GM_Todd's page

Hey everyone. Have an awesome new year's eve. We'll kick back up in 2012. Thanks for your patience!

Hey everyone. Have an awesome new year's eve. We'll kick back up in 2012. Thanks for your patience!

Whoops. I'll retcon that in a bit. Thanks for the catch, Fred.

In response to Walthus:
"Oh, there isn't much to tell," Kendra responds. "Certainly not when compared to my father's exploits. We came to Ravengro when I was just a child. My father pursued his studies and I pursued my own. He never allowed me to accompany him on his expeditions, but I feel as if I've been with him on many of them, thanks to his amazing ability to tell vivid stories - that egg episode was especially haunting to me, Dmitri," she concludes with a soft smile towards the half-orc.

After everyone has finished sharing (sorry for how long this post is):
Kendra glances at the still silent Soval and says, "Would you care to..." but she is interrupted by a loud knock at the front door. Standing, she says, "Ah, that must be the Councilman. I'll be but a moment." She exits the library. After a few moments of silence, she returns, a large man in tow. You recognize him from the funeral - he was the one who chastised the thugs for their behavior. "Everyone, this is Vashian Hearthmount. Councilman Hearthmount, these are those listed on the will. We are ready to hear what is written," Kendra says.

Even the less-perceptive of the group are able to tell that the Councilman views you as outsiders and he doesn’t approve of strangers being involved in local matters. As he glances around, his nose is slightly upturned, as if this entire experience is quite unpleasant for him. Clearing his throat, he says in a dull, rather bored voice, "Yes. Well. The good professor requested that you six, and, of course, Kendra, be in attendance for the reading of his Final Will and Testament. In accordance with his wishes, no one has seen or read the contents of the parchment in my possession. As proof of this, I withdraw the scroll and ask that you all examine that the seal is unbroken." He pulls a scroll case out of his cloak and holds it for all to see that the seal is, as he said, unbroken.

Kendra nods her approval and Hearthmount breaks the seal on the case, opening it. As he does, a small iron key falls out of the tube, clattering noisily onto the table. Undaunted by the key, the councilman clears his throat and begins to read.

“I, Petros Lorrimor, being of sound mind, do hereby commit to this parchment my last will and testament. Let it be known that, with the exception of the specific details below, I leave my home and personal belongings entire to my daughter Kendra. Use them or sell them as you see fit, my child.

“Yet beyond the bequeathing of my personal effects, this document must serve other needs. I have arranged for the reading of this document to be delayed until all principals can be in attendance, for I have more than mere inheritance to apportion. I have two final favors to ask.

“To my old friends, I hate to impose upon you all, but there are few others who are capable of appreciating the true significance of what it is I have to ask. As some of you know, I have devoted many of my studies to all manner of evil, that I might know the enemy and inform those better positioned to stand against it. For knowledge of one’s enemy is the surest path to victory over its plans.

“And so, over the course of my lifetime, I have seen fit to acquire a significant collection of valuable but dangerous tomes, any one of which in the wrong circumstances could have led to an awkward legal situation. While the majority of these tomes remain safe under lock and key at the Lepidstadt University, I fear that a few I have borrowed remain in a trunk in my Ravengro home. While invaluable for my work in life, in death, I would prefer not to burden my daughter with the darker side of my profession, or worse still, the danger of possessing these tomes herself. As such, I am entrusting my chest of tomes to you, posthumously. I ask that you please deliver the collection to my colleagues at the University of Lepidstadt, who will put them to good use for the betterment of the cause.

“Yet before you leave for Lepidstadt, there is the matter of another favor—please delay your journey one month and spend that period of time here in Ravengro to ensure that my daughter is safe and sound." (The councilman scowls as this read.) "She has no one to count on now that I am gone, and if you would aid her in setting things in order for whatever she desires over the course of this month, you would have my eternal gratitude. From my savings, I have also willed to each of you a sum of one hundred platinum coins. For safekeeping, I have left these funds with Embreth Daramid, one of my most trusted friends in Lepidstadt—she has been instructed to issue this payment upon the safe delivery of the borrowed tomes no sooner than one month after the date of the reading of this will.

"I, Petros Lorrimor, hereby sign this will in Ravengro on this first day of Calistril, in the year 4709."

