Guys, I apologize for my lack of posting this week. This is due to two real-life issues.
First, the insurance company decided to total my car after the accident, so I have suddenly found myself used-car shopping...a process that I hate. But it's necessary, and it's taken a lot of my extra time these past few days.
Second, my mother-in-law 'appropriated' our laptop, which is the main computer that I use for online access. Don't ask. The best thing I can say about that is that the computer is back now.
Anyway, I'll get back in the swing of things soon. In any case, it is more important that you all are talking to one another right now, moreso than the NPCs. You guys need to get yourselves all introduced to one another and assembled into an adventuring party so we can get you into the dungeon. There has been some nice interplay already, so let's get everyone in on that.
~Donna give a big grin at everyone's reaction, enjoying the crowds reaction~ Ok. One or two more songs, then I must get washed up. ~She then sings a few more tunes that she thinks that everyone would like (Perform Sing and Lute Rolls of 20 and 17)~
As with her first performance, Donna truly wins the crowd over with her deft skill on the lute strings, in combination with her melodious voice. As she retires to wash up, she leaves the common room of the Lost Shepherd ringing with shouts of praise and offers to buy her drinks.
Well, I was finally able to get the IC thread rolling again, sorry it took so long. Posting should be more regular from here on out. Keep on talking and role-playing, you're off to good starts.
Dave, you can go ahead and introduce Bella into the mix when you're able. We'll get the last character sheet issues worked out in the coming days, but please get in on the role-playing fun.
~Donna looks around, trying to get a feel for the crowd (Sense motive check of 14), then after getting the feel for the crowd, she sets her pack out and strings up her lute while humming softly to her self. After that, she breaks into a song that is appropriate to the crowd. (Perform - Sing = 25 and Perform - Lute = 18) After her performance, she looks at Juddelo and grins~ Did I pass?
Sense Motive check: The crowd is mostly ordinary citizens of the town, stopping off for a quick bite or tankard with friends. Donna judges that a fun, rollicking tune would be in order for the taproom.
Donna tunes up her instrument, then launches into a spirited rendition of "The Maid in the Meadow" that abruptly causes every voice to cease talking and every eye to be drawn to the young bard.
When the song comes to an end, the people of Brindenford erupt into claps and shouts of acclaim. "More, more!" and "Sure beats old Judd's caterwaul, that's sure!"
Juddelo stands speechless and slackjawed for a moment before he finds his voice. "Well now...I'm not the owner of the Lost Shepherd, so I can't exactly offer you steady work or the like. But, the least I can do is buy a round of drinks for the house! The Shepherd's not heard a voice like that in so long as I can remember. Well done, lass!"
~Donna grimaces at Nevil's comments~ And on that note, I think I will go get cleaned up. Master Juddelo, would you like me to perform some of my music after I get cleaned up?
"It would be an honor and a pleasure, if you please," answers Juddelo with a smile.
"Actually 9 out of 10 healers recognize that drinking on a empty stomach leads to ulcers, muscle atrophy and heart disease...uhm...sorry for interrupting...never mind...".
"Hmmp, it's amazing what some people pass of as fact. Civilization is the cause of ulcers and lack of work and exercise lead to muscle atropy and heart disease." Arent confirms in his oh-so-knowledgable and unapologetic way.
"Come and sit with me, maybe if we bunch up service will be a bit quicker." Arent waves a hand over the open chairs at his table.
As several of the newcomers gather at the table with Arent, Juddelo calls out, Well, let's get you some better service then, if you're going to sit for a while. TARAN!" he hollers in a voice that seems too loud for his small frame.
From the back room, a young woman come out to serve the group. She is just on the pretty side of plain, with long brown hair in a ponytail and a clean white apron over her simple dress. She smiles warmly, and says, "Hello, I'm Taran. Can I bring you anything?
"Just ale for me, barkeep," says an older, gruff-looking man. "I don't like to eat before I drink. They say that's bad for your health."
"You look healthy enough to me, yessir." Juddelo thrusts a mug of ale into Sol's weathered hand. "But, if the old stout's what keeps you in good health, who am I to argue? Four coppers for the cup."
Dressed in the black and red vestments of Gorum the god of war, a greatsword strapped high on his back Nevil heads to the Lost Shepherd, suggested to him by the gate guards.
