The Emerald Spire

Game Master Stormstrider

From the Eidolon class feature under the Summoner class:-
"If the summoner is unconscious, asleep, or killed, his eidolon is immediately banished."
Neither of your archetypes alter that.
Mr Blinky won't be there while you are asleep. I did get a room with 2 beds.

From the Eidolon class feature under the Summoner class:-

"If the summoner is unconscious, asleep, or killed, his eidolon is immediately banished."
Neither of your archetypes alter that.
Mr Blinky won't be there while you are asleep. I did get a room with 2 beds.

Ok, then she sleeps in the bed. She's buried in fur, but Mr. Blinky is not there and needs to be re-summoned when she wakes up.

Also, Tangar, Alex, Tamlara, and Aldhranhald are at The Helmed Lady not the Juliver Arms. The confusion may have come because two of us stayed the night at the Juliver, but we came over to the Lady for breakfast. So retconning... We're all at The Helmed Lady into which Ozzy and Mr. Blinky can enter without consequence, as they've already spent a fair amount of time in here.

Boudacia,Thank you for pointing out that bit about the Eidolon banishing while Ozzy sleeps, and Aldhranhald, thank you for pointing out that the meeting place is the Helmed Lady. 50 XP each for helping the DM with his job! At this rate the rest of the party is certainly going to advance faster than Alex! :)

EVERYBODY, thank you for getting your posts up before the dead line! 50 XP each!

After finishing his meal, Alex will look around the table, "So, if everybody's ready to head out, shall we head over to the Stonde home on our way to the Spire? Or do you all want to just go straight on to the Spire?"

Taking the last sip of his hot tea, Aldhranhald drops a few coppers on the table for a tip, and then stands up, shoulders his pack, and grabs his walking stick. "I do believe we should head to the Stonde homestead to pick their brains for any and all information they have about the Crowned Skull. A good plan requires good information, and it seems Davon Stonde will be our best bet for good information at this point." Aldhranhald looks at all the others expectantly. "Shall we?"

Edit: Totally sorry about forgetting Alex in my journal entry that was a terrible oversight on my part. I'm betting on Alex being an integral part of our adventuring team, and there's no excuse for forgetting him. So, again, apologies! Also, speaking of Alex... it is customary, at least in every game I've ever played or heard about, for the GM to level up their NPCs at a time that coincides with the rest of the group leveling up. NPC's, again, in my experience, don't get any XP, though their portion of XP is still "absorbed" from the XP total of every encounter because they contributed. They just level up when the GM finds it fits best to not lag behind the rest of the party. :) That's just my 2cp... Much like the tip Aldhranhald left on the table of The Helmed Lady.

... Also, speaking of Alex... it is customary, at least in every game I've ever played or heard about, for the GM to level up their NPCs at a time that coincides with the rest of the group leveling up. NPC's, again, in my experience, don't get any XP, though their portion of XP is still "absorbed" from the XP total of every encounter because they contributed. They just level up when the GM finds it fits best to not lag behind the rest of the party. :) That's just my 2cp... Much like the tip Aldhranhald left on the table of The Helmed Lady.

That is in reality my plan about leveling Alex if it comes to it, I was just joking about the party leveling faster than him. Thank you though for trying to be helpful. We may find out the party doesn't even need him! I am a little concerned, since the decision has been made to keep the CR's of monsters as is, that things will go easy at first, so the party says they don't need him, and then when the CR's get higher later, the party suddenly wants him back? I mean, I can certainly bring him back later adjusted to the proper level, but if he's not there for a while, we may be lacking somewhat in the party ... cohesion? so to say?

I also want to point out that while I may have applied the whip (deadline) a bit, everyone beat the deadline, and I then applied some salve to the welts caused by the whip (bonus XP) :)

It is the mark of the great GM to use both the lash and the carrot. :)

I'll be waiting to hear a majority vote on going to the Stonde home, or direct to the Spire, before I can proceed. Though you all should know by now that I won't wait forever. :)
So far I have Aldhranhald voting for the home.

