110 years ago a small elven child was found alone and hungry wandering near the edge of the Ravenholdt's lands. The boy, who knew his name was Cyrus, was brought to the Manor of Lord Earron Ravenholdt and Lady Effie Ravenholdt by the fearful peasants who had found him.
Not knowing what to do with him, but not willing to risk the wrath of the fey should they abandon him, The Ravenholdts took Cyrus in believing his people would come looking for him. After months passed, Lord Earron himself led and expedition to seek out any Elven settlements but to no avail, no elves were found.
Meanwhile, Cyrus had become known affectionately as "The little fey prince", "The Forest Child" or The Lord and Lady's Cherub of the Wood". Cyrus remained about the size of a 2 year old for over 5 years seemingly aging at the rate of 1/5 or 1/6th that of a human child. His large eyes, gentle manner and curious innocence won over the formerly skeptical populace.
After a few years had passed with no sign of Cyrus's people and apparently unable to have children of their own, Earron and Effie publicly adopted Cyrus, whom had long ago accepted them as his parents.
Bringing Cyrus into their home and hearts apparently brought Earron and Effie good fortune for they went on to have three biological children of their own. Cyrus was raised as a sibling with the now deceased generation, but he remained like a small child throughout their growth into adulthood.
These included:
Kildare Ravenholt- firstborn biological son who ruled before his eldest Aeneas, assumed his titles.
Sanborne Ravenholt - second born biological son
Kinsey Ravenholt - daughter whom played and looked after Cyrus long after his adopted brothers had outgrown playing children's games. She was married to a nobleman from the east. Cyrus missed her intensely.
Cyrus was too young to even be considered to inherit his father's lands and titles when Earron passed on. The throne was passed to Kildare.
Kildare married and had his own children. Cyrus remained with Effie and grew up with along with Kildare's children though Cyrus remained like a teenager even as they reached adulthood.
Two of these nephews include:
Lord Aeneas Ravenholdt - who later married Lady Ismene Ravenholdt and passed rule to his eldest surviving son Hierome.
Authorius Ravenholdt
The current lord and lady began to have their own children. Cyrus had known five generations of the Ravenholdts. He had seen his adopted parents and grandparents wither and die. His first set of siblings were all gone, his nieces and nephews were drawing close to their own end of life. Cyrus looked like he was 20, but had over 110 years of human life experience and loss.
He stayed long enough to make sure Heirome's children would know him, then left for the Great Wood.
The Chess here with my submission for the game: Arthorius was in a Carrion Crown game that unfortunately never got too far. His idea is that of a Jekyll/Hide vibe, and is a concept that I particularly love :) I modified the sheet/etc. to match the character creation rules here. Please feel free to let me know if there's anything you'd like me to change.
Elf ranger 1, CG Medium humanoid (elf), Init +4; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7, AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex), hp 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +1; +2 vs. enchantments, Immune sleep
I think there are times when you can draw out the RP, but in a PbP running it like you are at a table can turn a simple battle into a months long affair. Sometimes the DM has to move things along with some cinematic flair.
Like describing that the first few rooms you come across have _______ in the and you found _______. At the third door however you ______, how do you proceed?
If this is going to be a slow roller that's okay with me, but we might lose some of our other players. I really like the concept. I am ready to get into the meat of it.
Elf ranger 1, CG Medium humanoid (elf), Init +4; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7, AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex), hp 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +1; +2 vs. enchantments, Immune sleep
"What . . . What would fuse the iron to the stone?", Cyrus worried out loud.
"There is an alternate entrance through the tavern basement. We should check there. It's the source of the moaning anyway.
"Does anyone see any structure left that we could reasonably make defensible? By the goddess this place has been razed beyond recognition."
Cyrus looks for clues as to what wrought the destruction, like claw marks, signs of people inside homes giving resistance or weapon marks on shattered doors. Most importantly he looks for signs of what has still been plaguing the ruins.
Elf ranger 1, CG Medium humanoid (elf), Init +4; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7, AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex), hp 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +1; +2 vs. enchantments, Immune sleep
Cyrus cannot hide his shock at what he sees.
"By the Goddess herself, the whole town razed."
"I don't like those moans, the dead no longer rest easy in these lands. Be careful of anything appearing to be in need of assistance, it may be a trap."
"Well . . . I guess we must press on."
Cyrus moves towards the town. He stoops down and slips a stone in his sling. He moves slowly keeping his keen eyes and ears open.
perception:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
But the ghosts of things past haunt the elf and his eyes remain fixed on the ground a few feet ahead of him.
Elf ranger 1, CG Medium humanoid (elf), Init +4; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7, AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex), hp 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +1; +2 vs. enchantments, Immune sleep
"Yes, we should head there in the morning after we heal up, provision and adjust spells. We can clear the ruins of the village to give us shelter near the fort until we have control of the area."
"Do you have any bows avalible? I am short on coin and lost mine on the way here."
"Oh dear. . . I hope Authorius is just sleeping, he hasn't said anything in a while."
