Ceru's page

GM: Tone is hard to interpret in text. I manage text for a living, yet I can still both screw up reading and interpreting it in interpersonal settings. It is even harder when people are just getting to know each other in a text-based environment like this, and we have not yet gotten used to people's idiosyncrasies and choices of phrase. So for whatever it is worth, I did not get your joke as it was intended. I am sorry for misunderstanding and that it led to your feeling hurt.

I am not sorry for pointing out that I felt made fun of and won't retract that. I moreover still struggle with your tone--I don't need someone else to tell what I am stressed about, thank you--and can't help feeling condescended to. I trust you're not trying to do that, but the disconnect I am experiencing tells me we are not a good match as GM and player.

I appreciate that you have tried to make concessions and make systems that work for myself as a player and Ceru as a character. It takes a long time as a GM to prepare for any game and bring a group together, and it is doubly hard in PBP where pacing and meshing playstyles is an additional challenge. I can tell you've put a lot of time and energy into this and deserve to work with players who can adapt to your dynamic, detailed, and crunch-heavy style.

I submitted my character presuming that as the proposed sandbox adventure, there was going to be a lot of more story and flavor-based RP and slower exploration. For such a game, I figured Ceru would be a good fit. I know I added stuff that could be a potential pain, like the cooking obsession and the donkey--and I do want to reiterate that asked about it if it would be problematic. I would have happily taken no for an answer and adjusted. For what it's worth, and I only say this because it seems to be a theme at the moment, sometimes the best thing a GM can do is not be accommodating if it's what is best for the game. Take that or leave it.

Instead I've clearly created a character who does not work in this environment, and I am obviously complicating things massively and generating unnecessary drama. I'm also slowing things down for everyone else and ruining their fun at this point. To all of you I sincerely apologize for interfering in your interaction and in mucking up the pacing of the game. If this were an RL table game we might find a way to work things out, but my extensive experience in PBP tells me the best thing to do for everyone is cut loose and go.

As such, effective immediately, I withdraw from the game. Please mark my character as inactive. You are at the start of the adventure so it should hopefully not interfere too much with your plans. You could turn Ceru into an NPC who stays on the surface to keep watch with Alina and the donkey, and write her out when the party returns to sandpoint. ETA: I want to make very clear this is not about the question over the donkey per se, but that I have realized through this conversation and previous interactions that this is the wrong character for this story and I am the wrong player for this group.

This is an incredibly dedicated group of players here and I am sorry I will not have the chance to RP with most of you any further.

Next point is meant for humor only: Ceru finds a large bush to conceal the mule in. It's a big and fluffy shrub, should be a good spot, right?. EMmm, Yummy shrub! One day of concealment followed by back up food for when the chow runs out.

OK, bad joke is over: Finding a place to park the horse/mule has always been a risky burden for adventurers. The good part is, if they end up making it, you have a lot of carry weight. All the loot leaves with you. Downside is, if they die you are looking at a lot of stuff to carry back along with anything the group picks up during the adventure. Luckily, in this instance, you are only ten hours out of Sandpoint. If attacked, a mule can fight back, somewhat.

Reposting from the IC thread, with added emphasis:

(1)I'd like to wait to see if players can offer Aid Another for a better result before determining/deciding anything.

This has been resolved as Dario did a separate result of Survival 20

(2) To clarify what Ceru is doing, Ceru is looking for a shaded/somewhat concealed area that bandits or the like wouldn't immediately spot him if they were passing by. It's fine if it's not right next to the ravine; better to have to walk a bit to a place where he can (more) safely graze. I recognize abandoning him is a huge risk no matter what; just trying to mitigate that risk as much as we can.

So what part of "I am just trying not to leave him in the most obvious place so predators will immediately eat him or bandits will notice him to give him a slightly better chance at survival" do you not understand? What am I failing to get across here?

Before we had cars, people in the real world used to have to travel with their pack animals. Sometimes they had to leave them behind for a bit. It was always a risky proposition. In situations where they were certain they might be left for dead they might even kill the animals to spare them. Nonetheless people also knew how to find places to leave the animals where they were safER so they had a chance of not losing a valuable beast of burden, understanding there would be inherent risk. People would have skills to know how to do this successfully. I don't think I am being ridiculous in requesting this, and I don't appreciate being mocked simply because you're not understanding what I am asking. Labeling it as a "joke" doesn't make it okay and it certainly doesn't make me feel any better; it just tells me you're aware that you sound like you're being a jerk and choosing to sound that way anyway.

Also, Ceru is leaving 1 day of food because she doesn't expect to be gone for more than 1 day (she could leave out all the food but she's worried he'd eat it all in 1 day). She might be wrong about this, which is an in game risk. She is not an experienced adventurer. She doesn't know how long it takes to explore a dungeon. She knows enough to know she shouldn't just leave the donkey in the open so a wyvern that flies by notices the buffet. But she doesn't know everything, and she has "eternal hope" so she tends to view her chances optimistically. I'm willing to have her be disappointed if things go badly.

