Shadows of the Past (Inactive)

Game Master sunshadow21

Sandpoint, a jewel in the rough, a light in the darkness, and other such phrases apply, but really only one matters, it's just dang lucky. Given it's location, and it's history, it shouldn't have even survived, let alone become the shining gem of the Lost Coast. Still, somehow, despite all the odds, and the tragedies, faced by the inhabitants of this village, it promises not only to survive, but to keep growing, and tomorrow represents a big step towards that, with the consecration of a new stone cathedral capable of supporting not one, but six, of the major gods of the region.

Pavro takes a moment to pose artfully in the doorway, sighing when nobody appears to notice and making a beeline for a table full of lovely ladies practically crying out to be corrupted.

As he strides over he flashes his most dastardly grin to several patrons, winks lasciviously at a few much older women, and gets his usual collection of rolling eyes, wry smiles, and blushes.

Approaching the ladies table his smirks and then sinks to one knee by the newcomer wearing a predatory smile as mirth glitters in his blue velvet eyes.

"My Lady, please I must introduce myself. I am ashamed to say that I am Pavro Deverin, a wastrel and rogue with a tongue made for kisses and lies, and the worth ethic of a Taldoran Lordling. But this day, this glorious day, the gods have seen fit to show me the error of my ways. For I have, despite my most strenuous objections been forced to do an honest days work - more or less - and clearly your presence can be nothing short of a miracle granted to show me the righteousness of that path. I must know your name, unworthy as I am."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Hahahaha, perfect! Too funny.

Avian drinks ale, ignoring the stares he is getting each time he dips his beak into the tankard. Amadeus, his faithful wolfhound, lies at his feet, gnawing a bone he had found in a rubbish bin as they had tried in vain to deliver their warning.

Well Amadeus, we're right prophets aren't we? Come to preach destruction while the town parties on. Avian crows in his throaty but staccato voice.

As if to prove his point, the wastrel struts in and begins his flirtations.
Sense Motive check to see if Pavro is a regular in the tavern 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
I'm assuming that check's good enough to recognize a local rather than a tourist. :)

Look at him, Amadeus. He's obviously done this in here a thousand times--not very well as you can see--but that means he might know someone with some pull, who can hear my warning about the giants. He spits the last word. Amadeus sits upright and wimpers consolingly. Better wait to until he's done making a fool of himself, though.

Wearing a frown, Vors walks over to the table where Pavro is chatting up his sister. He positions himself deliberately behind the man, his muscled build still showing significantly behind the cover of the other man's slighter frame.

"Allow me to make introductions. That girl you're making moon-eyes at is my sister, Evelina. I'm glad yer learnin' the benefits of hard work, but my sister's attentions aren't among them. Evie will be thirteen come planting season next year, should you like ta come out to Whistler's Grange and bring her a present, should you still think she's deserving."

"Evie, this here is the mayor's nephew. Quite the character, if word around town is true."

Vors stands with his arms crossed, waiting with a meaningful eye fixed on Pavro.

Severus eyes the current excitement at the center of the room with an appraising eye before turning his attention back to the lively discussion of religion and history.

"The mayor's nephew. I know of him, if only by reputation. Quite the womanizer, or so I have heard."

He briefly flips through the book he brought down with him from his room, then sighs with boredom and turns back to the group of theological discussion.

Pavro, looking slightly pained peers over his shoulder and upwards,

"Oh you poor man, if I had such a sister I'd be on an even faster track to damnation. And you really shouldn't listen to the gossips around town, it really wounds me - they barely seem to cover half of the stuff I get up to. I blame my parents honestly, mostly because its more convenient than taking responsibility for my own actions - I mean good grief who has that kind of time?"

He glances back to the girls,

"I'm pretty sure I just need the right woman to see past my brash exterior to the sensetive soul inside, then we'll probably settle down and inherit the family Mansion and be gloriously happy... Sadly my brash side is well ingrained and is going to take some strenuous persuading."

Looking back to Vors he continues,

"But forgive me, I'm being unpardonably rude of course I'll come to your lovely sister's birthday party. A couple of days labor and I'm blessed, I better lay off to save some good fortune for everbody else..."

Okay so he's an ass, you all knew that right :)

At the mention of "mayor's nephew," Avian bolts to his feet and hurries toward the wastrel, the muscled man, and his sister, Avian's foot-talons now showing from under his swishing cloak.

Amadeus bounds after him, rattling a few tables on his way, and sits obediently beside his master. Excuse me, Master Deverin, my name is Avian Fletcher and I have an urgent warning for the town and if you could arrange a meeting with the mayor as soon as possible, I--and the citizens of Sandpoint, I'm sure--would be eternally grateful, he says, trying to keep his voice calm but betraying the glorious near-panic mingled with relief at finding someone with connections.

Pavro blinks, twists around so he is facing Vors and cupos a hand to his mouth before stage whispering,

"There's a giant crow person asking me to arrange a meeting with the mayor right? You didn't knock me out already and this is some kind of lucid dream? I assume not because the ladies are, regretably, still dressed."

He then nods to Avian,

"What seems to be the problem my good... Bird? Me and my good friend, large scowling chap A here were just in the middle of organizing a birthday party."

