It's been nice roleplaying in here for a bit, but I've decided to bow out from the recruitment. Best of luck to the rest of you.
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Having extricated himself from the conversation with Wraith, Calden notices that the bard isn't occupied in conversation anymore. He walks over to them, flagon of golden lager still in hand. He can't help but admire the weapons they used in the performance as he approaches. "I wanted to thank you earlier for the song," he starts by way of introduction, "but you seemed a bit busy. It's really a tune to get your blood pumping, I'll give you that." He hesitates a bit before continuing, choosing his words carefully. "It's just... I've had to do some fighting, me and a couple of friends from my village. And I don't recognize all that stuff about 'rage' and 'glorious might' at all." He's about to continue, but then suddenly closes his mouth. No wait, that sounds like I'm calling her a liar? He continues quickly. "You sing the words with the intensity of truth, so you must be singing from experience. But that's not what I felt at all when we had to fight. Rather..." He thinks back to the lyrics and snorts a small laugh. "When the odds seemed against us, when I knew I could die right then and there, and keeping up my defenses was all I could do to prevent it? Well, I went meekly into that hard fight," he confesses, quoting the lyrics out of context. "If you know what I mean?"
Calden turns to Wraith as she answers him, nodding and shaking his head at various points to indicate he's paying true attention. He smiles and briefly exhales through his nose when she's finished talking about the peasants. "That's where you're wrong. They don't fight for the kings and the dukes, but for their community. Or even for something greater - like my brother Tolle who joined the army of Lastwall." He shakes his head. "I can tell you're still thinking like a mercenary, aren't you?You think everyone expects to gain something from fighting. From my experience, you don't fight to get something you don't already have. You fight because you have to, or to keep what's yours. Nothing more... At least, unless you consider it 'right' to take by force just because you can." His tone makes it clear what he thinks about that, and he's said all he wants to say on the subject. She can dress it up all she wants, but she's still a burglar for hire. And she'd even sell out her employer if the other guy pays more! He takes a swig of his golden lager and has a quick internal debate over the question of whether that makes it better, of worse. In the end, he decides it's two shades of the same color. "It's been nice talking to you," he says without full commitment, "but I've been meaning to ask the bard some questions. If you'll excuse me."
The young man is obviously grateful and a bit relieved for Caitlyn's speaking on his defense. Stop being silly. All of that was a long time ago. He laughs at himself. Even if it was just three years. Calden makes a deliberate turn to the Qadiran woman, pulls himself up to a proper posture and looks her in the eye just long enough to be proper. "Indeed, you look just like someone I know. She's from back where I grew up - she was my mentor actually." He's about to say more, but decides against it. "Anyway, that is quite far off, so it caught me by surprise." He takes a measured drink from his flagon. "My name's Calden, by the way." For a while, Calden is content to watch the events unfold in the tavern. His interest is drawn when the nimble-fingered woman spins her tale of war and mercenaries "You seem to have a pretty low esteem of peasants and their pitchforks," he says when she's done. His tone is level and his phrasing reveals a maturity that doesn't quite match his boyish appearance. He's not exactly accusing her, but it's clear that he feels addressed by that choice of words. "Those 'peasants' are proud of their people, and of their country. It's them that make the world keep turning, and good for them to stand up and take part in the fight if that's threatened in war. Because it's right. And then you come in, and try to profit from... what? Common burglary? And you're proud of it?" He doesn't sound angry, but mostly curious. He raises his drink to Caitlyn after she tells of her band of refugees. "I'm sorry to hear that. I hope they've found safety."
