Lazarus sits down to enjoy the repast after their eventful journey. He compliments the simple meal, and offers a quick word of gratitude to Waynir and his family efore starting to eat.
While he takes some Uisge, he doesn't ever indulge, instead sitting back and starting to talk to this group of people he's been asked to accompany at the Marquis' request.
"Well then boys, not the most auspicious of starts to this mission of ours, yet we seem to have handled ourselves quite well I'd say."
Turning to Talfen, in particular, he grins and states "Great job on taking down that group of horses young mageling. I can see why the Marquis wanted you along." He hoped this was encouraging for the half elf. Maybe if he could convnce the young man to drink a little spirits he might loosen up a little.
The little bard turns to each member of the group and congratulates them al on a job well done, commenting on teh martial prowess of the young lord and his guardian, and good naturedly ribbing Waynir about his driving.
"By morning, I shall weave teh tale into a legend worthy of the greatest kings hall. You shall all become legends, let me asure you."
Becoming more serious for a second, he leans forwards onto the rocking table and looks around "However, we must now talk of teh business at hand. Again I ask you Waynir, is there a means of contacting the Marquis and letting him know of our little ambush on the road? We must be wary now, for if the attack was not random, and we have no reason to think it should be. Then we must assume those causing trouble know of us and are quite happy to cause us harm. What steps can we take to better protect ourselves? Any thoughts?"
Everyone else was looking at the ship. No one seemed to have noticed the child that ran up to Waynir and gave him a hug. While the ship was a wnderous device, this child had the gnome intrigued.
"And to think Captain Waynir, those fools earlier today thought you were a killer of children. You continue to surprise me sir". There is a broad smile on the bards face as he says this, and twinkle in his eye as the child ran back towards the mill. He liked children, they were innocent and full of the wonders that life could bring.
Lazarus was having trouble finding a word to rhyme with Vampyre. He turned to ask Waynir if he had any ideas then caught the look on the dwarfs face. Looking down towards the mill, he made a small exclamation, "Ah, we have arrived I see. Do you have any means of sending messages to the keep. We must inform the Marquis of our troubles upon the road. He may have some knowledge of tehse things"
The gnome seems unperturbed by the strange design of the vessel, mostly becasue he hadn't noticed it.
Lazarus sits in the pny trap with Waynir, quietly humming a tune to himself as the ride continues.
So caught up is the little gnme in constructng a new song to tell of tehir mighty fight against the fearsome undead monstrsity, that he barely registers their approach to the mill and ship.
Lazarus helps as best he can with the carting of bodies. However, his diminutive stature and general lack of strength doesn't amke him all that useful. He struggles along with the feet end of the bodies, but mostly just drags things around.
When they find the full saddle bags, his mind quickly jumps to that task rather than continue to wathc the gruesome fire. He mutters a small incantation, bringing forth his natural ability to sense the magic in other things. Keeping his enhanced vision in place, he moves across to the box and carefully studies it before opening and revealing the vellum. He looks at it carefully but cannot make out the writing, it being a script that looks suspiciously like elven.
Casting detect magic to study the thing first. Knowledge check for the vellum to try and identify what its made of 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19. It's probably a knowledge nature check I'm guessing, or possibly arcana so I used my bardic knowledge bonus. If I don't think its dangerous to do so, I'll hand the vellum and its writing to someone who can read elvish.
I suggest we destroy the horse to put it out of its mysery. The thought of undead wanderig around makes Lazarus want to hang onto his little bit of magic. Lazarus won't heal the horse.
Lazarus looked in revulsion at the horror as Vincents sword plunged into its chest. He spoke alud his thoughts "I have heard tell of creatures such as this. They are known as Vampyre in some places. They can mimic those they choose to and leave behind them a trail of the living dead."
He turns to the others and a look of unease passes his face. "We would do well to make sure those who died here stay that way. I for one would not wish to woken by the cold press of dead flesh as it tried to squeeze the life from my body"
As the darkness and fog settles across the moors, the little gnome shivers involuntarily. "Let us be done with this business quickly, and get to Waynirs boat."