As Tamlara finishes her meal, she says, "Yes, I think going to the Stonde's home would be a good idea. They may have more information that they don't even realize they have. . . or didn't feel like sharing with. . . certain others. I'll just go say goodbye to Kagnin, then I'll be ready."

Taking any empty plates with her, she heads to the kitchen. Several minutes later, she comes back out with a serious (worried?) look on her face.

"Alex, could I . . . speak with you for a moment?"

Oh, I don't know how this is going to go. Maybe now is the time they tell me to go away. Well, here goes everything. . .

It is the mark of the great GM to use both the lash and the carrot. :)

No, that is the mark of a great dominatrix.

Having only heard the third-hand recounting of the information about the crowned skull, Ozzy is excited at the prospect of getting first-hand information. Let's go! Ozzy says, and almost skips out the door before figuring out in which direction the Stonde home lies.

"Certainly Tamlara! I am at your disposal. Anytime you feel a desire or need to talk to me, just let me know. You do look a bit ... preoccupied? maybe? Should we go someplace more private to speak?"

"That is sound reasoning Aldhranhald. I concur." Boudacia replies to Aldhranhald. A high pitched noise is emitted by the bat on her shoulder, prompting her to add "And Wayne agrees too. Ozzy, hang about! We haven't decided where we are going yet."

Btw, in case it's not clear, Ozzy isn't accustomed to voting on things, and doesn't particularly have the patience for it. When someone says we should do something, if she doesn't object to it, she'll assume that's the plan until someone else objects.

I know. You are doing a good job playing an impulsive, inquisitive and impatient kid. Hence Boudacia telling her to hang about.

The north-man grabs up his pack and shoulders it on, his darkwood shield is then slung over his left shoulder, ready to drop in his hand, and finally he grabs up the fine battleaxe his father made, he looks at it for a moment and then, seemingly, brushes a small bit of something off of it. Da sooner da better, vhere is dis ... Stonde home, und how long to get zere.

The northerner also makes his way to the door and holds it for the others, waiting for them to get their gear together.

Boudacia slings her pack over her shoulder, all the preparation she needs, and replies:-

"Not long. It is maybe three hundred yards, it would be a lot less if we didn't have to go out the Juliver Gate and down the trail."

With that, Boudacia looks around to see if Tamlara and Alex are ready to leave.

You could also head out "The North Gate" (# 20 on the map) and cross country almost due south and crossing a small river ... :D ... It would be a little shorter distance wise ...

"Certainly Tamlara! I am at your disposal. Anytime you feel a desire or need to talk to me, just let me know. You do look a bit ... preoccupied? maybe? Should we go someplace more private to speak?"

"Yes, that would be nice. . ." moving to one of the private dining rooms that is not currently in use, Tamlara is not sure how to begin.

"Umm, well, you see. . ." Finally, she just spits it out.
"You can't heal me! I mean, not now, but . . . never." Looking around for somewhere to look other than Alex's kindly gaze, Tamlara tells him:"In the event that I'm injured, I can't be healed by traditional healing magic. Healing herbs and such work fine, but not healing magic. It actually, well, hurts me. It's something to do with my father, and what I am. It's part of what some people fear or hate about me. I'm just not sure how everyone in the group will take it. I'm not sure how you're going to take it, but I needed to tell you, just in case. There. It's done. I just hope you don't hate me now.

..."Umm, well, you see. . ." Finally, she just spits it out.

"You can't heal me! I mean, not now, but . . . never." Looking around for somewhere to look other than Alex's kindly gaze, Tamlara tells him:"In the event that I'm injured, I can't be healed by traditional healing magic. Healing herbs and such work fine, but not healing magic. It actually, well, hurts me. It's something to do with my father, and what I am. It's part of what some people fear or hate about me. I'm just not sure how everyone in the group will take it. I'm not sure how you're going to take it, but I needed to tell you, just in case. There. It's done. I just hope you don't hate me now.

