The Tethyr Chronicles, part one: The gathering storm (Inactive)

Game Master JohnLocke

@ Vestilet - try it now?

Yep, same here

OK it works now

Okay, apparently it's important to remember to share the document on google docs - hurr durr.

Yay, Suldanesselar is there Evenor approves!

I had to dig up my own old maps, just to make sure everything was where I remembered it.
Ah, the realms, how I've missed thee.

All the big stuff (cities, forests, etc) should likely be where you remember it. However, as DM, I reserve the right to add in all sorts of little villages, hamlets, dungeons, ruins, etc. to make adventuring more fun :-)

Looks good to me. Gonna read the NPC/region posts tomorrow as soon as I recover from my weekend. Just in time for the wedding next weekend. Oye.

I'll have a slightly reduced workshift this week.Any chances we can start ahead of time?

I have chosen to not go with divine defender. Mercies seem to be to helpfully in a pinch to give up.

@ Gandal - I'm afraid that RL is going to keep me from starting the game early, sorry. I knew this was going to be a bad week, hence the october 31st start date.

@ Balodek - hope the bachelor party went well!

@ Mrdarknlight - sounds good to me, mercies are very useful. Is your character all wrapped up and ready to go?

Yes character is ready to go, got a buckler until I can get some gold to get that quickdraw shield.

My apologize, i'm a bit impatient.
But i know how much RL interferes with games; about a year ago i had t stop DMing 2 games because of that :(
would like to start a new one but have to be careful with the games i'm playing, don't know if i can afford to DM one.

@ everyone - okay, all characters check out and look good to go. The game is still on track for monday, october 31st. I had hoped for some preliminary role playing, but I'm going to be cautious about that as this week promises to be rather busy.

However, I would, at the very least, like us to get our heads together and figure out what brought this group of brave adventures together on the Soldier's Road, either as part of, or escorting, a small trade caravan as it makes it's way from southern Myratma to Zazesspur. Who is that VIP in the expensive looking wagon? You've seen only glimpses of her, a dark, veiled beauty with the look of Calimport about her. The wagon is guarded by a well armed woman of few words but ever vigilant eyes. Why is the caravan master (Cheston Velnik, a stereotypically dour and efficient old veteran if ever you've seen one) so nervous? You've heard of bandits on the road, but would they dare attack so a caravan with so many skilled adventurers? Help me fill in the blanks!

@ Gandal - I completely understand - I know the timelines seem a bit long, but I did my best to plan for this week by putting off play until next monday. I figured this week would be a bad one in RL; so far, my intuition has been correct. If things change, I'll let you know, but we also have a couple of members who are getting married soon, so I'm betting this week won't be super great for them, either.

Please be patient, I hope to have a great game with you guys!

Also, just as an aside, has anyone heard anything from scranford? Matthew Winn has also been a little scarce. If you guys are able, please check in.

As previously suggested, Alendrethala is traveling with someone else (either to aid in arcane matters or for protection) toward Myratma, since it is where she heard her sister was last seen (or what she learned from the school's archives). They probably meet along the way.
Of course it is possible that the encounter isn't an easy one ,in other words XP :)

I'll repost the caravan entry here, as it was edited from the original and has new content.

However, I would, at the very least, like us to get our heads together and figure out what brought this group of brave adventures together on the Soldier's Road, either as part of, or escorting, a small trade caravan as it makes it's way from southern Myratma to Zazesspur. Who is that VIP in the expensive looking wagon? You've seen only glimpses of her, a dark, veiled beauty with the look of Calimport about her. The wagon is guarded by a well armed woman of few words but ever vigilant eyes. Why is the caravan master (Cheston Velnik, a stereotypically dour and efficient old veteran if ever you've seen one) so nervous? You've heard of bandits on the road, but would they dare attack so a caravan with so many skilled adventurers? Help me fill in the blanks!

The VIP is some oracle/seer type person? Would be my suggestion on who the VIP is. Vestilet could of met them along the way, the caravan master and VIP would most likely know what a Helm Follower is capable of. Or they could of asked for some protection from the Temple of Helm.

