A'vandira "Raven" Silvermane's page

Sitting with Amaric and Chavakala, discussing my tattoo that Amaric earlier expressed an interest in, I am interrupted by the captain putting on her little show. Raising a brow, I wonder what has gotten into her "Not bloody captain-like behavior is what I'm thinking." And from the thoughts that Shadow projects into my mind, the raven agrees with that, causing my lips to curl up in a smile, when I realize that I'm not really one to talk about behavior, with my own dislike of rules, laws and regulations.

"Just let her try. Next time we'll be ready. I will be ready." Looking around I smile at a little kid, beckoning him to come closer. "Wanna earn a few coppers? If yes, please go fetch me a towel and come back." Watching the kid rush off quickly, and returning almost as quickly, I dip my hand into my beltpouch. "Thanks. And here's the money I promised you. And a little something extra."

Giving the kid three silver

Having used precious moments to analyze the situation, I look at the snake lady and pointing a finger towards her, an arrow speeds towards her.

Acid Arrow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Acid Arrow: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6
Status: Current hp: 26/2 - AC12

Hit points level 4: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

And back. Two weeks of vacation with no internet (hooray for peace and quiet), preceded by some of the most stressful weeks I've had in a long time. Sincerely apologize for dropping off the grid like that. I'll get Raven up to level 4 soonest.

Having slept late, I am cursing the heat of the midday sun when I hear a lot of commotion. Making my way towards the ruckus, I discover some old friends and new crew members engaged in a fight with something in the water. Without thinking I rush forward and dive into the water, swimming towards the battle. Looking around I see a thing from a nightmare apparently trying to draw someone down into the deep, but being hindered by my friends.

Initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Nick, I'm having a good enough time with the Red Hand and it is of course different with both different players and a different character, but I have played that one before. I am however more enjoying the other two campaigns I'm in precisely because I don't know the stories.

LOL Darren. You were willing to take over Russell's game when he quit. And I wasn't volunteering you, just asking since Quara actually put the idea in my head with her suggestion of finding a replacement DM.

A sound causes me to look up just in time to see the chandelier come crashing down. Tumbling out of the way, I narrowly avoid being hit. Nsarling I point my finger at the new threat, hoping to make the gremlin loose his grip when it's being hit by another one of my icy rays.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Ray of Frost, attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 = 23
Ray of Frost, damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2
Status: HP 17/19 - AC 12

"Why'd it have to be rats? I hate those pests."
Despite being swarmed by the rats, I manage to keep my concentration and fire another ray of frost at the gremlin.

Fort Save vs Filth Fever: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Fort Save vs Distraction: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Ray of Frost, attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Ray of Frost, damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3
Status: HP 17/19 - AC 12

Welcome back Nick. Ready to plunge in again!

Dang, that's what you get from using Firefox to hold your page tabs and thus missing the counter of the discussion thread. Okay, have no problem with a break until Nick's got enough free time to re-don his GM mantle. I'll just open another tab to keep an eye on the discussion thread ;-)

Anyone alive in here?

Quickly reaching a decision on which spell to cast, magical energy gathers around my hands and a glittering ray springs forth from my finger, pointed at the gremlin.

Ray of Frost, attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Ray of Frost, damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1
Status: HP 19/19 - AC 12

Oh crap, forgot my rolls. That's what you get from posting from work ;-)
Fort save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

With all the pretty faces around to keep Arven's eyes occupied, I am refraining from drinking in order to be able to keep an eye on him. Despite my abstinence I feel woozy and I can sense Shadow's confusion about that. Suddenly it becomes clear where all the cats have gone and the commons erupts into chaos.
As the little freaks start tearing up the place, I punch Arven in the shoulder: "Come on! We've got work to do. Pest Control!"

Once the battle is over, Plugg gone and Scourge tied up to the mast, I am looking at Quara Sher, as she goes round handing out promotions. In my mind I hear Shadow's reaction to Batango and Atajay being designated as the ship's mages while not being mentioned myself. Shrugging I take a step back and open my shirt to expose the raven tattoo. With a screech, the raven tears itself free from my skin and takes wing before settling down on my shoulder. With a look of surprise on my face, I don't resist Arven picking me up and kissing me on the lips. After the slightest hesitation, I kiss the Undine back, laughing in delight. "You're right, big guy. Now put me down before I'll cast a reverse version of the spell and turn you into a little boy." The twinkling in my eyes is more than enough to tell Arven I'm only joking though.

