Bah, delays means it will have to be in the morning. Sorry about that guys.
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Alright, I'll be posting after work and dinner. Should be up in roughly 12 hours :)
I havn't forgotten you – I'm still writing. Sorry that it's taking some time, but I'm in the middle of moving, so time is limited :)
Since it's just a short module, I decided against it, so no :)
I'm going to start the gameplay again now that we've found our players. I'm thinking it's not such a bit deal if the write out of Tsukitaro and Ferratal, and the introduction of Desmond and Ulmaria, is written out a bit onesided and superficially on my part? I figure we just want to get on with the game properly, but I might figure wrong, so let me know if that's the case. Of course Desmond and Ulmaria is going to have a proper introduction on their own part :)
MechaPoet as Ulmaria and Doomed Hero as Desmond Ravencourt, I'd like to see your characters in the discussion thread when you're able :) Thanks to everyone for showing interest, it was a joy to read your character entries :)
Alright, making final reviews of the submissions, and will sleep on it. The new recruits will be revealed when I get up tomorrow morning :)
Ryder, what do you think?
Alright, it seems we got ourselves a fair batch. What do you ugys think? I'm partial to Ulmaria the gillman medium, but I'm more on the fence with the 4th spot.
So long as you're not attempting to break something, go ahead and take the pre-errata version.
Dang! And this looks really interesting too. I've been looking for in a occult game for a while to play one of the new occult classes. I have a John Constantine esque character just waiting to be played in something like this. Since I saw it 30 minutes after I closed it, feel free to post your character. We're waiting on Josh anyway right? :)
Alright, I'm closing recruitment. JoshB, you have 12 hours to finish your profile in case you're still interested :)
I considered it, but decided to go with this approach. Purely for simplicity. If it hadn't gotten any traction at all, I would have gone for your suggestion though. rolling hp for an application I look forward to the result :) I can deduce that it's a class using d8 hit dice so far ;)
So, what do you guys think of the applicants so far?
I'll keep it open until monday. that should be long enough? :) Doomed Hero and The Dragon, if you're selected, would you be alright with changing the layout of your character sheet to match CampinCarls? In regards to the characters:
mechaPoet: I think all of the occult classes seem somewhat complicated. This is also one of the reasons I wish to see them in play. If you have an idea, please, I'd love to see it :)
Recruitment reopened! We're in need of 2 players for this game, as we've lost our paladin/ninja and our cleric. We would like a character with a connection to the divine, and I would personally love a character utilizing one of the occult classes (not kineticist). The only changes to the OP in regards to character creation is that the Occult Adventures Playtest is no longer valid as your additional source book, however Occult Adventures is available by default. I feel it prudent to mention that it is my fault that we lost the 2 players initially. I disappeared with not a word, and has only recently returned to finish what I started. I can safely say that won't happen again though :) This also means, however, that we have not actually started the module yet, so you have all chances to get the full experience. I look forward to playing with you.
Alright, going to open up recruitment tomorrow morning then. Anything in particular we want? Personally I'd like to see one of the occult classes in action if at all possible, but other than that I'm fairly unbiased. I'm a bit scared that the long break might scare off potentials, but that may be unfounded? I'm not very experienced on these forums though, so all I have is a gut feeling.
Also, Kaimain coouldn't beat a roll of 29, so I didn't bother rolling.
"Check on me? By who?" The mans anger abates visibly, although it seems to be replaced by confusion.
It would seem that we are, indeed, down a goblin too. Of course at this point, it's possible to recruit new people, as we havn't started the actual module content yet. As I see it, we have some options:
I don't really mind either way, I just want to have a good time running through this amazing module :)
"Don't move. I'll turn you into pin cushions if you do." A bear of a man stands in the double doors leading into the temple, bow drawn and arrow nocked. "Now I don't want to send you down the Hel road, but if you don't leave right now, I will." He lets out a soundly burp and looks at you in turn. You notice he is slightly cockeyed, and doesn't seem to notice the contradiction in his demands.
Ryder explores the vicinity and finds six horses lazing about drowsily inside the stables. Judging by the lack of horse feed, you guess the warder is down by the market square buying some. Meanwhile, Kevos manages to pry open the locked door inside the temple. You open the door, and your nostrils are assaulted by the smell of sweet, fermenting fruit and alcohol. Besides the smell though, it seems to be a private bedchamber with a personal fermenting area. Incredibly, it's fairly well kept.
