Exactly (submit instead of preview), and you've been sneaking up on me! I said no ninja! This is Jade Regent, not American Ninja 5! ;p
Map works. Now go slice some beasts!
Male AC 17/To11/FF16, HP: 30/37 Human (Varisian/Tian mix) Cavalier 4
Izumi snarls at the creature. As if he had the skill to wield his family steel. Still not feeling up to a proper charge after the river incident, Izumi will instead step forward and ready his warhammer to receive the enemy's charge.
Moving to D.5/3.5, warhammer readied to attack, fighting defensively
Warhammer: 1d20 + 4 - 1 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 1 - 4 = 0(1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9)
Map pulls up fine on my phone, must be a caching issue. Also, not hitting on that attack xD
AC: 20
It must be a cache problem.
Regarding Knowledge checks, please roll a d20 and let me know the list of knowledges you have for identifying. I'll add the relevant bonus and let you know. Otherwise, I'm often telling what kind of monster it is by stating the category.
Round 1 - Sorin and Izumi
Izumi moves to engage the second Horror, readying a blow to the creature if it engages him. (The blow will miss.)
Sorin fires a shot at the beast, unfortunately, the presence of Izumi in the path makes it impossible for Sorin to aim accurately (Miss from soft cover.)
Pavel grunts from the pain, getting his shield into position and lashing out once more at the Brinestump Horror. AC is 18 once more.
Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 171d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Raith sees Pavel alone. He reacts rushing forward driving into the creature with a punch. The creatures moves aside and easily dodges the blow. You managed to get there, but it didn’t count as a charge.
Pavel grunts from the pain, getting his shield into position and lashing out once more at the Brinestump Horror. His aim is true and the blade cuts deep.
Garand fires another arrow, at the newly appeared beast, not trusting to his aim at the one fighting Pavel, but misses his mark completely, hitting the mound instead.
Male AC 17/To11/FF16, HP: 30/37 Human (Varisian/Tian mix) Cavalier 4
Izumi forces his shield into the enemy's face to distract him before removing it quickly to smash the hammer down, bringing his shield to bear again in one quick motion, with a quick step to the side so the archers can hit the target. 5ft step to my right
Combat Expertise -1 to hit, +1 to AC. AC 19.
Warhammer: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19(1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10)
(Mage Armor, +2 AC 1/6); DR 10/magic vs. ranged weapons (40pts); Fort+6, Ref+3, Will+5 (+2 vs. enchantments, immune sleep, resist cold 5)
Half-Elven Wizard 6
Calmly Sorin retrieves a bolt from his quiver, loads and draws, and brings the crossbow to bear on the beast, just as Izumi steps clear. Silently thanking Izumi for his situational awareness, Sorin takes a bead on the creature and fires.
Crossbow 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Sorin's bolt misses cleanly, vanishing into the undergrowth beyond the hut.
Knowledge: Arcana or History 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Raith slides over and launches a snap kick to the back of its leg and a jab to the back of its head, then says"Pavel, get over so it can't see us both at the same time."
Pavel shakes his head.
"Already guh'got me once; one muh'more like that and he'll luh'lay me out. Not gonna leave myself oh'open." I don't want to provoke the AoO that would come from moving to flank.
And he lays into it once more from behind his shield.
Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 141d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
AC 19 Touch 17) FF 16; CMD 23 (25 Grapple) Hp 58/58
Spoiler:
+4 dodge bonus FD/ 6/6 ki points
Flanking should only be a 5 foot step once the map is updated unless the bush/tree is an impediment to your movement. If the bush prevents you from flanking, I'll be able to set it up next round.
Round 2 - Izumi and Sorin
Izumi's blade finds a way around the beast's and cuts a long slash on its flank.
His movement creates an opening for Sorin, but the bolt doesn't find its mark.
Round 3 - Garand, Pavel and Raith
Garand's arrow fails to hit the Horror facing Izumi.
Raith moves in behind the Horror and hits it cleanly twice with his strikes, making it real his way.
Then Pavel, taking advantage of the opening, cuts through it's waists, ending its attacks and further conversation about flanking in bushes, whatever was meant by Raith.
The horror facing Izumi snarls as it takes a quick look at its injury, the small arms framing its fangs flailing at the warrior. It lashes from the left, then moves its head in, biting at the sword arm, but failing to pierce the armored arm!
One horror down. Group 3 then 1 are next. Sorry but I can't update the map at the moment.
Male AC 17/To11/FF16, HP: 30/37 Human (Varisian/Tian mix) Cavalier 4
Using the warhammer Celestial. Izumi left the sword at the Rusty Dragon.
