James Pollick's page

"Hey boy." James says, scooping up his son as he listens to his story. "Made into a pig? Did you have a curly tail?" He jokes with the boy, nodding his thanks to Aldern for his discretion. "Well let's just go have a quick talk to Father Zantus about this. Perhaps one of your young peers came into a bit of magic." James puts on a smile for his child, but he is a bit perturbed. He never understood magic much and he wasn't entirely comfortable with it being used on his son. In their home town no less. It was disconcerting.

The big man quickly closed down his stall, moving several items into locked trunks and the trunks into the strongbox in his home nearby, then hanging a small sign explaining that he was currently out. Michael continued to gambol around as he worked, asking questions as only a young boy could. After closing up shop, James headed toward the village square to see what had occurred and see if he could find Father Zantus to have a word.

James considers carefully. "Well I still need to put the finishing touches on this one and gather more lister oil... I'd be able to start by the end of the week. It wouldn't be ready for a few weeks though. This new technique I have takes a bit more time at the forge." He unties his leather apron and places it aside before pulling a small notebook from a drawer. "I think a nice basketed hilt will work best, maybe work some gold and a gem or two into the basketing..." James sketches quickly, then shows the crude diagram to Aldern. "Just as a first draft... we can change it up if there's anything you'd prefer. Of course I'd expect payment upon completion."

James raises a smiling eyebrow at Foxglove. "Of course any of my other wares are on sale as well." He says with a gesture toward his wall, upon which hangs several other weapons and some basic breastplates, as well as a small section dedicated to simpler fare like pots and nails. Most of the wall had swords, ever popular with adventuring types who had money and wanted to look noble, though there was a considerable amount of earthbreakers, and even a couple klar fashioned to look like the traditional giant gecko skull. James found that local weapons sold well as ornamentation, though the local Shoanti tribes didn't often buy a piece themselves. "Have you considered commissioning a new piece? I could make another blade of this type easily enough, though the work is a bit longer than a usual blade. Perhaps a fine saber or a short sword? I'd be happy to work a bit of filligree or etching into one as well, perhaps your house crest?"

James' face breaks into a sunny smile. "Master Foxglove, how's the weapons I fixed up? Adequate to your needs?" The big man stood, setting the new blade aside on a table and removing his work gloves. "You're free to take a glance at the new blade but don't touch please, it's still quite warm from the grindstone. Still needs a few more passes at sharpening but it's nearly finished. I've been trying a new method that makes the steel far lighter than would be expected of such a large blade." He gestures to the hilt, a very plain crossguard with slightly upswept edges. "I've been hoping to sell it, or get a commission for a blade like it, at the Swallowtail Festival. After all, there are always more travelers and noblemen looking to purchase a memento of the time."

James finishes a final strike with his hammer on the new blade, quenching it into a special blend of waters and oils present nearby. His stall open to the market air for others to watch his work (boosts sales if people get to see) as well as for his own cooling (forging is hot as a horse's backside, as Da used to say). James examined the blade as he raised it from the oil.

Perfect.

The strange ripple pattern in the steel wasn't something he'd expected. Perhaps a by-product of the green lister oil? But the blade was so light in his hands for it's size. Normally James didn't forge blades this large because they'd end up heavier than an earthbreaker and not taking advantage of that size, but this... this could be entirely different.

He set the blade down to take a long sip from his nearby rain barrel, splashing his sweaty face and short beard with the water.

I could probably ask at least 150... perhaps even 200 coin for such a marvel. I'll have to work on how to show off the edge... James considered the beautiful market day with a smile on his face as he sat at his grindstone to begin working the Pyngd to a sharper edge.

Maybe I could hire a proper carpenter and replace that ugly table before Amelia's parents visit later this year.

I definitely like the missing dwarves aspect. One wonders what they're up to.

For my bonds:

James has insulted my deity; I do not trust them.

Good, Like it.

_______________ is a good and faithful person; I trust them.

This could possibly be Jin in a twisted kind of way. His devotion to what he wants to do could be inspiring and Mae trusts his ability to cause a bit of chaos. This could also be James, also in the twisted way that I can trust that he will always try to do the "right" thing (despite what Mae really things).

We could also twist this one into something along the lines of "James' faith makes him predictable." I could see Mae believing herself very able to manipulate James due to his simple convictions and straight shooting nature. Just a thought.

