Hey, all, sorry I've been away. Real life has been hectic, but I will be back to posting in a day or two. Please NPC me until then, if necessary.
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Blaze remains silent through the altercation between Aerya and Silian, trying to determine if his confusion about what is going on is due to his general lack of understanding of social interactions or if this is an elven culture-specific instance. When the paper comes out, it gives him something much easier to grasp. "You may tell your mistress that the warforged known as Blaze will be happy to provide assistance."
Blaze steps into the conversation. "I don't know whether I would call myself an employee of the Lady here," he nods to Aerya, "but if your mistress is in need, perhaps I can be of assistance." He jangles his nearly empty purse. "A few coins would also not be amiss."
After the card games and conversation die down, Blaze moves to a chair near the fire (he has learned that the born races find it unnerving when he stands for hours on end). He doesn't need the warmth, but finds the glow soothing. He watches the dancing of the flame and strains his ears for that half-heard voice from the forge. No voice comes, but he is content. Soon comes that time on the border between late and early, when it seems as if Blaze is the only being left in the world. He spends that lonely hour of the night reflecting on the experiences of the previous day - sights seen, new faces, friendly conversations. And, indeed, he is not truly lonely. He can almost feel the pulse of city's life around him and notes a stirring sense of excitement in himself as that pulse begins to pick back up to the steady rhythm of the day. Blaze is stirred from his reverie by the commotion of the hooded woman's arrival. He notes her agitation and readies himself to intervene should things get too heated. When Aerya enters he greets her with a nod and continues to keep a watchful eye on the bar.
Blaze finds contentment for the moment in the simple task of choosing and playing cards, chatting with Silian. From time to time he glances at Vannevar and wonders about the strangely quiet elf. "I am quite young by the standards of the born races - just an infant by yours. I stepped out of the forge and into consciousness seven years ago. What is your age? " ***** "I was created a soldier, but spent more time working in the armory. Since the war, I've worked in a smithy in Highhold. I suppose you could say that I was always a servant of Onatar - I just didn't know it yet. And that even now I still remain a craftsman. You said that you lead a life of idle wealth, but I note by your attire that you appear to be well prepared for...difficult situations. Do you have any avocation you follow?" ***** "Perhaps the best answer to your question would be to ask how you feel about other elves. There is no one answer - as with all others I judge each of my brethren on the merits of his character. I've known good ones and bad ones. I've heard rumors of a leader for our people in the Mournland. Calls himself the Lord of Blades. I cannot say that I approve of his aims and methods, if what I have heard is true." ***** "Your friend has been very quiet." He looks over at Vannevar. "What is your story, if I may be so bold as to ask?" Blaze lays down a winning hand. "Ah! It would appear that either my 'beginner's luck' has returned or I have finally begun to grasp the essentials of this game. Thank you for your patient instruction and the diversion."
Gambit 1 (using INT)
Gambit 2
Gambit 3
Gambit 4
Gambit 5
Blaze listens intently to Silian's instructions. As the cards are dealt, he comments "The soldiers - the born ones, that is - in my unit often played this game. I recall one game that got so out of hand all but one of the players were relegated to latrine duty for an entire week."
"I'm not familiar with the game, but am willing to learn. You'll forgive me if I decline to wager money on it, though."
As long as he's going for hopeless causes, maybe he should try his charms on the warforged...
Blaze offers his hand to Silian in return. "And I am Blaze. I am pleased to make your acquaintance."
Blaze realizes his hand is on his forehead and puts it down. "Yes, some have speculated that there is a connection between the ghulra and dragonmarks, or so I have heard. I prefer to think that they are a reflection of our true selves - our souls, if you will." He pauses to gather his thoughts. "Mine did not always look like this. Just two days ago, it spontaneously reshaped itself into the hammer and tongs you see now - Onatar's symbol. I cannot help but believe that this is a clear message, that Onatar has chosen me for some purpose." Blaze looks quizzically at Lianna. "I am sorry to disappoint you. I shall endeavor to be a better debater in the future." He glances at Silian and holds his first finger and thumb over and under his right eye, bringing them together briefly in imitation of the wink he has seen others use to convey a jocular tone.
Blaze considers Silian's words. "It is true that the world is full of suffering, but it strikes me that this is a challenge to each of us to lessen it in whatever small way we can. Although I was created as an engine of destruction, I have found much more satisfaction in the act of creation. Many sentients are cruel to one another, but I, for one, do not wish to forsake the company of others. It may be that the purpose of our existence is unknowable, but perhaps the fact that we can frame questions and search for answers is enough." Hardly aware of his action, his hand goes up to brush the ghulra on his forehead. "But I don't think we are alone on this quest. The Sovereigns speak to us and offer us guidance, if only we take the time to listen"
DM Twlight: What's the job(s)? Silian: Much better now that I'm no longer snow bound in west central Illinois.
Blaze gazes at Silian for half a minute before responding. "This is really what you think? The purpose of our lives? How did you decide this?"
"I do find our conversation mildly diverting, but that is not what I meant." He considers Silian's next statement. "I suspect that many would not share your sense of...oh, I see. Very droll." He studies the elf a moment longer. "Another way of assessing your situation is by the opportunities it affords. You could do much to alleviate the suffering of others."
Blaze feels his jaw briefly before replying. "No, indeed, I would not be well suited to such a profession. So, you are an entertainer?"
Blaze opens his mouth to reply to Silian, but shuts it when he realizes the elf has moved on. As Aeyra and Silian joke about beards, Blaze glances over with slight trepidation at the bartender. He knows from experience how little sense of humor dwarves tend to have about such things. He turns once again to Lianna, but keeps to himself when he sees that she is engaged in conversation with the bookie. He observes them with interest, but is soon confused by the tone of their conversation. It would appear that I don't understand the mating habits of the other races as well as I thought...
