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"Oh no you don't! You're gonna give shape-shifters a bad name!" Holan-Ji yells as he emerges from the sewer. "Well, worse than we already got, anyway." Determined to catch Vilk, he puts his shoulder down and slams into the door,
He then climbs up and over the opposite side wall of the next collapsed shack
Holan-Ji dips a toe into the dirty water and immediately withdraws it as that small act stirs up an even fouler scent. "I think I'm done being Tyger for now. Too big and too furry," he says as he surveys the size of the tunnels. Shifting back to human/oni form, he rolls his shoulders, cracks his knuckles, and bends down to one knee to look at the walkway more closely and try to discern where the werewolf went.
"I won't assume there's no traps, but I kinda doubt they took time to set any. I'm thinkin' the blood-crazed werewolf ain't careful and calculatin' like a kobold." He turns back towards the doorways and stares into the gray-scale darkness. "I can probably track 'im. Won't turn down any concoction you got that'd make my nose as sensitive as it is when I'm tiger-ing," he interrupts himself to laugh, "Is that a word, tiger-ing, wait, no don't answer."
That depends. In humanoid form, Holan-Ji has darkvision (tiefling), as he does in dragonfly form (vermin shape), but in tiger form he only has low-light (beast shape). Looking at that map, not sure where we're coming in from or where the "three jail cells" are. Oh, or is that the sewers? Either way if it looks narrow, he'll likely just shift back to humanoid.
Holan-Ji playfully swats Hep's butt with one enormous paw as he passes behind her. "Happy Spanky's Day!" he laughs. "You know, I bet that's a real holiday somewhere. Everyone spanks each other cause you can't spank yourself, then they have a huge feast." He laughs again, the roar echoing off the marble walls. But when he reaches the door, he stops laughing, gets serious (but chuckles one last time as the image of Spanky's Day returns to his cat-brain), and moves on through to continue the chase.
Holan-Ji is the last to enter the room. He doesn't want to scare the frail man, and he really doesn't want the man to get the wrong idea about why they're here. But he figures he should at least try to help. He steps in behind Hep and puts a hand on her shoulder. "Yeah, you got the right of it, we're Pathfinders, and ain't nobody bolder than us. But like Hep says, we're here to help." He tries adding a reassuring smile, but it really doesn't help.
Tien: "If playin' nice don't work, I'll go Bad Cop on him." he whispers to Maria.
Holan-Ji moves into the foyer of the townhouse, squeezing his massive frame through the door and past the "butler" without threatening the man. He does start to give a toothy grin, but then realizes that's probably a bad move given how large and sharp his teeth are. So he just smiles and nods pleasantly instead.
Holan-Ji picks up the cue from Effie and groans inwardly at the implication but does put on a smile for the "butler."
They said this guy's rep had taken a hit, so maybe he's answering' his own door and just pretendin' to be a butler. [b]"Can you have him show us in, maybe," he suggests at Maria's question, before wincing at Hep's. [b]"Oh, you meant do that to him." His normally red tinted skin goes an even deeper shade of crimson at the thought of the girls doing those things to himself.
"Sorry, Hep, but I'm tryin' to save up for some cool gear," he says with an indulgent laugh. "I'm not gonna go blow 500 G on an outfit I'll only wear once. But those," he points to Effie's bangles, "that's not a bad idea, especially given how many times we gotta dress up for these missions." He then gets the name of a magical gear seller from Erudyta to get himself some of those sleeves. But maybe ones made to look like sleeves and not sparkly and jangly bracelets. With those in place, he follows the girls shopping and copies the look of a nice men's outfit. And carries the girls' bags, of course, cause he's wise enough to know his place on this particular part of the mission.
Holan-Ji's ears perk up at the possibility of "interviewing" a courtesan, but he visibly deflates when it becomes clear that said courtesan is male. Then he realizes that he may have to take the lead anyway given the nature of the man's clientele. "We can start there, with Rutowski. Where do we find him? I guess I get us in the door, but maybe one of you gals do the talkin'?" "Though the more I think about it, ain't it gonna seem weird that six* of us want an audience, and the majority are women? Is he even gonna see a group like us?"
Sorry if I missed it, but how long do we have until the moon rises? Please confirm gender of Markov Rutowski. GM posted "She is a half-elf..." but then "...gain an audience with him." It wouldn't normally matter, but they're a courtesan, so it would affect Holan-Ji's options and suggestions for a course of action. Lastly, has anyone reached out to Hawthwile?
Holan-Ji catches Maria carefully eyeing Hepsubia. Man, I will never understand what goes on in those elven heads. Elven female heads at that. Nope, not even gonna speculate... "Ooh! That place smells great! What's the name of that inn there?" he excitedly asks Ryado while stabbing a long arm in the direction of the mouth-watering aroma wafting into the carriage. "What? We can't fight on empty stomachs. And he just said, ahem, 'Vilk’s rampage must end tonight.'"
