Carrel Firth's page

Well, pooh.

Have fun!

Level 1.2 Unchained Social Rogue with ungodly Perception (+12+trapfinding) for 1st level.

Bluff, Diplomacy, Disable, Linguistics, Perception, Perform (Oratory), Profession (Scribe), Sense Motive, Sleight of Hand, Stealth, UMD all trained.

Haven't played this guy in a long while. (Aug of 13 FtF and Mar 14 online reported) Built to become a Pathfinder Chronicler.

Generally post only at night (Central US).

15864-7

Hello.

Common message for all the games I was participating in:

I know I vanished without warning. Trust me, it wasn't planned. My wife had a new medical condition flare up, and I've been going to work, doing my job, coming home, doing bothe her chores and mine, taking care of her because she's had extermely limited mobility, taking care of her service animal, covering chunks of time that she had pledged towards watching our grand-daughter, and then still trying to keep up with my existing Scouting obligations.

I was suddenly very busy.

She's been better the last couple of days, so I've built the time to craft this message and distribute it. Today she started having a reaction to the medication that was helping her be better, so that bodes poorly. She also has a procedure tomorrow that is part fo the continuum of care for her problem (as required by insurance companies), but her doctor doesn't think is actually going to address her cause. He said tha's another 3 procedures down the list, but the insurance won't approve him skipping down the list or trying multiple things in quick succession.

I want to apologize to everyone for the impact my real-life has had on your entertainment. You at least deserved to hear from me sooner, honestly.

Now you know why I vanished. And why I don't know if my availability is actually going to get any better in the short term or not.

Init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

"If we're going to go that way, then, we should be more open and honest, shouldn't we?" Carrel loses the stutter and puts his own hand on the pommel of his blade. "You have sold slaves which were planted spies. One of your devoted customers is confident you were played in order to make that happen. Honestly, I don't care if you were played or playing. We're supposed to discuss what happened and try to find a resolution which makes everyone happy."

Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Since I know we're suppose to make him very unhappy before we are done, I figure bluff is appropriate.

Not unless in a place where there might be advantage. Doesn't seem to match our poor attempt at cover, here.

"Absolutely! Pa-pa-papers are imp-mp-mportant for an audit!"

"I'm here t-to check-k the papers. See the numbers d-d-dance. Hear them --sing." Carrel seems to have suddenly acquired a stutter. He keeps his wet head bowed and doesn't look anyone in the eyes.

Another Scout camping trip. This time with the troop, like is supposed to be normal. Going back to the site with no cell coverage.

My allergies are hitting me hard enough I want to just crawl into a ball and do nothing. All the boys can't get there unless I drive.

Carrel begins working his way up the rope, trying to return to a place where breathing won't kill you . . ..

Climb: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0

:facepalm: Well, at least the bowline should keep things form continuing to deteriorate . . ..

The only reason Carrel hasn't taken advantage of the rope to climb out, yet, is I was hoping to get used as a ladder, honestly.

More scouting. Helping run a training course that will keep me occupied through late Sunday. I am in cell range and might get a few minutes like this every now and again.

Time for another BSA Campout at the facility with no cell signals. I head to work in the morning and then go meet the troop and head to camp. I'll be back on Sunday.

If no one has started pulling Carrel up, yet, he's technically still swimming, so he'll try to rescue Saya . . ..

Swim: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (12) - 3 = 9

He doesn't manage to head in her direction, though, and he starts to go under again himself, though secured in the bowline.

Pulling the rope down and around himself, Carrel simply holds his breath while he ties a bowline around himself. Loop the anchor side, bring the rabbit up out of the hole, go around the tree, and back into the hole . . ..

Swim: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (16) - 3 = 13

In his thrashing about, Carrel manages to break the surface and looks about for something to grab. There should be the boat he was climbing out of, the rope which was dropped, and possibly the bottom of the rope ladder he failed to climb once already. He'll attempt to hold onto whichever is quickest for him to reach.

