Jermaine's page

Very sad. I hope the game master is okay.

"You know Jermaine, I imagine if you just showed up they'd have you doing all the boring apprentice stuff like scrubbing floors, and just not get around to teaching you anything for years. Free labor! I think you are right to want an agreed-upon contract or however they do it."

Jermaine taps his nose at that, confirming Brathas has summed up some of his very concerns.

"Oh, getting married soon, are you, Venla? Is the lucky fellow aware of this? Let's see, who shall it be?"
There aren't that many young men in the village, so he starts ticking them off on his fingers.
"Sampo's going to be little help. He likes farming even less than I like masonry. Now I can't deny that your children would be handsome, but you'd be doing all the work.
Jermaine? Why, you have just sent him off to the Black Tower!
Oh! His brother, Gand Purth. Now there's a real prince. What a kind, considerate fellow." A quick look to Jermaine clarifies that nobody thinks this of Gand.

"Oh so true but Gand's younger than I am as well, by only a year and a few months but he's far too immature," Jermaine tisks as if it is such a a sorrow, playing along.

Okay, Jermaine has to fight a smile.

He returns to a more normal tone. "I mean it. If we have a good run of shows and word spreads, we might be performers one day. Or we do what I have suggested. We save up our money, and two or three years from now we bring a really good show to Ashlar or somewhere and put it on in the streets. Maybe we get noticed as performers and picked up by a theater company. And you're an excellent brewer, so the company could have its own ale sold at performances! That would draw the crowds. We should at least take the chance."

"Maybe some of the current events unfolding will help inspire you two for new script ideas?"

Freeday, 7th of Hithring

~~
Venla listens to her friend’s conversation about wizards, spells, and mentors as they stroll along the Tanu River. Every so often she stops and pokes through the rocks at the bank before joining the boys; “What if you just went? I love our home here, but you aren’t going to get a wizard to ride in on a wagon on a feast day celebration ready to use his magics to light up the night sky.”

She sighs; “I wonder how people like Lusia, Veini or even Lodric who have been here their whole life do it…” She looks back around her surroundings; “I suppose I’ll get married soon and give some farmer a lot of children to help work the fields and be too busy to have such silly thoughts.” This time she walks up beside Jermaine and takes his arm as they walk on

"If I just WENT to the Black Tower? Assuming I survived the journey?" He ponders "I doubt they would take me if I bullied my way in." he is surprised when he's taken by the arm and gives Brathas a look as if asking him 'is this happening? is it meant as a joke?'

"Nah, it's not a big deal. In our case, constraints breed creativity. It'll be a good show. Three more weeks maybe."

Jermaine gives an approving nod at that , one meant to convey confidence.

"Mmm-hmm," Brathas replies noncommittally.
But he only knows so many wizards to write to. So what if that percentage is low enough that he exhausts his options before getting a 'yes'? Would he just write back to the same ones over and over?

He looks like he is about to speak, reconsiders, then reconsiders again.
"Aren't some wizards self-taught? Why couldn't that be you? I know you have some books and scrolls you've been reading."

Brathas knows he shouldn't voice the thought What if you never get a 'yes'? even though it is on the tip of his tongue and, like many youths of his age, it can be hard to stop from blurting out what is on his mind. And so he is grateful to be rescued from such embarrassment by Venla, and takes her arm.
"Yeah, come on Jermaine, let's see what there is to see."

Jermaine says "Certainly," He moves to follow Venla and Brathas, and he smiles at the earlier question "Wizards are rarely self taught but it has been known to happen. The problem is you have to get your hand on some actual spells. A real spell book with spells already in it. I have a book for spells but it is empty. Then there's the material components and learning which goes with what spells, the vocalizations, the gestures required.. it is all very precise," He struggles to keep up with his longer legged friend but manages "I think I've gotten the basics thanks to some study, but it is hard to be sure. A mentor would make all the difference, let me know if I'm even making progress."

"Well, Jermaine, Venla is right. Those fine performers in Ashlar have what is known as 'artistic freedom', whereas we have what are known as 'parents'. And 'children in the audience'. Some compromises must be made.

"Yes. That I could surmise," He arches a brow "But if that's frustrating for you both you have my sympathy. Trust me, I understand how vexing parents and limitations can be."

How have you been spending your Freeday, Jermaine?"[/b]

The runty want to be wizard sighs, "Avoiding my own family in truth. Mother coddles too much, my father looks ashamed when he sees me, and my younger brother is a smug ass. It would appear to be a recurring theme in my life, but..." He smiles and says something he's said before "When I finally get a chance to apprentice to a wizard, that'll all change. I just need to keep sending out missives and messages. The law of percentages suggests eventually I will get a positive response."