Throughout the fight, I was wondering about Pluggs missing allies and just when I about to warn my friends, they turn up with a clear intent to alter the outcome of the fight. "Jape! I'm going to weaken you till you can't lift that sword of yours, then I will kill you with it!
With a snarl, I point a finger Jaundiced Jape and a ray of magical force leaps towards the hulking half-orc.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Attack, Ray of Enfeeblement: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Damage, Ray of Enfeeblement: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

AC 12 - Current HP 19/19

Missing a "Like" button here. Agree with Arven wholeheartedly.

"Time to tilt the odds in our favor!" Casting a quick spell, I move across the deck to stand behind Arven, laying my hand on the Undine's back. As my fingers touch his skin, the magic flows into the barbarian, causing Arven to suddenly grow even bigger, muscles bulging even more than they already did and dwarfing Owlbear. "Alright big guy, now you can really do some butt-kicking for goodness."

Cast Enlarge Person on Arven (+2 Str bonus, -2 Dex, -1 AC)

Initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Hitpoints level 3 1d6 ⇒ 5 (Forgot to level up before)

BTW, Atajay, who is Arafat and how did he come to help us attack Plugg? ;-)

Once we are (safely?) back on board of the Man's Promise, I look at the crew gathered around. Master Scourge's leering is something I expected, but Plugg's warm words of welcome and his smile seem too much unlike him. In the back of my mind, my feelings seem to mirror those of Shadow, and my raven familiar urges me to be extremely careful. "You know I like fish, Raven, but this smells too fishy for me." - "I agree, Shadow. Plugg is not acting hostile at all. Which is not his normal attitude towards our little group. I sure hope Quara can read his mind and warn us when he's making his move, for I do not doubt he will act against us." - "I'll keep an eye out too, Raven." - Thank you, Shadow, I was hoping you would." My attention returning to Quara's recounting of our adventures, I slide up to stand beside Arven, my hand caressing his lower back as I put an arm around him. Whispering to him in Aquan: "Be ready. Something's afoot. I can feel it. And so does Shadow."

With a gasp of horror I see the grindylow matron cut the vines holding up Sandara and Kenya. Rage starts to boil inside of me, echoed by angry thoughts from Shadow. Treading water, I take aim at the huge monstrosity in the center of the cave, and a ray leaps from my outstretched hand towards its bulbous head. My rage increases even more when I see the ray miss its target, due to water dripping from my brow into my eye, causing me to blink at the wrong moment.

Attack: Ray of Enfeeblement 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Damage: Ray of Enfeeblement 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Status: AC 12 - Current HP: 13/13

Seeing how the others seem to have the situation well in hand, I hang back as Penta and Arven are busy cutting up the sleeping grindylows. As I am going over the spells in my mind, I feel Shadow's thoughts manifest in my mind: "Can't help but notice that your ice-spells seem to be less effective underwater, Raven. That weakening spell worked well enough, but maybe we should wait for a better opportunity. Looks like that war-priest knows what she's doing." - "I was considering the same thing, Shadow. And as much as it stings to admit it, but I think you're right about Penta as well. I just wish she would stay the hell away from Arven."

Staying back with Quara and Batango, out of the way of our front-line fighters. Preparing to cast another Ray of Enfeeblement in case it's needed.

Normally not the worst swimmer in the bunch I can hear the voice of my old teacher in the back of my head as the current pushes me towards and onto the blade-shaped stone on the wall. With a cry that is more frustration than pain, strangely distorted by the water, I struggle to work myself free and continue through the tunnel.

Pressing a hand against my side, I pinch the cut closed, praying that Arven's shark friends are not going to be drawn towards the blood and dropping in uninvited.

Swim check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Current hitpoints: 11/13

With the prospect of having to swim, I have recalled Shadow back into my skin. Standing on the edge of the cliff, I shoot the stirges with my crossbow. When I see the others are in control of the situation, I start to climb down the rope as well. Hearing Penta's remark, I look around for the stirges' nest while hanging onto the rope. "Ya think there's treasure in there? Or maybe some little ones? Whadda ya wanna do with 'em if there are?"

Looking as Penta slowly crushes the life out of the choker, a shiver runs down my spine. Her giggles make the hair in my neck rise and I wonder whether she's merely a bit crazy or has an evil streak in her. Her interest in Arven doesn't make things better either in my opinion.

Arven moving to the door and opening it, has me pushing my thoughts to the back of my mind for a moment, focusing on the here and now. Readying my crossbow, I look into the darkness beyond the door.

