Julia breaks into song which encourages you to fight harder! Lope thrusts again but he misses despite Pelligrina's aid. Cyrene's dagger goes wide of her mark, as does Valaria's crossbow but she missed by less than an inch...
Burning from last round:1d6 ⇒ 1
Triphylla throws another vial of alchemists fire at the already burning walcofinde and the flames rose higher!
Despite the flames that where consuming it, the wretched walcofinde continued to savage Lope. The Aldori trained warrior managed to block one of it's claws, but the other sneaked past his guard, raking him!
Red Claw vs Lope AC 18:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20Damage:1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4<--- HIT
Red Claw vs Lope AC 18:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10Damage:1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3<--- MISS
The other undead walcofinde was clearly not a music lover and its claw like arms scythed towards the bard but once more she was able to neatly sidestep it.
Red Claw vs Julia AC 15:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12Damage:1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3<--- MISS
Red Claw vs Julia AC 15:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8Damage:1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6<--- MISS
Round: 1
Green was hit by Lope for 10 (total damage taken 10)
Green was hit by Cyrene for 13 (total damage taken 23)
Red was hit by Triphylla for 6 (total damage taken 6)
Lope was hit by Red for 3 (total damage taken 3)
Round: 2
Red was hit by Triphylla for 1 (total damage taken 7)
Red was hit by Triphylla for 4 (total damage taken 11)
Lope was hit by Red for 4 (total damage taken 7)
Lope shouts in pain as another claw passes his guard, but feeling the reassuring touch of Pellegrina, he knows the fight needs to keep on. Profiting the moment of the attack, the Aldori thrusts under the second arm of the wall cutting exactly there "So that's why they tell don't fight with a wall!"
arcane pooled aldori dueling sword+guidance+IC+flank-fight defensively:1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 4 = 15 Slashing damage+IC:1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12
HP 3/10 AC 18 TAC 17
fighting defensively (+2 AC included)
inspire courage (+1)
guidance
arcane pool (+1; 4/5) 1 min
Lope's sword thrusts through the burning walcofinde's centre of mass, severing its connection to the negative material plane. It suddenly flairs up burning away almost entirely in the blink of an eye.
Cyrene your target is dead and the last walcofinde is not within a single move action, what do you want to do? Close and throw the dagger?
Not wanting to use all her valuable alchemical weapons right away, Triphylla instead pulls the Earl's hereditary dagger out of her pack and throws it at the last undead.
Lope slays the target in front of her so Cyrene sashays forwards and hurls her dagger at the final creature. It lodges and seems to inconvenience the undead not at all.
Sorry bout that, was just getting to going through my games today to post. Where is Lope supposed to be? I assume in the room with us but the token hasn't been moved.
Oh...entirely different map than what I saw from the link in your stat line....
And he's right next to me, even better!
Seeing how badly Lope had been injured by the wall based monstrosity Valeria quickly offered up a prayer to her goddess and called forth healing energy. She reached out and touched Lope's wound with the pale gold energy on her hand.
Once more dodging bloodthirsty claws with well-honed grace and skill, Julia goes on the attack and flicks her newfound blade outward and artfully slashes the nearest wall wraith to her.
Cyrene's dagger was accurate but it barely grazed the undead that was menacing Julia. Valeria managed to heal some of the cuts covering Lope's body although a combat situation was less than ideal... Pelligrina hesitated momentarily unsure of what to no next. Triphylla threw another dagger, which cut in almost the same location as Cyrene's with much the same effect!
Once more the last walcofinde standing, attempted to savage Julia and once again the bard simply sidestepped, before lunging into attack with her Rapier. Julia's form was excellent and her sword pierced deeply but not enough to disable it yet.
Red Claw vs Julia AC 15:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12Damage:1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 <--- MISS
Red Claw vs Julia AC 15:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12Damage:1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 <--- MISS
Round: 1
Green was hit by Lope for 10 (total damage taken 10)
Green was hit by Cyrene for 13 (total damage taken 23)
Red was hit by Triphylla for 6 (total damage taken 6)
Lope was hit by Red for 3 (total damage taken 3)
Round: 2
Red was hit by Triphylla for 1 (total damage taken 7)
Red was hit by Triphylla for 4 (total damage taken 11)
Lope was hit by Red for 4 (total damage taken 7)
Red was hit by Lope for 12 (total damage taken 23)
Blue was hit by Cyrene for 2 (total damage taken 2)
Blue was hit by Triphylla for 2 (total damage taken 4)
Lope was healed by Valeria for 2 (total damage taken 5)
Blue was hit by Julia for 7 (total damage taken 11)
"Oh thanks!" Lope opens wide his eyes as one of the wounds suddenly disappears, the man loses no time though and showing the diligence of a duelist used to combat, rushes through the corridor changing targets with a guarded attack at the last walcofinde.
arcane pooled aldori dueling sword+IC-fight defensively:1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 - 4 = 19 Slashing damage+IC:1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 1 = 14
HP 5/10 AC 18 TAC 17
fighting defensively (+2 AC included)
inspire courage (+1)
arcane pool (+1; 4/5) 1 min
"Good form, Lope. Apologies for putting you on the spot; I'm sure you would have warned us had the predicament been clear, but these monsters gave us no time to consider it."
Triphylla retrieves the Earl's ceremonial dagger and returns it to her bag.
Then, reconsidering their surroundings, she checks the door (G) for traps or tampering before deciding whether to open it.
"Not sure," Julia answers as she rather momentarily sheathes her rapier and ends her battle song. "Lope seemed to know a bit about them but it seems pretty obvious they were some kind of undead."
Well certainly not wanting to get near any of the walls after what they just endured, Julia forces herself to mirror Triphylla's search with one her own as she looks at the door (A) nearest to her in search of an exit.
With the last of the creatures gone Valeria went to Lope again and cast her spell once more. He was in rough enough shape she didn't want to take chances on something smiting him like that first thing had. "That will have to do for now," she said after she was done, "Fortunately I thin a lot of my blessings will be of little help down here."
Lope nods at Triphylla in acknowledgement and smiles "No worries"
"Yeah, they were the workers that build the catacombs of the Senate" Lope explains what he was told in the Archives "Or at least what remained from them. Let's be cautious those things left my arm badly injured."
Then his wounds completely disappear "Oh, wow, that was a real show off Lady, it does not longer pain at all" he makes a few gestures demonstrating the arm moves perfectly now "So... is this what you were doing in... in the Wound?"
HP 10/10
Lope helps Triphylla explore the central room first, then Julia with the southwest door if nothing relevant is found.
Perception:1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19 Perception:1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7
Lope thrusts viciously into the last undead's skull, the sword shatters the bone and pokes out the other side. Suddenly the negative energy suffusing the wretched thing gave out and it crumbled away into nothingness, blown by a wind you couldn't feel.
You have a moment to catch your breath before one of the wooden doors creeks open and suddenly the adrenaline is back and you snatch up weapons only to see the frightened face of a senator poking out. Rather hopefully the man calls out, "Rescuers? Have you come to save us?"
From behind a different locked door a female voice rings out, "Wilfen did you say rescuers? I heard the most awful noises, like with poor Manshum. Is it safe to come out now?"
Kn: Nobles DC 15:
You recognize the man as Lord Wilfen Botoles, a minor noble.
Julia eyes the new arrival trying to place him in her mind but ultimately coming up with nothing. Instead she opts to just come about and greet the man. "I'd like to say we are here to do just that, good ser, but alas we've been trying to just get out of here," she jests with a deprecating smile.
The opera singer walks up to Wilfen and gives out her hand for him to shake. [b]"Julia Aubigni. A pleasure to meet you and your companion though I wish it was under better circumstances. Tell me, how did find yourself in this place? We think we got here on account of unexpected magical teleportation just as things went mad in the Senate Hall."
K. Nobility:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
"Lord Wilfen Botoles?" Lope much relaxes after spotting the minor noble "No need to worry, we took charge of the undead monstrosities "
The Aldori listens to the answers for Julia's questions and adds " How long have you been here trapped?"
