The Past Returns (Inactive)

Game Master sunshadow21

Rohan:"Fey dragons? Never read anything about those."

Copper walks up to the shoanti and tengu.

Copper: "So you speak with thunder. Does it speak back? And what do you do, Avian?"

Damn, perfect opportunity to show off Mag's storytelling, and I don't have time to write up the post. Oh well, I'll have her tell it later.

"I'm not surprised. Most people call them Linnorms. They are evil, capricious creatures, born of the First World and to them this one is their playground. They are tricksters and sneaks, but they are as powerful as the mightiest of dragons. To slay one in single combat is to be crowned king!"

She gives Rohan a bemused smile, her voice darkens as she begins to weave her words, enticing the others with a taste of bigger tales.

"I have heard tales of the Lands of the Linnorm Kings and the practice there of choosing kings through the slaying of a Linnorm. Though I must admit, these tales have been sparser than I would have liked. Perhaps you can enlighten us further with one of your own?" He looks to Magnhildr for perhaps a tale of her homeland and seems disappointed that she has focused her thoughts inward for a time.

"Perhaps she will tell us a tale a little later, then."

Hahaha, nice one Krojun.

Pavro turning his head one way then the other as new weird and wonderful things present themselves, listens starry eyed.

"Wow, I really need to get out of Sandpoint, it all sounds so much more interesting than this backwater - fond though I am of it. So Copper what kind of dragon are you? Not related to these Linnorm thingies I hope - otherwise you might warrant a promotion for Mags here."

He looks thoughtful again, and looks to Magnhildr,

"What happens if there are no spare kingdoms when someone kills one of these Linnorm majigers."

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

"Little Copperscale is no true dragon, at least not entirely. No, he's a special sort of spirit bound to the rough man over there", Krojun says with a wave to Rohan.

"Although it's usual to see one so tiny and outspoken. The tales I've heard of such creatures often told of massive beasts of war with tongues better suited for thundering roars than clever words."

Rohan:"Well, technically he's not quite a dragon like Krojun said. He shares a few characteristics with them. His kind is known as an eidolon. If anything, I'm more related to dragons than Copper here." Copper just gives huge grin as the shoanti describes him.

Copper:"Though I'm not tiny. You people are just way too big, taking up all the space. And besides, Maggie wouldn't hurt me. Would she?" He suddenly looks a little worried.

I'd appreciate the company, Magnhlidr, and so would Amadeus, right boy? Amadeus wags his tail in agreement.

To Pavro he says, No hard feelings, just thought I'd warn you about your rudeness. Years of self discipline as a gunsmith and handling dangerous firearms have helped me curb my race's inclination toward impulsiveness, but many other tengus would have fought you outright.

Avian finds Copper almost as unusual as Pavro found Avian. I'm a professional giant slayer and monster hunter. I work mostly out in small villages that don't have the resources to deal with those things on their own. I do some gunsmithing on the side, if there's someone who can afford my services. Mostly repairs and ammunition crafting, haven't had anyone commission any firearms yet. Master Flamesbeard taught me on the condition I wouldn't make gunsmithing my main trade or teach anyone else how to make firearms. Said he really shouldn't have even taught me, according to his guild's code, but his family owed my village a favor.

After taking another drink of ale, he gestures to Rohan and Copper's matching runes glowing on their foreheads. So, if you don't mind me asking, how did you two come to travel together? Some sort of binding ritual or something?

A large man steps into the common room of the inn from one of the back rooms. He crosses a pair of big arms as he looks at the group in the room. He nods to one of the serving girls and then you can see his eyes dart to each of the girls to check on them. One of them hands the man a mug, but you clearly see it's not ale. Perhaps tea?

"Just as long as you don't slay anyone here. I see bared steel and I'll toss you out. Or worse." He smiles. "Name's Barek. With the festival soon, the Rusty Dragon hired me to make sure things don't get out of hand."

Copper:"Well some children have imaginary friends as kids. Rohan instead got stuck with me. His parents said something about the magic in his blood and how it manifests itself or something. I didn't pay full attention. But being related to a dragon will do that, I guess. We've been best friends ever since."

