Kanzen Millithor's page

I definitely think we should pursue some medicinal ales (spirits, etc) to help deal with the no doubt nearly overwhelming PTSD arising from the events of the past month or so!

Kanzen looks down at his delicate blades ruefully. "Hmmm. That is unfortunate. Smashing things is not my forte. I must do my best to think more tactically when battling these creatures."

Apart from meta, is there any rational reason not to have a long rest before we set out? Even though we've only had one battle since last resting, we've been slogging our way through the Underdark wilderness for however long... Now we're in a place of relative safety - for now. As far as I understand it, we're not in an urgent hurry. Is there any defensible reason not to take a rest?

Can anyone remind me when our last long rest was? As far as I can recall, it was before we left the myconid settlement. If not, I didn't update my refreshables (sire that's a word!). I'd be glad to be corrected.

Insight: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Kanzen steps forward, still hooded. "I'd like to add that we travel with two of your kind," he says, gesturing to Topsy and Turvy. "They have been our companions since we escaped a drow labour prison, and since then we have been through many dangers together. They have proved their worth and mettle every time they've been called upon. They wish to find a home, and it may be possible they could find it here with you. So rest assured we are not merely pawns of Diggermattock(?), here to get rid of you. Through friendship and loyalty to these two, we genuinely want to see your home here survive and thrive."

Persuasion (if required): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Insight: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Kanzen continues to avoid the attention of the wererat gnomes as best he can - the presence of a drow would be unlikely to reassure them, and while they might have already noticed him, staying quiet and unobtrusive is probably the best way to avoid exciting them any further.

He does sidle up next to Galenus though, and he murmurs to his dwarf companion, "They don't seem inclined to trouble, though I wager they're ready to deal with trouble if it finds them. Hopefully we can resolve this peacefully."

Kanzen follows Galenus's lead, staying quiet and in the middle of the pack. He makes no move towards his weapons, but is ready to draw and leap into battle if these creatures won't listen to reason.

Happy to offer a steadying elbow there if you'd like advantage, Galinndan :)

Moments ago...

Galinndan seems to half-smile, as if thinking of something pleasant and long-ago.

"I recall a time before the drow and their orc minions attacked my people. We had little need of swords then. It would be...pleasant to be like that again."

Kanzen looks at Galinndan with something like pain in his eyes, obviously feeling some kind of guilt by association for the horrific actions of his kind against Galinndan's people. He blinks the expression away quickly, though, and prepares to move over the tripwire.

Dex check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Gee whiz. Just made it!

Kanzen skips over the tripwire, coming perilously close to touching it as he does. Nonetheless, he smiles back at the rest of the party, then moves away from the wire in case someone else trips it.

Kanzen regards Zoltan with what those familiar with dark elves recognise as a particularly drow-like expression: face like a mask, revealing nothing. The difference in this case is that Kanzen's eyes are kind, rather than radiating devious cruelty or a lust for blood and pain.

"But we do go looking for trouble; trouble is there, and it is our job to find it. Looking for it or not, everywhere this group travels, we find trouble. It seems that is what the gods intend for us. Don't fear, we'll not lead with our swords, nor will we trouble the innocent. "

"Wererats, at least as far as I have been taught, have a reputation for shiftiness. It would be unwise to go into their domain without a means of defending ourselves. I for one will be hoping to avoid violence, but we must be prepared for all possibilities."

Gotta say, the front page is being very annoying, popping up nearly every time on my phone when I go to refresh the campaigns page. Okay, there's a sale on PF 1e stuff! Cool, I get it!

Nice, thanks DM!

Persuasion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Alright!

Oh sure, everyone should get weapons for fighting werecreatures... I'm just flat broke! Started the campaign that way, and don't seem to have any coin on my character sheet, so buying stuff isn't an option for me without dipping into party funds. And a +1 dagger is the same average damage as a silver shortsword...

Ha actually the only 'cash' I have is a 350gp voucher from Gracklstugh; useless since we left. Unless I can sell it... But a better idea is probably to take the unclaimed +1 spider-hilt dagger in the loot. That okay with everyone?

Any chance to buy a silver short sword before we pop on through? And is there anything else that might be available that would be worth buying in case things get violent with the wererats?

Kanzen cocks his head at Galinndan in a bird-like manner. "I don't know why, but I have a feeling deep in my gut that says we should go to the Goldwhisker Warrens first. I have no logical reasoning behind that feeling, so..." his mouth twists wryly, "take that as you will. If you all still wish to go put a stop to the oozes first, I won't argue."

