"Bah, I can't figure these books out--the script is entirely unfamiliar, which for me is saying something. Will deal with these later, once we've tracked down our foe!"
Tucking the books into his backpack, Silvio tries to catch up to his colleagues who are attempting to pursue!
Guess I will bot for Cherry...and Dougal who has responded that he is unavailable to post.
Cherry heads back to the ladder, deferring to Orendel, she starts up just behind him, her tail switching quickly showing her displeasure in letting the woman get away. .
Following the others, Dougal gets to the ladder in the first round.
Silvio decides that the journal on the workbench is indecipherable at present, and he tosses it into his pack and head to where the others are scaling the ladder.
Orendel manages to climb a bit, his heavy armor slowing down his ascent, and he makes it to the door at the top by the end of the round.
Cherry and Dougal are also climbing up, while Meghan channels again, healing the party a bit more. She starts up with Silvio bringing up the rear.
At the top of the ladder is a trapdoor that opens upwards It is currently closed.
Consider what you want to do in the next round as Orendel is ready to open the trapdoor at the top of the ladder .
From down below the trapdoor looks safe enough to Silvio, though to be fair, he is thirty feet away, so his view might not be the best.
Without any hesitation, Orendel shoves open the trapdoor and immediately pokes his head out to see what;s next. To his surprise, you find yourselves on the streets of Riddleport once again. Standing immediately adjacent to you is the stone archway of the Cyphergate. The brown stone covered with runes and glyphs looks exactly like the slightly curved column of stone in the excavation site below, where some of the symbols had been chiseled off. It occurs to you that the arch of the Cyphergate which shows above ground might just be on section of the rune-covered stone which runs in a complete circle under the ground...
As you contemplate that, and Cherry pushes her way out of the trapdoor and onto the streets, you spy the dark-skinned elven woman. She has climbed the Cyphergate, using her magical slippers, and is at the very apex of the archway, hundreds of feet above the mouth of the harbor.
Each of you can file out of the trapdoor in turn, what do you do next? The Cyphergate is exactly 700 ft in diameter, so you have some climbing to do if you want to catch her.
Female Human Bard (Street Performer) 3, Cleric (Calistria) 1 | hp 30/30 |AC 18, t 13, ff 15 | Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +4; +1 vs. charm/compulsion, +4 bonus on saving throws vs. bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent | Init +3 | BP 11/11 | Perc +8 | Bard Spells 1st 4/4 | Channel Pos. Energy 6/6 [-] | Bit of Luck 4/4 | Copycat 4/4
"Well...this doesn't look very promising," Meghan, Mistress of Understatement, points out, gazing up at the distant elf.
Not sure there's anything Meg can do beyond maybe casting guidance on anyone who wants to attempt the climb.
Silvio stares high into the sky. "This is madness. What is that creature doing? I don't know how we're going to catch her, although I don't know how she's going to escape, either."
He looks around to see if anyone else was standing around witnessing the dark elf's machinations.
Climbing seems like a deathwish, unless someone has Spider Climb or the like handy.
Orendel marvels at the Cyphergate when they emerge. It was one thing seeing it from the road as he approached Riddleport, but up close, it seemed even more imposing. It dwarfed even the churches and government buildings of Canorate! Then he spots their enemy actively ascending it, and Cherry going after her. He stows his spear and shield and starts climbing himself.
"I'll help you murder her, Cherry! Right behind you!"
Cherry and Orendel start the climb up the stone archway. Cherry doesn't get far before slipping a bit but Orendel makes a bit of progress, about 10 of the 300 or more feet to the top.
To be clear, the arch is 700 feet in diameter from end to end. That makes the top of the arch about 350ft high,, unless i fail my geometry. From the water to the top of the arch would be a radius or half the diameter. Still, a long way up. Based on what you saw underground, the Cyphergate may indeed be a big circle with half buried underground.
The woman at the top laughs calling down. "Climb if you will feeble pinkskins. You're too late to stop us anyway. The plan is already in motion! You'll see! And you won't catch me anyway..."
After a few more long seconds, a ship passes out of the harbor, right under the elven woman. As you watch in awe, she leaps from the top fo the Cyphergate, floating down like a feather, and landing right on the deck of the freighter. In a single move she draws out her sword and plunges it through the chest of the ship's captain. She waves ironically to the group, a triumphant look on her face, as she escapes faster than you can keep up with.
Sorry, she's going to get away this time. You'll get your chance soon enough.
Perception DC 12:
You notice, as you are looking up at the top of the Cyphergate, that the Blot, which has dominated the sky above Riddleport for weeks, is gone. No sign of the inky blackness that had been growing in recent days. Not sure what that portends.
Whoops! I had imagined the thing more as a nearly complete circle than a semicircle!!
"Stop them? From doing what?" Silvio is left in a mix of confusion and frustration as the drow sails away.
Perception:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
It takes a moment before he notices something else. "The blot. It's gone! How can that be? Could it have anything to do with the Cyphergate?"
Silvio decides he really, really needs to understand what's in the journals he took. So he will see if magic can unlock its secrets. He shares anything he learns.
Pulling out the book and casting Comprehend Languages from a scroll. Is it now legible, or is it still unintelligible?
Female Human Bard (Street Performer) 3, Cleric (Calistria) 1 | hp 30/30 |AC 18, t 13, ff 15 | Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +4; +1 vs. charm/compulsion, +4 bonus on saving throws vs. bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent | Init +3 | BP 11/11 | Perc +8 | Bard Spells 1st 4/4 | Channel Pos. Energy 6/6 [-] | Bit of Luck 4/4 | Copycat 4/4
Meghan notices that the Blot's gone even as Silvio voices that revelation. Still, she's mainly looking up at Cherry and Orendel, admiring her new comrades' fearlessness and relentlessness. When the pair climbs back down, the Calistrian bard realizes that Cherry in particular still seems badly wounded from the ordeals, even after her previous two positive energy channels (which healed 8 hp damage, BTW).
Gathering the others close, Meghan expends her last channel of the day and casts cure light wounds spells to eliminate any lingering damage.
Perception Check:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Channel Positive Energy #6 of 6:1d6 ⇒ 2(Possibly +3 from Seductive Channel.)
cure light wounds (Cherry):1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
cure light wounds (Dougal):1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Though Meg's stats below her avatar say she's got 3/3 1st-level spells remaining, I'm pretty sure she used at least 1 spell earlier in the adventure.
Meghan takes a few moments to heal the party, focusing particularly on Cherry as they descend from the rock archway, disappointed and confused about just exactly what is going on.
Trying to determine that, Silvio uses magical means to comprehend the journal left behind. By burning the scroll he can read the book and make out its contents easily. It appears the first part of the book is ledger or account book detailing money funneled to the woman by Saul Vancaskerkin, including notes detailing what the money was spent on. It appears she invested mostly in alchemical supplies, spell components, and exotic food -- all shipped to a place called Devil's Elbow.
The rest of the book seems to be a list of all the strange weather effects and phenomena that have occurred in Riddleport over the past several weeks and months. All of these, including the Blot itself are listed as "strange and eldritch side-effects from the charging of the glyphs on Devil's Elbow" and that "It would do to further refine the glyphs to minimize such blatant displays lest the enemy receive further warning of the impending apocalypse than we wish to reveal."
The journal goes on to theorize that as soon as the "glyphs are activated and the star is plucked" the strange effects, including the shadow in the sky, should vanish immediately. The last journal entry indicates the author suspects that this event might happen as soon as today.
