next proffered note, "Thank you Varus. Let me see..." Janira gives Varus a knowing smile and passes him back her notes.
Excellent deconstruction, Varus and full points on your conclusion. Well done!
Feel free to open all the spoilers on the riddle now, if you like.
---
Janira frowns slightly as the other Pathfinders all attempt to help Jillia out in their own subtle way, but it is the same frown a mother might give her children who are simultaneously misbehaving and amusing her. "Oh, please, allow me to help also! "
Janira passes Jillia a note. The poor halfling is running out of ink!
Matthew Morris RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8 |
Semagoro orders a muffin, then turns back over to Kiril with a wry smile:
"Well, I suppose you could say I was hatched like a chicken, but I'd rather not be associated with those pesky birds. Gossips, the lot of them. No harm in genuine curiosity, though, I doubt they teach basic Nagaji anatomy in schools around here. All forms of birth are equally beautiful, you know?"
"Ah, well excuse my, abruptness, it's not like me. I was just caught off guard. My mom said my birth was beautiful, my dad said my ears were too small. He laughs brushing the unruly curls away from his slightly pointed ears. "Perils of mixed marriage I fear. Still, Desna smiles on me."
He gestures with a muttered longa tuŝo sending a coin over to the table, and a muffin comes floating back* Everything works out in the end, yes?
GM Damo the Fourth |
Weekend roleplay setup time!
For those of you who would like to keep this going over the weekend...
"Okay, let's keep the riddles going. I'm still waiting for some of you to answer my first one, but let's ask some new ones as well!" shouts out Janira, getting far too excited about it all, "This time, it will be first to answer gets to ask their own... whether they get it right or not. Next time you see the person who asked it, they can let you know who got the answer correct.
"I'll go firs to get things kicked off:
"Here's a rhyme to test your brains:
After dinner this remains -
A knife, a spoon, fork and plate.
Tell me what the fat boy ate!"
So, when you post next...
1. Give your answer to any of the previous riddles where the answer hasn't been confirmed.
2. Come up with your own riddle!
3. Tell people if they got your last riddle correct or not.
This could get messy... I'm actually counting on it. Have fun and enjoy your weekend (the real life part of it)!
Penelope 'Nella' Tabor |
"It's a pleasure to meet you all," Nella smiles, offering her hand to Semagoro, Kiril, and Varus in turn. "And you too, Aria!" she laughs as the small thrush takes flight once more and flutters over towards Jillia. "She doesn't sit still for long, does she?"
The priestess pauses for a moment to take a bite of the complimentary muffin that the waitress had given her. "Delicious! THANK YOU FOR THE MUFFIN!" she yells above the din before turning back to the others and shrugging. "I'd have rather done well on the obstacle course, of course, but might as well enjoy the consolation prize, right? Besides, seems I'm in good company," she grins at Semagoro, Markus, and the other young woman. "And I expect you're right, Lady Shelyn will grant us grace when we need it most."
As Janira's voice rises above the commotion, Nella looks at the others standing nearby. "More riddles, eh? I've never been the best with those (my friend Aleris is much cleverer in that regard) but it can't hurt to try, right? All in good fun! But I suppose I'd better try tackling the first one before I come up with one of my own."
Grabbing a piece of paper, a quill, and some ink, she listens intently to the initial riddle...
Kn. Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
After some thought, she begins scribbling on her piece of paper...
Pious men = Paladins --> paladins only kneel to their god or goddess --> goddess (riddle refers to a 'she') --> goddesses who have holy warriors --> Iomedae/Sarenrae/Shelyn (most common), Milani/Empyreal Lords (less common)
Faced the test of sun and stone = Starstone?
Hundred years she's been alone/Oh why did he have to die? = Aroden? Aroden died 100 years ago...
Wound with no blood, the blind eye = Worldwound?
Of the possible goddesses, only Iomedae took the Test of the Starstone...becoming herald of Aroden, until his death 100 years ago when she took in his followers.
And passes it to Janira.
GM Damo the Fourth |
Janira beams as yet another initiate slides her an answer. Yet again, she scribbles on it... pulling out her last inkwell from a handily located belt pouch... and passes it back to Nella.
Nice one, and good guess on the Worldwound. Most of the others haven't been getting that. The blind eye is the Eye of Abendego by the way. Did you know that both opened upon Aroden's death?
