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... This one's a bit more special though. We'll be choosing this year's Feast Queen, that's what the girls are getting dressed up for. The bard smiles, "This is my kind of feast. I have been appreciating the beauty of girls and women for a long time. I'm a virtual connoisseur of the female, yes? Do you perchance need an out-of-town judge, eh? You know, someone impartial that has no knowledge of the local females?"
Dimitrio smiles at all the festivities being prepared. His first impression of the place markedly improves. He turns to the mayor and bows, "Please to make your acquaintance, sir. Now this fellow we are looking for is not our friend but he may just have our money so anything you can share with us about him is very much appreciated, eh?"
The bard's ear picks up at the description of the last stranger, "So this surly man, you say he left already?" "Wolf in the water? What manner of critter is that?" "Can you show us to the Mayor's place?"
Dimitrio scratches his beard, "Curious boy that one, eh? Why keep such a strange vermin as your pet, Dimitrio wonders. Let's hope the people in town have more common sense." He turns to Bellis, "Are you OK, little one?"
Not sure what that thing is on top of the pretty halfling girl, Dimitrio knows it is definitely unwelcome. A thought of striking that thing crosses his mind before he realizes that it would like killing a fly with sledge ahmmer. Besides, there is Bellis to think about. The bard attempts to grab the girl and take the thing off of her all the while yelling at the boy, "Stay where you are, boy! Your dog isn't here and we have a... situation."
Dimitrio is happy to see his 'cousins' and shares their campfire, even gracing them with a song or two for the young ones. The bard turns to his companions, "I'm not sure we have any business here, do we?"
Dimitrio nods to the brave woman, "We are on an errand and need to get to Ravenmoor. Have you ever been there?" He then tries to determine why the little halfling gives him an 'intent look', "What is the matter? Is Dimitrio's hair out of place?" Listening to the gnome, Dimitrio scratches his chin, "I'm nt sure I follow your story; are you sure you understand?"
Once that task is finished, she embraces Bellis, Liana, and Dimitrio, kissing you fondly on the cheek. Looking to her fellow Varisian, Welcome home cousin. I didn't think Lady Luck could see us on such a night, but her song surely led you here. I am Emyralda. This is my Stea. And you little one, to Bellis are holding Chavali. We are all that is left of caravan Dalca, and that we owe to you. What wind brought you here? The girl Stea quietly asks Bellis, looking toward Veter, Is your friend alright? I couldn't see what happened, but I heard the sound. Dimitrio smiles sadly at the woman's loss and her perseverance through hard times. "Glad to be home, Cousin Emyralda." He bows gallantly, "I am Dimitrio and these are my traveling companions."
Looking around, he scowls at not one person in particular. "Fine spell casters we've got in this lot, eh? Can't back me up with some blindness or distraction?" Dimitrio stands trying to determine whether Veter's remark is made jokingly. Seeing no smile on the man's face, he retorts, "Hey, Mr. tough guy. Us spellcasters did pretty well by my count. One ogre went nappy time' and the other was overwhelmed by Mr. Zeek here. I think that's pretty good, eh?" The bard then takes the baby in his arms, starts singing a soothing song while his fingers make lights appear. The infant, although still hurt, calms down a bit. He then nears the two ogres and keeping the infant's eyes away from them nods approvingly at Zeek's work. "A bit of a grudge here, eh?" The bard gets close to the ailing woman and reassures her that her baby will be OK, "Where are your daughters? How many are there? And where there any more ogres or other bandits?"
Dimitrio involuntarily gasps as Veter goes under the large club. The bard keeps his distance and whips forth a dagger and throws at the large humanoid, hoping to skewer its throat.
Dimitrio gasps as he sees the brutes about to make a meal of the baby. Hoping his companions can act as well, the bard starts to utter arcane words as he gestures with his hands. Seeing his magic work well, the bard is reluctant to work his spell on the ogre holding the baby but the other option is less desirable. He again casts the spell on the remaining ogre.
The bard looks up at the sky and wards himself from gathering spirits, "It will get nasty quickly. We need to find a place to ride out the storm." After looking around for a few minutes, the bard gives up and turns to his companions, "Dimitrio can't find no place to stay, never had to, always a cozy inn to sleep in. Any of you skilled in finding or making a wilderness shelter?"
Dimitrio suddenly grows quiet and nods when the others acknowledge the scream. He whispers in hushed tones, "Aye, I heard it too. it sounds like we're not alone." Then the bard quietly unsheathes his rapier and follows along...
I'm also in but I would like a commitment from the DM to try a little harder next time life intervenes to let us know what's going on. All it would have taken was a little 'one-sentence' post so please don't disappear again. There's plenty of free internet access 'everywhere' these days.