First, to let you know I was wrong that my healing would hurt you ... I don't remember the exact terminology right now, but basically when I do a healing area burst, I have to choose which type of energy and I was corrected that you would not be hurt. If I choose to try to do my burst to harm the undead, then it could hurt you! But Alex also took a feat that allows him to choose who his burst affects! So you'll be fine either way! Especially now that you have told him, so he knows!

"I see. Have no fears! You can not be held responsible for who your father is, only for what you do! And so far I have not seen you do anything inappropriate. This group seems quite ... open, ... to ... differences shall we say? When Boudacia transformed into a bat in front of my own eyes, the group was surprised naturally! But they reacted well and accepted her almost immediately. I myself am not fully human either! I have Angel-blood within me and it seems to grant me some special abilities. Now, as I said, it is what you do with yourself that matters! Personally, I think you should tell the group, but I will leave that decision up to you young one. In the mean time, know that your secret is safe with me. And I do appreciate your honesty in telling me this. May I ask, more specifically, what are you? But if you would rather not say that is fine as well."

"Well, I don't have a name for what I am, but my father was . . .a vampire. I seem to share some of his undead characteristics. If you think the group will be okay with this, I'll tell them, but not here in the Lady. I'll wait until we're on the road. We'd better get out there, though, they're probably waiting on us. And . . . thank you, Alex."

I don't know about that north gate idea, the smile Stormy put next to the small river makes me think bad things could happen. . .

You are quite right not to trust Stormstrider Tamlara. That small river is in fact the town sewer. Which is why the route described by Boudacia is a much better idea.

Hahaha, yeah, I remember reading that, though I'm sure it is also a small river and Ft. Inevitable just dumps their sewage into it. Which I'm sure the people downstream greatly appreciate.

If alex has nothing else to say, Tamlara exits the room and returns to the others looking pretty relieved.
"Well, if everyone was waiting on us, I believe we're ready now. Let's head out!"

She gathers her gear and steps through the door Tangar is holding open,
"Thank you, Tangar."

Onward, ho!

As Tamlara passes through the door and thanks him, he gives her a short response, one can imagine it is a common nicety, but it is spoken in his obvious native tongue, as it sounds similar to other things he's said.. Verði þér að góðu.. He waits for Alex to exit then he walks down behind the group, taking the rear most position. This will let him gauge the groups pace and not have him yards away when trouble happens... and it will happen, the wilds are not for city folk, though they often have a habit of wandering into them..

Once outside the city walls he grabs his battleaxe and lets it rest either on his shoulder, or lightly in his hand. His muscles ripple under his chain shirt as he switches from either position..

Hahaha, yeah, I remember reading that, though I'm sure it is also a small river and Ft. Inevitable just dumps their sewage into it. Which I'm sure the people downstream greatly appreciate.

Of course they do! It makes GREAT fertilizer for their fields! .... And how dare you not trust your DM to give you the proper guidance! Shame on you! ;)

Verði þér að góðu..

It's helpful if you put the translation in a spoiler when you're using a different language.

As the party get into their march to the Stonde homestead Boudacia quietly approaches Tamlara and says :-

"Is something troubling you Tamlara? You seem worried."

GM question, is it a bright, sunshiny day? Overcast? It will matter if I have to make perception checks outdoors.

As the group exits the town gate, Tamlara pulls out her shortbow, and takes point. When Boudacia walks up to her and asks if she's okay, her shoulders slump a little and she sighs.

"Well, we had said we would need to talk about why some people in town dislike, or even hate me. Now is probably the best time." Taking a deep breath, Tamlara looks around, including everyone in what she's telling Boudacia. "I'm not sure how to put it, I don't have a name for what I am, but I do know that my mother was somehow involved with . . . a vampire, and then I was born. I am, in part, undead. I share a few of the same characteristics of the undead, and can sometimes sense when they're close. I guess some of the townsfolk just can't get over the 'undead' thing."

