Johnathan Jackson's page

I have some bad news. I have decided to withdraw from, or end most of my participation in PBP games. Getting into the Top 32 of RPG Superstar has shown me how much time I was dedicating to PBP that could be better used elsewhere, and how I am in too many games for me to do them all justice. As a consequence of over committing myself, PBP games often feel like a chore for me instead of fun, and I have to make difficult choices about which ones I prioritize, while other people wait on me to post. Therefore, I’m limiting myself to two games as a DM and the games as a player where I have invested the most time/posts and had the most fun.

I apologize for withdrawing from this, but it’s a hard reality I have to face. As much as I love PBP there is limited time in life, and I can’t be fully invested in so many disparate ventures. Thank you all for giving me a chance, and for the fun we have (hopefully) had together. In the future my availability may change, and I hope to see you all around the boards. Again, apologies for failing in my commitment. I wish you all the best of luck, and that all your rolls be critical hits!

Johnathan continues forward adding, "we may not be here to kill you, but we will if you don't stand down and let us pass."

Move up the platforms again.
Skill Encounter – The Mysterious Man Showdown
Round 1
Goal 1 intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 Success

Round 3, Initiative 21, Location P2 to KL3/4
hp 18/18; Other values same as under my name, no ongoing effects.

FRA: Double move to top of ladder.

Johnathan keeps following Ifris. He stops at the top of the ladder, just behind the psycho-armoured marine.

Round 2, Initiative 21, Location S3 to P2
hp 18/18; Other values same as under my name, no ongoing effects.

FRA: Double move to P2.

Johnathan continues after Ifris. Still dripping salt water, the former marine scrambles up the ladder, awkwardly maintaining his grip on his weapon. He pulls himself onto the ledge, looking to the next ladder.

Also, I have my long hammer out now that I'm out of the water. I forgot to mention that as well.

Round 1, Initiative 21, Location X8
hp 18/18; AC 19/13T/16FF; CMD 18; +3 F/+6 R/+0 W

FRA: Double move to S3.

Johnathan gets out of the water as quickly as possible, moving up onto the series of platforms behind Ifris. "Got your back, Lanvaldan," he says quietly.

Johnathan swims to shallower water.

Swim over to X8.

I suppose for now I'll hold at the rear. It was more of a general suggestion for the group.

"Lets get onto land," Johnathan suggests, pointing around the southern end of the cavern.

Johnathan slips Celeana's ring onto his small finger for safe keeping. He tucks the feysteel rod into his belt and says, "Well, what are we waiting for, Constables? Let's roll out! the longer we're here the more chance we give queer occurrences to catch us."

Seems fine to me.

Johnathan would prefer to take another Constable who has an underwater effective weapon, and go after Gemma. Her splitting off alone seems like a bad idea, and against his military training.

He doesn't really care about Glix. Far as he's seen the dude is a prick, and he's not in their unit. At this point he's just dead weight. Taking him back to the ship is a waste of valuable time.

Johnathan raises one eyebrow at Anneca's choice of language. This is war, not a nursery. He's lucky we even went off mission long enough to save his ungrateful green arse. However, he feels he is too new to the team to verbally express any of his disapproval. So he remains silent, waiting for the others and their great leader Ifris to give a command.

Johnathan reaches down and removes the ring from Celeana's finger. He notes Gemma's signal. "Where are you going?" he asks. "We should stick together." If she continues to ignore him and head down the tunnel alone, he shakes his head and goes back to the others, dealing with Glix.

"The rest of the Resiliance didn't make it. Not a very accurate name..." he complains bitterly. "Can I help with Glix?"

Johnathan moves slowly through the water after Gemma. He doesn't bother to draw a weapon, everything he'd brought with him would be useless under water. He approaches the corner of the massive block rockfall and bleeding arms, hoping that they don't belong to Celeana.

I'm heading into my weekend (as in the time when I don't have to work for a day) and so I might actually be able to catch up and post something here. (~_~)*

Celeana draws up and takes in a breath – something not displeasing to the eye given her current form-fitting attire – and gives off a miffed impression to Johnathan at his asking. To Johnathan, however, it is hard to tell with Celeana Kirby if she is truly irked at his asking, or just playing along for effect.

