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I think I'm all set. I'd originally imagined Jon being shipwrecked and trailing the party into camp, but he could have come in on one of the other boats. Whatever makes integrating him easiest. I do imagine that he hasn't found Andrea, and that he is somewhat anxious about her. Motivation: Jon's looking for opportunites for a new life. He'd be willing to work to garner favor with the local authorities. He's got a sense of responsibility to the community and justice and fair play.
Work went ballistic. I should be able to finish up tonight. I'm pretty sure that shopping is all thats left.
Wall of Text answers to the Questions: 1. First, I'd like some kind of narrative backstory. Doesn't have to be very long or involved, or really special or dramatic (although it completely can be if you like). I would, however, like it to touch on a few key points: What was your character's upbringing like? What was their social status? Do they have any sort of profession, and how did they get into it? How old are they?
2. Second, everyone (well, most people) have people in their lives. It's okay if your answers to this are "no people", but that has to be a conscious choice. I'd like you to include in your submission two characters: One NPC that your character is leaving behind in their previous life, and one NPC or PC that your character meets on their months at sea. What do these people mean to you? What do you think of them?
3. I want to know why your PCs are leaving behind everything they've ever known. Could be lots of reasons, but nobody does that sort of thing for s~&#s and giggles. Unless they do! Feel free to write a character like that, but it should be explicit. 4. They have a class. Presumably, those abilities didn't manifest out of nowhere. Why are they whatever class they are? Did they get training? Did their grandmother f!~% a demon? 5. What does your character look and act like? How do they come off?
6. If your character has any self-awareness of their own alignment, what do they think of themselves? Why are they whatever alignment they are?
I'm going to rework this old character into expert 1/ fighter 3. I originally rolled him up for a PbP that died in infancy. Described in a single sentence, he's a John Wayne frontiersman. I think he'd fit well with the group's overall attitude. I generally stick to core rules, and am not a great optimizer, so he'll be helpful in combat, but in no way over-powered.
Jon stumbles on a cobblestone as he advances down the street.
"Well I don't know if the Baron can talk to demons, but I hope not. Those who command demons usually care less for their men. I'd prefer a cleaner magic." When the catapult fires, Jon tells his troops, "Give 'em a cheer, boys. Alchemist's fire is something we can count on. But it's no good them shooting into the dark. They can't properly aim. I'm going down there. Willem, you're in charge while I'm gone. Don't let them gawk too much at the fire. They'll be night-blind and won't be able to see anything coming in the shadows. Send someone to quick foot it over to the west wall. Ask if Winter Rose can meet me at that catapult." Jon leaves the battlements thinking, " Pae and Andy are scouting up there. 'Gak's up there too. We might be able to get together and try the dog-pound in force." He strides purposefully toward the catapult.
Jon considers several replies of varying acerbity, before settling on a neutral, "Just continue watching. Have someone take a good look along the base of the walls. The Andoran's may have tried to sneak some sappers in while we were blinded by the blasts." He waits a moment before continuing, " That's some pretty impressive magecraft. Sound and image together. Does the Baron have any mages or such to help us counter them?"
On the walls after the three groups break up: Spoiler:
Jon marches his group along the wall. He shows the men how to vary their gate and pause behind the higher sections of parapet to throw off the timing of any archers who might be trying to draw a bead on them. He also tells them not to stand right in the low areas and look straight out, but to look out at angles from the shelter of the taller portions and to look out while moving across the openings. Again, safety from archers.
When they reach the first tower he breaks them into five groups of three. Two groups to walk the wall top; two groups to man the two towers in his area; one group for close combat training. The patrols are to make sure the know who is covering their end of Guligak's section, and to make sure their relief knows who's there too. And everyone is to know everyone else. NExt is to make sure there are no lights in town which can silhouette the men. He sends the first training group to have any such lights extinguished or blacked out. On their return the training group gets the following speech: "Men, who's the lord of battles? WHO? WHO!? GOrum. That's right. "If you want to live. If you want your families, friends, girls, anyone you hold dear, to live, you've got to satisfy Gorum. That means bravery, standing fast in battle, doing your duty. You can't defend yourself, or anyone else in battle if you don't face the enemy. Remember that. He chops his castle-issued spear into two pieces. "Your gear is good enough for standing guard duty, and I hope you've trained with those spears. But when things get really hot, you're going to need a weapon for close-in fighting. Get yourself a sword, a mace, a long knife, or even a simple club. Tonight we're going to practice simple attacks blocks and parries." He sets a pair of men at a time doing patterns of attacks and blocks. "One, two, three, four. One, two, three, foour." While they go through the exercises, he checks the patrols and tower guards. After about an hour, he rotates the groups. After every group has been through a training rotation, the training rotation becomes a rest time. Jon tries to catch 20 minute naps, having the tower watch wake him at intervals so that he can check the other tower and the two patrols.
