Haelvor Thawne's page

Haelvor shakes his head. "I ... I don't think so. But thanks to you all. I've sort of known this was coming, or believed it was, anyhow, for a while. I need to go back and put this behind me, I think. I ... er ... look forward to rejoining our little band. I had this new spear thing, I was looking forward to trying it out. Am looking forward, I mean."

He catches Shae's eye, and momentarily returns her gesture, with a forced show of confidence. I'll be all right, I think.

He looks at the deputy and nods, blinking quickly. The deputy picks up the books; Haelvor hefts his pack onto his back.

"Goodbye, my friends," he says. "I'm sure I'll be back soon."

And he turns to leave.

And the voices say: You won't be back. You'll be shut up in a dark place for a long time. Don't worry though; you'll have us for company in there. Oh yes you will.

The deputy opens the door and walks out. Haelvor, head down, follows him.

The door closes behind them.

I know Mawgrim still has some posting issues IRL, so there may be an ongoing delay. Haelvor had wandered in the direction of a bookstore.

Also appreciate it's the Labor Day long weekend for folks in the US.

"I seem to be carrying two weapons, just because some creatures react to different kinds of damage differently," Haelvor tells the shopkeeper. "Then I have to guess which type of creature I'll be facing. That's not so convenient and I think it could come back to bite me at some point, maybe literally. Any ideas?"

He shows the vendor the morningstar and spear. A few minutes later, happy with his exchange of his original weapons for a weighted spear, made from cold iron, he leaves the store, but still feeling at something of a loose end.

Feeling the remaining money burning a hole in his pocket, and in need of a mooch round a bookshop to calm his mind, he heads off in that very direction.

@GM - Re: spending, what is the sell-back %. I'm inclined to get rid of both spear and morningstar and get a weighted spear, which solves the problem of having to guess whether I need piercing or bludgeoning damage ...

Do we assume we can sell back at 100% of cost and buy at 20%, so long as we're not just trading the same item (and discounting our starting equipment for profit ...)?

Not sure I need anything else (crossbow for ranged emergencies?); open to advice.

PS: Haelvor's best purchase might be a Kindle.

Haelvor, left high and dry holding out his hand as Shaedeen changes the target of the money to Vanea, is confused by her last minute change of mind.

Why is she doing that? he thinks. I had thought ... Why would she want to humiliate me? To demonstrate control?

To show you your place. Had you forgotten?

He sheepishly returns his hand to his side and attempts an awkward smile as he follows the others in silence.

This is backing up a bit, reply to Shae's comment.

Haelvor considers Shae's words.

"I remember a book in the library at Magnimar. It's elven, very old. Its name in Common is, I think, The Light of the Past."

He takes a deep breath.

"It says this: that there are powerful forces, which will assail and oppose us - the fire, the storm, the flood, the shattering of the earth. And beyond even those, a darkness that awaits only the bravest. But it also says that if we work together, we may douse the fire, we may ride the storm, we can face the flood and we shall stand firm whenever the earth should break. And then, at the end, we may face the darkness in strength."

He smiles awkwardly, somewhat embarrassed to be speaking in this way.

"I'm sorry, I didn't translate it very well. But I think it means that together we are stronger, strong enough for anything. So, no, I'm not worried to walk with you. Because I think those words hold true."

He smiles again as he opens the door to the jeweller for her and then follows her inside.

And the voices within say: But, as you already know, you cannot douse the fire.

Haelvor reflects a second. "I'll come," he says. "It's funny, I feel I've lived here for ages now, weeks anyhow, but I have no idea where anything is except for the bookshop and the library."

"And," he almost stammers, going somewhat beyond the limits of his previous experience in small-talk, "You might try a buckler. I have one, look!" He holds up his left arm, quickly, almost punching himself accidentally. "It, er, doesn't get in the way of doing other things."

He stares at his own left arm, almost accusingly.

Inside, the voices have their own accusations.

What on earth are you doing? You're surrounded by at least five other people who could give better combat tips than you, including the person you're talking to! Why haven't you got the fire-jars from the cat-boy yet?

