Craig Lawrence's page

To say Craig never saw it coming would be one hell of an understatement. Things were going just dandy when the ballista bolt burst through the door and impaled Aubrin. Before Craig could rush to her one hobgoblin was oddly already pouring something down her throat, perhaps meaning to take her prisoner, perhaps something even more sinister. The other hobgoblin was on Craig like a tick on a dog and the sword cut Phaender native deep. Craig's outrage was reserved less for his own harm (Though he had some opinions about that hobgoblins mother you bet) and more horror for the sight of his hometown on fire beyond them.

Then he realizes he's in the damned way. He needs room to shoot his bow, and he's in the way. Falling back he draws his bow, while clearing room for others to go by. He calls out to his sister and the other non combatants "Hang back, they'll have to get through us to get to you but it wont' do no good if we bottleneck it."

5 Step to avoid AOO, and drawing bow

Go get em, Machiel! ;)

Craig Lawrence wrote:

*Logs on, sees Craig get hit hard*

Was it something I said? ;)

Seriously though, great to get started, thank you!

At least Craig is still conscious! Machiel is waiting for Craig to escape the front so he can move in and try to exact some revenge.

Well, Craig goes last in init so it maybe a bit. Very rude of this cleric to bleed so slowly ;)

*Logs on, sees Craig get hit hard*

Was it something I said? ;)

Seriously though, great to get started, thank you!

Still here!

As for answers to the above for Craig...
1) Theme Song: Simple Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd
2) Who to drop a tree limb on: A smug farm destroying heathen!
3) Perfect Date: A picnic by the Foot Bridge, ye gods!
4) Embarrassing Way to Die: Bow breakage backlash!
5) Favorite Color: Deep or Dark Green

While we wait, five questions for everyone to pass the time (or ignore!)

1. What would be your character's theme song?
(Any genre any era yadda yadda you can even pick the cover artist if you prefer them to the original. I'd say we won't judge but this IS the Internet)

2. If your character were a tree, who or what would he choose to drop a limb on?
(An important variation on an old style question. Hope you appreciate it)

3. What's your character's idea of a perfect date ?
(Yes, Gozran 25th is a fine answer, because it's "not too hot, not to cold, and all you need is a light jacket" )

4.What way to die to would be PARTICULALY embarrassing for your character?
(We trust the GM not to abuse any answers)

5.If your character's favorite color?
(Oh wait, so many woodsy types, everyone's gonna pick green I bet... oh well question stands)

RL must come first and yeah, we appreciate you keeping us posted! Thank you.

If you go bald, and your beard starts to gray too, just inform others you are not getting old... you are "evolving into a wizard". Collect hats and carry a walking stick as evidence!

If everyone's ready when can begin the campaign proper tomorrow

Ready!

He turns to Craig, in-between more chugs on the beer.

"Oh, tha' Mountains are fine, and the hunting is plenty. Especially if by hunt 'ya mean giants or trolls, or maybe ogres!" - he awkwardly smiles - "But jokes aside, both in and out, t'was good game over there. Sometimes 'aye miss it, but the life of traveling fits me better. I was fortunate enough to meet many of the ole' citadels of me' people."

For a moment, Craig wonders what that must be like, to see a Dwarven Citadel, but such a traveling life will likely never be his. He'll have his own flock to speak to tend to here, "I heard stories of such places , and I can see why you'd take pride in such a heritage. We of Erastil tend to stay closer to home, but if you don't mind I'll pass on your comments to any hunters who inquire and are going that way. And, while you jest a bit, it's always good to have warnings of giants. That's a bit more meat than any sane person wants." HIs own attempt at humor.

Baerothas makes his thinking face, then shrugs noncomittally. "I make arrows. Sometimes. Need supplies. Sharp rocks not work well for heads."

There's a long pause before he adds, "Other anybody speak Orc?"

Seeing as the good dwarf seems distracted or perhaps didn't hear him, Craig answers Baerothas with , "Fraid I've never had the knack for languages. I know Taldan and Varisian and currently that's it but we got roughly 20 dromaar in our town and I'm sure a few at least keep their hand in the Orc tongue if you want someone who speaks it around these parts."

GM forgive me if I'm overplaying his knowledge of his town members

Craig makes an effort to memorize the names of the new folk. Nayda seems to be content in her own corner and would likely get fussy if he intruded on her socializing so he keeps his focus on the strangers come for the holiday.