Know Local DC 20 or Know Geography DC 15 re: Devil's Elbow:
Devil's Elbow is a little spit of an island in a chain of small islets a few days journey west of Riddleport. The island is feared by many sailors for the flashing lights and multiple shipwrecks that occur there. It was once colonized but that expedition ended in some form of disaster.
Silvio explains everything he reads in the journal, jotting some notes in the margins for when he will need to consider this again.
K. Local DC20:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
"Anyone ever heard of Devil's Elbow? Could it be where we just came from? We did see another part of the Cyphergate down there."
Silvio tries studying the Cyphergate to see if it has changed in some way since the last time he looked at it.
K. Arcana:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13 Perception:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
"I can't make sense of this. It could be time to talk to the Cyphermages. Perhaps we can connect with Loris and Samantha again." He glances at Orendel, curious how he would react to that last name.
Orendel curses and shakes his fist after the escaping woman.
"RUN ALL YOU WANT, ELF-B!TCH! WE'LL TRACK YOU DOWN! AND WHEN MY SPEAR IS IN YOUR GUT, YOU'LL LOOK UPON MY FACE AND KNOW IT WAS ORENDEL KELLON WHO SENT YOU TO HELL!!!"
Perception:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
It's kind of hard NOT for him to notice the Blot's gone. It was a little strange. He was so new to Riddleport it almost seemed like a normal part of it. Seeing it gone, and the city in its natural state, made Orendel grimace as he climbed down to rejoin the others.
"What am I even doing? I can't keep a gambling hall safe, I can't spot a commander looking to betray his own troops, I can't kill a pathetic little trash demon and I can't even catch up with an elf-freak of a woman who nearly killed the few friends I had left!"
The elven woman sailed away triumphantly, and your group, wounded, tired, and spent, stands near the inscrutable Cyphergate and watches her sail out of sight. Once her pirated ship is gone, you consider your next course of action.
Saul is dead, and the person behind him has been revealed as some dark-skinned elf who can climb vertical surfaces and jump down from hundreds of feet. The journal indicates something big is afoot, but you may not know just what.
Silvio suggests going to the Cyphermages but there is also Kwava the strange elf who suggested something nefarious, and the Gold Goblin to consider.
What do you decide to do next? Please make sure you post your level 4 summaries in the Discussion.
Female Human Bard (Street Performer) 3, Cleric (Calistria) 1 | hp 30/30 |AC 18, t 13, ff 15 | Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +4; +1 vs. charm/compulsion, +4 bonus on saving throws vs. bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent | Init +3 | BP 11/11 | Perc +8 | Bard Spells 1st 4/4 | Channel Pos. Energy 6/6 [-] | Bit of Luck 4/4 | Copycat 4/4
Since I sank a point into Appraise for Meghan, I might as well have her take a peek and some of the unappraised items on the Loot List:
Female Human Bard (Street Performer) 3, Cleric (Calistria) 1 | hp 30/30 |AC 18, t 13, ff 15 | Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +4; +1 vs. charm/compulsion, +4 bonus on saving throws vs. bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent | Init +3 | BP 11/11 | Perc +8 | Bard Spells 1st 4/4 | Channel Pos. Energy 6/6 [-] | Bit of Luck 4/4 | Copycat 4/4
Trip to the Cyphermages works for me. Meghan's only a follower at this point of the campaign.
No one's gonna respond to Orendel's moment of self-doubt? Maybe we could find Kwava and bring him TO the Cyphermages, have everyone relevant to the discussion in one room so we can ALL put our heads together, but he kinda needs some reassurance, I think (especially after that string of bad luck down in the caves).
Silvio lays a comforting hand on Orendel's shoulder. "Don't put it all on yourself, Orendel. We've been duped, yes. Got fooled by Saul, let a slippery elf get away. But we're all here, alive. That's a fine bit better than Saul and his cronies. Same goes for that dark elf's allies, demons, and those stinking troglodytes. At least you didn't fall asleep trying to fight them!". He grins, trying to lighten the mood. "It's the tough fights that teach you how to fight better in the future."
Sheesh. I'm sure that set of rolls wouldn't have been more useful for attack rolls or, say, saving throws against troglodyte stench.
And...there's an unidentified crystal magic wand, so....
[dice=Spellcraft Check (ID wand)]1d20+5
That was very well done! I updated the values on the loot tracker to reflect your success in appraising. The wand is still a mystery however. Perhaps one of the cyphermages can help?
Typically in PBP, I will go with what gets two votes, since consensus is hard to get in this medium. As such, moving you to the Cypher Lodge.
As the sun starts to set across the sea, the bedraggled group, some still with unbound wounds, drags themselves across the Windward District to the grand structure of the Cypher Lodge, nestled against the side of the mountains on the eastern edge of Riddleport.
A knock on the door and brief explanation later, and you are sitting in a parlor filled with wizarding knick-knacks and other arcane objects, most of which you can't identify. After a few more moments pass, Silvio's old friend Loris enters followed by Samaritha right behind. "Hello Orendel," says the latter with a warm smile, which turns to concern when she sees the wounds on your bodies and consternation on your faces.
"What is it?" asks Loris with a mild grin. "Saul kick you out? How is that old curmudgeon?" She quickly sees something is wrong with that also. "Ok, I give! What is it?"
I would like for you to recap your understanding as best you can...
Silvio lays a comforting hand on Orendel's shoulder. "Don't put it all on yourself, Orendel. We've been duped, yes. Got fooled by Saul, let a slippery elf get away. But we're all here, alive. That's a fine bit better than Saul and his cronies. Same goes for that dark elf's allies, demons, and those stinking troglodytes. At least you didn't fall asleep trying to fight them!". He grins, trying to lighten the mood. "It's the tough fights that teach you how to fight better in the future."
Orendel accepts Silvio's gesture, but he doesn't smile back.
"Thank you for the kind words...I...don't want to be mad at you for falling victim to her spell...part of me is, though...I'm sorry. A good commander doesn't insult his own comrades."
When they arrive at the Cypher Lodge, he takes point in the conversation.
"Saul's dead. He...he'd been trying to get us killed for a week or two now, and finally decided to take matters into his own hands when we survived and came back to get answers. We defended ourselves and we were forced to kill him."
Loris is at first shocked then shrugs. "The old fool was a known liar, cheat, and scoundrel. Surprised he lived as long as he did. When you got mixed up with him, it was just a matter of time before things started smelling bad. But surely that's not why you're here, maybe you've just come to see us lonely girls?" She winks at Silvio, the innuendo confusing to the adventurer, who as poisoned and out cold not long before.
Samaritha rings a bell and refreshments are brought in and shared. "What aren't you telling us," she asks, her brows knitted together in thought. "And why do you look so drawn and pale, Orendel? Are you sick?"
Silvio's heart still skips a beat when he sees Loris, even after the many adventures and explorations she had with him in tow. Her playful flirtations were undoubtedly a jab at a stodgy old friend. "Your company is more than enough reason for me to visit." He looks at the others. "But the rest of us have additional concerns. This is Meghan, by the way. Another former associate of Saul's who Saul betrayed." Silvio shakes his head sadly. "You were right to be skeptical, Loris, but I really believed Saul had turned a corner. Especially when he hired this group here, good sorts. Turns out he was playing a con game and tried to get us all killed."
He sits and takes a sip of the refreshment that arrives, waiting for the servers to leave before continuing. "What we're about to tell you needs to remain quiet, at least for now. It has to do with the Blot, and the Cyphergate, so I'm sure you'll be interested."
