Female Elf Ninja 3 | HP: 15/19 | AC 16/13 (Touch & Flat-Footed) | Saves: +2 Fort, +7 Reflex, +1 Will (+2 vs. enchantments) | Initiative: +3 | Perception: +8 | Sense Motive: +3|Ki Pool: 3/4
Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Alara shakes her head to clear her mind, then looks over to where William is pointing. Her face pales a bit and she readies an arrow in her bow.
Male Human (Varisian) Bard 3 | hp: 21/21 | AC 15 | T 12 | FF 13 | CMD 14 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +4 | +4 vs bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent effects | Init +2 | Perc +6 | Sense Motive +7
Jail:
@Alara
Piper blushes even more at seeing your curves. He turns his head away in embarrassment, not really knowing if you would feel offended at his staring. 'I can't believe this. Here I am, staring at her backside. She shouldn't be stared at in such a manner. What's going on?!' As you lead him, you can't help but notice his appearance as well. His school uniform and armor show that he doesn't have much muscle definition, but his body does show that he's lithe, like that of a runner. Despite being in his early twenties, he could be mistaken for being in his late teens. His eyes are a deep green, full of life, happiness and curiosity. However, if you were to look deeper, you would see pain and sadness in his eyes. His black hair falls to his shoulders, neat, clean, and wavy. He stands at 5'8", coming around to your chin. His face is currently a deep red. The hand that you have a grasp on is a little calloused, his fingers seeming to be quite nimble.
@Marik Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
He sees the footprints and draws his rapier. He spins it a few times on his index finger before firmly grasping the hilt. His keen eyes are scanning his surroundings, particularly the water. He manages to sign with one hand: 'Agreed, Alara.'
Female Elf Ninja 3 | HP: 15/19 | AC 16/13 (Touch & Flat-Footed) | Saves: +2 Fort, +7 Reflex, +1 Will (+2 vs. enchantments) | Initiative: +3 | Perception: +8 | Sense Motive: +3|Ki Pool: 3/4
Jailhouse Blues: The Conclusion:
Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
She glances back at you, her blush having faded for the most part. She notices just where your eyes wandered to... and smiles. Your favorite happy, joyful smile, in fact. However, it rapidly turns to a teasing grin.
"It's one of my best features, I think. I'll let you decide what I mean by that." With that, she lets go of your hand when she sees the party standing at the entrance to town.
Male Human Loot Samurai 3 | HP: 22/26 | AC: 18 T: 13 FF: 15 | Init +3 | Perception +6 | CMB: +4 | CMD: 17 | Fort +3 | Ref +4 | Will +1 | Sense Motive +6 |
Masamune looks at the others.
"Be ready it might be goblins."
Masamune tries to see if there is anything in the water.
Perception:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Jail:
Masamune laughs at Vincent's attempt to scare him.
"That's not how you scare someone. This is how you scare someone."
Masamune's next words are devoid of all emotion.
"If I ever see you out of that cell I will kill you. You should have been put down like a rabid dog before, but some people were too weak. I am not that weak. Test me, and you will die."
Intimidate:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
After speaking Masamune leaves without waiting for a reply from Vincent.
Male Human (Varisian) Bard 3 | hp: 21/21 | AC 15 | T 12 | FF 13 | CMD 14 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +4 | +4 vs bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent effects | Init +2 | Perc +6 | Sense Motive +7
Jail: Conclusion:
@Alara
As you walk away, Piper stands there, face red in shock. 'Was she okay with me staring at her body? Oh, this is going to be interesting.' He looks down for a few seconds, then raises his head with a smile. By the time he reaches the rest of the party, his face is completely blush free, still containing that bright smile.
@Masamune
Vincent stares in fear as you say your piece. As you leave, his brow furrows and he snarls at not only you, but the party in general. Finally scoffing, he just sits down on his cell floor, contemplating the events that happened and his next move.
Man, I'm just tempted to ask Marik if he could somehow incorporate a higher level version of Vincent into the campaign. This has just been so much fun. :D Guys, be honest: how many of you would like to fight this nutjob?
At Masamune's statement, Piper nods, looking at the footprints once more to see if it is goblins that made them.
Knowledge (Nature):1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3
Piper curses at himself for not paying attention in school when it came to identifying footprints.
Male Human (Varisian) Bard 3 | hp: 21/21 | AC 15 | T 12 | FF 13 | CMD 14 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +4 | +4 vs bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent effects | Init +2 | Perc +6 | Sense Motive +7
Piper looks to William and gives you a smirk and nod. The look he's giving you says, 'Of course. But it can't hurt to be too careful.'
Male Human Varisian Dragon Sorceror 2 | HP16/16 | AC 16Shield : T11: FF11 | Init +1 | Perception +6 | CMB +4 | CMD 15 | Fort +1 : Ref +1: Will +4 |Sense Motive +1
Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Sharrd notices the footprints. "Don't worry guys and gal, a footprint's enough to hex 'em real good. A curse can follow their trail." He says rather loudly, loud enough in fact for anyone nearby to hear. He waves his hands and says a few words in Draconic and the footprint farthest from the water begins to glow with a sickly green light. He continues to chant and the next footprint begins to glow and so on continuing to the waters edge.
Casting Prestidigitation to make the footprints glow.
Female Elf Ninja 3 | HP: 15/19 | AC 16/13 (Touch & Flat-Footed) | Saves: +2 Fort, +7 Reflex, +1 Will (+2 vs. enchantments) | Initiative: +3 | Perception: +8 | Sense Motive: +3|Ki Pool: 3/4
Sense Motive:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Alara arches an eyebrow at Sharrd, a skeptical look written plain as day on her face. Yeah, I don't claim to know much about magic, but I'm pretty sure all you're doing is making those footprints glow. She thinks. She's content to let him have his fun if it makes everyone else feel better, however.
@Piper Alara would have hesitated before killing him if he just stayed in his cell, but if he's stupid enough to come after Piper, she's more than willing to make him eat his own vocal cords. You know, for maximum irony value. :)
Male Human (Varisian) Bard 3 | hp: 21/21 | AC 15 | T 12 | FF 13 | CMD 14 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +4 | +4 vs bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent effects | Init +2 | Perc +6 | Sense Motive +7
Sense Motive:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Piper rolls his eyes at Sharrd's bluff, but smiles as he decides to humor him. He writes: 'So, Sharrd, how does the curse you've cast follow the creatures into the water?' Diplomacy:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Male Human Varisian Dragon Sorceror 2 | HP16/16 | AC 16Shield : T11: FF11 | Init +1 | Perception +6 | CMB +4 | CMD 15 | Fort +1 : Ref +1: Will +4 |Sense Motive +1
Sharrd reads Piper's message and he waves his hand once again and says in Draconic.