Not sure what I should be trying to do t this point, or if we're waiting or Carrel to try something.

Last week was a shooting sports event for the local BSA council.

This week is a district camp-o-ree and I'm off to camp with the troop. See everybody on Sunday!

Yeah, well, if we're going to go there, needing a 10 to climb up the ladder is a rules failure on the part of the author.

A simple rope with a solid wall to brace against (or a knotted rope without one, or a Rope Trick rope without a wall) is a DC 5. Yes, if the surface is slick that increases the DC by 5. A knotted rope with a wall to brace against is a DC 0, back to 5 if the wall is slick.

But we weren't given a knotted rope. We were given a rope ladder.

There is no form of ladder on the chart. I thought that was because ladders were supposed to be a solution, even for men in armor scaling the walls of a castle they are invading.

I'm fine letting it play out. But if we're going to talk about how the rules describe the situation . . ..

Headed to a Boy Scout Shooting Sports campout to run the archery range. In the Hill Country and a valley, so there is no cell service after I get there.

Will be back Sunday night.

Uh-oh.

Swim: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (10) - 3 = 7

And Carrel does not quickly return to the surface . . ..

Didn't claim to leave the pack anywhere, so, I guess I'm a negative climb modifier . . ..

Climb: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (5) - 3 = 2 :facepalm:

The half-elf sighs quietly as the women start up the rope ladder. He waits for them to climb high enough to provide a polite distance between them and himself before following them up.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Fortunately I was distracted and out of the house, so I didn't see it until after it was clarified.

Guess we'll see what happens . . ..

"Hmmm . . .. Yes, well this seems an appropriate place to join such a discussion. I'm certain we could arrange for things you don't seem to have the right skills for to be dealt with. As long as we maintain the proper levels of deniability, of course." The half-elf seems uncomfortable suggesting things about himself, despite the airs he so clearly displays.

Carrel is currently at a table of Save Ships of Absalom, but I think we're heading into the home stretch, as we've tracked the plot to a single ship and are on or way to impound it. That will be Carrel's 3rd adventure completed. You seem to need a rogue with some skills. Carrel's your guy.

If we verify the vessel in question is truly the At Sea, we are supposed to turn them in for the bounty and see how much of their cargo we can appropriate. And your team is supposed to destroy the document we found.

I imagine the Captain and his crew will not willingly cooperate with being turned in, and only the rowboat pilot will be with us . . ..

"Ah. Well, let's 'sea' if I can assist . . .."

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

"Might it look something like this?"

I'm guessing they aren't going to ask for help at this point. I could be wrong.

"Do you need help finding something?"

For social interactions, I much prefer the older (not the new version) of L5R. The rolls aren't so different, really, but the ground which can be covered tends to be smaller, so that it takes more successful rolls to get the desired end result.

But judges can let it degrade to the same single roll triumph environment.

I try to always return to the idea that the mechanics are supposed to SUPPORT the story.

Hello?

"Well, some of understand things well enough not to leave here knowing anything which might be embarrassing." He shrugs.

Carrel looks startled, eyebrows rising as he points at himself. "My opinion, truly? Well . . .." He takes a moment to gather himself. "So far it seems this entire thing has been an exercise in some as-of-yet-unknown party taking advantage of how little others care about what they might try to do. The slaver seems honestly ignorant of the slave's hidden talents, and unable or unwilling to protect his business from standard threats. Your guest considers the slave a total loss, and is looking for someway to restrict the impact of that ill-advised purchase on her and her family. Now, I am uncertain if that involves limiting the damage from being involved or not, but I don't think she was complicit." He fiddles with his hands for a quick moment before continuing. "This is simply conjecture, naturally, but, at this point I wouldn't be surprised to find this Mr. Wardak was paid by someone to sell the girl through the incompetent merchant, who was known to have sold slaves to this specific guest previously. As part of a long game to gain the sort of access which upset you, naturally."