Izumi exults! Clearly these creatures were no match for them now. He had learned much since his last defeat, and would not be routed again! He strikes once again with the warhammer, aiming this time for the creature's head.
"Thuh'thanks, Raith. Man, those fuh'fists of yours can really wreck somebody!"
The stuttering ranger sprints to Izumi's position and hacks at the sword-wielding beast.
Pavel advances 20 feet to DE4, beside Izumi, and swings at the remaining monster.
Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 181d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
AC 19 Touch 17) FF 16; CMD 23 (25 Grapple) Hp 58/58
Spoiler:
+4 dodge bonus FD/ 6/6 ki points
Raith grins at Pavel, "This crane mimicking fighting works don't it. I'm surprised myself. I'm going to come up on its back. Meet you there." Raith runs around the hut and comes up on the creatures back.
Double move to square E.5/3.5 to flank with Izumi.
(AC 19/t14/ff18, hp 62 of 68) Shoanti Cleric (of Erastil) 8
So many surround the last beast! Garand thinks, hesitant to unleash an arrow into the fray, but then mutters to himself, "We learn by doing. Waste no second of your too-short life." and let's fly another arrow.
shortbow, -4 for firing into melee1d20 - 2 ⇒ (8) - 2 = 6 piercing damage1d6 ⇒ 4
Round 3 - Sorin and Izumi
Izumi’s hammer crashes with great precision in the thing’s ribs, though the precision came at the cost of momentum, for it didn’t seem to affect the beast too much.
Sorin adds another bolt to the mound.
Round 4 - Garand, Pavel and Raith
Pavel moves around Izumi and joins the melee, his sword piercing the beast’s stomach, gashing grey-green blood around.
Raith makes a wide circle to end up in its back.
Garand has the hardest time aiming at the beast, with so many surrounding it. -4 in melee and -4 for soft cover...
Round 4 - Sorin and Izumi
Encouraged by his nearby allies, Izumi takes on a more offensive posture, striking out with the warhammer once again. A satisfying crunch makes him smile somewhat.
Sorin moves to get to a better position.
Round 5 - Garand, Pavel and Raith
Raith sends all limbs flying at the creature, but fails to connect clearly.
Garand changes its position and fires at the beast. Still, the heavy melee makes it difficult to get a proper shot in and his arrow flies a little close to Raith’s leg.
Finally, Pavel steps forward and swing with enough accuracy to send his own blad crashing in the creature’s collar bone. It buckles on its knees for the strength of the blow, the limbs on each side of its mouth are the first to drop, then its eyes become livid.
A moment passes where it seems to just lay there, held by the ranger’s sword. It then falls sideways at releases its clutch on its sword.
The katana of clan Chosokate, forged by a Tian master swordsmith and given by their Kaijutsu lord to his great grandfather for bravery, lands softly at Izumi’s feet...
Male AC 17/To11/FF16, HP: 30/37 Human (Varisian/Tian mix) Cavalier 4
Izumi bends down reverently to pick the blade up, dropping his warhammer with a wet thud. As Izumi picks the blade up and inspects it, memories of his father flood back to him. Izumi's lessons with the blade. His father's approving smile as Izumi finally learned the weapon properly. His father's firm hand guiding Izumi's first hammer blows on hot steel. His shock at learning of his father's death. Emotions overwhelm Izumi, and tears begin to drip down his face. A hoarse "Thank you" is all the man manages as he almost cradles the weapon, wiping clean the muck.
Several minutes pass before Izumi regains his composure, wiping the remaining tears from his eyes, once again inspecting the blade, but this time with a smith's eye, checking for any damage or inperfections it may have gained during the monster's possesion.
Planting a boot firmly on the horror's ribcage, Pavel pulls his own sword free of the dead creature. Sheathing the weapon, he seems shocked to see Izumi crying.
"Uh, yuh'you're welcome... um.. enjoy."
He points a thumb to the reeking makeshift hovel the beasts had been living in.
"I'll tuh'take a look in there... suh'see what they've done with the place."
With the casual disregard for odors or cleanliness gleaned from a lifetime of picking up after horses, Pavel crouches and enters the small mound.
(AC 19/t14/ff18, hp 62 of 68) Shoanti Cleric (of Erastil) 8
Garand leads a recalcitrant bear-spirit to the body of one of the fallen creatures, and encourages him to stomp on it, attempting to get him used to unnatural creatures, at least, in death.
He won't be able to teach him the 'attack unnatural creatures' trick until 3rd level, but he might as well take his teaching opportunities as they arise!
While bear-spirit gathers his courage to approach the dead aberration, Garand asks, "Does anyone require healing? I see that you have taken a wound, Pavel, is it serious?"