Draconic:
"Piper, I'm not sure you can understand this language but the curse is just a bluff. If they think a curse is tracking them down then they may break and run. If they don't fall for it then no loss."
Male Human (Varisian) Bard 3 | hp: 21/21 | AC 15 | T 12 | FF 13 | CMD 14 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +4 | +4 vs bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent effects | Init +2 | Perc +6 | Sense Motive +7
Piper gains a look of confusion at Sharrd's words. 'Note to self: Learn more languages.'
Female Elf Ninja 3 | HP: 15/19 | AC 16/13 (Touch & Flat-Footed) | Saves: +2 Fort, +7 Reflex, +1 Will (+2 vs. enchantments) | Initiative: +3 | Perception: +8 | Sense Motive: +3|Ki Pool: 3/4
Alara gives Sharrd a blank, confused look. "Wow. You're starting to sound like my Dad. I could never understand what he was saying when he started talking like that either."
Male Human (Varisian) Bard 3 | hp: 21/21 | AC 15 | T 12 | FF 13 | CMD 14 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +4 | +4 vs bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent effects | Init +2 | Perc +6 | Sense Motive +7
@Alara
Piper looks at you and just shrugs at you in regards to Sharrd. You notice that his cheeks are dusted a light pink and he's trying not to let his gaze linger on you for too long.
@Marik
Piper turns back to the water and looks even closer.
Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Female Elf Ninja 3 | HP: 15/19 | AC 16/13 (Touch & Flat-Footed) | Saves: +2 Fort, +7 Reflex, +1 Will (+2 vs. enchantments) | Initiative: +3 | Perception: +8 | Sense Motive: +3|Ki Pool: 3/4
@Piper
Alara glances back at you and returns your shrug. You can feel her eyes running over you, taking you in. She blushes slightly and licks her suddenly dry lips before turning back to the swamp road.
"We should keep going. Keep your eyes open for any sign of trouble."
Male Human (Varisian) Bard 3 | hp: 21/21 | AC 15 | T 12 | FF 13 | CMD 14 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +4 | +4 vs bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent effects | Init +2 | Perc +6 | Sense Motive +7
@Alara
As your eyes run over his body and you lick your lips, his blush gets even deeper. He nods at you. He writes to you: 'I could tell that he just made the prints glow. What confuses me is that language he speaks.' Piper's thoughts: 'Why is she staring at me like that? Is she... into me?' Sense Motive:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
@Marik
As he heads back to the road, Piper keeps his eyes open for any trouble in the brush, rapier held in his right hand.
Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Male Human Loot Samurai 3 | HP: 22/26 | AC: 18 T: 13 FF: 15 | Init +3 | Perception +6 | CMB: +4 | CMD: 17 | Fort +3 | Ref +4 | Will +1 | Sense Motive +6 |
Masamune decides that this may be going a bit too far.
"We need to stop the goblins right now. We can find out what that was later."
Masamune looks out over the river.
"We're sorry if you guard this place, and we thank you for letting us cross. I'll leave an offering near the bridge. You can take it if you want."
Masamune goes back towards the bridge, and places 3 gold coins next to the bridge.
Diplomacy if anything is still actually there:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
He walks back and gets up on Duty.
"Well we should continue for now."
Female Elf Ninja 3 | HP: 15/19 | AC 16/13 (Touch & Flat-Footed) | Saves: +2 Fort, +7 Reflex, +1 Will (+2 vs. enchantments) | Initiative: +3 | Perception: +8 | Sense Motive: +3|Ki Pool: 3/4
Piper:
@Piper
Alara takes note of what you wrote, turning back to you. "I've heard Dad speak that language a lot with Mom. Drove me up the wall every time I heard it because I had no idea what they were saying."
Her blush deepens a bit. "Except, well... their conversations all tended to end the same way, so I more or less just filled in the blanks myself."
She promptly shakes her head, trying, apparently, to interrupt that line of thought. No no no no no. Don't go there. Too steamy. Stay focused. Eyes on the prize! An image of Piper-- Not that prize, you moron. An image of Shalelu-- Not THAT one, either! An image of William-- Okay, now you're just being difficult.
She sharply breathes in and out, calming herself down.
Incidentally, you can tell she likes you.
@Marik
Alara takes up a position at William's back, readying her bow to shoot at the first sign of trouble.
Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Male Human Fighter 1 HP: 12/12 | AC: 18 T: 11 FF: 17 | Fort: +3 Ref: +1 Will +0 | Init: +1
Holy Calistria Alara is right behind me. I can't look weak now!"
Perception:1d20 ⇒ 6
Just realized that I'm moving at 20ft. unless I'm hustling then I'll make fort checks. The armor wont get in the way at level 3 (as this is a vanilla fighter) but right now it sucks... Please wait for me!
Looking to Masamune, "Brother, if we leave something behind us and go head first into the goblins, then we may end up between two foes. I would prefer to keep our backs clear."
Male Human (Varisian) Bard 3 | hp: 21/21 | AC 15 | T 12 | FF 13 | CMD 14 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +4 | +4 vs bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent effects | Init +2 | Perc +6 | Sense Motive +7
@Alara
What you said about your parents and Draconic confuses Piper (and me).
To figure out what you mean: Sense Motive:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 Piper's the first image that goes to her head? Interesting. :)
@Marik
Piper takes position near Alara and William (being close to the tank and the ranged fighter). He then changes tactics by sheathing his rapier and taking out his flute, ready to play and keeping his eye out.
Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
@Masamune
As you place the gold near the bridge, Piper tilts his head with a look of confusion and writes: 'Why are you placing gold near the bridge? Is it for a tribute or in thanks?'
Male Human Loot Samurai 3 | HP: 22/26 | AC: 18 T: 13 FF: 15 | Init +3 | Perception +6 | CMB: +4 | CMD: 17 | Fort +3 | Ref +4 | Will +1 | Sense Motive +6 |
Masamune notices the strange look Piper gives him.
"I don't think the creature was a goblin, and if this creature did own the bridge then I am thankful it let us pass without incident. Do you, or Ash know of any creatures like this?"