Once the will is read, Councilman Vashian looks to Kendra, who thanks and dismisses him. Putting on a brave face, Kendra says, "Thank you, so much, for coming all this way to celebrate the life of my father. I cannot express what this means to me." She begins to tear up, but quickly composes herself. "As for the future, I will need at least a few weeks to decide what I am going to do with myself. I don't know whether or not I want to stay in Ravengro. But where else shall I go?"

She chews her lip for a moment, clearly deep in thought. Then, coming back to her senses, she addresses the group again. "In any case, I ask that you stay as well. While I don't think that I will require assistance, I do wish to honor my father's final desires. We have plenty of room here, which you are welcome to use during your time in Ravengro - without cost, of course. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go fetch the chest my father mentioned in his will."

With that, she stands and exits the room.

Hey everyone. You still around? I am - but things are still crazy.

Let me know if you're all still interested in moving forward. I am, but it will probably be after the new year.

Kendra looks towards Soval, seeing if he has anything to add. When the monk remains stoically silent she nods towards Father Grimburrow who motions to the gravediggers. They begin shoveling the heavy dirt onto Lorrimor's coffin. As a group you stand in silence for a few moments before turning your back on the grave. Kendra lingers a moment longer and then turns to the Ravengro guests, hugging each and thanking them for coming. They all leave without a word or glance towards your group.

Finally, Kendra approaches you six. Wiping the tears from her face, she says, "I would like to invite all of you back to my father's - well...my - home for a drink and the reading of my father's will. I'm not sure if you're aware, but you six were specifically named as benefactors of my father. He has instructed that you all must be present for the reading."

Assuming you all agree to go, you make your way to the Lorrimor residence, a modest home at the south of town. You pass through the town square on your way, again greeted by curious stares and silence from the town folk - who also ignore Kendra. You specifically notice one of the thugs from the graveyard, who quickly returns inside as you pass.

Upon arriving at the manor, Kendra says, "We must await the arrival of Councilman Hearthmount. He had some other matters to attend to, but promised to head this way posthaste. In the meantime, let us drink and get acquainted with one another." Kendra motions for you to follow her and settles you in what appears to be the home's library, as the walls are covered in shelves and books. It is well-appointed, with several comfortable chairs and couches, a large desk, and fully stocked liquor cabinet. She opens the cabinet and pours those who want one a drink. She perches on the desk and says, "My father spoke highly of each of you, but I confess, I know little of how you were all connected. While we wait, would you mind terribly sharing how you were acquainted with my father?"

Yes - I am back. We will have at least one game progressing post pe day once again! Thanks for your patience, everyone.

Are you back, Soval, or do you still need to be NPC'd?

Well, both actually. I will keep track and announce when advancement is available, but it would be helpful if you tracked XP in your profile, too.

At Walthus' words, the group seems to deflate a bit. They lower their weapons and their eyes. "All right. Go on, then. We won' stop yeh," the older man says. He heads towards the exit and the mob follows, shooting venomous looks at Kendra, who stands defiant and proud.

A portly, sour-looking man who is attending the funeral stops the leader. You can overhear him say sternly, "What were you thinking? I am of half a mind to report this behavior to the sheriff. Now, be off!" The group hastily obeys.

"Now that those ignorant thugs are gone, we may continue," Kendra says, turning back up the road.

You are all awarded 100XP for the successful deescalation. You have also earned 1 Trust Point, which we will discuss later.

The procession continues to the plot prepared for the Professor. Father Grimburrow motions towards the hole in the ground and the two gravediggers help lower the coffin into the ground gently.

Once that is complete, Grimburrow recites a simple prayer commending the Professor's soul to Pharasma and addresses the crowd. "Today we are reminded that even in the fullness of life we are moving ever closer to the embrace of our Lady Pharasma. The dear professor, wise and kind, understood this. He conducted himself as if she would call him in the morning, yet he engaged in his activities as if she would not receive him for a thousand years. I am certain he would want all of us to emulate that life." Finishing his short sermon, he turns to Kendra and asks if she would like to say a few words.

Kendra fights back tears and briefly recounts a few of her father’s more courageous or self-less moments, thanking everyone once again for coming. She then invites anyone else to share a few stories or remembrances.

Please feel welcome to post a few remarks, and those who wish to use social skills may roll a Diplomacy or Perform check.

