Durant's page

Withdrawing my application. Life happened. Have a good game.

Dotting for interest.

Considering a LG Monk of the dawnflower with the Master of Many styles archetype and the Reclaiming your Roots trait. Taking the masterwork weapon option from the trait and burning a feat to have a masterwork flind-bar. Sub-optimal I know but hey, Monk with a flind-bar! And besides I like the finding a home aspect of the trait. Adventurers are all to often and all to rightly considered wandering murderous hobos. Rebuilding Kelmarane is a lovely long-tern goal to strive for.

Good choices Patcher.

Have fun.

"There are worse fates than dying young." Yenrry says. Breaking his silence. "Perhaps that would be preferable to living under his charge, killing your best friend for a piece of crusty, stale bread and living for your next hit of shiver. When you're 12-year-old, that's not a life."

"But it is still a life. A life that could change as mine did. A life that will be cut short through our intervention."

As Vesera Arkona:

The young half-elf starts laughing, as Durant begins to explain 'the plan', but cuts off as he mentions being framed for murder. That one hit too close to home, even though it was a bit different.

And she realises something else, that she wasn't the only one who'd have fallen victim to that particular scheme. All those years she had told herself it wasn't so bad, that it guided her to her true calling after all. But she was lucky, and she was sure others didn't have that much luck.

"I think what our friend tries to say, there is no easy way to get to him. If there was, he would be dead already. But I start to agree with you, something needs to be done."

Durant looks at each person as he speaks his voice is flat and matter of fact.

"There is just one more thing for me to mention. One little thing that has kept Lamm safe from heroes all these years. Go against Lamm and you are killing children."

"He will throw them at you to distract you or slow you down. The children will try to kill you out of fear or misplaced love. You will have to kill them to stop them. Even if you find a way around his child soldiers, you will still be killing them. If they fail to find you some will die. If they fail to stop you some will die. If any child talks to you that child is dead. If you make Lamm nervous and he thinks a child has spoken with you that child is dead. If Lamm becomes aware that you have identified a child as 'his' he is likely to kill the child to close that path to you."

"It cannot be avoided. If you fight Lamm children will die who would have lived if you left Lamm alone. We will each have to decide it that price is too high to pay."

There dark enough for you DM?

"Speaking of which, Durant seems to have a plan. A solid one to boot. Does your plan include where and when this is supposed to happen?"

You can start anywhere. You just need a way to survive a back full of crossbow bolts, poisoned food, and a bedroom in flames. Oh and anyone you care about needs the same. Once you get past that you might annoy Lamm enough for him to send a child to brush against you in the marketplace. You will find the poisoned needle later. Or perhaps he will dump a murdered lamb in your rooms. There will be solid evidence pointing to you. Solid enough for you to never see the outside of a cell again, at least. If you can accept that then you can start as soon as that door opens.

If those of you former Lamms would share some information about his current whereabouts, I will get you close enough to strike. Unlike some of you dart throwers, Calistria ALWAYS finds her mark.

"Do you really think it will be that easy. Lamm has not lived this long and done this much damage by deing a fool. He has no permanent home. He is constantly moving, surrounded by his cloud of deluded children and protected by his web of favors and blackmail.

There is one way to find him though. Start asking around publically. Make sure you are heard and seen asking for him. Begin to pay attention to children in the marketplaces. Make it clear you are not giving up. He will notice you. You will become an irritant, He will act to remove you. Then is is a simple matter of surviving and defeating the assassins he send against you and making them talk. See simple and direct."

"You recognized me?" he smiles. "That's incredible! I'm sorry to say I can't say the same, but my memory plays tricks on me sometimes from those days. I've also... tried to forget a lot...

No troubles, we both looked different then. I see a few of the old Lambs now and then. I don't talk with them though. Bad memories on both sides. Only brought it up now because you mentioned it.

"I know of the Lamms. I was one of them!

Thought I recognized you. Glad to see the knee healed.

Durant is an ex-lamb. Worse he was used as an enforcer among the other lambs.

"The heroic become so only by doing so. But even heroes are vulnerable to the whims and passions of the mob. But as I've not yet deduced if I am a hero in this story, or simply an observer, I will sit. And drink. And enjoy the fine company gathered. Should I discern that I am a participant, then, like you, I will remove myself at once through whatever exit is available to me."