I can, and will heal the horse if asked to. Lazarus doesn't have any skills in handle animal so doesn't really know enough about whether it can be fixed or not. However, that will drain me of all my spells. Still have some performs left though. Cheers
As Lazarus recoils in horror from the beast attatched to the horse, his mind searches through his vast store of knowledge to try and identifiy the thing.
Knowledge history or local is +8, Bardic knowledge for everything else is +4. 1d20 ⇒ 13. So thats a 21 for history or local. A 17 for any other that might be relevent (most likely planes or arcana
"I don't particularly care what the evil thing is, we needs must destroy it so this horse can stop suffereing." The gnome turns to the others and calls, even as he notes the surviving attackers loping away uphill. "VINCENT! WE MAY HAVE NEED OF YOUR BLADE HERE!"
"Well, since he's only lying over there, guess I'll tae a look at this Tolorn myself. No need to get up gents. You just stay there nice and comfortable while I go check over your employer shall I".
Lazarus moves carefull over to the tangle of bodies and tries to search the dead man lying amongst them. He's looking for paperowrk in particular, but anything of interest or value takes his eye and is removed so teh group can check over them.
Assuming that everyting died in teh big pile up. Otherwise the little gome isn't going to be prodding through flailing hooves and other body bits. Perception for seraching body 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Lazarus mulls over the mans words, trying to find any hint of lie amongst them sense motive 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8.
Either way he decides to pursue this line of thought. "Tolorn you say? Can you describe this Tolorn fellow for me? Perhaps I know of him already. Is Tolorn his own agent, or does he work for someone lese I wonder."
"I hope you gentlemen now realise the folly of this action. My frind the dwarf over yonder is no baby staler, I can assure you. I myself am a good friend of the Marquis himself, and I'm sure you gents wouldn't be trying to insinuate the Marquis is in league with baby stealers and witches hmm?"
The little bard was lating on the friendly charm thick and fast, hoping to keep these men in the right frame of mind for giving information. If they thought there was a chance they would wlak away from this, then information may flow freely. As far as the bard could tell, these were but poor dupes filled with too much alcohol and stoked by racial prejudice. He hoped the younf lordling wouldn't do anything rash like order their execution when this was all done.
Diplomacy 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
Went back over the old posts quickly, but didn't see any sign of this Tolorn fella. Is he a new name FW, or have I missed something. Cheers
In response to Vincents question, Lazarus responds by waving his hand towards the trailing wagon. "I have a coil of silken rope in yonder wagon my large friend. Good stuff, for climbng and such. A Little heavy for me to carry around without need, but I thnk you will find it useful."
The little gnome then moves over to the young lord and lets loose with a beaming smile. The type of smile that would blind a man if they were in a brighlty lit area. Luckily for everyone they were in the Isles, though.
"Well my Lord, the ride was proving to be rather dull I must say. Nothing but moorlands and heath grass as far as the eye could see. However the arrival of these boys certainly livened things up no end."
He turns then to the prisoner, and looks him in the eye (the bard being about head height now the brigand was seated and dazed). "Tell me sir, whatever posessed you and your friends to try and attack us? I'm sure you have a perfectly good reason for it."
Seeing no one else is moving to do so, Lazarus quickly hirries over to the horse with the unconcious rider. He quietly grabs the reigns of the beast before leading it back to the pony trap where the others have gathered.
As he moves he calls to the big warrior on the horse to come and guard the sleeping man, and possibly disarm him.
"I'd do that myself you see, but I just can't seem to reach that high. Damnabl beasts are built too tall I say. What's wrong with riding a pony?! Really, its very inconsiderate of these boys."
There is a glint in his eye and a spring in his step, the addrenaline still wearing down from the fight. He was glad they hadn't died, and even more glad that they had managed to keep some of their attackers alive. He was not in the business of indiscriminate killing. Plus they should prove useful when it came to finding out why they were atacked.