To be clear, I've had no problem with the placement, it's just that Shae's comments about me being the only guy in armour made me wonder why I wasn't further forward. Consequence in these surprise rounds is that even with a move and then a double move in the first round proper I have to wait for the enemy to come to me, pretty much.

Also I can't use cone of fire because by the time I'm in position I have more friendlies in the line of fire than enemies.

I think maybe outside a dungeon situation I should be at the front; inside I should be just behind whoever is dealing with traps, maybe Shae?

But that's a suggestion only.

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 I'm now inoculated against bad throws though.

Haelvor, who has been silent for some time (sorry about that) finally pipes up.

"Er, we, er, sorry, I might like the fires, if they were indeed available.

No issue on the coin. The fire would give me an emergency ranged option if necessary, and in character.

He turns to Shae.

"I'm not an experienced fighter. And I'm a bit slow in this armour, I think I'm still getting used to it. But I don't mind fighting. I think we've been working well at that. As a team. I think."

His voice tails off, not sure of how to maintain the conversation but feeling he has given it a shot.

At a meta level, Haelvor has 20ft movement in armour which isn't enough to engage quickly from a distance. The fire spells give him some ranged ability but it's not decisive and further delays engagement. I also seem to be being put at the back when starting positions are set on Roll20, which may reflect his character and team engagement but puts me at a disadvantage - maybe establish a marching order with Haelvor closer to the front?

Aid to Appraise: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Back now, and getting back up to speed, will just follow back to town.

Hi - flying back home tonight, end of vacation (unfortunately). Should pick up regular pace again from Wednesday, UK time.

Haelvor shakes his head. "I'm sorry. Just magic. And not wasp magic at that."

Haelvor looks at the elf, then back at Ratimir and Vanea.

"I'm sorry, I don't think we've all met. You already seem to know Madam Vanea and Master Ratimir. I'm Haelvor, this is Shaedeen, that's Serolt and his rather frightening companion is called Regin. If you need healing here and now, I can if you wish provide a spell which is less, um, controversial."

As for Vanea's proselmolestytizing (a term Shaedeen hereby coins in Vanea's (dis)honor) in general...Shae as a character and I as a player warily continue our "Wait and see" position.

In the UK (and I'm guessing, Australia), that's proselmolestytising. We hereby appropriate it for the Empire.

I spoke with GM offline (should emphasise this was after his post above. BTW I didn't raise the issue as, quite apart from anything else, I'm on vacation in a different timezone and was having breakfast when that post appeared), as a sideline since we were discussing one of the other campaigns we play (not Midgard). But kudos to the GM for doing so.

Think there are 3 issues:

1 - is this appropriate to the character - kind of up to the player.

2 - is this appropriate to the campaign - up to the GM. In another campaign I had a "cat person" player who insisted on all kinds of inappropriate stuff with "but that's what my character would do". It might have been (because, quite apart from anything else, he was a nut), but it spoiled things for the other players (and including the GM in this as a player, but it's also the GM's job to protect the campaign) and I eventually, after all kinds of warnings, booted him. And don't allow cat people (or fox people, or any other races that are likely to clean themselves via licking) in campaigns any more. Not saying this is directly comparable to this situation, just that "it's what my character would do" isn't the only consideration.

3 - the assumption that actions, once initiated, automatically complete. The player controlling a PC, or the GM controlling an NPC or scene, needs to have the opportunity to rebuff or react to what a PC tries to do. In this case, as the GM says, the NPC should have had the chance to react with horror, if that's what the NPC would do (or alternatively accept happily, but at least have the choice). If the PC then forces their attentions on the NPC, we're very quickly into all kinds of different territories. It's easy to get into this mode of "he/she did this to them" storytelling in PbP (and not necessarily a bad thing, since the better players are in my opinion the story tellers) but the GM needs to be allowed to decide whether an action which involves external actors or circumstances does indeed complete.

TL;DR - I'm with the GM on this.

Haelvor stares, first at the remains of the dead goblin ...

