Male Half-elf (Chelaxian) Stalker 6, AC18/14/14, F +3/R +10/W +7, Init +8, Hits 16/38
Kenan watches the last eel flop and slides one off his rapier into Emerion's food sack, he shakes his head and the translucent squid disappears into a vanishing inky point. Soon the water is back to normal.
Moving cautiously to avoid a confrontation with the last eel, you search the bow. Much like the lower hold there is nothing to find here except ship's stores. Take as long as you like.
Perception DC 14:
Spoiler:
Especially nothing to find in the way of sailor's personal effects.
"Well that went faster than we had planned for..which is a good thing..now how do we get the bodies ashore..I suppose Istas could claim them ..but that I think would attract too much attention"
Heather looks at the Hag's body and shivers
"If she had been able to dispel our magics then we'd all be shark food now..lets not do this again in a hurry"
Male Human, Varisian +6 Init, AC23/19/14, F+6/R+10/W+4, HP55/55, Per+11, Sense M+8 Fighter 5/Rogue 2
"Istas will need help with two corpses. Who is going to go with her? Or shall we take the hag's with us and report Istas was swept away by the current?"
"Despite the fact that it might be fun to claim I've returned from the dead a third time," Istas proclaims, "I believe the guardsmen should quickly realize they have no claim over the dead. They will grant us leave to take these bodies to the Grey district or they will regret it. And I believe they are our most valuable finds. Though the physician's mask needs to be retained as well."
Male Human, Varisian +6 Init, AC23/19/14, F+6/R+10/W+4, HP55/55, Per+11, Sense M+8 Fighter 5/Rogue 2
"If they can find it, they can have it," Emerion declares with a smug grin. "We can declare the wooden boxes we found, and have them be satisfied with that. I'll tell our salvagers that there are many supplies down there, all of them waterlogged, and a very broken ship."
"My worry, though, is that the queen will learn or already know about the corpses and have the Grey Maiden's seize them as soon as we go ashore, Istas. All she has to do is say that they could carry the plague and her doctors will deal with it. What are you going to do then, fight them? The Grey Maidens have been given absolute authority in such matters. Hell, all you have to do is find one of the Grey Maiden's with one of the Doctors at the check points around the city, the doctor says 'seize the corpse' and the Grey Maidens do it."
Emerion looks around, and then cuts some sail-cloth that is trailing from a mast.
"If we wrap both corpses in this, we can show the hag and claim there were two of them. That might work."
"Shouldn't we find out whats in the box first? I mean just to confirm things.Em's right though..I for one am in no state to face my sister and her faceless minions"
Heather wishes she could stop the memories arising but another one forces itself to the surface.
17 year old Heather reels to the side with the force of her sisters blow. She leans against the wall staring at Sabrina with undisguised sadness.
"I didn't tell anyone.." she whispers"..Vencarlo found out for himself...how many Sabrina..how many other hearts have you broken...and why..does it give you some sense of satisfaction to hurt people"
The reply is a sneer "Such an innocent aren't you my...sister. You make me want to vomit with your simpering stupid belief in people.People will use you..so why not use them first.I got what I needed from Vencarlo..and now I'll get what I want in the Kings household" Sabrina turns on her heel and stalks towards the door.
"What makes you so hateful" the younger girl cries as her sister reaches the portal..Sabrina turns and looks back with contempt written all over her face
"Practice, Heather Dear..Practice" she says then leaves the house for good.
Male Human, Varisian +6 Init, AC23/19/14, F+6/R+10/W+4, HP55/55, Per+11, Sense M+8 Fighter 5/Rogue 2
I think we are pretty much agreed that as Istas isn't feeling much like going ashore alone, we'll wrap the two bodies up in sailcloth and pass them off as two hags, if anyone asks they can see the hag that really is a hag, which is enough to put anyone off their dinner. We don't want to open the box until we are on shore and have other witnesses, I think. Emerion has the mask secreted on his person, well hidden under his mail coat. Unless anyone objects?
