Kolaiah's page

Fellow gamers, we're going out of town for a week, I should be back and able to post next Saturday!

Can I vote against any Drow reinforcements!?

Kolaiah steps forward, her hooves making little sound as she moves across the stone floor, keeping her senses sharp. She pauses near Ceirn as he peers around the corner, her sharp gaze flicking to the newly lit area.

This place is more unsettling than I expected. The very walls seem to be watching, like the stone has memories of the countless feet that have tread here before us...

She shifts slightly, her posture still rigid, as she observes Ceirn's movements and the others.

"It's good that we have light," Kolaiah mutters, glancing around the dimly lit surroundings. "But we shouldn't forget to be mindful of what comes next. The labyrinth beneath our feet is far more treacherous than it might first appear."

She takes a deep breath, scanning the tunnel for any signs of danger. "The hall’s not much to look at, but the more we travel deeper, the more it feels like this place is trying to swallow us whole."

She adjusts her stance, her hand lightly resting on the hilt of her greatsword, ready for whatever might lie ahead.

"We stay alert. Any misstep could send us spiraling deeper into the unknown." Her voice remains steady, calm, despite the tension in the air. "Let’s make sure we don’t lose our way in this mess of stone and shadow."

Kolaiah falls into line, keeping her eyes forward, the weight of the task ahead settling over her like the dungeon's ever-looming presence.

I don't need light, I'm a darkvision kinda cow.

Whatever keeps the game moving.

No objections, just throw all of your rolls out at once, so the GM has them, should they be needed.

Kolaiah steps off the platform, her hooves making a quiet but distinct sound against the sand-covered floor. Her gaze sweeps across the room, her posture unshaken, though her mind churns with the oddity of the place. The thick rope overhead creaks as it settles, but it does little to distract her from the new surroundings.

She inhales deeply, tasting the musty air, and notices the thick sand that carpets the floor, a strange and somewhat unsettling presence. The tracks leading to the exit catch her attention, and she shifts her weight slightly, her eyes narrowing as she inspects the trail. Her instincts tell her that these are not ordinary footprints. Something about them feels deliberate, and the thought of what might have made them lingers in her mind.

As the platform is secured, she listens to the others’ remarks about their journey so far, but her mind is already on the task ahead. She quietly observes the layout of the room, noting the glowing orbs in the walls, their soft light casting strange shadows on the sand. The room is sparse, and yet, it feels like a carefully orchestrated space. She’s not sure what it is yet, but Kolaiah can feel the weight of a looming question hanging in the air.

“This place…” Kolaiah murmurs to herself, her voice low but steady. “It’s almost as if the dungeon itself is watching, waiting.” Her gaze flickers to the tracks once more. “That woman, wherever she’s gone, she’s left a trail. And we’d best be careful following it. Who knows what tricks lie ahead in this maze.”

She turns back to her companions, her posture unwavering despite the unease creeping along her spine. “This place seems…alive in its own way. Let’s not rush in, but we should move forward.” She continues. “We’ve come this far, and there’s more to learn in this labyrinth. But we’ll need to stay sharp.” She gives a curt nod, her resolve hardening. “Let’s see where this path leads.”

She briefly glances at the exit, then back at the sand, her eyes briefly glinting in the dim light, filled with a sense of purpose. The maze may twist and turn in ways that only those familiar with its paths would understand, but Kolaiah is determined to find the answers they seek.

She hefts her greatsword and prepares to move out.

Kolaiah’s sharp gaze lingers on the map that Shen Hzo hands over, her mind working immediately. The labyrinthine nature of the map catches her attention—the winding paths, the narrow corridors, and the seemingly endless branches that threaten to lose even the most experienced adventurer. Her keen eyes trace the lines, her thoughts quickly sorting through the complexities of the design.