Finally! Sorry I've been all over town, trying to find someone who will stop for five minutes to hear what I have to say, but they've all got their head in the clouds with this festival! Avian pulls a roll of paper out of his cloak pocket and unfurls it, revealing a crude map obviously copied by rubbing charcoal over deep scratches on stone.

I overheard a group of giants discussing plans to attack Sandpoint. They spoke in broken Common, couldn't quite be sure, but this seems to be a map of this area! I am trained in slaying giants, so I thought I could train the town guard--how many giants could you have fought? Anyway, will you help me? Avian takes a deep breath and falls silent. Amadeus tilts his head to the side, looking questioningly.

As his sister gives a giggle at Pavro's reply, Vors shoots a look her way. "Evie! Decorum!"

Looking back at Pavro, he appears ready to retort with a reply not in keeping with the light-hearted jesting going on. However, upon Avian's interruption all thought of pursuing a quarrel vanishes. He listens with concern to the tengu's tale.

"Party plans can keep. I think you should take this fella to see your aunt."

Pavro, looking slightly pained peers over his shoulder and upwards,

"Oh you poor man, if I had such a sister I'd be on an even faster track to damnation"

"Young man, I can assure you there are many paths to damnation, but none so sure, nor as quick as taking advantage of a starry eyed farmers daughter. Especially one who ahem has such a large brother." murmurs a calm and consistent voice from the smokey back corner of the tap-room. Rising, is a tall man who is cleanly shaven aside for a small goatee. "I'm no expert in such things, but I also believe she is below the legal age of consent in such matters. But what do I know of the law. " Smiling at the younger man, Marcoul toasts his glass at the elder brother and smiles. "My name is Marcoul Jeggare, might I have your name?"

Hearing about the hardship with the giants, Severus perses his lips and stands to join the others. He regards what his studies have revealed about the race in this area.

Knowledge (History)
1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

"The giants, you say? What tribe were they?"

Not sure. Almost looked like a parley between members of different tribes. I reckon that's why they were struggling through Common. Maybe they couldn't understand each others' accents in Giantish? Anyway, I found them up in the Fogscar Mountains near where my village, where my village used to stand. Avian's head droops a little. Didn't want Sandpoint to suffer the same fate.

Evelina is struggling not to laugh out loud as Vors and Pavro go at it, though it's mostly because of her brother's reaction, not anything Pavro is doing. Several of the local ladies have no such hesitation, and poor Pavro's reputation is taking a solid beating until Avian comes up and breaks up the party with his news. Most of the ladies don't know quite how to react, but Evelina does. "Perhaps you should take this somewhere else to discuss that does not involve the common room of an inn, where rumors have been known to be a common reaction. As for Puppy, he is handsome enough, I suppose, but needs to work out a bit more." With that, she turns back to the other girls, and deliberately ignores all of you, including her brother.

Sitting alone at a table cradling a large mug of mead that he hasn't touched Thandion scans the room for interesting news at conversations. Noticing the usual mating rituals of occupants of the bar his attention moves on. I should have gone to one of the local's bars, Cracktooth's Tavern perhaps. But then I'd be back, better to stay to hear.

The urgent movement of the birdman draws the attention of the ex-watchman in him and he refocuses his attention but it his words of giant attacks that keeps it. Giants attacking? I might die, would that repay what I owe?

Standing up he calls to the bird man and his 'companions' "Friends, you are more than welcome to join me here and I'd be keen to hear about how to defeat giants."

Severus looks around at the full room, noting that most of the people are watching them carefully.

"The lady has a point. This information must seem quite alarmist to most everyone here. And we don't really have enough information to say for certain what or when anything will happen. The town has its own capable defenses, I am certain."

He looks over at Avian, extending his hand. "Severus Aldehnyyne, Student of Ancient Lore and Intriguing Artifacts, from Magnimar. If you like, I can send word to the Stone of Seers. Perhaps one of the diviners there can look into the matter more fully."

Turning back to the ladies, with his best puppy dog eyes Pavro sighs dramatically,

"And she's smart to ladies, alas my heart break is insurmountable. Well if any of you are ever feeling foolish, and want to enjoy it, please think of me. Pavro Deverin, terrible person excellent lover. Now I fear I must deal with this gentlebird's warning, mainly because I'll never hear the end of it if I don't and giants do turn up..."

Nodding to Marcoul Pavro replies,

"Oh I'm pretty sure I've done things that are swifter paths. And though generally I regard laws as more helpful guidelines as to what its advisable to not get caught doing, that one I am onboard with - fortunetly I've always enjoyed older women. Pleased to meet you by the way Marcoul."

That having been said the wastrel claps his hands together spinning on his heel and beginning to head for the door,

"Right let's get this over with, I'll warn you my Aunt is a practical woman, and she is probably going to be highly skeptical - I know I am. Not that I don't believe you, Avian right? Luckily for me I'm a shameless wastrel, and not the Mayor, so lets get this thing kicked over into the not Pavro's problem pile shall we? Feel free to come along concerned, and or, nosey types."

With that the youngest Deverin heads for home.

"I am one of those, but I will not confirm whether it is concern or nosiness that guides me. If more information is required, my offer remains open indefinitely."

Severus tucks the book under his arm and follows Pavro and presumably Avian.