Why hide all these things? Maybe we should go public with it right away. Cast suspicion on the doctors and the Grey Maidens and watch what happens. If nothing else, it could rattle them into making further mistakes for us to capitalize on. If we produce the mask and the body later, they might claim we could have gotten it anywhere. Whereas, if people see us leave the river with those things...they can't deny it. There'll be too many witnesses.
because then we are commiting outright treason instead of just speculating about it.The queen claims everything on the wreck so if we are open then we are defying her rule and I for one do not wish to be hunted like a rat
Male Human, Varisian +6 Init, AC23/19/14, F+6/R+10/W+4, HP55/55, Per+11, Sense M+8 Fighter 5/Rogue 2
Kings and queens get really sensitive about these things. Even if the Queen has no involvement the suggestion that she's been duped could be enough for us to be tried and convicted on charges of High Treason, Sedition and wilfully spreading the plague unless we have enough backing in high circles to be listened to, and to get that we need the proof. Both Heather and Emerion will be able to tell that there is law and Law, and when preparing a move against the wishes of those in power you have to be very careful.
I doubt we need to worry too much about the salvagers wanting the body, but if we wrap them secretively, they may wonder what we are hiding. Better to be open about taking them from the wreck as evidence. Or alternately, claim the hag as evidence and that we plan to bury the sailor properly.
Male Human, Varisian +6 Init, AC23/19/14, F+6/R+10/W+4, HP55/55, Per+11, Sense M+8 Fighter 5/Rogue 2
If they ask why they are wrapped, we unwrap the hag ... and they ask us to wrap her up again! I think we need to keep the 'sailor' secret though. The other 'doctors' will know the Pharasmen can get answers from a corpse, and they are all over the city, we can't get to Grey without running into some.
Male Half-elf (Chelaxian) Stalker 6, AC18/14/14, F +3/R +10/W +7, Init +8, Hits 16/38
Let's be honest, the Queen is probably looking for an excuse to make an example of us and we are better off staying on the right side of the Law for as long as we can. Show them the bodies, try some bluffs and stunts if necessary and maybe Istas can do speak with dead there and then if all else fails.
Or..
Swim up to the river bank with the body of the man weighed down. Leave him underwater where we can visit him later at our leisure, then swim back and up to the boat. I favour the first option.
I doubt the salvagers are going to want the bodies at all...either of them. They came to salvage. Dead things aren't salvageable. I say we march out of the water with both the bodies and Istas tells them she's taking them to the Grey District. If they have a problem with it, they can come talk to her superiors. In the meantime, we get there with plenty of time to interrogate them with speak with dead. And, if we encounter any of the Queen's physicians or Grey Maidens on the way there, they'll have no way to distinguish these bodies from anyone else who's perished from bloodveil.
Now the mask, on the other hand, that's much more damning evidence. And we need to be especially careful with how we hide it or call attention to it. If no one actually sees us emerge from the river with that mask, we'll have to rely on divination spells like zone of truth and detect lies when we present it as evidence to anyone. Otherwise, they'll be unlikely to believe our story and simply accuse us of sedition and planting false evidence anyway. Regardless, I doubt the salvagers will want the mask. There won't be much value in it. They'll be far more interested in whatever cargo they can claim from the ship's hold...which we all know won't be valuable to them, considering the coffer we found. Not unless they want to catch bloodveil. We should probably warn them of the danger, unless we want to expose more greedy souls to the disease.
Lastly, I guess we do have one more option. Istas could cast speak with dead now...while we're still underwater. That way, we get our information out of the sailor before we haul him to the surface. Personally, for story reasons, I'd prefer performing that particular divination back at the Pharasmin temple, though.
Male Human, Varisian +6 Init, AC23/19/14, F+6/R+10/W+4, HP55/55, Per+11, Sense M+8 Fighter 5/Rogue 2
I shall yield to the Priestess' wisdom, then. You are right - unless there are some Grey Maidens or physicians as we get out of the water, we can declare the mask safely enough.
I still think we are making a big mistake..my view is get everything away where we can collect it and go back to the ship with the hags body..we can tell them we found her in there and that theres no salvage worth having..if the coffer has bloodviel infection in it and we let it be taken then it's just going to be used to spread the disease anyway..does Istas want to help with Urgoatha's work?"
Istas has made it abundantly clear before that individual infections mean little to her. If people come in contact with the coffer, it's most likely their destiny, based on the choices they made in life or the written will of Pharasma. Instead, she's far more concerned with the source of the problem, i.e., those who created these death coffers...because they could do it again. She's willing to let others (her colleagues in the Grey District, street-healers like Kenan, etc.) deal with the individual infection management. She's got some Urgathoan cultists to find. Hence, interrogating the body is far more paramount.