Jon shakes his head. "I can't leave the walls while it's my watch. It wouldn't be fair to my men. If you're set on going, take Pae or Andy at least up to the gate so we know how you fared. And have a good story about what your business inside is. "
"Bah, flies are easy to keep away, so are scorpions, and the ranks of the undead have been there for eons..." quips Paellat. "It's the riches, the danger of entering a tomb, the curses and the riches, oh I said that already...but if you've ever been to a Sothis auction house, you'd understand, it really is the riches!" Jon smiles at Pae's words, misunderstanding him slightly. "There are riches to be won here too. Plenty of coin and a noble man's favor."
In the pause that follows the sergeant's words, Jon steps forward. "Thank you Sergeant." Jon steps forward squarely to address the troops. " I am Jon Anthoni. I've been a warrior eight years across many lands. This is Guligak, favored of Gorum, strong in battle, scourge of his foes. This is sly Winter Rose, a scout who's seen death a hundred times. " ~Jon surreptitiously tips Red a wink.~ "This halfling is Paellat. He may not look a warrior, but there are few more resourceful men in a fight. And this is Andrea, Miss Greenholt to you. She's not a warrior, but she's brave and helps out where she can. She might be the one to tend you if you're wounded in battle, and she's a particular friend of mine, so please show her some respect." "We've all seen a lot more action than you. So listen to us. Learn something, and maybe you'll make it through this siege alive. I'll be on the east wall. Guligak on the north. Rose is on the west."
Jon's got a busy hour. Back at the Dead Well inn, he takes a room to store his gear. He checks in with the others briefly to let them know what he's up to in the next hour. He checks his horse. If it's in good shape he tips the stablehand a silver. If not, he gives the stablehand a right dressing down. Then he takes the horse and mule up to the castle for stabling. Hopefully he gets to lead the beasts inside himself and can get a look inside the courtyard. If possible, he'll also want to meet the stablehands, evaluate them, and give them the stick and carrot talk about caring for his horse. He will not try to wander around the castle like he's lost, just get a look inside. Jon considers switching to plate, but decides to stay with the chain. *** On the battlements: Can Andy or Pae work a sending to General Dakoyva? Let him know we need 2 or 3 days to get to the baron? John suggests using Andy and Pae as "couriers" between Rose, Gak and himself. That way they could sneak away without drawing attention and scout the dog pound/tunnel entrance maybe? Does anyone have any ideas? DM Dahn, looking at the Andoran camp, how many troops are out there? ***
"Thanks, Captain. Will we meet you here or go directly to the walls?" After receiving the answer, Jon bows, lokks to Guligak and jerks his head the way Rose went, and follows her out and down the hill.
"Aye, Red. Over the main gate then? " Jon walks more slowly back toward the inn, along the eastern wall, looking over the battlements and defensive preparations in place.
Watch yourself out there, Andy.
"We spend one day playing soldier, then use the tunnel after we've had a look around."
Jon breaks the huddle. "Captain, we'll take job. There's just a few things. We've got two friends along, one's a camp follower, good for chores and menial work. The other's a halfling, he's not a stand up fighter, but he's clever, can sing ot tell a story. Good company, good for morale. We'd like them given a position too, or at least let them work with us. " "Next, where will you billet us, and what about rations? I've got a horse and mule that need keeping. And Pae, that's the halfling, he's got a big dog." "Third, no offense meant, but you can keep this crossbow. I've got a better one. "
"Which is fine with you, Guligak? Spending the night on the walls or trying the tunnel? "
Garrison;
"We are indeed newcomers here, so I understand your hesitation. I'm sure we'll make an example for all of the soldiers tonight." Rose says, with a wink to Jon and Guligak. "Well, I see your point, Captain, but its not quite the payscale and not quite the job we usually take on. "May I have a moment with my partners?" IF BLACKLOCK LETS US HUDDLE: Spoiler: "Well, Red, looks like you were right. He wants to put us on the walls. I'd guess it'll be days or weeks before we can work our way up. What do you think 'Gak? Can you take some boredom on the walls, or should we try Pae's tunnel?" Jon wants to know what both Guligak and Red think. The key is time -- how long before the General attacks versus how long til we're promoted.