Female Elf Ninja 3 | HP: 15/19 | AC 16/13 (Touch & Flat-Footed) | Saves: +2 Fort, +7 Reflex, +1 Will (+2 vs. enchantments) | Initiative: +3 | Perception: +8 | Sense Motive: +3|Ki Pool: 3/4
@Piper
Sense Motive Result:
Taking Alara's blush into account, you're reasonably certain that the Draconic language brings up rather... traumatic memories for a young girl. If it were her parents you were asking on the other hand, they'd be very *ahem* pleasant ones instead.
Well, Piper's so close and Shalelu is so far away... :)
@Masamune
At the idea that some creature may own the bridge they just crossed, she racks her brain for any information she may have heard in passing in town about such a thing.
Knowledge (Local):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Male Human (Varisian) Bard 3 | hp: 21/21 | AC 15 | T 12 | FF 13 | CMD 14 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +4 | +4 vs bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent effects | Init +2 | Perc +6 | Sense Motive +7
@Alara
At the realization of what Alara meant, his face turns a deep red. He decides to play a tune on his flute to ease the tension (so to speak) and to entertain everyone.
Perform (wind):1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 YES!! Play this song please.
He then looks to you and writes: 'What do you think?'. He has a big smile on his face.
@Masamune
Piper strokes his chin and racks his brain for information while examining the now glowing footprints again.
For the footprints:
Knowledge (nature):1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 + 1 = 11
Learning more about bridge:
Knowledge (engineering):1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4 Knowledge (local):1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 + 1 = 17
For info on any creatures around the bridge:
Knowledge (arcana):1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 1 = 17 Knowledge (local):1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 + 1 = 15 Knowledge (nature):1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 + 1 = 16 Knowledge (planes):1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8 Knowledge (religion):1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 + 1 = 16 Hey, Marik. What do I win from all of these checks?
Female Elf Ninja 3 | HP: 15/19 | AC 16/13 (Touch & Flat-Footed) | Saves: +2 Fort, +7 Reflex, +1 Will (+2 vs. enchantments) | Initiative: +3 | Perception: +8 | Sense Motive: +3|Ki Pool: 3/4
@Piper
As you start playing, Alara's blush disappears. Her eyes soften, and a happy, dreamy smile appears on her face. She sways on the spot in time with your flute playing until you finish.
"That was... um... beautiful." She says with a faraway look in her eye. You can tell she's feeling much better now.
@Marik Did I learn anything from my Knowledge (Local) check?
Male Human (Varisian) Bard 3 | hp: 21/21 | AC 15 | T 12 | FF 13 | CMD 14 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +4 | +4 vs bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent effects | Init +2 | Perc +6 | Sense Motive +7
@Alara
Piper grins at your reaction to his music. He begins to laugh lightly. You hear a light, raspy sound coming from Piper, the only audible laugh he can form. He still has some of his vocal cords, so I would think he could make some sounds. If you look at my profile, I wrote that he could make groans, moans, grunts, etc. His face gains a light blush as he writes: 'That, my dear. That is the reason why I took up my profession. To spread music, tell old stories, tales, and legends, and to see the faces of others as they enjoy the gifts of the bard. To see their faces light up and be filled with joy. Beauty, art, music, and... love are wonderful things to have in the world. Are they not, my dear?'And yes. Piper's nickname for Alara is "my dear". :D Diplomacy:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
@William
Piper looks at you with a raised brow. He then gains a smirk as he writes: 'Well, Will. Since you seem to know so much about music without an education from the finest institute in the Inner Sea, why don't you play us a tune? I'll even loan you my flute if you need it.' He then silently chuckles and writes: 'All joking aside, thank you William.'
He then gains a serious look. 'Will, I was wondering if you were still coming up with those weapon designs?'
@Marik Did I learn anything from all of my Knowledge checks?
Female Elf Ninja 3 | HP: 15/19 | AC 16/13 (Touch & Flat-Footed) | Saves: +2 Fort, +7 Reflex, +1 Will (+2 vs. enchantments) | Initiative: +3 | Perception: +8 | Sense Motive: +3|Ki Pool: 3/4
@Piper
At the sound of your laugh, there's a flash of something in Alara's eyes--
Bluff:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
DC 22:
Anger. Sadness. Desire...?
--that passes quickly. She nods firmly, looking you squarely in the eyes as she replies. "Yes. And the best part is there can never be truly enough."
He had no right. None at all. Existing isn't a crime. Should go back. Carve out his voice make him suffer make him feel it--NO. Can't. Wouldn't change anything. Wouldn't bring his voice back. He deserves better.
Better than me...
@William
Alara arches an eyebrow at Will after she reads Piper's last message. "Hold on, you design weapons?"
Male Human (Varisian) Bard 3 | hp: 21/21 | AC 15 | T 12 | FF 13 | CMD 14 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +4 | +4 vs bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent effects | Init +2 | Perc +6 | Sense Motive +7
@Alara Sense Motive:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Piper gains a look of confusion, thinking he saw something in your eyes. He shakes his head, though. 'Must be a trick of the light.' He wraps his arm around your shoulders. He then smiles and writes: 'I agree with you, my dear. One hundred percent.' As you look into his eyes, there's something in there as well--
Bluff:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
DC 10:
Joy. Conflict. Sadness. Love and Desire...?
---that seems to disappear as he turns his head forward. He then (reluctantly) removes his arm from you shoulders. He then looks at the ground with a frown on his face.
'What am I doing?! I like Ameiko! ...right? And she likes Shalelu! If I'm not worthy for Ameiko, the I'm definitely not worthy for Alara. I'm just... damaged goods.'
In regards to William, he just merely smiles and writes: 'Technically, it would just be a guess. You see, when I left for Absalom, Will here just merely wrote calculations of weapons in his book. I have suggested that he should use those calculations to create weapons. He did show me a couple of doodles before I left. I was just curious is all. Maybe thinking of asking for some weapons. Provided I have the gold, of course.' He silently chuckles after that.
Female Elf Ninja 3 | HP: 15/19 | AC 16/13 (Touch & Flat-Footed) | Saves: +2 Fort, +7 Reflex, +1 Will (+2 vs. enchantments) | Initiative: +3 | Perception: +8 | Sense Motive: +3|Ki Pool: 3/4
@Piper Sense Motive 1:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Alara sees the look in your eyes... and blushes. Whether she had the same thoughts as you or something else provoked it, you can't say.