I'll mark Mae down for worrying about surviving.

Dot.

James Pollick wrote:

___ needs education on this heroing business, and I will provide it whether they want it or not.

James is disdainful of heroics and adventurers, so maybe Anduil could attempt to change his mind.

I like this one I think - a skillful fighter who just doesn't Do adventure is almost blasphemous to Anduil.

James Pollick wrote:

_______________ is soft, but I will make them hard like me.

Anduil again. Possibly Mae if I don't know her religion, or maybe even if I do and think I could turn her.

This seems like Anduil to me. He's a solid fighter, though probably not a match for James - but he doesn't look the part at all.

That sounds great. I'll roll forward with these.

As for Bonds on others sheets, I think James would be best served with the following ones.

For Mae:

_______________ has insulted my deity; I do not trust them.

James could very well have insulted Hastur or the Mystery Cults in general in normal conversation. They certainly don't represent his beliefs.

_______________ is a good and faithful person; I trust them.

A bit odd, but I suppose if Mae trusts in faith, even in something she doesn't believe in, James is a fairly faithful person.

I am working on converting _______________ to my faith.

This would be a challenge, and not likely one that would succeed, but she'd be free to try.

For Anduil:

• ___ is someone I can rely on to make me look good.

James would not be attempting to show off, so I'm sure Anduil would look good in comparison.

• ___ needs to work on their appearance.

Yeah...

• ___ needs education on this heroing business, and I will provide it whether they want it or not.

James is disdainful of heroics and adventurers, so maybe Anduil could attempt to change his mind.

For Jin:

I suspect _______________ fears what they do not understand.

James certainly would, particularly if he had to rely on it.

_______________ knows the secret to my powers.

This ones a tougher sell, but it could work ok I think.

For my own bonds:

_______________ owes me their life, whether they admit it or not.

I could have saved any of you previously, though I prefer Anduil or Jin for this spot.

I have sworn to protect _______________.

Jin, particularly if I knew the secret of his power for whatever reason. Could be a source of tension.

_______________ is soft, but I will make them hard like me.

Anduil again. Possibly Mae if I don't know her religion, or maybe even if I do and think I could turn her.

I worry about the ability of _______________ to survive in the world.

Pretty much anyone works here.

What's everyone think?

James Pollick

• How do you feel about goblins? Is it a thing where you blame them for your birth parents’ death as monsters, or is it more that, you know, “if people didn’t adventure, the goblins would have left us alone” kind of thing, seeing them more as just wild animals.

• How does Michael feel about adventuring? Does he romanticise it as others his age? Does James discourage that?

• Tell me about the sword you’re forging now - what's it like? who is it for?

• Sandpoint is a coastal town, and gets a fair amount of travelers, by both land and sea. Some look for adventure, others are running from past lives. How do you feel about them being in your town? Are you ever concerned about who comes through?

• James has a simple opinion of goblins. They're vermin. Horrible vermin, but like one calls the apothecary to systematically ensure that your crops aren't being eaten by weevils, so one should call the guard to ensure that the goblins stay in the environment they exist in instead of sending in crazy people with something to prove and a hunger for treasure.

• Michael does often romanticise adventuring, which James is not a fan of, but does not feel that he can truly stop his son from having his own opinions. Still, he attempts to keep the boy away from the adventuring type and attempts to push him toward more... stable role models.

• The sword James is working on now is a Longblade, called in some areas a Bastard Sword. It is the largest sword James has ever made, as he's attempting some new forging methods he had discovered which he hopes will keep the longer blade lighter and stronger. It seems to have imbued the blade with a strange pattern to the metal, but James considers the wavy darkening in the metal a bonus, since it will make them easily identifiable. The weapon is shockingly light for as large as it is, leading James to jokingly call is Pyngd (an old word for 'weight'), though he suspects that the eventual buyer will likely rename it. James is forging this sword more to see if he can than for any particular client. Perhaps not the smartest business move but James has always been more passionate about the craft than the money.

• James is as concerned as any parent about the people around his child, but he feels that the cosmopolitan nature of the community is good for his family. Plus these people and travelers are his livelihood, and he can often be found in his open air forge near the square showing off his wares and his methods in attempts to manage a sale.

