Donata Petali's page

Dewn Mou'Tain, thanks for the game. I certainly understand real life getting in the way. Good luck.

vip00, PoorWanderingOne, great characters. Very fun Rping with you.

I'll see you guys around the boards.

therealthom

Donata looks back at Alfonzo, shakes her head and rolls her eyes.

How did this get so out of hand? Oh yeah, we let the nobility start arranging terms. Oh for the simple days when my father gambled dice and you paid in cash -- or blood.

"Good Captain, I am a true daughter of Shelyn. I would be happy to dine with you, but if you seek Calistria's pact, you must look elsewhere."

The sudden noise makes Donata jump.

"Ah, my co-passengers seem to lack my faith ... amend said wager to simply an open tab for all participating crews at the tavern of the loosing captain's choice; this tab to remain open for not less than one full day. ... served by the crew of the losing ship.

Does this meet with agreement?"

Donata stares aghast. "Do you have any idea how much sailors can drink? We'll be broke within an hour. Varisians love a game of chance or skill, but you'd better be able to back your bets or you'll find yourself outcast -- or worse."

She shakes her head. "Gambling to embarrass, ruin, or degrade does no good. Let us try something nobler. I will stake 5 weapons, the best my hand can make, steel without flaw, edges keen as a dragon's fang, lines smooth and beautiful as flowing water, on Arbot! Who will match those stakes?"

"Alfonso! What are you doing? I for one do not intend to parade naked in front of the Riddletown trash! I won't be party to a bet I won't pay."

"What blessings I can offer are of short duration. They may only last until you reach the first ship. "

Donata considers the rules and her purse, before speaking up, "Donata Petali on the Neversere. I'll add 5 gold to Alphonso's platinum on Arbot taking more flags than Jimmy and Aelon."

****
She turns away from the speaking stones and looks at Arbot. "You'd better shed that mail. If anyone drops a rock through the bottom of your dinghy you'll be swimming.

" If you'll accept the blessing of Shelyn, I may be able to provide you some minor help."

Donata considers the captain's words. The winner of such a game would have to be incredibly strong, nimble, and skilled. The young men and boys in the summer caravans used to play games jumping from horse to wagon to horse, but this seemed far more dangerous and difficult. She considers the water below. It looks colder and more forbidding than it did a few moments ago.

"Captain, I think I too shall sit this one out. Even with the goddess' blessing I could not succeed at such a feat. Please tell me how the gambling works. How can we judge who is running from other ships? Or can we only wager on Neversere's champion?"

...

captain morwhin seems to be relaxing on the bow, not moving from his chosen spot next to donata. well, seems we have a few more hours staying this close to the other ships due to the unaturally high reefs found below. but, the crew here and other sailors have found an interesting way to pass the time, and to increase ones gold in said pocket. You, being guests on this ship, are allowed an opportunity to either participate in the gambling or the activity. but ye cannot do both....interested? he finishes, looking donata in the eye, and then giving a slow wink.

Donata smiles and laughs lightly.

"The activity? What exactly is this activity? Gambling is a fool's pastime, but if this activity may prove to be interesting."

"Yes. What is it? You can't expect anyone to commit if they don't know what they're committing to."

As the shoreline receds farther and farther away, Donata slides further and further aft along the rail.

"Look, the Irespan and Arvensoar!", she exclaims while pointing first at the gigantic bridgelike ruin, and then at the sky-scraping pinnacle of stone, that are Magnimar's two most famous, and easily visible, landmarks. Others follow in quick succession. "There's Ordellia!" "Is that The Floodfire?" "Fort Indros!" She waits a long time at the stern watching the ripples in the smooth wake and the gulls soaring and veering behind the ship as her home shrinks until just the tip of the Arvensoar and the end of the Irepan are visible.

"You all are so gloomy. I'm sure Neversere has the speed, and good Captain Morwhin, the skill, to keep us out of trouble with pirates. And if not, then the pirates will get more than they expect."

Leet, sorry to hear. Good luck with the internet. When things stabilize maybe you can get back with us.

"Come on! Let's go up on deck! We can see the harbor!" Donata tosses off the rest of her glass and hurries out for a ladder to the deck.

...

"Allow me." Alfonse retrieves and refills the cup.

"Why do you suppose he went to such trouble to keep our task secret?"
"I mean madness pretty much gavottes in the family so perhaps needing a reason for his actions seems passé, but I still wonder."

If he means what he says about the outpost being a transhipment point it will not stay secret for long. So why bother?"

...

"Considering the favor he's shown you thus far, perhaps he just wants you out of the way. Someplace where he might claim you deserted, or have you quietly killed." Donata smiles. "It's just a thought. One of my uncles would never do that to me, but they wouldn't let me be publicly beaten either. I'm not sure about Chel mores in these matters."