Damn, Red was right. He wants to stick us on the walls. Wish Pae was here to grease the skids. After eyeing the tabards and gear, Jon clears his throat. "Ahh, Captain, I think you've misunderstood our offer. We're fighting professionals. Put us on guard duty and all you've gained is a good pair of eyes on each wall. Let us train the men and the value of your whole force goes up. Besides we haven't really discussed wages."
Jon nods to acknowledge Rose's advice. Then marches in behind the captain.
Jon catches a glimpse of Andrea out of the corner of his eye and smiles ever so slightly. Perfect. She knows how to play a part. He addresses Captain Blacklock again. "You can see my friend Guligak here is enthusiastic. You won't find a more devoted disciple of Gorum, a true son of battle. " Jon leans in closer, speaks softly. "Captain, your men seem a makeshift lot, and you must have your hands full. You need the help. We can train them. Put some backbone into them. What have you got to loose?"
Jon squares his shoulders and marches toward the castle gate.
"Well, Andy, I appreciate the help, but let's mnot make that play. First, I don't cotton to hitting most people, especially friends. Second, I just had words to that effect with 'Gak.Third, that's not the impression I want to make. I don't want a job standing in the guardhouse. I want a job commanding the troops in the guardhouse."
"Maybe the three of us can try to find out what we can on the inside, while Andrea and Paellet continue gathering information on the outside? That sounds alright to me, but do you think we should wait until morning to approach about a job?"
"There's no time like the present. Let's head up there now. Then we'll know if we want to try the kennels tonight."
"This is a bad idea, I'm fully capable of "soldiering", but this is not the way to remove a threat by walking up to the hornet's nest and smashing it hoping to get to the queen..." "Who said anything about smashing a hornet's nest? I'm looking for a job, not a fight. Like Red and 'Gak said it might be a chance to scout the place, get the lay of the land. I would have figured you of all of us would be most interested in talking our way in." "If you're willing, the next question is do I go alone, or does everyone come?"
"Good man. Anyone else?"
"Well, do you all accept my proposal? I'll try the gate. If we can't get in, then its the kennels."
"I'll tell you what. I'll try asking for a job at the gate. If we don't like the terms, we turn it down and try the kennel."
"yes, I saw a survey map showing a straight tunnel into the castle, ... possible undead ... in the castle's dungeons ... time is of the essense, we should enter tonight, we'll need to silence the dogs, as the entrance is somewhere on the dog handler's grounds...hopefully Bumbo won't be a problem." "Hold on, Pae. Let's try to hire on as guards first. The baron's in a fix and even if he's got undead, he'll need some good men on the walls. I'll bet 'Gak here is as good as anyone in a fight, and I'm not so bad myself. Red looks the part as well, and you've shown yourself uncommonly useful. Andy doesn't look a fighter, but , no offense, she does look like a camp follower."
Jon turns to look at the temple. A look of disgust crosses his face. "Wonder how long that's been here. And how popular it is." *** "I'm sure Pae's fine. What's the worst a rich book collector would do? Throw him out?"
Jon swivels his head at Rose's call. "Not for us. But Pae's having a high old time. The master of this ~points~ manor apparently has a library. Pae went all glassy-eyed and begged a visit. About the best we found was this kennel. Bumbo here helps run the place."
"That attitude breeds fear and resentment which helps no one. The strong should be respected for their deeds, not merely their strength. Gorum gives us what we need to defend ourselves, our families, and our land. In that defense we earn respect."
Guligak snorts. "Don't listen to him. If you feel like punching someone, go ahead! Gorum will smile on you." "Gorum smiles if you measure yourself against a worthy foe. Would you trample the cripple and call it honor? Would you slaughter children to call down the Lord of Battle's blessing?"
