I was waiting to see if anyone else would say anything before I posted, since I post when I get up, and most folk are free when I am going to bed. Also I was excited about seeing the Expendables 2, which was the greatest mindless violence action movie to date, so I couldn't be angry. It's good to see my former governor making movies to support his love child.
DM Hamied:
Nah, no real instructions for those two, just asking them to help. She's not much in a talkative mood.
The lady had asked to speak, not to keen. It was not enough that she had heard the screams while she built the pyre, and saw dozens of bodies laid out when she put Ulrick upon it, but she had to sing. And worse... worse! Lisabett begin trembling with a fine rage as frost began creeping over her back, up her neck and stiffening her hair. It cracked and fell from her, wafting into ether, then built itself up to a hard crust in seconds.
"You are no peacekeeper, no leader of men. With your smiles and your keening, you drive them insane. Yet they love you," Lisabett's voice breaks on the last, and she pulls her machete, then looks to Espen and speaks in Skald
Skald:
"If that is a woman, all the sooner I wake find a cock between my legs."
before raising the machete to hack at what remains of her platinum hair, and tosses it on the pyre.
"He was the only man who ever touched me," she says softly, then produces the vial of ink and pours it out near the flames. "The only one who knew the truth," she adds and crushes the vial in her fist.
Lisabett spares a frosty glance at the others, and lets the shards of glass remain in her hand as she walks away.
Lisabett turns to glare at the prisoner when he, in his ignorance, asks if she has cursed him. She glances at Brother Holheim, then Almar striding up, and starts away. Noticing Sorin's confusion, she smiles wickedly and speaks to him in Varisian.
Varisian:
"You cannot reason with a raider. They do not care that your small folk have spent generations achieving your bounty. Gorum thrives on the murder they make, and in their blood they take women who birth their violent seed and this way continues."
"When I had a name, my father was a jarl. I was a defender, with my uncles. He cast me out, and now they call me witch."
Lisabett gathers her spear in her hands, and begins her patrol of the camp.
Lisabett spreads her legs and crouches over the captive's stomach, straddling him, lowering the machete so it pushes against the softest part of his viscera. The blow would not kill, but it would wound, and hurt quite a great deal, and when his insides came spilling out, and they would, it would require a healer to put back together again.
Skald:
"Do not lie to me," she snarls and lets him feel the whole of her weight. "We both know you are not man enough to tame that horse," she says and relaxes her grip on his hair so that she can work her fingertips through it in a comforting fashion. "And the beasts that told you I was a witch only were unkind.
"I am a murderer. I will kill you and feel nothing, and I will roll you into a ditch and let the crows pick at your flesh."
Lisabett begins pressing the machete into the scouts stomach, placing both hands on the handle, poised to push with all of her strength.
Gonna pause for anyone who wants to stop Lisabett from committing murder :P
Having settled for travel by trail, you make decent speed in the dank morning, bringing you to the first bridge you have seen since yesterday. It is little more than a few moss covered logs that cling to the tenets of civilization over the Soggy River. Broderus, acting as your party scout sees that there are creatures standing upon the bridge, holds up his hand and uses the brush for cover to get a better look.
Broderus:
Hope you don't mind this bit of godmodding, but you're an experienced guide and scout
You see three goblins on the bridge. One is currently fishing, another is casually pissing into the river right where his mate has sunk his line and the other seems to be delighting itself running back and forth over the bridge and punching both in the head.
Female Human Bard/1 (Init 4; Normal Vision Perc +4, Hp 11/11; AC 17 [t 14, ff 13]; fort 3 ref 5 will 2)
I'm lurking, just waiting for a description of the evening from our friendly neighborhood GM before I move things forward. Or like "you wake up with a severed horse head in your bedroom, roll your San check." :P
Really glad that I did not get too descriptive with breaking the door down, now. Apologies for the "god mode" cinematics, but in reality probably calling for a strength check to break the doors down would have taken longer...
Yamamoto Seiji:
For the sake of brevity, I am rolling your stealth check to approach the rear of the hut with Broderus
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
At the door
As Treygan beats at the doors to the hut, it is quite clear that goblins make very poor homeowners. In fact, you might wonder how these bloodthirsty little cretins came by this compound at all, as even in the midst of an assault they are so inclined to attack each other. That, however, is neither here nor there.
