Hernando Ruiz's page

"Hnnnnnnnnng, I want a Taldan Sentry Spirit living in MY shield." D:

-Posted with Wayfinder

The year has passed and while I have not lazily sat upon my laurels, the Society has still yet to return me to any active service. I can only hope some momentous occasion makes the Ten realize that Hernando Ruiz, Taldan Knight of the Shield can be a most valuable asset in the dangerous land of demons. Every blade needs a shield, surely the operators of the Society can see this? Do they truly lack the foresight to see a need for such defense?

But no matter, all things in due time. As the old adage goes, "To be hasty is to make openings, and to be patient is to observe the world for what it is."

~Baronet Hernando Ruiz, Taldan Knight of the Shield

Harsk McLarson wrote:

"Gorram cultists. I knew this would end badly."

Pallas barks out, "Harsk and Amira, these are vampire spawn. They are susceptible to magic! Stay near me!" This is for everyone. I have the Bodyguard feat and have optimized myself to keep my fellow Pathfinders from harm. In game terms, this means that as long as you are adjacent to me, I can use my AoO to make Aid Another rolls to make you harder to hit. What this means is that as long as I don't roll a natural 1, your AC (normal, touch, and ff) goes up by 8 points. So I would highly advise you to stay near me. I have 7 AoO a round, which is generally enough.

"You kids and your Benevolent equipment... back in my day, we didn't add more than maybe a +4! +6 if you were a shorty! Back then, we had to jump in front of the 16 AC fighter and get stabbed FOR her to be relevant! Uphill both ways in a snowstorm!"

Lady Morilla,

It is clear that the paradigm shift between Baron Jacquo and yourself has caused the machinations of the crown to falter. If public opinion (be it on the battlefield or in their towns,) is still your main goal, I shall include it among my top priorities. Should the leaders of the Society see the error of not deploying me in this war, know that I shall perform all the required duties bestowed upon me by the Crown, Lady Morilla, and my Baron. I have only failed the crown once early in my career as a Pathfinder, and a solitary failure is all that is needed for a real Taldan to learn.

Regretfully bored,
Baronet Hernando Ruiz, Taldan Knight of the Shield

"Kulik, 'Mira, come this way. I'll keep that coward from hurting you!", Tanrov cried as he continued to distract the other thug for Erin.

Tanrov Bodyguards for +6 AC. If you stand adjacent to him he can keep them off of you.

You kids and your "useful class abilities." Back in my day, we didn't HAVE Cavalier Archetypes; I ended up making my Animal Companion a showhorse and nobody truly appreciated my Taldan Banner. My fighter had to deal with only getting +2 AC every round for 3 attacks (after me soaking the first attack that hits.)

I find your lack of trust in the Crown's complex machinations a little disheartening. I know firsthand that we are often handed a task that is... off-beat for one of a particular profession. This has taught me to learn at least the minimum adequacy of everything. Should a lock need to be opened silently, I am at least able to try. Should a Qadiran merchant need fooled, I have many items to aid in such endeavors. Should a magical incantation need to be identified, I at least will know what who is a real spellcaster, and who is a falsehood. Better yet, I have allies who are more skilled in these things. They, in turn, often need assistance in the social or noble quarter. I am willing to oblige, knowing that they will return the favour. They know how the Abadarian faith works.

But I digress.

Surely the Lady and my Baron have a plan. More likely, they have many plans. Our objectives are simply cogs in the clockwork machination that is Taldor. When we are missing pieces, regardless of the size, the machine might not function at its fullest capacity. We must try to prevent as many slip-ups as possible, even if it means besetting ourselves to give a speech about slavery or assisting discussions of mercantile nature on behalf of other who do not serve the Crown directly. Through the system of fairness, however, they WILL serve the Crown in some way, at some time. Such is how the "Cooperate" tenet is often seen.

Incidentally, you mention the magics. I am aware that magicians in that perform in the alchemical sector are often capable of making something akin to potions. Is there not such a magic for performing an aquatic mission? I know I have spent a great deal of money in Opparan magics, performing the tasks that were set before me during my active days. Mayhaps you simply need to prepare in less of a focused manner and think more on your feet and in the field.

Please do not take this commentary as demeaning or offensive. I simply wish to repair your faith that even the oddest of tasks surely puts the Crown one step closer to future glories and aid you with the knowledge of one who has dome many of these "re-appropriation" missions. They are fully important to the bigger picture; I'm sure of it.