"Mister Dazellar," he asks the dwarf, "What's the hunting like near the Mindspin mountains? Never been that far from town myself." The young man considers himself more a farmer and a carpenter than a hunter but as he serves the god of Hunting AND farming he figures keeping abreast of good places to do the work is something he ought to keep an ear out for.

"That's powerful neighborly of you, Erastil bless your kindness," Craig says to Daglan. He's used to folks around here knowing him but remembers they have newcomers among them and introduces himself as well though Machiel was asking Daglan first, "My manners are a wee bit rusty. Name's Craig Lawrence, and I am in service to Erastil. If any of you get injured send for me and I'll do what I can to help." He smiles a bit though "Ain't in my power to cure hangovers though. Fair warning." He does know a few herbs that would aid in such, but just cure? Nope.

I tried to generate our party image with AI but boy, it can't get it right! It's tough to do based only on basic descriptions and the forum avatars here :D And it thinks we *really* love wolves!

Heh, you aren't kidding, it looks like a Game of Thrones fan club :) While not what I imagine Craig looking like, I appreciate the effort though.

Craig won't get his own animal companion until 4th level (Thanks to Animal Domain)... while I like wolves fine, he might go with a standard Mastiff or something just to be "radically different" (By LG standards ;) )

Craig nods to Muradin and Baerothas, as they have passed the unofficial but still traditional test of decent folkness. He nods at Daglan's words too, "Yup, one of the few times of the year folks can get their hands on just about anything or sale what they got in turn."

When others come into the tap root, whether he knows them or not, Craig says "Howdy." because that's what you do , you make strangers feel welcome, and friends more so. At least that's how his faith teaches him, darn it.

By now he's already gotten himself a light ale, nothing too strong, as he likes to keep his wits about him and set a good example.

Craig Lawrence wrote:

Please excuse the wall of text just borrowing heavily from the game that died to remind myself of Craig's talking style and family.

It dun kilt me! ;)

I feel so guilty now...

*pause*

Can I have your stuff?

;)

Please excuse the wall of text just borrowing heavily from the game that died to remind myself of Craig's talking style and family.

Craig had gotten up earlier that morning in his family's crowded and rickety dwelling. A bit of banter with the siblings,and a fair share of chores that ate the morning up.

The Riverwood Shrine was a haven to many in the town, few more so than Craig. He remembered praying before the statue of Erastil with a heart full of guilt and regret as understanding that Old Deadeye's ways were still there ready for him to come home. A lot of folks seemed surprised at how fiercely the then juvenile had turned it around, but Craig had been helping tend to the Shrine and aiding Elder Noelin for pert near six years. And when Craig found his healing going beyond mere bandaging and into true if minor miracles of true faith, the Elder declared him a right proper cleric of Erastil!
Mama and papa had made a fuss about it, all proud. But Craig didn't put on airs if he could help it; Erastil prized humility. Craig set about to sweeping the Shrine floor, wiping down the statues with the right oils, and so on. And he took a few minutes to pray today, asking his god to look after the folk of Phaendar. While others had started to enjoy by mid day, Craig mostly did work, even today.

Until, of course, Elder Noelin spoke up once he saw Craig had let the day go by even on the start of a holiday, "Go on and have fun. It's a holiday more than a holyday! You're young. Go have a tankard with friends, dance with a young lady who wants a partner for the hoofing. This is everyone's day to relax. I know I intend to. Go be part of it."
It was about the gentlest way possible for someone to be told to get lost already and it made Craig smile, "Yes, Elder. But don't hesitate to call for me if someone needs tending?"

The Elder made a less dignified shooing motion, but nodded.

And so it was that Craig, former delinquent turned duty bound clergy found himself under orders to have fun.

The young man had a lot of Varisian in him, his mother's side, with a light olive skin that tanned easily in his hard work under the sun. His dark walnut hair was perpetually tousled and some ladies liked his amber eyes. Still having a devil of a time growing a beard though and THAT was annoying to the young man. He still wore the gear and colors of a cleric of Erastil though, favoring the browns and greens the god seemed to prefer. It wasn't to rub it anyone's face, but rather announce if someone got hurt; a healer was among em!