Sorry about yesterday, everyone. This will be a crazy time around the holidays. Just post as you're able and we'll pick things up in full-swing after Christmas.

Hey everyone, sorry for the delay. Posting may be a little erratic around the holidays.

Reusten, Lomar, Dmitri and Soval take their place around the coffin, and Walthus and Nadiya fall behind with the five townsfolk in attendance. Assured that the coffin is ready to be moved, Kendra moves to lead the procession. She addresses the group, "I will lead us along the Dreamwake to my father's final resting place. Father Grimburrow is already at the site of the burial. He will say a few words and then you will all have an opportunity to share as well, if you so choose. I am grateful that you are all here and I'm certain my father would be as well. Let us finish this sad business, now." She wipes the tears, which are falling freely, from her face and turns up the road.

The group slowly proceeds up the gravel path. As you round a corner, you are greeted by a small mob of a dozen people. They are planted firmly in the middle of the path, clearly intending to block your path. The tallest of these, is an elderly but wiry man. He speaks as soon as you're in sight. "That’s far enough. We been talking, and we don’t want Lorrimor buried in the Restlands. You can take him upriver and bury him there if you want, but he ain’t goin’ in the ground here!”

Kendra is swift to respond, her sadness swiftly transforming into anger. “What are you talking about?” she cries out. “I arranged it with Father Grimburrow. He’s waiting for us!"

You are free to respond and try to talk some sense into these thugs. The first to reply needs to roll a diplomacy check. Anybody else who wants to weigh in can aid the first PC or attempt a check of their own. If you prefer to act instead of talk, note that the four pallbearers have both hands full and will require a full-round action to set down the coffin.

I don't think the professor was a religious man.

Sorry for the delay everyone. Posting may be a bit erratic through the holidays. Bear with me - I'm not going anywhere!

At Novennia's words, the funeral ends. Father Grimburrow nods to the gravediggers, who begin shoveling the heavy dirt onto Lorrimor's coffin. The gathered group stands in silence for a few moments before turning their back on the grave. Kendra lingers a moment longer and then turns to the Ravengro guests, hugging each and thanking them for coming. They all leave without a word or glance towards your group.

Finally, Kendra approaches you six. Wiping the tears from her face, she says, "I would like to invite all of you back to my father's - well...my - home for a drink and the reading of my father's will. I'm not sure if you're aware, but you six were specifically named as benefactors of my father. He has instructed that you all must be present for the reading."

Assuming you all agree to go, you make your way to the Lorrimor residence, a modest home at the south of town. You pass through the town square on your way, again greeted by curious stares and silence from the town folk - who also ignore Kendra. You specifically notice one of the thugs from the graveyard, who quickly returns inside as you pass.

Upon arriving at the manor, Kendra says, "We must await the arrival of Councilman Hearthmount. He had some other matters to attend to, but promised to head this way posthaste. In the meantime, let us drink and get acquainted with one another." Kendra motions for you to follow her and settles you in what appears to be the home's library, as the walls are covered in shelves and books. It is well-appointed, with several comfortable chairs and couches, a large desk, and fully stocked liquor cabinet. She opens the cabinet and pours those who want one a drink. She perches on the desk and says, "My father spoke highly of each of you, but I confess, I know little of how you were all connected. While we wait, would you mind terribly sharing how you were acquainted with my father?"

It is certain that the Professor would have spoken highly of his daughter - he cared for deeply and she was his only daughter. If you spent much time with the good Professor, you would have undoubtedly heard a story or two about Kendra.

The rest of the evening passes without incident or excitement. Retiring to your respective rooms, you all manage to sleep restfully and awake near the break of dawn. Coming downstairs for breakfast, you are greeted by the warm smell of fresh bread and klava - the local coffee. It is a simple breakfast, but satisfying. The room is completely empty, apart from the five other out-of-towners who have arrived for the funeral.

As you're all headed in the same direction, you decide to make your way to the graveyard for the ceremony together. On your way there, you notice eyes peeking from doorways and people hurrying back into their homes or shops before you approach - they are clearly wary of your odd-looking group.

After only a few minutes, you arrive at the Restlands. At the entrance you see a large, fine coffin, a small handful of people - including Jominda from the night before - and an attractive young woman with brown hair, wearing a simple black gown. She has clearly been crying, but as your group approaches, she puts on a smile. "Oh, good! You've all arrived. And together, even. He would be so pleased. He always spoke so highly of you all. But where are my manners? I am Kendra Lorrimor, Petros' daughter."