Nevil steps into the Lost Shepherd pulling a small brush from a hidden pocket inside of his robe’s sleeve and brushes away dust accumulated from travel. Nevil approaches the cleanest looking table and sits and addresses the others seated, "Blessing of Gorum be with you", waves over a barmaid, "a flagon of water and vegetable stew please".
"Well now, we've got an interesting one here, don't we?" Juddelo gives Nevil an appraising glance up and down. "I don't think I've quite seem the likes of you around here...and I've seen a lot of fanciful folk pass through on their way to the old ruins. Just what you've got in mind too, if I don't miss my guess. And, I'd say you're not the only one. But let's see now, water and vegetables. It's not stew as such, but we've got some carrots and turnips roasted up with sage and thyme. Will that serve?"
"Howdy, traveler ..." comes a small voice. Strak pries his eyes away from the depths of the room looks down and says to the halfling, "Such comfort! Such warmth! Do you have any food?"
Strak does not notice the nervous titters from the bars other patrons as he lays down his pack and weapons on the floor nearby.
"What, this old place?" Juddelo the barkeep asks with a laugh. "The Lost Shepherd, she's nothing as fancy as that. Still, we try to keep it comfortable enough. As for food, we've got it in plenty." Juddelo repeats the menu that he had just stated for Arent.
Arent has been on the road for sometime, but even though he dislikes the trappings of civilization, the decay of Brindenford brings him some comfort. He trods heavily up the steps into the Lost Shepard. His tired eyes, and worn face make him seem much older that his is. He nods and grunts to the halfling running the bar and trudges over to a spot by the window.
" 'keep, what you have for food and drink."
The barkeep gives a welcoming nod in return. "We have good stout ale, nothing fancy, but it serves the purpose. Wine by the pitcher, whiskey by the shot. As for food, we've got lamb stew, some fresh-baked bread, bacon in the pan, and vegetables roasted with sage and thyme. Any of that suit your taste?"
Good day, my friend. I am a wanderer who has come to this place in search of some drink and perhaps some food. I am also a talented musician. If you are in need, perhaps I can provide some entertainment for the patrons.
The halfling gives Donna a friendly smile. "Welcome, wanderer! I'm Juddelo. Food and drink we have in plenty. As for your music, well, there's talent...and then there's talent. Perhaps a demonstration would be in order? The folk around here are used to hearing my sultry voice, perhaps a change would do some good."
Donna is a slight human female, standing at five foot three inches tall. She has her long blond hair tied in a pony tail and she is wearing traveling clothes that look in good shape. Her blue eyes lazily travel across the room, taking in the goings on and checking out who is there while being unobtrusive about the examination.
Donna notes a dwarf at the bar who entered just ahead of her [Rurik]. There are also several common townsfolk scattered throughout the taproom, enjoying mugs of ale and plates of food while they chat amongst themselves. In one corner sits a dwarf with a dirty gray beard who wears an old hauberk of banded mail. He raises his eyes to look towards the bar, then returns to his mug of ale.
A thin dwarf with dirty blond hair walks up to the bar wearing a thick gray cloak. He sits down and taps on the bar before saying softly "I'll take an ale." As he waits, he takes a silver coin and begins flipping it and catching it before it lands.
"Sure, friend!" the halfling exclaims with a friendly smile that accentuates his gold tooth. "The name's Juddelo Green. Welcome to Brindenford. Four coppers for the mug." Juddelo slides a cup of ale towards Rurik.
Guys, my apologies, but work just kicked my butt today. I think I'm still feeling some effects from the accident. I'm too worn out to post IC now, but I will definitely do so over the weekend. Right now, off to sleep.
Good deal, JZ! I'm off to work now, but I'll have a look at Sol tonight when I get home. Everyone can expect that is when I'll have a new update IC, also. Thanks!
Dave, in anticipation of working out the last couple bugs...
Bella's Rumor:
The infamous Mages Four controlled all of the dungeon at one time, using it for their strange experiments and to house their otherworldly allies and servitors.
Oh, go ahead Wyrm, lay it on me. The sooner Bella is fixed the better.
My mother's doing better, she can speak just fine and can think clearly for the most part. She's just having some minor troubles with movement at the moment, mainly on the left side of her body. So I'm freed up a bit. But not completely.