This sucks. If indeed, DM Grey abandoned the campaign, we should tell people about this. Does anyone know if there is a place to report this. No, I don't mean Paizo or anything official, just a list where people can go and check out the 'credentials' of a potential DM before going through the time and trouble it takes to make up a character. L8r, Fabian
I'll give the DM the benefit of the doubt. Maybe, I'm stupid but I just can't see why anyone would go through the trouble of recruitment only to quit a few days after. In any case, if this is the pace of the game, then I certainly won't be playing either.
Well, it was the weekend so everyone gets a pass but we should start to worry if we don't hear from DM Grey in the next 24-36 hours. I hope everything is OK. Game on! Fabian
Sorry if I'm overstepping here but I am looking for a player or two for a Skulls & Shackles game that I'm DMing. If anyone is interested, there's more information here.
Dimitrio clears his throat and bows graciously at the compliment received. he adds, "Well, young lady, you're in a for a treat once you see Dimitrio dance." He saunters over and grabs Bellis' hand allowing her to twirl. He then backs off and with both hands to his heart and in a melodramatic voice says, "Please Desna, why do you torture me so? Where have you been hiding her? My next dancing partner!" The bard winks at Bellis and 'non-threateningly' smiles, "So, why did you not say you were a performer like Dimitrio?"
"Well, it's more than Dimitrio wants to pay for transportation but if we have a guaranteed buyer then things are different, eh?" The bard smirks, "I say we get the horses. I'm sure you would rather see Dimitrio's feet dance that trudge along for 90 miles." He looks at Veter, "You and I can go get the horses while the rest of the group gets ready. We'll meet everyone at the gate."
The idea of the horses is if we could rent them. It would strain my belief (did I just say that when I'm playing a singing/dancing bard who works magic :)) for Dimitrio to spend twice as much as what he's supposed to earn for this job on transportation. I know we'll find other stuff but Dimitrio doesn't know that. He's willing to spend up to 20 gp to 'rent' a horse but no more than that. As for the trip, it's up to you. If you have something interesting planned for the trip then, by all means, let's do it. If not, I'm happy to skip ahead and find ourselves in Ravenmoor after 7-10 days have 'passed'. Game on!
The bard nods at the gnome, "Good, it is good you are ready to go because Dimitrio is ready to go." He points to his backpack, "Dimitrio was told to be ready for travel so he's ready for travel. Why don't the rest of you go get your stuff and we'll meet up here in an hour, eh?" "I think we should walk. A nice road trip sounds about right. Today, I woke up and saw the Lady's butterflies which can only mean one thing. Today is a good day for travel. Yes?"
Seeing his ticket out of town waver slightly, the bard quickly adds, "Not to worry. I was just thinking about our short-legged folk here but Dimitrio can help them out." Ten days walking each way was not what the bard had in mind when he wanted to leave town but his word has been given. "Do not fret, my dear Jeminda. We will be back within a fortnight."
"Red headed Ulfen with lots of scars, eh? Isn't that what they all look like." The bard chuckles at his own joke. "But all kidding aside, we will find this Elias Kyle for you and bring him back with the tax collector money." The bard scratches his chin in a pensive mood, "Before you leave, Miss Jeminda, I have one question. How far exactly is Ravenmoor and will the government of Magnimar pay for trip expenses to get there." He nods to Veter, "Like my friend here stated, there is cost to either buying a horse or paying passage on a boat. Will you be paying for that?"
He smiles at Liana, "But of course. And that is where Dimitrio is going with this. A lady is in need. Look at her; she's not smiling so we must all we can to put a pretty smile on her face. Yes?"
Dimitrio paces around the tavern. Each door opening has his heart skip a beat as he looks to see who is coming. As the newcomers arrive and Jeminda greets each in turn, Dimitrio extends his hand and ushers each to a chair. "Come now, ladies and gentlemen, take a seat quickly. Good Jeminda here is a lady in need." The bard has a backpack neatly stacked against a corner and is obviously ready for travel. After Jeminda finishes her statement, the bard is quick to add, "Ah, so this is simple. We travel to Raven... Ravenmoor and bring back your brother-in-law." He twirls his moustache, looks at each in turn, and turns back to Jeminda, "Not to worry. Discreet is Dimitrio's middle name. Your brother-in-law was probably delayed by a local beautiful girl. I know how eager local women can be. Dimitrio was once the main attraction of a dance troupe in this small town, not too far from here and ..." The bard quickly remembers his hurry, "Well, this a tale for another time. perhaps when we get back in a couple of days." Once again looking at jeminda, " All we need is your brother-in-law's name and some general directions of this Ravenmoor place." He gets up from the table and turns to the newcomers, "Well, Dimitrio is ready to go. Shall we?
