Elaris's page

Hi Guys,

Recent events have had me re-evaluating my commitment to the games I'm currently involved with here on these boards.

As you've probably noticed I've had a few noticable absenses this summer, again due to the fact I've become quite
a bit more busy, usually leading to a rushed decision late at night...do I logon and get some posts in?

Ultimately, it began to feel more like a job than a hobby...<< I have to get a post in...don't want to hold the game up >>

It slowly dawned on me that I just wasn't looking forward to posting, even though I enjoy each of the games I'm in immensely.

When something you enjoy becomes something you don't, it's time to re-evaluate.

Though it's a hard decision, I've decided to take a hiatus from the boards.

Apologies to players and GMs leaving you in the lurch, so to say.
Extra thanks to GMs for allowing me in to your games.

Happy gaming and take care, Al.

Elaris had nodded to Carella, instinctively realizing this was an old score that was to be settled here.

She watched the combat with avid interest, her composer's mind stitching together rhymes and couplets as the action continued, a start of an interesting song forming in her mind.

The Chosen of Morningold's intercession was however unexpected, as was the crowds reaction.

As the challenge ended...unended, and the assembled wolf-people settled back to their more human natures, she watched the Chosen of Morninggold and his friend, nodding absently to Carella, muttering, "Indeed, these seem a prickly bunch...all formal challenges and such." she answers brightly.

Making her way over to where the Chosen sat, she stands , arms akimbo, "That was brightly woven there, your interrupting that challenge. Though I think my friend had the matter in hand, had he won, I feared for our safety!" she exclaimed with a laugh, "You two seem as strange to this place as we are! Care to join some other strangers in a strange place? " she asks, indicating the table where Carella and the others sat.

Hi guys, going up to a cottage for a week and I'm unsure about how much connectivity I'll have, so please bot as needed.

Ah, so sad!! 6 years, 7 months , 3 day of love and happiness, Shadow.

...someone's cutting onions over here...

Sorry wasn't around to much the last week.

Belated greeting and welcome to Louis and Brother Lazlo!!!

Sorry for my absense. Work and family really kicked my ass last week...

Elaris smiles widely as the wide plate of food was placed before her, digging in with gusto, glancing to the side as Carella attempts to fleece the locals at a game of chance, Don't take too much of the local's money, dear, or we'll loose whatever goodwill I just earned."

After a few moments devoted to easing the ache of her hungry belly, Elaris sits up a bit straighter...something was off...Hmmm, could it be...those men....are getting hairier...Just when we find a nice place....more werewolves???"

A movement out of the corner of her eye reveals Carella standing and making her way over to the bar, where all she can see is a space of unnatural darkness, Netzer....what are you doing?

Spearing once last piece of steaming meat, she stands and strides to intercept Carella, carelessly wiping grease from her lips with her sleeve.

Linking arms with her friend, she leans in ,"Looks like things are about to get interesting. We have a party of hairies over yonder, " indicating the becoming-more-hirsute group , "And just what is Netzer up to at the bar?"

Elaris smiles at Carella's caution, grabbing one of the offered drinks and downing it with a flourish.

Her eyes shine and her cheeks flush with all the attention, she's obviously in her element.

She spends the next hour or so entertaining the crowd before begging off and retiring to a nearby table and enjoying some of the Inn's delicious food.

Elaris shares a look with Carella, and smiles, "When have I ever turned down the opportunity to be the center of attention?!"

With a casual wave to the clerk, Elaris allows Nezter to open the door and sashays into the room beyond.

She pauses a moment to take in the room, spying the raised area for performers.

Without preamble, she strides up onto the platform, dragging a chair from a nearby table.

Sitting , she unties her lute from her bag and quickly but carefully checks for damage, then just as carefully, tunes it.

After some moments, she was satisfied. Pausing now, she looked out over the patrons, seeing some had noticed her entry, but other were still in conversation. Smiling, she knew that soon enough she'd have all of their attention...

The first chords were almost too soft to hear as her fingers delicately plucked the strings, but it was her voice that soon began a ballad from her and Carella's home, an elegy of elvish origin set to music also of elvish origin, sung now in Common, but filled with love and loss and redemption and sadness...just what these people seem to live each day in this land.

Perform: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Oh My!!!

Elaris' laughter rings clarion clear within the room at Netzer's gambit and the clerk's acceptance of their status, "That's all clear as can be! " she declares, "I've sung for my supper in many a tavern and inn, but this place beats them all. I'd love a sit down with the Master, learn morea about this place and how it came to be....might be a song or two there!"

Persuasion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

--- back at the farm ---

Elaris plays a number of lullabys as much to get the young ones to sleep as to relax all of the adults as well....

