So Bimbur will be a privileged kid who was like a special foreign exchange student.
He went off to a special school and may feel a little special.
Okay, so Casina and Betz are friends...Betz and Maidie are also friends (sort of)...and Casina and Maidie both think the other is kinda wierd and annoying.
And each friend is a perfect representation of Betzolte's desire to pursue both might and magic so it's only natural that she can relate to both of them.
This has all the makings of a teenage high-school drama. "Ugh, why do you have to hang out with HER all the time". I did not see that coming, but I'm looking forward to rolling with it right up until it becomes time to fight for our lives.
I'm picturing this.Okay, so Casina and Betz are friends...Betz and Maidie are also friends (sort of)...and Casina and Maidie both think the other is kinda wierd and annoying.
And each friend is a perfect representation of Betzolte's desire to pursue both might and magic so it's only natural that she can relate to both of them.
This has all the makings of a teenage high-school drama. "Ugh, why do you have to hang out with HER all the time". I did not see that coming, but I'm looking forward to rolling with it right up until it becomes time to fight for our lives.
Well, I suppose the embarrasing truth is that I did once create an organization that Clark Peterson described as Mean Girls d20 (which was NOT what I was going for, but that’s ancient history by now.)
So Bimbur will be a privileged kid who was like a special foreign exchange student.
He went off to a special school and may feel a little special.
Up to your approval, but I think Grobradon might have been on guard with Bimbur not because he's rich, but for the same reason he was at first sure the Ironhames would hate him, because Grobradon thought 'Dwarves hate orcbloods'. As my earlier post regarding Betzolte indicates, Grobradon eventually realized that was hypocritical of him to ASSUME so.
By that time though, they were probably stuck at acquaintance level at best. So this ceremony of the Everflame is a chance for them to know each other better. I think Grobradon would be impressed by the archery skills.
Keith has only been studying under Olmira and in Kassen about three months. He's gotten to be known for hunting for others and providing food for a way of paying his own way. That's how he would've gotten to be known by most.
With Grobradon he doesn't understand why he's not trying to live down his baser self. Not seeking approval...but he respects him for it and he's become a trustworthy ally for helping Keith settle into the community and learn from Olmira.
| 5 people marked this as a favorite. |
What does Woolf think...
Grobradon- smells similar to Keth. Not as nice but Keith likes him so he's ok.
Maldie- she's a cub and needs protecting. He likes her but she smells funny
Her familiar- looks like food but smells funny and maldie cub likes it.
Casina- afraid of. He smells...serious. dangerous.
Bimbur- he smells of dirt. But acts like hes pack leader. Uncertain of him.
Culver- he likes him. He's short and friendly and fun to be around...smells fun.
Betzolte- another who smells of dirt but something else. Funny like Maldie.
Hi everyone. Glad to have made it in as first reserve. Been on a three-week work trip and back home tomorrow night, so expect me to have a revised and updated back-story for Voronoy. I’ll also be fleshing out her personality - and just wanted to say that I’m open to amending things to fit better within the group.
Expect regular interaction starting tomorrow.
Hi everyone. Glad to have made it in as first reserve. Been on a three-week work trip and back home tomorrow night, so expect me to have a revised and updated back-story for Voronoy. I’ll also be fleshing out her personality - and just wanted to say that I’m open to amending things to fit better within the group.
Expect regular interaction starting tomorrow.
Welcome aboard!
From what I glanced in Voronoy's backstory about attempting to help druids and stop a blight, Grobradon may have a profound respect for her even if he's quiet about it.
Hey y'all, I just wanted to let you know that I've been keeping up with this even if I haven't posted much. There's a lot of good stuff here. I'm planning on making the first post either tomorrow or Saturday since it seems like everyone's pretty much ready to go.
I do have one question for y'all. Do you want some time to roleplay and interact with the town before we get into it, or do you want to just dive in and get on the road?
Yay!
A bit of roleplay before we leave town would be nice to warm up. But I think we have enough background info to just kick that off in the gameplay thread until you are ready to send us off.
Something like: “It’s the day before the annual festival. You have been selected to go on the quest to the Crypt of the Everflame. Describe what your character is doing to prepare.”
Second this.
Hi everyone. Glad to have made it in as first reserve. Been on a three-week work trip and back home tomorrow night, so expect me to have a revised and updated back-story for Voronoy. I’ll also be fleshing out her personality - and just wanted to say that I’m open to amending things to fit better within the group.
Expect regular interaction starting tomorrow.