Also, just to be clear, Istas is Lawful Neutral. There's an order and purpose behind the choices she's making in dealing with this issue. And that's why she's not going to take the time to stop and agonize over the small unfortunate losses caused by bloodveil or what one more death coffer might do if the salvage crew demands to open it. The infection is already out. Healers can combat it. But someone needs to find and stop the cultists. That's her focus. Doesn't mean she won't warn the salvage crew of the consequences. But if they're foolish enough not to heed her words, that's their choice. And it's one that will undoubtedly lead them down a path of personal ruin. Pharasma allows people to do that. She doesn't step in to stop them from making poor choices.
So goes the belief system of one Pharasmin priestess. Someone who's died twice already and survived bloodveil. So, not really an issue for her. Don't you love religious zealots? ;-)
And, by the way, I think you're perfectly portraying Heather's response and thought process around the sickness. I don't disagree with it. Istas might. But I don't. ;-)
Male Human, Varisian +6 Init, AC23/19/14, F+6/R+10/W+4, HP55/55, Per+11, Sense M+8 Fighter 5/Rogue 2
... whereas Emerion just plain does not trust the authorities at all, and the individuals count. While he will respect Istas' right to make a choice, he'd side with Heather.
Male Half-elf (Chelaxian) Stalker 6, AC18/14/14, F +3/R +10/W +7, Init +8, Hits 16/38
Decision time or shall we carry on for more time with this?
Spoiler:
Jeorik, Heather and Emerion (posting twice does not count double - Dabbler) don't want to take the bodies to the boat. Istas does. Kenan pretty much agrees with Istas. Three to two. Its a party splitting decision so can we go with the majority and move on?
May be my last until Monday. See if you can sort out what you're going to do. I really am pregnant with curiousity.
FW, I think Jeorik does want to bring the bodies back to the salvage boat. And the bodies are only half the issue. There's also the other evidence you found.
Istas:
Spoiler:
Maybe Stannus could give you a hand with that speak with dead?
3 to 2? Then, the bodies go to the boat. I believe Kenan (or was it Emerion?) believed they could hide the mask? Let's do that. If they find it, fine...or we could claim we brought it with us and they just never noticed it. Regardless, once we deliver it to the Field Marshall or the Pharasmin, we can submit ourselves to divination magic to assure we're telling the truth. We show them the coffer and warn them not to open it...that it's the source of the bloodveil. If they don't want to believe a Pharasmin priest and a street-healer, it's their own fault. And even if they do confiscate it, our testimony can't be refuted if someone divines the truth of our words. There are enough examples of coffers that washed up on shore to support us anyway.
DM:
Spoiler:
The thought had occured to me. However, in this instance, to show the growing capabilities of Istas, she'll be doing the ceremony herself. Stannus can be the one watching this time. ;-)
Jeorik agrees with the idea of doing things as openly as possible (bodies in the open). Less sneaking means less likely to get caught and look suspicious.
Male Half-elf (Chelaxian) Stalker 6, AC18/14/14, F +3/R +10/W +7, Init +8, Hits 16/38
Kind of spoilt my democratic suggestion there DM. I should have paid more attention, Jeorik, apologies. As to the future, Kenan intends to ask Emerion to help him with a bit of urban scouting and covert watching of the masked healers, if he is up for it.
Once the party makes it back to the boat, and eventually to shore, Istas takes it upon herself to explain what they've found to the salvage crew.
"Two bodies. One slain by our own hand." She peels back the canvas wrapping to show everyone the sea hag. "We have no idea if this creature just happened upon the wreck or if she had something to do with it sinking. We fought off a couple of sharks, as well. So be careful if you go down."
"As for the other..." She gestures at the remaining body. "It appears to be a sailor from the ship's crew. I'll be taking both of these bodies back to the Grey District. By consulting with the Lady of Graves, the Pharasmin will know their secrets. And then, we'll better understand the origin of the ship and its intended destination."
"We also found this..." She shows the salvage captain the coffer without opening it. "We've see these before. They washed up all along the river shore. They're the source of the bloodveil. Everyone who's come into contact with them and opened one has contracted the plague. We'll be removing this as well. As someone well-versed in dealing with disease...as well as my friend, Kenan, a street-healer here...we would encourage you to avoid these if you find any more below."
"Other than these deathly coffers, we saw nothing else of value on the ship itself. Apparently, the cargo it carried was meant for a single purpose. To bring death and disease to Korvosa. Search to your own satisfaction, of course, but your fortunes would be better served to spend your time elsewhere."