Freeday, 7th of Hithring

~
Venla is the only one to follow Brathas, and gives an eye brow raise Jermaine ask How does rehearsal. “Shadow puppets is what we are turning too.” looking to Brathas; “You know, I be the great playhouses of Ashlar don’t use shadow puppets…” She says with a batting of her eyes. It's hard to tell if she is teasing or being playful.
~
The wagon and horses draw the attention of most of the adults in the hamlet. Each of them making up their own stories and proud to share them. As the door to the mill opens, revealing the workers and driver again, Lusia Tiera appears with them. She smiles and gives a slight bow. The driver quickly moves and parks the wagon safely beside the mill. Lusia watches the men at work as they disconnect the horses from the wagon, load up, and begin to ride out from the hamlet.

Jermaine blushes lightly as Venla joins them. Like most grown women in the village, she is taller than the stunted lad, "Hello, Venla."

AH, that explains a lot!
Thank you for clarifying

Brathas sees the half-orc Krezen off by himself, and the butcher Lodric talking to Anvar.

He moves over to Jermaine and nods. "Any idea what's going on?"

Jermaine looks intrigued enough at what he's watching, but when Brathas walks up to talk to him, the scrawny runt of a man looks up at his much (MUCH) taller theater friend and says "Not as much as I should know. I never did learn more about nobles and their going on," Jermaine doesn't like admitting ignorance, finding it a capital sin, "Noble business to be sure, and quicker eyes than mine may have seen more. I looked to see if a courier was with them, no such luck. How goes rehearsal?"

Thanks! Post up and I took the time to name Jermaine's family members (And those are now in Character Ties spoiler box for future reference).

In a village this small, everyone knows everyone, more or less and on a Freeday, everyone , liberated from their labor, can wander where they will. Jermaine Purth is glad he at least got out of his family house. His mother, Jenevieve Purth is a wonderful woman, a lovely woman really, full of love; but she still treats her eldest son like he’s a child at times (To her credit, she’s gotten better), and it can drive the scrawny and short Jermaine up the proverbial wall. At least she doesn’t have the perpetual look of embarrassment Jermaine’s father Jeram has when he sees his eldest, nor the smirking smug look of physical superiority Gand (Jermaine’s younger brother) often gives his ‘big’ brother.

So, despite the fact he is no outdoorsman, and often prefers to spend free time reading, Jermaine is actually out and about just to avoid said family. So it is, that he dares the chance of rain and lightning, considering seeking out Brathas only to observe the Driver and worker dismounting and heading towards the mill.

His eyes lock onto the situation with curiosity, and a hint of disappointment. Not a courier I don’t think, so no chance of a missive from the Black Tower or any other who might have received my letters in interest in apprenticeship to be a wizard In his late teens, most would probably think of him as too old for the training anyway, but Jermaine had studied on his own as as possible. He liked to think he knew more of arcane magic than any non-caster in Pebble Mill. The small man’s dreams remained large regardless, and for now, well, whatever this was, it was at least a distraction.

To keep things simple I'll take Combat Casting and Dodge.

I was considering either Combat Casting, Eschew Materials (To show how he wings it with unofficial materials) or Spell Focus (As he might end up a specialist for all I know) but I could easy take Dodge (Had to learn how to avoid blows from bullies) or Great Fortitude (Managed to survive a nasty illness that should have killed him as a child despite his frailty) that might fit his concept and I could take either now.

Lodric Not a problem. I think that I the setting was a little higher fantasy that what you were wanting to do would fit better. But I do really like what you have going on in this character and it will be a blast.

Jermaine I suppose that you could leave the feat blank, but there are feats that are always good toughness. What are you leaning towards for the wizard? If it is spellcasting related, you do have that ability already. In the same way that Jermaine doesn’t know exactly how to do what he is doing the feat could also play into it in the same way.

Everyone
It's funny how things work out. We are now down to 6 which was my original goal. A hunter/trapper herbalist, a sickly arcane minded human, a mountain of a man butcher, a thespian stonemason apprentice, a disgraced noble that led a life of service at the mill, and a traveling merchant tinsmith dwarf.

Jermaine might just need that Magical Aptitude to be wielding curative wands... but that is a hill we can cross when we get there.

If you would, place your character ties on your character sheet in a spoiler box. I'm enjoying what I am reading and looking forward to what our game will have in store.

