Same for me, I'd like to go on but it seems abandoned again.
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Been a bit under the weather myself, but checking in all the same, hope GM Polyfrequencies is okay and gets well soon.
Joras also nods but interjects, "After the undead was defeated, apparently the spirit of Ekat Kassen was able to manifest and talk with us. He could only guess as to how." At the looks of the council, he notes that it was Roya that was asked, not him, so he does a slight bow and gestures for the blessed one to speak. Joras sotto voce "I think they like you better, sorry Roya."
At farmhouse
Dramatis personae Jorah Iggins father Uhlam brownish - red hair short and squat
Trafar Renges grandfather - father of Renatta caravaneer
His parents and grandparents fuss in a quiet way as they make their way home at the nearby farmhouse. A burst of noise occurs as he enters, cries from his brother Jent and sister Maretta. After a bit Jent reverts to his stoic way, just saying, "Glad you made it brother." Maretta, of course, goes for the snark, "Never do what you're told, Joras! You are not suppposed to be an adventurer!" Once again glares from her parents and grandparents, cause her to wilt for a bit, but not for long as she presses Joras for details. His answers, noting the bravery and contributions of the other members of the party and not pushing his own much. As night falls exhaustion overcomes all from all the deep feelings. Joras fall into a fitful sleep but wakes in the wee hours before the morning. Joras slips out very quietly and goes toward town. He is sure that there is a careful watch being done by the rangers but easily slips past the town guard, any gates not yet full shut in this peaceful village. As he comes up on the now silent Seven Silvers, a hand drops on his shoulder, a jaw lined up on his ear so the whisper of a whisper is heard more by bone than by air. "Not good boy.", the voice of his Uncle Jimes washes over him. "Could have cut your throat twice by now." Impossible as it seems Joras is then wrapped in a bear hug by his Uncle. "Glad you made it back, I do hope you weren't brave though let the bigges do the hard work." Joras, using the same method, whispers back, "Yeah, well their may have been one or two brave things but nothing compared to the others." He give a very brief recounting, mostly about what little he knows about the invaders of the tomb. "They wanted something. The ghost of Kassen, assuming that was truly him, thinks it was the location of a place of dark and dangerous power. If so, there is great risk to everybody, everywhere." Jimes seems a bit unconvinced, "Sounds like a far fetched thing, Kassen, place, person, or ghost, is not that interesting. But I guess I can look into it." Joras says, "I'd like to know whatever you learn Uncle, be well, I have one more person to meet tonight" Joras slithers around to the window for Jocyn, quietly opening it with well-oiled slickness but letting the copper coin drop with a distinct clink. Jocyn shorts the quietly says, "I knew you would come about, it's too dark for harrowing tales, so just tell me how well a taught you." Swiftly, Joras tells of what he did well, what he learned, and what he failed at. He tell a bit about what he knows and surmises about the greedy people that caused this. He finishes with, "I can't be sure of what the true goals of the tomb raiders were, but If the warning of Kassen is true then there is much trouble ahead. If you can think of anything more, let me know, Maestro." As nautical twilight fades, Joras swiftly, but quietly returns to his bed. At the council meeting
Dramatis personae The council Mayor Uptal
The other invitees Perri Perun
The PC's Brandark
Joras recounts the story in quick and somewhat barebones way. Describing the trip there he, subtly tries to emphasize the way in which the approach took place made them somewhat suspicious it was all a prank on them. The shock at the scene at the entrance to the tomb is made vivid, but he downplays the rest of the horror not wanting to relive it for anyone. He praises, Perri's good advice, oft not followed, Conrad front line stance in the face of many wounds. He follows with notice Brandarks quiet patience and his many contributions, getting there and back finding our way, and his constant support. He notes that Miron took many risks and unpleasant tasks such as the pool dive on himself. "Still without the gods favor, embodied in Roya's strong faith in Erastil, we could not have prevailed. Thanks to Erastil and Shelyn we won through." He gives the impression that his contributions are limited to his supportive music and a few minor magic tricks and he completely leaves out the embarrassing use of the prestidigitation spell to clean everyone up. He then tries to convey that the danger is not passed some of the raiders seems to have made it out with more ill intent but that is exactly how that involves the town is unclear. Anything about the council that he should know about he will use to shade his report accordingly.