Unwilling to create dissension in the group, I decide to keep out of Penta's way for now. When Arven asks me to join him and take care of his wounds, I gladly follow the big Undine to where his bedroll lies on the ground. As he lowers himself onto his bedroll, I look over his wounds and do my best to treat them as best as I can. However, with the urgency of battle gone, it seems like my healing touch is also gone.
Heal check, untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Looking at Arven, I shrug apologetically: "Sorry dear. But it seems there's not much I can do about those. I'll just cover them with some clean cloth and pray it'll do."

Once the shelter is completed, I spread my bedroll next to Arven's and lie down on it, staring at the night sky, wondering if I ever will get back to Skullport and continue the search for my father. When Arven lies down next to me, I turn towards him, but my eyes fail to penetrate the darkness as he preparea for the night. Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

My thoughts a chaotic jumble, I find it hard to sleep, made even more difficult by the numerous flies buzzing around. Fort save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15.
Picking up my bedroll, I move it closer to Arven and lie down on it again. Not sure what it is about the Undine, but as I lie close to him, I find the flies seem to be keeping their distance and I finally am able to sleep, my arm lying across Arven's broad chest.

Glaring at Penta, I snarl: "My property? He's a free man, but he's mine nevertheless." Then I see how Penta heals Quarra and it starts to dawn on me that the priest might just have a very peculiar way of delivering her spells. With a shrug I turn away from the scene, resolving to speak to Arven about the situation in private at a later moment.

When the last of the ghouls falls, I rush over to Arven. As the newcomer moves towards the Undine, I look at her expectantly. A look of relief washes over my face when I see her spell heal a modicum of Arven's wounds. My face turns red however when I see Penta touch him rather inappropriately. Energy crackles around my hands as I warn her in a hissing tone "Hands off! He's mine! I appreciate your healing him, but that's the only touching you'll do, understood?"

Suddenly the threat posed by the three undead harlots is reduced by two-thirds of their force and I let out a sigh of relief. However, I do realize there's still one more and with quick flick of my wrist and a few arcane syllables, yet another ray of glistening ice crystals speeds towards its target, striking the ghoul with great precision and force.

Ranged Touch Attack, Ray: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Frost Damage Ray: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Status: AC 12 - Current HP 13/13

The undead tearing strips of flesh from Arven's body is almost more than I can stand. Knowing that another weakening ray will not affect the undead filth, I fall back to one of my preferred offensive spells. From my outstretched hand, a ray of glittering motes of ice leaps towards one of the monsters.

Ranged Touch Attack, Ray: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Frost Damage Ray: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Status: AC 12 - Current HP 13/13

Thanks for the positive reaction, Arven

I sent Darren the generic links to the three stories and he said Skull & Shackles looks like fun. Could only concur with that assessment ;-)
I think he'll be interested in joining.

And will do ;-)

Nick, you remember Darren Murray from Play-by-Web with Brain?
He's been in our Saturday online campaign with Brain DM-ing, but since Brain got married last week, he's going to quit playing real-time online. You think there's a place in here (as in Serpent Skull, Red Hand and/or Skull & Shackles) for him?

"Get away from him, you undead harlot! He's "The Shark's Friend", not the ghoul's friend!" Pointing at one of the ghouls attacking Arven, another ray flashes across the open space, draining the undead's strength.

Ranged Touch Attack, Ray 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Strength Damage Ray: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Status: AC 12 - Current HP 13/13

The successful hit on the closest ghoul, helps me decide to attack it again. Another ray shoots from my hand, though this time it's a ray of pure cold, covering the ghoul in crystals of ice.

Ranged Touch Attack, Ray 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Strength Damage Ray: 1d3 ⇒ 3
Status: AC 12 - Current HP 13/13

Always trying to find the humor in any given situation, I poke Arven in the ribs and give the Undine a wink: "You'd better not be ogling those ladies, big guy!"

Calling on the magic of my blood, a coruscating ray leaps from my hand towards the closest of the ghouls.

Initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Ranged Touch Attack, Ray 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Strength Damage Ray: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Status: AC 12 - Current HP 13/13

"Shadow, how about returning?" - "Not yet A'vi. I'd rather keep an eye on things while y'all go after whatever is inside that tent." - "Good idea. Carry on."

Distracted by my silent conversation, I suddenly find myself alongside a muttering Batango. Not wanting to embarrass the old witch, I address him sotto voce: "What was that, Batango? Even if not a crusade, do we dare risk leaving a potential threat in our backs? I think we'd better make sure there's nothing going to sneak up on us. Either we find something harmless or we deal with any threats in there."

Okay. Best of luck in sorting stuff out. We'll be here.

Keeping an eye on Shadow as he flies ahead, I listen to his comments over our empathic link. "Unbreaths? Be careful, Shadow."