However, I feel like I am not being unreasonable by trying to use reasonable Skill checks and contingencies to be sure the donkey has a chance of surviving at least a day or two. Am I really being unreasonable? Over what should really be a factor, gamewise speaking, of inventory management more than the narrative gameplay that's really important?

(3) The only other option is to give him to Alina to take him back to town, if Talienda wants to send Alina back to town, but that is up to Tali. Ceru in that case can take her extra food and just be encumbered or whatever.

This is still an option and we could wait to see what Talienda has to say.

I also want to note I asked about including the donkey in my equipment and if it would be a problem. If I recall correctly, you said it was fine. If I had any sense it was going to cause this much of a derailment this early in the game, I would have come up with another solution during character creation.

PCs handling heavy adventuring equipment at early levels is a common conundrum. Certainly again I understand there can be major risks and challenges when contending with it, and a good GM can make these things interesting without making it a game-slowing stumbling block. Making it this much of a bone of contention suggests to me you're just planning to have the donkey killed to "teach us a lesson." I don't mind the low level PCs getting some hits of reality in the face, but I feel like now you're making fun of me as a player after setting me up by letting me have the donkey in the first place. That's not a good look.

(1)I'd like to wait to see if players can offer Aid Another for a better result before determining/deciding anything.
(2) To clarify what Ceru is doing, Ceru is looking for a shaded/somewhat concealed area that bandits or the like wouldn't immediately spot him if they were passing by. It's fine if it's not right next to the ravine; better to have to walk a bit to a place where he can (more) safely graze. I recognize abandoning him is a huge risk no matter what; just trying to mitigate that risk as much as we can.
(3) The only other option is to give him to Alina to take him back to town, if Talienda wants to send Alina back to town, but that is up to Tali. Ceru in that case can take her extra food and just be encumbered or whatever.

I am fully back. My IC post involves what to do with Gary. Once we figure out where to leave him, she'll leave him with food and a bonus apple. If folks have insights, Aid Another checks, and other ideas, all is welcome.

My character sheet is up to date with what Ceru is carrying and what her donkey has, except if someone else takes the rope and grappling hook, that will be removed from the donkey, obviously.

As they reach the ravine, Ceru examines the environment, looking down and assessing the situation. "We'll have to find a safe place to leave Gary, as there's no way to bring him with us." She pauses to quickly reorganize her gear, so she can take her alchemy kit with her in case she needs it, along with making sure she has some food. She pulls the rope and grappling hook off the pack saddle and asks, "Would someone be able to carry these? We may need them and they're a little unwieldy for me."

Hopefully someone is obliging to take the rope and hook. Ceru then looks for a safe place to tie off Gary, where he will not be easily spotted. Donkeys are not easily spooked so as long as they are in a reasonably safe space, and she reasons the twigs should have little reason to assail a pack animal. She made sure he was able to drink at a stream while they had breakfast so he should be well watered, and one of the things she will be sure to do is leave him in a place where he can leave one day's worth of feed on the ground and that he has plenty to graze upon besides.

Survival, Untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Spending 1 point of Inspiration to improve that: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Ye RNG gods are cruel. I can spend another point of inspiration but before I do might anyone be willing to Aid Another? I'm aiming for at least a 10. I probably should have taken 10 but I can't remember if I can do that with an untrained skill.

My two cents: I don't mind the flavor of channel energy from Cayden being that you feel momentarily buzzed or have a certain taste in your mouth or temporary dyspepsia. Without a mechanic attached, folks can RP that as they prefer.

However, flavorwise, Cayden being a good god I do not think would allow someone to feel sick from the effects of his healing. I also think the proposed mechanic is both too complex to remember to have to do every time one gets healed, and potentially, effectively punishes someone for rolling badly at a time they really don't need it, as the GM suggests. Also the mechanic of inflicting nonlethal damage doesn't make any sense as any curative effect is supposed to heal nonlethal damage.

Cayden can be a fun and cool god to explore the lore of and play. Yet I'm not keen on constantly playing off his role as a deity as an ongoing drunk joke with nothing more to it--yes, he is fun loving and a god of drinks, but he is also a god of adventuring and bravery. There are other aspects to play up and enjoy.

After the fight
Ceru frowns with worry at Tali's injuries, but relaxes as Wayilant's healing spreads through the camp.

"Thank goodness you woke up and warned us, Tali," Ceru says, as she walks over to offer the frightened sorceress a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Or we all could have been hurt a lot worse."

She looks at the others. "I'm sorry I didn't help more, but you all drove them off amazingly quick. Well done!"

