Bann Drarks's page

Ryhor ended in Almas after looking for his Halfling friend Rukes Sowhaes a priest of Chaldira. Rukes and Ryhor had met about 3 years ago along the coastline, Ryhor himself came from a small fishing village a day’s travel from Riddleport. The village was of old blood that prided itself on self-sufficiency. They had a working relationship with the local Undine population off the coast which was part of the village’s success. The community never fished near their waters and provided goods from the land in exchange for knowledge of the best places to fish. Ryhor’s job had been sailing and navigation of the boats and left the fishing itself to others. That was how his village survived, relying on each other’s skills and talents. While living in this village, Ryhor learned of the order of the Eel, a group of dedicated individuals dedicated to openness to strangers and working collaboratively. To Ryhor, their villages collaboration with the Undine were the very reason for their success.
Had life gone as planned, Ryhor would have fully committed to becoming full-fledged Cavalier or stayed his life as a simple sailor. He was in the process of training up as a cavalier, working with some of the aquatic races. But life is funny like that, and fate had other plans for him. Ryhor had been hired by a priest of Chaldira, Rukes, who needed safe passage to a nearby island. Never one to turn another down, Ryhor agreed to the requested price without any argument. The boat trip itself went smoothly, and while on the island Ryhor got to see an ancient worship site of Chaldira.
What really caught Ryhor’s interest though were the tales of fate and fortune the halfling spun during their trip to the island and while on it. Ryhor had never been one for the gods previously, seeing them as facts of life but not particularly interesting. If here to worship any good it would have been Desna, for he desired to see the world and travel, much like many young folks do.
Rukes sensed the interest and requested that Ryhor travel with him for a while, see some of the world. Ryhor after some deliberation decided to and off, they went. The next few years of travel were interesting to Rukes, and constantly listening to Rukes excitement and enthusiasm for Chaldira brought a new sense of interest into the goddess of luck. He liked the idea of controlling his own fate and growing in a way beyond what life might have otherwise brought to him. They eventually went to the halfling community that Rukes was from, Southwest of Absalom where Ryhor received additional focused training. Ryhor wasn’t as interested in serving as a full priest as Rukes but soon found a suitable lifestyle serving as an Inquisitor.
Ryhor specialized in monster summoning as this lied with core beliefs he carried about teamwork and collaboration being the building blocks for all things great. He himself had never been exceptional at anything, but with the favor of fate and good allies, it didn’t matter, he could accomplish anything. Additionally, Ryhor never let go of the lessons he learned and maintains the edicts of the Order of the Eel to this day, exemplifying them both in words, deeds, and in combat.

As Ryhor stood in the Bountiful Venture Company's halls, he mused to himself, wondering if this wasn't one of Rukes jokes taken to extreme lengths. Having completed his training as a servant of Chaldira, and successfully stolen Rukes favorite pantaloons finally, they had been tasked together, and had run a few small missions for the church. They had originally been to head to Absalom, but Ruke had heard a rumor about some fanciful adventure that had to do with the ancient area of Azlant. This had struck Ruke’s interest as he believed that a previous member of his family may have come from there, and he saw it as an opportunity to help with some community building. Thus, Rukes went on ahead, while Ryhor agreed to help navigate a small family from one settlement to another, to better fortunes. Having concluded this, Ruke had told him to head towards Almas and meet up there in a small tavern that Rukes had spoken of meeting in.
When Ryhor finally arrived, he was unable to locate Ruke. After a few days of asking around he understood that a wave of settlers had already made way to establish what was to be called "Talmandor's Bounty". "No way, he wouldn't just go off and do something like that." Ryhor's dismay turned to laughter, causing a few to look at him funny. As he thought about it, it was certainly possible that his friend had arrived and done his best to join the trip. But it was impossible to know. Ryhor spent another couple of days asking around, confirming that there was at least one or more individuals who had set on the previous expedition who might have been Ruke.
Praying to Chaldira for guidance did not bring any direct answers, though he hadn't expected Chaldira to give up information so easily. He knew what he needed to do. A flip of the coin later and there he was applying and soon doing his best in his interview to convince them of all the merits for why he should join the crew. The interviewers were impressed by his overall health and positive disposition, years on a boat prior had kept him in good shape and hired him onto the crew.
As he walked onto this ship to take him to new lands. "This is certainly going to be interesting, if nothing else, he mused. If it's not Ruke's joke, then it will be mine." Truth was, as he had told those interviewing him, a thirst for adventure was never far from his heart, and the prospect of seeing these new lands, and discovering old secrets drew him rapidly in as soon as he realized the reality of it all. Hopefully Ruke would be waiting for him, but if not, he knew Ruke would understand, he had followed where fate had taken him, and let Fate decide. Chaldira would watch over them both, Ryhor new this in his heart, and thus let fear wash off him and excitement take hold. It was a perfect opportunity to help a new settlement and to offer his aid, and to learn and grow himself.
During the time on the Peregrine, Ryhor spent days conversing with the boats Navigator, Tyra Swain. He was curious about the mysterious skills they had navigating the ship and spent many afternoons trying to understand how she did what she did with the boat. It was certainly marvelous. Naturally, he took a great deal of interest and spent time conversing with the rest of the crew as well, swapping his small tales with their greater experience. Additionally, he spent a good deal of time trying to get to know as many amongst the ship as he could, and at least make basic acquaintances with what would become a new family of sorts, one born of many different peoples and histories. Truly extraordinary.

