Joeseph Hill's page

So, can anyone volunteer to make that post? I can do it, but only next week, if no one can.

Ok, I give in. Maybe it's time to look for a new GM after all.

I would be willing, but maybe we should give GM a little more time. They've been through a lot lately.

I want to continue too.

Oof, poor GM. Hope they get better.

Popping in, hoping everyone is ok and healthy.

Joeseph, hopeful that the girl was the one he's searching for, refuses to believe that none of them has a family. At least she must. She has to be it.

As Joeseph peers at the children, still in their hammocks, he spots one that may be one of the ones he was hired to look for over the years although older, dirtier, and much more gaunt than the impression he had gotten from the boy's father.

I think I was looking for a girl

Joeseph lets the others deal with Kester and moves to the girl he thinks he recognizes. "Tanya? Is that you?", he asks hopeful.

After he assesses whether or not the child is the one he is looking for, Joeseph says "Today your lives change, kids. You're no longer prisoners. Who here has a family to return to?"

He was lucky to have a strong friendship like you two had. I hope you are well and that his memory is adequately honored.

Joeseph looks to the kid a little suspicious. He says "Hi Kester." He doesn't follow up with a question, instead looking for the other kids using his light.

I understand, of course. That is truely a very hard blow and I can only imagine how hard it must be. I imagine his wife must be having a very hard time also. There's no need to apologize. We'll be here when you need us and Joeseph will continue being annoying, as usual.

Ok, pretty sure it's dead.

Joeseph steps away from the dog, sheathing his sword cane. He carefully illuminates the room with the lantern, trying to see the children without blinding them.

Are we assuming the dog is dead?

Joeseph says "Quick, Sykes, kill it before it wakes!" The middle aged man would do it himself, but the younger man has a stronger arm.

Sykes already acted. I think Bloo acts now

I feel you might have merged Sykes and Joeseph into one person there. Other than that, it pretty much summarizes the mood of the game so far.

Joeseph cries somewhat annoyed "Oh, come on!! The kid just said it's a vicious creature. It should be put down."

Joeseph is suddenly excited to hear a child's voice.

Unfortunately, his actions for the round are spent.

I suppose no one has Handle Animal

Joeseph draws his sword cane and moves towards the dog.

I rolled an attack, but I was too far in the map, so I can't draw, move and attack.

Joeseph sighs relieved and says to Sykes "Thanks for coming buddy"

Oops. Sorry guys

Before trying to go through the dog door, Joeseph looks for something to feed to the dog. Then, Joeseph tries the many keys on the doors, ready to throw something to distract it.

Hey, welcome!

There is a space between an H and a 1 in the url, which you need to erase.

Joeseph says "I believe I've had my share of unpleasantness today, I'll make my back through the ship."

Aleziella has created a google doc for us to discuss. I think it's a good idea, so I'll leave my impressions there.

Will do. I'll PM you once I have impressions.

In the meantime, do we find the children? I mean... unless the newcomer is among them...

I'm not a fan of magic missiles at low levels either, but to tell you the truth, I'm currently rolling 1d6 damage, which has the same average damage of 1d4+1.

The only difference is the preceding roll. For my sword cane, I roll 1d20+3, adding 2 if flanking and 1 starting next level, for BAB. The second level thing is important since it's when I start adding Int to UMD, which I would be rolling at 1d20+8 to hit DC 20 (activate a wand), so it's a 45% chance of success.

Also add that by attacking in melee, there's a chance the enemy would try to hit me, which doesn't have to happen if I'm using the wand, even though it provokes AoO.

So, the decision comes down to how high the AC I'm trying to hit is. If the hit chance is higher than 45%, then it's preferable to use the sword cane. For that, the AC needs to be no higher than 15 (or 17 if I'm flanking with Sykes). Of course that changes with buffs such as Bless and what not, but this could be a decent method of decision.

Thoughts?

Joeseph comments on the wand "Well, everything can be your domain of magic if you say the right words and waive it the right way. I may have some experience with that."

UMD is one of my investments. Will get better next level, when I add Int instead of Cha to it.

Joeseph watches Viria impressed. "You do know your trade, priestess!" A little grim, he says "I'm not so confident about the guard's willingness to solve crimes, but there might be a lieutenant or two who would care for it, yet. I recommend we find the children now."

