First off welcome to the game. Converting to e will be trial and error so always feel free to ask me something or PM me. Now I would like to connect the characters in a way that make them a real group. None of this "Random folks we meet two days back in a bar and now have an unbreakable bond" non-sense.
How I am gonna correct this is by taking a page from fate, which is my favorite RPG. In Fate, characters are connected to one another during character generation by stories and aspects. We are not playing fate, so aspects are out. The stories however are in and this is how we shall do it.
Each Character will be connected to two pother characters in some way. You will tell a story,a few paragraphs about your character and another character, how they meet, something they did together, anything at all. YOU have full narrative control of that story, but feel free to PM the player of that character if you wish to have help making a connecting story.
And important note for non-fate players. Just because someone used one of their connections to put you in a story, does not mean you have to do the same. As you are already connected at that point. You may choose to do so, but need not do so.
Our cast is
- Victor "Vic" Lofliss-- Half-Elf, Rogue (Filios)
- Barl “the Boulder” Skein--Golarith(Ulfen), Fighter (Jam412)
- Tursk Krune--Human,cleric (wicked_rayman)
- Katarina "Kat"--Half elf,warlock (Jenrah)
- Jack Speed-Runner--wood elf, Rogue (DoubleGold)
- Olybrius Naercroft--Human, paladin (Aneirin Rhodri)
- Helen Gardamum--Human,wizard (Jiggy)
This is how we shall do this. Your very first post in this thread should be as your avatar. Each person will have to use one connection on the person above their name on the above list. Filios will connect Vic to the last person, Helen. After that, you may choose anyone to be your second connection, but remember you need to chose someone just because they used you. People are often connection though a vast web of life events. I would like to get out connections established and put down first so they will always be easy to find.
And I think that it is folks. If you have a question before the stories are posted, just PM me.
Early in Helen's education in Oppara, she hadn't been as cautious with the big city as she ought. Wandering home with her nose in a book, she took a wrong turn into a bad part of town, and before she knew it her reading was interrupted by someone demanding her money at the point of a knife. Having only studied enough wizardry to be able to cast light, Helen panicked and ran. The mugger pursued her, but was stopped by the quite unexpected intervention of a man by the name of Olybrius Naercroft. After a mild scolding and an escort back to her apartment, Helen didn't anticipate meeting Olybrius again. However, as she advanced rapidly through her studies, she found herself occasionally being offered temporary positions as a translator or researcher for minor nobles and diplomats, which resulted in her crossing paths with this paladin again. Eventually they became friends, and he even attended her graduation.
Before Helen eventually moved to Heldren, Olybrius advised her to remember that she had talents of her own, with which she could help others much like he had helped her years earlier. As it happens, Helen met a young lady in Heldren who had a troubled past (and terrible diction) but was trying her best to make a life for herself. Filled with compassion for this youth (named Katarina, or "Kat"), Helen befriended her and offered to help educate her, teaching her about language and literature in hopes of broadening her horizons and enabling new opportunities for her life.
making sure my name is in here, so new posts show up. I will connect to Katarina obviously, and then someone else. A need a few minutes to read up on backstories so I can find a well written backstory connection.
oh yeah just one thing: but remember you need to chose someone just because they used you. Did you mean to say need not?
Katarina "Kat": I'll try not to mess with your backstory too much considering my character obviously came from another realm.
"The orb, I remember it. It was the one item I made a fair bargain and deal with. I don't know why, but I knew there was something I had to do with that orb. My mentor told me to buy it off of that street seller fair and square. I was told to place the orb in a certain location by my mentor. He told me I would not see it again for a long time but that I would know of its presence somehow when I got close. I was instructed to throw the orb off of a tall building into the air towards a certain location. He let me know of a very small but invisible portal in mid air that was about 3 feet in radius and pointed out the dimensions. He knew I would get one chance and he knew it had to be done at a certain time, but he knew I could do it. Not to mention I had to also get to the roof of the building and that was hard. So I threw the orb and it disappeared. It must have gone through that portal. And then it closed and sealed shut forever as I saw it turn visible and happen. I thought my mentor had put me under a test, but he did not. It was not until I had reached Heldren that I sensed the orb. It was nearby. And I had not seen it for months, maybe even years. Just then this girl named Katarina told me about an orb that she ended up with and did not know how she got that orb. That it was in her pack. Just then it hit me. It was a perfect set up. Someone from that other realm made sure she was in a certain place at a certain time and that her pack was open so that it would land there. Something tells me that the Genie I had made a deal with was watching all along and that he had a lot to do with this. In fact, she was one of the first people I had meet in Heldren."
