Earnest Carbrook's page

Sorry ulgulanoth, I'm finding due to erratic times I have managed to get on line this week I'm not really keeping up with the game. It's going a bit quickly for me, so I think I'll humbly bow out now before we get to a point where I end up holding things up. Don't think I'm leaving any gaps in the party as I was acting as back-up to several PCs so hope it doesn't upset the party balance.

Thanks for letting me in. Game actually looks great so I'm sure the others will really enjoy it. Have fun all.

'I'll give you a hand with that, Elendyr' said Earnest. The investigator appeared to still be a little shaky after seeing Rana's death, and offering to help was as much to take his mind off that, as an actual need to do something useful.

"What happened to her? What happened here?

'The gods only know. Some...thing...appeared and did this to her. It was covered in red slime with a spear - just appeared and then vanished again. I'm beginning to think this place is going to need more help than we can give'. He shakes his head disconsolately, obviously deeply disturbed by what he has just seen.

After a moment to regain his composure, Earnest turns to Malaswyn and mutters 'by all means, try and give her soul some peace in the afterlife'.

'In the name of...' gasps Earnest as he sees what has happened to the young woman. He bends to check her, but it's obvious that she is quite dead. Reflexively he draws his longsword and spins around looking for any other threats.

Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Aye from me - just off to catch up in the IC thread

Lordy, you guys aren't hanging about! Post galore while I'm at work, and I'm out this evening. I'll get something up later on - before I get left behind ;)

did you check the ICC yet? if you have, what say you to the introduction?

Already posted - hope it is what you had in mind.

'Things sound worse even than we were told' said Earnest softly to Gharrka, concern writ large on his weatherbeaten face. 'What devil's work is afoot in Scarlet Hope?' he muttered, shaking his head.

Aware that the unfortunate woman before them was looking to this disparate group for answers, help, a glimmer of hope, the investigator smiled as reassuringly as he could at her and said 'these good people, brave warriors all, have been sent by the People's Council to bring Scarlet Hope back into the light. Tell Elendyr all you can about the town and its inhabitants, then rest; no harm will come to you now'. He nodded almost imperceptibly at the quiet half-elf who in the few days Earnest had known him had demonstrated a shrewd mind, and an uncanny ability to say little but learn much.

Stepping back, he quietly enquired of Miriel 'is there a brew that might help her sleep for a while? I think I can do something for that wound, but I'll bow to your knowledge on the best course of action, Malaswyn', he added, looking questioningly at the priest.

He surveyed the interior of the dilapidated cabin. 'How quickly do we move on? Rana can't travel on her own, and I'm not sure it would be wise to take her with us. Having somewhere secure to fall back to gives us options; it will take a bit of work but I reckon I can patch the worst of the holes in these walls, sort the roof and clean it up a bit. Is it time we can afford to spend though, and is this place really defensible anyway?' he said, looking first to the warrior Velios, and then to the others for opinions.

Checking in

Earnest, I just read your description. I had to chuckle. We both help the down-trodden... My mind casts us as the start of the Golorian version of the A-Team. Which one are you? Hannibal?

Heh, I hadn't quite thought of him like that, but now you mention it, he sounds like the sort of guy who always has a plan...;)

The game seemed like an ideal opportunity to try out a 'skill' character, but I didn't really fancy rogue plus it sounded like we had a really good investigator rogue already. I was set to go Bard/Ranger then Inquisitor jumped out at me at the last minute. Let's see if the 'shallow but broad' skill model is useful as I usually find 'narrow but focused' is what I go for.

is monday a good day to start?

Fine for me. Happy enough with Earnest?

How's this for Grufflehead's character Earnest Carbrook?

Yep, that's my understanding too. I have to do it for in-character reasons, and as Valendrian's player is temporarily out of commission I thought I'd take him along. Happy to have some more company, although I appreciate it causes potential headaches for the GM - sorry about that!

Carbrook listens to the arguments put forward by Emrys and the others about what to do with the corpse. After a minute or two's thought he says 'your point about transport of the body is well made; if we encountered trouble then something may happen to it and he may be denied his path to the next realm. I shall return it to Cassomir and see that it is secured until such time as it can be returned to his fellows. Valendrian, will you accompany me?'