"Don't worry. If we need to fly topside I can get you all up there. Won't be the first time I've left a bar through the roof, nor the last.

"As far as Lamms defences go, the gnome is the least of the problems. The 'gator is higher on the list but the real problem are the 'lambs'. He has eyes everywhere, children's eyes. They are overlooked but they see a great deal. If Lamm is smart he will travel in a cloud of them, using them as his eyes to find threats and give him warning to prepare for or avoid unwelcome visitors. Unless you are willing to leave a trail of young misguided bodies behind you we will need an indirect approach to Lamm. Or a traitor on the inside to open the way.

"You will have to find him, which is next to impossible, and then you will have to get to him, which is harder. So go ahead and bicker, let me know when you want to head into his meat-grinder, I'll follow behind and pick up the pieces.

Lamm is good at what he does, he is protected by people who are good at what they do. He is protected by the church, the guard, the Nail and the Bosses. Do you seriously think a pack of bar flies can take him down. It would take months of work to peel away his organization and while you are doing that he already has some of his killers watching you. You will never even know when he strikes.

Take right now. A group of people who hate Lamm enough to throw their lives away trying to kill him, all meet by 'chance' in the same bar. They are locked in this bar by a 'chance' riot.
Buildings burn in riots.
Does anyone smell smoke?"

Durant is finished save for gear and background write up.

Nope.

I am afraid the DM called game in the OOC thread.
I am rather bummed as I was enjoying the game.

A fellow practitioner...

"Well seen! I am humbled by the breadth of your perception. I hope we get a chance to someday practice. I would be honoured to learn from you." With that, she bows to the newcomer.

Got ninjaed while writing my other post... Durant truly is a master!

Smile....

Durant does not return the bow. He seems a tad confused by the gesture.

"Killing is not a game. If you want to learn, unbar the door. The city will be happy to teach you."

Milena does her best to hide the bit of shame from having her stance so easily read by someone, even though he obviously trains also regularly no doubt.

"Pardon me. I thought I had stumbled on friends of the scoundrel and found myself in a hard place. Obviously, this is not the case and I am instead with friends. Tell me, how did you read my stance with such ease? You must know a thing or two about brawling yourself, no?"

Durant cuts rudely into the conversation.

"You are standing in a triangle fighting pose, your knees are relaxed and slightly bent. You are controling your breath. You have a callus on the inside arc of your left hand but your skin is too smooth for that to have developed from heavy labor." "Oh, and your elbows were too stiff. And yes I do know a good bit about brawling."

"Well, yesterday was peaceful enough. You're right, peace is nothing truly peaceful in Korvosa, but ain't it a tad better than your murderous mob rioting in the street? ... What's this I hear? Could it be true? Do you really think Spendy Eodred could have passed? That sounds just wrong!"

Durant shrugs. "Almost everybody dies. If it is true, well he was an old man and King is a dangerous job. I just wonder how the guard, the sables and the nail are going to take it. Civil war may be more entertainment than I am looking for."

"Nah! I wish they would just come out and make it clear to us, so that peace would resume in the streets... That would be wisdom AND action."

He takes a swig and ask the barkeep for a refill as he sits slowly, hindered slightly by the odd angle of his leg.

"Just think if they did that we would loose so much of the free entertainment the nobility provide."

Yenrry has remained quiet since his performance was interrupted and the door was barred. He sat, silently examining the room, its patrons and the atmosphere. Satisfied that, at least for the moment, all was at peace inside the tavern, he stood back on the chair he was seated upon and said in a loud voice, "Ladies, gentlemen and the rest of you uncultured lot: I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for coming out to Leftover's this evening. I am sure you all are dying to hear the end of the tale of Garrick's stand against the necromancers. Alas, the current situation and recent news seem to exist in paradox to its joyous and humorous ending. Perhaps we shall continue it another time."

Bowing to little to no applause, he steps down from the chair and shuffles over to the bar. Clambering gracefully onto a barstool, he motions for the barkeep to bring him an ale. He then turns back towards the room, sipping his drink quietly and watching for any disturbance.

Clap

Druant's applause drops into the deep silence gripping the bar. Even the sound of the riot outside seems to still.

Vyshael nods in greeting to and agreement with Dimitri. "Aye, the merchants, the nobles, the crimelords... it is difficult to tell them apart -- or, for that matter, decide who is worse."