On the road Joras tries a quick review, "That things went bad is going to get around town and I don't want to lie anyway, but the details of the mercenaries, and what there employer wanted should be downplay to any but the town elders. And I have no clear Idea what role the guy in Razmiran priest garb, played. False flag? Leader? Just another mercenary? Leave it to the council to hash it out I guess. If Raznirans are involved,.." Joras will tell everyone what he thinks he knows about Razmirans and ghosts. On the return to the town, Joras sees mom and dad come to get him but surprisingly Grandpa and Grandma Renges returned early from their current caravan. Memories of his short, safe travels with them as he tended the horses, flood his mind. He ignored the others as he runs to their embrace. After a time of fuss, Kofeza turns her glare on Captain Wizzlo and says, "Where were you Town Protector? This is your fault! Why I never..." the tirade continues much to Joras' embarrassment again, remembering all too well, that at the last trip to the Crypt, Joras was suppose to go but, in training he broke his arm and Mom blamed the Captain. As his family drags him home Joras barely follows his own advice, his inclination to tell a story overcoming his fear of too much detail may cause more panic than action. He tells the tale, but leaves both the worst of the danger to not leave his family overwrought and the Razmirain connection out more from the lack of a good story about it than any real motive of concealment. Later when questioned by his mentors or the town leaders he will be more forthcoming.
Anyone that feels like it could check my math-if you like pain :).
CHANGES Favored Class Bonus
Revising skills
Performance is considered a background skill but seems a bit off for a bard so I took one performance skill and funded it from the general skill pool and one from the background skill pool because more than one performance skill just as a bit of versatility not much power to a bard. General skill pool: 8 per level x 2 levels =16 Per level 6 from class, 1 from INT, 1 from favored class bonus expanded.
Move point from Handle Animal to GP(General pool) use point from BP(Background pool)
Further details in the skill detailed partition of Joras' profile. If I overlooked anything, please let me know.
During the encounter with Kassen, Joras sings songs to acknowledge the dead but also to encourage any spirits remaining including Kassen himself to move on. Afterward his recovers his pack and mandolin but feels no need to retrieve his short sword from the watery grave. Later on tries to break through to Roldare with a rendition of "Tears in Heaven", hoping that the man can find some peace with his trauma. In the evening he sings songs of hope hard won and finishes with hymns to Shelyn, Erastil, and any other deity others wish.
How well does he do? Joras voice, suffering from overuse is strained and weak but he has his finest hour with his beloved mandolin.
Finally back up after much bustle and bother, in the new place. I'm now in the Easter time zone of the U.S. I admit to being a bit overwhelmed by all that has happened but nice to see the end of adventure 1. Will post shortly in gameplay updated what (little) Joras did. Expect to take a day or so to do the upgrades to my character.
I'm even busier with the final packing with a million things to do and I move this weekend so this is my last post until I get internet up at my soon to be new home. Bot me until I back, hopefully in about a week or so. My Preferences
Will have to think about what I'd want in leveling, no time for it now. See ya soon, I hope!
The end comes swiftly and Joras' bold song dies with it. Joras stares around dumbly as the full weight of the situation falls on him. As Miron approachs the body Joras goes with him and tries to understand what's happened.
At the appearance of the spirit the claims to be Ekat Kassen Joras is stunned but wary.
Joras mutters a quiet prayer to Shelyn to guide him in the weird encounter.
Well, Brandark that is sad, I was lucky and had some new friends that played it and invited me into their group. Glad you found some later.