”Of course I can fight Constable Jackson! I was apprenticed under Constable Miriam Leschire before her retirement, and for a brief time under Constable Aurora Tremaine of Indefatigable. Though stealth, guile and wit are my forte over brawn and brute force such as Danan and perhaps yourself ply…and of course dear Ifris over there, I can very much hold my own if pressed, be it with knives, darts, staff or thin blade.”

Celeana sets down another section of rope in a careful coil with businesslike precision, then takes another section for inspection. It is at that point that she leans in to Johnathan and whispers softly, ”As for firmness of body and my ‘style’, perhaps you would care to spar with me a time or two in Slate when we arrive back? Who knows Mister Jackson? Perhaps I may teach you a thing or two about sparring, hmmm?”

"Perhaps....perhaps not. Wild fillys are only free to play until a stallion mounts them. Sounds like a challenge I might take up," Johnathan smirks. He gives her toned muscles another look. "Then again, sometimes the filly bucks the stallion."

"I don't consider myself a brute...but it's hard not to be labeled as such with a nick name like Spiny Jack. Subtle or not, everyone's got a demon in 'em. It just needs the right situation to bring about its emergence." Johnathan finishes up the last of the rope coil. "Looks good, perhaps we should go insert ourselves into planning the details of this mission? Or do you have better things to do?"

"Oh yes, Ifris and I are such dears with all our time together these past seasons," answers Celeana to Johnathan with a honey-sweet tone that is almost choking in its sarcasm. She picks up her section of rope and examines it dutifully however while she answers him. "Like sisters would be I imagine...sisters I never thought of having!" Celeana looks back at Ifris briefly where she stands at a map table near Tanya Sparhawk. "You see dear Johnathan, Ifris and Anya Landreth and I were all assigned to the prestigious assignment detail of protecting the King. The 'King's Bodyguards' formally known, though in lighter circles we were called Aodhan's "Ladies-in-Waiting" if you can believe the scandalous implications of such a thing...as if!" She giggles and then leans in to Johnathan and whispers, "Jests and rumors are not of Miss Lanvaldan's liking, for she has such a hardened disposition that she cannot absorb such things well."

Leaning back and taking the next section of rope to examine, She takes a deep breath and shrugs her shoulders. "Until the recent unpleasantness of 1 Spring, of course!" She sighs dramatically. "Yes, a lot of time to spend together, and I am afraid the duties were not as exciting or boldly grand as poor Ifris wanted in her mind. To be perfectly honest, not for Anya or myself either, truth be told. Yet I can find ways to keep the game interesting even under the most tedious of circumstances, finding worthwhile pursuits to pass the time as needs be. Poor Ifris, I am afraid, wilted rather than blossomed under the strain of it all, poor thing. All sour and running about to-and-fro looking for glory and honor to satisfy her inner-conflicts, all the while missing the subtleties and minutiae that allow us constables to succeed in our endeavors."

"I see. I have little taste for the game myself. It's players who get us into all these messes, and spill Risuri blood. No, I am a simple man. Blade, beauty and duty is all I need to keep me happy."

Johnathan looks at her outfit, which would seem more appropriate on a dancer in some fetish club. "Don't take this the wrong way....but, you don't exactly look like the hard sort. I'm not so stupid as to judge a book by its cover, though. You can fight I take it? I'm curious about your style."

”Why sure,” says Celeana Kirby after a brief look at Johnathan Jackson, her lips pursed speculatively. She scoots over a bit from where she sits with the coils of rope and pats the floor invitingly to him. ”If you don’t mind sharing the floor that is.”

As Johnathan sits down, Celeana seems to stretch briefly in her tight-fitting, dark grey cat-burglar’s outfit, her arms raised in the air luxuriously for a moment – she turns her head just enough to stare at where Ifris is located in the room, a small smile playing across her lips as if she has just scored another point in some unknown game between them, smug and assured of herself. Then she finishes her “stretch” and turns back to Johnathan, handing him a portion of the coils of silken rope to examine for any signs of fray or weakness. ”Two sets of eyes are better than one…and you seem to be handy type with ropes Constable Jackson…or am I mistaken on that point?”