"May you walk the right path..." She gives a small bow and then gestures for Emerion and Kenan to carry the dead sailor, while she and Jeorik manage the sea hag. When she feels how heavy the waterlogged figures are, she advises, "We may want to secure a cart..." She then looks around at the salvage captain. "Just so your day isn't a total waste, would you mind if we secured the use of a cart and paid you for it?" she asks.
Rog, Seb and their crews seem glad of your return in varying degrees. Seb has no interest in the bodies, and seems genuinely impressed and grateful that you took care of the hag. He also would prefer that you take the coffers, although he still requires that you hold to the bargain and sign a receipt for them and bring them back tomorrow. "Hopefully you'll have a chance to cleanse the taint before you bring them back."
Roger offers to row you and the bodies to a landing near Grey. You should be able to get the bodies carried up to the district from there.
Male Human, Varisian +6 Init, AC23/19/14, F+6/R+10/W+4, HP55/55, Per+11, Sense M+8 Fighter 5/Rogue 2
"We found this too. We'll sign for it along with the rest, though I'm not sure what it means," Emerion produces the mask we found - after all, we may as well be hung for sheep as lambs ...
Emerion will time his revelation to attract the least attention, and write the item in the book himself.
Not sure if it's Diplomacy or Bluff, so I'll give you a check on each for slipping it by not unnoticed, but unremarked.
Heather says nothing on the journey back to grey..she is to busy working out where she can safely go to ground when the Physicians come after her and the others.
"We found this too. We'll sign for it along with the rest, though I'm not sure what it means," Emerion produces the mask we found - after all, we may as well be hung for sheep as lambs ...
Emerion will time his revelation to attract the least attention, and write the item in the book himself.
Seb frowns at the mask. "Odd thing to find down there, but you never know. Once I dove after a cart that'd fallen off the end of a pier. Right next to it was a gown fit for a princess weighted down with rocks. Brought pair o' sails it did."
He doesn't seem overly concerned. Jeorik's ties to the Guard, Istas' priestly authority, and (perhaps most importantly) the dead hag, have put you in his good books.
ROg's boys pile into his two boats with the bodies and you. Soon they're pulling hard at the oars racing upstream. The bodies even seem to put them in a good, if somewhat fey mood. You make good time back to the High Bridge.
After landing you commandeer one of the dead carter's to bring the bodies up to Grey.
Male Human, Varisian +6 Init, AC23/19/14, F+6/R+10/W+4, HP55/55, Per+11, Sense M+8 Fighter 5/Rogue 2
"Had one of us better inform the good Captain that she may be present when we question this riven soul?" Emerion asks quietly once we are out of earshot. "I'll go and find them if you wish."
When did that happen, Jeorik wonders somewhat bemusedly as he realizes that he has indeed become a regular part of the guard.
"I'll go get the Marshall," says Jeorik and he makes sure he understands where to meet the others in the Grey District and then he goes to make a report and fetch the Marshall.
When Istas returns to the temple, she sends a runner to get Stannus so he can be present for the ritual to speak with the dead. After that, she takes care to set the bodies out on the requisite tables in a private sanctuary away from prying eyes. She also informs the acolytes that they'll likely be receiving a guest, the Field Marshall whom Jeorik went to fetch.
Stannus sends his regrets. The messenger reports that he is still mourning. Neil, I was just trying to needle you a little bit. As if Istas needs Stannus' help.
Jeorik, Cressida Croft is a little reluctant to make time for a seance of sorts. Can I get a brief sample of your argument and a diplomacy check?
"Istas thinks that she can have the dead tell us who sent them. The man was clearly a member of a death cult and might be able to tell us who is behind this plague. We just want an official witness beyond ourselves as to what he says, as there is a possibility that there is some connection to someone in the Queen's physicians."
Croft listens intently to Jeorik, but as he winds up his story her shoulders sag. "Jeorik, as commander of the Guard I am sworn to Korvosa and the Throne, I am not sure I want to know any such thing. It would put me in a difficult position. Yet I can appreciate your predicament. Additional, official witnesses would bolster your case and provide some security.
"I suggest an alternate plan. Two witnesses, one from the guard, and one from the Sable Company. I would say three and include an Arbiter, but in the worst case I'm not sure who we could trust. I think Captain Halstam from the Guard. Endrin would choose his own man.