When she's done talking, Tamlara squares her shoulders and looks out to the countryside again, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious or dangerous, and conveniently not looking at anybody's face.

GM question, is it a bright, sunshiny day? Overcast? It will matter if I have to make perception checks outdoors.

...
When she's done talking, Tamlara squares her shoulders and looks out to the countryside again, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious or dangerous, and conveniently not looking at anybody's face.

Well played Tamlara! I like it! 50 XP awarded!

Now, since apparently I'm going to have to include some level of weather in this campaign, as a good RPG'er I'm going to let the dice decide, and for this purpose I copied Mended's/Aldhranhald's Random Weather Chart and posted it as well at the top of our page.

Random Weather Check: 1d100 ⇒ 4

So the weather is normal for the area, which means it is a somewhat sunshiny day, with a few clouds across the beautiful blue sky.

I'm going to wait 'til tomorrow some time to narrate the story as I want to give people time to 'react' to Tamlara's revelation.

Thank you, I actually made myself a little teary-eyed thinking it all through. :(

Okay, that means I am dazzled, and take a -1 penalty to sight-based perception checks, and on attack rolls until no longer sunny, or in the trees or indoors, or some such like that.

"This was what Tamlara and I were discussing in the private room just before leaving The Helmed Lady. I informed her that I have no problem with her heritage, especially since she has no control over that! As I pointed out to her, she is only responsible for her own actions. I will not judge her simply for being born different, I will wait to see her actions and then judge her accordingly. I hope the rest of you will be sensible and agree this is the correct course of action? After all, we have accepted Boudacia who transforms into a bat! And we have the young childish Ozzy - who by the way - most of us do not know for sure what race she is, and yet we have included her and her strange protector as well."

Tamlara, Your welcome. And as I said, you did a good job!

Boudacia puts her arm around Tamlara in a friendly and reassuring manner, saying:-

"I can relate to prejudice because you are different. Though I expect I have suffered less as I can usually pass for human if I want to. Although we have just recently met, this is an extremely diverse group and we will have to depend on each other in danger. I think you will be accepted here where you were not in Fort Inevitable."

"I agree totally Alex. And we will soon have more serious problems than family backgrounds."

OK, we have human/ bats, dhampirs, kids of unkown origin and tarsiers. But look at that picture. A bald freak with weird eyebrows and poor fashion sense. We should eject him right now. And who is this Alex guy anyway?

Tangar watches with curiosity as Tamlara reveals her parentage, his right eyebrow makes a marked turn up as his head slightly goes sideways a little. All will note his axe rise and fall as he seems to grip it tight, then loosen slightly repeatedly, the muscles of his arm rippling with the effort, his jaw set firmly as he thinks.

Several moments pass, two maybe three minutes, as his mind tries to figure it all out Then finally, after letting out a breath inadvertently held, in a soft voice as is usual with him Vell, I guess ve see vat happens... Let's move vile ve still haf ze light.
As they walk, some might hear a soft voice on the wind from the back of the group, the north-man seems to be muttering under his breath, but also not in the common tongue. Now and again his head shakes from side to side.

["Well, we had said we would need to talk about why some people in town dislike, or even hate me. Now is probably the best time." Taking a deep breath, Tamlara looks around, including everyone in what she's telling Boudacia. "I'm not sure how to put it, I don't have a name for what I am, but I do know that my mother was somehow involved with . . . a vampire, and then I was born. I am, in part, undead. I share a few of the same characteristics of the undead, and can sometimes sense when they're close. I guess some of the townsfolk just can't get over the 'undead' thing."

Wooooooow. Ozzy says, not comprehending how sensitive the subject is. Was it weird growing up with a vampire for a dad? Are your grandparents vampires too? What about your great, great, great, great, great, great, Ozzy has to stop to take a breath, great, great grandparents?

... Let's move vile ve still haf ze light.