The entire hut structure seems to tremble and quake as the heroic paladin beats upon the doors, and it is not difficult to notice that they are held in place with a rather large... stick, or a bone, some manner of vaguely cylindrical object bound in leather which rattles loosely against the doors. His eyes as sharp as ever, Father Flinthammer notices this while Treygan pushes, and being tactically inclined instructs Treygan to push with slightly less intensity, and use his sword to knock the bar out of the way, so that the good Father can open only one of the doors and stand in it with his shield and hammer at the ready.
Inside, the party finds a rather stout and squat goblin standing behind a "throne" composed of bones, scraps of filthy cloth and various grisly trophies with his bow equipped, an arrow notched and ready to fire upon the breeching team. Slightly to the side the two bungling dufuses snicker, one of whom is holding a brightly colored tube in two hands while the other is holding a piece of what appears to be kindling near the alien device.
As the bulk of the group cheer on Treygan's attempt to break down the doors, the pair of you feel quite confident in your ability to surprise your enemies as the entire structure is groaning and popping under the assault, creating quite a racket. It is not difficult to find the rope ladder leading up to the secret entrance through a trap door conveniently, or far more likely ignorantly left gaping open. Through the portal you are able to see one rather scuffed goblin with its back to you holding a length of kindling set ablaze, but he does not see you.
As Valcrim opens the door, Chief Gutwad takes a shot at the heavily armored cleric. His aim strikes true, and for the first time since you arrived at the compound, your affable dwarven defender takes damage!
Chief Gutwad Longbow vs. Valcrim Flinthammer AC 22 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 if he hits, he will deal 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 damage.
Both Broderus and Father Flinthammer notice that the furthest goblin from Gutwad bends, intending to touch his flame to something...
The goblin sentries continued to pelt the heroes with arrows from above, scattering each to the winds in their pursuit of... life. Joyabraund Northropple and Father Flinthammer, whose eyes never seem to fail the group, recognized the ambush and sure as fate would have, the foul goblinoid monsters delivered, swarming its heavy and armored champions. Yamamoto Seiji deftly dashes passed the sludge of the murky pool that services the Licktoad compound and immediately fells the foe threatening Joyabraund. Treygan, enraged by yet another hit upon his holy person, swings his lady's scimitar and cuts through both goblins as though they were practice dummies on the range, and they drop like bags of grain before his holy might.
Round Three!
Goblin Sentry Dogslicer vs. Broderus AC 19 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13 if he hits he will deal 1d4 ⇒ 3 damage
Goblin Sentry Dogslicer vs. Treygan Gorski AC 18, +1 for higher ground 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 2 + 1 = 17 if he hits he will deal 1d4 ⇒ 3 damage.
Goblin Sentry Shortbow vs. Yamamoto Seiji AC 14 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 if he hits he will deal 1d4 ⇒ 3 damage.
Two goblin sentries take the offensive against Broderus and Treygan, baring discolored and sometimes rotten teeth and crying out foul curses as they slash ineffectually with their dog slicers at the men. The goblin unlucky enough to face Treygan gives a gasp of surprise and his eyes show genuine fear as he takes a 5-foot step back into the hut.
The furthest sentry, finding no advantage in dropping his bow in favor of engaging in melee fires a round at Yamamoto Seiji, who clearly just murdered his brother, and his strike finds purchase. An arrow blossoms in Seiji's thigh, almost to ensure that the impressive moves he displayed will not be repeated...
One thing is for certain, if goblins are not intelligent, they are certainly crafty, or at the very least have learned to protect themselves well. The closer you come to the area Warden Proudstump marked as containing their compound, the less and less vegetation you are able to use to your advantage. You move toward the side they have neglected to clear, quite soundlessly, although your progress as such is quite slow.
As a ranger, you notice that the ground here is significantly different than elsewhere in the swamp, as it is firm. This has allowed for the goblins or some entity to construct a fortified compound. A wooden gate in the north wall of the palisade lies in several pieces along the ground. Nearby, a large, algae-filled pool on the northeastern side breaks the palisade and allows a clearer view of the interior.