Mind you, that healer was heading towards the Taproot Inn, both to bend an elbow, and maybe keep a brotherly eye on his slightly younger sister Nayda.

Townsfolk greeted him on his way, the older folk with with inquiry about his parents and how his kin were doing, he answered with warm assurance all was well. His folks were poor but they had each other.

Folks his own age were flirting with each other, most dressed in slightly finer clothes than usual and peacocking just a bit. Craig heard some ladies his age giggling near a fence and wondered if he was the subject of that, and if that was good or bad?

Craig smiled as he saw that Stefan, his ten year old brother was done with his own chores and racing against other younguns in an impromptu foot race, "You got this, Stefan!" He called out encouragingly as he opened the door the taproot inn and goes on in.

Nayda Lawrence was already there, Craig's sister was only a year younger than him. At one time, Nayda had been quite the tomboy, and still was in a lot of ways, it was obvious she was going just a bit extra this day; her hair was brushed and braided nicely, her peasant blouse was down right fancy by her usual standards, and her breaches fit better than what she usually wore.

He greeted her, "Didn't waste much time getting here did you?"

She retorts "You BETTER not be checking up on me, 'big' brother. It's my day off too."

Craig assured her, "I'm here under Elder's orders." A bit of humor in his eyes.

I haven’t forgotten today, had a therapy appointment that was rough, and am hanging out with friends. Should have the first post in a few hours.

No rush, you gotta look after yourself

Looking forward to it, thank you.

Craig Lawrence wrote:

Hero lab swears "There is nothing to choose from" for Drawbacks so I'm going to enter one in manually. Question, for the Overprotective Drawback it says "Effect: If one of your allies should fall unconscious from hit point damage, you take a –2 penalty on attack rolls and skill checks as long as you are farther than 10 feet away from your fallen ally." I assume allies are my fellow party members in this case or is any townsfolk who is on good terms period?

I would say that counts as your fellow party members.

Okay, went with that for Craig's Drawback

And I think he's ready! Sorry it took so long.

Hero lab swears "There is nothing to choose from" for Drawbacks so I'm going to enter one in manually. Question, for the Overprotective Drawback it says "Effect: If one of your allies should fall unconscious from hit point damage, you take a –2 penalty on attack rolls and skill checks as long as you are farther than 10 feet away from your fallen ally." I assume allies are my fellow party members in this case or is any townsfolk who is on good terms period?

Alright:

@Craig, @Muradin: Three traits, one must be campaign, and a drawback. Also we are using background skills, not sure if you took that into account.

Ack. I missed the draw back, but I do have background skills in Professions (Farmer and Herbalist) and Craft Carpentry. Will work on that third trait choice and drawback ASAP.

Thanks.

I did take Selective Channeling which means I can exclude 2 enemies in a crowd heal if need be. Maybe handy in addition to the CLWs

If everyone’s all prepared, we can start the campaign proper after the weekend. Or exactly next week, whichever works.

I'm pretty much prepared. Craig's backstory is possibly a 'lot' but I hope his family members and such are okay and only add flavor to things.

I am good either way. I would leave it to the GM since that's one more of us to juggle so to speak.

Ridge here, It took some adjustments but I believe I have Craig corrected for this campaign and ready for the Healer role.

As a native of the town, I gave him family and backstory which anyone is free to read though the fiction bit was for a previous campaign and may not apply.

Well, it's been six more days. Should we see if we can find another GM, or let this wither on the vine?

I sent a private message a day ago, no reply. I suppose we can give it another few days at least.

I hope all are well?

I'm unsure. Sometimes I like open rolls so I can curse the die roller with less attachment to any person ;) But it isn't a must

"Well, Valtyra called it" Craig mutters though a part of him is not just surprised by the ambush, but the defilement of using a holy spot for an ambush.

Craig uses a bow mostly so will probably position behind someone to shoot past them.

Thess and the others will probably have guard duty outside and be ready call alarm in case of another patrol.

Sounds like our druid is volunteering to be one of the front liners /first in?

"The fact that this one was just standing around outside means they might have been a guard. There could be others inside." Valtyra points out, looking towards the shrine doors.