"Ah, the local bouncer has arrived. Well, we'd best be on good behavior from now on then." Alric smiles and winks at the others as if they had been being rowdy before Barek's arrival. He toasts Barek with his own mug of tea and calls out to him, "Welcome, friend bouncer. We're behaving ourselves, truly. We're not sharing anything more personal or dangerous than tales... so far... though I'm sure young Pavro here would rather be baring his weapon with some of the ladies."

Pavro gives his best mischevious grin, and raises his mug cheerfully in response to Alric's comment before turning to the crow man,

"Ah, but my dear Avian, I have a secret weapon!" He peers about ostentatiously and stage whispers, "For I am perfectly willing to cry like a toddler who has lost his mother at the fair. I find even the most determined agressors get quite embarressed when I get started, its fool proof - which is fortunate, for I am a very accomplished fool."

He nods to Copper and Rohan, "I like that eidolons are amazing, dashed handy, I bet... But, ah, probably a bit much for the local populace here in Sandpoint, a summoner who lived here would be really quite irked about it... I imagine."

Albeit he's not trying very hard. Bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

"No offense to our feathered friend here", Krojun says with a nod to Avian. "But if he was able to reach this tavern without too much trouble I doubt the people of Sandpoint would think much of tiny Copper. I doubt his little claws can even break skin."

"Have you run into much trouble explaining Copper's nature to less worldly peoples in your travels Rohan?"

Copper:"See? Someone else who thinks I'm amazing."

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 Yep, not at all

Copper chuckles as he realizes that Pavro is too familiar with the subject. Rohan just shakes his head as Copper's ego expands even more.

Rohan:"Not really. Most people don't ask much about him. Even on the Orca, everyone thinks he's just a drake. In fact this is the first time in a while I've had to explain him."

Copper looks down at his claws with some disappointment."One day they will, I swear."

"And the men on your ship were less disturbed by the idea of a drake aboard their ship?", Krojun asks in disbelief.

At seeing Copper's reaction, Krojun laughs and pats him on the head.

"I'm certain you'll be bigger some day. If you eat well and keep taking care of Rohan here, someday you might even be the size of a large dog!"

Rohan:"Well, it took a little while, but they eventually realized he was harmless. They eventually became more worried about running out of drink due to Copper than any physical threat he posed."

Copper:"You mean it?" His eyes light back up any semblance of humility is gone.

"If there's any truth to the tales passed down to me by the Quah's elders, someday you'll grow into a fearsome beast with a hide tougher than any iron that tramples his enemies into dust."

Copper:"Oh I can't wait for that!" Copper starts to practice his trampling, thrashing about like he were a minotaur overrunning his enemies. Even Rohan starts chuckling at the sight.

Pavro chuckles at Copper's antics and stares at his fingers looking faintly wistful. After a moment he sighs dramatically and mutters something under his breath,

Krojun laughes and pats the 'trampling' little eidolon on the head once more before standing and returning to his drink.

Barek looks at the Tengu with amazement and then over to the eidolon with a look of shock. "Hey you can't..." He looks over to one of the girls. "Do we allow those in here?" She shrugs and walks away.

"I...I guess you can have it. Birds, cats, dogs...lizard-things. I guess we allow anything in here, so long as you're paying."

Krojun notices the tavern's guardian's dour expression and resolves to lighten the mood.

"Enforcer!", he calls out. "Can we talk?"

Pavro shrugs at Barek's question, "I can't imagine Ameiko would mind, besides who would have thought you would ever need a rule against this? It sounds like an elaborate set up for a joke, a Shoanti, a lech, a dragon, and a bird man, with a dog, walk into a bar. And yet the preponderance of tea drinking in a tavern is still the weirdest thing I've seen all day."

I presume that Barek and Pavro would know one another, especially since Pavro has the Rusty Dragon's owner as his ally from the Favored Son trait - I figure he is here a lot.

Assuming Barek doesn't tell Krojun to get lost or something:

Krojun raises his hands in innocence.

"I promise you, all of the furniture that I've broken in Sandpoint has been by accident. I've found chairs here are not built for Shoanti proportions."

***

"Among my people, when the Quahs are called together for sacred ceremonies or in times of war we often struggle to connect at first. It seems this festival faces the same sort of troubles - disparate peoples forced into the same place and asked to find common ground."