Hey guys, sorry to have skipped out. Like Yorick said I was fighting a sickness so I'm glad I'm doing better now. Jumping right into questions, then I'll jump on bonds with people.

Ok, I'm all updated to DW, just need bonds which I'll wait to hear who I'm actually playing with before I start filling in.

Ryuko here. Remembered I had made this character for another game at some point. Will fill out the alias with a full sheet later.

I can already think of a bunch of bonds and hooks with the proposed characters. I see James as kind of a "disapproving father" type. He wants everyone to be happy but he has a very definite view of a happy man, which he'll very lightly attempt to show others how they'd best be happy and satisfied. Really wish I could take the Wizards advice giving move. It'd be perfect for him.

Will Save:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

James throws off the compulsion of the little goblin once more. "Get out of my head!" He snarls with a swing of the hammer once more at the little spellcasting problem.

Attack:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Damage:2d6 + 7 ⇒ (4, 5) + 7 = 16

Will Save:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

James shakes off whatever compulsion the creature was trying to place on him with a grin. "Gotta try harder than that you ugly bugger." He says as he steps forward and makes a massive sidearm swing.

Attack:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

James stays quiet through the discussion of magic and undead, having little to add to the conversation he hardly understands, though he's rapidly losing patience in making sure his family is alright. "Perhaps we shoul-" The big man begins before being interrupted by the new arrivals. Damnit! He thinks, hefting his hammer at the one near him.

Attack:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Damage:2d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 2) + 7 = 11

Welcome. On a further note:

Apologies for my abscence, I've been having pains in my side for a few weeks now and upon visiting a doctor discovered I had appendicitis. I was in the hospital for a bit and then went into surgery. Now that I'm back home I'll be posting again. Just making sure you know what's up, post up soon.

Well I suppose if we're just exterminating the little bastard. James thinks, and lifts his hammer with a shrug as he moves forward warily.

Moving to put myself into Attack of Opportunity range, since I can't move to it and attack this round.

James looks to Jiessi with disdain. The damnable little creature didn't deserve to have surrender an option. But he lowered his earthbreaker and stopped a little away just in case, ready to charge in should the goblin try anything.

James will delay for the goblin. Probably not gonna be enough of a threat for him to regret it.

Stop! Hammer Time!

That joke will never get old.

James charges toward the goblin, careful to avoid the strange man in the scarf, and swings his Earthbreaker with all his might at the little pest.

Attack:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Damage:2d6 + 7 ⇒ (1, 1) + 7 = 9

The hammer crashes into the little creature with a thud of impact.

I generally can maintain a post every other day. Every day is a bit much because of school, work and family. Feel free to DMPC if I slow things down, James is a simple character.

James rushes into the square with his hammer held high. Goblins. He thinks with a sneer as he sees the ugly creatures. He looks around but his family is not here. But I can't leave these people. They'll be all right.

Seeing that one group seems to have one of the little creatures surrounded, James takes a run for the others.

Run action to P24
Next round will charge at goblin at I29

While the rest of the Pollick family was at the square James was nearby, working merrily in his forge. He decided to avoid the last bit of the festivities in favor of finishing off a few more things he intended to get done. Work before Pleasure as Da used to say. He thinks as he wipes sweat from his already grimy and slightly soot-stained forehead. When he hears the shouts from the square he stops, ensuring he heard what he had, then his eyes widen in panic. Screams. Those were screams. From the Square. Oh Gods Amelia!! Michael!! James sweeps his coat on, shrugging into the armor with ease and looks at the weapons he hasn't sold. Long blade... too fancy. Liable to cut myself after so long. Mace... not big enough. He then spots the massive maul he had made for the festival. Shoanti Earthbreaker. Large, Simple, Painful. Perfect. He picks it up and begins running quickly toward the square.

Please don't let me be too late.

James will arrive from the west in a round if that's ok.

"Sorry son, I forget we haven't been properly introduced. I'm James Pollick, son of John Pollick, Weaponsmith by passion and blacksmith by necessity. I've heard of you, and it's hard to miss the lad with the snake around his neck." James smiles as Emil hands his son the toy. "Ah... game must be rigged. You know your Papa's the strongest man in the village." He jokes with his son and makes a big muscle with his bicep. "It was nice to meet you." He calls to the departing half-orc.

