I can't seem to get the ranger concept together in my head but I can't seem to get rid of this one. Presenting Kyras Quinta, a middle-aged Oni-spawn Cleric of Freya with the War (Tactics) and Healing (vanilla) domains, a veteran of the war on Orcus. I'm leaving the crunch be for now.
Kyras Quinta, NG Cleric of Freya, Introduction:
Kyras was content, he had found peace. After years and years of war, strife and rejection Kyras had finally found acceptance. Sitting in the sun with a warm summer breeze blowing gently in his face and a white, newborn lamb sleeping quietly in his lap he knew peace.
'Amazing.' Kyras thought as he sat on the grey, hewn stone steps leading up to his small wooden chapel which sat on a small hill overlooking the hamlet of Scourstone Hollow and stroked the lamb distractedly with his thick fingers.
His hamlet and his people he thought as he looked down at the people going about their daily business, tending fields, vegetable gardens and sheep.
Scourstone Hollow was a little hamlet nestled in a forested valley surrounded by mountains. Small, quiet and out of the way. Though the people were solely human, prejudice as they can be, they had reluctantly accepted the monstrous cleric of Freya, arriving in the night all those years ago with his letter of introduction from the aging Matron Mother Amala Claybrough, High Priestess of Freya and daughter of this very hamlet.
Looking down at his over-proportioned hand Kyras was still amazed that they hadn't driven him away right then and there.
Though Kyras was human in shape everything about him was big and exaggerated. His mouth was overly large with broad, blunt teeth, his chin pronounced and his nose a flat, hooked thing squatting between his beady turquoise eyes. His limbs were long and bulging with muscle ending in square, stubby fingers and toes. His features were, for a lack of a better word, ogrish.
But his peace was marred of late.
Marred by nightmares. Nightmares of fighting an unbeatable war, of evil awakening from deep slumber. Nightmares of fields riddled with human bones, picked white by carnivores. Nightmares those bones rising and taking up arms. Nightmares of darkness engulfing the light.
He awoke night after night, howling and sweating in his bed, to the crushing finality of the darkness conquering.
The dreams had changed the past few nights, a light had entered them. A wolf had come to his aid before the final blow of a foe. A shining hawk had screeched in the night sky, begging him follow. And together they had shown him a place he recognized; A hill outside Bards' Gate.
Kyras knew he was being called, he recognized the shapes of his Goddess instantly. Not a shadow of a doubt remained in his mind, war was coming and he was being called to arms.
Putting the lamb down Kyras stood and said his final silent farewell to the hamlet of Scourstone Hollow. Turning round with a purpose to his step he went to gather his gear and set out on his journey.
Kyras sighs, all air seems to have left him as he looks up. Catching the eye of everyone, one by one, he shrugs with and embarased smile. 'Yeah, about that..' he begins slowly.
"I don't know if you guys remember what I said last night, we were hammered after all, but I meant every word. I'm staying behind guys. I'm sorry but I'm just not cut out for adventuring. All those monsters and bad guys make my stomach hurt and my shoulders stiffen. I set out to explore the world so I could deepen my understanding of alchemy, not get killed. So I've decided. I'm opening up shop here in town. Sorry guys, but I'm not going." he says appologeticly, apearing as if he's realy sorry.
Pinching his brow Kyras lets out a deep, long sigh. 'God-wanabees, devils, fiends, undead, orcs and assassins and now spies too? You have got to be kidding me.'
"Yes Agathon, it might very-well be real." Kyras says slowlie, as if talking to a child, "This is our second group dream, it would seem. And our first turned out to have more than a few facts based in reality."
Kyras stirrs grogily as Badger starts shouting. 'Whaa..?' he manages as he swings his legs to the floor.
Not bothering with any hygeinick activities he stumbles to the door and goes into the hall. "What's with the shouting?"
'Illusion? Wasn't that the magic school they sent people who couldn't manifest anything real too?' muses Kyras.
"Hey guys. When you do get her, will you please get me a sample of her skin, hair and blood? Maybee this usless hussy will prove interesting to experiment on. Maybee as a toilet solvant." says Kyras, ignoring the drow.
Kyras drinks to the groups friendship, taking a long drought of ale muttering a 'Hear! Hear!' as he raises his tankard.
---Later that evenng---
As the night prolongs and the drinks go down Kyras will sag over his tankard as he gets more and more intoxicated. Suddenly he snaps up and points at Agathon, "Agathon! You foreign fop! Your always talking about needing gold and raising an army. Here's an idea. Join us! Help us clear up the mess this town is. Thers been lots of gold and plenty of fighting so far, both the things you want the most. We could use a fighter, someone to shield us less gifted in the bodily area. Hmm? What do you say?" he says raising his eybrows at him, tuning to the group he bathes out his arms, "What do you say guys? You know we can use him."
