Dresen Val'Zidane's page

I think Gorn was asking in dramatis personae, Saltuk.

Dresen chuckles at Saltuk's response to Gorn's question. "Orders are not everything, Saltuk. Take it from both me and Gorn here. I estimate that Varyag Aemon meant it simply as it sounded with no underlying implications. They're giving us a day to relax or, in my case, learn about our newfound territory." Dresen turned to Gorn. "As for sitting around, do you really want to hurry up and wait or would you rather be on the streets turning a profit? I say a little money on the side is always an added incentive and helps one sleep better come the evening."

"I don't believe I've ever had the pleasure of meeting a healer before though I've heard tales told of your kind's dedication to the cause." Dresen nods in reverence to Vali's abilities. "At Harrowspire, we were forced to live with our wounds. It was done to help us build a resistance to pain inflicted upon us during battle. I have the scars to prove it and, for me, at least they have made me a better person." Dresen laughed this time. "Not to say your abilities aren't welcome, Vali Ramayana. Just that I hope we will not need them."

Looking to Gorn after the tiefling's introduction, Dresen nods approvingly, knowing well what sort of 'covert' activities Gorn was speaking of, recognizing similarities between the two's younger days. "You'll make a most welcome addition to our ranks as well, Gorn of the Shadow. Your upbringing brings to mind similarities of my own. Perhaps we would do well working together." Smirking a bit and in a joking manner, he adds, "Though I intend to watch my purse around you, sir."

At Conviction, Dresen took a different approach. "I look to avoid any confrontation with you. I have seen many constructs in my time, but never one with your nature. Where did you originate? Who was your creator?" Dresen halted his tongue. None of that mattered now. Conviction was a sentient construct that was here of its own accord. Whatever it's creator's original purpose had probably long since been abolished from Conviction's thoughts. "I digress that I am unaware of exactly how to speak with you. I surmise we will find out in time what capabilities you bring to our party."

Moving his attention back to Vali at the request of a land of origin, he silences himself long enough for Elaugvyr to respond. After her brief response, Dresen picks up where her tongue finishes, following her lead. "We are the Ilythiiri, but many know of our kind as drow or dark elves. The tongue we speak is that of our home in the Darklands. We are not looked upon well by our surface brethren due to our people's usual malevolency, but we are not our kin." Dresen looks to Gorn when he next speaks. "Our heritage sometimes lead people to fear us and it is this fear that leads to continued hatred. I will assume you to know what it is I mean by that."

When Kalmafein arrives with their food, Dresen lets himself fall silent and checks his meal before eating. "Bel'la dos." Dresen thanks Kalmafein in their native language and begins to eat. After the completion of their meal, the hobgoblin rises and cleans up around his area before making his way to the end of the table, inviting them all to investigate the streets of Absalom. Dresen rises and looks to Kalmafein. "Kyorl ulu Elaugvyr. Aluve' wun quarth. Ajak dosst focus." (See to Elaugvyr. I leave you in command. Remember your focus.) Dresen looks back at Saltuk. "I would like to learn more of the City at the Center of the World. From the brief foray of the docks to here, I have already gazed a small amount upon the streets of this city. I would see what else there is." Dresen looks back to the rest of the group. "If any wish to accompany us, you are welcome to do so and your expertise would be most welcome, Gorn."

Not taking any offense to Aemon's words, Dresen knew he could remove even the Varyag from his own position should he choose to do so. He didn't reply, but the smirk should have told Aemon all he needed to know. Dresen was not to be crossed. Dresen turned to Elaugvyr and spoke in clear and concise Undercommon. "You know I would do no such thing, Elaugvyr. Establishment of fearlessness needs to be made to people such as this. Unlike Blackstrand, the threat of fear will only carry one so far before action must be placed before words. As heiress of House Shynklyr, you would do well to remember this." He let the words sink in for a moment. She knew he was simply doing his job, training her for the future she would one day face - taking her place as ruler of House Shynklyr. The next sign he made to her was one of respect and translated to, "You continue to have my blade, however, Elaugvyr."