Ok, good deal then. As stated Dimitrio's hook: Dimitrio's incident was when he was new in town; there were some people that would not hire him given his Szarni background. Along comes Aurelia, an avid enthusiast of the arts, and talks to a local theater and Dimitrio has a job. Anyways, last night, Aurelia notices that Dimitrio's heart just wasn't into his performance. She waits for him backstage and they start talking. That's when Dimitrio tells her that some 'thugs from his past' are in town and out to 'get him'. He tells her that he needs to stay low for a while or go somewhere 'out of sight'. That's when she tells him that she has 'some influences' in Magnimar that may be able to help. She tells him that he is to help out her niece Jeminda Anikee on a little trouble she has. He's to report to Jeminda's office in the morning ready for travel. Maybe the other PCs could elaborate on how they know Aurelia and how they are currently working for Jeminda. Game on! Fabian PS: thanks for the harrow Deck
Glad to be here everyone. Let's make this game memorable! Now on to 'gelling' the party. One thing that has worked great in my games and gives the party 'instant trust' is to have a 'benefactor or patron'. This patron has saved your skin (big time?) and has called her favor in. All each individual PC needs to do is figure out what this incident was. Another tie-in could be that you worked (work?) for this patron, she treated you well, and now has another job for you. For example, Dimitrio is involved with an older widow and for lack of a better one, we'll make her the patron. Let's call her Aurelia; She is an influential figure in Magnimar. Dimitrio's incident was when he was new in town; there were some people that would not hire him given his Szarni background. Along comes Aurelia, an avid enthusiast of the arts, and talks to a local theater and Dimitrio has a job. Now this is a minor incident but it works given Dimitrio's other background. So off the top of my head:
The possibilities are endless but if we all somehow 'trust/owe' Aurelia... well now she asks us to help her niece Jeminda Anikee on a little trouble she has. As always, feel free to discard any or all of it. Like I said above, glad to be here. Game on!
I finished updating Dimitrio's sheet (see alias). Good luck everyone! Game on! Fabian
Dimitrio's 'hook': There is an older widow that comes to see Dimitrio dance every week. Dimitrio, being the charmer that he is, has developed a sort of idyllic relationship with her (think James Bond and Miss Moneyppenny). I think I just showed my age here. :) Anyways, one night, she notices that Dimitrio's heart just wasn't into his performance. She waits for him backstage and they start talking. That's when Dimitrio tells her that some 'thugs from his past' are in town and out to 'get him'. He tells her that he needs to stay low for a while or go somewhere 'out of sight'. That's when she tells him that she has 'some influences' in Magnimar that may be able to help. The next day she tells him that she has been hired as a 'consultant' for the city of Magnimar. He's to go off to 'somewhere' [fill in where we are going]. Dimitrio doesn't like the idea but sees the wisdom in it so he reluctantly agrees. So now we have a Dimitrio that doesn't want to be part of the government, "I am a dancer not a book keeper!" but is honor bound and grateful to 'his older lady' to serve. Does this work? Thoughts and/or comments?
Hi DM Grey, Please consider Dimitrio for inclusion in your campaign. Right now, he is only 1st level (and with the wrong point buy score and less equipment than entitled). However, it sounds like you will pick players based on the fluff and that is done (see below). If selected, I will quickly update his character sheet. Let me know if you need further information at this time. Thanks for hosting a game. Fabian Dimitrio fluff: APPEARANCE Dimitrio is sexy (and he knows it). The man has thick, black hair, which spills down to his shoulders, a goatee, and a mustache. He wears golden loop earrings and a large gold necklace with his ‘lucky’ medallion. His shirt is open to show off his hairy chest and he wears loose pantaloons with leather boots; the boots have metal heels which ’click-clack’ loudly when he dances or Dimitrio just wants to impress someone. A couple of colorful sashes and an embroidered vest with lots of gold adornments complete his casual outfit. Although he hates to admit it, the rogue will don dark leather armor with blackened studs when he is expecting trouble; his metal-heeled boots are silenced with a rubber piece. PERSONALITY Dimitrio is a charmer and vain about his looks and dancing. He is very greedy and likes to hoard jewelry and gems. He is a skilled performer and likes to take the non-violent way out of situations when possible. Gambling goes with the territory and Dimitrio is an addict, sometimes betting his jewelry and clothes off his back (literally). He is very superstitious and sees ’bad omens’ everywhere. As such, he can be very moody when he mutters, “Today is not a good day. The devil yearns for my soul” or careless and happy-go-lucky when he states, “Relax, I can do no wrong. Do you not see Desna’s butterflies favor me?”