Ruhk's motivations for joining a caravan would be both simple and two-fold.
For one, there is gold in it...or at least silver, and a man needs to eat.
Secondly, Ruhk is brash enough to activly hunt bandits, but smart enough to realize that a lone traveler would not be a tempting target for a real bandit band, and also that alone, he would not be nearly as capable at taking them down.

Evenor met the caravan during one of his hunts for bandits, seeing that such a group may attract the interest of one of the big bandit groups so he offered to join them and help in what he could. He has since been amazed by Ruhk, a human that blends magic and melee as the best elven warriors do. He will try to approach him to learn more about his techniques.

@ Gandal -

@ Vestilet - Actually, she's no VIP. She's a prisoner! The woman guarding her is a bounty hunter named Natasha, you've not heard of her but it apparently is a name of some renown. Let's assume that you were sent from Zazesspur as extra protection for the caravan and the prisoner. You don't know what she's been accused of - and no-one at the temple told you - perhaps you should talk to Natasha when you get the chance?

What a twist. Yeah could ask Natasha about it.

Just as i thought! Then to put it simple the caravan we are speaking is the one Alendrethala joined to have protection during the travel.
If all the others are here as well she will approach another arcane caster, or Ruhk, unless Inwe (which Alendrethala still doesn't know to be her sister) is here as well.Then she will try to befriend another moon elf girl.

Edit:will try to send Scranford an e-mail telling him to read here

What a twist!!!

@ everyone - okay, so the wagon is holding a prisoner, and the woman guarding it is a bounty hunter (Natasha). You don't know what the prisoner has done, or what justifies her transport from Myratma to Zazesspur.

The rest of the caravan is a pretty standard trade convoy - though there does seem to be an air of deep vigilance from the caravan master. The caravan drovers are all experienced men and they seem spooked, as well.

@ Gandal - thanks for emailing scranford, hopefully everything is okay with him.

Lockjaw has hit a low point in his life. Exiled from his home and unwelcome in the places he'd come to frequent, he found himself almost penniless and looking for work. Hearing of a local bounty hunter (Natasha) hiring muscle for a job, he signed on. Not realizing he'd been hired as expendable muscle but too dumb to lie down and die, he now accompanies Natasha in her escort of the prisoner until she pays him.

Seem reasonable?

I'm here. Knew the game wasn't starting till the 31st, so hadn't really paid much attention. I'm traveling through Wednesday afternoon for work, but have time in the evenings "usually". Inwe is ready to roll, just waiting for something to roll in... :-).

I'm here. Knew the game wasn't starting till the 31st, so hadn't really paid much attention. I'm traveling through Wednesday afternoon for work, but have time in the evenings "usually". Inwe is ready to roll, just waiting for something to roll in... :-).

DM Locke asked for suggestion on how to put all of us togheter in the aforementioned caravan.

@ Gandal - I completely understand - I know the timelines seem a bit long, but I did my best to plan for this week by putting off play until next monday. I figured this week would be a bad one in RL; so far, my intuition has been correct. If things change, I'll let you know, but we also have a couple of members who are getting married soon, so I'm betting this week won't be super great for them, either.

Please be patient, I hope to have a great game with you guys!

Also, just as an aside, has anyone heard anything from scranford? Matthew Winn has also been a little scarce. If you guys are able, please check in.

I'm here, and check in several times a day during the week. I'm just the type to keep quiet unless I have something to say. I'll pipe in now:

Skyrim - OMG yes. I have to be careful, though. I have an addictive personality when it comes to Elder Scrolls. I've lost months of my life to them and have literally had to force myself off them at times.

Final character design - I'm mostly happy with my build. The only things I'm debating is switching out Childlike for either SF: Bluff or SF: Disable Device. I get the impression that adventure setting will be flexible, and Childlike is not very effective in the wild.

Wedding - We're going very simple. No big ceremony or anything like that. The paperwork is all set except for JoP signature. In fact, I only took one day off from work and will probably still be able to post on that day.

Caravan - I just saw this, so I'll take most of the day to digest this info and try to comment tonight. Unless I can't wait and post during lunch.