He leans in a little more closely. "Saul had some sort of deal with creatures from below the surface. Some smelly troglodytes for one, but far more troubling, a dark-skinned elf. The stuff of fairy tales. I'm not sure if she was selling him exotic goods that he was turning for profit or had some sort of hold over the man, but Saul was funneling money to her, which she sent to a place called Devil's Elbow. You've ever heard of it?"
He waits for an answer and then pulls out a journal. "We managed to surprise the dark elf and got our hands on this journal. It's written in a language that I surmise must be Undercommon. I deciphered it magically. And the journal explains that this dark elf was activating some glyphs at this Devil's Elbow. Some ancient Thassilonian relic, by my wager. And this process was creating all sorts of strange phenomenon, including the Blot!"
"Well, despite surprising this elf, she managed to slip away from us, after a hard fight." He gestures at the wounds of his companions as proof. "When we caught up to her again, she had climbed--really walked, using magical boots--to the very top of the Cyphergate! I'm not sure, but perhaps she was toying with some glyph up there as well. She then dropped down onto a ship, killed its captain, and sailed away. But once she was gone, the Blot had also vanished! Which leads me to believe that whatever this elf had intended to activate has been activated."
Silvio looks back and forth between Loris and Samantha. "So, we thought given your expertise in the Cyphergate and all things Thassilonian, you might be able to shed light on this entirely strange experience."
Female Human Bard (Street Performer) 3, Cleric (Calistria) 1 | hp 30/30 |AC 18, t 13, ff 15 | Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +4; +1 vs. charm/compulsion, +4 bonus on saving throws vs. bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent | Init +3 | BP 11/11 | Perc +8 | Bard Spells 1st 4/4 | Channel Pos. Energy 6/6 [-] | Bit of Luck 4/4 | Copycat 4/4
Meghan smiles as she offers her hand to Loris and then Samaritha, her grin looking a bit more wry than crazy at Silvio's words about how she, too, got played badly by Saul Vancaskerkin. "Pleasure to meet you both."
Loris and Samaritha listen intently as Silvio tells the story of the dark elf woman and the journal that has to do with the Blot and the weird phenomena around Riddleport.
The girls frown as the story concludes. "We should really get Elias to hear this," says Samaritha, referring to Elias Tammerhawk, head of the Cyphermages. She gets up to do just that.
Loris says, "I have heard of Devil's Elbow but its pretty obscure. It's a small island a day or so's journey east of Riddleport. There was an attempt to colonzize it some years back that ended badly. I don't know the full story, but the attempt was given up in a deadly melange of disease, murder, and treachery. The founder of the colony was in league with a siren or something, and it lead to all the settlers being wiped out. No one really goes there anymore," she says with a shrug.
Just then, Samaritha returns with the head of the local wizards, Elias Tammerhawk. After he hears your story he taps a finger on his chin. "Hmm. Interesting. So the dark elf woman was excavating under the Cyphergate? I should like to see this place. If the stone of the arch actually forms a circle, that would be most intriguing...." He looks up and explains. "There are many theories about just what the Gate is. Some say a monument, others say a defensive shield of some kind, but there are some who think it was a portal to travel long distances or to move objects quickly from one place to another. If it is actually fully round, there may be something to that. These black elves may be trying to do some big magic with it. The journal says something about plucking a star. I don't knwo what that can mean, but it doesn't sound good."
Ultimately, the mages are stumped as well.Loris invites you all to stay for dinner, and makes sure there is healing magic enough to heal all your wounds.
Is there more you want from the mages at this point?
Silvio soaks in all the information from the mages, nodding along. "I'm worried. Whatever that dark elf woman was up to, she said that her plan was now in motion, and it was too late to stop her. And the journal refers to some 'impending apocalypse.' I'd be glad to show you the buried portion of the Cyphergate, but can I ask a favor in return? It would mean a lot if you could gather people you trust to investigate what this dark elf might have done. Something dangerous is happening involving these ancient Thassilonian ruins, and I don't think anyone in Riddleport besides the Cyphermages would care."
Just chit chat, I don't have anything more specific.
Samaritha rings a bell and refreshments are brought in and shared. "What aren't you telling us," she asks, her brows knitted together in thought. "And why do you look so drawn and pale, Orendel? Are you sick?"
Orendel takes the refreshments and noshes on them a little.
"Spiritually, maybe? We ran into an undead pirate in the tunnels and he whacked me so hard my soul felt it."
Tammerhawk looks over Orendel with a keen eye. "Your vitality should return after you rest, warrior. I don't believe it will be permanent. If it does not return, come see us. There are some incantations we can perform to help restore it. Typically these are quite expensive, but consider it fair trade for the information you provided today."
To Silvio and the others he says, "I will send a group to investigate the underground site to the Gold Goblin tomorrow. YOu can show them to the place, and we shall see what there is to see. Your worry is not misplaced, if I miss my guess."
You can tell that there are things that Tammerhawk is not saying, but such are the ways of wizards. The leader of the faction leaves the room in a swirl of his long sable cloak.
"The least you could do is stay for dinner," says Loris. "Sam and I can help heal your wounds while we feed you. And you can catch us up on the details of the Goblin."
Assuming you agree, the ladies heal all your wounds with a few taps of magic wands, and feed you a find dinner. Will give you a chance to post anything here, before its time to leave the Cypher Lodge.
Orendel gives Tammerhawk the side-eye when he looks over him, suspicious of this wizard poking at him. He accepts the assessment and the magical healing, with grace afterwards, after seeing nothing amiss.
"Honestly, thought we were going to be goners several times down there. Saul's traps were easy to beat, but his paymistress was much more cunning, even when we knew the ambush was coming. Can't say I'm enthused about getting involved in the affairs of wizards."
Later on, when the meal is ready, he tucks in and eats heartily.
"I guess mixing potions teaches you a thing or two about good cooking as well!"
Silvio enjoys the nice dinner, thankful for a little pampering after the long day's work. "Well, the Goblin, that's certainly interesting. With Saul dead now, I guess we're the de facto owners of that place. But legally, I don't know. Did Saul have any heirs? Are they the rightful owners of the Gold Goblin now?" The middle-aged man seemed troubled by the thought. "We were all 'junior partners' of Saul, but it's hardly clear what that meant."
More chatter, nothing that should stop us from leaving. I'm thinking retire to the Gold Goblin to share the latest news, then find Kwava tonight or tomorrow?
Cherry finally stows all of her gear after climbing back down from the Cyphergate. She remains grumpy and fumes quietly for some time, glowering at the unexpected arrivals and generally sulking.
"I hardly think that Saul did anything with the Golden Goblin legally. I suspect if we look into chains of paperwork about ownership it'll be another rat's nest of fake investors and dead ends," she finally contributes.
"Besides, this is Riddleport! The only time the Law does anything here seems to be when Saul brains someone with it!" he adds. "Besides, given how Saul treated US, I imagine any kin he had probably knew it wasn't worth staying tied to him."
Agreed. Besides, we can still turn a profit with the place. Probably even BETTER now without Saul's meddling! :P
After a satisfying dinner and some therapeutic b&%+!ing about Saul to those who know you well, you eventually make your way back to your home, The Gold Goblin. By then it is full dark and the few gaslights of the town are flickering in their lamps. The sky is cloudless and the half-crescent moon reflects on the harbor, giving everything a pale white light, that might be almost charming in any other town, but looks a bit skeletal in this crime-infested burg.
