Brin Steffens's page

Brin has stood quietly, listening to the others argue and banter.

Finally, it appears that the majority of the group are of a mind to make a swim for the Jenivere, and see what can be salvaged. Brin agrees with this plan of action.

"So, we're agreed on our priorities. Tools and supplies for a campsite. Food and drink if there is any. Any survivors get rescued." Not to mention my rations and daggers. Keys for the prisoner's manacles too. I'm inclined to trust him, and we can use the help of every able bodied man.

Brin also makes a mental note to find a bottle of rum or some other liquor for Aerys. No point in forcing her to sober up now. That could get ugly, and we've ugliness enough to deal with for now.

Brin finds his shortbow and arrows amongst the gathered equipment pile, and straps them to his back. "I'm ready when you are."

Having had a few moments to take stock of the situation, Brin announces, "I have no idea where we are, but if we're stuck here, we'll need to make camp. I believe can set up a suitable campsite for us, but without any tools to work with, it will take some time."

At Dragolan's question, Aerys looks to the sky, the beach and for any landmarks. Her eyes open wide. All she says is, "Smuggler's Shiv."

"Smuggler's Shiv?! What's that?"

Brin exhales deeply as he ends the threat posed by the sea scorpions. As the effects of the sickness fade away, he pauses to clean his blade on the ground, before speaking.

"Brin, Kalis--we'll also need water, I suppose, though I'd be happier with a decent white to go with these things." He looks around. "Do any of the rest of you have any skill at surviving in the wild?"

Nodding, Brin answers. "I do. I've spent as much of my life in the wilds of the Darkmoon Forest as at home. Granted, he says looking around, "this beach is a far cry from those lofty woodlands."

After thanking Dragolan for healing his foot, Brin begins to walk around the beach looking for clues as to who may have piled up the equipment, or how they got there. "I believe I could help fashion some shelters for us if it appears we're stranded, but let's try to determine what's happened, and where we are."

Survival 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

After a moment, Brin calls out to all within earshot, "Do any of you have detailed knowledge of the Jenivere's trade route? Is there a likely place for shipwreck or marooning on the route to Eleder?"

The ranger silently stumbles across the sand, with deadly intent. He raises his sword and strikes!

Move to D6, attack last eurypterid with greatsword.

Greatsword Attack (Sickened, Inspire Courage) 1d20 + 5 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 - 2 + 1 = 15
Greatsword Damage (Sickened, Inspire Courage) 2d6 + 6 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (5, 6) + 6 - 2 + 1 = 16

Jask scoots himself towards the water. He then stands up. "Damn these chains," he says. "I can do nothing!"

Brin rasps, "I know, I'm trying!"

Easily side-stepping the creature's lazy claw swipe, Brin tries again to hack it apart with his blade.

Greatsword Attack (Sickened, Inspire Courage) 1d20 + 5 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 5 - 2 + 1 = 16
Greatsword Damage (Sickened, Inspire Courage) 2d6 + 6 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (6, 5) + 6 - 2 + 1 = 16

My grace as GM knows no bounds.

Ha! Well, at least we're having fun, so there's that. :)

So if I understood correctly, I can take my sword from Meraxes as a free action? Awesome!

Brin reaches out with a slightly unseady hand, taking his trusty greatsword from Meraxes. "Thanks, my friend," he says hoarsely.

With a quick scan of the battlefield, Brin notes that one of these scorpion creatures is menacing the defenseless prisoner. What was his name? Jask? Is he still manacled? Guilty or not, no one deserves a helpless death...

Even as these thoughts race through his head, Brin is leaping into action, ready to defend the fallen man, despite how terrible he feels.

Move to C2, attack sea scorpion in D1 with greatsword.
Greatsword attack (sickened) 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 - 2 = 9
Greatsword damage (sickened) 2d6 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (2, 3) + 6 - 2 = 9

Bleh, that's no good.

Drat!

Sorry it got cut short, but glad you're back.

And best of all, you're still alive. And just in time!

Action! Huzzah! Awesome combat map too.

GMT, would these beasts happen to be of the Animal type?

A stinging pain in the foot...memories of merriment, food and drink...hot sand and sun against the face...someone is shouting. Fighting!