"As this place's protector, you could raise the spirits here and help bring Sandpoint's visitors and natives together. Among the Shoanti this is usually done with competition such as games of skill and tests of strength. Perhaps you could do the same and show those here that the Rusty Dragon is a place where those with friendship in their hearts can share a drink."

Krojun looks around the room briefly.

"That one there", he says with a nod to Rohan. "He'd be a challenge and provide some entertainment for the crowd. Why not challenge him to some arm wrestling?"

Perhaps, though I thought of him as a temporary hire for the upcoming festival. As he's taken the Black Sheep trait though, you might know him from elsewhere, particularly the Harbor area.

"She won't let me have anything stronger. Says she pays me to be alert, not drunk. That's saved for you all." He smiles and shrugs.

He looks at the large man and sizes him up. "Arm wrestling, huh? Yeah, sure. Why not?" He looks at Rohan. "You up for it?"

See above.

Rohan:"Alright."

Copper:"Ooh. A contest! This'll be good."

Krojun grins and clears a table.

"Visitors and natives, gather close. Bare witness to this show of might as these two warriors test their strength against each other for our entertainment and to honor their ancestors."

After clearing the crowd enough for breathing room, Krojun positions both men's arms so their elbows are approximately equidistant and clasps their fists at the ready position.

Alric stands drinking his tea, watching the match... Too close to call either way as both look strong and capable, so he keeps his money in its pouch, though he does watch with amusement twinkling in his eyes as others bet freely on the outcome.

Barek can you put your rolls in a spoiler block to help minimize spam?

The battle is close for several long seconds as both champions battle back and forth. Barek shows to be the stronger but Rohan perseveres.

Finally, the sailor's strength starts to flag and with a roar, the bouncer slams his opponent's hand down onto the table.

As the crowd's cheering grows to crescendo, Krojun bellows to be heard over the din.

"The Protector has proven the stronger but what do you say? Shall they make it a set? Best two out of three?"

I love RP as much as the next guy (take a look at my aliases) but I feel like all of the RP in the thread has perhaps hindered others who might be inclined to apply. I hope it does not count against my applicaion, but I won't be taking part in the pre-game RP VoW

Well Barek just joined a few hours ago and he's being included like anyone else. I don't think it hinders anything by trying.

Rohan:"I want a rematch. I can do better." He looks like he's trying to not let his frustration of the loss get to him. Though it is showing a bit.

Barek raises his arms in victory, laughing as he relishes in the win. "A rematch?" He cracks his knuckles. "Maybe another time. But perhaps the Shoanti will try?"

That was fun! Now it's bedtime here in Eastern Europe.

Hmmm, you might have a point Ravin, though honestly I think my reaction to seeing this would be to sign up ASAP. Its also a great way to keep the thread bumped.

I don't know, but I'm having fun so I'm inclined to continue unless our DM says otherwise. I think it's easy enough to jump in, inclusive, and it's certainly not mandatory :)

"Yes, Krojun, perhaps you'd like a match of strength with good Rohan here. Give him a chance to redeem himself in the eyes of his eidolon, and the rest of us, eh?" He sips his tea, wondering if the two will agree to an arm wrestling match.

Agreed. Its fun to read too. And like I said before, freeform roleplay exercises the mind... :P If you don't want to participate, you don't have to. And it has no standing on the DM's selection process.

Pavro claps, and even ventures a whoop - though he looks slightly embarresed afterwards. The young self proclaimed wastrel is obviously quite tipsy now and slaps Rohan on the back.

"Don't worry my friend, these things happen, I'm downright certain you could beat me if I used three arms, let alone one. Hey Copper, what do audiences boo draconic story tellers? Because their tails drag on, and on and on. Wow that was bad!"

Copper:"Wow, you're really drunk. Even I thought that joke was bad."

Rohan:"Yea, right.." He chuckles half-heartedly.
"Maybe they kicked me out for being weak. Not even strong enough to win a simple contest."

As Rohan said, there's no reason for people to feel excluded. Berak showed up late to the party and now he's nearly the center of attention.

***

Krojun is built like a bull - he's got the Bred for War trait. He's not really rematch material.