The village's defenses consist of 3 guard towers standing 10 feet high. The village itself consists of a half dozen raised huts connected by a network of bridges. The largest structure in the village lies behind the remains of a demolished one, some 30 feet from the shore of the pool. on the western boundary of the green they have alotted themselves, there is a large scorched area, almost like a pit that had been left to burn to nothing.
Your perception check registers no sign of movement within the village itself. You do, however, recognize that several of the huts have been breached. This excludes the largest structure in the village.
Stealth on your way back, please, just to observe formalities.
Valcrim's mighty swing finds no purchase on the obese monstrosity before him. Where the Father misses, however, Treygan Gorski's scimitar catches a stray ray of sunlight as it arcs down and bites deeply into the Sinspawn's corpulent flesh, exposing gore, a surprising amount of sinew and bone. Yamamoto Seiji's crossbow bolt finds purchase, burying itself deep in the the corpulent rolls. The sinspawn slumps into a bramble, expelling its dying breath in something that resembles clicks and grunts, and sounds wholly ominous.
Aklo:
"So very... tired."
Searching the creature, you find that it possessed literally nothing. Save for correctly identifying it as a Sinspawn, you can find no clue of its origin, unless you wish to track its movements through the swamp. If you recall the stories you heard previously, this pale creature with a strange double set of mouths and teeth seems to fit the fisherman's description of the monster that was seen eating goblins...
I'll tabulate XP and pop it up in the OOC by the end of the day. Decided I would see if Petyon's little brother could knock down Tom Brady's ego a peg today.
Assuming Adanel does not stop them...
Zelaria licks her upper lip and nods. "Thank you, sirs," she directs mostly at the subordinates and waves goodbye.
Lisabett's fingers curl into fists and she bites her lip harshly against the impulse to strike the man for his impudence. You do not order me, swine.
Lisabett remains silent for several moments, simply trembling with a fine rage before she releases a sigh and speaks to Alazandaru. "Please appraise Alamar of the situation, sir," she says. "I will fetch the others and return to the Dragon."
Maybe taking some license here, but, I shouldn't think that it would take too long to get there that most of the principle players would have drifted too far apart in the few minute walk from Belor's to the tavern
Idiots, Lisabett fumes while she nigh stomps to the lady's tavern. My words are as ash? My blood lust is abhorrent? Their pet monster near murders a man and now is free to continue to harm others! Lisabett snarls a few curses in Skald and considers where she might find her men should her companions refuse to treat with her. And why should they? So that the creature can 'surrender' again to the knight and earn another reprieve, to live and kill again?
Lisabett pushes the doors of the tavern open and openly glares at Alazandaru, rage so hot it could bore holes into his person, til she recognizes that Sandru and the Lady are close to each other behind him, and she pauses and considers her words.
"Gutwad and your pet near murdered a deputy," she informs him, "and escaped. I will hunt and kill them both, as we should have done. If your heart is too soft to end a threat to the security of others, I will not have you."
Lisabett's eyes flick to Ameiko and Sandru. "My men will join me for the coin, I am sure. But I know not where to find them. I intend to leave directly, before the trail is lost."
"Far be it for me to not desire appearing silly," Asmodia begins, her tone and smile suggesting a wanton drunk and philanderer, "but what, exactly is a torble, and how does one call them into sacks? If they are to provide a distraction, perhaps I could take a night off work," Asmodia pauses and flushes slightly, "and gather more."
"I would prefer to witness a cleaner death," Tityanna adds, for herself. "Allowing Happs to hang, for the sake of intimidating the others is not a line of reasoning I am comfortable entertaining. They have been defeated, and beaten. Demoralizing them further would serve only to break their wills and lead to the same sad conclusion as Happs, I am afraid."
It is too cruel, allowing children to wait upon word of such filth, Tityanna muses, but says nothing. She recalls how many years she had waited to see her father, imagining that he was some manner of hero whose service to the family was greater than becoming acquainted with his own flesh and blood. The shock that he had simply continued his life without her, without ever once thinking upon her mother again until it was convenient for him to acknowledge Tityanna has yet to leave her.
And how might my life had changed hadn't I ever met him? she asks herself, and as if answering Haldaval, simply shakes her head.
"How like a man to evade all responsibility for the children he sires except whence it suits him," Tityanna hisses. She shrugs away from Ray's touch and steps away from him. "No child deserves to wait upon such a creature as this."