I'm done with the games for now.

The Pollicks make a quick route of the games, Michael winning a goblin toss and Amelia enjoying an attempt at knocking down the bottles. James avoids these until he comes to the Ogre Stomp and watches Emil smash it. "A good strike, Emil." James says, taking the hammer for his turn. "But let me show you what a smith's muscles can do."

Strength Check:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

James strike is a bit off center and not quite as amazing as the half-orc's. "Ah well... Have to let you young'uns win some of them." He jokes with a rogueish smile. "Daddy, can I touch his snake?" Michael asks from his mother's side. "How should I know, Michael? The man is right here, ask him if his snake minds being touched."

Michael steps forward with a worried expression. "Will your snake hurt me if I touch it Mr. Emil?" He asks in wide-eyed innocence.

Hehe, everyone's so complicated. James is gonna be strong as hell and hit things with a hammer. Preferably while wearing as much metal as physically possible.

I do plan to pick up Master Craftsman so I can make everyone's weapons or armor.

I'm also debating taking Vital Strike and later feats, to emphasize that James is not a trained fighter but a man with big huge muscles and a big damn hammer. Which is why I chose the two-handed archetype. It mostly just adds extra strength to my attacks.

The Pollick family walked through the early morning streets with smiles on their faces. Amelia, very religious, was happy to see a new cathedral, particularly since the one they'd been married in burned down in the Late Unpleasantness. James was looking forward to meeting new people and perhaps getting a few more weapons sold, particularly his rare stocks, which he had trouble getting rid of sometimes. James had spent the last few weeks getting ready by making Shoanti weapons, and the traditional weapons of the Gods the temple would be consecrated to. And of course little Michael was very excited to play the games and have new foods and meet new friends.

"How come we have to go to the church? Daddy doesn't even follow the Gods." Michael asked from his perch upon his father's shoulders.

"I worship many of the same ideals son." He answered.

"And besides that, your family is going and you need to make sure you're there. Further, most of the town is going and you want to see all the travellers and adventurers don't you?" Amelia asked, her dark eyes grinning up at her boy.

James nodded and waved to several of the people they passed, his friends and neighbors generally doing so back. My but isn't it the perfect day for a festival? The blacksmith thought, bouncing his son on his shoulders.

Updating that. And don't forget a simple blacksmith in your party talks. Looking forward to playing James a lot.

Yay! I'll get posting tonight after work

James checking in himself, ready to be the reluctant hero.

James Pollick wrote:

Made this one for another game and would love to actually get to play him. Feel free to ask any questions.

Looks good, how ever devotee of a fallen god is nto a trait found in any of the sources I have allowed. If you could change that please.

No problem.

Made this one for another game and would love to actually get to play him. Feel free to ask any questions.

James smiles as Darius leaves for the woman. "The gods save us from young amorous people yes?" He laughs and elbows Kojan lightly before noticing him tensing up over the half-orc. "Easy there son. Anyone's allowed in Sandpoint. Don't be prejudiced. If he causes trouble the Sheriff will deal with it. It's none of your concern."

Poor James, in the largest category. But I'll stick with him, I've wanted to play this character for awhile, and if he doesn't get into this one I'm sure there will be a ton more recruitments for anniversary Rise of the Runelords (heck I plan to pick up the pdf when I have more money and run a recruitment myself after a few weeks)

"Of course I could sharpen it up. Or even make you a better one if you'd like." James smiles at the man. "And I should assume he was not from around here with skin like that. Not that I wish to be prejudiced based on your culture." James adds in a rush, realizing how it may have sounded. "So you're a Shoanti? Why are you here in Sandpoint?" The smith asks with interest of Kojan.

James looks over the blade with a critical eye. "I've never seen a two-blader that does that. May I look closer?" He tales the blade with respect and moves it lazily about for a moment, then sets it on the table and looks at the locking mechanism closely. "Very interesting. It's not as tough as the ones that I make as one piece, but it's more light, and could likely work as a pair of long blades in apinch, though they'd be a bit unbalanced. That locking mechanism is ingenious. I can't seem to find a way the blades would come apart without you triggering it. Whoever forged this was quite excellent at the smaller details to get thus seam correct. I'd love to see if I could duplicate it sometime." After his careful analysis James hands the blade back. "A good weapon. Mayhaps not as good as one of mine but it has certainly given me a few ideas." The big Varisian smiles at Darius widely, "But here I am chatting you up about swords before we've even been properly introduces. James Pollick, son of John, born and raised here in Sandpoint."