Sorry about weak posts, I don't expect to have much energy till October. Checked out the place I'll be moving to, needs a bit of work. Move less than two weeks out. Internet likely limited or unavailable after the 14 or so, then it's up to the internet gods of Spectrum. Thanks for patience. Myself, old school is original AD&D hardcovers. :) Why you youngling true old school is original DnD. White Box set, before any blue covers or any ADnD. :) Okay with changes just later, when this old man has some energy to spare.
Death or The Everflame:Begin Round Four:
HP:(8/9) AC:16 Conditions: Normal Level 1 Spells 3/3 left. Bardic Performance:4/7 Joras maintains he singing while despartely tries to think of something availible in the room (other than what he's already thought of) to see if he overlooked anything that could aid against these unending nightmares.
Death or The Everflame:End Round Four: HP:(8/9) AC:16 Conditions: Normal Level 1 Spells 3/3 left. Bardic Performance:3/7
On an out of state trip checking out my soon to be new home. No internet till Wednesday. Bot as needed.
Death or The Everflame:Begin Round Three:
HP:(8/9) AC:16 Conditions: Normal Level 1 Spells 3/3 left. Bardic Performance:5/7 Seeing no other way he can help Joras continues with his song. Roya can do more to help the front line than he can even if it leaves her in danger, but he is ready to heal her if so needed. Death or The Everflame:End Round Three: HP:(8/9) AC:16 Conditions: Normal Level 1 Spells 3/3 left. Bardic Performance:4/7
Death or The Everflame:Begin Round Two:
HP:(8/9) AC:16 Conditions: Normal Level 1 Spells 3/3 left. Bardic Performance:6/7 Joras looks around the corner at the bizarre situation and sees Roya helping keep Conrad fighting. He moves behind her and maintains the song while somehow managing to add a bit more urgency to it. Death or The Everflame:End Round Two: HP:(8/9) AC:16 Conditions: Normal Level 1 Spells 3/3 left. Bardic Performance:5/7
Death or The Everflame: Round One:
HP:(8/9) AC:16 Conditions: Normal Level 1 Spells 3/3 left. Bardic Performance:7/7 Joras thought he was prepared for anything; he was wrong. The horrific sights presented to his unbelieving eyes leaves him stunned for a second as he regrets his now water dwelling sword or his trusty mandolin safe beyond the flooded areas but useless to him but he still can do a few things. His eye is drawn to the everflame wondering Why is that still lit? Unless the abomination can't deal with it? Joras quietly says to anyone near, Miron , Brandark, or Roya most likely, "Maybe light a torch from the everlight? It might be enhanced because that thing would have extinguished that light if it could." Joras then begins his bold singing of the triumph of righteous warriors in the face of unholy evil. His mind is prepared to later switch to using his healing for defense or offense.
Death or The Everflame: End of Round One: HP:(8/9) AC:16 Conditions: Normal Level 1 Spells 3/3 left. Bardic Performance:6/7
I can work with Roll 20 as well just it's a bit busy for me right now. Whatever make DMing easier for you is great.
Also not fond of Roll20 but it seems to have a free account option. Is that good enough to play with? Might pop for a better account but would need to wait a bit as my moving date is less than four weeks away. There'll be a bit of a learning curve for me but I will work in late Sep or so before that it might be a bit slow. Thanks for taking over GM Polyfrequencies!
I'd give Dm Joseph Rauel to the 16th to chime in at least. After that it's starts to become reasonable to believe he will not return with no message at all. I would like to go on if possible it's been a bit slow at times but I'm okay with that because this has been a very enjoyable experience with a great group of people. Still I'm a bit slow in posting b/c RL but that should be over (knock on wood) by the end of September. So with that all in mind I welcome your offer GM Polyfrequencies with thanks.
I'll wait at least a month before worrying too much. I'll keep checking for some while. And I'm getting busier as my move date gets closer, mid-Sep. is the current expected time. When I know more, I'll post it.