Feel free to open the rest of the riddle's spoilers now if you like.
Lissa Villasani |
Lissa takes the halfling's consoling with a slump of the shoulders and a sigh. "I'll take some solace in knowing that I'm not the only one that screwed the whole thing up. At least, I didn't give into the urge to smack it in the ass as it did to me, only with something more pointy."
With a gracious nod to the waitress, She'll accept the muffin and tear a bite-sized piece off before sticking that chunk into her mouth. With the yell of the exuberant Shelynite, she'll add, "Thank you for your kindness."
After Nessa's comments she'll grin and add, "Or Desna will gift us luck for the road. We don't know where we're going anyway, though that's the fun part."
As the main riddle is passed around, Lissa tilts her head slightly, then furrows her brow while in thought.
Lissa thinks for a moment as she adds that to her sheet. The only woman I know that connected to Aroden is Iomedae... Which makes sense considering the other lines. She faced and won the Test of the Starstone, or 'sun and stone' for this, I can see how 'heart of gold and skin of steel' and 'pious men should kneel' can apply.... I've seen far to many paladins to her around Absolom alone. As for the rest, I don't know... I don't follow her teachings. She'll write the rest out.
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 So that info isn't on my mind
After a quick moment of thinking about the riddle, and some scribbled notes, Lissa will pass her response to Janira, only to laugh and cry out "Dinner!"
After a breif moment of thought(and another chunk of muffin), She'll grin and recite "Forward, I'm heavy, Backward, I'm not. What am I?"
sorry, first one that popped into my head
GM Damo the Fourth |
Janira dutifully grabs Lissa's answer and annotates it.
Feel free to open and read all the riddle spoilers now if you like.
"I like your riddle," begins Janira slyly, "But I'm afraid that's a 'no' on your answer to my one. Everyone still has to figure out what the 'fat boy' ate! No clues, just yet... ooh, so that's two riddles now without answers. I like yours, Lissa! I'm going to guess.... up! It's a direction, right?"
Janira thinks well on her feet, but she perhaps overthinks things when it comes to riddles. She frowns and pouts as Lissa shakes her head.
"Well up is heavier in the forwards direction..." she mutters, and then lifts her quill... "... but I guess not always heavy."
Boris "Love" Derevnya Jarlson |
Still slightly groggy from last night's events, Boris slowly makes his way through the streets of Absalom, one hand brushing the surface of the wall, steadying his course through the Foreign Quarter.
Maybe havings that drinking game with brothers from the Five Kings was very bad idea. Next time Boris, you remember what is on schedule yes?
His thoughts are interrupted when he suddenly notices a pitcher of night soil about to be dropped down directly onto him.
Reflex Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Reflexes honed (or dulled) by years of drunken carousing sprung into action, sending Boris leaping backwards; thus distant from the point of impact, nothing, not even the odd bouncing droplet, landed on his (for once) clean clothing.
How do you write in odd looking fonts to mimic speaking in a foreign language?
Moments later, Boris was still cussing in Dwarven as he opened the door to the Wounded Wisp
"I hope your skin doubles over with warts and everything you forge breaks in the mold, you short-lived excuse of a creature!"
Instantaneously shedding away his anger, he turns towards the patrons of the Wisp. Is definitely more peoples here than normal for morning
His face cracking open in a huge smile, he lifts his arms in greeting.
"Good morning! Boris greetings you on beginnings of new day, yes?" He pauses, his smile faltering slightly to give way to a puzzled look. "Is Wounded Wisp being in work? Why so much stools?
Markus Notine |
With his mouth ful of muffin, Markus signals the waitress for a second, thinking At least I remembered one of Master Farabellos' lessons - eat when you can, your next meal might be a long way away.
The next riddle is not less puzzling than the first, and Markus stretches his mental muscles trying to come up with an answer. He thinks for a moment, and walks over to Janira.
"Je odpověď všechno?" he asks hopefully in Halfling.
Riddles are suddenly flying thick and fast, as Lissa comes up with another puzzle. An answer to this one pops into Markus' head instantly. "Heavy? That's heavy forwards, but backwards it's yvaeh."
A very large, very hairy tall-folk arrives, appearing like no more than an armed and armoured bear. His heavily accented Taldane is difficult to understand, but he seems friendly.