And actually that connection is perfect, I did want to take a few levels as Sorcerer as well.
Now to connect to a 2nd person
The first time Tursk met The Boulder, the giant man had just thrown someone through a window. Tursk went to tend the fallen man. But before he could look him over for injuries, a shadow loomed over him. So the cleric looked up.
And up.
The giant of a man leaned down and said in a deadly, quiet tone, "The woman said, no. Now apologize before I break your face. Again."
The Erastilan looked down to see that the fallen man in his arms, was Tythros - a well known neerdowell who often traveled back and forth from Demgazi to Heldren. He was a miscreant who had been warned before to behave.
"You idiot! Do you know who I am? Who my father is?! You'd hit me over some stupid wh-"
Tursk slammed the man's head into the ground, knocking him unconscious. The giant smiled back at the action.
"Nicely done. Whoever you are."
"Tursk. I'm from the temple."
"A priest?"
"On occasion."
And then they were surrounded by Tythros' retinue. They blaggards out-numbered them by 3 to 1. But when they saw the giant man pick up a table with one hand and slam it into 2 of them, they realized they should have brought more.
Twenty minutes later, Barl and Tursk were sitting at the bar having a drink and a good laugh, while Tythros and his men were bleeding and unconscious in the town jail.
Olybrius sat there in the Stoat (Being in Heldren to visit his dear friend Helen), listening to this newcomer 'Jack' (an odd name but maybe he was from Galt. Odd people there). The man was something else, talking about this deed to a parcel of land. The description was like out of a story, castles and guards and all. How a man as disheveled as he had gotten such a thing meant one of several things: He was a crank trying to con someone into buying a useless scrap of paper; He was a crank who was trying to convince himself he had bought something other than a scrap of useless paper; He really did own the land; Or he was just out there.
Downing the last of the local ale, Olybrius stood up and approached him. "A deed? My family are nobles around these parts." Stroking his beard to show that he was indeed a 'Beared noble' (silly beard laws in Taldor), he pats Jack on the shoulder. "If you wish, I could have the deed looked into, see if anything has come to it since your recent acquisition of those lands."
And, if the story he had gotten back were to be believed, the lands Jack was now sole owner of, were very much doing well. He wasn't all there still, talking about the odd lands he had come from with odd names such as Tethyr and Calimshan. Odd peoples too, from the sounds of it, too.
"You know, Jack, I know someone who might be able to help you with the lands. Big tall fellow, needs some work. Ran afoul of some unscrupulous fellow. His name's Barl. His friends call him 'the Boulder'." With a soft smile, he chuckles.
"You'll find his nickname fits him."
Vic remembers well the first time that he crossed paths with Helen Gardamum. It was when they both resided in the capital city of Oppara. Often, when Vic would come across some items of magical interest, he would sell the procured goods to students at the school of magic. He found that having contacts in the school could only prove beneficial to him in the future, and besides, he often received more than he could get from an unknowledgeable fence.
Upon absconding with a small book with strange writings from a local lord's residence, a feat of no small task, Vic headed to the school to find out what he could get for the book. After speaking to a few different newer students, Vic was lucky enough to be directed to Helen. Helen Gardamum was an Ulfen from far to the north, but she was a prodigy, especially in matters of linguistics and magic.
She was more than willing to share her skills, and although she had no interest in purchasing the item, she did place Vic in contact with the ultimate purchaser, a professor, that yielded him quite a gain. Vic appreciated the talents of Helen, and he could imagine seeking her out again in the future. Imagine his surprise when he saw the wizard sitting at a table alone in a local establishment in the small town of Heldren! Well, this certainly calls for a drink.
According to Merrill, they were still several hours from the town of Heldren when it happened. Kat was getting anxious to see the place. From what Merrill said, she was afraid she would find it dull after some of the other places they’d been. Yet, at the moment, just about anywhere would be preferable to sitting on this hard wooden bench as the wagon Having passed a few outlying farms scattered here and there, the two women were now traveling in a section of dense forest. The dirt road was heavily rutted from others’ passage in the recent rain, and Kat was fighting drowsiness when there was a sudden ‘pop’ and a lurch which nearly rolled her off her seat. They were stuck! One corner of the wagon sunk deep in mud and its wheel tilted unnaturally upon its axle as it sunk into the mud. Kat looked down at it from her perch and swore colorfully.
