His smile starts in his eyes now and his face seems brighter" My mother said the same thing about life, being a dancer herself." His eyes relaxed and traced Anen's frame. Indeed, how had he not noticed her dancer's frame before? Clearing his throat and tearing his eyes away from the half elf's curves he returns his gaze to her eyes." I can play a faster accompaniment, should you feel inclined to dance.
Anen Elaradre wrote:
"I appreciate you noticing doll." He says shamelessly. " But it's a Blessing of the Starsoul. You'd be a quick study I'm sure, and I've been told I'm a proficient instructor." His smile widens and he bows his head slightly.
"Goodbye Karoka, Another night indeed." Jaska nods at the half orc "Indeed Anen, You're sunshine enough for this old inn." Jaska says while flashing a handsome smile. " And hey it's not always a choice, but the road is more than just a Job. Better or worse it's a way of life. But I don't really have to tell you that." He says affirmatively to Iozef, but never loses the charm in his basso tone perhaps left over from his remark to Anen. "Ceru, I certainly hope your not hustling these two inexperienced players." He winks, obviously jesting, but taking endless joy from watching the nearly 7 foot tall elf and this stoic militia man in Jasper racking their brains to keep up with this plum haired princess at her own game.
"I too was born on the road into Sandpoint, Small world Iozif. I suppose our parents were like minded in seeking out this place." He nods to the half orc as he stands and walks away. His eyes wander off to the small tattoo of a butterfly on his wrist. " Additionally, an old friend asked me to look after some things here, and here I am." Saying it out loud made him realize how vague his motivations seemed at this point. Still ever since his conversation with Niska he could feel his destiny fast approaching. Desna wouldn't fail him, his faith was unfettered. " Drinks are good, and the fireplace is much more warming than the sheets of rain outside, Not to mention company is lively and plentiful. I don't think any might deny that the Gods Smile on The Rusty Dragon tonight!" He finishes strongly, and lifts his cup into the air, pausing for a moment as he mentions the gods to glance at Thaddeus and Parsifal And any other "holy men" present, like someone else said it's hard to recount everyone's names but consider your character involved if you think they seem to fit. " What better place than here, or night than tonight friends?" Jaska concludes, and finishes his second mug.
Jaska Recognized Karoka as an adoptee of the Mvashti's. No matter how flatly told, Jaska laughs heartily at the half orc's joke. Jaska simply waits for the right moment and places the tankard back on to the tray carried by Bethana."I myself am a lover of fine wine, So I admire your choice. And do not Worry Thadeus...was it," his eyes wander off as he thinks." I take no offense, we all follow our own edicts. There is more than one path to the top of the mountain friend." Jaska declares, drinking to that, but making sure to clank his glass against any who would agree with his words of 'wisdom'
Jaska's face reddens slightly and he shakes his head." Ah no forgive me kind sir, It is I who slighted you. I'm afraid my Varisian blood often runs hot and it betrayed my social graces there." His tone is genuine, and he Scoops two mugs from Bethana's loaded tray as she makes her way past. He sipped off the top of one and extended the other to Thaddeus while arching his right brow up and down.
Immediately sensing the seriousness veiled beneath Iozif's light tone, Jaska doesn't press the issue and smiles charmingly."I am Jaska. A pleasure to meet you." He offers honestly. Jaska sets up in his seat and makes sure his face is froth free as Anen's smoky voice filled the tavern air. Her voice sent chills down his spine, and he said a quick thank you to Desna, for allowing him to hear such a grand performance in this small town. At the end of her rain song, Jaska claps enthusiastically and whistles a shrill cat call. As the alluring half elf lass continues, Jaska retrieves his lute and plays a gentle accompaniment to Anen's haunting voice gratefully, his eyes locked on her. He smiles and nod's politely when she returns his glance.
Jaska takes a seat by the boisterous half orc and tips his tankard towards Iozif in toast as he evokes the names of numerous gods." Surely a lad such as yourself can't be as overworked as the Gods, friend. " He offers with a smile. " We are all serving some means beyond our own." With that he finishes off the mug of ale and wipes the froth from his mustache.
Redclover here with a Varisian Inquisitor of Desna with the Travel Domain. I'm in US Eastern timezone(Kentucky) but my sleep schedule is pretty wild so I'm on board all hours of the night. Really got into this character concept and this AP looks like a blast. Any comments would be greatly appreciated, Thanks : ) Questions
Spoiler:
1. Which NPC does your character know? What is your character's attachment to said character? Jaska knows Koya Mvashti, Having been born to a long line of followers of Desna, Jaska has often dealt with Koya and her mother before her. Jaska's family have long been close friends of Koya', Jaska learned much of what he knows about Desna from the Mvashti's, and became a respected pupil of Koya. Niska's dying wish has Jaska keeping a closer eye on his mentor now than ever. He'd also have a friendly relationship with Ameiko, seeing as how he frequents her inn. 2. What motivation would your character have to join the caravan? The influence of Desna and the call to travel has been divinely imbued into Jaska's very being, be it by fate or Desna's will, and as such Jaska is possessed with such incurable wanderlust that it borderlines on being a problem. Aditionally, in the days and weeks since his visit with Koya's mother, he has felt a looming sense of anxiousness, as if he is on the verge of great things. Believing strongly in signs and omens, he feels that Niska is watching over him from the stars while he is sworn to watch over her daughter. If Koya is going, then so will follow Jaska, as he has far too much respect for signs and omens of Desna and for the late Niska Mvashti. 3. What will your character contribute to the group?