AC 19 Touch 17) FF 16; CMD 23 (25 Grapple) Hp 58/58
Spoiler:
+4 dodge bonus FD/ 6/6 ki points
"I wonder what in the Nine Hells those were. Ugly things.". Raith has a perplexed look seeing Izumi's reaction,Still a strange one.. He follows Pavel to the hut.
"Nuh'naw. I'm okay.", Pavel calls to Garand from the monster mound.
"Well, actually... if I tuh'take another one like that it cuh'could be my last. I got a puh'potion, though, if you'd rather suh'save your spell."
As you sweep the mud from the blade and the handle, hanger flashes over your eyes as you realize how much had the blade been misused by the horrors. From the looks of it, they've used the handle as a club, perhaps to beat up meat or grass or both. The blade has been used as a cleaver it seems. The activity in its steel is all but gone, as the hamon is barely discernible without proper polish. Still, the engraving long its length of a battling kami with the mons of the Chosokate and Kaijutsu clans near its head and feet, is still clearly visible and not damaged.
A slight bent appears in the blade and its edge is a little dull, with a chip halfway along its length. With proper time and care, you are confident you can repair your ancestral blade. It has the broken condition, and enough work, a good roll and some gold will bring it to masterwork status.
Pavel and Raith:
The walls of the place are decorated with nearly two dozen articles of shredded and bloodstained clothing, from smallclothes to jackets—all trophies from the look of it, 11 in all. Probably missing locals, travelers and indigents who disappeared along the banks of the Soggy River or the Lost Coast Road without anyone noticing. The state of the trophies tells you that their activity span a few years at least.
Two filthy beds of mud, reeds and brown grass lay in corners. A strange mound of what looks like a stack of nearly a dozen muddy spheres sits in another corner. Upon closer inspection, it turns out that these are the poorly preserved heads of the 11 victims, packed in mud in a grisly attempt to preserve the heads as trophies. No such luck...
The three goblin bodies can be found behind the mound.
"Thuh'that's awful.", Pavel says, holding a recently unmudded "trophy". "Whuh'we should at least cremate these puh'poor sods before we go..."
With a whispered prayer to Desna, Saerenrae and Erastil (Pavel covers his bases), the ranger starts pulling the mound apart and piling the spheres of mud outside before looking for dry tinder and kindling for a fire.
AC 19 Touch 17) FF 16; CMD 23 (25 Grapple) Hp 58/58
Spoiler:
+4 dodge bonus FD/ 6/6 ki points
A grim frown upon his face, Raith studies the heads. Raith says to Pavel, "You think we should take the heads back. See who might know'em. I can't make'em out too well."
(AC 19/t14/ff18, hp 62 of 68) Shoanti Cleric (of Erastil) 8
Garand leaves bear-spirit to growl at the body of one of the creatures, and steps to provide healing to Pavel.
"In these unclean conditions, a wound should not be left untreated." he cautions, pouring clean water from his waterskin over the injury, to flush out any dirt or impurities that may have been left there by the creature's filthy claws, and then calling upon healing energies from distant realms.
A grim frown upon his face, Raith studies the heads. Raith says to Pavel, "You think we should take the heads back. See who might know'em. I can't make'em out too well."
Pavel shakes his head.
"I don't kn'know about that. You wanna cuh'carry 'em all back? 'sides, they're pretty fuh'far gone. I'd say we ju'just burn them here, maybe Guh'Garand can say a few words since he's a h'holy man and all and that would be that. We could bruh'bring back some personal affects if you like, give anyone that knew 'em some cluh'closure."
AC 19 Touch 17) FF 16; CMD 23 (25 Grapple) Hp 58/58
Spoiler:
+4 dodge bonus FD/ 6/6 ki points
"That'd be best. I'm sure some of these folks had families missin 'em. Least the town won't have to worry about these damn ugly monsters." Raith rubs the back of his head.
Male AC 17/To11/FF16, HP: 30/37 Human (Varisian/Tian mix) Cavalier 4
After Izumi has recovered and inspected the misuse of the blade, he places it in the sheath he had been carrying around with him since the katana was lost. He listens to what the others are saying, taking a look at the monster's pile of trophies in disgust.
(Mage Armor, +2 AC 1/6); DR 10/magic vs. ranged weapons (40pts); Fort+6, Ref+3, Will+5 (+2 vs. enchantments, immune sleep, resist cold 5)
Half-Elven Wizard 6
Sorin Saldward wrote:
Calmly Sorin retrieves a bolt from his quiver, loads and draws, and brings the crossbow to bear on the beast, just as Izumi steps clear. Silently thanking Izumi for his situational awareness, Sorin takes a bead on the creature and fires.