She moves to each of you, extending her hand in greeting and getting all of your names - though it is clear she recognized all of you from her father's stories of your travels or exploits together.

After meeting each of you, she asks the group, "Now, would any of you be so kind as to serve as pall-bearers for the coffin? It seems that we neglected to plan for that."

We need at least 4 people to serve as pall-bearers.

Hey everyone. Sorry for the lack of posts - it's been a crazy weekend. I'll get the game updated today.

Yes - sorry! Crazy weekend. I'll get the game updated today.

You go for it. I'll forget otherwise.

Yes and no. This a little meta-y, but the spirits will "speak" to your character, letting you know when it's appropriate to use the card you've received. You, as the players, are those spirits.

A quick word on spoilers: I know the temptation can often be too great to resist, but please avoid clicking spoilers that aren't intended for you. This is always true, but particularly so for this AP, as some of the fun comes from not knowing everything.

The older woman adorned in bright silk stands as Reusten approaches and greets him with a wide, toothy grin. "Ah, yes, I knew it would only be a matter of time before one of you spotted me. Please, return to your table with me." She moves past Reusten and calls out Dmitri, "You there - half orc - stay but a moment."

Absently shuffling cards in her hands she approaches the table where you all sit and says, "Hello. Might I trouble you for a moment?" She continues without waiting for a reply. "The spirits speak loudly here. Yes. Very loudly. My steward and I - that's him over there in the corner - are simply passing through town. But it is no accident we have arrived on the same night as you fine travelers. I am being tasked by the spirits to provide each of you a card from my deck before your adventure begins. Let us start, shall we?"

Again, without waiting for a reply, she begins spreads the cards in her hands and extends them towards you all. It is clear you are supposed to draw one at random.

Each you may draw a card from the deck. This card may be played at any time during the adventure for an effect based upon the card selected. You may do what you like with the card - give it to another, destroy it, whatever.

To select your card, please roll 1d54 with the board roller.

Jominda turns back to the table. "I mean the gargoyle crushed his head." Her discomfort appears to switch to annoyance. "I don't know who found him, but his own daughter identified him. What are you getting, young man?"

No worries. Just post as you're able. Thanks for letting us know, though.

"You haven't heard?" Jominda begins. "It was awful. He was exploring...and...well...he was crushed. A large gargoyle fell on him, crushing and killing him. Apparently, he was nearly unrecognizable."

She stops herself and begins to shift uncomfortably. "I am sorry. I...should have stayed over there. I...I don't know you. See you in the morning." She nods to the group and heads back to her table.

Jominda Fallenbridge, whom some of you recognize from the night previous, steps the edge of the grave, looks in and says, "You were kind, brave and misunderstood. I am grateful for the hours of conversation you shared with me, the knowledge you poured into me and," she chuckles a little, "the alchemical secrets you imparted. I will miss you." She steps back and moves to Kendra's side.

At the offering of the toast to Lorrimor, a woman stands and proclaims, "To Professor Lorrimor!" She hesitantly approaches the table, mug in hand. The people at the table she abandoned look at her in near disbelief. "Hello. I am Jominda Fallenbridge, and I was a friend of the late professor. I am glad there are some who have traveled here to pay their respects."

I'd rather not mess with the trait bonuses. There may still be times when having a higher init will come in handy, so the bonus isn't completely wasted.

And you all know nothing of the nature of his death. You simply know that he died while on one of his academic excursions.

The spell and the archetype sound good to me.

I think we're squared away and ready to go on everyone's character sheets now. Head over to the gameplay thread and let's get this thing going!

Ah, I was looking at the Dervish Dancer in Ultimate Combat. I think that's fine - just bump up your strength to 8 so it doesn't feel like you're min-maxing and we'll be good.

No worries at all. It looks like it's still a work in progress. I'd prefer strength at 8, as that's still a dump stat, but not as bad.

I didn't know the archetype added that feat - where do you see that? I haven't studied Ultimate Combat too closely, so it's entirely possible that I'm missing it.

And your gold is correct. I had you started out at 80 gold by accident. My bad.