"Hiya' Soddy," Holan-Ji greets the little leshy lady. "You a carnivore, vega-vore like Maria and Jobu, or a little bit a both? I'm not tryin' to pry, but one o' the things I do is find the best places for the team to eat, and I gotta account for everyone's tastes." It's then that he realizes that like Zithembe, the Grandfrogger too is missing. "What happened to jobu? He finally retire to a nice lily pad in the jungle somewhere? Dang, that crazy familiar o' his gonna drive him crazy," he finishes with a guffaw and a shake of his big head. "Anyway, I won't be needin' any silver. These," he pauses for dramatic effect as he transforms his fingers into razor sharp claws, "work just fine 'gainst both fey and were's." En route to Ardis, true to his word, Holan-Ji does indeed find the best street food markets, hole-in-the-wall locals-only places, and even one fancy place in Caliphas that normally requires reservations. But he somehow gets the team past the snooty maitre de simply on charm. On the docks of Ardis, Holan-Ji lets Maria take the lead with Ryado as he's sure she'll have (many) questions for the young man. Meanwhile, he focuses on keeping an eye on the surroundings as he doesn't trust the locals not to cause problems for Pathfinders and were-tyggers.
A "towering wall of a ..." tiger-demon-man bursts into the room and with a whooping laugh grabs Hep, Effie and Maria each in a huge hug as if he hadn't seen them in forever. But then, when you live completely in the moment and only for the joy of today, it likely has been "forever" to him. He notes the two new faces and introduces himself to them before suddenly turning somber. "Hey, where's Zithembe? He's okay, right? He didn't re-die or whatever while I was away?" When the others assure him that the jade paladin is fine, he relaxes. "Okay, good," he says a little embarrassed as he scratches behind his neck. "I mean, I know we kinda seem like we rub each other the wrong way sometimes, but he feels like a brother to me. Like an opposite-twin. I dunno. Anyway, you'll have to tell me all about your last missions on the way to this one. Ustalav, huh?"
"Werewolves? And wererabbits?" he says with a side-eye and chuckle at Effie. His tail begins swishing the air. "Are the locals gonna have an issue with a weretiger? I mean, that ain't what I am, o' course, but are they likely to think that anyway? And then go and do somethin' hazardous to my (and then their) health?" "Either way, we find Vilk and put a stop to the killin'. Can he be cured, ya' think?" he asks Maria.
Sometimes I'm not sure who is more Chaotic, the PC or the Player. ;) Occultist is a great 1-level class. Legacy Weapon from Transmutation lasts a minute, and since we all have magic weapons, you can use a standard action to give Bane (Whatever) to someone. And then do it again the next round to someone else. +2 to attack and +2d6+2 damage! Oh, one minor detail. There's a class feature called "Mental Focus." I don't think Hep can use that. ;) --------- Ninja'd. Alas, so the dice have spoken.
I think I celebrated Spanks-giving this year. I spent 30+ hours flying from Korea on Thursday to Shanghai then Alaska then straight back to Korea, arriving Friday evening. Nary a turkey or slice o' pie anywhere. But I really can't complain, as after a quick layover, I'm now in Manila. I'll be diving in Palawan by mid-week and get to see both of my gf's within the next 2 weeks. So I do Give Thanks for the job and lifestyle that lets me do those things, for sure.
Hehe. I think my Halloween was (unsurprisingly) quite different than y'all's. I was in Bangkok over the weekend, and nearly every bar was having costume night for their bar-girls, and the discos were packed with costumed revelers. It was pretty crazy. Then on Monday, I flew to Siem Reap, Cambodia. The main party district is Pub Street, and it was full of families and people, many in costume. But "Trick-or-Treating" isn't a thing here; Halloween is just an excuse to dress up in a costume and party. (Then today, I saw a huge swarm of small dragonflies at Angkor Wat, helpfully eating all the mosquitos now that the rainy season is over. Reminded me of a certain Tygger's other form and my friends on this table.) I hope GM got rid of all of her candy successfully!
Yes, I'm playing in 6 Online games over the next 3 days. I put the PBP table that I'm running on pause until Monday, especially since one of the players is GMing all weekend at Indy, and we were about to go into combat. But I'll do my best to stay engaged here; I just didn't want to have to GM a combat. There's a shabti boon on the GenCon charity auction. High bid is only at $15 now.
