GM Jammin' |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Baba Yaga is the wild woman or dark lady of magic and in the snowy land of Irrisen, there are many stories about her. The witch queen is fearsome with her iron teeth and a magical chicken-legged hut. Sometimes a foolish and desperate mortal will seek for her help by seeking her hut. But once they enter the hut, they live or die depending on what they say and do and Baba Yaga's fickle will."
I'm looking at starting up a game with the Reign of Winter adventure path. I'm looking for about 5 or 6 players in total, though I've already recruited 3 from this thread. Those who have been selected already include an Aasimar Oracle, a Sylph Skald and an Arctic Elf Sorcerer.
•1st level
•20 point buy for stats.
•Alignment: As a general rule, no evil. I might be willing to accept an evil character, if you can convince me that your character will work well within a group.
•Race: Any from the Advanced Race Guide. Just make sure it makes sense. Alternate racial traits are fine. If you want variant abilities for aasimar or tiefling, you must roll for it.
•Classes: All paizo. Archetypes welcome. No 3pp. Nothing from the Occult Adventures playtest, but Unchained classes are welcome (any summoners must be from unchained).
•Average starting gold.
•2 traits. One must be from the Reign of Winter player's guide.
•Background. It doesn't need to be fancy or long. However I am a sucker for more interesting, well thought out and well written backgrounds. While this can be done in a paragraph, it usually takes more.
•One free skill point at first level that must go into craft, perform or profession. This represents some way you've made a living before adventuring, so make sure it reflects in your character and background.
•Most of all, build a character you care about and have fun!
I will leave rectruitment open until Sunday at midnight (GMT-6). If you have any questions feel free to ask here or pm me.
Cydrius |
I'm definitely interested; I'll be brainstorming a character and I'll get back to you.
Are you okay with the brunt of character math (the skill modifiers, attack rolls, and equipment purchase) being left for after selection?
Edit: Now working on an unchained barbarian. (I will be keeping an eye on the Skald's character sheet to make sure I'm not stepping on any toes.)
CaptainFord |
Are you looking to fill specific roles, or just a good character in general?
Because if you don't have any issues, I've got a melee sorcerer concept after having a look at the Imperious bloodline that I would love to try out for this.
Vincent Fleming |
Hmmm, I shall throw in my character (See profile for crunch) for this. Tiefling Inquisitor...and sure I don't mind losing darkness for the chance for something interesting
Variant Ability: 1d100 ⇒ 84
You are immune to magic sleep and paralysis effects. (Interesting)
As most Tieflings stories begin, he was born in Cheliax. Though it wasn't common for tieflings to become urchins at a young age for fear that their lineage might be able to be traced back to the unfortunate family from who it was spawned. Vincent lived on the street, no having a true name he adopted one from a book he found in the trash. It was a hard life, even for a scamp like Vincent, but he had a break at one point sneaking into the port late one night. He picked a lock and stole himself into a barrel to hide.
It turned out that the ship was bound for Andoran and he wasn't discovered until the cask was broken open in a church of Kugress. The priests were sorely disappointed by the fact that their wine had somehow been replaced with a Tiefling child, but being the good men that they were and thankfully on their third cask at the time he was greeted with laughter and warmth. It was the first time he had been treated kindly in life, and for that matter feeling full. The night passed and in the morning the priests began to question the poor boy about himself. He told them what he felt safe telling them at the time and the priests were kind enough to let him keep his secrets for a while.
He grew up in the church doing what he could to earn his keep. He was a smart and spry lad, taking to lessons well and did his best to learn everything that the various priests could teach him from languages to surviving in the wild. He soaked up everything he could and used it well. They found that his talent with knowledge wasn't the only one he had, a few tests and they found he had a knack for knowing about the arcane, something that was rare outside of those who actually studied it themselves. He was thankful to the priests and the church that took him in and as he became of age he vowed to join their ranks and began studying as an inquisitor for Kurgress. It wasn't often that one chose that path under him but paladinhood just didn't suit him as while was intelligent, he certainly wasn't adept at social situations.