In the morning, proper

As she is up early because she is on last watch anyway, Ceru takes the time after preparing her extracts for the day to make everyone a nice breakfast of cheese biscuits with her travel cake mix, water, and some shreds off her hunk of cheese.

Profession Cook, Cheese: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 = 17
Per GM's subsystem, this gives everyone a +1 bonus HP

Smelling the strong jasmine, she also pops some of the fragrant leaves wrapped in cheesecoth in a boiling cauldron of water, taken from a nearby stream, to make some jasmine tea, which should help reinvigorate tired spirits.

On the road through the weekend and my access may be spotty. Please bot me as needed. For this combat, Ceru will probably cast shield on herself and draw her short sword on her next turn. After that, as needed, she will move into combat, trying to flank with a more martial-focused character. While she will attack with her short sword, the priority is more assisting others by flanking. She will use Acrobatics if needed to avoid AOOs to maintain a flank as needed.

If the scenario is desperate (several people badly wounded and hitting a monster will make a difference) she may spend two inspiration points to add 1d6 to her attack roll (this can be added after the d20 is rolled), but only if it's really needed.

Sorry for short notice, site keeps going down every time I tried to post.

Ceru struggles to her feet and opens the flap to her tent, seeing the strange little tree-like monstrosities. Something she remembers from books she has read flies to the forefront of her mind. "Twigjacks! Or something like them. Big ones! Watch out for that sap on their claws--they may not spray or jump like littler Twigjacks but be careful. They're basically wood so mind what weapon you use, think of what would and wouldn't hurt a tree!"

Two move actions to stand up and open her tent, and Immediate to share insight that gives everyone +1 circumstance to hit and damage due to her high Knowledge check.

I thought we bought 200 ft. of rope and a climbing kit as a party. Talienda would have put up what she has available for the purchase.

I'm not sure we confirmed it and marked the expense on character sheets which is why I wanted to check. If this is confirmed I can add it to Gary's load.

I'll put Ceru's 50 ft of hemp rope toward the 200 ft. So we need 3 more 50 foot lengths of rope. If it's just hemp (which I think is fine, I think between stronger party members and the donkey we can manage the weight) that's 3 gp. Plus 80 gp for the climbing kit, for a total of 83 gp. Ceru can contribute an additional 9 gp toward this cost.

Also, as a reminder, I just as a last ditch to avoid complicating things any further, bought 50 feet of rope and a grappling hook. If anyone else also bought adventuring supplies they should say so to be sure we actually have anything we need now that we've spent so much time talking about it. ;)

Going to roll the Knowledge check before I forget, but understand Ceru will not be able to make use of it until she actually wakes up.

Knowledge Arcana, free inspiration: 1d20 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (18) + (2) + 7 = 27

Ceru would flavorwise use her stuff to make breakfast for the team (along with whatever they contribute from their own rations) but yeah, we can say for eases' sake that it's overall I think about 8 days of rations (10 for Ceru alone, as a day of rations for a Small individual is .75 lbs).

I like to detail the ingredients, particularly with a character like Ceru, because in other games it has come oddly in handy to be able to do things like hand a beggar an apple or distract a guard dog with cheese or throw flour at an invisible person.

Fine with me. Ceru can't deal a lot of damage but, RNG willing, can survive long enough to wake everyone up, and can use inspiration to improve to-hit chances (among other things).

Whoops, forgot to note: For the fire: I would say fire out once we go to sleep, unless it is very cold such that we'd be in danger of hypothermia without it (it is Abadius, the equivalent of January). I think this region is fairly temperate? As for sleeping in armor, Ceru will sleep in her light armor.

Along the road, Ceru is cheerful and chats with whomever wants to chat. She tires walking along on little legs but does not complain.

When they arrive at the site, she nods in agreement with Ionatan and Dario. "Indeed, we don't want to not be able to outrun zombies because our feet hurt."

She reaches into a sack and hands the out-of-breath Talienda an apple. "Drink some water and eat this, you'll feel better." Potassium and sugar for the win!

Ceru volunteers to serve on the last watch (wee hours of the morning) as she can prepare her extracts for the day. She tells the party she'll probably prepare a protective shield formula for herself but has the capacity to prepare an additional extract and can't decided between healing (CLW) or growth (enlarge person). What do they think?

Shall we say three watches? Two people on each shift?

Because I am a weirdo who likes to keep track of these things for my own character at least (and because sometimes these details can come in handy), I have purchased for Ceru with her own money a Small-sized tent for herself, 50 ft of rope, a grappling hook, and some flour, potatoes, and apples. I've also added a few more days' worth of animal feed.

She of course will expect her rope and grappling hook to be shared with and used by the whole party. These items are on her donkey.