With the pony and cart stopped finally, Lazarus whoops for joy. The excitement of the moment catching up with the little gnome.
He jumps down from the wagon and rushes across to Waynir, checking to see if teh dwarf is ok. As ghe gets close enough to seee the dwarf stirring, he stops short. The smell freshly disturbed cowpat reminding him he's wearing a good set of clothes and limiting his assistance to a called "Are you ok my crazy dwarven friend? WHOOOOBOOOY, can you drive! Do you sail as crazy as you stear a pony trap." Man, I'm looking forwards to this trip more and more".
Realising there was still danger and some loose attackers t be taken care of, the hyped up little bard calls to teh others "Is everyone ok?. Someone needs to round up the one I put to sleep before the spell wears off" He gestures with a vague wave of his hand at the horse milling about on the moor while the rider is slumped in the saddle.
Sorry FW, I was kinda waiting to give others a chance to reply as well. Thought I'd jump in and boost us up the scale a little. Cheers
Lazarus is jostled and bounced in the rear of the trap as it races down the road. He calls out to the dwarf driving the machine to slow down while he desperately looks for more enemies.
"WAYNIR! I think you can stop now my friend, let us regroup" under his breath he also states "And hopefully not break our necks on this thing!"
Bumping thread back and posting Lazarus actions. Cheers
Lazarus continues to sing encouragement for he and Waynir, loading his crossbow as he does so. He looks around for more enemies, but doesn't see any immediate threat.
Lazarus will continue to sing as a free action (using another point of perform). He loads his crossbow then readies an action to shoot any foe that comes within 30 feet of teh pony trap that he can see. cheers
As the words of the lullaby finish, Lazarus releases the sleep spell at a point just behind the man bearing down on him. The cloud of enchanted particles drape over the man and his horse like a warm blanket on a cold winters eve, inviting slumber and rest.
With the spell completed, Lazarus snatches up his crossbow and begins to sing again, this one a stirring battle hym the dwarves of the north sang in times of strife. The little gnome had always found this tune very uplifting and hoped his companions would also.
Targeting the horseman closest to my side of the pony trap. Will place the centre of the effect just behind him if possible, trying to prevent the spell hitting any of our own horses or companions.
Actions for this round, ready crossbow (still unloaded) and begin to inspire courage through bardic performance. +1 to hit and damage for all allies who can hear Lazarus sing. Can't find a range on that, but the text says they must be able to percieve the song.
Concentration if required 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15; accrobatics check to remain on feet if required 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25. Anything else required please let me know :)
FW my action is still to cast the sleep obviously. I'm not sure if you want me to retarget or if you're going to handle that. If allowable I'll go for the one that'st the closest threat to me.
My next action would be for a bardic performance to inspire my companions and gather up the cross bow. I'll post all that in character if you give me go ahead. Cheers
Seeing danger approaching rapidly, Lazarus again calls upon the enchantment and trickery so native to his folk. A song of sleep and rest springs to his lips. It is lullaby that his mother used to sing to him as a child, but this one is laden withthe magics of his bardic talent and seeps into the minds of those without the will to withstand it. As the two riders approach, he drops the lullaby around them like a warm blanket, hoping to send either them or thier horses into a restful slumber and effectively out of the fight.
Casting sleep on one fo the group of two riders. I believe one group has a rider down already due to grease, Lazarus will target the other group. Full round to cast though, so hes a bit vulnerable as a consequence. DC 15 will save to avoid.
Lazarus sees the trouble coming and uses the chance provided to head off a possible trouble he suspects fromt heir unexpected visitor.
Turning to Brunt, he chants a small verse about tru friends standing firm in the face of danger, sliding the magic of his charm spell into the lyrics.
The little bard wasn't sure if t Brunt was going to be an enemy or not, but he figured it was easier to explain his actions later, than try and survive an attack from an enemy in close range.
"You're a true friend aren't you Brunt?" he asks as the last notes ofthe tune finish.
