Goblin Squad Member. RPG Superstar 6 Season Star Voter. Organized Play Member. 32 posts (1,217 including aliases). No reviews. 1 list. No wishlists. 10 Organized Play characters. 5 aliases.
When Serra approaches the fallen demon, Beagan relaxes a bit, feeling the worst of the most immediate danger has past. But with Serra's first blow to the decimated, riddled corpse, the image of the knight slicing into his fallen, unconscious halfling friend comes rushing through him, roiling nautiously in his now very queasy stomach.
As Serra's difficult beheading continues, the vision of how he ended Nurah turns into worse memories, the sound of each chop bringing forth a heinous aural nightmare surging through his rattled mind. Each strike shudders through the Gnome as he relives his worst experiences of evil slicing, smashing, sundering, and torturing helpless beings - dead or alive. The steady chop-chop-chop into a foe's form, interspersed with commentary, evokes a visceral memory of the thump-thump-thump of whips and barbs and iron against the little folk of the Tanglebriar.
Gratified to see the vermin queen's head removed, but sickened by the repetitious thudding of weapon on body, with each chop, Beagan's face grows paler, tauter, and fiercer. Serra's dedication to beheading a corpse - or finishing off a live foe - just evoke too many memories of the non-chalant way the cultist's treated the halflings and the fey.
Remembering what the Lady said, he calls upon Iomedae to show him true evil. (Detect Evil)
Assuming Serra does not detect as evil…
He blinks, stunned for a moment as the thump-thump-thump of memories wash through him, biting his lip as he gets his answers and wonders if he can trust the gods. Calistria would have fed me whatever best fit her plans, right? But Iomedae is not like that - I need to believe in her. She wasn't responsible for the crusaders who burned innocent witches, abandoned their children, or raped virgins, right?
Hoping he can trust Iomedae, he answers Cole's call to circle around Serra, but he also tries to keep one eye on the possibly overwrought knight, as he watches closely for danger - or any signs of treachery.
Pillette stays at attention, acting as a good slip, ready to assist Ascaria or the sisters if they have needs, helping with a cloak, brushing off dust from the road, holding/retrieving any items as required as the group shifts from the outdoors to a more business-like setting.
As the alchemist's gaze crosses over her, she bows slightly in respect, but her bearing clearly oriented to the needs of the Gnome and the Ladies.
As Benazel inquires of the purpose, she tries to discretely size him up, curious as to his attentions. Perhaps it would have been better to send just one. If the cult has hooks in him, this purchase may raise their suspicions. Even if he is trustworthy, the group of us tromping into an alchemist's may encourage them to watch us more closely. She looks for any clues in the situation as to Benazel's affiliations, and looks him over carefully as he asks about the intended use.
"Ma'am, even if the guards are not part of the cult themselves, they are more likely to be loyal to their paymaster than to simply let us pass on our word of possible evil or danger below. Whatever the case, avoiding combat would be preferred, as any conflict is likely to alert the cult to our presence, sooner if not later."
I think any could use the gloves, but if Ascaria doesn't have these spells, I'm certain he would find them useful.
"That belt would look good on Mort." Pillette will take a keen interest in the goggles. "I think I could be helpful with these."
Hearing Sol discuss Filge, confirming what Smenk seems to already know, Pillette tries to remember how such matters were settled in Egorian. How would her Ladyship have argued this one?
"These overseers did not murder anyone, I can assure you of that, my Lord. Defending one's self, one's companions, the children of this town, and even the dead and their heirs is permitted and encouraged under the laws of the realm. It is certainly not the same as murder."Unfortunately, I'm acutely aware of how Celaxian law disposes of remaining property after a death, including the breathing bodies of slips and the not-so-respirating bodies of the deceased.
"He had no valid contacts for at least some of the bodies he seized, and by Pharasma's fate, the ArchLord's pacts, and Abadar's safely kept assets, it was he who was guilty of capital crimes, not these law abiding folk."
"I'm sure the Inquisition in Egorian would approve of flaying Filge alive when they confirm that some of his acquisitions were bound by an Asmodean contract."With so little to offer the ArchLord, the poor who turn to Asmodeus usually end up offering the only things they can - their souls, their bodies, and their children. No doubt in this Chelaxian land, at least some of Filge's victims had bound something of themselves to that God."All these folk did was act in a manner required of dutiful Chelaxians."
"I have a hard time believing that anyone would intentionally invite a necromancer like Filge into town. Maybe nobody did?"
Oh, this one still has much to learn.
Ascaria wrote:
"Maybe Filge is just trying to get us to split the town with fear and contention?"
"Possibly. Given what he dabbled in, I wouldn't put it past him. But don't underestimate what those who want power will do to keep it. Or increase it."If the rumors are true, Smenk is very interested in power, and not squeamish about how to obtain it.
And Sol is expecting fluffy pillows? Just when I thought these folks were learning...
"Yes, we need to see if the boy's affairs are settled."And I'm not expecting fluffy pillows no matter what. The halfling grimly prepares for whatever remains in the haunted lair.
Normal AC 16 (FF - 13, T - 14)
HP: 15/15
F: +1 Ref: +6 Will: +0 (-2 fear)
Perception: +5
Current Conditions: -1 Con, Blessed, Paralyzed 2/7 rounds
Ascaria's power courses through her, closing her last wounds but not driving away the stench holding her still.
Stench wielder wrote:
"The dead cannot be abused, you simpleton. The dead leave behind building blocks for others to use as they see fit."
