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Bran studies the offerings and rubs his chin. "I'll take a few pieces of the beef. Say, did you know the late professor Lorrimaor?" Bran inquires, half-interested, as he reaches for his coin pouch. To not seem too interested.
Bran waves as Narah gestures toward the tavern. Having his attention stolen away from the butcher by Narah's momentary appearance, Bran is apologetic as he reengages him. "Well met good sir, my name's Bran. How are you this fine evening? I'm looking for some quality cuts of jerky. What meats might you have available?"
-With the children-
-At the Outward Inn-
Bran scratches his reverse mohawked head, seems puzzled, then his eyes light up as he turns to Maia. "A-hah, yes I believe that would be a wiser plan. I will go with Narah to see what we can extract from Father Grimburrow. And, you're probably right.. I should have my own room as I will likely, yet unintentionally, encroach on your privacy. I'd prefer to stay at the house. I can sleep anywhere, I'm used to sleeping on the ground in the wilds of Varisia after all."
Bran lights up, a much needed break from his somber, quiet, trance he had been in since sprinkling the soil on the professor's casket, and looks to Kendra, "The way I met the professor was odd. I awoke one night, just as a horse chopper swung and all but scalped the middle of my head. I battled fiercely and fought off the three Goblins that had hoped to bring my demise. I was able to instead send them to their graves. The next morning, while I was packing up camp, I was startled by his [the professor's] voice. My defenses were heightened and I would have attacked him if it were not for what he told me. He had been watching me, studying me. I knew that if the professor wanted to harm me, it would have surely happened long before this encounter. He instructed and instilled in me that, to make it in this world, I had to be more aware of my surroundings and strike first." Bran smiles widely. "Seeing that he was strong in mind, but not so strong in body, I decided to be his guide and body guard throughout Varisia for several months as he traveled and soaked in as much knowledge as he could. One day they came across a couple of Stone Giants that were not looking to talk. I had an extremely hard fought battle with one, finally removing it's head. The other had pummeled the professor to unconsciousness and grabbed him, running for the Stony Mountains. I was able to catch up to him and, after an exhausting battle, I was able to best the second Stone Giant. If it hadn't been for the professor's guidance, we both may have perished that day."
Bran looks on as the casket is lowered into the ground. After Kendra puts forth the first shovel-full of soil, Bran picks up a large handful of soil and slowly lets it flow onto the casket, squeezing so that the particles take a moderate amount of time to empty from his hand as an hour glass. Bran watches the last bit of dirt fall from his fist, takes a deep breath, and steps aside so others may pay any final respects.
Bran hesitates, watching to see if anyone else makes a move to speak. Seeing that he is free to do so, Bran walks slowly to the casket's side, gently placing one hand on top. He looks down for a moment. Then, as though trying to look into each soul of each person present, he speaks. "Petros Lorrimor..." Bran looks as though he may break and release tears just as many at the funeral have done already, but just as the emotion wells up, teeming and ready to flow out of his body, he sets his jaw resolutely and continues speaking, extinguishing the sorrow and turning to anger. "..was a man of integrity. What he lacked in stature and build, he made up for in character. He was a Giant among Halflings, if you will. I do not believe that it was without help that he passed. I saved his life once, but he saves my life day in and day out with the knowledge he imparted to me in our journey throughout the wilds of Varisia." Bran pats the casket lightly, looks up, and utters a silent prayer to Cayden Cailean, and returns to his seat.
Bran, seeing the familiar faces of Narah, Morthos, Maia, and Daniel, quickens his pace as he realizes he may get to the ceremony late. Upon arriving he exchanges quiet hellos, then addresses Kendra. "You must be the lovely Kendra. Your father spoke highly of you. He was a great man; knowledgeable, quick witted, and kind. He will be missed by many. My condolences and strength to you and your family in this time."
Bran pauses in place as he sees the gathering in the distance, a small, somber looking crowd gathered around a simple coffin at the corner of the cemetery. "Gotta be on my best behavior..", he says as though talking to someone, "..gotta be strong for Kendra." After the brief self-motivator he wrings his hands in anxiety, pulls out a small flask of Pharasman brew, and takes a gulp. Bran swallows, looks resolutely in the direction of the crowd, puts the flask away, and continues walking toward the gathering.
Will we be on the Slow, Medium, or Fast progression? Also, will we have opportunities to make purchases throughout the adventure path?
Daniel, how are you starting with 195 gold? This says a fighter's average starting gold is 175? Am I looking at the wrong table?
Being a Barbarian, there really is no other choice but to be a front line offensive character. Anyone not happy with Bran the barbarian?
Bran catches the waterskin, smiles and nods to the red-scaled Kobold at the bar and promptly walks outside to clean up. He makes use of the new bar of soap he bought the day before. Making sure the waterskin isn't dirty or bloodied, Bran appears once again through the tavern doorway and sits next to the generous creature. "Thanks for the water. The butcher I supply to next door has the unfortunate problem that his well has run dry. I was not able to wash up there." Bran retrieves his tankard from his backpack and motions to the barkeep. "Give me your strongest! After the hunt today, I need to unwind. Nearly got ourselves killed out there today. That apprentice attracted a pack of dire wolves with all that carrying on. If it hadn't been for my axe, Westcrown would have been burying the both of us." He then turns to the crimson Kobold, tossing the now empty waterskin onto the bar next to him. "I'm Bran Grindle. What's your name, friend?"
