Vasrik, there's an edit function within 1 hour so that you don't have to leave in extraneous stuff.
Whaaaa!? You don't find my blather fascinating?
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Thanks. I use TokenTool and Maptool from RPtools.net. Free java-based open source program. Highly recommended. There's a bunch of youtube tutorials on how to use the basics. Appreciated! It's nice to have a custom map like that.
Nice positioning!
Beautiful map Jace!! What did you use?
Hey guys and gals, I am brand new to PBP so please feel free to offer me any tips or correct me if I am doing something that is annoying anyone or making the gameplay less of an experience for anybody. Yeah, what Flamethrower said. Looks good to me too. Though I suppose you could file down a few of those teeth and do something about those bloodshot red eyes. : )
I've got house guests for the next week and I anticipate my posting to drop off. If I fail to check in, please feel free to GM PC me as needed. Vasrik tries to keep his head down and out of trouble but makes sure he pulls his weight if trouble finds the Water Wraith. Don't let Cordell warp wood on any enemy vessels without me!
Yeah, we're kind of into a 6th man situation. We'll either have 3 arcane or 3 divine and either way it's a bonus to the already covered field of tank. I'm going with Vasrik the Sauromancer. Though I am going to 'undump' his Charisma as I don't want to play a low Cha PC long-term. I'm just not grumpy enough to pull it off.
(A joke - I've played a dwarf named Karek in his campaign on here for the last three years or so.) Oh my goodness! I did not even notice. But clearly. . . When you first made the comment I googled the name and found "Varek" is a character from The Wheel of Time novel series, books I have not read. I am changing the name to Vasrik. Man!
And the latest tally then: The Fantabulous Team Bravo: Phrip - Nub - male human illusionist Ansha – Alarien - female elven fighter (weapon master) Flamethrower - Cordell Drummond - male half-elf oracle (Wood) Isaac – Harroan Sallemore - male human evoker (admixture) Faren – Jaejoa - female human summoner (master summoner) or Varek - male human druid (saurian shaman) Ben A – Bellamin Axeager - male dwarf cleric (separatist)
Looking good Phrip! I see a nice synergy with that blinding attack followed by the ability to disappear.
I thought we might benefit from having our emerging roster posted back over here now. The Fantabulous Team Bravo: Phrip - human illusionist/rogue Ansha – Alarien - female elven fighter (weapon master) Flamethrower - Cordell Drummond male half-elf oracle (Wood) Isaac – Harroan Sallemore - male human evoker (admixture) Faren – Jaejoa - female human summoner (master summoner)[or still possibly saurian shaman] Ben A – Bellamin Axeager - male dwarf cleric (separatist) I think we're starting to look pretty swanky.
I believe we missed that crappy Tatzlewyrm boat. Fortunately we have a chance to be on the much superior "Water Wraith"! (My answer: will turn on which PC I go with - hoping to finish soon-ish. I just dig making PCs. You and Phrip were right though, a dinosaur animal companion is even nastier than an eidolon - at least at level 1. Yikes!)
A vision stirs: Dammit! There's a lawyer on Bravo boat. (Awesome intro for Drummond!)
I would love to see how the saurian shaman plays out, but that is just my own self interest coming through. Given that my character is going to be the squishiest in the group (I seem to have a knack for that), he would enjoy having any extra protection around him as possible. I'll get him together for ya and we can see. I don't think he adds more body guard power than the Sketch (the summoner is a pretty munchkin class I am discovering). But it would be nice to have a back-up healer and we've got two arcane casters now so we should be well covered.
