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Thanks very much for doing those and the reporting. That was my first PBP and in spite of the contact issues, it was very fun and a great format. Gonna play a few more PBP before I start to GM, but I will. Thanks also to the players for making it fun. Hope to play with y'all again sometime. Heiliger / Nomadical
Heiliger approaches Kreighton Shane tentatively, his timid bearing here at distinct odds with how he acted out in the field. He hands over the few pages of notes he took, including the sketch of the mural of the Hunter slaying the serpent, which seems to bear more of a resemblance to a certain someone's grandfather slaying a dragon than perhaps it did in actuality. This feels like turning in an assignment at school, which I wasn't very good at. I took notes; I just hope they're adequate. "Sir, my friend Gribbl has touched on nearly everything we encountered. I would only add that there was a very large pit in the entrance to the caverns. If someone returns, they should be as prepared as our teammate was with his incredible folding bridge," he finishes, gesturing to Shef.
I also vote to let GM Redelia finish this off and issue chronicles. Thanks for offering to help with this. -Posted with Wayfinder
Heiliger gingerly steps off the log as gracefully as he can manage, which is to say, not at all. As his feet plop down in the mud alongside the stream, he heaves a sigh of relief and gives a silent prayer to Smiad that he didn't go swimming. He steps up alongside the others and listens to their reports, doubting he'll have much to add. "Janira, it is a great relief to see that you are well. We feared we would not get back to you in time. Hopefully the trip home will be less ... eventful." -Posted with Wayfinder
Stepping onto the slick log in his heavy armor, Heiliger hesitates and momentarily loses his footing. He shifts his feet as carefully as he can, but finds he can't make any progress. Looking down at Khoda, he tries to hide his fear of falling in with a joke. "A little help, my friend?" he says, not really expecting that the wolf can understand him. -Posted with Wayfinder
As Heiliger hustles forward, he passes Rook and claps him on the back. "Great shot, my friend!" Stopping just shy of the log, he throws his ammentum at the minotaur with all his might and a prayer to Smiad on his lips. I'm not sure if I could hit the broad side of a bull with a throw like that. Maybe being entangled in those sticky strands will help. -Posted with Wayfinder
Heiliger sprints forward as fast as he can in his bulky armor, hoping to assist little Janira. He draws one of his special javelins as he moves, and echoes Janira's words in a bellowed rallying cry, "VILE BEAST, INDEED, JANIRA! Hold fast, my friend, and Have Hope!" He lets the spirit of Hope wash over himself, and shares its benefits as he does with his good friend Shef and his team leader Janira.
"Aye, good Gribbl, I think we should let our pilgrim friend know what we've found. Perhaps he'll be more helpful now." Heiliger puts his javelin away as he heads back into the tunnels towards the central pool. Pausing, he looks back at his colleagues, "Um, someone knows the way back, yes?" -Posted with Wayfinder
"Gribbl, I doubt that I've convinced them. Talking to them first was your idea, so perhaps you can try, too. Please." -Posted with Wayfinder
Turning to his teammates, Heiliger lets them know in Common that the kobolds are not evil. "Perhaps we can negotiate a truce here?" Switching back to Draconic, Heiliger tries to express to the kobolds what the team's goals are without provoking the little ones. "Red Scale, we were sent here to map and explore these caverns. One thing we have found already is that there is an ancient holy site here still in use by peaceful pilgrims. While they would probably prefer that you abandon these tunnels, we understand that you are not here to spread evil. Perhaps if you were to remain only on that side of this underground river and promise on behalf of your tribe not to disrupt the holy site, that would relieve the pilgrims' fears and ensure that both they and you can continue to use these caverns peacefully."
Heiliger swiftly extends his holy protection to Rook and Khoda, then moves forward to the edge of the underground stream, while drawing one of his two unusual javelins. Reaching the stream, he takes a moment to concentrate on the nearer of the two small creatures, sensing whether it is evil. Since he speaks Draconic also (Paladin of the Dragon-Slayer god!), he understands that his friends are attempting to parlay with these creatures, and adds in that tongue, "Aye, little ones, we've no intent to harm you."
-Posted with Wayfinder
As the healing energy of the wand's spell washes over him, Heiliger takes a deep breath and feels the injury to his chest vanish. "Thank you so much, Avelbane," he says, twisting his torso a couple times to work out the last residual stiffness. "Are not Druids constrained to using only shields made of wood? Perhaps you could make the best use of this one we've found." And with that, he picks up the new found shield and presents it to her. "Well done friends, we've cleansed this tunnel of its evil filth. Onward and let us purge the western tunnel now." -Posted with Wayfinder
"You are certainly correct, good Gribbl. I will indeed pass on your arcane healing. And thank you for asking first!" -Posted with Wayfinder
Heiliger moves amongst his friends, checking to see who else is injured before approaching Avelbane and Khoda. Scratching Khoda lightly behind the ears, he asks Avelbane, "Do you think you could use the wand from Janira's pack that Gribbl gave you earlier? Rook is still injured, as am I, and you as well if I'm not mistaken. I'd hate to run into more of these, or something worse, and not be at our best." -Posted with Wayfinder
"VILE ABOMINATIONS! Back to the grave with you!" Heiliger shouts as he moves into the room. He quickly steps to the north while drawing his greatsword to engage the (red) zombie. As he does so, he allows his holy power to envelope himself and two of his allies: Shef and Rook. Shef and Rook were right behind me in the corridor, so if they don't act quickly, they might well get boxed in by these horrid things.