Of course! You have arrived in Cesca where you were approached by an old man that directed you towards the temple of Erastil where you were to procure horses from the local cleric, a man called Warder Romeyl Kaimain. You have arrived at the temple, but alas it seems the cleric is not there. Does this help?
"No, not good. Not good at all." He noods sagely at Kevos's words and sees you off with a gruff smile "If you truly help Kaimain, consider us square. Good luck and goodbye." You follow the old man's directions north, and true enough as you reach a crossroads you spot a sturdy stone temple. Two lengthy stoneslab steps lead up to the wooden double doors at the entrance, one word etched deeply into the granite of each: Welcome and Home. The temple itself is a simple square building of stone, granite and hard woods, decorated only sparsely with antlers hanging over the door and windows. Next to the temple is a smaller building of weathered wood that smells of horse and wet dog, in front of which stands a small water trough with poles for tying up animals. From the equine and canine sounds coming from inside, you assume this to be the stables. Tsukitaro ties up Donkey at the trough and you all proceed inside. The doors are heavy and creaking, but not locked. Inside stands only sturdy tables and stools on a floor covered by simple rugs. On the walls hang racks of common tools, and tools for their maintenance. At the far end from the entrance is a big hearth that serves more purposes than simply heating the temple in the winter. All of it seem just a little bit neglected; the rugs could use a beating, some of the tools have fallen from their racks, and judging by the accumulation of coal and soot the fireplace hasn't been cleaned for quite a while. There's no sign of the cleric, but two doors on the right side of the temple, the side towards the stables, stand closed and locked. Knocking gives no response.
By the way, I would appreciate it if you would post here so I can see you're updated :)
Alright, so we've lost the cleric (Sorry, I wrote goblin by accident) but I believe we can get through the module as 3 people. I plan to start it up again friday, so keep your eyes out for the post! :) Also, I can safely say I'm doing better now than I have for years prior, and I'm ready to kick some RP ass ;)
Nodding sagely to himself at Ryder Craw's words, the old man confirms: "Well, let's just say that his services have become somewhat... sporadic. He used to be such a well respected and free-spirited man. No one really knows why he changed. And so suddenly at that." At the goblin's question he directs a respectful but rather succint answer: "He is not called "The Drunken Hero" for nothing. A hero, yes. But still drunk." It's clear that he thinks very little of the god.
The old man seems to bubble with energy as he starts to blurt out words, only barely containing himself. Apparently rumormongering is a solace in his old age: "Well, It's not as if I don't like him... It's just hard to respect a man when the man in question spends more time drinking than working. Especially when that man is, in both name and title, dedicated to Erastil. Some are starting to wonder if the dear Warder Kaimain might not be a priest in service of Cayden Cailean rather than Erastil. He certainly acts that way." As he finishes, he looks at each of you excitedly.
Dumbfounded, the old man replies sluggishly: "No offence taken..." He chews on the taste of his shattered world view for a moment before he continues "No festival, just market day. Firstbloom is in two weeks time though, so you arrive just in time to help the temple with preparations. Erastil knows Warder Kaimain needs help..." Sense Motive DC 15: You detect an undertone to the last part where the old man mentions Warder Kaimain by name – A sort of aversion towards the priest. This is especially strange in a community such as this, where a priest of Erastil should inspire great respect.
Faster and more adroit than you would have expected of such an old man, he whirls around to look back at you, confusion plainly painted on his wringled face. "Was.. was that you?" he asks looking at the goblin, clearly diffident.
The old man squints at Tsukitaro suspiciously: "You don't say... Well it's easy to find; just follow the road north. When you get to the crossroads, you should be able to spot it." He snorts, apparently disgusted, and makes to move along.
Tsukitaro looks out across the crowd. There are a few merchants that emanate a faint aura of evil, but nothing beyond that. Kevos can't think of a holiday off the top os his head, but he's certain that somewhere out there, there's a cult celebrating this day.
However, as you stand there talking, a gruff looking old man with a cane and only one eye, but apparently sharp ears, overhears you. With a sharp, almost rude tone, he asks you: "You... people going to Archerhome? What for?" The man glances at Tsukitaro as he speaks the word "people", but otherwise tries not to look in the goblin's direction.