You have to catch a ferry across the harbor to get back to your establishment, and just as all your feet end up back on dry land, something incredible happens!
A brilliant flash in the sky gets yours (and everyone else in town's) attention. The light is brighter than any lightening you have ever seen, and leaves you a bit flash-blind for a few seconds. When you look up again, you see a streak of light arcing down from the sky, a falling star traveling on a southward course. Yet the star does not burn out -- indeed the streak lenghtens and soon seems as if it were hurtling at Riddleport itself.
As the streaming light draws near, panic fills the streets, but a moment later the fast-moving star arcs over the city and out to sea, trailing a smoky scar and the deafening sound of thunder behind it.
The star streaks out to the south reflected by the sea below and then a moment later it must make landfall. A strange false dawn seem to rise to the south as a more brilliant blast of light fills the horizon. Several moments later, the sound of tremendous explosion rolls through Riddleport, as a powerful earth tremor strikes. Several older building collapse at the tumbler and people all over the city are knocked off their feet.
Players must make a DC 13 Reflex or fall themselves.
Shingles fall of many building, glass (where it exists) is either shattered by the sound or cracked by the earthquake. As the tremor continues, an angry orange ball of flame rises into the sky on the southwestern horizon, followed right on by a roiling and ominous mushroom-shaped cloud which rises higher and higher into the night sky, illuminated the fire below.
By this time, much fo the town has gathered at the wharves and other southern points of town for a better view of the distant holocaust. A few minutes later, a strange watery sound is heard and all the water in Riddleport Bay suddenly retreats into a bizarre and sudden low tide, revealing several sunken wrecks and flopping fish and more than a few stranded sharks.
Know Nature DC 20:
This sudden out rush of water following an earthquake is a sure sign of a tsunami, a giant destructive tidal wave caused by whatever that impact was. Typically that wave would be a mere few minutes away once the drain out occurs.
Female Human Bard (Street Performer) 3, Cleric (Calistria) 1 | hp 30/30 |AC 18, t 13, ff 15 | Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +4; +1 vs. charm/compulsion, +4 bonus on saving throws vs. bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent | Init +3 | BP 11/11 | Perc +8 | Bard Spells 1st 4/4 | Channel Pos. Energy 6/6 [-] | Bit of Luck 4/4 | Copycat 4/4
Meghan keeps her footing after the violent quake. She doesn't seem relieved in the least, however; in fact, her face looks horrified.
Helping any of her new friends to their feet if they fell, she hisses, "We need to get inland...NOW!" Racing for higher ground, the panicked bard screams, "RUN!" at everyone nearby.
Cherry manages to keep her balance, her tail swishing wildly back and forth as she staggers under the rumbling of the ground. When Meghan shouts for the team to run, she only hesitates long enough to offer a hand up to anyone who falls.
"Where can we get to high ground?" she wonders aloud.
The normally clumsy Silvio expects some sort of impact and braces himself to endure the shaking. He comes to the very same conclusion as Meghan. "Tidal wave coming, we need to move!"
He conjures some light and checks on Orendel, helping him up if need be. Then he starts moving, though it's hard to keep up in his heavy armor.
Orendel, his elven heritage giving him a keen sense of balance, weathers the tremors with aplomb, and seeing the panic around him, takes out his horn and sounds a loud, clear, warning note.
Female Human Bard (Street Performer) 3, Cleric (Calistria) 1 | hp 30/30 |AC 18, t 13, ff 15 | Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +4; +1 vs. charm/compulsion, +4 bonus on saving throws vs. bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent | Init +3 | BP 11/11 | Perc +8 | Bard Spells 1st 4/4 | Channel Pos. Energy 6/6 [-] | Bit of Luck 4/4 | Copycat 4/4
"The Gold Goblin!" Meghan shouts, both in answer to Cherry's question as well as to the frightened Riddleport citizenry nearby. Recalling that the gambling hall has a fairly lengthy staircase leading up to its main entrance, the bard shouts back over her shoulder as she sprints in that direction, "I'm pretty sure its main floor is a decent ways above street level!"
Human male CG Level 4 Cleric of Cayden Cailean HP 33/33 |AC-17 T-12 FF-15 | F+7 R+5 W+7 |CMB+3 CMD14 | Init+1 | Perc +2 | Channel 2d6 30ft, DC 13, x5 per day, exclude up to CHA |Dazing touch 5/5 Spd 40ft | Active Conditions none Channel (5/5) Spells 1st (4+1/4+1) 2nd(3+1/3+1) (cure lt wand 45/50)
Keeping to the back of the group during the discussion with the mages of the Cypher Lodge. Instead of the excitement that should have been racing though his veins at being here but everything feels kind of numb.
The food smells amazing and tastes quite well but only turns his stomach. All that enthusiasm of surviving has faded and a shock has set in. Quietly nodding along with the conversation he is half listening too. Smiling at his plate with Orendel's opinion of the law here. He's not wrong.
Trailing behind the others and keeping an eye behind him. I'm getting paranoid. Stretching out on the ferry and staring up. Cayden there had better be a good reason for all this.
Keeping his place behind the other on the way to the Goblin and then there is that glow. Wish on a falling st.."What the hell!"
Reflex:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Wobbling on his feet but able to keep his footing and twisting around at the noise of a horn. And running after the rest of the group while looking around to make sure no one is injured or trapped.
Despite the rumbling of the earth, and the shuddering of the wharves beneath your feet, all the group manages to maintain their footing, unlike many around who fall, some into the mud of the harbor itself. As the water of the bay recedes, Meghan recognizes with horror the water is drawing back to form a destructive tsunami.
The blasts from Orendel's horn resounds throughout the waterfront, and those who can follow the commanding voice moving away from the dock area towards higher ground.
Meghan suggests the Gold Goblin, which is raised off the ground somewhat compared to the dilapted warehouses and taverns of the wharf district. It is too dark out to see the wave that's coming but the sound of it is unmistakable, a loud and ever-growing roar. The fires on the horizon are blotted from view as the wall of rushing water moves closer.
Getting to the Goblin at the column of dozens of people, Orendel throws open the main doors and they crowds from the waterfont stream inside, most panic-stricken.
It seems like forever, but is really only a few minutes when a 7-high wall of water hits the pirate town with incredible power. The wooden piers and quays are broken up like toothpicks. Waterfront buildings are flattened or washed away and anyone unlucky enough to not make it to high ground is either pummeled to bits or washed back out to sea in a heaving. churning mass of water.
At the goblin, water seeps in under the door, soiling the fine red carpets that cover the gaming floor, and while you wait with bated breath, the water doesn't get much deeper than a few inches up here.
Unfortunately, the rest of Riddleport is not so lucky. The tidal wave did much more damage to the town than did the earthquake. Dozens of ships are damaged, capsized, or sunk, including one ship of the line that now rests several blocks inland, past the Gold Goblin. Many of Riddleport's piers are ruined and all are damaged. Several buildings along the waterfront are destroyed or collapsed partially. Citizens have been swept away or drowned and angry sea creatures like reefclaws, sharks, and bunyips have become stranded in the city streets.
There are weeks or months of work to be done in the chaotic city. But who will lead the bands of thugs, pirates and crime bosses to salvage their homes? And who was the dark-skinned elven woman and what part did she play in the events of tonight? Did they really bring a star to fall on Golarion, or was that just a coincidence? And by the way, where did that star land?