This is too much for Jon. He strides quickly after him. "Bumbo, wait up there. Listen, brother, you can't go punch a woman, no matter how ornery she is. It wouldn't be right. You're a big strong fellow. People would think you're a bully and they'd be right. Complain to your uncle or the guard. Now, if you've some complaint with another man. Some just complaint. Then you can fight."
Guligak grunts. "So your uncle is a baron, huh? I wish I was a baron. Then I could have fifty wives giving me strong sons -- like you, Bumbo -- and if anyone from Cheliax or Andoran tried to tell me what to do, I'd chop him up and stick his head on a pike!" The baron is his uncle? I thought the baron was the last of his lineage. An heir changes everything. Jon reviews the conversation mentally while Guligak talks. Could be. Sharp of Guligak to catch that. I missed it. But, if he's a simpleton, he could have expressed himself badly. We've got to find out more. Jon remains quiet, watching the idiot swing the sword.
Thinking that the kennels would make a good exit for a secret tunnel because the dogs would provide good, but unnoticeable security. Jon seeks to learn more about Bumbo and the kennels. "So you like dogs, Bumbo? I'm Jon. How's your master, Shenk?"
Jon turns at the man's greeting. "Well you can try. But Ka's a jackal. His jaws can crush bones as easily as egg-shells. He really belongs to our friend there. " ~waving toward the front door.~ "Pae likes books. He really really likes books. And old buildings."
"Ahh. Ka -- nice do- err, jackal" Jon is a little flummoxed. He likes dogs, but somehow a game of fetch, a wrestling match, or even a nice quiet snuggle don't seem right or even advisable. "Pae, what do I do with him?"
"Books, eh?" Jon can appreciate their worth, but books have never exercised the fascination over him that they do over scholars like Paellat. He notices the halfling's dreamy eyes and distracted tone. "This could take a while a while, 'Gak. Maybe we should wait outside."
"Sometimes scaring people is handy. And fun, too. You should try it some time." Guligak smiles at pleasant memories of making other clansmen soil their britches. Mindful of eavesdroppers, Jon can't speak as directly as he would like. "Right now, we're new in town and I would like to stay a long time. We need to make friends. True friends. Not to cow someone into saying they're a friend, while they resent us. "When we enter battle with the enemy, then let us shatter his pride and drive him before us on the field of honor."
"That's good to know, Pae. Even though I'm planning on walking in the front door, it'd be real handy to have a back door in case things go south. Let's check it out. I'd suggest you go first. 'Gak and I are too likely to scare off someone opening their door."
"I think we've seen enough for now. Let's head back to the pub."
Gorum help us. He can't resist any challenge. I hope he's not a true beserker. Jon shakes his head and looks around. "Easy, Guligak. We're within sight of the walls. We want to impress them as steady men-at-arms. Not champions of a dogfight."
Jon nods. "I appreciate that. Thank you." He nods at the door. "Do you always have armsmen here?"
At the bar: "Jackal, huh? I hear they can crack bones as easy as a fairy's wing." ... "We should have a look around town. Then head up to the castle. The baron's likely to be looking for help. Maybe we can get a job with him." Walking around town: Jon looks over the town with a professinal eye. The condition of the wall, the posting of guards, sight lines and firing zones. At the smith's: Jon looks over the man's wares keenly, but doesn't see anything that will improve on his gear. He asks about some oil and rags to clean his mail and weapons.
"Paellat, that reminds me. How did you come by such an ugly dog?" Jon settles back in his chair with his pint and a joint of beef.
"The prices were good. Turns out he's a friend of the boss..." "Well, we're not working for Dolp anymore. He cut us loose, a merchant doesn't need guards if he can't travel. We'll need to find work in town til this blows over." Jon glances briefly at the silent non-drinkers. Low-voiced he asks the others, "What's their story?" On Lucky's next pass by the table, Jon asks him quietly if there's a place in town where armsmen gather. If no PCs have an answer about the non-drinkers, Jon will discretely ask Lucky about them.
At the Guligak's call Jon hustles back from the stables, ready for a scrap. He is very pleased to find out about the shield. At least its not trouble already. Jon waves to Lucky for a pint and asks to handle the shield. If allowed he will try it's heft and examine it closely, especially fasteners, the edges and the straps. "Looks like a fine buy. How were the prices?"
Jon scrapes the manure from his boots and prepares to head back into the bar.
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