It’s not a simple series of rooms, like some dungeons. This map, the labyrinth, twists in on itself, curving in ways that make no immediate sense, as if the builders themselves had designed it to confuse. The branching paths, all converging in various spots, create an intricate web, and Kolaiah can’t shake the feeling that the true danger lies not in the monsters that roam these halls, but in the very structure of the place itself. How much of this map is accurate? How much has been forgotten or intentionally hidden? These are questions that gnaw at the back of her mind.

She notices the three exits from the Room of Pillars—north, south, and west. Three paths out of a maze that promises no easy answers. A part of her wants to know exactly which path leads to what, but another part—perhaps a more cautious side—tells her that a simple map won’t be enough. In a place like this, with walls that move and secrets hidden in every corner, it’s only a matter of time before they’ll have to rely on their wits and instincts more than any charted path.

There’s a small flicker of frustration as she realizes that even with the map in hand, they are no closer to truly understanding what lies ahead. This isn’t a maze designed for mere mortals. This is a place where even the best-laid plans can unravel, where each step forward could be as dangerous as the last. She scans the map again, focusing on the key areas—the areas they’ll need to reach, the places where they’ll face their greatest challenges.

Her mind drifts momentarily to Mauot and his cryptic presence. If he’s as knowledgeable about the labyrinth as he claims, then perhaps there’s more to this map than meets the eye. But she won’t rush to ask him anything just yet. She’ll watch. She’ll wait. She knows that in places like this, patience is as valuable as any weapon.

Kolaiah folds her arms, her mind racing as she takes in every detail. This map—this maze—will be their greatest test yet. She’ll need to stay sharp. They all will. Because once they step into the unknown, there’s no turning back.

Kolaiah stands tall, her eyes narrowing slightly as she listens to the conversation. She watches as Mauot transforms into a man, his words and presence not escaping her keen gaze. Her hooves shift on the floor, and she gives a small, barely perceptible snort at the mention of her horns.

"Aye, you’ll have your questions later, I’m sure," she replies, her voice steady but with a touch of amusement. "For now, though, I think we should focus on what we’re here for. This map—" she gestures toward Mauot and the parchment, "—will be helpful. It sounds like the Room of Pillars is a key location with many exits, and it’s good to know what we’re dealing with before we go further."

Her gaze shifts toward Shen, and she continues, "As for the labyrinth, yes, more details are always welcome. I imagine knowing where we might be headed could save us some trouble." She glances briefly at Pac, her voice softening. "And you, Pac, stay calm. There’s no need to get twitchy just yet."

Kolaiah steps closer to the group, her attention now fully focused on the map and the task at hand. "I’ll be ready to move when we know what’s next," she adds, her tone unwavering, though there’s a hint of readiness in her stance.

Kolaiah steps forward, her hooves clicking on the floor as she listens intently. She casts a wary glance at the mention of the goblins' weapons and the secret door.

"Aye, that sounds like an unpleasant surprise," she rumbles, her deep voice steady but concerned. "Gut hooks, eh? I’ll make sure to keep my guard up. I’ve no interest in becoming a goblin's trophy." Her gaze sharpens as she looks at Shen Hzo. "As for this woman—if she’s from the 3rd tier, then she’s not just some wanderer. Sounds like she knows exactly what she’s doing. As for the secret door... no words or gestures? Strange. We might want to keep an eye out for any unusual mechanisms."

She pauses, considering the plan to head up to the 2nd tier.

"And aye, when we return, I’ll gladly help with learning more about this 2nd tier. Might be useful for gaining information—or leverage, should it come to that."

She glances over at Lady Cerila and Vondal, then adds with a hint of dry humor: "And Vondal, don’t be too hasty with your charm. Let’s not complicate things more than they already are." She then turns back to Shen Hzo, her expression firm. "We’ll keep our wits about us, but I’d like to hear more about what you all were expecting to find down there. If we’re heading in, the more we know, the better."

