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Welcome to Salt Spire, a village wedged between the mountains and the sea in the north of Varisia. Though small, it once bustled with a productive mine and a healthy fishing trade, and served as a stopping point for sailors rounding the peninsula on their way north. But some twenty years ago the mine petered out, the fishing began to fail, and the sailors found other ports. So did half the village, trickling away over the years in search of better prospects. Those who remain have little to work with but continue to scratch out a meager living from the rocks and the ocean. The only thing that brings visitors (and their coin) to the village is a strange sealed door down in the mine shafts– the old stories say it’s of dwarven make, if you can believe that. Occasionally, adventurers and their ilk trickle to Salt Spire and from thence into the mines, but ultimately they all leave with nothing to show for it: the door has never yielded its secrets or been breached.
Until last month.
Newcomers arrived in Salt Spire with tools and explosives. They had no more luck with the door than anyone before them, but the rock surrounding it? That proved more vulnerable. The Goldenscale Mining Consortium drilled and blasted a hole into the chambers beyond the door, and now they need bodies to do the grunt work of getting rubble out. The pay is better than the villagers have seen in years.
Don’t worry. It’s not likely to be dangerous. The GMC’s mercenaries and engineers are sweeping the rooms and caves for risks before you enter– you’re just there to shlep and haul. It’s hard, dull, backbreaking work, but safe enough. Just sign here– standard one-year contract– and a GMC agent will issue you your gear and tools.
This will be a highly atmospheric game with some elements of: dungeon crawl, survival, horror, mystery, and exploration. It will also require placing some trust in your GM as we work to tell a story together. Right now you will not really be able to perfectly plan out your character due to twists I have in mind, but I assure you, my goal as a GM is not to be your adversary, but to set up interesting questions for you/your characters to explore. Come prepared to roleplay– not just with NPCs, but with each other, as you will need to work with the other PCs to stay alive.
To that end, we will have a campaign Discord server to talk OOCly and help inter-party bonding. Maps will be handled via Google Slides.
I will attempt at least one post daily on weekdays, one on weekends, and would like players to try and aim for the same, with the understanding that life certainly does happen at times.
This is set in Golarion but with a bit of a twist. It is perhaps a slightly parallel universe to regular Golarion, with the main difference being: the dwarves.
Nobody on Golarion, or at least nobody you know, has ever seen a live dwarf. (Or, for that matter, a dead one.) There’s a lot of supposedly dwarven ruins in the world (many now inhabited by goblins, orcs, etc), but dwarves themselves are a long-vanished race, with only their handiworks left as clues as to who they were. Dwarven history is a bit of a niche scholarly subject. (Should be obvious by now, but: you cannot play as a dwarf.)
As for the town itself:
Salt Spire is less grandiose than the name suggests. At one time, 300 souls lived here, but now the population is no more than a hundred– and many of those hundred are aging. Few children roam Salt Spire’s gravel roads, these days, and enterprising young adults often leave on the first boat that will carry them to somewhere else– anywhere else. The old-timers sit in the village’s only remaining inn and pub, the Salt Cellar, and bemoan the good old days.
Locations and persons of note if you want to tie your character to any of them
Of the other buildings in town: Half of them are abandoned, and many are in the process of being reclaimed by the sea and the winter storms. Even the inhabited ones are getting shabbier. Lumber is somewhat scarce in Salt Spire, as the easily accessible trees on the mountainside were cut down years ago to provide fuel for the smithy and wood for the boats. Obtaining more of the remaining wood is labor intensive and usually reserved for boat repair, so buildings often are patched with planks or stones taken from the abandoned structures– but the salt corrosion of the sea makes inroads on everything. Metal is rusting, paint is peeling, glass windows that break cannot be replaced… the town is slowly but steadily decaying.
Or it was. The GMC promises an influx of new resources, people, and trade. Things are looking up for Salt Spire!
YA, RLY. It won’t stay that way forever, but be prepared to spend some time at first with the stats and abilities of an NPC, and for mere survival to be a challenge.
I am selecting here for player vibes and concepts much more than for mechanical characters. That said, I know that everyone still wants to know the rules for the game itself, so they are included below– but at this point your mechanical build is the least interesting thing about your character. I mean, you are level 1 NPC classes with a ten point spread, nobody is managing anything clever in that sense. You can include your stats/build as part of your application if you like, but I’m honestly not gonna look too close at it. You can include a mention of what class(es) you might ultimately like to pursue, though it might be helpful if you think more in terms of ‘role’ than exact class. Like: ‘Jessik is going to focus on ranged attacks and skills’ rather than ‘Jessik will be an archery style ranger 4/fighter 2’.
Further character building deets:
--- Allowed classes: Adept, Commoner, Expert, Warrior for now. Down the road you will be able to pick from any Paizo-published class.
--- Background skills will be used
--- 10 GP starting gold
--- Your character is either a resident of Salt Spire or can be an indentured worker brought in by the GMC to supplement the local labor pool. Salt Spire is predominantly human, with a scant handful of the other common ancestries (except dwarves, as mentioned in the setting details). The indentured workers brought in are somewhat more varied, and include goblins and kobolds in their number, so these are also playable ancestries.
--- Traits: two, one of which is a campaign trait from the following. (For the other, any non-campaign trait is fine, and you can ignore regional requirements for them.) You may take a drawback for another (non-campaign) trait, if you want.
----- Fisherfolk of Salt Spire: You have spent much of your life trying to coax the remaining fish to go from the sea into the nets of your boat. You gain a +1 trait bonus on Profession: Fisherman or Profession: Sailor checks (or a related Profession skill) and to Swim. You can hold your breath twice as long as normal.
----- Miner of Salt Spire: You have spent much of your life trying to find remnants of semi-precious metals and stones in the defunct mine shafts. You gain a +1 trait bonus on Profession: Miner (or a related Profession skill) and gain a +2 trait bonus on Perception to notice mining hazards such as foul air, unstable surfaces, and so forth. You gain a +1 trait bonus on saves vs the same sorts of hazards.
----- Artisan of Salt Spire: Whether you cook, brew, mend shoes, or craft fishing poles, you have useful skills in making something. You gain a +1 trait bonus on a Craft or Profession skill of your choice, 1 extra background skill point per level, and you start with an extra 5 gp to reflect previous sales of your crafted goods.
----- Scrounger of Salt Spire: When there’s not much to go around, making do is a valuable skill. You gain a +1 trait bonus to Survival checks to find food/water, a +1 trait bonus to attacks with improvised weapons, and a +1 trait bonus to Perception to notice items of possible value.
----- Scholar of Salt Spire: The Door has always fascinated you and you snuck away often to look at it, or tagged along with one of the adventurer groups... You gain a +1 trait bonus on Linguistics and Lore: Dwarven (which is a class skill for you and you get one free rank each level to put into it). You also gain a +1 trait bonus on another knowledge skill of your choice.