Hope you're feeling better too. =]
Dave, I'm glad to hear that your mother is doing better! As for me, I'm doing fine physically. What's really stressful about all of this is the hassle of dealing with insurance companies, trying to get my car repaired, restitution for my lost hours at work, rental car...you name it. Anyway, it actually helps to be getting a new game off the ground here, because it helps me relax and get my mind off of all that.
So, Bella's sheet...
Bella:
Actually, let's just start with the ability scores. As currently configured, I calculate that she has a 22 point buy...two points too high. Since so many other aspects of the sheet depend on the ability scores, let's just address that first. Can you have a second look please?
And, we're live gentlemen! Nevil, Arent, Strak, Donna, and Rurik are ready to make their appearances at the Lost Shepherd. Go ahead and role-play each entrance, and start getting acquainted. If you would, in your first post, please include a physical description that describes what the others will see when laying eyes on your character for the first time.
The sign over the front door shows a shepherd with a crooked staff but no sheep. This must be The Lost Shepherd Inn! The word on the street is that there are three taverns in Brindenford, but this is the one that appeals to those interested in exploring the ruins and dangers of the nearby dungeon. If you are to find others of like mind to aid in the expedition to the fabled Delve, this must be the right place.
Inside, the building’s great age cannot be concealed by the frequent obvious repairs, and so the interior is drafty and dusty. But, fires in multiple fireplaces keep the place comfortably warm. The taproom is large and comfortable, with a high-placed loft above the door offering additional seating. A wide staircase in the back corner leads from the loft up to the second and third stories.
As you enter, a middle-aged halfling, his black hair only just starting to gray, calls a greeting from behind the bar. "Howdy, traveler! Welcome to the Lost Shepherd." The halfling's wide smile reveals a gold tooth that gleams in the firelight.
In the middle of an area now known as the Fallen Duchy, the environs of Dragon's Delve include many overgrown (and sometimes forgotten) ruins. The Duchy of Chordille fell almost 100 years ago, and compared to those happier days, the region now lays as an almost uninhabited wilderness.
At the center of the Fallen Duchy lie the ruins of Chordille Keep (which itself provides entrance to Dragon's Delve). This ruin offers no intact structures--only vine-grasped piles of stones, overgrown outlines of foundations, and the furtive hint of walls and arches. The entrance to the dungeon itself is little more than an twenty-foot wide open pit with an exposed stone stair that descends into darkness. Various explorers and treasure seekers have left the entrance well-cleared. Likewise, the observant adventurer may notice the remnants of cooking fires and other signs that previous delvers have made camp near this pit.
Chordille Keep rests atop a long, gentle hill known as Bryson's Look. The area grows thick with silver maples, boxelders, and the occasional firethorn. At the north end of Bryson's Look, near the mighty River Turant, lies Brindenford. This small town offers a few amenities to those looking to risk the dangers of Dragon's Delve thanks to its minor importance in trade. Brindenford rests at a major crossing of the Turant for the Queen's Road, upon which travel caravans laden with the spices and salt traveling to the west and those bearing wool and iron goods to the east. Likewise, loggers from the north use the Turant to send wood down to the mills to the south, and Brindenford offers a landing for this process as well.
Currently, the town remains independent, as no authority higher than its lord mayor claims the wilderness in which it carefully nestles. Technically, the entire region falls under the rule of High King Rudik in faraway Kelmanosh, but even his vaunted tax collectors do not venture this far west. With trade once again increasing, however, this may change in the near future.
Brindenford lies approximately two miles from the ruins of Chordille Keep. Most folk of the town know better than to go there, fearing the very real tales of orcs and goblins lurking there, and the more fanciful (but still possibly true) tales of evil spirits and curses that haunt that sad place. Still, one can't spend an evening in the taproom of the Lost Shepherd Inn, chat with the locals in the hiring hall, or sit with the fishermen on the dock as they complain about the loggers without hearing a rumor or legend about the mysteries that lie within Dragon's Delve.
Dave, I started to have a look at Bella's character sheet, and noted some discrepancies...but then I figured, you've got enough happening right now, you don't need me laying that on you. In the grand scheme of things, it's just not that important.
Please do just let me know when you're ready, and we'll talk more about Bella's character sheet then. No rush though.
He's looking good, Mark. I still don't see a line for hit points, so if you could just add that, he'll be great. In anticipation of that one last addition, here's his rumor.