It is most likely that I won't be able to update the next two days. We're celebrating a good friends passing of an important exam, and alchohol is involved.
Your next destination is the Erastil temple called Archerhome in Cesca. You're not quite certain where in Cesca it is, but it shouldn't be too hard to find. It's only a small town afterall. You cross the small but sturdy stone bridge, and make for the inner city, following the vegetable merchant on the road heading north. After awhile, the road turns south west and into town. You immediately spot two notable features: First, the merchant you followed has started to put up a small stall at what seems to be a market square with a large fountain in the image of a gargoyle. Second, opening out into the market square is what you believe to be a prison. Heavy iron bars adorn every window and each heavy wooden door possesses sturdy locks. Strangely enough though, people walk in and out of the place and they all look curiously festive. As you get closer, you notice music coming from the prison-like building. People are starting to notice and pay attention to you, looking at you with the common mixture of fearfulness and curiousity, but none have accosted you yet as you reach the market place.
Just so we're in the clear, I'll take a few liberties in describing what happens when you say you do something, or change your described actions slightly to make it make sense with what I wrote earlier. If I'm ever at odds with anything to you, let me know and we'll work it out :) I'm still new to this, so I will make some mistakes. Part of the learning process. An example will be my next gameplay post (which you might read before you read this). Ryder described flicking a copper at the merchant, but the merchant had already passed. However, because the merchant is moving towards Cesca, and you're going there to find Warder Romeyl Kaimain, Ryder will perform his described action as you catch up to him.
The man hurries along down the road, looking back over his shoulder more often than not, clearly agitated. "Hmm, we should have sent the donkey through first, I see that now." Daniel thinks out loud. Donkey is not easily persuaded, but after about a minute, Donkey finally gives way to Tsukitaro's persuasion and walks into the Teleportation Circle with him. After the effects pass, Donkey is surprisingly calm.
I apologise fo the wait. I will post tomorrow. Also, I will be fully available during the weekend, so expect a good amount of posts. Hopefully we can catch up with myself ^^
As you enter the circle of teleportation, you feel a strange sensation: as if the world revolves around, and moves, to accomodate you. The sensation lasts for barely a moment, and when it dissapates, you realize you had closed your eyes, and you are left with only a lingering sense of awe. As you open your eyes again, you see that the teleportation must have worked, because you're no longer in the musty underground office of the chtonian lodge. Instead, you find yourself outside under a clear blue sky, sun already baking despite the still early hour of the day. You stand by a tree near a bridge crossing a small river, and on the other side Cesca crowns a gradual slope. As if wary of leaving the safety of the hill, narrow streets wind up between quaintly cramped buildings of clay and weathered fieldstone, creating a labyrinth of hidden courtyards and shadowed alleys—some so tight as to prevent even cats from squeezing through. Quoins etched with the faces, crests, or names of builders and past residents adorn the oldest homes, with each generation apparently adding their own mark upon a building. A man with a mule pulling a small cart full of carrots, lettuce, onions and potatoes towards Cesca stops dead in his tracks in shock at your sudden appearance, his mule whinnying with surprise. Back at the lodge, Donkey is hesitant with entering the circle. It might not be a smart animal, but it has a great sense of self-preservation, and 3 people have just disappeared out of thin air on that spot. No way it's moving as you wish it in such an agitated state.
After acquiring a set of maps of Ustalav and Carrion Hill, and picking up Tsukitaro's donkey Donkey, you return to Daniel's office. The door is ajar, and as you enter you can see that the desk has been pushed to the side and the floor cleared of any and all clutter. On the floor, in the middle of the room, you notice a fairly large circle, about 10 feet in diameter, that seems to be comprised of shimmering dust. Flanking this circle are the two gargoyles previously on the wall, but currently on the floor. "Hello again" Daniel sits next to his desk and to the side, "The Teleportation Circle is ready, so whenever you are, simply step inside the circle and you should arrive in Cesca." He gestures toward the circle on the floor. You notice that he looks slightly exhausted, and he seems to be sweating a fair bit. "I think the Lodge's next project is a proper teleportation chamber. It's not exactly a walk in the park to cast such a spell, and I'm not even particularly skilled at spellcraft." He gives a faint smile and then adds: "Well then, who first?" Carrion Hill:
He also has a fair idea of where to search for a full write up of the history of Carrion Hill in the library of Lepidstadt University. During his 10 minutes "downtime" he could very well have gone and picked up a few sources on Carrion Hill for perusal at a later time.