"I hear what you are saying, but there are still more questions," Kolaiah says, her voice low and thoughtful as she stands tall, eyeing Shen Hzo with a careful expression. Her hooves shift slightly, her attention now fully on him. "You mentioned splitting up once you reached the bottom of the well. Did you and the Magpies have a plan? What did you expect to find down there? And this woman..." she trails off for a moment, frowning slightly. "What exactly did she do to open that secret door? Did she say anything? Did she make any gestures, or speak any words?"

Her gaze sharpens, the focus of her inquiry clear. "It’s not every day that a wall just opens up like that. I’d like to know what we might be dealing with."

She pauses, the faintest click of her hooves against the floor as she shifts her stance, her eyes never leaving Shen Hzo. "If we’re to go after this woman or learn more about her, we need all the details you’ve got. Anything could help us."

Kolaiah observes the scene carefully, her gaze lingering on the injured elf and the healer's attempts to stabilize him. Her expression is serious, her brow furrowed as she watches the bloodstained wound and the potion vial in the healer's hand. She shifts her weight, her hooves clicking softly on the polished wooden floor as she steps forward.

"Aye, I see the need for haste, but it seems the lady Cerila is doing what she can," Kolaiah says, her deep voice calm but thoughtful. "Vondal, is probably better suited for dealing with wounds such as this. He has more skill and the proper spells for the task, though..." Kolaiah glances at the others before continuing with a slight tilt of her head, "...if you wish, I can offer my assistance."

She gives a sharp look at the bat fluttering in the corner, then refocuses on the task at hand. "My magic may not be as potent as your priestess, but I have my own means of healing. I can patch this wound, though I leave it to you, the healer, to decide what is best for this man."

Her large, muscular frame stands firm as she glances around the room at the gathered group. "No matter the method, it is clear this one will need time to recover," she adds, her tone calm but resolute.

She moves slightly back, allowing space, but her eyes never leave the injured elf, her posture unwavering in the quiet room.

Kolaiah steps forward with a deep, thoughtful frown, noticing the strain on her companions' faces as they work to pull the ropes. She shifts her weight, planting her hooves firmly on the ground, and takes a deep breath. The weight of the moment isn't lost on her, and she knows that her strength can aid them in more ways than one. Her chest swells as she gathers her energy, and the deep, rumbling sound of her voice fills the air.

"Let the strength of the earth be with you, pull with the might of the stone,
In this struggle, you shall not stand alone.
The weight of the world may press you low,
But together, we shall rise and grow!"

Her voice booms with power, each word heavy with intent as her eyes lock onto those pulling the ropes. Her tone is rhythmic and steady, a pulse of energy to bolster their resolve. She steps back slightly, her gaze unwavering as she watches them. Her hands rest on the hilt of her sword, her posture proud and unyielding.

Kolaiah provides a Raging song to hive them each +4 to STR/CON.

Roger. I’ll look to swap out a Trait after the Holidays. No time to go through the list right now.

In other news, since “Initiative” is apparently not a thing, I’d like to swap out my “Reactionary” trait.

Are there any other “House Rules” of which we should be made aware, so that we can react accordingly and make appropriate character decisions?

Now that’s a wall of text giving examples of situations we’re not in, and a couple spoilers aimed at PCs that aren’t me. What I do know is that way back here I expressed that I would hit Vondal with feather fall. I’ve no idea what’s happening with Vondal, but I’ll do that if needed to rescue his dwarfish dumbness.

Kolaiah watches as the mood of the room shifts dramatically, the crowd’s disdain turning into boisterous cheers. She can’t help but feel the weight of the sudden attention, her stance unwavering as she observes the man’s theatrics with a critical eye.

Her hooves shift slightly as the man gestures for them to follow, and she stands tall, her gaze firm as she locks eyes with him. "Aye, we’ve been of service," she mutters under her breath, her tone low, but not without pride. "But we’ve not come to be pawns in a performance."

She takes a step toward her companions, but her eyes linger on the man, her expression unreadable.