Upon reaching the (red) zombie, he swings his sword in a mighty arc, but at the last moment his grip shifts ever so slightly, and his attack goes wide.
"Thank you for your graciousness, good sir. We shall do our best to remove those who would desecrate these holy grounds, and will then promptly return your comrade's cloak. Turning to address his friends, Heiliger removes a copper coin from his pouch and rests on on his thumb. "If no one among us has a preference for one direction or the other, then ... heads to the East, tails to the West?" And with that he flips the coin into the air, letting it fall to the ground at Shef's feet.
"Ah, the face of ... um, well, I'm not sure whose face that is. But heads it is, so onward to the eastern tunnel then! Come friends, let us purge these caves of evil-doers and unholiness!"
Noting Rook's words and watching the gillman's eyes, Heiliger reaches one long arm out and draws Shef gently to his side. Shef is a Good man at heart, I'm sure he'll want to do the right thing by the original owner of his fine new cloak. Well, I think he would. Maybe.... Addressing the gillman with one hand resting calmly on Shef's shoulder, Heiliger politely continues his entreaties, "Good sir, we found this cloak at the bottom of a pit trap near the entrance. Does it belong to a colleague of yours? Can you could return it to its rightful owner?" Pausing briefly to gauge the pilgrim's reaction, he continues, "As I said earlier, we've been sent to learn about these caves, what's in them, and what the connection to you gillmen are. I understand your reticence in this holy place, but is there aught we can do to learn from you?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Heiliger replies to Shef in a whisper born out of awe and piety at the sense of holiness in the air. "Aye, Shef, but wouldn't it be odd for a man to own a pair of matching magical cloaks? Swords or daggers, sure, but still.... Perhaps another pilgrim to this sacred space lost it in the pit before our friend there arrived?" Out of simple respect, prayers and meditations should not be interrupted. But I fear we could miss our chance to learn what we must. And little Janira awaits us. Heiliger moves around the edge of the pool to a position where he can respectfully address the pilgrim to his face, rather than speaking to the back of his head. Holding his hands out in a gesture of peace, he raises his voice slightly - just enough to be heard while still keeping a reserved and reverent volume. "Good sir, we apologize for interrupting your devotions. Could we speak with you about this place and your activities here?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
"It looks very ... dashing ... on you, Shef," Heiliger comments with a twinkle of amusement in his eye at the antics of the young man. "I don't know anything about Gillmen, but Aroden was a god of Good. If their visits are related to him, then likely they are simple pilgrims. Though who knows what else these caverns hold...." he continues, looking toward the torch-lit tunnel leading deeper into the caves. "But if we're done here, shall we press onward, my friends?" -Posted with Wayfinder
As Heiliger approaches one of the murals to look at it closely, he hears Lukas begin to explain everything. That's excellent! I'm so lucky to have such well informed colleagues. This find is probably exactly what Janira would want us to write about in our notes. And with that he takes out his nearly empty notebook and scribbles some pictures and notes from Lukas' lecture. At least what he can remember and understand.... But Lukas, why would the gillmen come here? Do they still worship Aroden?
Clapping Shef on the back as he approaches the plank, Heiliger looks to make sure that Rook has the other end firmly steadied also before crossing slowly and deliberately. While crossing the bridge, his eyes fall upon the cloth at the bottom of the pit. Someone should check that out. I'll mention it on the other side. For now, focus, you big dummy. Left foot. Right foot....
Upon reaching the other side, he lets out the breath he didn't realize he was holding, in spite of having compete confidence in his teammates. "Is no one going to check out that bundle? Perhaps after Shef is across, we could drop the far end of his bridge down to make a ramp." -Posted with Wayfinder
"Please don't be sad, my friend, I understand completely," Heiliger comments soothingly. "Perhaps Avelbane has it prepared. If not, I'll make due with the light from Shef's ingenious shield-torch-holder-thing or the sunrods." Turning to her, he makes the same request, "Avelbane, if you happen to have the Light spell prepared, would you be willing to cast it on this small ioun stone for me?" And as he says this, he thinks, Maybe I should have figured this out earlier in our trek, or back in the tavern. Well, my father always said I wasn't exactly the sharpest sword on the rack....
"Thank you, Gribbl," Heiliger says, taking the potion from the little grippli, "I dare say that might come in handy." "I wonder if I could ask a favor of you, though. I bought this small stone that will orbit my head whilst I wield my greatsword. It has no magic other than that, but if you cast a Light spell on it, I'll be able to see much better. Could you do that for me, please?"
Looking over at Shef, he thinks, Holy Smiad, that man is prepared! I've never even heard of such a device as that plank.