----- Indentured Servant, Property of GMC: Whether by hook or by crook, you are in debt to the GMC and you must pay it off with hard labor. You’ve already worked several long months in warehouses, docks, and other mines. Avoiding workplace hazards has made you more nimble (+1 trait to Reflex), or the long hours have made you hardier (+1 trait to Fortitude), or you’ve got a lot of practice resisting the urge to throttle one of your employers (+1 trait to Will). Pick one. You also gain a +1 trait bonus to a Craft or Profession Skill of your choice. Also, due to your prior experience with the GMC you gain a +2 trait bonus to Perception, Sense Motive, and Initiative* checks against any employee of GMC who outranks you. (*Should it come to combat. Which surely won’t happen. As you are a good and obedient employee.)
If you’ve read all this and are still interested in taking a chance on this weirdo game, great! Please fill out, in-character, the “application” in the next post. You are welcome (indeed, encouraged) to include a little bit of roleplay with it – perhaps narrating your character’s thoughts as they read the questions, that sort of thing. Applications will close June 4th. I have three players who already have guaranteed spots and am recruiting for 2-3 more.
Questions? Ask!
A bored looking half-elf in fancy city clothes is sitting at a table in the common room of the Salt Cellar, a stack of papers in front of him. Villagers shuffle forward in a loose queue. The half-elf pushes a pair of spectacles up his nose as he finishes up with Brosker, a burly fisherman, and then looks around for who is next. That’s you.
"Next!" he calls, gesturing you forward with a twitch of his quill.
As you step up to the table, he slides a document to you. The script is small and cramped but oddly regular, like it was made by a machine rather than by a scribe. ”Please answer the questions,” the half-elf rattles off in a scripted monotone. ”If you don’t have your letters, let me know and I’ll read them to you and transcribe your answers. Illiteracy does not disqualify you from gainful employment and an upwardly-mobile career with the global family of the Goldenscale Mining Consortium. We encourage all to apply. Change your life today.” He punctuates the end of his words with a perfunctory, emotionless smile.
1. State your name, race, and age for company records.
2. Are you able-bodied and capable of lifting, hauling, and moving without assistance?
3. Do you have any special skills that might be useful in the mines?
4. Do you have any past experience working in mines or in similar situations? Please elaborate if so.
5. Do you have any phobias of darkness, enclosed spaces, insects, or other possible hazards of underground labor? Please elaborate if so.
6. Can you read, write, and do basic sums?
7. Are you under four feet of height?
8. Do you have any crisis experience, such as medical or combat experience?
9. What is your current trade?
10. Help us get to know you better to decide where you fit in the GMC family! Please answer the following questions.
My friends and family say I am (SELECT TWO):
SMART --- STRONG --- CARING --- RESOURCEFUL --- HARD-WORKING --- LOYAL --- FUNNY --- A LEADER --- HELPFUL --- CAREFUL --- OBSERVANT
My biggest flaw is that I am (SELECT ONE):
IMPULSIVE --- DISOBEDIENT --- LAZY --- SELFISH --- CARELESS --- ARROGANT --- SLOVENLY --- DISTRACTIBLE --- STUBBORN --- CLUMSY --- A PYROMANIAC
11. If money were no object, I would spend my life __________________________________.
12. In my free time, I like to ______________________.
13. I can’t stand it when people _________________.
The GMC, by agreement with the representative of VILLAGE NAME HERE Salt Spire, lays claim to all material property found within the extant mines of Salt Spire and possible chambers beyond which are recovered through the work of the GMC. As an employee, you hereby attest that you will turn over all such property to your supervisor at the end of your shift and that you have no legal claim to any such item. Your compensation will be limited to daily wages as agreed upon by your recruiter, JALYNOR BRAZALI. At its discretion GMC may offer additional incentives, but is not required to do so.
Failure to promptly and honestly present any item found within the mines or adjoining chambers may result in legal proceedings or other actions against you. Your signature below reflects that you understand this.
GMC has an excellent safety record and puts employee welfare FIRST. :) With that said, unfortunate accidents do occasionally happen. By signing below you understand and accept that mining labor is potentially hazardous and that dangers include but are not limited to: long-term respiratory damage, repetitive stress injuries of joints and/or tendons, exposure to chemicals, exposure to incendiary devices, exposure to curses, back injuries, dismemberment, and death.
The GMC pays out a generous death bonus of three (3) gold crowns to the designated survivors of workers who perish in the line of duty. Please note that the death benefit will be rendered null and void if a worker is found to have misused or failed to use their provided protective equipment. You and your heirs agree that no damages may be collected from the GMC beyond the stated death benefit for any loss of life, health, or other injuries sustained in the line of duty and that GMC shall not be held liable for any such injury. Name your designated survivor here and state their relationship to you.
______________________________
Sign or make your mark here.
______________________________
I din’t find the premise weird at all.
10 pt buy totally makes sense for NPC/0-level characters.
No dwarves is actually a plus to me (like, I get that obviously there potentially have been/were some dwarves)…
Am interested, mostly drawn to the Scrounger trait. Commoner, Expert or Warrior. Maaaybe an Adept.
The one sticking point however is the Discord OOC stuff. I do use Discord, but I do find it can at times become a bit consuming - is that definitely a deal-breaker?
Like the concept and challenge.
Can I play a goblin if I come up with a workable background (no longer indentured servant)?
Also, what the point-buy plan for the future - 15, 20, 25?
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Not sure if I have the bandwidth for this one, as I have been shying more and more away from developing character backgrounds longer than two lines, before I start playing in a game.
But it IS tempting.
Regardless of applying or not, I want to drop my two cents to let others know they should definitely get on board for this one - had the pleasure to play with Dien as DM before, and it was a great game! :)
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IN!
The small, white, kobold steps forward and doesn’t roll his eyes at the GMC lackey. With a single claw he gently pushes the blank paperwork back at the aforementioned ‘official’ and slaps his well-worn and oft-used Intake Form on the table. This was his fourth gig for the GMC and the whole process had lost its luster… being indentured had that effect.
1. State your name, race, and age for company records.
Brimble Palescale, Kobold, 15 years old.
2. Are you able-bodied and capable of lifting, hauling, and moving without assistance?
Yeah. Are you?
3. Do you have any special skills that might be useful in the mines?
I dunno… does being a professional MINER help? How about avoiding and disabling traps designed to turn honest workers into paste?
4. Do you have any past experience working in mines or in similar situations? Please elaborate if so.
This will be my 4th mining job with the GMC. For reference, see the internal reports on the debacle at Dawnspear, the chaos at Heartford, and the unmitigated disaster at Feldspar.
5. Do you have any phobias of darkness, enclosed spaces, insects, or other possible hazards of underground labor? Please elaborate if so.
I am afraid of tight spaces – more specifically I’m afraid when being actively crushed by tons of rock. I’m also concerned about being eaten alive.
6. Can you read, write, and do basic sums?
Yes… as evidenced by me filling out this form.
7. Are you under four feet of height?
Yes. My parents are so proud.
8. Do you have any crisis experience, such as medical or combat experience?
I’m a kobold. My life is a crisis experience.
9. What is your current trade?
Mining for food and poor wages. Not much of a ‘trade’ is it?