Cyrene doesn't know the taldane nobility, but since she has time or place to switch back to her more inconspicuous guise she simply saunters off to collect the thrown daggers.
As she returns to Triphyllia she is handling the Earl's dagger with obvious appreciation and seems reluctant to give it back.
"Where did you find this beauty?" She asks. "Lovely blade. I'll trade you a magic wand for it?" It is quite apparent that Cyrene has a thing for blades...
Triphylla already picked it up, but thanks for remembering.
"Hmm?" responds Triphylla to Cyrene's overture. "I just learned myself how useful it is. I think I need to get more of these to throw around. But a magic wand, well, it depends. Do you have a magic wand to trade?"
"One of those noble jerks gave it to me for entertaining his kids." Cyrene says, giving a sinuous shrug as her tail brushes down Trip's side. "So... swapsies?" The look she gives the dagger is almost sensual...
"Perhaps Lope can tell us if these things are actually useful. Until then I'll hang on to mine. I rather like having something to throw when the need arises."
The spanking comment is over-the-top for Triphylla's tastes, and she lets it land with a thud.
She moves to peek around Pelligrina's gown.
Kno Nobility:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
She has no idea who these noble goofs are and doesn't particularly care. Better to keep moving.
Lord Botoles replied, "Long enough for Lord Manshum to get torn apart unfortunately. Such a horrible surprise that, whisked away from certain death at that madman Stavian's hands only to get eaten... Still I think you for dispatching them!"
A moment later he's joined by two more senators who introduce themselves as Sir Gryphus Plastion, and Lady Gael Urbaen who both thank you profusely.
Kn Nobility DC 15:
Sir Gryphus and Lady Urbaen are rumoured to be dating. Both are from minor families and were favourable to Eutropia.
While you're talking another door opens and a pair of newcomers sheepishly make their presence known. One of them a deeply tanned man introduces himself as, "Jowuan Zubari of Abadar at your service. I hail from Sargavan and was visiting Senator Trant, I wish my visit had had been under better circumstances. I didn't expect to see him gutted on the senate floor while the grand prince smiled..." Jowuan shudders at the memory.
Next to him is a very sheepish and unhappy looking Malphene Trant. It's clear she's been crying and she looks scared of Cyrene, flinching when she looks at her.
If you want Malphene to help look after the survivors: Diplomacy/Intimidate DC 15:
Looking resigned she sighs, "All right as long as that one promises to keep away from me!" she points at Cyrene!
If you want Malphene to help find a way out: Diplomacy/Intimidate DC 20:
Malphene seems shocked, "Wait. You want me to help you, after what happened? I... I... I guess! I mean I don't want to just stand around, but uh." she turns to Cyrene, "Please don't hurt me!"
It won't be easy but if you're interested you can attempt to influence Malphene
Finally one more surviver turns up, a one of the serving staff, a halfling Imistos Gulbend. He seems rather confused as to what happened and is more than a little shy of so many big people as he puts it. But brightly he offers, "If you can get me out of here, I'll shine your shoes for free every day! I can start now if you like!"
The curious corridor you're in circles around what turns out to be a common room styled in a fashion centuries out of date. Inside this rectangular room is a long table, covered in green felt. Silver trays dot the table’s surface, each hosting a set of crystal glassware and a tall decanter of wine.
Perception DC 15:
You notice several overlapping circles drawn on the floor under the table with chalk. While your immediate thought is these have some sort of mystical connotations there's no magic here. They're just chalk.
Appraise DC 15:
The fine crystal glassware and silver dining sets are in good condition, though the wine has long since soured. The complete set weighs about 5 pounds and has a value of 1050 gp.
A dusty document box on the table includes a number of scrolls!
Then his wounds completely disappear "Oh, wow, that was a real show off Lady, it does not longer pain at all" he makes a few gestures demonstrating the arm moves perfectly now "So... is this what you were doing in... in the Wound?"
Valeria hesitated a moment and then shook her head, "No, I was a Paladin of Shelyn and went to fight to protect those who could not protect themselves and to preserve the art work as best I could. Then the Wardstones failed and Kenabres fell and I," she choked up a bit, her emotions starting to break through her self control. After another moment she said in a dreadfully quite voice of horror, "I didn't make it out."
Valeria said nothing further and it was obvious she was done talking on the subject for now as she grasped the symbol she wore, one that was most definitely not Shelyn's, and began to pray as she tried to get control of herself once more. Consequently she wasn't really paying attention when they found the survivors and instead continued to pray.
Triphylla starts to get sour with all the nobles who managed to weasel their way out of certain death the same way she did. How many of them were there? Still, each was a potential ally to Eutropia which counted for something.
And now an unexpected boon - another halfling fellow! One of the help of course, but at least this one appeared to have some dignity--oh wait, no.
"There now, Mr. Gulbend, stand up straight and proud. Don't humble yourself for these fools with such feeble promises. Half as tall but twice as clever, we are. Don't go disproving that."
Triphylla eyes up the crowd and decides this opportunity to turn the tables on them is too good to pass up. She hops atop the long table, rests the sickle on her shoulder, and paces slowly in front of the gathered nobles.
"Now listen up! I don't care who you claim to be or where you hail from. You may have narrowly avoided getting cut in two by the Emperor's guards, but as you see here the living are not your first concern. We can escort you to safety, but there's a price to be paid for putting ourselves at greater risk.
"So what are your lives worth? I'd say one-thousand gold pieces, each. Now I'll understand if you can't pay in advance but we'll take the fine jewelry each of you wears as a deposit. Of course you can try to follow us, but only those who agree to pay will be protected. So what's it going to be? Safety for a reasonable price, or take your chances and end up like that other poor bastard?"
Female Human Seducer / Mirror Witch 2 | HP 14/14 AC 13 T 12 FF 11 | CMB 0 CMD 12 | F +1 R +2 W +3 | Init +2
Skills:
Bluff +10 Diplo +12 K Arc +7 K Hist +6 K Local +8 K Nobility +4 Linguistics +3 Perc +3 Sense M +2
The crassness of the halfling Triphylla is so beyond the pale that Pelligrina is humiliated to be found in her company. She must act immediately.
Pelligrina steps out into direct view and points at Triphylla.
"Ignore her and her grasping demands. She speaks only for herself. We have all suffered through the horrors of this evening together. We survivors are bonded to each other by the awful sights we have beheld and the grief we feel."
"We must go forward together and find a way out. We must do this as partners, not preying on each other like jackals. We will help you, and we ask the same of you in return."
Sense Motive (Triphylla): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Note that Pelligrina would respond in the same way whether or not she understands Tryphilla is bluffing.
I'm not sure if this will also count toward Malphene Trant's check, but Pelligrina wasn't present for any of the events involving her, so as far as Pelligrina is concerned Lady Malphene has a clean slate.
Of course the wealthy human nobles would protect their own. Wasn't that exactly the kind of privilege they were trying to overcome?
If nothing else it was a reminder of how little she really knew about her companions. Well, she won't be deprived of her agency.
"We are most certainly not all in this together. Any objective view of the situation puts Taldor on the brink of civil war, and we are supposed to be aligned on the side of Empress Eutropia. I have no idea who these people are but you cannot be naive as to put full trust in your fellow nobles in this moment of chaos. Unless you can personally vouch for their credibility, I don't see how we can strike a partnership on faith. A contract of coin for services is a reliable bond that adheres to longstanding legal tradition.
"Furthermore, I deeply resent being referred to as a jackal. You will apologize immediately for that remark."
Julia notably cringes as Triphylla and Pelligrina have their argument. She has hoped that such divisions would be beyond them, especially after they just worked together to fend off the wall monsters, but she supposed that was wishful thinking. "Let's save the money talk later shall we? We still have to find a way out of here if we ever want to spend another coin again."
She turns to Malphene. "Mind watching the others while my compatriots and I keep hunting for an exit? You seem more than capable, if I do say so myself," she tells her with surgery smile.