Updating Team Bravo: Phrip - human illusionist/rogue Ansha – Alarien - female elven fighter (weapon master) Flamethrower - half-elf oracle (battle or time) [or human melee] Isaac – Harroan Sallemore - male human evoker (admixture) Faren – Jaejoa - female human summoner (master summoner)[or still possibly saurian shaman] Ben A – cleric (separatist)
Team Bravo Update Phrip - Human illusionist/rogue Ansha – Alarien - elven fighter (weapon master) Flamethrower - Half-elf oracle (battle or time) or human melee Isaac – evocation wizard or tattooed sorcerer Faren – Jaejoa - Master summoner (or still possibly saurian shaman) Ben A – Separatist cleric My sense is we would benefit from at least one divine guy for healing, so we should be sure to keep the separatist cleric or the oracle and hope one of them can bring the channels or cure light wounds. Or keep both if we like. Now that we have Alarien, either my eidolon (The Sketch) or animal companion will make for a nice back-up beat-stick for the short-term, so we don’t have to have more fighter-types, but they will both drop off the curve eventually so it’s not a bad idea. What do my fellow Bravoites think? I’m still open to re-making my PC to fill any holes.
Actually though, while I've been gradually hammering out Jaejoa and The Sketch it does look like Team Bravo is going to be blessed with a lot of arcane already. We might be better off with that druid. Let's see how it shakes out.
Sounds groovy! However you like to do it Jace. Maybe just let us know where we should be posting once you know. (And welcome Barcas!)
One common thread that's starting to materialize in its infancy is I think our party is going to have a kick-ass average Charisma score. Hopefully we can come up with a better party name than "The Likeables". : )
@markofbane - that "mugger of muggers" is a pretty cool hook. Nicely done. @flamethrower - great to see ya man.
I think Alexander is on to something cool here. While we're at early stages, it looks like this group could benefit from some kind of front line battle type at some point, and it might even be an especially nice synergy if it was one that hasn't completely dumped Charisma so we can do well in performance combat. A warrior-type with some Cha sounds like a good candidate for a bodyguard - perhaps someone with minor nobility? Also, it's just cool to start intermingling origins.
Proposed Concept #1: “Jaejoa - Mystic Charcoal Artist” Jaejoa began life as an aspiring naturalist. She planned to travel the world gathering lore for an encyclopedia-like book that records detailed information about animals and monsters. A talented sketch artist, whenever she found an animal she would draw it for inclusion in her book. Something went wrong. At some point Jaejoa's charcoal sketch-animals began leaping off the page and coming to life. She discovered a mystic link to her drawings and is able to infuse them with spirit and then exercise a degree of control over them.
Currently, Jaejoa is still working on her mysterious book, but she is also quietly trying to discern who or what bestowed her with this strange power. Currently her travels require her to travel to the city-state of Tymon where she hopes to follow-up on rumours of several interesting creatures. Proposed Concept #2: “Varek - Dinosaur themed spellcaster” Deeply in tune with the earth and its earlier periods of time before humankind ever stalked the earth, ‘Varek the Sauromancer’ reaches back through time (or perhaps just into the vaults deep within the darklands) to draw forth terrible thunder lizards. He’s come to the River Kingdoms in search of fossilized evidence of more of his favourite 'extinct' species and his search has lead him to Tymon.
. . . Also he has a cool fang-head, helmet-like hat -- he's very possessive of his hat.
Gotta say, "Tatzlwyrm" is an awesome name for a river boat. I will look forward to pitching you on a couple of different people who might be on board.
Groovy! What level were you thinking?
"Hal! Listen to me Hal!" "Halstadt!!" (No, this isn't right.)
No, just swim through it - I'm fairly certain there will be water on the other side, but it will be your water - water from your home world I mean - water from our home, I mean. ----------
“Alright everyone. This is as far as the Vonovoxen goes. I can’t risk bringing him any closer to Deca-Jaws. It’s time for Orchid and I to return to A’Viss to finish our work while we still can.” “If you can get through that rift, you’ll find yourselves back in Osirion’s desert. Home sweet home. Just remember, whoever you might talk to, don’t tell anyone we were transporting ‘The Sooron’ – it would be a might hard for us to explain.” Suddenly reflective, Faren adds: “You are interesting people, o’ aquatic dwarves, I hope our paths will cross again one day.”