As you turn your head away, she tries reading your face...
Sense Motive 2:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
...and can't seem to. Whatever is running through her head right now has left her distracted. A look of concern appears on her face.
"Piper..."
@William
Alara turns to you, an interested look in her eye. "Do you still have those doodles?"
Male Human Fighter 1 HP: 12/12 | AC: 18 T: 11 FF: 17 | Fort: +3 Ref: +1 Will +0 | Init: +1
"I am the son of engineers after all. I still have some of the doodles however even though I know how to make weapons I have never made a weapon mold before so I haven't made one of the weapons in my book. After I showed you my doodles I double checked my math and found numerous mistakes so I scrapped those ideas. Honestly Piper if you want one you'd be better off with a known weapon than one of my doodles, same goes for you Alara."
Male Human (Varisian) Bard 3 | hp: 21/21 | AC 15 | T 12 | FF 13 | CMD 14 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +4 | +4 vs bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent effects | Init +2 | Perc +6 | Sense Motive +7
@Alara
As Piper stares at the ground, he absentmindedly rubs his throat, specifically: his scar. His eyes close as he focuses on his thoughts.
FlashbackTime to get dark! :) A roaring fire. The sounds of a hammer striking metal in the forge. The feel of the wooden knight that the carpenter made. The striking stops. The crash of the door as he kicked it in. His father's intimidating form, dark against the glow of the room. The knife in his hand, the blade gleaming. His hand around Piper's throat. The blade, cold against his skin. The blade, cutting through the skin. The vocal cords, severing. Fading vision. The muffled sounds of door being smashed in and shouting.
As you say his name, Piper snaps out of his thoughts. He looks at you, a questioning look on his face. He then feels something run down his face. He removes his hand from his throat and to his cheek. He feels a tear. He then wipes his eyes. As he's doing this, he smiles and writes: 'Sorry, my dear. Just spaced out there for a moment. I just have something in my eyes. Did you want something?' Bluff:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
@William
Piper snaps his fingers. He writes: 'Dang. Ah, well. Nothing we can do about it now. Just thought that you could make me a rapier that could pierce armor.'
Female Elf Ninja 3 | HP: 15/19 | AC 16/13 (Touch & Flat-Footed) | Saves: +2 Fort, +7 Reflex, +1 Will (+2 vs. enchantments) | Initiative: +3 | Perception: +8 | Sense Motive: +3|Ki Pool: 3/4
@Piper Sense Motive:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
It was almost impossible for Alara to miss the tear running down your cheek after you touched your scar. Her look of concern shifts before your eyes, hardening into a look of determination as she runs a gloved finger along your scar.
"You didn't do anything to deserve this. You had something torn away from you that no one had the right to take."
She takes a step closer to you, a fire in her eyes. Her free hand clenches into a fist.
"I won't allow something like this to happen again. I can't. Not to you, not to anyone."
She steps up to you, the hand that was touching your scar now firmly on your shoulder. When she speaks again, a cold, tranquil fury is behind each word.
"I'm going to help you undo this. I think it'll be the best sort of revenge you can take on him; showing him that you've not only grown into a better man than he could ever hope to be, but also that the damage he did to you was undone. When that day comes, when your voice is returned to you, I want us to find your father again. Show him how much you've grown. And finally, I hope to hear you tell him, in the loudest voice you can muster, that he can go and f**k himself."
She looks deep into your eyes. "Have I made myself perfectly clear?"
@William
You had Alara's curiosity. Now you have her attention.
"Still, being able to design your own weapons! That's a field of expertise neither Mom nor Dad have any experience in! Hell, Dad can't even patch a hole in a roof without resorting to magic."
Male Human Fighter 1 HP: 12/12 | AC: 18 T: 11 FF: 17 | Fort: +3 Ref: +1 Will +0 | Init: +1
"Well I never had that problem in my house, in fact my parents would break things just to see what I would do to fix them. Growing up was a time where my creativity flowed to no end but now I have to come to terms with reality and make a living doing meaningful things. For instance protecting Sandpoint from Goblins or protecting friends in times of crisis.
Great I'm losing her to Piper of all people... I guess not able to talk has made him a magnet to beautiful women over the years.
"I only keep the doodles to remind myself of my childhood and to always think of different ways to fix things."
Female Elf Ninja 3 | HP: 15/19 | AC 16/13 (Touch & Flat-Footed) | Saves: +2 Fort, +7 Reflex, +1 Will (+2 vs. enchantments) | Initiative: +3 | Perception: +8 | Sense Motive: +3|Ki Pool: 3/4
@William
Alara steps closer to you, eyes wide with excitement.
"Hey, the fact that you can fix things yourself without resorting to magic already makes you aces in my book. I mean, using magic only works up to a point."
Her hands start gesturing along with her words. She's really starting to build up steam.
"I mean, I still remember one day when one of the dining room chairs at home broke a leg and Dad just used magic to keep the chair from falling apart. It worked, until he decided to show Mom a new spell he researched during lunch. It ended up dispelling the magic holding the chair that Mom was sitting in together. Caused her to fall flat on her butt." She giggles at the memory, a cute & innocent sound.
"Dad had to spend the next two nights on the couch after that."
Male Human (Varisian) Bard 3 | hp: 21/21 | AC 15 | T 12 | FF 13 | CMD 14 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +4 | +4 vs bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent effects | Init +2 | Perc +6 | Sense Motive +7
@Alara
As you state your intentions, Piper stares at you. He then closes his eyes and smiles. He then takes your hand from your shoulder. He caresses it for a while, then lets go. He then writes: 'Alara. I thank you for your words. I thank you for your intentions. But, unfortunately, several people have tried to restore my voice. Madame Koya has tried. But no success. The cleric of Sarenrae has tried. But, again, no success. But, the way I see it, losing my voice is not only the worst thing that happened to me, but also one of the best things to happen to me. Let me tell you all the things I can't do because of my loss. I cannot speak to my friends and loved ones. I cannot sing all of the songs I've heard growing up. I am dependent on my chalkboard or my hands to speak. Now, let me tell you of all of the good things that came of it. Humility. Understanding. Appreciation of my life. Courage to attend the White Grotto. Determination to perfect my craft. I would say that the incident made me the man that I am today. That's not to say that I forgive him. Far from it. But I would say that... what he did has made me a better man.'