"You're closer to this than me. I'll trust your judgment. Two discreet trustworthy witnesses, or me."
Halstam is an officer of unimpeachable character. He's well known to you by reputation.
Welcome. And thanks for hanging with me. Posting will be difficult for me until after Christmas, that's why the January start date in the initial post. Losing the long post last Thursday or Friday was very depressing, too. I've been thinking about my idea with your characters in mind. I'll need to make some changes to fit your characters better. That's cool.
I couldn't get working email from my friend the arcane caster, but that seems to be resolved now. Got to get him signed onto the boards here.
Let me grab the first character I see and start reviewing. Please talk about your ideas of Korvosa based on the little teasers Paizo has put out.
Oh. And even if your character is statted up, you're not done yet. Please take 6 skill points and put them into a useless knowledge, profession, or craft skill or two. Just for additional flavor. Hopefully I'll be able to work it into the game.
I am somewhat curious, but not sure I can take on another pbp just yet. Any background on what's going on in this adventure, if I may ask?
Adventuring in Varisia looks to be cool.
Oh, benevolent DM, Are we looking to roll characters or point buy.
Forgive me if you already said somewhere and I just missed it.
Also - how are you wanting us to do start up money?
I'll have my character cranked out as soon as I know.
Oh my poor lost post. It covered it all. OK. Character generation.
you can roll 4d6 lose the lowest, arrange scores to your liking. Or you can go for point buy. (26+1d4)
Roll start-up money. Don't worry about low rolls. This sidetrek should be pretty low combat and provide money earning opportunities. If your character absolutely needs something for image and you can't afford it, talk to me. I'll make you an offer you can't refuse.
Ocho here. I will be fine tuning the background etc. but the major parts are stable.
Good.
Teaser: Initial sidetrek will be something of a puzzle.
Hopefully 3 independent story lines can be made to converge to at least get everyone in the group known to each other. More hopefully with a degree of mutual respect if perhaps some antipathy. If it turns into a train wreck, when we begin Crimson Throne we'll rewrite history slightly to enable the group to work together.
Oh, characters may take a bonus feat from the Rise o' the Rune LOrds list. When we start Crimson Throne we can rebuild characters slightly if CT bonus feats look better to anyone.
I think I'm pretty set with background -- working into Korvosa being the "lawful" city with a non-lawful character. Just some tweaks to meet my subgroup.
I'll have maximum time available between now and mid-January, but don't anticipate having trouble keeping up beyond that (yes, I am on the academic calendar, thank you).
Off to roll dice . . . (just downloaded RPGXplorer a couple days ago, so I'm good to go).
Character is started. Haven't bought equipment yet but otherwise good to go. I used Invisible Castle for character ability rolls - very pleased with the subsequent results.
Jeorik is going to Korvosa to try and find at least one of his uncles, whom he has never met.
I took the bonus skill points in Knowledge (religion) and Knowledge (nature), both of which fit the character concept I wanted. Bonus feat was Big Game Hunter.
I switched Swim around with Handle Animal, bought a mule and gave her some commands she obeys (two years of training). Her name is Pax. I rolled her hitpoints and stated her up in the character description. Not a lot of money left, but enough for a couple of nights in Korvosa I hope.
Let me know, kindly DM, what changes if any I need to make to the background and such.
I switched Swim around with Handle Animal, bought a mule and gave her some commands she obeys (two years of training). Her name is Pax. I rolled her hitpoints and stated her up in the character description. Not a lot of money left, but enough for a couple of nights in Korvosa I hope.
Let me know, kindly DM, what changes if any I need to make to the background and such.
Nice rolls. Invisible castle never treated me so well. (intense jealousy)
Spoiler:
I take it you dumped my bonus skill points into the religion and handle animal? Makes sense with the character. Background is good. Character is good to go.
Hunting apparently can pay pretty well over the years.
Better than "wastrel" anyway (I rolled 130).
Darvyl looks good.
Spoiler:
Your skill list is pretty dense. Just out of curiousity where'd you dump the bonus skill points -- I guess 4 went to wainwright. Also please come up with three buddies from the guard, and a sargent and a lieutenant who would know you. Not stats -- just a couple sentences on each and your relationship with them.
Darvyl, human melee fighter Good, with comments.
Jeorik, human ranged fighter Good.
