Kela Tharken's page

Initiative Bump was a good idea Fabian

Action 2
As the others speak, Kela is silent as the fight draws near. Unusually though she finds her thoughts dwelling Artur rather than the coming struggle. Now that they are sharing each others company rather than just letters it is clear to Kela that Artur still lives the Last War. In this skirmish he sees war and countries. It hampered his earlier strategy. but his ability to fight seems unaffected. For now all she can do is trust in his skills, and hope that later he is willing to speak on it.

Action 3
Maintaining her watch through the window of the house Kela barely flinches when an arrow slices into her armor, Artur’s shield deflecting it just enough to avoid injury. She got what she wanted after all, the location of the hunter on the far side of the well. Kela murmured "I will hunt and destroy you, who threatens those under my care." and then fired two arrows from her bow. Both landed true, and Kela drew another arrow as she looked for the next hunter unwise enough to lift their head above cover.

Longbow Attack 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 171d8 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + (5) + 4 = 13
Longbow Attack 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 221d8 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (8) + (2) + 4 = 14

I had a late night with a friend today, but will post tomorrow morning.

Action 3
Kela set her pack down within what was left of the farmhouse, Artur swiftly goes to work to ready the place for a siege, and Kela leaves him to it. She takes a wander across the fields and around the farmhouse, re familiarising herself with the area. While out there she picks up a couple of twigs, sharpening them and placing them within her belt pouch for easy reach.

Returning to the farmhouse she grinned at her friend ”Impressive work Artur” and joined in the discussion of coordination during the fight. ”Well Nyd, since Artur’s work has made it hard for them to attack in melee I expect that blinding spell of yours will see some use.

”As for myself, I think my skillset is rather obvious.” and she gestured to her weapons ”Apart from that, I can turn the ground against them, make it difficult for them to reach us or to run away. If I do, don’t walk in that area.” she stressed

With night falling Kela sets up torches along the walls of the farmhouse, but doesn’t light them for now. ”The light is more of a risk than anything until the hunter’s close in, but better to have them prepared if you need them.” she explained.

Action 4
The evening fell into silence as Kela stood keeping watch out across the fields. As the birds announced the arrival of what was surely the hunter’s Kela peered out into the growing night. For now unable to spot the source of the hoarse calls she continued watching the shadows, bow ready to attack as soon as she has a target.

Kela responded quietly to Veratash ”If you can trick them into splitting their forces, that would be great. I can definitely hurt them bad enough for you to put them to sleep.”

Perception (Disadvantage): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 221d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Farm 1, I was picturing a relatively small farmhouse at the time. Would the steep ridge be just past the base of the map? Also I figure that most of the roof burned away already, so should be good to remove inner walls if Fabian agrees.

Kela now has the material components needed to cast Spike Growth. Yay!

Sorry, I know I usually post in the evening, but my evening training ran over time and I need to sleep. Did a quick search for an appropriate map, but unfortunately I've got nothing ready to go that has all three key features. Will post before work tomorrow morning.

"Choosing to fight here guarantees that Bull's Hollow will be involved. Drawing the hunter's out before they reach here has a far better chance of preventing that, regardless of the size of the force. The birds are a gift, if they don't follow Veratash out, then we'll know Bull's Hollow is their current target. But we need to leave first to know that for sure." Kela clearly wants Artur on side, and to trust her assessment, but she has little time to waste "If you still feel that Bull's Hollow is too much at risk, then please stay and defend then while I'm gone."

"Veratash, let's get moving. I'm glad to hear you have some means of defense against them."

When she leaves the village Kela makes sure to walk Veratash right in front of the birds and if they don't follow him out the village she'll turn right around and begin setting up defenses with Artur.

Kela leads whoever is coming back out along the road they traveled yesterday before turning off it and heading up a steep, narrow track. It opens up along the top of the ridge to an overgrown field and a burnt out farmhouse. The low vegetation grants good sightlines, while the ridge limits access and the remains of the stone walls provide cover.