He then smiles a big grin, a few tears running down his face. He then writes: 'And, my dear, if you plan on getting rid of him, let me say this. If you were to ask me to kill him, I would refuse. Because despite what he has done to me, despite the fact that I dislike him, even hate him, he's still my birth father and I could never kill family. After being told for years that I'm responsible for my mother's death, I refuse to kill him. Because then, I would be proving him right in the end. It's my belief that he's still grieving. His grieving eventually led to anger and hatred. That, in turn had led to lashing out on the last remnant of mother: me. He has often told me in a drunken stupor how much I look like her. I hope that you understand my reasonings.' Diplomacy:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Piper's thoughts: 'Again, what's happening with me? I love Ameiko and she loves Shalelu. But why do I feel this way?'
And yes. Part of this speech is taken from the ending speech from Spy Kids 3D: Game Over made by Ricardo Montalban.
At your story, Piper once again gives his light, raspy laugh.
@William
Piper smiles at you mentioning still having the doodles. He writes: 'It's always good to remember your past fondly.' He looks down at the worn silver flute in his hand.
Also, I'm sorry if I'm interfering with William x Alara for you.
Male Human (Varisian) Bard 3 | hp: 21/21 | AC 15 | T 12 | FF 13 | CMD 14 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +4 | +4 vs bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent effects | Init +2 | Perc +6 | Sense Motive +7
@Alara
Piper's face gains a red tint as you lean in. His brow furrows as he ponders your question. He then looks at you and writes: 'To be honest: no. With everything that's happened to me since then, I believe it was for the best. What about you? Would you want my voice back?'
Male Human Fighter 1 HP: 12/12 | AC: 18 T: 11 FF: 17 | Fort: +3 Ref: +1 Will +0 | Init: +1
Blushing William turns away from Alara and Piper talking. Easy Sense Motive, I wont even roll bluff...
Sense Motive:
He can't stand to watch Piper and Alara that close.
I can't believe it. She must really like the pity party that is Piper's life. I can't be too hard on the guy but still... So conflicting I never thought that I would have to choose between my best friend and a girl.
Its okay Piper, it will cause some interesting group play. And with this many posts done I'd almost hate to see Shard's, Masamune's, and Ash's reactions as this campaign is full of fluff between three people.
For the past 3 years, fishermen and farmers have told
stories of a pale monster with legs that bend like a dog’s, that
dresses in rags, and that hunts along the shores of the Soggy
River. Sightings of the so-called “Soggy River Monster” are
most common near Brinestump Marsh, causing most to
believe the creature dwells somewhere in the swamp. The
creature has been blamed for at least five disappearances
over the past year, although Sandpoint’s militia suspects
these disappearances are, in fact, simply bored sons and
daughters running away from home to seek an exciting life
in Magnimar.
After spending about an hours travel on the trail, crossing two more bridges in similar disrepair as the first, you arrive at what you assume must be Walthus' house. A ramshackle two-story affair situated on the edge of a small lagoon, the open water of the ocean is visible just beyond the headland. The ever present moss grows on the sides of the building and the roof is in desperate need of repair. (Area G)
You can see the map of the house using the Roll20 link above. I will get some tokens made as soon as possible
Male Human (Varisian) Bard 3 | hp: 21/21 | AC 15 | T 12 | FF 13 | CMD 14 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +4 | +4 vs bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent effects | Init +2 | Perc +6 | Sense Motive +7
@Alara
Piper blushes at your statement. He then gives a small smile as he takes your hand again. He writes: 'You really desire to hear me, don't you, my dear? If you really wish, then I will consider seeking out a way to restore my voice. Also, if you must know, I doubt that my singing voice would be as good as my skills with a flute.'
@William Taking 10 on Sense Motive: 10 + 5 = 15.
Piper sees William turn away. He then puts the pieces together. He then gives a light groan and sigh while running a hand through his hair. Piper's thoughts: 'Great. This is even more conflicting. Ameiko, Shalelu, Alara, and William. What complications love can weave. ...wait, did I just think of... love? With Alara? That couldn't be it. ...could it?' Piper turns a light red at his thoughts.
@Marik & Alara
At the thought of the Soggy River Monster, Piper pales considerably, his tanned skin several shades lighter. After Alara says her thoughts, a look of fear crosses Piper's face. He remembers all of the stories that the townsfolk used to say about the monster. He writes: 'Well, then. I think a vote must be made. All in favor of getting as far away from the river as humanly possible say "aye".'
@Marik: Walthus's House
Piper cringes at the sight of the house. At Alara's question, Piper thinks about it. Gaining some resolve, he steps forward, first writing: 'I'll go. Alara, Sharrd, would you mind accompanying me?' He then heads to the door and knocks on it.
Also, Marik, would you let us know when we are heading to Roll20? Also, I have class today from 12:30pm to 4:20pm. Then I'm going to be doing some schoolwork after that.
Male Human (Varisian) Bard 3 | hp: 21/21 | AC 15 | T 12 | FF 13 | CMD 14 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +4 | +4 vs bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent effects | Init +2 | Perc +6 | Sense Motive +7
@William
Piper walks up to you and writes: 'I'm sorry.'
Female Elf Ninja 3 | HP: 15/19 | AC 16/13 (Touch & Flat-Footed) | Saves: +2 Fort, +7 Reflex, +1 Will (+2 vs. enchantments) | Initiative: +3 | Perception: +8 | Sense Motive: +3|Ki Pool: 3/4
@Piper
Alara's face brightens as you take her hand & reply. At the idea of your potential singing voice not being as good as his flute playing, she chuckles. "Isn't that what I'm here for?"
@William
Alara's face falls, but she relents. "Okay."
She returns to her place in the party formation.
Another broken heart... all because of me...
@Marik & Team
Alara's hand shoots up.
"Aye!"
She turns to Will. "Still, there's no real reason to try and find out if it's real yet."
She turns pensive. "Actually, come to think of it, you could just as easily push a goblin into a river and call IT a 'soggy river monster'.
@Walthus' Home
Alara nods to Piper and steps up to the door with him.
I'm looking for 5-6 player's who want to journey over the Crown of the World to a strange and distant land.
The Rules:
• Races: All standard races from the Pathfinder Core Rulebook will be allowed. Any other 0HD race will be considered on a case by case basis.
• Classes: All classes (Base and Prestige) and Archetypes from Paizo Publishing will be allowed. 3.5 or 3PP classes/archetypes will have to be approved by me prior to acceptance.