Should maybe have used the spear, less messy.

Should have used FIRE! Cleans itself up!

... and then at the "healing incident" with the elf.

Note to self: save at least one healing spell for yourself, the better to avoid the blessings of Calistria.

Haelvor skips to his left (5ft step, providing flanking) and swings his morningstar at the nearest goblin (warrior 2).

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 2 = 25
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Crit Damage, if applicable: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Hi - I have a slot available (maybe a couple) in my upcoming Midgard campaign, if anyone is interested. If so - please PM me.

My move resolves after Vanea. My plan is to take a 5 foot step to acquire flanking, but if Vanea moves that won't work. I'll wait for Vanea before posting, just in case she moves in the interim. Note this will put me between the goblin in question and Serolt, who resolves after me. Calling out to coordinate my intent with Vanea ...

Haelvor calls to Vanea. "Madam Vanea, perhaps if you remain the other side of this scoundrel we can confuse him?"

Haelvor - If you are able to take only a standard action on your turn, you can still charge, but you are only allowed to move up to your speed (instead of up to double your speed) and you cannot draw a weapon unless you possess the Quick Draw feat. You can't use this option unless you are restricted to taking only a standard action on your turn. From the PRD (link).

Ah, OK, sorry.

@Serolt: Charge is a full round action and I think we're in a surprise round?

Haelvor lets the voices forward, his eyes brightening with the oncoming flame.

Cast burning disarm on the goblin north west of the elf woman. DC14 Reflex save, save success = drops weapon no damage; save fail = 1d4 damage, + burning magic, 1hp for 1d4 rounds, unless fire is put out (DC14 reflex save, one chance per turn)

Haelvor frowns and rushes after the others.

At last! Burnburnburn! Let us through! shout the voices.

Haelvor unsheathes the morningstar.

"And there was a scream, I think"

He looks at the others, desperately waiting for one of them to give him a lead.

Haelvor is mystified by what's going on, having no tracking skill. Occasionally, he nervously pats at the weapon on his belt to check that he still has his morningstar, lest, when it gets to a point where he finally understands what's going on, it's too late to react.

Hi - we're shortly going on our annual family vacation, for 2 weeks. I believe I'll have Internet access throughout but will try to avoid getting too dragged into the computer. Will try to post once a day.

Haelvor, not a climber - or a tracker - by nature, elects to follow Vanea round to the other side of the wall, walking what he considers to be a respectful distance behind (and thereby avoiding an awkwardly intimidating conversation). When he arrives, he stands, silently transfixed, watching Vanea throwing back Serolt's lighted rock, wondering whether this is because Vanea has learnt this trick as an experienced adventurer or just because she is more than a little crazy.

There's an innocence, a basic joy, in acts of pure foolishness such as this. Perhaps it's a skill I should spend time to acquire.

Haelvor thinks to check the pack given him by Brodert Quink.

"There are rations here, for five days I think. Flint and steel, a bedroll, soap, water."

No books, though. I'll need something to read on the trip, surely?

"Is that the kind of thing?"

"And yes, I'd like to come, please."

Haelvor bites his lip. On one hand, he thinks, he should distance himself, and perhaps Serolt and Vanea, from the opening of the priestess' tomb. On the other, it would just further highlight the differences within the group. If the group were to fragment, collapse, where would that then leave him?

I don't recall those two being so keen on group solidarity, says one of the voices. They just assume that if they think it's right they'll do it.

Perhaps, he asserts. But they're my ticket out of this. Keep to my place. That's what all of you keep telling me anyway.

They'll be your ticket out of this, all right. They'll get you killed.

And there's Shae. Haelvor can't figure out what to make of Shae, or how to speak to her. One minute, there's the "I'm not from round here", big-eyed ingenue. But there's also the snarling anger that seems to simmer, barely hidden beneath the surface. Haelvor caught the pattern of her expression when he first remonstrated with, and then apologised only to, Ratimir. Her tone with him had perhaps been deliberately set to incur a response. But Ratimir had held out his hand. Haelvor had to react to the gesture, whatever he thought of it. Should he treat Ratimir and Shae as some kind of partnership, a group within the group? Communicate with them only as a pair? Was she the sidekick in training of the undoubtedly charismatic Varisian? He watches as Shaedeen finishes speaking and steps back once more to Ratimir's side.