"That is an easy riddle. The crimelords. The nobles, the merchants and the bosses are all obsessed with power. They all crush people who are in their way but only the crimelords actually think about how to it is ways that cause the most pain. Give me a noble or a merchant prince anyday. At least they will kill you quick."

No problem! His father isn't a Hellknight anymore, and his armor is gone. The only thing he has is a Signet ring with a logo. Nothing special about it except for it's a logo.

He himself is NOT a Hellknight - he just may end up striving to be one later in life. Right now he's too focused on getting his sister back.

Ooooo a feinting/disarming fighter would work Very well with my monk.

Patcher. Good night DM. We'll be here in the morning.

"So... who's health do we get to drink to now then, the queen?"

"Well, folks are yelling that the king is dead. But mobs can get wound up pretty easy. If it's true then the Queen will step in. Should be interesting to watch."

Durant wrote:

Patcher. If selected I will likely go with the UC's Martial Artist. Think a non-mystic monk/unarmed fighter.

I'll have a look at it - if it is blatantly overpowered (it shouldn't be), I may refuse it, but I think it'll be okay. When I get my copy I'll give a general statement about my thoughts on the book.

I may change my mind once I see it. I'm operating on hearsay at the moment. This looks like it will be a fun game.

Patcher. If selected I will likely go with the UC's Martial Artist. Think a non-mystic monk/unarmed fighter.

Vyshael throws down the dice in disgust... This is even uglier than the riot outdoors. Best quit while I still have the coin to drink...

With that, he stands and motions toward the bar, calling out, "Mulled wine, if you would, to see if I can't warm my body on this night that gives me chills.."

Aye, the conversation in here is about as grim as I feel. Might as well join in.... Seeing the hellknight, he sudders slightly You're a free man, remember. Even if only barely.

When he arrives at the bar, he raises his drink toward the others in a silent toast, and takes a deep drink. "I would say it depends on how one defines 'City'. The stones will be here tomorrow, but if stones alone made a city, there would be many more out there. The spirit? The soul? The heart? These are different things altogether, and I fear that these are dying here." He raises his glass again, this time in greeting, "Sorry to intrude, but this conversation seems to match my own dark mood. I am Vyshael."

"Eh," Durant drops some coin on the bar in exchange for another pint of the black and creamy stout. " this city has survived war fire flood and the death of a god. It will survive the death of a king. If that is what happened. Durant, pleased to meet you."

"I'm sure you fully intended it as an insult, Durant, but I'll take it as a compliment. If I succeed in buying you time so you'll survive, I'll have done my duty." Finishing the sentence, he drinks up a glass of whiskey and turns to Gethric.

"Less an insult, more a tweak. I have had little to do with your order but that little I have not liked. Perhaps you will change my mind." "Try the Dunkel brew, you won't be disappointed."

"I suppose so. Who am I? I'm just a guy who cares too much in a city where they really don't care at all. I came here for a drink and a place to rest for a bit. It's been a long day.." Demitri seems distracted by his thoughts as he says that last bit, but he shakes his head as if to break free of them. "So you say this is your stomping grounds? I've never heard of you."

"Well I've been spending most of my time up on the shingles. So I haven't been by as much as I'd like. Glad to see the place is as friendly as ever. Good to know you Demitri."

To Chavakala, chuckling. "Yes let the Hell-Knight hold the door, while the mob eats him I will have you up and out and dancing over the rooftiles before the flames can take hold. I'm Durant by the way."

"And you're alright with that? People get hurt, possibly killed while people do nothin' about it? You never thought about trying to change things? Make a difference in this wretched place, kid? The trouble might die down for a bit, but it's always there. It'll always be there." He replies as he gulps down his drink. He wipes his mouth afterward and turns his head to the one speaking to him. "Name's Demitri. Who in the nine hells are you?"

"Durant. Born and raised in this particular corner of hell Dimitri, and like you said trouble will always be there. But there are things to do around the edges, if you can find the right spots." Druant takes a drink. "So who are you, and what brings you to my local during this dustup?"

Durant wrote:

"Looks like some excitement outside. Best to let it blow over and see what truth there is to see. We should be safe enough here."

Demetri looks over at the naive fool who just shouted that out and replies with:"You think this will blow over? Nothing blows over unless people do something about it. And as usual, no one is gonna' do a damn thing." He turns to address the barkeep. "Another drink. Make it a double. It's gonna be a long day." He says as he pays for his drink(s) and continue sitting at the bar.