• Alignment: Characters can be of any alignment, but must be able to play well with others.
• Abilities: Characters will be based on the High Fantasy (20 point) buy, found in the PFRPG Core Rulebook on page 16. No ability can be raised higher than 18 (prior to racial modifiers). Only one ability may be lowered below 10 and that ability cannot be lowered below 8 (prior to racial modifiers).
• Feats: Any feat published by Paizo Publishing will be acceptable. Any 3.5 or 3PP material you wish to use will have to be approved by me prior to acceptance.
• Traits: Character's will start with two traits, one of which MUST be from the Jade Regent Player's Guide.
• Hit Points: Characters will start out with Maximum hit points for their class at 1st level. Thereafter players may either roll for HP's or take the average (whichever is greater).
• Starting Gold: Characters will start with Maximum starting gold for their base class as found in the PFRPG Core Rulebook on page 140, the APG on page 26, UC on page 8, or in the UM on page 8.
Recruitment will close at 12:00 pm. (CDT) on Saturday, September 28th.
Note: To all prospective Ninja's, Samurai's, and Kitsune and others, please be prepared to explain why such oriental classes/races are in a decidedly occidental setting such as Sandpoint.
Please feel free to PM me with any questions you may have.
Definitely dotting for interest, will have a character up as soon as possible.
What are your thoughts on the gunslinger? I know it takes slight modifications to manage one so I'd rather ask ahead of time.If not, I have plenty of other character ideas.
I have also heard that the caravan rules, especially the combat parts are weak. Are you planning on using them/modifying them in some way?
Definitely dotting for interest, will have a character up as soon as possible.
What are your thoughts on the gunslinger? I know it takes slight modifications to manage one so I'd rather ask ahead of time.If not, I have plenty of other character ideas.
I have also heard that the caravan rules, especially the combat parts are weak. Are you planning on using them/modifying them in some way?
Gunslinger's are acceptable. I hadn't really thought about the caravan rules yet, but will do some research to see what others have come up with. If it isn't feasible to modify them, then with group consensus we can jettison them.
I am interested. This character is pretty much complete as far back-story and crunch go, I may make a change to his starting feats, but other than that I think he's okay and he seems to fit all of your requirements. If you feel like making a comment or even got some criticisms, I would be glad to listen to what you have to say.
I started working on a tiefling witch for another Jade Regent game, but couldn't finish her in time for recruitment. I know you said non-core races would be considered on a case-by-case basis, so I'll post her backstory when I get home. If she isn't acceptable, I'll work on something else. (Posting now so I don't lose it later...)
William was born into a family of engineers who always tried to make the best of stuff using the fewest materials. His days were spent learning the best ways to build random objects that he never thought were useful and his notebook would be full of drawings of different weapons and their subsequent mathematical properties such as weight, how much force would be required to swing something like this and how much damage the person on the receiving end would receive. As he grew older he would visit the local smith shop and practice with the different weapons meant for smaller folk. The smith was so impressed with how fast William learned how to use the different weapons even the more advanced ones he had told William’s parents to enroll him into a school that would teach him how to use everything to their fullest. With a bit of talking William had been able to convince his parents into letting him go.
During his time at the school he had learned how to use every simple and martial weapon to their fullest ability however he liked how he could make people fall with certain weapons and decided to use only those weapons when he finally got out of school. He also was able to figure out how to get more flexibility out of every type of armor the school threw at him because of his knowledge of “useless” object his parents had taught him. He grew stronger than most of his other peers at the school and was quite proud of himself, so proud that when he came back home he thought that he could take care of his family and himself if anything were to happen.
Well that first day provided the challenge he was looking for, goblins attacked the town and his house was among those hit. He fought off two goblins but before too long he was overwhelmed. Each passing second felt like an eternity as he saw his parents slain before his very eyes. He knew his time had come and that his arrogance had been his undoing so he closed his eyes, laid down and hoped for a quick death. But as the eternities passed, he wasn’t dead nor did he feel any pain. When he opened his eyes he saw an elven female over the bodies of dead goblins. Then she turned to him and helped him up saying “I’m sorry I couldn’t get here sooner”. He blinked, stunned by what he had just heard thinking Who is this chick? After a moment longer he responded “If you hadn’t come at all I wouldn’t be here talking to you”. From that moment on he decided to follow her where ever she went hoping to repay the debt he now owes her for saving his life. Now that he has heard that she is going to be on this caravan he decided that he could follow in his parents footsteps and provide an engineers’ touch to make sure nothing falls apart.
Campaign Trait: Rescued by Shalelu
Caravan Job: Wainwright
I would like to apply with Hiro Takemashi, tavern bouncer at the Rusty Dragon and Best Friend of Ameiko. Disclosure: Hiro is from a previous Jade Regent PbP that fizzled out shortly after the PCs reached Level 2.
Thanks for your consideration, and best of luck to everyone!
William was born into a family of engineers who always tried to make the best of stuff using the fewest materials. His days were spent learning the best ways to build random objects that he never thought were useful and his notebook would be full of drawings of different weapons and their subsequent mathematical properties such as weight, how much force would be required to swing something like this and how much damage the person on the receiving end would receive.
As he grew older he would talk with Sandru about his life as a caravan guard and as an adventure. It filled William’s head with fantasies and a want of that life. Whenever William would ask Sandru about why he gave up adventuring Sandru always changed the subject, mostly with combat lessons. Sandru encouraged William to learn how to defend himself and William took that to heart learning how to use every type of weapon he got his hands on. Due to Williams’ small size as a kid he always would try to trip Sandru in their practice sessions using wooden weapons of the real thing. Every once in a while Sandru would fake tripping just to give William some encouragement and to keep William focused on combat training to never stop attacking until the opponent is dead, this was a concept that William learned very slowly as Sandru never died in their training.
When William came of age Sandru took him to the Rusty Dragon and bought him a celebratory drink. “To William for turning 15!” he bellowed to the whole tavern and everyone cheered and drank. William taking his first sip of ale ever, spat the drink back into his mug, coughing, he asked Sandru “What is this vile drink?” Then Ameiko piped up saying “Kid that is my best stuff if you don’t like it don’t buy it.” With that Sandru retorted “Give the kid a break Ameiko it was his first time drinking. Don’t worry William you will get used to it.” William replied. “Well you haven’t sent me down the wrong path before.” and took a giant swig of the drink. After he swallowed he coughed and everyone just laughed.