"Very well, we shall follow," she states, her voice steady, though there’s a slight edge to her words. "But know this – we came here for answers, not fanfare. We’ll not be swept away in any more distractions."

Her hooves click against the floor as she moves, and her eyes flick to her companions, gauging their readiness. She glances briefly at the crowd, watching their reaction, before returning her focus to the man ahead. "I agree with Jambreth," she adds, her gaze sharp. "We are here for answers. And those answers better not come with strings attached."

As she follows the man towards the bar, her hand rests lightly on the hilt of her greatsword, ever ready for whatever might come next.

Kolaiah looks the man over carefully, taking in the weapon in his hand and the way the crowd moves around him. Her hooves shift slightly, uneasy at the unsettling aura of the axe, but she stands firm, her posture unyielding.

"Aye, charity," she mutters, "but it would seem that there are many rules I was unaware of here." She stands tall, meeting the man's gaze without hesitation. "We are the Balanced Coin," she says, her voice steady and direct, "and I am Kolaiah. As you can see, my companions and I are here for more than simple charity." Her eyes flick to the lift, her tone becoming slightly sharper. "We simply wish to know the way to Undermountain, as was our intent from the start."

She glances at the man’s weapon again, her brow furrowing slightly. "But it seems we might need to have a word with the owner of this establishment before we proceed."

Her gaze shifts back to the man, meeting his intense scrutiny with her own determined stare. "Do not mistake our purpose for weakness. I would rather have answers than unnecessary conflict." She pauses, eyes narrowing slightly. "I trust that will be possible without further... disruption."

Rizzen had posted on Discord that he was having some life stuff going on.

I’m here!

"Not to mention that we had not planned to go and do this today."

Kolaiah lets out a loud, deep snort of disgust, a low rumble that vibrates through her chest. She stamps a hoof and shakes her head, clearly appalled by the shower of food and filth. "Ugh, this is beneath us. To be showered in such... offal!" she growls, her nostrils flaring in distaste as she backs away from the wall. "This is not the kind of place I want to be tangled up in. These are the actions of desperate, uncivilized sorts!" She takes another step away, her large form making her movement even more imposing.

"If they want to throw their scraps at us, they can keep them!" She huffs, her eyes scanning the room as she looks for a cleaner spot to stand, trying to distance herself from the mess. Her gaze falls on the crowd above, glaring with a mix of anger and incredulity. "I have no time for this nonsense." She mutters, shaking her head again as she moves further away from the taunting crowd.

Kolaiah crosses her arms as she watches Astrillith hand over the gold coins. She takes a slow step forward, her eyes narrowing with concern as she speaks.

"I must admit, I'm not so certain this is the wisest course of action." Kolaiah snorts lightly, a glint of unease in her eyes. "Paying for another’s toll without proper consultation? That could easily be seen as a violation of some unspoken adventurer’s code—or worse, a local law we’ve yet to learn. Who knows what sort of dealings the authorities here have with these 'toll collectors'? We should have inquired about the local policies before making such an exchange."

She shifts her weight from one hoof to the other, her large form taking up more space as she speaks. "Not every city is as... open-minded as others. Best to know the rules before we’re caught in something we don’t understand." She pauses, looking at the others, and then gives a low, rumbling snort. "Then again, what's done is done. But if things go wrong, don’t say I didn’t warn you."

Kolaiah huffs loudly, her frustration rising as she watches the others continue to debate. With a grunt, she stands up from her seat, her massive form drawing attention as her hooves stomp heavily on the wooden floor, echoing through the room.

"Enough with the endless talk!" she growls, her voice like a deep rumble. "There is action to be taken. Labyrinths don’t wait for you to decide when you’re ready." Her large horns sway with the movement of her head as she makes her way toward the center of the room, scanning the area intently.

"I’ll find it," she mutters under her breath, eyes narrowing as she inspects the walls and the space around the strange ring of stones. "A place like this is bound to have some secret way in." Her hooves stamp with purpose as she moves, methodically searching for hidden doors, loose stones, or any sign of a concealed passage that could lead them closer to Undermountain.