All of those questions will be revealed in Part of the Adventure path - Children of the Void - coming soon!
That is the official end of Book 1 - Shadow in the Sky! Hope you liked it! You may all take Night's Rest and restore your spells, HP, and any ability score damage. You may all level up including spell slots etc. Let me know if you have any questions as we move forward.
Human male CG Level 4 Cleric of Cayden Cailean HP 33/33 |AC-17 T-12 FF-15 | F+7 R+5 W+7 |CMB+3 CMD14 | Init+1 | Perc +2 | Channel 2d6 30ft, DC 13, x5 per day, exclude up to CHA |Dazing touch 5/5 Spd 40ft | Active Conditions none Channel (5/5) Spells 1st (4+1/4+1) 2nd(3+1/3+1) (cure lt wand 45/50)
Oh you sweet thing. Play by posts are so much fun!
Also I am thrilled to get to play. I looks like we have a very interesting group here. Thank you very much for the selection!
I once created a character remarkably like Syeira for a Skull & Shackles game, named Neela. Fortune, Misfortune, and Cackle Hexes, Fate Domain. Had power over everyone's future. The game is mostly dead now, but Neela was pretty entertaining to play.
I realized my character was short a language thanks to a point in Linguistics, so I took Celestial.
If you ever really need to roll an 11 for some reason, think of Silvio and his Touch of Law power. It's something I might not realize without your help.
You think that's impressive, I've got a character almost EXACTLY like Syeira in a Jade Regent game...right down to the name and playstyle. That's spooky! 0_o
I think Orendel is only an 18 point buy, so has 2 points to play with, based on these assumptions:
Str = 13+2 (3)
Dex = 12 (2)
Con = 14 (5)
Int = 12 (2)
Wis = 11 (1)
Cha = 14 (5)
Regardless, we have a good mix of more martial types (Cherry, Orendel), casters (Syeira, Dougal) and in-between (me, Sindorah). Lots of skill points collectively. And tons of potential healing (Silvio, Sindorah, Syeira and Dougal all seem to have Cure Light Wounds available).
I think Orendel is only an 18 point buy, so has 2 points to play with, based on these assumptions:
Str = 13+2 (3)
Dex = 12 (2)
Con = 14 (5)
Int = 12 (2)
Wis = 11 (1)
Cha = 14 (5)
Regardless, we have a good mix of more martial types (Cherry, Orendel), casters (Syeira, Dougal) and in-between (me, Sindorah). Lots of skill points collectively. And tons of potential healing (Silvio, Sindorah, Syeira and Dougal all seem to have Cure Light Wounds available).
I'm not really set up to be able to frontline - my AC is not great. I mostly will be useful when I can flank or attack from stealth.
Female Human (Varisian) Cartomancer Witch 2 | HP 12/14 | AC 14 Touch 13 Flat-Footed 11 | CMB +0 CMD 13 | Saves: Fort +2 Ref +3 Will +3 | Perception: +2 | Init: +4 | Status: Normal
@ Silvio & Orendel Great minds, I guess. That they have the same name is eerie, though, Orendel. But if you use the same site I do to find ethnically appropriate names for characters, that might explain it.
I hope I'll do justice to the concept and your characters. =)
Human male CG Level 4 Cleric of Cayden Cailean HP 33/33 |AC-17 T-12 FF-15 | F+7 R+5 W+7 |CMB+3 CMD14 | Init+1 | Perc +2 | Channel 2d6 30ft, DC 13, x5 per day, exclude up to CHA |Dazing touch 5/5 Spd 40ft | Active Conditions none Channel (5/5) Spells 1st (4+1/4+1) 2nd(3+1/3+1) (cure lt wand 45/50)
Dougal is not a pure caster. I can take him into melee as well. Yes the damage kind of sucks but my longer plan with him is to have a blend of casting and melee once I can afford that beautiful agile weapon since the feats are dumb and apparently prone to controversy.
Also I am planning for him to become a crafter since that saves gold and our wonderful GM said that there would be time to get to do so.
The same name thing is odd. I have never run across that.
I think Orendel is only an 18 point buy, so has 2 points to play with, based on these assumptions:
Str = 13+2 (3)
Dex = 12 (2)
Con = 14 (5)
Int = 12 (2)
Wis = 11 (1)
Cha = 14 (5)
Regardless, we have a good mix of more martial types (Cherry, Orendel), casters (Syeira, Dougal) and in-between (me, Sindorah). Lots of skill points collectively. And tons of potential healing (Silvio, Sindorah, Syeira and Dougal all seem to have Cure Light Wounds available).
Actually, Orendel's +2 is to Wisdom, which was originally 9. According to the point-buy calculator I used it was a 20.
I think Orendel is only an 18 point buy, so has 2 points to play with, based on these assumptions:
Str = 13+2 (3)
Dex = 12 (2)
Con = 14 (5)
Int = 12 (2)
Wis = 11 (1)
Cha = 14 (5)
Regardless, we have a good mix of more martial types (Cherry, Orendel), casters (Syeira, Dougal) and in-between (me, Sindorah). Lots of skill points collectively. And tons of potential healing (Silvio, Sindorah, Syeira and Dougal all seem to have Cure Light Wounds available).
Actually, Orendel's +2 is to Wisdom, which was originally 9. According to the point-buy calculator I used it was a 20.
So you bought a:
15 (7)
12 (2)
14 (5)
12 (2)
9 (-1)
14(5)
=20
But that's just a waste of points.
If you buy an 11 in WIS for +1, and a 13 in STR for +3, that's only 5 pnts VS the 9 for WIS -1, and 15 STR +7 is 6 pnts. You can get extra points out of your build. It's up to you though, and up to the DM if you can change it.
Okee doke guys. Just a question and a couple ground rules before we get started. Unfortunately, I got a work weekend so we might be a bit slow starting up, however, you can usually rely on me to update the game at Evening hours on most weekdays. On occasion, I skip Friday, and the weekends are a wild card.
Are there any themes or subjects that make you uncomfortable? Feel free to message me a reply if you are uncomfortable posting here.
Do not start a fight with other characters unless the other players are okay with it. I saw a PbP game devolve into insults and condescension because people couldn't separate characters, rules, and players.
Romance is completely fine, but once again get permission from other PCs if you plan to shmooz someone in-party. NPC's are fair game.
You can start fights with me as long as it's in character. Silvio is intended to be self-righteous and therefore possibly irritating, but I won't push that excessively far.
You can also romance him. Expect him to be quite surprised. :P
Human male CG Level 4 Cleric of Cayden Cailean HP 33/33 |AC-17 T-12 FF-15 | F+7 R+5 W+7 |CMB+3 CMD14 | Init+1 | Perc +2 | Channel 2d6 30ft, DC 13, x5 per day, exclude up to CHA |Dazing touch 5/5 Spd 40ft | Active Conditions none Channel (5/5) Spells 1st (4+1/4+1) 2nd(3+1/3+1) (cure lt wand 45/50)
I am ok with in character bickering. Not everyone gets along immediately. So long as the insults are only in character and not between players.
Dougal is by and large a friendly and fun loving man. But he hates to be alone so he might get a little clingy :D He will be a little directionless at the start of the game while he learns his new purpose in life. Also he just quit being a prostitute so that is a large part of his behavior. He prefers men because there is no fear of an unintended baby but he does like women as well.