"Wha?!" Brin sits bolt upright, blinking in confusion against the pounding in his head and the nausea in his guts. Confusion lasts only for a moment, as the man's survivalist instincts kick in. He winces again at the pain in his foot, and lurches to his feet, despite how it makes his head spin. Where are we? What are these creatures? Sword...where's my sword?

Brin's glassy eyes fall upon the pile of weapons just a few feet away. He lurches toward the pile, desperate to find his weapon. "Hold on, Dragolan, I'm coming," Brin attempts to speak, but a hoarse croak is all that comes out of his mouth.

Move action to stand up, then move to A7. Plan is to draw greatsword from weapon stash next turn.

Sooooo tempting....

Hi all, due to some unforeseen circumstances, my excursion had to be cut short. That's the bad news.

The good news is, I'm home and have regular internet access again. So Brin is all set to jump in whenever it's his turn for the mysterious spoiler boxes of mystery.

Have fun, Brin. I'll do my best to not get you killed before Tuesday.

Much appreciated! :)

Haven't quite left yet! :)

Although he takes it easy on the alcohol, Brin will tuck eagerly into the delicious array of food. He wonders where this culinary mastery has been hiding all along. Rambar must have been holding out on us!

Brin will speak cordially to any who approach him, and he is definitely in high spirits at the thought of nearing port. The naval life is definitely not for him, he has decided.

Hey guys, I know the timing isn't great (game wise), but I've had an unexpected opportunity to go out of town with some friends and I'm going to take them up on it. I'll be leaving this afternoon, and I'll be home on Tuesday night. I may have some sporadic internet access while away, but I wouldn't count on it.

GMT, please feel free to DMNPC Brin as you see fit during my absence. Talk to you all in a couple of days!

"Oh... starting a new life somewhere else. Yes, I heard about people doing that. Well, I guess I did it once or twice too." She sounded a bit sad when she said that "It's not easy when you have to leave all your friends behind, you know?"

Brin shrugs, "Well, I suppose it would be so. I've never really known many friends. Growing up, it was mostly just my mother and myself, and we lived in kind of an out of the way place."

She blinks at Brin "Uhm... no, I don't think I did... How would I recognize him?" she answered him rather unsure.

"Ummm...well, perhaps he'd be the one with the crown and scepter? Or would that be the King of Clowns...hmmm." Brin is confusing even himself now.

Brin probably hasn't really given much thought to Allia's status as a slave, thus far. In fact, he is probably in a bit of denial about the fact that slavery even exists, coming from a part of Golarion where it isn't practiced. The thought that one human being can own another would be abhorrent to him, as an Andoren. So, he would never consider trying to buy Allia. He would consider trying to help her earn her freedom (expecially since he may be developing a bit of crush on her), but probably only if she initiated such talk. He's much too shy with her for now to propose such a thing on his own.

Oh, and I was joking about the levels. Sorry.

In that case, I take it all back.

We're about ready to get the show on the road. I hate to break up all the great character interaction that's happening, but there are baddies that need killing, goodies that need saving and treasures that need discovering.

Awesome, I'm ready when you are! I'm sure we'll all strive to maintain a high role-playing standard no matter what you throw at us!

[suck up]You've done a great job with the game so far, GMT. [/suck up]

No, seriously, it's great.

I'm glad one of us decided to avail himself of the material benefits of the trait. I declined for Brin, because it didn't fit his background very well.

She thinks for a moment then adds "Once, when I was little I ran off to watch a circus. Does that count?"

Eager to remain a part of the conversation, despite having nothing meaningful to contribute, Brin answers, "It does if you met the prince of clowns." He immediately regrets having said something so asinine.

Idiot! What does that even mean?!

"Last night I recall answering that very same question for Brin and our hopeless romantic chelaxian friend...so apologies to you, Brin, for hearing me repeating it for the lady."

"Not at all," Brin replies with a wave of his hand.

In an attempt to change the subject of the conversation she asks "And what does bring two attractive men like you to travel this far south?"

Attractive? Me? Really?