Welcome aboard.
As a martial type and a relative newcommer to Kassen, Maidie has probably not had much interaction with Voronoy. Like my initial assessment of Casina (before her connection with Betzolte), Maidie will likely be a little on guard and reserved initially.
Okay, that's two for more of a slow burn approach.
Anyone else have strong feelings one way or the other?
Okay, that's two for more of a slow burn approach.
Anyone else have strong feelings one way or the other?
Oh, I don’t expect it to be a slow burn. Not at all.
Rather, I expect everyone are so eager to get started that we’ll reach page 2 before you can blink. We can probably get going with the main story before the weekend is over.
Or is that just me?
That's how actually how I interpreted your post too lol
I guess slow burn isn't quite the right way to describe it. Compared to starting when you're gathered for the send off and go off on the quest it is, but I wasn't planning on lingering there too long. A few days for everyone to get acquainted and in character then off to the adventure proper. Weekends do tend to be slow, though.
I'm good either way, but I think what the others are saying like "The Day before" or something to make sure it doesn't run overlong before we start might be best.
Alrighty then!
I need to get the rugrats fed and entertained, but then I’m busting open that gameplay thread. Yee-wah!
Good either way as well, but perhaps "One Day Earlier..." might be the best way to start.
Some depth for Voronoy. As I said before, I am entirely happy to work with anyone to fit into their background :)
Voronoy began life doing whatever made the most coin, to keep the proverbial wolf from the door, which led to a life of prostitution. In her role, she also felt compelled to look out for the younger members of the house. In truth they were all free to leave but the guarantee of a roof over their heads, free meals and access to a healer meant none did.
Which explains why they put up with so much abuse from the owner of the establishment. It was something the girls simply got used to. But a new girl took the owner’s liking and his attentions were both unwanted and excessive. Voronoy felt obliged to step in but her meddling earned the new girl a beating. Fearing the worst, at dawn the following day, Voronoy stole from her bed – leaving the sobbing young girl behind – and crept out of her room via the window and onto the roof. There she
only way of gaining entry by stealth. Once inside, she woke the man and pleaded with him to leave the new girl alone.
His laughter echoed through the building and Voronoy just wanted it to go away. So, when he back-handed her across the face and she discerned the metallic taste of blood in her mouth, she picked up the nearest object and pounded off the man’s head until he laughed no more.
Aware of her actions – and the power and influence of the man she just killed, Voronoy ran. And ran and ran until she was as far away from that place as she could get.
But a girl needs to eat and with no discernible skills, Voronoy travelled somewhere nobody knew her and she enrolled in the local milita of Kassen. She lacked muscle and her peers constantly derided her efforts but her wiry frame and natural elegance, she worked hard with what she had to execute her duties.
1. What emotion best describes Voronoy?
Guilty – she may never get over her murderous act and lives each and every minute looking to atone for it
2. What emotion does Voronoy evoke in others?
Surprise – she does not look a soldier by any conventional measure, but when she’s focused on her job, she is unexpectedly efficient
3. What does Voronoy need most?
To be forgiven – not by her peers, but by herself
4. What is Voronoy’s goal in life?
To be remembered for who she wants to be, not what she is i.e. on her tombstone, she would not want to say, ‘Here lies a murderer’. But, deep-down, she knows that aspect of her life can never be erased. And given she was formerly a prostitute, this aspect of her life she as relatively at peace with (but does not share widely)
1. Where did Voronoy come from?
Tamran
2. Who were your parents?
Unknown – she has no memory of being anything other than an orphan. She suspects her mother was a prostitute and her father a client, but this is just an educated guess
3. Where did Voronoy live?
She lived for most of her years (up to the age of 15) in a brothel in Tamran. For the past two years she has lived in Kassen.
4. What was Voronoy’s family’s economic and social status?
Working class and decidedly looked down upon
5. How was Voronoy educated?
Given the brothel looked to satisfy all elements of society, some girls received a decent education – so as to be able to converse with more important clients. So she learned to read and write, had an education in history and current affairs, learned to dance, and had access to a small library of reference books
6. What were the three most important lessons Voronoy learned?
i. You cannot escape your past – but perhaps you can grow sufficiently to move on from it
ii. Justice is an ill-conceived concept – life happens and it rarely ends happily
iii. She is now just beginning to understand that fate is also an ill-conceived concept, and that you make your own ‘luck’ in this world (and accept the consequences)
7. When did Voronoy grow up?
From a young age – when she realised she was expected (at least by her own moral compass) to look out for the younger girls. So maybe from the age of 12 or so.