~Baronet Hernando Ruiz, Taldan Knight of the Shield

"Nonsense. I do not act out of valor. I simply do what I must. I am a knight of the Shield, and that means I am to protect that which needs protection," Hernando responds proudly. "That was, more often than not, Miss Genie. She never did get anything better than those old horn-covered leathers, did she? 'The best defense is a good offense' with that one."

He then looks to Ridgar and says, "I believe they were javelins I was throwing in that combat. I never once left the Lodge without at least 10. Even now, even though I had my trident enchanted to return to me. I was not going to yet another one, especially after I had this one's barbs to reference the Crown."

"I believe the coldest terrain we've encountered was the mountainous reaches of Galt," Hernando chimes in. "Unless they've given you more tasks than I, of course."

"The Ten seem very intent on sending all the new recruits to Irrisen at least twice in their careers, though. I don't say I envy them. At that level of tenure, my armour was not as adaptively comfortable as it is now, and would simply have been more of an hindrance than a boon."

"But I can attest to Ridgar's ability to hold foes. It had become such a regular event on our missions that the cultist at the end of every tunnel or the demon in the last summoning circle was almost tedious. The third part of our offensive team isn't here. I dare say, I wouldn't even know where to send missive to her. Do you? She was always so difficult to read." Hernando seems to think to himself a bit.

"The largest enemy I've seen you succeed to grapple was that scorpion in the desert, was it not? It may have only been for a moment or two, but it was still quite a feat."

"Yes, my new Ulfen friend would like to hear it." Hernando motions over to the table. "But, please, do try to keep yourself somewhat in check. Preferably no fights this time. This is a proper Taldan establishment, and you are here on my request. Out of an Abadarian's fairness, though, I will offer a paid trip to a different bar of your choosing should you not bring any unneeded blights to my name here," he says, as he motions to order for a round for the table.

Hernando attempts to return the handshake with one of similar style.

"Despite my skills as an orator, I do not think I would do the story justice," Hernando says as he shakes his head. "I shall send missive to Ridgar to arrive at his next leisure. All this talk of the Baron gives me a need to drink, and Ridgar's the best I've known." Hernando motions to a barmaid to deliver a newly-written letter, tells her the name "Johnathan," hands her a gold coin and the message, and turns back to the table. "His personal island is not very far away, and he does love his seafaring. Surely, the idea of someone interested in the tale of the White Lady will be worth the trip. It must have been a good while now since he's needlessly told someone that horribly inappropriate tale."

A bronzed-skinned man in the latest noble's outfit with a finely trimmed goatee and slightly dour but incredibly serious expression seems to have reacted badly to the statements surrounding Baron Jacquo. He perks up a bit and approaches Fibula's table once there is a pause in the conversation, so as not to be an interruption.

"Greetings, Miss Bone, I am Baronet Hernando Ruiz, Taldan Knight of the Shield. I find it a shame you were not amongst my regular travel companions," the man states as he sits with these new acquaintances. "Those Venture Captains always did seems to like pairing me with the same individuals who only made moderate use of my talents."

"And Mr. Ursus," he say as he turns to the Ulfen, "Is there a title or honorific you prefer? I have dealt very little with the Ulfen Guard." He sees your strong motions and toned stature. "You remind me very much of one of my regular traveling companions. Some of similarities and physical motions are uncannily similar. Do you happen to know any dwarves? Perhaps a Redhammer? A bit unclean, wants to wrestle all the time, Grey Corsair? If you did meet him, he most likely told you a story about Kaer Maga and a very specific brothel..." Hernando trails off and loses enthusiasm more further he's gotten into the topic.

He loses himself in thought for a second and turns back to Fibula. "I am quite curious as well, as I did very little travel in Varisia. I only hope the Society decides to put my skills to use once again. What are the lands there like?"

I believe you are missing one other 'Iconic Taldor' moment. Taldor rewards his citizens. Even the lowest of the beardless has the potential to rise, through his own skill, via the army. Such tales are inspirational.