I got a very good friend who could use it for his meals-which are quite impressive. Do you have a Tyyger's spoon and a Tyyger's knife? No need for a Tyyger's plate, he hits mostly what he kills. Tyyger sends his love!!!!! <3 <3
Holan-Ji leans against the wall only really half-listening as he waits to get back to the party. He agrees with the others, but knows he's not eloquent enough to help them make their case. When Zithembe finishes, he nods and steps away from his wall. "What they said. Make 'em pay, but treat 'em fair." Having given his simple input, he returns to the fray of the celebration searching for Rya, the aasimar woman from the last party. Some time later, Holan-Ji, Rya, and another couple head out together. The tengu male and another local aasimar female laugh at something Holan-Ji says as they all make their way back into the woods. ============================ Days later at the Tianjing port city of Zetang, the Pathfinders prepare to board their ship for the return to Avistan and the Inner Sea. Holan-Ji regales them with the story of his last few days getting the tour of the city from Rya and his other new friends and finding all the best places to eat.
Though to be fair, he didn't really know the city that well, so in the end he just got a couple free meals out of the group. As they board, he suddenly calls out to a samsaran boarding the same ship. "Hey, Doc! Whatcha' doing here?" After chatting with the blue-skinned man for a few minutes, he introduces him to the team. "This here's Doc. Doc, this is Zithembe, Maria, Effie, Jobu, and the Totally Awesome Lil' Hep (just Hep for short)," he says in order. "Doc was out here visitin' them samsarans up in Zi Ha, and Zetang's the closest safe port to sail outta'. Him an' Hogo are gonna sail with us at least as far as Jalmeray." The samsaran bows to the team and expresses his pleasure at meeting everyone while the animated thorny vine on his shoulder also rises up and imitates a bow. Holan-Ji takes the samsaran by the shoulder and leads him towards the kitchen and mess hall chatting in Tien and catching up with his old friend.
With Effie getting swapped out for Lucky Lee or Malachi, both of those add martial prowess. In that case, I think I'll leave Holan-Ji home, and bring Doc O'Mayga, a level 5 arcanist support caster. It would let me level Doc up to 6 afterwards in case we need him again later. Plus it would also give a little room in the level calculation for Malachi, since I'm subbing a 5 for my 6. And in that case, HJ would not be slow-tracking on either of these 2 chronicles since he's skipping this one. Sorry GM, if you've already started the chronicles. "Yeah, I'll pass on soakin' my fur in salt water. I'll go nap on the beach, drink mai-tais, and have the servin' girls bring me grilled fish, thank you very much."
I played Waves with my undine ninja/monk, and as I've said I'm fine burning replays for this group. I've got a merfolk oracle/bard but he's only level 4 {sigh}. HJ's next form was going to be crocodile for the swim speed, but he won't get that for a while. Just like getting his dragonfly form after we went to the Plane of Air. {second sigh} It's been 4 years since I played it, and I seem to recall that water breathing was provided for, but movement and damage were the big issues (for the rest of the party, not so much for my undine.)
I'm sure we've all played Tome before, but FWIW I've done 3 of the variations Done: but have never done Scales, Bones, and Tusks... Not Done:
Scoundrels. I don't know if that's because folks find the other 3 more fun/interesting/challenging, or easier to prep, or what, but just thought I'd throw that out there. Also, I'm Slow Tracking this chronicle (Clash) and the next (Tome) for sure to let the others catch up to HJ a little.
Hey folks, I know this is a long shot but do any of you happen to have an aasimar boon floating around? Noral is looking to trade for one but I've already used the only one I had. Thought I'd check and see if any of you could help them out. Thanks! Nope. The only aasimar I ever got I used for Zarnel.
@GM: I made a small mistake. When he's shifted to Tiger (or dragonfly) all of his natural attacks ignore those material DR's. The comment I posted in his charge attack was only for when he's in his humanoid form and using his shifter claws plus his tiefling bite. Shifter's Claws: ... At 3rd level, her claws ignore DR/cold iron, DR/magic, and DR/silver.
Mindful of his shameful performance in the last fight, Holan-Ji holds himself in check. His tail thrashing the air behind him is the only sign of his impatience. "Okay Boss, I'm waitin' for yer word. And fer Maria to tell us what's goin' on," he says looking back to the two. "Oops, sorry," he apologizes as he realizes that his tail is smacking all those standing around him. "I'm thinkin' tiger form. I can rush 'im and grab 'im. But him bein' all alone makes me think there's somethin' hinky goin' on. A trap? Invisible or hidin' buddies? Anyone see anything? He pops a wand out of his wrist sheath and taps himself with it before dropping it to the ground. He prepares to draw others if the bad guy is gonna start jawin'.