"Well we would need to present ourselves battered, bloody, bruised, and broken at Brinewall to tell our tale of terrible turmoil and convince the father of the feast that our timely tale is true.

But you are correct, oh acme of strength and beauty. The sweetness of the wine and Calistra's caresses pale before the prospect of a plesent woodland journey in fair company."

The last makes Donata laugh. "You, sir, are full of griffinshit." She thinks back on some of the "pleasant" moments from her travels with her family in her youth and shakes her head.

...

"it ends in wine and friendship and a table full of gems that rival our fair smith in beauty."

"It is a day to remember and a day for beginnings."

"To the future! May it continue to show us beauty midst the pain"

Once the toast is completed Alfonse will gather up the gems, keepiln them along with the note in the scroll case for now.

"It would be best to decide what we will do with my 'nucle's bribe. In Riddleport we will find guides and servants and soldiers for hire. Perhaps even a cartographer and a military engineer of our own. Mind you we could also spend the gems staying drunk for weeks in one of the better brothels. Throw some change at a young bard to pen a tale of adventure that lauds each of us as heroes while lamenting the unsuitable nature of the site. Just an option."

Donata smiles and blushes slightly at the compliment even though she knows that it's empty flattery. She is genuinely pleased with Alfonzo's toast however. "Beauty midst the pain," she repeats before drinking.

She frowns at his plans for the gems, He can't be serious. Can he? She laughs lightly, "I think we'd best keep fairly to the bargain. Besides Cailean's cheer fades when the money's gone and Calistria's bed is never truly warm. Then you'll be sad and cold when your uncle comes hunting."

From the doorway where she has been watching, Donata chimes in,"I agree with Lukas. Why should your uncle go through all this fuss? Why not just send a plain message? None of this makes sense. "

She stops talking and starts calculating the inconvenience of this side trip versus the value of the governor's favor. "If you'll have me, I'll come along."

A stiffness in the horse's posture, the sudden hiss of the yellow stream, the patter as it's absorbed by the straw, and Alfonso awkwardly lurching ...

Oh, that's not pretty.

donata: you do manage to have a crew memeber stop working long enough to hear you out, but he says bah, i have no time for womanly things. and he picks up the crate and continues on. as you look at the parting crew member, you hear arbot and alfonso call your attention to them.

...

Arbot glances out of the stall and if Donata is not too far away, will try to get her attention so she can notice that we've found Sargento. If she is already gone topside, he will return to petting the horse and inform Alfonso that our fair maiden has made her exit.

Thanks. No one said we found Sargento for sure. She thought ya'll were just guessing.

Donata frowns at the departing crewman. Hardly pleasant, that one. Before she can pursue that thought she hears the others and returns along the companionway.

"The crew is no help. What have you found?"

donata: the captain seems on the up and up. his comments and his sacrificing of his cabin are very noble and are welcoming to you.

...

Then Donata thanks him sincerely. Drops her gear off. And catches up to the others.

How about an answer to my spoiler above? rather than try all seven horses she'll ask a crewman (if one's around) which one is Sargento. She's got no trouble asking for directions.

Donata watches and listens. Seven horses? This gets odder all the time. Why make it more difficult by having more than one horse? Luck will play as big a role as perseverance in success. Perhaps his uncle is getting senile. Of course, they'll try all seven if they must.

She wanders a short distance down the companionway looking for a crew member.

If she finds one :

Sense Motive 1d20+8 = 13

Perception 1d20+3

Probably, a horse?

DM, you asked for a sense motive. Probably for our captain's intentions.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Probably, a horse?

morwhin ... then leads donata to the large set of double doors at the end of the hall.

Mistress, i promised you the best, and you deserve the best. you shall have my quaters for this trip. a large feather down mattress with pillows, comfortable chairs, a dinning table, and of course, the best view on the sea he ends with bow as he pushes open the door so that you take in the view from the wall to wall windows. course, some random ship is taking away from teh view, but out on the sea, its gorgeous.

everyone: all of your belongings have been placed into your rooms.

...

"Thank you, sir. That is a very kind offer. I hope you won't be too uncomfortable elsewhere."

Provided his offer isn't a ploy to get them shacking up together, Donata stows her goods in the room. Rather than take time to remove her armor, she leaves it on. She's never traveled by ship and doesn't want to miss anything. -- And she'd like to get back to her new companions.

If his offer is a mere attempt to get her into bed, she'll decline as gracefully as possible and bunk with the other party members.

In either event she rejoins the others as soon as possible. She listens to the plan with the horse distractedly while she watches the crew work.

At Alfonso's, "Shall we try?" she drags her eyes away from the bustling scene. "Why not? There's no time like the present."