Frozen in place, her nose offended by her own rot, the halfling's eyes glare daggers at the heinous one who just insulted the ever-reliable Mort.
Her mind fumes at the mad-one, concentrating on what the Lady might have done to one like this. Then you won't mind whatever we do to your corpse once you're dead, will you? Certain houses and temples would find you interesting even if, or perhaps especially if, you've passed on. You insult Mort like that again and maybe I'll have your remains sold to someone who will take you back and forth across that line, letting you know first-hand just how comfortable it is to be a 'building block.'"
Dreaming of Drusilla's beguiled, naive treachery, the form of the young Lady of the House morphing into Sol's enthusiastic visage. Instinctively, her mind thinks of reaching for her crossbow, before remembering she is too slow on the uptake, and realizing skeletons are smarter than her when it comes to firing the great, equalizing weapon.
After seeing the Gnome's battered visage during the morning meeting, Pillette discreetly slipped away from breakfast to see if she could discover any more about the brute named Cullen. Gnome's are known for their discretion, are they?
In the guise of a slip on an errand for her employer, she would quietly insert inquiries about Cullen's group (and Filge, if she hears of him) in the everyday "small talk" of a servant about town fulfilling her employer's work-a-day duties.
Beagan squeezes Xanthos, anxious to answer Cole's command. Spotting Aron swinging at Nurah as the halfling tries to defend herself, he attempts to make sense of the action.
Sense Motive:1d20 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1
"Aron! You ARE the traitor! I TRUSTED you!"
Stress:1d10 ⇒ 8
Extreme anger courses through the Gnome, the fires of vengeance for all that demonds had done to the wee, innocent folk, the memories releasing in a high fury. The knightly Gnome interposes himself between the innocent halfling girl and those who threaten her.
Pillette listens to the doorman's directions and realizes he has more sense than she thought. Reluctantly, she moves towards the group, cocked crossbow held aloft before her, trying to get into a protective position before the terrors of the woods fall upon them.
Damn heretics. If it weren't for them, I'd be serving wine in a comfortable Egorian manor just about now.
As she approaches, she'll look to see if there is an easily climb able tree near the top of the hillock. If not, she'll look to have Mort or Tynan or a tree at her back.
M Half-Elf Guard 3 HP 26/26 |AC: 15/T:13/FF:12| F+4/R+6/W+3 |CMB+3|CMD:16| Speed 30|Init +3|Perc +9 |SM +0
Round 6
"Dogs have more honor, but that don't mean I want to kill... oh, you mean the kobold."
Aodan tries to work into the kobolds' fortified ambush position. Assuming he can fit through or climb over the opening, he'll clamber into the kobold pit and then fire at the yellow bugger.
M Half-Elf Guard 3 HP 26/26 |AC: 15/T:13/FF:12| F+4/R+6/W+3 |CMB+3|CMD:16| Speed 30|Init +3|Perc +9 |SM +0
Zilch wrote:
"OOOH...that's a good one, huh, Darkrose? Scalebane!"
"I think he means Scalebrain."
Hearing what Davros has to add - "Slaves. Eunuchs. East is kinda different?"Perhaps we should send Zilch home with you. It would be a service to the Empire."Maybe not so bad after all."If their country is filled scalebrains, perhaps slave chains and eunuch snips aren't so evil after all.
With Candi out of the way, Aodan pulls a real arrow, forgoes his arcane chant, and fires at one of the scaly buggers (who is not Zilch).
Coming to see Cole to see if there is anything else he needs for the night, Beagan overhears some of the subordinate's guff. The Gnome arches an eyebrow and approaches quietly but purposefully, nodding respectfully to Cole before turning to the upstart.
"Jothinra ವೆಂಚುರಾ, ನಾನು ನಿಮ್ಮ ಅಜ್ಞಾನ ಮತ್ತು ಶುದ್ಧ ಅವಿವೇಕಿತನ ತುಂಬಾ ನಿರಾಶೆ ನಾನು. ನೀವು ಮೂರು ಅಕ್ಷರಗಳು ಸೇರಿಸುವ ಅನುಭವಿಸಿದ ಮತ್ತು ನಿಧನರಾದರು ವೇಲಿಯಂಟ್ ಏನು ಆತ್ಮಗಳು ಸಾವಿರಾರು ನಿಜವಾಗಿಯೂ ಹೋರಾಡಿದ ಏನು ನಿಮ್ಮ ಸ್ವಾಮಿನಿಷ್ಠೆ, ಮುಖ್ಯ ಏನು ಭಾವಿಸಿದರೆ, ನಂತರ ನೀವು ಒಂದು ಕೆಟ್ಟ ಸ್ಥಾನ ಅಹಂ ಇದೆ.