Vors fumbles in his pouch for a moment and hands his sister a silver piece. "I'll be back soon, I hope. If not, go ahead and get yourself some supper. No ale." With that, he heads out after the others.

"Because wine gets you drunk so much faster!" Pavro calls back absently.

To be honest, I'm not sure if this will come to pass. Giants are always hatching half-baked schemes they forget about in the morning. I thought it was unusual they were speaking Common and had a map scratched out. I have simply come to warn the town, present my evidence, and offer my aid. What they do with the information is up to them. I just won't let giants destroy Sandpoint like they did my village, not if I can help it.

Avian takes Severus's hand in his scaly talon and shakes when offered.

I'd be much obliged if you'd send word to the Stone of Seers. Don't have any arcane ability or divine favor of my own, and most fortune tellers I've met are two-bit frauds.

Severus nods. "I will pen the letter tonight, once the mayor has been warned, and hope to send the missive off tomorrow. But with most traffic flowing into Sandpoint instead of out of it, it may be a while before the post arrives. Better late than never, though."

"The lady has a point. This information must seem quite alarmist to most everyone here. And we don't really have enough information to say for certain what or when anything will happen. The town has its own capable defenses, I am certain."

Raising an eyebrow at the news of giants Marcoul turns to the older man"Yes Scholar Aldehnyyne I quiet agree, all of this talk boarders on fear mongering! And I don't believe it is at all appropriate within a tavern. Why one would not yell Fire in a crowded town hall, it would cause a panic. Let us see about notifying the proper authority and let them handle it from there."

Avian shifts weight from one foot to another. Believe me, talking about it in a tavern wasn't my first choice. Couldn't find no one in charge to tell with all this ruckus with the festival, and then I hear Pavro say he is the mayor's nephew. Figured it was my one chance to warn the town before the festival is over. I'd rather start a panic that turned out to be unfounded than keep silent and let disaster fall. Avian chirps defiantly at the last sentence.

The odd party makes its way through the streets of Sandpoint, but never makes it to its original destination, bumping into a patrol led by Sheriff Hemlock first. The massive Shoanti stops you as Pavro tries to race through the streets as fast as possible so he could get back to his favored pursuits. "Now just hold it there, young man. Just where do you think you are going in such a hurry with such a group behind you? What did you do this time to get into trouble?"

Thandion watches the group leave, after dithering for moment decides to follow. Just before he catches up to them they are confronted by the sheriff. He pausing for just a moment what will he think of me after all these years. Then the elf calls out from his position well behind the group "Hemlock, just person I was looking for." as he speaks he walks quickly forward to catchup. "I overheard this... gentleman"[b] he says indicating Avian Fletcher [b]"claiming to have proof of an upcoming attack on sandpoint. I was just trying to catch up to him to suggest talking to you. I can assure you none of them have got themselves into trouble so far this evening and I think that it would be prudent to look this gentleman's proof given what is at stake."

sorry for the slow start, work is very busy currently (I'm a teacher and reports are due tomorrow.)

Pavro sighs,

"Sheriff why do you always assume I'm in trouble? Most of the more fun kinds of trouble require a lot of working up to. Besides I am being a good citizen, I was going to report this birdman here's concerns about a giant attack to my Aunt, but as you are here you will do nicely."

Pavro, gestures for Avian to come forward and tell his tale, voice sobering as he adds,

"Giants destroyed his village, so I'm disinclined to take his words lightly."

Sheriff Hemlock listens quietly before turning to the others on the patrol, "Keep going, I will rejoin you shortly." Turning back to you, he points in the direction of the garrison, "This is not a business to deal with on the streets. Follow me to the garrison, where we can talk more comfortably."

As the party follows him, you are just able to catch a rather humorous conversation amongst the guards. "That fool not in trouble? That's a first." "The night is yet young. That'll most likely change."

As he walks, the sheriff quietly observes Thandion, particularly the empty scabbard. "It is good to see that you have allowed yourself to return for tomorrow's festival. It is important to remember the past, but equally important not to live in it. One must always remember that walking is much easier when you are paying attention to where you are about to put your feet than it is when you focus on where your feet just were."

"This is not a business to deal with on the streets. Follow me to the garrison, where we can talk more comfortably."

"Yes Sheriff, I agree completely. We wouldn't want to cause a panic the night before the festival. Let us go to your barracks so you can take that statement."

You arrive at the garrison, and Hemlock leads you all into what appears to be a conference room. "Now then, what is this about giants attacking our city?"

I am Avian Fletcher, sir, and I was tracking a giant spider up in the Fogscar mountains when I stumbled upon a trio of giants talking in broken Common--I thought they might be emissaries from different tribes. They were planning an attack, saying they'd get more giants from their tribes and start raiding south of the mountains. I couldn't take them out on my own, so I waited until they moved on the next morning and then copied this map they scratched into the rock. The map clearly shows an intent to raid Sandpoint. Avian unfurls the map he had copied by rubbing charcoal on the paper over the scratchings. My village was decimated by giants, and my family has been training ever since on slaying them. I could train your guard in giant slaying techniques, if you would permit me.

Avian finishes, taking a deep breath and sits, absently scratching Amadeus's ears as he waits for a reply.