His thoughts turn to the others, to the calm Serolt and the intimidatingly - almost overpoweringly so - sexualised Vanea. Were they some kind of alternative party? A silent majority? No, he senses. This was surely a one off decision. They would, most likely, take each decision on its merits. Serolt, at least, seemed to have a thread of earnest pragmatism written into his very core.

We hardly know one another, Haelvor - or at least something near to his main thread of thought - tells himself. I should try harder. Or this will just get worse. You think you know these people. You don't know them at all.

But the other voices persist, as they continue to orbit his consciousness.

Forget them, they whisper. Burn them all. Burn everything.

Fearfully, he pushes the thought away. And changes his mind. And speaks.

"The other sarcophagus. We needed to check it. We were concerned that the undead might have infested the area."

He pauses, doesn't look at the others, trying to conclude his apparent volte-face in a sensible way.

"There was another priest, I think, who died alongside Father Tobyn. My colleague believes his remains would be in the ossuary here. Do they also remain undisturbed?"

Haelvor, feeling somewhat foolish now, stares self-consciously at his feet.

"Thank you. I'm sorry for making a fuss," he says to Ratimir, head bowed.

His voices, however, have plenty to say.

Their game, their rules. You're meant to follow. You're meant to take orders. Just follow and keep quiet. Know your place!

A pack of cards is a better judge than you! How does that make you feel? His cards, his rules?

And one voice, breaking away from the rest, slight but sly and subtle, hovering as a bright pinpoint at the edge of his mind's eye:

Those cards. Do you think they might be flammable?

Haelvor stares at Ratimir.

Embers spark, spin and fire within. Tell him!

"You misunderstand me, I think. Perhaps you assume too much. My way of showing respect isn't "steering clear from graves altogether". My way of showing respect would have been to ask Father Zantus' permission. Out of respect. It might also have been to listen to your new friends. But I'll shake your hand, if you wish."

He shakes Ratimir's hand, unsmiling. Flames dance behind his eyes, then suddenly extinguish.

What did I just say?

Take it back! Take it back!

"I ... I'm sorry. I'm ... not myself. I understand. Fine."

He releases Ratimir's hand and steps back, avoiding the other's gaze.

Haelvor shakes his head and turns away.

That's not a compromise. They just went ahead and did what they wanted to do.

But he remains silent.

Haelvor finally speaks up.

"Then surely all we are doing is desecrating other tombs. I don't believe that is the right thing to do; if we think it absolutely necessary we should ask Father Zantus for his permission. His authority holds here, surely?"

Haelvor looks around. There must be something here, surely.

He whispers to his inner voices. Show me.

Detect Magic show anything?

To be honest I'd prefer the standard XP and levelling system. I'd rather just play and develop the characters rather than worry about progressing the crunch, and I'm not so worried about delays in levelling up.

If you need a spreadsheet to track the regular system against the AP scenarios I can send a version of the one I'm using for Iron Gods.

Haelvor nods. "And it occurs to me that Nualia - whether this is relevant or not, I don't know - was his adoptive daughter."

Bit of info I didn't manage to stuff into the previous post.

"I wonder whether it's significant that Tobyn's tomb was violated. What with the celebration and all. Did we pass the remains of the other priest, upstairs?"

@GM: The elves bit will be awkward - just call it out where relevant. If you fail to do so Haelvor will sulk, as he's obviously prone to do.

Haelvor purses his lips and sighs.

"Hmm. I'm not sure whether this is relevant, but I do know Tobyn's name. He was the High Priest who died the in conflagration that consumed the previous cathedral here. He, his daughter Nualia, a number of other citizens - all died in the fire. He was, by reputation, very much a priest of Desna, above all the other gods. Zantus, meanwhile, is far more willing to accept the pantheon."