Without anything else to do there, Joeseph tries to find a quicker way up than the way through the ship. In any case, he tells Viria "Maybe we should bury Zellara's head. That would bring her to rest. Elf-woman, I'm sure you would care very much for this Harrow deck, no? Hopefully Zellara will be able to rest in peace." He speaks softer than his usual character, but something seems to have affected him about this ordeal.

Upstairs, Joeseph tries to find the children.

Zellara shakes her head sadly "My apologies. I did not mean to deceive you only to put you at ease." She waves her hand and the room fades away, leaving it look much like it did with the exception of a thick layer of dust covering the floor and table and cobwebs festooning the corners. Zellara herself takes on a translucent, ghost-like quality "You see, when Lamm's thugs returned what was left of my son I was distraught, then I was angry. I purchased a new Harrow deck and spent the next week searching for Lamm. I was successful and I went to see for myself. I was caught outside the fishery and taken to see Lamm. He was impressed with my determination, aroused even and when I spit in his face he, he, killed me" She looks at the four of you pleadingly "It took me weeks to manifest and I began my search, a search for others who had been harmed by Lamm. There I found you. I implore you, bring Lamm to whatever justice you deem fit but bring him to justice you must."

Bringing back the request by Zellara, if it helps us in any way.

@Aleziella: I don't think we'll meet the new recruit in Lamm's room. We should clear the "dungeon" and rest safely, I think.

Gentle nudge to post your opinion on what to do with the severed head

Of course I thought "I'll get Linguistics later...". Stupid skill points.

Appraise checks:
Cigar Box: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Gold ingot: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Gold crown: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Kraken scrimshaw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Silver ring: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Succubi figurine: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Shuriken: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Key shaped dagger: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Holy symbol: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Gold brooch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Glass tube spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (13) + 7 + (4) = 24
Obsidian Wand spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (20) + 7 + (1) = 28
Crystal vial spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 7 + (2) = 10

I don't know if I wasn't supposed to read the Harrow Deck's spoiler, but I did and it was awesome!

Dagger -> Knowledge local: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (13) + 7 + (5) = 25

Can't roll for the brooch (yet). I'm still level 1, guys, give me a break! I'll get there...

@GM: I'm not sure if I was supposed to roll the Spellcrafts since I can't cast Detect Magic. For the future, I suggest you clarify whether the spell is needed or not in the spoiler. On the other hand, the content of vials should be identifiable by the Alchemy skill, I think, so I'll just pretend I rolled that.

As Aleziella uncovers the items in the lockbox, Joeseph says amidst being bewildered "Well, this piece of gold looks to me it's worth 100gp. This shuriken seems like the work of a master, so if we were to buy one, we'd pay 300 gold pieces, plus 2 silver. The other stuff I'm not sure. This glass tube contains an Oil of Keen Edge."

Then, taking the dagger in his hand, he says "I've heard of this dagger. There was a serial killer in Korvosa about... 20, or 25 years ago... He was known as the Key-Lock Killer, and he managed to kill over 15 people. I wonder... Could Gaedren be that killer?"

Joeseph has no idea how to react to the chopped off head and the magical deck, so he actually keeps quiet about it. He feels saying nothing beats saying something hurtful.

I do get better at it around level 4 with studied combat, and then more at level 5 with studied combat becoming move action. Also, extracts can be carefully selected for combat. Like now, shield puts me at AC 20 which isn't to laugh about at level 1~4.

You're very correct that the new character will impact how I build Joeseph. But also having 2 face characters is better than 1, no? That d20 can always turn a prince charming into ugly Betty real quick. Anyway, all these things will be decided down the line and I'll consider everyone's opinion.

I will probably go for the dex to damage (GM has ok'ed the same feat applied to the sword cane during recruitment). But I could go for it at level 3 (why do you say next level?), since combat has never been my focus anyway. I'll think about it.

Clever wordplay would have been a fantastic choice had I known of it earlier. Right now I'm investing in Diplomacy because I get to use Int for Gather Info starting at level 2.

thought the investigator can certainly get pretty good at them if he wants, but that't not currently the case

Well, I am investing investing in Diplomacy, but my Cha will always be negative.