4. What are your plans for your character mechanically? Mechanically I'm ultimately aiming for the Sphere-walker Prestige class, I've already invested in the correct feats and my skill choices are on their way. My path to that class is slightly in flux, depending on the rest of the party make up, but it will either be straight inquisitor until then, or possibly with levels into the free hand or weapon master fighter archtypes, both specializing in the starknife, if the party looks like it might need a little extra punch melee/thrown weapon damage output. 5. What are your plans for your character from a story-perspective? Jaska is a devout follower of Desna, and seeks to be a paragon of the Desnan Ideal. He will see life as a beautiful chaos, ever seeking new experiences and locales. Constantly seeking exciting things in life, Jaska might be known around town as something of a socialite, never turning down an offer to partake in drink or any other herb or drug or even concubine which he is yet to experience, but never losing sight of the greater good. Jaska will be quick to form friendships with all who can keep him interested, but even quicker to belittle those he sees as stiff or outright boring. 6. What do you think of the Caravan mechanic presented in the Jade Regent Player's Guide? Does it seem unnecessary, or do you think it will add to the campaign? I think it'll work better on pbp than around a table, as it might be a little sluggish, so i think we should consider ourselves lucky. I'll with hold any definitive answer until i see how it plays out in game though. I'm certainly willing to try it and paizo has done soe pretty interesting things with similar ideas in other APs.( like the kingmaker kingdom building) 7. What is your opinion on the concept of romances in a roleplaying game? Would you pursue one, or prefer that they remain an untouched subject? I'm all for them, and Jaska will most likely seek romance wherever he can find it. It's good fun if you can do it in a mature way, and without being too mushy or any of that, but its a powerful emotion and one that's easy to identify with. One of my favorite characters was a rogue from the Savage Tide AP who courted and married The Vanderbourne lady(her actual name escapes me at this moment) and it offered a very rewarding roleplay experience, and that was around a table, with my gm. Pbps are great for rich narrative roleplay and i think when it's possible, and encouraged in the case of the Jade Regent, it's too powerful of a narrative tool to avoid altogether. Jaska erupted through the door of the tavern with labored breathing. His flowing clothe scarves all soaked from the rain. He smiles and waves at any who might take note of this intrusion, The Rusty Dragon was fuller than he had figured and his entrance was a little unceremonious. Never the less he makes his way to the hearth of the fireplace and places his hat and various scarves near the flame to dry out. Removing his lute from it's wrapping he quickly adjusted the pegs until the instrument was in tune and warmed his tired bones by the fire while he played a bustling melody. He looked to Anen, and thought of how he hoped she would sing. Her voice moved him in ways that not much in Sandpoint could, and a smile steadily crept upon his face as he studied the lines of hers. This went on until he was pleasantly warm, at which point he returned the lute to its wrapping across his back and made his way to the bar in search of Ameiko. It was a rainy night, and sleeping in it would be most unpleasant. As he had nowhere else to stay tonight, he hoped that Ameiko might let him entertain for his room and board, as she had done for him a few nights before. He finds only Bethana who looks to be very busy."Bethana my dear is there a party here tonight I didn't know about? This is as full as I've seen the Rusty Dragon, Save for around the Sawallowtail." Jaska Rambles, more to himself than anyone else, as the halfling busies herself with supplying food and drink to the patrons. A sense of butterflies in his stomach overwhelmed him, and he thought of the Starsong fondly. It felt as though he was standing on a precipice and he couldn't be happier for it.
"Fetch you have a keen mind, I'll be grateful to have you on my side if the swordlords choose the two of us." Jaska offers politely. Patting Gathien on the back, he leans close and whispers in halfling"I'm not sure I've seen any who know what it is to be a halfling like you do my friend" Jaska shifts uncomfortably in his chair as more guests arrived. A boisterous dwarf and an orc blood with a snake fetish now. He waves and introduces himself all the same. He motions for another drink as well, following Ironhand's clumsy lead."Yes friends the louder dwarf has the right idea, Let's see how deep Brevoy's wine cellar runs tonight!" He chuckles as he turns up the cup the servant brings him, but sets it down before it was quite all gone.
Jaska notices Kragath's focus as he talks, and nods to the man, apparently pleased with himself. Carnivyx wrote:
Is it okay if I make a knowledge(local) check here to see if I can place Carnivyx's mentor? Knowledge(Local)1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10Jaska's hand goes to his sideburns as he searches his memory." Morhan Duskbringer, I'm not sure if I know him." Rorgrym Khazhugar wrote:
"And where does this restlessness spring from, kind sir Rorgrym, if I might be so bold as to ask?" Jaska inquires, a sly smile turning the corners of his lips upward.