Ironicly I don't have Use Magic Device as one of my Expert Class skills and have no points in it. If you feel it would be wise, I can remove something like Profession Astronomer for it.

Anvar you asked about distance and travel. Looking at the hex key on the map it says 1 hex = 1 mile… I am used to Kingmaker where 1 hex = 12 miles. I am pivoting the key to 1 hex = 3 miles for our game.

Lodric yes everyone will be getting into PC classes. I am going to have you all on medium track, but to get you all into that first PC class will be more of a campaign marker than experience. Once you have your 1st level of PC that is when we will track XP.

I like what you are wanting to do… but with the classes I want to stick to Core classes, leaning into the standard paladin would be best. But I am good with the earthbreaker for your weapon.

Krezen I like the idea of not making any plans. Rolling into what class would seem best from where you have been & are going from when you level… seems fun.

Jermaine & Brathas this seems like an origin story that can turn into Raistlin & Caramon of the Heroes of the Lance.

Jormvo I like the idea of the Hanbo as your weapon of choice / walking stick. It is a monk weapon and the only difference from a club is that it is a tripping weapon. I am okay with that.

Equipment Just like the classes, let’s keep things to the Player’s Handbook for now. Yes Anvar is a traveling merchant and the possibilities could be endless, but let’s keep things simple to start.

Okay, I am switching to Padded armor.

I have not selected a feat yet. Can I leave that blank for when he gets his wizard level?

I'm very sorry to do this after just agreeing to join, but I'm going to have to bow out of this game. I've considered some commitments I have coming up, and I won't be able to give this the attention it deserves. Better to realize this before it starts than a couple months from now, I think.

Have fun with the game everyone! May all your NPCs live long enough to earn real classes. :D

Here's hoping Real life treats you kindly! Be well!

** spoiler omitted **

I plan on hopefully taking sensei/drunken master monk if i survive to the next level to really play into the wise drunk man act

I can see Jermaine treating Jormvo with respect for being an elder and perhaps grateful for this or that bit of advice though the young man can be too proud to seek it out. I can adjust that if you want more detail or see it differently.

Jermaine wrote:

Okay.

What he's bought

260 GP total: 50 GP weapons, 130 GP protection, 40 GP Limited Use, 40 GP Gear.
Weapon Dagger for 2 gold
Protection Haramaki 3 gold
Gear: Spell book (Empty) 15 gp, Inkpen 1 sp, Ink 2 vials 16 gp, Backpack 2 gp, spell component pouch 5gp (total 38 gold and 1 sp)

As he's hoping to go the wizard path, and is sure he is MEANT to be a wizard (big dreams!) obviously much of his stuff is in that hope :)

Otherwise he travels as light as he can because encumbrance is a monster that eats weaklings like him

So we are out in the boonies, and you got yourself an Haramaki? Come on man, it is an Eastern inspired 'armor' :D

Yup. I did. And no shame in it. He's got a 7 str, and this is the armor that would weigh less. What's the point of being a know it all expert if he can't at least go up to a smith and go "make something like this... yes it's real" :)

If the GM insists I change it, I will but it definitely fits a 'I'm going to be a wizard ' obsession in my mind, while still being better than forgoing armor for his mania :)

He quite likes Jermaine, who is of the same age. Brathas has never seen any reason to bully those smaller or weaker. He doesn't go out of his way to visibly defend Jermaine (as that might be seen as patronizing), but a couple of the youths who bullied Jermaine have found themselves 'accidentally' knocked to the ground in collisions. Brathas is not as smart as Jermaine, but he's reasonably bright and curious so hopefully has earned some respect from Jermaine for not entirely being a dumb jock.

With that attitude, I think (With your approval) that they are indeed good friends. Brathas ' approach tends to bring out Jermaine's better nature. At first, it must be said, Jermaine thought the boy might be dim, but he soon learned otherwise and even felt guilty about it (He himself having been pre-judged). Jermaine now sees that Brathas has a very impressive imagination, and while not as smart as Jermaine (Few are) definitely is no mere lunk with acting ambitions. Indeed, the often defensive Jermaine brightens up and is happy to share his knowledge of history, languages, engineering and more with Brathas so Brathas can fact check his scripts if he is so inclined, or use ideas from historical figures and events. Jermaine suspects Brathas looks out for him against some bullies, but is desperately grateful Brathas has never made a large show of the smaller lad's need of protection.

It is no secret that Jermaine hopes to become a wizard and get accepted by the Black Tower wizards to the north and Brathas might know more details about Jermaine's dreams than most. Jermaine has already decided that if .. no, make that WHEN, he becomes a powerful (And thus well off) wizard, he will repay Brathus by being a patron for a play where Brathas gets to play the romantic lead.