Just let me know what my tab is when it is over so I can deduct it properly.

"It will blow over. People will scream, maybe some will bleed. The odd bit of looting and recreational arson, but people get tired and hungry, orders have to be filled, coin has to be made. It'll blow over."

@Durant: Hello! Of course there's room. Also, it's Patcher, not Pratcher D:

D'oh. That's a good start, sorry.

A shorthaired young man sets down his stout. He speeks quietly to the barkeep. "Good night to be behind oak. If the king has died, or enough people believe he has, there will be riots. The guard will have it's hands full."

To the rest of the bar a little louder. "Looks like some excitement outside. Best to let it blow over and see what truth there is to see. We should be safe enough here."

Hello Dm Pratcher. I hope there is room for another App?
I am in GMT+8. US west coast and can easily post several times a day.

Traits
1. Unhappy childhood, tortured.
2. TBA Life on the streets related.
3. TBA Combat or social related.

Thank you for your consideration.

I have.

I am going to end this campaign. I'm not content with it as a whole: how I've run it; the pace that it slowed down to. My motivation is also very lacking, as you may have noticed. I think it would be better to end it now than try to keep it going.

For this, I apologise.

I thank you all for participating and for giving me valuable experience with PbPs, and I wish you all good luck in the future.

Well, rats.

What is, is I suppose. Thanks for the run Pratcher. Maybe next time.

Thanks for the game everyone.

With this, I'm not sure what I wish to do - I've had some doubts lately, admittedly, about the future of this LoF game. I need to think.

Vigoda or Lincoln? Has the jury reached a verdict?

If it helps things move more smoothly, I have no problem bowing out also.

It has nothing to do with how the game is going...it's just that deserts have never been my idea of a fantasy adventure for some reason. I knew coming in what LoF was about, of course, and thought I'd give it a try.

I also don't mind hanging around, but if you have a few players from the other game you want to bring in, I don't object to being bumped. Some incarnation of Gilfroy has a date with the Crown of the World (Jade Regent) anyways

Hey I like the fish out of water vibe you have going. You were a tad over the top at the beginning but you are making it work now. The guidence on the but thing was comedy gold. It was useful and funny and in character, perfect.

I'm sorry to hear this. I wish you the best of luck with the job.

With this, I'm not sure what I wish to do - I've had some doubts lately, admittedly, about the future of this LoF game. I need to think.

I was afraid of this.

It is your call but I want you to know that I am dedicated to this game. There have been some problems but I think they are working out.
To be very blunt, Gilfroy has become less kenderlike and it looks like Bahram is starting to post more. That said it is summertime for most of the folks on the board so posting will occasionally be spotty and attention occasionally divided. This can be combated however if everyone agrees that this is a shared experience and we all have a part to play.

I recommend either inviting the 2 best players from the crashed LOF or opening up a connection thread with very clear and stringent requirements. I can help with this if you like. I can be the bad guy if you need someone to say no. There are a great number of good players out there. A DM can afford to be very picky.

I apologise if I offended anyone. I tend to get bossy when I fear something I like is being taken away. I am enjoying all the characters and I think if we who are left bring a little bit more to the table we can make this a campaign to remember.

That's my thought anyway.
~will

Hi all,

I have thought hard about options since yesterday morning, and I am sorry to do this, but I have to drop out of this pbp.

As a retired person, I have been working part time at something that I love doing, keeps me busy and out of the house one day a week.

At the staff meeting yesterday, the boss told us that the job is changing dramatically over the next month, for the better let me add.

However, this means at least tripling my time commitment to the job, so something has to give and this is it. Better now at the start then when we are hip deep into something in a month or so.

Again, sorry, and Good Luck and Good Gaming.

-- david aka Abbas Garshta

NO!

Aw rats. Enjoy the gig. It was fun having you here.
~will

"Some help would be welcome friends." "This thing is stronger than it looks"

Round 2?

Durant wrote:

Llathander wrote:

After Gil slaps him on the behind Llathander will say I know we were drinking buddies but I don't remember anything like that happening

Llathander will slash down at the tiny murderous beastie.

will use smite evil as well as the guidance
attack 1 with falcata 1d20+3+3+1
attack 2 with falcata 1d20+3+3+1

Damage 1 1d8+2+1
Damage 2 1d8+2+1

"Brother! It is restrained! Hand be some rope and help me to bind it. There are questions to ask and answer and it is harder to question a severed head."