"Well, I think we just proved why I should leave strategy to the warriors. Thank ye kindly, Valtrya." He says gratefully, and fights any embarrassment that he almost walked into that. with reluctance he finds a place to put down his deceased mentor. He does move a section of the dead horse to the wolf so it can eat. Nasty but better than it feeding on humans. Then he reequips his longbow and is ready to join Reknar , prepared for another fight.

I don't mean for Craig to hog the limelight too much but that animal domain is coming in handy earlier than I thought it might

"Her or us I suppose." Tern reasons quietly to himself as he considers the body for a moment, "Should we hide the body, or are we keeping moving?"

"Given we're just now learning to work together, not bad at all," Craig says and tries to pick up Father Noelan's corpse to take it further from the wolf, "Let's get Father Noelan into the shrine so I can shrive him proper. The wolf's calmed, but I ain't sure how long. I suggest we make sure it can reach that horse corpse so it don't starve. As for the Hob... search it loot it but do so fast? I don't think we have much time to hide it."

A beat, almost as if he seems to remember, "Erastil lets me talk to animals. What do y'all think? Worth talking to the wolf and seeing what it knows? I ain't no druid like Moragul." A nod of respect to the druid and willing to defer when it comes to the treatment of this critter and happy to get input from him or anyone else. Now that the action is over, it is not hard to guess that the death of a beloved mentor has him shaken more than he'd like to admit.

Forgot to add bard bonus, so that's actually a 20 total to hit and 9 damage! Hope that does it :)

This didn't go a smoothly as Craig hoped. Hopes a fine thing, for a Desnan. We Erastilians gotta take practical action.

The arrow notches into his longbow and he fires at the Hob.

To hit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Dmg if that hits: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Oh after this, it's gonna be like old school Oprah with ranged options when we loot hobgoblins "You get a ranged weapon, and YOU get a ranged weapon, and everybody gets a ranged weapon" flings arms in the air excitedly.

:)

25 feet it is. And thanks.

When they get within 30 feet of the wolf, he lets loose with the spell while he hopes the others cut loose on the hob with bow or spell or whatever

"Be still, be at ease. No hunt, just peace."

Calm Animals, Will Save DC 15 on Wolf

You guys are currently taking cover in the remains of the building to the south of the shrine, so the wolf is within range of Craig's calm animals. I figured that he is going to cast, then Val, Macharius and Thess simultaneously take their shots. Reknar, Moragul and Tern can act as well, my guess is that Tern might join the archers and throw a spell, Rek and Mor charge in to skewer that poor scout if she's still alive, or deal with the wolf if he makes his save?

This!

Thess slips away from the rest of the refugees as Reknar calls to her, bow in hand. Her one good eye darts from the half-orc to the sentry, then back again "I'll try." she says, drawing an arrow and moving to join Valtyra and Macharius.

Craig fixes his gaze on the snarling wolf at the sentry’s side, his posture tense with anger.

Craig prepares his spell, ready to cast it on the wolf hoping to calm it while the scout dies quick. He’s not sure Thess is ready for this but…

Then—without a sound—Tern and Moragul melt out of the smokey night haze, appearing at the group’s flank like ghosts. Thess nearly looses her arrow in surprise, only to catch herself with a sharp breath.

With surprising calm, the cleric motions Tern and Moragul over to them, and whispers to them ”I’m going to try call on Erastil to calm the wolf while Thess here tries to take out the scout. Feel free to join her in finishing the hob off afore alarm can be sounded.”

Just gonna delay my response a little here guys, maybe one more day. I want to give Aelethea, Moragul and Tern the chance to perhaps make their way to the shrine so that we can carry on as a group again.

Team Tern's turn! Got it!

That name just keeps on giving :)

Yay! No cleric protesting gruesome forest traps left for hobgoblins! Tern can be creative!

"Some folk just need killing," Ornery Ole Prophet verse 5, Chapter 2, The Parables of Erastil

But before you get too trap happy I remind you we have a druid ;)

Oh, Craig just lost his mentor. This just got personal... ier.

@Craig, I love where you're at with this. I've actually got a second tab in the campaign tracker for the NPCs, as they become pretty important in your next phase of the module. Just don't get too attached to your alphabetised names; I plan to introduce them all to you guys once you finish in Phaendar. I'm probably going to offer a few each out to you guys to build statblocks for if you want; the book offers options for PCs to choose the levelling track for the NPCs based on the skills and abilities you need within your camp

COOL!