---Later that evening---
Kyras's head is starting to nod as he nurses his drink, his voice comes in a slur as he tries to keep focus and maintain a thread in conversation. 'Ya know I love you guys? Right? I realy do. I've never been so close to anyone in my life. The travel and the exitement we've been through, you know, creates like, a bond! or somthing, you know. I love you guys.'
---Later that evening---
Kyras dances on table while singing a bawdy tune.
---Later that evening---
Kyras recieves a slap in the face from a patron as he tries to fondle her behind.
---Later that evening---
Kyras throws up behind the fireplace, to intoxicated to stand up he promptly falls asleep in his own vomit, an obliviosly happy smile on his face as he sighs in relief from clearing his stomach.
---Later that evening---
Kyras, having woken up in his own vomit, sits with the party. Wiping his face with a wet towel he nurses a drink of spiced wine, trying to settle his growling stomach, seeming somber, almost sober. 'Guys, I gotta talk to ya. Seriously guys. I've got somthing to say.' he begins seriously, waving the party closer. Kyras sighs before continuing, 'I've been thinking. I've been thinking alot. I'm not sure if I'm going with you on the next adventure.' he says. 'All this fighting and facing monsters and evil men. I'm just not cut out for this life. I'm a scholar for crying out loud. I'm an alchemist, not a battle wizard! I'm sorry for bailing like this guys, but I think I'm going to set up shop here in town, I dunno, become the resident alchemist or somthing. Focus on my reserch in a less hostile enviroment. I would still brew for you at cost though. I' not gona make money of my friends! Not alot anyway. I'm sorry guys, but I've made up my mind.'
Leading Mal over to Agathon with a big grin on his face Kyras shakes his hand before sitting down, "Agathon! At it again? I'd have thought you out for at least two days after last night!" he says in jest.
"This is Malstei Agathon. Agathon, Malstei." he says in introduction.
"Err... No." Kyras says with a disheartend smile, "He's a... a friend. Yes. A friend. His name is Agathon, an exiled prince by his own telling. Shall I introduce you?" Kyras says, the word 'friend' baffling his tounge a little.
'Oh great.' Mutters Kyras at the greating. Smiling his brow toothed smile he heads over to the foreigner. "Agathon! Your still here! Great!" his voice sounds strained as he replies.
'Yeah... Dragons. Sure, why not?' Kyras mutters with a sigh, obviously lost in his own mind.
Agathon will answer any challange given but will only give challanges himself for less hostile bouts. Wrestling, drinking, balance and such. More athletic challanges than basic brawling.
But as I said; he'll answer any hostility with equal hostility.
"Playing his game is dangerous at best." Kyras speaks up. "As if the things we've stirred up aren't dangerous enough! A GOD for crying out loud. And now half-fiends and beholders. What? Are they supposed to pale in comparison? Kyras grows more agitated at every word.
"Now you talk of beeing tracked by devils and destroying devil-crafted magic items!" Kyras's voice breaks a bit at that last.
Letting out a deep sigh Kyras pinches his brow, 'This is all to much I tell you. I need a drink. A looong drink.'
Kyras will scoop up the dagger before he shuts the door, grinning at the thiefling he steps back and heads over to Whisper and Mal, pocketing the dagger, 'She'll want it when she calms down.' he resons.
Will he level with the group as Smerg suggested? It would give the group access to potions of the appropriate level, otherwise he'll become quite useless quite fast as a potion maker for the group.
Stoping what he's doing Kyrs raises an eyebrow at Whispers words, 'Oh realy.' he drawls, 'A Devil? Seriously? A full-blown friggin Devil!' he spits the last words through clenched teeth, trembling with anger.
Turning his angry gaze at the thiefling provacoutour he fingers his bomb and ask, "So. Are we dancing? Are we doing this?"
'Bloody hell!' curses Kyras, fumbling through his robes to find the regents for his bomb he mutters to himself while backing up. 'I knew I should have brought Agathon. Agathon wouldn't have trouble with things like these. Why are we always picking fights? I don't like fights. Should have brought Agathon.'F!+#! Where's the catalyst?'
"Anyway, I thought you guys only knew abbout the next guy up the ladder. How are you so well informed?" Kyra says distracted as he puts the potion away.
'Now you talking sence.' Grins Kyras evilly. Taking the potion from him he holds it to a light, svivels it a bit and opens the stopper to sniff it. "What is it?" he asks wondering if he would be stupid enough to lie to him.
Kyras leans to a wall in the background wondering what will happen when his subordinates contact them. Will they do their dirty work as well.
"How much?" he pipes in. "Not to be a bore but why on earth should we be going out of our way so you can climb in rank in your own guild? Sounds like too much fuss with too little gain to me." he waves a hand theatricly as he detatches from the wall. "Frankly your litle band of merry scoundrels have proven less than threatening so far. Why, in the name of any holies or un-holies who are bothering to listen, should we be frighten by any threats you can possibly make? Hmm?"
Language: Kathegan
Religion: Human Pantheon with various gods of various things, (Greek/Norse pantheon. Father All-Seeing, Lord of the Seas, Prince of Hell, Lord of War, The Champion, The Muse, God of Revelrie...)