Joras says, "Whatever the light is we don't have much choice, if we can we must open the door. Still wouldn't hurt to try to see if it's trapped are not." Joras has his eye look for things he is not trained to spot. Door and area around for traps, alarms, anything out of the ordinary. Joras tells everyone, "As near as I can tell there's"
I need to let everyone know why I've been a bit distracted lately. I have to move in a couple of months for the first time in over a decade, and it is an interstate move for the first time ever. So much of my energy is going to that and it is going to be even busier as the move date approaches. So I am going to be a bit slower till the move is completed, hopefully by the end of September. So don't let me slow down the game, if you need to move on, do so.
Joras chimes in, "We can't take forever. Hopefully that door leads to the lantern room and the end of this. It seems worth the risk to try to race to the other side. Still seems a bit sadistic though, what if we didn't have a large supply of dead enemies?" Joras lights up another pebble and is ready to run fast.
Joras says, "Oh the giant frogs. I'm kinda losing track, but that's a bit tricky too. How are you going to do it? Are you trying to throw the body on the bridge or shove it with a pole? Joras does seem a bit less sharp than usual.
Joras mulls over the debate, saying, "I understand your point Brandark but time is becoming somewhat an issue, we don't have unlimited supplies. This, at best, takes time still if we have enough rope and Conrad is willing, I suppose we can try." As Roya begins her water making, Joras observes the amount she is making versus the size of the hole. He tries to estimate how long it's going to take.
Roya, based on stories told to me by my Uncle, you are going to take most of the day to fill even a quarter of this. I think your voice will fade before that. Don't overstrain yourself we need you, we could not have come this far without you."
Joras nods at Brandark's reply, saying, "I hope you're right, it seems likely." At his request, Joras says, "If you mean for me to climb along the side of the bridge, that would be very dangerous. Sadly I'm not good at climbing, so unless there is a ledge wide enough for me to walk, it could be a problem. Maybe there is another way, how deep is the depression on each side of the bridge? If, as we suspect, the challenge we were suppose to face was not meant to be really dangerous, lethally so anyway, then they may not be deep. On the other hand nothing has been reasonable since we came here. Worth a look I suppose." Check out the deepness of the hole, shallow, deep, or endless. Toss a lighted pebble and see.
As Conrad takes the lead from a increasingly quiet Perri, Joras follows just behind him. He too looks about for any issues, relighting the pebble and tossing it down the bridge. "I can't remember was there a room above us with a fractured floor?" Just looking around.
Update of Combat Status Round Combat Ends.:
HP:(8/9) AC:16 Conditions: Normal Level 1 Spells 3/3 left. Bardic Performance:7/7 Joras perks up a bit at the healing provided, "Thanks Roya, that feels much better. Wish I acted more quickly though it might not have worked anyway. I think the bats are like other animals they attack if threatened or hungry. We should keep up our guard as always." Turning to Brandark, he continues, "Brandark, do you have a sense of how much more there is to this oversized tomb? We can't keep running into one dangerous place to an ever worst one over and over. Only valor of our mighty warriors, a lot of arcane spelling, and our great blessing of having Roya's immense faith has kept us going so far. So how much more do we have to do, if you can give an estimate?"
Begining of Combat Status Round 1:
HP:(9/9) AC:16 Conditions: Level 1 Spells 3/3 left. Bardic Performance:7/7 Joras overwhelmed a bit by so many disasters hesitates as the bats swarm over. He screams as the bats start to tear him apart, breaking free, he follows wishing he had acted sooner but knowing he would have little hope at a desperate casting of a barely known spell. He yells, "Leave me at the front, if the closing the door doesn't work I can try to stop it with a spell." Joras, trailing alarming amounts of blood, stays beside Conrad as the large fellow tries to close the door. End of Combat Status Round 1: HP:(3/9) AC:16 Conditions: injured 1 rd -6 concentration check Level 1 Spells 3/3 left. Bardic Performance:7/7
Agreed to all of the above, just out of character so a bit more concerning than for some others. Forgetting something is merely human. Get some rest and come back better than ever.