He showed the same passion as always while training to be an inquisitor, putting himself wholly into the role. He had another advantage that came up as he learned and that was the ability to tell how close the reaper had come to others. This would be useful for the days to come. He finished his training and spent another few years in service in the area to pay back his debt but time was coming that he must begin his rite of passage. Those who serve the god must prove themselves in some way and he had honestly yet to do it. But as his friends who raised him began to pass, he felt it was finally time. He gathered up his belongings and settled down in his room in the church. He spread out a map before him and nailed it down. He brought out the offerings to his god and set up a pendulum above the map. He put a candle into the nook and lit it before settling it swinging in a circle. He sat down in silence, burning the incense and waited. His left his test of bravery and challenge up to his god and the first drop of wax was where he would seek out his trial.
The time passed and finally the first drip hit, deep in the snowy lands of Irrisen. He gathered up the coin needed for the trip and headed to the port. He mused about the importance of boats whisking him away in the more importance moments of his life, the trip itself was uneventful across the ocean, up the river and even along the caravan up towards where the wax had indicated. He made the last bit of the trip up to Heldren by foot, testing himself against the world that he world that he would be a part of, it has hard and took up what little supplies he had left leaving him with very little but the gear on his back that wasn't edible. But he finally made it and breathed a sigh of relief, while the cold may not have bothered him so the environment itself was hard to live off of. He spent the last few coins he had left getting a place at the inn to warm up and he began to look for his first trial now that he had arrived, what was in store for him he did not expect....
GM Jammin' |
Would you elaborate a little on the builds of the oracle and sorcerer
Well our oracle had described himself as a "Reach Oracle, spending most of his time on the fringes of combat casting spells, summoning stuff and stabbing things. He's going to have little to no healing." So someone with healing would not go amiss.
Our sorcerer is an arctic elf with the boreal bloodline. Her spell selection thus far seems to be focused on elemental damage, with a bit of battlefield control.
Cydrius |
Edward Sobel |
not applying here but instead promoting
this site for DM's to find players.
check it out there are a few people looking fro Reign of winter game on the spreadsheet.
The Lion Cleric |
I'll just post the bare bones of my concept, which is fighting ice with... Fire. Lots and lots of fire.
I am considering a Winged Marauder Goblin Alchemist, last remnant of a tribe massacred by winter witches for, well, being a pest. Bringing ranged power, giant vultures, stealth and probably trapfinding, if the (rather overpowered) trait is allowed.
But, seriously. Mostly, fire.
GM Jammin' |
I'm definitely interested; I'll be brainstorming a character and I'll get back to you.
Are you okay with the brunt of character math (the skill modifiers, attack rolls, and equipment purchase) being left for after selection?
Edit: Now working on an unchained barbarian. (I will be keeping an eye on the Skald's character sheet to make sure I'm not stepping on any toes.)
I just realized that I have not replied to this. Yes. That is fine. As long as I can tell where you are going with your character, and I have your background.
GM Jammin' |
not applying here but instead promoting
this site for DM's to find players.
check it out there are a few people looking fro Reign of winter game on the spreadsheet.
Thanks for the suggestion, but as stated above, that is where I got my first three recruits.
Edward Sobel |
Edward Sobel wrote:Thanks for the suggestion, but as stated above, that is where I got my first three recruits.not applying here but instead promoting
this site for DM's to find players.
check it out there are a few people looking fro Reign of winter game on the spreadsheet.
oops sorry.
glad to see the list is working....
have a great game..I am enjoying this AP with my Prince Zuko inspired fire sorcerer
Cydrius |
Cydrius wrote:I just realized that I have not replied to this. Yes. That is fine. As long as I can tell where you are going with your character, and I have your background.I'm definitely interested; I'll be brainstorming a character and I'll get back to you.
Are you okay with the brunt of character math (the skill modifiers, attack rolls, and equipment purchase) being left for after selection?
Edit: Now working on an unchained barbarian. (I will be keeping an eye on the Skald's character sheet to make sure I'm not stepping on any toes.)
Thank you. In that case, my character application is complete, and I look forward to your judgement.
A quick rundown:
In combat, Loggar is built to be a sturdy frontliner and keep the enemies away from the squishier party members.
Out of combat, he's a good outdoorsman, who can guide the party through wilderness efficiently and track enemies.
Ash.. |
Considering an application of an Irorian Paladin from the isle of Jalmery. She is in Taldor as part of a journey to learn more of 'the north' in preparation for the Challenge of Sky and Heaven. So far, she thinks she is very far 'north' indeed here at the southern edge of Taldor.