Pavro grins at the guards conversation, taking a perverse pride in their remarks and offering them a jaunty bow. Upon reaching the garrison he hops onto the nearest avaiable desk or table, sitting their and making a rolling gesture with his hands at Avian to tell his tale.

Thandion walks quietly next to Hemlock, wincing slightly at the sheriff word, for a moment he looks like he will argue but only says "True."

When the map is brought out he studies it closely. He says quietly almost to himself "Why would giants that far away want to raid Sandpoint?"

Turning to Avian and offering a hand "I am Thandion, and I find myself currently in need of a cause to fight for. I would gladly take your offer."

Do I need to roll Diplomacy? Just in case 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7

Avian takes his hand and shakes it. Thank you, Thandion. He turns to the sheriff, staring up at him with black eyes. If nothing else, sir, it can't hurt to bolster your defenses and train your men against a dangerous enemy.

Well, that Diplomacy roll went well lol...

Severus strokes his beard thoughtfully as he considers the conundrum.

Knowledge (geography)
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Knowledge (history)
1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24

Knowledge (local)
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

He reveals the information he remembers on the tribe(s) of stone giants from what he has come across in his studies.

"The feathered fellow has a point, sir. Sandpoint is a growing town. Prosperity can garner the gaze of the type of folk who'd take from someone else rather than make do for themselves. Seems an awful lot of planning and mapping for idle talk. Best err on the side of caution, if you don't mind my saying so."

Aid another on Avian's Diplomacy roll: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

"I'm sure the good sheriff will handle the situation from here. Frankly though, lets be honest. Sandpoint is a small town, with perhaps a population of around thousand? How many giants could the town reasonably fight off sheriff? Two? Three? I suspect a great many people would die. I can see only two outcomes. Either the Mr. Hemlock could notify Magnimar, since I believe Sandpoint is still a holding of Magnimar, and request aid, they may of course provide some limited aid. Or we can trust to our gods to provide. Sheriff, I'll be leaving for Magnimar following the festival tomorrow, if you like I could bring a petition to my church? Its possible we could also provide some security in the form of the Order of the Nail." Smiling at the sheriff with a face of utter sincerity Marcoul continues. "I assure you sheriff, that it would be no trouble at all. After all, Law and Order are something dear to my heart, as dear to me as I am sure it is to you."

Aid Another: Avian's Diplomacy 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Unimpressed with his new friends efforts at persuasion, Pavro tries a foray using his own more unique methods,

"I'm sure you are planning to do something about this being a paragon of responsibility and all, but if you are doing nothing - plan A as I like to call it - then consider the fact that I tried to do something about it. Even if its a tiny chance having everyone say, "Oh Pavro tried to tell him, but the Sheriff wouldn't listen and now my bones have been ground up to make inferior quality bread," would be really annoying. Besides anything you do is only going to make the town safer and your men better trained, hardly a sacrifice, right?"

Seperate Diplomacy check, not aiding...

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Sheriff Hemlock seems lost in thought as he examines the map. After a few minutes he seems to come to, and realizes that you were talking, "Sorry about that; it's one thing to know of a general threat, but another thing entirely to see actual plans of one. There is little that can be done tonight, but if you are interested in helping, talk to the day after tomorrow. I believe our local ranger was planning on returning after checking out some potentially disturbing news of her own regarding the goblins, and it would be best to coordinate efforts. In the meantime, enjoy tomorrow. There may be clouds on the horizon, but they are not here yet, and life is too short to constantly be worried about the next storm. Oh, and Pavro, do try to stay out of trouble. I know you like the ladies, but you might want to make sure they aren't attached to anyone before you approach strangers." With that, he heads back out to patrol duty, and you return to your evening pursuits. Vors, you find your sister has ordered supper, which includes an untouched partial mug of heavily watered down ale.

Go ahead and keep rping the evening while I get the other group settled. I will move the game forward sometime tomorrow or Sunday.

Vors moves over to his sister and playfully ruffles her hair. While she's busy fixing it, he steals a piece of meat from her plate and grabs up the mug. He pops the meat into his mouth, gives an approving grunt, and eats it. Then he takes a swallow from the mug, making a face.

"I'm pretty sure they don't water down their ale, not this much anyway. You got Ma's cleverness, that's for sure, but this won't work. Da used to try the same thing when..." He trails off, gazing around at present company and deciding now is not the time to speak of such things.

Instead, he sits down, inviting the others to join him and his sister at their table.

Avian accepts the invitation and sits down at their table. Thank you for vouching for me, Vors, was it? Not many people'd listen to a bird like me.

He pulls a piece of jerky out of his belt pouch and absently feeds it to Amadeus, who happily gnaws the tough smoked meat. The moment he took to retrieve the jerky reveals a battered pistol on his belt in a holster and two powder horns side by side hanging from his belt, as well as a long, somewhat curved sword something like a scimitar in a scabbard on the other side.

"Sorry for bursting in before with Sheriff Hemlock without introducing myself. I am known as Thandion." Thandion says a little woodenly and bowing slightly to the group. "Once I work a long side Hemlock and thought I might be of a little use. Mr Fletcher? Do you have any clue as when the giants are planning to attack?"

