Dain Harladorn's page

Being left along with other watchmen with the prisoner, Dain does his best to convince them that he is enough to take care of skis'raal.

"Lookie here mates, the walls of yar prison seem sturdy 'nough, and the creature itself is in such a bad shape. I've no idea why we're wastin' our time in'ere while we could be testing some fine dark brew ale. But my master insisted that I be here, damn it! Maybe it's better for ya, maybe you could go to this Blue Bat and bring me a pitcher, eh? of course, I'd add a few pieces more for ya as well. What say ya?"

Bluff: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (7) - 2 = 5 Dain is hoping to convince the other guard (guards?) to leave so he could have some time alone with the creature (but seeing this roll, it will probably not happen)

Oooooh, Dain is looking forward to inspecting that fine elven wine...unless you drink it of course by the time he returns from his watch duty

Due to my long (and very unplanned absence for which I apologize) let us say that Dain simply volunteered in a way to escort the Skis'raal to the cell, and to remain there watching him throughout the first (and only?) shift

Donagh replies in undercommon

"Indeed we should help our friends by posting a guard of our own. We can't expect them to do all the work while we relax. Who do you want to take the first watch?"

Still feeling the sting of not reacting on time during the initial encounter with Skis'raal, Dain jumps at the opportunity to redeem himself, at least a bit.

"Aye, I shall be the one" - he states matter-of-factly as he hefts his weapon and escorts the prisoner and one of the gnome guards towards the cell.

Guys just FYI, posting this across all my PbP's here, still in the field (my 3rd day) returning to civilization tomorrow morning, will start posting afterwards (12-16 hours from now). Sorry for delay.

Moving quickly between Elmador and Ivy, Dain readies his weapon and brings it down to one of the creatures.

Move to L12
Pick attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 = 24 Versus Darkmantle #2, if alive (not killed by Mirrin). If not, Ready action to attack whichever enemy comes first
Potential damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Being his usual self, tight-lipped and reclusive, Dain travells lost in his thoughts. He enjoys the story told by Garnult, although he heard it probably a hundred times before. Somehow this familiarity with the story and the events which unfold in it, help him find his inner peace in these trying times. They have barely started in the underworld when they run afoul of darkskinned elves and their trickery. Too many expeditions to reclaim Dammerhall have failed - they were not allowed another failure. Bryggya's will be done - we will Show our steel

Speaking in dwarven "Aye, Donagh my brother! Truer words were rarely spoken in these depths for a long time. Grunyar, what do you take Briggya for? A personal godess, at the back and call of ev'ry drunken longbeard from here to the moon and back? Leave that to the wimpy elves - you know the dwarven ways of yore. If you prove yourself worthy, then and only then can ya hope to enjoy her gifts. Show your steel and strength you shall find where you least expect it!"

"Now...shall we go finally and lead these gnomes back home? Elmador, Mirrin, Garnult - have you finished?!"

He looks at Dain and moves over to his friend

"Can I have a look at that battleaxe, it looks finely crafted."

Looking closely over Donagh's shoulder, he points, "Is that a setting for a gem?" he asks.

"Sure is a fine craftmanship. I may know not much 'bout craftin' a weapon, but this beauty 'ere was forged in one of the great forges of Dammerhall." - Dain looks completelly blissful at this moment, as he carefully passes the greataxe to Donagh.

"Aye Grunyar, a fine eye you got. It sure looks like a gem setting" - still beaming with happiness over his find, he proclaims - "'Tis a good sign, it sure is. Sons of Dammerhall are returnin' to these forgotten lands. An omen from Briggya, at the start of our undertaking! A good omen, fer sure!"

Knowledge/History): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 -2 for Meticulous drawback, +2 for Lorekeeper trait

Out of all the stuff found among the refuse, Dain's eyes light up when he sees a greataxe of obviously dwarven design. He picks it up and studies it for a few long moments.

@GM Reckless - my above post stated that Dain tried to search for anything useful already, maybe you missed it?

Leaving the sentence trailing unfinished, he looks around the perimeter making sure they are not missing anything important. Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

We had a pause in posting and I completelly forgot that Dain had Stabilize orison. Not on purpose really, and Donagh did stabilize the creature so no harm done

I'm assuming Elmador's speaking undercommon with gnomes, otherwise I can not understand him

"Aye, I can still pray to Briggya for healing, if that'd be what you folk need. Who'd be hurt the most?" - Dain asks rather bluntly, happy that Elmador and the others are doing most of the talking.