Good to know that GM is not a stickler about encumbrance, although I still will try to be reasonable about what a particularly not very muscular 3-foot-tall person might be able to carry. Easiest way to do this is track encumbrance, but I won't worry if I'm over a pound or two. And yes of course as we get into high levels, I highly support handy haversacks, bags of holding, and portable holes for all.

If encumbrance isn't a big deal, can I change one of my spells known (which is ant haul) into something else?

Fair point that we may be getting lost in the weeds.

We could also just retcon it that Bryndis's negotiation netted us expedition gear instead of money to buy it. If the outdoor adventuring parts are not important to the plot I am happy to say we have what we need and handwave it. The main concern is do we have a way in and out of the ruins?

FWIW I remember the developers saying the lower weight of some of the packages was because they were packed efficiently (so it was less that they had less mass but wouldn't burden the PC as much). The problem is they didn't account for reduced weight once certain items in a kit was used up.

The GM said at the beginning of the campaign, "if it's not on your character sheet, you probably don't have it." So I am assuming it may matter exactly how much rope we have, etc. later.

So this said, sounds like the vagueness of the climber's kit is causing more problems than help.

My alternate proposal:
We buy the length of rope we need separately.
We buy as many pitons as we want if any separately.
We buy a grappling hook.
We buy, if desired and if money is available, a customized "climbing tools package" that mechanically does nothing but give folks a +2 bonus to Climb checks. It will be 55 gp and 5 lbs. For pure flavor, it comprises small items that assist with climbing (such as harnesses, carabiners, etc.). The price and weight is based on Masterwork Artisan Tools which similarly give a +2 bonus on a particular skill.

If anyone already has rope, pitons, or a grappling hook on their character sheet already please say so so we can account for it.

I have pocket change only. 9 GP

Unless you already spent it, you got 25.51 from the recent encounter.

Ceru in fact ONLY has that amount of money but let's see what other folks have and/or suggest and/or are willing to offer.

Climber's Kit includes ropes of indeterminate length and material.

Regardless of description, the mechanical purpose of the climbing kit is to give a +2 bonus to climb. I expect if there are challenges where we need a specific length of rope to accomplish something, possessing it alone will not be adequate to address the challenge--though I welcome the GM to weigh in on that.

I appreciate the confidence that you won't need a potion to get me back on my feet. <grin> Ionatan is supposed to be cocky, as a Swashbuckler. Not sure how I feel about other people being cocky for him. <grin>'

I believe the suggested purpose was to be sure we had a way to heal the healers should they get taken out.

So here's my thoughts. Some of us grab rooms at the Rusty Dragon (I think we'd get along there a lot better than the White Deer) while the rest grab provisions. It sounds like we'll need rope, probably about 200 feet and silk if we can afford it, and climbing harnesses. Two of us have no STR bonus and Talienda's dump stat was STR, so we'll need as many bonuses as we can get.

Spitballing a list here
- 200 ft. of rope (preferably silk to halve the weight)
- Climbing Gear
- A scroll or partially charged wand of Feather Fall for emergencies while climbing
- Healing potions to get Dario or Wayilant back on his feet if either goes down and to save on their spells
- Camping gear & Supplies (two large tents, bedrolls and blankets for those that don't have 'em, cooking supplies, food, etc.)

Any suggestions?

Ceru already has a full cooking kit (as well as some travel cake mix (which is the Golarion equivalent of Bisquick), cheese, and honey, but we'll probably need more food if we are tracking such things carefully). My plan was to always have her use the cooking kit to cook for everyone. She has her own bedroll and mess kit.

My thought is, as I expect everyone has some degree of adventuring gear or another, to let folks fill out their own camping needs.

For climbing, if we can afford it, I suggest we get a spelunking kit, which includes a climber's kit and its cost, also includes a lantern with 4 flasks of oil, a hammer and 8 pitons, 100 feet of silk rope, and a grappling hook for 174 gp. If we all pitch in perhaps we can afford it, although some folks may have more gold than other. I can only donate up to 25 gp (15 if I also need to buy a tent) but Gary should be able to carry it, so I am hoping in addition to using my cooking gear for the party that can help be part of my contribution.

While it is only so useful, Ceru can prep cure light wounds to help backup heal. (This does not preclude buying healing items if we can afford it, but a potion of CLW is 50 gp and do we have that much gold)?.

Ceru finally speaks after musing over the maps. "I remember a book in Uncle Bozzleboff's secret library about rare ingredients... there is a rare fruit that grows from an underground tree. According to the book--Fantastic Foraged Feasts and Where to Find Them--supposedly this tree sprouted from a wooden stake used to slay an ancient vampire! Twice a year it yields a magical fruit: in summer, it grows a single ruby red apple, which grants vigor, health, and life. During the winter, a single albino apple ripens, which takes away the same. Despite the book's title, I don't remember it saying where exactly where the tree grew, and I don't know how reliable a source it was... but it could be an enticing enough legend to draw adventurers to a ruin with tales of odd magical plants...."