A young man stands near the bar, dressed in simple traveler's clothes. He has a lanky build and unruly dark hair that give him some boyish charm. He listens to the bard playing and while their percussion has him nodding his head, the lyrics have him frowning. Rage with glorious and righteous might? He looks doubtful and thinks back of his experiences back in Tarman and on the Isle of Terror. That sounds like losing your head and would just get you killed... When the bard is done singing, the young man has some thought to go over and ask about the lyrics, but he sees there's already plenty of interest. He politely waits until a later opportunity and turns to order another beer. Halfway, his eye rest on the Qadiran woman entering the bar and he does a double-take, staring at her for just a bit too long. He then quickly averts his gaze as she approaches the bar close to him. He's obviously blushing. Gods, why did it look like Ilimara just entered? She's half a world away.
Just realized that, in a few days' time probably, after Merephel makes her last post, this campaign will be gone from my campaign list. That's going to take some getting used to. :*)
Once the group of heroes return to Kassen, Calden immediately heads over to Dimira. He's worried for a moment about what she might say about his golden eyes, but seeing her again makes all the doubts go away. He proposes to her on the spot, and the next morning they ask Merephel to perform the ceremony. They get married within two weeks. Calden has something small in mind, but that turns out quite impossible for one of the new heroes of Kassen. Following their wedding, Calden and Dimira leave on their first journey out of Nirmathas. They visit Druma, Andoran and Absalom, looking everywhere for places for the both of them to study, to learn, and to experience all the world has to offer. They return to Kassen after almost a full year later, just in time for next year's youths to set off on their own Quest to Kassen's Crypt, to bring back the Everflame. They take a few weeks time to catch up on family and old friends, before departing once more. The pattern continues for several years, with the couple traveling further and further. Over the years, they hit on nearly all of the nations of the Inner Sea region. Nearly all, because for some reason Calden always finds a reason - or excuse - not to visit Qadira. After having seen most of Avistan, the couple even travels abroad. On one trip Calden and Dimira reach Vudra, where Calden spends several months training in monasteries of which he could only have dreamed before. The year after that, the pair book passage on a boat to Tian Xia, exploring the exotic wonders of that distant continent. They cannot stay too long, though, because it's become a tradition that they always make it back to Kassen before Neth the 4th, to send off the hopeful youth to bring back the Everflame. After precisely ten years, and ten voyages, Calden considers that he's seen as much as he would like, as does Dimira. There can be no other place for them to settle but Kassen, and Calden returns to the farm where he grew up. Before long though, the house looks very different; it is decorated with souvenirs from all over the world, one of the barns has been transformed into a small dojo and a comfortable lodge on the grounds has been built for his aging parents to live in. Calden quickly settles in the role of the wise and mysterious patron of the town, even without meaning to. The fact that he has golden eyes doesn't help, of course. It starts with the youngsters, who only know him as the man that come in town to send off the youngsters in search of the Everflame. Adding to the are the rumours that he's studied with the wisest men and women on the entire world - which he considers greatly exaggerated - and the continuing rumours that he is Ekat Kassen's true heir - a fact that he cannot really confirm or deny. All of that, combined with the stories of their original adventure, now ten years ago, is enough to give Calden a legendary status in the town. And so, at the grand age of 28, he's considered one of village elders, giving advice where needed, teaching children on the virtues of self-reliance and self-reflection, and doing what needs to be done to keep Kassen safe.