Blaze pays the barkeep for the privilege of spending the night in the common room and continues to sit next to the two elves. As more and more people come into the Cracked Mirror, his attention shifts from conversation to conversation, trying to follow the nuances and interpersonal relationships. He is somewhat relieved to have something to focus on when Silian addresses him. "That is a question with several answers. In the short term, I have decided to place a wager on the race and this seemed to be a locus of such activity. As I was curious to know more about the associated customs, I came inside to talk to others who are similarly engaged. More broadly speaking, I suppose you could say I am on a pilgrimage to find my optimum place in the world." Blaze pauses, remembering the blank looks such wordy answers often elicited from his taciturn dwarven co-workers back at the smithy. Further, he recalls the rules of polite conversation that he has observed. "How about yourself? Would it be rude to inquire about your purpose here?"
Blaze asks the bartender "Is there a fee to remain here in the common room? Although I do not require sleep, I would like to remain in close proximity to my new friend and gambling partner so that we might observe the races together." He turns to Lianna. "That is, if you have no objection." When the second elf arrives, he watches their banter with interest. He is aware of the humanoid obsession with personal appearance, even if he doesn't fully understand it. "I do moderately well - thank you for asking." he replies to Aeyra and stands to bow slightly. "Although I believe your tone was jovial, I should warn you that some of my brethren would find the appellation 'Mr. Tincan' to be offensive. I will save you further embarrassment by sharing my name - Blaze - with you. I invite you to use it freely. Are you also here for the Race?"
Blaze looks back at Lianna in surprise. "Our meeting is indeed serendipitous, then. I, too, have recently decided to...reorder my life and priorities." He wonders privately if the moment would be enhanced if he had a drink to take a long, thoughtful pull from.
Blaze steps up to the bar and catches the bartender's eye. He sits next to Lianna. "I followed a similar strategy and reasoning. By the way, my statement concerning our being in opposition was meant to be an 'ice-breaker' joke." A noise that may or may not be a chuckle rumbles out of him. "It was, perhaps, not a very good one." He fishes for a coin to pay for the drink. "You said that you were lost. What are you looking for? I have lived in this city for quite some time. Perhaps I can help?"
Even division as loot is discovered sounds easiest to me. Division of magic items should probably be discussed more in depth as found. As a side note, my posting is going to continue to be erratic for the next 2-3 days. due to a death in the family.
Thanks! I'm looking forward to interacting with all the other PCs.
Blaze considers for a moment more. Recalling the children he witnessed earlier, he pulls out some coins and hands them to the Khoravar. "I believe I will take 5 each on the Pegasus and the Griffon." He accepts his receipt and says gravely "I will not lose this." With nothiing better to do he follows the elf into The Cracked Mirror. He taps her on the shoulder. "Excuse me. I believe we are now in opposition - I chose the Pegasus and Griffon. What was your basis for choosing? And what prompted you to bet in the first place? Forgive my questions - I've never observed or participated in wagering before." He pauses uncertainly. "I believe the custom in these cases is for me to offer to buy you a friendly drink."
Blaze peruses the odds sheet for a while. He realizes he doesn't really have any basis for preferring one over the other. Initially drawn to the bigger payoff, he reflects that this must be due to a lower probability of winning. Blaze finally notices that the elf is waiting for him. "Sorry - I did not mean to make you wait. Here you go." He hands her the sheet. "Have you done this before? This is my first wager and I would appreciate any advice you might have."
Blaze observes the transactions with the half elf for a few moments before approaching her. He waits respectfully until he has her attention. "Are you taking wagers for the Race?" he rumbles.
The first few hours of Blaze's new life pass quietly. Following nothing more than whim, he traces a zigzagging path from Highhold, moving ever downwards. He can't help but note how, with each level he descends, the squalor of the streets and the haggardness of the citizens increases. Somewhere near ground level, he stands for nearly a minute looking up at the tower reaching towards the clouds above him and muses that it is a rather obvious metaphor for how the born races order their economic affairs. He is jostled from his reverie by two children, laughing as they pass. After checking to make certain all his possessions are still in place (he's lived in Sharn too long not to know that little trick), he watches the kites they drag behind them, one in the crude shape of a pegasus, the other a barely recognizable griffin. A thought occurs to him. I think I would like to place a wager on the race. He nods to himself, satisfied. Blaze resumes his meandering journey, scanning the signs and faces about him for a place or person who can help him complete this course of action.
Just noticed the game had started - very excited to be aboard. I'll be posting momentarily and will make that change to my sheet.
OK, I think that's workable with my conception of Blaze. I'll keep that as my submission. Could lead to some fun RP opportunities!
So, how evil are we talking here? Self-centered jerk is one thing, actively torturing the innocent is quite another.
Oh, I didn't realize this was an Evil campaign. This requires changing my thinking quite a bit. I withdraw Blaze and will start brainstorming something entirely different.
Blaze, Warforged Cleric of Onatar I went ahead and used standard Eberron racial stats - I can change if you wish. Main thing is I might have gypped myself out of a couple ability score points (by Pathfinder standards), but given my great rolls I'm quite content with him as is.
How are hit points handled? Max at level 1?
The one thing I don't like about that conversion is their change to how the composite plating works - I prefer the original way that disallows wearing armor. My request is we keep that particular racial trait the same.
Would love to join an Eberron game! Here are my basic stat rolls:
So that gives me 12, 13, 10, 18, 9, 14, and 18 to choose from. Guess I'll go with 18, 18, 14, 13, 12, 10 (not necessarily in that order). Do you have have any special rules for converting Warforged into Pathfinder? If not, this one seems pretty good (actually, the whole site looks like a good resource or at least inspiration for conversions). I'm thinking a Warforged cleric of Onatar. |