Cordia Masero's page

Hello, all. I posted this in another game, also hosted by DM Dickie. With all the recent personal upheaval and bad luck in my RL, my free time, health and energy levels are at an all time low. I don't wish to take up a spot with a character I'm unable to play as I wish to, and, I have no idea when I can back to the boards with any sort of regularity. Regrettably, I am withdrawing from the game (this is a game that seems to run faster and have more postings than my other slower games and I just won't be able to catch up and continue with much success). Once again, DM Dickie you've been a great DM and understanding and patient to boot! It's been a pleasure and I've enjoyed everyone's characters in game.

I wish you all the best and much success.

Kind Regards,
Cordia.

My cat’s seriously injured and can’t walk on his own. I’m his nurse (carrying, lifting, medicating him) until his surgery next week. I won’t be back on the boards until next week. Sorry about all this personal upheaval. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Cordia turned to look at Xylas, asking, "Do you know what it is?"

Untrained Know. Religion re identify the humanoid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Cordia doesn't have trained Know. Religion, unfortunately.

DM Dickie, can the humanoid be identified in its current position or do we need to get closer to determine what it is?

She inwardly groaned when Bumolin called out to the creature. Even so, she quietly warned her companions, "In the shadows, where the wall is damaged, crouched in the crack, is a humanoid figure in tattered and archaic clothing. It's facing the door now. Be wary, for it could be dangerous."

Cordia was relieved when she heard the awaited *click* telling her the lock was open. She rolled up her tools and put them away in her pack.

Xylas smiles, "You're really good at this lockpicking thing, Cordia."

Cordia smirked and replied pleasantly in lowered voice, "A childhood trick. I'm glad I can help."

Noting Thorfinn's gesture to open the door, she first gave the portal a thorough once over to see if there were traps on/around it before trying to open the heavy, iron door.

Perception for traps: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

(If she sees there are no traps, she'll proceed with opening the door. Otherwise, if there is a trap, I'll roll a disable device check upon direction from GM.)

"It's an old iron door, so not sure how quiet it'll be as I try to open it. Be on the ready," she discreetly advised.

Cordia gripped the handle and pulled the door steadily open, hoping it wouldn't make too much noise to alert any unwanted attention. She waited to the side for Thorfinn to enter first; her rapier now in hand once more. From the doorway, Cordia peeked inside the darkness? trying to see if there was a new threat waiting for them in the shadows.

Perception with darkvision: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

"I think that metallic key was for the metal man not for a door? Let me try pick the lock, alright?"

Cordia moved to the place by the closed door and pulled out her common thieves tools. Kneeling at eye level with the lock, she began to steadily work at it.

Disable Device to pick lock of the heavy, iron door: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Just as she was about to suggest an alternative such as a rubbing, Xylas and Thorfinn left and returned with the heavy plaque. The barbarian will have to carry that around. I don't envy him.

She answered Xylas' earlier question regarding the lever, "I do believe the lever is intended to manually operate the trapdoor."

Climb check with aid of rope and using side of pit wall (DC 5): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Climb check with aid of rope and sing side of pit wall (DC 5): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Steadily and surely Cordia climbed up and out of the pit using Xylas' rope and the wall of the pit. Her ankle throbbed, yet it didn't stop her from getting to the top and standing gingerly on her feet. When Xylas' healing energy covered her body, she felt the tingling sensation and she thought it would be enough to right her ankle, yet it fell shy of it wholly healing. (She's at 9/10 HP now.) There was a twinge now, but it wouldn't hamper her movement. Cordia moved away from the edge/s of the pit.

"Thanks for the rope and healing, Xylas. Once we get the chance to rest, I'm sure my ankle'll come right."

Looking to Thorfinn, she asked the barbarian, "You right to move ahead? Hopefully I'll keep better watch as we go."

Argh. I missed the pit trap and I got hurt. Keener eyes, Cordi. Keener eyes save lives.

Perception for traps and other threats once the party moves forward: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Not sure the marching order, but if Cordia was following behind Thorfinn, she'll continue doing so and advising him of any threat/trap.

DM Dickie, Cordia hadn't stepped foot inside the the chamber (she was standing outside the door she had just opened). How did she trigger the pit trap? Thorfinn was the only person to step inside the room and Roxy didn't touch the lever as Cordia said not to. I'm a little confused.

Sorry, everyone. I took a nasty spill on the weekend and busted up my face and both thumbs on top of my other ailments. The meds for pain and my cough make me drowsy/sleepy, so I've not been in the right mind to post on the boards. I'll try to post when I'm lucid enough.

Without warning, the floor beneath Cordia opens to a ten foot deep pit!