That's a great and fitting ending. Interesting that all the gold turned out to be worthless. Makes me wonder what would have happened if Iramine had made it out with the Jewel. Would that also have been worthless out of the city? :*) I'll make my closing post this weekend, to give it the time it deserves. As a teaser, I think Calden would propose to Dimi upon returning to Kassen (dying makes him realize he has no time to waste), and ask Merephel for the ceremony. Seems fitting, doesn't it? :) I've said it before, and I'll probably say it again at least once more, but thanks Giuseppe for an awesome campaign. You really brought the story to life, which is the most important part of a roleplay game for me. Thanks also to Shirzon, Merephel and Korech, for creating and playing such wonderful characters. We really did make a treat team! -Posted with Wayfinder
Calden hugs Shirzon as she approaches him, relief and disbelief both plain on his face. "We really pulled it off, didn't we?" he half-asks. He helps pull Merephel from the web and hugs her as well, and gives Korech an awkward punch on the shoulder. With the initial celebration over, he joins Shirzon at the body of Iramine. He picks up the Jewel and carefully places it back on the dais in the middle of the room. "This should belong here. I don't think it has a place in the world outside." With that done, he urges the others out of the room. "Let's go. It's way too hot in here, and we should been meeting up with the Captain." Home... Finally, we're going home. -- Calden thinks for a moment, on the question of what to do with the amulet. "We should keep it with us, I think. Maybe we can use it to lock the door to the city. What about we split it in three, and keep it among us? That's what Ekat Kassen and his companions did. It feels... right to me, somehow." At Korech's suggestion, he answers "I'm not sure that Kassen and Asar still need it. We talked with his... err, ghost. And he seemed at rest. Also, I'm not sure that the Crypt has the necessary defenses. And the cult of Razmir knows that it's been there. Maybe others will try?"
Woohoo! Great job everyone. Like Shirzon, it'd be good to know how much time we have left for our rendez-vouz with Captain Walren. Then, on each topic: Jewel: I agree with Merephel, to leave it here.
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Calden takes an involuntary step back, shielding his face against the heat radiating from the fiery creature that Iramine has turned into. His other hand goes up to behind his back, but doesn't feel the hilt of his temple sword, the one that he received in Tamran and lost in the river of molten gold. Thinking back on Tamran brings back memories of his time with the cult. No, the Razmirans prey on fear, and rely on bullying to get their way. "No!" he proclaims in a clear voice, growing in confidence as he speaks. "You are through ruling by fear, or guile. I won't back down. No!" Then, heedless of the flames, he launches himself in a relentless flurry of attacks. He punches at the mass of fire with his right fist, continues the attack with his right elbow and then jumps up, twisting around his axis for a spinning kick.
Giuseppe, to be fair Calden did not stun Iramine last round. I chose to apply fatigued instead (which would last the entire fight, which is why I started off with that). I think she would still get to act normally this round? -Posted with Wayfinder
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Calden gulps at seeing the elven woman, the high priestess of the Razmirans that they had been tracking for so long. She's suddenly no longer a name with a black robe and mask, but a very real person. Beautiful and radiating power as well. For his own benefit as much as for the others, he tries to find a reasonable reply. "Yes, it is a shame. But it will end today." His voice sounds only slightly shaky, of which he's reasonably proud.
The web that Iramine summons threatens to grab hold of Calden, but by remarkable luck he manages to twist himself free in the last instant, before the strands can complete their hold on him. Blessed be Shelyn. Thanks, Meph. Pushing his luck, Calden quickly tries to get away from the webbed area. Following along the wall, he sets his feet firm and stubbornly drive himself towards Iramine, along the wall.
When he's face to face with the beautiful Elven woman, he gulps once more. She's responsible for all this, and she won't hesitate. Let go of your worry, and fight as you've trained... With that thought for comfort, he takes a first tentative jab at the priestess, slamming the heel of his hand into her chest to drive the wind from her lungs.
"Yes, for Kassen." And as Calden says the words, to his suprise the image of Ekat Kassen pops in his mind, not the image of the village that he had always known as home.
Calden begins feeling a bit apprehensive, as Merephel is casting the spells to protect him. Didn't I say that I should rely on myself, that I don't need to rely on all of the equipment I just lost? Are all of these spells so much different? No, that's the wrong way to think. I rely in myself, but there have been Masters before, and they relied on the teaching, guidance and help of others. I must look out for myself, but that does not mean that I will turn down aid. Especially when given by such close friends. He takes a few steady breaths, and puts an arm on Merephel's shoulder again. "Thanks, Meph. It's good knowing that you'll look out for us." Steeling himself against whatever may come and summoning all the courage he can muster, Calden puts a hand upon the door handle. "Ready?"