In his young life, Brin had been called homely at worst, and plain at best (even that was by his mother). Never before had a woman called him attractive, especially not one so beautiful as Allia. With no idea how to respond to that, he just answers the question.

"Well, I'm from Andoran originally. But, after my mother was...passed away, I found myself in a bit of...trouble. I had to leave my home behind, and wound up in Cheliax. I couldn't bear it there, so I decided to try my fortunes on a different continent. That's...about all there is to it." Brin's halting speech suggests there likely may be quite a bit more to it.

Brin also boarded in Corentyn, having made his way across Cheliax after crossing the border from Andoran. Likely, he and Petry would recognize each other as having boarded at the same time.

At Brin's last words she grins and looks straight at him "Oh, now I am curious as to what you think are advantages of living on a ship. Please tell"

A bit surprised by the directness of the question, Brin struggles to answer. "Oh, well, you know, there's plenty of...fresh sea air. And all the...water. You know, Meraxes, I'll bet you can think of some things too, can't you?" Brin turns desperately to the white-haired man for help out of his predicament.

I'm okay with either choice as well. But if I was forced to choose one, I think I'd take the barbarian, just because he would add some racial diversity to the group.

"How long I've been aboared? Oh, that has to be about a year and two month now, I think" She shrugs slightly, as if it really wasn't a big deal.

Before she actually starts eating, she moves her hand around over the plate, and speaks some strange words. Maybe it was a prayer from her country of origin.

Brin frowns slightly, perhaps puzzled by this odd behavior, but he waits for her to finish. Then, he replies, "Over a year? Really? That's hard to imagine. I, for one, can't wait to feel dry land under my feet again. And to see the trees, get something fresh to eat and drink..."

He pauses, then, remembering that Allia's servitude to the ship's captain prevents her from enjoying the same freedoms he takes for granted. He concludes, somewhat lamely, "Err, not that there aren't some lovely advantages to a life spent at sea."

Petry, Brin will be very effective at dealing damage in melee, but he's probably more of a skirmisher than a full-blown meatshield. He will probably have problems with relatively low AC for a while, so a complementary melee-oriented character would be best I think.

Brin hastily clears room for Allia, nearly spilling his mug of water in the process. "No...no intrusion, please do join us. Sit down."

After silently chewing a few mouthful of oats, Brin asks, "So, Allia. How long have you been aboard the Jenivere?"

GMT, I'm okay with waiting another day or two if it means you have more time to carefully consider who to add to the mix. I like the role-players we have so far, and I hope that a sixth player will also be up to the task. That's worth taking a bit of time for, imo.

If the bread is stale I do not have much hope for the fruit. Oats it is.

Assuming Brin accompanied Moraxes..
He makes a bowl of oats and then another. He gestures one of the bowls to Brin."Here ya go."

Brin happily follows Meraxes, and digs into the oats with aplomb. "Many thanks."

Assuming Crecy has indeed stepped aside (which would be unfortunate, because I liked that character)...

I know scranford didn't get the opportunity to role-play Tariro very much, but he has a strong history on these boards as an active and capable pbp player. Also, I think a tiefling would present some very interesting role-playing opportunities for Brin, as he would be hard-pressed to overcome his inherent mistrust of the character. (Note that, while I would play up some tension between the two, I would certainly not allow the party to be split, or otherwise harm the game).

imimrtl is also a good player, currently playing in my goblin campaign. And, I thought he role-played Jasper well in the recruiting phase.

The paladin would be my least favorite choice.

"So...itchy..."

*scratches self idly*

Curious man... I better keep an eye on him.

Meraxes' stomach growled when he heard the mentioning of breakfast.

"Brin, my good man, that is a marvelous idea!"

Brin smiles slightly at Meraxes. "Indeed, but I only wish our Dragolan here was doing the cooking instead of that other fellow."

She perhaps wouldn't get another chance to exchange a few words with him.

"Oh, yes, of course. Sorry", she replied and took a step back. "I think noone here really knows what crime you commited, mind telling me?"

"I was wondering the same thing. It seems a bit harsh to force you to work like this with those shackles on."