Honestly no idea why. Call it what you will, a hunch, woman's intuition... There's a good chance I'm wrong, so not pushing the Goldwhisker Warrens, just suggesting it :)

Like Zoltan, Kanzen is reluctant to speak to the leaders of the gnome settlement, but for different reasons; he cannot see how the words of a drow could improve the standing of the party. However, he does keep a keen eye on the gnomes, particularly Dorbo and his wife.

Insight: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Ha worth a shot.

Kanzen nods after Irdril and begins following her towards Diggermattock Hall.

As noted, I'm up for talking to the leaders of Blingdenstone. While they may not believe us or want to hear it, Kanzen believes strongly that they should be aware of what we know.

Insight: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Kanzen shakes his head as Irdril explains. One of his shortcomings in his own society was his inability to pick up on subtleties such as the merchant's disguised gesture. When the tiefling speaks, Kanzen agrees. "Yes, we should definitely discuss these matters with the leaders of Bligdenstone. They deserve to know what's happening in the rest of the region and how it could connect with what we just walked into here."

Among the gnomes, Kanzen feels that his best bet may be politeness and humility. He says little, but attempts to make the folk of Blingdenstone feel comfortable in his presence.

Cha: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Again, apologies for the lack of posting. After a quick catch up read it doesn't look like Kanzen has taken any damage since I last posted. I'll check again though...

Also, how's the one Kanzen's tussling with? Has it been hit at all, or better yet, is it bloodied?

Kanzen attacks the disgusting cube in front of him with both blades.

SS +1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Dmg: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

SS: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Having wounded it somewhat, Kanzen then skips away, wary of the thing getting a chance to overrun and engulf him. AoO for the cube if you like, caster. Better than getting caught inside it!

Hi folks, sorry for the absence, hope I haven't caused too much inconvenience. My computer died just before I started mid-term exams for a course I'm doing, and though I've a phone and other access my mind's not been in pbp mode at all. Catching up now, will post soon.

Spurred on by Glabbaga... Blaggaboo... Glabb's heroic charge, Kanzen roars out to his mistress. "Eilistraee, lend me your moonlight!" he calls, and both his weapons and his eyes glow with the light of a moon that the drow has never seen. He pokes and stabs, eventually finding a good angle to deliver a flurry of blows into one of the gelatinous cubes. Once the attacks are delivered, the glow fades from the blades.

Using smite on the crit! Targeting the one that's most wounded (if either is).

SS +1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

SS: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Crit dmg: 2d6 + 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (2, 6) + (5, 6) + 3 = 22

Kanzen charges forward beside Galinndan, short swords gleaming.

SS+1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
SS: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

As the party approaches the city proper, Kanzen keeps his hood up and his heritage hidden. He does this for two reasons: to avoid causing any distress or alarm to the residents of Blingdenstone; and to avoid bringing any negative attention to the group.

DM, if you'd like me to roll a Deception or Stealth check at any point to hide Kanzen's drow heritage let me know.

Kanzen nods thankfully to Irdril with a smile, then bows his head in deference to the gnome with the gem. "I know my kind have been enemies to the gnomes of Blingdenstone for centuries, but I am one of the few who has turned their back on the demon-goddess Lloth and her evil ways. I hope I can prove to you that I am different from most other drow." He then shuts his mouth and waits, intending to follow along with his companions as meekly and unaggressively as he can.

Nice character reference, Irdril, much appreciated!

Kanzen cocks an eyebrow at Odak, watching him talk and laugh to himself. Then he thinks about the insane things he himself has witnessed, and he fights to suppress his own chuckles. I think... yes, I think I'm going a bit mad myself. No need to judge others!

Kanzen keeps near the back of the group, and in the middle of other beings. While approaching Blingdenstone he's borrowed an old, ragged hooded cloak from someone, and he huddles within it, doing his best to keep his heritage hidden.

It takes over five days for Kanzen's ability to speak to return. Up until that point, the drow appears somewhat lost in his own thoughts, not the cheerful companion he normally is. He still remains considerate and helpful however, and makes particular effort to make the new travelling companions feel comfortable around a dark elf.

When his voice returns the first words to escape his lips are a prayer to the dark maiden, thanking her for her mercy. If either of the dwarves seem concerned about his praying to a "dark maiden", he will explain promptly that his goddess is Eilistraee, the lady of song, dance, and freedom, not the hateful Lloth that most of his kin worship fearfully. He then sets about convincing them to play dice with him, hopefully for coin.

Kanzen continues on for the remaining travel time in a similarly fey spirit, happy and enthusiastic for games of dice or anything else. There is perhaps a twinkle in his eye that doesn't appear entirely... sane.