No experience in leading any formal expeditions, but I have been at the head of many hunts, some lasting up to a week when times were rough."

1.What kind of experience do you have studying objects and structures recovered by excavation to identify, date, and authenticate them and to interpret their significance?

"Less than many I would presume. I served on a ship prior to joining the Pathfinder Society, we liked to 'acquire' artifacts in order to sell them from many different sorts of locale'. Finding the significance was, at the time, of vital importance to unloading them from our hands. Of course, it's been a while since then. I've assisted Venture-Captain Petulengro at Woodsedge Lodge with some basic collection and identification of artifacts. Though admittedly it seemed like we spent as much time working to repair the lodge. Anyways..."

2.What skills do you possess that would be an asset to a colony with no readily available resources?

"Many. I have decent combat skills, there are few who likely know the sorts of skills and abilities I learned while spending a stint in Tian Xia. Of note, I have a basic understanding of using Spatial and Temporal magic to augment my abilities in a fight.

But, beyond that, I am fairly skilled in a wide variety of situations. I can pick a lock, or disarm a trap as needed. My athletic prowess is fair for someone of my experience, I am particularly good at feats of finesse. I am also an exceptional swimmer and good about moving and not being seen as needed. Beyond this, I am skilled in a wide variety of activities, foraging for food, tracking, and so forth.

Oh, and I can see in the dark. That's all that comes to mind for the moment."

3.Provide an example of a time when you successfully organized a diverse group of people to accomplish a task.

Bann looks inward for a moment, a look of pain flashing across his face as old memories surface briefly, then he leans upon his teachings, focuses and digs deeper. "Well, I suppose the best fit was once when we were raiding an undersea vessel. The ship was old and had been sunk for many years, and there were several crews trying to gain access to the body to 'recover' the material in the ship. For archeological purposes of course." Bann looks up, raising his brow to let it be known the obvious white lie there before continuing.

So, I guess you could say that I helped calmer minds prevail. We all agreed, the other ship's diver's and I split it up ourselves before we came back. Of course many weren't actually happy with the results, but so many people had gained access to the information there really didn't seem like there would be any other way to get out of the situation without lots of death and possible damage to our vessels. I helped convince our captain of this matter, or I should say conveyed my thoughts and why we had done what we were done. And he saw it my way."

4.What experiences have you had surviving in tropical climates?

Slight sarcasm drips in Bann's voice before it quickly dissipates."Some, a fair bit really. Warmer weather makes for more pleasant sailing, we'd stay to the South, along with the Sargava and Mwangi coasts as we could, along with the shipping lanes and to the South of Tian Xia when we were there. I, personally, spent a lot of time underwater and on the beaches of these places and islands searching for lost 'artifacts'."

5.Share an experience you had in dealing with a difficult person and how you handled the situation.

Again, Bann's face draws out for a moment, this time darkness christening his face rather than pain.

That being said, there was a crew member that felt my 'heritage' put me at risk to the crew. He wasn't the sort to be convinced otherwise. I had been with the crew for some time at this point, and had previous altercations in the past, though the Captain had always stood by my side on such matters. So, yeah, what was I saying? Oh, so this fella was a fellow diver and I did my best to point out that if anything my blood was a boon to our many jobs. But needless to say, they didn't see it that way. Unfortunately, he took it upon himself to attempt to stab me while we were both exploring the remains of a marooned ship. Only one of us came back." Bann is, of course, a Half-Elf, but he is a Half-Elf with Drow blood and it definitely shows. Just to reiterate that point.

6.

Tell us how you organize, plan, and prioritize your work.

"I think it's best to be prepared when possible. I usually work with myself though I will work with others when it's necessary.

As for prioritizing, I focus on solving what's most likely to kill or permanently harm me first. Then I focus on what can be easily and quickly done, then I move on to the complex issues.