A look of anger immediately crosses his features and he grips the mop tightly - but it passes almost as quickly as it appeared as his passive, defeated look returns. "You won't believe this, but I am guilty of nothing more than speaking the truth. I am innocent of any crime. But the powerful have spoken, and I am in chains. So my innocence is of little comfort to me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I really must finish these chores. I want to give no reason to the crew to not get a meal this evening." His eyes fall and he returns to mopping the deck.

"Oh. Well, yes, go ahead. I certainly don't mean to stir up any trouble."

This poor man, what if he truly is innocent of his crimes? Someone should speak to the Captain on his behalf.

After just a moment consideration, Allia decided to toy with him a bit, she didn't get the chance to do that very often.

She placed a hand gently on his lower arm, near his wrist and said "Did I say something wrong?" Then suddenly she removed her hand and clasped it over her mouth and looked genuinely distraught. "Oh my, I did not mean to imply you were from Cheliax. How very, very stupid of me. I assure you Sir, I did mean no disrespect."

If you have Sense Motive, I guess you could see or at least suspect that it's just an act

Well, Brin's a bit wet behind the ears, so sensing motives isn't quite his strong suit. :)

At the touch of the attractive woman's hand, Brin's face immediately transforms from its usual fair shade to a bright crimson.

Words begin falling hastily out of his mouth. "No, no, nothing's wrong. No disrespect taken. I really don't find you stupid at all. Quite...quite the opposite of stupid, in point of fact."

"Ummm...did someone say something about eating? Breakfast time is it? I'm really quite hungry." Brin moves quickly away from Allia, and stands near Dragolan, hoping to be rescued from his social discomfort.

Allia smiles at him, silently amused as she notices how he has to make an effort not to look at her chest.

But partly she smiles because she thinks that the captain may have considered her words from the night before after all.

"Thank you Sir. I'm sure that will put the minds of the crew at ease again. You boarded the ship in Cheliax, didn't you? I don't think we ever had a chance to talk. I'm called Allia"

"Brin," the ranger replies, looking uncomfortable for some reason. "You're right, I boarded in Corentyn, but I'm originally from the Darkmoon Vale region of Andoran."

Brin pauses briefly, unsure how to continue the conversation. Lamely, he concludes, "It's nice out, isn't it? The weather, I mean. Sunny and warm. Nice day." He turns awkwardly and looks away from Allia, out over the horizon.

She overheard the conversation some of the passenger's had about the captain, and approached them "Excuse me, but did you say the captain is in a meeting with the navigator?"

Brin answers with a quick nod, careful to look Allia in the eyes, and not...elsewhere. "Yes, Miss, that is my understanding."

GMT, Brin's character sheet is all set for your perusal. Please let me know if you'd like anything changed.

Petry didn't answer when the dark-haired woman went past them, but the trail of alcohol on the air was thick as it followed her. Petry was about to ask for a tale from Gelik or Dragolan when he saw Sasha. He smiled back, but the smile faded into puzzlement when the redhead first went to the opposite railing, then up the rigging from the center masts of the ship. Petry sighed, and asked the group, "Any tales about why women play hard to get?"

Watching Sasha agilely scale the mast, Brin whistles softly in appreciation of the woman's physical prowess.

Answering Petry, he mutters, "No tales here, but the man who knows the answer to that question is wiser than I."

"Didn't someone say he was meeting with the navigator? I think all of the grumbling from the crew may have caused him to rethink the ship's course."

Brin appears on deck looking none the worse for wear. But then, having avoided much of the prior night's carousing, he is relatively well rested.

Moving to stand near Dragolan (and deliberately avoiding Gelik), he remarks, "I don't suppose there's a chance of you replacing Rambar as chef is there? I'm starved, but I don't think I can stomach any more of what he calls 'breakfast.'"

Role/Functions!

Brin - Ranger (ranged attacks)

I thought it worth pointing out that Brin is actually more focused on melee than ranged attacks at the present. Eventually, I hope to build him to be effective at either, and he does have a bow now. But he has high strength, a greatsword, Power Attack and Cleave....so, yeah, he's a frontline combatant for sure.

Reporting for duty! I'm thrilled to have been selected, and really excited about this game. I think you've selected a good group of players, as evidenced by the quality of the role-playing in the recruitment thread. Brin's character sheet will be completed tomorrow, as requested!