10. Help us get to know you better to decide where you fit in the GMC family! Please answer the following questions.
My FRIENDS say I am (SELECT TWO):
SMART --- STRONG --- CARING --- RESOURCEFUL --- HARD-WORKING --- LOYAL --- FUNNY --- A LEADER --- HELPFUL --- CAREFUL --- OBSERVANT
My FAMILY say I am (SELECT TWO):
SMART --- STRONG --- CARING --- RESOURCEFUL --- HARD-WORKING --- LOYAL --- FUNNY --- A LEADER --- HELPFUL --- CAREFUL --- OBSERVANT
DEAD to THEM
My biggest flaw is that I am (SELECT ONE):
IMPULSIVE --- DISOBEDIENT --- LAZY --- SELFISH --- CARELESS --- ARROGANT --- SLOVENLY --- DISTRACTIBLE --- STUBBORN --- CLUMSY --- A PYROMANIAC
IMPATIENT with stupid questions
11. If money were no object, I would spend my life… making silly expensive life choices.
12. In my free time, I like to… think about how wonderful the GMC has treated me and practice sarcasm.
13. I can’t stand it when people… have indentured servants fill out Intake Forms.
Brimble’s profile may get some tweaking but he is 95% ‘there’.
...
No dwarves is actually a plus to me (like, I get that obviously there potentially have been/were some dwarves)…
Definitely have been in the past, and you'll be spending a lot of time in a dwarven ruin, so if for some reason you don't like dwarves as a component of the game then just be warned there will be lots of dwarven STUFF. That said, the dwarves of this setting may be somewhat different than stereotypical fantasy dwarves. Only saying all this to set expectations-- hate for you to go "oh a game with no dwarves! that's a bonus!" only to get bombarded with dwarfstuff and be like :(
...The one sticking point however is the Discord OOC stuff. I do use Discord, but I do find it can at times become a bit consuming - is that definitely a deal-breaker?
Not a deal-breaker, and I get that it can be consuming. As long as you have a history of being able to use the Discussion board of a game to engage and communicate with your fellow players, I'll accept that. Discord is certainly a preference just because most games I've been in that have had staying power and strong rapport have usually had that (or an equivalent), which the boards don't always substitute for, but nah. Not a deal-breaker.
Can I play a goblin if I come up with a workable background (no longer indentured servant)?
Also, what the point-buy plan for the future - 15, 20, 25?
Yeah, there can be a goblin or two running around Salt Spire already - or if you meant 'previous indentured servant, worked off debt, now voluntarily working for GMC' that could also be viable.
WHO SAID YOU'D BE GETTING MORE STATS IN THE FUTURE!? --oh wait, I did. Righto.
I will say.... 15 pt buy with the in-game chance to receive stat boosts beyond that.
Regardless of applying or not, I want to drop my two cents to let others know they should definitely get on board for this one - had the pleasure to play with Dien as DM before, and it was a great game! :)
OH hey Heldar :D Good to see you around the boards still! And thanks for the kind words.
IN!
The small, white, kobold steps forward and doesn’t roll his eyes at the GMC lackey. With a single claw he gently pushes the blank paperwork back at the aforementioned ‘official’ and slaps his well-worn and oft-used Intake Form on the table. This was his fourth gig for the GMC and the whole process had lost its luster… being indentured had that effect...
Jalynor, the lackey in question, pauses as he registers this is no villager. He looks up from his writing, and sighs when he sees the pale little kobold, taking off his glasses. After a second or two he manages to find a tight smile for the small reptilian, taking the form and glancing through it quickly.
"Yes. Well. This all looks to be in order. Welcome to another fantastic opportunity under the auspices of the GMC, Mister Palescale. Given your past survi - I mean, your extensive experience, GMC is happy to offer you..."
The half-elf pauses, brows furrowed as he pulls out a thick book and starts consulting through page after page of script and tables, his finger running over the columns of text.
"...a position on this dig as a Safety Lead, which comes with daily compensation of four silver swords per day - I believe that's an increase over your last assignment, three a day was it? - and of course the chit for three daily meals at the company cafeteria. As always," another tight smile, "if you would prefer to receive some or all of your wages in the form of scrip for the company store with twenty percent more purchasing power-- a wise investment-- you may!"
Jalynor lowers the book again, gazing down at the kobold over the top edge of his glasses. He deviates from rehearsed lines enough to ask, with one brow arching, "Remind me, how much time do you still have left on your contract....?"
Jalynor, the lackey in question, pauses as he registers this is no villager. He looks up from his writing, and sighs when he sees the pale little kobold, taking off his glasses. After a second or two he manages to find a tight smile for the small reptilian, taking the form and glancing through it quickly.
"Yes. Well. This all looks to be in order. Welcome to another fantastic opportunity under the auspices of the GMC, Mister Palescale. Given your past survi - I mean, your extensive experience, GMC is happy to offer you... ...a position on this dig as a Safety Lead, which comes with daily compensation of four silver swords per day - I believe that's an increase over your last assignment, three a day was it? - and of course the chit for three daily meals at the company cafeteria.”
Brimble returns the tight smile with a half- no quarter- no one-sixty-fourth-hearted smile of his own. He’d worked enough for the GMC to realise there were two types of ‘Lead’ positions: The guy who sits in the mining office and made real coin… and the poor bastard who leads by being the first person to step into anything that looks vaguely deadly. He was being paid an extra silver a day to be the first canary in the mine. He replies drily, ”I am so happy for this chance to be embraced in the loving arms of the GMC family.”
”As always," another tight smile, "if you would prefer to receive some or all of your wages in the form of scrip for the company store with twenty percent more purchasing power -- a wise investment -- you may!"
Brimble rubs his jaw – the act most sentient mammalians do to indicate they are thinking – as if he is seriously considering the lame offer for substandard goods that feeds even more money into the GMC coffers. ”4 silver and 20% more value on top?! I think I’d be a fool with that kind of bounty and throw caution to the financial winds too often. To keep myself grounded, I’ll take silver coins instead of scrip. Thanks.”
Jalynor lowers the book again, gazing down at the kobold over the top edge of his glasses. He deviates from rehearsed lines enough to ask, with one brow arching, "Remind me, how much time do you still have left on your contract....?"
This question, the kobold answers without the least hint of sarcasm, only an earnest hunger to make it to the finish line. ”4 months, 21 days.”
Em Salt, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her.
Ah, how cruel daydreams can be.
Em got little more than a name from her parents, if two letters can be called a name. Childhood has a way of making dull things seem interesting. Adolescence, however, proved a much more vexing challenge. Especially when all the other young and literate people in town sailed off to see the world. Em had a hope once, that one of them would come back and whisk her away on an adventure.
Ah, how cruel hopes can be.
It’s not that they haven’t come back. Many have, once or thrice, bearing books or other precious treasures. But Em had always been most keen on the whisking part, the whisking part really had been pretty key to the entire affair. Em was about ready to whisk herself when her younger brother Cal was pretty badly crippled. Log rolling down the mountainside. Em looked into his future, crippled in Salt Spire, with aging parents, and without a cunning and beautiful sister to look up to. She couldn’t bear the thought of leaving him.