Back from camping. I'll cast charm] on Brunt (our parmed passenger). DC 15 will save to resist. Cheers Initiative is 1d20+2=12
Lazarus gathers his gear and dons it before the trip progresses too far. He leaves his pack and heavier gear in the cart, hoping to avoid encumbering himself and ensuring teh trip is comforatable.
When the warriors at the inn make their rude gestures he frowns slightly at the obvious short joke. He is tempted to return a gesture of his own, indicating short stature is well and truly compensated for by increased libido and stamina, but thinks better of insulting armed men in a foreign land.
He couldn't remember travelling through this land too much in his previous sojourn here, so he watched for a while in interest. Then he started a conversation wit Waynir, the dwarf was going to be very interesting indeed, especially if he were captain of a ship.
"My Dear Waynir, what on earth got you interested in sailing the briny depths? I would have though a dwarf more suited to mining and mage craft rather than taking to the oceans?"
Edit - Only just saw Waynirs response about my donkey
"Ahh, well I don't like leaving my Ass exposed. I guess I'll make reparations to have it cared for back here. I can always replace it where we're going." and with that, the little gnome allows that double entendre to rest.
Lazarus jumps up onto the cart alongside the others. He calls up to Waynir "I have a donkey stabled here that carries some of my gear. How feel you good sir dwarf with taking my ass on your ship"
He deliberately puts a comical twist to the words, hoping to bring a lighter humour to the situation, but watches Brunt carefully while doing so. The little gnome realises none of them are armed since they were asked to leave their gear back in their lodgings. Now would be as good a time as any for them to be attacked, though he didn't really fear this kind of situation under the Marquis protection.
The bard sighed deeply, maybe his time in the warzones had left him too paranoid. A short stint in a pub with that fiery red hed he'd seen working the bar last night mught help him relax a little before this venture started. If they had time.
While the soldier ducks off to gather his kit, Lazarus moves over to Waynir and whispers into his ear.
FW/Waynir
Spoiler:
"He's not to be trusted with your back good dwarf. The man is hiding something, and keeps looking across his shoulder as if being watched. Mayhap he's running from something, but may also be that he's here on other's command. Let's keep our eyes on the lad shall we."
The gnome also takes a glance back the way the soldier was looking, wondering what had his eyes so constantly drawn that way.
Humming a few bars of "The Truth will out", a battle hym of the church used ont he mainland, Lazarus looks around and studies those who are talking to the dwarf.
The little gnome is on edge, having just been plunged deep into some political game of thrones, and his trust factor is not too high at the moment. He is confident in his Half Elven companion, and it was his experience that dwarves usually kept their word, buyt anyone else was making him all sorts of nervous at the moment.
FW
Spoiler:
Ok I'd like to try and use versatile performance to do a sense motive on the guard who asked to join us. Lazarus (and me for that matter) is feeling a little paranoid about who can be trusted after the discussion with Dougal earlier.
If perform is allowed (thats why I'm humming the song) - Sense motive using versatile performance is 1d20+11=17
If versatile performance not allowed then my standard sense motive is 1d20+4=12
Lazarus looks around the room, realsiing that now is not the time to be speaking of the Marquis' son. He would try to talk to Dougal about the others who had accompanied him though. The older one was poison on the boy, he was sure of it. People like that needed to be far from those meant to rule. There was a perfectly good war on the mainland that a man like that would be just perfect for, perhaps as an advanced scout. The little gnome made a note to mention it to Dougal before their business was concluded.
As Dougal picked up the maps, the little bard went back to listen. This particular job was becoming more complex by the minute and he didn't wish to miss any valuable information.
"Dougal, you have mentioned those we can approach about this incident, what about those who may have reason to see the Isles fall out of the control of the Marquis and his men? Who do you think would have the gumption and the guts to move so against the ruling family?"
