Korva Mappo's page

Korva stayed near the entrance with A’streth to ensure that nothing came up behind them. Additionally since it seemed that they would be taking a short while he took ten minutes to map out the areas they had traveled over so far. Getting a good read on it would help him if they had to backtrack at any point since he would be well studied about the route. When Miriel decides to riffle through the bodies Korva mentally chastises himself. Working in their organization meant that he wasn’t quite as restrained by social customs as he had been before. But it was never a good idea to get on the bad side of a female drow, especially not one whose house nominally sponsored your way of life. He should have offered to inspect it for her. As it was he made no argument about the pocketing of the coins, that made sense to him, he did nod towards her at the mention of the potions.

“Perhaps we should ensure that Valiana has at least one of those. It would be good to have a source of emergency healing if she is going to be on the front line for us,” Korva suggested in the most deferential tone he could manage. Anything that would keep the various aberrations off of his own back was in his interest.

Korva stretched and composed himself as his body slowly started to respond in the proper way once again. After he had shaken off the unnatural slowness imposed on him by their attackers he pulled out his maps. He had a fairly good idea of where they would need to go at this point. Looking up as the party spoke he agreed, “It is entirely possible that they were waylaid in a similar manner while passing through. But it's strange that no one made it back, not a single sign of them. Though dangerous those beasts could not have taken all of us down.”

He hoped he sounded more confident than he felt. He had dealt with danger before but he tended to rely on stealth and solo exploration to get through the depths. Traveling in a large group that attracted attention and charged at problems rather than sneaking around them made him anxious. Still he had seen how well some of his companions had handled themselves in battle and that did encourage him somewhat. Seeing how much Lady Miriel had to deplete he wand after a single encounter was somewhat worrying though. Then again, that was simply all the more reason to push forward quickly. Consulting his maps again quickly he indicated the direction they should proceed, “This way should be our quickest route. Everyone stay alert, we didn’t dispatch the hounds after all and there are any number of other dangers.”

Knowledge Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 1d6 + 18 ⇒ (14) + (5) + 18 = 37

Korva sees the hits that Valiana took and realized that if someone didn’t intercede one of their frontliners was likely about to go down. Moving forward until he was just behind her he would use a swift action to draw out one of his own custom alchemical infusions. It was something that anyone could use, though it could cost Valiana time to take it, it would potentially buy her some to recover or reposition. It was an Infusion of Invisibility, should Valiana drink it then she should be invisible until she attacked again. As it was that was all he could do. He would stand just behind her and use his enhanced reach to deal with the Gug should it approach to attack. If Valiana was able to drink the potion he would attempt to parry the Gug’s blow. He was putting himself into a tricky spot but Valiana needed help.

Valiana: So he's essentially holding out essentially an Invisibility Infusion to you if you want it. You'd have to use it with a Standard Action.

Korva wasn’t going to risk putting himself in a precarious position immediately, especially when his companions seemed to have things fairly well in hand. Then as the creature howled at them his whole world seemed to slow down, the beasts strange howl staggering him with its eerie nature. As he worked to regain his senses he pulled a different small vial off his belt and downed it. As he did his arms seemed to stretch, crack and extend out. With this extra reach he would better be able to threaten the Gug or the Hounds if they approached. He was too unstable to move as well so for now he simply focused on keeping himself in between Miriel and the Gug.

As combat begins Korva starts by administering a pale potion from a small vial along his waist, as soon as he does a pale foggy aura seems to emanate from his mouth. He then downs the Potion of Blur he had previously had at the ready, almost immediately he spits the potion back into its vial and resheathes it on his belt with his agile tail. The first vial was an Alchemical Allocation vial, it created a strange effect that would mimic the magical nature of a potion and allow him to consume the aura it generated rather than the potion itself. It was an incredibly useful concoction he had discovered some time ago. As he moves forward he doesn’t attack but positions himself near the casters so that he can intercept any attacks leveraged against them. He averts his eyes and calls out what he knows of the opponents to anyone less well versed on the beasts, “They are Hounds of Tindalos. Do not try to penetrate their thoughts, they are immune. Magic can overcome their natural resistances but if you meet their gaze it can tear apart your very flesh. They can also become invisible and summon up mists, be wary of them!”

Korva, seeing that combat is imminent, reaches towards his various belt pouches and begins removing extracts and elixirs. He quickly downs a small vial that is glowing a deep red color slightly. His perception of the dangers around him are heightened, making him feel more prepared to tackle whatever comes his way. He also removes a potion from his belt, readying himself to drink it in just a moment. It was around that time that he was able to spot the creature approaching them from the side, some four legged beast. He focused on it and once Aramondis lit the beast up with Faerie Fire he attempted to identify exactly what new threat was approaching them. Blade having already been drawn he was prepared for whatever came their way though he hoped that Valiana would be first into the fray and offer him some time to reposition.