ಇದು ನಿಜವಾಗಿಯೂ ಸಂಗತಿಗಳನ್ನು ಯಾವ, ಕ್ವೀನ್ಸ್ ಗಮನ ಪ್ರಾಮಾಣಿಕವಾಗಿ ಎಲ್ಲಿ, ಕ್ರುಸೇಡ್ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ನಿಜವಾದ ನೈಟ್ಸ್ ಕಾಳಜಿ ಮಾಡಬೇಕು ಏನು ಬಂದಾಗ ಒಂದು ಗೌರವಸೂಚಕ ಲೋಪಗಳು ದಂಡೇಲಿಯನ್ ಪಫ್ ಒಂದು ಚೆಂಡನ್ನು ಕಡಿಮೆ ಎಂದರ್ಥ. ನಾವು ಸಂತಾನದ ಮೇಲೆ ಪೋಷಕರು, ಸ್ನೇಹಿತರಿಗೆ ಮೇಲೆ ಸ್ನೇಹಿತ, ಸಹೋದರ ಮಗುವಿನ ಮಾಡಿ ಯಾರು ಪ್ರಕೃತಿ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ನೀತಿಗೆಟ್ಟ ವಿಕೃತಿಗಳ ಮತ್ತು ಪರಸ್ಪರ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಉತ್ತಮ ಜನರು ಉಂಟುಮಾಡುವ ಅವನು ಚಿತ್ರಹಿಂಸೆ ಮತ್ತು ಬುಡಮೇಲು ಮಾಡುವ ಶಕ್ತಿಗುಂದಿಸು ಮತ್ತು ಹಾಳುಮಾಡಲು ಪ್ರೇತಗಳು, ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಹೋರಾಟ ಮಾಡಿದಾಗ, ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿಗಳನ್ನು ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಕಡಿಮೆ. ವಿಷಯಗಳ ಚರ್ಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೊಕ್ಕೆಗಳು ಯಾವುವು, ಹಿಂದೆ ಉದ್ಧಟತನಕ್ಕಾಗಿ, ಕೆಟ್ಟ ರೀತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮತ್ತೊಂದು ಅತ್ಯಾಚಾರ ಕಲ್ಪಿಸಬಾರದು ಸಂಭವಿಸಿ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಘೋರ ಕ್ರಮಗಳು ಅನುವು ಒಳಗೆ ಹಾಳುಗೆಡವಿದ ಮಾಡಲಾಗುತ್ತಿದೆ.
ಶುದ್ಧ ಕ್ರುಸೇಡ್, ಕ್ವೀನ್ಸ್ ನೈಜ ಬಯಕೆಯನ್ನು ಇದು ಸತ್ಯ ಕಾಸ್ ಹೋರಾಟ ಯಾರು, ಸರ್ ಉದ್ದೇಶಿಸಿ ಬಿಡಲಿ ಮುಗ್ಗರಿಸು ಮಾಡಬಾರದು. ನಿಮಗೆ ಆ ಶೀರ್ಷಿಕೆ ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ ಅಥವಾ ಬಳಸಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ ಎಂದು ಕಡೆಗಣಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ, ನಂತರ ರಾಕ್ಷಸ ಈಗಾಗಲೇ ತಮ್ಮ ಅತಿಕ್ರಮಿಸಲು ಮಾಡಿರುವುದರಿಂದ, ಶೀರ್ಷಿಕೆ ಅಷ್ಟು ಪ್ರಾಮುಖ್ಯ ಇಲ್ಲದ್ದು ಏನಾದರೂ ಸ್ಥಗಿತಗೊಳಿಸಲಾಯಿತು. ಒಂದು ಚಿಳ್ಳೆ ಅಥವಾ ಒಂದು ಉದಾತ್ತ, ಮಾನವ ಅಥವಾ ಯಕ್ಷಿಣಿ, ಅಥವಾ ಕರೆಯಲ್ಪಡುವ ಸರ್ ಬಿಡಲಿ ಒಂದು ಹೃದಯ ಸತ್ಯ ಮತ್ತು ಸಮರ್ಪಣೆ ಬಲವಾದ ವೇಳೆ ಅಲ್ಲದ ಮ್ಯಾಟರ್ಸ್.
ನಿಜವಾಗಿಯೂ, ನನಗೆ ಒಳಗೆ ಬರೆಯುವ ಲಾರ್ಡ್ Ragathiel ನ ಬೆಂಕಿ, ಒಂದು ಆಕಾಶ ನನ್ನ ಪಕ್ಕ ಹರಸಾಹಸ ರೇಸಿಂಗ್, ಮತ್ತು ನಿಜವಾಗಿಯೂ ನನ್ನ ಭುಜದ ಮೇಲೆ ರಾಣಿಯ ಉಕ್ಕಿನ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಹೋರಾಟದ ಒಂದು ವಿನಮ್ರ ಕುದುರೆಯು ಮಾಹಿತಿ ನನಗೆ ಗುರುತು ನನ್ನ ಪ್ರಾಂತ್ಯದಿಂದ Iomedae ಕಿಸ್ ಆರೋಹಣ. ರಾಣಿ ನನ್ನ ಹೆಸರಿನ ಮೊದಲು ನಾನು ಸರ್ ಕರೆಯಲಾಗುತ್ತಿತ್ತು, ಆದರೆ ಈಗ ನಾನು ನೀವು ಸಾಲಿಗೆ ವರ್ತನೆಗಳು ಅಳವಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಎಂದರೆ ನಾನು, ಆ ಬಿರುದನ್ನು ಆಸೆ ಖಚಿತವಿಲ್ಲ. ಟ್ರೂ ನೈಟ್ಸ್ ಸರ್ ಅಥವಾ ಕರೆಯಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ಅಪರಾಧ ಪಡೆಯಲು, ಆದರೆ ಒಂದು ಹೃದಯ ಮತ್ತು ನಿರ್ಣಯ ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ಬಲ ಜಾರಿಯಲ್ಲಿವೆ ಮಾಡಬಾರದು.