Darthen, half-elf urban ranger / security specialist Good, with comments.
"Ghost", human rogue
[unnamed], human (?) cleric of (Asmodeus?)
[unnamed], unspecified arcane caster
Darvyl, Darthen and Ghost all know each other. That will work fine.
Ocho here. I will be fine tuning the background etc. but the major parts are stable.
Darthen looks good.
Spoiler:
Would you mind if Darthen has been in business about a year? It will help me if he's had time to establish a little rep.
Also, can you give me a couple sentences each on his four main NPC contacts for info? Is your skill count right? Did you include all the useless bonus points, if so where? One other question on background: the mystery and innuendo is great for a public background, but I've got to know -- did Darthen kill the corpse, or just finger him? How dirty a job will he take?
Alright, I canned Ghost and came up with a Elven Rogue instead. Basically, the thought of playing a cliche rogue with attitude seemed like it would get old quick. Plus, I was originally thinking of an elf or half elven character. So, I've gone with an elven information specialist type rogue. If it works for you, I was thinking that he might work for the emissary from the Mierani elves to Korvosa. Maybe the emissary comes and goes, even for lenghty periods of time, so he/she keeps a couple of people in place in the city to act behind the scenes, keep tabs on things and generally gather useful information.
Most of the stats and info are posted, although I do need to flesh out the skills, background, description, and equipment. For flavor, I was thinking of asking if I could swap longsword proficiency for scimitar, but I could take it or leave it. It just strikes me that the latter is more elvish/roguish, and we have a couple of longsword guys already.
Alright, I canned Ghost and came up with a Elven Rogue instead. Basically, the thought of playing a cliche rogue with attitude seemed like it would get old quick. Plus, I was originally thinking of an elf or half elven character. So, I've gone with an elven information specialist type rogue. If it works for you, I was thinking that he might work for the emissary from the Mierani elves to Korvosa. Maybe the emissary comes and goes, even for lenghty periods of time, so he/she keeps a couple of people in place in the city to keep tabs on things and generally gather useful information.
Most of the stats and info are posted, although I do need to flesh out the skills, background, description, and equipment. For flavor, I was thinking of asking if I could swap longsword proficiency for scimitar, but I could take it or leave it. It just strikes me that the latter is more elvish/roguish, and we have a couple of longsword guys already.
Brilliant. I like the concept. I'll check him out tomorrow. Scimitar for longsword? I'm inclined to approve Both are d8 damage right? What about crits?
What's that? You're having a bad day? Wow, I'm truly sorry to hear that. Hey, let me buy you an ale and you can tell me all about it. By the way, the district's captain of the guard is a neighbor of yours, isn't he? You mind if I ask you a few questions? You know, you look hungry, let me get us some dinner while we talk.
Thom, considering that Iñigo is part of the nobility, would it be possible for him to start with breastplate armor, starting cash notwithstanding?
Also, can Iñigo take the Law Devotion feat from Complete Champion and Spontaneous Domain (Fire) Casting as an alternative class feature from PHB II? These feats would complement Iñigo's role as a Judicator, i.e. police/judge/jury/executioner. Korvosa is still a frontier compared to Cheliax.
For your ready reference, please see the following:
Spoiler:
Law Devotion (Su): The power of law assists you in combat. Once per day as a swift action, you can summon the power of law to aid you. Upon activating this ability, you immediately gain a +3 profane (in case of an evil deity) bonus on your attack rolls or to your AC until your next action. At the beginning of your next action, you can reallocate the bonus if desired. This effect last for 1 minute. This bonus increases to +5 when you attain 10th level, and to +7 when you attain 15th level. If you have the ability to turn or rebuke undead you gain one additional use of this feat for each three daily turn or rebuke uses you spend.
Spontaneous Domain Casting: You do not gain the ability to spontaneously convert prepared spells into cure or inflict spells.
You can convert stored spell energy into the spells of one of your domains. Pick one of your two domains. You can "lose" any prepared spell (other than a domain spell) to cast any spell of the same level or lower on that domain list. Your choice is permanent unless an alignment change, deity change or other dramatic event leaves you incapable of accessing the domain. In addition, when preparing spells you can fill any or all of your domain spell slots with cure or inflict spells (depending on whether you would normally convert prepared spells to cure or inflict spells) of the same level.
Ocho here. I will be fine tuning the background etc. but the major parts are stable.
Darthen looks good.