At Sheldon's word, the group seems to deflate a bit. Teagan's speech seems to completely sap their spirit. They lower their weapons and their eyes. "All right. Go on, then. We won' stop yeh," the older man says. He heads towards the exit and the mob follows, shooting venomous looks at Kendra, who stands defiant and proud.

A portly, sour-looking man who is attending the funeral stops the leader. You can overhear him say sternly, "What were you thinking? I am of half a mind to report this behavior to the sheriff. Now, be off!" The group hastily obeys.

"Now that those ignorant thugs are gone, we may continue," Kendra says, turning back up the road.

You are all awarded 100XP for the successful deescalation. You have also earned 1 Trust Point, which we will discuss later.

The procession continues to the plot prepared for the Professor. Father Grimburrow motions towards the hole in the ground and the two gravediggers help lower the coffin into the ground gently.

Once that is complete, Grimburrow recites a simple prayer commending the Professor's soul to Pharasma and addresses the crowd. "Today we are reminded that even in the fullness of life we are moving ever closer to the embrace of our Lady Pharasma. The dear professor, wise and kind, understood this. He conducted himself as if she would call him in the morning, yet he engaged in his activities as if she would not receive him for a thousand years. I am certain he would want all of us to emulate that life." Finishing his short sermon, he turns to Kendra and asks if she would like to say a few words.

Kendra fights back tears and briefly recounts a few of her father’s more courageous or self-less moments, thanking everyone once again for coming. She then invites anyone else to share a few stories or remembrances.

Please feel welcome to post a few remarks, and those who wish to 'use' social skills may roll a Diplomacy or Perform check.

All right. I've reviewed your sheet, Walthus. I have a couple of questions:

You've definitely dumped a couple of stats. The 6 strength gives me some pause - I'm not a stickler for encumbrance, but you're not going to be able to move with the gear you have listed. Can you balance things out a bit?

I know you're still finishing things up, but it looks as if you've spent more money than you should have - did you take the rich parents trait?

Are you taking the weapon finesse feat?

I prefer bold for speech and italics for thoughts. If you need to out-of-character, use the [ooc] tag, but try to keep most of that in this thread.

I've reviewed every character sheet excluding Walthus'. I only have one question for Nadiya:
Which spell are you boosting with "Inspired by Greatness"?

I'll review Walthus' sheet after lunch.

Not everyone needs to be connected. If it's not natural, we don't need to force it.

It appears that Common, Skald and Varisian are the prevalent languages spoken in Ustalav. I don't want to ruin the AP by suggesting any others.

@Lomar: I think your barony could be in or near Ardis or in the county of Caliphas. For more information on these areas you should check out the Rule of Fear supplement - it has some great info on Ustalav.

I'll be checking your character sheets and will let you know if I find anything questionable.

You can all go ahead and post in the in-game thread even before your sheets are approved. No rolls are necessary until requested.

As the four take their place around the coffin, Teagan moves to the front and Novennia falls behind with the five townsfolk in attendance. Assured that the coffin is ready to be moved, Kendra moves to lead the procession. She addresses the group, "I will lead us along the Dreamwake to my father's final resting place. Father Grimburrow is already at the site of the burial. He will say a few words and then you will all have an opportunity to share as well, if you so choose. I am grateful that you are all here and I'm certain my father would be as well. Let us finish this sad business, now." She wipes the tears, which are falling freely, from her face and turns up the road.

The group slowly proceeds up the gravel path. As you round a corner, you are greeted by a small mob of a dozen people. They are planted firmly in the middle of the path, clearly intending to block your path. The tallest of these, is an elderly but wiry man. He speaks as soon as you're in sight. "That’s far enough. We been talking, and we don’t want Lorrimor buried in the Restlands. You can take him upriver and bury him there if you want, but he ain’t goin’ in the ground here!”

Kendra is swift to respond, her sadness swiftly transforming into anger. “What are you talking about?” she cries out. “I arranged it with Father Grimburrow. He’s waiting for us!"

You are free to respond and try to talk some sense into these thugs. The first to reply needs to roll a diplomacy check. Anybody else who wants to weigh in can aid the first PC or attempt a check of their own. If you prefer to act instead of talk, note that the four pallbearers have both hands full and will require a full-round action to set down the coffin.

Sorry for spoiling that, Lomar. I didn't think about that. I'm sure, though, our players can separate player and character knowledge.