She's traveled from Padiskar to Katheer by postal ship, that being the only vessel in port at the time she set out. Upon arrival in Katheer over a month later was dismayed to realize she still had quite far to go. She was encouraged to take horse and set out for Oppara, "The most refined center of the Arts" by a kindly enough Paladin of Iomedae. Unfortunately she didn't budget for feeding the beast, and now her funds are running low. She's stopped in Heldren to look for work and she's still no closer to understanding these not so northerners.
Perhaps mostly maddening of all, the further north she goes, the more they assure her she's nowhere near the north, this is barely even out of the south!
Don't have crunch figured out, but I like that as a reason to be in Heldren.
Wolfgang Rolf |
If it is okay with you GM Jammin' I'd like to throw in another character in addition to the one I submitted before.
Both are front line fighters, but they differ greatly in terms of personality, skills and the utility they bring to the group.
Sven Ulafson |
Beefed up the profile, with completed background.
Personality wise, Sven is a bit naive. Trained as a carpenter by his father, and a warrior by his uncle, he mostly daydreams of glory based on the legends of his homelands related by his uncle. When in a more practical mood, he thinks of the red-head down the street, and honing his skills in anticipation of taking over his father's carpentry business.
GM Jammin' |
If it is okay with you GM Jammin' I'd like to throw in another character in addition to the one I submitted before.
Both are front line fighters, but they differ greatly in terms of personality, skills and the utility they bring to the group.
I'm going to ask for just one submission per person.
Wolfgang Rolf |
Wolfgang Rolf wrote:I'm going to ask for just one submission per person.If it is okay with you GM Jammin' I'd like to throw in another character in addition to the one I submitted before.
Both are front line fighters, but they differ greatly in terms of personality, skills and the utility they bring to the group.
Alright, I'd like to keep my second submission. Please ignore the first character I submitted.
Grimkell son of Ogmundr |
Grimkell is in this group? That is fantastic! I'll have to think on this...
Curious: Jammin' will you be doing PFS certs?
Nice to see you Karyne Morozov (GM Hills), I am glad you have fond memories of Grimkell! So, you haven't found another RoW game since the game with Whisper fell apart?
I do not know PFS rules really well, does it strongly impact what feats are accessible to the characters?
GM Hills |
You actually don't have to RUN the game any different than you want. If you are running the entire adventure path, you can give out certs when certain areas are completed (up through part 2 in book 1 is the first cert). All you would have to do is report it on this site and put together sheets for the players.
That said, no Grim, I haven't really looked for another game since then for RoW. I am running it, tabletop, at the moment and we are just about done with the first book, but seeing this, I might throw in on it. Can't bring Karyne, though :(
Doctor Harmful |
Application for Jamarcus DeTroyce - Brawler Extraordinaire
BACKSTORY
---
Angry purple clouds formed out of nowhere on a balmy summer day over the sleepy town of Heldren. Concerned villagers peered towards the sky in apprehension and a quiet, anxious chatter was heard throughout the town.
"What's happening?"
"Are the gods displeased with us?"
Without warning, the sky split asunder with mauve lightning and an object hurtled out of a shining violet sphere in the sky.
A faint crack/thud was heard from the nearby forests as the object impacted earth.
---
Jamarcus slowly opened his eyes..
A crowd of strangely dressed folk surrounded him, bearing old-school farming implements and torches.
That's strange, he thought..
Last he remembered, he jivin' with a radical little hunny in one of the more happenin' discos in Manhattan.
Maybe I smoked too much of the good stuff?
He looked around.
Beyond the crowd of shocked faces lay an ancient pine forest and calm mountains. Some sort of winged beast flew overhead and one of the villagers seemed to have a small, cruel green midget secured by a chain.
"S+!% son, I ain't in Harlem no mo."
---
CHARACTER
Jamarcus is a human brawler with plenty of experience fighting in the tough streets of New York. He prefers to use his bare fists, and knuckledusters when available.
He stands at an intimidating, muscled 6'5 and is wearing a purple velvet disco outfit and a thick gold chain.
He came to Golarion through the will of unfathomable beings and the last thing he remembers is the purple glow in the eyes of his dance partner.
His primary motivation is to get back to where he came from, and is seeking the counsel of powerful magic users.