Fall Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4 DC 20 Reflex save will negate the damage. I will also allow Corida to choose which side of the pit she leaps to on a successful save (failure is bottom of the pit!).

Reflex Save (DC 20): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 (Takes the 4 dmg)

The trap had caught her unawares and she began to fall, much to her dismay. Trying to use her light-footedness and general grace to stop herself from falling, Cordia just couldn't manage it and she fell, landing hard at the bottom of the pit; winded and groaning, a pain in her right ankle.

"Are you OK, Cordia?"

"Dammit! No, I'm hurt. I've done something to my ankle." The pit was ten feet deep and she wondered if she could find a way out of it on her own. "Someone toss down a rope, so I can try to climb out?"

At Xylas' question, Cordia replied, "My eyes can see well in the dark, thanks Xylas."

Turning her focus on the halfling bard, Cordia asked "Do you know what this metal man is, Roxy?"

"Roxy, perhaps you shouldn't pull an unfamiliar lever."

Through the darkness she spotted it and when Bumolin asked his question, she replied, "Aye, I see the metal man. Anyone know what it could be?" looking to those with more knowledge of such things than she.

I don't need Cordia botted DM as I mentioned I'm back on the boards. Thanks!

Still unwell, however I'm back on the boards. I can't catch up on all the missed posts as there are are far too many (60+) and I just don't have the energy levels or time. I have read the last day or two, though. Thanks for your patience. Hopefully I will be 100% in the near future and back to proper, consistent posting. Thanks for the botting GM and for everyone's patience.

No internet (lots of rain can do this) and now I have the worst ever flu (thanks to hubby) on top of my eye situation. This is turning into a bad comedy. Sorry, folks, I’m out until I can swallow without razor blades in my throat, hacking cough subsides, migraines stop and breathing returns. Least it’s not COVID as we got tested for that yesterday. Small mercy, I suppose.

Thanks, DM and Bumolin.

Complications with my eye situation. Looks like I'll be seeing an ophthalmologist for possible surgery on my left eyelid. Sorry I've been MIA, but I'm trying to limit my exposure on the comp and trying to rest up. I hope to be back to some kind of regular posting possibly around my Sunday (your Saturday) until I hear whether I need to get the surgery. I'll let you guys know more once I know. Thanks for your understanding and patience.

Sincere apologies for my lack of presence on the board. I developed a severe eye infection in my left eye last week that grew worse and I had to go into hospital. I'm back home now, but with an eye patch, on bed rest. So, being in front of a comp for any length of time isn't the best for me. I'll be back to usual posting from Monday 27th (hopefully sans eye patch). GM, please bot Cordia where/when necessary for the remainder of this week. Thanks kindly.

"Did we put the spirit to rest?"

"I've no clue, Roxy. It's gone now and only three skeletons and my closed canteen lie on the floor. Xylas' plan for a proper burial for all three is a sound plan. The cell door's locked tight. Let me try to pick the lock..." and with that the lady rogue pulled out her common thieves' tools and began to work earnestly on the lock.

Disable Device to pick the lock: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

(If she manages to unlock the cell door...)

Cordia then looked over the cell door to determine if there were any traps set in place or it could just be opened without concern.

Perception for trap/s: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

At the question of who the Baron Sarvo was, Cordia shook her head, "Haven't heard of him, sorry. We recently met the baroness' son - Arnholde."

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Glancing at the prisoner in the cell, Cordia quietly informed her companions, "There's a hidden door in the back of the cell, just behind the man. And, has anyone noticed that the man seems faintly transparent as though he lacks physical substance."

Still, the man in the cell said he hadn't eaten or taken water for days. Cordia pulled out her canteen and placed it through/by the square window in the metal door, where the grimy, skinny hand was reaching through the narrow bars. "You are welcome to drink my water, sir. Sip the water at first, so you don't choke."

"I don't see any traps and the door isn't locked," she said in lowered voice, pointing at the hanging open lock. "Ready, when you are. Thorfinn, want to take the lead, again?" gesturing for him to open the door.

Glad you're doing better, Kuvan. :)

"Nice, swift job with the two creepy crawlies." Hearing Xylas speak of looking behind the door to the south, Cordia answered quietly, "Before we make to go through it, allow me to check for traps."

She nodded and then moved steadily to the doorway in question (not sure if it has a closed door or it's open. I don't think Cordia checked this door or the surrounding frame for traps already?)

Perception for traps re south exit: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Cordia, not having a ranged weapon in her arsenal or skill set, drew her rapier and then moved carefully forward to stand closer to Thorfinn and Bumolin, but keeping to the shadows and walls where she can.

Just two move actions this round as she's a melee fighter.

