Bal Main's page

Bal, unable to find his comrades in the courtyard or adjoining rooms, returns, but no longer sees Father Feres. Mulling over the good Fathers admonition to attempt to convert to the glory of Heironeous the defeated, defenseless foe, and his own hasty rejection of that wise counsel, Bal concludes that he has in some measure fallen short of Heironeous's standards and expectations. Shaken of faith, he decides that, counter to his usual approach to all things, retreat and contemplation of this matter is sorely needed.

Sadly, Father, the creature is either unrepentant or else uncomprehending of discourse and reason - it is only cowed by superior physical might. Left unguarded it would do whatever harm was within its power, then flee. The decision has already been made, but were it up to me, I would release it far from here, unarmed, and be done with it. Nonetheless I thank you for your wise and humane counsel. Did you wish to speak to Lady Vanderboren before you leave?
Bal lays down his workpiece and pulls the scorched leather apron that bears witness to his many recent near disasters and close calls over his head, before striding past Father Feres into the courtyard in search of the others.

Woot! that was quite some unscheduled maintenance. Guess everyone was downloading the playtest.

Oh for an encounter with Steely Dan!

Bal glances sharply up at the priest from his work - an expression of amusement chases his initial uncharacteristic skeptical reaction, however his tone is polite enough in reply:
Ah well met Father Feres. I am Bal - I apologize for confusing you with the caterer- you can see my hands are rather full here. As a mighty smiter of heathens yourself, perhaps you could help me with some sorely needed spiritual perspective? Based on your previous smiting experience, hypothetically speaking what would you do with a heathen captive who, after attempting to take your life and that of your friends, has been thoroughly beaten and is now at your complete mercy? The ball peen is hanging on that peg right there. indicates said hammer with a grimy index finger

Bal replies, not looking up from the latest unidentifiable glowing red metal object he is beating vigorously with a hammer clutched in a soot blackened fist:
Ah! You've come at just the right time - hand me that 4 pound ball peen hammer would you? And stand back - the last 4 of these have failed unexpectedly, and you don't need molten metal on your foot.
Looking up, briefly, to take in the newcomer, he continues brusquely:
Wait who are you? Hand me that hammer quick now! What do you want? The kitchens are that way if you are delivering food.
While talking, Bal gesticulates wildly with his left hand, which holds a pair of long handled tongs in which the work object is clamped, passing close enough to the visitor that he can feel the radiant heat emanating from the metal.

Hey hope everyone is well? Our boy is now a hungry healthy 5 week old. Actually got some sleep last night too, so Im fired up to continue :)

Bal looks up sharply at the interchange between Lavina and Elebrin, distracted from his latest project, two small misshapen interconnected metal rings that he is perpetually and unsuccessfully attempting separate. He glances from one to the other, as if seeing something puzzling in their interchange. Keeping his thoughts to himself, at the next lull in conversation, he interjects:
For my part, I am sure our recent efforts have not gone unnoticed beyond these walls, no matter how careful our cleanup has been. I for one would just as soon not be here when... well never mind. I am up for a voyage to somewhere, anywhere, far from here, if you can use another pair of hands.

Bal finds the prisoners alien behavior repellant and yet strangely compelling, and spends part of his days in mute but fascinated examination of the ugly creature. His disgust changes over time to a form of sympathy. Through trial and error following the creatures initial rejection of bread and water, he establishes that a diet of carp, fresh from the pond, and consumed raw, appeals most. Bal also tries to be present at any attempts by the party to communicate, despite his own incapacity with respect to languages.
He also spends a portion of his time in the smithy, turning out mishapen lumps of metal of unrecognizable function or appearance, that are flung with vigor into the discard corner as soon as cool enough to do so, only to be melted down and reworked later. He may begin to irritate others through his incessant fidgeting and random busy work, however the doors of the manor probably haven't opened and closed as smoothly and quietly in the past half century or more.

Bal deals with the post-action stress through a flurry of apparently aimless physical activity. He first enters the manor workshop and forge, lighting the forge fire for the first time in at least a year, possibly longer, judging by the thin layer of dust coating the tools. Emerging a day later, he then disappears into the basement and amidst much banging of mops, buckets, brushes and other assorted cleaning paraphenalia he returns the basement to some semblance of its original condition. The flowing stream provides a convenient water source, and flows red while he cleans. During this work, a hastily fashioned bright brass symbol of a half sun above a crudely chiselled phrase "Oritur Sol Semper" can be seen around his neck on a chain. Once the basement is returned to good order, a brief period of calm ensues before another bout of activity, this time focusing on the second floor window frame and broken glass window. After inadvertently breaking two replacement panes on his early attempts at repair, he finally succeeds in neatly making the window good. Any attempts to get him to stop, distract him with hot or cold beverages, or to encourage him to enlist a professional to do the work are firmly rebuffed, although a professional would certainly complete the repairs in a fraction of the time and with much less high volume questioning of the motives and intimate relationships of various inanimate tools and materials. At night, he practices his sword forms by candlelight, and is now always seen wearing at his side the simple but well balanced straight-bladed weapon he seized from the weapon rack during the assault. Bal is also curious about the recently defeated enemy, bringing the bullywug food and water, but does not attempt to converse directly with it.