She nods at the others as they speak of booking a stay somewhere and getting more adventuring supplies, agreeing with the plans and having no further input on plans as of yet.

Eyes right at desk level, as soon as she sees more interesting paper to look at, Ceru reaches out to grab the drawings and look at them.

She wishes her father's library had extended beyond things arcane, but wonders if she recognizes or knows anything mystical or magical about the way the ruin is built or that would explain an underground shrubbery.

Knowledge Arcana, Inspiration: 1d20 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (20) + (4) + 7 = 31

Can use Inspiration for free with Knowledge checks, so may as well add the die up front. Edit: which appears that was overkill, but ah well. :)

Ceru smiles a greeting to the Mayor. She spots the ledger and, purely just drawn to any writing, tries to make out what it's a ledger of when Kendra closes it. She then tries to look elsewhere for fear she might have appeared nosy. Which, she totally is nosy, but still.

Sharing settings on the spreadsheet were wonky; folks should be able to view now if they couldn't before.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Overhearing Wayilant and Dario, Ceru pipes up, "Oh, I have just the thing!" She pauses and halts Gary, and climbs up onto the saddlebags to dig through things to produce the spice pouch in her cooking kit as well as a small cup. Pulling out a small vial of yellow powdery substance, she pours a generous amount into the cup (about a teaspoon full), and then putting that back, pulls out a jar of honey. She stirs a generous portion into the powder and hands the cup to Dario. "It's ginger! Very good for the unsettled stomach. I gave it to my dad all the time."

Everything is split six ways and if it's okay with you I'd rather just leave it as is. I have a master's degree in English and it's a cruel thing to ask me to recalculate things (or reprogram Excel formulas). They remove the arithmetic part of our brains before we get our diplomas. ;)

I would prefer to just always evenly split raw gold income, excluding item kept value, where reasonable. Any item kept I consider less its monetary value and more how useful it is in the player's hands and therefore making the PC more useful to the party and less likely to die. Now, if we have a situation where, say, five people each get an item around 2,000 gp, and one person gets no item, that they keep at least 2000 gp in that instance, but we're not dealing with that kind of situation.

If you want to volunteer to take over the loot accounting, you are welcome to recalculate the gold intake.

On the Ship

After the conversation and what Talienda and Ionatan say, Ceru looks at Io with a soft smile. However argumentative her words might read were they written down, her tone is soft, as though she is trying to comfort rather than contradict. "Seems to me, Io, that a ransom for a black sheep would be pretty low. Maybe they didn't know that, but we also don't really know you, so I hope when your temper fizzles, you might forgive the inquiry. Me, I think I got my answer to the question I asked you before, so I'll leave that be."

She turns to Tali. "As for you, what an awful thing to go through! You and Alina and Echo. I can't speak for the others, but I'll use whatever skills I have at my disposal to help you however I can."

When Bryndis says her piece, Ceru jumps up. "Me! I give a s!&$! I mean, what I mean is you matter! You're the one who brought us all together!" She pauses. "I hope you don't regret it..."

Beyond any other outcomes from that, Ceru will spend the journey talking to her party and/or annoying sailors with questions about sailing.

Sandpoint
Ceru, Gary's lede in her hand, steps off the boat, and is instantly agape as she takes in the sights of the new town. Everything is new, everything is here to explore. It doesn't matter that it's kind of muddy and seedy in the docks different, it's still miles apart, literally and figuratively, from Whistledown, and all is opportunity.

"Tavern seems a good a place as any to get our bearings." Ceru never stops looking around as she speaks.

If it's okay with y'all, I've created a Loot Tracking Sheet.

I can update as we find stuff, or pass it off to someone else if they want to do it. My experience in PBP is we often lose track of treasure found and this can cause problems down the line, so I'm hoping this might help. If we don't want to bother that's fine too as long as we generally keep up with what we've got.

As noted, sale of gear adds 22 gp and 8 cp each to our purses.

Whoops, I knew I'd forget something: I forgot to buy feed for the donkey. Is it okay to put in on her sheet now? It would only cost a few coppers, and she easily could have done it between the recruitment and the day of embarkation.

Excluding the items kept by Tali, can we just go ahead and sell the loot? Trying not to lose track of treasure, as often happens in PBP.

Ionatan laughs: a rolling belly-laugh that makes it hard not to at least grin in response. "If we believe what we were told, they attacked us because they were incompetent buffoons trying to scare us. I don't think we're in any actual trouble, no. Why? Do you?"

She looks up at the swordsman and blinks.