Korva considered what he knew of the Gugs, “No weaknesses come immediately to mind, thankfully they have very few resistances. None to spells or supernatural abilities that I've ever heard of. Though poisons and disease prove pointless against them. Short of any active defensive measure they take with whatever powers granted by their strange gods they should be vulnerable to magic you employ against them. They’re sturdy too, in case the size and height of those claw marks aren’t indication enough. Anyone in melee needs to be careful because they pack a punch and can take a lot of punishment.”

Korva said the last part with a grimace, keeping in mind that he was most effective at melee range. If it came down to it he would obviously do whatever he had to in order to help out. But when he was mapping or scouting on his own generally he’d do anything in his power to avoid danger rather than confront it head on. He checked his straps once more and lifted his blade again, as ready as he was going to be for whatever came their way, “I am ready to lead on whenever, everyone be wary.”

Knowledge [Dungeoneering]: 1d20 + 1d6 + 18 ⇒ (18) + (3) + 18 = 39 this is more to see if he can think of any weaknesses, since its impossible for him to roll lower than a 20.
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25 going forward.

Having reached a conclusion after going over the maps before him Korva sighed and explained the situation they were in, “I could guide us in another direction but it would take at least a day to circumvent that cave in we ran across. If Master Livrist gathered us so quickly I can only assume time is at least moderately important for this mission. The longer we delay the harder it could be to find them if they end up moving around. Also I can't guarantee that we won't run into something just as dangerous, if not worse along the way. I will lead us down an alternate path if that is the decision, but its not a call I am personally comfortable making for everyone. I defer to you my Lady.”

Korva says facing Miriel, since she was of House Misraria, despite them being on the same mission together and not technically ranked separately it was fairly natural to defer to her. If she wanted to push ahead and risk a confrontation with the Gugs so be it. While he waited for a decision he quietly mentioned what he knew of Gugs to Valiana, “They're actually omnivores. No one is really sure how they can gain sustenance from rocks but they only do so when live prey isn't around to feat upon. They prefer meat, preferably very fresh and eating rocks often makes them even more aggressive and eager for flesh. If the ones in this area have resorted to that they will be dangerous indeed."

Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 1d6 + 18 ⇒ (9) + (2) + 18 = 29

“If I have a moment to look over the map we have so far I may be able to figure something out,” Korva says to Miriel’s question about an alternate route and then glances at A’streth as the serpentfolk man dashed quickly ahead to scout out. He took the opportunity to examine his notes more closely and sketch out the latest updates to their path on the map he was creating of their route. He looked it over and then cast his gaze over the tunnel walls. Taking what he knew of this type of tunnel into account he was fairly certain that there might be an alternative path through this area. Whether it would be accessible or safer for them was of course yet to be seen. Still that was a part of his job, to determine those very things, so he set to extrapolating. A moment later he looked up and announced what he’d discovered about their possible route. Unfortunately he didnt yet have a solid understanding of the exact routes through this area so he wasn't really sure how much good his current knowledge would do them. Perhaps they would have to brave the Gug territory after all.

Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 1d6 + 18 ⇒ (7) + (1) + 18 = 26

Generally when mapping out the tunnels alone Korva would take his time to observe his surroundings, proceeding cautiously and carefully. Generally when acting as a guide it was through territory that he had extensively mapped already. He hadn’t bothered mentioning to his current group how unusual it was for him to help direct a group into actively unmapped tunnels for the first time. If Livrist trusted him to do so then Korva was determined to earn that trust and perform admirably. So it was somewhat aggravating when he almost rode right past some scratches on the wall. He looked from A’Streth to Aramondis then to the spot on the wall they indicated. He nudged Nim up to the scratches and looked them over.

“Well spotted gentlemen, it would have been dangerous for us if we had not seen these. Although I fear we have not avoided danger by spotting them, simply been made aware of it. The aberrant giants known as Gugs often make these marks on the walls to section off their territory. The markings theoretically make sense to them but few people who have studied them can make any real sense out of them. It’s said that they worship strange, dark gods from beyond the stars and are empowered by those mad gods. It would be wise for everyone to stay on guard going forward,” Korva said as he copied the markings down on a plank page of his notebook. Even if he couldn’t understand them his natural curiosity meant he wanted to record them. Perhaps if he could learn something after the fact that would be advantageous in the future. Once he was done sketching though he followed his own advice and drew his rapier, guiding Nim largely with his knees and a single hand on the harness to steady him.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
1d20 + 1d6 + 18 ⇒ (9) + (5) + 18 = 32

Korva didn’t have much to buy after reviewing that the trip would likely be an uneventful one as far as geological hazards went. He still had a climbers kit stowed away in Nim’s saddlebags though along with a variety of other gear he never left town without. He was currently scratching Nim under her frills, in the spot she seemed to like most, when everyone else began to assemble. Valiana confessed that she wasn’t one for wilderness survival and he smiled to himself slightly, “The Nightrunners call on people of a variety of talents. If Master Livrist requested you I am sure that he saw use for your particular set of skills on our endeavor. In truth I fear we will encounter more dangers from the denizens of the caverns we are headed into than the the caverns and route itself. The Duergar tend to maintain their tunnels so we won’t likely be heading through too many claustrophobically tight tunnels but they do also enjoy obscuring their routes so it's hard to say exactly what we will see.”