Fabian, thanks for waiting, I was writing this when you posted. If you want a map of the area, I'm pretty sure I have suitable one in my map stash, but won't be able to find it until this evening.

Action 2
Kela replied to Artur “Just because they are determined, and have a mean streak, doesn’t mean they’re stupid. A band of hunter’s, likely five or six people, are not going to attack an unfamiliar settlement of over two hundred people. Their determination makes that even less likely as they would significantly delay their hunt, and possibly lose Veratash completely.” Kela finished the short conversation still confident in her own reading of the situation ”Sure there’s a chance that they’ll still do it, but the best way to avoid that is get get Veratash out of here, and draw the hunter’s out before they reach Bull’s Hollow. I can’t support remaining here to fight, that will only guarantee that everyone here will be in danger. Veratash will have more information, let’s hear his story properly for now.” Kela returned inside the inn and her seat at the table.

Action 3
“Alright, given the short amount of time we have, I’ll take Veratash and head out out now. If any of you are willing to come along I’d welcome the aid. There’s a defensible position not far, and back the way Veratash came from, so we should draw the hunter’s out before they reach Bull’s Hollow.” With a better understanding of the current situation Kela laid out her plan confidently. Her gear still with her from yesterday she is ready to move in moments and sticks close to Veratash as he walked out of the inn.

Action 5
”If some of those heron’s remain behind, you might see some trouble from these hunters. But I expect they’ll find us first and we should be able to handle it just fine.” Kela said reassuringly to Sandar as she leaves. ”Keeping weapons close would indeed be wise, just in case the worst should happen.”

Action 1
Kela rolled her eyes, given Tharivol’s preoccupation with himself it’s no wonder he needs another to do his thinking for him. ”Her name’s Anna Tharivol”[B]

Action 3
[B]”That is a useful ability Nyd, I will be sure to call for your aid in the unlikely case of trouble during the night.” Kela replied in a friendly manner.

Action 4
Kela had enough sleep that night to be better prepared for the day. She did have to spend some time to stretch out the stiffness that came with sleeping in the hall. She responded to Sandar’s comment with mild curiosity, the map is pretty enough certainly. But Kela’s walked all of it after all these years, and knows more than any map can. ”It’s not bad at all”

Action 5

Anna’s words pull Kela’s attention, and she responded with surprise ”Those sound like black herons! What could they be doing out here?” But her attention switched as Veratash stated his intentions to leave, and Artur’s intense reaction.

”I appreciate the thanks Veratash, but my duty is not yet done. I can aid you in reaching Zarash’ak, but I need the full story of your hunter’s first and a chance to deal with them before they cause more problems.” Assuming Veratash is willing to talk Kela mostly listens. She is particular in asking questions about the number of hunters, their weaponry, how close he believes they are, do they carry any recognizable symbols to identify their tribe.

A little later (assuming nothing really bad is revealed in her chat with Veratash) Kela caught Artur after his breakfast for a talk. ”Artur, could I have a word? It sounds like you’re seeing a greater threat here than I am. There’s definitely something unusual here, but a group of hunter’s after one person does not sound like a war to me, nor a great threat to Bull’s Hollow. What here has you so concerned?”

Nature: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Double posting is what happens when I forget to refresh the page before updating.

I quite like the way you're organising this, makes it easier to reference, and the multi action updates keep things moving.

Action 1
”We’d best head back to Bull’s Hollow. I’m sure Veratash will be more able to answer questions once he’s rested.”

Action 2
Kela keeps a silent watch as the group returns to Bull’s Hollow, wary of any more threats given the injured state of their party.

Action 4
Kela sighed as she took a seat in the inn and laid her weapons down. With Artur gone to create his map she explained to Sandar ”The man we brought back with us seems to be in some trouble of his own. He thinks he lost those chasing him, but I don’t think he has enough skill to say for sure. Honestly as concerned as Artur is, I don’t think this a matter that requires a gathering. There’s nothing that indicates these hunter’s would have any interest in Bull’s Hollow, just Veratash. Ask folk to be more alert to strangers passing through, and pass word onto me. “ and then very quietly ”I’d actually encourage folk to talk about where Veratash is, that way trouble will come directly to me.” then Kela returned to her normal speech with a groan ”I’m going to have go all the way out there again tomorrow and see if I can backtrack were Veratash came from, and if there are any signs of those hunter’s who are after him.”