Sorry about the absence. WOrk.

"Will someone tell me what that was all about?" Donata is clearly perplexed by the turn of events with Dagaard and the captain in particular.

***

The first mate's appearance is a welcome diversion. "First mate Morwhin. It's good to meet you. I am Donata Petali. A barrel, a trunk, and some other parcels were to be delivered here for me. Trade goods and such for our arrival in Brinestone. Who would I talk to to see if they arrived and where they are stored? "

DM :

Despite being annoyed by the captain's joke, Donata coughs up an involuntary chuckle. "Very droll, sir," she murmurs under most of the conversation.

She wonders how well the captain would take a joke played on him. Would that somehow breach ship's discipline?

Sure. I hope you like dinner well-done.

Where's the kitchen?

"I'd rather have my meals done well."

***

Alfonso's question catches her by surprise. Porter? He's got a porter? She shakes her head, but Alfonso's question echoes one of her own. Captain, some trade goods were to be delivered to the ship for me. Who would I speak to about them, to see if they made it here?"

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Lukas you silver-tongued charmer.

Donata bridles at the Captain's speech, but Lukas steps smoothly between them. She takes the reprieve to master herself. After all she's heard similar comments about why a woman shouldn't be a smith all her working life.

She's somewhat startle by Lukas' words. She's not used to strangers taking her part, and so eloquently too. Shows you can't judge the singer by his moustache.

"Thank you, Lukas. Captain, let me add more in my own defense. I am a chosen of Shelyn, the eternal maid, patroness of love, beauty, and luck. In dream visions the goddess has shown me my forge on a far western coast where I will create blades and shields of uncommon beauty. Carry me there and receive Shelyn's blessing. Reject me at your peril."

Aid another, diplomacy : 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

If this doesn't work maybe we can get on a nicer boat.

...

"So I ask you all, are you ready to rob a horse?"

"It's hardly robbery to recover the note your uncle left. I was raised among horsemen and although I am no rider, I am willing to try searching the stall. If Shelyn smiles on the attempt I am sure of success."

Donata keeps the rest of her thought to herself. Alfonso's uncle's methods are more than than unusual. What use will emeralds be in Brinewall? I hope our leader is not mad.

Fort save 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Donata shades her eyes against the sun's glare as she approaches the ship. "That's our ship?" Disappointment is evident in her tone.

On reaching the gangplank, the odor hits her. The smell recalls lost memories of sitting under the family wagon playing with cow patties. It also recalls last night's food and drink and she kneels at the dock's edge violently emptying her stomach.

She stands up and wipes the back of her hand across her mouth. "If I knew I wouldn't get to keep it I wouldn't have bought all that food last night."

"And here we have the basic failure of the Hellknights. They treat people as things. They think we can be improved from the, by force if necessary. This is a rather foolish idea but it makes the knights the useful tools we all know and love. They are as pedantic, joyless, hidebound, not at all fun at parties ...

Here Alonso turns and sweeps Donata into his arms, spinning her into a joyful simple folk dance. Should she not respond he will instead take he hand and dance a few steps around her before bowing over, and lightly kissing, her hand.

Donata starts nodding agreement, but stops by Alfonso's fifth sentence when his tone begins to disturb her. Can he really be so cynical? He may be worse off than Dagaard.

When the fop tries to dance with her, she remains politely still. This was a serious conversation, but took a wrong turn somewhere. Besides her breastplate is heavy and uncomfortable for dancing.

Then Alfonso's argument steers back into a serious vein, and Donata nods agreement and adds, "You listed Torag and Iomedae among your gods. Surely they speak of more than obedience. Surely they ask one to consider the welfare of others and to help others in need merely because it is the right thing to do?"

"Something Along those lines, yes. However None are above the law. If I where to break a law, or commit a crime, I would be punished aswell. Our order Flogs those knights who stray from the path with a Five tailed lash as an atonement. Should I slip from the path, I would gladly accept my punishment."

Donata frowns as she listens to the conversation. "But rather than focus on law, transgression and punishment, wouldn't it be better to promote better behavior through example and inspiration? If people have something good in their lives, if they can see the beauty in family, or their works, or nature itself, won't athey naturally behave well."

Donata Petali wrote:

1)DM. (gotta love that your initials are DM)

2) A couple questions: How long is the sea voyage expected to be? What will be the availability of stores once we reach Brinewall?

3) Also, the smith thing is pretty important to my concept for Donata. I'd like to sink a portion of her cash into raw materials for future product. Also, does 55 gp for masterwork include an anvil? The furnace will have to be built on site. What's that likely to cost?

1) nice huh?