---
If you'd like a statblock/character sheet please let me know! This will be a pretty vanilla unarmed brawler as I'm more interested in the roleplay aspect of things.
And I'm perfectly fine with the 1 post per day.
I have a few years of experience playing Pathfinder in-person but this is my first PbP!
Phntm888 |
Okay, I've got a character concept of a Half-Orc Brawler. I've got stats, but I need to write up a backstory for him. I want him to be local to Heldren, specifically apprenticed to the blacksmith. GM Jammin', do they give the name of the blacksmith in the writeup for Heldren in the Adventure Path? If not, is there a name you want me to use, or should I make one up?
Lars Andronsa |
Lars' story is that of a street punk who made use of what skills he had to survive. It is a story of highs and lows; at one point in his life he was a successful criminal who's skill with locks and traps made him sought after by other thieves and outlaws, at another he was forced to work for a band of pirates, but he adapted and once more he rose to become something more than someone that was simply there to be used. He's always willing adapt to whatever life throws at him, alas if he could only control his greed his life would be much easier; for it is that greed which made him an enemy of not just his former pirate crew, but the White Witches of Irrisen as well.
Lars personality wise should face no problems dealing with other party members. Sure he has trust issues, but character development should iron that out in time. I know he's not exactly what one would call an ideal hero, he's basically a Jack Sparrow type of character...minus the ego, but its worth mentioning that he has every reason to be committed to the quest of the campaign, after all the White Witches of Irrisen want him dead and he's reasoned that since they won't leave him alone, his best chance of staying alive is taking the fight to them but he can't do that alone, and especially not when his ex-captain is after his hide as well. Yes, Lars may not be the most altruistic person in the room, but he's not completely without scruples; he's a greedy, opportunist who has yet to learn what real companionship is, and he may just understand that as he goes through the campaign.
As far as feats advancement goes, Lars will be focusing heavily on the dirty trick feats, will grab improved trip, and acquire both Bloody and Dazing assault to complete his set of debuffing tools. In short he will be an annoyance to all he faces, and thanks to the buffing abilities he gets from the Freebooter archetype all melee combatants on his side will love him for the Attack Bonuses, Damage Bonuses and for making flanking an even more enticing option in combat.
Lars has a healthy variety of skills, and he will be able to make three of them stronger because of the Focused Study human racial trait. The skills he is lacking in are both knowledge skills and if you don't count his weak bluff face skills.
Alec Fuornkiln |
Alec stands 5 ft. 8 inches and weighs 120 lbs. He carries almost another 100 pounds of gear and weaponry strapped to his body. Various weapons, although he refers to them as tools, find different homes amid his armor. His shield and spear he carries in hand, shield in his left. His kukri is stuffed into his boot while his falcata is sheathed on his hip, left side. His hand axe is holstered on his belt at his back while his machete in a sheath over his left shoulder. His short bow is slung over his pack on his back and his quiver of arrows is kept next to the pack.
Alec is physically fit, but is lean and slim. He is below average height and is fairly nondescript. His body is hard, born of a lifetime of hard work and exertion. His face and hands are weathered from exposure to the elements. His dark black hair hangs down to his chin and his brown eyes are normally hidden behind his hair around others that he does not trust. He usually wears a headband over his ears to conceal his elven parentage. When in battle, he will pull his headband up to clear the hair from his eyes.
Alec has always enjoyed the outdoors. He probably got that from his mother’s side. He never actually knew her, but from what he heard of elves, it seemed to make sense. He was raised by his father, a simple hunter who traded in animal skins to buy necessities. They lived in a very small village called Heldren, far from the large cities. In fact, he had never been to a city. The largest community he had visited would have been the neighboring town, Demgazi, a few hundred people at most. Alec preferred the simple life. Feeding him self, making his own clothes, being able to survive on his own; these were his success stories. He never dreamed of being a hero or a knight like most of the children he encountered did. He enjoyed being alone in the wilderness, fishing and living off the land.
