Aarya's page

I'm planning to have them show up as tattoos.

Well, a grand got me most of what I needed. Between that and Automatic Bonus Progression we should be good.

'Never trust a smiling dungeon master.'

That's a horrible stereotype about bird-like werepeople, and you should feel bad for saying it.

...that being said, yes, Aarya like crackers.

At Serpent Violets...suggestion...I've made sure to mark which skills cannot be used untrained on my sheet.

Any other suggestions, folks?

I suspect that may be a GM decision. The 1st round would simply ping that there are things to detect, but no details. The second shows auras (with the usual 'double the CR of your character can stun you' caveat). The third round gives general locations. At no point does it say I'd be able to identify them, only how strong they are, so it's up to you if I can tell the difference between them.

Also, if Aarya is a bit too potent I'd be happy to scale things back. Swapping over to Halfling or Gnome would reduce strength down to 16 for now, for example, which wouldn't allow things to explode things so often.

...it would not be the first time a character I built needed scaling back. I know about 50% of Pathfinder off the top of my head, so I tend to know how to do horrible, horrible things. I promise I'm not trying to break the game, honest!

I did my second level HP as Half+1+Con, or Society rules. Happy to roll if you prefer.

Yeah, the idea was always more of a combat-focused character than a Druid normally would be - especially one that's given up Wild Shape (although the idea of a bear riding a Roc was hilarious...). I don't think she'll get too much stronger, though - Spirited Charge will boost my damage a fair bit when I get that (triple lance damage instead of the current double) and Horn of the Criosphinx at BAB+6 will let me do double strength on a charge rather than the current 1.5. I could pick up Furious Focus to allow power attacks without affecting my to Hit, too, I guess, which also get doubled (and tripled) on a lance attack. And boosting Strength will up damage.

...eheh. Occasionally things may explode.

The damage listed is for a charge, which should be below it. It's a holdover from the initial character design - always be chargin'. Her standard damage is 1d6 (small lance) +4 (srength) +2 (two handed). Lance attacks double on a charge. Since I don't plan on not charging too often, I forgot to put the normal damage down.

Hmm, I'll swap out a language so I have Ulnswhere as a tongue. I was assuming it was pretty much 'common', but it doesn't make sense that she wouldn't speak her native tongue.

I always forget Multiclass characters don't get FCB to both. I'll knock a point off somewhere.

With a name like 'Mistwood' it seemed likely. I tried to avoid adding too much, as I couldn't find much in the details, but I wanted a Forest nice and close to where things were likely to happen, and that one seemed to fit.

I fell in love with Verdant Archetype as soon as I read it, with images of green, leafy feathers popping straight into my mind. I deliberately left it open how, exactly, that happened (and Aarya's early life) in case you wanna do some sidequesting later.

Spirit Sense functions as Detect Undead, in that it's a 60ft cone I can keep functioning for 1 minute so long as I concentrate, with more details the longer I focus. However, any of the creatures mentioned in the beam will show up - I don't need to specify.

OK, Aarya should be just about done. Feel free to pick apart...if you dare.

Doesn't really matter, though. If the Boss doesn't feel like it...

Still, it seems to be popular.

I would vote for a yes on those. While I won't get anything out of them, they are a very effective boost for certain classes and builds.

In fairness, Aarya's currently the only one who can fly. Mary's mount can't be ridden for several more levels, and mine isn't strong enough to carry another person.

If it does become a problem I can temporarily swap it out, however.

Yeah, I play women slightly more often than guys (about 2/3 female, I'd estimate), and did it here because the idea of an all or mostly female party is always appealing. Part of the reason I went for a small character, beyond simply avoiding the Undersized Mount feat, was the idea of playing a character significantly different to me. In reality I'm a fairly big guy.

The flying lancer build is partially because I've been watching a lot of Fate, and partially because it's a build I've never tried but I really wanna see how it works in comparison to normal mounted combatants. Being Medium-sized and upping mobility with flying should mean it's pretty effective even in relatively small spaces, which has always been the big weakness of Mounted combatants. I did consider changing when I realized SerpentViolet was doing a flying build too, but eh. They're pretty different ideas and characters despite both having flying companions.