Before Johnathan can answer the bawdy remark, Celeana giggles and puts a hand on his shoulder ever-so-briefly. ”My apologies, Constable. Just my manner of relieving tension before the mission. I do hope I have not offended your…sensibilities?” He notices her complexion is very fair, with an carved ivory ring on her right hand that has the etchings of a rose upon its surface. Her dark hair is naturally curly and probably makes for exquisite ringlets about her fair face when done properly, though today she has most of it back in a serviceable braid with black ribbon ties to keep it in place.

Johmathan grunts. "What sensibilities?" he asks. "You're right, I've had to restrain plenty of naughty boys and girls in my day. How else would I properly punish them?"

Johnathan might like to flirt as much as Celeana, but he takes his job seriously. He examines the rope instead of her body. "So, you and Lanvaldan have history I take it?" he asks in a neutral tone, without looking up from the coil.

Johnathan approaches Kirby as she works through the rope on the floor. He sits down next to her. "Want any help with that?" he asks.

"Celeana Kirby," pronounces Tanya Sparhawk to the last and newest member of team Resilience. Celeana bears a smug expression and has her hands set upon her curvy hips, glancing at Ifris for any signs of continuing their spat but not daring to initiate anything further in front of Sparhawk.

"Charmed, I'm sure," says Celeana with something akin to a purr. Her eyes linger upon Johnathan Jackson in a bold manner, looking him up and down appreciatively.

Johnathan looks right back at her, without any sign of embarrassment. The corner of his mouth quirks up in a rakish grin that seems to say, 'Well, hello there...'

As for the constables, they find places belowdecks and in some places on the main deck to walk about, practice and prepare for their upcoming mission. The sailors and officers are always polite to the constables, but turn down any requests for them to “help” in their tasks and generally give the constables a wide berth to do what they need to. Even so, both Ifris and especially Johnathan are given noticeable bows and nods of respect by most of the older sailors, with whispers by them to the younger sailors about the two former Marines and their respected reputations during the Fourth War. On the first midday Johnathan finds himself being asked by a gunner’s mate to sign a leatherbound journal the man keeps for writing letters. After the second day’s evening meal and as the main shift changes before dusk, Ifris is approached by three eager riggers and swabs to display her power for them to see – though they are awed and respectful in the asking of it to her, the commanding Midshipman on watch barks at the trio and orders them to submit to the Ship’s Corporal for penance.

Johnathan refuses the soldier. "I'm not anything special, kid. Just do my duty. Now, run off and do yours."

I'm probably gonna need a few days to make any response to that wall of text and new NPCs that's worth its salt. I'm not going to lie, I have a hard time keeping track of all the NPCs in this game, and I only just met the PCs (x_x)*

A gallery of images and names would be useful, why didn't they think of that? :P

Anyway, when I have an hour or two to really digest it, I'll post something.

"Jackson. Johnathan Jackson. Fought in the war like everyone else, eager to avoid another," Johnathan says. Are you really, Jack?

Similar to Willem, he is dressed in a clean uniform and is armed more than normal for a constable. He carries a large warhammer, and a pistol with a bandolier of rounds. Johnathan looks calm, well rested and focused.

17gp I can do.

War. My old friend. It's been a while. Still hate you.

Johnathan visits the quartermaster and trades in his longbow and mace for proper a couple of proper battlefield weapons. He gets a spiked warhammer on a four foot shaft, and a pistol with a good amount of ammunition. He also picks up a convenience item - a pair of magical sleeves which allow him to change his clothes at will. He then reduces his wardrobe down to two plan sets of linen shirts and trousers.

Once his preparations are made, he goes out for a night on the town and gets properly hammered. He flirts with some girls, and steels himself for the probable hardships ahead. After that night he goes totally sober until the mission is complete.

In the remaining time before departure Johnathan trains hard. It's been years since he used such a large weapon in any serious way, and he needs to revive old muscle memories. That, and training helps him to focus. Fighting is like meditation to Jack. Everything disappears except the next move.

When the appointed time arrives, Johnathan is there early, fully equipped and ready to depart for the mission.