Once the herald has been dealt with and it's clear that the snake poses no immediate threat, Calden takes a few moment for himself. Indeed, this is it. To hell and back, to deal with the cult, and their mysterious plan. Once he's centered, he opens his eyes and joins Korech. "That's true. She's extremely experienced, as we've heard mention. Still, we can be confident. We braved the dangers of the Isle with just the four of us. She brought three score of her followers, and she's lost most of them just to get here. We've been a good team, and we can defeat her if we continue to do do." At the end of his speech, he snickers. "You know, when we traveled to the island here, I told you about the story, of how I might be related to Kassen? I thought back then that it would have been Kassen's blood that brought me here, somehow. That it was destined...? I just realized that I don't really have Kassen's blood running through my veins anymore." He smiles. "Or maybe I do. It probably doesn't matter. It's just a coincidence, if it's even true..." He rubs his hands together to summon warmth and energy for the coming fight, then thinks of something and touches Merephel gently on the arm. "I said earlier that I felt all right. That's true mostly, but I'd be lying if I said my body was already as strong as it was earlier. If you have anything that might help me in the coming fight, to protect me or strengthen me, that would be most welcome. We shouldn't hold anything back for this fight." I promised Dimi I'd return. I have to make it out alive...
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Calden start to sounds panicked. "What are you still doing there. Get in here, so I can close the door!" He waits by the door, to close it after everyone is inside.
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Frustrated that his new body still feels weak, and anxious from the snake's proximity, Calden gives up on shoving the acolyte out of the way and tries instead to dodge his way past the man. He's still distracted my Meph, so that might make it a bit easier. Once he's inside the room, he turns around and gives the acolyte a firm kick in the ribs. "Guys, get in here," he repeats.
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Calden isn't surprised by the sight of the Razmiran, but he spends a bit too much time looking back at the serpent. "We don't want to be caught between them. Hurry!" He tries to make his way past the cultist blocking the entrance, shoving him out of the way if he has to. If #1 still stands when my turn comes up:
"Move!" Calden bites at the cultists, giving him a large push away from the door. He then follows to get into the room.
If #1 is dead: Calden steps over the corpse of the cultist, looking over his shoulder at the apporaching serpent. "Hurry, get in!" He then unleashes a flurry of kicks and punches at the other Razmiran.
You're right, I forgot about that. And that's even before the +20 to Acrobatics I can gain by spending a ki point? That's pretty crazy indeed. On an unrelated note, I have a 3-day course coming up for work, starting tomorrow. I should still be able to keep up with posting, but my time in the morning to write a post might be a bit sparse.
Good to have you back. :)
Like Shirzon, Calden feels more at ease with taking a leap between the platforms. He stamps his feet to get good feeling in his legs, breaths in by expanding his chest as far as it will go, and drops low by bending his knees. Then, with a deep "Huh!" he pushes off to sail across the gap.
Calden is very careful when opening the door. He's still all too aware that any moment of carelessness could kill him, and that there's no more second - or third - chances for any of them. I promised I'd return... When he steps into the room, making sure Shirzon is close by his side, the first things he sees is the platform across, with the open door. "I could still make that jump, I think," is the first thought that pops in his head and out of his mouth. Just then the snake-like creature appears, and Calden takes a few involuntary steps back. "Yikes. What is that?!" Worried that the monstrosity might reach up to the platform, Calden draws his dagger and gets ready to fend it off.
I've updated Calden's sheet, and started with removing all of his gear. That means I end up with the following: - A bit of regular clothing
Don't worry, Giuseppe. Get well soon!
