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Here is Sir Longears character. Crunch done and will work on his background tomorrow. Now, if I'm being completely honest, Esdras isn't really very well built hero. His stats are all over the place to the point that he isn't particularly effective... but it is what it is.
No problems, GM. Life happens to everyone, myself included! Good luck with everything!
I'm also still here!
Understood! FYI, I'll be travelling from 10th of this month until 19th, so bot me if necessary!
Take your time GM! We'll be here when things slow down.
I'm ready to fast forward. GM, do you need another post from Esdras before that?
Esdras nods in agreement and smiles. "Thanks, and sorry for the question. Thinking back, I realize how ridiculous such request was, for Theveste is such a large place... I believe it is a common misconception that when we meet someone of a different place we ilude ourselves in imagining such person would have to know everyone one there." He smiles once more. "I'd be happy to visit the grand library. Actually it was already in my plans." He looked around at the nobles. "Oh, I believe the other nobles are already ready to move on. And sorry, I have not asked your name... that was specially rude, considering you appear to know who I am."
"Salonae... really interesting. As I mentioned, I love ancient history. If possible I'd like to learn more about it, so perhaps you could give me the name of some these historians and scholars, I'd be very grateful." He asks once more. "It amuses me how we always need to look past in order to move forward."
Once he reaches his sister, Esdras rests his hand on her belly. "It is always good to make new friends, sister, especially of those outside our normal circle of influence, for we gain more perspective of what really happens around us... now, about getting worried about me, just don't be. Focus all your concerns and attention to my nephew or niece." He pays no attention to Raul, having understood that the man was beyond help. Despite slow, he was actually pleased with the rhythm they were moving. He approached the guide, showing interest in what she was saying and even asking a question or two. Once he has the chance, he asks her. "Excuse me, lady, but could you tell me more about the history of your marvelous city? I have a weak spot for stories about the founding of the cities."
"I'll meet Lord Abbey and Master Ironhide during the dinner with the High Cardinal. I believe there is no need for you to make any arrangements on that part." Heading away towards the other nobles, he thanks the woman once more. "Thank you for your help, Favonia."
"Thank you for the kind offer, Favonia. Indeed I intend to be joined with them... I'm getting no younger and I feel the need of a break, a rest and perhaps a warm bath before the dinner." Looking to Draegar and Benjamin, Esdras excuses himself. "Draeger, Benjamin, I believe I'll see you later... take care until then."
Different from many aboard the ship, it wasn't the first time Esdras had travelled to Thaveste, even if the first time he was just a small boy, about 40 years ago. Even so, he was breath taken by the sheer beauty of the city. He half expected that... being so closely tied to the faith of Asgar, he imagined the city would be a marvel, a grandiose thing that would humble any men, and thus show them that anyone was insignificant in comparison to Asgar himself. When approached by the Captain Marcellun, Esdras pondered his options before answering. "Captain Marcellun, Thaveste is such a big city that I'll be more comfortable in first knowing where my family will be staying. I believe it is an old habit from my years in the Great War: to ever know where your base is. Then, I'll gladly join you at the Church... I'm eager to meet the city, but that can wait for when we have more than just a couple hours."
Esdras sees no choice but to agree with his father. "Very well, father. If you so insist, contact the Church, even if I have little hope of such resolution." He then steps back. "Now, if you excuse me, I need to prepare myself to have dinner with the High Cardinal. Is there anything you'd like me to ask him about politics?"
Esdras got up from his chair and reached for his father. "Father, you already did most of what is necessary... you raised me to rule and take care of Ra'an, so I'm more than prepared and capable of taking care of myself. I've had not been idle in the last years as I pretended. The High Cardinal offered a favor for helping him today and among other matters of state that you shall need, I intend to ask him access to the Church's libraries. I'm looking for an answer and I shall find it. As I grew up, I could always count with your faith in me, so I ask nothing more." "Meanwhile, I ask you to fully support Gerald. He needs you, father... not only your advice, but your love and support. He wasn't raised as I was to be the future governor of Ra'an, but there is still time. Look at all the good job he had already done and be proud of it, for I surely am." He pauses once more, readying himself to leave. "No one can tell how much time it will take me to free myself and Ra'an should not pay for it. Our family shall not pay for it and be shattered by bickering. We will endure father. We will prosper." He said the last part with tears in his eyes. Up to that moment, he had not realized the weight he was carrying, not only about his secret, but also because of the rift it was causing in his family.