He fears old age and losing his youth/vigor and on a more mundane level, he has an unhealthy fear of rats (“Those vermin are very dirty and full of diseases”). He’s a young man with young man’s goals which right now are reduced to amassing wealth and showing off with the odd performance here and there. BRIEF BACKGROUND Dimitrio was one of the main attractions of the traveling Varisian Troupe of entertainers. His dancing mesmerized audiences and attracted lots of attention from the opposite sex (OK, he also attracted attention from the same sex but Dimitrio doesn’t like to talk about that). An archetypical band of scoundrels, the troupe would hold the attention of an audience while others fleeced them. So it was a win-win situation for the Varisians as they gained money from their performance and also augmented it with their petty thievery. Dimitrio also enhanced his dancing with a spectacular show of magic and lights. Everything was going well for Dimitrio until the daughter of their leader, Petre Carini, came of age and started flirting with the young dancer. Warned by his brothers to ’leave that one alone’, Dimitrio could not help himself. When news of his fleeting romance reached Petre, the dancer was expelled and told not to come back on pain of death. Saddened by the whole ordeal, Dimitrio pushed his luck by ’taking’ a parting gift before he left; he stole Petre’s chain shirt. Dimitrio quickly forgot about the young girl but the troupe has not forgotten about him. On the run and constantly looking over his shoulder, the young dancer tried to make money with the odd performance, supplementing his income with easy targets. He had briefly settled in Magnimar but news that the Carini Troupe was coming to town had the rogue looking for an excuse to leave—quickly.
"Sweet Lady, you lied to Dimitrio! What of the butterflies? What of Dimitrio's dream?" --------------
I'm pretty sure you'll have a blast. L8r, Fabian
Also, ever wonder how to make your character stand out among the many, many considerations? Make a high quality post that stands out from the crowd. I've seen a lot of interesting concepts and fun backstories but posts like that jump out to the GM as someone who is ready to play and knows what they are doing in the PbP arena. Here I am, following the GM's advice and trying to make my character stand out. :) Here's a brief scene of Dimitrio before he arrived in Sandpoint. Scene: His boots stomped; his hands clapped, and he danced and mesmerized them, all to the rhythm of the percussion drums. Those same drums that slowed down and blended with the audience’s heartbeat. The same drums that increased their rhythm and pace, taking the people along for a ride. And here was Dimitrio, in the middle of it all, directing the whole thing. Boots stomping, hands clapping Dimitrio. Dimitrio, whose performance was enhanced by a well-choreographed show of dancing lights and amplified sounds. It all ended like it did every Friday night, with a roaring applause and cheers. Enough adulation and praise to woo the young performer. But Dimitrio just wasn’t enjoying it. Not tonight. The young man’s day had started all wrong. He had cut himself while shaving in the morning and Ms. Noria had seemed upset when he left for the small theater that afternoon. Seeing that black bird swallow up the butterfly only confirmed what the bard already knew. Not a good day. A day to take it easy and lay low, until the butterfly flies again. Now, somewhat blinded by the light, he took his dancing partners’ hands and bowed to the audience. Only his honed sense of perception showed him what he needed to see. There, a few rows back, was his old boss. His disguise good enough to fool most men but not Dimitrio. Backstage, he entered the girls’ dressing room, sneaked in a few appreciative looks, and bowed with exaggerated flourish. With a heavy accent, he twirled his mustache, “Ladies, you make my heart skip a beat. I’m sure it was a pleasure to dance with Dimitrio. Likewise, Dimitrio will always remember you.” A couple of giggles later and the man was out the window; the rest of his gear and clothes abandoned in his own dressing room. A few minutes later of carefully walking in the shadows and he was back in his Inn. Taking the back alley, the man stepped on garbage before taking a quick peek into the main room. “Cesare, why did it have to be Cesare?” Casting a quick cantrip to clean his boots, Dimitrio entered the dining room. The bard was comforted by the worried look of Ms. Noria as she virtually ran to the door, trying to warn Dimitrio. Seeing the commotion, Cesare, a young sczarni thug, quickly unsheathed a long curved blade and moved after Ms. Noria.
Five minutes later only the bard came downstairs; he’s dressed for travel. With a heavy heart, he neared Ms. Noria and gently kissed the matronly woman on the cheek and slipped a couple of gold pieces into her grimy palm. At the woman’s unvoiced question, Dimitrio answered, “No, I couldn’t. I told you before. Dimitrio is a lover not a cold-blooded killer. Let’s just say that Cesare will wake up with a big bump on his head.”
Hey GM, I have tried to get in this game once before and failed and have been waiting for the 'right' game to come along to try again. I really liked what I read about your GMing style (similar to what I do with the games I GM). In any case, I didn't have a PFS membership but I joined just to make sure my chances to be selected are not curtailed in any way (Pathfinder # 123663). Please consider Dimitrio Carini for inclusion in your game (fluff and crunch in the alias). I think I've met all the requirements to be considered but please let me know if anything is missing or if you need further information at this time. Thanks for hosting the game, Fabian |