Bran walks into the bar, bloodstains on his hands and dirt on his brow. "Barkeep, where might I find a wash basin? I just came from a hunt and I'm in need of strong drink and a good meal." He takes a seat at the bar. Info on Bran Grindle:
Bran Grindle Human (Varisian) Barbarian (Drunken Brute) 1 CG Medium humanoid (human) Init +2; Senses Perception +5 -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 14, touch 11, flat-footed 13 (+2 armor, +1 shield, +1 Dex) hp 15 (1d12+3) Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +1; +2 circumstance bonus vs. effects that require hearing, +2 Trait bonus vs. mind-affecting effects for 1 hour after drinking alcohol Resist fortified drinker -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed 30 ft. Melee greataxe +4 (1d12+7/×3) Special Attacks rage (18 rounds/day) -------------------- Statistics -------------------- Str 18, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 8, Wis 12, Cha 8 Base Atk +1; CMB +5; CMD 16 Feats Extra Rage, Extra Rage Traits fortified drinker, westcrown firebrand Skills Climb +7, Intimidate +3, Perception +5 (+0 to hearing checks), Survival +5 (+7 to avoid becoming lost when using Compass) Languages Common, Varisian SQ raging drunk, tireless rage Combat Gear potion of enlarge person, meditation tea; Other Gear leather armor, buckler, greataxe, applejack (per gallon), backpack, belt pouch, blanket, winter, compass, crowbar, earplugs, flask, flint and steel, flotation device, marbles, marbles, marbles, marbles, mug/tankard, pot, rope, sack, silver key, soap, torch (10), trail rations (5), waterskin, whetstone, 51 gp -------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- Compass +2 circumstance for Survival or Knowledge (Dungeoneering) to avoid becoming lost. Earplugs +2 save vs. hearing effects, -5 hearing-based Perception. Fortified Drinker +2 save vs. mind-affecting for 1 hr after drinking alchohol. Rage (18 rounds/day) (Ex) +4 Str, +4 Con, +2 to Will saves, -2 to AC when enraged. Raging Drunk (Ex) Move action: consume alchohol - this round does not count against rounds of rage/day. Westcrown Firebrand +1 Initiative, +1 attack rolls during a surprise round. Answers to the 3 Questions: Bran Grindle is the son of a wealthy Chelaxian couple. His parents were slain by a two-bit thief in the middle of the night when he was a young child. Bran awoke to hear a scuffle in the kitchen. As he peered around the edge of the doorway, he witnessed the gruesome murder of his mother and father. This altered Bran's thinking as he became a little crazy. He was taken in by another wealthy couple that were friends of his parents, but after a couple of years gone by and the killer not being caught, he fled to the wilds of Varisia in his rage. (Question 3) He blamed the government of Westcrown for not apprehending the killer.
In his madness, he had a transformation of sorts. He became barbaric and unrefined, losing much of his upbringing. It was in the wilds of Varisia that he also learned of his Giant-blooded lineage. As he matured, the Giant featured manifested and became obvious. Bran does not know what type of Giant blood is running through his veins, but he has embraced it nonetheless. Bran returned to Westcrown by happenstance. He was attacked one day while sleeping, by a thief trying to steal what little he had. He followed the thief, but lost him once he reached Westcrown. It was then that his past came rushing to the forefront of his mind. He decided to find work there and try to find someone, anyone he may know from so many years ago. (Question 1) Bran has lived in Westcrown for 3 years now. After reuniting with some of his family, although awkward at first due to his new look and barbarian lifestyle, he got a job working under the tutelage of a local huntsman. (Question 2) He is now a hunter and supplier for a local butcher in Westcrown, although the memory of the slaughter of his parents still haunts him. He can see the face of the thief as clear as the day he watched him kill his parents. If he would happen to see him again, woe to anyone that would get in the way of his revenge.
Bran was going to convince, whether by intimidation or diplomacy, that he should call it a night, but there would not have been any fighting on his part. I don't think things were out of hand, but it seemed as though we were running out of ideas to keep busy while waiting for the selection by the GM. I'm not throwing any sort of blame, and I don't mean that comment with any malice, just I think we were all getting restless wanting to know if we were going to be picked. I really enjoyed most of it. I enjoyed everyone's involvement, all of whom Bran interacted with in good character I believe. The entire group would be an amazing adventuring party; sad that only 6 will be chosen. I think Borden played his character out well, given the circumstances without any actual direction, just a tavern by the road and what might happen therein. I hope the "brawl" as it was coined doesn't count against his eligibility in the AP. Also, it seems that I'm a Borden lawyer, but I am not Borden. I just sort of felt like he was looked down on for the scuffle that had arisen.
Bran hoped his actions weren't perceived as malicious, as he too only wanted to get Borden to a room to sleep off the intoxication so he would be presentable at the funeral on the morrow. Looks like Borden was still "thirsty". Bran notices the lights dimming as the table and chairs appear in the center of the room. He looks on, puzzled, but intrigued nonetheless.
Bran gives a hearty laugh and steps in front of Borden. Come now friend, I believe you may have reached capacity on the good stuff this evening. Bran tries to convince Borden to keep it civil.
Bran sees the intrigued look on Narah's face. I've not played in a long time. Haven't stayed in civilization too long these past...15+ years. Bran is not bluffing.
I am not angry at all, nor have I been subject to any magical influence that I am aware of. I do get a rush when I'm in a physical competition. Bran relaxes from his position to arm wrestle as he hears there is a Chess game forming. Did I hear Chess? I remember that game! My father taught me to play when I was very young. Bran looks back at Sush. Forget the arm wrestling, too slow little buddy. Time to engage my mind! Back at the crowd talking about playing Chess.. Could I play?
Bran having the upper hand, he decides to toy with Borden. He give several short, but powerful bursts, pumping Borden's arm back and forth.
Is that all you got? Bran laughs in a hearty, friendly manner.
Bran looks up from his arm wrestling match as the Orc speaks again. That's the story I got from that group of barbarians I met on the way here, murder. If the rumors are true, you have my axe in the fight! Bran focuses back to the match at hand.
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