With that said, Julia promptly starts with her search, first going to the odd circles on the floor. At first she thinks its some kind of magic circle but soon realizes its just chalk on the ground. "Hmm. Nothing here. Just chalk."
Female Human Seducer / Mirror Witch 2 | HP 14/14 AC 13 T 12 FF 11 | CMB 0 CMD 12 | F +1 R +2 W +3 | Init +2
Skills:
Bluff +10 Diplo +12 K Arc +7 K Hist +6 K Local +8 K Nobility +4 Linguistics +3 Perc +3 Sense M +2
"They have told us who they are. If you wish I will vouch for them. I will not be party to your paranoia, or mental instability, or greed, whatever precisely this is. I will apologize for nothing."
"Then you really know nothing beyond vanity. When forced to look down on someone from your ivory tower you are confused. The hardscrabble life most of the residents of this rotting city live is beneath consideration. I have held no aspiration of reaching any level of parity among humans; I know too well how the rest of us are treated. And here you demonstrate that contempt openly. Had I previously assailed your character? No. We're on the same team, afterall. But that's an illusion, isn't it? You're all alone on team Pelligrina."
Valeria was snapped out of her praying when she heard Tripylla and Pelligrina start arguing. She felt the halfling had gone to far in trying to extort money from the survivors they had found in exchange for their safety but she could understand the reasoning as well since doing so would make their own chances of survival less certain. In hopes she could help end the fight before it got any worse she stepped forward and moved between the two.
Valeria looked first at Pelligrina and said, "I get why you are angry at Triphylla right now but I would point out she is not entirely wrong about the danger down here and the fact that aiding them will make it harder for us to get out alive. With that in mind it asking for compensation is not the worst thing in the world as compensation for the risks helping them will cause."
Valeria then turned and looked at Triphylla and continue, "Do you not think that extorting money from them, because that is what you are doing right now, is not an evil thing? They are in more danger here than we are and that is why they can be trusted. The simple fact of the matter is they need us to survive down here and so they don't dare stab us in the back until we are out. Because of that we know when we need to be wary and the threat of it is greatly reduced." Her look turned more severe and she added, "And what will you do with those who simply can't afford to pay that kind of money, will you leave them here to die?" She pointedly looked towards the halfling shoe shiner feeling confident he couldn't afford that sum of money.
Feeling she had made her point Valeria stepped back and said, "Now, why don't we all a moment to calm down. In fact I think it would be a good time to rest fora while and recover from what we've already been through unless we feel up to pushing on a bit more."
"Oh, I heard about the events at Kenabres. That must have been terrible..." Lope does not press the matters here and respects Valeria's silence. Instead he kind of laughs when the nobles start to appear "Ha! Who would have tell it would be that crowded in here"
K. Nobility:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
"Let's all relax a bit here, it is clear today's events have put us all on edge." the Aldori adds with a conciliating tone "I agree we all will need to work together in order to have chances of getting out of this place" he stares at Malphene " Could you please help us find a way out?"
Diplomacy Aid Julia:1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1
He then adds looking at the nobles "I think our friend here means coin would be appreciated to support our endeavors, as not everyone of us can eat out of our properties rent. Anyway I am sure anyone surviving this will pay back the favor when the time comes we also need help " Lope smiles and winks an eye to Tripylla "I know this might come as unfair to you but this is how we nobles usually trade up in favors rather than real coin. If you want to try be patient, I promise you it will pay larger in the long run than any petty coin we could scrape now putting them on edge "
He tries to make this sound as good as possible for everyone.
Perform Oratory:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Appraise:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
When having time, Lope will carefully study the scrolls.
Spellcratf:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Spellcratf:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Spellcratf:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Spellcratf:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Spellcratf:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
" Fortunately it seems we have some healing scrolls here"
Triphylla follows Valeria's gaze to the other halfling. "He knows I didn't mean him. I'll remind you, extortion is illegal. Acting in one's employ as a guard and expecting proper compensation is most definitely not. Quite the opposite, really. So no, I find the idea that we should require coin for placing ourselves between these people and whatever unknown horrors lay ahead decidedly proper and not at all evil. And if they value the sanctity of fair trade they will happily agree to pay even now despite your collective rebuke."
It is Lope's typically cool demeanor that settles her temper."The next noble that trades favors with a halfling would be the first. But I trust your instincts, friend.""Perhaps you're right, Lope. It may be a fair exchange for protection to be shown the way directly out of this madhouse. The spot has been put on you, Malphene. What say you?"
Female Human Seducer / Mirror Witch 2 | HP 14/14 AC 13 T 12 FF 11 | CMB 0 CMD 12 | F +1 R +2 W +3 | Init +2
Skills:
Bluff +10 Diplo +12 K Arc +7 K Hist +6 K Local +8 K Nobility +4 Linguistics +3 Perc +3 Sense M +2
Pelligrina's eyes glaze over immediately from the dreariness of listening to the bitter halfling. She endures about a sentence and a half of the tirade before walking away to make better use of her time and attention.
She goes to the the group from the other room and greets them all in turn before beginning to give directions.
"I apologize for Tryphilla's outbursts. She is of the opinion that we 'elites' suffer from the moral deficiency of being willing to extend aid to those in need without shaking them down first. It is trying to have to hear her but we must hold together, numbers are our means to safety."
"We cannot be sure how long it will take us to find out way out of here, so we must gather any provisions we can find to take along. Scour through the rooms you were transported to carefully. Find anything that could be of use and collect it to bring along. We need food of course. Also water or alcohol, anything we can drink. Medical supplies and tinctures, or cloth suitable for binding wounds. If there are weapons, armor, or tools of any kind bring them as well. If any of you have experience or training with weapons, arm yourself."
"We should be prepared to travel as quickly as we can be so we can rest here where we can still count on safe rooms."
Pelligrina manages to overhear what Lope quietly says to Tryphilla in his attempt to reason with her.
Lope understands, at least in part. That is something thankfully.
Triphylla rolls her eyes. "Such 'elites' have been shaking down the rest of us time-eternal, so no, I do not think you suffer from any quality of morals. Your snobbery is boundless, but at least you're engaged for a change. Yes, set them to work. That is actually a good idea."
Cyrene stays well out of the conversation and simply watches all the back and forth with a rather mocking smile on her crimson lips before slipping away to join Julia.
"Well that seems to be going wonderfully" She comments to the bard. "And someone here is not a fan of straight lines!"
Wow I wasn't expecting quite so many charged posts! Party drama can make for some interesting RP as long as everyone is having fun. Let's make sure that any disagreements are between characters and not players.
The halfling Imistos Gulbend smiled when Triphylla spoke to him but made no comment.
Their shields can't protect against a bluff of that magnitude.
Triphylla wrote:
"So what are your lives worth? I'd say one-thousand gold pieces, each. Now I'll understand if you can't pay in advance but we'll take the fine jewelry each of you wears as a deposit."
Lord Botole's eyebrows rose, "That's more or less highway robbery. Wait didn't I see you all talking to Martella? Boy she's let her standards down!"
Lady Urbaen's cheeks colored, she looked like she was about to swear at Triphylla before she primly turned to Malphene said primly, "Dame Trant I hear you're pretty handy yourself. That pipsqueak isn't getting a single copper of my money, but if you help us I'll make sure my family and Lord Botole's protect you now that you've been bereaved."
Malphene seemed to consider the situation, still weary of Cyrene she stood a bit taller as she replied, "Tempting... Tell you what Jowuan and I'll protect after you for half of what she's demanding."
The nobles stared debating among themselves with many angry looks sent in Triphylla's direction. Gulbend didn't join in the conversation but he smiled at Triphylla, clearly emphasizing with her talking points.
Pelligrina's intervention seemed to help a bit, but it wasn't easy to smooth over ruffled feathers. The subsequent argument between the two seemed to be swaying the noble trio in Malphene's favour.
Valaria wrote:
"Now, why don't we all a moment to calm down."
Jowuan replied, "That that would be an excellent idea, fighting among ourselves aids nobody."
Lope wrote:
"I think our friend here means coin would be appreciated to support our endeavors..."