"Good morning Boris. I'm Markus," Markus says, offering his hand. "I'd get some breakfast in now if I were you, before it all goes," he advises, as he signals for the waitress to bring him a third muffin.
You can create the appearance of different languages and alphabets by using Google Translate to change English into another language with a different alphabet, the just copy and paste.
Boris "Love" Derevnya Jarlson |
Swiftly approaching the gaggle of Pathfinders, Boris takes the offered hand in his own and starts shaking, perhaps a little too energetically for someone of Markus's stature.
"Yes, is many halfing here. Boris try not blinkings otherwise food might be vanish!" he practically shouts, before guffawing and gently slapping Markus on the back.
"Innkeepings! The big breakfast for the go! Boris is believings big news today for me!"
Luthor Volandis of Absolom |
Luthor finishes off his meal as the room starts to fill up with more and more people.
I hope there are a few confirmation missions going on today because this is a lot of people
A large Ulfen man walks near to where he sits while ording up some breakfast.
"The breakfast i just had was delicious, my friend. The sausages were cooked to perfection! I also highly recommend the coffee too. I need a little help to get the day started when I'm up before the light of the Dawnflower!" He laughs as he grasps his symbol of Sarenrae.
Some people may not have seen an Ulfen before, but Luthor had met all kinds of people while growing up in Absolom.
"I'm going to assume that you're another Pathfinder initiate hoping to get your confirmation mission today. Pull up a seat if you wish. They're all either filling up fast or being used in Janira's assault course!" he chuckles to himself.
I like the way you type your Ulfen accent by the way
Semagoro |
Aria is positively ecstatic as she flies around the tavern, chirping out various comments about all the interesting people that are now filling the room.
Meanwhile, Semagoro begins to struggle with Janira's first riddle. "Hmm... It could be nearly anyone! Aria, please come over here, I could use some guidance."
Aria flits over to his shoulder, and the two begin whispering back and forth to one another. Because of my archetype, Aria's actually the one with ranks in knowledge religion.
Knowledge: Religion: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Semagoro seems rather impressed with Aria's reasoning, "That makes much more sense, I thought it meant golems! Okay, I should write this down."
He jots down his answer and reasoning in an unsteady hand, his writing only scarcely better than chicken scratch...
and hands his note in to Janira.
After a moment's thought, Semagoro is hit with a flash of inspiration, and quickly scribbles down what he believes to be the answer to Janira's second riddle:
Semagoro then turns in his second note, obviously proud at his own deductive reasoning; "I haven't got a riddle of my own, but I'd be glad to try my hand at anyone else's!"
Markus Notine |
Markus stumbles a little under the bear-man's 'gentle' slap. "Hey, that reputation is mostly undeserved. Not all halflings are greedy gluttons," he says as he looks around hungrily for the waitress.
Boris "Love" Derevnya Jarlson |
@Luthor: Thanks! My Russian coworkers have taught me a great deal.
Boris nods briskly at the Sarenite, replying "Will be to try! Coffee is hot juice with beans from black man land yes?"
He turns to address Heryn, as he hooks a stool with his left foot. "You add black man hot juice to order yes? Boris want to try"
Looking back at Markus, he scoffs jovially, quickly brushing crumbs off the seat."Is does not matter; You eat what you eat. Is good, take chair before is used for some-ting.
Sitting down next to the young Chelish man, he turns to face him, casually leaning against the well-worn counter. Many people here, and they look like they know business. Now would be good time to forge acquaintances. Gesturing at himself in an overly grandiose fashion, he states "Boris of Five Kings Mountains, now of Pathfinder Society. Is good meetings so many Pathfinders today not in class. Especially not in Aram Zey class. Man is havings big broom stuck in a**. Boris thinkings he need big woman to make him tired. But is does not matter; now you and I ..." He searches for the right word. "We. WE. We are not in class with broomhandle Zey. Is good. And is good food and good juice. Is good. Is Sarenrae blessings today?"
Lissa Villasani |
Lissa nods in agreement to Luthor, "Normally, if I'm up at this hour, it's not that I woke up early, it's that I stayed up late." Another chunk of the muffin is torn off as she continues, " and assault course is right. It does a wonderful job out beating egos silly." And with that, she tosses the muffin chunk in her mouth.