Scranford, Matthew Winn, thank you for checking in, guys. And to everyone, your patience as we proceed through this slow week is appreciated.

Just a few bits n pieces:

@ Kathai Lli - you're right, changing to either of those other feats might be a good idea. Having said that, I'd like to think there'd at least be a few situations where childlike would be useful - but it's typically a feat of most value in urban settings, and at least at first, I'm thinking there's going to be a fair bit of wilderness.

@ Inwe and Alendrethala - perhaps you met in Myratma and already know who each other are? Or perhaps one of you holds that knowledge and is keeping it secret?

@ Lockjaw - sounds good.

@ Vestilet

More to come later!

@ Inwe and Alendrethala - perhaps you met in Myratma and already know who each other are? Or perhaps one of you holds that knowledge and is keeping it secret?

Personally i don't mind starting with the two sisters having already met. Alendrethala was so anxious to find her long lost relative that if she gets to meet Inwe in Myratma before joining the caravan she'll immediatly introduce herself to her sister.Even thought Inwe was told by her church were to find her sister, it is possible that she doesn't know that Alendrethala was already so close.

@ Kathai Lli - you're right, changing to either of those other feats might be a good idea. Having said that, I'd like to think there'd at least be a few situations where childlike would be useful - but it's typically a feat of most value in urban settings, and at least at first, I'm thinking there's going to be a fair bit of wilderness.

Ok, slight revision complete. It pains me to drop the appraise and acrobatics skill ranks, but those will just have to wait until level 2. But on the plus side, choosing Master Delver as my feat vastly increases my usefulness should we end up underground, and the vs trap perception bonus could be useful just about anywhere. And knowledge local just makes sense for the character.

I'll repost the caravan entry here, as it was edited from the original and has new content.

However, I would, at the very least, like us to get our heads together and figure out what brought this group of brave adventures together on the Soldier's Road, either as part of, or escorting, a small trade caravan as it makes it's way from southern Myratma to Zazesspur. Who is that VIP in the expensive looking wagon? You've seen only glimpses of her, a dark, veiled beauty with the look of Calimport about her. The wagon is guarded by a well armed woman of few words but ever vigilant eyes. Why is the caravan master (Cheston Velnik, a stereotypically dour and efficient old veteran if ever you've seen one) so nervous? You've heard of bandits on the road, but would they dare attack so a caravan with so many skilled adventurers? Help me fill in the blanks!

It's possible that Kathai is part of the caravan. She comes from a family of joiners and could easily be traveling with extended family as either companion or mostly inept bodyguard. She would not hesitate to meet and greet everyone in the caravan, even the prisoner (if possible) and caravan master. She would also happily offer to keep her eyes open for bandits, since he's obviously so worried about them. She would even offer to do some basic scouting, if the price is right.

@ Kathai - okay, we'll go with that. Kathai works for the caravan master (Velnik) who, despite being a grumpy old goat, is very concerned with the safety of his charges and making sure everything gets to its destination in one piece. You've been with him for a little while now, working on odd jobs, repairing what needs fixing, and even helping to repel the odd bandit or two.

@ Evenor -

Ithmong is one of the major powers in the new order of Tethyr. Its central location gives it many advantages over the Saradush and the coastal cities of Zazesspur and Myratma. Another reason Ithmong is on the rise is the appearance of a new, powerful leader ready to expand his influence throughout Tethyr.

Ithmong controls all east-west travel through Tethyr. The Ithal Road and the River Ith cross at this large (population:220,000) city. The river is a wide, strong one, and the only crossing for hundreds of miles in either direction is the Ithal Bridge in the middle of town. In addition to controlling the overland traffic, Ithmong has enough river patrols and troops on the bridge to also control river traffic. In the past two years, the city has begun charging small tolls to all traffic
passing through. The tolls are not large enough for the travelers to complain, but given the volume of traffic, a substantial boon to Ithmong's coffers.

Ithmong's location in the center of Tethyr's main agricultural region is another source of power. Grain and livestock are produced in great quantity throughout the region, and the city controls these valuable food shipments to all the other major cities of the country; while Ithmong has never used this power to blackmail these other cities, the possibility is always there.