As to themes I am good with just about anything. With subjects I prefer to avoid detailed horror. Meaning paragraphs of detailed torture. I am ok with allusions to cruelty to children, animals, sentient creatures but no details please. Also these instances will motivate Dougal to do something about the situation.
GM Default are there anythings you want us to avoid? since you are asking and a big part of the game.
I'm a huge fan of dark themes, so don't be afraid it "take it to far" when it comes to me, it will actually draw me into the game even more.
FIGHT ME BRO!
Romance is ok but for everyone to be prepared, I am playing a 16 year old girl that has not gained any romantic experience what so ever. She is interested in exploring it as most kids are, but also unsure of herself in that regard. Romance takes a back burner to most actions she will take, while bein in the forefront of her mind quite often.
were do we post RP?
What is posting/RP etiquette for a PBP?
How do I make stats how up in my post Header?
When rolling do I type, roll, post, edit. Or Roll, post, edit. Or type, roll, post, new post? Unsure.
What is the expected length of 1 post? I dislike 1 liners so try to aim for 5+ sentences. To much?
Must I wait for all members to post before I act, or can I run off on my own tangent if my actions are not around or associated with others at the time?
Is there a limit between player to DM posts? i.e. don't post more than 3 times between DM reply's to give him a shot at reacting to your actions.
Is god modding even possible in a PBP setting or do the rules really prevent that form happening?
Note all above questions are related to non-combat RP, I'm not that new to forum based RP, just new to this forum.
Now for game related questions:
Does anyone specific want to be party leader?
Tank?
Primary heals?
Primary skill monkey?
Are we dividing Knowledge checks?
Who wants to flank?
Who is the squishiest and needs to get peeled for in a pinch?
I will split the party, will you?
How do we respond to rules infractions? Do you want us to bring them up in PM? let them slide? make an OOC post?
Human male CG Level 4 Cleric of Cayden Cailean HP 33/33 |AC-17 T-12 FF-15 | F+7 R+5 W+7 |CMB+3 CMD14 | Init+1 | Perc +2 | Channel 2d6 30ft, DC 13, x5 per day, exclude up to CHA |Dazing touch 5/5 Spd 40ft | Active Conditions none Channel (5/5) Spells 1st (4+1/4+1) 2nd(3+1/3+1) (cure lt wand 45/50)
Enter wall of text!
Play by post is actually a ideal medium for splinting the party. Since no one has to wait for there turn.
And the young thing can be fun and I do not mean that in a naughty way. The age of your character is fine by me and your reasoning seems sound.
I do not mean to say that I do not like dark games. I love dark stories but I mean the overly detailed violence. Over four paragraphs will be way to much on how the torture or rape happens. Gratuitous violence and rape is my hard line. Allusions to it is fine by me though.
This and this are some great guides to play by posts.
But to answer some of your questions. The RP will be in the gameplay thread and we have to wait for the GM to open that up for us.
For the stats in the header go look at my profile. Whatever you put in the race, class/level, and gender spots should show up on the header. Sometimes it takes a few tries.
With the dice stuff, like rolling to hit someone or to heal. It is kind of up to you. I tend to write out what they do then roll and finish up that stage posting. If I was attacking and I happened to have crited then I edit to confirm. Or if I know that I have failed or succeeded then I edit to reflect that. It sort of depends on you preference, which you will figure out as you go.
One liners are ok and they do happen but post how ever much you want to. Whatever is you comfort area. People who play this style of game have got to like reading :D
As for waiting for the others to post it kind of depends. In a combat situation that is determined by how the GM runs combat. So I cannot answer that one. But in social situations unless you are waiting on the specific response of one person then post your hear out!
Certain situations you will want to give a chance for someone to respond. You can always use the discussion page to poke at people.
Not sure what God modding is. Do you mean powergameing?
As to the party role I have Dougal as rather fluid in what he can do. He has some knowledge and plenty of social skills but I like those situations to include everyone unless the situation calls for one player to do it. I will not have my boom spells for a while but I will be getting the buff spells before that. Most likely Dougal will buff someone and then move into combat. Later in the game he will be able to do a respectable amount of damage.
With flanking Dougal will be more than willing to help and even with his less than spectacular AC he will happily take damage to save others.
Oh and Sindorah I do not see your stats on the profile.
Human male CG Level 4 Cleric of Cayden Cailean HP 33/33 |AC-17 T-12 FF-15 | F+7 R+5 W+7 |CMB+3 CMD14 | Init+1 | Perc +2 | Channel 2d6 30ft, DC 13, x5 per day, exclude up to CHA |Dazing touch 5/5 Spd 40ft | Active Conditions none Channel (5/5) Spells 1st (4+1/4+1) 2nd(3+1/3+1) (cure lt wand 45/50)
Hmm. Your header changed while I summoned the text wall!
Hmm. Your header changed while I summoned the text wall!
I figured it out though context clues, used your's a template.
I don't know how to structure and modify my profile entirely yet, so not sure were you are looking for my stats. I only made 1 version of my character sheet and didn't realize i would not be able to edit the post after an hour, so lost all of my beautiful coding. Here it is all ugly though:
T.T :
Name Sindorah Volrus Sosei
_____________________________________________
Race Human
Gender Female
Age 16
Class Priest[Bard(Arcane healer/Sound striker)] Level 1
Init +2; Senses Perception +4
Alignment Chaotic Good
_____________________________________________
DEFENSE
_____________________________________________
AC 13, touch 11, flat-footed 12
(+2 armor, +1 Dex, +0 shield)
HP 9
Fort +0, Ref +3, Will +2
____________________________________________
OFFENSE
_____________________________________________
Speed 30 ft.
Melee Longspear +2 (1d8+3 piercing/x3) or Spiked Gauntlet +2 (1d4+2 piercing/x2)
Ranged Touch Attack Net -3 (Entangle)
Special Attacks Preach the gospel (bardic performance 11 Rnds/Day (countersong, distract, fascinate, inspire courage)
Bard Spells Known (CL 1st; concentration +5):
4th—1/day
3rd—1/day
2nd—1/day
1st—2/day cure light wounds, sleep[dc,15]
0—flare[dc14], mage hand, mending, light
_____________________________________________
STATISTICS
_____________________________________________
STR 14, DEX 12, CON 10, INT 10, WIS 10, CHA 19
BAB +0; CMB +2;
Feats Weapon Focus (Longspear), Dazzling Display
Traits Scouting for Fiends(Campaign) [+1 atk vs evil outsider], Maestro of the Society(Bard, Society) [+3 rnds bardic performance], Bloody minded(Combat) [+1 intimidate and initiative]
Drawback Vain [Whenever you fail an opposed Charisma-based check, you take a –2 penalty on all Charisma-based checks for the next 24 hours]
____________________________________________
SKILLS 6 class + 0 int + 1 favored = 7 ranks + 2 background skills (Class Skills In Bold)
____________________________________________
Acrobatics
Appraise
Artistry
Bluff 1+4+3=8
Climb 1+2+3=6
Craft
Diplomacy 1+4+3=8
Disable Device
Disguise
Escape Artist
Fly
Handle Animal
Heal
Intimidate 1+4+3+1=9
Knowledge (arcana) +1
Knowledge (dungeoneering) +1
Knowledge (engineering) +1
Knowledge (geography) +1
Knowledge (history) +1
Knowledge (local) +1
Knowledge (nature) +1
Knowledge (nobility) +1
Knowledge (planes) +1
Knowledge (religion) +1
Linguistics 1+0+3=4
Lore
Perception 1+0+3=4
Perform (oratory) 1+4+3=8
Profession
Ride
Sense Motive
Sleight of Hand
Spellcraft
Stealth 1+1+3=5
Survival
Swim
Use Magic Device 1+4+3=8
Languages Common (Taldane), Dwarven
____________________________________________
EQUIPMENT AND GOLD
____________________________________________
Gear Long spear, Spiked gauntlet(right hand), Dagger, Net, Rosewood armor, Holy text(Milani), Blanket, Bed Roll, Common Backpack, Waterproof bag, Belt pouch, Spell component pouch, Water skin x3, Soap 50/50, twine 50ft, Common wine
Gold 10gp, 5sp, 8cp (105 gp starting)
____________________________________________
APPEARANCE
____________________________________________
Height 5’2”
Weight 115 lbs.