Lord Botole replied, "Yeah I've worked with mercenaries before on occasion..."
He put a lot of emphasis on the word mercenaries as if he'd tasted something nasty.
Triphylla wrote:
"The spot has been put on you, Malphene. What say you?"
Malphene eyed Triphylla distrustfully, "I don't care about the politics. If there's more undead or any of Stavian's killer's still lurking about, I think that we're all likely to die tonight. As it happens I do care about not dying and logic suggests sticking together but it's real hard to trust." She eyed Triphylla and Cyrene.
Pelligrina suggested more or less the same thing (and a natural 20 on the diplomacy roll.) and it seemed grudgingly like everyone agreed. Any further talk of money was quickly shot down, although Sir Plastion who had kept his own council so far suggested that, honest work would be rewarded.
The key you found earlier fit the secret door to the north's lock, which opened into a larger square room which was lined with pristine glass display cases along the walls and in the center of a once impressive display room. The displays along the walls contain various types of dusted and decayed armor from a dozen different historical eras, and have been labeled with faded and crumbling tags tied to each with twine. Tarnished and discolored weaponry fills the cases in the center of the room. Most of the weapons look useless but one case holds a finely crafted light crossbow whose inlaid brass fittings depicting Taldan military symbols still glint like new. A simple brass plaque inside the case labels it “Dignity’s Barb.”
Kn: History DC 18:
Dignity’s Barb is a weapon out of legend. It was owned by General Gerefein of the Seventh Army of Exploration. In his most famous act, the general turned the tide of a prolonged and vicious battle with a canny Kellid warlord. Through the driving snow of a chaotic blizzard, General Gerefein shot practically blind, yet his bolt struck a lethal blow, dashing the warlord from his mount. As the Kellid soldiers watched their leader fall, they broke their charge, leaving General Gerefein the victor on that day.
"HA!" Triphylla bursts out laughing when Malphene makes the better offer. "Extortion! Moral deficiency! But here's Malphene Trant, the only honest one among you! HAHAHA!"
She jumps down and puts an arm around Mr. Gulbend. "Come with me good countryman. We'll leave these sharks to devour each other."
Female Human Seducer / Mirror Witch 2 | HP 14/14 AC 13 T 12 FF 11 | CMB 0 CMD 12 | F +1 R +2 W +3 | Init +2
Skills:
Bluff +10 Diplo +12 K Arc +7 K Hist +6 K Local +8 K Nobility +4 Linguistics +3 Perc +3 Sense M +2
In looking about the new room Pelligrina is drawn to the crossbow in its glass case. Upon reading the plaque she knows exactly what's she's looking at.
"This is quite a find! A true relic from ages past! This is Dignity's Barb, owned by General Gerefein of the Seventh Army of Exploration. In his most famous act, the general turned the tide of a prolonged and vicious battle with a canny Kellid warlord. Through the driving snow of a chaotic blizzard, General Gerefein shot practically blind, yet his bolt struck a lethal blow, dashing the warlord from his mount. As the Kellid soldiers watched their leader fall, they broke their charge, leaving General Gerefein the victor on that day."
"There was a reproduction of it in display along with the other artifacts in the Senate. Apparently it was considered lost to time, but now we have found it."
Female Human Seducer / Mirror Witch 2 | HP 14/14 AC 13 T 12 FF 11 | CMB 0 CMD 12 | F +1 R +2 W +3 | Init +2
Skills:
Bluff +10 Diplo +12 K Arc +7 K Hist +6 K Local +8 K Nobility +4 Linguistics +3 Perc +3 Sense M +2
Pelligrina prods or helps as needed in getting useful gear collected and moved out of the second set of rooms that had sheltered the other survivors.
As Triphylla continues to rant on Amandine marks her as vindictive, lacking in self-control, and far too stubborn to adapt to the waters in which they will probably be swimming during any future tasks given to them by Lady Martella. Prelligrina doubts the jobs would involve gutter work, and the halfling will probably be a serious liability in any other area.
She's glad to be paired with Lope as she deems him the most trustworthy all around at this point in time. The others she's not yet completely sure about, while Triphylla is clearly a lost lost cause, extra baggage the rest of them will have to bear the weight of and clean up after.
Cyrene never loses her smile, clearly finding the whole situation between the arguing nobles to be quite amusing. Malphene's fear of her is even more amusing and she makes a point of slipping through the group until she's near the noblewoman and watching in amusement as Malphene tries to get away from her again.
Once Pellegrina gets stuck into some sort of crossbow Cyrene moves to corner Trant with a seductive gleam in her eyes.
"Why so shy, my lady?" She asks the shrinking dame. "I promise that I don't bite, unless you'd want me to..."
Dip:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
She is genuinely trying to be friendly - she doesn't hold any animus for the incident in the senate chamber so if Malphene opens up she'll keep talking perfectly pleasantly.
Lope soothes his mustache waiting for the initial chaos to settle, then when everyone seems more or less on line, he nods and follows into the northern square room.
"Well, in that case I guess General Gerefein would approve his infamous weapon is put to good use once again in helping the Taldan Empire, rather than accumulating dust in a place no one visits nowadays" the Aldori comments while carefully retrieving the crossbow from the case and casting detect magic to study if the legend retold by Pelligrina is supported by arcane power.
Spellcraft:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
He profits to scan the rest of the room with the same spell.
K. arcana:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Then offers the crossbow to the party "I know it feels kind of stealing, but we are going to need every bit of help we can gather to escape this troublesome situation, any of you without a weapon knows how to use this?"
Cyrene stays well out of the conversation and simply watches all the back and forth with a rather mocking smile on her crimson lips before slipping away to join Julia.
"Well that seems to be going wonderfully" She comments to the bard. "And someone here is not a fan of straight lines!"
Julia can't help but nod at Cyrene's clear meaning. "I had hoped that we'd all start getting along after fighting those things together, but I guess that's going to take more time."
Afterwards, once the group thankfully managed to move beyond Pelligrina and Triphylla's argument, Julia paired off with her Valeria as they entered a rather impressive looking display room. While the sights all around them caught Julia's eye her mind was largely focused on summoning the courage to finally have a real talk with her old friend.
"Um... I should have asked this earlier but... are you feeling better, Val? Really I mean. You were in a pretty bad way when we first got here and I was seriously worried," she says with obvious concern before swiftly adding. "Actually, I've been worried about you for quite a while now. I know this made not be the best time but do you think maybe you open up a bit more about what happened to you up there in the Worldwound?"
Malphene looks confused when Triphylla describes her as being the only honest one there.
Sense Motive DC 14:
Malphene's world has crumbled around her, and she's reeling. The path of her life could change with a suitable nudge.
She shrunk back into herself when Cyrene approached
Cyrene wrote:
"Why so shy, my lady? I promise that I don't bite, unless you'd want me to..."
Her eyes seemed near fit to pop out as she stumbled a reply, "I err... I've heard so many wicked things. Father would never- Well father's dead."
Her cheeks color and she clams up.
Sense Motive DC 18:
She's conflicted, the prim and proper part of her is offended by Cyrene's presence. Sub consciously however she wonders what a love bite from Cyrene would be like...
Dignity's Barb:
The crossbow radiates a strong aura of divination. It currently counts as a masterwork crossbow that reduces the miss chance from concealment by 5%. This is actually a special weapon whose powers unlock as glory is brought to Taldor.
The halfling servant Imistos seemed quite taken with Triphylla and he spoke to her in their language.
Halfling:
"The things you say... They are so daring, do you really mean it? I suppose it could be worse, this isn't Cheliax but life is hard for us."
C5
There are two rooms leading north from the display room, the western room turns out to be full of waxworks. At first when you stepped in it was as if there was a celebration frozen in time with gaudy nobles crowing the corners of this room, all dressed in the pretentious ostentatious fashions of several centuries ago. Tremendous wigs soar toward the ceiling, each covered in thick layers of dust. A larger gaggle fills the center of the chamber, each aristocrat presenting a jovial or mocking leer as it stares out blankly. One of the figures is sprawled on the floor; overlapping circles cut into its waxen chest and face.