"Sounds like a plan ta' me. Holan-Ji rises from where he'd been sitting on the ground listening and steps over to Noro. He and the tengu discuss the route and the terrain hazards through the old-growth forest to where they think their quarry lies. "I think we got this," he says as he turns back to his team.
the dragonfly screams in anguish as his friend falls. He sighs (sobs? it's hard to tell) in relief to see Jobu hop over and stop the bleeding. Instinctively, he heads to them, but veers towards Maria when he sees her holding out a wand in his direction. Touching down in front of the resourceful elf maiden, he stumbles as his body shifts back to his oni-blood form. The red-hot haze of battle-rage drains from him, and he drops to a knee just before Maria's wand touches his back. The warm glow of holy energy suffuses his mangled body, and he takes a deep shuddering breath as his ribs knit back together enough to permit it. "Thanks fer that. I'll be okay," he assures Wasp. He looks back to where Hep lies, still motionless. "Go help Hep." His voice breaks, but surely the rough tough beast isn't on the verge of crying, right? Holan-Ji flops over and sits heavily on his butt as he pulls his own healing wand out. He pants like a cheetah after a chase as he applies it to himself, watching the others administer to the Totally Awesome Lil' Hep. {She'll be okay,} the buzzing voice in his head reassures him. After a long pause, she continues. {She's kinda special to you, huh?} Yeah. She is. ... Hep's a lot like me; more 'an any o' the others. I guess we kinda compliment each other, or at least she compliments me. Honestly, I got no idea what's goin' on in that crazy head o' hers. But that's one of the things I like about her. For sure I ain't lookin' fer a mate or nothin', he finishes defensively. His gaze lingers on Hep for a moment longer then shifts away to Effie and Maria and then around the battlefield. Naah. Not any time soon, that's fer certain. {Suuuurrrre.....} the dragonfly voice chuckles. Shut up! His stamina recovered, and his wounds beginning to close, Holan-Ji stands slowly. He stops at Hep's form to offer his own healing wand before shuffling over to Zithembe. "This ain't easy to say, but I frelled up. My ... whad'ya call it ... impulsiveness nearly got me and Hep killed. I'm gonna work on that. On bein' a better teammate." He deep-bows to Zithembe and holds it for several seconds in the Tien style of apology.
Tiger and Human hugs for you! I kind of got into a slump a couple months ago, also, when I signed up for a couple too many games at once. I've found that 3 PbP is about right for me and my flying schedule. On the days that I'm off just sitting in a hotel or hanging out at the beach, I could post a lot more. But when I get busy with flights and short layovers, I get behind and stressed about what should be fun. I'd run and play more, but I don't like how it feels on those bad days. As soon as I retire from flying, expect me to be a lot more active. In the meantime, take your time and find your happy place. Preferably with a cozy blanket, a warm kitteh on your lap, and an attentive Hubster bringing you tea.
"Yeah, I'll be okay. Thanks, 'Doc'," Holan-Ji assures Maria as she swabs the bite wound. He gives her hand a playful sand-paper tongue lick as she finishes up, then shifts back into his normal form. With the first application of his healing wand, he sighs in relief as the cuts begin to slowly close up and bits of dirt, leaves, and fur get pushed out. "This guy one o' yours?" he asks the scout that found the remains.
Emerging from the fog in the early morning hours, a smilodon approaches the fort. On his back rides the nude form of a petite aasimar woman, her small hands gripping the fur of the tiger's neck for stability as she lies upon his undulating shoulders. The tiger carries a pack in his mouth, and he drops it to the ground just before the fort comes into sight, his keen nose having alerted him to its proximity. The woman dismounts and dresses from the clothes in the pack even as the tiger's form shifts and compresses into that of a hulking demon-blooded man. The pair silently give each other a quick kiss in their last moments of privacy before they return to the fort and to their duties. ================================= Holan-Ji grins in feral joy at the sight of the morning's challenge. He cracks his knuckles and rolls his shoulders to get the kinks out from last night. "Like I always say, ain't nuthin' better than feedin', f@$&in', and fightin'. And all before noon. What a perfect day! <Tai Dan, you guys deal with the cubs,>" he calls out in Tien. He looks at the Mama bear. "C'mon, Mama Bear. Lemme show you who's yer' Daddy!"
Holan-Ji nods to Zithembe's intent and bows out to the Commander. He wanders about the chow hall for a little while chatting with the aasimars and tengus, nibbling from the various plates and platters, before ending up back at the table he'd been sitting with originally. He's not there long before he stands to leave with a petite Tian-Shu aasimar woman who appears to be in the mood to "get her oni on." As he swings back past the Pathfinder table, he chucks Zithembe lightly in the shoulder. "See ya' in the mornin' boss." <"Huh? Nah, he's not really my boss, Rya, I just call him that outta' respect. He's like a thousand years old or somethin'. He is kinda the leader o' the team, but it ain't official or nuthin' cause we don't really do ranks like you all do. But anyway, you said you know a place with some privacy? Oh, yeah, out in the woods? Sure, I got a cool trick I can show ya' out there.">
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