Yeah this has been a longer gap than usual, like you Roya, I just hope it's something like being buried at work or some other inconvenience.
@Dm Joseph Rauel Now it becomes really important if I'm allowed the Chord of Shards spell. So can I take it as my third spell known?
"Sure Miron, service for all" Joras cleans up Miron in the corner as well. At his comment Joras replies grimly, "Those undead are horrible yes, but they are just mindless tools. The windpipe I'd like to wrap my fingers around it that of who caused all this mayhem and blasphemy." I'll assume Perri wants to better off and that leaves Brandark to say.
I've seen the Vox Machina series on Amazon. Scanlan is by far my least favorite character. And creeping out on people is right out. Joras is a free spirit compared to Erastilians but still was raised right! @DM For the Prestidigitation spell I was just checking your interpretation, I played it the way you said, same as mine. How about the Chord of Shards spell, let me know?
Joras carefully tends to Roya while keeping her modesty in mind. "There it's done that should get rid of all that gore." When Conrad asks to have his bedraggled appearance mended, Joras waves him over saying, "No problem Conrad, I can cast it all day long, like my light spell." After taking care of anyone else that wants it or Roya pushes to for health reasons, he also light up another pebble. "I'll light up the center, ask if you want me to throw it. I'll need to renew it often." To Brandark's hope Joras add, "Amen to that Brandark. The only surprise I'd like to be bothered by is Roldare's living sister."
Hearing Roya's upset at Brandark's recklessness Joras feels a little guilty because he would have been tempted too, if not for trying to get it together for him to stretch his magic. But Roya comes to him with her request, Joras gallantly says, "Of course Roya, should not be a problem for clothes, on bodies, or larger objects it can get tricky." Joras turns his back for Roya to preserve some modesty. And cleans what is handed to him, humming a bit, and hands it back over his shoulder.
Joras awkwardly says, "Roya, I should be able to clean your hair, and maybe more but that could get a little er, uhm close." While that happens to distract himself and Roya, he pivots to the topic of the troubling note. "I'm really concerned about how it appears this recently dead warriors were directed here, we can't do anything about it now but that is a problem. I rather that a ... a dead eruption not draw the attention of a Pharasma inquisitor or worse a Hellknight. Trouble Kassen doesn't need. Worrying about stuff I can do anything about though, silly of me." Joras will aid anyone else in clean up personal or camp related. "Smells great Brandark! You always come through with breakfast."
Joras, feeling worn, cold, just miserable thinks he may have trouble falling asleep but it quickly proven wrong as he slumbers. In his dreams he starts out from home happy but soon monsters fill his mind with visions of the dead, moving, slithering, jaws coming wide for a little snack. He flees but encounters water slowing him down and now hands grab him from under the water. The water continues to rise as the dead approach he starts to drown - he wakes with a cry.
Perri's hand is shaking him, a worried frown on his face. Joras gasps, "I'm alright, just a nightmare." He mumbles a few words with Roya on watch but they keep quiet for the others to finish their rest. Fleeing grimier and colder than he ever remembers he tries again to recall the intricate weaves of a cantrip he really wants right now. The other rise and become involved in there own morning activities but Joras feels the strands of the spell come together. Humming quietly Joras cleans off the grime and any dampness from himself and his clothes them warms them a bit. Please with himself Joras hears Roya's voice sound a bit vexed, but not quite understanding the circumstance, Joras tumbles to the center of the room exclaiming, "The most presentable and debonaire halfling of all Kassen, is here to bestow comfort and joy." Stopping at noting the shocked look on Roya's face, he, more quietly, asks, "Something wrong?" Open after any replies to the above from players: Joras says, "I finally got the cantrip I've been working on for months, I can clean up now with just a wave of the hand. Awesome." Joras beams.