Crossbow 1d20+2
Sorin's bolt misses cleanly, vanishing into the undergrowth beyond the hut.
Knowledge: Arcana or History 1d20+7
So did I determine anything from this roll? Or would you like me to roll again, because the last roll was in combat?
Sorin walks over and claps the emotive Izumi on the back. "Well that was excellent. I am glad that we were able to get your family sword back Izumi. Pavel, I hope that you were not wounded too badly."
Sorin pauses as he gets a better look at the creatures. They look familiar, like something that he had read about, but he couldn't immediately remember. Borrowing a trick that he had learned during his training so many years ago, he ignored the problem. If his subconscious could dredge up the information, he would remember soon enough.
But first...Sorin snapped of the simplest of all the cantrips, a single word in Draconic, a twist of the fingers on his right and his vision lept into attunement with the magical weave.
Looking at the felled monsters, you recall the tales from a few years back, when the town was in an uproar. In the aftermath of a goblin attack, a dark temple was unveiled under Sandpoint. The place was linked to the Glasswork factory of Ameiko's father. Under that temple, strange aberrations roamed the tunnels. They were called Sinspawns. These are most likely specimen that escaped the tunnels all those years ago...
Sorin:
You sense an emanation coming from a pile of wood. An old stick radiates of magic. Upon closer inspection, it seems to be a wand. An inscription on its side, almost erased by ages: Boloriam...
(Mage Armor, +2 AC 1/6); DR 10/magic vs. ranged weapons (40pts); Fort+6, Ref+3, Will+5 (+2 vs. enchantments, immune sleep, resist cold 5)
Half-Elven Wizard 6
Sorin's eyes narrow as he seems to recognize something. Sorin walks over to the outside wall of the primitive hut. After a moment of pulling at branches, he extracts what looks initially like an old dirty stick. After brushing off the surface though, it becomes apparent that there are magical inscriptions on the surface of what must be an old wand.
"Interesting, but not unexpected. These creatures are sinspawn. Vicious magical abberations created by long dead wizards, it isn't very strange for them to have a sort of rudimentary intelligence, hence the use of Izumi's family sword. So there may be other treasures inside the hut that the creatures collected. It may be worth the look."
Sorin turns his attention to the wand, continuing his use of Detect Magic.
Spellcraft vs. DC X+wand level to determine properties: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Congratulations to the players who've made it. I must say that you're writing truly humbled me. I feel a great privilege to work with you in creating this epic tale.
First, some of you didn't pick a craft or profession linked with your described occupation in Sandpoint. Please adjust your sheet accordingly.
We'll also make sure that most knowledges are covered. Same goes for language, but mostly, I'd like to make sure Ulfen and Goblinoid are covered. If that's not possible, there will be ways around it. I personally don't like Common as a concept and, if all are on board, we'll dump it, allowing you an extra language, but also removing the possibility to always have a language in common.
Male AC 17/To11/FF16, HP: 30/37 Human (Varisian/Tian mix) Cavalier 4
I believe Izumi's character sheet is complete, but please let me know if there's anything I missed, if something needs to be updated, or any other problems.
I look forward to playing this with you guys.
As far as the common thing goes: The reason why common is what it is is largely due to the Taldan empire (as Common is Taldan). If we are to drop the 'common' tongue, I assume Taldan would replace it, and simply be far less widespread (being spoken mostly by folks right along the inner sea)?
(AC 19/t14/ff18, hp 62 of 68) Shoanti Cleric (of Erastil) 8
Woo, made it in! Thanks!
I tried so hard to make Garand work as a Nature Oracle, but, wow, the reduced saves, different ability focus (more Cha, less Wis) and loss of the bow kinda slew me. So, Druid he is and always shall be.
I really loved the flavor of the Natural Divination revelation, so I might just make Garand into haruspicy as a flavor thing, even if it gives him no bonus.
From a meta-perspective, it's probably for the best that he didn't go Nature Oracle, since having a high-Cha character in a party of average-Cha characters could mess with the relationship mechanics.
.
Sorin as an Abjurer is neat. I bet that ability to swap Fire Resistance to Cold Resistance is gonna come in handy, at some point!
James Keegan - Pavel (H Ranger, Caravan Guard (Sandru))
Set - Garand Stone-of-the-Moon (H bear shaman Druid, TBA)
Ameiko's milkshake has all the boys coming to her yard, it seems, and we've also got a pair of Caravan Guards whose primary relationship tie will be to Sandru.