Walthus, the team needs a trap finder and disabler. And, maybe, a locksmith. That said, this isn't the most optimized party ever (which I like and picked intentionally) so if you don't have those skills represented, that's not unreasonable.

Your characters do not know they've been named in the will. They are simply attending the funeral of their dear friend. Along these lines, it's likely that you wouldn't have a ton of adventuring gear if you're character isn't an adventurer by trade. Your character doesn't know they're participating in an Adventure Path - he/she simply thinks they're traveling to pay their respects. But, you don't need tents/bedrolls. You're traveling to a village and you're staying indoors. Unless your character prefers sleeping outdoors.

As for the weather, It is towards the end of Pharast - early spring - in Ustalav. It rains almost constantly and the chill of winter is still gripping the region, making the weather unseasonably cool. The residents of Ravengro don't seem to notice or mind the weather - much like the rest of their lives, they approach it with a shrug and quiet determinism.

It is evening in Ravengro - the evening before Professor Petros Lorrimor's funeral. It is a dark, cloudy night, but the air is warm and the rain has mercifully ceased.

Not that you minded the rain too much, as you've found solace at The Outward Inn, a small but pleasant hostel positioned with several other buildings around the town square. It's relatively full at the moment, with many people gathered in the basement tavern for a drink and a meal. It's clear that they know each other as they sit huddled in small groups, laughing, whispering and very clearly behaving as if they're uninterested in including others.

The inn's owner, Sarianna Vai, and her serving maid, Sarai, scurries around, keeping mugs filled and patrons happy. You can overhear them talking about this being the first time in recent memory that rooms upstairs have been occupied.

A young man sits in the corner and begins playing a mournful, but pleasant tune on a lute. His baritone voice softly fills the room with songs the locals obviously know, as they chime in frequently.

In one corner there is an older woman wearing bright silk clothing mindlessly shuffling cards. She is accompanied by a bored-looking younger man with dark hair and eyebrows.

Ok - time to introduce yourselves to one another. Some of you may have been here for days, others just arriving. It's clear the locals want very little to do with you, so you five might naturally gravitate towards one another - seeing as how you're the only five non-humans in the room. Or not. Your decision.

I love it. I think we can assume you went your separate ways after that and haven't seen one another since.

The final party has been selected. It is as follows:
Reusten van der Zicht - Inquisitor
Soval Eieros - Monk
Dmitri "Darkeye" Kuznetsov - Fighter
Walthus Harrow - Not Sure (some type of skill monkey)
Lomar Sildrake - Warlock/Sorcerer
Nadiya - Witch

Hopefully the others will check in and post soon. Please finish up your character sheets, let me know when they're done and head over to the gameplay post under the tab above to get started fleshing out character's voice and personality and meet the rest of the team in-character.

I have made my final decision. Great applications once again. And, once again, I have selected six players. I'm a glutton for characters.

The Chosen
Reusten van der Zicht
Soval Eieros
Dmitri "Darkeye" Kuznetsov
Walthus Harrow
Lomar Sildrake
Nadiya

Those selected need to head over to the Discussion Board and complete their character sheets.

Thanks again to all who applied!

Ghorum, we need to hear from you by end of day tomorrow (Central Standard Time). Let us know if you're still around.

The rest of the evening passes without incident or excitement. You all manage to sleep restfully and awake near the break of dawn. Coming downstairs for breakfast, you are greeted by the warm smell of fresh bread and klava - the local coffee. It is a simple breakfast, but satisfying. The room is completely empty, apart from the five other out-of-towners who have arrived for the funeral.

As you're all headed in the same direction, you decide to make your way to the graveyard for the ceremony together. On your way there, you notice eyes peeking from doorways and people hurrying back into their homes or shops before you approach - they are clearly wary of your odd-looking group.

After only a few minutes, you arrive at the Restlands. At the entrance you see a large, fine coffin, a small handful of people and an attractive young woman with brown hair, wearing a simple black gown. She has clearly been crying, but as your group approaches, she puts on a smile. "Oh, good! You've all arrived. And together, even. He would be so pleased. He always spoke so highly of you all. But where are my manners? I am Kendra Lorrimor, Petros' daughter."

She moves to each of you, extending her hand in greeting and getting all of your names - though it is clear she recognized most of you, struggling only with which dwarf was which.