Her hands brush over the stone, her fingers moving with surprising delicacy for someone of her size and strength, testing every crevice and shadowed corner. "A maze calls to me," she murmurs, her voice low but fierce. "This city may hide its entrance, but I will find it. Labyrinths have no place for hesitation. Only those who move with purpose shall succeed."

She continues her search, stomping over to the next wall with a determined air. "We may have to deal with all the noise and confusion, but I’ll be the one to uncover the truth. The labyrinth is waiting, and we should not waste another moment."

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

To my fellow Pathfinders, adventurers, and companions in storytelling,

On this Thanksgiving Day, I want to take a moment to wish all my fellow countrymen and gaming friends a wonderful holiday. Whether your celebrations are grand feasts with family and friends or quiet moments of reflection and gratitude, may your day be filled with joy, warmth, and, of course, delicious food.

I am thankful for this shared journey of imagination, camaraderie, and the epic tales we create together. Here’s to more adventures, victories, and memorable moments to come!

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Aye, we’ve heard the stories of the Undermountain. But we do not need the whispers of others to know what lies beneath this city." Kolaiah’s voice echoed in the room, her gaze turning to the halfling with a mixture of curiosity and confidence. "We’ve come to seek it out ourselves. The labyrinth calls, and we will answer, as it always demands."

She leaned forward, the massive greatsword over her shoulder making a soft clink. "But, if you know of any safe passage or hidden ways into its depths, then yes, perhaps it will be worth your while to share. We are not ones to sit idle when there are challenges waiting."

With a firm stomp of her hooves, Kolaiah added, "We seek more than treasure. We seek to conquer the labyrinth itself."

"You all speak of the cold, of the wind, and the dangers lurking in this city." Kolaiah's deep voice rang out, her hooves tapping rhythmically against the wooden floor as she leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with purpose. "But do you not see? This is why I suggested Undermountain in the first place. We know it is there. We know it has stood for countless years, untouched by the weather that rages outside."

She gave a firm nod, the massive greatsword hanging over her shoulder creaking slightly as she moved. "Dungeons, caves, labyrinths – they are underground. They remain the same temperature all year round. No snow. No wind. No bitter cold. Only stone and mystery, waiting to be explored. That is why I wanted to go." She paused, her large hooves stomping the floor with a force that shook the table.

"The weather may try to freeze us, but beneath Waterdeep’s surface, the heart of adventure waits. I do not seek treasure or wealth, though that too is an offering. The labyrinth itself is the treasure. It is a challenge worthy of us." Her nostrils flared slightly as she glanced at each of her companions. "If we are to truly test our strength, our resolve, and our purpose, it is in the depths of Undermountain where we must go."

"So, yes," she added with a grin, showing a flash of sharp teeth, "I will follow the path to the dungeon, but not to escape this cold. We seek it because we know that the labyrinth always holds more than just danger. It holds truth, and it calls us."

"You speak of helplessness, but we are never truly helpless." Kolaiah's deep voice, though hushed in the bustle of the common room, carried a quiet authority as she leaned forward slightly, the massive greatsword hanging over her shoulder swaying with the motion. Her large, muscular frame filled much of the space around her, and the warmth of the room did little to mask the fire in her golden eyes. She tilted her head slightly, her horns catching the light, the long, curled brown and white hair shifting with the motion.

"It is not the weather that causes helplessness, but the fear of the unknown. We cannot fight the cold, the snow, or the wind. But we can face them with strength... and with purpose." She paused, her strong hooves tapping the floor rhythmically, echoing her thoughts.

"There are worse things to face than the storm outside. I have faced labyrinths that threaten to swallow the soul, yet I would still choose them over the empty feeling that comes from inaction." Her hands, calloused and strong, wrapped around her greatsword's hilt as she briefly glanced out the window, her eyes narrowing as if focusing on a distant target.