My three preferred options were; Childhood Crush (Sandru), Rescued (Kora) and Student Survivalist (Shalelu). Sandru's already gonna have two people with relationship ties to him, through Caravan Guard, and I was a little uncertain as to whether I was up for role-playing a same-sex attraction anyway. Plus it could get a bit yakkety-sax if three of the five of us had Childhood Crushes... We've got no other healer, so Rescued (Kora), which gives a smidge of extra healing, probably makes the most sense, party-wise. Poor Shalelu. She's the NPC that nobody invites to the prom!
Male(s) 27 Ducks in a James suit Duck 27/ Expert 5
Yeah, true. I could switch to a Shalelu trait that makes sense, too so that we have everyone covered- it's weird, but she seemed popular with everyone else that applied, so I thought I'd go for Sandru.
Male Tiefling (Devil Blood) Magus 1 (Blackblade Kensai)
Nice. I made it. Thanks for the chance.
I'll have everything complete and ready with a new alias with the proper name ready to go shortly. I don't like to create an alias unless I'm sure I'll use it because the board doesn't allow you to erase them. I'm so glad you picked a reasonable number of characters. Another good sign.
So I'm going to assume our version of common is the local language common to Sandpoint. I think it is Varisian? I get to take one other language even though I lack an intelligence bonus. Think I might go with goblin. Sort of fits he would learn the language of the enemy he hates the most. And they're local, since he hasn't traveled much. Even though common does make life easy, I do like the feel of not having a common language. English is the real world's common, but everyone does not speak it everywhere you go.
AC 19 Touch 17) FF 16; CMD 23 (25 Grapple) Hp 58/58
Spoiler:
+4 dodge bonus FD/ 6/6 ki points
Here is Raith for you to look over. I think everything is done. His Handyman Toolbox I purchased for the same price as Artisan's Tools. Figure they are the standard items you would find in a toolbox for making minor repairs.
Raith speaks Varisian as his base language. Gave him goblin as the language for losing common. Figured he learned some from the locals so he would know when he was fighting them. He has a real hatred of goblins, even if they're friendly.
The shurikens he carries are a real basic design he asked the local blacksmith to make. Not the shuriken of the east, but they do the job.
For the DM:
Some additional character information:
1. Raith's never killed anything. He's never even fought in public or in a real fight. As far as anyone knows he's a local no more capable of fighting than the standard farmer or craftsman. Neither Ameiko nor Belor knows he can fight.
2. You can use Tsuto as you wish. I didn't decide whether he was a pure ghost or a ghost possessing someone to interact with the world physically. Up to you which he is because as far as Raith knows, he is a man watching out for his sister. Use him as you want. I threw him in as a flavor element for you to play with.
One thing about language (I wasn't clear enough) is that I meant you could replace Common with a native language, like Varisian. I meant you don't have to know Taldan/Common.
That way, you can have an extra language if you already had to take a native language, but if you had only Common (you had no extra), it doesn't help.
That means Raith, for example, could have Taldan or Varisian instead of Common, but that doesn't give him an extra language.
Set: I think the link with Koya makes more sense, for all the reasons you've mentioned.
Let me know when you've updated your background to reflect this. When I read it, it was harder for me to get a sense of how Garand is related to the town and its people on a daily basis.
My three preferred options were; Childhood Crush (Sandru), Rescued (Kora) and Student Survivalist (Shalelu). Sandru's already gonna have two people with relationship ties to him, through Caravan Guard, and I was a little uncertain as to whether I was up for role-playing a same-sex attraction anyway. Plus it could get a bit yakkety-sax if three of the five of us had Childhood Crushes... We've got no other healer, so Rescued (Kora), which gives a smidge of extra healing, probably makes the most sense, party-wise. Poor Shalelu. She's the NPC that nobody invites to the prom!
Posted about this before, but it seems that it got eaten. If we want to have ties to each friendly character, I can switch from a Sandru trait to a Shalelu trait without much alteration.
Set: I think the link with Koya makes more sense, for all the reasons you've mentioned.
Let me know when you've updated your background to reflect this. When I read it, it was harder for me to get a sense of how Garand is related to the town and its people on a daily basis.
Here's the updated final bit of backstory, working Koya and 'Rescued' into it.
Quote:
After a time in Kaer Maga, which he found a spiritually toxic place, where the people with their many babbling tongues and perverted notions of right and wrong hide their shame from the sky above beneath vast ceilings of stone, he found his way south, serving as guard and guide to a caravan led by a Varisian man, Sandru, that he felt laughed too much to be trusted (an overreaction from his previous experiences in Kaer Maga, where there was a knife behind every smile).