2) im considering these to be ingame questions, so i will answer accordingly in game

3) since being a smith requires lots of tools, ill say that there is a masterwork smithing tool kit available for 125gps. it confires the +2 circumstance bonus to craft checks. An anvil is an anvil. you can either buy one at 20gps, or you can craft your own when you get there.

Thanks. I didn't know about the anvil in the APG.

Guys! I really like all the interaction. Wish I could post more often to keep up. Guess a girl can't get a word i edgewise.

Donata follows the others, laughing and joking. "I hope the Never-ease is luckier than its name."

Know(local): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

if Know (history) applies : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Finished buying for Donata, except for raw materials and possible additional tools for smithing. Query in discussion thread.

Short story on provisions: 90 days rations -- some incidentals like wine, ale and cheese. Complete list is on her profile.

Sorry about crossing the threads. Reposted here.

DM. (gotta love that your initials are DM)

A couple questions: How long is the sea voyage expected to be? What will be the availability of stores once we reach Brinewall?

Also, the smith thing is pretty important to my concept for Donata. I'd like to sink a portion of her cash into raw materials for future product. Also, does 55 gp for masterwork include an anvil? The furnace will have to be built on site. What's that likely to cost?

DM. (gotta love that your initials are DM)

A couple questions: How long is the sea voyage expected to be? What will be the availability of stores once we reach Brinewall?

Also, the smith thing is pretty important to my concept for Donata. I'd like to sink a portion of her cash into raw materials for future product. Also, does 55 gp for masterwork include an anvil? The furnace will have to be built on site. What's that likely to cost?

Donata Petali wrote:

"I doubt an official mugging hurts less than an unofficial one. Let me have a look at those wounds." Donata bends to examine the wound.

"Tell me, Alfonso, are you a good man?"

"A good man? Well," (Ouch) "that's not really something one can say about oneself is it? ...

I am Alfonso de Cailentia de Almontia de Thrune. A weed among the flowers of Cheliaxian nobility, a profound disgrace to my noble father's house and a tiny clean spot on the blood spattered escutcheon of the honorable House of Thrune, and your servant good lady.

Donata laughs, "You turn a pretty phrase, Alfonso. And I think you might be a better man than you admit. Receive the blessing of the Eternal Rose, and remember 'handsome is as handsome does.'"

Cure light wounds, 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"I doubt an official mugging hurts less than an unofficial one. Let me have a look at those wounds." Donata bends to examine the wound.

"Tell me, Alfonso, are you a good man?"

Donata approaches the clerk. "Donata Petali. Weaponsmith. I plan on selling Minkai jade once the colony is established."

Story goal:

Sense of humor works for me. I'll try to keep it up

Lukas takes the offered hand and slightly bows his head I feel that Desna favors us this day with your presence in our motley lot. My name Lukas Kaine. What brings you North?

"Opportunity. A chance to see someplace new. A place to make my mark. What about you?"

Jacek bows low over Donata's hand, and offers "Apologies, m'lady. I can't imagine what I was thinking."

"If you're like most men watching Sophie, I can imagine exactly what you were thinking. She is a looker."

" Its a pleasure to meet you too, Ma'am. We are lucky to have you along"

"Thanks." Donata notes the man's abrupt loss of interest. Nothing unusual there. She returns her attention of the rest of the group. "So, here we all are. Now what?"

Got my first post in. Thanks for waiting.

DM: I've still got to finish buying and writing the background, but the combat oriented stuff is there. I should have a little time tomorrow to do it.

Jacek looks thoroughly confused. "The inn, yes, of course. How could I forget your... yellow? yes yellow, dress?"

"Probably because you were looking at my cousin Sophie's red one." The woman shrugs her pack to the ground. "Still, you bought me a drink. That's more than I usually get when she's dancing. Donata Petali." She extends her hand for hand shakes all around. " Looks like the quartermaster, or steward, or whatever they call the fool setting up rooming assignments, botched it and put me in with you lot."

clobbered by work. maybe saturday.

Crunch mostly done. I'll fix formatting and background tonight. Got to work now.

I can't flesh Donata out tonight. Early tomorrow morning.

So I'll go cleric. Now to get started on stats.

Donata Petali: Varisian smith. She's not the typical blacksmith. Devoted to Shelyn, she's more interested in fine detailed work than in just bashing out horseshoes.

She wants to join the expedition because --

• Varisian wanderlust -- she wants to see the world.
• professional development -- she thinks she'll be judged more on her accomplishments in a frontier culture than in Magnimar
• Maybe Brinewall was a source of an exotic material like cold iron, admantium, or mithril. She'd like to try working that material, but can't get it in Magnimar.
• (cleric only) Shelyn hinted she should

Mechanically she could be either a wizard or a cleric, whatever fits best with the party. Either way she'll be a crafter.