We fight through their DR. That's unlikely for a 2nd level party anyway. The worst case scenario I can think of is a shadow, in which case we'd be running anyway. Johnathan would be very hesitant to leave himself peniless, and 131 is not that much. Maybe next time we get paid.

I have 131, but I'm not really convinced a wand of magic weapon is worth my money. Sorry :/

(0______________0)*

One of those you can carry....

Double Hackbutt?

Anneca Summers wrote:

I highly doubt that is available. It might not even be in the setting.

Yeah, I'd rather not for Zeitgeist, as the entire concept of infernal/abyssal/celestial/heaven/hell/extra-planar/outer-planar is just not there in the early acts of the campaign. To the people of Lanjyr, those concepts just don't exist, nor do concepts of demons beyond what was vanquished in the world by Trigenes in ancient history. Even elemental planar creatures are tied to the "Heavens" and the specific planetary body that embodies that concept (Jiesse = Fire, Avilona = Air, etc.). Aspects of positive/negative planar energy are similarly tied to other realms, and the Bleak Gate represents the closest thing to a "limbo" afterlife before going on to ?. That's part of the differing philosophies of the Clergy vs. Old Faith vs. Eschatologists and what-not.

Although I could re-skin Infernal Healing, I'd just rather not and treat it as a spell that isn't in the world, or perhaps very rare and not known about at this time.

Forgot about all that. Not really used to Zeitgeist setting yet. So far feels like certain more technologically advanced areas of Golarion.

If we were to buy another wand, I'd rather have one of infernal healing if possible. More healing for your buck, great for out of combat. Arcane ppl can use.

Vanish is personal only isn't it?

I'll buy into a wand.

I'd like to trade in my longbow and 60 blunt arrows, netting me 106 GP.

I had 30 GP laying around. So that's 136. Minus 125 for the wand, leaves 11. So 1011.

I want a pistol so that's 250 GP. I'll buy 30 rounds of shot for another 90 GP. That leaves me 671 GP. I want a polehammer (representing earth breaker stats), like this one: Polehammer. I just don't buy into the hammer head the size of a mini-beer keg. One swing would rip your shoulders out of socket. Masterwork one should run me 390 GP. That leaves me 281 GP, which I will use 200 of to get sleeves of many garments and keep the other 81 as pocket change.

"Great..." Johnathan says upon hearing the destination of their mission. "I've been to Axis Island once before. As I recall the place was cursed with weird magical occurrences. Do you know where exactly on the island the rebels have holed up?" Johnathan asks Lya.

Johnathan's eyes go wide at the news of the duchess's current whereabouts and plans. Apparently someone forgot to brief me. No matter, makes sense. If I were her I'd probably do something similar.

Johnathan winks at Ifris. "I've always been good at these kind of puzzles. That doesn't mean you should mistake me for a book worm though."

Johnathan looks at the puzzle for a few moments, and then picks up the pieces and arranges them.

like this...

Johnathan grunts in his mind as he feels his pants suddenly growing tighter at the sight of the martial beauty. Damn, never seen a bird like that before, he thinks to himself. Too bad she's a f~!@ing dirty Danorite...stand down, soldier! he mentally orders his manhood. He blinks a few times and refocuses his attention on CI Saxby's words.

When the royal Malice-born demands their names, Johnathan sees the others hesitate to move. He snaps up to attention, and says "Johnathan 'Spiny Jack' Jackson, mum. Former marine in the 84th," he says, using the Spine Taker's formal designation. "I was also a combat instructor at the Battalion School of War and a Constable of the late RHC Shale branch."

He holds the woman's gaze for a moment longer, and then can't resist adding, "Nice sabre." His cheeky quip released, Johnathan offers a shallow bow of his head and retakes his seat.

9 Spring, 500 A.O.V. – early morning, just before eight o’ clock

Sitting across from Johnathan, Ifris has had her feet propped up on the bench next to him off-and-on for the majority of their trip. While their encounter during the evacuation in Shale seemed to exude the attitude of a proper soldier—a career soldier—that decorum dissipates out of watchful eyes. In spite of that, Ifris has remains markedly terse during their journey across the countryside to Flint. Ifris isn't one to spark up conversations, and her one-word answers to even the most casual of questions hasn't helped reveal much about her, other than her general distaste for small-talk.