Noticing his father was still not entirely convinced, he thought a demonstration was needed. He closed his eyes, he concentrated. "Chief Vazrik... I ask for your help. As you advised, I've decided to share the burden of the Sword with my father and, as expected, a demonstration is needed." As he finished, Esdras felt cold, thirst and hunger, a sign that Chieftain Vazrik Karmirarj of the Red Bears clan had heard his call. Chief Vazrik's soul was so powerful that Esdras could feel what the chieftain felt when he died of starvation and dehydration atop the mountains. In seconds, a tall figure loomed over Esdras with a long white beard, blue eyes and completely bald. He was strong, even if thin from poor nourishment. "Hummmm... an ansverr frrom the spirrits vill not do... perrhaps a feelin', yes, the ave of facin' a bloodlust Red Bearr in single combat... do not fearr, youn' Esdrras, do not fearr, yourr fatherr can handle it..." Chief Vazrik then touched the pommel of the blade and soon after the greatsword was covered in blood that dripped from it. Before hitting the floor, however, the drops of blood evaporated, as if boiling, and aura of magic surrounding it. Waves of awe emanated from the blade in a way that it was sensible, but not overbearing. After a couple seconds, Esdras sheathed his sword, ending the effect. Esdras shakes his head dismissively. "Understand, father, that I had to be sure... more than once I doubted myself, thinking I was indeed mad. No, I had to be sure of it. As you could see, this is real." He paused for a sip. "Also, knowing you'd try to help me, I could not bear the possibility of linking our name to a curse. No matter our connections and discretions, eventually word of it would escape. Our people, despite the progress made in the past decades, is still superstitious... would our family name survive such happening?"
Esdras sighs as his brother leaves. "Gerald was always quick to blame others for his own failures... As far as I can remember, he always envied me for being the eldest and having the birthright, but when I abdicated the title, I thought he would rejoice... but that is a talk for another hour..." He poured another glass from the liqueur and offered the same courtesy to his father. Eyeing his father with sorrow, he started. "If I recall correctly, you never was a particularly religious man, father, but even you believe in an afterlife... a place where our souls will either be rewarded and praised by our actions or punished for our mistakes. Despite our differences, I have no doubt you shall be rewarded for all you did. You shall meet mom once more... and, eventually, with time, Gerald and his family will also join you. But not me..." He senses his father was about to say something but he gestures him to stop. "No, I'm not implying I'll be punished for what I did in the war... you know I don't think like that. I did what I had to do and I doubt the Gods would think otherwise. What I'm implying is that, after dead, I shall neither be praised nor punished. I shall be at the same time lost and confined." He drank before continuing. "What I'm about to tell you, father, I had not told anyone before. I ask you to believe me, even if I know it will be hard. If, however you do not, I do not blame you, for I must admit that, if our places where swapped, I'd also have difficulties in believing it myself..." He took a sip once more, choosing the words with care and then reached for his sword. With care, he unsheathed it, letting it rest in his lap and then offering it to his father. "As I've already told you, I found this old sword during the war. Pay attention to the details and engravings along the blade and I believe you'll tell me you've never seen anything like them before, for I've shown it to every blacksmith and historian in Almor and none of them were able to say anything about it despite confirming it is ancient, crafted by means lost to us." "It is also magical. No matter what I strike, it is always sharp. It is also unbreakable... I once put it atop two stones and stroke it with a maul, not producing a single dent, where other blades would undoubtedly be broken in two or more pieces." He gesture his father to return the sword and once he did, Esdras added. "And it is also cursed. 'Anyone who uses it to kill another man shall have his soul trapped by it upon his death'. The souls of countless previous owners of this old sword are trapped inside this blade... and some of them talk to me." He poured even more liqueur in both his glass and of his father's. "At first, I thought I was losing my mind... something quite common to those who survive a long war, and even if a grim fate, that would perhaps have been easier to handle. Then I was taught by these trapped souls..." He noticed his father was about to interrupt him once more and again he gestured for him to stop. "Let me finish father, please. Yes, I was taught by them a bit of what they knew about the blade... it is called the Sword of Arcos and its intent was to create the perfect warrior by having countless others fighters instructing him... to what end, I had not discovered yet. However, what I know is that I can indeed do things beyond what I could... beyond what any normal man could." "With the help of a trapped soldier of Thane, I can strike twice as hard, to the point of cutting and adult bison in half in a single blow... with the help of a trapped bandit from a lost country on the east, I can outrun a horse for a short time, or having him whisper messages to those far from me... with the help of an old trapped Skive chieftain, I can accurately predict a couple minutes in the future... I'm not young, and even without exercising myself and am still stronger than many men in their peak..." "You see, father... I'm running against the clock. I need to free myself. I need to free the other souls. I need to know more about this sword and its real purpose... or else I'm doomed to an eternity of imprisonment. I did not gave my birthright away because I was mad, bitter, or by mere whimsy, for it would give me no greater honor to do what I was raised to do, to continue your work. I honestly can't do both."