Arent's Rumor:
Somewhere within the winding confines of Dragon's Delve lies a magical portal to the lost island of Khorant. No other means exists to reach this mysterious locale located somewhere on the Sea of Eternal Storms.
Sharoth, I looked over Donna's sheet next, here are my comments:
** spoiler omitted **
You were right. It is all fixed. Thanks for checking
Cool, Sharoth. I added Donna's stat block to the link under my alias. You can double check it if you want.
Here's her rumor!
Donna's Rumor:
A paladin named Baine Strongbow was slain in Brindenford by assassins after driving off a powerful spellcasting hag that lives in Dragon's Delve. His potent sword, Grace, was stolen and now lies somewhere in the dungeon.
Again, sorry for the delay. Life's been kickin' my butt. If I don't get something in within the next twelve hours, please continue without me.
Hey, it happens, man. I might just start the IC thread without ya, but if you can get something going before the group sets out to head into the dungeon, you can just be a little late to the party. I don't want to just give up on you, if you still are interested in playing.
Guys, if you check out my profile, you'll see that I have created a space for stat blocks for the PCs. This will just be a handy place that I can go to if I need to see everyone's basic numbers at once. Currently present are Arent, Rurik, Nevil, and Strak. Please have a look, guys, and make sure my numbers agree with yours.
I'll be checking the numbers on Bella's sheet tomorrow (don't worry about anything Dave, post when you can). Hopefully, also, JZ will be getting his fighter done soon. I expect that the IC thread should go live within the next day or two also.
I'm sorry it has taken me longer than expected to get the game started, but we are really close now.
Xabulba, Nevil's sheet is approved now. Accordingly, here is a rumor for him.
Nevil's Rumor:
Glarias, the Moon Goddess was once worshipped in the region, but now her followers have virtually disappeared. There is a magical pool in the dungeon once sacred to the Goddess but it is now cursed and poisonous.
Mark Gedak, I went over Arent. Here are my comments...
Arent's Sheet:
Actually, everything there looks pretty much on the money. However, there are some important pieces of info missing...notably, hit points, initiative, move speed, and Armor Class. Can you add in these missing things please?
Nah, I think it might be more fun if umber hulks are just some kind of beasties Strak has heard of, but actually knows little or nothing about.
As for your second question...I'm actually a horrible optimizer. I might recommend opening up this question to your fellow players. But, I will keep it in the back of my head, and if I see something particularly fitting, I will certainly let you know.
I'm sorry for the lack of information coming from me, but my mother has had a stroke and I've been busy caring for her since she came home from the hospital. Expect a finished background from me either later tonight or tomorrow morning.
Again, I apologize. =[
Wow, Dave! So sorry to hear that, it must be a very difficult time for you and your family.
Please don't worry about holding up this game during a time like this. Take your time, participate when you can. Your spot will be secure for you when you're ready and able.
Xabulba, I have next turned my eye upon Nevil. Here's what I see...
Nevil's sheet:
His Move should be 20', due to the heavy armor.
I am assuming he Channels Positive energy, so that he can heal his fellow party members. As a neutral aligned cleric, he could channel negative energy instead, but I don't really recommend that.
A couple of Skill discrepancies: I think Acrobatics should be -6, and Swim -11.
Finally, I don't think he would have proficiency with the Heavy Flail. It's a martial weapon, not a simple weapon.
Have a look at these points, please, and let me know what you think.
Hey guys, I'm finally getting a chance to go over some character sheets again! Hooray!
So, first up is Strak the Swift:
Strak's sheet:
Basilforth, you've done a great job here! Really, the only thing I can see missing is that you might want to make a note of the fact that Strak has 6 Rage Points, and if you want to summarize the stat changes he would undergo when raging, that would be helpful too. Otherwise, terrific job!
And, here's a Rumor for Strak:
Strak's rumor:
Within the dungeon lies an umber hulk king that seeks to raise an army and invade the lands above.
Basilforth, I actually agree with your line of reasoning in selecting CN as Strak's alignment. Your rationale for doing so is well thought out. Basically, as long as he can function as a cohesive member of the party with the other PCs, I have no problems here. It will be interesting to watch his character develop. Thanks!
Hey Boss! Would you like me to be from Brindenford? I was just wondering before I started my bio. Oh, I hope that things go better for you!