Lazarus turns with a broad smile to Armand and bows gracefully. As he rises again he replies to the young lords question "You did superbly my Lord. Any provocation was purely theirs, and you handled the situation with grace and aplomb"
He continues to offer the Marquis comfort, bringing him a glass of water to try and help with his throat, though he fears it will not be enough. As he does so, he mulls over what was said in that briefest of ecounters. It would seem the Marquis' son had been surrounded by vipers who poisoned his ear, and certainly had too much sway over the man. And what was meant by the "way the Earl was raised?". It had set off the man into anappopleptc rage.
He would have toe wait until Dougal returned with the medicine to ask his questions.
Lazarus steps forward as the room begins to dissolve into chaos. Into this maelstrom of noise and movement, his trained voice cuts through like a knife.
"Enough! What is needed is calm, and the chance for the Marquis to explain his actions to his son. There is nothing to be gained by throwing accusations arround. Let the man speak, or are we to presume to know the mind of the Marquis before he himself has spoken" This last is asked to the knight who spoke so quietly yet with great effect.
As he speaks, he moves to Marquis wheelchair and rests a comforting hand upon his back. At the last he speaks quietly "My lord, I have some touch of the healing magic, would it help for me to channel this to you?" The question is pitched low, so hopefully only the Marquis can hear it.
Diplomacy to try and calm the situation 1d20+11=23. If the marquis nods or otherwise nods his assent, Lazarus will cast cure light wounds to try and help him recover his health. Not sure if it useful but Lazarus would try something to hopefully prevent this man from choking to death in front of him.
Lazarus nods at each point that Dougal makes, carefully comitting each of those names to memory for future refernce on the isles.
He is about to ask more details when the interruption at the door makes him turn. He stands quietly, wathcing while the tableau takes place, carefully observing teh interactions and faces of both Dougal and Marquis Burnd when the young man bursts in, wondering if they'll betray anything of what is occuring with their body language.
Not sure what I needed to roll for the info I was after in game. Te perform is rolled becasue my bardic preformance abilty allows me to use my singing instead of sense motive and bluff. I'm not sure how that works or how you want to implement it FW. happy to run with whatever you're after. Have put something in the ooc about it
Lazarus' seems crestfallen at teh news of the Earls injuries. He was a vibrant man who risked a great deal when the two had last ventured together. Again the violence of the world reached out to twist the little gnomes heart. He would not let this stand though.
At Dougal's words he chirps in again, "well then, perhaps we'd best get down to the business at hand. The sooner we get this information and head to the isle, the sooner we can head off this war. We already have one of those on the mainland, no need to start another out here where the world is more pleasent"
He moves to the table with the maps, refilling his glass before he goes and eating some more food. "Can you tell me more about the factions we'll be faacing. We have a self proclaimed regent, what else are we facing? Do you have any agents or men you can trust amongst it all that we may be able to seek out if things go ...interesting?"
Sorry for the delay in posting, wasn't sure if we were waiting on anyone. Cheers
Lazarus had been shocked to silence for a second time in less than ten minutes, something that rarely happened once a year.
"Fiallad has been hurt? Is it bad? How did it happen? I spent a long time trying to keep that man alive and he goes and gets himself hurt while I'm away!"
The little gnome is obviously a little shaken by the two events of the day. The see the Marquis so obviously frail and close to death, and then to hear of his friend's injuries had the bard seriously troubled.
"I shall travel there at once My Lord, to help the Earl once gain".
His passion was clearly evident in his trained voice, and he would have turned and left then and there except as he did he caught sight of the Half Elf mageling he had escorted to the Marquis castle and it brought him back to the presnet. Sometimes even he was surprised at his impetuousness. Maybe Talfen was right and he should show restraint at times. What a depressing thought.
Assuming this is the marquis and that he didn't look this frail last time I met him, lazarus will do the following. Feel free to cut and paste it for me into public view, or let me know and I'll do so. Cheers
Lazarus is shocked at the appearence of the man before him. Last time he had spoken to the Marquis Burnd, the man had been old but not frail. This was a shell of teh man who had rewarded him so generously for his actions in returning the pearls those few years previously.