Esdras shakes his head. "Apologies, father. It was a long day as you've heard. I should have not talked to you in that manner, even if wrongly accused and disrespected..." Turning to Gerald, he added. "And yet I do not, as I've repeatedly told you two, and, please, stop with this nonsense. Don't belittle yourself Gerald... there is no competition here about 'who the cardinal loves the most'. I'll gladly ask him for a meeting with you two if you so wish." He then remained in silent, thinking, and finally reached a decision. "Father, before risking to change my mind, I'd like to talk to you, in privacy."
I'm glad you liked!
Esdras waits for his father to vent on him as his frustration. He then, in silent, moves towards a side table an gets himself a glass of liqueur. Finally, he sits close to his father. "You are losing your touch, father. You have not been so uninformed in years." "A lot happened today. I'll start from the very beginning. I ask you only to listen to everything before any more blaming and flaming." He awaits for a signal of compliance before he started. "Very well. Yesterday, I met a young woman. Topaz was her name, a docker from Flint. She was invited to this ship by the High Cardinal himself and, unknown to him, she was here in a personal mission to find a man named Forg, whom, she claimed, also happened to be aboard to meet a noble for business. She claimed this business was child slavery." He looked at his sister, knowing of her opinion of this vile crime. "As you pointed, father, I could not stay out of this trouble, so along with another man, a skive technologist named Draegar, also personally invited aboard by the High Cardinal, we decided to investigate. We discovered that this man, Forg, was using an alias and was posing as a Briecan noble, currently on an excursion through the ship. With the help of Sir Ronius, a Knight of Theveste, we went looking for Forg. When we arrived at the ship's bowels, we found the whole place booby trapped and with clear signs of sabotage... it was hot as hell down there and if nothing was done, it would surely explode. There were no technicians in sigh and Sir Ronius was suffering from a heatstroke." "Draegar and I entered the bowels and found four thugs down there, Forg included. It was not easy, but we managed to defeat them. As the rumors claim, I was indeed injured but Draegar had a healing draught with him. Once they were defeated, Draegar managed to fix all the sabotage that was done." He sips his drink before continuing. "We then went searching for the knights so they could lock Forg and eventually interrogate him. We eventually found the knights, even if unfortunately other nobles were able to see the situation and as a result gossiped about something they did not understand... there was no fight, no arrest, nothing. The knights arrested Forg and then we went searching for Sir Ronius, who was still missing." "When we eventually found him, we discovered the sabotage was not the only thing happening this day... there was also an attempt against the High Cardinal's life or to kidnap him. We found many knights and technicians, dead or unconscious. Sir Ronius was among the dead. Me and Draegar were then asked to help in rescuing the High Cardinal." He paused once more. "Arriving at his quarters, we found four more man, taking him as hostage. While I was gaining us time, Draegar rushed for a way to enter the room through the outer windows... as fate decided, he failed in that, but doing so caused a distraction that allowed me to save the High Cardinal. He is safe and sound now, and all but one man are arrested. The one who fled did so by using magic." He finished his drink, resting the glass on a side table. "So, the result of me not staying out of trouble is that this ship is still floating and we are not drowning or floating in debris. The High Cardinal is also alive and still among us." He got up. "Oh, and I believe your half-mad son also got you a couple points of diplomacy... I think saving the single most important person in Brieca counts for something."