Ah, how cruel love can be.
The most interesting thing in town has always been the door (apart from Em, that goes without saying). Em’s been with others who tried to open it, has listened to every story anyone will tell about it. Though hauling stones and other such work isn’t very thrilling...it wouldn’t be the first time she’s had to get her hands dirty. A year is a long time, but perhaps in that year the GMC officials will figure out that her talents are wasted on such things and assign her to something more interesting once the way inside is cleared. One can hope.
Senses: Perception +3, Initiative +5
HP 8 (1d6+1+1)
Fort +1 Ref +1 Will -1
Speed 30 ft
Reach 5ft
Attacks: with Wit
STR 10 / DEX 12 / CON 12 / INT 13 / WIS 8 / CHA 16
Feats: Improved Initiative, Something
Traits: Scholar of Salt Spire, Something, Something
Drawback: Vainglory
Skills:
Perception: 1 rank, +3 class, -1 Wis, (+3)
Knowledge (Local): 1 rank, +1 Int, +1 trait (+3)
Handle Animal: 1 rank, +3 class, +3 Cha, (+7)
Profession (Tanner): 1 rank, +3 class, +1 Wis, (+3)
Background Skills
Lore (Dwarven): 1 rank, +3 class, +1 Int, +1 trait (+6)
Linguistics: 1 rank, +1 Int, +1 trait (+3)
Craft (Clothing): 1 rank, +3 class, +1 Int (+5)
Worldly Possessions: Some books, a little food, a pretty dress
”Change your life today.”
Em decides to take care of herself today by choosing to believe these words. She’s wearing her best (only) dress, and has thus far managed to avoid grime, offal, and other unmentionables. ”Nice shirt, love the frills” she says, exactly matching the half elf’s monotone.
1. State your name, race, and age for company records.
Em Salt, Human, 20.
2. Are you able-bodied and capable of lifting, hauling, and moving without assistance?
For not the first time, Em wished she had thick, handsome arms like Brosker. She hesitated, twirling the quill. Yes
3. Do you have any special skills that might be useful in the mines?
I can tend to & lead a horse that could convey a cartful of many stones, bearing such weight as might make a man expire, were he to have it fixed upon his back, be it ever so muscular & well developed from ferrying fish, ale, ore, &c. Horse was a bit of an exaggeration, but Em liked to think the noble creatures were not so different from goats. I am most intimately familiar with all manner of local erudition pertaining to the mine, & can make very fair deciphering of ancient dwarven runes. If they wanted exact honesty, they should offer less pay. But Em wasn’t about to explain that to them.
4. Do you have any past experience working in mines or in similar situations? Please elaborate if so.
I have seldom cultivated skills of hauling, pulling, tugging, loading, &c, however I expect that upon setting my mind to the nature of such things, I will very quickly grasp their central principles. Em wondered how complicated mining could really be. It seemed rather dull.
5. Do you have any phobias of darkness, enclosed spaces, insects, or other possible hazards of underground labor? Please elaborate if so.
Fear is an illusion
6. Can you read, write, and do basic sums?
You can plainly see, from the base & mean form of my letters, Em elegantly crossed the ts in letters, adding an extra flourish for emphasis, that I have half a measure of such elevated & queenly arts, such elevated, distinguished, virtuous & queenly arts
7. Are you under four feet of height?
No
8. Do you have any crisis experience, such as medical or combat experience?
I have been present at several childbirths, Em paused, frowning, Human & Goat.
9. What is your current trade?
Em’s mind floated on clouds puffed and dazzling above a sparkling ocean. Tanner. She admired the weaving on her sleeves for a moment. The fabric really was nice, too nice for Salt Spire. Was it fraying a bit?
10. Help us get to know you better to decide where you fit in the GMC family! Please answer the following questions.
My friends and family say I am (SELECT TWO):
SMART --- STRONG --- CARING --- RESOURCEFUL --- HARD-WORKING --- LOYAL --- FUNNY --- A LEADER --- HELPFUL --- CAREFUL --- OBSERVANT
My biggest flaw is that I am (SELECT ONE):
IMPULSIVE --- DISOBEDIENT --- LAZY --- SELFISH --- CARELESS --- ARROGANT --- SLOVENLY --- DISTRACTIBLE --- STUBBORN --- CLUMSY --- A PYROMANIAC
Far from my biggest flaw, Em thought quietly
11. If money were no object, I would spend my life... Writing Making elegant dresses
12. In my free time, I like to... Em considered the things she wished she could do. Sing, dance, draw, paint ride horses and go to grand balls, visit poor people and bring them gifts. Through a force of will, she lowered her quill until it touched the page. Try not to starve to death
13. I can’t stand it when people... Starve to death Em thought about crossing it out, but alas, it was true. She did consider herself to be something of a bleeding heart.
Em surveyed her work once, thought about changing her answers, and then decided that they were practically perfect in every way. She placed it back on the table in front of the half elf. ”Love the glasses, too,” she says, voice still matching his tone with uncanny precision.
I have no issues using discord and don't see why posting 1/day would be too much for me. I have a fair amount of downtime at my day job, and in my personal life for the foreseeable future.
I'm a newcomer here, not much history to review.
If she survives, I think Em will cast spells in her next life
--- Traits: two, one of which is a campaign trait from the following. (For the other, any non-campaign trait is fine, and you can ignore regional requirements for them.) You may take a drawback for another (non-campaign) trait, if you want.
can all three traits be a campaign trait? I have a fun Idea.
I like fun ideas, but campaign traits are typically stronger than "normal" traits, so for balance reasons I might have to say no. But if you want to tell me your idea (in PM if you prefer) I am happy to listen to it!
Em!
Welcome, Dreadful!
---
The GMC agent takes the filled out form slowly and looks over Em's garments, one brow quirked at the compliments to his glasses and frilly shirt. Adjusting said glasses, he looks down and reads through the application, occasionally making a note in a leather-bound book next to him.
"Thank you, Miss... Salt. You certainly have a... way with words. Once we review all applicants, we will make appropriate job offers. Based on what I am seeing here, your starting rate might be one silver sword per day. Please do enjoy a GMC-sponsored cup of..."
The half-elf trails off, looks into the cup by his elbow as if he'd forgotten what was in it, sniffs slightly, then continues: "..of the, I believe, 'house wine' of this... fine establishment. While you wait for further determination."
”I am so happy for this chance to be embraced in the loving arms of the GMC family....
"...4 silver and 20% more value on top?! I think I’d be a fool with that kind of bounty and throw caution to the financial winds too often. To keep myself grounded, I’ll take silver coins instead of scrip. Thanks.”
The half-elf snorts faintly. "Right. Well, you know the drill: tomorrow, report to Ubek for gear. Mention you're a Safety Lead. For tonight, enjoy the generosity of GMC with a glass of the, uh, 'wine' they have here, the company is treating all the fresh m- the fresh men and women. You've a little less than five months to go so don't screw it up, Palescale. NEXT!"