Trying to hide his shock, the little bard bows deeply to the Marquis and offers "My Lord, it is good to see you again"
Lazarus takes the offer of food with genuine enthusiasm. He takes a seat, and offers all around some wine, happy to pour and serve if they wish. As for food, he merely takes a few small pieces of fruit to eat, preferring to savour the taste of the wine without flooding it with heavier flavours of meat and other foods.
He raises a gass to the young mage he brought with him "Well Talfen, twould seem I managed to get you here safely afterall. Twas a difficult thing, what with all the wenching and partying you were involved in". He drops a wink at the half elf and allows a wry smile to show his humour at the ironic statement.
To the big warrior whom he addressed eralier, he replies "Well, youth is more about what's in ones heart as much as what one's face looks like. If you'd prefer, I can address you as old Horse?" the little gnome grins, but then looking at the size of the man whom he was poking fun thought the better of it. "Or perhaps we should just stick to names. Lazarus Quint, traveller and bard, pleased to meet your aquaintance one and all"
He raises his glass in greeting before sipping at the wine.
Lazarus perks up at the young mans question, and he immediately begins to talk, catching himself only long enough to allow Talfen to finish.
"I met the Marquis a few years ago now, when I returned something precious to him. In deference to the Marquis, however, it is not a tale to be told without his blessing. When he gives it though, I'll happily regale you all with the tale. Tis a grand telling I must say, full of action, honour and has a pretty girl at the end. Everything a good tale needs really."
"How about yourself good sir? Are you and the strapping lad beside you aquainted with the Marquis?"
He stands there, a picture of complete attention on his face as he readies to hear their tale.
Lazarus openly studies the others standing in the room with him. The little gnome has dressed in his better clothes for a meeting with the Marquis. The quilted vest and long trews are of good quality and brightly coloured in blues and gold. Certainly they stand out, but are not overly gaudy.
His long hair is worn braided back today, with only a single lock left free to drape down across his face occasionally. He stands next to Talfen, quietly humming a tune popular amongst the people of the isles. Somehting he had overheard the men of the town singing last night in his trip around the local taverns.
He turns his head slightly and whispers to the half elf beside him
For Talfen
Spoiler:
"Interesting crew the Marquis seems to have assembled. Could be a song or two amongst them I'm thinking. Wonder what he wants us for?"
Practically finished here. I only really have to complete a description for him, which I'll do tomorrow.
I bought masterwork armour and masterwork crossbow. He has a mule for carryng much of his gear, to try and keep him at a light load. He still has around 100 gold, but is it possible to secure part of this in a bank or some such institute and carry a mark of credit?
I didn't go for anything really magical, though I did purchase 10 silver tipped crossbow bolts for him.
I took a trait that allows him to stabilise others automatically as a standard action and tied it to his backgound (recovering the pearls). There were a few knowledge traits and some charisma traits that may have worked but I'm worried about making him a one trick pony. This adds a new facet to his character that I like. It's his inherent love of living and loving that feeds this abilty.
I havne't bought food supplies for either he or the mule as I figured thay'd be able to be purchased on the trip as a lump sum? Happy to adjust that if required.
I've done a bit more on equipment FW. I bought him a mule, otherwise he wouldn't be able to walk anywhere (his strength isn't the best).
I have some remaining cash but wanted to know what my options were for buying things like scrolls, potions and more mundane gear such as alchemists fire or acid flasks. (You mentioned it was a low fantasy game so wanted to check the limitations before spending up).
Well I thought I'd try my hand at writing a brief account of our journey to the Marquis from Lazarus' perspective. I've only done the troubeld encounter to see if you are both ok with this. It was just a bit of fun, to flesh out the trip and give some more character to my...well character really. Either of you can feel free to change what happened if you'd like. I get the impression from FW that we're in a bit freeform here at the moment. Cheers
An account of my journeys at the Marquis bequest.