Tityanna shakes her head, turns and addresses the group.
"Happs has freely admitted to previous crimes committed in Restov, and Master Leveton and his Good Wife can attest to his criminal behavior since. When offered terms of surrender he chose instead to assault my person, and since being revived has offered none but lies and obfuscating ignorance, as well as insults to our Sir Haldaval. There is naught but hatred in his heart, and a coward, if freed he is likely to revert to his previous behaviors and become a blight upon these lands. It is my judgment that he should be executed."
Tityanna raises an eyebrow and looks to Haldaval, her mouth opening as though she intends to answer him when Uncle Happs interrupts them with his ignorance and vitriol.
"I have had enough of your ignorance, Uncle," Tityanna states, raising her voice. "Having no position to speak of from which to barter, you will speak to each of us. Haldaval's judgment upon you is colored only by your behavior towards our persons, specifically mine, and your lies," she adds after a moment.
"If, however, you have exhausted the depths of your knowledge of your organization, say... where perhaps we might meet this Kressle? Perhaps you would find more eager employment explaining whence you came upon the scale in your possession?"
Lisabett growls at the argument between Alazandaru and Alamar. "Are southern women so unappealing that men cannot tell the difference between them and monsters?" she wonders. "For that is what that creature is, Alazandaru, a monster. If given the chance, she would have murdered each and every one of us.
"What end do you suspect that they will face in Sandpoint?" Lisabett inquires. "The sheriff put bounties upon the goblins, caring not what manner of men came to collect. I am certain he did not intend that we should return with these monsters in tow. Do you intend that they should continue to live side by side with their victims? That Sheriff Balor and the whole of Sandpoint should gather to your cause of rehabilitating these creatures at the cost of their security?"
Lisabett shakes her head. "A quick death is the right and obligation of the victor in battle. Our cause was just, eliminating a threat upon travelers and the city, and you have negated our honor in completing it with your suggestion that we are simply murders without opportunity. You bind these creatures and march them towards a certain death, and prolong their misery. Which is more cold blooded?"
Lisabett's cool blue eyes narrow and she waits on Alazandaru's answer.
Edit: Sorry if I've messed up the timeline, but this is not an argument that Lisabett would have simply ignored, and she was wondering why all of a sudden we have not one but two goblins traveling with us as well.
...
Though she does not agree with the man's intents, Lisabett follows Alazandaru forward, at a distance, however, keeping an eye for any sign of track that might have been left behind.
Trial? Lisabett raises and eyebrow, but simply shakes her head at Alamar's suggestion. How merciful is it to slaughter this creature's kin, then march it hours from its home to be condemned?
Lisabett slides her spear onto her back, and recovers the javelin she threw at Sorin earlier, keeping it in her hand. She allows Alazandaru to scout ahead, and keeps herself as far from the goblin chief as possible.
Raziel, I'll update the loot document to include the box itself, if you are so determined.
They loved it. Of course, they didn't look butch or manly leading the colorful little fellows to the Thorn River Camp, but the party wizard forgot to mention that perhaps they might want to leave little gifts for the creatures while moving through their hexes. The first night they were going to turn the party Rogue's hair blue or something, but the half elf sentry foiled em, and since they never remember about their horses until it's the last moment - ponies.
Lisabett takes a five-foot step and ends her movement in E10 and casts Ray of Frost on the goblin at C10, but the magic triggered goes wide, instantly slicking the ground near the goblin ineffectually.
My mistake. When someone narrates that they move forward to check things out, I think "it's go time" and do the same. Lisabett would now be at H6 as she was investigating the pit, too.
Noticing the pair of eyes watching them, Lisabett looks to Alamar, and gestures with nod of her head in the direction of the hut, then shifts her weight and her arms to brace against attack. Lisabett's heart slows, and she feels her magic thrumming just beneath the surface of her skin. She parts her lips slightly when she exhales and embraces the source of her power, she imagines it lies just above her heart, and her cool blue appear to frost.
As a player, I don't get the impression that the NPCs are overpowered and will trump the PCs at all.