-- on the road --
Whenever she could , Elaris attempted to keep the spirits of her travelling companions up, alternating between calling out a rousing, walking cadence, to breaking into lively songs about adventures and lovers and all that comes between them...

--- Skald ---

Elaris follows the others through Skald to the mist-shrouded Inn. Uncharacteristically quiet, she takes in the mood of the populace, noting to herself, A most dour and unhappy people....perhaps there's something we can do about that...

Giving Netzer a brilliant smile as he held the door for her and Carella, Elaris was immediately at home inside the Inn, noting the obvious care the owners took in both the upkeep and the cultivation of civilized guests.

She meet's the clerk's gaze with her own direct look, smiling, "We are in need of lodging...and food...and drink" she says brightly, slightly angling her body so the clerk can notice the lute tied securely to her pack.

Elaris had been about to crow about their victory when the wolves appeared...and the mist.

Suddenly elsewehere, Elaris could feel the sand beneath her feet and taste the familiar desert scents of the place where Carella and she had been 'taken'.

But, then she heard her friend's plaintive cries,faint but oh, so clear, and with a wrench, Elaris found herself back in the mists, stepping out of a bank of cloud to see her friend again.

Walking to embrace her Carella, "You brought me back, Car." she says simply

Still around if you'll have me...

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Elaris peers out into the inky darkness, "Are you sure, Car?" she asks the space where Carella had been, "I hate it when she does that...now where did she go...she said to the left...but there's wolves to the right..."

She calls out to Marco, "Yes, the center...may be best!" she says encouragingly.

Bardic Inpspiration, bonus Action, +1d6 to attack, saving throw, skill or damage

Then , she hums a little tune taps herself on the nose, and promptly disappears...

Invisiblity, 1hr duration until she acts

Elaris cocks her head to the side in imitation of her avian-shaped friend, smiling at Ontosh, "You forget your fables, good sir. Good-hearted strangers on the road are a staple!"

She sups on the family's meager fare with gusto, appreciative of their offering.

Then, sated, she pushes her chair back and gives the slower eaters some musical accompaniment with her lute.

Elaris can't help but remember a multitude of tales of dark, dank forests and the cries of babes or maidens luring the heroes toward certain death.

So, she watches with a certain amount of dismay as her companions approach the bush and begin to question the crier within.

Studiously ignoring Carella's transformation, she sighs, and also approachs...relaxing a little when the woman was revealed.

Her curiosity peaked, she asks, "A strange place for a grave? What happened?"

Persuasion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Elaris stumbles down the stairs, hair rumpled, eyes bleary. She'd stayed up a bit too long last night, learning some of the local songs...and the local vintages.

Slumping into a chair, next to Carella, the bard leans forward and places her forehead on the cool wood of the table, "What's so good about it?" she moans.

Then a trencher of food arrived with a thunk, and Elaris' head rose a little, her bloodshot eyes peering at the food from behind her unruly tresses.

"Ah...victuals!" she exclaims, then sets upon the food with considerable savagery.

Leaning back, she burps prettily, then sighs, looking much better, "Ooof. That was quite good, set me right it did!" she says, smiling at Carella and whomever else was present.

minus 1 sp

"They are helpful like that. Oh they aren't criminals. At least I don't think they are criminals. I just met a most of them at the inn earlier today. We needed to help the local law with an issue. It's all taken care of. I'm Carella. What's your name?" Carella grins at Elaris. Don't like the creepy mist thing. Shows you. You'd still be stuck in the jail if it weren't for the mist thing.

Elaris sticks her tongue out at her friend, then listens to the woman's tale, the watches as she disappears into the fog, turning back to the others , "What is with the fog in this place?"

Later, eating and drinking heartily of Khalid's bounty, she ticks items off on her greasy fingers, "A damsel in distress, a mysterious, nay, legendary adversary, a journey into the unknown...at least for me...never been to this Skald place. A story for the ages begins!" she declares, lifting her goblet for a toast to her and Carella's new-found friends.

Yup, still here....crazy week!

Elaris looks down at the woman in a heap, "Poor thing, that I could comfort her...Hold on ,dear!" she call out.

She looks towards the closed prison door, "Where is that Carella?"

Elaris watches with the others as the scene in the alley unfolds, until the whip comesout, "Oh, that will not do..." she mutters under her breath.

She makes a low whistle, running a descending scale as she points at the whip-wielding man...

Hold Person, DC 14

Elaris watches as Carella slowly turns into a wispy cloud, a strange expression on her face, a mix of disgust and horror.

Catching one of the others noticing, she shrugs, "I can't stand it when she does that....give me the heebs "

When the tumblers begin to engage, Elaris looks at Carella and her new companions with incredulity. Hands on her hips she looks extremely put out, but she holds her tongue , waiting to see what effect Carella's enchantment has.