Okay.

What he's bought

260 GP total: 50 GP weapons, 130 GP protection, 40 GP Limited Use, 40 GP Gear.
Weapon Dagger for 2 gold
Protection Haramaki 3 gold
Gear: Spell book (Empty) 15 gp, Inkpen 1 sp, Ink 2 vials 16 gp, Backpack 2 gp, spell component pouch 5gp (total 38 gold and 1 sp)

As he's hoping to go the wizard path, and is sure he is MEANT to be a wizard (big dreams!) obviously much of his stuff is in that hope :)

Otherwise he travels as light as he can because encumbrance is a monster that eats weaklings like him

Ack. I'm here, but I am also behind on Gear, sorry about that. His strength is so low that Jermaine can't handle carrying much :)

Good luck folks

Jermaine Looks great! I should have been specific when I said a couple. I was thinking two, so if you’d be good just shave one of those off and that would be great.

Got it! Dropping guidance!

Ridge: I love it. Save all of this in a spoiler on your character sheet. I think if you were to go with the brainy expert you should pick a couple adept 0-level spells out that he would have. Less as something he knows and prepare, but as a magical inclination that he does unknowingly. They would be spontaneous at will. Thoughts?

Well, going by that, I've given him bonus spells of

As long as he doesn't become a sorcerer (I'd have to shuffle his stats around for that to be any good) I think we have a wimpy wizard wanna be minus his gear.

If this renews in one game or another, if someone would PM me and let me know I'd appreciate it. Thanks folks, it was fun.

Welcome back

This feels both too long and like I'm neglecting things.

Jermaine does well at almost all of his classes. He's a bookworm, highly intelligent, and not afraid of hard work and long hours of study.

Jermaine particularly excels at his necromancy courses. He had a head start, after all, and is happy to help his friends with their studies in the same. Jermaine doesn't rest on those laurels mind you, and as Master Elias takes him into new directions of necromancy he had not yet learned, he still keeps apace. He does not grow arrogant in class, but he raises his hand often, and when he does he is usually right. While he doesn't care for Master Elias' sometimes borderline harsh behavior; he does recall Gennie was right that mostly the man gives others enough rope to hang themselves. Also, Master Elias WARNS people of the power of magic, not just it's advantages, and Jermaine respects that.

And if need be, he even warned Master Elias, perhaps by a note that Midicci is trying to get his family to make trouble for him. Speaking of the haughty elf peer; Jeremaine has taken a disliking to him. Not a disliking he acts on unless Midicci begins bullying others. Fortunately he has Mohk and others more socially adept to help him out.

One class Jermaine doesn't excel in is Artifice. He is very grateful to have Mezdav's help there. Master Crenshaw lost a lot of Jermaine's respect, though Jermaine tries not to show it. The teacher put others in danger and then covered it up. Whisken could have died. It creates something of a distance with the instructor who Jermaine sees as dishonest and not terribly responsible. Still, Jermaine took the coin for his family's sake, so Jermaine isn't hostile to Crenshaw as that would feel hypocritical, just very cautious and distrustful.

He rather enjoys Whisken's study sessions with the group. Friends and learning, a fantastic comboniation! But while not a leader type, he is the one who tries to steer things back on topic.. unless, of course, Whisken's new idea is really intriguing and gets HIM enthused as well... which is probably far too often. He will suggest, when he's not working there, that they sometimes go to the Seven Headed Dragon.

He keeps his job there, of course, and earns more trust from the owner even as he improves his cooking skills too.

That hundred goldpiece reward (Jermaine TRIES not to think of it as hush money) is not used selfishly. Any school fees requried are paid, of course, but that aside; most of the money goes to helping Jermaine's family! 100 gold is not enough to let his mother and sisters move out of Trickledown right away, but it does allow them a chance to better their lives and maybe begin to work their way out with the improvements they can afford.

His mother, Thanusia, who once sold simple rolls with jam on the street now can offer better fare and thus make a better profit. It's amazing what you can do with better cooking gear and higher quality ingredients.

Nortia, his youngest sister, just keeps growing, and while she is happy to help her mother with her budding business, she also turns to religion more, praying for her brother's soul as he puts it at risk with dangerous magics.

It is the middle child, Cainei who actually surprises everyone. While she has a perfectly good apprentice ship with a seamstress, she squirels away her section of the money, and , selling a few of her own sewing projects; gathers enough money to get magic lessons and proclaims she will be joining University di Magia in the fall semester as a first year! This.. creates a lot of family tension.