ಸಂಕ್ಷಿಪ್ತವಾಗಿ, ನೀವು ರಾಕ್ಷಸರ ನೀವು ಲೋಹದ ಕಂಬಿಗೆ ಬೇರೆ ಅವರು ನಿಮ್ಮ ಮಿದುಳಿನ ಬಿಟ್ಟು ಏನನ್ನು ತೆಗೆದುಹಾಕುತ್ತದೆ, ಶೀಘ್ರದಲ್ಲೇ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಕತ್ತೆ ತುಂಬಾ ಆಳವಾದ ನಿಮ್ಮ ತಲೆ ಪಡೆಯಲು ಉತ್ತಮ ಹೊಂದಿತ್ತು."
Elven:
"Jothinra Ventura, I am so very disappointed in your ignorance and sheer stupidity. If you think whether or not to include three letters is what is important to your liege, what thousands truly fought for, what valiant souls have suffered and died for, then it is you have an ill-placed ego.
The omission of a honorific means less than a ball of dandelion puff when it comes to what really matters, where the Queen's focus sincerely lies, what all true knights of the Crusade must care about. When we are struggling against demons who maim and undermine, who torture and subvert, who cause good people to debauched perversions against nature and against each other, who turn child on parent, friend on friend, sibling on sibling, titles are less than important. What matters are barbs in the skin, lashes on the back, one being despoiling another in the worst way, being subverted into enabling the most heinous actions to happen." To others. In front of you. Because of you.
"Those who fight for the true Cause, for the Queen's actual desire, for the pure Crusade, should not stumble over whether one is addressed Sir or not. If you are that insulted over something as unimportant as a title, that contemptuous of whether that title is used correctly or not, then the demons have already made their inroads. Whether one is an urchin or a noble, a human or elf, it should not matter what they are called if their heart is true and dedication strong.
Verily, it is Lord Ragathiel's fire burning within me, a heavenly mount racing to struggle by my side, and Iomedae's kiss on my brow that truly mark me as a humble knight of the struggle, much more than the Queen's steel on my shoulder. I was called Sir before the Queen titled me, but if being a knight means I mean to be insulted by improper use or non-use of a title, I'm not so sure I desire that honorific. Not if it means adopting the attitudes of the likes of you. True knights should not take offense whether one is called Sir or not, but whether one's heart and determination are in the right place.
In short, you had better soon get your head out from so deep in your ass, else when the demons skewer you there they will remove what's left of your brains."
He sighs. So that's what the elves were talking about when they said how Paladins are. "Oh, and by the way, after that, I won't being playing grab ass with you. Ever."Although it seems you need someone to grab your ass. Repeatedly.
" If you're asking me to speculate on the minds of gods, I'd say they only pay attention when they want something, and lend their favor to mortals when it interests them. If they lose interest, perhaps they call in their debts, and loan out once again to a new vessel, testing its integrity."
Beagan nods vigorously. "Yes, that sounds exactly right. Just as it should be."
Eli wrote:
"Do you think your power is permanent? Might there come a time when Iomedae takes Her power back? Do you think if that time comes, She'll ask you first?"
"What does it matter how long we have it? Or whether we are asked or not? As long as we do have it, we need to use it to further the Cause. To help the downtrodden as much as we can. Be it one day or for two hundred years, only while we are young or if it remains when we are old and grey, we should use our gifts as long as they last."
Eli wrote:
"There are worse things than dying, Serra.... we are only men, given to weakness. Iomedae will be justified in taking back Her power should that happen."
Beagan sighs. "I hate to say it, Eli, but we already are not worthy of these gifts. Well, maybe Grasker is, but I know I'm not."Not after what happened in the 'Briar."But you are right when you say the worst thing that can happen is not dying, but being led astray."
Eli wrote:
""What is it you think we are, by the way?"
"Good question. I mean, the Mendhevians now call us all knight or Sir. But I don't think that means much to the Gods."
The Gnome swallows hard, overwhelmed, humbled and honored by such a majestic presence.
HRH, Queen Galfrey wrote:
Shaped like a demonic skull with four red-hilted swords pierce deeply into its crown, this is as ugly as the first is fair.
The Gnome can't stop himself and can't help but exclaim when he sees the Righteous Medal of Valor. "Not only Righteouss, but wicked cool!"
His blushing face turns almost as bright as his beret. He grins sheepishly when he returns to his place, giving a thumbs up to Xanthos before returning to attention.
Standing tall and quiet, Xanthos' rabbit lips curl into a very small smile over his rather large teeth.
M Half-Elf Guard 3 HP 26/26 |AC: 15/T:13/FF:12| F+4/R+6/W+3 |CMB+3|CMD:16| Speed 30|Init +3|Perc +9 |SM +0
GM Kyshkumen wrote:
I was wondering how each of you felt about how the current map mechanics are working. Do you like the current set up with the town unfolding as you explore it? Or would you rather just have a map key that explains what all the buildings are. This is something I should have asked before, instead of assuming which style of play everyone preferred.
When you initially asked where we would go in town, I realized the map key didn't list half of the buildings and even some that were listed were cryptic (e.g. Nachis Sisters). If town talk/exploring/purchasing is something that would be better to move through quickly, I didn't want us to get bogged down. However, I enjoy the intra-party and party-npc banter, so I'm very happy to explore as we go along if that is interesting to others and/or important for the mod.
On the way to the ceremony, Beagan gets a whiff that the group needs a name. He, of course, rattles off just a couple of ideas that come to mind....
"So, Paragon Knights or Tenderlev's Claws, huh? I like both of them. Tenderlev certainly blessed us, and you can't get more knightly and paragonish that being chastely kissed by a goddess. We are also the Wardstones of the Queen now, so..."
He'd rattle off something like...