Eye Color Red
Hair Color White
Region of Origin Small village south of Nisroch in northern Cheliax
Parents Regions of Origin Chelixian native father, unknown mother. Father was a linquistics professor.
Deity Milani
History
Sin lived a simple life in a small fishing village along the northern coast of Chilex. Here her father, along with many other members of the village believed they were far enough away from the major cities and small enough as to not attract much attention. The small village disavowed the thrice damned house and their devil god Asmodeus, instead choosing to pledge homage to other deity. Things were good for the people, until the day the hell-knights came. Sin was 9 at this time, as she watched the people she grew up around being whipped in the streets, hung, or even worse for crimes the small girl could never understand. The knights left a contingent in the small village to keep them in check. For the next 4 years the child grew up in constant fear for herself and others as the soldiers did whatever they pleased. Things looked like they would never change, until a small group of rebellious men sailed into town. Bearing the flag of The Everbloom, the Mialnites forced the soldiers out of the town. Seeing this inspired the small girl, though before she could be properly trained as a cleric of the flower the hell-knights returned in force and wipe the small village off the map. Forced to wander, the girl picked up the trade as a bard, learning how to augment the words she read from the bible left behind by the rebels into a weave of power. She now seeks to spread the good word and inspire others to rise up and destroy oppression.
Archetype 1 Arcane Healer
Though bards may have different reasons for wanting to heal the sick and injured, both out of pure altruism and in order to keep adventuring companions safe, the ability to heal also makes it much easier for a bard to pose as a cleric or other divine healer, opening the door for a wide array of swindles and scams.
Channel Energy (Su)
At 2nd level, an arcane healer gains the ability to channel positive energy as a cleric of one level lower than his level. If a creature within the channeled energy’s area of effect would be allowed a save against its effects, the DC is equal to 10 + 1/2 the arcane healer’s level + the arcane healer’s Charisma modifier. An arcane healer can use this ability once per day at 2nd level, gaining an additional use per day every four levels thereafter (6th, 10th, 14th, and 18th), to a maximum of 5 times per day at 18th level.
This ability replaces versatile performance.
Inspiring Healing (Sp)
At 5th level, an arcane healer gains the ability to expend rounds of his bardic performance to provide extra healing to his allies. By expending 2 rounds of bardic performance, an arcane healer can cast cure light wounds as a spell-like ability.
At 11th level, the arcane healer can expend 2 rounds of bardic performance to cast cure moderate wounds as a spell-like ability.
At 17th level, he may instead expend 2 rounds of bardic performance to cast cure serious wounds as a spell-like ability. No single target may be affected by an arcane healer’s inspiring healing ability more than once in a 24-hour period.
This ability replaces loremaster.
Archetype 2 Sound Striker
They say that words can cut deeper than any blade, and the sound striker proves this true. Using music and words as a weapon, he can focus his performances into a deadly delivery.
Bardic Performance
A sound striker gains the following type of bardic performance. Neither performance can be performed more quickly than a standard action.
Wordstrike (Su): At 3rd level, the sound striker bard can spend 1 round of bardic performance as a standard action to direct a burst of sonically charged words at a creature or object. This performance deals 1d4 points of damage plus the bard’s level to an object, or half this damage to a living creature.
This performance replaces inspire competence.
Weird Words (Su): At 6th level, a sound striker can start a performance as a standard action, lashing out with 1 potent sound per bard level (maximum 10), each sound affecting one target within 30 feet. These are ranged touch attacks. Each weird word deals 1d8 points of damage plus the bard’s Charisma bonus (Fortitude half ), and the bard chooses whether it deals bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing damage for each word.
This performance replaces suggestion.
I have RP'ed on text based forums before, but the games had no structure, you basically decided how much you could and couldn't do with your character all you wanted. Godmoding is when you make your self overly powerful for no reason, avoiding/dodging every hit, using 3+ attacks in one turn without giving chance for response and auto-hitting. Auto-hitting is when you decide that your character has succeeded in striking another character, without giving that person opportunity to respond and try to avoid the attack.
Power gaming is different, that just exploiting a system's mechanics in order to generate and unfair advantage, or infinite combo.
Since you didn't know what godmoding was, I'm going to say it's not a thing lol.
Human male CG Level 4 Cleric of Cayden Cailean HP 33/33 |AC-17 T-12 FF-15 | F+7 R+5 W+7 |CMB+3 CMD14 | Init+1 | Perc +2 | Channel 2d6 30ft, DC 13, x5 per day, exclude up to CHA |Dazing touch 5/5 Spd 40ft | Active Conditions none Channel (5/5) Spells 1st (4+1/4+1) 2nd(3+1/3+1) (cure lt wand 45/50)
Nope this format does not allow for cheating. Also that does not sound like a lot of fun. Failing and the fear of failing are a key part of the game.
Also your sheet does not look that ugly to me. Dougal would follow that out of a tavern ;)
I think Orendel is only an 18 point buy, so has 2 points to play with, based on these assumptions:
Str = 13+2 (3)
Dex = 12 (2)
Con = 14 (5)
Int = 12 (2)
Wis = 11 (1)
Cha = 14 (5)
Regardless, we have a good mix of more martial types (Cherry, Orendel), casters (Syeira, Dougal) and in-between (me, Sindorah). Lots of skill points collectively. And tons of potential healing (Silvio, Sindorah, Syeira and Dougal all seem to have Cure Light Wounds available).
Actually, Orendel's +2 is to Wisdom, which was originally 9. According to the point-buy calculator I used it was a 20.
So you bought a:
15 (7)
12 (2)
14 (5)
12 (2)
9 (-1)
14(5)
=20
But that's just a waste of points.
If you buy an 11 in WIS for +1, and a 13 in STR for +3, that's only 5 pnts VS the 9 for WIS -1, and 15 STR +7 is 6 pnts. You can get extra points out of your build. It's up to you though, and up to the DM if you can change it.
I'm confused. The problem is that Orendel's build is very MAD. He needs STR for combat and CHA for the Battle Herald stuff he's building towards.
Female Human (Varisian) Cartomancer Witch 2 | HP 12/14 | AC 14 Touch 13 Flat-Footed 11 | CMB +0 CMD 13 | Saves: Fort +2 Ref +3 Will +3 | Perception: +2 | Init: +4 | Status: Normal
1) There aren't any themes or topics I can think of off the top of my head that would make me particularly uncomfortable. I'm not sure whether that's something I should worry about or not...
2) I hope you're not talking about Laetitia. =p But seriously, I'm fine with some in-character bickering. Syeira might be snarky or a little full of herself on occasion, but it shouldn't be to the point that it grates on everyone's nerves. But if you feel like your characters would take issue with her, then by all means go ahead. Don't be afraid to hurt my feelings. =)
3) I'm perfectly comfortable with including romance in the game.