"This city, this place, may be gripped by the cold, but those who brave the Yawning Portal are braver still. I have heard whispers of Undermountain." She tilted her head back, the gleaming metal of her plate armor catching the firelight. "A labyrinth of endless mystery. Treasure and danger in equal measure. What better place to prove one's mettle?" She grinned, a fierce but thoughtful expression on her face.

"I have wandered far and wide, seen cities, and faced dangers, but this place... Waterdeep, and its depths... they are a challenge worthy of the Balanced Coin." She stood up, her armor scraping slightly as she rose, before giving a firm nod to her companions.

"When the storm outside becomes too much to bear, let us seek adventure within. There, at least, we know what we face. And I do not believe we are helpless there."

Weekend are rough for me. I'm taking 29 Scouts camping this weekend. Campsgiving baby!

Kolaiah stomps her hoof in approval.

Kolaiah is a towering minotaur, standing just over 7 feet tall. Her powerful frame is clad in shiny plate armor, meticulously polished to reflect the light, though it bears the marks of many battles. Her skin is a deep bronze, contrasting with the white streaks that adorn her mane of brown and white hair, which curls slightly at the tips. She wears a large earring in her left ear, a symbol of both her strength and her connection to the labyrinths she holds sacred.

Her broad, muscular arms are visible beneath the armor, and her snout is pronounced, with two large tusks protruding slightly from her lower jaw. Her eyes, keen and intelligent, are the color of polished amber, reflecting a sense of both determination and reverence for the paths she walks. The enormous greatsword she carries hangs over her shoulder, with the hilt extending above her shoulder and behind her head, the blade running straight down her back, ready for action.

Kolaiah proudly wears the emblematic badge of The Balanced Coin on her chest, signifying her membership in the adventuring group that shares her quest for exploration and discovery.

Her presence in the Yawning Portal speaks of an adventurer who has seen many lands—yet none more enticing than the winding, mysterious maze of Undermountain.

Apparently Astrillith is also female.

I hope that meets with everyone's approval.

"Ah, you all want a story, do you?" Kolaiah chuckles as she leans back in her chair at the Yawning Portal, her large frame filling the seat with ease. Her brown and white hair cascades down in loose curls, and her massive greatsword rests at her side, the blade glinting under the tavern’s dim lights. She adjusts the massive, shiny mithral armor that covers her body, smoothing the fabric of her cloak.

"Alright, gather round, everyone," she grins, her ears flicking as she begins her tale.

"It started a few months back, after a long trek through the Sword Coast North. The wind was sharp, and we’d crossed the Anauroch desert just days before—feeling the sun's heat burn our skin to a crisp. Vondal had his usual complaints about the weather, Ceirn was brooding about something, Jambreth was already eyeing some trouble in the distance, and Gaelden was, well, being Gaelden, all calm and collected like he always is. But we all needed a good rest."

She takes a long swig from her tankard, her eyes far away as she recalls the journey. "We ended up in the Sumber Hills, where the view of the mountains was more than enough to make up for the hardships of the road. The stars were brilliant that night—almost like they were lighting the path for us." She smiles fondly, clearly nostalgic for the beauty of that place.

"But then came the night I nearly got stuck in a tree." Her grin widens, and she looks over at Vondal. "It was all that damned tree’s fault! I was standing tall, thinking I'd gotten myself a perfect spot to enjoy the view when *whoosh*—my horns got stuck in a branch." She pauses dramatically, glancing around as if expecting someone to say something, but when they don't, she adds, "I couldn’t get free! And that’s when Vondal had the nerve to drop our rations into the fire. All we had left to eat were dried slabs of meat and a couple bottles of mead. The fire was half out, and we were all starving. So I stood there, stuck in the tree, flailing about, while Vondal—true to his stubborn nature—gave a half-hearted attempt to get my horns free, but ended up getting his beard caught instead!"