"
Tenderlev's Avengers
Tenderlev's Truehearts
Tenderlev's True
Dragon's Return
Dragon's Avengers
Dragon's Delvers
Dragon's Cause
Stone Scales
Stones of the Scale
Scales of the Stone
Scales of Righteousness
Scales of Justice
Scales of Liberation
Stonehearted Strikers
Wardstone Warriors
Warriors of the Ward
Warding Warriors
Wardens of the Right
The Lady's Wardens
The Ladies' Wardens
- (After all, we serve Iomedae, Tenderlev, the Queen and Irabeth)
The Herald's Strikers
The Herald's Warders
The Lady's Stones" (Beagan really likes that one)
"Stone Strikers
Cole's Comrades
Cole's Commandos
Dragon's Deadeyes
Dragon's Arrows
Dragon's Shield
Dragon's Wrath
Dragon's Wards
Stones of Justice
Stone Wardens
Knights of Stone
The Lady's Knights
Knights of the Cause
Knights of the Ward
The Warder Knights
Order of Firey Bunny-rific Vengeance
- (Orbis Bunalgus Ignatus, or OBI for short)
Beagan's Boys" (After all, in the Elven lands everyone but Beagan might be young enough to still all be boys.)
"Iomedae has seen fit that you will be their replacement."
"I'm a stone? That's surprising. I'd always thought I'd end up being a tree.... huh."
Sneaking into a demon-controlled city to take the enemy by surprise when they least expect it. Sounds very Calistrian. Maybe a bit Erecuran, too. A nice, sneaky way to wreck some vengeance.
"We shall never fall in our dedication to the Cause. As long as the Demons trod on the oppressed, I will strive to be faithful to Lord Ragathiel's teachings and be faithful to all those who fight for true Liberation and Justice. If Drezen is where we can serve the Cause the best, then Drezen it must be!"
Quednys Orlun catches up with Beagan as he is on his way to the Librarium. "Mind if I walk with you, Ser Beagan? I thought we might travel together to see our friend Aravashnyel."
"The noble elf is you friend, right? He was quite knowledgeable and commanding on our trip from the depths, so it was a honor to listen to his wisdom. I would like to learn more of the organization... well.. his work with... ummm, others, against the demons. At the Librarirum. So certainly, if you'd like to come that's fine with me."
He nods fervently. "I'm a knight, you know, so I can protect you! It's what I do!"
M Half-Elf Guard 3 HP 26/26 |AC: 15/T:13/FF:12| F+4/R+6/W+3 |CMB+3|CMD:16| Speed 30|Init +3|Perc +9 |SM +0
"Noble Taldans would say: Use your horse to run down any who would threaten the proper protection offered by a true and benevolent Liege."If I had only been squired and trained to be ahorsed, then perhaps the state of my chin wouldn't matter as much. But who am I kidding - as a younger son, I'd probably just be carrying a saddle about looking for a mount.
His eyes narrow as the easterner speaks of honor. "I'll hold you to that, Qadiran."Assuming you truly have honor. Heldalel seemed to think some of your kind were worthy."Err, I mean, Davros."He can't bring himself to include any Leo-rific surname.
"You can call me..."Lord. Sir. Noble Taldan who decided to spare your interloping life. True and faithful son of House Skylos. Proud and skilled Ranger of Nirmanthas. He sighs. Beardless bastard. Twice exiled half-breed."...Aodan."
He tries to keep an eye on the suddenly armored one as he looks at a chest, wondering if the the "O" key from the Dwarven construct would work.
Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 He'll try and disable anything that looks dangerous. Otherwise, he'd work on opening a chest... Disable Device:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 Disable Device:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Listening in on Eli's conversation with Irabeth on the return trip, Beagan gets very excited.
"It was the most wonderful thing in the world! The explosion of the stone cast forth and all of my fears, my regrets, my sins melted away and I knew we had to struggle, to fight on, to bear any cost, port any burden, and the hopes and dreams and prayers of all of good will would be with us, and with them, we'd never surrender, never give up, and do what we could for righteousness! I mean, all of this from a simple stone exploding. Well, not simple, because we saw the Angel bless it. And not just any Angel, but wow, what an Angel! A Herald of the gods! Right here, right now! Well, maybe not exactly right now, but at some point, but right here, and we were there, even if we weren't really there at that time, but we were there at this time watching that time, and so it was like we were there!"
"And then they burned the lovely witches. I mean, some of them weren't so lovely, at least not in their hearts, but some of them had quite lovely hearts, so it was a tragedy that they were staked and pilloried and scorched. I know they weren't all bad, because some of them clearly had quite warm breasts, and we know evil witches often are pretty cold there, at least that's what they say, although that's never been my experience, but of course I've probably never met an really evil one, at least not in the flesh!"
"Oh yes! And there was this horny-eyed demon with a whip to just die for, and that's saying something, because I've seen quite the number of whips in my day, and made, well I guess you'd say masterly crafted my share, because, you know that's what I did for the temple, so I'm really good at that, and I really didn't see them in action too often among the Stinging clergy, although the Tiefling in the 'Briar used one all the time, but she wasn't that impressive, and I tried to make sure they were as unuseful as possible, but even so, the 'Briar demonness' whip snaps could not hold a candle to the one we saw earlier today, but really that whip wasn't the most impressive part of today's horny-eyed demon! And then there was another fiend who was just to die for, one who could put all of the Stinging sisters I've seen to shame, but let me tell you about her!"
With an impatient growl, Xanthos finally spots a "squirrel" and quickly trots towards it. Taking up a position to scout the edges of the party's path, the mount strategically places the rambling Gnome out of easy earshot.