The factors listed above have been true about Ithmong for decades, but this city's rise to power is a fairly recent phenomenon. The difference is the son of a blacksmith named Ernest Gallowglass. With the enthusiastic support of the populace, Gallowglass has begun a plan to put Ithmong, previously dismissed as an unsophisticated farm-and crossroads type of city, on the map as the focal point of a new Tethyr; a new Tethyr ruled by Gallowglass.

Gallowglass took over the Ithmong Town Council 3½ years ago, using a combination of fierce loyalty and generosity to his supporters and ruthlessness to his opponents to solidify his control in the next year. Gallowglass is very intelligent, and a consummate politician; he makes sure that the people of Ithmong see a direct benefit from any of his ideas, and this guarantees their support. For example, when he wanted to start charging tolls on the Ithal Bridge (defying over 80 years of tradition), Gallowglass designated 25% of the tolls to go directly to civic improvements, such as new roads, more water wells in the poor part of town, and stronger town defense. The townspeople went along cheerfully.

Gallowglass has begun flexing Ithmong's economic muscles to get the attention of the other major powers of Tethyr. Grain and livestock shipments to Zazesspur and Myratma are delayed unless additional payments to inspectors are made; imports from those cities and Saradush are refused entrance without the "proper permits." This is not a total embargo; only a few shipments each month get this treatment .. for now. But it could get much worse, and that's the message Gallowglass wants the other cities to get. They are paying more for Ithmong goods, and can't recoup the money losses with their own exports.

There is talk in Ithmong that the other major cities of Tethyr are raising an army to march on the city and put an end to these economic actions. There is no truth to this at all; in fact, it is a rumor started by Gallowglass. If the people believe an attack is imminent, it will make the next phase of his plan easier: the military conquest of Tethyr. While details are uncertain, it is rumoured that Gallowglass has already begun gathering forces needed for this military action to him, and that he may be reaching out to other, less savoury forces as well to further his ends.

Saradush is located in the southeast corner of Tethyr in the foothills of the Snowflake Mountains. As one of the "Big Four" cities in Tethyr, it has its aspirations of power, but unlike some of the other cities in the country, these aspirations are tempered by reason and motivated by more than just a blind lust for power.

Saradush is the headquarters for all agriculture in far eastern and southeastern Tethyr. Tobacco, cotton, teas and other herbs, and a few exotic vegetables are the most common crops. Hunting for wild game in the open lands to the northwest provides much of the food for the area, though there is little left over for export. There is some mining in the mountains to the east, but it is not particularly profitable.

In the days of the royal family, Saradush was an important government city, filled with bureaucrats and emissaries from the lands to the east. After the overthrow, the Royal Quarter (as it was called) cleared out overnight. Ambassadors returned to their native countries, and most bureaucrats took new names and tried to blend in with the population.

Saradush is not ruled by a Town Council, but by one man: the self-titled Lord Mayor Oon Santele. Santele is a popular and powerful leader, and most importantly - and this is a rarity in Tethyr today - a good leader. Santele has the welfare of Saradush first in his mind at all times. He is neither petty nor vengeful, and he administers justice to the rich and poor in the same fair way.

Santele is no saint; he is overly fond of titles, pomp, and ceremony. But these are minor faults in the eyes of the people of Saradush when compared to his strong points. Like any other leader in Tethyr, Santele has dreams of ruling a reunited country, but he is not ruthless enough to do the things necessary to seize power. He also thinks that an attempt to expand his power over all of Tethyr would keep him from doing a good job in Saradush, and since that is his first priority, he probably won't try.

Saradush is located in the southeast corner of Tethyr in the foothills of the Snowflake Mountains. As one of the "Big Four" cities in Tethyr, it has its aspirations of power, but unlike some of the other cities in the country, these aspirations are tempered by reason and motivated by more than just a blind lust for power.

Saradush is the headquarters for all agriculture in far eastern and southeastern Tethyr. Tobacco, cotton, teas and other herbs, and a few exotic vegetables are the most common crops. Hunting for wild game in the open lands to the northwest provides much of the food for the area, though there is little left over for export. There is some mining in the mountains to the east, but it is not particularly profitable.