I'll change the spice when I do my next audit, sometime after dinner.

Good, my chocolate stash will be safe.

...for now.

As for character interaction, Aarya's loose backstory is that she was a knight who decided to devote herself to nature and animals. The curse - and the effects - is going to have a massive impact on them, and since she can sense Laylines and such, she's started trying to hunt down a cause.

I'll transcribe the rest of my character notes into Humanspiel when I wake up.

Crunch is in the profile, but no appearance or history yet.

That would suck.

Poot. I like Aarya as well.

My plan with Aarya is to multiclass fairly heavily between Paladin and Synthesist Summoner. The Synth's wearable eidolon will be there to represent an angelic possession, and will be pretty much a protective suit. It's a shame that there's no Divine version of the Summoner.

Ack, did not show new posts.

"You go ahead," Aarya nodded to Shalira. "I am afraid I am not very good at being stealthy, and I don't imagine you want to be spotted by there scout. I'll wait here. If they come early, I'll see if I can help."

The Paladin turned to Oleg. "Forgive me for being so quiet. You might want to reconsider hanging there corpses from your wall, however. We won't be around all the time, I'm afraid. If they have friends and they decide to come and get revenge...well, we'd try to help you, but somehow I suspect that would be a cold comfort if we get there too late. Better to not antagonize them, at least until you have some stronger defences?"

Aarya considered the problem. The best idea would be to fight the bandits here, but the Paladin would need some evidence of there intent. Arshea would not allow one of the Paladins in her service to judge and kill someone simply based on the words of another. "My vows mean I won't be able to simply ambush them tomorrow, I'm afraid. It would be easiest if we could hide and see them attempt to rob the trading post. Then I can act."

Aarya smiled, despite the length of the journey and the fatigue in the muscles that it had brought. It was good to be where they were going, especially given the fact that there would be a lot more travelling in the future. The Paladin realized that riding lessons would probably be a smart investment of what funds were left in the battered purse on Aarya's belt.

Aarya had been impressed by the fun things Shalira had started doing with hair. Of course, with every hair on Aarya's body carefully and ritually shaved each day as part of the prayers the Paladin observed Aarya couldn't join in - lacking experience with hair at all was a problem - but Aarya commented on how it looked, at least.

The Paladin dismounted and stretched. "As the others said, I am very sorry, but we are not the guards. I don't think we saw them on the roads either, alas. But we might be able to help. I am Aarya, servant to Arshea. Please, tell us how we can be of aid."

Having taken a peek at the mythic rules, I like them. No idea which path Aarya would be on yet, though.

I'm drinking energy drinks and wishing I'd eaten. Are there any energy drinks that actually taste good, rather than barely favoured sugary hate?

Aarya considered. Really, it was the bath the Paladin wanted, not a walk around the town. It didn't sound like a great deal of fun Not without much coin to spend, at least, an Aarya's coffers were mostly drained by the journey here. But again, it would be good to get to know the rest of the team better, and it was amazed what kind of things slipped out while people were chatting and shopping. And meeting a priest of Shelyn would be entertaining. Shelyn was a Goddess closely associated with Arshea in many ways, after all, and they agreed about most things.

"I'd like to know more about the people," Aarya added to Shalira's request. "I've heard the people of the River Kingdoms place much stock in freedom and personal honour. I'd like to know a bit more before I meet them - they certainly sound like my sort of people."

Eh, I'll get the Mythic Book eventually anyway. Hell, the whole point of working is being able to buy the shiny crap I want. I'm in.

It's OK! I got three hours sleep yesterday, and no more than four the days before, I and should have been asleep two hours ago but it doesn't look like I'm going to sleep at all today and I have an eight hour shift tonight and hey, why does my head feel fizzy?

Oh right. The caffeine I've been inhaling.

So I'm kinda OK with not much of anything happening.