This will work better if none of the PCs are natives of Brindenford. This way, everybody gets to explore the mysteries of the town (as well of the dungeon) together. Everybody should be newly arrived in the town within the last day or two.
Donna Ravensong wrote:
~I walk into the tavern and looks around to see what is going on. Are there any card games going on? I then walk over to the bar and start to talk to the bartender, asking about how things are going and to see if they want me to provide some entertainment tonight.~
Couple comments here. First, it would be better to hold off on in-character intros until I can get a proper IC thread together. That way, everybody's on the same page. But, I appreciate the enthusiasm, Sharoth.
Second thing is, I really would prefer the IC narrative be written in third-person present tense.
So, "Donna walks into the tavern and looks around..."
NOT "Donna walked into the tavern" or "I walk into the tavern."
It's just me being a fussy DM, but that's my preference.
Today was sort of a recuperation day. I called off work, made some phone calls (insurance company, etc.) I had a lot of visitors, friends and family, which is nice. But, it also makes it hard to spend time looking over character sheets. Most of all, I just wanted to lay around because I'm pretty stiff and sore. So, sorry for the delay. But, I think I should be able to get back in the swing of things pretty soon.
Guys, I got in a car wreck tonight. I'm okay, but my car...not so much. Anyway, it kind of put a damper on my plans to check character sheets for tonight. I'll be on it soon, though. Hang tight. Thanks!
I do have a question, could all of the spells she cast be earth? Strictly? As in, Burning Hands wouldn't emit a cone of fire for 1d4 fire damage, it would emit a cone of sharp rocks and dirt for 1d4 acid (or blunt) damage. This would be a permanent change, either a benefit or hinderance depending on the situation, and all the effects of the spell would be the same. Just a different damage type and different asthetic aspect to it.
It's not that important, but I think it'd add a unique touch and it seems more appropriate for an earth bloodline sorceress.
It may test your creativity at times, Dave, but since you'll be using it as an opportunity for role-playing and characterization, I'm all for it. Roll with it!
Hey guys, if you click the link to my DM profile, you will see a link to a map of the town of Brindenford. There are lots of locations marked on the map, but for the moment, please mainly concern yourselves with Brindenford's inn, The Lost Shepherd. That's where the in-character action will commence.
I should mention that I intend to use my DM profile to be a handy reference point for maps, NPC descriptions, player handouts, and lots of other good stuff. I'll post here with a notification every time it gets updated.
Basilforth, you had me with Strak's b/g until I got to the end part about him being locked up in the town jail. The way Brindenford is set up on the website is as an important base of operations for the PCs. There might even be some elements of the Delve that are important to the town...and vice versa. ;) The point is that some things won't work as well if the party is a bunch of outlaws in trouble with the town authorities. Good relations are best.
Do you guys want to begin in the town Brindenford and role-play the formation of the party, or would you rather handwave all of that and start right at the dungeon's door?
No one's answered this question yet. Did you guys miss it, or does no one have an opinion either way?
I vote for starting in Brindenford. I expect to have my Barbarian drafted for your review later this evening. I assume that we post the details in our profile? Are we using the Character traits?
Xabulba plus you equals two votes for starting out in town. Sounds good to me, I'm all in favor of some quality role-playing to get things started (even if we will likely use the old trope 'you all meet at the local inn'.)
Yes, please put all the details for your character sheet in the alias' profile, so it's always just one click away for your grateful DM.
I'm going to say no traits for now. With 6 PCs made with Beta rules, you guys should be powerful enough as is to survive (for a little while, anyway).
Davi, I am satisfied with Rurik's sheet now. He's approved!
Here's a juicy rumor for ya....
Rurik's Rumor:
In some of the deepest reaches of Dragon's Delve lies the Secret City, a place so ancient that Queen Ryssa's dwarves found it when they originally dug down to find the mystic stone that fell from the sky... and so bizarre that they fled when they discovered it.
Everyone, I wanted to take a moment to address the gods we will use in the game. Even though this game is using Pathfinder rules, it is not strictly set in Golarion, but rather a home-brewed setting. But, this is a very polytheistic world full of gods great and small. So, Rurik is a worshipper of Boccob, and Nevil reveres Gorum. Both are fine. There will be other gods introduced in the course of the game, and they will be new to you. I just wanted to address this point so there is no confusuion. Thanks!