For Breach Shattershield:
Faren dismisses the elder dwarf’s idea out of hand. The message comes back to Breach, relayed through Jason’s message spell as the Vonovoxen swims furiously. “Listen, A’Viss is doomed,” he answers sharply. “A one-eyed dwarf with a death wish is not going to change that - all we can do now is try to save what knowledge the great city has, before it's lost forever.” “And we’re not that kind of genie – there’s no wishes with common folk like us. So don't start rubbing a lamp and getting ideas.” ----------
"No, no, no, closer to two days, I would say. Maybe a full day, plus, tops."
Faren scratches his head at the insanity of the aquatic dwarves. Then he washes his hands of it, which is rather easy to do given his present environment. “Yes, yes, by all means, leap into the gullet of the beast. Now everyone is ready?”
"Since we've a moment I think it might make sense to pick our Friends' brains about our beastie this Deca-Jaws. Are there any hard facts about this creature? It would be good to have some idea of how to approach slaying it". Hal looks at Orchid and Faren and then glances at Gandel in case he has some hidden store of knowledge we have not heard. “You actually plan to slay it?!” “You guys get crazier by the minute. I just assumed you all had some kind of ace up your sleeve, like when the halfling disappeared to spy on the A'Viss battalion. Now I feel like I’m a party to murder here – we had strongly encouraged you to go to one of the safer gates.” Seeing the Dune Squad’s eyes widen, Faren tries to be more helpful. “Let me think, all I know really is that it’s a horrible sea monster with many heads. All of my people stopped using the gate ever since it moved in. They say that the beast is impervious for its wounds heal almost as fast as the eye can see. Maybe it’s vulnerable to one of your magic spells? Or maybe it doesn't like the taste of sea dwarf?”
Faren looks a bit nonplussed at having to halt the journey. “Anyone else need to go to the latrine before we get going again?”
“Lost aquatic dwarves, meet the Vonovoxen.” He motions to the giant manta ray, waiting for you to board the creature. “Now let’s get outta here.”
"I hate to be an ogre here, but if we're doing this, let's do this." "I'll go get our mount ready - that should give you ten minutes. If your not back here when I get back, you'll miss the boat as they say." "I'm serious Orchid. We don't have time for this."
"Good Faren, did you have need of the divination spell I offered previously in return for your much needed and welcome assistance? If you require it, please allow me to cast it on your behalf now. If it is not of interest to you, I will use it now to guide our own difficult choice in this matter." "Thanks, but I have a long-standing arrangement with the gods. I stay out of their business and they stay out of mine. Now I realize I will likely have to visit your goddess and have an important discussion with her one day, but I prefer to defer that as long as possible." "But let's depart soon. After we drop you off, I intend to return here to do as much work as I can."
“The law is clear,” says Faren, hardening himself. “Excuse us for a moment,” he adds as he turns to you, only briefly. Faren then guides Orchid as they swim out the window to the balcony some ways out of earshot. Their ensuing discussion is quite animated.
"You know that's not possible."
"I know that time runs short but the tale of the mad renegade God Sooron sounds pretty interesting to me. I am fairly knowledgeable about the Gods and I have not heard this tale. Please enlighten us". Hal gives a glance to Donkoor with half a grin on his face. "I didn't know he was a god - I had always assumed the Sooron was a powerful marid sorcerer in exile." "It's not so much a tale, as rumor. What I do know is there is a royal order for the Sooron's arrest - there's been several over the years in fact. The Sooron has been creating unlawful currents off and on for many years. Sometimes he's never heard of for years at a time and then suddenly he manipulates the gate. It's not that it causes calamity, it's more that it's an embarrassment to the shahzadas, who dislike that an outsider exerts control over their environment without permission. Indeed, I believe they have a toast to his ill health." "Nothing has ever come of the arrest orders as genie law prohibits the marid from exercising their authority outside of this plane - at least not without angering a host of geniekind and our rather elaborate web of treaties." "So let's just say, without accepting, that this is the same Sooron, then this would be a very bad thing to bring up to the authorities around here - which at the moment is pretty much everyone. In fact, this young man might wish to be away from this place all the more quickly." He stops to think some more and looks at you all. "You really did come in through the Gateway of Cascades, didn't you."