Obeying the orders of his leader without hesitation, Heiliger hustles along behind his allies, keeping one eye on the unfolding battle between Janira and the minotaur and the other on his companions to make sure they all make it safely. Reaching the cave mouth, he turns back and shouts, "FOR GLORY, JANIRA!" But as he turns away, he sighs, then repeats under his breath and a bit forlornly, "For glory." Looking up at his teammates, he raises his chin, squares his shoulders, and switches to his best inspirational voice. "Have Hope, my friends. My grandfather, Holden the Pure, slew dragons singlehandedly. I have no doubt that our brave leader shall prevail in her glorious struggle and join us shortly." "But what aid did she leave for us in yon bag, good Gribbl?" -Posted with Wayfinder
Aye, Shef, thank you, Heiliger says, taking the whetstone from his gregarious ally. As he walks along with Avelbane, his hands go through the motions of sharpening his greatsword automatically, smoothly sliding the stone along the edge as if he'd done this a hundred times. The repetition and familiarity centers his mind and thoughts, and he finds himself better able to concentrate on what the young elf woman is saying. Chuckling merrily as she wraps up, he comments to her, Well, I've no doubt we'll get ample opportunity to find the adventure and knowledge you crave.
Or... we could just follow Avelbane. She seems to know exactly where to go. She's awfully quiet. Maybe she's more used to being alone in the wilderness with her wolf, and not as comfortable with people. Heiliger joins Avelbane and begins to chat with her during the hike. He politely and gently asks for her insights into the wilderness, tips on surviving out here, and just tries to get to know her and draw her out without being pushy or overbearing.
Heiliger's long-legged stride, encumbered as it is by his armor, is just barely able to keep pace with the little halfling, and certainly not with his more nimble companions. He pauses to jot down a few notes early on, but never having been much for study and writing, his note-taking slackens as the hike wears on and on into the afternoon. I'll have to make sure to write more when there's something more interesting to write about than trees and some old ruins we can barely see. For now, I'll just enjoy the camaraderie. It reminds me of my old unit.... And with that he slips into a reverie, recalling the days of his past service.
Hmmm, I'm thinking I might not have prepared well enough. But I'm heartened to see my comrades are so versatile and well equipped to deal with any hazard. And so enthusiastic! Smiling proudly at Lukas and the others, Heiliger affirms, "We have little to fear, my friends, for we are well prepared and Janira will undoubtedly lead us well." He quaffs the last of his breakfast ale and covers his mouth politely as he belches. Then turning to the enthusiastic little halfling, he continues in a softer and more deferential tone, "Janira, is it time we moved on from here? Or is there more you need to tell us?" -Posted with Wayfinder
Touched by the camaraderie he has found, Heiliger offers a toast, "To Glory and Honor. To the families we are have by blood shared, and the families we make by blood shed!" -Posted with Wayfinder
Heiliger listens intently to each of his companions' stories. As Lukas finishes, he takes a sip of the breakfast ale to clear his throat, and begins. " "I joined the Pathfinders to both honor and escape my family. My grandfather was Holden the Pure, a famous hunter of dragons and paladin of Smiad in Brevoy. My father, though, was not made of the same stuff and stayed in Silverhall as a healer. Understand, I have the utmost respect and love for my father, but he ... disapproved ... of me following in Holden's footsteps. So here I find myself, honoring my grandfather's legacy as a paladin and also my father's as a healer I the Pathfinders." -Posted with Wayfinder
"Well met, Gribbl." Heiliger pauses in thought, considering the moral implications of Gribbl's proffered healing. Then in a gentle and sincere tone, he says, "Gribbl, thank you for the offer, but I'd prefer you not heal me with arcane energies." Unfortunately, Heiliger's not the brightest sword on the rack, and knows only those facts above which the untrained could discern. -Posted with Wayfinder
"Hail and welcome, Shef," Heiliger replies in kind. Hmm, late to the mission briefing. I hope he's more reliable in a fight. He certainly looks like he knows how to handle himself and that shield, though. Turning his attention back to the halfling woman, he asks, "Janira, it was said that we're going to the Kortos Mounts. Not being from Absalom, I am unfamiliar with that. Is it far?" -Posted with Wayfinder
Turning in his seat, the tall human man addresses each of his colleagues. "Good morning Rook; greetings Lucas, and welcome Miss Janira." His voice is a pure deep baritone which could likely be heard clear across a raging battlefield. He looks to the others who've yet to speak, and nods, his smile acknowledging them warmly. "I am Heiliger, Paladin of Smiad the Dragonslayer, and it will be my Honor to join you." His piercing blue eyes, close-cropped blonde hair, and *that voice* give him a commanding presence, but he speaks with sincerity and a touch of humility. -Posted with Wayfinder
Just curious, but who has and hasn't played this before? I've played and GMed it several times, so I'd normally defer and wait on anyone who hasn't done so to pick up the lead. But if we've all played it before, I'll go ahead and ask the upfront questions and whatnot. (And for some reason, the Wayfinder app won't let me post this as me, only as a character.) -Posted with Wayfinder |
