Join the ranks of an expedition on their quest to recover the history of their land and to recover the artifact which saved it in times of yore. A home made Play-by-Post Campaign.
hp 26 | AC 17 | T 12 | FF 15 | CMD 16 | F +3 | R +5 | W +3 | Init +4 | Per +4
XD
Leylyn raises an eyebrow. "You want to learn to speak fancy? I thought you hated nobles an all that fancy stuff? OK, If you want to learn, I'm more than willing to teach you."
A girl runs through a crowded street, face red with exertion, hands tightly clutching a loaf of bread to her breast. Guards pursue her, with clanking chainmail and angry eyes. They are too slow and dull to catch the thief. She runs past the merchants and their carts, past the taverns and the whores and the drunkards. She runs until she knows it isn't worth it to follow her, and there she sinks down in an alley, panting but elated.
No… I am done with this...
The day is fading, but her smile is bright as she takes a bite of still-warm bread. Sitting there, smiling at the coming darkness, face still flush from the sprint, she's beautiful.
Why now? It's been years, why now?
She appears lost in her thoughts, but she is paying close attention to the sounds, sights, and smells of the city. All seems silent and still as the hammer comes down on the side of her head. Blood spatters the bread as it falls from her limp fingers. She falls slowly sideways, her eyes wide and her mouth still nearly smiling.
A shadow detaches itself from the wall and stands over her, blood dripping from the weapon in its fist.
No, please…
The shadow looks up. Koldir is frozen to the spot as it steps past him, walking out of the alley and towards his comrades. Jevon pats it on the back, Baster gives it a nod, everyone welcoming it as a friend. As they leave, Leylyn looks over her shoulder, laughing. She has the same bright smile as the girl with the bread.
Koldir lunges forward with all his strength, and falls from the dirigible, the walls of the alley melting away as he hurtles towards the trees far below.
As he hits the ground he wakes in a cold sweat, lying on his cot in the airship. The darkness is suffocating and terrifying; he gets up and walks to the observation deck to clear his head.
hp 26 | AC 17 | T 12 | FF 15 | CMD 16 | F +3 | R +5 | W +3 | Init +4 | Per +4
"Good Evening, Koldir. What keeps you up at this very late hour of the night? Is everything alright?" Leylyn says in a very formal tone, concern in her voice. She seems to have been out on the observation deck with Jevon for some reason.
"Ahh... hullo. Aye, I'm alright, couldn't sleep is all. This deathtrap won't stop swayin' in the breeze..." He gives a weak smile.
Perception DC 10:
Koldir is visibly trembling, his eyes are wide and there is sweat on his forehead despite the relatively cool night.
Sense Motive DC 15:
Leylyn especially seems to be making him uncomfortable, and he seems on the verge of panic. Neither of his companions have seen him like this, even during the fight with the spiders or dragon. Something has him very afraid.
"Oi, you don't look so good mate. Care for a puff?" Jevon asks, drawing out his pouch of herbs and pipe. He gently rests his hand on Koldir's shoulder. "C'mon lets sit down a bit."
Male Human 3rd Paladin |HP 25/25|AC 15|CMD 16|Fort +7|R: +4|W: +4|Init: +0|Perc: -2|
Endrian moves sets his tent up close to the dirigible.
He then moves inside and protrates himself, praying "Eveldine, I pray that you help us uncover the one who would betray us."
"I beseech you for the wisdom you possess in order to judge fairly and correctly."
"Eveldine, bless my companions with your favour. They are good people and they have shown me many kindnesses. Help them as you help me to become better people striving for holiness."
"Thank you for your aid in slaying the dragon that had been set upon us. I do not know why or how, but your grace assisted me in ensuring that it brought no further harm to the people of this world."
"Eveldine, I recommit myself to you. I am your blade, your hand and your messenger, aid me in seeing when each is appropriate."
Endrian turns and removes his armor, donning his clerics vestments.
He then begins polishing Sera, taking extreme care and looking for any marks or scuffs from the battle, paying extra attention to those as he cleans.
Koldir sits heavily down on the deck, resting his head against the railing. He takes Jevon's pipe gratefully and stares up at the balloon and the night sky beyond as he smokes. After a few somewhat frantic puffs he begins to calm down.