Elf ranger 1, CG Medium humanoid (elf), Init +4; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7, AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex), hp 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +1; +2 vs. enchantments, Immune sleep
Okay, well I think closer is better for 1st level characters guys, because a random encounter could kill us on the way back from the forest. Which may be a bit meta too.
Elf ranger 1, CG Medium humanoid (elf), Init +4; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7, AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex), hp 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +1; +2 vs. enchantments, Immune sleep
"The sea cliff shrine has always been dangerous because of its location and the natural creatures around it. The woods are hard to hold, occupy and allows multiple approaches, the fort was a fading satellite of Ravenholdt projected influence and the Manor House was continuously occupied by our family."
"Ivan you may be right about there being an order to the corruption. However, I wonder if the evil simply started out taking the lowest hanging fruit of the tree as it worked its way up to the manor house."
Elf ranger 1, CG Medium humanoid (elf), Init +4; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7, AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex), hp 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +1; +2 vs. enchantments, Immune sleep
"That's all we can can ask or offer Randy."
Cyrus reassures.
"Do you think the fort is a good starting point? It sounds better than the woods, there we would have the shrine, forest and feral peasants to deal with."
Elf ranger 1, CG Medium humanoid (elf), Init +4; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7, AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex), hp 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +1; +2 vs. enchantments, Immune sleep
"And it took the shrines one by one. It stands to reason if they were placed on ley lines they acted as seals of sorts. The question is, how do we right them once we retake them."
"Servius, when you were a child I would watch over you during your ventures into the woods leading bands of happy children. Now those that remain in town are not even safe within its walls."
Cyrus gets up and rests a hand on the mantle, frustration was written on his face.
"I had not imagined it to be so bad upon my return here."
He looks at his assembled family members.
"I gold with me intending to use it to buy things the peasant children might need, but I can see we are not getting any supplies from the outside world anytime soon."
"We are blessed to have many with us who are divinely, spiritually or arcanely gifted among us. We should go among them and use our gifts to help cheer the people. We can heal and mend, that will go a long way for morale. We have brought arms and armor with us. If the Manor has fallen, the town itself is the next target. I propose we have Herion identify townsmen fit for service and lead them in drill. Our battle is the people's battle and Ravenholdt responsibility."
Cyrus reaches into his belt pouch.
"Forgive my dark mood, but there is a bit of light to be had on this night."
"I believe we have a birthday to celebrate, do we not?"
Cyrus give Servius a wry smile and produces a small silver holy symbol hanging on a chain.
"This belonged to your great great grandmother who faithfully wore it everyday until her death. I remember playing with it on her neck when she held me."
"I have carried it with me for a very long time, but the Goddess has never spoken to me directly. I watched you grow and then outgrow this place. Now you have returned. Listening to you speak over the dead bandits made me realize you have grown into this."
Cyrus holds out the holy symbol.
"I would like you to have this. The next time you walk out into the woods it will be as a warrior of the goddess, a man in his prime, a defender of what's right and a tribute to the memory of the woman who once wore it."
Elf ranger 1, CG Medium humanoid (elf), Init +4; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7, AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex), hp 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +1; +2 vs. enchantments, Immune sleep
Cyrus Settled in the familiar chair, his finger tracing the carving of the arm. Near his feet a vision of Aneas and Authorius wrestling near Boca the ever testy terrier plays out.
He is jarred from his reverie by the edge in Vera's words. He chooses to speak, though he had planned to let the humans go first.
"I am glad I have been summoned back and regardless of the reason, it is good to see this many Ravenholdts in one place. Unfortunately I haven't see those of the now . . . less direct lines in many years."
"Before me I see Earron's line and his father before him, in all of you. What is . . . Out there . . . Stalks us all---no mater where you flee to---or were sent to . . . It will find you. Or, . . . your children. We cannot run or hide from it anymore and hope to defeat it for we will never be as strong as we are in this room together at this moment if we let it pass. If we are to stand it must be now."
"I can see your children and grandchildren have grown strong Heirome. From Authorius who has brought his might of wisdom to Herion's skill at arms and gift of youth, we are all Ravenholdts, by blood, bond or title."
"I have many questions and desires, but none so strong right now as to know what has driven my kin from what is my home as well. Once named, what it is we must do to purge it."
"Otherwise The Ravenholdt will cease to be, those that escape the ruin will be scattered and lost, left to wink out like sparks lifted to the wind."
Cyrus leaves much unsaid and it is apparent in his eyes, so alien, yet so expressively human.
Elf ranger 1, CG Medium humanoid (elf), Init +4; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7, AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex), hp 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +1; +2 vs. enchantments, Immune sleep
"An honest emotion Randy and one that I suspect infects many of us with the possible exception of Heiron who has been here living it everyday, but in the fear let there also be hope, for we have returned and might be what's needed to keep back the gloom that has spread over these lands."
The elf's eyes remain fixed on a location to the east.
Elf ranger 1, CG Medium humanoid (elf), Init +4; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7, AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex), hp 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +1; +2 vs. enchantments, Immune sleep
"True Servius. If you are finished with your ministrations I think we are packed up to go. Although this armor may be soiled, I am afraid we may be needing it. These swords as well."