She laughs, a deep rumble that shakes her massive form.

"Jambreth was too busy eyeing the horizon to help, Ceirn just smirked, and Gaelden," she glances at the changeling, "Gaelden was... well, he was off meditating as usual, which I swear I’ll never understand! But in the end, we made do with what we had. One slab of meat between us all and just enough mead to make the night memorable." She pauses for a moment, her expression softening as she continues, "I remember looking up at the stars that night, and I thought about our journey. The labyrinths we’d conquered. The adventures we’d shared. And for the first time in a long while, I felt like I was truly meant to be with this crew."

She lets out a long sigh before continuing.

"We didn’t just make do with that meal, though," she says with a sly grin. "That’s the night we found the map to Undermountain."

Her tone becomes more serious as she leans forward.

"At first, we thought it was just some old piece of parchment someone had left behind. It looked like a treasure map—crude drawings, strange symbols—but we couldn’t ignore it. Jambreth wanted to sell it, Ceirn wanted to burn it, but I knew, deep down, that this was the key to something... bigger." She looks around the table, her gaze meeting each of her companions’ eyes, the intensity of her voice steady. "The maze. The labyrinth. Undermountain. It called to me. For a minotaur, a labyrinth is sacred, a holy thing. I knew then, with a certainty I couldn't explain, that we were meant to find it. To conquer it. To see what treasures—what mysteries—lie hidden in those tunnels."

She grins widely, her large tusks showing as she smiles at her companions. "But there was something else. Astrillith. You see, our tiefling friend had been quiet for some time, but when she saw that map, there was a fire in her eyes. I swear, she was the first one to truly believe in the maze's power, in the challenges it held. Something about the place spoke to her too. I’ve never seen Astrillith so intent on a goal."

She pauses, glancing at the tiefling. "You know, Astrillith’s magic has always been a mystery, but that map? That map ignited something in her. She could practically feel the arcane power in those tunnels—something primal, untapped." Kolaiah’s voice grows a little more hushed as she recalls the moment. "It was then we made the decision. Waterdeep. We had to go. We’d heard of the Yawning Portal, and we knew we had to start there."

Kolaiah leans forward, her expression filled with excitement, and a bit of reverence.

"We’ve spent a lot of time talking about treasure. And I’ll admit, treasure is nice. But for me, the real treasure is the labyrinth itself. What I seek isn’t gold or jewels—it’s the twists, the turns, the challenge. The stories that will be written when we leave Undermountain, no matter the cost. We may not know it yet, but the labyrinth will reveal what we need to know."

Her eyes gleam, reflecting the light of the tavern’s candles.

"And that, my friends, is why we’re here. To conquer it. To unlock its secrets. To see it all with our own eyes." She raises her mug. "To Undermountain!"

i will be starting the game with you all sitting in the Yawning portal, so if one of you would like to tell the story of going from someplace out in the environs to arriving and sitting down in the Yawning Portal, feel free.

As the Skald, and designated storyteller, I’d like to call dibs on this action if I can please.

I need to figure out details on the party first, tomorrow morning I’m on it!

I'll get you that post in the morning! Tuesdays are Scouts BSA meetings here, and I'm the Scoutmaster, so I have lots of catching up to do administratively for that.

Well, hello my adventuring brothers and sisters! Vondal has likely flirted playfully with at least all female members of the party at this point.

Still holding fast on this declaration?

Huzza!

Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock?

picks so far

Cerin

jambreth

astrillith

you three, feel free to ping the discussion board.

rest im still mulling over.

Congrats you three!

Kolaiah wrote:

Gaelden the Lost wrote:

Rules lawyer? I am honored. :)

As for Gaelden…I dropped her AC from 28 down to 26. It puts her AC squarely among the rest of the entries. Used the gold to get Boots of the Earth. Move action for Fast Healing 1. Expensive. But out of combat healing is nice to have and she won’t need to rely on her pitiful lay on hands (6x 1d6) for healing anymore.