8. What values does Voronoy hold?
i. Responsibility – own your actions and don’t blame others
ii. Courage – be brave enough to do what’s right, not what’s easy
iii. Altruism – do the right thing always because you choose to, not because you have to
9. Name three things Voronoy considers sacred.
i. Life is precious and should only be taken as a last resort
ii. Advantage is a privilege and so should only be used to help others, not yourself
iii. ‘Judge not, lest ye be judged’
10. Three things she is idealogically opposed to.
i. Rules are the most important thing
ii. Holding a position of authority means your word is gospel
iii. Do as I say, not as I do
11. How does Voronoy dress?
As she’s invariably on duty, she wears the uniform of the local militia – chainmail, not no helm. She does take pride in her armour and keeps it neat, tidy and polished – and her leather boots literally shine as they are so well maintained.
Her hair is invariably tied up in a bun – and she wears no jewellery whatsoever.
12. What are Voronoy’s means?
Voronoy lives frugally, believing there is limited – if any – value in material things. Her greatest asset, therefore, is her relationship with her commanding officer. Her peers see him as past his best, but Voronoy values his experience and looks to learn as much as she can. This honest interest means he has a positive disposition towards her.
13. What are Voronoy’s personal tastes?
For someone who lives frugally, she still enjoys the feel of fine silk and the smell of incense. These remind her of the few pleasant things from her past. From the present, she actually loves the smell of saddle soap – that she uses to clean her boots.
Conversely, she dislikes the taste of alcohol – a less positive memory of her past, when girls were forced to be drunk if they were tense when entertaining a client. Stubble is another strange dislike. Clean shaven is OK, as is a beard – but she finds the middle ground reflecting of a lazy attitude. Finally, she does not like the sound of belching – something guaranteed to raise her hackles and give someone a piece of her mind.
14. What are Voronoy’s opinions?
She has three significant ones. Firstly, she disdains anyone who lives off the work of others without either having done it themselves or working as hard in another way. Next she accepts she has to uphold the law and does so, but often wishes she could turn a blind eye if the punishment she knows will exceed the crime. It is a constant challenge for her. Linked to this, she despises people who hide behind laws or rules and take no personal responsibility without at least a valid argument.
15. What is Voronoy’s comfort zone?
When stressed, Voronoy will clean. Ideally she will have something that needs cleaning, but if not, she will buff her boots, or polish her belt buckle. This is often done absent-mindedly – and can be a tell that she is out of her comfort zone.
16. Who has had the biggest impact on your Voronoy’s life?
Captain Wisslo – who took her in, trained her and believed in her.
17. What are some of Voronoy’s unexpected quirks?
Most militia know how to fight, but precious few can quote poetry. Even fewer can dance with Voronoy’s grace. She also paces when thinking through a particularly challenging conundrum.
On the other side, her lack of strength means she fights in an unorthodox manner – which is often in her favour. She is also colour blind, so has at least the common sense to dress in natural hues (and checks what colour things are if she acquires them).
She has a phobia of thunderstorms – which can be debilitating if she is outdoors at the time.
Primary motivation – Benificence
Emotional disposition – Curious
Moodiness – Even-tempered
Outlook – Optimistic
Integrity – Conscientious
Impulsiveness – Controlled
Boldness – Intrepid
Agreeableness – Agreeable
Interactivity – Reserved
Conformity – Heterodox
Sense of humour – Dry
Favourite topics of conversation – Work ethics/the justice system
Group affiliations – Local militia
Religion – Agnostic
Hobbies – None (all work and no play)
Okay, that's half for the day before. Unless everyone else says no, I think I'll work on that. Goal is to have the first post up tonight, but we'll see if I can make that.
No rush, Salsa.
Take your time and enjoy writing it. It's all good.
I also vote day before. That was kinda how the GM of the game I created Betzolte for was doing things, roleplaying the Mayor going around letting the PCs know they were getting picked for the Everflame this year.
Voronoy, if you don't mind my asking, how old IS your character? My understanding was the tradition with the Everflame was a coming-of-age ceremony for Kassen's people, but...given some details of your backstory that might carry some ugly implications.
Talking to the DM, we agreed that 16, going on 17 is right. Given her background, that could be a year out of course.
Ready to roll
Nods and runs in circles
And we have officially begun! Thank you for your patience while I got this together. I hope you all enjoy it. :)
WOOT!