"I wonder if these men were bandits by choice or out of desperation. Not that it matters much now, nor does it excuse their attempted robbery. Strange though that they would press their attack against such an obviously superior force when offered a chance at escape. Perhaps death was the escape of misery they sought unknown to themselves."
The elf fell silent as his eyes studied a spot on the horizon.
Elf ranger 1, CG Medium humanoid (elf), Init +4; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7, AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex), hp 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +1; +2 vs. enchantments, Immune sleep
"Ha ha ha! They must have completely missed that we had a tiger with us. Then again, I am not sure any of these men have ever seen one before. I would love to hear how you came into such an exotic beast sometime Authorius."
Elf ranger 1, CG Medium humanoid (elf), Init +4; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7, AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex), hp 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +1; +2 vs. enchantments, Immune sleep
Cyrus springs from the carriage out to J6 using his lightning fast reflexes quick draw he draws his elven curve blade and brings it down on the bandit now flanked by Randy and him.
1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 2 = 24I think this qualifies as a flank, but please drop the +2 to hit if I am incorrect 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
"I am Cyrus Ravenholdt, The Fey Prince, and I WILL NOT! be waylaid in my own lands! Nor will any Ravenholdt!"
"Be Forewarned, the Scions have returned. Your hold on this road has come to an end. Throw down your weapons and live to spread the word of our return . . . or stand and die to a man! Your heads lining the road will tell your tale."
Elf ranger 1, CG Medium humanoid (elf), Init +4; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7, AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex), hp 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +1; +2 vs. enchantments, Immune sleep
Meteor Strikes wrote:
Heiron Ravenholdt wrote:
That's a possibility, but it said 'can be selected from the following list', so I honestly didn't think one of them had to be a family trait. GM input is probably required here.
Also, am pretty married to both my traits, so having to use one of the family ones would be annoying.
Edit: Ninja'ed, apparently. Not sure what to do now.
Edit2: Huh. I guess Rich Parents is the least integral to the character - if I drop the halfling trait I become bad at the things my backstory says he's good at, and he was really only just passable at K.Local in the first place.
I'd have to refit his statblock, so I'd better do it before combat really gets started - his AC and to hit changing halfway through would be really awkward.
Edit3: Anyway, I'll fix that, but for the time being, here's a perception check: [dice=Perception vs DC20]1d20+1
Also, put him in K8 on the map.
Actually it's my mistake. I said "may" not "must". Please ignore my previous post.
Hoping you see this!
If we don't have to go with a family trait I would like to forego choosing one. I took my traits to help me fill the rogue role a bit and to reflect exploring ruins and caverns for an extended amount of time and having lived among humans learning their ways and motivations for over a century.
Elf ranger 1, CG Medium humanoid (elf), Init +4; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7, AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex), hp 13, Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +1; +2 vs. enchantments, Immune sleep
A blurb about where you've been/what you've been up to in the past 10 years.
* Roaming the Greatwood Forest seeking his roots and getting himself centered as he needed time to reconcile his human emotions and thoughts with his Elven mind.
Your character's feelings towards the Ravenholdts and his ancestral home as a whole.
* Taking about a century for an elf to reach full adulthood emotionally, seeing his adopted family members, be born, live life cycles and die has taken a toll on Cyrus. He loves his ancestorial home, but walking it's halls he sees the ghosts of happy times past and soon to pass. The wood settles and shrinks, even the house is aging and the humans seem to feel the urge to renovate, change or exchange things, still the manor is his home and many fond memories remain there. It is something he shares in common with all surviving generations of Ravenholdts.
Your character's greatest strengths and accomplishments, and their greatest fears and weaknesses.
* Cyrus has been learning what it means to be an elf and to embrace his Elven blood as a gift. He has also accepted that watching his human family grow for five generations Has taught him a lot about life and it's cycle. Although he is Elven, he has learned the highs and lows of emotion and to be industrious with his time.
He is torn by a sense of loyalty to his family and the need to shelter and detach a part of himself from the reality of the human condition.
When he heard about his Nephew being driven from his home. It caused him to cease his wandering and return home to reclaim it.
Secretly Cyrus fears whatever had claimed his Elven family had come to claim his human one. He hoped his leaving for the Greatwood would stop the coming darkness, but it progressed in his absence and did not follow him into the woods.
Cyrus fears rejection from and worries about what could happen in the event his claim to lordship became an issue.
Cyrus 110+ year old Elf Ranger, adopted forest child who left because he needed to find his roots. (The oldest generation knows he left because he had witnessed to many generations of Ravenholts growing old and dying. Raised by humans Cyrus learned to be far more emotional than the average elf.)
Arthorius 70+ year old Human Oracle, with a Tiger. He is a crazy cat owning senior citizen with a hotline to the gods and quite spry despite his wonky leg.
Servius 40 year old today! Human Paladin. He is holy, but if you disagree with him holy shit he can get moody!
Randy (Randy baby! Yeah!) 17 year old Human Fighter, who ran off to fight bandits.
Heiron 16 year old Human Fighter, who stayed home and carries the family heirloom weapons. He specializes in making ninja training moves with his giant sword in the woods just outside of home.