Within Temptation and Tarja? Alas, work will not allow me to hijack there sound system...so I'd better find some headphones.

"For a thousand gold pieces," Aarya replied, "We can probably help you." After some consideration to giving such a map to Restov, of course. The last thing Aarya wanted was to hand something dangerous to the wrong people, people who would use the group's work to cause harm, but at the moment the Paladin saw no harm in the suggestion they'd be interested. For a thousand gold Aarya was certainly willing to think about it.

"Alright," The Paladin added after a moment, "If we're done comparing our first kills - and yes, I have taken lives - then I believe we are all ready. We can grab any last sets of supplies we need in the morning, yes?"

I have no objections to going off the rails. So long as it's a good story and make sense I'm all for it.

I love Fallout. I just finally got around to beating New Vegas (it was so horribly buggy the first time I tried I never completed it and I had to cut this run through short - the further I got into the game the more it ground to a halt) and Beyond: Two Souls (which is very good, bar two really, really annoying points). Fallout 2 is actually my favourite. If only because you get Michael Dorn as a companion. All games are better for Worf.

I'm probably gonna go start Zombie U since I have my time off and not much to do in the evening.

Productive weekend working with interior artists on a personal Pathfinder project and waiting on another assignment coming in from Paizo. All-in-all pretty good.

You, sir, have my envy.

Eh, I was just working. Now my four days off have started and I can unwind a little after an unusually long set of shifts (I usually work four nights on, four nights off, but because our manager left with only a few days warning the other night guy had to cover some day shifts, so I worked four days on, two off, then five on. Looking forward to my 'weekend'.)

"The past is not us," Aarya added, "And we are not the past. How many things are thought to be impossible until someone learns to do them? I am told there was a time when fire was barely in mortals control and tools were made of wood, bone and stone. The armour I wear and the weapon I carry would be impossible to them."

Smiling, Aarya added, "Fortune favours the bold."

With a shrug, Aarya added, "It matters not one whit. I just like good jokes. I'll have to tell you all the one about the Paladin who corrupted a Succubus. Although I suggest it not be shared with anyone less than two decades old, for fear that all the blood rushing to there face causes them to pass out."

The Paladin glanced around at the officials. "Do we need any more details?" Considering, Aarya clarified, "About us. The joke rather speaks for itself."

"Mmmm?" Aarya looked around, blinking. "I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention." To anything here, anyway...there had been something. Something just at the edge of her vision, a whisper in her ear. Warmth and life and love had flowed from it. It was like an echo of when she had received her calling....

Thinking back on what had been said, Aarya confirmed, "Wild Wardens will be just fine. And I am Aarya, servant of Arshea. No house or family name." The Paladin had no idea what Mother and Father thought of Aarya now, but it was still difficult to admit that those ties were severed. But Aarya wouldn't take a family name of those who couldn't her true self.

Glancing at the other chuckling, Aarya added, "I think I missed a good joke here."

On a side note: Are you sure that the "libera" in Anima Libera is the correct conjunction? Wouldn't it rather be liberalis?

Not a clue! I'm actually fairly horrible at latin, and may well be getting it confused with Italian.

I'm fine with whatever - Wild Wardens works as well as anything.

Aarya made a face. "They have no idea what freedom means. How many of them could leave, just up and walk away, without there 'friends' of the leader of the band they're with planting a knife in there ribs? How many of those leaders could walk away without there own people turning on them like a pack of dogs smelling weakness?" With a shake of the head the Paladin dismissed it. "They are slaves to there own greed, bound by chains they cannot see. I would free them, too, if any can be redeemed." And if they could not...the judgement of the next life would be theirs.

"Well," Aarya replied with a smirk, "I somehow don't think that 'Arshea's Faithful' will tempt you lot." Pausing, pondering, the Paladin considered. They needed something that would represent them as a group. Names had power, after all, and if they were succesful this name would have more power than many. Maybe enough ti find a place in myth and be told in legend...