As the refugee caravan approaches Blingdenstone, Kanzen's thoughtful demeanour reappears. He approaches Jimjar. "You're good at this kind of thing," he begins hesitantly. "I've heard the deep gnomes aren't fond of my kind. Understandable. I was present as drow patrols would hunt down lone svirfneblin for sport. I wouldn't trust me either. But how will we get them to accept me? They may refuse entry to the entire lot of us if they fear you are all allies of the drow!"

Kanzen, looking somewhat annoyed, motions to his mouth, which forms noiseless syllables. The message is clear: for now, at least, Kanzen can't talk his way into anywhere.

Ha it's not significantly different I guess, but we do now have a legit refugee group fleeing their long-standing community. Before we were just a bunch of random cons on the lam!

What a bunch of misfits. We're basically a mobile refugee camp at this stage!

Kanzen regains his senses after five or so minutes of unconsciousness, and thanks Galinndan and Odak for their help - silently. It seems he is unable to speak, a fact that surprises him as much as anyone else. After several attempts at speaking, the best result of which is a strangled, "Nnngggh!", he simply bows his head in gratitude to the elf and the dwarf, then follows along.

When connected by the rapport spores he communicates strongly a wish to leave this place as soon as possible.

Kanzen kneels, transfixed by the vision of horror before him. As the party starts to discuss what to do, either through words or pantomime, the drow slowly keels over, falling limp on the stony floor, his eyes rolled back in his head.

No vote from Kanzen. Madness-inspired unconsciousness. Lucky drow don't weigh that much!

Kanzen nods in the direction of the path taken by the demonic procession. "Should we follow and see what's happening?"

I'm keen to investigate. Maybe just the stealthy ones among us could have a careful look?

Kanzen emerges slowly from the shadows in which he hid, his face displaying bafflement and revulsion in equal measure. "What in the Nine Hells was that?"

Looks like stealth...

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Kanzen stiffens as he hears the noises. "Shall we hide?" he hisses, moving towards a shadow near the wall.

Happy to follow the party's lead, but my instinct is to hide. If no one hides I won't bother.

I imagined he meant it as in "Great and terrible!" You know, like we cause terror in our foes...

Kanzen, still breathing heavily from the battle, turns to Galinndan and the three swords he offers. His eye strays to the finely crafted drow-made blade, obviously the weapon of a noble, and his hand itches to wield it. But he shakes his head slightly "The silver blade you purchased. The drow blade calls to me, and yet the best sword should be wielded by the best swordsman. If I may, I'll take this one." he says, selecting the third sword.

Cheers Galinndan :)

So it's a +1 short sword, is that right? Gal or DM, can you remind me where the party found this sword? I'd like to get a bit of narrative connection with the weapon, maybe roll or choose with caster on the tables on pp 142-43 of the DMG to make it a bit more distinct. It's only a +1 weapon, but given that Kanzen uses two short swords he'll probably have it for a long time :) Thoughts on that caster?

Kanzen continues to thrust his blades at the creature, trying to time his strikes with Galenus's.

SS: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
SS: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Not rolling so well this combat!

Sorry folks, on my phone. Could someone please move me directly south of Galenus?

The drow defeated, Kanzen wheels around to attack the creature engaged with Galenus.

SSword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
SSword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Note that you can't take your fourth shortsword attack because that would require a second bonus action. Action surge only provides a second action not a second bonus action with it to dual-wield.

Ah of course, I knew that. Sorry.

Pretty sure we were all full hp when this started.. You took 10 and got healed for 5..

That was my assumption too...

Kanzen throws Irdril a quick smile of thanks before renewing his attack on the undead drow. I'll focus on the one I wounded, if it falls I'll attack the other one.

SS: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
SS: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Well, they look like misses, so I'll use action surge and go again!

SS: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
SS: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Much better!

Also, not sure what's going on with my current hp total of 11 (6 after damage and then healing from Irdril). I haven't been hit in ages, and it's definitely not correct. I guess I just haven't updated that for a while, although I'm up to date with my usables... I expect I'll just have to wear that, DM?

Looking somewhat enviously at the giant Galinndran and his two likewise enlarged magical swords, Kanzen sets to work on the undead drow adjacent to him.

SS: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Crit dmg: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 2) + 3 = 10
SS: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Dang, no slots left for smite! Never mind :)

Have we had any kind of rest since the last battle? A short one, even?

Also, Galinndan, you're enlarged, so your attacks do an extra 1d4 damage. And you take up two by two spaces on the map, I've just adjusted that :)

So Galinndan, now that you've got a +2 short sword, could I maybe have your old +1 short sword when you're done?

Also, if whoever takes the magic armour has spare armour left over after that, my acid-damaged studded leather is due to be replaced too...