Esdras reaches for his sister, hugging her and reassuring her that everything was fine. "It was not my intention to startle you, I apologize for that. I was indeed harmed but my wounds were all healed by draughts, so I'm out of danger. Also, I was not arrested... there was a misunderstanding from the Knight's part and unfortunately they escorted the nobles away prior to the resolution, so this is way you heard those rumors." "I believe I can't tell you all that happened, at least not here in the corridor. Matters of state, but know that if I had stayed out of trouble as you said, we'd all probably be hitting the bottom of this ocean by now." Stepping back, he took his sister's hand before guiding her. "Is father in his room? I'd like to ease his mind about this matter before he has a heart attack."
Esdras sighs as his sister comes rushing towards him. He was sure he could explain to her what happened, but in truth he wasn't sure if he was allowed to actually say what happened. "Well, as you can see, I'm fine. I thought that, at this point, you'd have a bit more faith in my skills of not getting killed... after all, I can't honestly remember who many times I've almost died during the war. You know that." "And of course Father is mad... he is not sleeping. Now, could you tell me what you have been told?"
Tomorrow I will move us forward. Drask will talk to the engineers and Benjamin will stop in briefly, but mostly go about politicking. Esdras what would your character do for the rest of the voyage, assuming he doesn't get dragged into anything? Although no doubt your family will have some opinions on what he got himself involved in. Well, Esdras's goal is to learn more about his sword. I was planning for him to ask the High Cardinal during dinner to give him access to his personal library (if he has one). If that is not possible, I can come up with a scene with the 'new soul' he has been chasing since the beginning of the adventure and then asking someone in the church if they know anything about it (like if it was a famous person).
On my part, I have no strong feelings about talking or fast forwarding. I'm game for anything and I'll engage in any conversation I'm dragged to!
Esdras bows slightly. "It would be an honor, Your Holiness."
Hey Esdras I'm not sure if you had a typo or a misunderstanding but the war lasted 30 years, not 20. That was what I thought, but I could not find where the correct information is, so I used the timeline in your player's guide: 858 A.S. Fighting starts between two colonies.
If I remember it correctly, you once mentioned that it started earlier in 858, but I was not sure. Could it be possible for Esdras to consider the 'real war' when all the colonies joined it?
Esdras nods at Benjamin's request. "Yes... in fact, I was deeply involved. When the proper war began, I had just joined the army. I was fourteen years old when the war began and thirty three when it ended. However, I must warn you that if you wish to hear tales about those 'Great Times', you are asking to the wrong person... that war, like most of them, was a mistake that cost more than any nation should have paid..."
Esdras remains in silent for a couple minutes before speaking. "After hearing all sides of the story, I believe our friend Draegar actually saved everyone here more than once... Yes, I was trying to negotiate the High Cardinal's release, but even if I think I was on the right track, I was only able to save the Him because the assassins were distracted by the crates that Draegar accidently released." He can't help himself but laugh. "Unknowing, by choosing the wrong piece of rope to cut, Draegar managed to save both Benjamin and the High Cardinal." "Now, as you requested, Your Holiness, here is my report of what happened... As Draegar mentioned, this girl Topaz confided to us that she was on a secret mission aboard this ship. As it happens, she is an agent against slavery and she claimed that Forg was in the business of child slavery and was here to negotiate a deal with an unknown nobleman." He makes a short pause. "As you can imagine, we decided it was unacceptable, so we asked Mr. Pilus for an assistance and he promptly helped us in pointing out that Forg was on tour around the ship. Sir Ronius then escorted me and Draegar on a reverse tour." "As Draegar already explained, we found the bowels of the ship trapped and sabotaged. We confronted Forg and one of his man there and then Draegar fixed what damage they had caused thus far. With the villain tied, we searched for your Knights and were soon found by them." He makes another pause. "Some of them escorted Forg while others escorted us in a mission to find Sir Ronius, who failed to reach the infirmary after a crisis of heatstroke. We found him and other technicians wounded or dead and discovered Your Holiness was in danger. We then arrived at your quarters soon after." He then added once his report was complete. "If anything wasn't as clear as I intended, I'd be happy to elaborate more." He once more smiled, remembering his years during the war. "In the end, even if the war is gone, I'm still used to give battle reports."