'We will make our own way to these caves at Tharn and rendezvous with you there - perhaps we can find out a little more abou the area while we are in Cassomir. Emrys may also be correct that Greendale, and thus the likely source of his assailaints, is the next settlement. If we are to root out these cultists after locating Emile, then best watch your tongues as you pass through lest you draw attention to your purpose'

Carbrook, still somewhat chastened by his earlier lapse, says 'if we decide to split our forces, then it is my wish to accompany this body so that his brothers may carry out whatever funeral rites are in order'.

Attempting to save face, Carbrook informs Emrys that he estimates the unfortunate fellow has been dead no more than an hour.

'Therefore' he intoned, 'we might best prepare for the possibility that whoever did that to him' he nods again at the corpse, 'might try and do it to us as well'.

*snicker* I hope the rest of your appreciate my long years of expertise in this sort of thing!

A look of almost ghoulish delight flashes over Carbrook's face at the sight of the corpse. Dismounting quickly, he moves to the other horse, puts on a pair of wire-framed spectacles, and starts to examine the body without touching it. He looks at the angle it sits in the saddle, the colour of its skin, checks for obvious signs of blood or wounds, and wanders round the horse to look from several different angles and vantage points. He notes down all his findings in a small leather bound notebook.

After he is satisfied that he has learned all he can from this position, he gently lowers the body to the ground, lays it down and, unless he is interrupted by an outside agency, starts to examine it again, this time adding measurements taken with a small tape to observations made from a careful and thorough search of the body using his magnifying lens. Again, all is meticulously noted in his journal.

Once he is satisfied he has gleaned all the facts he can, he removes his glasses, and stows them and the notebook securely inside his coat. He turns to the others to relay his findings, then says 'I must ensure the deceased is properly attended to. I propose taking the horse and body with us, and when we reach a settlement I will make the appropriate arrangements'.

A corpse - splendid! Needless to say, if there is anything to be learnt from it, Earnest has a number of potentially useful skills (ranging from +7 to +9 probably). I'll roll a straight D20 and let the GM pick which (if any) of the skills are most helpful to get a final total

1d20 ⇒ 11

...then waits for someone else to take the lead out of town.

The briefest hint of a smile crosses Carbrook's face when he sees he is not the only one unused to riding. As it appears no-one is confident enough of their skill at horse to lead off, he gingerly touches his heels to the flank of his chosen mount and begins to walk through the town gates.

Turning to his closest companion he states 'I trust for our sakes that our quarry has been sticking to well-travelled routes. If his map is to somewhere off the road, we'll have to hope he let slip his destination to someone, as I fear tracking him blindly through the swamp may be...challenging...'.

He takes one hand off the reins long enough to adjust his wide-brimmed hat as his horse plods sedately onwards.

Carbrook looks over the available horses. Having examined their teeth and flanks, his keen eye identifies a couple which look like healthy beasts, although he has no idea of their temperament. The one he picks eyes him warily, obviously slightly disconcerted by the whiff of formaldehyde coming from him. He packs away the food he has been given in the saddlebags and gingerly mounts up.

Being unused to riding, he takes the chance to briefly walk the horse to get the feel of being in the saddle. Satisfied he can travel in safety, if not comfort, he waits for the last of the group to arrive. Once everyone has congregated he relays what his questions to the stablehands revealed, then waits for someone else to take the lead out of town.

Inclining his head respectfully towards Jacques, Carbrook will take his leave. Once outside, he will swiftly return to his lodgings to collect his equipment, before heading to the East Gate.

When he gets there, while acknowledging any of the others who have arrived, he will go to the stables and ask if they recognise Emile, and whether he also requisitioned his horse from there. If he can find anyone who saw him on the day of his departure, Carbrook will see if they remember any details: was he dressed as our description indicates, was he alone, did he seem in good spirits or agitated in any way, did he let slip his destination or reason for going, were there any 'unusual' events that day - even something apparently minor and unconnected?

@GM - rather than just start throwing dice around because I have skills which might be useful, can you tell me which skill(s) may be appropriate here. Or, as my sheet is up to date, please roll for me if you wish.