Lady Urbaen gawked at the cloathing, "Just look at all this stuff, those corsets in particular look so uncomfortable. I'm glad they went out of style!"
Perception DC 16:
You find a battered looking hat inside a dusty forgotten box in the corner. The hat radiates an aura of illusion. Spellcraft DC 16.
Spoiler:
This is a hat of disguise.
[/spoiler
[spoiler=Appraise DC 15]Most of the stuff here is junk but some of the jewelry and smaller clothing articles are valuable. All in all you managed to find 675g wort of things.
C6
The eastern room leading north turns out to be a storage room lined with shelves that run from north to south. Glass windows—some with handles and others bearing locks—cover the front of the shelves. Dozens of objects line the shelves, resting on satin pillows behind the protective glass covers. A door exits from each of the four walls.
Kn History DC 15:
This chamber houses numerous antiquities, most claimed from lands conquered or visited by the Armies of Exploration—orc scarificators, Kellid war drums, a ceremonial Brevan scabbard—all broken and faded from time. The items stored include dwarven mining equipment, a stone-and-gem chunk from an elven aiudara gateway, the bone totem of an Isgeri shaman, and even an inert technological gadget from distant Numeria.
Perception DC 20:
The display cabinets are inscribed with tiny runes if disturbed a powerful discharge of electricity will flood the entire room! Disable Device DC 18
Lord Botole suggested, "I'm torn, the items here belong to the nation but I have a sinking feeling that with Stavian dead we're headed for a civil war." Eyeing Malphene he said, "Most of us voted for Eutropia, perhaps we should pass the more easily portable and valuable things on to her to raise troops?"
Malphene snorted and looked set to retort but stopped her self and looked thoughtful.
Appraise DC 15 or detect magic special:
Within the shelves are assorted cultural trophies worth 750 gp, weighing 10 pounds. Along with these items is a single magical item, a figurine of a raven. The figurine can be spotted via detect magic without the appraise check. Spellcraft DC 18.
Spoiler:
It's figurine of wondrous power (silver raven).
Map updated. I've removed the old door labels and put new ones up. All the doors, A, B, C, & D are closed but unlocked.
Ever since young Prince Carrius II died in a riding accident the question of who will succeed Grand Prince Stavian III has kept loyal Taldans awake at night. Attempts at resurrection failed and Stavian separated from his wife Etroffe and refused to remarry, leaving no direct male heir. After Stavian would the crown really pass to a distant and untested cousin? What of Princess Eutropia, his estranged daughter, could she beat the odds and change the law of succession?
You begin as undercover agents of Lady Martella Lotheed, the illegitimate daughter of the prestigious Lotheed noble family and burgeoning spymaster. She has hired you to perform various missions during a large ball to celebrate the Grand Day of Exaltation. This is the biggest date in the Taldan calendar, a culmination of a week-long holiday whereby by tradition The Grand Prince elevates a commoner to the ranks of nobility.
This year's Grand Day of Exaltation is poised to mark a historic shift in the governance of the empire. Stavian's only daughter and eldest child Princess Eutropia has forged a powerful coalition of senators, aiming to reform four thousand years of inconsistent and often sexist laws. The reform effort kicks off with a vote to repeal the ancient law of agnatic primogeniture. The law states that royal power can pass only to a male heir. Lotheed supports Eutropia and needs your help to ensure the vote goes off without a hitch.
What sort of AP is this?:
This AP caters to the secret agent / power behind the throne fantasy. The PCs are Taldan loyalists, who are deeply invested in reforming Taldan and helping Eutropia claim the crown. This is the most RP heavy AP that Paizo have published, although there is still a fair bit of combat (much of which is indoors). In addition to physical combat expect social combat (verbal duels!)
Please note the way you go about things directly influences the kind of ruler Eutropia ends up becoming.
NB this AP is not supposed to be a commentary on US politics, I don't live in the US and have no interest in US politics.
I’m proposing to run an abridged War for the Crown, books 1-4 doubling down on the central conflict which is the battle for emancipation of female rights (plus sweeping reforms to four thousand years of archaic and contradictory laws) in the face of traditionalism bordering on fascism.
I aim for this to take three to four years in total.
Why abridged:
There’s a few reasons for this:
*I believe the arc of books 1-4 provides a fulfilling story with a few tweaks to Book 4. Books 5-6 feel like the sequel to a novel that wasn’t really needed. In addition Book 5 has a plot device that's likely to annoy most players.
*I aim to finish what I start and very few full APs have been run on these boards. The odds of completing the story arc are much greater if we aim for something a bit shorter.
*APs have quite a bit of filler content to give enough XP for party's to level up as expected. This harm's PbP pacing so I'll merge/skip encounters that are not important for the plot.
* Pathfinder 1st edition
* Level 1
* 20pt buy, attributes in the range [7..18] after racial adjustments
* All CRB races and others on a case by case basis. Taldor is primarily a human nation and at least half the party will be human or pass for human
* All classes except summoner are allowed, where applicable unchained is preferred
* Paizo material only with one exception: Elephant in the room feat taxes.
* Two traits, one must be a campaign trait. No drawbacks.
* Background skills = yes
* VMC is allowed
* Max starting gold for your class
* Firearms = emerging
* Max HP level at 1, average rounded up for subsequent levels
* Allowed alignments: LG, NG, CG, LN, N
* Your character is likely Taldan or has spent most of their life in Taldor, beyond that almost any background could work, bearded or otherwise.
* A profile is not required for submission but I want to see fully developed characters and builds with an idea of where you’d like to take them over the next few levels (i.e. are you building towards a prestige class or particular feats?) Gameplay hooks are appreciated.
Expectations:
* An AP is a multi-year commitment and keeping it going is a team effort. I’ll do everything I can as a GM to make combats smooth and the NPCs engaging but you need to put the effort in too. On average please try to post daily during the week and once per weekend. I understand real life happens so no worries if you go on holiday etc and can’t post for a while but I’d like to have a heads up on absences and a BOT ME section in your character profile to make life easier for me. This is especially important for casters.
* I will try to recreate your characters in herolab and will provide you the bb code upon request. I’m used to the herolab format although it does lack detail in some areas (e.g. FCBs and alternative racial abilities).
* I don't use XP in my games, you'll level up at the appropriate story points.
* I’d like to see RP and party banter and not just at the beginning. I want to know what your character thinks about the situations they’re in even if it’s not something they’d say out loud. Make this a game you and I want to engage with!
* Expect Verbal duels! (I grant situational bonuses for good RP)
* I use Google Sheets (+photoshop) for maps and for this game I’m going to require that you’re able to move your character yourself (or even better draw a line showing the movement you plan so I can figure out AOOs) most of the time. Google Sheets has a good Android App which allows editing from a phone. I don’t mind moving things for you occasionally but please not every combat!
* Please keep a status line up to date on your forum profile, showing current AC, saves etc including effects from buffs. Example
* There are ways of manipulating the dice roller, please don’t. Please be consistent in the order in which you roll dice for your abilities. E.g. the order in which you roll for crits.
About Me:
I’ve been running games on these boards since 2015. In that time I’ve run Cult of the Ebon Destroyers, Strange Aeons up to Book 3 (my players didn’t really like the dream quests so we decided to try some homebrew instead), Shards of Oberon (ongoing homebrew campaign), Ruins of Adventure (loosely based on the 1E FR module) which will finish sometime in the next six months.
I will select 5 players (possibly 6 if we have strong submissions) in two weeks from now at 9pm GMT on September 10th. Good luck!
Interested! I've been wanting to make a social/intrigue-focused character for a while now. Will start scheming and re-reading the player's guide as it's been a while (applied a while back for a War of the Crown game but haven't played).
I'll provide a hero lab output and can share the file when I make my crunch. I'm a big fan of good ol' hero lab.
Also, that's my favorite posting rate.
Maps: That's essentially how I use google slides. Is sheets better than slides for that?
Sébastien of The City of a Hundred Fountains Halfling Swashbuckler (Okayo corsair) going into Devoted Muse.