The gouges of the minotaurs blades already mended, the bursting light drives the deep, debilitating bite of the huge axe strikes into less than a memory. But then the shards bite into the Gnome's skin, his flesh and fevered mind remembering the too familiar feel of stinging barbs, sending a fearful shiver through the battered little warrior. As the stone sinks deeper, the marks of old, the enduring revulsion of his handiwork, the long scars criss-crossing his back seem to hum with tantalizing pleasure rather than terrifying pain.
The power of Cathyra's sacrifice infuses him, her holy fire searing through his small form. His mind swims with the absolute joy of her successful service, the freeing of his enshackled comrades, and the Gnome's liberation from his enslavement to his own whip. Nothing is sweeter than the ecstasy of true deliverance, the sight and sounds and aromas of dancing, prancing, truly free-spirited halflings engulfs his being in pure rapture.
Despite the fascinating scene shimmering around him, Beagan's eyes keep going to his sword arm, flexing and re-flexing his hand like he's trying to shake something out of it.
Stress:1d10 ⇒ 6
"우리는 우리의 힘이 필요합니다. 부정 여왕이 악마를 전투 나 준비를 준비합니다."
Infernal:
"We will need our strength for this. Unholy Queen, prepare me to battle these demons."
Xanthos' eyes widen, shifting unsteadily on his paws, as two runes begin glowing on the Gnome's forehead on either side of Ragathiel's R.
왕 복수
Infernal:
"Queen's vegeance."
He calls upon the supernatural to empower him, and red liquid begins to swirl in his flexing hand. He lays his hands on himself, and his wounds begin to heal. (Casts Infernal Healing.)
He stops flexing his hand and retrieves his sword, ready to head upstairs.
This morning I had a cool session of Library of the Lion with Sean, Sarah, and Robert, a fun and smart crew from Bellingham, WA. Nicholas Milasich from "just north of LA" (I guess would that be northern southern California ;) ran a great table! (Even if my cavalier won't stop talking to his shield now...)
Last night, during the "PFS Special" test run my half-orc barbarian rogue had to endure four Paladins, but that wasn't the worst of it, as Aroden also showed up in the most Painful way. ;) My thanks to Dawn K (Seattle), James K (Minneapolis), Alex G (Oregon), and Feral for showing PainLord what holy PCs can accomplish when they worship gods who aren't dead!
"Grasker! Cole! Are there no city guard left? No porters? No temple servants? Satanic Satyrs, has Kenebras fallen to the same depths as the Tanglebriar?"
A look anguished look comes over the Gnome's face. "As it now seems to fall to a knight to collect the effects of the dead. How will we know which family to return them to?"
He takes a deep breath before moving to another corpse, looking it over for family crests, guild symbols, or any other identifying items.
Calistria's Presto-Changeo Trick: 1/1
Dancing Holy Flames: 1/1
Flare Holy Flames: 1/1
Big R's Holy Flameball: 1/1
Call upon Big R to protect/rejuvenate mount: 1/2
Call upon Big R to send assistance: 6/6
Scale = 3/3
Xanthos Status:
full stats
Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +4
His words seemed to have no effect, and a feeling of revulsion runs through him as the encounter has erupts into combat. ”No! Don’t resist!” As the swordplay continues, he tries to regain his resolve. Seeing Serra head down the corridor, Beagan spurs Xanthos down towards the barricades. When the mongrel youth behind the barricade is spotted, the Gnome and the steed lurch forward to try and prevent this one from warning any others, the steed redoubling its stride forward before attempting to leap over the obstacle.
GM AA confirms there is just enough movement for Xanthos to leap past the barricades. Xanthos attempts to jump over the barricades - DC 16 for a 4’ high jump, DC 10 for 10’ long jump. Beagan DC 15 Ride to stay in saddle.
Having just recently failed to get these youths to surrender, Beagan's body shakes in fear and disappointment of how he failed his God. His knees shake and shiver, loosening his grip on the back of the leaping canis bonalagus.
The rabbit-eared canine easily leaps the barricades, opening himself to any readied and opportunistic attacks of the guard, the Gnome’s little form jostled and bounced but remaining on the mount’s back. Gasping from the thrilling leap, Beagan’s confidence returns. ”One last chance, young one! Surrender to the wisdom of your elders or face the consequences!”
Assuming Xanthos and Beagan don’t fall from readied and/or AOOed attacks, Beagan swings. Otherwise he'll attempt to soft fall and stand.
The guard's readied strike solidly connects, dealing a significant blow to the Gnome, yet the Paladin calls upon his God to shake the first strike off.
Beagan swings, attempting to subdue rather than kill the guard. (Bastard Sword(non-lethal):1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 3 - 4 = 91d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7) The strike misses, but the Gnome hopes his steed and his blade are enough to prevent the hostile guard from getting help.
As Beagan finishes his prayers, the burst of flame and spark startle and stun him for a moment. Fascinated eyes follow the creature as it investigates and scents found in the group. When its gaze settles on the Gnome, he spots the runic R begin to glow red on the beast’s forehead. His jaw drops as he senses the connection.
It takes him a moment to process, before he bursts out. ”Eli! It happened! It really happened!”
He ticks off the list. “I can wield the Big R’s holy sword! I can call forth the Lord’s divine fire! And now he sent me a mount! My God sent me a mount!”
Striding to the creature, he draws his sword in one hand and pats the beast’s head with the other. The red ruinic R’s on both of their foreheads now glow brightly together. ”I am a Paladin! I AM a Paladin! I am a PALADIN!”