"That is remarkable then," interjects Faren, suddenly more interested. "My inquiries lead me to believe that only the mad renegade Sooron was capable of manipulating the gate."
"Good. Then you'll understand that we have a very limited window of time to go about our work. When Comatheon's triad arrives, Orchid and I hope to be far from here. We want to preserve a piece of history, not disappear with it."
"I'm not sure such short-lived creatures can understand - though then again I understand dwarves have quite an interest in history and genealogy." "Overtime all great civilizations are lost, sometimes to rise again and sometimes to never be heard from again. I belong to a group that tries to preserve the memories of that place, when it happens. We don't always succeed. But our records contain pieces of knowledge and culture which should never be lost. War is an ugly business."
I'd be drilled do hab a webbon. Iv we come ubon dese invaders, we may hab a chance do devend ourselves. "Then you are brave indeed. Though when the Comatheon's army arrives I fear your best weapons will be your feet - to flutter kick yourselves away from here."
"Not really," answers Faren, "Most beings here are already naturally adapted." "As for weapons there is an armory on the center street in the front current, but that's the last place you want to be - the army is there." Faren thinks for a few moments and then adds, "Well they don't have fireplaces here, but they do have mantles nonetheless - perhaps someone has left some weapons over a mantle. Anything truly of value should have been taken, but many did leave in a great hurry."
". . . Faren, Orchid, can you take us somewhere that we can rest and restore ourselves. "The soldiers are concentrated in garrisons and towers towards the outer edges of the city - a fair distance from us. Though as you have just witnessed, they occasionally have cause to pass through the High Quarter district, where we find ourselves." "You should be fine to choose virtually any building here - help yourself if this place isn't to your liking. Just keep well away from the openings and mind your use of lights, loud noises and generation of current. As we were telling the halfling, Gandel was it? Schmoosh can help you with air. I'd try a room with a domed ceiling, common enough" "Perhaps we can find some way to help you in return for your aid". "Not at all. We've done nothing. I regret we can't stay to help you further. But time is unfortunately limited. For those who can succeed on a DC 20 Sense Motive: Orchid appears a bit frustrated at Faren's repeated deflections of the Dune Squad's requests for help.
Faren answers Hal. "A'Viss is a doomed city. It has only days. It will likely be overrun - at least for a time - I pray the Marid will reclaim it one day." "The aqua-politic has turned rather ugly at present, at least if you travel to this depth. Six powerful maridian families have fallen into feuding, while the denizens of the darkest waters have formed an unlikely alliance: the elder kraken, the aboleth and the brine drakes. Their attention has now turned to A'Viss and this metropolis of legend is headed for a dark time. Fortunately the civilians have all left." Faren looks to Donkor, "If you are a diviner as you say, you will know that this is no tale." "Orchid and I are here to chronicle this legendary city in what could be its final days, hoping to preserve its beauty in pictures and writing," and as he looks at Orchid handling her glass text, "and admittedly by procuring the odd trinket - but we too dare not stay very long."
"Nobody except for the military, that is. Who would no doubt want to know how a band of smallfolk infiltrated their city at such a critical time."
"Marid primarily," supplies Faren, "and those that fill their armies, tritons, elves, and merefolk." "I'm afraid you've come at a very bad time."
"The patrol has passed - we are clear." He points to his ring which is now a dull unlit crystal. He looks to the five of you. "I hope your friend found a good hiding spot because I don't see him." "While impossible to say, we probably have under an hour before the next patrol. Whatever you are trying to do here, you'll probably want to complete it before then." Looking to his companion he says, "[Untranslatable], let's be on our way." "Schmoosh - a pleasure as always."
The exceedingly tall male starts to reprimand Schmoosh for perpetuating the discussion, but then stops himself, giving up. He looks at the light on his ring which is slowly becoming dimmer. He turns and risks a look out the window, still concerned as to what happened to the halfling.
"Wait - did we lose the halfling?" |