“Language young lady.” Merrill chided as she gingerly climbed down to take a look. They spent the next hour trying to get themselves unstuck, but the job was too much for the two women, especially with one being a slight Halfling. They were seated on a fallen log just off the path contemplating what they should do when a well-built man came walking up the path, a brace of freshly caught rabbit hanging from a cord at his waist.
”Hello there.” He called. ”Need some help?” Merrill scrabbled down from the log to approach the stranger as Kat remained where she was, watching warily as the two spoke. Finally the stranger looked over at her and waved.
“I think I may need some help with this, do you mind?” She glanced at Merrill who gave her a nod, and Kat shrugged and started towards the wagon. Bet I could outrun him if it comes to it, he moves a bit clumsy.
The stranger smiled, offered her his hand. ”I’m Tursk” Kat looked down at it, then up again at him. She found herself smiling in return. The stranger had an infectious smile and an easy manner. She took his hand. “Kat. Call me Kat.” she replied. Together, they put their backs to the wagon and heaved.
The next time Kat say Tursk was a month or two later. Having landed a job, she was working at the inn when that Tythros came in again, already partly drunk from the looks of it. After the second time of her having to slap the fool’s hands away, a huge bear of a man the next table over suddenly had enough, grabbed the troublemaker by the collar and tossed him through the window like one might toss a pillow. Kat could only gape as the giant then followed the other man through the window. By the time she gathered the presence of mind to make her way to see, the giant and another were being surrounded by the gang of thugs. One near the window was drawing a knife. Kat brought the pitcher of ale she was carrying crashing down on his head.
When it was over, she brought another pitcher to the table where the two men sat laughing. She glanced at Tursk as she set it down before them. That’ll be two good turns I’m owin’ him now for. It was no good, being in another’s debt, that was for sure. She smiled though. You didn’t need ta do that, but thanks. This’n tis on the house.”
*******
”Not smart to steal from a thief kid.” My heart skipped a beat then sank. I was caught. Alone in Zamir, a city I didn’t know very well, in an alley. Not good. ”We already know all the tricks, can sense one of them being used on us.”
I backed up, tryin’ ta get some distance. I saw a bit of ‘is looks, he had ears a lil like mine. Not quite elven, but almost. Odd that little detail stood out like that.
”Look, just give it back and we’ll call it square.”
Yeah right! I took off, silently wondering whether liftin’ that shiny scale off this guy might end up bein’ the first or the second stupidest thing I’ve done in quite a while. Old habits be hard ta break sometimes
It was no good. His legs were bigger and I had no idea where I was goin. My hands closed on the orb I found. Merrill says its magic, helps me control it. I was tryin’ to remember what to do. I only juss learned it the night before. It went off before I was ready. When I came to, the guy was snorin’ face down on the ground next to me. I was all dizzy and stuff like ya get sometimes when you get woken early aftah a long nap. I reached in my pack. The scale was still there. Time to go. Time to lay low awhile.
Barl hadn't been in Zimar long, but he already didn't like it. Everywhere that he looked another of the Taldan soldiers seemed to be giving him the sink eye. He had to offload this last shipment and he could get the heck out of here. His contacts name was Vic loff.. something. He couldn't remember. He had a location and description, that was enough.
When Barl rolled into the appointed tavern, he noticed Vic right away. The description that he had gotten was good enough, but there was something else. The half elf looked.. nervous? Huh, he doesn't want to be here either. The ulfen thought.
Upon sitting down and introductions, Barl discovered that the local military was none too kind to folks, especially strangers, living on the outskirts of the law. A few nervous glances and quickly chugged beers later and the duo decided that safety could be found in numbers and even greater safety could be found somewhere not called Zamir. They made haste to a small town called Heldren just a bit to the north east, where Vic promised Barl there would be fewer armed guardsmen and ample floor space in the common room of the small lodge called the Silver Stoat.
"Sounds like home." Barl responded with a too hard pat on his new traveling friends back.
Vic enjoyed the company of the large Ulfen known as "the Boulder". They met under a shared distate for the unwanted attention they received in Zamir. Now they were entering the Silvet Stoat, and his new friend seemed pleased. That was when Vic noticed Helen.
See, I told you, Boulder. I knew you would like this place, and it sure does have a touch of home for you. See the Ulfen lass in the corner. I just happen to know her as well. Be careful though, she is a smart one.
Vic approaches the barkeep.
Three ales, fine barkeep. One for me and my friend, and please send another to that lass in the corner.