"Thank ye, Jevon. What are ye two doin' out here so late?" Koldir is anxious to get the topic of conversation away from himself.
I don't really know how this dirigible looks/works or how large it is, or whether night would have come yet and stuff, just making stuff up, I can retcon if it's a problem.
Urban Barbarian 1/Musket Master 2 (HP 31 | AC 20 | T 14 | FF 16 | CMD 18 | F +7 | R +5 | W +1 | Init +3 | Per +7
"It aint no big secret or nufin'. I was askin' Leylyn to teach me how ter talk proper-like." He takes the pipe from Koldir, and after a long drag continues, "Guess I just aint want no fancy nobles to find out and mock me. Reckon my secret's safe wiv you two vagabonds tho'. Leylyn?" He says offering the pipe her way. "Sure is beautiful up here, aint it?"
male human cavalier 3 [hp 26/26] [AC 17, touch 12, flat-footed 15 (+5 armor, +2 Dex)] [Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +1 ] [Init +2] [Perception +2 ] [CMD 18]
On this night, Baster is sleeping on a out of the way wooden bunk in the dirigible, tucked under woolen sheets, with his scorpion whip in reach, and gently rocked by the soft movements of the airship.
He doesn't dream, or if he does, he won't remember it in the morning.
The dirigible is approximately 100 ft. in length, 50 in width. There is a small cabin taking up most of the central interior, complete with bunks for sleeping in, a small lookout post, the pilot's cabin and storage compartments. Railings surround the entire area to prevent falling off. The balloon overhead is magically enchanted to be able to rise and fall at the pilot's command.
"This is the Tennants of Bladework by Sir Valens Lioncourt. I'm told that nearly all of today's fencing schools are an offshoot of his ideas. Read it. Today we'll start with hand and foot drills."
Handing over the book, Leon takes a wide stance with his right leg back but his shoulders still square and forward. He held the sword in two hands.
"There are nine basic cuts, and eight basic directions of movement. Those in addition to "holding ground", which means not moving your feet, makes eighty one basic attacks. They are numbered according to footwork first, cut second. So movement number one, which is straight forward, and attack number one, which is a left-to-right cut to the head or shoulders, is attack eleven."
"I know this sounds daunting, but the idea is to reduce movements to mathematics to more easily discuss them and teach them. It means that even after your body is weak and exhausted, you can still train with your mind. It creates a language to weigh combat options with. Once you train long enough the translation into numbers becomes automatic, and the various formulas for defense will flow naturally. Eventually I'm told the numbers become like higher math, more abstract than anything else. Today though, we will start with simply counting." Leon grins. "When you hear about people fighting "by the numbers", that's what it means."
The sounds of numbers and clashing wood sound through camp for a time, occasionally breaking to explain nuance and technique. It sounds a lot like a very violent mathematics lesson.
M Human 1 Mnk 2Sorc [AC 16/20 CMD17] [F3R6W7] [HP16]
Tim watches those three throw sticks around until he spots Ms. Koyr.
"Excuse me, Koyr right? I am a mage of a little skill and was wondering if you would like discuss magic with me? I hear you are talented and as you can see ..." He gestures to Leon and folks, "..my friends don't exactly talk about about mana theory." Diplomacy:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
"Square shoulders, strong leg back and wide, sword centered at pelvis level and aiming toward your enemy's chest. This is called lead-center stance, everything else comes from it."
Leon ran Endrian through the same basic drills of footwork and cuts that he'd been showing Ithriel, explaining the numbers and how they fit together.
Male Human 3rd Paladin |HP 25/25|AC 15|CMD 16|Fort +7|R: +4|W: +4|Init: +0|Perc: -2|
As Leon guides him through some of the basic drills, years of training begin to shine through in his actions, however, Endrian looks uncomfortable as he goes through the routines.
He eventually throws the sword down in frustration.
"Gah! There is too much ridiculous finesse in this! How can you expect to knock your foe apart when you extol all of your effort getting the sword in the right place to strike?! With a hammer you can be guaranteed of causing serious damage with every connect!"