Also, I am in favor of DM rolled initiative, or really, any measures which will help the game maintain forward momentum.

As Brin gets up to leave, Dragolan motions him close. Quietly, he says, "I'm no sailor, but they usually set a watch on deck, don't they? See if there's someone at the lookout." He goes on in a much louder voice, "And don't forget to go off the bow instead of the stern, 'cause otherwise it all blows back at you! Found that out the hard way!"

Brin nods and replies softly, "I'll have a look." The tense mood makes the young man uncomfortable, but he feels confident that he knows his way around a fight, if it should come to that.

He'll also make a point of bringing Brin a cup of grog. "Here you are, my friend. Don't worry--I won't bite your hand off! Ho ho ho!" He continues in a more conversational tone, "I haven't been to the jungle before, but I've done my share of forest rambling...not as much as you, by the looks of you, but some."

Brin accepts the offered cup with a nod. "Thank you. Yes, well spotted, the northern forests and I are certainly well acquainted. Well, perhaps we'll find out together what all the fuss is about, hmm?"

"You are all the business types, I see." Meraxes laughs and continues talking. "Me? I'm here for pleasure. Took the first boat out going south. Have you seen the sights? Who wouldn't go on a 5 star cruise ship like this?"

Brin chuckles slightly at Meraxes' jest, but most of his attention is focused on the galley as a whole. For a young man who has spent most of his life in the solitude of a small village nestled in the forest, the environment is a bit disarming. The noise of the minstrels, the clatter of dice on the table, the sultry dancing of Allia, the voices rising louder as more ale is consumed...it's all too much.

Brin drains his cup, then rises and turns to climb up to the Jenivere's deck. "I need some air, I think. Headed for the deck, if anyone cares to join me."

I work in procurement. I find and retrieve exotic items for prospective buyers. He says this nonchalantly and continues his meal. You said you are looking for work, and seem to be a strong fellow, perhaps I might be able to find a place for you if this venture goes well.

"Surely, perhaps we can talk more of it in the coming days..."

Even as he responds to Jasper, Brin's statement trails off and his ears perk up as he overhears Dragolan's comment about wilderness exploration.

"Has anyone here actually ever been into the jungle? I wonder what it's like," he speculates, thinking of the untamed woodlands of his home.

Jasper smiles at Meraxes compliment. Likewise my friend, likewise. So Brin is looking for work in Sargava. What about the rest of you? He says looking around the table. Myself I have a business venture in Sargava that I am looking to close on.

"What sort of business is it, Jasper?"

Brin wonders if this man might be a candidate for offering him employment upon arrival in Sargava.

"And what of you? Brin, now was it? What brings you along on the Jenivere?"

Brin hesitates before replying, as though weighing his words very carefully. Finally, he answers, "Indeed, Brin is my name. I'm just a man in need of a fresh start. Originally, I'm from Darkmoon Vale, but some...things happened there, and I found that I needed to move on. I'm hoping to find some work in Sargava, once we arrive...maybe as a scout, or trapper."

Eager to divert the conversation away from his own past, Brin continues, "And what of yourself?"

Brin looks Jasper in the eye, and offers his hand for a firm clasp. "Brin Steffens."

Clad in the simple brown leathers of a woodsman, and carrying nothing of obvious value, there is likely little about Brin to catch the eye of one such as Jasper.

Petronicus Wintrish wrote:

But not all Chelaxians are devil-worshipers.

"Oh but of course. Just as not all snakes are poisonous. I merely meant I have never had the honor of meeting one who rejects devils. I fear my time in Magnimar rendered me jaded about the customs and styles of your people."

A blond-haired man sits nearby, eating and drinking quietly. Petry recognizes him as another person who boarded in Corentyn, but Brin has kept mostly to himself for the majority of the vessel thus far. Still, at this comment on Chelaxians, he breaks his silence.

"Sure, and not all wolves will bite your hand off if you reach out to pet him. But I bet if you lose one, you'll think twice before offering the other."

Never known to be overly gregarious on the journey thus far, it seems that the confrontation in the room has only made Brin more tense than usual.