Still missing Culver and Keth. I shot them PMs to let them know the game's running. Culver may have gotten nabbed by the boogeyman named Real Life. No clue where Keth went.
It's getting late here, so, unfortunately I won't be posting tonight, but I'll try to have something up tomorrow. I'll give Culver and Keth a few more days to show up.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
I know, I know. * sheepish grin *
You were correct, Salsa, and Real Life did indeed swallow me up over the last three days.
Sunday was my daughter's 16th birthday.
Sunday night into Monday we all got sick with headcolds. (Me too) Doctor appointment was necessary for my youngest.
Also yesterday we discovered my beagle had injured her paw on the bottom of our fence while chasing a squirrel, and tore a quarter-sized chuck out of the top.
A vet visit was required to the Animal Hospital today. (Only place we could get in)
Altogether, not fun.
My apologies. Life happens...this time, too quickly. lol
Congratulations on the daughter's birthday.
Boo headcolds!
Awww, poor beagle
Thanks for keeping us posted.
Okay, Post is up! I'll get a reply to Culver when he has a chance to post. I think you already know this, but I'm Grobradon on this one, Culver, especially the beagle. Poor pupper. :(
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Just wanted to pop in and let y'all know that Casina's player may be slow in posting for a bit. Real life stuff going on that he mentioned in a discord we're both in for another game we play in.
Ok, a point for clarification: What equipment will the participants be allowed/required to take? And what should stay behind?
You can take anything you bought as starting gear. The townsfolk will be giving you the following.
- 1 backpack
- 1 bedroll
- 1 winter blanket
- 1 flint and steel
- a tinder packet with 5 uses
- 6 days of rations
- 1 waterskin
In addition, you'll be given two large tents that will be split up between all of you. Does that help?
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Also, just so y'all are in the loop, I haven't heard from Keth's player, and he hasn't posted since the end of September. I've sent him another PM and I'll be giving him a couple more days to respond. I hope everything's alright with him, but I also don't want to hold things more than I have to.
Long day at work - posting tomorrow.
Thanks for letting us know. And no worries. As long as we can keep a good pace, I'm not going to be too much of a stickler about posting every day.
Hey all, I haven't heard from Dread, Keth's player. I've asked stormraven if his still interested, and he said yes. I believe he'll still be playing Moon. He should show up in the thread here soon.
Shame about Keth. His pup was a cool feature.
I hope Dread's ok.
That said, welcome to the team, Moon!
Same here on both the pup and Dread being okay.
On the otherhand, I think y'all are going to enjoy playing with stormraven. He's a great player and I'm sure that he's going to throw me for a few loops.
(Of course that could be said for more than a few players here. ;D )
Speak of the devil... and I get a text message and an e-vite. >;)
Hi guys! I'm your second string!
I haven't read the disco or the game thread yet but I'll get on that tonight. Moon's background is unchanged from the recruitment.
Without reading through all the machinations you guys have been up to... I'd say you are familiar with Moon and certainly her father (the town curmudgeon who thinks that Avistan is nothing compared to the Dragon Empire) but you probably don't know her well. If any of your stories parallel hers in terms of struggles, or your character is drawn to the 'shy types' maybe we are friends and I'm happy to explore that possibility.
Moon lives in Kassen for half a year at a time with her father and then lives with her mother away from Kassen for the other half of the year. It's been that way since she was very young.
She is likely seen as the 'aloof rich-b!tch' because her mother decks her out in the best gear pretty much ensuring she stands out (not in a positive way) in Kassen. For the record, she isn't aloof or judgemental, she is just introverted and feels very different than her peers. Her parent's choices about her living arrangements, her gear, and their personalities and circumstances pretty much leave her feeling isolated and out-of-step with her peers.
That's the $ tour of her psyche. :)
His pup was a cool feature... That said, welcome to the team, Moon!
Thanks, I appreciate the welcome! Also, Moon is a ranger so I will be getting a 'pup' in a few levels. :)
Welcome!
Right now we're mostly dealing with the day before invitations for the ceremony so you haven't missed anything too crucial.
I should provide Grobradon's take on both Voronoy and Moon soonish if folks still want it.
@Moon: Such a classy devil he is too. :P
I'll get a post up tomorrow with the Mayor's invite and an explanation of what happened to Keth.
I should provide Grobradon's take on both Voronoy and Moon soonish if folks still want it.