He picks up the sword as though it were a rag of filth and moves over to the rack, thrusting the sword in indignantly. Retrieving Sera, he storms off back to his tent.
hp 26 | AC 17 | T 12 | FF 15 | CMD 16 | F +3 | R +5 | W +3 | Init +4 | Per +4
Leylyn smokes up with Jevon before finally going to bed late.
--
Leylyn wakes up late. She's just rubbing the sleep out of her eyes when Endrian enters the tent. "Oh, hey Endrian. When did you wake up?" She says sleepily. "Ugh. Mornings are evil..." Leylyn sees that Endrian is not in a very good mood. "Hey! I know! You should totally smite the morning for me! Then we could sleep in to our hearts content! Isn't that a great Idea?" She says as she stretches. Apparently Leylyn had fallen asleep in Endrian's tent. Again. And he had somehow not noticed this time...
Leylyn continues the conversation as she gets dressed in her usual non-modest fashion. "So, What's the game plan today? Get to know those three potential traitors? Watch them from afar? Do you think the captain will be alright with me setting off fireworks? I'm totally dying to try them out! I haven't seen any since I was a little street urchin! Do you like fireworks Endrian? I bet they set them off all the time during the religious holidays where you trained at. I bet it was totally awesome!"
Once dressed Leylyn waves to Endrain as she leaves the tent, or follows him out. She then decides to look around for the three that they are tasked to watch, to at least recognize them by sight.
male human cavalier 3 [hp 26/26] [AC 17, touch 12, flat-footed 15 (+5 armor, +2 Dex)] [Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +1 ] [Init +2] [Perception +2 ] [CMD 18]
After having woken up, freshened up and eaten breakfast, Baster goes out in the dirigible's open deck.
Leaning on the railing, he spends some time observing Leon teaching the basics of swordmanship to Ithriel.
Leon is a good teacher. And an obviously good fencer, though I never doubted that.
It's obvious he learned from an expert himself: his footwork is so deeply ingrained as to be instinctual. I have a hard time believing he grew up in a farm... Still, there's something of the fields about him... he's very grounded.
Ha, here comes Endrian.
Hmm. How is someone - so evidently gifted - prone to doubt himself so much, I'll never understand. Did they not teach you confidence on that paladin chapter house of yours, Endrian ? Bloody priests and all, with their soul searching nonsense, that's not how you make prideful men !
Male Elf Oracle 2 / Fighter 1 (HP 17 | AC 15 | T 12 | FF 13 | CMD 14 | F +2 | R +2 | W +5 | Init +2 | Per +7)
"Do not judge him too harshly. He has had a great deal thrown at him since this journey started." Ithriel says as he blocks Leon's next three strikes. "And last night was probably very tough for him indeed."
After a couple more minutes of sparring, "I believe that is enough for today. We have other business to attend to." Bows to Leon, "Thank you for the lesson, we shall continue later." Heads off to locate Keddemas.
Koldir, much recovered from his nightmare, is scanning around for any of the three they're watching. He uses a bit of magic to aid himself.
Perception:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
As he's keeping an eye out he observes some of the combat training. He has little patience for the true art of combat, as he spends too much time practicing his magical skill. He chuckles, and silently agrees when Endrian talks about the hammer, but then his face grows grim. He puts his attention fully into watching for the three suspects again.
Tim watches those three throw sticks around until he spots Ms. Koyr.
"Excuse me, Koyr right? I am a mage of a little skill and was wondering if you would like discuss magic with me? I hear you are talented and as you can see ..." He gestures to Leon and folks, "..my friends don't exactly talk about about mana theory."
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+4
Koyr smiles politely at you and looks over to your friends. "I can see that... unfortunately I already have plans. There's a lot to prepare for the dirigible and I can't afford time for chit chat. Perhaps... we can talk again when we're up and above?"
To make sure, the dirigible isn't aloft quite yet. Your posts still work fine though, assuming you slept on it while it was grounded. As soon as I see we're ready we'll continue on with the airborne segment of our journey.
Male Elf Oracle 2 / Fighter 1 (HP 17 | AC 15 | T 12 | FF 13 | CMD 14 | F +2 | R +2 | W +5 | Init +2 | Per +7)
After an unsuccessful search for Keddemas, Ithriel gathers his things and heads towards the Dirigible. I'll wait until he boards before I approach him. Nods at Baster while he boards.