I just want to point out that it is only about 8:15 in the morning or so. You still have PLENTY of light! ;)

Aldhranhald does not break stride, nor does his expression change at all when Tamlara reveals her secret. After Ozzy asks her childlike questions, he waits a moment and says, Dhampir. It's the most common name for your racial heritage Tamlara, Dhampir. He says it again to make sure everyone heard. I've read several stories of Dhampir that lived their lives in the service of the living, heroes in their own right. In the presence of humanoid company, as Alex has so astutely pointed out, it is not a person's parentage, or even their history, that makes them who they are. It is their present, and how they choose to act today. He pauses for a moment and strides up so as to be able to look her in the eyes while he speaks. Your willingness to share your secret with us all speaks volumes of both your trust and your intent, Tamlara. I've zero doubts that you will be a most trusty and welcome companion on our adventure. I am pleased to call you friend. Aldhranhald smiles at her and then falls back into line, all the way back to be near Tangar.

Tangar, my friend, if you would be willing, I'd be most interested to learn your native language? Linguistics is a bit of a hobby of mine, and I am always interested in learning new languages. He pauses for a moment and then points at a dandelion. How do you name that plant in your language?

Aldhranhald would absolutely take the opportunity to learn a new language if he was confronted with not knowing it, and I planned on taking a rank in Linguistics with the next level anyway, so this just provides a perfect opportunity to roleplay that out! :)

Okay, I just wanted everyone to know that Tamlara will be posting her reaction to your reactions tonight, but I had a late start this morning & have 8 hrs of work ahead of me. So, it will probably be about 9 hrs before I can get that post up. Feel free to proceed & I will be back soon!

The north-man listens to the elfs words, he even agrees with what he says. He looks at her a little differently now, though with no malice or hate, possibly more curiosity though.

As Aldhranhald steps back and asks to learn his native tongue, Tangar gives him a questioning look and his raised eyebrow goes from right, to left as he glances down at him. When asked what the common weed is he responds with túnfífill as they move on the northerner will speak the name of some common things he sees, be they nature or otherwise be known. Even on occasion stopping and using a stick to show the runes for said things.

As they walk, Tangar is happy to continue their discourse, not caring who else listens in. Perhaps they shall pick up on some of the words and not feel .. alienated by his use of them.

Just so everyone knows, it is extremely difficult to type while a determined and persistent kitty paws at your hands and shoves her head under your palms as you attempt to type. I thought you should all understand the troubles I undergo as I type this. ;) Though, I am lucky she's not the type to lay on top of the keyboard!

Tamlara is made momentarily speechless by Boudacia's kindness, and her eyes grow a bit misty. That is, until Ozzy pipes up with her questions, at which point Tamlara bursts into laughter, if only for a moment.

"Well, Ozzy" she says gently, "I suppose it would have been weird growing up with a vampire for a father, but I didn't grow up with either of my parents. My mother died birthing me, and my 'father' disappeared shortly after. As for the rest of his family, I can only guess. I believe his parents were fairly normal people, but I truly know nothing of them. My mother wasn't from this area originally, but had settled and married here some time before she had me. So you see, I truly have no family here."

Looking around to him when Aldhranhald addresses her, Tamlara takes on a more pensive pose. "Dhampir. . . "she whispers. Misty-eyed again after Aldhranhald's speech, Tamlara bows her head for a moment, until the very large barbarian says they should be on their way. He alone has not, in some way, voiced his acceptance of her . . . self.

"Does he distrust me now? Or at least, more so than any of the others? Maybe if I show him I can be useful, and trustworthy. But not pushy. I don't want to push my company on him if he's not comfortable around me now. I should give him some space."

"Thank you all for being so understanding. But, yes, Tangar is right, we should keep moving. The Stonde house is not far, but if we plan on reaching the Spire today, we need to keep a good pace."

"Well, Ozzy" she says gently, "I suppose it would have been weird growing up with a vampire for a father, but I didn't grow up with either of my parents. My mother died birthing me, and my 'father' disappeared shortly after. As for the rest of his family, I can only guess. I believe his parents were fairly normal people, but I truly know nothing of them. My mother wasn't from this area originally, but had settled and married here some time before she had me. So you see, I truly have no family here."