Turning towards the others, I share what information I get from Shadow.
"Looks like there's something ahead. Shadow has found a big roost. Death and unbreaths, as he calls it. He found bugs, but they didn't taste right, so there may be some foul magic at work. I think we'd best be careful and on full alert."

Nick, not completely sure if I understood Shadow's comments correctly. Unbreaths = undead?

Despite the seriousness of the situation, I grin as I make a long nose at Attajay "Jealous, Atty?" In my mind I can hear Shadow laughing, sharing my merriment and I decide to let the raven fly. "How about it, Shadow? Fancy a little flying?" - "Sure thing, Avi. I'll go scout ahead a little." Unbuttoning the upper part of my shirt, I expose the stylized form of the raven tattooed on my chest. My skin ripples and with a screach, the raven tears itself free and transforming into a real, three-dimensional bird it flies up into the sky.

Pinching my nose closed between the index finger and thumb of my left hand, I point at Arven and a grin splits my face as relief over our victory settles in. "You got that right, big guy. You may not always be the cleanest around, but that can be a good thing. Skin glistening and slick with sweat from exertion is kind of a turn-on, you know? But now you downright stink! Time to wash up, buddy. Need someone to wash your back?"

As we come up on a section of swamp with more or less clear water, I give the Undine barbarian a playful shove: "There. Water to clean up in. Time to get rid of that gunk covering you."

Seeing how my friends are suddenly in serious danger instead of being merely the target for some joking, I call upon my innate sorcerous powers and a pale ray leaps from my hand towards the frog closest to Batango. In my mind I can hear Shadow doubt my decision: "Thinking with your gut instead of your mind, aren't we? Food over firepower?" - "You know that's not true, Shadow. But Arven is already coming to Atajay's aid. And besides, Batango is our best healer."

Attack (ranged touch), Ray of Enfeeblement: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Damage: Ray of Enfeeblement: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Save: Fort for half damage / DC: 14
Status: AC 12 - Current hp: 13/13

Deciding that climbing up a rope and then balancing over tree branches just to cross the mire is too much for me, I cast a look over the stumps of the bridge pilings. "Thanks for the offer of help Arven, but if it's all the same to you, I'll just show you how it's done."
Taking a moment to judge distances and positions of the pilings, I start jumping hither and dither from one piling to the next, until I safely and with dry feet reach the other side of the muddy water and muck. "See? Nothing to it. Are you guys coming?"

Skill check, Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Hooray for a timely natural 20 on an unskilled check ;-)

Skill check, Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

"Well, there ain't much trees where I'm from, so what I'm seeing here is trees growing over the muck, but I couldn't tell if they are usable for crossing or not, if my life depended on it. Come to think of it, it just may. Arven, honey? Think you can do it?"

Of course we want you to continue in the game, Arven.

The builders started in September 2013 on raising the roof of our house in order to make a decent room of the attic. It should have been completed by July 01, 2013! Before the Twins were born. They're still not done! Draft and humidity is one of the reasons I got that bacterial pneumonia that had me down for three weeks. So, I sorta know what you're going through right now. Hope all will be well for all of us soon.

Standing beside Arven, I look out over the calm waters, silently cursing Plugg and Scourge. As Arven talks about taking a swim in the waters beyond the reef, a smile creases my face and I turn to look up at the big barbarian. "You know, that sounds like a good idea. But I can't help but remember the last time we went for a swim and them reefclaws thought to make us dinner. I think I'll wait till I'm sure there's none of those thingies around." Looking around the ship, I catch sight of Quara smooth-talking Crimson Cogsward and my mood suddenly turns very dark. "I don't know about you, but I swear, if Quara fails in turning him to our side, I am going to kill that guy. And even if she does succeed, I'm not going to trust him one bit.".

Catching the way Arven is looking around the ship, I can easily deduce he's looking for an opportunity to deal with Cogward. Unfortunately, both Atajay and Quara seem to be of a different mind, still trying to sway the man to our side. As soon as Batango has completed administering more healing magic to Arven, I move to stand beside the Undine barbarian and put my arm around his back. "Come on, guys. I need some food. And sleep. Let's go find us both.

BTW, even though I'm CG aligned, I can see A'vi joining Arven in taking care of Cogward, if only to prevent him from hurting any of her friends. As she sees it, Cogward cast his lot with Scourge and the other would-be mutineers and it stands to reason that A'vi and friends will be on their hit list.

Quara, Wifey and my Father-in-Law were taking care of our (next week) six month old twin boys. I was happy to be left alone and occasionally have someone bring me something to drink.
Arven, unfortunately Christmas and New Year's eve were less than the joyous events I'd have hoped for.