He leaps onto the stunned creature beside him (Ride:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7), barely grabbing onto the spiked fur to scramble onto his back.
With a deep-throated fervor, his voice booms. ”Lord Ragathiel, send me where You will! I am yours to command in service to the Holy Cause of Liberation! Evil traitors and murderers, beware!”
The geographic and historic situation for Taldor definitely scream the middle Byzantine Empire to me (pre-Manzikert, circa 1000 AD). The loss by Taldor of the western lands closely echo Byzantium's role as the Eastern Roman Empire, standing nearly 1000 years after Rome and the western provinces fell to successor states. As Gnoll Bard said, the conflict with Qadira is also nicely paralleled by Byzantine position as the "bulwark" of Europe (from the Medieval Christian perspective) against Middle Eastern foes/invaders/conquerors. (Byzantium fought Persians, Arabs, and eventually Turks for hundreds of years before losing all of their provinces and the city eventually falling itself).
A decadent aristocracy yearning for former imperial glory can be seen in many real world places and eras, but the sexual decadence really evokes late Ancien Regime (pre-Revolutionary) France for me. (The symbolic example given is that to be socially correct, French noble dinner hosts during this era needed to invite a guest, that guest's spouse, and that guest's lover to be polite. Basically, socially institutionalized menage a trois.)
I think the early Russian Imperial artifacts are a very nice touch for Taldan items. (Since many in early Tsarist Russia considered themselves to be the "Third Rome," direct successors to Byzantine heritage of the "Second Rome," those styles mesh really nicely with a Byzantine feel, too).
There are plenty of more "High Medieval" elements in Taldor which don't exactly parallel Byzantium (or pre-Revolutionary France either). To me this is similar to Andoran's echoes of Revolutionary America, evoking those 18th Century ideas moved into a more traditionally "Medieval" setting.
I think the designers have said that no area in Golarion is supposed to be an exact replica/pseudo-version of a real world country or culture. They've drawn inspiration for each area from various historical and fantasy cultures, as well as their own ideas. So I use what works for me (including a mish-mash of Byzantine, French aristocratic, and fantasy/medieval elements for my interpretation of Taldor).
His eyes follow the butterfly, jumping back and forth between the fiery-colored flutterer and his painting on the altar. He wants to call forth the Big R’s divine fire, but realizes he hasn’t rested enough yet. He fingers twitch around the tindertwig stuck in his bandolier, rolling it again and again, before resisting the temptation. He’d rather have call upon his Lord's flames for this special purpose, and he doesn’t want to wake his companions while they rest.
But he can’t take his eyes off of the butterfly, or off the the freshly painted drawing.
Will save:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0To resist lighting the altar up immediately.
His hands twitch, his eyes widen, and his hand reaches into his bandolier to pour oil onto the un-holy-fied stone.
After a bow to the fluttering butterfly, with a quick flick, the tindertwig smacks against the stone and drops onto oil pooled onto the personally crafted painting of the vibrantly colored wing of his Lord.
"Big R! I call upon thee, divine One, to re-sanctify this haven! May the innocent receive succor, the enslaved receive freedom, and all who are oppressed be Liberated in your name!"
Perhaps it is Eli's eyes, or Beagan's fickle attention, but neither of them sees any evidence of a squire in the antechamber.
Fickle? Who's fickle? Why, Beagan is totally focused on serving all the Big R stands for, advancing Cause of Liberation, Freedom and Justice for all types of....
(A Gnoman body stiffens and a petrified, outstretched arm points) "SQUIRREL!"
Jurin will pick up Beagan's dropped pack and carry it forward, before stopping at the back of the herd.
"Not only do you speak with the sagacity and clarity of the eldest oak of the ancient wood, you are truly helpful as well! Thank you, my good man!" Beagan is surprised and pleased that one so wise would deign to be his porter. I guess it's good to be SIR Beagan!
Now able to see glimpses of the conflict, he realizes his comrades are interposed between him and potential enemies. As he moves forward, he sheathes his sword, his now-free hand tapping the amulet around his neck.
A voice ahead wrote:
"Kill me if you dare! My Lord will rise from my sacrifice and destroy you!"
Cole Zeff wrote:
”Get out of my way man! It’s not all about you! There’s a dangerous snake there don’t you see it? We’re from Kenabres trapped down here, for now, same as you I suspect. We’re allies you fool!"
Uncertain if the man in front of Grasker is hostile or not, he adds his voice to Cole's, preparing to follow through on his promises with a raised hand.
He stands tall (as he can), as he attempts to channel his inner noble."Man! In the name of all that is holy, move out of the way and submit, else ye be run in by serpent or sword!"
Readied action - Assuming he can see the man in the symbol (has line of effect), if the man performs a hostile act, Beagan casts Flare on him (Fort DC - 13). If he doesn't have line of effect, he readies to cast Flare if he sees a hostile creature move into his sight.
If the man acts in a hostile manner:
As the man threatens his guide, Beagan calls for the power of his god, fingers stretching out towards the fool. "May the light of Ragathiel blind your evil ways, and show you the truth."
A rush of bright flames burst in front of the man, creating a dazzling shower of light around him for just an instant.
"You already know about me. The Big R wants some of his followers to contribute to the Crusades, to help Liberate the oppressed and all, so I'm here." The missing squire immediately springs to mind as a concern.
"I'm not an expert spellunker..." His mind considers just how wonderful that word sounds, but he stops himself from sharing it out loud. The Clergy of Calistria were not always amused when he audibilized whatever was bouncing around his freewheeling mind. "...but I'm wondering if the cave looks really big to anyone else." Glancing around, he doesn't feel any smaller than usual. Unless he's relaxing in a comfortable halfling home, it seems people are always towering over him.