Just as the caravan reached Sandpoint, Goblins attacked, and he found himself caught up in the battle, separated from bear-spirit and confused. He slew one, but another cut his leg with a rusty bit of metal, and he fell to be trampled by a panicking horse. He woke to Koya's chanting, which he clung to like a rope, dragging him from the dark waters of the underworld. Bear-spirit was there, having fared much better, and he recognized Koya as a shaman like his companion, and allowed her to perform her healing magics upon Garand, although he allowed no one else to approach. Garand feels that he owes Koya a life-debt, that will not be easily repaid.
Recovering in Sandpoint, allowed to stay in the then-empty lodgings of Shalelu, he found several people whose stories intrigued him and spoke to his own struggles with family and finding one's place in the world, such as Ameiko, exotic woman from an exotic land, not only without kin, but separated from her own people and their ways by uncounted miles, and wise Koya, who seems to have blossomed at an age where most would wither, excited by the prospect of no longer living the life that had been set down for her, and travelling far, to see instead the wonders of the world. Bold Sandru increasingly turns away from the plans his family have for the future, wishing to chart his own path, and the elf Shalelu has turned away not only from a different culture, but a different people entirely, to live among a race that must, at times, seem alien to her.
He respects and admires Koya, with her youthful soul and hard-won wisdom, and Sandru, whose cheerful demeanor he has come to see is a mask that hides a heart heavy with the weight of his family's expectations, and Shalelu, who takes the world on her own terms, like a proud hunting cat, coming and going as she pleases.
Ameiko remains a mystery to him, and one that has not yet piqued his interest.
AC 19 Touch 17) FF 16; CMD 23 (25 Grapple) Hp 58/58
Spoiler:
+4 dodge bonus FD/ 6/6 ki points
The Celestial Bureaucracy wrote:
Raith: sheet looks good.
One thing about language (I wasn't clear enough) is that I meant you could replace Common with a native language, like Varisian. I meant you don't have to know Taldan/Common.
That way, you can have an extra language if you already had to take a native language, but if you had only Common (you had no extra), it doesn't help.
That means Raith, for example, could have Taldan or Varisian instead of Common, but that doesn't give him an extra language.
As a Varisian human, I received Common and Varisian as my starting tongues. I assumed that you wanted me to replace Common with only Varisian and were allowing me to choose a second language since I lost one language by giving up Common. So do you want me to only have Varisan and simply give up Common? Or is taking Goblin ok as a replacement for the extra language I would have had?
Raith: Oops, I wasn't aware of this. I'm from the old way I guess...
So then it's like you said. Your area language replaces Common, you can still take it/Taldan, as it is spoken in many areas (but not so much where you're heading), or pick another, for instance Goblin in Raith's case.
I hope I'm clearer than I think I am...
Please take a look at your different knowledges, in case some fine tuning can be done to cover more obscure ones (it looked pretty good so far, maybe too much geography, but that was expected).
AC 19 Touch 17) FF 16; CMD 23 (25 Grapple) Hp 58/58
Spoiler:
+4 dodge bonus FD/ 6/6 ki points
Got it. I'll keep Goblin.
I have only Knowledge (Local). Fits with his background. He hasn't been many places. So he mostly knows his own area. He's the kind of guy that likes to know whatever area he goes to, so I'll be building it up as he learns about more areas.
Hopefully Sorin is the high intel sagely geek that knows tons about everything.
Male(s) 27 Ducks in a James suit Duck 27/ Expert 5
Since it makes sense for Garand (as the guide) to have geography, I can swap that for dungeoneering or stick it into swim. Should I switch to a Shalelu trait, DW?
(Mage Armor, +2 AC 1/6); DR 10/magic vs. ranged weapons (40pts); Fort+6, Ref+3, Will+5 (+2 vs. enchantments, immune sleep, resist cold 5)
Half-Elven Wizard 6
I am here...just a few hours behind ya'll. I am trying to figure out the same language issue. If Taldan=Common, then I covered the regional languages for Cheliax with that and Infernal. I switched undercommon to Varisian, and I plan for Sorin to learn Minkai as soon as it becomes reasonable.
I dumped Perception(ouch) and picked up Profession (scribe) per your request CB.
@the guys: Sorin has Arcana, History, and Geo as his knowledges. Expect to grab Engineering, Planes and religion as time passes.
I will try to post the opening tonight (within twelve hours). I tend to group combat, so be careful out there. Also, I'm getting you right at the edge of the marsh, and summarize how you got there. This is to get us quickly in the thick of it.
So who knows who from where?
Garand, Izumi, Raith and Pavel are from around here, right? How do you know each other? What's the link with Sorin?
AC 19 Touch 17) FF 16; CMD 23 (25 Grapple) Hp 58/58
Spoiler:
+4 dodge bonus FD/ 6/6 ki points
Raith knows Pavel, they might even be friends. I think they are about the same age and probably occasionally run into each other about town. Raith does repair work at the stables or for caravans when they need it. He's somewhat impressed by Pavel's stories and work as a caravan guard. Makes him think about doing as much himself.