These words ring far too true to my heart. Even in my position as Baronet, I mustn't forget my origins in the accursed land of Cheliax. I think back to the days of reading tales of knights and expeditions, only now knowing that many of these things were of Taldane origins. I remember being taken away from that filthy orphanage and thrust into my first existence as a Taldan boy. I remember traveling the countryside as Sir Esteban's squire, seeing the land for what it was. True potential. Seeing the historical sights gave me true insight as to what I could accomplish. I had only dreampt to be amongst the bearded by this point in my life. Now, I live my dream. Any other man, given the effort, can also claim the same.

However, seeing those sites also taught me things must always end. The problem with many Taldans today is that they are oft too shortsighted to realize that an ending is merely the beginning of something new. A new age that can be greater than before, and crafted by our blood, sweat, and tears, no less. This leads me to the topic at hand. What I find to be truly Taldan.

To me, the one thing that is truly "iconically Taldan" is pride. Pride in knowing that we can achieve even more than our forefathers did. Pride in knowing we can live out our most grandiose fantasies, given the input. Pride that will drive us to astonishing, new heights. The very same pride that some would admonish as our biggest weakness is also our biggest strength. Tell me, when a Qadiran warship decided to fire upon a Taldan trade vessel oh so long ago, was it not the massive hull that they attacked first? That is simply the biggest target. Pride is such a big facet of our culture that it is also the biggest target. And I will say with utmost certainty that while it is our biggest weakness, it is also our biggest strength.

When General Maramaxus recieved a medal from Grand Prince Tralian V, do you think he did what he had to, simply to "get by"? No. He did it for the pride he had in his country. Pride in Taldor. Pride that he knew would reward him through the endless reaches of time. Even now, we continue to honor him in Oppara's National Park. Such a source of history brings morale in our armies today, from the lowest soldier to the highest-ranked general. Pride, in essence, is Taldor's greatest resource. It is renewable and potentially limitless.

With such an abundance of pride, I believe that one can achieve more than any one individual has achieved has in the history of Golarion. Think of what we once had. Look at our war heroes gone past. We can achieve even more now, thanks to them. More than any number of Armies of Exploration did. More than Stavian I. More than the entire noble lineage. By utilizing our pride, we can achieve ANYTHING. In the coming eons, the Crown as a whole may very well achieve EVERYTHING. And I am sure that even then, we will explore even further to find more achievements place upon our mantles. At that time, our pride shall shine through the vastness of space. Whatever meets us on the other side will immediately know who we are, merely from our pride.

Our iconically Taldan pride.

Sethious wrote:

Lord Twitchiopolis wrote:

If I can direct them to this thread, Jean, Arag, and (What the heck was the elf's name) will also be added to this list.

Drex was the elf's name.

Pfft! Like Ridgar would actually pay attention to whatever the bloody elf was named!

I believe your ignorance of him was by his design.

If you updating the records of Pathfinder greats, I must let you know that my full title is now "Baronet Hernando Ruiz, Taldan Knight of the Shield." I would be most grateful for the proper changes to be made to these very important documents.

Should the Decemvirate require my services in the future, know that Baronet Hernando Ruiz, Taldan Knight of Shield shall proudly bear the banner in glory of the Crown and my Baron. I shall give my all in the act of bolstering our already grand machinations that I am sure are already in play and beyond the scope of my understanding.

Baronet Hernando Ruiz wrote:

If I recall this "Colson" correctly, he was the one oft telling my uncharismatic companions to give speeches about freedom (that I would have to do for them.) It would make sense he would not tie himself down to an heir to that unique museum. Should they need more assistance, however, Baron Jacquo should be more than willing to dispatch me there yet again. Taldor has many investments still in the halls of the Blakros.

If you receive any missives from the late baron, please inform me at once and I will dispatch a cleric of Abadar to sanctify the place of his revenant spirit.

As a loyal Taldan, I must state that he cannot truly be gone from us. For even if he were to pass, the Crown would not shuck such a valuable asset from its midst. Our resources are not such that we are beyond the means to simply whisk him from Pharasma's jurisdiction. My spell-casting companion (whom has personally met Pharasma's associates personally at least twice in our travels) and the clergy for whom I serve have informed me of the number of ways to return an individual to the world of living. I know I personally have the funds to perform such an endeavor, and would do so at a moment's notice, should I hear such tragic news.

But until then, I shall continue to enact his silent missives. While his pen may be silent, I need not read his words to understand the spirit of what must be done to aid the Crown, as I have been cultured to do so since leaving my orphanage.