"You know, my father always said I never pay attention, but I do. Maybe not to the things he wanted me to, but I do. And I remember the man very specifically ordered the others to 'finish them,' which I am pretty sure means, to kill us. Except you. And they recognized and named you specifically. Now, you have talked about being a noble and your family a little, and maybe they just happened to know who you were. But it seems odd, and no, given the way they were fighting, I don't think they were just trying to scare us. I think they were out for blood. And so you must not have been the one paying attention, OR you are lying to me, OR you are lying to yourself about what a bad situation we were in because you don't want to be scared. Which is it?"

He looks to Talienda, Alina, and Ceru. "I hope you learned that staying to fight is not always the best choice. Remember that sometimes you need to be elsewhere!"

"Why are you talking to us like we are your students? I have been an adventurer as long as you I'd wager. But since you are worried, be assured I would always rather find another way than to fight. But I'm not going to do nothing if good people are going to get hurt."

At the Monte Cristo
Ceru thanks the Captain profusely when he allows Gary aboard. "I have read ships regularly keep livestock aboard, so surely I hope this will not be too much a bother."

While she will join Tali in private when requested, until then she spends a good deal of time exploring the ship as much as she possibly can. She has never been on a ship before, and so goes everywhere she possibly can and trying to pick up on every detail of the rigging, sails, structure, crew, and so on.

Shall we go ahead and divvy up the coinage at least right now? I think that's 4 gold, 3 silver, and 3 copper apiece, more or less.

Do we want to take and sell the other gear or leave anything so as to not worry about the burden of it? We can use the mule as long as we have it but I also don't know how far we want to go in dragging a bunch of suits of armor around, etc.

After the Fight
Ceru returns and says she lost the man who fled. She recommends reporting him to the guard in case he appears again.

"Why did they attack us?" She asks, point-blank. Ceru looks at Ionatan and Talienda in particular. "Are you folks in trouble? Because if we're traveling together, I think we need to know if you are in danger, or the rest of us might be. We can help, but now's not the time for secrets." Well, as far as Ceru was concerned, now was never the time for secrets, but that's neither here nor there.

Ceru retrieves Gary and offers her pack mule's services for carrying any loot the party wishes to take with them.

The Monte Cristo

Ceru hands her paperwork to the Captain. "Excuse me, sir, but Sheila and Kimberly said you had room for Gary the Mule." She looks up at him with wide, childlike cerulean eyes, showing wordlessly that her heart might break if she cannot take her mule with her.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Trying to stick to the shadows created by various debris in the street, Ceru moves about 35 feet trying to see where the well-dressed man is going.

Stealth, Moving Twice, not quite full speed: 1d20 + 10 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 10 - 5 = 15

Not trying to continue combat, just seeing where he is headed if possible

Sorry about the bless mistake, I think I accidentally clicked on the wrong edition reference. So that's 3 damage instead of 4.

Ceru shoots at the one engaging Wayilant.

Attack, Bless, shooting into melee: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 3 - 4 = 6

But the arrow flies wide.

Re: colors and bad guys: For what it's worth, what's worked for me when I've GMed PBP is I've outlined all PCs blue, cohorts/familiars/companions light blue, all enemies red, and any innocents or neutrals in the area ochre yellow. Then I number any enemies not obviously distinguishable in any other way. For the numbering I usually just create a number in a text box and group it with the picture token.

As an aside, at most PBP tables have indeed made enemies red, so making the party red is really confusing to me, but I can get over it.

Re: PG-13: I'm not so concerned with being in "mixed company," per se (don't think I've ever been in a group that wasn't women and men), but I appreciate that you posted this as these expectations aren't always clear in PBP. We don't know each other well, so being careful with assumptions is a good idea. Hope we can keep things comfortable and fun for all.

If Ceru at 3 feet tall can take a 5 foot step to stand under the table next to her, she will (not sure if it's like a writing desk or a standing desk a harbor worker would use to keep a ledger). If not she'll just stay put.

Ceru pulls out her shortbow and aims at the sailor in Dark Blue.

Attack, Bless: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 1 = 22
Damage, Bless: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Later that morning, on the streets

"Interference? Oh mister, you got it all wrong! I just said I thought you were looking for somebody." She pauses. Perhaps this will help, and it is the truth. "And that you had a fabulous beard..."

But as things devolve swiftly into violence, she gulps and prepares to defend herself...

Ack, y'all have been busy! Sorry Sundays are often busy for me, and had some other business to take care of, and today was a looong day at work.

Wayilant leans forward to address the gnome. "Ceru. How important is the pack mule to your.. operations?"

"He carries my alchemy and cooking supplies. Which are for me one and the same. I'm unfortunately a little too small to carry it all on my own. I expect he may also come in handy on a rescue mission, especially if we find the missing people and they are injured. He can carry them. Or if all is well, he can carry lots of loot."

When Kimberly returns with the good news that taking Gary will not be a problem, she gushes with thanks and takes the voucher and stows it in one of the many pockets in her overalls.