Gudada Purrun wrote:

Honestly, I'm combining making the rituals up with using stuff from some QUICK Google-Fu about the Roma.[/ooc]

I like what I see, man.

Agreed, very cool.

"Leather and whips... that's loathsome." James' face contorts in disgust as he shakes his head. "I'll never understand why some can't simply have a good night without pain and strangeness." He seems even more perturbed by laughter at the thought and moves a bit away where he is ambushed by Talon and Chadron.

I am pretty open-minded... James... not so much.

"A blade should be ready indeed Talon, though keep your wits about you. It could have been quite the incident had the little goblin died in our town." James eyes light up as he begins speaking about weaponcrafting. "Ah, the boy holds decent steel but I could make better practically in my sleep. See the mark there on the hilting? It's where the armorer spilled a bit of the steel as he went to attach the hilt and the blade together. Easy to do and a common mistake, not one many people worry about but not a blade I'd allow in my shop. The hilt and blade can be forged together there, but the full tang is much more solid and sturdy. Keeps the blade more balanced too." James continues happily, explaining his current projects (Mostly the tribal weapons of the Shoanti and the weapons favored by the clerics of the Cathedral temples, James had a better eye for business than many credited him for and he knew the travellers coming into town would want their patrons weapons or the novelty of ancestral weapons.) "The oddest among my collection is a big maul that the Shoanti call an Earthbreaker. It's a hammer with blunted spikes made to equalize the force as the wielder swings, but the haft must be very light. It's a tough project, and I seem to have fallen behind. I may not be able to get one on display before the festival, but that will be fine, I have two-bladed swords, starknives, crossbow bolts, and long blades in the window, I had a priest of Iomedae come in earlier and make a commission for a truly fine blade which I hope to finish before the day." James takes a long look around and seems to realize the others are not quite as... engrossed in weapons design discussion as he is and then takes a draught from his cup. "Ah... apologies... I tend to ramble."

"Whichever side of the weapon keeps you out of trouble Talon." James answers with amused disapproval. "But truly I was-" He's interrupted by the scene with the goblin and as Noro asks he quickly nods and heads out to get the sheriff, walking in shortly behind the big Shoanti man as he heads in the door. James listens with surprise to the fact that the little goblin could be a Pathfinder and is glad to see the altercation resolved peacably. I'm still glad to have elected him, regardless of his roots. I'm glad the town is watched over by a man with a level head.

"I apologize on behalf of our townsfolk." James rumbles at the little goblin, trying his best to appear unthreatening. "They are... not the most accepting of your kind. Goblins have plagued us for many years and it is very unusual to see one on a mission of peace. I hope you can forgive them for being overly enthusiastic in protecting their families." He extends one mighty meathook of a calloused hand to the goblin for shaking. "I'm James Pollick, Son of John Pollick, Blacksmith and Weapons maker."

James steps through the door to the bar, almost having to duck to get inside. He was recognized by several and nodded to them. Dragon's rather full tonight. Lots of travelers. Mayhaps travelers in need of weapons. James thinks as he looks around the tavern. He hadn't considered that when he left tonight, after Amelia and Michael had gone to bed. He often found it difficult to sleep and took strolls or friendly sojourns to the dragon at night, though he never had more than one or two drinks and kept his revelry from going far into the night.

James settled his muscular form onto a chair near the bar and watched the strange performers. A pair of women from far and away, dancing and drumming for tips. James respectfully tossed a silver for the entertainment and ordered a mead, enjoying the air of revelry and gawking at the elven woman selling enchanted kisses. He was tempted to see if it would bother him, but decided against it. Best not to anger the gods... or my loving wife. He thought with a wry smile. Finally he looks over the crowd with an eye towards business and is able to spot the adventurers easily. Should work while I drink I suppose. He thinks with a grin and steps in towards the group at the bar. "Welcome to Sandpoint strangers. Would any of you perhaps be in the market for weapons?" He asks, his blunt nature becoming clear in his approach.

All right, got James finished up here, any thoughts on him Tierce?