Male Human 3rd Paladin |HP 25/25|AC 15|CMD 16|Fort +7|R: +4|W: +4|Init: +0|Perc: -2|
As Endrian walks into the tent, he is taken aback by Leylyn's sudden appearance.
Was she here all night?
At the suggestion of smiting the morning, Endrian uses his Detect Evil ability.
"Eveldine, is this morn truly evil?"
When it does not ping as evil, he turns to Leylyn, "Sorry Leylyn, according to Eveldine, morning is not evil. Gah, I'm sorry, I've been in a bit of a foul mood and sword training doesn't exactly bring out the best in me..."
Attempting to respond to Leylyn's flurry of questions, Endrian quickly becomes tongue tied "The game plan? Well I guess... Yes we should try and find the... Maybe afar is the... Wait, did you say 'set off fireworks'? Here?"
Trying to make sure Leylyn doesn't destroy the dirigible with a firework, Endrian makes sure to follow her.
Having no idea what to do to help get the Derigible aloft, Leon packs up his practice gear and makes arrangements for the group's horses while they are on air patrol duty.
As the morning reaches its zenith, the dirigible is stocked with supplies, and the men and women assigned to it climb aboard. Each cabin is separated into three bunks each.
Though unassigned for now, it would be wise to choose quickly.
As you all prepare to climb aboard, you can see the three suspects clearly. Miss Koyr is heading inside, Keddemas is staying outside near the railings while "Tiny" seems to be observing some clouds from the aft deck.
M Human 1 Mnk 2Sorc [AC 16/20 CMD17] [F3R6W7] [HP16]
Tim follows her inside looking to claim a room. He follows her to one pretending to not see her till he enters, "Oh it's you again. Mind if I claim a bunk? Or should I move on?"
male human cavalier 3 [hp 26/26] [AC 17, touch 12, flat-footed 15 (+5 armor, +2 Dex)] [Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +1 ] [Init +2] [Perception +2 ] [CMD 18]
Baster looks curiously to Keddemas and unobstrusively to Tiny. He will try to bunk with the halfling, following him when he'll choose his cabin.
Let us assume that he is a male. By Eveldine's wardrobe, I can't imagine a woman willingly dressed like that !
Speaking of women: Baster is momentarily distracted from his detective duties as he sees the beautiful miss Koir and Tim Deamon going in search of a cabin.
It seems that our Tim was inspired here... Who knows what wonders this eldritch woman can call upon in the intimacy of the bedroom ?
...
By the way: isn't Leylin a magical woman in her own rights ? Ho, yes, very much, I would say...
Campaign Background A thousand years ago, Eveldine of Goldhollow, the capital city of Avelone, fought back the Society of the End with the aid of hundreds of questing knights and templars. Her battles against this dark tide lasted well over three decades and when her end was near, she sacrificed herself to empower an ancient artifact: The Grail of Gods. With the aid of this legendary relic, now renewed to full strength, the war was won and the Society destroyed. Eveldine was beatified into a Saint and entombed within Goldhollow's Catacombs to forever be remembered as a savior. With the war ended, the Grail was also interred beside Saint Eveldine to be retrieved in times of peril.
Centuries passed throughout Arcavelon, with nations rising, changing and falling, the past slowly receding into memory and then into myth. From the remains of great Avelone grew two nations: Keddenmark to the west and Nivmadas to the east. Ruled by the descendants of that great land, King Alevander of Keddenmark and Queen Gwenehart of Nivmadas, these two nations have stood side by side throughout the last couple centuries as a proud and valiant empire.
Then, three months ago, a borderland scout team discovered the ruins of an old watchtower. There, they found the skeletal remains and ruined armaments of guards which seemed to date back to the vestiges of Avelone itself. The rulers of both nations sent out missives to both their province's seeking to find willing citizens to join in a larger expedition to return to the watchtower and unearth any and all potential discoveries that could by chance lead to the remains of old Avelone and, maybe, just maybe, to the Tomb of Saint Eveldine and the Grail of Gods
Rules, Regulations, Etc
Spoiler:
- This will be a Play-by-Post Campaign set in the lands of Arcavelon, a homemade campaign setting.