I do even if no one else does, but no pressure. It's not something that I think is critical, just me being my nosy self.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
I should provide Grobradon's take on both Voronoy and Moon soonish if folks still want it.I do even if no one else does, but no pressure. It's not something that I think is critical, just me being my nosy self.
Yay, extra credit opportunity! ;)
Okay. As always, this is subject to the approval (And adjustments) of the players of said characters
Grobradon’s thoughts on Voronoy: When Voronoy first showed up at Kassen, Grobradon no doubt thought she would be a washout with the guard. Tall or not, she appeared to be a stick of a girl, how the heck would she be able to handle the town drunks or other trouble makers? He wasn’t rude to her or anything, not anymore than he was to anyone else. But she soon proved to everyone that she was a decent warrior, more than decent really.
Grobradon soon learned that her natural agility wasn’t something to be taken lightly. And she seemed really dedicated to helping the townsfolk and yes, druids on pilgrimage and the like. Further more, as a town guard, Voronoy has likely assisted Grobradon’s blind mother or at least made sure she’s safe. THAT would definitely settle her into the category of ‘ neither useless nor an ass’ for Grobradon. It is possible that as a town guard, Voronoy has seen Grobradon ‘cover’ for Culver on one minor mischief or another. Harmless stuff. If she let it slide, he’d be surprised because she seems so ‘spit and shine’ proper.
No doubt, Voronoy would have been warned by Colbin Ventar (Head of the woodcutter’s guild and Grobradon’s uncle) that “that orc blood” was trouble. But others in the town would likely explain the reasons for Uncle Nephew dislike if she asked around.
Grobradon’s thoughts on Moon: Grobadon’s uncle is the richest man in town, but clearly Moon’s father is in the running. Grobradon however lives in poverty with his blind mom (For reasons in his backstory), so, when they were kids, he probably did think Moon was some kind of pampered princess who wasn’t a REAL Kessener because she was only in town half the time and her father was certainly an ass. Now it’s possible Moon’s father wasn’t any more dismissive of Grobradon than other ‘astivani’, but to Grobradon it probably looked like his orc blood was being sneered at , and if not that, his poverty…. and he might have assumed Moon shared that attitude. So here’s this pampered half elf girl and…
then he spotted her in HIS woods! Enjoying the peace and quiet there just like he does. Further more, she didn’t just like them, she knew them! She’d been accepted as an apprentice to Arnama Lastrid , one of the town mentors besides his own that Grobradon respects! Well, Grobradon has sense motive, and a decent wisdom score. It’s very likely he realized he had been wrong about her and given his naturally defensive nature, possibly even rude to her without meaning to. As a peace offering, he might tell her of the spot where you can find a clearing in the high wood about a mile out , there’s a babbling brook there where sun provides warmth but trees offer shade. Very soothing. Whether that lead to a seed for druid and ranger friendship , or merely allowed him to feel less a fool, is up to Moon.
Grobradon still thinks Moon's father’s an ass though!
LOL!
I like it... with just a small change. Moon's mother is the elven cash cow. Her father is just your average business man in Kassen - not rich, not poor... with airs of being superior because he's Tien.
So Grobradon comes from real Kassen money and Moon doesn't. If Grobradon gets the side-eye in town because of his heritage, then Moon would empathize with that with her rep as the 'haughty Tien/Elven princess'. That could certainly be an opening to a friendship.
Grobradon still thinks Moon's father’s an ass though!
Raised on the Tien ideal of filial piety, Moon would never say her father is an ass... but she definitely thinks it - often.
LOL!
I like it... with just a small change. Moon's mother is the elven cash cow. Her father is just your average business man in Kassen - not rich, not poor... with airs of being superior because he's Tien.
AH! I sit corrected! Got it!
So Grobradon comes from real Kassen money and Moon doesn't. If Grobradon gets the side-eye in town because of his heritage, then Moon would empathize with that with her rep as the 'haughty Tien/Elven princess'. That could certainly be an opening to a friendship.
That works for me. I think the mutual love of the woods on top of that would definitely have them on that track.
Grobradon still thinks Moon's father’s an ass though!Raised on the Tien ideal of filial piety, Moon would never say her father is an ass... but she definitely thinks it - often.
Grobradon would offer to say it FOR her. :)
And looks like we got an agreed upon set up
Welcome Moon!!!
Look forward to you joining us!!
Glad to start soon!!
To clarify, when you said "Not at all" did that mean you're NOT okay with me joining Maidie's scene or did you mean "I don't mind?"
Ah, my apologies. Hop in, the more the merrier the chaos is. :P