Calden laughs with Merephel. "Eighteen and retired. Who would have believed that some weeks ago." When the talk comes to dealing with the Razmirans, Calden returns to seriousness. "You're right, Shirzon. From what I remember of the Chronicle, the Jewel should be here in the center." He shrugs as Shirzon and Korech mention his equipment, that couldn't be saved. His golden eyes glaze over again, and his voice takes on a grave quality that shows what he went through. "That's ok... I think I finally realize that I don't really need any of that stuff. I can rely on my own wits and body. Well, my new body that is. It feels... unfamiliar yet, but we don't really have time for that." He takes some spare clothes from the others and tucks Shirzon's spare dagger and sling behind his belt. "Done."
You'd like that, wouldn't you? Sorry, he's taken already. :P Good point on the equipment, though. Luckily, a monk doesn't need all that much to function. Giuseppe, how would you handle that?
Calden's smile fades slightly as Korech relates the story about their battle with the dragon. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to help, but it's good to hear that you managed to work together and defeat that monstrous thing." He stands a bit closer to Merephel when the topic of singing comes up, and puts an arm around her shoulder. His smile is back again, and his golden eyes seem to glaze over for a moment. "My wedding? I'm not sure that I'm old enough for that yet." He's quite for a while, lost in thought. "On the other hand, when we're done here we'll have had enough adventures for a lifetime. Who knows, when we get back to Kassen...?"
When the salve has done its work, Calden slowly finds his way back into the world and regains consciousness, helped by the voices of his friends. With his eyes still closed, sensations and thought comes back to him. So much pain. They must never know... Like dying in reverse, Calden takes a first shallow breath, and then another, getting reacquainted with his body. When he feels up to it, he slowly opens his eyes, seeing the world through a haze of warm yellow. Even before he can speak, he finds Shirzon bearing down on him in a firm hug. To his surprise, he finds that the contact does not hurt, as he had expected. When she lets go, he beams a warm smile at her, one that hold even when she suddenly and violently punches him on his arm. He suffers her raving in silence, accepting her apology with a nod. It takes him a while to get up to his feet, even with Shirzon's help. How odd. It feels so comfortable, even though it's not my own body. Or is it? Once he's back on his feet, he gives Shirzon a hug of his own, then turning to all of them "It's ok. I need you too. I'm really glad that you were able to bring me back." Back to life, so that I can go back to Kassen... Still smiling, with the wisdom of someone who knows a private joke, he continues. "Thank you for what you did to me." To Merephel in particular, he says "That was a wonderful song, Meph. It helped me get back. You should sing more often. And yes, Shirzon, I will be more careful in the future." As soon as he's spoken the words, his smile fades when memory comes back to him. "The dragon! I was smashed off the bridge when we were fighting it. What happened? Did you defeat it?"
Thanks. That'll leave me plenty of time. :) -Posted with Wayfinder
Woo, that's a lucky break. I was worried that Dimi wouldn't have me anymore if I came home as a bugbear. I'll take some time today to write a proper post, deserving of the occasion and the effort that the others have put in. Giuseppe, do you habe a deadline for today, for when you want to continue with the action? Would be helpful for me, to know how much time I have.
Yeah, the victory tastes all the better if there was an actual chance of failure. (Let's see if I still feel the same when I know as what I'll be coming back...)
I'll jump on Shirzon's bandwagon and say I'm sorry for getting greedy, trying to get the charge off and positioning myself on the edge of the bridge. Pretty stupid, when you look at it with the benefit of hindsight. :*)
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As Calden hits the river, he finds himself slowly submerging in the searing mass of liquid gold. The pain prevents him from even crying out, but he holds fast to a single thought. I'm sorry, Dimi. I'm not coming home after all...
I had hoped for a low dice rolls (like all 1's, realistically) so that I could pull off an amazing comeback, jumping out of the molten gold to finish the dragon. Alas. :) To weigh in on the current topic, I also thought Merephel had the salve. She has most of the curative party items, so that's the only thing that would make sense. -Posted with Wayfinder
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Overwhelmed by the surge of strength he feels, Calden lets his guard down just for a second. He doesn't realize that his charge to him precariously close to the edge of the bridge, until it's too late and he find himself scrambling for grip on the edge. "NOOOOOooooo!"