- 20 point buy characters, following all official Paizo published material. Any product, from core to player companion is fine. If you really want to use a 3rd Party product, run it by me first. I'm familiar with a few. I'd also prefer if the material can be found on d20 PF SRD
- RACE RESTRICTIONS: Any Core Rulebook races except Half-Orc. Unfortunately for Half-Orc lovers, Orcs have not lived in Arcavelon for centuries.
- CLASS RESTRICTIONS: As Seekers of the Grail is a more medieval setting, no Ninjas or Samurai and I'd strongly appreciate no Monks. This mostly asian theme is not present in most of the adventure. Nevertheless, if you truly want to play this class, you must find a way to make him fit with the rest of the Campaign Setting.
- PLAYER OPTIONS: 2 Traits, 1 taken from an official Paizo published product and the other from 1 of the choices presented below. (No Hero Points yet.)
- STARTING GOLD: Average for your class.
- ALIGNMENTS: Any. If you wish to play an EVIL character, it is not for murdering or PvP, it is to play your character correctly. Villainous characters or characters of lesser moral worth have their place in this adventure but not lunatic, stark raving mad slaughterhouses.
- BACKGROUND: Each background must be slightly based off the Campaign Trait chosen below. As well, choose whether you are from Keddenmark or Nivmadas. Nothing too expansive is needed, perhaps a paragraph. Minimum requirement is character description.
- OTHER: Try and at least post once a day, and not just a single sentence. Applicants both new and experienced are welcome, but a good understanding of the rules is helpful. If you're not too familiar, try reading through the books a bit if you have the time.
- ALIAS: Please make an alias, this will help me immensely.
Campaign Traits
Spoiler:
Each character must choose one of his or her traits from the following:
- Noble Heritage: You were born into a noble family descended from one of the royal bloodlines. You gain a +1 bonus to Knowledge (nobility) and to Diplomacy as a result of your upbringing.
- Citizen of the Realm: You are a hard working citizen of the provinces and as such you are quite proficient at what you do. You gain a +1 bonus to Profession (any) and to Knowledge (local).
- Borderland Wanderer: You have lived your whole life exploring the boundaries of the realms. You gain a +1 bonus to Survival and to Knowledge (nature) as a result of this.
- Arcane Blood: You were born with the capacity for using arcane magic. You gain a +1 bonus to Spellcraft and to Knowledge (arcana) as you most likely attended one of the sorcerous academies.
- Divine Calling: You were born on a holy day or you have always felt a strong tie to a specific faith. You gain a +1 bonus to Heal and to Knowledge (religion) as a result of your path.
Divine Magic and Domains in Arcavelon
Spoiler:
Unlike many worlds, Arcavelon has no named deities. Instead, when you make a character with access to a domain you must choose any two domains. I know this empowers character creation but this how the world works.
This is a character I recently posted in another recruitment thread, but if he doesn't end up being in that game he could fit nicely in this one (having no deity and two domains). I would swap the Grounded trait for Divine Calling and rework his back story a bit.
This is a character I recently posted in another recruitment thread, but if he doesn't end up being in that game he could fit nicely in this one (having no deity and two domains). I would swap the Grounded trait for Divine Calling and rework his back story a bit.
Your character looks fine. A change to back story to fit location would be all that is necessary. Aside from that, I see nothing wrong with this character and rather relish the choice of Domains.
You can find a quick description of the two regions of Keddenmark and Nivmadas along with some locale names in the Campaign Description.
My apologies, yes, this campaign begins at 1st level.
EDIT: Hoping to reach my 4-6 player mark by Friday. If there are not too many additional hopefuls I will see about adding perhaps up to 8. If I feel your character is top notch and you are sure you wish to play I will add you to the Characters page.
Leon is a fighter originally made for a Kingmaker game. If you don't mind, i'd like to rework his background a bit as follows-
Spoiler:
At some point in the very distant past, one of the countries ruled by those with a direct line to Saint Eveldine was overthrown by a coup. (this assumes that such a country exists. if not, we'll figure something else out) The king's general arranged for a detachment of knights to protect the king's infant son. They fled into the borderlands, planning to live posing as farmers until the fighting stopped. The coup was successful, and though the knights staged a resistance movement, it failed, and over the generations the facade of being farmers eventually became the truth.