This looks very intriguing! Thanks for putting this together GM Dien.
My background and crunch can be seen in my alias. Let me know if you'd like me to explain anything, change anything, whatever. :) He’s mostly done (I need another trait and am having trouble picking one).
I’ve DMed and Played on these boards for over ten years now and been in the D&D realm for over forty. I try to be an active and supportive player in every game. Please feel free to peruse my aliases and campaigns for more recent examples.
How do you feel about dumping stats? I didn’t, but I see Argatha as being rather ‘slow’ intellectually. As a result, I’m considering dropping his intelligence to an 8 to reflect his ease of confusion. Still haven’t decided yet, but wanted to check in before I shift stats around.
- - -
Argatha patiently waits his turn in line, humming a little tune under his breath. When he gets to the front, he hands over a carefully written out statement to the chief.
”Here’s my form. I was told I had to fill out a new one.” He waits for the half-elf to start reading before adding, ”I was told I had to get my own pick, so here it is for your review.” he holds up his newest purchase proudly, a miner’s pick - all ready to go.
Argatha, son of Boden, human, 22 last summer.
2. Are you able-bodied and capable of lifting, hauling, and moving without assistance?
Yes.
3. Do you have any special skills that might be useful in the mines?
I can mend small equipment and provide light to work. I’m also a decent healer - I was a veterinarian down on the farm.
4. Do you have any past experience working in mines or in similar situations? Please elaborate if so.
I’ve worked for GMC before, and spent 6 months in the mines.
5. Do you have any phobias of darkness, enclosed spaces, insects, or other possible hazards of underground labor? Please elaborate if so.
Nope.
6. Can you read, write, and do basic sums?
Yes. Er. Basic sums.
7. Are you under four feet of height?
No.
8. Do you have any crisis experience, such as medical or combat experience?
I have some medical experience like I said, and keep cool in a crisis.
9. What is your current trade?
I work for GMC, and before that was a farmer.
10. Help us get to know you better to decide where you fit in the GMC family! Please answer the following questions.
My friends and family say I am (SELECT TWO):
STRONG --- HARD-WORKING
My biggest flaw is that I am (SELECT ONE):
DISTRACTIBLE
11. If money were no object, I would spend my life: traveling with the circus going from town to town having adventures.
12. In my free time, I like to: sculpt clay figurines, I whittle a bit, and I enjoy doing nothing.
13. I can’t stand it when people: chew with their mouths open, or act superior.
- - -
The door opens and a somewhat ugly and misshapen fellow limps into the room. He seems to a bit of a hump and his eyes don't quite seem to line up and he smells a bit ripe
'Allo. Name is Spugnoir, I'm here to try out for the jobs. He squints down at the paper.
Spugnoir, Human, twenty somethin summers
2. Are you able-bodied and capable of lifting, hauling, and moving without assistance?
Yes
3. Do you have any special skills that might be useful in the mines?
Got an eye fer scrounging up stuff to do repairs, can work with wood
4. Do you have any past experience working in mines or in similar situations? Please elaborate if so.
Nope
5. Do you have any phobias of darkness, enclosed spaces, insects, or other possible hazards of underground labor? Please elaborate if so.
Nope
6. Can you read, write, and do basic sums?
I can do some readen and writen.
7. Are you under four feet of height?
Nope
8. Do you have any crisis experience, such as medical or combat experience?
I can hit things with a club
9. What is your current trade?
Scrounger, Carpentry, a little metal work, rat catcher, fish gutter,
10. Help us get to know you better to decide where you fit in the GMC family! Please answer the following questions.
My friends and family say I am (SELECT TWO):
SMART --- STRONG --- CARING --- RESOURCEFUL --- HARD-WORKING --- LOYAL --- FUNNY --- A LEADER --- HELPFUL --- CAREFUL --- OBSERVANT
My biggest flaw is that I am (SELECT ONE):
IMPULSIVE --- DISOBEDIENT --- LAZY --- SELFISH --- CARELESS --- ARROGANT --- SLOVENLY --- DISTRACTIBLE --- STUBBORN --- CLUMSY --- A PYROMANIAC
Don't like mornings
11. If money were no object, I would spend my life ______________Fishen____.
12. In my free time, I like to _____What free time?_________________.
13. I can’t stand it when people ____Say I stink_____________.
GM Dien - I would absolutely agree that games with a heathy Discussion thread and/or valuable and useful Discord channel/threads have a greater bond amongst the players and go a long way toward being sustainable in the long run.
You’re probably right - this campaign’s theme is likely a bit too “dwarfy”, and I probably don’t realistically have time for a game that doesn’t suit my biases! Thanks for your answers and candour!
The GMC agent takes the filled out form slowly and looks over Em's garments, one brow quirked at the compliments to his glasses and frilly shirt. Adjusting said glasses, he looks down and reads through the application, occasionally making a note in a leather-bound book next to him."Thank you, Miss... Salt. You certainly have a... way with words. Once we review all applicants, we will make appropriate job offers. Based on what I am seeing here, your starting rate might be one silver sword per day. Please do enjoy a GMC-sponsored cup of..."
The half-elf trails off, looks into the cup by his elbow as if he'd forgotten what was in it, sniffs slightly, then continues: "..of the, I believe, 'house wine' of this... fine establishment. While you wait for further determination."
"I'm glad to hear that you think you have an appropriate offer for me," Em says, reaching for Eska's wine instinctively, since it's not normally free. "Hope your own job comes with some perks as good as this," she says cheerfully, smiling away a grimace as she swallows a mouthful of the wine. "Maybe a little better than this," she admits quietly.
Thanks for running a game such as this! If there's one thing I'm sure of, it's that masochism is indeed fun
A tall, strappy young woman sporting some intricate ink steps up, form in hand and a slight smile on her face. She lays the paper in front of the half-elf and folds her hands faux-demurely in front of her.
Xiramona Salpashti, human, 23 years (the name, btw, is written in an elegant calligraphic script)
2. Are you able-bodied and capable of lifting, hauling, and moving without assistance?
Certainly. Though I do need to avoid damage to my hands.
3. Do you have any special skills that might be useful in the mines?
As an artist and scribe, I can make accurate drawings of any rooms or items found, and map the terrain below. I can also create light at need, and do a spot of healing. Beyond that, I'm an agile climber, and slim enough to fit into narrow spaces.
4. Do you have any past experience working in mines or in similar situations? Please elaborate if so.
I do not.
5. Do you have any phobias of darkness, enclosed spaces, insects, or other possible hazards of underground labor? Please elaborate if so.
None that I know of.
6. Can you read, write, and do basic sums?
In this section, Jalynor will find several math problems, accurately solved, and scrolly, whimsical arrows pointing up and down at the writing that has clearly been done in response to the reading that must also have been done.
7. Are you under four feet of height?
That would be a no.
8. Do you have any crisis experience, such as medical or combat experience?
I know a fair amount of first aid, in addition to the healing I mentioned previously.
9. What is your current trade?
Scribe most of the time, painter at others.