** spoiler omitted **
Thom:
Spoiler:
Having him in business for awhile was something I thought of initially. It would explain how he got his money/gear and built his contacts up. He is still young so a year seems about right. That will allow him to have the contacts you want info on without it feeling rushed. I will try and come up with something in the next day or two. How much detail do you want on the NPCs? You said a few sentences so just a quick bio on them? Thalus will be one of the contacts since he has already used Darthen before. Feel free to use Thalus as an NPC if you are so inclined.
I did forget to add in the 6 bonus points you gave. Those have been put into Profession (investigator) 4 ranks and Knowledge (Geography) 2 ranks.
Spoiler on the corpse:
The official got word that someone was snooping around sticking his nose where it did not belong. He grabbed a couple other corrupt guards to confront him in an alley. Out numbered he was able to use the narrow alley to hold them off. Before long a couple of Thalus' thugs came on the scene. Recognizing Darthen they crept behind the guards and flanked them. After the battle he explained to the thugs what he found. They searched the corpses, took some papers, and gave the guards' meager gear to Darthen. The thugs hauled off the officials corpse whose head later turned up on the doorsteps.
I just quickly threw that together. Darthen is neutral so chopping a head off to me sounds more cold blooded than I like. Even trying to explain it as a good idea didn't sound right.
He will take just about any job. Although murdering people is not something he does. He will defend himself and doesn't have any remorse if the person dies.
Since this was his first official contract getting the guards gear was a good way to explain how he got started.
I like the mix of your guard buddies. Great variety. Left to myself I would have made the sarge the good guy; Lt. , the bad guy. This gives the sarge good reason to really despise you. Very nice. Steer clear of him.
Darthen:
The NPC don't need much detail. Just a sentence or two. Profession, relationship with you mostly. Thalus counts. I will be using him.
Spoiler:
The original corpse story was great as flavor . Added notes of menace and mystery to the character. And the ambiguity is perfect for general consumption. I just needed to know.
You and Darvyl might want to work out your relationship. Have you employed him as muscle? From his guard days does he question your propriety in the matter of the head?
Thom, considering that Iñigo is part of the nobility, would it be possible for him to start with breastplate armor, starting cash notwithstanding?
Also, can Iñigo take the Law Devotion feat from Complete Champion and Spontaneous Domain (Fire) Casting as an alternative class feature from PHB II? These feats would complement Iñigo's role as a Judicator, i.e. police/judge/jury/executioner. Korvosa is still a frontier compared to Cheliax.
For your ready reference, please see the following: ** spoiler omitted **
Breastplate: OK. Is it shiny? Does it come with a gleaming plumed helm?
Law devotion: Concept ok. Looks a little overpowered to me. I'd be inclined to water it down.
Spontaneous Domain: The idea of spontaneously casting domain spells is very cool. What irks me on first impression is that it also bypasses the spell domain requirement.
Are either of these 2 feats prerequisites for something you want later?
Breastplate: OK. Is it shiny? Does it come with a gleaming plumed helm?
Law devotion: Concept ok. Looks a little overpowered to me. I'd be inclined to water it down.
Spontaneous Domain: The idea of spontaneously casting domain spells is very cool. What irks me on first impression is that it also bypasses the spell domain requirement.
Are either of these 2 feats prerequisites for something you want later?
Yes on the breast plate being shiny and being accompanied by a plumed helm.
Spontaneous domain casting is an alternative class feature, it replaces spontaneous casting of inflict spells. It does not bypass the domain spell requirement, as Iñigo is sitll obliged to maintain a domain spell which he cannot convert to a Fire Domain Spell which may be an inflict spell. However, Iñigo is not precluded from using the domain slot for a Fire domain Spell.
The Law Devotion feat is not as overpowered as it may seem in the light of the fact of Iñigo's choice of deity, Asmodeus. Iñigo would have to rely more often on his personal ability rather than the assistance of others. Moreover, the 1-minute duration of the ability means that it can only be used at most for only one encounter per day and although Iñigo can invoke the ability again by spending 3 rebuke attempts, still that is a delicate balancing act that may put greater pressure in later game play, i.e. when there are a lot undead.
These feat and ability are not intended to be prerequisites for later feats. However, I am trying to build up Iñigo as a warrior-priest, a direct contrast to his rival, Paracount Julistar, an variant scholarly cleric. Julistar appeared as the leader of Her Infernal Majestrix's Expeditionary in Entombed with the Pharoahs.