He shrinks some, as he concludes his discussion. "But we, as discrete agents, learned nothing and have nothing to remember about any of this. Absolutely nothing."

Oops. Been camping with the Boy Scouts. Got the sunburned face to show for it, too.

Will post Carrel's take here shortly. I'm thinking it will start with something like "Being discrete means that we learned nothing, but we could talk about some unrelated bits and pieces."

"That went well enough. Task accomplished after all. So, which task is next?"

"Maybe my associates haven't been . . . generous enough. We did chase away your thugs, for now. How much coin have they squeezed from your stones so far? We can see about providing a more long-term resolution to that problem, but we do favors for our friends. Friends try to make things right for each other. It is the nature of friendship. One of our friends has suffered because of the behavior of property you sold her. If you could see clear to make that right, then we could see clear to reminding your recent companions that we are your friends, not merely random customers."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

<sigh> Really could have used a better roll than that.

Carrel moves to the merchant, checking on his health.

heal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

The doorframe is in the way, but Carrel still tries to poke the imposing brute with his rapier.

attack: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 3 - 4 = 18 Threat! Really?
Confirm?: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 3 - 4 = 16 Maybe?

Base damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Crit damage if applicable: 1d6 ⇒ 4

"I do believe your bluff is being called. Care to fold, or do you want everyone on the street to know that you fled from someone you came to strong arm? Rather hard to make a living as an enforcer people don't fear, yes?"

Should he take an offensive action, Carrel will attempt to poke him with his little rapier.

Given the press of bodies and crowded space, Carrel stands his ground, ready to strike at the first opponent crossing the threshold. Hoping his companions will give the fools the opportunity to do so.

Well, that devolved both quickly and predictably.

Init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

On my way out the door for the 3rd Scouting weekend in a row, as previously advertised. I'll be back on Sunday.

Carrel says nothing as he slides into a mirroring position to Mivvy.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 D'oh!

"It appears we are not the first to wish this interview." The open door being warning enough, Carrel draws his rapier as well, bowing to Mivvy. "After you?"

Carrel pulls out a small notebook and jots down some notes as the majordomo tells her story.

"Yes, well, I am Carrel Firth. I'm afraid I've not seen any minotaurs, as of yet. I have had a marvelous opportunity to explore an old library, however. Proved more dangerous than one might think, actually."

After the others have introduced themselves, Carrel will retrieve his notebook, glance at it, and proclaim "I think we should go speak with mister Salbus. There's no telling what relevant paperwork he may have seen."

Absolutely. I hadn't said more because I was trying not to interfere with the ongoing bluff, but, you know, Bluffing is kind of my thing. Well, one of them.

Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Well, it is SUPPOSED to be one of my things. <sigh>

Carrel starts to open his mouth as the majordomo tries to see them out, but finds himself spoken over with neither hesitation nor a soft touch for the target. Mentally shrugging, he decides to follow the lead, but watches the target for an indication of what path might prove more fruitful.

Order of the Arrow?

Is that a prestige class?

Kinda.

It is Scouting's honor camper society. People have to be elected into it by their peers.

It is also a service organization. "A brotherhood of Cheerful Service."

I am about to leave for a Boy Scout Camp, where I will stay until late on Sunday (1 Oct). The area is notoriously bad for cell signals. I will be helping run a training event for other adults. Between the two, I will be surprised if I can update anything before then.

Then I go back to the same camp in the evening of Friday (6 Oct) for my troop's monthly campout, and will return earlier on 8 Oct.

Then I go back for the second half of the training program on the evening of 12 Oct and will stay until late on 15 Oct.

Then my wife and I will return to the same campground late on 20 Oct and stay until sometime on 22 Oct for an Order of the Arrow event.

Yeah. I do a lot with the Boy Scouts. I really wish even one of those weekends was at a different campground.