Carbrook returns to his somber stance, and awaits the return of the housekeeper. Once she has supplied the requested rations, he addresses the group. 'I believe time is of the essence; my experience of investigations into missing persons - although this is not a typical case by any means - is that with each passing day, the likelihood of a successful resolution drops'. He looks at Jacques, and says 'I say this not to worry you unduly, merely to warn you of the nature of the task at hand. Witnesses, excuse me, people who may be able to provide information about out quarry will begin to forget details as time passes and other things take over their attention. Physical signs will also deteriorate, making location of the gentleman more problematic by mundane means.

Master Emrys has our key to the horses. As I imagine some of the rest of you may wish to retire to your lodgings and secure any of the tools of your respective trades which you do not currently carry, might I suggest 1 hour at the East Gate to begin the pursuit?'.

Carbrook's ghoulish features remain impassive as he considers the mage's offer for a moment. Finally, in the same deathly monotone, he replies 'I accept your offer of commission to locate your apprentice. Should the matter prove to be of relevance to my own interests, then I shall require no more than reasonable expenses for payment. If we are successful in the task and you have further engagements, I reserve the right to consider my part in them, if that is acceptable?'.

Carbrook waits for Ellaria to reply to the mysterious patron, and look around for responses.

In a measured, slightly mournful, tone, he adds 'as you have obviously taken time to find out about each of us, sir, I must assume that we have been chosen because of our' he pauses and slowly scans the other members of the group 'singular talents. Given that you are therefore familiar with my area of 'expertise', I must enquire as to the particulars of the matter in hand and how you feel I may be of assistance?'.

Again, he slowly scans the group, although this time as a precursor to addressing them. He once more removes his hat, allowing the others to see his sunken face, and dark eyes.

'For those of you to whom I have not yet been introduced, my name is Carbrook. Death is my calling. Not, I hasten to add, as one of who dispenses it freely or glories in it, rather one who acknowledges and embraces its part of the natural cycle, and investigates its causes when that cycle is broken'.

Returning to the mage, one of his eyebrows rises minutely, and he enquires 'what role does death play here?'.

Carbrook waits patiently for the others to make their way inside, taking the opportunity to have a better look at the house from the outside. He then carefully removes his hat and follows the rest, pulling the door closed behind him.

Carbrook slowly turned to face the new speaker.

'I have indeed visited the establishment you describe. I see you have some familiarity with methods of preparation of corpses' he replied.

'Regrettably, I am unfamiliar with that text. Perhaps we might discuss it when the opportunity presents itself?', he continued, a momentary gleam appearing his dark eyes.

"Your profession?" she asks.

Carbrook replies 'I am an undertaker, madam, although I confess I cannot claim to have earned a living from my trade for some time. I have most recently found my knowledge of the dead to be of some small value to the forces of law and order'.

"I'm happy to make your acquaintance, Carbrook. Are you a worshiper of Pharasma, then?"

'I pay my respects to the Lady of the Graves, as all members of my profession do. But my concern is not how the souls of the departed are judged by her, rather that their transition from life to afterlife is orderly, and that what is left behind is allowed to become part of the natural cycle of death and rebirth; Alseta is my mistress' he says closing his eyes for a moment at the mention of his Goddess's name.

Carbrook acknowledges Emrys' greeting, and nods briefly when he mentions talking privately at a later time. 'I trust all those souls who made the journey today have arrived safely' he says, 'although the city is likely to display the unfortunates on the gibbets rather than return their earthly remains to the soil as would be proper'. His distaste for the treatment of the criminals' corpses seems palpable, if somewhat strange.

Turning once more to the halfling woman, he removes his hat revealing black hair tinged with grey in a sharp widow's peak. Holding the hat in front of his chest, as a priest might hold a prayer book, he inclines his head respectfully and say 'my apologies, Carbrook is my name'.

He replaces his hat, and stands back, his gloved hands clasped in front of him. And waits.

Carbrook's eyes narrowed at the sight of the others.

'An interesting gathering' he thought. Scanning the assembly, his gaze alighted momentarily on a couple of faces he found familiar, although he couldn't immediately place. One that he did recall, however, was the young man with the scarf.