Three years later William set out on a journey hoping to achieve something similar to what Sandru told him in his youth.
Shard's origin is a mystery. He is an orphan rescued by some adventurers from a fiend's lair. Koyo and Niska helped raise him and he is fiercely loyal to them, although he is madly in love in Ameiko. But he has been told in no uncertain terms that he is 'just a friend'. Regardless he uses his magic (Presdititation and Dancing Lights mostly) to complement her performance, essentially being the special effects member of her band.
He has golden hair and a definite golden tinge to his skin. He often uses Presdititation to make himself a more normal looking blond.
I would like to apply with a character that's been trotting through my head for a while. I know vanara is a long shot, but I had to try. Roleplay wise, I'm going for a free soul who's out there to see the world and discover himself on a coming-of-age journey. Rollplay wise, I'm going for a high mobility scout and ranged damage dealer.
Here's Pacchu, a vanara Zen Archer who has come a long way to go a long way.
Background:
There exists, in a land far to the southwest, a tropical land of tall trees and lush jungles. In these jungles lives a great tribe of vanaras, the Mission of Gold. They are led by their chiefs, elder males and females who have accomplished many great deeds in life.
These deeds are not simply written down and remembered, but displayed for all to see. It is customary for a member of the Mission of Gold, when on the road, to dye a strand of their mane with a colorful stripe whenever they live through an interesting experience. Seeing a new unique sight, for example, warrants a green stripe, while meeting a foreigner will allow a blue one. The proudest warriors of the tribe, slayers of would-be invaders and hostile beasts, bear a plethora of crimson stripes, while clever spellcasters mark themselves with purple, one strand for each spell learned. The more strands an individual bore, the more experiences they had lived through, and the more they would be revered.
One of these chiefs, a tall, proud male by the name of Oppacham, begat many children with several wives. One of them was Pacchu, a young male, full of energy and curiosity. Oppacham's many children filled him with pride, and Pacchu was no exception. Unlike many of his brothers who found talents in the staff or the axe, Pacchu proved to mirror his father's own enthusiasm for the art of archery.
As each of his children came of age, Oppacham would speak to them of the world outside the colony, and how they were to discover it if they desired to one day be a chief such as he. The other elders would do the same for their own progeny. The chiefs would pick several successors from deserving youth, both inside and outside their own family These children would be sent on a journey into the land of men, so that they may earn the many stripes that would bring them honor and authority.
Of course, not all of them would return. Some would find a life they enjoyed beyond the tribelands, or meet an unexpected end.
Still, Pacchu was not one to choose the easy life over the adventurous one. This was only made more true after he was chosen as a future leader not just by his father, but also by two other chiefs. After being painted with the white strand of those who chose to undertake the quest, he did as his father instructed while pointing to the northeastern sky:
"Go that way."
And so, Pacchu set out through the jungle, in search of lands unknown, sights unseen, and folk unmet.
He would prove himself a worthy successor when he returned, full of stripes and beautiful colors.
At first, his journey proved simple. One day, he would run into a group of explorers, make some friends, share a good meal and earn a blue stripe. The next, after slaying an agressive wolf in self defense, he would mix some of its blood with the red dye, and earn a mark of combat. The next day, perhaps, the discovery of a colony of rare birds might bring him a green one.
Still, going straight that was was proving to be rather uneventful, and though he ventured far and long, the stripes only added up so quickly. He needed something bigger, something more special.
As the road stretched forward, the jungle trees were soon replaced by their more temperate kin, and the juicy oranges and mangoes of his homeland were in turn replaced by sweet pears and apples, much to Pacchu's delights. (New flavors, new stripes, how wonderful.)
Until, one day, Pacchu broke out of the forest entirely, into a very big clearing. So big, in fact, that he couldn't see the trees on the other side. What an unusual sight!
He ventured through the open lands, meeting more men than he could ever believe existed. How far he had gone from home, he could not even tell. His quest to go "that way" would lead him to all kinds of unusual adventures, especially when he had to hitch a ride on something the humans called a "boat" in order to cross an astoundingly wide stream. (Pacchu would one day learn that the humans called such a thing "ocean".
Then, finally, one day, his journey brought him in the general vicinity of Sandpoint,
There, on the road to the quiet town, Pacchu encountered Sandru's caravan. Intrigued by the large convoy of humans, he agreed to follow them for a time, in exchange for pay, only to discover that they were not on the great adventure he had assumed they were one. He left on friendly terms, and with more than a few good bits of advice.
Pacchu has stopped for a few days' rest in Sandpoint, prepared to continue on "that way", but he does not expect that a much bigger opportunity is about to present itself.
(As it turns out, there are pretty much no vanara avatars, so...)
Appearance:
Age : 17
Size : Medium, 5‘4", 110 lbs.
Type : Humanoid (Vanara)
A young Vanara in his prime, Pacchu appears ever energetic, grinning and chuckling as he leaps about. His fur, a deep burnt orange with just a touch of gold reflection, sways in the wind as he bounces from one branch to another. A mane of longer fur frames his face, strikingly decorated with several dyed strands. One striking white brand ornates the fringe at the top, while strands of blue, green, red and purple are interpersed about. The low number of dyed strands, as well as the lack of a second white strand, are something one familliar with his culture would recognize as the signs of one in the beginning steps of his coming of age journey. A long tail follows his every movement, swishing about the air as he leaps once more.
Pacchu prefers to wear simple clothing: Knee-length pants and an unbuttoned vest are all the clothing he chooses to wear, and he prefers to go barefoot, conserving the remarkable foot dexterity of his kin. Only one weapon can be seen on his person; a longbow, clearly handcarved from the branch of a solid tree.
An observant eye would notice that the fabric of his clothes are the wood of his bow do not match anything from the nearby region, further identifying the Vanara as originating from distant lands.
Pacchu
Male Vanara Monk (Zen Archer) 1
LG Medium Humanoid(Vanara)
Init +3; Senses Perception +8, Sense Motive +8, Low-Light Vision
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Defense
-------
AC 17, Touch 7, Flat4
HP (1d8+1)
Fort +3; Ref +5; Will +6
-------
Offense
-------
Speed 30 ft
Ranged
Longbow +4 (1d8; x3; 100ft; P)
Melee
Unarmed Strike +1 (1d6+1; B)
-------
Statistics
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Str 13; Dex 16; Con 12; Int 10; Wis 18; Cha8
Feats
Point-Blank Shot
Precise Shot (Zen Archer Bonus)
Traits
Caravan Guard
Wisdom in the Flesh(Climb) : The cities of the Golden Mission are built upon the canopies of very tall trees. As such, climbing quickly becomes second nature, instinct even, to their citizen.