As Markus and the Ulfen begin to chat, Lissa adds, in a disgusted tone,"Better that then people taking one look at you, and start counting the spoons because they," and Lissa will drop her register, in a poor impression of a gruff man, "'know your type'. Seriously, who wants to buy that kind of junk anyway? "
Jillia Tennille |
Jillia works intently at the primary riddle, but overhears Markus chatting about the latest one- -Lissa's.
"Heavy? That's heavy forwards, but backwards it's yvaeh."
She hops to her feet, and with pride says, "Backwards, it's not- -forwards, it's a ton!"
She scans the ever-growing crowd.
Each time I look up, there's more!
"Jillia Tennille, to those whom I now know!"
"I do know one riddle- -this one was passed down from my parents' parents. They tell me it was an old Bellflower spiritual and they learned it on the road, so it was normally sung in Halfling." She softly sings a verse to refresh her memory.
(Sung softly)
On hryže na železo, kouše na oceli;
Broušení dokonce kámen moučky;
Zabíjí krále, zničí město ;
A bije na nejvyšší horu dolů!
"I don't think it sounds as pretty in Taldane, but here's the rough translation:"
(Spoken)
"He gnaws at iron, bites at steel;
Grinding even stone to meal;
Slays the king, destroys the town;
And beats the highest mountain down!"
As if with a flash of insight, she hops back down and scratches out another couple of names on her answer to Janira.
Lissa Villasani |
Lissa gestures at Jillia, "Right in one, Jillia! Though your riddle takes little TIME to figure out. Which, unfortunately drops us back to Janira's riddles, since I don't have another made up right now."
"However," she says as she rises. "I've been remiss in introducing myself. I blame the course of ego bruising over there. I am Lissa Villanasi, of Varisia. I'd claim a city, but I grew up on the road. A pleasure to meet y'all, and I hope we do well in the field together."
yeah, I'm keeping an eye on the board at the moment. Got work in an hour.
GM Damo the Fourth |
@Boris: I too am likings of accent. Welcoming to gameplay!
"Markus! Well done! You, too, Semagoro (unless you know how to speak Halfling)... Yes, the fat boy ate 'everything'. It may have been his dinner," Janira winks at Lissa, "But we don't know that for sure. Oh, what fun this is turning out to be! Don't worry Lissa, I am sure someone else will come up with another riddle soon."
Janira takes the time to pass the nagaji a note in response to his.
Feel free to open any of the other spoilers to the riddle now if you like.
---
"Wow, such a lot of Pathfinder initiates in here," Heryn Gale, the bartender notes, "Next time that pest Valsin tells me he's going to have a 'little gathering' I'm going to put on extra staff!" Heryn meanders around with a tray of muffins and some steaming hot plates of eggs, bacon and whichever sides everyone ordered. Despite the chaos, she manages to get everyone's order right - if a little later than they'd like.
Grimn |
Grimn had done diligent research on the Pig's Paunch and learned that tavern with that name was located in merchant's quarter district known as The Coins district. He arrived there early and waited... Unfortunately, real meeting place was The Wounded Wisp in Foreign Quarters. When he finally realized his error, he wasted another few hours on trying to find real location... Muttering dwarvish curses as he runs to the correct locations...
"Miksi tässä kaupungissa piti olla kaksi tavernaa johon se nimi viittasi?..."
When he finally arrives at Wounded Wisp, Grimn sees that there are quite many people there already and some type of game going on.
Maybe I can avoid the further embarrassment if I can get in without making a big number about it...
Without realizing that he isn't probably the only one who had trouble finding the right place(and that nobody would really care to take notice of him coming late), Grimn tries to avoid people noticing his sudden arrival. Despite the clunky scale mail and helmet. Stealth: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (10) - 3 = 7
Phew, I hope I did that right X-x; And yeah, figured out that this type of introduction would be funnier than just arriving late normally or having been there all along without participating in challenges xD
Varus Teutoburg |
Boris, I'm fairly sure you meant me by the young Chelish man, but may have lost track of a person or two in here.
"Well met Boris, I am Varus Teutoburg, proud son of Cheliax... Although maybe a little less proud with the current ruling class... but regardless you are correct: it is quite nice being out of class. And while I cannot speak for Sarenrae, I do think Milani is smiling on us all."