Carrion Hill is split into three districts. Atop the hill, the Crown serves as the home for the city’s nobility, government, and most of its public works. The hill’s slopes are a thick tangle of buildings and maze-like alleyways; this is the Tangle, where the bulk of the shops and residences can be found. The lowest part of the city, both physically and spiritually, is the Filth, a series of islands both natural and artificial, connected by old boardwalks and stone bridges. The city’s poor and desperate dwell here, as do those industries so vital to the city’s prosperity but so unwanted by its citizens—tanners, gong farmers, street cleaners, the fisheries, and the looming middenstone vats. Yet the Filth is also the city gateway, as the vast majority of Carrion Hill’s visitors arrive by riverboat or barge via the district's refuse-choked canals. Carrion Hill is also called the isle of 10,000 temples, and although the nickname is a significant exaggeration, it seems that places of worship for gods both vast and slight grow from the very land. Shrines the size of cupboards, painted representations of gods with an offering of flowers beneath, rub shoulders with churches that somehow squeeze balcony upon balcony in tiny frames over almost decadently elaborate pulpits, and above all is the grandest place on the hill—the Ossuary Church of Pharasma. In addition, he knows that the current mayor is Vanton Heggry, and that the local law enforcement is called The Crows.
Alright then ^^ I'm assuming no one has anything more to finish before departure then? In that case we'll just skip the scene with you collecting your donkey and go directly to your return to Daniel's office, and assume you've collected some maps. Does that sound good to you all?
A slip of the keys, I was cursing her home more than her herself ^^. I've added a map of Ustalav and of Carrion Hill to the links. You have some time to make yourselves completely ready. I know that Tsukitaro has a mount of his own he could bring, which is probably better suited for him than a horse. It was left in the interns' care. Does it have a name?
Daniel looks slightly stunned by your powerful responses. He blinks once to regain his composure before he speaks: "Yes my colorful little friend, I would say that it does." having regained his composure, he smiles before he continues: "Once again, properly this time, welcome to the Chtonian Chroniclers." He begins to move the scrolls on his desk around, checking them as he picks them up. Mumbling all the while, he is clearly searching for something: "Now where did I put that scroll." As he picks up a particularly fresh-looking bunch of scrolls he exclaims: "There it is! great, let's get on with it then." As he talks, he moves to the other side, your side, of the desk: "Because of the urgency of the request, you are going to have to be teleported to Carrion Hill. Now, I can't teleport you into the city, as I have never been there myself, but I can teleport you to Cesca." At this point Daniel begins to speak rapidly, as if he suddenly remembers that you're actually in a hurry: "Cesca is a small town in the Varno county, and lies about 60 miles east of Carrion Hill. Once there, I suggest you procure horses from Warder Romeyl Kaimain at Archerhome, Cesca's temple dedicated to Erastil. Simply show him your wayfinders and tell him your destination, and he should supply each of you with a fine steed that should get you there before sundown. Once you arrive in Carrion Hill, seek out Mayor Heggry. He should be able to explain the situation properly." "You will travel to Cesca by means of a Teleportation Circle, which I will cast from this scroll." Daniel holds up the scroll he picked up earlier "It will take me 10 minutes to cast the spell, and I will have to be undisturbed while I do it. I suggest you leave and make yourselves ready, and then come back in 10 minutes for departure. I suggest asking the interns for a map, even if you have already been to the area."