This looks great- thank you for the advice! Bal being more of an enthusiast than a thinker, particularly at this stage in his career, I see him charging into the fray even when his help isnt really needed, so the +1 sword will make his day :) In a similar vein, for the final feat I will go with ye olde power attack - see how that works for him.

Sounds good mate thank you! Darcy is the answer.

Alright now its here. Stuck the extra +1 skill point into Perception - is that appropriate? How should that be accounted for (pretty sure I havent got it right yet...
4th Level Checklist
+1 Fort -> +6
+1 Will -> +2
+1 BAB ->+4
+9 HP
+1 Ability -> Wisdom = 18
+1 -> Concentration (3/+6), Heal (4/+10), Knowledge (Planes) (4/+6)
+2(-1) Skill -> Perception (5)
+1 Second Level Spell -> Hold person
+1 First Level Spell -> Command
Numen (2400 / 5400)

So this is what I have thus far - is it on the right track?
4th Level Checklist
+1 Fort -> +6
+1 Will -> +2
+1 BAB ->+4
+9 HP
+1 Ability -> Dexterity = 11
Concentration -> ?
+1 Second Level Spell -> Hold person
+1 First Level Spell -> Command

well would you look at that

baby needs new shoes...
HP: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Muddling through the level up now Kirth - thanks for the Hold person suggestion that certainly works. Ill check in with you on some more details as I get stuck :)

Elebrin I am more than happy for you to claim to those gauntlets.
Bal will take his place at the end of the queue, inwardly chastising himself for his lapse of concentration at the crux of the conflict and vowing to do better in future. Well done all!

Bal, finding his opportunity amidst Uros axe work, lunges forward simultaneously striking at the chieftain - the trained observer would discern both years of practice and a recent period of neglect in his adrenaline fuelled technique.
Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Beats chest and cues Johny Weissmuller yodel :)

As the crocodiles depart Bal completes his altogether slower second floor defenestration, tossing his shield out the window before lowering himself cautiously and with some effort down a rope.
This looked way more stylish when I played it through mentally - glad Uro is taking care of those giant reptiles. Probably should have ditched more gear before trying this. Iomedaes bearded uncle! this armor is heavy
Athletics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Once down successfully, Bal will attempt to gather his shield and flank the Chief.

Bal joins Uro shifting tables chairs and anything else to hand - judging by the dust exposed, these items may not have been moved in decades.
"Once we have this door barricaded, we could lower out of an upper window and flank the portico from either side - If Ixotl keeps distracting them that might be just enough to cover our approach"

More enthusiasm than skill it seems...

Bal bursts into the basement longsword in hand, and takes in the scene of carnage with grim approval. Processing Uros bloodstained axe and the corpse lying motionless beneath it in an instant, he moves to attack the surviving invader.
Initiative in case its needed: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Following his throw, Bal will charge downstairs in an attempt to meet the remaining swimmers as they emerge in the basement.

After a brief period of furious activity in the armory, Bal re-emerges, and, smiling at Lady V in passing, rushes towards the same window Uro clambered out of, inwardly impressed at Uros evident derring do. Leaning precariously out, Bal flings a javelin energetically at the remaining swimmer now approaching Uro, if nothing else to attempt to distract the attacker.
Javelin: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Sorry everyone for dropping out for so long - I am going to plead work demands(lame I know) plus the excitement and nerves of planning for a pending new addition to the family :) anyway Bal is back hope you are all enjoying the good days.

Yes indeed - Lead on!

Ha - arch support and a good stout toebox Bal grins at Jym briefly before returning to business. My old master at arms would tell us to expect the unexpected - a feint in the east and a surprise attack from the west. There seem to be more obvious weak points on this plan of the estate than we have bodies to defend them. Can we barricade some of these access points and funnel the enemy towards us? Pirates would probably use boats and water access if given the choice and if they felt that would be to their advantage... Elebrin, Jym, Uro - well met. I am going to arm and will meet you back here shortly to discuss further. I think the basement water access is a major defensive weakness we need to consider though. After his flurry of speech, Bal is as good as his word, abruptly leaving the room, and returning adorned in segmented armor, and bearing a sheathed straight sword and a serviceable well-used shield, shortly thereafter. [/B]

Shouting is audible from outside the hall where the group is gathered, and suddenly a door is flung open with a crash. A powerfully built, fairly short man with an unruly mop of brown hair and an open, cheerful but currently anxious countenance bursts in on the groups council of war.
Lavinia! Lavinia! Oh there you are My Lady!
Turning to the group with a brief smile -- Im sorry everyone I didnt mean to intrude! I am Bal - Bal Main, a house guest of the family.
Turning back to Lavinia, in a whisper that is clearly audible to the group (although not intentionally) --
Lavinia, what is this the major domo was telling me this morning before leaving in a hurry - are you in some kind of trouble? Even I can see that something is amiss here. After everything you have done for me these last weeks in my time of need, please, is ... is there any way at all I can begin to return the favor?

Thanks all! Kirth is patiently working with me on KF specifics- cleric is nearly there I think.

thank you! Still working on the details, but will be ready to run soon, and am looking forward to it.

Hello all. Kirth - an attribute roll is heading your way - this or the elite array for Bal...
Attribute Generation: 4d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 5, 3) = 124d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 5, 4) = 144d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 5, 4) = 124d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 3, 1) = 114d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 1, 2) = 84d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 4, 6) = 14
Right - Elite it is, if that works?