"I wonder if it's possible to see when the tomb was violated. Perhaps someone more skilled than I am ...?"

Perception, aid other: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

+5 to the following if it's elf-related :-)

Haelvor tries hard to remember whether he's seen any reference to Father Tobyn in the libraries of either Sandpoint or Magnimar.

Know/History: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Know/Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Any skill check to ascertain how long since the tomb was raided?

Ah.

Noticing, but then deliberately ignoring, the strangely probing look from Serolt ...

Ah. I must - must! - try harder to hide my disappointment. The Gods know, I should have had enough practice by now. Gah!

... Haelvor clambers awkwardly into the contraption, and tries to look straight ahead, in a self-consciously, unsuccessfully nonchalant way, at nothing in particular so as not to catch Vanea's eye.

Please let it not stall. Please please please let it not stall.

Oh.

Haelvor blinks at Shaedeen's words. He hadn't expected to be put at the back. Haelvor stares balefully at the two Varisians as they start their descent.

Know/Arcana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Haelvor frowns. He should have recognised this robe, surely, from that book in ... no, it's gone.

Dammit!

"Let me know where you want me," he says to the others. "I'm still new at this."

@GM, minor thing but Haelvor gets +5 (i.e. +10 modifier) on elven related Knowledge checks. Since I don't know in advance whether they are indeed related ... I'm guessing not here but minor/gentle reminder for the future, if it ever applies.

Haelvor nods to Ratimir, noticing the Varisian's gaze land in the same place. "There seems to be something here. A black robe, human sized."

He reaches out to pick up the garment.

Haelvor draws the morningstar (sorry GM) and swings at the nearest skeleton.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 1 = 14
Damage, if that hits: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

grr.

OK, I'll delay till after Serolt's move and move into that space.

Haelvor waits for an opportunity to move into combat, draws his new morningstar and moves forward into the space vacated by Serolt.

surprise round so no further action.

I seem to be sitting at the back, I'd like to melee with morningstar; I assume Vanea will move for me? Otherwise if I move to the space north of Shae, can I melee from there or is the door in the way (and I assume this tree is merely a function of the illustration - btw I use the Paizo map pack for modular graveyards). I think those are my only routes in, given where Serolt is standing.

Haelvor, having donned his new armour, and carrying his new gear, follows quietly behind the group, his demeanour significantly lightened by the encounter with Master Quink.

"'Longshanks like us' - I assume, then, we're looking for more than goblins ... humans or similar, perhaps?" he ventures.

"I ... helped these people. Save other people."

"Master, I've asked if I may join them. They said yes. I ... am to be an adventurer, I think. I ... thank you. Thank you!"

He kneels, takes the gifts from the Master Quink and from the children.

"I shall not forget this, or you. I shall ... try to do good things. To make things better."

He bows, awkwardly.

The voices within are, for once, silenced.

Haelvor realises, with a sense of mounting panic, that of all the group he's least equipped to actually be an adventurer. Should I already have a longsword? he thinks. Where do I buy one? I wonder where I put that spear I found yesterday ...

More proof, whisper the voices, that you're not really cut out for this.

It didn't really make sense for Haelvor to start out with all the adventuring gear. Had a word with the GM and we will deftly choreograph his acquisition of it - just the stuff already in his profile.

Knowledge/Local: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Haelvor, who'd been distracted by looking out to see whether Master Quink was at the gameboard outside the bookstore, snaps back into the present as he recognises the woman. He taps Shaedeen on the shoulder and tries to give her a knowing look.

"I'm sorry, Miss Valzanar; it's just occurred to me I forgot to reply when you thanked me earlier for warning you about straying into that unwanted encounter yesterday. It was really rather rude of me. I really do apologise. And anyway, I'd hope you'd do the same for me."

He turns to the baker. "Mistress Avertin, how nice to see you, the pastries smell delicious. I wish we'd had that bread when we were having breakfast just a very very short time indeed ago. Most unfortunate."