I could raise Kolaiah's AC, if she switched to sword and board, rather than the greatsword, but where's the fun in that?

The fun is (almost) always in the damage. With your Strength 22, a greatsword just makes sense!

As I said, "where's the fun in that?"

Rules lawyer? I am honored. :)

As for Gaelden…I dropped her AC from 28 down to 26. It puts her AC squarely among the rest of the entries. Used the gold to get Boots of the Earth. Move action for Fast Healing 1. Expensive. But out of combat healing is nice to have and she won’t need to rely on her pitiful lay on hands (6x 1d6) for healing anymore.

I could raise Kolaiah's AC, if she switched to sword and board, rather than the greatsword, but where's the fun in that?

A towering figure steps forward, her hooves striking the stone floor with deliberate purpose. Standing just over seven feet tall, the minotaur’s presence is both imposing and captivating. Her coat is a patchwork of rich brown and creamy white, the colors flowing in natural patterns across her powerful arms and her broad, expressive snout. Her mane, a mix of coarse and curling hair, cascades over her shoulders, framing her face and accentuating the large, silver earring adorning her left ear.

Kolaiah’s armor gleams in the light—polished mithral plates that cover her broad shoulders and muscular frame. The craftsmanship is remarkable, the golden-trimmed edges speaking to a combination of practicality and pride. Around her neck hangs an amulet of faintly glowing green stone, resting against the mithral as if drawing strength from its wearer. Strapped across her back is an enormous greatsword, its hilt wrapped in worn leather, with labyrinthine patterns engraved into the steel of its guard. A well-maintained dagger hangs at her side, alongside scroll cases and small pouches secured to her belt. Her red cloak, trimmed with subtle gold thread, flows behind her, clasped at her neck with a harp-shaped pin—a clear symbol of her association with the Harpers.

She halts in the center of the room, surveying those gathered with calm intensity. Her dark eyes carry a quiet confidence, and the occasional twitch of her ears betrays her alertness. When she speaks, her voice is deep, melodic, and carries the commanding tone of a practiced orator.

“Greetings. I am Kolaiah, daughter of the Labyrinth.” She inclines her head slightly in respect before continuing. “Undermountain calls to me, not as a dungeon to be plundered, but as a labyrinth to be understood. My people see the maze as more than a physical challenge—it is a test of strength, wisdom, and will. When I first heard the Harpers’ tales of its twisting corridors and untold dangers, I knew it was meant to be my proving ground.”

Her powerful arms cross briefly over her chest, the polished gauntlets of her armor clinking faintly. “I am not here for greed or glory. I am here because I must be. I carry the strength of my blade, the resilience of steel, and the gift of song. My blade will carve a path through whatever stands in our way, and my song will lift us up when the darkness presses close. I will not falter, and I will not leave my allies behind.”

Kolaiah shifts her weight slightly, resting a gauntleted hand on the hilt of her greatsword. “If you seek a companion who will face the unknown without fear, who will bear the weight of her companions when they stumble, and who will rise to every challenge Undermountain offers, then I am here for you. This place and I—we are fated to meet. Let us face its trials together, and write a story worth telling.”

With that, she straightens her posture, the red cloak settling lightly over her mithral-clad shoulders. Her gaze holds steady, and her expression remains one of quiet determination. This minotaur is not here by chance—she has chosen this path, and she fully intends to see it through.

Good luck you two!

Zahir ibn Mahmoud ibn Jothan wrote:

Alright, here is Kolaiah, an Inquisitor of Shar, who is also a Barrister.

Looks good mechanics-wise, let me know when you have a background together!

Kolaiah now has a background.

I'll pass. GM, can you set me to "Inactive" on the character page please?

Kolaiah will do whatever is needed, but I'm a bit lost, as the flow of this game has been extremely disjointed.

We need to do something to speed this up, that's for sure!

Real life must take precedence. I wish you and your family the best.