I apologize for the wait. I had offered to help my grandmother with fixing up her summerhome, and this year it took a bit longer than usual as she's getting markedly older. Curse her for not having Wi-fi though, and curse me for not having a smartphone. Anyway, I will be able to post regularly again, so I hope that you will too, and looks forward to it :)
"Pharasma keep their souls, I'm going to murder those bloody interns! I was very clear in my instructions not to send in anyone ignorant of what they might be heading into." Daniel lets out a soul-draining sigh, closes his eyes and resumes massaging his temples. After a moment he speaks again: "We received a report this morning about a disturbance in Carrion Hill which might be of interest to our organization. The details are vague, but it was directed here, which makes it worth following up on. Your job is to go to Carrion Hill, by means I will explain once you've had a proper chance to back out, and investigate further. Hopefully, the report is nothing too major, but any mentions of monsters toppling houses bears significant threat to ones well being." Daniel clears his throat before he continues, and looks each of you in the eyes, " I can make no guarantees on the topic of your survival, but we would not send you if we did not believe you had the necessary skills. Your wages will obviously mirror the level of danger, and in the event that, that which is transpiring in Carrion Hill is in fact related to the Dark Tapestry, any related lore or object you bring back here will be cause for further payment. I believe the city of Carrion Hill is offering a reward for dealing with the problem as well." Daniel has started to pace slowly behind his desk, obviously uncofrotable with this last part: "I'd like to give you one last chance to say no. You were not supposed to have gotten this far without knowing what was up, and for any inconvenience this has caused, I apologize." He looks at you all expectantly as he finishes.
The post for today will be delayed as I'm in transiit for a family visit. I will update as soon as I have a proper keyboard.
My apologies, the post took about 3 hours longer to write than it should, as I suddenly got a call from my mother of all people. It bodes well for you all in this venture. As for the wayfinders you just received, these are a bit special. First off, they can hold two Ioun Stones rather than the standard single one. Secondly, they allow the ownder to cast the Darkvision spell once per day as a Spell-Like Ability.
As Kevos extends his hand with the flask, the door opens and a man in a long coat walks in. He pauses at the sight of the extended flask in his path, gives Kevos a short glance, and swipes it. After a long gulp he hands it back with a sigh: "Yes, yes very good, thank you." Heedless of the rest of you, he walks in and seats himself heavily behind the desk. With closed eyes, he starts to massage his temples. One of the gargoyles suddenly spring to life, jumping from the wall and onto the desk, then further down into the lap of the man. He starts to pet the gargoyle absentmindedly, when suddenly life returns to his features as he opens his eyes and looks up at you. "You're here" he exclaims surprised. Recovering, he continues: "Good, good... We can get started then." As he stands back up the gargoyle flaps our of his lap and onto the desk with a cat-like hiss, and you get a good look of the man. He is rather short, about 5'8", and wears a long, gray woolen coat. His golden blonde hair is just a tad bit too long and hangs like a mane around his angular face and his brown eyes are clear but wearied. As he reaches into his coat, you catch the sight of a revolver hanging from his belt next to a pearl-white wayfinder. From the folds of his coat he produces a small silk purse which he lays on the desk. He clears his throat before he speaks: "My name is Daniel R. Peterson, and I'm the venture-captain of this lodge. I'd like to formally welcome you to the Chtonian Chroniclers, and as a proof of your membership, extend you this useful token." He pauses to empty the contents of the purse onto the table, and 4 jet-black wayfinders lay before you. He hands one to each of you and shakes your hand briefly. As he hands the last one to Kevos, he clasps his hands together: "So, any questions?"
Character introduction time in the new Gameplay thread! :)
Aside from a few abstract paintings on the far wall, the small hexagonal office is only scantily decorated with simple and convenient furniture, most of it gathering not a small bit of dust. Scrolls clutter the desk, and fat tomes fill the shelves to the bursting point. The room is lit by two strange, tiny, horned onyx gargoyles on the walls opposite each other, each holding a small glowing prism. Inside the office, waiting for the office's owner to arrive, three people – Ryder Craw, Kevos Iola and Ferratal – stand appraising each other. You have each been told to report here, in the office of venture-captain Dr. Daniel R. Peterson, to receive your wayfinders and to sort out traveling arrangements. A little while later, the door opens. A tall and meticulously groomed man walks in together with a just as groomed goblin in Tien fashions. The man looks around briefly, giving each of you a nod before he bids the goblin farewell with a fond smile: "Well, this is it, Tsukitaro, I can't do any more. Thank you once again and good luck. The Doctor should be here in a moment." The man closes the door as he leaves, and you are now four people in the room.
Still gonna be a bit as I'm also writing job applications. It'll be up sometime within the next ~16 hours.
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