Pavro obliges cheerfully taking a seat and ordering ale and apple pie,

"So what do you think gents are we all up for coordinating efforts? With the, oh you know the thing the Sheriff said, something about goblins. I'm thinking it might get us out of clean up work after the festival, and its bound to go down better with the ladies. Goblins seem more conveniently sized than giants..."

He nods cheerfully to Thandion as he introduces himself and bows, the name triggering a faint twinge of recognition, but nothing more.

Vors nods amiably at Avian. "T'weren't nothing. I'll admit you look odd to me, but your interest in protecting the town seemed sincere." He pauses to order a bowl of stew and some bread and cheese, along with another ale. "Though I have to say that what convinced me was your dog. Good fella, well behaved. I find that folk harboring ill will tend to have ill-behaved dogs, when they have them at all. Not a sure-fire test, but it helps."

May as well stick together, I could use a good fight. Trip down here was too quiet!

He turns to Thandion and looks thoughtfully. Could be a few weeks, if the giants are all in on the plan. Reckon it'll be a few months though, since they're so quarrelsome. It'll take that long for them to fight out who gets to be in charge and such. Better be safe than sorry though.

To Vors he smiles, Amadeus is a good boy. Been through a lot, me and him. I bought him in Riddleport from a halfling trainer because I needed help carrying my gear, and wanted something more compact than a horse. I've grown rather fond of him since then, of course. Avian rubs Amadeus's head affectionately.

Evelina can't resist a snort at Pavro's comment, and as it becomes clear that the discussion is not going a direction she is interested in, she excuses herself and heads back to the kitchen to see if she can help, her own supper over.

Severus returns to the Rusty Dragon with the others and pens a letter to the Stone of Seers to see if any diviners might be available to look into the situation with the giants, as he promised Avian.

Under his breath, he mutters, "I trust the hell knights more than I trust Asmodeus or his 'followers'; at least they believe in something a little more concrete than a deity."

"Doubt the goblins will be any trouble. They are just smart enough to know that doing more than stealing the occasional item will get them killed. Can I get anyone a drink?" Thandion asks taking a step towards the bar.

"I would not take the goblins threat too lightly. Stealing might be their individual plans, but in groups they can be deadly. As any adventurer who's faced them might tell you."

"Well if the Sheriff wants some brave lads to patrol he can call on me! I'll have Ameiko make us some food, bring a few skins of wine, I know some lovely spots where we could keep watch, wink wink. Much better than being in the clean up crew." Pavro says enthusiastically, before adding in a careful whisper,

"And on the off chance we do get into a fight, I want you to know I'm a lot more useful than I would appear. I have a little arcane magic, I'm no wizard, but well you will see if needed I suppose."

Discussion thread for Shadows of the Past, a Rise of the Runelords game.

Checking in!

Checking in as well. Will be making a few last minute changes, mainly adjusting equipment to reflect the starting gold and picking an AP trait.

Hey all. I'm working from a phone for the next two days so my posts will be short sorry.

Alright I finally finalized my character, it's all in the alias :)

I'm also checking in... :) I'm hoping this will be incredibly fun. :)

Checking in! Quiet excited about the group.

Oooh, Ravin. I like your format... I might copy that :)

I still need to record my encumbrance. (That and languages are not my thing at all.)

Glad you like it, I actually need to go in and clean it up tomorow morning. I am
A big fan of using URL's linked to the prd/srd. I was looking at the sage class, what scholar secret are you going to pick up at level 2? I also want to make sure that we aren't oveapping our skills too much so that we can "cover" all the bases. It looks like Pavro has us covered on face skills.

Well, lets see. If you're going the way of the tracker, I probably won't need to. Which leads me to go either the magicy way, or the trapskills way, or the support way, or the healy way.

So either Minor Magic, Trapfinding, or Coordinate, or Medical Knowledge.

As for knowledge skills, I will probably be sticking close to Arcana and History, possibly Geography or Engineering if I think its relevant to something I learn from the other two. But I will probably leave Nature and the Planes alone.

Just a question, does Avian gain Fly as a class skill since my racial trait lets me use Fly checks to fall safely?

Hmmm, I have a theory, but its best to let the DM decide those things... :)

Finalized my traits. Will clean up the equipment later, as I'm heading out and about at the moment.

Just a question, does Avian gain Fly as a class skill since my racial trait lets me use Fly checks to fall safely?

I would say you get it as a class skill, but don't get a bonus to it unless you actually have a fly speed. So yes to the +3 class bonus, but no to the +8 from having a fly speed.

Ah pardon my imbecility, posted in the wrong discussion thread. Here and raring to go! I was wondering why everyone was so quiet... D'oh! And yes Pavro should have face pretty much covered, although he's not above being an unsufferable ass you might have to apologize for :)

VoW, do you have any preferences about sheet formatting, etc.? And when I start using Aressa, his eidolon, would you prefer me to use a different alias? Or simply use Pavro?

And for Summoned Monsters I generally simply post a spoiler with their stat block in the posts I am using them in. Does that work for you?

VoW, do you have any preferences about sheet formatting, etc.?

And when I start using Aressa, his eidolon, would you prefer me to use a different alias? Or simply use Pavro?

And for Summoned Monsters I generally simply post a spoiler with their stat block in the posts I am using them in. Does that work for you?

No preference

No preference; I've seen it done both ways, and both ways seem to work fine

That works just fine for me

Good afternoon guys!