Ceru doesn't order food until they are told it's on the house, but agrees with Wayilant on the recommendation of the fish. "Just off the boat today so it's quite fresh!"

As discussion of extra passage ensues, Ceru asks Kimberly, "And my pack mule? Part of my wages have been paying for his stabling here, but they can't do that if I'm not here and... I've only a few silvers to my name after stocking up on reagents... if it's 5 gold to keep Gary in the cargo bay I don't know how I'll get that in time..."

Her ears flatten as she considers. However anyone answers...

As the conversation turns to Alina, Ceru's attention drifts away as she spots something. "Folks... folks!" She taps her fork on the table to get the group's attention. "Don't look, but there's some grizzled looking seamen types studying who's signing up for what. The one human with the fabulous white beard has walked by us like five times. I don't know if they're just one of the sailors on the ships going to these different locations assessing their potential passengers... or they're looking for someone..."

"Oh, Io! I am so sorry to abuse your name, I remember seeing it on the guest list and should not have assumed!" Ceru flushes quite pink, clearly feeling she has committed quite the faux pas. "I hope you can forgive me. In case any missed, I am Ceru, sometimes called Cloakchaser, but definitely not something longer and more unnecessarily complicated than that."

Then the cat climbs onto her seat, and she giggles with glee, and as the giant floof seems to nearly be half Ceru's size, she seems to halfway disappear as she gives the attention demanded.

She looks at Tali. "Oh! Fortune's Flower! That is pretty! I do like that!"

As the Divine Three Way becomes the subject of interest, she explains to Tali very matter of factly, "It's something to do with weird human sexual habits. I expect perhaps you're young enough to not have learned much about it yet. I mean I don't know much about it but I heard the humans talk about all kinds of things on the caravan I took to get here. Anyway..." She frowns. "I don't know why we'd want to be called that, we're not pleasure workers and there are more than three of us. She scratches her chin, clearly not getting it on an entirely different level.

The gnome nods toward the priest-bartender. "With respect, Wayilant, I understand the desire to spread your faith and acknowledge the sacred nature of the place we drink and eat tonight. At the same time, if we are to work together, I think it's not fair to place one's faith higher than another's in terms of identifying who we are as a group. Names are important. If you name the group for Cayden, then it places those who prioritize worshipping Cayden as most important. Can't we have something... well, more equal to all of us? That's why I was thinking something with Fortune... it can nod to Cayden's luck if you like but also that fate has brought us together, which is the zone of other deities as well and beyond. Or, there are six of us, well, six humanoids." She pauses to scritch the kitty on that spot just under the chin. "The Fated Six. The Six Heroes. The Six. Lucky Six. Heroic Hex. Table for Six... Wait, are we including Alina? Lucky Seven..." She trails off, brainstorming whatever comes to mind.

Also, a small note: I appreciate some of you have read my character's background (I *really* do, not many people do that). Some of you have taken to referring to her by her longer name mentioned in her background. However, just for clarification, Ceru has always been introduced as and known publicly as Ceru or Ceru Cloakchaser. She sees her name as something quite personal, and like most female gnomes, prefers the shorter epithet. I know no one has called her by her full name in character but just want to clarify no one should actually know her by any name other than "Ceru." Don't want to crush anyone's fun, but also want to be sure people refer to my character with in character knowledge rather than out. Thanks. :)

I'll edit her background to clarify.

I like "Flagon Slayers," on the pun value and referencing where we met. And while it references the Inn and a Caydenite can interpret "slaying a flagon" creatively, it doesn't immediately make us sound like a bunch of stumbling drunks, which, with all due respect to Cayden, makes us less hireable. ;) Plus I'm a big fan of the old "Slayers" anime series, which started off as inspired by the creators' old D&D campaign.

I still like "Fortune's Favor" (as in "Fortune Favors the Bold"). Or to reference our meeting, "Found by Fate" or "the "Fate-Found" which adds in "finding" to reference the Pathfinder Society.

Talienda giggles at Ceru's suggestions for a name.

"Heheheh, I-I actually like that last one. Who doesn't like blueberry pancakes," she says, her laughter bubbling under her words. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Ceru." She grins at the gnome, hoping that they will get along. "I suppose you're the cook who's been feeding Alina and me these past few days."

Ceru nods vigorously. "That's me! You're the two spice cakes and a bowl of fish, right?"

She looks around. "Can-can I pet your cat?"

After a few moments of thought, he looks at the group again. "But what do we bring to the table? I have my blade and wit, Way has the blessings we'll all need sooner or later. I'm guessing the larger woman is a warrior of some sort. What about the rest?"

"I am a cook, and an alchemist, and... I am a... a... an explorer! I want to learn things all about the world, and... well, I am good at getting into things to learn about them! I never learned magic the way my dad wanted me to, but I have learned to do oh so many things through alchemy, and I can also figure out the workings of the magic artifacts in my dad's lab that I wasn't supposed to be inside." She grins. "And somebody has to keep us fed anyway, you can't adventure on an empty stomach!"