BTW, the ranger is melee focused.

Hope everything turns out fine or Viria. I'll take a look at new guy. Thanks for the effort GM.

Can't identify item without Detect Magic QQ

Joeseph says "Feel free to try them keys, kid"

At the first opportunity, Joeseph turns his face away from the awful stench of the room. After adjusting to it, he goes in mumbling something about a private investigator's job being not very glamorous.

After a careful look, he comes out saying "Well, I've looked through the room very thoroughly. There are a few things worth mentioning. First, it seems the old man was living in his own filth. He didn't bother getting out to even clean his pot. I suppose we're that much honorable to get him to come out of the room, heh."

Then, he says "It seems to me that he wouldn't be, uh... articulate enough to control so much crime in Korvosa. He may have been a puppet. Anyway, there might be ways to confirm it. I found this ledger in there." Joeseph holds the moist ledger carefully. "We might want to dry it before opening, though.", he adds.

He continues "I've also found a locked box there. Sykes, here's the crowbar again. Mind giving it a spin? Anyway, there's a wooden hatbox surrounded by flies. I'm going to open it now."

He proceeds to open the hatbox using the bottom end of his cane.

Joeseph replies Sykes saying "It is. But unlike most poisons, this one kills you slowly, over the years. It makes you give up your family and friends. And you... just... can't make yourself stop from buying and taking some more." The old man shakes as he explain things to Sykes. Without realizing, a tiny spit mixed with tobacco flies towards the young warrior. It clearly is a delicate subject for him.

As they find the trinkets on the table, Joeseph with a voice much more tender than usual says "We should bring these upstairs too. I bet the children would value these." He sounds sad, despite everything.

As they find the Vermin Repellent, Joeseph examines it trying to identify it.

Alchemy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Afterwards, he inspects the darkwood box.

Untrained appraise: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

After opening it, he lingers watching the drug. At first, he thinks Maybe we should have kept him alive and get him addicted to this stuff and live a half-life like he did to me.

The spicy taste of tobacco in his mouth is what wakes him from his trance. He turns to Aleziella and says "I suggest we burn this."

As they enter the room, Joeseph looks carefully in before entering, then steps in and pokes everything he can think of.

Perception with inspiration: 1d20 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (18) + 4 + (6) = 28

Joeseph can't really Detect Magic, so we'll have to depend on dear witch or cleric for that.

Joeseph says "Heh, I really like my cane here. I bet it hurts more than this dagger. But if it's a magical dagger, it could be better. Never seen a dagger as beautifully crafted as this."

As Aleziella approaches the door, Joeseph says "Careful, doll face. We wouldn't want you to get hurt with a nasty trap." He searches for traps using his lantern.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Later, he illuminates the water where the crocodile lived. Some people like to hide things under the water. He further searches the room they're in. Maybe there's a secret stash.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Joeseph answers Aleziella while busy "I haven't thought of the kids yet. Maybe there's an orphanage? Anyway, I'm looking for a girl right now, maybe she's here. But first, I want to know this guy's every business so I can shut them down."

XD

I'm pure Dex and Int. I have negative Cha. Anyway, I'm not planning on multiclassing. I'm the skill of the group and intend on keeping that way. The investigator is too much fun.

XD

If you find me a Dex based Barbarian...

Joeseph stands looking at Gaedren's cadaver for a while. He actually feels the rage dying down as the old criminal turns slowly into an inanimate thing.

Without realizing, Joeseph cries. He cannot explain it, but it is too much emotion for him to handle. He hears Sykes' voice in the distance and recomposes himself.

He puts his sword cane back into its hiding sheath. "Thank you", he says to the others. He never imagined himself saying those words. Afterwards, he opens his satchel and looks inside and finds some chewing tobacco, which he puts in his mouth. He gets down next to Lamm's cadaver.

Now it is only a cadaver, as Joeseph manages to see it coldly. He begins searching Lamm.

I figured this would happen. But Joeseph was too blind with rage.

Joeseph forgets to swallow his saliva as Gaedren dies on the floor. His saliva drops from his mouth when the crocodile starts attacking again. Without thinking, he tries to attack it again.

Attack using guidance: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 11
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4