When A’streth offered to take point during their progress through the tunnels Korva didn’t argue. He could get a good idea of their pathing and any dangers from behind A’streth as he could in front. And he wasn’t just trying to make Valiana feel better with his comment. After looking over the maps he believed that the actual pathing on their trip would be trivial compared to the fighting they might be called on to do. And while he would lend the rapier at his side to whatever melee ensued, it was hardly his strong suit. He took only a moment to swing up into Nim's back and secure the various straps to the exotic saddle that would keep him in place even if Nim climbed a wall or traversed the ceiling. He nodded to A’streth, “I will be just behind you where I can still get a good idea of the terrain ahead of us and map out the route as we form it.”

Knowledge Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 1d6 + 18 ⇒ (18) + (5) + 18 = 41

“The stretch of tunnels that spans the caverns between Delvingulf and Severspume is relatively stable geologically. All tunnels have a chance of shifting slightly in the Darklands but these are fairly well traveled, though the exact paths themselves are a closely guarded secret of the Duergar. We shouldn’t need to deal with submerged tunnels or require much climbing gear. As long as there are no tremors or disturbances I should be able to navigate and map things out easily enough once we get there. Fey, various rogue dark folk and a variety of other dangerous monsters do call that area home though but that should be expected at this point,” Korva explains as he folds up the current maps he has copies of and adds them back into his folios. He then secures them in the waterproof bag he carries constantly for that purpose.

Looking to anyone who said that they had mounts to acquire or other supplies Korva nods and says simply, “I personally intend to bring my own riding gecko, Nim. I will use him to help scout and map ahead of us slightly. I dont think a mount is necessarily required but it could certainly prove helpful should anyone else like to acquire one. Anyone who needs to make any final purchases I suggest you do so now and we can all meet up near the northern exit of the city to set out. Any other questions or concerns I might be able to address?”

Korva stared at the half-orc’s hand on his shoulder for a moment before stepping back and nodding his head respectfully to her. Having been a former experiment of a drow house he had never really grown especially comfortable being touched by other people. Still he wasn’t looking to cause any offense so after nodding he pulled out his own folio of maps and formulae, as he searched for the relevant maps he said, “I don't believe I properly introduced myself earlier. Korva Mappo, Nightrunner Apprentice and cartographer at your services. It will be my job to ensure that we are able to navigate the tunnels to find our quarry.”

Korva took a moment to spread out the maps and inspect them. Mainly he wanted to be able to explain anything that would be vital for his teammates to bring along. Things like the possibility for ropes, pitons and climbing gear, or the possibility that they’d have to traverse any submerged tunnels to get where they would be going. The duergar were secretive about their routes but as a general rule they rarely utilized tunnels that were filled with water or involved significant climbs. Still it was always better to be prepared. Anything he could learn by looking over the maps he would obviously pass on to the entire party.

Knowledge [Dungeoneering]: 1d20 + 1d6 + 18 ⇒ (20) + (1) + 18 = 39 to see if he could recommend any gear that would aid them in the tunnels they are headed towards.

Korva nodded his head in thanks to Livrist at the offer of the maps they had. As the Night Master had said, things tended to shift over time. Sometimes slowly, sometimes with surprising speed, it was one of the reasons that Korva had been taken in by the Nightrunners. His ability to map and remap areas quickly was always in demand as various routes shifted. Strange things happened in the Darklands and it paid to be prepared to handle them as much as possible, Korva would take whatever he could get to prepare them for their journey. He continued listening, nodding appreciatively at the rather generous sum they were being offered upon successful completion of their mission. When Miriel spoke up he bowed deeply to her and said, “You honor me with your praise Lady Miriel. I will do whatever I can to ensure that we are able to reach our destination quickly and safely.”

Korva, having had his own inquiries answered, simply waited to see if anyone else had any other matters to deal with before they made a plan to set out. Personally he had no input on the discussion of devouring the man. Once they had their information he didn’t really care what happened to the slave, the man had made a gamble against the wrong people it seemed. He was especially curious about what had happened to the other Nightrunner team though and fully intended to either locate them or discover proof of their demise. As for mounts, if necessary he had Nim his combat trained riding gecko. He had bought it with some of his first wages earned from Nightrunner work and it had been invaluable since. Its ability to traverse the walls and ceilings of the caverns of Orv made mapping the various routes through the Darklands much easier. Thoughts of expenses did help him realize that before they set out he might want to consider making a couple of purchases though.