Fast forward to now.
Leon didn't care much about his grandfather's crazy stories of ancient royalty and lost kingdoms. He was just a farmer. They were stories.
Then, when news of the grail spread across the land, armed men with dreams moved through in it's wake. They said they were out to reclaim lost treasures, but really they were men with swords who were willing to take what they wanted.
Leon's grandfather survived long enough to give him a very old key and instructions to dig int he doorway of the barn.
He dug up a chest. In it was a book that showed his family's lineage and history, a signet ring with a crest that had not been seen since a time of legends, and a perfectly preserved flag.
With nothing else to lose, Leon rode to join the expedition, determined to make sure that part of the recovery of the Grail included an affirmation of all the things the Grail was supposed to represent.
It was no enough that it be found. People needed to be reminded of why.
Tell me what you think, help me work out the details.
Leon is a fighter originally made for a Kingmaker game. If you don't mind, i'd like to rework his background a bit as follows-
** spoiler omitted **
Tell me what you think, help me work out the details.
I love this idea and definitely, this is a great idea that I'd welcome to the game.
Spoiler:
We can definitely work together to fit in a "lost" royal branch, that's what history is for. Would you be living in Keddenmark or Nivmadas at the present moment?
Your character sounds great. So far that makes Cleric and Fighter which is perfect.
Whatever works best for you. Not knowing much about them makes it hard for me to pick. I'd be inclined to go with whichever one has had the most political upheaval (anywhere prone to banditry and really needing an old-school hero to come in, clean house, and put a strong ruler on the throne).
I know I haven't put much up yet. Both nations are definitely united for now but a coup-fallen kingdom would probably have come from Keddenmark. I recommend Montcalme as a starting hometown. It's far and in between the northern mountains known as the Frostfangs and the Relven Deepwoods... about as remote as you'll find.
Just a heads up, your back story fits in perfectly with the Grail quest as you'll soon see. It isn't Kingmaker per say, but a throne may not be too far off.
I am interested and will make a char by tomorrow(Im about to go to bed) but I thought Id mention that clerics can already do what said for them so that's not empowered at all(only one gm has ever asked me to pick a deity)
I would like to make a sorc/mnk, not as the asian type mnk, but rather as one who studies unarmed combat (is a caravan guard/bounty hunter by profession) will randomize race for fun later.
I am interested and will make a char by tomorrow(Im about to go to bed) but I thought Id mention that clerics can already do what said for them so that's not empowered at all(only one gm has ever asked me to pick a deity)
I would like to make a sorc/mnk, not as the asian type mnk, but rather as one who studies unarmed combat (is a caravan guard/bounty hunter by profession) will randomize race for fun later.
Sounds great. I was pretty sure though that Paizo wanted Clerics to follow a deity and not just be "follow a way of life". In any case, we're filling out the positions nicely.
Will you be taking a level of Sorcerer or Monk first?
Hmm, I'd like a chance to play a barbarian that I made, but there is already a paladin and a fighter... Hmm. I'll either rework my barbarian or make a bard or something.
What would Symbol of Eveldine look like? Endrian has a massive one in the form of a birthmark on his back.
Eveldine is always represented with a golden stylized chalice. The shape and form varies from province and town.
jlord wrote:
Hmm, I'd like a chance to play a barbarian that I made, but there is already a paladin and a fighter... Hmm. I'll either rework my barbarian or make a bard or something.
We do have a combat heavy group but I don't think a barbarian is too bad. We'll just be missing more subtler approaches. Let me know when you choose and if there's anything I can help you with.
Baster Thorn was born to a noble, respected and preeminent family. He always knew he was destined to accomplish great deeds.
Alas, he was the last child in a family of seven, and the fourth male child to boot.
His four brothers, all able and worthy men, excelled at what they set their mind to accomplish: the eldest, Branwan, became a great general in service of the kingdom of Nivmadas. The second, Bradley, became a priest and his devotion was a wonder to behold. The third, Bergond, went to study at eldritch academies, and was known thereafter as a wizard of great prowess. The fourth, Brendan, was a weaver of tales unsurpassed, a bard who made men fell in love with his words and women fell in love with him.