Without a word Dain approaches the fallen creature and tries to determine if he can stop it from bleeding out. Not knowing much about Skis'raal, he does his best to apply normal dwarven methods of healing not really realizing that those might not work on such a strange critter. Heal check to stabilize: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 Not the best of result, but at least, it was not on purpose "Briggya's will be done. If she wills it the creature shall live. If not..."

Leaving the sentence trailing unfinished, he looks around the perimeter making sure they are not missing anything important. Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

"As Garnult said - he gave his word to the creature that the creature may go in exchange for it releasing the gnomes. He, as our leader, stated we will not attack it. And we broke our word. That makes us..." - Dain stops for a second trying to find the proper expression.

"Look, I do not want to argue with any of you over a dead monster, but we are dwarves and we started this holly mission in the name of Bryggya. We can not sully her sacred name by breaking our wows. For a proper dwarf, his word is his bond, and he must do all in his power to keep it. Otherwise, we'll be no better than derro."

Confused about actions which happened, Dain does not say much. He looks at Donagh as if looking for guidance, but none is forthcoming. Finally, Dain lowers his weapon and helps the others free the gnomes.

Been on a business trip last 3 days, back and still interested here.

"Brygga's will be done" - Dain simply underscores Garnult's statement. He is clearly ready to face the creature should the need be, but is unwilling to risk life's of the prisoners to do so.

The chase winding up a bit, Dain start to come to his senses. Garnult's words help him remember how irresponsible and dangerous would be of him to simply walk into a room full of enemies.

"Aye Garnult, I'll take point." - trying to be more careful, Dain raises his shield and his weapon, and advance forward more cautiously.

Damn! Not again!!! - Cold sweat was engulfing Dain as he finally understood that he has simply froze in combat. It happened just once before, long time ago, when he first saw Werias of Jarfik, Great Inquisitor of Briggya.

Adrenaline pumping in his veins, drumming in his ears becaming painfully real, he could feel the anger building inside of him. Shamed because of his non-action, Dain bursts to a run, trying to catch the creature - "Oh no, you don't, you %^#*$!"

His shield and weapon drawn, Dain runs off at maximum speed, trying to catch up with retreating creature, oblivious of the possible dangers

Finally back. Sorry for being offline for so long girls&boyz, I had some serious issues related to identity theft attempt and such, as a result of burglary. Anyway, I am on my way to Africa (where I work), I'm writing this from Frankfurt airport. I will be reading all your posts and start posting regularly from tomorrow.

Guys, sorry for my absence, just a brief FYI - someone has broken into our home (while we were away for 1 day) and ransacked it thouroughly. I have some issues while I put everything back in place, please expect me to start posting again in 1-2 days.

Still here, waiting for my turn to post, according to initiative (after spiders) :-(

Completely oblivious to any findings of Donagh and Wrex, Dain mumbles impatiently in a low voice: "So what's the hold up, why did we stop?"

Sweet, thanks Donagh. That's a neat little trick

"Let us return the light of Steel Sister to these lands. In Bryggya's honor!" - Dain whispers solemnly accepting his weapon from Donagh. He takes three steps forward, and makes a few jabs and swings with his newly (temporarily) enchanted weapon. Seeing a small rune reflecting the barest hints of light, and feeling secure grip on the handle of the weapon, Dain's lips curl upwards, showing hints of smile.

"'tis a good day to return favor to those dark-skinned bastards. Lead on, Mirrin!"

Dain is right behind the wagon, with Donagh

Funny, there where so many applicants with the masterwork weapon trait that I thought most of our groups frontliners had that trait as well. Oh well, more weapons for me to put runes on

O goody, goody, goody! :-) I consider Dain a front-liner if that is where the team needs him to be. He has a fairly decent armor, with a nice hefty shield, so he should be able to tanks&spank as needed.

Dain listens to Knivy-Ivy story without any interruption. He is aware that he is definitely not the best spokesman around, so he is more than content to leave all the "introduction stuff" to Elmador, who seems to be more than capable. He simply nods when (if) presented by the wizard, and looks disinterested, but his keen little eyes are exploring the scene around them, searching for clues which might either corroborate her story, or tell him if something is missing.

Hearing the expression "Skis-Raal" he tries to remember if he has encountered those creatures before, under that or any other name.
Knowledge/Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 5 = 11 To identify Skis-Raal, if possible

Dain keeps close to Elmador all the time. He is either few steps ahead (when simply moving ahead), or just a few steps back when he does not want to be in wizard's way (while he's searching for tracks). He helps him to briefly examine the mushroom wagon, and then moves along doing his best to be silent, despite his clunky armor.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 - 6 ⇒ (16) + 2 - 6 = 12

Shield in hand and his weapon drawn, Dain is right next to Elmador, making sure he is there to protect his fellow dwarf should the need arise. His eyes are constantly darting between the ground in front of them, walls and the ceiling. Muttering under his breath, he adds:

"It was nigh' time to start returnin' the sacred light of Steel Sister to this place."