Think on it this way:
Sandru is a caravan leader. That's what he does. I very much doubt that a dozen guards and whatever merchants, etc would place their faith in the ability of a Warrior 1 to get their product to the next town, much less further away. So far in the game that I'm playing (granted it is a PbP, he's made us breakfast, and then hopped away to do caravan merchant things.
Shalelu is a ranger who lives outside the community. Again, doubt she'd be doing that very long in a place where goblins and worse thrive as a warrior 1.
Ameiko is a bard. Are we going to argue that a bard is overpowered? So far she has served drinks, food, and sang a song. Granted, with a nat 20, her song was much better than anything a PC could sing at first level without skill focus and really great charisma, but she wasn't inspiring courage, she was entertaining the patrons at her tavern. Her tavern, which she has pretty much been saddled to the passed few years.
Koya is an elderly cleric with wanderlust. With penalties to physical stats for age, she's not a combatant. Maybe she can heal some PCs if they don't have their own healer, but I wouldn't call that being better than the PCs.
I believe that being "forced" to relate yourself to one of the NPCs is more of a proactive measure to say "hey, you'll be with these guys for a while, why don't you pull up a chair and have a cup of care about them?" Your PC is free to be awesome in a way that they will not be, as they are NPCs and their actions are dictated by the AP. You can choose to ignore each and every one of the NPCs, and start a competitive relationship with them as you struggle to define yourself. That could be very fun.
Female Human (Varisian) Sorcerer (Dreamspun Bloodline) 1
Zelaria touches her lips as she stares at the carrion pile, her eyes wide and her stomach rolling with nausea. The gate broken from the inside!
"This was a slaughter," Zelaria whispers. "Likely... likely professional mercenaries barred the gate from without, and went about to each house..." Zelaria shivers and moisture stands out on her eyes. It as if her nightmares have come to life. She steps away from the smoking carrion pile, and looks to the guard's huts.
"If...' she begins, her voice strained, "if there were any sign that whomever led the assault was not wholly disciplined, we may find some guards within those. Should there be any sentries there, they could provide some manner of clue as to who these hunters were." Certainly there would have to be more than one!
"Kharia, if you will come with me to the towers, you can provide cover at range for us all, and Caiden and Warden Proudstump can investigate the burned hut? I... do not wish to ignore the homes, but, I cannot at this moment bring myself to investigate them further. Nor do I find it intelligent for us to be out of sight to each other for so long to do a proper search."
Lisabett steps forward with her spear, twisting her arms so that the haft is in front of her in a stance that is meant to convey that she will have the creature before her come no further, but not overtly aggressive. "Halt!" Lisabett adds for herself. "Come no closer!"
Evil lies in the hearts of men, too, and they may look and speak as plain as me, but do unspeakable things, she thinks, her mind racing. Each and every one of her hairs stands on edge as she gathers her power in her chest, her breath still misting on the air. The familiar chill prickled the skin of her cheeks and danced on the edge of the nerves in her fingers, making them raw.
It has been too long...
Sorin, you just need to keep concentrating with Detect Evil, so far as I understand it. As long the source is within range, you can identify its position.
Lisabett turns her head away from the house a moment to study Sorin's face, then gives an assertive nod. She looses her grip on her spear and makes the signs for Mage Armor, and speaking the words of the spell in Skald, forces the magics, which glitter like ice dancing in lantern light as it falls into place, down over her chest and belly.
"The time for pleasantries has come to an end," she says in thickly accented Taldane, more frost melting into vapor as it pours from her lips with the power of her magics.
I think that the GM should dictate what your profession (Courtesan) does, with the PCs permission.
I should also think, though, that location would have an influence. If you pick up profession (courtesan) and live in BFE where everyone is a farmer, yeah, yer probably going to be the village bicycle and earn very little per day.
Now, if you live in a big city like Korvosa, or Absalom and have good charisma and class levels, well then, you probably get some pretty good clients. Maybe, you're an actual courtesan who can work her way up to taking a single patron versus "Two-Pump" Chuck who tosses copper at ya when he's done his part. If you earn less per week, maybe your return clients are busy or something...
I run two characters with profession (courtesan). One has become the whore of Babylon when it was not intended, the other, at least thus far, I have said that she manages to charm her way out of the act itself while she is looking for a regular patron to deliver her from her otherwise destitute situation in life.