Great. Thanks guys.
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How about the Isles of Korthos (don't know if the name exists in this world).
A cluster of isles somwhere in the warmer parts of faerun, ruled in small sections by kings who in turn bow to the King of Korthos who rules all the isles from the capital. Architecture for notable buildings is all white marble, painted glass and high, columed ceilings.
A seefaring nation known for fierce warriors, high art and deep philosophies. A nation with a sence of superiority to outsiders, confident in it's athleets, warriors and artists.
Class discrimination is high, slavery common and male superiority is un-questioned.
Politics is volitile at best, where the kings only hold what they have through the size of their armies, the strength of their champions and the political favor of other kings, so small scale war and raids are common.
Ogres and fantastical monsters lair and roam the isles so every free man is constantly tested physically. Be it in athletic competition, gladiatorial combat, war or monster hunting to keep their numbers down.
Beeing a seefaring nation they are both great traders and dire raiders.
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So the greek mentality in regards to culture with a dab of middle-age scandinavian thrown in the mix. Can we work with somthing like this?
'Oh! by the way, here.' Kyras goes around handing out coin purses, 'I went to the merchants and they gave me a special 'hero' price on our blodied equipment.' Kyras snickers, muttering the word fools under his breath.
Totals amount to 50pp, 1547gp, 845sp and 35cp wich gives each a share of: 10pp, 309gp, 169sp and 8cp.
As for background, can anyone point me in the right direction for regions and such. I realy know very little about the forgotten realms, I'm lookig for a place with a roman/greek feel to it.
I'm thinking of a warrior with the Achillies mentality (as portraied by Brad Pitt in the movie Troy).
All about proving himself in personal combat, garnering a reputaton as a firce warrior and looking to have his name writen in legends to live through the ages.
"It's a ward. Not a very powerful one, but it will hurt if you try to force the door open. Knocking won't set it off, but opening it will." says Kyras, coming out of his quiet reverie.
Yeah. About Kyras.
I'm just not into him anymore. Sorry for beeing fickle. Sorry for not speaking up sooner, I'm loathe to disapoint although I realize I've probably done more harm by waiting so long.
I'm hoping he'll be allowed to retire, maybee become the 'helpfull' town alchemist/potion-brewer. Or just go away and do his own thing.
If you boot me I understand, after all I have been draging this pbp down to a crawl with my inactivity. If not, then allow me to make another character please.
Kyras chuckles at Badgers suggestions, a low, dim chuckle. "Ooh ho hoo. I like it, I speak elven. I'd be happy to teach you. You'd be surprised how many words are for the same thing though."
'Copies of the ring you say?' Kyras muses at the inquisitors suggestions, thinking of the possibilities. 'Clever gnome.' he says looking with admiration at Badger. "I love it! Lets do it!"
Looking over Badgers shoulder as he reads the letter Kyras snears as his stomach sinks. 'Oh! Great! And we had to go rile her up.' "She sound charming." he drawls, "We'll have to find her you know?"
'Hmmm... A truth serum? Would that be possible?' Kyras muses to himself as he studies the prisoner. Recaling the rogue resisting his previous attempts at poisoning and his current state of health he wonders if he would be allowed to experiment on the subject, 'He has quite the endurance, that is obvious, I wonder how long he would last.'
So, all-in-all we‘ve got;
50pp, 672gp, 835sp and 35cp.
Ring of Protection +1 (Solaria)
Unspecified amount of un-named Fungi asosiated with planar travel,
used in poisons (Kyras)
Books: (Whisper)
-Predictions of the Oracle by Abbot Cooper
-Stealing the Portfolio of a Deity
-Blood Rituals of Calling
-Time of Troubles
-Lesser known Demons of Chaos
-There are some other titles written in Abyssal and Infernal. These books appear to be immaculate however and you see evidence of books being removed.
Small bag of different gems. Worth 80gp all together, used by monstrous humanoid as curency as they don‘t have access to ´civilized´ currency.
Xanher signet ring
2 coded letters, 1 uncoded letter, a wax seal in the sape of a ´G´
In a pile waiting to be checked for magical auras we have:
A Silver symbol of this "Dark Lady" they call her,
Masterworked Breastplate with a Signature on the inside written in Dwarven,
Ceremonial Kukri still stained with blood
Masterworked Rapier,
Hand Crossbow,
vials of murky liquid (Alchemy) check to identify = 29 (see above)
Edit: +300gp from the good captain and he sill owes us 300 gp for the other captive.
Kyras will spend the week mostly to himself, dabling in a makeshift alchemical lab. So he will gain insights into skills he already knows and move forward as an alchemist. I'll write up a list of thing I want to create and I'll go through the loot and post a divy.
FAir warning, the dicebot hates me. *sob*
craft Alchemy 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Appraise the Gems 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Kyras will try a Comprehend Languages spell on the letter and cast Identfy on the loot (will follow with spellcraft if any magical items present).