These four men were faithful to the crown, and men of honor and moderation. So when Baster came of age he decided to be someone his brothers never could have been.
He left the ancestral castle Thorn of his family to go to the marches of Nivmadas. There, he allied with men of ill repute - destitute knights and bandits really - and began scouring the countryside to carve a new fief for himself. Soon, his depredations became too much for the kingdom to ignore, and a detachment of knights lead by Branwan was sent to stop him.
Battle was joined. In the midst of combat, Branwan and Baster dueled, and Baster lost. He was brought back in chains to the queen to be judged. He would surely have been executed if all his brothers had not implored the queen for mercy.
And so mercy was shown, in acknowledgement of the all good deeds his brothers had accomplished for the kingdom, and Baster was absolved of his crimes on the conditions that he would never rise against the rule of his queen and kingdom again. This he swore by the gods, prostrating himself before the throne.
Then his brothers and sisters asked him to come back to the Castle of Thorns, home of the family, where they could surely heal the rift which had grown in their midst.
Upon hearing their kind words, Baster was overcome with a great rage terrible to behold. He grabbed his trusty shield, which arbored the crest of the Thorn family, and smashed it apart against the cobblestones of the royal castle.
"There brothers ! I am a Thorn at your side no more !"
"But what could you be without us, Baster ?" asked the youngest of his sisters in an imploring voice.
"I will be myself ! I will race you - my hated brothers - to great deeds and destiny ! I will be my own counsel and I will make my own steadfast friends and good fortune. And I shall be magnificent, like the peacock strutting proudly around, untouched by the dirt and the company of those lesser than itself."
He paused. And added to the sister who just spoke: "And I will always love you, dear sister, for you care for me."
Then he left to reclaim his destiny.
My character would be a Cavalier of the Order of the Peacock (which would be identical in all but name to the Order of the Cockatrice), honorable, very true to his word and somewhat cruel (but not wantonly so).
I can assure you, Matt, that I get along well with my fellow players, and can play in a team - although my character is obviously (?) evil, it won't hinder the game if you choose him for your game. He will enhance it (I hope :-), selfishness of his chosen order notwithstanding
I will work on the crunch, but will be able to post it only tomorrow.
Jlord here
Here is my barbarian. All I need to do is work on the back ground and swap out the courageous trait or rich parents trait. I might still make a bard though, since the group is really fighter heavy.
Dotting my interest. This is an alias for the character, will work on getting the crunch up later tonight. He will be taking the Citizen of the Realm trait. Probably a rogue, possibly urban ranger then rogue.
Explorer and all around nice guy, Aldus Cottontail is a minor magician who uses his skills and hand for magic to perform a plethora of odd jobs required of a traveling merchant. Up until recently he has been serving a number of roles with an old friend who helped him when he was down on his luck. After this last trip he'd paid off his debts and heard of this expedition. Though not quite happy about leaving so soon after returning to the city he leaps at the chance for a change to do something exciting.
Well, I see that a night's rest has brought upon us quite a group. If my counting is correct we are already 9 capable hands. Now I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth so I say all are welcome to embark upon this quest!
I've read over each of your characters and so far nothing seems to be amiss. Backstories as mentioned previously need not be extensive for those of you currently missing one. A simple "who I am" is fine, but strong backstories a la Baster of the Peacock do give me plenty opportunity to add on to the history, lore and campaign setting.
Though 9 players is a tremendous amount for sure, the campaign is plenty functional as we will all see.
Now, as I said, we will officially begin on Friday the 27th but in the meantime feel free to mingle. I will put up the Expedition Recruitment Missive in a local Nivmadian tavern in the town of Ariellons. Feel free to talk and, for those inclined, make a show of your intent on joining the Seekers of the Grail.
I hereby close down recruitment slots to new players.
In the meantime, don't forget to finish your characters and simply include where you are from.
I would be very interested in joining, if there is still room.
My character sheet lacks numbers at the moment and I need to tailor the background to the campain, but the basic framework will not change.
I'm already at a high number of 9 players at the moment and I mentioned this previously in the post. Nevertheless, if you're still interested I can put you down as backup crew in case of potential drop outs. I'm surprised at how fast this group filled up.