Similar to others, Dain's weapons are in his hands before he was even aware. With most of his comrades surveying ahead, he keeps his eyes trained on the back, as well as the ceiling above them, making sure there are no surprises from there as well. He mutters under his breath a quick prayer to Steel Sister, finding solace in the fact that her guiding hand is there, as always.

If allowed, Cast Guidance on self
Perception: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 = 22

Gotta hand it to you guys, that's quite an attention to detail - bravo! This could really make our life easier at a later stage, unless of course giant slugs do not eat all of our food :-)

Now, as Elmador correctly put it - to adventure!

Dain has a mess kit as a part of his inquisitor's kit

Reckless wrote:

"Why is that giant snail dragging your wagon?"

Please don't let there be giant snails, please don't let there be giant snails.

Ah, now you're simply asking for it! ;-)

"Aye, it'll do. Now come with me lad we've got a wagon to buy, pull and load. You too Dain. Plenty of time left in the day fer a last glimpse of the sun. We've got preparations to make yet. If ya other two want to put in an investment on yer survival now's the time ta do it."

"Ah, no rest for the wicked, eh?!" - Dain quaffs his drink in one swing, but proceeds to follow and Mirrin and help in any way he can, despite his nagging.

Completely aligned to what Donagh said - both excellent suggestion so far, and that we should appoint someone as quartermaster. Any volunteers for this glorious role, or it goes straight to the stupid dwarf asking for volunteers (Dain)? :-(

"Aye Stonejoy, let us enjoy what little time we have 'ere, prior to goin'. Tonight we enjoy paltry comforts this hole can provide, and 'morrow we make sure that Steel Sister's name is heard all over the deeps! Cheers!"

If we're pooling resources Dain has 7 GP (and 9 SP) left, and I'm willing to part with these, if needed.

Btw guys, you could Spoiler any personal discussions, makes it even easier for the rest of us

If there is a in-character need to tell Donagh's secrets: by all means go ahead. Donagh may not like it though....

According to the fine introduction by the GM we where send by the church to join this expedition. I assume we met some years ago and were send out to visit other dwarven communities for Bryggya. During these voyages we became friends, rather than just companions. Donagh felt secure enough to share his past with Dain.

Does this work for you?

I am perfectly fine with that.

Another question - I see from Game thread that most of you have Create water as your orison. If DM allows it, I would like to change my Create water for Guidance, or Read Magic. Is that OK with you?

Dain knows about Donagh's remorse about his brother's death. He has promised not to tell anyone else about it. The others have noticed the broken hammer in Donagh's backpack. If they have asked Donagh about it he has told them it has to do with his past and he has not elaborated on it.

Wow, that's a lot's of trust. I've read your story and I like it. Rest assured that no matter how brambling Dain might look (I am trying to properly display his low CHA), he will not betray the story of your brother. After all, Briggya teaches us - knowledge should be shared between dwarves, but secrets should be kept.

Btw. how do our characters know each other - acquaintances from the Church of Briggya, I guess?

"I can speak gnomish, but I do not know if addressing them in gnomish would be an insult for them. If we want to ally with them it is not the best idea to start of with an insult."

"From what little I know, it's much more likely for them to shoot'ya if you speak our language, than gnomish. Bald bastards don't love us too much." - with another loud burp, Dain spits on the floor as if to underline the effect of his words.

He quaffs some more ale, and then turns to Elmador: "I'm not much of a spirits dwarf meself, but I like the way you're thinking. Although you're practicing sorcery, you seem to be a decent dwarf, with your head screwed on in a proper way. I'm into the Art of beer brewin', if we have a chance at some later time, I might fix us something to try"

Leaning closer to the wizard, he adds: "Of course, it would be mighty nice of ya if I look nice an' heroic in that picture of yors. What do you say you add some symbol of the Sister in there, you know a big ol' violet 'shroom, with some silvery stripes runnin'?"

He addresses Mirrin: "Would these deep gnomes speak the same language as their cousins above ground?"

Still undecided whether this "human-tainted" brews were worthy to be called real dwarven ales, Dain finally turns his attention to the topic at hand. He belches loudly, as is the custom, wipes his beard with a sleeve and interjects, although the question was not directed at him.