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Calden dives to the side at seeing the flame dancing in the dragon's eye, ducking away just in time to avoid the flames. "Sorry guys, I guess I was wrong..." As he turns his dive into a roll and comes back up, he's already moving forward towards the skeletal creature. "I'm with you, Shirzon. Go!" Quarterstaff spinning, he charges towards the gold-plated dragon, sweeping one end of the weapon forward in a powerful attack, aided by his magically enhanced strength.
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Only when the skeletal dragon turns towards them to attack, does it truly come to Calden just what they are facing. It's massive! Dear Irori, I hope I've trained well enough. When we vanquish this one, perhaps we owe Pharasma a prayer. Hesitating in attacking the creature outright, Calden shuffles forward, seeking some refuge in the fog cloud. He holds his quarterstaff behind him, poised to strike at range before the undead monstrosity fully closes the distance. "Have courage, friends. For Kassen!"
"Yep, seems like this is it. Good luck, all!"
"If you could make me stronger," Calden says to Merephel as he hands her the magical horn, "that would be much appreciated. I've been practicing putting more speed in my attacks, but it's come at the cost of accuracy and punch. With some more muscle, I think I could smash those bones, even at high speed."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Partway during the discussion, Calden suddenly stands as if stunned. "I can't imagine I'd forget something like that. When I was little, once picked up a book in the library, about the undead. I really wasn't supposed to read it, because Father Prasst took it away as soon as he saw me with it. But I saw a picture of a skeletal dragon inside, with some notes. I think I can remember most of it..." Calden closes his eyes for a few seconds in concentration, then opens them again. "Most of it makes sense, when you think about it. They can't fly - because they don't really have wings - and they can't breath fire or such. That ends the good news, though. It said they were ferocious combatants, and quite tough. Cold can't touch them, and there was something about being resistant to positive energy." As an afterthought, he adds to Korech. "I'm not sure about the mace or arrows. Just try, you'll see soon enough. Oh yeah, it's also got the gold-thing, of course. It shores up some weak spots, as we've seen." When it comes down to it, Calden returns to his own suggestion. "Foghorn, yes or no? I don't think we need it. The dragon will have to come up close anyway, to fight us. Without the fog, at least Korech can get some arrows in while it closes the distance to us."
Impressed by the grandeur of the Third Ring and the Tabernacle, Calden lowers his voice by instinct. "So, the Razmirans should be in there. It all comes down to this?" He clasps a hand in front of his mouth when the skeletal dragon comes into view. "Holy gods, a dragon? In gold? Skeletal?" Once he has recovered from his initial shock, he huddles everyone together to start planning.
"You're right, Shirzon. This must be the place. I was going to suggest using the horn of fog to give us cover on the way in, but the Razmirans inside will surely hear us. Meph, what can you tell us about a creature like this? Any guesses? Blunt weapons, I suppose, to break its bones. Anything else? It seems like we have to approach the thing head-on across the bridge. There seems to be little cover to hide our advance..." Calden looks around his backpack for anything useful. "I have two potions that should help. A bit..."
M next post won't be at 11. Probably some time before 14.00 should be doable, though. -Posted with Wayfinder
Calden, monk level 6: hp +8 (1d8 +1 Con +1 fcb +1 Toughness)
Calden breaths out deeply once the living column is defeated, letting his sword rest on the ground. "Well fought, everyone. These may have been the toughest foes we faced yet. It's lucky that their attacks were slow."
======== Relieved that o of the threats has been dealt with and that he has managed to connect some swings, Calden grits his teeth and keep up his attack.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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"Hang in there," Calden replies to Shirzon. "They're unbelievably tough, for fortunately not too accurate." Seeing the column dazed by Merephel's touch, Calden decides to go all-out. He takes a deep breath in, turns frustration into raw energy and unleashes it into a whirlwind of strikes.
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