Varus makes a face of slight distaste when he mentions both the current Chelish ruling class, and Sarenrae. But both pass quickly, and he seems to be very pleased to meet everyone.
"My head is still ringing from that obstacle course, but if I can think of a good riddle, I will share it!"
Boris "Love" Derevnya Jarlson |
I was refering to Luthor, who also happens to be Chelish, but hey, the more the merrier!
"Greetings Varus of Cheliax! Is good you be here!" he roars in delight, pounding his chest while grabbing the clay cup withe the rumored "coffee". "Am not sure who Milani is, but if he smile, that good. Unless smile is like Zon-Kuthon smile, with pointy dirty teeth and bad breath. Then not as good. Boris spend most life in undergrounds or Sky Citadels, so not quite learned on all gods who givings blessings."
Catching Lissa's eye, he raises his cup in her honor as he adds: "And good to be meetings you Lissa of Varisian lands!" He take a swig of coffee in the same way one would down a shot, cocks his head and raises an eyebrow. "Is bitter juice. Maybe bean not ripe yet? Boris try again. But while wait, can you explain Varus what is Milani? And if he have good dental hygiene. Then maybe explain, if you have time, what is stool doing for assault course of Janira."
Markus Notine |
"I sympathise Lissa. A number of people feel the same away about my people, yet another undeserved stereotype. But we are hopefully about to be in a position to change that. In my experience people tend to look upon Pathfinders with admiration and pride, so maybe we can dispel these myths one expedition at a time."
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
As the first tendrils of dawn begin to slip through the city, the crowd of prospects continues to enlarge, with a stoutly armoured dwarf seemingly trying to slip in a little late. Markus gestures over to him with a friendly wave.
"Come on over friend, and grab some breakfast. We're not going to look down on tardiness like Master Zey does! I'm Markus, nice to meet you."
Grimn |
Grimn freezes when he realizes he was spotted and makes his way to Markus while still trying to maintain low presence.
"Thank you. I'm Grimn. Nice to meet you as well." he says in rather stiff and obviously embarrassed manner and then starts looking around before continuing. "Err... Have I missed anything yet? Oh and pardon me, could I get an introductions for yer friends here?" Grimn winces little under his bucket helmet.
I'm not really familiar with English accents to be honest <_<; But I figured out that his accent should slip at times, whatever dwarven accent in common sounds like. Anyway, there are so many players here that I'm not sure who are included in this conversation x'D I guess at least Jillia and Lissa, and maybe Boris/Luthor/Varus as well?
GM Damo the Fourth |
@Grimn: All good, though I do tend to favor putting dice rolls on a separate line, that's more of a convention than a rule.
Grimn, attempting to be quiet, ends up knocking through the obstacle course on his way to the front door of the Wounded Wisp. He sends a hoop rolling down the street, where it crashes into a the training dummy and bends it over to an odd angle. The arms spin and it smacks into the churned mud below.
*smack* *smack* *smack*
Grimn tries to recover and tip-toes away from the scene.
*smack* *smack* *smack*
The incessant sound of Aspis-dummy-hand on mud seems louder than ever as all conversation outside suddenly hushes.
*smack* *smack* *smack*
All eyes turn to him long before he even makes the front door.
*smack*
...
*smack*
...
...
...
*smack*
...
At long last, the dummy blessedly grinds to a halt.
Hope you don't mind me taking your character over just a little in that one. I just wanted to share what I imagine your result of a 7 on stealth looked like.
EDIT: Ninja'd (Cyrus'd) by Grimn! His post fits just after mine. :-)
Markus Notine |
"You've missed very little Grimn. I see you've already encountered the obstacle course though!" Markus laughs good-naturedly.
"We could reset the course if you fancy a go, thought I'd warn you to be wary of that Aspis dummy - it's tried to take more than one life already this morning. If riddles are more your thing there are a number with the Pathfinder over there," he points over at Janira, " and these two ladies have more I believe. Jillia, Lissa, this is Grimn."
The bartender strides past the group with an empty tray, and Markus stops her with a wave. "Could we have some more ales here please miss? And a few more muffins for me and my dwarven friend here. We're most grateful for your hospitality," he adds with a smile.
"Better get some breakfast down you Grimn, unless you've eaten already of course?"