Kela stopped Veratash before he made it to his room ”Sandar, he’s getting a secure room right? One or no windows, not on the ground floor. Veratash, is it alright if I double check it before you go to sleep? I’ll be right outside in case anything happens”

Kela will sleep out the front of Veratash’s room. If able she’ll use her immovable rod to block up the window (possibly using it brace a table up against it).

Action 1

As the immediate threat was neutralized Kela relaxed a little. As she checked over the others she was relived to see everyone still standing, though there are some bad injuries. "I can get the rest of this sorted Artur if you want to take break." Kela said, concern coloring her voice. She also nodded her thanks for the assistance to Nyd and Tharivol and said "Good work, I appreciate the help."[B]

Then Kela called up the ridge to the stranger [B]"Hello there. I'm glad we found you in time. I'm Kela of the Gatekeepers, if you require further aid or an escort to safety please let me know."

After a quick moment to examine the ridge Kela concluded it would not be too difficult to climb. And she has already been up and down that stretch of path too many times. So she climbed directly up the ridge face to check on the creatures. Finding one of them asleep she turned to speak to the stranger again "You should get down to the others, I need to kill it, and it may wake before I am done."

Killing The Displacer Beast. Kela will wake until Veratash is safely away (unless he wants to stay for some reason) and for any other input or participation the others want to make. But then she's going to stab it, adding Planar Warrior to the damage. Hunter's Mark is still active on that creature.

Climb the Ridge: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Shortsword Attack 1 (advantage because sleeping): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 211d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 231d6 + 6 + 1d6 + 1d8 ⇒ (3) + 6 + (2) + (4) = 15

Shortsword Attack 2 (advantage because prone): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 261d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + (3) = 10
Advantage since I forgot before: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

No worries about rolling for Kela there, I would have had to write a really annoying series of If Then statements depending on how many of them were still standing after everyone's actions. So kinda glad to have avoided that.

Action 1
Kela followed the success of her last attack with another two arrows arcing towards the injured creatures. This time only one landed true as the creature was now aware of threat Kela still posed at a distance. She then continued to run towards to the main group.

Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 81d8 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + (5) + 4 = 14
Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 131d8 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (7) + (2) + 4 = 13

Not sure how close the beasts are to death after the others attacks, but Kela will transfer her Hunter's Mark and target the further beast if necessary

Action 1
”Now he goes the right direction” Kela muttered to herself as she turned and ran back the way she came. As she shoved her shortsword back into her sheath she repeated her earlier oath, directing it’s power towards the closest creature. With the subtle glow confirming it as her new target she released two arrows from her bow. Her arrows are true, and land deep in the back of the creature as it bears down on her friend.

Longbow Attack 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 271d8 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + (4) + 4 = 14
Longbow Attack 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 261d8 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + (2) + 4 = 11
Critical Damage: 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (1) = 2

Full Movement back towards Artur. Bonus Action to redirect the Hunter’s Mark. Action for two attacks (no disadvantage since Veratash hit).

If Kela is hit with elemental damage and has a 1st level spell slot available she will cast Absorb Elements as her reaction.

Action 1
With Artur's encouragement to focus on the injured stranger Kela continued to run forward, pulling her shortsword from its sheath. She recited another oath in Goblin "I will move swiftly and let nothing bar my way" and flickered through silver light to appear between the beast and the stranger. This time she knew to watch for the true location of the creature, and with her swift arrival she scored a deep cut across it's face before it realised she was there. The second slash cut deep into it's shoulder as it pulls back far too late. "Enough!" Kela cried "You fight me now." and she set herself firmly between the beast and it's victim.