"Aye, they tend to speak humie-tongue when it suits'em, but more often than not they use dark-speech, or as hummies call it the undercommon. Now, I know not how to curse in the surface-dweller tongue, but you can bet your last year supply of Fine Dwarven Dark that I can talk to any of those hairless bald bastards!"

Thanks for the clarification. While response from TarkXT makes perfect sense for his character, especially considering that it is equivalent of Brigandine armor, I do not see similar equivalent for Four Mirror Armor which I was thinking of taking as replacement.

So I decided to keep Dain as originally stated, with a close eye on very valuable advice's provided by TarkXT - I just might be going into that direction come level 3. Once again, thanks for the help everyone.

Sipping the best Dwarven beer he could afford, Dain felt the rich, but yet somehow sweet aroma at the tip of his tongue. Not bad, this might almost pass as real dwarven beer. Hoop seems to be on the edge of being overripe, hence the sweetness, but considering what they serve in these messy labyrinths they call cities, it is actually good

Turning towards Garnult, Dain strokes his beard slowly, before answering.

knowledge/Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 5 = 14

I have only dungeoneering or history as potentially applicable, plus Monster Lore (+5 to identify monsters), so if applicable, GM will tell us. Oh yes, I am really hoping we speak in dwarven, since Dain does not speak common ;-)

Guys, just briefly (posting from phone), if you believe that it would be better overall for the party for Dain to take a reach-weapon and Combat reflexes (I have Dex 14, so doable), I am more than willing to change (put Combat rfl instead of Intimidating prowess to be more effective).

Just a question, I see some of you guys are using Eastern equipment. I know that some of the GM's might frown, so I did not use any of the options presented there, although Four Mirror Armor would be a much nicer option than a scale mail. What does the GM say?

On another note - no Combat reflexes here :-( Took Intimidating prowess so I might better support some of you guys at a later time...and it felt just "right" for the inquisitor.

Btw. I am more than fine with the proposed "joint backgrounds" and the story surrounding them. Dain is "sold" and ready to leave whenever you guys say!

And just for you guys to have some kind of meatshield, Dain is currerntly sword and board (Ok, pick/hammer and board) and he has the biggest armor and shield he could have bought for the paltry 140gp Inquisitors start with. So no problem for me to take the "lead spot" while a pair of long axes are buzzing around me :-)

Just reprinting Dain's Patron roll (he got a 9, in the Recruitment thread)

Patron roll 1d20=>9

And no, absolutely no claims on Nobility/Royalty from Dain's side.

Not really sure, I could say that Dain's late mother was somehow related to Tarnhammer clan (third cousin lalala...), but I do not find it terribly important. Although, for the dwarves it might be very important...

Brundig Loreaxe wrote:

Best I can remember, you gain a bonus language for each skill point you put in Linguistics. It doesn't include stat, trait and other bonuses.

I agree.

Thanks for the clarification guys. "Extra" language deleted from character sheet. Although, with GM's approval, and in-line with my background story (raised as a drow slave) I would like to ask if it is possible for Dain to start with Dwarven and Undercommon then, instead of usual Dwarven+Common combo?

Other than that, character sheet (even a drawback), including backstory completed. Is 15 days of (trail)food enough or should we bring more? How 'bout a keg of dwarven finest stout? ;-)

"Crunch" completed finally! Who would have thought that I would spend so much time deciding on domain/spells and equipment :-(

Maybe not among the typical choices for Orisons, but picked up both Create Water and Detect Poison, so I guess we'll not be thirsty and at least we'll know what is (not) allowed to be eaten.

A question - Trait Weathered Emissary is giving me +1 trait bonus on Linguistics, therefore I have added 1 extra language (undercommon), although I did not put any ranks into this skill. Is that correct?

Off to write background finally.

Dain is progressing nicely, albeit slowly. Crunch almost done (equipment missing), backstory is to follow.

Just a brief outline - Inquisitor of Bryggya, who was raised as a slave in drow captivity, along his parents. His father was forced to betray the secret of perfect beer brew while captive. Bringing along him knowledge of drow elves and their language, Intimidation left and right, a team oriented mind, maybe a spell or two and very potent beers (or would you prefer ale's) he brews himself.

EDIT: Used Ultimate Campaign background generator and stuck to the results like crazy ;-) (hence the interesting starting traits, I took only those "uncovered" by background). Just realized I missed to put in a drawback, will add it soon.

Just got back from another trip - will read on Patron tonight/tomorrow, and will try to finish Dain's back-story based on it by Wednesday/Thursday.