Raith knows Izumi from his association with Ameiko. Probably doesn't care for Izumi's relationshiop with Ameiko and considers him a competitor. Though he feels Izumi's got one up on him being a well-traveled man with some fighting skill. Probably a bit envious of Izumi. Given Izumi's charisma, he probably wins a smile or some kind words from Ameiko more often than Raith. Raith probably resents that, though I imagine he fears Izumi a bit.
Raith's probably seen Garand in passing, but doesn't know the man well seeing as they don't speak the same language. Probably gets a polite nod on the occasions they do see each other.
Probably only met Sorin in passing while doing work for people in the caravan or when Sorin might have visited The Rusty Dragon.
Male AC 17/To11/FF16, HP: 30/37 Human (Varisian/Tian mix) Cavalier 4
Izumi's left Sandpoint behind, so I doubt he had any real friends there. He may be acquainted with the other party members, but I doubt he knows them anymore than having seen them around town.
AC 19 Touch 17) FF 16; CMD 23 (25 Grapple) Hp 58/58
Spoiler:
+4 dodge bonus FD/ 6/6 ki points
Celestial,
I made a minor character change. Reduced his charisma to 8 and boosted his intelligence to 12. Added Swim skill. I had to drop Swim for a profession and knowledge skill, so I added it back. Hate having characters without swim. Seems like such a common skill to learn, especially during older times.
Added Tian which which learned from Tsuto during his training and Ameiko while being at the bar with her.
I lowered the charisma to show more of the gruff, quiet personality. Iboosted his intelligence because I picture him being a fairly smart person, even if not particularly educated.
(Mage Armor, +2 AC 1/6); DR 10/magic vs. ranged weapons (40pts); Fort+6, Ref+3, Will+5 (+2 vs. enchantments, immune sleep, resist cold 5)
Half-Elven Wizard 6
I thought with Pavel and Sorin both being carvan guards for Sandru, Sorin for nearly two years, that they would be well established comrades. Caravans are large, but after a few weeks of traveling on the road, you get to know everyone pretty well...especially after sitting up long nights on watch with nothing to do but talk in an attempt to stay awake.
Between caravan trips Sorin has been acting as an unofficial Sandpoint scribe for whoever needs assistance. Additionally, he spends a lot of time with Brodert Quink, digging through the man's collection of books. He rents a room from Brodert when in Sandpoint. Evenings are spent in the Rusty Dragon, talking to travelers, reading one of Quink's books or doing some writing.
It makes sense that Raith and Sorin are aquianted but not friends/companions.
Izumi's left Sandpoint behind, so I doubt he had any real friends there. He may be acquainted with the other party members, but I doubt he knows them anymore than having seen them around town.
For sure though he knows Raith very well, if only as a rival! If one accepts a mandate to impress Ameiko, the other wouldn't want to be left behind...
I thought with Pavel and Sorin both being carvan guards for Sandru, Sorin for nearly two years, that they would be well established comrades. Caravans are large, but after a few weeks of traveling on the road, you get to know everyone pretty well...especially after sitting up long nights on watch with nothing to do but talk in an attempt to stay awake.
Between caravan trips Sorin has been acting as an unofficial Sandpoint scribe for whoever needs assistance. Additionally, he spends a lot of time with Brodert Quink, digging through the man's collection of books. He rents a room from Brodert when in Sandpoint. Evenings are spent in the Rusty Dragon, talking to travelers, reading one of Quink's books or doing some writing.
It makes sense that Raith and Sorin are aquianted but not friends/companions.
Good points, so Pavel should stay with Sandru. This would be the link for Sorin.
Male AC 17/To11/FF16, HP: 30/37 Human (Varisian/Tian mix) Cavalier 4
The Celestial Bureaucracy wrote:
For sure though he knows Raith very well, if only as a rival! If one accepts a mandate to impress Ameiko, the other wouldn't want to be left behind...
I doubt Izumi thinks too highly of the scholarly Raith. Ameiko is obviously a woman who likes a man of action! Izumi doesn't see Raith as real competition (though that may change).
Switched geography to dungeoneering. I'm good with connections Raith and Sorin have written up. I can take Ulfen in lieu of Common if no one else speaks it- we can say my dad was from the Land of the Linnorm Kings.
AC 19 Touch 17) FF 16; CMD 23 (25 Grapple) Hp 58/58
Spoiler:
+4 dodge bonus FD/ 6/6 ki points
We're going to have to chip in as a group for a wand or two and be careful. I know Celestial said he likes to run fewer, meaner encounters. That could be rough on us without channel energy. We'll see how we do.