I was speaking to VoW about our group set up for for "Shadows of the Past" And I observed that we had:

Avian Fletcher - Gunslinger (Pistolero) - Ranged Damage
Ravin Duboe - Ranger (Trophy Hunter) - Ranged Damage
Vors Malcroft - Paladin - Ranged Damage (He's going bow) / small healing?
Severus Aldenhyne - Scholar - Skill / Lock's / Knowledge
Pavro Deverin - Summoner - Arcane / Face
Thandion - Magus Melee / Arcane

It seemed to me what we were missing is healing / divine support in some form, but everything else was covered. So I offered to switch out Ravin Duboe for a Support Cleric. This will give us access to divine spells, healing and fill in some knowledge gaps. I am also able to provide some bard ability's due to my archetype. I need to finish cleaning him up, but here he is:

Marcoul Antonius Jeggare, was sent to Sandpoint on orders from the Church of Asmodeus in Korvosa. Specifically the church learned that the Sandpoint Cathedral was to be ordained following the Swallowtail Festival, and Marcoul's Arche-Vicar wanted to know if there is the potential within Sandpoint for a Church of Asmodeus. Marcoul was selected for several reasons. First is that ties as a minor cousin of house Jeggare still carry some weight, and a succesful report could aid his advancement in the church. The second reason is that Marcoul has attempted to foster an air of concern and compasion for others, rather than the fire and brimstone that other, less unrefined clerics of the lord of law display. Lawful Neutral

Welcome aboard Marcoul :) Healing would certainly be nice, I had not realized we were quite so range focused. Of course Pavro's eidolon is a mini tank, but at first she does not really have the hp to fill the role. Still summons are perfect for soaking up damage and holding up foes.

I've always rather enjoyed slightly lopsided groups though, presents an interesting tactical challenge :)

I look forward to the interaction between Macoul's refined lawful neutral, and Pavro's chaotic rascally (good). I think we might have found the back up face for when Pavro's none too subtle charms go down like a lead balloon ;)

If nothing else I'll be able to assist you via Aid Another easily.

Bow will be Vors' primary weapon, yes, but with his strength switching to hand-to-hand won't be a a problem, especially with smite and buffing spells to assist.

A cleric of an evil god, eh? This ought to provoke some interesting roleplay...

I though so as well Vor's. But as any follower of my Lord of Law will tell you, there's much to be admired about the rule of Amodeus. Indeed, My lord penned the contract of creation that lead to our genesis. It was his power that imprisoned the Rough Beast. And yes, I know that some of the more extreme members of our clergy are all about hellfire and brimstone, but let me steer you towards more universally approved facets of Dark Prince's faith - such as the necessity to fulfill signed contracts and the everlasting crusade against the demonic filth... Indeed one always knows his place within our congregation and law, order and justice are valued tenants of our faith.

Indeed, between the paladin of Erastil, the evangical priest of Asmodeus and the very not religious scholar, the RP should be quite entertaining. And I will admit that I deliberately chose a party that won't just be able to brawl through everything, though they can on a limited basis if they need to. Should hopefully avoid the "every encounter may as well start as a combat" syndrome.

I'll try to get maps worked up tomorrow, and the game thread up on Tuesday.

Glad to have some healing but if you would perfer to play your orginal character I'm quite fine with that a few extra bullets flying around my head will bring the enemy down quicker and if we pick a wand of cure light wounds we can heal up afterwards. BTW back home with my computer so can make real posts again.

I haven't had a chance to read everyone's backgrounds yet but might be a good idea to work out if any of us know each other.

@Thandion: I think that Marcoul will actually be better for character interaction. Its like VoW said, between the Paladin of Erastil, the Evangical Priest of Asmodeus and the very not religious scholar I think it will be fantastic. Mechanically Its better as well. I won't be churning out a lot of damage, but that's fine since we have a lot of damage dealers in the group. Kudos btw for not going the traditional route of Magical Lineage (Shocking Grasp) / Lore Seeker (Shocking Grasp) Traits. Nice to see a change.

@VoW: I hate the encounters that turn into as combat every time, but between the Magus, Gunslinger and Archer Pala that's a ton of damage.

Agreed our damage should be pretty high, I'll probably mostly have Pavro trying to run interference - with summons or his eidolon, and spells like grease, not persoanlly - so our shooters can do their thing. I note we are not particularly well endowed in the AC department, but we can soon sort that out I guess and its less of a big deal for ranged combatants anyway - until it is. If we really need a tank mage armor on Aressa gives her a 20 AC, which is respectable and although she only has 7hp this level she is gloriously expendable.

Thanks, not even planning to memorise shocking grasp until I get merciful metamagic. Which looks like it might now have to be after toughness. Thandion wasn't designed to be a tank although shield will help, also putting Thandion on 20AC and 10hp a whole 3 more than Aressa.

You are correct, role playing those two in the same group with the rest of us stiring things up, I mean putting our 2 cents in, will be interesting

@VoW: I hate the encounters that turn into as combat every time, but between the Magus, Gunslinger and Archer Pala that's a ton of damage.

I like that, as it means I don't have to watch every single encounter to avoid a TPK, but at the same time, combat isn't a guarantee all the time, nor is it a pushover for the PCs to win, making the overall campaign a bit more flavorful, something that really helps in an AP like this with so much backstory and flavor.