DM
Spoiler:
Jaska wouldn't mind being a ruler, as long as he had a strong Advisor. When the oppurtunity arises, the crown will be Jaska's goal, but as his companions grow on him and if someone better suited to rule, Jaska wont mind being a councilor, hopefully loved by his people.
The idea of enemies comes primarily from the Brigand feat. Jaska etched out a living for a while as a bandit in the river kingdoms, where he was known for his bravado, and recklessness, stealing from common folk and bandits alike. I'm operating off the assumption that the mw studded leather armor he wears is stolen, so perhaps there is a halfling bandit out there trying to catch up with him. In any event, I like the idea of him having some of the bandits know of him, and probably of his reputation. If you want some friendly npc connections, perhaps Jaska has a mentor or family member living somewhere in the stolen lands. The large amount of halflings is odd, but i do have quite a feel for this guy. haha Evan Freehame wrote: "Ah Jaska, I don't think we've met?" Evan grabs Jaska's hand and shakes it enthusiastically. "Good to see a fellow halfling among all these bigjobs here! The feast hasn't quite started yet so your timing is perfect. Oh, and I'm Evan." "Merry meet Evan my brother." Jaska offers with a smile as he moves to take his seat at the rearranged table. Gathien Toran wrote: in Halfling "Jaska, Even, welcome!" "Greetings Friend, That is a remarkable tattoo. " Jaska replies in his native tongue to the halfling. Alexite Ratarion wrote: "Greetings, Evan, Jaska. Welcome to our table. And you as well, Master Ingle, Master Peregrine. This is turning out to be quite the illustrous gathering." he adds with another slight bow of his head to the second group of newcomers. "Indeed tall fellow, it must be quite illustrious for my people to be represented so well." He smirks slyly, nodding at the other halflings in the room. Kragath Lightbringer wrote: Kragath rises during a brief lull in the conversation, "Gentlemen," he turns to Carnivyx, "and Lady. Given the rapid but welcome filling of this table, I feel it is only proper that we should all be aware of who each other is and their chosen path in life, as our very lives may depend upon it in the near future." "Wise Words, Vassal of Abadar." Jaska begins smiling. He stood up in the chair to his full height of 3'1 and cleared his throat."I am Jaska Galahad." He explains, as he steps onto the table itself for a higher vantage point." I, like my halfling brother Gathien, have no particular ties to deity or family house. Leaning down to pick up his cup he drinks as if he's parched." However, I've lived in the River Kingdoms, I know the people and how to deal with them, And my rapier swiftly deals with those my tongue cannot." He concludes confidently." It's a pleasure to meet all of you, certainly." With that he steps off the table and into his seat.
Questions
Spoiler:
1. Why are you interested in working with the Swordlords of Brevoy?
1. Jaska has a long list of enemies, furthermore he's very ambitious. The Swordlords offer is an escape route far into the stolen lands, where he can disappear from those who's ire he has acquired through his banditry and loud mouth. Furthermore, it's a challenge, something for him to sharpen his claws on, metaphorically. 2.He'd be famous, stories would be told about him, young halflings would aspire to be like him, he has a soft spot for things like that. Also, to help shape a kingdom from the ground up where halflings can be
3.Jaska will always do his best to flank melee opponents for sneak attack, and use Bravado strike on stronger opponents in order to try to demoralize them. Befuddling Strike will likely be his first rouge talent at 2nd level, which will be used to make opponents flat footed. He can sneak, knows a multitude of Languages, and with a high charisma and his naturally persuasive ways( and the persuasive feat too), Jaska is a great diplomat and intimidator. 4. Mechanically I dont have much planned out at this point, befuddling strike at 2nd level, getting the Rake's Smile ability at 3rd, and then going into the scout archtype for abilities at 4th and 8th level, he will most likely be a rogue for 20 levels. 5. From a story perspective, in the beginning, Jaska is an opportunistic bandit looking for an easy way to escape his well-deserved enemies. He's persuasive and has a strong personality but has a wicked temper and acts without much thought. He'll eventually want to take care of old debts and enemies. He's a very proud person and once presented with the opportunity to do great things, Jaska will slowly become much more noble. Once the kingdom building starts happening, Jaska will let his ambition overtake him and will do anything to leave his mark, particularly by helping to create a society where halflings are always thought of as equal. Stats and all that in the profile, should be just about done Jaska enters the mansion with the invitation in hand. He wasn't even sure how he ended up being summoned by Swordlords, and if he ever thought anything out, he might have even thought it was a trap. But the thought never enters his mind. The mansion is already bustling with all sorts of adventurers and servants. He wears only his rapier at his side, in addition to the daggers he keeps hidden. His dark studded leather armor was clearly well made, and he wore it simply with a light red scarf for all to see. He takes a drink when one is offered and bows low as he approaches the table where it seemed all were gathering."Jaska Galahad at your service my friends. What a varied lot have we gathered in this mansion" Chuckling softly now his sharp blue eyes return upward. The halfling has an air of easy confidence, one might even say arrogance. He takes a seat and runs a small hand through his mane of golden blonde hair, surveying the room." This expedition should prove most interesting, I'm eager to find out who my traveling companions will be. |