You and Darvyl might want to work out your relationship. Have you employed him as muscle? From his guard days does he question your propriety in the matter of the head?
Darthen:
Spoiler:
I took the liberty of reading your background to facilitate this; you're of course welcome to do the same. Darvyl's from a not-terribly-good neighborhood himself. There may well have been chance encounters after Darthen went on the streets. But more recently, I wonder if Darthen might have approached me about being a contractor in his business (more on the bodyguard side, of course). Darvyl is good in a fight or just to head off trouble (Improved Disarm FTW).
Breastplate: OK. Is it shiny? Does it come with a gleaming plumed helm?
Law devotion: Concept ok. Looks a little overpowered to me. I'd be inclined to water it down.
Spontaneous Domain: The idea of spontaneously casting domain spells is very cool. What irks me on first impression is that it also bypasses the spell domain requirement.
Are either of these 2 feats prerequisites for something you want later?
Yes on the breast plate being shiny and being accompanied by a plumed helm.
Spontaneous domain casting is an alternative class feature, it replaces spontaneous casting of inflict spells. It does not bypass the domain spell requirement, as Iñigo is sitll obliged to maintain a domain spell which he cannot convert to a Fire Domain Spell which may be an inflict spell. However, Iñigo is not precluded from using the domain slot for a Fire domain Spell.
The Law Devotion feat is not as overpowered as it may seem in the light of the fact of Iñigo's choice of deity, Asmodeus. Iñigo would have to rely more often on his personal ability rather than the assistance of others. Moreover, the 1-minute duration of the ability means that it can only be used at most for only one encounter per day and although Iñigo can invoke the ability again by spending 3 rebuke attempts, still that is a delicate balancing act that may put greater pressure in later game play, i.e. when there are a lot undead.
These feat and ability are not intended to be prerequisites for later feats. However, I am trying to build up Iñigo as a warrior-priest, a direct contrast to his rival, Paracount Julistar, an variant scholarly cleric. Julistar appeared as the leader of Her Infernal Majestrix's Expeditionary in Entombed with the Pharoahs.
Radavel, I will seriously consider your arguments.
Guys, probably won't be able to post until after Christmas. Merry Christmas to you all.
Wow this week has just been crazy. This is the first time I have been on the computer in two days. I will not be on until the day after Christmas at a minimum. So Merry Christmas to all of you. I hope you get what you have asked for. :D
Spontaneous domain casting is an alternative class feature, it replaces spontaneous casting of inflict spells. It does not bypass the domain spell requirement, as Iñigo is sitll obliged to maintain a domain spell which he cannot convert to a Fire Domain Spell which may be an inflict spell. However, Iñigo is not precluded from using the domain slot for a Fire domain Spell.
This is the sentence that I object to:
"In addition, when preparing spells you can fill any or all of your domain spell slots with cure or inflict spells (depending on whether you would normally convert prepared spells to cure or inflict spells) of the same level. " I don't like being able to drop inflict spells in for the domain spell. To me it violates the whole metagame premise that the domain spells are for flavor, and the in game premise that a diety wants his clerics to have a certain flare. I am fully prepared to accept spontaneous domain casting without that sentence.
Radavel wrote:
The Law Devotion feat is not as overpowered as it may seem in the light of the fact of Iñigo's choice of deity, Asmodeus. Iñigo would have to rely more often on his personal ability rather than the assistance of others. Moreover, the 1-minute duration of the ability means that it can only be used at most for only one encounter per day and although Iñigo can invoke the ability again by spending 3 rebuke attempts, still that is a delicate balancing act that may put greater pressure in later game play, i.e. when there are a lot undead.
I admit that I missed the 1/day and 1 minute limits on the spell. You're right this is basically a one encounter feat. That goes a long way toward making it more palatable. Do you agree that the bonus is either all attack or all AC? What makes you think a good-aligned DM like me would use undead?
Radavel wrote:
These feat and ability are not intended to be prerequisites for later feats. However, I am trying to build up Iñigo as a warrior-priest, a direct contrast to his rival, Paracount Julistar, an variant scholarly cleric. Julistar appeared as the leader of Her Infernal Majestrix's Expeditionary in Entombed with the Pharoahs.
Wow. I thought you had come up with Julistar and the S&M queen on your own. Are there any other good back-ground flavor bits in there?