" 'Cause either we shrunk, or whoever made Eli's new backpack used the biggest bat ever! It's expertly made of one piece of something very much like bat-wing hide. To to be that size, it would have to be from a leathery wing bigger that I've ever seen."Or heard of.
"It's also sewed up with this really cool spider silk that I've never encountered before, either. Does anyone know if creatures with huge bat-wings or exotic spiders are common in Mendhev? Or in the spellunked caverns beneath?" The sounds of such a fun word roll around his mind again and again... SPEL-lunk, spe=LLUNK, spel-lunk-ER, spel-LUNKED, spel-LANK-ed... helping him pass the time.
"Why are we here, Beagle the gnome who wants to be an elf? This isn't a hole, it's not small enough and they don't have a rope for the food."
"I don't want to be an elf, I am one already, at least in the ways that matter." His little head nods fervently.
"Hmmm, Beagle the elf. I kind of like it! Beagle-Eagle-Eagon-Econ-Edon-Eston-Heston-Herston-Herstu-Hirsute-Bersoot- Berstu-Bird Stew-Bee Stew-Beastie-Bestin-Beckon-Beagan." His face crunches in puzzlement. "No, I guess it's still Beagan."
"As for why we are here, it seems the sacrifice of our betters has led us to this place, for better or worse, I guess. And if those wise and wonderful gave of themselves for us, it is up to us to make the most of their gift."And to be prepared to provide succor and sacrifice for those who need it.
"You're right, though, this doesn't appear to be a hole."
Beagan waddles a little as he moves up to watch Eli take the pack and he spies the remains of the camp of the former tenant and quickly peruses what remains of their gear.
Beagan moves at 15' when he's loaded with his own, over-stuffed pack, just keeping up with the limping woman and the blind Elf.
"It appears somebody used to be here. I wonder why they were here, and where they were from. They must have gotten in someway, which means there must be someway out! Hmmm...."
He takes a closer look at the pack on Eli's back, looking for any indicators about its origins, including any clues from the style and craftsmanship as to what race or culture might have made it.
Craft(leatherworking):1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 Perception:1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16
Congratulations to Andi Brandt who ran her 100th table tonight so she now has her 4th star!
She's our local store coordinator, our area VO, and runs the bestest conventions and games ever! (Of course, I may be a little biased, as she is also my better half... ;)
"Classical" study of polyandry (found in Murdock's ethnogrphic atlases of the 1950's and 1960's) seems to have focused on groups in the Himalayas and the South Pacific. (See Wikipedia.) More recent studies note a more widespread occurrence (both in the Wikipedia article and the citation/abstract/introduction to a recent study published in Human Nature below.)
A Survey of Non-Classical Polyandry
By: Katherine E. Starkweather & Raymond Hames
Published in the journal Human Nature (2012) 23:149–172
DOI 10.1007/s12110-012-9144-x
Abstract
We have identified a sample of 53 societies outside of the classical
Himalayan and Marquesean area that permit polyandrous unions. Our goal is to broadly describe the demographic, social, marital, and economic characteristics of these societies and to evaluate some hypotheses of the causes of polyandry. We demonstrate that although polyandry is rare it is not as rare as commonly believed, is found worldwide, and is most common in egalitarian societies. We also argue that polyandry likely existed during early human history and should be examined from an
evolutionary perspective. Our analysis reveals that it may be a predictable response to a high operational sex ratio favoring males and may also be a response to high rates of male mortality and, possibly, male absenteeism. Other factors may contribute, but our within-polyandry sample limits analysis.
Introduction
Social scientists are under the impression that polyandry is rare. In many texts, ranging from introductory anthropology to those on marriage and sexuality, one finds generalizations that polyandry is an exceptionally rare marital form occurring in only four of the 565 societies in Murdock’s World Ethnographic Sample (Murdock
1957). Occasionally the figure of seven is given, citing Murdock’s 1,167-society Ethno-graphic Atlas (Murdock 1967). The low incidence of polyandry is frequently echoed in review articles of marriage systems. Reviews by polyandry experts note that there are around 28 polyandrous societies in one classical area, the Tibetan plateau (Peter 1963; Cassidy and Lee 1989), substantially more than is normally presented.
Knowing that polyandry was practiced among the Yanomamö and Inuit cultures, we decided to search for the literature outside of the core or classical area, and we were able to uncover 53 cases of what we call non-classical polyandry (Starkweather 2010) to distinguish these societies from those commonly mentioned in the area of the
Himalaya mountains shared by India, Nepal, and Tibet, as well as the Marquesas Islands in the South Pacific. While the frequency of polyandry as a marriage option in non-classical societies is rarer than in classical societies, these unions are culturally legitimate modes of marriage and are found in every part of the world. Our goal here
is to describe the social, demographic, and economic characteristics of non-classical polyandrous societies and, where we can, evaluate some hypotheses of polyandry.
We believe this worthwhile because Murdock (1949:25) influentially said, “poly-andry is so infrequent a phenomenon that there is no justification for assigning to it . . . an important place in the evolution of social organization.” However, as we shall show, the occurrence of polyandry, especially among egalitarian groups, suggests that it does in fact hold a place in human evolutionary history. Furthermore, its existence and adaptiveness has been debated by evolutionarily informed researchers even though they have focused on what we call classical polyandry (see Hrdy 2005 for an exception).