So I took the Into Enemy Territory trait, which means that Syeira is from a rural area outside of Riddleport, but she's made a friend of someone who lives there. Syeira's grandmother who was a renowned Harrower of sorts, so if anyone had travelled outside of Riddleport and was so inclined to seek advice from an old wise woman on their journey, we might be able to work out a background connection.
In case that isn't something anyone's character might do, does the "eccentric friend" the trait describes really have to be another PC?
The issue is only were you chose to put your racial +2.
You want to place it in the highest valued stat you can to maximize the bonus.
we are suggesting your racial be applied to STR instead of your WIS, and you can do this keeping the #'s the way you have them.
your version:
WIS = 9
Cost = -1
STR = 15
Cost = 7
+2 Wis = 11
Racial value = 2pnts
(9 costs -1, 11 costs 1, the difference is 2 pnts)
Our version:
Wis = 11
Cost = 1
STR = 13
Cost = 3
+2 STR = 15
Racial value = 4
(13 costs 3, 15 costs 7, the difference is 4 pnts)
By spending your scores in this matter your stat array comes out to an 18pnt buy, leaving you 2 more points to spend however you like.
You could boost:
-CHA to 15
-CON to 15
-WIS to 12 AND DEX to 13
-WIS to 12 AND INT to 13
-DEX to 13 AND INT to 13
Any of the above options also equal a 20 pnt build.
By spending your scores in this matter your stat array comes out to an 18pnt buy, leaving you 2 more points to spend however you like.
You could boost:
-CHA to 15
-CON to 15
-WIS to 12 AND DEX to 13
-WIS to 12 AND INT to 13
-DEX to 13 AND INT to 13
Any of the above options also equal a 20 pnt build.
You can also spend your 2 points to boost Str to 14+2=16. That would also equal a 20 point buy, so long as you put your +2 stat boost in Strength instead of Wisdom.
Also, Exemplar Brawler into Battle Herald is very clever.
Human male CG Level 4 Cleric of Cayden Cailean HP 33/33 |AC-17 T-12 FF-15 | F+7 R+5 W+7 |CMB+3 CMD14 | Init+1 | Perc +2 | Channel 2d6 30ft, DC 13, x5 per day, exclude up to CHA |Dazing touch 5/5 Spd 40ft | Active Conditions none Channel (5/5) Spells 1st (4+1/4+1) 2nd(3+1/3+1) (cure lt wand 45/50)
The battle Herald looks really cool and I am interested in seeing how you become one.
@Syeira - I'm happy to be your hook for the Into Enemy Territory Trait if you're up for it. Here's how it might play out from Silvio's perspective. I'm assuming I know you, and not your grandmother, but we can play it either way.
Silvio was on one of his journeys with Lady Loris to investigate Thasillonian ruins, when Loris insisted they stop at a Varisian village to meet a Harrower. Silvio usually viewed Varisians with suspicion, seeing them as vagabonds, con artists, and thieves. He would've never sat down at the harrower's table. But Loris swore up and down that this one was a true seer. And Loris had a way of being very persuasive to Silvio. So Silvio sat down, deciding he would make an exercise out of seeing Syeri Istrati's tricks and exposing her as a fraud.
What Silvio experienced instead was a piercing reading of his past and a dire warning about his future. It was not the fluffy good news he had expected to receive. And it rang of truth. Silvio found it unsettling. He would not soon forget the experience.
Down on his luck after being kicked out of the Gendarmes, Silvio returned to Madame Istrati to see if his fortunes could be turned around. What he did not expect was for the seer to ask to go to Riddleport. Silvio agreed to bring her there and be her protector in town. But he had a task to do first. "Listen, I know this probably isn't what you had in mind, but there's a big gambling tournament going on, and I think it's my chance to find some new work. Do you mind coming along? Maybe we can set you up with a discount on a room there, if I make a good impression."
Excellent! We can assume we're entering the Gold Goblin together. The way I read the "Looking for Work" trait, I believe Silvio is entering the gambling tournament. He's probably a s#%$ gambler. Seems like a good time to have Lady Luck on his side. :)
Human male CG Level 4 Cleric of Cayden Cailean HP 33/33 |AC-17 T-12 FF-15 | F+7 R+5 W+7 |CMB+3 CMD14 | Init+1 | Perc +2 | Channel 2d6 30ft, DC 13, x5 per day, exclude up to CHA |Dazing touch 5/5 Spd 40ft | Active Conditions none Channel (5/5) Spells 1st (4+1/4+1) 2nd(3+1/3+1) (cure lt wand 45/50)
Terribly sorry about the slow down on my part. I am ill but I am conscious so I get to post.
The issue is only were you chose to put your racial +2.
You want to place it in the highest valued stat you can to maximize the bonus.
we are suggesting your racial be applied to STR instead of your WIS, and you can do this keeping the #'s the way you have them.
your version:
WIS = 9
Cost = -1
STR = 15
Cost = 7
+2 Wis = 11
Racial value = 2pnts
(9 costs -1, 11 costs 1, the difference is 2 pnts)
Our version:
Wis = 11
Cost = 1
STR = 13
Cost = 3
+2 STR = 15
Racial value = 4
(13 costs 3, 15 costs 7, the difference is 4 pnts)
By spending your scores in this matter your stat array comes out to an 18pnt buy, leaving you 2 more points to spend however you like.
You could boost:
-CHA to 15
-CON to 15
-WIS to 12 AND DEX to 13
-WIS to 12 AND INT to 13
-DEX to 13 AND INT to 13
Any of the above options also equal a 20 pnt build.
Okay, that makes sense now that I've plugged it into a stat calculator. I think I'll boost my WIS to 12 so I actually HAVE a bonus, and then make my DEX 13 so I can qualify for more shield-related feats!
Human male CG Level 4 Cleric of Cayden Cailean HP 33/33 |AC-17 T-12 FF-15 | F+7 R+5 W+7 |CMB+3 CMD14 | Init+1 | Perc +2 | Channel 2d6 30ft, DC 13, x5 per day, exclude up to CHA |Dazing touch 5/5 Spd 40ft | Active Conditions none Channel (5/5) Spells 1st (4+1/4+1) 2nd(3+1/3+1) (cure lt wand 45/50)
Human male CG Level 4 Cleric of Cayden Cailean HP 33/33 |AC-17 T-12 FF-15 | F+7 R+5 W+7 |CMB+3 CMD14 | Init+1 | Perc +2 | Channel 2d6 30ft, DC 13, x5 per day, exclude up to CHA |Dazing touch 5/5 Spd 40ft | Active Conditions none Channel (5/5) Spells 1st (4+1/4+1) 2nd(3+1/3+1) (cure lt wand 45/50)
Someone showed me this feat, Divine Fighting Technique and it is kind of awesome. I might go that route, maybe.
Human male CG Level 4 Cleric of Cayden Cailean HP 33/33 |AC-17 T-12 FF-15 | F+7 R+5 W+7 |CMB+3 CMD14 | Init+1 | Perc +2 | Channel 2d6 30ft, DC 13, x5 per day, exclude up to CHA |Dazing touch 5/5 Spd 40ft | Active Conditions none Channel (5/5) Spells 1st (4+1/4+1) 2nd(3+1/3+1) (cure lt wand 45/50)
It is awesome, so awesome. I wish there were more deities on that list.