"Having collected my charge, the wizard and I made quick our journey to the Golden Ale tavern. Twas a delightful little place, a warm hearth and hearty meal to greet a travellar ready for a nights rest. I had heard from a friend of mine that the food here was fair, but not so much as the girls who served there. The boy was not too far from the mark either.
I found us a seat and ordered some food from a buxom young lass known as Cheri. I tell you, these country girls are all giggles and smiles when one compliments their assets. Things were going swimmingly with young Cheri, when a large farmhand picked me up from my chair and threatened to spit me oer teh fire. It would seem he and Cheri were an item at one stage, a fact that seemed to have slipped the young waitresses mind while I sat on her lap whispering a tale or two in her ear. I think I may have been able to talk the situation down, but then the lads noticed the hlaf elf sitting at the table. Tis a curious thing to see an inn go quiet so quickly. Talfen handled it quite well I must say, he merely sat quietly sipping his ale while the farmboys worked themselves into a frenzy. Seemingly forgotten by my assailent, I began to chant a little bwdy ditty about the farm girl and the sheep wrangler, something popular in these parts I believe. It seemed to do teh trick, with the louts getting that glazed look that my Fascination seems to bring about. An improvised lullaby woven into the fabric of the song had those troublesome humans out like a light. Not wishing any further issues, I grabbed young Talfen and we left the comfort of the Golden Ale, though I did manage to steal one last kiss from Cheri before we went. I must remember to drop in on her sometime. She really did have a delightful smile."
Some background stuff - As an enemy/foil to Lazarus - Ellias Dothe was a gnome traveller Lazarus "looked up" in the small town of Lousielles (or insert a suitable mainland town). The gnome seemed affable enough and was certainly a good travelling companion. The two of them spent a good few weeks together in town swapping stories and carousing the bars, all in all an enjoyable prospect.
However, one morning Lazarus found himself under the "custodail care" of the local constabulary as a consequence of his friend using his name and some of his personal gear in a jewel heist. The two gnomes looked of similar enough appearence that Lazarus was "positively" identified by one of the people who was robbed and so he spent three weeks in the care of the towns gaolers until he managed to use his considerable diplomacy skills to convince the travelling Justicar to let him go.
He caught up to Ellias 3 months later in a small seaside town and repaid the favour by seducing the gnomes half elven accomplace and getting her to drug his drink one evening. The bard then slipped into his room and planted some banned narcotics in his room and tipped of the local authorities about the stash, claiming Ellias was the infamous drug dealer "Erny" the Dram, who'd been msuggling drugs for years in the area.
Since then the two have occasionally run into each other and when they do, one or the other usually ends up in trouble as a consequence of the others actions. It's getting to be quite frustrating for Lazarus.
I took this path in the story to try and maintain that practical joker aspect of gnomes, but added a slight edge of danger/consequence to it. I see them as not so much bitter enemies but more rivals. What do you think?
Also, I made Lazarus level 2 as it better reflects his well travelled nature. I imagine him having been around for a while and having seen some action during the 10 year war so far. It certainly matches his background concept at any rate.
The pearls and how he came by them I plan on writing a little background story for, but the main plot is he intervened when the real man behind their recovery was being set upon by the criminals who stole them. Lazarus managed to drag the man out of danger, but he died soon after from his wounds (this event is waht triggered his ability to heal. It tore him up to watch the guy die while he was hopeless to prevent it). The mans last words were the Marquis name and estate, so Lazrus travelled there and handed them over. While he never loed about what happened he worries that the Marquis may have overestimated his part in the event, but hasn't yet had the chance to set things straight. Does this sound good to you as well?
Updated my profile most of the way. Still need to finalise a few things now.
FW
Spoiler:
Bard is a really complex character to build. I'll check him pretty closely to try and make sure I haven't made any mistakes, but it might be worth casting an eye over him at the end. He's built for character interaction, but I have some useful spells and abilities for combat situations. He's definitely the "lover not a fighter" kind of guy. We'll see how that pans out for him and the group. Looking forward to this alread FW. I like the setting and the way you've built the party. Cheers