Esdras nods to confirm that it was indeed Draegar that was pulling the man from the water. He then sheathes his sword. "From my part, I can say there is no debt at all. I did what I did because that was the right thing to do." Once the bandits are manacled, Esdras turns to the leader of the knights. "Now that the High Cardinal is safe, me and Draegar can answer any question you might have." He then reaches for his pocket and retrieves his chain and locks and starts to lock his sword once more. Once finished, he'll offer the key back to the knight or the High Cardinal.
"This is odd..." Esdras comments to those inside the room. "There is no sign of the man who jumped... only a little cloud of smoke above the water where he should have landed. Your Holiness, I imagine you need some rest from all this madness, but I'm unfamiliar with magic and I do not know what that man did."
Esdras moves to the window but doesn't jump. Imagining the assassin would have more than one dagger with him, he would have to chance of fighting it while in the water. On top of that, he would not take the risk of drawing his sword in the ocean and lose it forever. Instead, he watched the assassin, intending to figure if the incantation muttered was something that would give him an edge. He yelled outside, imagining that Draegar would be close. "Draegar! The High Cardinal is safe, but one of them jumped through the window!"
Taking advantage of the sudden noise and distraction, Esdras burst into action, whispering to the knights in front of him. "Now!" While drawing his sword with his right hand, Esdras darted for the High Cardinal, trying to reassure him that everything was going to be alright. With his left hand, he grabbed the old man's vest and moved him behind him and away from the criminals.
Seeing that the knights followed him and formed a makeshift wall protecting the High Cardinal, Esdras tried once more to reach some peaceful solution. "Now, surrender. Your mission has failed. Your sabotage was discovered and averted. You have no hostages and no way out, for we are too far away from shore for any man to swim." He glances at the bald thug before continuing. "More knights will arrive at any moment, so there is no chance for you to fight us all. Drop your weapons now, it will be the best for everyone... do not complicate your situation even more!"
If you let me know what you plan on doing beforehand, I can tell you how your NPC allies will react to it so you can properly write up your post. My idea is to have Esdras move to "F3", avoiding AOO of course, while drawing his sword. Then, using the Reposition maneuver, move the High Cardinal to "F2"->"E3"->"D4". Then the knights would move in to "F4 (Red)" and "E2 (Yellow)". I've broken the High Cardinal in "steps" because I'm not sure how much Esdras's check will exceed his CMD.
GM, a question before I post: What is your take on combat maneuvers used against an ally? I'm specially interested in the Drag or Reposition maneuver here, intending to move in and take the High Cardinal out of danger. Most combat maneuvers specify a "foe" or an "opponent" as the target, but I don't really see a reason for not use them against allies.
Ok, no problems. In this case, I believe the most logical way would be for his sword to glow for a moment. I was indeed thinking there would not be any sign, but not solely because it was a psychic magic, but instead because it doesn't have an obvious effect, like the fireball in the exemple. I've had GM's doing it like you said (all magic have signs) and others saying that some spells have no signs. I'm good with either approaches and will take that in consideration in the future.
Knowing Draegar was intending to enter through the windows, Esdras though carefully about his words, taking as much time as he imagined possible before answering calmly. "You know very well these men will not back out without the High Cardinal in their care. Now... if you have no intention in killing the High Cardinal and indeed wishes to leave, lets work on a way so we both get what we want: the High Cardinal safe and sound and you on your way out." He pauses before continuing. "How you wish to escape? If the window is your way out, go ahead and jump... I I'm sure these knights will no try to stop you if you do not harm the High Cardinal." When he finished talking, Esdras summoned Jaidev in his mind, making him to appear in the middle of the room. "Jaidev... lets try to put some doubts in the heads of these men. Focus and speak... I'll channel the power to you. This is your chance to prove you are here to help me, otherwise I'll cast you into the Dark as Jideon has instructed me repeatedly..." With a scowl, Jaidev turned around, giving Esdras his middle finger while smiling and walking towards the bald thug. When he was close enough to whisper in his ear, he whispered. "The mission is failing... you will take the blame... you know it... you'll be betrayed..."