This is not in lieu of acting on your behalf, Lady Gloriana. I mean no offense by any of these statements, but I am irked by the notion that my Baron could be slain in any manner. The Crown simply would never allow it.

If I recall this "Colson" correctly, he was the one oft telling my uncharismatic companions to give speeches about freedom (that I would have to do for them.) It would make sense he would not tie himself down to an heir to that unique museum. Should they need more assistance, however, Baron Jacquo should be more than willing to dispatch me there yet again. Taldor has many investments still in the halls of the Blakros.

I am thinking of making a Sorcerer for the Taldor Faction. I was wondering in light of the Faction Missions, what would be some useful skills to take. I have heard they do allot of poison collecting.

Thanks

One skill that any good Taldan would have is Knowledge(Nobility). One must recognize their foundations to move upwards. I have made use of my Local contacts more than once, as well. I have also used other minor skills in the task of returning many important artifacts to Taldor. Being a magically-infused class will help you mitigate these things if you prepare well or have the UMD to use impromptu items when preparation time is limited. Use of potions is how I tend to keep things Taldor requires to be a secret, secret. Being able to simply cast such things would be an aide to the subterfuge-deprived agent of the Crown.

As a socially-inclined class (or a well-trained gentleman like myself), building social Charisma skills will keep you ahead. Additionally, then when one of our colonies' agents requires tact, feel free to step in for them if you can. They will be so elated that they will cease murdering that one guy in a crowd you need alive. You must remind them when the moment arrives, however, as they are not often used to taking prisoners.

I would like to add that this is all what I've done in sevice to Baron Dalsine. If anyone else were running the cause, I would already be retired and have only aged advice and delightful tales of inspiring heroics for you.

~Baronet Hernando Ruiz, Taldan Knight of the Shield

I disagree. It's much more fun to watch them stumble about like children.

-Gabrielle d'Apcher

Now, m'lady. We ARE intended to cooperate with all of them. I have even performed an impromptu speech for a number of tongue-tied Andorans about "The Evils of Slavery."

Needless to say, they owe me one favour. And when the time comes that I need a man hogtied and executed via greatsword on a moment's notice, I believe the debt will be paid in full (with gratuitous interest. I have seen their handiwork.)

I do believe the Andoran woman with greatsword-in-question thanked me one when we visited their cleric's "Church." It was probably merely because the man upon whom I enacted the Prince's merciful-yet-swift vengeance was talking lies about Oppara, and she has come appreciate it and its many wonders.

Yes, that's clearly it. What else could it be?

~Baronet Hernando Ruiz, Taldan Knight of the Shield

Hernando Ruiz wrote:

I am offended at the implication that the Baron is having me steal tea sets and relics, like some kind of criminal! There were Taldor's at one point, and merely requires them to be returned.

The Baron will not have you do anything at all any longer ;)

Nonsense! I shall serve him (and by proxy, Taldor) for the rest of my days!

My DM has informed me that this character (currently at 9) will finish his career with only one season three mission. What happens in tier 1-5, STAYS in tier 1-5.

I am quite pumped for this Varisian faction, though. When will we see registering characters in the new factions? I think I remember reading something about it happening in August-ish?

I am offended at the implication that the Baron is having me steal tea sets and relics, like some kind of criminal! There were Taldor's at one point, and merely requires them to be returned.

I will be sure to guide my grappling, Dwarven ally to this discussion. I can still tell you what I have pieced together from merely watching him grapple things as difficult as an Antlion.

*Brutal Pugalist all the way, and he could have had Imp Grapple if he was Human. Also, the only thing he "loses" for being in a grapple is AoOs. He doesn't lose dex or anything else.
*He has some Ion Stone that adds to his grappling.
*Armour Spikes can be used to make a "Light" attack while grappling or uses the grapple attempt as it's "to-hit."
Keeping both hands open for pinning makes the spikes useful later in the grapple.
*"Strength Surge" is awesomesauce. "Does a 38 get out of your grapple?"
"Not this round! Thanks, Strength Surge!" Sad DM was sad.

Cpt_kirstov wrote:

Your blog link is bad...

Oh! Good catch. The Url is http://jponminis.blogspot.com.

I'm think he actually meant the historical accuracy of it. I, too, have never read any of this in any history book.