With poor Jermaine pleasing with Cainei that if she must learn wizard craft, please don't go focus on Necromancy!

Not sure Jermaine trust Master Crenshaw's ethics right now, his LG senses are tingling ;) but who knows ;)

Still, Jermaine learned a valuable lesson. It's not just necromancers who play with dangerous magics!

Jermaine looks dubious but says "Let's hope they don't attack again, or cause chaos but ... you do have some good points." He looks over at others "Someone else will have to translate"

"Professor, you have to get the Gremlins back home. Can you send them back?" Jermaine says sounding decided about this at least, "We promised them we'd try to help them.. and frankly back to their home is safest for us all."

"Master Creenshaw, thank you for the praise , and given my prior education and the fact we may have broken a rule or two to rescue Whisken and stop this, I suppose I can't fuss about how bribing us seems a bit shady, but more than one of us nearly died because of these little experiments. Some are hurt, Mezdav is nearly dead.. how are we supposed to cover up their wounds? And what if this sort of thing happens again?" Jermaine is a bit shaken, and a straight laced fellow, finds this ethically dubious though he looks to his peers to see what they think of all this.

"Please die already!" He lines up a shot and tries again with the acid splash.

Ranged to hit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Dmg: 1d3 ⇒ 3
Edit Possible Crit! 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Edit No crit, but hey 3 points!

"Thanks." Jermaine puffs up with pride, then remembers the thing is still alive

to confirm Ray of enfeeblement crit 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Looks like a crit? if so, additional str loss 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

EDIT: Okay, 7 points total off str. Nice. I didn't know you could crit Ray of Enfeeblement :O

"All my big spells are gone" Jermaine admits as he moves closer for another acid splash attempt.

Ranged Touch 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
If hits, dmg 1d3 ⇒ 2

And he tries not to wince as his aim is .. not great. At least I sapped some of it's strength earlier

Jermaine races closer to Mezdav, ready to keep him alive if he goes down, or at least try.

Double Move

"The Spikey one is a Catus Leshy... it can shoot the spikes. The other is a .. ah Bloodbrush! It moves about as fast as your average human and it can grapple and poison someone and.. ack, like that" As it grabs Creenshaw.
The Necromancer stops talking and suddenly his eyes glow as he draws on a spell of weakening and tries to lash the grappling monster that has Creenshaw.
Ray of Enfeeblment, Ranged Touch 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
If that hits, plant loses str worth: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Init 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Knowledge Nature 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Knowledge Nature 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Jermaine did as Mezdav suggested, then sees Master Crenshaw and blurts out "the gremlins came through the portal you used and now they're trapped and very angry we have to find a way to get them safely back home."

"Me neither, thank goodness Marz translated it all" A grateful look

"Even Master Crenshaw has to follow some rules." A stubborn look on hsi face, then he relaxes as Whisken's bonds are cut.

"Whisken, are you okay?"

"Or one of us could go get him if allowed?" A look at the fae?

Int roll 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

"Wait, there might be notes or a ritual..." He moves to the desk again

"Maybe the instructors can send them home?" he says almost sure that he's just been volunteered for smuggling fae out of the school.

"Thank you for translating," he listens, eyes on the bound form of Whisken "Trapped?" And guilt... We killed children? I mean, I don't know their species but. he feels a bit ill.

Then he also realizes they were attacked, repeatedly, and it was self defense. That doesn't make him feel mucch less guilty, but it does make him realize this tragedy took more than one.

"Maybe you should tell her that we are barely past children ourselves. That if they free Whisken, we can ask our elders to send them back?"

"True. We don't know the lay out down here. Maybe it connects."

Yup. No K History trained here. However, I do have survival so...

"Uhm. .may I look?" Nothing like foraging for scraps on the outsides of the walls to eat to get you to pick up a few skills.

Survival roll 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

he casts detect magic as well, there could be trail of arcane nature to follow

yes, looking at the stone ring
Spellcraft if it helps. 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Knowledge Local to Aide Marz 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

"I'm so sorry, guys. I was nearly useless there, but at least we're all alive." At Gennie's words about Whisken, he nods, "Yeah, she needs a rescue. But more than that, there maybe a portal or something letting these things leak in."

Poor Jermaine. I think he's learning combat scenes are not his strong point

Jermaine twists and fires at the same one Mezdav is spearing. He may or may not hurt these things, but if he can soften it, or swarm it... maybe the students can gang up on The creatures!

Move one square, then fire acid splash again. To hit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Dmg if it hits 1d3 ⇒ 1