He strode over to him and with a small bow said 'Good day, master Korvyn. It appears our paths cross once more. I trust the matter in Oppara was concluded to your satisfaction?'

Up close, he takes the chance to mentally note some details about the others.

At the halfling's question, he turns to face her and replies 'regrettably not I, my lady'. As he looms over her, his gaunt features, sunken eyes and sallow complexion give him the air of a ghoul sizing up its next victim...

Carbrook surreptitiously glanced around, scanning the nearby faces for any sign of who might have left the note. He found the air of death which has his everpresent companion tended to ensure others kept their distance, yet someone had obviously been unconcerned by it. He allowed himself a grim smile at the thought that he was apparently being offered a commission based on his powers of observation, and yet they had so patently failed him not moments earlier...

His erstwhile employer appeared to have a sense of humour if nothing else, asking him to follow the rat that appeared to be eyeing him.

Turning his gaze back to the gallows, he was just in time to catch sight of the first victim disappearing through the trapdoor, the rope tightening, and hear the groan of the crowd as the condemned man momentarily thrashed impotently, anxious to cling on to the mortal realm for a precious few seconds more. As the twitching stopped and the body began to swing gently in the faint breeze, Carbrook removed his hat and muttered a swift prayer to Alesta. The victim had now made the journey through her black portal to Pharasma's realm, and it was a trip from which few returned.

Suppressing a minor tinge of irritation that he would be unable to send the other criminals on their way with a similar 'blessing', he returned his gaze to the rat. It seemed to sense his intent and scurried off through the crowd. Replacing his hat carefully, Carbrook adjusted his gloves before following, his gaunt features a mask of determination.

Bah, been thinking about it today. Changed feats. Again. Last time! Roll on Monday.

Not to be a downer Earnest, but if you stick with Ranger until 3rd you're going to have a double on Endurance...

Ahh, you may have stumbled upon my masterplan ;)

I took Ranger as it encompassed several things I wanted to do - and, admittedly slightly game-mechanic-y, it was the easiest way to get the skills I wanted short of taking traits, and probably extra traits, then trying to shoehorn them all into my backstory.

Not planning on taking any more levels of Ranger after this. I'm waiting to see what happens in game before deciding what line I'm going down. But thanks for reading and pointing it out!

OK, all done bar languages which I have no clue about!

Still happy to take comments, explain design choices, work together on shared links and backgrounds - just let me know

@grufflehead, I included a possible tie-in with Earnest in the background. If you'd rather not know anyone at the start of the game, let me know and I'll change things around a bit.

Nice work, sir! And that little hook is great. Not too much, but a reason for us to meet up and say 'fancy seeing you here!'

Don't know if it helps anybody else, but I can see similar relationships/links with a number of other people from Earnest. I'm not going to write them into my background explicitly but if anyone wants a reason for how/why we may get together, then:

- Earnest and the Doc have been to the same shop to buy chemicals for their own purposes

- Earnest and Val have met in a library or antiquarian bookshop while searching for an obscure tome on herbs

- Aseve, Brayker and Earnest are all searching for something/someone and have been Gathering Info in similar places. They may have seen each other on a few occasions

Will write up equipment today, which just leaves those pesky feats and I'm pretty much ready to go. Is Monday March 1st an appropriate time for the start?

Looking forward to seeing how the Doc fares. I mentioned playing an alchemist myself in another game - I noticed with amusement that his infusion choices are not only almost identical to mine, but I also 'fixed' one slot for Expeditious Retreat and left the other one open for more situational use.

I'm backtracking on the whole undead hating thing (well, any more than anyone else hates them). I want to stick with my alignment choice, partly for character reasons and partly to keep my options open for future development. It means I've had to throw out one of the traits I wanted and having read up a bit on Pharasma, I no longer think it's an appropriate choice of deity. Changes and current version in my profile - still looking for 1 trait and 2 feats.

EDIT: @ GM - possible to take this trait from the Pathfinder DB?

Family Business

Got the bones (if you'll pardon the pun) of Earnest sorted. If anyone wants to read it over, I'm at a loss for feats to take so any suggestions will be considered if they fit the character.