Oh... Ozzy says, saddened by this news and a little embarrassed to have brought up the subject. Then, the girl perks up. Hey, maybe we can be your family! I always wanted a big sister!

After a short time you arrive at what you believe to be the Stonde homestead based on it's location. You see a woman and 2 teenage boys out working in a small vegetable garden. There are several chickens running about, and you see some goats in a pen a small ways off from the house. It is a very small house, not of good quality nor very sturdy appearing, but with a relatively well kept yard. Upon seeing you approach they all stop their work and the woman and the younger boy each pick up a pitchfork that was laying on the ground nearby, while the older boy picks up a sledge hammer that was also lying on the ground near him. They do not raise the 'weapons' in a threatening manner, but just hold them at the ready. They watch warily as you approach and once it is clear that you are not merely passing by, but coming to see them, the older boy will take a step forward, "Be wary strangers! There have been some strange things happening lately, and we want no trouble! Who are you, and what is your purpose in coming here?"

Hi! Ozzy waves, pushing her way to the front of the group. Mr. Blinky remains behind her. You won't get any trouble from us, we just have some questions we want to ask about what's going on. Maybe we can help.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Tamlara wrote:

"Well, Ozzy" she says gently, "I suppose it would have been weird growing up with a vampire for a father, but I didn't grow up with either of my parents. . . . So you see, I truly have no family here."

Oh... Ozzy says, saddened by this news and a little embarrassed to have brought up the subject. Then, the girl perks up. Hey, maybe we can be your family! I always wanted a big sister!

"I would like that very much, Ozzy! I would," says Tamlara as they continue on their way.

Ozzy I realize the RAW indicates you had a great result on your diplomacy skill check there, but I cannot by any means allow people to take a little 13 yr old girl seriously as the speaker for a group of armed adventuring types out in the dangerous forest. Realistically speaking it makes no sense what-so-ever that they would have a little girl speaking for them. Other members of the party have already stated that they would not allow it, even if it came to physically holding you back or pushing you aside, and I have to agree with them. Alex would not allow it either. If this means you need to adjust your skill points, by all means, do so!

Davon who appears to be about 18-19 yrs old. looks at the little girl and he smiles at her, "That's nice kid." Then he looks around at the rest of the party, looking at each of the more 'adult' looking ones, obviously awaiting for a 'more serious' person to speak up.

She is, as you ruled, the equivalent of 13 years old, which would make her nearly fully grown. Also, she was able to convince the hellknights that she was a young adult. Just sayin'. It's not like you guys are walking around with a 5-year-old.

Edit: It's also not like like this is a formal meeting. I thought it would be a relatively low-stakes and unobjectionable way for her to show what she can do...

Aldhranhald places a hand on Ozzy's shoulder as he steps forward and addresses the Stonde family. "You'll have to forgive my rather precocious young friend here. She is still learning the various niceties of civilized society." He looks down at the girl with a rather "stern father" type of a gaze, and then whispers to her, "perhaps you'd better let others of us do the introductions from now on, eh?" He turns back to the Stonde family and says. "What my friend Ozzy meant to say, is that we've come with a writ from both the church of Abadar and the Lady Commander to investigate the group known as the Crowned Skull. We were told that you have a relic or artifact of some kind, and that you survived an attack by some of the creatures? If you would be so kind as to tell us about that attack, and show us the relic, we'd greatly appreciate it. It is our aim to wipe this group of monsters from the face of Golarion." The dark-haired elf in the dark green leathers then leans his walking staff once again in the crook of his elbow, and extends his right hand in greeting. I am Aldhranhald, Inquisitor of Irori, seeker of knowledge, delver into dungeons, and explorer extraordinaire at your service."

Boudacia takes a moment to look at Ozzy to see how she reacts to the statements of Davon and Aldhranhald, but does not say anything for the present.