Shortsword Attack 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 271d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 6 + (6) = 16
Shortsword Attack 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 271d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + (2) = 9

When Kela hits, she really hits huh. Total damage from both attacks is 34
Critical Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 2, 4) = 9

Full 30ft of movement straight forward, then bonus action to Misty Step to the bottom left corner of Veratash. Then two attacks (no disadvantage since Tharivol hit it already). Dueling damage still applies with a bow in one hand since I cannot wield it with only one hand right?

I wasn't sure if GM was using initiative order or post order for that effect so just included it to cover my bases

Action 1
Even with her friend threatened Kela knows the stranger will not last long with those wounds. She channels the power of the planar boundaries for a moment she draws her bow and unleashes two shots against the creature ahead of her cursing more as they flicker through suddenly empty space. And then moving further towards the injured stranger shouting out in Common as she does "Run away from them! We can protect you."

Longbow Attack 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 111d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1d6 + 1d8 ⇒ (3) + 4 + (4) + (5) = 16
Longbow Attack 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 111d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + (6) = 12

Included disadvantage rolls. Kela's promise of protection is obviously super convincing with those attack rolls

Sorry, didn't scroll down far enough to see the map.

Action 3

Kela spent the walk quietly, her eyes alternating between the tracks and the surrounding environment. After spotting the creatures and the person they have cornered she swore quietly in her native tongue and drew her bow as she ran towards the creature. As she came close enough to make out details she loudly spoke one of the Gatekeeper Oaths in Goblin. "I will hunt and destroy you, who threatens those under my care." summoning the magic inherent in the ancient traditions.

Moving straight diagonally (60ft movement & action) towards the creature and casting Hunter's Mark at the end of the movement (90 ft range).

Action 2
Kela replied to Nyd before she left the inn "I'll be walking, need to stay close to the ground for tracking. But I'm not sure how far we'll need to walk for that. Up to you if you want to ride."

Action 3
Kela spent the walk quietly, her eyes alternating between the tracks and the surrounding environment. After spotting the creatures and the person they have cornered she swore quietly in her native tongue and drew one of her swords. Kela strode to the rear of the beast on the road, and as she did she spoke one of the Gatekeeper Oaths in Goblin. "I will hunt and destroy you, who threatens those under my care." summoning the magic inherent in the ancient traditions. And then slashing her sword into the side of the beast.

Shortsword Attack 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 6 + (6) = 17
Shortsword Attack 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + (2) = 9

Unless there are objections, I'm gonna create Gatekeeper oaths as verbal components for spells.

Action 4
"Perhaps one day you'll make a new home." Kela says, trying to offer some hope for the future.

Action 5

"It dragged that sow off!" Kela exclaimed with surprise, familiar with both the size and contrary nature of the animal. "I'll head out, see what I can pick up." she looks down with slight disappointment at her fish "You want these Sandar? They're fresh caught."

Kela turns to Artur "Interested in coming along? Could be just like old times. Your friends can tag along as well. I'll just grab my supplies." She gives directions to Ellio Tuck's place and meets everyone there after she swings by her campsite to grab her gear.

Approaching the campsite Kela is now wearing a full set of leather of leather armor and carries a bow and two shortswords by her side and a pack on her back. She examines the scene carefully for signs of the stolen sow.

Nature to know what they are: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Survival to track them down: 1d20 + 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (8) + (4) + 5 = 17

Hey Artur, does Kela know why you can't go home?

Oh good catch on the DC. Infernal on Favored Enemy is just to specify my language choice, but I moved it to the bottom of the feature description to make that clear.

Action 3

“Right, well I suppose if you trust them, you trust them.” Kela said blandly, lacking the tone of welcome with which she greeted Artur. She politely replied to Nyd ”Greetings Nyd. What is it that you intend to study all the way out here?” and then settled in at the tavern table to enjoy the evening of conversation.

Artur likely recalls the mistrust Kela had when they first met. She shares a widespread belief among the Gatekeepers that the damage of Last War was primarily due to excessive and unwise use of arcane magic and technology. While she came to trust in Artur’s common sense, it seems she is still hesitant to offer that trust to others.