Campaign trait:
Rising Star: All too often, great minds must suffer for
their art, but you’re one of the lucky ones. Your skills
attracted the attention of a noble patron who pays for
your food, housing, and tools. As your patron introduces
you to other cultural elites, you’re slowly learning to
navigate the treacherous waters of high society, but you
still remember the lean times when each meal was a
hard-won treasure. You gain a +1 trait bonus on Sense
Motive and Survival checks, as well as checks using a
single Craft or Perform skill of your choice; one of these
skills is always a class skill for you. Once each day, you
can invoke your patron’s reputation or name one of your
own prominent works to gain a +2 circumstance bonus
on a single Bluff, Diplomacy, or Intimidate check. You
begin the game with a masterwork musical instrument
or tool appropriate to the Craft or Perform skill you
selected, a gift from your patron.
I think I have a cool concept, but it requires GM approval.
There is a inquisitor archetype called
Sword of the Eldes which I would like for my character, an inquisitor of Magd, however, it requires being a Gathlain.
The issue with Gathlains is that they get a fly speed at level 1, which I would dislike a fair bit if I had to GM it. And could get rather hard to get into an urban campaign.
I would much prefer to be a Fey foundling/Fey Magic human/Elf/Half Elf, who will have some very reasonable reasons to be devoted to Magd.
So that's a charisma based inquisitor with extra spell slots instead of teamwork feats. In principle that doesn't sound like it would be problematic. OK I'll allow that although I'm curious why Magha an Eldest of the first world would send an agent to Taldor :)
My idea is to go battle spirit shaman with hampering hex at first level for debuff and combat reflexes and enlarge person for some combat effectiveness and a beefy combat familiar spirit animal with an idea of improved familiar to get to axe beak goodness.
Most likely going with aasimir and looking for GM blessing to go with a racial type because I need MAD help to get to wandering spirit of lore at 4th level and the feat at 7 retrained at 8 to allow life spirit 10 minutes a day which along with spells should help out with major healing buff and debuff build with young reformer as my trait since I will be having a 14 int for the build and going with know local
Hi Edelsmirge which racial type did you have in mind?
I'm not saying no to Aasimar but they generally turn heads unless they have pass for human alternate racial trait and may get unwanted attention. Also I'm going to need a compelling background story explaining how and why Lady Martella Lotheed chose them to work on her behalf. I want to understand their motivation for getting involved in Taldan politics.
I'm not aware of any rules that would allow an Axe Beak familiar (its a valid animal companion however), is there some splat book that allows this?
Also you wouldn't always have such an obviously ferocious pet at hand since it would be hardly welcome in polite society.
The only change I had to make was the alignment from CN to CG but I think that will still work out and maybe make her even more interesting given her curse.
She is meant to be largely a "bad touch cleric" with lots of face skills as she tries to show that the Redeemer Queen has truly changed from her old ways.
Hi Drogeney how did Valaria end up working for Lady Martella Lotheed? Presumably she's sympathetic to Princess Eutropia's cause, what does her father think?
Mightypion wip submission, I am currently working on background, as well as on what simple weapon I can bring into polite society. I kind of doubt that a big Scythe would be all that wecome :).
Sent you a PM what Magds possible interest could be, also have her actual background as an idea, just need to write it up.
I came up with a pretty interesting backstory idea tying a rather minor noble house to Magd.
My character was found as a Fey foundling (as per the feat), by the childless Arithos Valaris. He adopted her and raised her as his own, when she, at the age of just 6, expressed her desire to worship Magd, making any possible succession by her even more implausible, her adoptive parents cried but accepted.
1 year later, they were blessed with 3 healthy female triplets , and 2 years later by 3 healthy male triplets. Given that Lady Eurythnia Valaris was 42 at that time, it was indeed quite unusual.
Eurythnia now publically worships Magd, which is viewed as rather eccentric by her noble peers. House Valaris, especially during the time where they had female triplets as possible heirs, was very very keen on the reform agency, and developed pretty warm ties with house Lotheed.
House Valaris, which is a fairly minor house, but one notable for its excellent library, great assortment of wine orchards and few foes.
Considering Bard, of course, given the AP. Kitharodian Academy is in town, and there are feats on Nethys related to being a student there, but they are faction feats and have side requirements.
FIRST: I am a LONG way off from picking a direction or character type. I saw something interesting and am trying to understand if it is even an option, let alone how it would work.
NOW:
The side requirements are "TPA" or Total Prestige Award. As per THIS forum discussion one can estimate earning ~5 Prestige per character level.
So, would these feats be considered available? Or is this a "too complicated and not something I want to work through for a curiosity as opposed to an honest build attempt?"
Additional side note: Apparently (new info to me, honestly) the Lion's Blades are based out of the Kitharodian Academy, and such an association would go a long way towards taking that Prestige Class. Not that I'm really looking at that bit, either, just something I saw while I was exploring potential options.
The feats in the series I was spotting are:
Master Performer (15 TPA)
Grand Master Performer (20 TPA, Lvl 8 min)
Silent Performer (15 TPA, Lvl 12 Min)
Verbose Performer (15 TPA, Lvl 8 min)
Again, just looking at options. Not even sure this is where I'm going to want to go. ABSOLUTELY not thinking far enough ahead for Lion's Blades other than as "Oh, what's this?"
I like the idea that this is as much roleplay and intrigue as it is swords and sorcery.
I have a couple of ideas for characters but one is a little left-field so I wanted to check with you, Fang Dragon, before I go ahead and flesh it out.
It would be a Kelishite who has travelled from Kelesh to support Martella's mission. A big gregarious man who on the outside is a party animal who likes his drink, in Oppara as a traveller and trader. His real nature is very serious, he is here from a like minded cell in Kelesh to support Martella, in the hope that if she is successful it will support his cell's goals in Kelesh. As far as mechanics (class etc.) I'm not sure yet...
What are your initial thoughts? I know Taldan locals are recommended but there are references to Keleshites in the town in the player's guide. Essentially I want to make sure I'm not ruling myself a no go right out the gate.
Hi Drogeney how did Valaria end up working for Lady Martella Lotheed? Presumably she's sympathetic to Princess Eutropia's cause, what does her father think?
It's in the last part of her backstory but wasn't very clear.
"Valeria was unsure how to proceed with her task but then her father brought her a rather...unique opportunity that just might help her start to solve her problems, a job working for Lady Martella Lotheed. If they wouldn't listen to Valeria's words then she would show them with her deeds. "
I edited it a little to make it more clear. Her father is rather progressive minded for a noble and is likely know to Lady Lotheed. It makes a nice connection for Veleria to become involved.
So I have to make changes to Torin to fit the CC rules for this campaign, but he did partake in a partial campaign before the DM left us. His backstory is also complete. I will get started on getting him submission ready.
I imagine he'll choose the monk half of his gestalt to start. Unchained monk is the standard yes?
Excuse me no animal companion brain mix up. I would use the little pouncing dino with the mauler archetype. I would also keep the main aasimir for Wis and Cha. For reasons I would need to take the human trait for enlarge person to work on me, eh?
Hey DM Fang Dragon, I posted in your 'interest thread' with Kunala. He's a 'dandy' ranger, with a penchant for dancing and dueling. Who has a vested interest in how women are treated here in his beloved Taldor.
If you look at his campaign history, you'll see he's been in a couple of WftC's already, but he didn't get very far. I figure four books and a satisfying story is better than PBP limbo.
If I can answer any questions about him, please feel free to ask. Thanks for running the game, we players appreciate it.
@Mightypion/Alithera Valaris thanks for the pm, I pretty much only know what's written about Magdh from the wiki. The prophecy angle seems the most likely aspect to pique her interest (of course there's a prophecy mixed up with things). Otherwise she strikes me as being very focused on the first world and is presumed to be single-handedly protecting the First World by her peers.