"Gentlemen... lets talk. None of us is moving." Esdras starts. "Gentlemen, lets think this situation straight. We don't know your initial intent in entering this ship, but I'm sure it was not a suicide mission to kill the High Cardinal... if it was, he would already be dead and you'd be fighting us or fleeing through that window." "Now that we've cleared that, lets talk about your options... you have a hostage. The High Cardinal is your only card, but even so, your options are extremely limited. These knights would gladly die to protect the High Cardinal and if unable to save him, can you imagine the length they will go to avenge him? Meaning no disrespect, Your Highness, but gentlemen, have you considered the amount of torture you'll face for doing that? As holy men, the priests of Azgar have access to healing magic, and this means that despite being tortured, you'll only die of old age." He lets his words sink for a moment before continuing. "In the end, I believe you four already reached the conclusion that you utterly can't kill the High Cardinal. As I've said, you have a great card, but limited ways to use it... your only way is to make an exchange. What do you want?"
I really like to make maps too, mostly world maps, using the old pen and paper. It sure takes time and sometimes is limited to skill but the results are great most of the time.
Esdras sighs but nods. "Very well. Led the way to His chambers." Jaidev appears besides Esdras, laughing. "Oh, looks like you don't have the time for you to clad yourself in armor, Esdras! A quite nice comprimisse when all the sirs themselves are actually covered from head to toe in steel! You are f%~%ed!" Esdras does his best to ignore the annoying spirit presence and comments but is unable to partly agree with it. That was something rare. Before they moved, however, Esdras approached the knight, whispering to him. "There is no time for me to explain why or how, but while we make sure the High Cardinal is safe, if you find yourself in critical doubt between different courses of actions, please tell me. It will take me a whole minute, but I'll be able to help you with your decision."
Esdras accepts the healing potions and his key back, quickly unlocking his sword and stows his locks back into his pocket. He then takes a look on Sir Ronius. "Is Sir Ronius in fighting condition? If not, I'd request his armor... I believe there is no time for me to get my plate back in my room."
Esdras steps back, making room for the knights. He whispers back to Draegar. "Draegar, it might be wiser to let them handle this... we are unarmed after all..." The last bit he says smiling to the knight in charge, savoring the irony of the situation.
Esdras follows the knights silently.
Esdras nods in agreement, even helping the knight to find the weapons. "Agreed. Besides the sword, I carry with me a dagger and a kukri. The dagger is hidden on my right boot while the kukri is on my waist." After locking his sword, he handles the knight inspecting him the key.
"These are some amulets I collected during the war... each one of them pertained to a fallen companion of mine. One of them is a key and you are free to confirm that it won't fit the lock, but take care not to break it... they might look a bunch of worthless junk to you, but to me they represent a memento of each one of them." Esdras can't help himself in showing a bit of emotion at this moment, mostly guilt.
Esdras shakes his head. "It was not my intention to feign or claim madness... my only point was to point out that I'm never seen without my sward. I carry it with me, locked of course, when I can't scape a ball or a wedding. I was carrying it last morning when the High Cardinal invited me to join this voyage and I never used it against anyone that had not attacked me first." He then opens his arms and spins around to show his wounds. "Look at my wounds knight. I acquired them just an our ago when I was attacked by whom you call a local nobleman and I'm only standing because Master Ironhide had a healing draught with him." "You flatter me insinuating that wounded as I am, with a locked sword within its sheath, that I'll be able to present any danger to anyone while escorted and surrounded by so many knights of yours." He shakes his head once more. "I'm sorry to stand my ground, but I'll not be treated like a criminal, not after risking my life while defending this ship from exploding in a rain of shrapnel even if I'm a guest from an allied foreign nation that had no formal obligation to do so." "If you all are worried about getting excommunicated, then lets forget we had this discussion and proceed with moving this man, whom is alive, to a cell and we to a proper place where we can talk about what happened and its ramifications. I'll then talk to your superiors and to the High Cardinal myself and make sure to commend all of you. Otherwise, you are free to attack and knock down the man who saved the High Cardinal's life... you'll have my sword, for I don't attack innocent men, but how do you believe the High Cardinal will react to this act?"