”Well yes things are quiet here” Kela explains with an expansive gesture to indicate the village. ”But I work throughout the region, specifically seeking out trouble so my letters, apologies again for their irregular arrival, covered far more danger than Bull Hollow sees.” she shrugs and inquires about Artur’s life in turn ”It seems you’ve done well living in Sharn, picked up some more friends and work. Did the job that brought you out here go well?”

The two continue in conversation until silence falls as Tharivol plays. Kela certainly enjoys the music, foot tapping along and she joins in the cheers when he finishes his song. As he stops by their table to chat Kela congratulates him on his performance “That was an excellent performance. Almost more enjoyable than catching up with Artur.” she grins in good humor ”I don’t really know why you use so much arcane magic when your skill is more than enough to stand on its’ own.”

Kela will continue to sleep outdoors as long as the weather remains fine. She wakes with the dawn, but won’t disturb the traveller’s since she is sure they need time to recover from their long journey. Anyways dawn is a good time for fishing so she’ll see what she can catch and leave a message at the bar so the others can join her when ready.

I was thinking perhaps Kela and Artur could do a flashback scene for their first meeting alongside the main plot?

Oh yeah, still here. Just was also getting my character sheet finalized. It's all in the bio so let me know if there's anything that needs changing.

Action 3
News of Artur’s visit was unexpected, but Kela certainly looked forward to the distraction. Her hunting team had done good work here over the years, good enough that there was now far less to threaten the natural order of things than before. Boredom was setting in, and she suspected that if Artur had come in a year or more she would have been gone, seeking out new trouble to handle elsewhere.

The few days she spent waiting were peaceful enough, the weather was fine and she slept outdoors quite comfortably (it always took a few days to adjust to beds again, and usually wasn’t worth the effort). She alternated between fishing and training to occupy herself, and was able to trade her fresh caught fish for proper meals at the inn, and some drink (unlike beds, proper meals never took her anytime to adjust to).

Action 4
As the three travelers arrive at the inn the door is shoved and open and a half-orc woman strides heading straight for Artur. Tall and lean she wears loose fitting trousers, boots and a simple green shirt. Just under her sleeves is a glimpse of an iridescent purple dragon mark that sits across her shoulder and the edge of a black tattoo on the other.

As Artur manages to cut his own welcome short Kela thinks to herself with amusement, that some things didn’t change at all over the years. Grinning widely she claps her hand on Artur’s shoulder and begins steering him into the inn and the table she claimed cheerfully saying

“Artur, forget the books. Let’s get a drink and catch up first. And who are these folk riding with you?” She eyes his companions, neither of whom look like they’ve traveled far, or lived nearby.

@Fabian, yeah there were some solid improvements for the baseline ranger abilities which I why tend to prefer it, but since the Revised Ranger doesn't let me pick aberrations as a favoured enemy until level 6, I will be going with the Standard Ranger for this game.

Are we using the alternate common languages from the Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron? Kela's racial languages would be Common and Goblin then.

@Vrog, perhaps Kela hired Artur while he was in the Eldeen Reaches for his expertise on strange technology. Her hunting team may have found something odd/dangerous left over from the war and lacked the expertise to properly neutralize it.

Hello! I'm Book, also an engineer actually, though since I'm in my twenties much earlier in my career then you Fabian. I started PbP about a year ago now, moved for work and needed some sort of social/gaming outlet. Practical stuff, my timezone is AEST and most of my posts will fall outside of normal working hours. I use she/her pronouns. I'll get my mechanics finalised Friday evening for consideration.

As for connections to Kela. She could have been to Sharn when she was younger for family business. The Gatekeepers seem to have had little involvement in the war as an organisation, but Kela would have offered aid if it was needed. Let me know what ideas you have.

Oh and Fabian do you have a preference for Standard or Unearthed Arcana Ranger in your games?

Oh yeah, still very interested. Set up an initial profile with a slightly expanded backstory. And I managed to get a copy of Faiths of Eberron which was helpful reading.