@Houstonj Sorry that link doesn't work for me. I'm a little wary of inspire courage optimisation since getting inspire courage +3 at a very low level is rather strong. On the flip side the Kitharodian Academy is very Taldor and a 100% thematic match for this AP. I'll tentatively allow this since gating prestige behind levels makes potential balance issues much less of a problem. Just to check if I understood correctly, Master Performer becomes available at level 4? The Lion's Blades are involved in the AP and I'll need to reread that section to check if an association would be problematic.
@Louxman A Kelishite is certinly possible although it would be good to understand how he found out about Lady Martella Lotheed (or perhaps she found out about him?) and what motivated him to undertake such a long journey. What makes a Kelishite invested in Taldan politics? One angle
that could work is from what I understand of Kelishites they'd likely view Taldans treatment of women as rather backward.
@Torin Yes unchained monk is generally the standard. I'll be happy to review the build once you've removed the gestalt parts.
@Edelsmirge yes you're right an Aasimar wouldn't normally be able to use enlarge person.
@Kunala sounds like your character had quite a tragic upbringing, I can see why he'd support Eutroipia. How did he come to the attention of Lady Martella Lotheed?
@Hustonj Sorry that link doesn't work for me. I'm a little wary of inspire courage optimisation since getting inspire courage +3 at a very low level is rather strong. On the flip side the Kitharodian Academy is very Taldor and a 100% thematic match for this AP. I'll tentatively allow this since gating prestige behind levels makes potential balance issues much less of a problem. Just to check if I understood correctly, Master Performer becomes available at level 4? The Lion's Blades are involved in the AP and I'll need to reread that section to check if an association would be problematic.
it loops back to your recruitment post for me, now, too. Weird. Trying again? This time it works from the post preview, so . . .. (Going back and looking at the post, I think I forgot to Ctrl-V the link into the URL tag. :facepalm:)
Knowing if links to the Lion's Blades will be problematic would absolutely be important! Not necessarily a show-stopper if playing through divided loyalty questions is a relevant play point, but that's a corner case.
Like I said, I'm not sold on any of this, stumbled across it and went "Hey, that could be cool!" I'm having the same reaction to the Dandy Ranger archetype. Still looking for what feels like the most fun approach. Noble Fencer Swashbuckler, Straight social Rogue build, and Celebrity, Negotiator, and Wit Bard archetypes are all on the table right now as well. I'm just indecisive.
In the linked thread, they were saying you should be able to take the TPA 15 stuff at Level 3, but, I agree that not until Level 4 was EXACTLY how I thought that would work, too. You can't get the points for being a level until you ARE that level. Otherwise it is like trying to take a Prestige Class with a pre-requisite of 5 skill ranks at level 5, because you'll have the ranks once you finish leveling up. It just isn't how things were meant to work.
Did some altered backgrounds, one or several Magds believe that what happens to Taldor could, in some way, effect their interests (regarding prophecy in particular), and they thus have placed Alithera there, to act as eyes on the ground.
I had fun writing the background :), also went for a more unusual version of physical description.
Definitely interested in being part of a War For The Crown game. Got a Arcane Duelist who's a Julie d'Aubigny riff. Stats should be up soon with fluff coming a little later.
Hi, I'm expressing interest! I like the abridged mentality for this, and a lot of what you plan on doing (no XP, clear guidelines for post rate, an expectation of everyone's responsibility to an AP, etc.) is similar to how I've run games.
The one thing I'll call out is the two-week recruitment period. I predict that you are going to get a lot of applicants, which could make your selection process harder. But maybe you're expecting this and fine with it, in which case disregard what I've said.
I plan on leaning heavily into the theme of the campaign and creating a vigilante, which is a class that I've wanted to try for a while, but I haven't had a better opportunity to do so. The plan is to create a human noble, choosing why his family is no longer in favor based on an appropriate campaign trait and however his backstory evolves.
If the mechanics don't outright contradict, I'm planning on having him start without a vigilante identity, and he has to start creating one whenever his work for Lady Lotheed dictates.
@Kunala sounds like your character had quite a tragic upbringing, I can see why he'd support Eutroipia. How did he come to the attention of Lady Martella Lotheed?
Good question, when Martella was younger she would have taken private dancing lessons at Master Destrie's school, where Kunala would have been her partner. She would have also seen Kunala and Padmavati dance as entertainment at parties or in dance competitions. Recently, she probably would have seen or heard about Kunala dueling after a party. Also, her 'spy network' would have made her aware of Padmavati's 'situation' and that Kunala had worked his way out of the families 'good graces' by voicing his opinion about what should have been his sisters right to decide what to do with her own life.
I'm not sure of Martella's age, I have Kunala at 21, if he needs to be older to have been a 'partner' for Martella I can adjust his age to make it more reasonable.
Absolutely interested. Dotting til I can get the character written up, but I really want to take a shot at building a human wizard, a court advisor type, though I'm not sure exactly how I'll go about it...yet.
Hi Fang Dragon! I'm interested in joining. I have a character in mind that I will draw up: Henrika Karthis, a human Vexing Daredevil mesmerist. She is an aristocrat's daughter who has come of age, but her father died about ten years ago and when her uncle took over the estate, he refused to recognize her claim. Surly and disillusioned, she has taken to hanging out with a group of rogues and ne'er-do-wells at a public house called the Lion's Head, and though she doesn't countenance crimes, she does enjoy their company and certainly has an interest in the succession.
I'm working on a very infiltration skilled, human investigator (Student of Philosophy for face skills and Young Reformer for the cool flavor and help with certain skills like intimidate). Will start off as a weak melee striker and get pretty serious after a little while. I think she will be a young idealist, philosopher, and well-dressed woman who becomes angrier about the realities of power politics and lets out her rage monster (mutagen and rage through vmc barbarian at level 3, maybe a natural attacks build).
Investigators are such skill monkeys that they do have trouble keeping up in combat. I'm hoping to get the Inspired weapon enhancement later on and this puts constraints on what fighting styles are possible. Inspired can't be put on all weapons but can be put on simple weapons. Unarmed strikes are explicitly simple weapons. The amulet of mighty fists "can grant melee weapon special abilities, so long as they can be applied to unarmed attacks." I just want to confirm, do you agree that I could eventually get an Inspired Amulet of Mighty Fists? The logic seems sound to me but I want to make sure my planning will be ok.
I'm still working on the BAP sections, but here is the mechanical portion of the character I'm submitting.
Magdaluza is a Human Seducer/Mirror Witch.
She's from Tregan, in the North of Taldor, which is no place for the daughter of a mere Baronet to get ahead in the world. Her ambitions are set on a Senate seat, and sooner is better than later. Being an eldest child and daughter herself, Magdaluza can sympathize with Princess Eutropia and supports her claim as heir to Taldor's throne.
Magdaluza will do what she can to help the Princess, especially if doing so will move her up in the world as well. Taldor is a rough place, and she sees no reason why the two of them can't prosper together. Magdaluza like cats, and she's a blast at parties. She specializes in burning down people she doesn't like.
I'd like to submit Diana. I built her for another War for the Crown PbP but she unfortunately didn't get picked.
I'll try to update her sheet later today to be inline with the character creation rules for the game, but the general character idea will still be the same.
Backstory:
As a noble born into house Lotheed, Diana has always had a scholarly appoach to most things, loving to just analyze and understand a given subject. The Taldan court was just another of her favorite subjects, and as an expert in deception and misdirection herself, she enjoyed watching the moves of her fellow nobles, both those that were expertly done and the ones that were amusingly obvious and inefficient. All of it in support of their collective grand illusion, the idea that Taldan mantains its past greatness, mainly due (and not in spite of) its aristocracy. It was similar to having an illusionist believing their own illusions - something that would surely lead to madness!
She was mostly content being an observer, but knew she also had a part to play now, namely, finding an appropriate husband for a lady of her house. But, unsurprisingly, she found most suitors too focused on their own ego or personal advancement. Until she met Alan - who shared most of her views on the current state of their nation. But where she had simply been a passive observer all this time, Alan believed it was up to them to change the system for the better, and was actually invested in making it happen - and helped her see just how broken the system truly is. He had been secretely working with like minded people, nobles and non nobles, to both help out people where possible, like secretely helping tenants move away from an abusive noble's domain; and also to gather enough court support to try to change the course of the nation's course.