10. Help us get to know you better to decide where you fit in the GMC family! Please answer the following questions.
My friends and family say I am (SELECT TWO):
SMART --- STRONG --- CARING --- RESOURCEFUL --- HARD-WORKING --- LOYAL --- FUNNY --- A LEADER --- HELPFUL --- CAREFUL --- OBSERVANT
My biggest flaw is that I am (SELECT ONE):
IMPULSIVE --- DISOBEDIENT --- LAZY --- SELFISH --- CARELESS --- ARROGANT --- SLOVENLY --- DISTRACTIBLE --- STUBBORN --- CLUMSY --- A PYROMANIAC
11. If money were no object, I would - spend my life traveling and creating.
12. In my free time, I like to - relax with friends, sketch.
13. I can’t stand it when people - make assumptions about Varisian travelers, particularly female ones.
______________________________
Sign or make your mark here.
Xiramona Salpashti (in an even more elaborate script)
Intriguing! But what to play? An expert, mm could segway into a caster class. Why would an expert be doing in a mine? All mines need engineers and geologists!
I'll write something up later.
A thin beanpole of a man turned up next, looking more like a mad scientist than anything said rather loudly, "Hullo! I heard you had need of a mining engineer!"
State your name, race, and age for company records.
Colin Bazelgette, Human, 32
2. Are you able-bodied and capable of lifting, hauling, and moving without assistance
No, I was sickly as a child and grew up in a library, However! Give me a lever long enough and I can move mountains!
3. Do you have any special skills that might be useful in the mines?
I am a trained engineer and geologist.
4. Do you have any past experience working in mines or in similar situations? Please elaborate if so.
I come from a long line of engineers, and I spent several years working on an aqueduct for a tin mine and more recently I designed a winch system for a silver mine.
5. Do you have any phobias of darkness, enclosed spaces, insects, or other possible hazards of underground labor? Please elaborate if so.
Being covered by insects in the dark while trapped in a tiny space is in my opinion the stuff of my nightmares !
6. Can you read, write, and do basic sums?
Yes, I can can read and write in four languages and I can perform structural analysis math in my head.
7. Are you under four feet of height?
No, I’m slightly over six foot.
8. Do you have any crisis experience, such as medical or combat experience?
I am an accredited first aider, although I’m not much of a combatant.[/b]
9. What is your current trade?
Mine engineer.
10. Help us get to know you better to decide where you fit in the GMC family! Please answer the following questions.
My friends and family say I am (SELECT TWO):
SMART & LOYAL
My biggest flaw is that I am (SELECT ONE):
A PYROMANIAC - there’s so much you can do with fire in mine engineering! Fill a gallery with supports, burn them and stope above the collapse! Build a bonfire for three days against a hanging wall, then douse with water and even the hardest stone will shatter!
11. If money were no object, I would spend my life touring the mines of Golorion on a flying carpet!
12. In my free time, I like to read and study.
13. I can’t stand it when people interrupt me when I’m studying, so inconsiderate!
...How do you feel about dumping stats? I didn’t, but I see Argatha as being rather ‘slow’ intellectually. As a result, I’m considering dropping his intelligence to an 8 to reflect his ease of confusion. Still haven’t decided yet, but wanted to check in before I shift stats around.
That's fine, though I'd probably prefer people didn't dump below an 8!
****
The GMC agent takes the form and scans through it, tapping the fingers of his free hand on the table. "Ah yes, Argatha. No complaints from your prior supervisors, always a good sign." He consults another book, then sets the form with the small but growing pile of others. "Given past experience you would likely start at three silvers per day, should we invoke the clause of your contract to assign you to this dig. Wait for further determination. In the meantime, there's wine, after a fashion."
The half-elf makes a few more notes, then looks up for the first time to actually take in Argatha at the presenting of the pick. There's a small pause, and then the man smiles, fractionally. "Excellent initiative. I'll make a note. Next!"
The door opens and a somewhat ugly and misshapen fellow limps into the room. He seems to a bit of a hump and his eyes don't quite seem to line up and he smells a bit ripe...
"Ye-eess...." the recruiter say slowly, and after a moment draws a handkerchief from his pocket and holds it delicately near his nose for the rest of the conversation. He reads through Spugnoir's form trying to hold the paper by its edges.
"Hmm, you do seem like a man who is not afraid to get his hands dirty. And skilled with a club, you say? That might potentially get you onto the security detail. I'll just make some notes here... very well, we'll announce full hires at the end of the evening, until then please do avail yourself of the drinks, Mr. --Spugnoir."
You’re probably right - this campaign’s theme is likely a bit too “dwarfy”, and I probably don’t realistically have time for a game that doesn’t suit my biases! Thanks for your answers and candour!
Not to worry! Maybe some other game, in the future!
A tall, strappy young woman sporting some intricate ink steps up, form in hand and a slight smile on her face. She lays the paper in front of the half-elf and folds her hands faux-demurely in front of her.
The half-elf takes the paper, his brows arching a bit as he reads through the calligraphic script. At a few points he pauses, glances at Xiramona in a slightly skeptical way, and then keeps reading.
At the end of it he sets the paper with the others. "Thank you for your application, Miss Salpashti. We'll have to see if your skillset has any applications in the dig. Please do stick around until the end of the evening to hear hirings announced. In the meantime, there's wine, of a sort."
He nods to the bar, then turns his attention to those still waiting. "Next!"
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A thin beanpole of a man turned up next, looking more like a mad scientist than anything said rather loudly, "Hullo! I heard you had need of a mining engineer!"
Jalynor Brazali takes the application and adjusts his spectacles on his nose before plunging into the reading of it. "Ah-hmm... mmh-mm.... four languages, you say? And -- ah. Yes."
There's a pause as the half-elf circles Colin's answer to the PYROMANIAC flaw a few times, then continues smoothly: "It certainly sounds as those you have some relevant experience, Mister Baguette-- er, sorry, Bazelgette. Any references for those prior mining jobs?"
Barnacle!
Brazali wrinkles his nose a bit as he reads through the answers submitted by the half-orc. "............colorful chap, aren't you..."
The half-elf makes some notes in his own book... then some more notes... then some more. Skritch skritch skritch goes his quill.
"A word of advice should you be hired, Mr. 'Barnacle.' Avoid the references to maternal fraternization with Ubek, the mine foreman. He is fond of his mother, as I understand it, and doesn't take kindly to having her name besmirched. In any case, we will review your application and announce hires at the end of the evening. In the meantime, do enjoy the excellent wine."
T'hank ya sah! Spugnoir grabs at some wine and shuffles off while slurping it.
""It certainly sounds as those you have some relevant experience, Mister Baguette-- er, sorry, Bazelgette. Any references for those prior mining jobs?"
Louder than was strictly necessary, the beanpole replied, "Why certainly! I have a reference from my last job up in the eastern Fenwall mountains." He started patting down first his trousers, then his robe before unpacking most of his rucksack before crowing in victory, "Ah! I knew I put it somewhere safe, apparently too safe!"
He then handed over a folded letter.