We start on Friday and if players haven't started within the following week, I will make appropriate party replacements. I generally encourage posting at least once a day, if not once ever two days at the most.
Thank you for your interest, it's been duly noted.
I am interested and will make a char by tomorrow(Im about to go to bed) but I thought Id mention that clerics can already do what said for them so that's not empowered at all(only one gm has ever asked me to pick a deity)
I would like to make a sorc/mnk, not as the asian type mnk, but rather as one who studies unarmed combat (is a caravan guard/bounty hunter by profession) will randomize race for fun later.
Sounds great. I was pretty sure though that Paizo wanted Clerics to follow a deity and not just be "follow a way of life". In any case, we're filling out the positions nicely.
Will you be taking a level of Sorcerer or Monk first?
That happens a lot to my players, there is only one line in clr desc that says so.
I'll start with mnk, the job often gets in the way of studies
(note mnk will be every third lvl)
I'm interested in putting my hat in the ring. Been a year since I've played in a Pbp, so I am little rusty.
Leaning towards either end of the spectrum - either a Sorceror or Ranger. Maybe what whatever works better for party composition, if there are any preferences.
Will try to post some character suggestions later today. Thank you.
I'm interested in putting my hat in the ring. Been a year since I've played in a Pbp, so I am little rusty.
Leaning towards either end of the spectrum - either a Sorceror or Ranger. Maybe what whatever works better for party composition, if there are any preferences.
Will try to post some character suggestions later today. Thank you.
Hi there Alex, we're currently already at 9 (potentially 10 players). For the moment I'd like to leave it like this but like I told Israfel earlier, I'm fine with putting your name down in the potential reinforcements in case of a player dropping out for example.
Gallops up to the tavern on his desrier and skids to a stop.
"Did someone say "Grail"?
Raises his visor and reads the "Closed to Recruitment" sign.
"Well... shoot."
All languages are equally important. I would recommend the languages of the races (dwarf, elf, etc) first and then all the others. Draconic is still a fine choice though you probably won't cross a Dragon for a while.
Gallops up to the tavern on his desrier and skids to a stop.
"Did someone say "Grail"?
Raises his visor and reads the "Closed to Recruitment" sign.
"Well... shoot."
I must apologize, for we are already at 9-10 players. Nevertheless, if you wish I may add you to our growing potential recruitment list. I'm really sorry as you seem to really have been into this quest.
I'm thinking about a Two-Weapon Fighting build, with Longsword and Scorpion Whip.
If I take the Exotic Weapon Proficiency:Whip will I be able to fight proficiently with the Scorpion Whip ?
Or, conversely, if I take the Exotic Weapon Proficiency:Scorpion Whip will I be able to use my Scorpion Whip as a simple Whip (that is, to Trip & Disarm with those respective weapon qualities ?)
Or must I take the Exotic Weapon Proficiency:Scorpion Whip and use that weapon as any other weapon, that is without the Trip & Disarm weapon qualities affixed to the normal whip ?
Hum, I guess basically my question is: must I take Exotic Weapon Proficiency:WhipandExotic Weapon Proficiency:Scorpion Whip to use the Scorpion Whip as itself and as a plain whip ?
From rereading both weapons I am guessing that yes, you'd normally have to first become proficient with the whip before being able to use a Scorpion Whip's abilities. Nevertheless, I am going to allow that you a single Exotic Weapon Proficiency be suitable for both weapons. In my head, a whip is a whip.
Btw I hope you don't mind if I added your Traits to my Hero Lab for possible later use in my P&P Campaign. They are really well written.
On his way to the local tavern, Ithriel wonders, I wonder if it's possible to find any information of my father?
Ithriel:
Nope, no problem at all. Glad to have been able to add on for your PbP. As for your second point, I seem to recall you not having been told anything about your father at birth. Would you like me to come up with his backstory or would you like to? Seeing as you have no knowledge of him I'd make it a part of the quest as I'm already adding bits to suit everyone's background.
Weeellll, seeing is how my masters are more than likely........ oh wait, wrong media (cookie if you guess what that is from). Seriously, if you are already in the process of adding bits from backgrounds, go right ahead. It should be a surprise to the character. Oh and I meant Pen & Paper, not Play by Post.