"How about 'Anima Libera'?" the Paladin asked. "I forget the toungue, but the meaning is 'Free Soul' or 'Soul of Freedom', perhaps. Such things are important to me."

"Well, now that this seems to be mostly settled," Aarya added while moving the huge backpack to an out of the way corner, "Let us get going." Aarya made sure the bag was relatively well hidden, but there was nothing particularly worth stealing from it. Those the Paladin kept close at all time, and now wasn't going to be any different.

Glancing at Reknar, Aarya added, "I take no offence. I am happy to speak for all when one voice is required, but I am not you, and I wouldn't want anyone to think my words were yours. Just as you are not me and your words aren't mine." Pausing for a moment, the Paladin added "Although, honestly, given the things I say when I've had about half a bottle of gutrot too much you probably be surprised at what I can say."

Still, Aarya considered while heading out, it was going to be a bit....difficult to work together if the act of acquiring a writ involved this much discussion, debate and juggling between the various parties. The Paladin wondered how something as important - and life threatening - as a battle plan would work. Badly was the most likely answer, unless they could start working together more effectively. Used to a rigid rule system and structure as Aarya was, it was...odd to see people acting like this. Not bad, but different enough to cause a concern or two.

Aarya coughed lightly. "Point of order," the Paladin said, "I'm afraid I'm not a woman. So it's only two of them here." Of course, Aarya wasn't a man either. But the Paladin considered this a relatively minor detail. It wasn't like it was common to walk around nude...in public, anyway.

Passing over coins to cover the share in the bill to Aleidi, Aarya rose and stretched. "It will be good to not carry my possessions for a time," the Paladin noted, looking at the bulging backpack. It wasn't a light load. Of course, it was at Aarya's own insistence that the collapseable tub was there...

"Let's get it done," Aarya added. "I crave a bath."

"Given the choice," Aarya said, "I'd say we finish eating, grab the charter, sleep then leave at dawnlight." The Paladin usually prefer to pray that early, but Aarya supposed it wouldn't hurt to rise early and be dressed and ready before the sun.

"Is that agreeable to all?" Aarya asked everyone. It seemed a solid solution that would leave everyone comfortable, except possibly Reknar, who seemed in no hurry. Shalira might be able to talk him around, and Aarya saw no reason to delay such a vital part of there mission. "We can tell Reknar as we pop out."

Aaeya gathered a plate of food, nodding thanks to the barkeep and his wife. And cheered with the locals when she kissed him, clapping gloved hands to show approval. It was always good to see people who so obviously cared for each other, although Ervy was a bit too straight laced if something as simple, innocent and pure as a kiss embarrassed him in public. But then, Arshea's way was not the only way, and they were obviously very happy together.

"There is said to be much to be seen, to the south" the Paladin agreed with Shalira and Aleidi. "And compliments to your fine cooking, good mistress. Everyone shold ear this well." Not that Mikhail seemed to notice. Aarya had rarely seen food vanish so fast from the plate of anyone who had eaten that week. It was almost like seeing a machine process raw material.

Still, it seemed off to her that the man wanted to sleep in the woods, but others had other ways. She knew many were closer to the Green Faith than she was, and prefered a more natural setting. Aarya prefered warm beds, soft sheets and warm baths, but to each there own. "As you will, Mikhail," she added to Shalira's comment, "But we shall keep a bed open for you if your mind is changed."

Aarya shrugged. "The name means almost nothing to me," the Paladin replied simply, "And so your name does not bother me. If you wish to keep it quiet, I will not mention it to anyone." Aarya didn't bother saying there would be no lying - it was commonly known that Paladins didn't do such things.

But it seemed to be a big deal for Shalira, and Aarya had no intention of seeing the woman hurt. Families could tricky business, she understood, especially in this part of the world. Other than being accepting of Aarya;s true nature the Paladin's own parents had been good people, really. And therefore had no real experience of the game of houses that this lot seemed to play.

"I am fine for drink," Aarya added to Reknar, holding up the barely touched glass of wine in a salute, "But food would be appreciated."