Nature: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Still humming her new tune, Elaris looks down at the charred husk and shrugs, "I hope not, that one almost scared me straight! " she says with a smile at Carella, both knowing that was probably not possible.

Then she slaps her hands together and regards the men, "Right, let's check the rest of the gaol..."

Elaris lets out a long , slow shuddering breath before smiling at Carella, "Fit as a fiddle, dear."

She looks Khalid and Marco, "Indeed, my thanks as well. I haven't been that frightened....well, never. Quite exhilarating! " she says, already humming a bit, composing a song in her head.

Round 1

Hand trebling involuntarily at the sight of the slavering monster, Elaris manages to keep her head enough to cast a simple spell at the werewolf...

Faerie fire, dc 14 dex save, advantage on attacks

will wait on result of that before round 2 action

Fear, Will DC 12: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Elaris rounds the corner, smiling at this new adventure, then sees the slavering nightmare accosting the guards.

Her mind goes blank...eyes wide...her friend Carella beside her forgotten...her only impulse...to flee.

Backpedalling back past those that stayed, a low-pitched whine escaping her lips, she turned and ran smack into the closed portcullis, straining against the bars, as if to wrench them aside.

Elaris walks forward , shoulder-to-shoulder with Carella, humming a little tune. At first, Carella finds it familliar but can't place it...then is comes to her; she remembers herself and Elaris atop a bar in a tavern, in which a full scale melee was taking place. The women were busy throwing tankards at random targets in the milling fisticuffs, laughing and screaming...All the while , in the corner of the room, a trio of musicians played on, somehow unscathed in the chaos...and they played the tune Elaris was humming.

Bardic Inspiration. can use 1d6 inspiration die to add to one ability check, attack or saving throw; or in combat AC or damage

Elaris grins over at Carella, "Bloodthirsty lot, aren't they?"

Elaris smiles widely, "He sounds like fun! Do you want him dead or alive?"

Elaris steps up to the Constable, bold as brass, "Enter we will! But tell us, Constable, what of this Prisoner can you tell?"

"Ah, Car! They aren't people of action like we are!" Elaris exclaims, throwing an arm around her friend's shoulders, "But, yes, let's see what the commotion is all about." she says, buckling her coat closed as she walks out with the others.

Elaris smiles at her friend, then looks back to the men, inclining her head to the courteous Marco, then a brief nod to the curt Nezter, finally her eyes rest on the most interesting Lucifer.

"A local! That talks! How wonderful!" Elaris exclaims, then frowns prettily , agreeing with Carella, "Harmonia...Kartakass do not sound familiar at all, I fear we're far from home, Car." she says to Carella, then shrugs, "But we're used to that!"

She cocks her head to the side in mimickry of the tall local man, "Songs you say? Oh, I'm full of them, " she says , indicating her lute tied to her pack, "But , if I'm to perform, I must divest my self of these silly frills."

Retiring for the moment to the privy or a private side room, Elaris changes into her regular garb.

Returning, she holds the harem outfit up to Carella's frame, "Might need to be taken in a bit, but it should suffice.", she says, handing it over.

She's changed into the black and red, or rather scarlet, leathers that peeked out of her pack. Tight leggings, and matching jacket, now open to reveal a fine silk chemise, top two buttons artfully left undone.

"That's better." Elaris says, picking up her lute and taking a seat to tune the instrument. She softly utters a perfect C note, and twists the lute's pegs as she gently strums the strings...until satisfied. She continues through a series of notes untils she appears happy with her efforts.

Looking to Lucifer, "Now then, what kind of music do the locals enjoy?"

Then realizing her faux pas, smiles and says, "You can all me Elaris."

Elaris shivers at the temperature drop, from the plains of the Emirate to ....wherever they were. The harem dress the Emirate's wives had forces her into was sheer and comfortable....but definately not suitable for this climate.

"I've got to get out of this getup..." she comments to friend Carella, a wry smile on her lips from the look Carella gives her, as if to say, "I told you so."

When they emerge into the street, Elaris can't help but remark, frowning "A strange folk..." but her face brightens at the sight of the inn.

Stepping in with her friend, she's not surprised to be greeted with the same polite disinterest by those gathered in the common room...except for a motley group at one table.

"Look...there" Elaris indicates to her friend , and makes her way over to the more 'interested' group.

Clad as a harem girl, mid-riff and sleek thighs revealed by sheer silks , the rest covered with tight ,shimmery cloth, the woman nonetheless appears quite prepared for a life of adventure. Black and red leathers peek out of the top of her pack, and a very servicable rapier hangs at her hip.

Beautiful , yes, but most importantly....confident. Nary a hestitant step does she present stepping into a common house dressed as she was.