Korva stood up straighter as the guildmaster made his appearance and he listened quietly as their mission was given to him. He tilted his head slightly when he heard of the incident that caused this whole state of affairs in the first place. Drow Houses rarely made mistakes with slaves, they viewed most of them as entirely expendable. Korva knew that all too well, given that he had once been little more than a slave himself to House Parastric of Zirnakaynin. Given that now they had a missing scout team looking for this slave he couldn’t find himself believing that this job was as simple as it initially appeared. But then he doubted Master Livrist would have called all these rather unique agents here if it were. When it seemed as though the night master was open to questions Korva offered up his own, “Damar Frell was an extremely competent tracker, is it possible that we could gain access to any maps or information about the route that he was investigating? My own work has mostly been on the western tunnels lately, so any head start on figuring out our best approach would be appreciated.”

Even as he spoke he pulled a well worn leather journal from out of his vest and began thumbing through it. He was never without his formulae book, though these days it was filled more with maps, sketches and notations than actual alchemical formulae. He was looking for anything that he did have about the northern sections of the tunnels around Telderist.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 1d6 + 16 ⇒ (14) + (6) + 16 = 36

Korva waits patiently, hands clasped behind his back as he looks at the various maps hung up in the Master’s office. They were beautifully drawn and inked pieces. One day he knew his own work would hang next to them, but not quite yet. Not only were these maps exquisitely accurate but they were beautifully drawn as well. For years he had focused on function over form and although he was quickly learning to balance both he was still a fairly new member of the Nightrunners. As people arrived he nodded with varying degrees of politeness and deference, as would be expected of him. A few of the people he knew, he worked with them from time to time in the Nightrunners. But several of them were people he had not yet met. The serpentfolk was a curious sight, he couldn’t say he had ever met many of them. When the man began muttering to himself in Aklo Korva couldn’t help listening in. A wry grin spread over his face as he realized the creature was detecting magic inside the room. He raised his eyebrows in a silent acknowledgement that he knew what the man was doing, but he did not actively comment on it.

When a man with a rather extravagant hat makes his way into the room, pushes to the front and then introduces himself to the room at large apparently Korva politely coughs under his breath and explains, “Master Livrist is not actually here yet. I am sure he would wish everyone to make themselves comfortable and should be along shortly. The Nightrunners just finished up the days activities moments ago.”

He nods his head to the half-orc woman who walked in behind the male drow and then goes back to inspecting the finer points of the maps hung behind the desk while he waits to see who else makes an appearance.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31 | To hear the spell muttered in Aklo, which he speaks.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (7) + (4) + 9 = 20 | To identify it as Detect Magic.

Korva called out that he would be just a moment when he heard the knock at the door. He put a few notations on the side of the map, started to stand, then sat and finished penciling in the last corner of the draft before rising and half jogging to the door. He tilts his head to the side as he is informed of Master Livrist’s request for his presence. Bowing his head slightly he thanks the messenger and says simply, “Of course, please convey to Master Livrist my appreciate for his consideration and inform him that I will be over as soon as I finish inking my current set of maps.”

With that he returned to his seat at a slightly cluttered table, filled with his supplies in such an array that likely on he could make sense of it. After pondering for a moment what would make the leader of the Nightrunners himself request his presence. A wry smile creeps over his lips as he reaches for the ink pot to begin penning over his previous pencil sketches of his most recent set of maps--the ones depicting the several tunnels in the western side of the city that till now had gone unmapped. Although he would not rush and make his work sloppy, there was a certain eagerness to his actions as he finished his work for the day and went to see what it was the Night Master needed of him.

Honestly I just wasn't paying close enough attention when I selected Infernal. I was sorting by what he could learn and Abyssal and Infernal are the only two Planar, I just clicked and didn't think about it further. I did go ahead and change it. There would be no in-character reason he'd know Infernal instead of Abyssal. Also did a breakdown of my skills.

Thanks for the selection looking forward to getting involved in some underground adventures.

Excited to see who gets in but yeah, I dont envy having to go through all those submissions and choosing.

Korva "Mappo" is the character I'd like to submit for this campaign. I love Investigators. The only game Im currently playing on here is as a Cleric and I miss having skills so I figure this is a good chance to play a skill monkey. I went with Cartographer and picked up a Favored Terrain to help him act as something of a guide/explorer of the Darklands. Since we're starting at a high level I essentially gave him a level of Inspired Blade via past training with a mercenary company to make him somewhat combat viable. But his main contribution would without a doubt be in the skills department.