Esdras waits for the nobles to be escorted away before answering about the weapons. "I beg your pardon, but I can't let you take my sword. It... has an enormous personal significance to me. If you pay some attention to rumors, you might have some about me, Esdras Martalen, being crazy... one of the main reasons is that I'm never seen without this old sword." Esdras almost said the truth about his sword being cursed, but gladly he refrained himself... they would not believe him in the best case scenario and attack him in the worst case. He reaches for his pocket slowly, coming up with a set of fine but strong chains and locks. "This set of chains and locks are used in situations like this... it will lock my sword inside it's scabbard, making me, or anyone, unable to free it. I'll give you the only key I have." "I'll also give you my word. A Martalen's word is not written in sand, but in rock, as my father always says."
Esdras nods at the knight's request. "Indeed, and I'd be pleased to give them, but in private. I believe there is no need for such commotion amid the guests of the High Cardinal. This man..." He points to the unconscious Forg. "Is a criminal, a saboteur as Master Ironhide said. He tried, and almost succeeded, to sabotage the ship's engines... if not for Master Ironhide, it is entirely possible that we'd would be having this conversation on the afterlife or amid floating debris." He decided to make this information public. In his eyes, Draegar saved all of them and he would prefer that the other nobles looked at him as the hero he was. Back to the leader of the knights, he contiuned. "I believe you'll prefer to order your men to carry this criminal instead of us... it will generate a lesser confusion from the onlookers. We'll follow your quarters for the promised explanation, of course. Also, on a side note, is the Knight Ronius Apelles faring well?"
About the ABP, are we using the "standard" rules within it for weapons or the alternate posted on the blog? It was mentioned in the boards (by Paizo developers) that the blog approach is the better way to go and it wasn't the "standard/official" rule because of page count. Nevertheless, in Esdras's case, he spent 4000gp on enchantments on his armor, weapon and cloak of resistance, meaning that he is 1000gp short on items. To make it easier, I'll 'save' this gold so I can turn his sword really magical when I get the total amount of gold.
Swapping Power Attack with Extra Mental Focus.
Pending everyone else's thoughts and approval, of course. Although I am the DM, at this point the characters are in game and I would like express permission before changing the build rules, since that could set a precedent which may be seen as deeply unfair later down the road if I go mad with power. I'm good with it. Will we also be using the Automatic Bonus Progression? If so, how are we implementing it? I'm asking because mostly of Esdras gold was spent on itens that the ABP would replace.
Sure! "Initial Blog Changes" I really like the idea of Combat Expertise, Power Attack, and Weapon Finesse being options. A lot of feats require them, so I'm fully onboard with removing them (specially Combat Expertise, which is far from great). Getting rid of Point-Blank Shot is also good for the same reasons. Pooling all maneuvers in two groups is also good. More options for everyone. On the other hand, I'm not sure if merging Dodge and Mobility is good. There are many feats that give +1 to AC and buffing one without buffing the others seems weird and I don't think they need to be buffed at all (if a PC wants to build a tank, she can with the tools we already have). The merging of ITWF and GTWF is also unnecessary. These feats are already powerful. Making weapon focus and its chain to encompass weapon groups feels a bit too munchkin IMO. "Altered Feats and New Feats" Merging Catch Off-Guard and Throw Anything is "OK", but perhaps a bit too good. The changes to Deflect Arrows is simply renaming Missile Shield. Shield Focus and Greater Shield Focus were overly buffed. Natural Spell applying to Wizards is a buff they don't need and steals the thunder of the Druid. New "hamstring" maneuver unnecessary. Iron Guard is too good... IMO evasion is a rogue-like class signature ability. The same happens with Savage Charge, Unarmed Combatant and Whirling Cleave... just too good. In general, I believe there are a ton of "not good" and "terrible" feats that could/should have been buffed but were not (comprehensible, since there are just too many of them), but instead they decided to buff some that had nothing wrong with them. The way I see it, they started with a good idea but them the "munchkin" spirit took over.
Feat Tax: Mixed feelings. I believe the original article was spot on about the needed changes... not sure if I agree with everything that was created thereafter on the full document (not against them, but not sure if everything was needed). Automatic Bonus Progression: Huge fan. I use it on every game I GM. As Draegar said, makes the items more meaningful and interesting.
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