After meeting each of you, she asks the group, "Now, would any of you be so kind as to serve as pall-bearers for the coffin? This may prove difficult as you're all of different…stature. But I'm sure you can manage."

We need at least 4 people to serve as pall-bearers.

I should clarify that there are still two slots open and I haven't made my final decision for those last two slots. There are some solid applicants, so I am prepared to make the final selections today if there aren't any other applications.

I love creating character connections. Reusten, do you have any thoughts?

Alright. I think there are enough solid applicants that I can make my decision. I've made my next selection, so there are only two slots left.

The Chosen
Reusten van der Zicht
Soval Eieros
Dmitri "Darkeye" Kuznetsov

Please head to the Discussion Thread and finish up your character sheet.

Keep the applications coming, everyone!

Doh. Sorry about that. I'm (foolishly) starting another CC campaign, and I needed to distinguish between them.

Kolgrym, Drugrosh and Ghorum - you still with us?

I hope not. I changed the name of the campaign, which may have broken some peoples' bookmark to the page.

Kolgrym did mention that Mondays were busy for him, so hopefully that's all it is.

I have made my first two selections. These two players may report to the discussion thread and flesh out their characters.

I'm posting these first two, as I want to help curb the influx of submissions in the appropriate direction.

The First Two
Reusten van der Zicht - Human Inquisitor
Soval - Human Monk

If you've applied with an Inquisitor or a monk, note that those roles are filled. I do want you to apply with another concept, though. Based upon these two selections, I will likely be picking a party of five, rather than just four.

Hello, everyone! Congratulations for being selected for this adventure. If you haven't already, please complete your character sheets using the character creation criteria below. Please complete this by end of day Thursday, so we can start the adventure. Or sooner, if possible.

Character Creation
1) 20-Point Buy, 1st Level
2) Core races only

3) Three traits. It is required that you pick one from the campaign traits.

4) No evil characters. 

5) Max HP at first level (roll or average thereafter).
6) Max starting gold
7) Archetype stacking is allowed, assuming the bonuses don't overlap.

I'll wait to set up the game thread, so you can all have time to flesh out and finish your characters. Please let me know when you've got those ready.

The More You Know
I like to have fun and err on the side of fun over rules. This is usually in your favor, so if you show creativity, we may be able to avoid a dreaded dice roll (the dice roller on this board often hates my players).

I am going to be using the in-fashion "Step Advancement System" that was sweeping the boards like wildfire. However, in the first level, you won't be able to take the HP bonus as a step reward. That totally throws the balance off of the early game and you already have a large party as it is. Once you actually reach level 2, you make take any of the four rewards whenever you like.

I will roll initiative and use your passive perception for you when necessary. This speeds up the game considerably (so please include your initiative and perception scores high on your character sheet). If you wish to make an active perception check, please state so and roll the dice. If I don't want to use your roll (or if it's stupidly low) I will simply reject it. Your group initiative will be averaged and then you or the enemy will move first, depending upon whose is highest. This may inspire you to change feats or traits, as individual initiative is less important than in a normal game.

When doing a skill check, go ahead and state what skill you're using and roll the dice. Again, I might reject your roll if it is unnecessary, but it speeds thing up if I don't have to ask for it.

Let me know if you have any questions and when your character sheet is ready for review.

I'm looking forward to getting started!

Thanks for the submissions everyone.

Now, for those who have already applied and for those applications that forthcoming, please include what you envision your role will be mechanically. You don't need to do this in-character, unless you just want to. This is required to be considered for selection.

Also, here's the list of applicants thus far. Let me know if I've missed anyone. (Good to see all the monk submissions!)

Current Applicants
Gwyndle - Gnome Arcane Duelist Bard
Baruk - Orc (or Half-Orc) Monk
Azubah - Human Oracle of Bones
Kelgar Ironhand - Dwarven Battle Cleric
Reusten van der Zicht - Human Inquisitor
Zar'tan Vische - Human Magus
Kayela Rest Bringer - Human Oracle
Dante Graustark - Human Fighter
Bricker Longfellow - Halfling Rogue Cleric
Iesha Moonlight - Half-Elf Cleric
Razida Duivel - Human Gunslinger
Nornan - Human Barbarian
Soval - Human Monk