As for backgrounds and how they mesh:

Severus apparently didn't get his background copied into his alias, but I believe he was from Magnimar, and while he would know some of the local NPCs, I don't see it likely he would be known or particularly know any of the other PCs, though he might know Pavro by reputation through his discussion with Quint and the other scholarly type members of the village.

Avian and Marcoul would likely be a complete stranger, with no ties to anyone.

Pavro would certainly be known by Lors and Thandion, and might know of Thandion due to the Chopper connections, but not much in the way of details. Likewise, Lors and Thandion would be more likely to know Pavro's reputation than Pavro himself, and they wouldn't be likely to know each other, either. All three just run in completely different circles, and only Pavro is really from Sandpoint itself.

In short, no direct connections that I can see, but Pavro's reputation would be known to some degree to Severus, Thandion, and Lors. If you want to make others, feel free, that's why I left some gap between selection and start of game.

Re:Backgrounds.
I had read through the backgrounds and come to pretty much the same conclusion. Severus and Thandion might have crossed paths because of similar academic interest but Thandion has been recently working as a caravan guard and not really in academic circles currently.

Yes, I'm sorry. I can get my story stuff copied over to my alias. :P

It's on my previous posts, though if you need to see it immediately. Its the one with four spoilers. :)

Hmmm, yeah. My previous character was a gnomish paladin, so if you can't tell, I like to swing from one extreme to the other. Should be great fun though with the Erastil and Asmodean followers. However, I'll try not to create a huge debacle. Severus is devoted to the truth, and it is easier to find the truth with calmer minds than with emotional/spiritual conflicts. :D

I also should note that Severus might be quite good at healing, given time and proper tools, though from a medical perspective rather than a magical one.

Funnily enough whenever I've played it tends to be lawful and chaotic that clash more than good and evil. But I can't see Pavro causing too much of a problem in that respects, even though the party generally seem quite lawful.

I'm looking forward to seeing a Scholar in action btw, haven't as yet.

Lets see Knowledge local Thandion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 So not much if anything, he was likely around when Pavro was essentially confined to the Deverin Manor timeing wise so that makes sense.

I also just noticed that Pavro's Knowledge Local was much too high, its 5 not 10, I assume I applied my charisma mod for some odd reason - edited.

Knowledge local

Pavro 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Thandion 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 2 = 18
Marcoul 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Vors 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Avian 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

So Vors, Marcoul, and Thandion relatively well. Pavro and Avian hardly at all... :P

Perhaps I've already engaged the religious scholars and the magus in a religious/metaphysical debate.

Eidolons can't wear armor as it interferes with her connection to the summoner. But you could take Improved Natural Armor evolution and flavor it as worn armor. My very first Pathfinder character was a halfling summoner with a serpentine eidolon. Good times ;-) Also I noticed you two had different alignments. I thought summoner and eidolon had to share alignments? Unless we're house ruling 1 step like a cleric.

Mage armor doesn't count as armor, eidolons can "wear it", in much the same way monks can, and are often sighted as doing so in official sources - this is not and has never been included in her stats. Not sure what you mean about the alignments, they both appear to be listed as Chaotic Good to me? Or in Aressa's case CG.

Aressa does not wear any armor, she has +2 natural armor base and a +2 from the Improved Natural Armor evolution, which is where the +4 natural armor in her stats comes from, its always been listed as natural armor.

I'm a bit confused, thought I must have made a copy and paste error with the alignments, but they really look the same to me, you were talking about Pavro right?

Regarding treasure, how are we going to divide it? I've always preferred keeping a tally of items sale values and ensuring everyone gets an even cut.

So say we had found a chainshirt and a MW dagger, with a total value of 402gp, that's a sale value of 201gp. So each player is entitled to 50.25gp. But since it is much better value to keep loot than sell lets assume that 2 characters each take one item, call them player A and Player B.

Player A takes the dagger sale value 151gp, and "owes" the group 100.75gp
Player B takes the chainshirt sale value 50gp and is owed .25gp
Player C takes nothing and is owed 50.25gp
Player C takes nothing and is owed 50.25gp

Just a suggestion, but I've found its typically the fairest way - sometimes its better to put in an extra split for party items like wands of cure light, etc. In which case everyones share would be 40.2gp.

Thoughts? Its pretty flexible, since people don't usually mind you owing the pot if something comes up thats perfect for you, etc. And its particularly good for classes, like the druid, that don't run into equipment for them as often - though I doubt thats relevant here.

If two people want the same item, you simply roll off - or you can bid for it, but I think rolling is simpler and easier.

Oh I see Pavros alignment is listed as NG in the text but chaotic good in the boxes, my bad I'll edit.

Actually Pavro, thanks to your Trait, we can get an extra 10% for treasure sold. I was glad to see that you took it. (Btw I have to clean up my character sheet, and correct some traits before we start.)

I don't really like the idea of rolling off for items. In my other groups we have usually been able to find the items that work best for the group should go to X player. After all, whats the point of having a ton of gold if it results in a TPK. Also, melee tend to need more gear initally then say a cleric or wizard. Just my observations.