Then she's standing before the group, pack set at her feet, a lute tied to it's side, arms akimbo, "Hail and well met!" she exclaims with a smile, "Maybe you can answer a question....Where in the 9 hells are we?"

Up close, her face has a resemblance to the Keleshites of Golarion, but the cheekbones are finer. Her accent as well echoes that of the southron races, but certain inflections are foreign-sounding.

Background incorporating Carella done. She's done the same apparently.

OK all done. Here's Spazmodeus' 5e submission.

Forgive me SS, I recycled a previous 5e character for speeds sake, plus I really like the background etc I wrote for this one. She's not from Golarion, but Ravenloft touches all kinds of places so I figured it would be ok :)

If it's ok I took thieve's tools as one of her tool proficiencies. She's not a thief, just likes to go where she wants...

Elaris nods with satisfaction as her arrow finds its mark. She peers into the action by Aukan and Seneon, seeing her opportunity , draws, knocks and fires...

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

"Tsk, tsk, tsk" Elaris says softly, "Don't leave the party..."

She targets the guard she shot, before his screams bring more enemies...

Attack, longbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Attack, longbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12

Elaris' eyebrow raises at the spectacle of Aukan going into a frenzy within the confines of the passageway. It was quiet a different experience than seeing it in the more expansive outdoors.

She offers and aside to Karl, "That is one I am glad is on our side."

Humming a sea-shanty from the Principalities, she knocks another arrow and fires...

Attack #2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

Sure - Take advantage :). Elaris, does it work against the people in the 20ft cube now or anyone that enters that cube at a later point. Happy to go with your voice on this

Well, it doesn't come right out and say it in the rules. so i think its your first option

Area effect or just single target?

area, please

Not one to stand in the way of another's art, Elaris steps aside as Aukan rushes out into the corridor, pointing the way towards the guards approaching.

She moves to the other side of the corridor,so she can see better beyond Aukan's furious bulk , and waves her hand in the air, leisurely, towards the other guards.

Faerie Fire, Dex save or we have advantage for attacks

Humming a battle-hymn out of Vestland, Elaris draws another arrow from her quiver, considers the battlefield a moment, then fires...

attack guar #4: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7

apologies...works been a bit busy...spilling over into my evenings..

A peal of laughter erupts from Elaris at Liam's cocky blown kiss, nodding to herself as her inspiration makes a difference.

She knocks another arrow and seeks a likely target...

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8

She spies Magnus' bolt of fire go awry, calling out "Come now, Magnus, I desire to see your arcane might, don't let these brutes show you up!"

combat inspiration, 10inutes to use 1d6 for attack, savr, ability check or damage roll

As the door is opened and Aukan rushes in, followed by the others, Elaris looks in and sees the group of Temple guards, "Oh my, she says, "I guess stupid can be interesting sometimes..."

She stays in the doorway, and brings up her bow, gauging the flow of battle and letting fly at one of the guards a bit more removed...

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9

After the arrow has left her bow, she cries out to Liam, "Come now, Liam, you can do better than that! Perhaps the promise of a kiss will motivate you to greater heights of derring-do!"

Bonus Action, Combat Inspiration, Liam gets 1d6 to add to any attack, save, ability check or damage roll in next 10 minutes.

Elaris' hand comes up in a warding gesture when the statue of Cretia appears, she calls out to Seneon "Leave those gems be, Seneon, Cretia is a jealous and greedy god. "

She edges to the side to look down the eastern corridor.

Elaris smiles at Liam, then turns her head to watch Seneon's antics.

Standing she laughs, high and clear, "Keep that up Seneon, and my paean will become a comedy!"

She eyes the cave, "Shall we gentlemen?"

Elaris walks towards the others, humming a melody, then another, her eyes distant.

When they stop and Liam sits down, she frowns , realizing she hadn't realized how hurt he was.

"Sorry, Liam dear. I was working on my first composition based on our exploits so far, and got so distracted..." she says softly, waiting until the Freyian was finished before gently placing her hand against the side of Liams face and softly singing a Ethangian lullaby.

Cure Light wounds: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Elaris' small tongue emerges from the corner of her mouth as she guages the distance, pulls back and lets fly....

Attack, Advantage: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Attack, Advantage: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

Elaris looks where Karl points and says, "Ah, yes, there it is....what manner of creature is tha....what's that!? spikes! from its tail?" she cries with incredulity.

Shaking her head, she looks down at the ground at the spike that had missed her, glad that it did so.

Pulling her bow from her back, she knocked an arrow and tracking the creature's flight, pulled the string back and fired....

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11

I think Gustav is Karl...right, Helaman? :) Also, completely confused as to who sees what , when and how :D

Elaris looks to the shadow then up at the bright blue sky, shielding her eyes with her hand, trying to see what was coming...

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12