Racial Traits:
Low-Light Vision: A vanara can see twice as far as a human in dim light.
Nimble: Vanaras have a +2 racial bonus on Acrobatics and Stealth checks.
Prehensile Tail: A vanara has a long, flexible tail that she can use to carry objects. She cannot wield weapons with her tail, but the tail allows her to retrieve a small, stowed object carried on her
person as a swift action.
Class Features
Flurry of Blows (Ex) : Starting at 1st level, a zen archer can make a flurry of blows as a full-attack action, but only when using a bow (even though it is a ranged weapon). He may not make a flurry
of blows with his unarmed attacks or any other weapons. A zen archer does not apply his Strength bonus on damage rolls made with flurry of blows unless he is using a composite bow with a Strength rating.
A zen archer’s flurry of blows otherwise functions as normal for a monk of his level.
A zen archer cannot use Rapid Shot or Manyshot when making a flurry of blows with his bow.
Perfect Strike (Ex) : At 1st level, a zen archer gains Perfect Strike as a bonus feat, even if he does not meet the prerequisites. A zen archer can use Perfect Strike with any bow.
Vow of Truth: The monk is not allowed to deliberately speak any lies, including bluffing, stating half-truths with the intent to deceive, exaggerating, telling white lies, and so on. This applies to all
forms of communication. If presented with circumstances where telling the truth would bring harm to another, the monk remains silent. Many monks of this vow also take a vow of silence to show their
commitment. A monk with this vow increases his ki pool by 1 ki point for every 5 monk levels (minimum +1).
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Skills
-------
Trained Skills: (Favored class bonus: +1 skill)
Acrobatics +9 (+10 to jumps, Racial +2 Bonus)
Climb +16 (Wis instead of Dex because of wisdom in the flesh, Climb Speed (30)
Perception +8
Survival +8 (Student Survivalist)
Stealth +9 (Racial +2 Bonus)
Spoken Languages: Common, Vanara
If the caravan job is used, Pacchu would be a Scout.
Question for DM:
There's a small design flaw regarding the Zen Archer: It uses the Monk's starting wealth, which is 60 gp, which is rather problematic for an archery-based class, making it outright impossible to have any kind of decent starting equipment. (Please do consider most "weapon-based" classes (fighter, ranger, gunslinger) classes tend to start with a lot more.) Would you consider letting Pacchu start with a Longbow in addition, or get some sort of discount on it to actually allow for some starting gear?
Okay, here's the backstory for my tiefling witch. I'm still developing her, but I'd be perfectly willing to deal with the prejudice that would come from being half-fiend - it would make for interesting roleplaying. Campaign trait: rescued by Koya.
Liera:
Fiendish blood, in rare cases, can lie dormant. Several generations can pass before it makes itself evident. Such was the case with Liera.
Born in Sandpoint to Chelaxian parents, Liera had a relatively normal childhood, even if she wasn’t quite a normal child. She was outgoing, friendly, eager to please. She looked just like her parents – smooth pale skin, straight black hair, a cunning smile. She seemed to lack empathy, but her parents decided that would develop in time.
As Liera grew older, her parents grew more and more worried. She would spend hours in the dark, saying she could ‘see better’ and ‘felt more comfortable’. She frightened small animals – not through any ill intent, but simply with her presence, as if they smelled something foul on her. And as she grew older, other children grew frightened – she ‘gave them the creeps’.
Liera still tried to be a normal child – it was just difficult when the others played in sunlight, while the shadows felt safer to her. And when not everybody had imaginary friends lurking in the darkness.
When she shifted from childhood to adolescence, it began to make more sense. When two small bumps formed on her forehead, and her spine began to lengthen into a tail, her parents started to panic. When they couldn’t keep the shameful truth hidden any longer, they abandoned their tiefling child in the nearby woods, and left Sandpoint for good.
Lost and alone, Liera wandered through the woods for days, following only the whispering in her mind. She ate roots and berries whenever she could find them, and stayed hungry when she couldn’t. She fell into a crude trap left (and presumably forgotten) by goblins, broke her arm, and kept wandering in pain. She found a rabbit, and would have eaten it in desperation, had it not stayed put as she approached. It was the first animal in her entire life to not flee as she approached. As she cautiously picked it up, she felt a strange stirring in the back of her mind, as if something had awakened – and it was then that she passed out.
When she came to, she was inside. A woman was leaning over her, tending her broken arm. Something soft and warm was at her side, and when she turned her head, she could just make out the rabbit she’d picked up. Healing magic was flowing through her body, and she let herself drift off again, not into unconsciousness, but restful sleep.
The woman, she learned next time she awoke, was Koya Vhiski, a local cleric. She’d passed out not far from Sandpoint, as it turned out, and Koya found her while gathering herbs. The rabbit had stayed with her, refusing to leave, even when the old woman tried shooing it away. She’d been out for three days, but would be fine in a couple more.
All alone in the world, Liera begged Koya to let her stay. After much begging and pleading (and a bit of encouragement from her adopted son, Sandru), Koya agreed. But the girl would have to earn her keep (Liera eagerly accepted). And the rabbit would be her own responsibility (she agreed immediately).
Finding a job was hard, but eventually, Liera found work at the Rusty Dragon, helping Ameiko serve meals and drinks. She got on well enough with Ameiko – she wouldn’t consider her a close friend, but she was a kind employer, and didn’t judge Liera based on her fiendish appearance. And she enjoyed living with Koya – the old woman was sweet and kind, and helped her develop her own magic power, which had awakened in the woods. While it was of a more sinister nature than her own, she taught the young tiefling to use it to her advantage, and to avoid the whispered temptations it brought with it.
And that’s the way it’s been for some years now.
Again, I understand that non-core races have no guarantee of being accepted, so let me know if you won't accept a tiefling. I'm happy to work up a different character, but want to know if this one has a chance first. Cheers!
Let me clear up something regarding exotic races. While I don't want to limit anyone's creativity I do have a bias toward the more standard races. If two characters are mechanically similar I will tend to choose the standard race over the more exotic one. That being said, I do recognize this bias and tend to compensate for it. So feel free to post your builds as you see fit.
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