When the snows came, he and his father were out hunting, a few days from home. They made back to the village as soon as it began, his father going on about bad omens and unnatural weather. While a skilled outdoorsman, Alec was not nearly as experienced as his father. Half way home, they had to abandon their prizes leaving the furs forgotten in the forest, but his father never mad it. When Alec awoke the next day, his father was on death’s bed, and it was too late for Alex to do anything. He could not carry his father back home in time to save his life, but he would not leave him out here in the elements to be forgotten. He struggled for 3 more days carrying the body home. By the time he reached Heldren, the ground was so hard he could not bury his father properly. He fought against the hours to erect a funeral pyre. Even once the fire started, it seemed to not want to burn, seemed to be subdued by the wind and snow and cold. It was unlike fire to give up so easily. So when he heard that a man had come back from the woods with ill news, he volunteered to join the hunting party.
GM Jammin' |
I had a nicely formatted list of everyone who had expressed interest or completed a character, along with notes for many of you, but I lost it. So instead you get this.
Completed Submissions:
Sven Ulafson-Human-Fighter (Viking)
Linge Hagebak-Human-Arctic Druid
Vincent Fleming-Tiefling-Inquisitor
Loggar Flintsmoke-Dwarf-Slayer
Lars Androsa-Human-Ranger (Trapper/Freebooter)
Alec Fuornkiln-Human-Ranger (Guide/Trapper)
Interest/Incomplete Submissions:
Captain Ford-Melee Sorcerer (Imperious Bloodline)
Big OM-Cleric of Cayden Cailean
The Lion Cleric-Winged Marauder Goblin Alchemist
Ash..-Paladin
Robert Henry-Human Ranger (Trapper)
Nathan Monson-Winter Witch
Drayen
GM Hills
Phntm888-Half-orc Brawler
Other comments will come later. For now I have one for everyone:
@All: You are beginning this game in southern Taldor, in a village called Heldren, in the middle of summer. Do not send your character to Irissen in your background. Do not (with little exception) place your character in a snowy Heldren. Yes, this is Reign of Winter. Yes, you will be playing in snow. But it doesn’t start that way.
For the most part, a majority of people have done well with this. But I have seen a few backgrounds referring to these “Do not’s” above. So if you have these, please fix them. Some of them are listed above in the complete section. I did this because it is a small fix, but it does still need to be fixed please.
Kaix Eldwyn |
Somewhere in Taldor...
...Dust...
...The smell of Iron...
...The cold breeze emanating from the wall...
...and... Mold?...
"Ugh..."
Kaix groaned and yawned while holding his head in his hands, his wrists bound by shackles and accompanied by chains to limit his possibly wondrous stretch afterwards. He looked around and found he was in the same room as before... Again.
"So much for help from the outside" he grumbled, "He said three days and its been four, maybe five. My hands are sweaty...
A loud clang rings throughout the small 10-by-10 foot room. A figure in dull grey armor, wearing a helmet approaches Kaix, paper in his dirty green hand. Kaix snatches the paper and scans it over, a smile gleaming across his sharp and crooked face before glancing up at the massive orc.
"Did you bring it?" Kaix said before he was met with a snarl and handed an inkpen and a vial of ink. It didn't take long before Kaix fanatically snatched it from his hand and began to scribble down what appeared to be his key to freedom. Several moments and an annoyed orc later, Kaix handed the paper back to the orc, folded neatly and crisp.
"Make sure the Captain gets this" Kaix chuckled, "and not a moment late!"
The orc scoffed and gripped the paper tightly, almost crushing it before he walked out.
"O'nar", Kaix shouted; the orc looked back, "Thank you, friend." The door slammed shut and the sinking cold feeling came back to him, again determined to test his patience.
Linguistics to Forge Documentation: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
The familiar
Here is my submission, I haven't finished the backstory, but essentially, I'm hoping the RNG are with me (or the DM) and would allow me some passage to the beginning of the AP. LOL
Alec Fuornkiln |
My apologies for getting ahead. This is the 2nd Reign of Winter campaign I've tried to join and the 1st was already in progress so I have read a bit of the introduction and I have read the Reign of Winter's Player's guide. I have edited his background.
Alec has always enjoyed the outdoors. He probably got that from his mother’s side. He never actually knew her, but from what he heard of elves, it seemed to make sense. He was raised by his father, a simple hunter who traded in animal skins to buy necessities. They lived in a very small village called Heldren, far from the large cities. In fact, he had never been to a city. The largest community he had visited would have been the neighboring town, Demgazi, a few hundred people at most. Alec preferred the simple life. Feeding him self, making his own clothes, being able to survive on his own; these were his success stories. He never dreamed of being a hero or a knight like most of the children he encountered did. He enjoyed being alone in the wilderness, fishing and living off the land.