His determination to fix Taldor was a breath of fresh air among all the court intrigue. They fell in love, but tragedy struck just as their families were starting talks of marriage arrangements: during an hunting trip (that Diana knew to be a front for a meeting with his contacts in the region) Alan and his guards were found dead in his room along with the bodies of commoners the local authorities believed to be anti-nobility terrorists. Diana was heartbroken when she heard the news, and tried to stay away from court, instead focusing on her academic pursuits as a way to cope. But as she started to accept her loss, she has decided that her best course for honoring his memory is to try to realise Alan's dreams towards a better Taldor.
Mantaining her image as a grief-stricken scholar, she has recently been traveling around the nation, furthering her knowledge of its history - while secretly getting in contact with her lover's former allies to continue Alan's work. And, when possible, to investigate details of his death - she suspects the "terrorists" were the contacts he was meeting, which would mean his true killers and their motives are yet unkown.
@hustonj I checked, the Lion Blades are fine. If we agree that TPA 15 is available at level 4 then it's approved.
@Mightypion/Alithera So you had a litter of introduction to Lady Martella, interesting. Not something I'd thought of, full marks for creativity.
@Andostre Sounds good
@Kunla Martella is in her thirties. Seems like a plausible way to come to her attention.
@eriktd Henrika sounds like one of Eutripoia's grass roots supporters. Could we expand a little on how and why she came to the notice of Lady Martella? Doesn't need to be anything overly complex, Lady Martella is likely on the look out for potential reformers from within the nobility.
@caster4life unfortunately RAW you can't have Inspired AOMF. However I'm pretty sure you can enchant Handwraps with Inspired since Handwraps are a simple weapon. Handwraps not quite as flexible as AOMF (no flying kicks) but maybe they work for you?
@Monkeygod all of those sound viable. Not sure if this helps I'm probably going to favour a sneaky party over brute force. Will be interesting to see how many divine casters we get.
@Patrickthekid This is tricky, I understand the desire to make multiple submissions but on the other hand I'd feel really bad if folks made multiple characters and I ended up with a lot of submissions and they didn't get chosen. For now please choose the one you're most keen to play.
@Magdaluza Seducer witch is a personal favourite archetype, looking forwards to reading the background.
@Diana, A Lotheed... Interesting. How closely related to Lady Martella are you thinking that Diana is?
A note on selections: I'm going to aim for a party that covers all the bases (arcane & divine magic, balance of skills and offensive capability). Ideally the party will have a good range of campaign traits. For those who have been around for a while I'll also be checking RP in other games. I'm willing to take on at least one new player if any are interested.
@Fang dragon
A letter of introduction that politely included information that was of considerable use to her. Martella would likely be "why in the 9 hells is a Fae eldest interested in Taldor? What's next, Nocticula sending a friendly assassin to support our side out of shared opposition to misogyny?", but figure, after some research, that having Magd, who is known to send her servants on weird but typically succesfull errands, and who tends to reward fairly those who assist them, inside the tent pissing out is likely a wild card in her favor.
I also added a plot hook policy, and since Magd doesnt have them edicts and anathemas, I added some as well. They are reasonably restrictive, but not overly so.
@eriktd Henrika sounds like one of Eutripoia's grass roots supporters. Could we expand a little on how and why she came to the notice of Lady Martella? Doesn't need to be anything overly complex, Lady Martella is likely on the look out for potential reformers from within the nobility.
Sure thing! Lady Henrika is unusual among the aristocracy because while she comes from a very prestigious noble house-- well-respected in the Senate and among the military-- because of her uncle's machinations she has decided to throw her lot in with a group of rogues and dissidents. She cares about Taldor, but she has lost faith in anyone's ability to do things "the right way." She hasn't yet descended into actual criminal behavior, but she's teetering.
Perhaps these circumstances could have led Lady Martella to discover Lady Henrika in a "spot of bother"? A raid on the Lion's Head, possibly in the aftermath of one of the patrons' roguelike capers, could have landed Dame Ren in jail. If Lady Martella has the influence to see that Lady Henrika was released without having to notify her uncle, Lady Henrika would be extremely grateful. I could envision them having a lovely scene where Lady Martella explains that she has need of reformers in the nobility to help with her endeavors, but that they must be above reproach in their morals and conduct. Henrika's response would be haughty but ashamed, and she would quickly become one of Lady Martella's staunchest allies.
Dotting in.
Will be providing a Mesmerist for your consideration. (The class seems fun but not very viable for many AP's - it seems a decent fit for this one, though.)
She's a Half-Elf Calistrian with Disgraced Noble campaign trait.(which plays into that whole revenge thing Calistria encourages so.)
Her initial motivation would mostly be based on that but who knows where adventure will take her?
Mechanically she is done and planned, but I want to re-read the Players Guide before putting the Background into writing - as there is quite some time left until end of the recruitment I may ponder one or two angles before deciding.
A letter of introduction that politely included information that was of considerable use to her. Martella would likely be "why in the 9 hells is a Fae eldest interested in Taldor? What's next, Nocticula sending a friendly assassin to support our side out of shared opposition to misogyny?"
Well I wasn't going to apply, but that idea is so fabulous I might just have to...
Question for the GM. Are you running this in the canon timeline? I'd like to know if Nocticula is still a demon lord or if she's close enough to her ascension that she might feasibly have a CG person she could send to help out with this.
Hi, I'm expressing interest! I like the abridged mentality for this, and a lot of what you plan on doing (no XP, clear guidelines for post rate, an expectation of everyone's responsibility to an AP, etc.) is similar to how I've run games.
The one thing I'll call out is the two-week recruitment period. I predict that you are going to get a lot of applicants, which could make your selection process harder. But maybe you're expecting this and fine with it, in which case disregard what I've said.
I plan on leaning heavily into the theme of the campaign and creating a vigilante, which is a class that I've wanted to try for a while, but I haven't had a better opportunity to do so. The plan is to create a human noble, choosing why his family is no longer in favor based on an appropriate campaign trait and however his backstory evolves.
If the mechanics don't outright contradict, I'm planning on having him start without a vigilante identity, and he has to start creating one whenever his work for Lady Lotheed dictates.
Hi, I'm withdrawing interest. It sounds like a lot of fun, but in taking a look at what I've got on my plate, it's best I don't join another PbP unless one of my existing ones drop.
I'm a fan of the The Redeemer Queen, so let's hand wave the timeline a bit. Looking forward to reading the background of a friendly assassin sent by Nocticula!
@GM Fang Dragon: My knowledge of the AP and the inner workings of the Lotheed family is a bit limited, so I'll probably need your input answering the question - ideally, I'd like for her position within the family to be whatever leads to the most interesting character situations down the line (whatever leads to the most drama :p)
She can be closely related to Martella if you think that's the best option. Her motivation to join the cause is strong enough for whichever option you prefer, though - if they're not close, Martella could have found out about what Diana has been doing from her spy network or mutual contacts, and figure she'd be a good help for what she needs - or she might even have asked her allies for someone to help at the gala with no names being given, leading to an awkward family reunion at the start.
@hustonj I checked, the Lion Blades are fine. If we agree that TPA 15 is available at level 4 then it's approved.
Cool.
Gonna stop fooling around with the Noble Bard build and go for a commoner who got into the Kitharodian Academy, then. I'll actually have honest-to-goodness traditional Rogue skills, too. At least, that's what it looks like the plan will be . . ..
GM what do you think about an Ulfen, come down from the lands of the Linnorm Kings in hopes of joining the Ulfen Guard? Obviously he isn't experienced enough yet, and will have to work his way up the ranks of lower-ranking nobles, making his name as a bodyguard (presumably working for Martella or an associate of hers at the moment). Admittedly it's less of a social/secret agent type of character, but I feel like it fits into the Golarion lore. Probably a barbarian, though in theory such a character could be a ranger, slayer, fighter, any martial really.