Dresen turned to the rest of the group. "We can continue to remain unknown to each other or we can suffer the formalities of introduction. Being one to lead by example, I am Dresen Val'Zidane, Swordmage and former Web Marshall of House Shynklyr, trained in the depths of the Harrowspire Fighting Society." Dresen formed the customary hand sign of respect and loyalty to the group of misfits and bowed reverently.

Dresen steps forward, taking a stance next to Elaugvyr, opposite Kalmafein. Having traveled with Elaugvyr and Kalmafein as long as he has, Dresen determined the girl to be of sound acumen. If he thought her otherwise incapable, he would step forward to lead. "I can attest to the girl's capabilities." Dresen firmly stated. "If at anytime I find her ability waning, I will see her removed from the position myself."

Dresen takes a step back as Aemon addresses their group. "I will offer advice where necessary, but I choose to act and let others decide what they may." He makes a first with his right hand and places it in his left hand, bowing gracefully as he does so, signifying respectful honor. As Aemon makes his decision, Dresen moves slightly in order to let their new squad leader step forward.

Another reason for his acquiescence is his want to inspect the lodge. Looking around for anything that may help him and his companions in the future, Dresen takes note of only the most important items and aspects.
Once he's done, he files it away mentally and continues to listen to Aemon.

Undercommon is an official Golarion language that was created by the Drow from bits and pieces of Elvish mixed with Orvian.

The man had clearly forgotten exactly who he was to be waiting for at the docks. None of the three elves had ever heard of Training Base North, but Dresen chose to hold his tongue. As Ela speaks up, he shoots a sideways glance at her before Kal has a chance to respond. "Shut it, Elaugvyr. Now is not the time to let pride wrest control away from reason." He turned back to the man in the uniform and tried to remember what they'd learned of the Blackdog Company and the Varyag Division. He did all of this whilst maintaining proper composure and keeping himself poised and alert for any signs of suspicious activity.

As a note, most of us have already departed the ship and approached the guy. Dresen was the first to make contact and I think Vali followed suit.

Dresen's honed instincts scan the man in sable. The man was no more intimidating to the drow than his companions were, but Dresen knew better than to let appearances deceive him. If he had learned anything in the long strand of time that had been his life, it was not to judge an individual on first impressions alone. There was quite a collaboration of recruits that Kalmafein, Elaugvyr, and himself had signed on with - a particularly shady Tiefling, a stoic Hobgoblin, and even an exotic Ironborn - to name a few.

Do not let your guard down. Dresen's mind chimed in.

Dresen let his hand slip to Aranae's hilt and rest comfortably against her as he descended the ramp towards the Port of Absalom. As he and the others neared the man, Dresen came to a stop ahead of the man, keeping a respectful distance. "I was told to report here snd make contact with s representative from the Blackdog Mercenary Corps. Am I to believe that representative to be yourself, sir, or have my eyes deceived me insomuch as to assume you're the one I'm looking for?"

Dresen laughs a little. "Good. Just making sure I wasn't the one that had to carry the team."

I made a few modifications to Dresen - the first being that I changed his alignment to Type-2 Lawful Evil and the second being a slight modification to the end of his background where I changed the reason for his joining Ela and Kal to 'joining them to train them rather than going back to Blackstrand and facing death.' Also the feeling I had of missing something on my sheet comes from the fact that I failed to add the bonus feat from Nightflier's house rules. Is that house rule still in effect? If so, I will be more than likely adding Combat Reflexes to my list of feats.

Dresen smirks at the comments. "Well, you know how it goes. Not all of us are blessed enough to be a devil's bastard child like you, Gorn. Us normal folk have to be content with being born with our skill rather than made, but that's alright too, Saltuk, because one day they'll figure out how to fix what went wrong with you."

Lol, anyways, congrats to all who made it. Look forward to seeing you in game. And for all of our healer types out there good luck.

Here is Dresen's complete everything. Let me know if anyone sees anything off.