"I would raise my glass," Aarya said with a grin, "But I never got around to getting one." With a shrug and a chuckle Aarya picked up an empty, filled it with the wine Shalira had ordered, and raised it after taking a sip. "I am with you."

Well, it would be interesting. Working with a group of strangers would be a new experience, it had to be said, but Aarya thought it intriguing. And with a little luck they would be able to make something impressive from the lands they would be claiming.

"Mind?" Aarya chuckled a little at Shalira's comment. "I can't imagine a Paladin alive who would not jump at the chance to tell you about there patron. In fact, for most of us, I suspect it would be cause to rise from our tombs if you asked it on our graves!"

The Paladin smiled. It was, indeed, one of the goals of most Paladins to spread the word of there patron. "Arshea is an Empyreal Lord - one of heaven somewhere between an Angel and a God. Not fully divine, they are still powerful enough to offer aid to mortals they see fit to serve there purpose, although we are not as common as servants of, say, Sarenrae or the Inheritor."

Aarya paused for a moment. "The Majestic Arseha's providence is freedom. I am to fight for the oppressed, those who need help. However, Arshea specializes more in a sexual freedom than others. The freedom from gender, and gender rolls, is a large part of the Host of Delectation's mandate to the faithful. Hence my earlier comments - sex between willing participants is a form of worship to me." Laughing, Aarya added, "So not the most traditional form of prayer."

Nodding to Mikhail, the Paladin added, "Where can we find a fresh version of such a document? My instructions were to take this one and make use of it, although I am unsure of how my order attained it. I hail from Magnimar - I am unclear about the local customs on such things."

Nodding in thanks to the big human, Aarya turned to face the group. I wonder what kind of soldier you are? A tactician, or a baresark? With those polearms you are certainly no fencer. It would be interesting to find out, as tghey started to work more and more together.

"I am Aarya," the Paladin repeated, "A Paladin of Arshea. I fight with the flail as the Spirit Of Abadon prefers." Aarya gave a brief nod to the heavy flail carried next to the backpack. "I am uncertain what awaits, so I am uncertain which of my other skills will be most useful - but I am skilled at talking, when it can be done, rather than fighting. And skilled at fighting when words fail."

Pausing for a moment, Aarya added, "Also, if you are not familiar with Arshea's ways...we are not typically what one might think of in a Paladin. Some of them might even be a little bit unusual, in some. So do not expect preaching about the virtues of abstinence or the need of purity of the spirit. So long as everyone is of there own will and there are no regrets, Arseha smiles upon you."

Aarya knew many found Paladins stuffy companions, even if there skills and abilities were often welcome on the battlefield. Often they tried to enforce there own morals and code on others. Aarya had Arseha's own commandments to enforce, of course - slavers would do well to avoid these lands now! - but the majority of the carousing a party like this was reputed to enjoy would most likely pale before the ceremonies of the faithful.

"I certainly do," a voice addressed Mikhail's comment. Smiling, a tallish but slightly willowy figure in a worn cloak and robes approached, wiping away the dust from their forehead as they do. The figure tapped a pouch on their belt. "I am glad you sound familiar with the area, good master. I myself am not at all familiar. My name is Aarya, a servant of the Majestic Arshea."

Nodding to each person, Aarya glanced around the common room. It was fairly typical for such a place, from what the Paladin had seen during the journey here. There were a few confused glances from the patrons, as they attempted to guess whether Aarya was a pretty man or a handsome woman. Arshea was not a widely known or commonly held deity, and it would likely confuse most of them to discover the truth of the matter. Hopefully the companions assembled here would be more…accepting than most.

Still, this was an opportunity! To re-claim a wilderness like this was a once in a lifetime chance, and it certainly seemed an appreciate task for the training Aarya had spent so much time on. The main concern, bar the creatures that had taken the area and the bandits rumoured to be there was the worshipers of Erastil – His views on gender rolls were the opposite of Arshea’s own, and that might cause the occasional issue.

Glancing at a chair, Aarya added, ”May I sit?”