So it's not just me who can't find a way to put his icon on the map?

@Bumolin: Once you launch the game on Roll20, you'll have the map up. In the top right hand corner, there's some symbols - go to the second one that looks like written paper(journal) and click it. At top, you'll see a list of characters/PC and some open slots. You can click on one of the open slots and edit the info there - adding your character name and your character pic. Save and you're set to go. I think there might be a problem with the privacy settings on the remaining open slots at the moment.

@DM Dickie: When I added my character to one of the open slots, it allowed me to add Thorfinn's as well. However, all the other open slots don't have the option to edit. Is that something you need to open up regarding privacy settings, please?

"You can actually talk to those little kobolds, Cordia? That's good to know. Sounds like Cordia, Thorfinn, and Roxy ought to be our front line and the rest of us provide support."

Cordia nodded as a familiar knot formed in the pit of her belly. "Aye. I learned it from an old friend. Lucky that. And, I can slip in and out from where you need be, depending on the situation. I'm ready to move on, too."

(Thanks for including Cordia in your caravan bond, Xylas!)

Thanks, DM Dickie. I can see the map now.
===

"Now we've been working together with the caravan for a little bit of course, but it's a little less clear what our jobs are down here so maybe we should discuss what our talents are in regards to you know, exploring and fighting creatures and what not, seeing as we didn't get much of a challenge on the trip up to Belhaim."

"I'm good with dagger and rapier. Better when I'm flanking. I'm light of foot and can find and disable traps. I've a knack for slipping bonds and escaping grapples. I speak the kobold tongue and I can see well in the dark," Cordia answered, believing she had given her companions enough information for now.

DM Dickie, I still can't see a map on Roll20? I've minimised, maximised and it's just a black, empty space. I added Cordia to one of the open character slots and still nothing. Not sure what's going wrong.

===

Thanks for using Cordia's last roll, DM.

Cordia sheathed her rapier so she could have both hands to hold the rope and climb down to the lower level, following behind Thorfinn and Xylas. Once down, she moved to the trap she had seen from above and inspected it more closely, nodding as if silently confirming something. Then aloud she said, "Getting a closer look at this hatch, I can see no ancient traps."

Once I can see the map, I'll add more via Cordia. Thanks!

"From this vantage, it doesn't look like there's anything dangerous at either trapdoor. To get a better idea, I'd need to go down and check that trapdoor from close range. Still, I suggest we all be careful as we move around this broken place. As to the kobolds, they are certainly dead."

So the "top" is what is left of the second floor. It has a trapdoor, currently open, that leads down to a mostly collapsed first floor. This is where the partially buried kobold bodies are. That collapsed room has a trapdoor directly below the first, open trapdoor. That door is closed.

Thanks for the clarification, DM!

Dm Dockie, I have to admit to now being confused as to which floor we're currently on. A trap door is set in the floor against the northwest wall. <--- which trap door is this one? I assumed it as the iron trap door but is it the companion door that if we open we look down and see an iron trap door below it? Sorry, I'm visual and maps help me more than narration most times. Just trying get my bearings. Thanks!

Climb (DC 8): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Climbing was never something she was ever really good at it, however Cordia scrambled up the rubble and was relieved when she made it up and didn't slip back down in front of her companions.

"I'll be looking for traps with these two doors. No one touch them until I'm done," she told her companions.

Cordia's gaze settled on the iron trap door on the floor and looked it over carefully for any sign of trap. She then repeated the inspection of the companion door in the ceiling above.

Perception to locate trap/s on iron trap door: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 (add +2 for dim light or darkness)
Perception to locate trap/s on companion door in the ceiling: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 (add +2 for dim light or darkness)

Cordia inwardly groaned at hearing there were kobolds in town, hiding in the witch tower? She could speak their tongue, yet it was another threat waiting among the ruins.

Upon the baroness' offer of six hundred gold pieces, Cordia's eyes lit up, and she answered, "We accept your generous offer of coin and thank you, my lady. We'll do what we can to discover what's happened to the wizard and why the kobolds are in your town. Hopefully the children are all safely accounted for."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Cordia breathed a little easier as they sheltered at Talia's inn. When the pitcher of beer was brought to the table, she filled her mug and happily drank it in one hearty swig. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and smiled - the beer taking away some of the concern she felt earlier when the sheriff and deputies stopped the caravan. She poured herself another beer and looked eagerly at the flagon of wine when a loud rumbling shook the walls of the inn and a crier outside announced the witch tower had fallen. Cordia sighed. What misfortune has already befallen us in this sleepy town. Hearing that children had gotten hurt there in the past, Cordia remembered her lost friends and she felt a twinge of pain in her heart.