Oops sorry, didn't see that. Been a long day. I will refrain from my action

Well I needed the haircut.:7) No harm. Hope the day get's better.

After Gil slaps him on the behind Llathander will say I know we were drinking buddies but I don't remember anything like that happening

Llathander will slash down at the tiny murderous beastie.

will use smite evil as well as the guidance
attack 1 with falcata 1d20+3+3+1
attack 2 with falcata 1d20+3+3+1

Damage 1 1d8+2+1
Damage 2 1d8+2+1

"Brother! It is restrained! Hand be some rope and help me to bind it. There are questions to ask and answer and it is harder to question a severed head. Especially if it is mine."

Hm?

If it's me it's just that I'm struggling to catch on what's happening and I find myself unable to say something in character.

Anything I can do to help? Sometimes it is best just to say something even if it is just to remind everyone that you are glowering menacingly.

Confused as to where the goat and dog thing are in relation to us. Trying this anyway.

Durant Charges the thing. At the last moment slipping into a low twist leg stance as his hands slip under the dog-thing's gurard and take firm hold of it's chest and legs. I am grappling the wee bestie. It gets an aoo but I don't really care at this point. Grapple I 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 2 = 22 Grapple II 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 = 11. If this works I am going to toss the thing in the ravine next round. See how it likes the thorns! My CMD is 16.

When he gets out, the carpet of quills that cover his clothes and stick to his skin is close to unbelievable.

The air feels unbelievably...morose. There is a small strip of open land next to a fifteen-foot wide ravine. Down below is a large cactus, with many arms and wicked barbs.

For any d20 roll right now, roll twice.

While Gilrfoy tries to talk to the goat Durant will remove the worst of the quills.

If there is no positive response to the bleating gnome.
Durant will attempt to climb down the ravine.

Climb I first 7.5 feet 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 Climb II first 7.5 feet 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14.
If that works. Drop the last 8 feet or so. Acrobatics to avoid damage I 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23. Acrobatics to avoid damage II 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14.

Acrobatics 1 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14. Acrobatics 2 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12.

Ow.

Durant smiles ruefully at the wreckage caused by his brothers. He will walk calmly along the trail of smashed vegitatiojn left by the passage of the two armored men.

"a cuckoo cries
and through a thicket of bamboo
the late moon shines"

"A child cries where there can be no child. We fear to no purpose. Take care, we walk in illusion."

"We are starting at nothing my friends. It is the desert at dusk. The animals come out after the heat of the day."

Durant replaces the spike.

under his breath."At least I hope it is..."

We are not alone.

A long fighting spike is held in Durant's left hand.

I am enjoying this campaign, and your roleplaying. Your drive to carry on. Unless things take a horrendous turn to the worse, I won't end this. Please don't worry.

Whew! Thanks for the reassurance. I am enjoying this game and would hate to see it end before we get the chance to figure out what the title means.

ps. Please let me know if there is any thing I can do to lend a hand.
Subtextorbust g mail. if you like. That goes for anyone feel free to drop a line if you like.

Just a note that I am here. Waiting for Abbas to ask what a Pugwampi is. Durant has no clue but does not want to risk Dashki's good will by interupting.

To be honest, I do not care for some of the appalling attitudes displayed in-character at the moment.

Just noticed your post in the other LoF ooc thread.

Colour me concerned.

~will

Llathander sits on a nearby crate and begins ribbon out his shoulders. Seems the strain of lifting a barrel full of water had taken a toll on him. He let's out a sigh and says after having talked to the mercenaries I believe we have two possibilities. One it was Dashki trying to eliminates perceived competition with the Princess or two, the old man was just clumsy

"Or there was outside influence. We are in enemy territory."

Yes the majority of issues has been resolved and btw if you need help with details I have been a firefighter for about 5 years.

So was I anywhere near correct with my fire comments? Or was I painfully wrong? One can never be sure when operating on third hand information.

Happy 4th of July to those of you who celebrate it.

I wonder if the British would take us back if we asked nicely. Two house fires and a kid in critical after he picked up a homemade 'firework'. Sigh.

Barham, Why the threats? You know something I missed? Confused here?

Ps. We are first level. We all are pants by definition. Tough it out, we will get better. Besides you are +4 with that thing, far from shabby for first level.