After three days of "confinement," in her own words, the normally stuffy constable has become somewhat more relaxed, and in equal measure more frustrated. "This would've been faster if we walked," is possible the first full sentence she's uttered in Johnathan's presence in days. Her stare flicks from out the carriage window to Johnathan. Though she makes eye contact, Ifris struggles to find the right words, chewing on the inside of her cheek in pensive contemplation. It is an awkward moment between the two, her lingering stare and the silence punctuated by the clunk and rumble of the carriage.

"Marine?" Ifris finally thinks to ask, though from her expression (and inability to hide her thoughts from being plastered across her face), Johnathan can tell there's an ulterior motive behind the innocent, and obvious, question.

Johnathan can easily match Ifris in her capacity for silence. He feels no need to push the other veteran to words. Smalltalk is a luxury meant for the normal sheeple of Risur. Soldiers know that all the talk in the world doesn't matter in the end. It always comes down to two things - blood and iron.

"Aye. I was a Spine-Taker through most of the last war," Johnathan says. He reaches up to tap the grisly patch which shows a human spine bent into a bloody circle on the shoulder of his uniform. "Army?" he guesses in return.

Johnathan spends the time waiting divesting himself of all the unnecessary parts of life. He pairs his possessions down to what he can carry on him, and doubles his daily regimen on physical fitness exercises. When he hears of his new mission, he spends time quietly in his chambers, focusing his mind for the tasks ahead.

Checking in..might not be able to devote a decent amount of brain power to this until Friday...sorry! Quite busy at the moment.

4 Spring, 500 A.O.V. – near midnight
Shale City, Blackwatch Keep, Garrison Prison – Tower Prison Chamber

Understood.

Johnathan nods to Constable Landreth and keeping the pistol to hand, falls in behind Ifris. "Ready to move when you are, mum." He looks at Ifris more curiously now. Never seen anything like that light blade before. Wonder where she learned to do that?

I don't suppose I have any idea where my morningstar got off to? Or if there is another mace/hammer/blunt weapon lying about?

4 Spring, 500 A.O.V. — Near Midnight, Shale City, Blackwatch Keep, Garrison Prison

"I'm good with most weapons. Used to be an instructor at Battalion School of War, actually. Though I'd prefer a blade or something with more than one shot in it if I had a choice, this will do for now." Johnathan shoves the pistol into his belt.

"Well, if you all have a plan, please lead the way. I'd rather be pretty much anywhere but here," Johnathan says.

"Uh...ok. Can you be more specific?" Johnathan asks. "Who are you and where are you from? Do we have orders? What's the situation nationally?"

Pff. Who would talk to her? I'm still waiting for someone to answer my demand for information. She's just showing off her light blade :P

?? Spring, 500 A.O.V. – unknown time of day
Shale City, ??? Prison, Tower Level

"Aye, Mam. That one is Lawrence," Johnathan reports, pointing to the rapidly cooling body of his former CI. "The boy was just following orders," he continues, nodding his head to indicate the young manacled guard. "He's loyal to the king. We'd better use him than kill him or put him in a cage. My name is Johnathan Jackson, and far as I know I'm the last surviving constable of the Shale Branch RHC."

Johnathan stands by the door, patiently waiting for his cage to be opened. "I've been blind in here. What's going on outside?!"

?? Spring, 500 A.O.V. – unknown time of day
Shale City, ??? Prison, Tower Level

Johnathan looks at the young guard with a cold light in his eyes. The imprisoned constable reaches down and picks up the fallen pistol, holding it ready at his side. Spiny Jack keeps his icy glare locked on the guard the whole time he retrieves the weapon. "I'm only going to ask you this once, lad. Who is the rightful ruler of Risur?"

Take 10 on intimidate for a 16

Temporary Tangent ...

For Fallout fans, official Fallout 4 announcement in about 20 hours and a few minutes.

DM Vord, hey at least it is not an MMO ... ;-)

O rly? Nicee...been missing Fallout since New Vegas.