Joras level 2
Combat
Skill Points 7 +1 for favored class bonus. New skills
Old skills boosted by +1 rank and skill mod
Old skills not improved
Spells
Cantrip chosen
1st level spell chosen
I'd willing to keep Perri around longer, given the toughness of these fights having one more damage sponge er Valiant Warrior! would not hurt. Will update profile and gamepost soon.
Joras slogs along with the group. He looks about, checking the environment. Assuming it's reasonably comfortable he says, "Guess this'll do. We need the rest but food will become a concern soon. Water Roya can provide, this small fountain well, someone could gamble on it. It looks nice but I can't tell if it's any good." Joras settles in singing acapella to lift some spirits including his own.
Joras is happy when Perri gets up, "Thank the gods! I thought -, well I'm glad you're up." When discussion turns to going on, Joras says, "How can we do anything but rest somewhere? Roya you look a bit tired, and I suspect you have little favor left. I have a bit but little extra left. I not sure about you Miron but I suspect not much is left. Perri, honestly you don't look good to me. If we press on now we risk much and I'm not sure about gaining anything for it. If we only knew for sure where either the flame or the girl was I might try sneaking over to there and maybe do something but for now I think we need to regroup in a healthier place because every room seems worse than the last."
Joras' bent over still supporting Perri's head but struggling with the weight and lack of leverage. "Not much to say on my part Brandark. I have a little magic left not much and my cantrips are not really that useful except maybe light. My sword is underwater now, not that it matters much. Perri seem quite hurt, I could heal him but that would be the last for today. I do not see how we could risk going into another room, at least half we have seen have real trouble in them. One more attack like that and it would be the last we ever see."
Joras is very lucky and the first attacks by the horrors miss, he keeps Perri from drowning while the others try to deal with the attacks. He starts to pulls Perri back while withdrawing from the fighting line as much as possible. "As I move to deeper waters I can't go further than when the waterline reaches about two feet. At the point I'll need someone else to carry Perri and me beyond as we retreat. Unless of course we win this fight by the grace of the gods."
Joras watches as disaster even greater than he imaged occurs. Fear fades before an acceptance of an inevitable fate. He drops his blade as splashes forward to Perri easily reaching underwater to fumble about for he head. Sliding his arm under Perri's head and shoulders, he tries lifting him up enough to be able to breath at least. "Roya! Do I heal Perri or are you going to try to do so for all?" Joras is as protective of Perri as possible knowing that the blow from a skeletal horror is about as certain as anything in this world.
Joras is split between feeling more terror at more horrors arising and vindicated at the same time. He then splashes up to Roya and draws his pathetic blade and adopts a guarding position that seems more like a bedraggled walking mop than any image of a heroic adventurer. "I'll try to slow down anything that comes your way Roya, not much else I can do anyway."
Joras miserably says, "Yep, the longer way is what we need to do. It seems as though the fighting beetles and walking dead is not enough. The tomb itself seems against us. It will be a while getting there."
Joras leaves his mandolin and coat behind before being carried to less wet ground. He wades in water to his waist with obvious fear expecting more to water to come. After one look back he knows without help he's not getting out of here. Squaring his shoulders he shuffles along, trying not to fall behind but helpless to keep up. "It's slow going for me, guys." Joras somehow keeps his voice from cracking, years of performances paying off.
At Conrad's words Joras looks warily at the water line on the other's body estimating just how deep the water really is. Is it safe for him to go forward or just create more of a burden. Joras replies, "I have faith in the gods, Conrad just not in my ability to breath water. Remember I'm less than 3 feet tall even on my tippy toes."
Joras thinks then sighs. "I've gone as far as I can guys, the water would either drown me. Otherwise I'd only hamper you trying to keep me above water. Don't have much left for today anyway and little I have affects the mindless creatures. Guess I'll just stay here and watch the back. If anything show I'll shout about it."
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