That trait works as long as you are in or near Sandpoint. If you go too far, it may take a few days of ingame time to make necessary connections for it to work. Simply thought that was an important point to point out; you have to first have the proper contacts, and while I will certainly allow them to be made, they will occasionally take some ingame time and/or effort.

As far as dividing treasure goes, I usually tend to favor less bookkeeping and more support for increasing the strength of the party overall. Weapons go to those that can use them most effectively, ditto for wands and scrolls. Protection should go to whomever is in most need, whether because of a low AC or high risk of hits (front-line fighter).

Personally I perfer that Pavro's system works well. I've done Vors idea but found the group of players can get odd with feeling they are getting cheated.

In addition I'd like to see the party as group get a share (atleast once we have formed bonds enough to be a party). Used to buy things for the party as whole, eg wands of CLW and endure elements or anything else we need that benefit the whole party.

I'm happy to do the bookeeping and post the figures here everytime we get new loot. I don't really agree about melee needing more funding at lower levels, that seems to be when they shine and wizards and clerics are lacking in spells so they can really use wands, etc.

I tend to think of this system more as a fallback, in practice it usually works the same as everyone tries to take what makes sense with the good of the party in mind, but you have a backup and a clearer way of seeing who might need a wealth boost, etc. Its also helpful for the DM as it creates a running tally of the parties items and can be used to tweak treasure if someone has not been finding anything that suits their character, etc.

Plus bear in mind its perfectly okay for someone to owe a great deal to the pot, if the group thinks it makes sense for them to have the stuff and they want it, etc. And rolling is very much a only if two players are at loggerheads thing, ideally agreements can be reached, but if two players both want something rolls are nice simple and lead to less resentment than a disagreement potentially can.

I looove Pavro's trait, and do consider it very powerful, so I'm more than willing to work get it in place in other locations. Pavro would probably try to ingratiate himself when we buy stuff, and maybe try to wrangle some kind of exclusivity deal with a particular merchant - though obviously its a long way off :)

I have a bit of a mixed ideology when it comes to splitting of loot. Usually in our group at home, people take turns picking what they want out of the loot, drawing straws or rolling dice to see who goes first (but that person can't go first the next time). However occasionally we've come across something that no one wants or can use, and that we've traded for roughly equal value magic items that would be used.

Personally I perfer that Pavro's system works well. I've done Vors idea but found the group of players can get odd with feeling they are getting cheated.

In addition I'd like to see the party as group get a share (atleast once we have formed bonds enough to be a party). Used to buy things for the party as whole, eg wands of CLW and endure elements or anything else we need that benefit the whole party.

I'm fine with what works best for the party, if you want to go with Pavro's system, then that's fine by me.

Oh I didn't see "mage" when you were talking about giving her armor lol.

As for loot distribution, I can see both sides. The whole shares part is VERY metagame--are our characters that scrupulous about the division of goods? None of the characters I've played were the type to insist on people getting items "owing" the group for taking an item they needed. On the other hand it shouldn't be a tyranny of the person who says "I need it the most". I prefer a, "you take an item, you don't get another item until everybody has gotten 1, etc" rather than a "you took an item worth 1000 gp, you owe the group 1000 gp in future treasure" approach. I think the former is less metagamey than the latter. Like if one person gets a 20k gp tent of magical relaxation, I don't think they owe the group 20k gp unless they won't allow anyone else to sleep in it. This of course assumes any items found are not sold but rather kept and used. Mundane gear and trade goods--if unneeded--should be sold and the earnings split among the party. That's just my 2 cp :)

As for loot distribution, I can see both sides. The whole shares part is VERY metagame--are our characters that scrupulous about the division of goods? None of the characters I've played were the type to insist on people getting items "owing" the group for taking an item they needed.

True and my problem with it has nothing to do with the characters it has all to do with the players, I really don't see Thandion insisting on this and I am personally it doesn't worry me if I get less than others. However I have seen it get messy in groups of friends playing together. With a cleric of Asmodeus they might well insist on something like this in character (:

With a cleric of Asmodeus they might well insist on something like this in character (:

Perhaps not that far, but documentation of ownership? Possibly

I'll admit that playing a summoner I'm rather concerned about free form gear. I'll be equiping my eidolon and feel she will likely both take low priority and need some unusual gear which I'd need to have custom made. If we don't manage treasure I think I could end up feeling a tad hard done by.

If for example a str boosting item comes up, after say the martial types have all received magic weapons and armor I would definetly want that for Aressa, but feel I might get short shrift - despite it being unlikely I would have dibsed many items prior to this. Though in this party that might not be a great example as we have a lot of ranged combatants, and Aressa's multiple attacks with pounce ought to make strength bonuses go further.

Pavro will be buffing both his eidolon and the party for the most part and doing his damndest to keep out of the way, so will really only be looking for resistance items. Most of my gear will go to Aressa - though if she dies - which will likely happen pretty often as she knows its not permanent for her and can thus take greater risks, or is unsummoned for any reason we can temporarily distribute her gear to other party members as appropriate.

On another note getting haste at 4th level is amazing, as soon as he hits that that's almost certainly going to be his first action.

Also do we have a start date? My perception check isn't great so I may well have missed it?

Gameplay thread is up. Let the TPK begin. (Oops, did I say that out loud?)