He comes recommended, provided you have suitable ear protection."
Interested! Raka is applying to be the muscle (Warrior with the Miner trait). Mechanics-wise, I'm leaning toward a tank paladin later on. I will work on her stat block over the next few days.
Raka is fiercely protective of others, especially those she considers friends, believing that it's her duty to place herself in harm's way for the benefit of those around her. After all, great power brings with it the responsibility to use it wisely.
Raka
Human (Transcriber's Note: I don't believe her)
19
2. Are you able-bodied and capable of lifting, hauling, and moving without assistance?
Yes
3. Do you have any special skills that might be useful in the mines?
Lifting, hauling, and moving
4. Do you have any past experience working in mines or in similar situations? Please elaborate if so.
Yes, I've been moving heavy stuff for a long time
5. Do you have any phobias of darkness, enclosed spaces, insects, or other possible hazards of underground labor? Please elaborate if so.
No
6. Can you read, write, and do basic sums?
No, no, and no
7. Are you under four feet of height?
No
(Transcriber's Note: Very tall, I hope she doesn't have the opposite problem in the mines)
8. Do you have any crisis experience, such as medical or combat experience?
Yes. I had to go to the docks one time and there was a -
Combat
9. What is your current trade?
Whatever needs doing I guess
10. Help us get to know you better to decide where you fit in the GMC family! Please answer the following questions.
My friends and family say I am (SELECT TWO):
SMART --- STRONG --- CARING --- RESOURCEFUL --- HARD-WORKING --- LOYAL --- FUNNY --- A LEADER --- HELPFUL --- CAREFUL --- OBSERVANT
My biggest flaw is that I am (SELECT ONE):
IMPULSIVE --- DISOBEDIENT --- LAZY --- SELFISH --- CARELESS --- ARROGANT --- SLOVENLY --- DISTRACTIBLE --- STUBBORN --- CLUMSY --- A PYROMANIAC
(Transcriber's Note: She called it "the sunnely one." I doubt she knows what it means.)
11. If money were no object, I would spend my life __Creating money__.
Giving what I don't need to everybody else
(Transcriber's Note: I had to explain to her what "no object" actually means.)
12. In my free time, I like to __Go drinking_________.
13. I can’t stand it when people __Make fun of the way I look_.
The GMC, by agreement with the representative of VILLAGE NAME HERE Salt Spire, lays claim to all material property found within the extant mines of Salt Spire and possible chambers beyond which are recovered through the work of the GMC. As an employee, you hereby attest that you will turn over all such property to your supervisor at the end of your shift and that you have no legal claim to any such item. Your compensation will be limited to daily wages as agreed upon by your recruiter, JALYNOR BRAZALI. At its discretion GMC may offer additional incentives, but is not required to do so.
Failure to promptly and honestly present any item found within the mines or adjoining chambers may result in legal proceedings or other actions against you. Your signature below reflects that you understand this.
GMC has an excellent safety record and puts employee welfare FIRST. :) With that said, unfortunate accidents do occasionally happen. By signing below you understand and accept that mining labor is potentially hazardous and that dangers include but are not limited to: long-term respiratory damage, repetitive stress injuries of joints and/or tendons, exposure to chemicals, exposure to incendiary devices, exposure to curses, back injuries, dismemberment, and death.
The GMC pays out a generous death bonus of three (3) gold crowns to the designated survivors of workers who perish in the line of duty. Please note that the death benefit will be rendered null and void if a worker is found to have misused or failed to use their provided protective equipment. You and your heirs agree that no damages may be collected from the GMC beyond the stated death benefit for any loss of life, health, or other injuries sustained in the line of duty and that GMC shall not be held liable for any such injury. Name your designated survivor here and state their relationship to you.
______________________________
Sign or make your mark here.
______________________________
IN
A tall young half-elf woman walks up next, golden blond hair, Deep Green eyes, she has on what looks to be a dematic help maids outfit on.
with a over cloke. Nodding to the fellow half-elf she introducers herself with good manners.
"Miss Abigale Brook sir, servant. May I use your pen sir?
She takes the form and fills it out, having her letters.
1. State your name, race, and age for company records.
Abigale Brook sir, Half-elf, 21 years of age.
2. Are you able-bodied and capable of lifting, hauling, and moving without assistance?
Yes sound of body and mind, for the last 3 years I have been working in service.
3. Do you have any special skills that might be useful in the mines?
I am a good cook, trained seamstress and skilled in Cleaning.
I can also read and right common and Elvish.
4. Do you have any past experience working in mines or in similar situations? Please elaborate if so.
None sir I was told that there my be cooking work her at the canteen.
If not the Charge hand my need a personal sevenet to cook and clean.
5. Do you have any phobias of darkness, enclosed spaces, insects, or other possible hazards of underground labor? Please elaborate if so.
None sir.
6. Can you read, write, and do basic sums?
Yes I can read and write common and elvish, and have my numbers.
7. Are you under four feet of height?
No
8. Do you have any crisis experience, such as medical or combat experience?
I have some medial skill.
9. What is your current trade?
House maid.
10. Help us get to know you better to decide where you fit in the GMC family! Please answer the following questions.
My friends and family say I am (SELECT TWO):
SMART--- STRONG --- CARING --- RESOURCEFUL --- HARD-WORKING --- LOYAL --- FUNNY --- A LEADER --- HELPFUL --- CAREFUL --- OBSERVANT
My biggest flaw is that I am (SELECT ONE):
IMPULSIVE --- DISOBEDIENT --- LAZY --- SELFISH --- CARELESS --- ARROGANT --- SLOVENLY --- DISTRACTIBLE --- STUBBORN --- CLUMSY --- A PYROMANIAC
11. If money were no object, I would spend my life
Running a big estate.
12. In my free time, I like to
read more books
13. I can’t stand it when people
Are disrespectful and try and take advantage of me good nature.
She hand the form back with a bow.
Louder than was strictly necessary, the beanpole replied, "Why certainly! I have a reference from my last job up in the eastern Fenwall mountains." He started patting down first his trousers, then his robe before unpacking most of his rucksack before crowing in victory, "Ah! I knew I put it somewhere safe, apparently too safe!"
He then handed over a folded letter...
** spoiler omitted **
With a slight wince at the volume, the half-elf takes the letter and reads through it, nodding to himself a few times. After a moment's thought he returns it.
"Well, I can certainly see how your talents might come in handy. We shall be announcing at the end of the evening, thank you for your interest and have some wine, courtesy of the GMC."
Raka!
Watching the tall young woman walking away, the half-elf shakes his head to himself. He makes notes in his book to accompany the answers he transcribed, then, after a moment's thought, also scribbles, Looks strong as an ox. Muscle always valuable. Muscle that doesn't have ambitions of an education is even better...
"Miss Abigale Brook sir, servant. May I use your pen sir?She takes the form and fills it out, having her letters.
The half-elf man considers the half-elf woman with light interest, waiting as she fills out her answers. Once the form is done, he takes it and glances through, his well-manicured fingers tapping on the tabletop.