He and his father had traveled several days into the forest to gather new skins. supplies we're getting low and so was the money they had saved up. They were on their way back with a good haul when his father collapsed. Alec didn't know what to do. He dropped the skins he was carrying and ran to his side. He tried to pick up the fallen man, but his father would not have it. He could barely speak but he told Alec to leave him and return home with the skins. He could not leave him to die, but he needed the skins and the money they would bring. There was no decision for Alec to make, no choice to mule over. Dead or alive, he would not leave his father alone in the woods. He picked up the man and headed for home, intent on making the three day journey without stoping.
It was a few hours later when his father's spirit left its body. Alec didn't notice right away, but when he stopped to readjust his load, he realized the man was not breathing. He dropped to his knees and cried for hours, hugging the body as tightly as he could, begging for him to wake up. He eventually came to his senses, wrapped the body for travel as best he could, and continued on his mission towards home.
He arrived home two and a half days later. He was exhausted, but he didn't rest or eat. He didn't even go inside. Instead he prepared a funeral pyre and set the body to it. He carefully removed all of the clothing. He spent hours cleaning the body with water and rag. He started the fire and fealt the heat from the blaze, fealt the tears run down his face as the world around him grew dark. Within minutes, he passed out from exhaustion.
When he awoke, the fire had run its course and the remains of the pyre were smoldering. He had nothing left in this world that tied him to it. He entered the house that was now his, and his alone. It was so quiet without the sounds of his father's stories or the smell of his pipe. Alec became very withdrawn, very quiet without his father and retreated into the only solace that he had left, the woods. He would spend days out in the forest; hunting, fishing, and trapping. He returned to the work his father taught him. It was the only thing to keep him going for the first few days. He would return to town every few days to trade his spoils for ale. He would drink into he was broke and then he would go out hunting again. It was starting to become an unhealthy cycle.
Kaix Eldwyn |
Somewhere in the cells of Oppara, The Gilded City...
...Dust...
...The smell of Iron...
...The cold breeze emanating from the wall...
...and... Mold?...
"Ugh..."
Kaix groaned and yawned while holding his head in his hands, his wrists bound by shackles and accompanied by chains to limit his possibly wondrous stretch afterwards. He looked around and found he was in the same room as before... Again.
"So much for help from the outside" he grumbled, "He said three days and its been four, maybe five. My hands are sweaty...
A loud clang rings throughout the small 10-by-10 foot room. A figure in dull grey armor, wearing a helmet approaches Kaix, paper in his dirty green hand. Kaix snatches the paper and scans it over, a smile gleaming across his sharp and crooked face before glancing up at the massive orc.
"Did you bring it?" Kaix said before he was met with a snarl and handed an inkpen and a vial of ink. It didn't take long before Kaix fanatically snatched it from his hand and began to scribble down what appeared to be his key to freedom.
Your crimes will not go unpunished. No matter how much gold you pilfered from smuggling illegals even with papers, the orc said, but he was met with the quaint sound of scribbling. Several moments and an annoyed orc later, Kaix handed the paper back to him, folded neatly and crisp.
"Make sure the Captain gets this" Kaix chuckled, "and not a moment late!"
The orc scoffed and gripped the paper tightly, almost crushing it before he walked out.
"O'nar", Kaix shouted; the orc looked back, "Thank you, friend." The door slammed shut and the sinking cold feeling came back to him, again determined to test his patience.
Linguistics to Forge Documentation: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
To Whom it May Concern,
This letter is a request to release the man by the name of Kaix Eldwyn under promise of compensation for his crimes and the fine of which is placed for his very release.
I have a specific assignment for matters that need tending to in the nearby town of Heldren and would be most humbly appreciative if this request may be carried out with the utmost importance.
If there are any concerns, I am sure the appropriate meetings can be made to address them with the King and I. Until then, please take this compensation for your assistance and troubles, and send Kaix to Heldren where he will meet with my informant for his task.
Glory to Oppara,
Dominicus Rell
My previous Linguistics roll in my backstory was a 14. I'm not sure if you prefer to use that or not.
This is my official and finished submission. Let me know what you think or what I could tweak!