Grimn |
"Oh gods, no more riddles... Finding this place was almost a riddle in itself!" Grimn sighs heavily. "Actually, I did eat breakfast at The Coin's Pig's Paunch."
"Though ironically, I don't think they served actual pork over there..." he mutters under his breath. "Still, thank you for asking."
Jillia Tennille |
"Absolutely, Lissa," Jillia congratulates, pleased to see someone get the answer. (And happy that it wasn't lost in translation).
She accepts Markus's introduction and follows his lead, extending a hand to Grimm.
"Jillia Tennille, from Almas to here. Pleased to meet you."
Jillia's notes on the first ridle have started to become more ink than paper, but she pus it down and smiles warmly when another fellow is introduced.
"But by now, it's become custom- -introductions aren't official until that obstacle course deals us a bit of humility. Only Kiril has managed to run it perfect. Give it a shot!"
Semagoro |
I'm not entirely sure on the size of the Wounded Wisp, but for the sake of convenience I'd like to think we're all in earshot of one another. Much easier than keeping track of whom is currently talking to who!
"Well met, Grimm. I can attest firsthand that the obstacle course is a fine ice-breaker; as per the Melodies of Inner Beauty,'We're all dealt humility, and must handle it with grace.'"
An immaculate thrush flies towards Grimm, chirping a jaunty tune:
"సంతోషించు! స్టూడెంట్ సరిగ్గా పద్యం జ్ఞాపకం!"
Semagoro seems a bit embarassed by the thrush, and explains: "This is Aria, my, well, spirit animal. She's really not that bad once you get to know her. Oh, and I'm Semagoro Nhoonsong! Sorry, it's hard to keep track of those I've already made introductions to."
Semagoro joyously munches on his muffin that finally arrived, and gestures towards the obstacle course.
"If you feel up to it, I'll put a prayer in for you that you won't be dealt as much humility as I. And don't trust the dummy, it can smell your fear," Semagoro chuckles good naturedly.
Kajar |
A muttering young half-orc wallflower - "OK, Kajar, this is it. You're not a whelp, a pup or a fool anymore. Wanna be a Pathfinder? Now is the time. Actions speak, words are smoke. You can do this!"
The Cunningly Placed Bar Stool
Climb, DC 10: 17 + 5 = 22 -- More of a vault than a jump…
OK, I got this!"
Obstacle course
Perception, DC 16: 15 + 5 = 20 -- Figure out the easy way through.
Having spent his formative years in the wilds of Belkzen, picking his way through a simple barroom maze is easy for Kajar, yet speaking to its patrons will likely be his greatest test.
The Combat Dummy
Bull rush vs CMD 15: 14 + 3 = 17 -- Bowl it over.
Kajar licks his protruding fangs, knowing that years of resisting capture would win him this test. You don't survive Belkzen without brute force.
The Mad Dash to the End
Dexterity, DC 12: 19 + 3 = 22 -- Just as good at sprinting.
Kajar greets the crowded taproom with a bow.
"Kajar, a bastard as skilled in weaponry as you'd expect. And I do tricks. I am the wild!"
Shuo, the Owl of Shokuro |
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The Wounded Wisp is getting really crowded. Every couple of minutes another initiate arrives.
We are twelve in total, but I heard that Janira-sempai will select only six of us. What will happen to the other six? Just go back to the lodge, or will they be assigned to another mission? I do not see another recruiter though...
Shuo goes to the door to look into the sky
It is almost dawn... I should eat something and prepare myself to the mission. Or to go home... in either case, I should eat.
"Honored Heryn-san, I would like to order some breakfast. Your regular one will do, like the one you served to Jillia-san!"
While waiting for his order, Shuo sees the beardless and bald dwarf entering the room I have never seen any dwarf like this one!
"Nice to meet you honored master dwarf Grimn-san, my name is Yori Shuo, from Shokuro. I will help you with the rest of the introductions. Those two big men talking to each other are Varus-san and Boris-san, and the smaller one is Luthor-san; that charming lady over there is Penelope-san; the half-elf is Kiril-san, the only one that got a perfect score on the obstacle track... actually one of them, since Kajar-san, Shuo points to the half-orc, is now the second one!"
I’m trying to put all of us back in one conversation, to help the newcomers! Oh and maybe a hope of all of us be selected ;)