--

As Sheila approaches and invites them to sign up for something, and more back and forth ensues.

"My dad always said I talked too much, but you all talk a lot, so I am wondering, is this normal? Have I been normal all along and didn't know it? Where do all of you come from anyway? I'm from Whistledown, several miles east along the river."

As the debate ensues over which adventure to sign up for, Ceru examines the ledger with clear excitement on her face. "Oh, they are all so interesting! I wish we could do them all! Some involve travel and that would be so wonderful... all the way to Ustalav! Or these sea voyages..."

Further suggestions are made, and Wayilant brings up the Sandpoint adventure. "Wayilant has a point... and if those are missing children... those poor children! But..."

She pauses, considering her words. "On the other hand, I do so very much want to see all of these places, and help all of these people. But... as Dario points out, there is also a missing person right here in Magnimar, and the person we report to is Sheila herself. My uncle Bozzleboff always said, 'A road trip is the fastest way to destroy a friendship.' Which is to say, when people travel together, sometimes what we learn first is all the things that annoy one another. Because we have only been brought together by chance--as much as I am intrigued by where fate may be guiding us--I wonder if we should take this one first. It will probably be quite quick to do and gives us a chance to learn about each other and work together. And if it works out and we make a fine team, then it seems there will be plenty of opportunities to explore the world and make a name for ourselves!"

She pauses and adds, "Or, I would not object to the Sandpoint job, if Ianto wishes it. If it is his family, I think his say matters most on that."

Ceru is glad for the night off, if only because it means being able to mingle and discover all the different people who have come tonight for a chance to sign up with the Pathfinders. The Pathfinder Society! Surely she, with her natural draw toward all that is interesting (and possibly dangerous) might be able to see where fate is leading her now.

As she arrives she is largely observing, big details (the number of guests) and small (the interesting brooch on that woman's cloak), too busy trying to spot the most interesting thing in a sea of interesting things. Then she spots the man she recognizes as the bartender, Wayilant. She half smiles, glad she is not the only one who has perhaps been biding time--if also trying to be useful--by working here. She is already deciding to walk over to greet her co-worker when a tall female human--no, those are pointed ears way up there, but given the woman's build, she guesses at half-elf--waves her over in the same direction. She doesn't recognize the woman, but wondering why she is waving toward her only makes her more curious, and so she scuttles over.

The small gnome woman has been working as cook at the Flagon for only a few weeks at most, and is normally seen bustling in and out of the kitchen when not in it. She's traded her apron and headscarf (to keep hair out of the food) for a set of overalls and a thick, protective leather coat and boots. A belt with numerous pouches and a gnome-sized shortsword in a sheath is wrapped around her waist. An undercut poof of plum-colored hair tops her head, and she peers at the folks at the table with wide, inquisitive blue-green eyes. Accents on her clothing match her hair or eyes. Anyone close to her gets a whiff of various spices.

She greets Wayilant first, as she at least knows him from the Flagon. "Wayilant? It's me, Ceru! In case you don't recognize me not covered in flour." She climbs into a chair, and, standing upon it so she can see everyone, waves at Alfred as well. Her eyes volley back and forth as she tries to keep up with the ensuing conversation, and nods along when all attempt to confirm they are an adventuring group. A little white lie cannot hurt in the name of adventure, can it?

She struggles to keep up with all the banter but catches onto the suggestions for names. "Hmm, Cauldron of Courage? Fortune's Favor? New Horizons? Blueberry Pancakes?"

GM Nightfiend, thanks for the invitation to play! Everyone, looking forward to playing with you.

About to head to work so will double check my character sheet, equipment list, etc. tonight. Feedback is welcome for anyone who has time to give it.

As an FYI I post Eastern Time, most frequently mornings or at night (although whenever I can get on I'll check threads).

Okay, I haven't heard about the other game yet, but I don't want to wait till the last minute and if I have the "problem" of being accepted into both games I should manage fine; I keep forgetting one of my other games is coming to an end.

Here is my application, Ceru. Her background reflects a proposal that she may have actually taken a job at the Inn, as she is a cook-alchemist (among other things). This is intended to be temporary, it just made sense to me as a starting point, but if it doesn't work she can arrive as an adventurer looking for work as needed.

She has a pack mule to help carry her cooking and alchemy gear, which I expect can be replaced by a handy haversack and/or whatever useful adventuring item or effect she might come across.

If there was a party rogue or other trapfinder in the party but she was also desirable as a party member for other reasons, I could probably take the Infiltrator archetype to give her some alternate abilities to avoid toe-stepping. It could work reflecting her curiosity about others and learning by mimicry. At the same time I think the archetypeless version of the class also suits her story and nature.