"Hmnnnn yes, I see. Admittedly we are hiring more directly for the mine, but there might indeed be openings in the support roles such as you mention. Hungry miners certainly do appreciate being fed, laundered, and so forth! Please do stick around for the hiring announcement, Miss Brook, and enjoy some wine until then."
Brimble wasn’t the social sort… but he had a vested interest in knowing who was going down the shaft with him. So, he hovers around the edges of the meeting, shamelessly listening in on the conversations between the Company Man and the victims trying to gauge who will be an asset, who may need a helping hand, and who will likely be a hazard.
”Miss Salpashti… We'll have to see if your skillset has any applications in the dig.”
If he had eyebrows to raise, they would have shot through the ceiling. The kobold eyes the strappy girl as if trying to read her application through body language. He waits for a couple more candidates to get to the table before he approaches Xiramona.
While everyone was entitled to die in whatever stupid way they wished… Brimble had a hard time watching a lamb led to slaughter. And Strappy Girl seemed to have a virgin coat of fleece on her. Knowing his intentions were likely to be misconstrued and the situation was likely to end with him getting an ass-thumping from several talls, nevertheless he presses forward and politely tugs on the woman’s clothes to get her attention before quickly lowering his claws.
”How do, Miss?! I’m Brimble Palescale… looks like I’m gonna be a Safety Lead on this dig and I was hoping you got a minute to talk about the realities of mining.” His voice rises on the final word, turning his statement into a hopeful question.
”How do, Miss?! I’m Brimble Palescale… looks like I’m gonna be a Safety Lead on this dig and I was hoping you got a minute to talk about the realities of mining.”
Xira's eyebrows lift slightly as she turns to find a kobold speaking to her. A kobold who is ... trying to be polite? Either he's unusual for his species or he's setting her up for some kind of jape. Her eyes narrow in thought.
Well, no reason to take umbrage before an offense has even been committed.
"Hello, Brimble Palescale. I'm Xiramona Salpashti." She tilts her head in a reasonably affable manner. "I know several villagers who worked the mines here while they were still active, and I made a point of learning what I'll be getting into before I decided to apply, so I'm not entirely ignorant."
She quirks a half-smile. "Though I suppose it's not wisest done to ignore a Safety Lead's advice. What do you think I should know?"
And she will do some fact checking to make sure he's not selling her a load of bunk.
She turned and stood back, where her carpet bag was and her Great Axe is, She picks it up one massive Axe one handed and hefted onto her shoulder.
NPC Maid/Warrior
She turns when a group of three applicants come up to her, learning looks on the yark-hos faces. Young male and full of ego. The leader of the three steps up to her and places a hand on her shoulder. With a smirk on his he says.
"You know if that snooty half-elf cant find work for you, I'm sore me and the boys her can find you something to do that plays well, if you know what I mean"
He lent in at the end, to say the words close to her ear.
She did not move while he talked.
What happened next
It's hard to say what happened next, but one moment the lech was next to her ear, the next he was flying thow the air to hit the wall behind him with a thud. Where he lay groaning in pain, he hands on his lower parts. Abigale the maids axe was now in front of her, blade down, both her hands on the top of its shaft. She looked at the two men left.
"So, you two, would you like to offer me work as well?"
They both giulpt, shook their heads vigorously in indicate no, and went to retrieve the whimpering friend.
"I suggest a cold pack for that, should be up and about in about a week."
She said as they lead him away.
Gemini created this image of Colin at work, I think I like it. Alchemist feels like the right class, not sure about archetype. Can worry about that later :)
”I'm Xiramona Salpashti." She tilts her head in a reasonably affable manner. "I know several villagers who worked the mines here while they were still active, and I made a point of learning what I'll be getting into before I decided to apply, so I'm not entirely ignorant."
She quirks a half-smile. "Though I suppose it's not wisest done to ignore a Safety Lead's advice. What do you think I should know?"
Brimble returns the affable nod. ”It’s a pleasure, Miss.” With the pleasantries dispensed, the kobold considers the tack he should take. Despite the topic, his tone is light-hearted. ”Above ground, you are free to ignore me all you like. I don’t mind; I’m used to it. But down the shaft, until you’ve got experience, you should listen to folks with more.”
”I was a bit worried when Mr. Fancypants said ‘if your skillset would be useful’. Sometimes the GMC tosses strong backs with soft heads into a mine without a care about what might happen to them. But, as I see it, my job is to make sure everyone that goes down the shaft comes out alive at the end of the shift.” He continues, ”You did your homework talking with other miners, so you definitely aren’t a soft head. That’s great. Maybe I don’t need to worry so much. But no amount of talk is going to show you how to spot a seam that’s about to give way, rotten rock, a truss you can’t trust, or where you shouldn’t sink your pick.”
He pauses briefly to see if his words are making a dent. ”We’ve all got to make coin. In some towns there aren’t a lot of choices on how to do it. But mining is dangerous, dangerous work. If I had hatchlings, I’d ask them the same question I’m asking you now… Are you sure you don’t have a better option?” Perhaps surprisingly the kobold seems completely sincere.
”... Sometimes the GMC tosses strong backs with soft heads into a mine without a care about what might happen to them..."
Argatha hefts his pick, thinking hard. Three silvers a day. That’s more than I’ve made before. Let’s see, I sill owe 111 gold - if I remember right. At three silvers a day… carry the gold… divide by the fees… add the bonus I’ll earn… It’ll take just over a month! Well, depending on how much of it I’ll need to get by of course. Money tends to flow through Argatha’s hands easily.
He eyes his pick though, it’s a very nice pick - he had gotten a good one for sure. He was glad he had his pick. He saw a lot of people without one, and he worried for them. How will they work, if they didn’t have a pick?
Still, he’s not looking forward to more mine work. It’s hard work, and that first mine nearly broke him. He’s grown stronger since then… but still.
He locks eyes with the kobold overseer, and realizes he’s been staring the pair of them this whole time. He grins, waves, and looks at something else for a while, embarrassed.
Awaiting ‘Strappy’ Salpashti’s thoughts, Brimble glances around the room warily, looking for the racist trouble that sometimes comes from him chatting up a tall girl. His eyes stop on the fella staring at the two of them while hefting a pick like he’s ready to use it. Brimble double-checks. Yep, he’s looking hard at one of us… Not. Good.
The kobold turns his attention back to Xira, clears his throat, and sub-vocalizes to her while his jaws dip in the man’s direction, ”Is that fella courting you, Miss? He’s staring hard enough that a proposal or a fight for your hand seem imminent.”
It's hard to say what happened next, but one moment the lech was next to her ear, the next he was flying thow the air to hit the wall behind him with a thud. Where he lay groaning in pain, he hands on his lower parts. Abigale the maids axe was now in front of her, blade down, both her hands on the top of its shaft. She looked at the two men left.
"So, you two, would you like to offer me work as well? ... I suggest a cold pack for that, should be up and about in about a week."
The half-elf watches the scene without interfering, though he does smile thinly at its conclusion, and makes another note in his book. He gives the maid a slight nod before waving the next person in line over.