Pretty well, all things considered! I'm heading off to a mountain cabin over Memorial Day weekend for a writer's retreat - gotta admit I'm pretty excited about it. =)
I can relate to your old board habits though. It took a little bit of time before I wasn't compulsively perusing the recruitment threads =). If you've still got an itch to play in a game or two, we might be looking for a replacement soon in one of the games I'm in. I don't know if the GM has someone in particular in mind at this point or not, but I'd be happy to give you a plug if you'd like.
Chiefest of Peekers at Whose Feet I Strive to Learn, this is what it says in your profile: "Touch of Good (6/day) (Sp) Grant +1 to skill checks, ability checks and saving throws for 1r." =P
Caladius draws a singular arrow to test the effectiveness of his magics. After focusing intently for a moment and receiving Enko's blessing, he looses the shaft and the bow thunders as the arrow leaps free and lances toward the elemental.
Caladius begins to draw an arrow back but thinks better of it as he considers how much of his previous arrow's effectiveness had been lost. Instead, he intones a rudimentary spell and a purple glow flashes in his eyes before snaking around and then suffusing his bow.
Caladius drily opines, "Well, whatever the fire monster is better make it's entrance soon. My arm's getting tired." He keeps his bow drawn, but his gaze bounces from the mouth of the stares to the door beside Ava.
Caladius can glower for weeks on end without stopping for rest or meals, so don't feel any pressure from me either to potentially overextend yourself, Mug. =P
I've no doubt you're super busy, Mug, but just wanted to express my hopes that your wife had an uncomplicated delivery and that you and your growing family are all doing well! =)
As Ava slips off to investigate the sounds in the crematorium, Caladius does as she suggests and watches the stairs, bow drawn and ready for the first foe to reveal itself.
"Sadistic hormonal lady versions of Enko? You guys bring me to the nicest places," Caladius deadpans as he moves over to the stairs, looking to shoot any sisters who might be trying to rush up as reinforcements.
That's a good question, Mug. Making any ranged attack provokes an AoO, even firing off a quickened ray spell would provoke in that regard. The Crossbow Mastery feat let's you negate the AoO though. I'm sure there are other ways to mitigate it, but that's the one I'm familiar with off the top of my head.
AND SHEESH! Holidays must be NUTSO for your family! Hockety Pockety!
HP: 51/51
AC: 20 (13 T / 18 FF) Arcane Bolt Used: 0/4 Spells Used Level 1: 1/4
Ongoing Effects: favored community, gravity bow (2/10)
Caladius snaps off a pair of arrows, a faint, flickering purple image twice the size of his bow shimmers in and out of view as he draws the string.
If the first arrow should hit and drop a sister, the second arrow goes for the second one.
As the group springs into sudden and violent action, Caladius' eyes narrow as he regards the stairs and the shout echoing down the shaft. He slips into the room with his bow at the ready, but his horns twist and stretch and split apart again as he draws magic into his bow.
Move to square that's up 1 then right 3 Cast gravity bow
My mom's oldest brother had 5 children with his wife and then they decided to adopt another 5 more. And here I thought that side of my family was huge! =P
Caladius watches from the back of the group as Ava slips into the open door. "Careful, Ava. Come back if you want a second pair of eyes up front with you."
Caladius waits until he is the last before approaching the door, ensuring he and his bow are available to cover his allies should anything happen as they move toward the building.
As Sabinus slips into the sky, Caladius readies his bow and keeps an arrow knocked just in case an unexpected airborne foe presents itself. He covers Ava similarly from a distance as she works on the locked door.
As Sabinus suggests disguises, Caladius glowers darkly at the man. "I'm done with costumes." There is the steely ring of finality in his voice, the indignities of their time on stage still apparently too near in the tiefling's mind.
"That sounds like the Massacre House," Caladius offers in response to Fiosa's description. "It's up in the northern edge of the city. Maybe that's where these 'sisters' are holed up."
Not hearing a response, Caladius shouts to be heard over the lapping waters, "HEY! DID ONE OF YOU SAY SOMETHING ABOUT VAMPIRES?! DO YOU NEED ME TO SHOOT SOME VAMPIRES?!"
Caladius shakes his head as he watches the floundering spectacle in, and out of, the other boat. "Quit goofing around you two! I'd like to not be stuck in this boat all night."
Caladius nods gratefully to Sabinus for his minstrations, flexing his suddenly reinvigorated muscles as the magic washes over him. A few minutes later though and the ranger languishes in his boat, quickly wearying of Sabinus' progressively worsening attempts to open the door. At last though, the odd man's perseverance pays off and the door opens.
He waits for the other boat to empty before bringing his in line with the floating portal.
"Enko, you want to go first? I can give the Viscount a hand then follow along behind."
HP: 51/51
AC: 20 (13 T / 18 FF) Arcane Bolt Used: 0/4 Spells Used Level 1: 1/4
Ongoing Effects: favored community, 5 Str damage
Steadying the tremble in his arms, Caladius rips another two arrows from his quiver with startling speed, despite his obvious fatigue. He continues to focus fire upon the larger shadow.
HP: 51/51
AC: 20 (13 T / 18 FF) Arcane Bolt Used: 0/4 Spells Used Level 1: 1/4
Ongoing Effects: favored community, 5 Str damage
Too frustrated and stunned by the sudden lack of strength in his body, Caladius frowns as his thoughts fail to focus on what he knows about these types of undead. He stumbles back a step and, struggling mightily against the pull of his bow, tries to snap off a quick pair of shots.
[ooc]Favoring the big shadow over the little ones if it's still around to be shot at =)[ooc]
errr... how much strength did it sap from my burly self?
Round 1:
HP: 51/51
AC: 20 (13 T / 18 FF) Arcane Bolt Used: 0/4 Spells Used Level 1: 1/4
Ongoing Effects: favored community, ?? Str damage
Growling at the chill the shadow rakes through his body, Caladius draws his bow as the oars clatter to the floor of the boat. His eyes flash with a purple light as magic suffuses his weapon.