In the days of the royal family, Saradush was an important government city, filled with bureaucrats and emissaries from the lands to the east. After the overthrow, the Royal Quarter (as it was called) cleared out overnight. Ambassadors returned to their native countries, and most bureaucrats took new names and tried to blend in with the population.

Saradush is not ruled by a Town Council, but by one man: the self-titled Lord Mayor Oon Santele. Santele is a popular and powerful leader, and most importantly - and this is a rarity in Tethyr today - a good leader. Santele has the welfare of Saradush first in his mind at all times. He is neither petty nor vengeful, and he administers justice to the rich and poor in the same fair way.

Santele is no saint; he is overly fond of titles, pomp, and ceremony. But these are minor faults in the eyes of the people of Saradush when compared to his strong points. Like any other leader in Tethyr, Santele has dreams of ruling a reunited country, but he is not ruthless enough to do the things necessary to seize power. He also thinks that an attempt to expand his power over all of Tethyr would keep him from doing a good job in Saradush, and since that is his first priority, he probably won't try.

Just typing something :P
For Alendrethala's combat plans,well i designed her like i always did with videogame casters (trash all the fancy, optimize caster feats and item creation feats) so she is going to depend a lot on safe distance.
I usually open the dances with an area damage spell (if available) or with a single target spell (more likely, since i doubt her allies will be immune to area spells as they are in the Dragon Age series).
Then some buff/protection while the party front line hitter advance.
Then other spells depending on circumstances and availability.
To think of her going in melee....it would require her to have a lot of buffing on and a very good magic sword, and pretty high level too so we can skip it.

@ Kathai - okay, we'll go with that. Kathai works for the caravan master (Velnik) who, despite being a grumpy old goat, is very concerned with the safety of his charges and making sure everything gets to its destination in one piece. You've been with him for a little while now, working on odd jobs, repairing what needs fixing, and even helping to repel the odd bandit or two.

** spoiler omitted **

Since responding to the spoiler would require character interaction, I'm supposed to wait until Monday, right? Just double-checking.

DM Locke wrote:

@ Kathai - okay, we'll go with that. Kathai works for the caravan master (Velnik) who, despite being a grumpy old goat, is very concerned with the safety of his charges and making sure everything gets to its destination in one piece. You've been with him for a little while now, working on odd jobs, repairing what needs fixing, and even helping to repel the odd bandit or two.

** spoiler omitted **

Since responding to the spoiler would require character interaction, I'm supposed to wait until Monday, right? Just double-checking.

Yes, please. I'm just setting the stage for the tons 'o fun we're going to have!

@ Alendrethala - Yeah, that's pretty standard for a wizard - in a lot of the groups I've played with, the wizard (or sorc) hangs back, the cleric does too, to act as a protector for the wizard and to allow him to use his own spells, while the melee guys form a screen up ahead and the rogue works to gain favorable position. If you're using a spell with an area of effect like a spray, however, then sometimes the wizard needs to get up close and personal (but a color spray is usually worth it!)

Here are 21:23 (9:23 PM) so we should almost good to go right ?

Almost ready! Going to the in-laws with my wife for dinner, then will create the campaign thread once I get home. It will be up and running when you get up tomorrow, I should think :-)

EDIT: 1650 (4:50) pm here - we should probably all post which time zone we are in, just to help me with organization. Thanks! I'm GMT -5, Toronto, Ontario Canada, eastern daylight savings time.

Emilia Romagna, Eastern Italy, GMT+1

That is a cool name for I do not know if that is your town/city or name of province you are in Gandal.

I am in the east coast of US GMT-5.

Gameplay thread is now open here

Maybe time for your characters, quite the diverse bunch, to get to know each other?

Sunny Florida...-5GMT

That is a cool name for I do not know if that is your town/city or name of province you are in Gandal.

I am in the east coast of US GMT-5.

Emilia Romagna is a Region, its main city being Bologna (inland). I live very close to the east coast of Italy, near the Adriatic sea.

Zaragoza, Spain GMT +1