Ah well, just had to walk away for a while. At least he's interested in the AP story. Even if he doesn't care for prep and wants to run blindly at the monsters, and is a jerk... whatever.
*phew*
dun dun dunnn. Can't wait to meet florin's lady later.
Sorry, just know these two gentlemen from elsewhere, and the free form bit caught my eye. I like that in one-on-one GMing, but am not skilled enough to do it for a group just yet.
Seriously. He tried to tell me because I did not specifically state that I took the six seconds required to cast Light before I rode off into the night on top of my horse, that I did not do it, and myself and my horse were blind. I told him that just because I did not specifically state that my character ate, defecated and urinated that I was not dying of starvation or organ failure.
He'd already run another player off by telling him because he did not specifically state that he left the goods he meant to have the trader sell at the trade post, they were all on his horse, being rotted by inclement weather and were now worthless. A week after the fact, mind you.
He had pet players, and he made that clear. After 8 weeks of play, the newbie had no idea what to do with her character, and threw tantrums when I suggested that maybe her NG character should... oh, I dunno, play like a good character and not absolutely refuse to help the party whenever it was convenient for her and cite her backstory as an excuse. Because he did not agree with my methods, after running the fighter off, I was next in line.
He tagged my Goodly cleric with some sorta magical mystical flaw that would make her a beacon of evil courtesy Zon Kuthon and thought that was dramatic and cool.
I sincerely hope he finds another player to complete his unholy synthesis of a published AP and incredibly hyped up, disgusting schlock that would make Eli Roth blush, because he wants it to be "gritty" and dark.
I play them as naive and romantic. Have a bard and sorceress both in the same boat. Good characters, smart, just... have a little softer view of the world. Have problems recognizing moral gray, and going out of their comfort zones in terms of actions.
For example, big turning point for my bard just last session was accepting that to do good, evil people are going to have to die. And evil people dying is okay, killing evil people is okay, even, if it means you and yours survive to continue to struggle with being good above all else.
Aye, an unnatural presence of menace pervades, 'tis true. I do believe that most folks participating are on the rebel scum side of the pond, which may be confounding your expression of Florin.
I like your back story quite a bit, actually. Very little angst, just a guy looking to do the right thing, even if it is an unpopular opinion.
Looking into your traits and feats, though, if you were to take Heirloom Weapon (and discuss with the GM, of course) you could get the exotic weapon proficiency essentially for free. It is my opinion, although, again, not necessarily that of the GM's, that Cavs are already so limited in what they can do that it is scarcely a huge bother to pick up a freebie like that. But, if that is how you want to make your character, more power to you.
As you've probably read, I am brand new to the campaign, so I am kinda curious about who is going to get in on it so we can be newbie pals, maybe. Although my character seems to be fitting right in with most, so far. Going to have to recognize that for a while there will be that disconnect between us, however, as they've all known each other and been traveling a while and have gotten more comfortable and shared battle experiences and such that she has not. Nothing quite so attractive as another blank slate to bond with.
According to the BoEF (if you don't know it, i will not spell it out) pregnant adventurers only begin taking penalties in the second trimester, and at that point they are rather steep. First trimester, no penalties. Second trimester, a -2 to DEX, apparently reflecting poor balance and reaction time from being... awkward, and at the third trimester another -2 to DEX for a total of -4 DEX, which yes, can inhibit an adventurer.
My PC in my Kingmaker campaign has recently become pregnant herself. She is more worried about the possible effects of a strange patch of flowers that curse anyone who touches them, and our fiendish sub-bosses' influence on her pregnancy than anything else. That said, her cohort is a paladin, so when she can no longer adventure, there will be another in her place pushing her agenda within party.
hehe, just having a josh. I submit my awesomest cleric of Sarenrae ever, the light that shines down on all the Stolen Lands - Sunna! Her great deeds in stemming the plague that reared its ugly head in the River Kingdoms surely has made her known across the multiverse! CHA 16, just... watch out for her quick tongue and her flame strike. ;)
In all seriousness, make some lucky gal up. Not too hard with the NPC creator. I just made my cleric's mother up at 5 in the morning. Bonus points if you tweak the skill monkey NPC stat block to give her 7 intelligence and wisdom in exchange for two tremendous Paizo Iconic "talents."