Krojun raises his hands to dismiss the suggestion, "No, no, there's been enough challenge for the time. Now we should celebrate with our new friends, in honor of the battle we've just witnessed!"

The only thing I can see is that it may be difficult to find specific posts when there are 30+ posts a day, most of which are not submission posts. These can range from submissions to small questions concerning availability, or anything in between. Other than that, I don't see a problem with it.

For those not involved in the RP, don't worry. It's fun to read, but ultimately I am going to build the best party I can from all the submissions. The RP can help me catch certain details I may have missed, but it is ultimately not the deciding factor, and there are few enough places on the forum for freeform RP, it's fun to just let loose every once in a while.

Alric considers buying a round for the house, but Pavro is already a bit tipsy and the others have been drinking heartily as well. Instead he orders a refill of his own cup of tea and returns to observe the shenanigans.

For those not involved in the RP, don't worry. It's fun to read, but ultimately I am going to build the best party I can from all the submissions. The RP can help me catch certain details I may have missed, but it is ultimately not the deciding factor, and there are few enough places on the forum for freeform RP, it's fun to just let loose every once in a while.

Thank you voice of wisdom.

"Half-a-pint an' he's already drunk. An' I thought Strjana was a light-weight!"

Magnhildr chuckles as she slides next to Rohan. The smile disappears as she notices the fake one on his face.

"You okay? I know ye lost, but the two o' ye put on a pretty good show there. No reason to be upset."

Here is an updated list. If I missed anyone, let me know. I have decided to run two groups, and am close to the selection of the first party. Will likely post the selections for that later tonight. If there's enough interest in freefrom RP, I can also reopen Boomer's Bar and Grill, an old tavern thread I setup some time ago for that purpose.

JAFO - Alric Morgaine - M Half Elf Archeologist
Feral - Krojun Speaks-with-Thunder - M Shoanti Thunder Caller
Shadowborn - Vors Malcroft - M Taldan Paladin(Erastil)
Adam Warnock - Magnhlidr - F Aasimar Titan Mauler Barbarian
Celedor - Ravin Duboe - M Human Trophy Hunter
Martinaj - Dehrisan - M Half Elf Hedge Witch
Tim Woodhams - Thandion - M Elf Magus
Daxter - Rohan Drake - M Hermean Summoner
Orannis - Elspeth Luren - F Half Elf Urban Barbarian
2Goth4U - Marstralla Fullvault - F Dwarf Cleric(Abadar)
Tormad - Terran Goldpeak - M Aasimar Oracle (Battle)
Byden - Pavro Deverin - M Human Summoner
Thomrenault - Aridne Ornelos - F Human Knife Master
Dunebugg - Wyren the Patient - M Aasimar Monk
Brian Baird - Tessera - F Elf Witch
Wolfman1911 - Averin Cadash - M Human ?
Stardust - Severus Aldenhyne - M Human Scholar
Darklight Hitomi - Liara Noredal - Catfolk Sorceress
The Crusader - Crag the Igneneous - M Dwarf Stonelord
CloakedInSmoke - Avian Fletcher - M Tengu Pistolero
EnchantedTim - Barak Hisdren - M Human Brawler

Marrada -
Edgar Lamoureux -
Berenzen -
Beckett -
Ross Hearne -
Daway -

I've almost got Cruven done. It took me a while to get things in order for him in HL, because some packages that I have were screwing up.

Two groups?! Voice, you're a champion.

Krojun works to keep the energy up.

He turns to Magnhlidr and Rohan, "There's no shame in defeat at the hand of a superior opponent. If anything you should be proud to have faced such a battle bravely and came out stronger for it!"

I can tell everyone right now that it's going to be hard to reject any of these characters. They are all quite impressive.

Two groups?! Voice, you're a champion.

The hardest part is the maps and coming up with the encounters. The latter is done for me, and the maps will need to be done anyway, so may as well get double duty out of them.

Oh yes DMing is easy when you have a module... ;) Bluff: 1d20 - 999 ⇒ (18) - 999 = -981

Good luck everyone! Its going to be a tough one, because even if I get in I'm still going to miss out on playing with some of you. *sobs* Brilliant that you are going to run two groups though VoW, I get tired just thinking about it.