Though sometimes though you just have to jump into the fray and hope for the best. It's important to realize when these opportunities arise I think."

7.Name a time when you identified strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions to problems. What was the impact that your insights had?

"Ummm. Well. Okay...So I guess what might be relevant is there was a time when our ship was temporarily marooned on an island off the Mwangi Expanse, myself and a few others went out to see what we could forage. During our foraging, a crewmate of mind was injured from a fall. We took to camp and during the evening we were set upon by several wolves of some sort, one of our members nearly died but we managed to fend the pack off.

We debated fighting the wolves, sneaking, baiting them, or just waiting them out. I pointed out that the wolves were small and they had seemed interested in going after the injured member of our party. Anyways, we ended up covering everyone in blood to try and disorient the wolves. We marched as a group, with Rowan kept towards the center.

The impacts of my insight were simply that we were able to better cover the injured member of our party by disorientating the wolves. Many of us were injured as we fled, but no one died."

8.In your experience, what is the key to developing a good team?

"Varied skills are important. I think the biggest and hardest issue is trust. It's great to have when you can afford it but in my experience one of the most difficult things to maintain. People can be so unreliable in this life. I think it's important that a group know each other, live together and form bonds to be most effective."

9.How are you affiliated with the Pathfinder Society?

"As I mentioned, I ended up joining with the Woodsedge Lodge in Galt. I originally learned of it through the journal of a man named Escobar Vellien. I've worked with Venture-Captain Petulengro for the past two years or so, I helped where I could with her plans in restoring the lodge and retrieving artifacts as requested by her. "

10.As you will NOT be able to answer the previous question truthfully in the interview at Almas, explain how and why you are qualified to be accepted on this Expedition for reasons that have nothing to do with your Society Affiliation.

"I have had extensive experience serving on a sailing vessel that has traversed many places. I've been around the Inner Sea, here, near the Mwangi Expanse, and even to Tian Xia. I have experience in with tropical archipelago's and freezing climates, though mostly the tropics. While serving on the 'merchant' vessel I gained experienced and a highly diverse skill set. I can serve as scout and warrior or a group.

Something along those lines and the answers I have previously supplied you."

11.Provide a time when you were able to identify a complex problem, evaluate the options, and implement a solution.

"Wow, you don't let up do you? Give me a second to think."

So, obviously we did survive, and we did not do so by eating one another. Though a few of the more sickly crew members did perish, as did our cargo. Admittedly, it was partly due to luck. We man to run into a large flock of seabirds two weeks in which helped with the ideas. So rainwater was one source of the solution and we also recycled fluid. But I suggested that we use the water from the fish and from our cargo. This proved to be an adequate solution, there was a decent amount of sea life available and with the seabirds that we caught helped as well. We use the salt from the water to help preserve meat to keep it longer, We made it land, the only downside was that we lost several crew members and most of our living cargo.

12.Finally, why do YOU want to be a part of this Expedition?

"A few different reasons. I've always had and to an extent, crave an exciting life. Investigating the ruins of Azlant, wow, who knows what we will find? It's really fascinating, my time with the Society has certainly peaked my curiosity at such things.

But there are other reasons. I joined the Pathfinder Society as a means of survival and to move on from my old life. The chances provided here are no different, a chance to escape the burdens of society, a chance to join a group who will depend on you for what you bring to the table and not for what's on the outside."

"Just let me know if you decide you want my armor size." Bann dryly adds as walks out. He lets go of his focus and immediately his legs start to sag a little, the stress of the interview hitting him full force. Well that could have gone better. Best not to fret it though, the future will reveal itself to me and I will travel whatever path I am given.

This was all quite a lot to take in. He had seen many places while sailing under that bastard, Godrite, but Absalom seemed to stand in a league of its own. Not to mention the task at hand.

Rght, first thing is first. I need to make contact with Master Shaine.

Looking about for a few moments to better take in his surroundings, his eyes finally settle on the Scrollmaster and there they remain intently, as Bann then approaches the Scrollmaster with presented confidence. He stands as close as he might, as not to be rude, and patiently awaits. Seeking either to hear information or the attention of Kreighton Shaine himself.

Let's say the betrayal and escape from the Chelaxian slavers caused the seal to fade and allowed Bann full access to the diary.

At this point, the diary would have become readable and Bann would have learned that he was descendent of Escobar (not a strict Bastard after all!). The diary would have further detail Escobar's involvement in the Pathfinder Society along with details concerning the location of his Wayfinder.

Bann having nothing left at this point, would follow in his ancestor's footsteps, collecting the Wayfinder (presumably from some sort of Tomb) and then becoming a Pathfinder Society recruit.

How does something like this sound, Savvy?