I wanted to start as soon as possible. Don't worry, you can work on your sheet at your own pace.
Regarding taking 10, I don't always like the rules for them. If you're not sure, mention you take 10 if possible, then please roll anyway, if only to save time and a discussion.
Let me know if you're uncomfortable with this.
The dynamics so far are interesting, to say the least. I hope we can harness them into a compelling tale.
AC 19 Touch 17) FF 16; CMD 23 (25 Grapple) Hp 58/58
Spoiler:
+4 dodge bonus FD/ 6/6 ki points
I use take 10 because of the number of rolls it takes for climbing if you do otherwise. Normally a climb roll is made for each round of movement. Which could be a lot of rolls on a road. I'll assume because of the nature of PbP, you'll be condensing the number of rolls to speed the process. I'm ok with that.
Just remembering a situation where the climb couldn't even be made with a take 10 for some, took them about 50 rolls to get out of the pit because we had no rope. It got ridiculous. I hope we're better equipped.
I'm thinking marching order:
Pavel (Tracker)
Izumi (Frontline fighter)
Garand and Bear
Sorin
Raith (Rear Guard)
(Mage Armor, +2 AC 1/6); DR 10/magic vs. ranged weapons (40pts); Fort+6, Ref+3, Will+5 (+2 vs. enchantments, immune sleep, resist cold 5)
Half-Elven Wizard 6
Nope...no rope. We will have to see how this plays out. I think that if we play smartly, we will be ok with only a druid. I think it will be interesting as instead of spontaneous heals, he gets the spontaneous summons, thus he will always have offensive options no matter the underlying spell loadout that he takes.
And I think that you are right on the marching order Raith.
@Celestial. I think that this story will take a while to develop. I think it will get interesting story-wise once we are interacting with the NPCs more. That will allow the Raith/Izumi competition to really get interesting.
I just noticed. Our only source of healing is a druid. That will be a first for me.
Let's do this.
I'm in a Carrion Crown (with James) with no cleric and no druid, only an oracle. It's tough! But it's fun!
Carrion Crown with no Cleric? Madness! :)
Anywho, bear (ha, I slay me) in mind that, unlike an Oracle, with their fancy-schmancy three spells a day at 1st level, a Druid only has the one. Adding in the Wisdom bonus, that's *two* cure light wounds a day. Until we can afford a Healer's Kit (too pricy at 1st level with average wealth), Treat Deadly Wounds via the Heal skill is also not much of an option (DC 24, to get 1 hp back. DC 29 to get 4 hp back.).
So, keep an eye on those hit points fellas! And let's try not to take too much falling damage on our way to the encounter, 'cause I'd hate to enter combat having already used up our healing for the day!
As sole healer, Garand is probably not going to get to prepare an actual druid spell (like entangle or charm animals) for a few levels, until we can get the wand of cure light wounds, etc. going, but I'm used to that from previous experiences playing a druid as sole healer.
Fortunately, Garand has a bear and a bow, so he's functional even without spellcasting. :)
AC 19 Touch 17) FF 16; CMD 23 (25 Grapple) Hp 58/58
Spoiler:
+4 dodge bonus FD/ 6/6 ki points
We're also not sure how much access Celestial will allow us to purchase magic items. So we might even be stuck shelling out coin for Sorin to make a bunch of scrolls for Garand. Or buying a bunch of potions. I guess we'll see how he handles that.
AC 19 Touch 17) FF 16; CMD 23 (25 Grapple) Hp 58/58
Spoiler:
+4 dodge bonus FD/ 6/6 ki points
Izumi Chosokate wrote:
Arrrg it's a dead deer RUNNNN
Haha. Be like the movie Almost Heroes when they saw the squirrel and started blasting away as if their life depended on it. Or Monty Python and the Holy Grail when the rabbit comes out. Though that rabbit was terrifying.
(Mage Armor, +2 AC 1/6); DR 10/magic vs. ranged weapons (40pts); Fort+6, Ref+3, Will+5 (+2 vs. enchantments, immune sleep, resist cold 5)
Half-Elven Wizard 6
I think Python is more appropriate. In our case we won't even know that it is a "bad thing" until it starts munching on us...just like the Knights of the Round Table.
(Mage Armor, +2 AC 1/6); DR 10/magic vs. ranged weapons (40pts); Fort+6, Ref+3, Will+5 (+2 vs. enchantments, immune sleep, resist cold 5)
Half-Elven Wizard 6
Sorin is with Pavel in being oblivious to the rivalry between Izumi and Raith. He just wasn't around to see enough to pick up that something is going on between them.