My second connection as hinted to me by Olybrius Naercroft
Jack then approaches Boulder. "So I heard you can help me with this." As he shows him the deed and has a hard time explaining but does manage to explain.
"Oh, yes, I can help you," Boulder says in a deep voice, "but this will be a test of strength and bravery." The big man takes a deep breath. "Cunning and quick is nice, but are you up for the challenge? This is unlike anything you have ever faced."
"You must an honest living, con and trick the bad guys, not the good guys or the innocents. One more thing, I'm a day behind on delivering a couple of packages." As he hands them the addresses. "I need to guard a Caravan today, do this for me for today, I'll help you fight your way through that land you seek." Jack did this and paid Boulder the full amount of money.
When he gets back to Boulder very late that night. "Well it is about time." as Boulder seemed a little pissed. But he calms down in a few seconds. "But I can tell you actually delivered the packages to where they went, did not con anyone, did not keep them for yourself, oh and what is this, you did not pocket any of the money for yourself! Alright, it will be a long journey ahead, but you can do it."
Tursk was not often called upon to lead Mass at the Temple. But it just so happened that he was when Olybrius walked in. The man was impossible to ignore what with his finery and coiffed beard.
A nobleman, Tursk realized with a smattering of annoyance. But he beat the negative thought out of his head. All folk of goodly hearts were welcome in the Temple of Old Deadeye. And since the rich man hadn't exploded into flames upon entering, he probably wasn't an evil outsider.
Afterwards, he noticed the other worshippers giving the man a wide berth. Tursk shook his head in amusement. The folk of Heldren were a tolerant lot, despite being mostly human. Other races made their homes there with no fuss to speak of. Even the occasional tiefling passed on by with not so much as a second glance.
But a rich, bearded man was a whole other story.
"Can I help you?"
The noble turned toward him, seeming almost startled, but not quite. The man was clearly a trained warrior. Probably had fencing lessons, Tursk though haughtily.
It turned out that Olybrius wanted to hire him as a guide. Specifically he wanted to find some way-markers that could plot a piece of land for a claim.
And so early the next morning, the two set off to the Border Wood. The trek was tense and awkward to say the least. Tursk simply could not get over his initial disliking of the man.
That night they were roasting a pair of wild chickens, when out from nowhere they were beset by goblins. The goblin pack surrounded them from all sides. It looked hopeless.
"For Iomedae!" Olybrius shouted. Between the two of them, they managed to turn an ambush into a route.
Afterwards, Tursk thanked him and apologized for his behavior.
"You didn't deserve that. I am sorry."
Later that night, he prayed to Erastil.
"Thank you, Old Deadeye, for teaching me humility.
Lets see if I have everyone connections here.
Helen Olybrus and Kat
Jack Kat and Olybrius
TurskBarl and Olybrius
Olybris Jack and Barl( I think?)
Vic Helen and Barl
Kat Tursk and ? ( I am not sure, you never say a name)
Barl Vic and ?
Also yes, you DO Not need to choose someone because they choose you. I think I would like to get use rolling on Wednesday.
Could you please put up the game play thread so we could dot. It makes it easier to know when there are updates.
Oh sorry. Second was Vic.
You have it right, Seeker!
I do not open a thread until I am ready to start, rushing to get them open lets me make mistakes as I did with this one. I have a few thinks I wish to cover this evening and I'll get the play thread up sometimes on Wednesday.
Vic was right, Barl liked the Stoat. Generally a pretty merry place, it still had room for the occasional dust up, which suited him fine. Another thing he liked was Kat. After the incident with the sleeze from Demgazi having a face first meeting with the plate glass window, she bought him a pitcher, the was plenty of thanks for Barl. But she didn't stop there, she shouted warnings to him two(!) separate occasions when he was almost busted peeing out back by the owner of the Stoat. Everyone knew that peeing outside the bar got your boarding privileges revoked for the night, but The Boulder does not have a boulder sized bladder and he just hate waited in lines.
Anyway, after the night of the brawl, they got to talking and Barl discover that Kat hated the heat in this country just as much as him! Since then, any time either of them can get their hands on ice imported from the north, they are always sure to share it with each other.
A bit of a heads up, I will not be home to very, very late tonight. I'll get the first post up, but most you of will not be able to post until the morning s it will likely be around 2 or 3 AM my time.