"We should go and see if someone got hurt. Especially when it could be that children play there."

Cordia nodded in agreement. "Let's hope no children were hurt or killed..." downing the second mug of beer before picking up her gear from the floor and following the others' lead.

@Kuvan: DM Dickie is creating a new game thread (he hasn’t posted a link yet). And, you don’t have to join the sci-fi game to play in the Dragon’s Demand. :)

The other player AceofMoxen is in our Shattered Star game (Mallory) and is posting on the boards. Maybe a PM to them as well?

Sorry, not interested in sci-fi old school games right now, I guess I'll have to bow out from this game.

GM Dickie said that if most of the players here joined his game, then he'd run this one with us. So, please don't bow out at this time until we see who wishes to play the sci-fi game.

Hello, DM Dickie.

It's good of you to want to jump in to run this game until GM Minotaur returns. :) I'm currently playing in one of your games (this is Bel from Shattered Star Table A), so I have faith in you taking this on.

I'm currently in 5 active games (6 including this one) and I'm not sure if I can pick up another one and do all my games justice (with the scarce free time I have and my current RL workload and responsibilities).

I'm happy to look over the rules for this sci-fi game you wish to run and then make my decision. I can't make any promises to play it, but I won't discount it without looking into it. I hope that's okay. :)

I didn't say I wasn't concerned (I did say I hope he was okay). He posted in a couple of games on 3rd May, so he is somewhat around.

I’m around, too. Real life situations/responsibilities seemed to be taking up the GM’s time from his previous posts. Hopefully, he’ll find a way through soon and then we’ll see the game moving at some consistent rate. :)

I’ll be a bit busy myself with the Mother’s Day weekend coming up, however. I’ll be checking the boards on my phone

The gnome driver of the wagon she had ridden on with Bumolin was an informant. Clever gnome. I'll have to be more careful around Veltner in future, she warned herself silently.

"But what to do with the rest of you?" Sberiff Benhovy rubs his chin. "I'm considering arresting you all, just on principle."

As the cleric and northman tried to reason with the lead lawkeeper, Cordia inwardly cursed their ill fortune at getting caught working for a criminal.

"Sherriff, as my northman friend here's said, Veltner will vouch for us, for we've done nothing unlawful to be arrested," yet she added silently.

My condolences. May he Rest In Peace. Take the time you need, GM.

I also sent Xylas a PM last night, so when he gets back from vacay, he can read the message and know we've officially started. Good luck with wrangling the kiddos, GM Minotaur!

Yes, same here, Thornfinn. That’s a great rundown/summary for new players to PbP. :)

She'd been travelling in the second wagon with the dwarf named Bumolin, tasked with guarding it. The journey had been uneventful - so it meant easy coin on the road for doing very little.

At the entrance to the Belhaim is where trouble found them in the form of lawkeepers. Least they're not after me, Cordia mused silently, casting a glance at Silas Gribb striving to state his innocence and apparently failing.

As the guardsmen moved forward and set eyes on them, Cordia didn't balk for it'd be a sure sign she was guilty of something. Beside her Bumolin appealed to the lawkeepers not to shoot him. Well, that's one way to do it.

In a steady, clear voice, Cordia spoke, trying her luck in quelling the guards' suspicion of them, "Good day, lawkeepers. We've been hired by Mister Gribb to protect his wagons through the forest. We met him a few days ago. There must be some misunderstanding. We don't wish harm to you or any local folk."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

@Bumolin: To make your dialogue stand out from the rest of the narrative, you can do so by using the following html coding:

At the start of the dialogue, type the square brackets [ ] and inside them type b for 'bold'. At the end of the dialogue, type the square brackets [ ] and insert /b to end the bold.

There are other html coding you can use as well. Under the posting box, there's a section/link on "How to format your text' with a tiny 'show' button you can click. It can help you out with bold, italics etc..
:)

Sry. Didn't want to cause offense with the "outlaws and misfits"-comment. Was just a spontanous impression.

I thought it was a cool impression and wasn't at all offended. (Cordia is an Outlaw!) Even Kuvan who isn't an outlaw could fit under 'Misfit' with his unusual appearance. ;)

She's a little shocked at people robbing or committing serious crimes. In the Hamhill community, there wasn't much crime.

Hopefully, she won't find Cordia too shocking. ;)

No worries, GM Minotaur. I can certainly make a posting (and maybe more) daily during the week days. Weekends can get busier with family and carer duties (which I have to travel out of town for), so if I can't post for any reason, I'll let the group know on discussion. :)

So, going by the chosen campaign traits:

Fleeing the Law: Cordia, Thorfinn, Roxy
Guide: Bumolin, Xylas
Local Connections: Kuvan