I have added a map of Heldren and a key of locations to the Campaign information page. It seems most of you know basic posting style. But I am gonna clarify it
When your charter speaks please use bold text "As so'
When thinking to yourself please use Italics "Also like so"
If you need to use some time of telepathy or the like, use brackets around your inner speech <<< Like this here>>>
And as also used the blue OOC text for OCC
Anything else ya need to know just ask here
The game thread is now up.
Sorry I did not give you guys enough direction. For the next few days ( until about Monday) I can only post late night and likely once a day. I'll get a postup in an hour or so and give you guys a bit more direction.
One other thing we did not cover. Where are folks staying? Do you have friends or family nearby? Do some of you own homes in or near Heldren?
Barl started off sleeping on the Stoats floor every night, but after a few early morning mops to the face, he took the hint and moved. He now rents a room above the gnome Tengezil's carpentry shop. The hammering and sawing are occasionally annoying, but he enjoys the little guys antics.
Why, a modest but respectable apartment of course.
*pushes glasses up*
Probably staying with her halfling friend Merrill. Also a modest but respectable abode.
Jack is staying in the first indoors place he can find and afford, given he isn't from around here.
Olybrius is staying, much as Jack, in the first place he can rest his head that he can afford.
Vic will have likely worked his local contacts, and if there is a guild, then that is where he would stay. If not, and apartment in Blackchapel.
Tursk is from the town, and works as a Guide and Priest. So he should have a small cabin, on the edge of town.
Whoo! Crazy weekend. Catching up now, one sec.
Understand crazy weekends. I have updated the game.
um, there are no cold-iron weapons in 5e, so how do we get access to them? As I was reading the speech.
Due to a death in the family, I will be offline for the next two to three days. I apologize for the inconvinience and I thank you for your understanding.
Due to a death in the family, I will be offline for the next two to three days. I apologize for the inconvinience and I thank you for your understanding.
My condolences, Oly. Don't worry about us. Family comes first.
Sorry to hear that. :(
Aneirin, Do not worry about such things, the game will be here when you feel like returning.Family always comes first. You have my condolences for your lose.
@ Jack. Cold iron is not in 5e, but it is something that will pop up with this AP. As such, while uncommon in places, cold iron weapons can be bought at 2 times to normal cost.
I can't seem to find cold weather gear in the PHB. Would we just buy "traveler's clothes"?
So sorry for your loss Aneirin. :-(
I wouldn't worry too much about rations, since my background let's me feed up to 5 people a day with a survival check. We can forage and hunt easily enough in the wilderness.
The explorers pack had a bedroll and blanket. I don't know about the others. We should pick up some tents, too. I believe they're 20gp for a 2-person tent.
Traveler's clothes sound like they'll make a decent substitute for PFSRD cold-weather clothes. So if you don't have a pair, pick some up. I tink the GM should decide on a price for snowshoes though.
I wouldn't worry too much about rations, since my background let's me feed up to 5 people a day without a survival check. We can forage and hunt easily enough in the wilderness.
Yeah, but I don't know you. ;)
I believe they're 20gp for a 2-person tent.
Uh-oh.
Sorry for your loss, Aneirin.
No need for this to go in char so I will place it here.
The ambush site was at best guess 10 miles outside of town. And yes, I totally overlooked no cold weather cloths in the 5e PHB, just kinda assumed they would be there.
Based off the PHB, I would place it as the same cost as travelers clothing.
I go to the clothing shop and buy winter clothes assuming they have some.
2gp - Cold weather clothes
1gp - Bedroll
2gp - Tent
2gp - Rations x4
--------------------
7gp Total
Speaking of equipment, I just had a fun little roleplay thought:
So, my "trinket" is a vest with 100 tiny pockets. As a wizard, I got my choice of an arcane focus or a component pouch. What if we said that my vest was my component pouch? Not looking for any real mechanical change, just thought it'd be a fun way to tie in my trinket to the character, and I could totally picture her having memorized what component goes in each pocket. :)
How would that be?
Hysterical. Do it.
How many people can sleep in a tent...two? I will purchase the same as Helen.
Helen, sounds great, you should do that. And yes a tent sleeps two
So, we have two tents. We may need one more to cover us all.
Barl will pick up a tent, but stubbornly refuses a cold weather outfit.
If available, he will also buy 20 cold iron arrows.
He'll buy a horn of mead on his way out of the Stoat as well.
For sleeping accommodations, Barl invites anyone to share his tent, and promises that he doesn't snore. Anyone that has been around when he passes out, knows that this is untrue though. Barl seems to be in denial about the whole thing.
Sorry for the delay. I was volunteering all weekend at a convention. Catching up now.