Lens Lark's page

Hi all,

I'm going to be dropping this one and wanted to let you know; best of luck!

— Doug

All fair enough. I'm totally willing to accommodate this playstyle, while expressing concerns both in and out of character.

As to the rest, giving unwanted advice really isn't cool in my book; it's often nothing more than a veiled way to badger players at the table and/or make them conform to a given playstyle. No one here needs that.

This, coupled with incessant rolling against fellow party members, not sharing info, the general rudeness of the PC, and the responses to in-character criticism/concerns has not fostered a cooperative atmosphere… to say the least. As the Roleplaying guide says, "Players are responsible for their characters’ actions. “That’s just what my character would do” is not a defense for behaving like a jerk."

Anyway, I've said my piece… and then some :) As you rightly point out, the ball is in the GM's court.

And I speak up because some are too timid to speak up for themselves. I will not cease making such comments as I see this issue far too often and believe it to be a serious problem.

Ahh, I see. No one gets to critique the way you play, but you get to critique how others play.

Here's the thing: everyone in this PbP has been communicative and playing a cooperative game except you. And I'm pretty sure no one here needs or wants you to stand up for them. The only individual acting like a bully is you — and as a player, you are still responsible for your PC's actions.

In that context, please understand that neither you as a player, nor your advice, come off particularly well.

I'm sure that isn't your intention, and that you're an awesome and friendly player otherwise, but right now it sure dosn't seem to be the case.

Finally, if we wish to have further discussions around this topic, I would request we do so in the Discussion tab and not here.]

Agreed.

If Zwei values never interacting with teammates or NPCs, I would also appreciate it if they refrain from giving out-of-character advice on social scenes. If you value playing your character how you want, then don't tell others how to play their characters.

And in general if you're sensitive to feedback, don't dole it out to others, please!

I do not see how Zwei's sneaking could hurt social encounters with supremely logical beings. That said, if it turns out that I am hindering the group in some way, I will cease the hindering.

Your assumption here is that every being we'll be dealing with is going to be supremely logical. Further, if it looks like someone is trying to hide, it's logical to assume they have bad intentions in regards to the law. This might certainly hurt diplomatic efforts. Ultimately while I disagree with you here, it's somewhat subjective territory and up to the GM.

Overall, I want us all to succeed at this mission. I want to be communicative about any concerns, so we can all have a good time and enjoy playing our characters.

The Cooperate in Explore, Report, Cooperate does not mean I have to play the way that any of you want me to.

Totally. This is why I tried to address the issue in character, the way Lens would; others here also addressed it in character. I tried to frame my words above with the goal of accommodating your play style while getting everyone on the same page here. Part of "cooperating" might also be saying Hey guys. This is my character's shtick. I want to let you know ahead of time, and maybe we can work together to make it awesome. That's a great place to start, particularly if you enjoy the "cooperation" aspect of Society play!

Also please note that this doesn't mean players in character have no right to be frustrated with your own character's actions. It makes total sense that fellow PCs might be frustrated with Zwei right now. They have a right to roleplay their characters, too, and your PC's actions have consequences in the roleplay-centric portion of the game, within the bounds of PFS.

That said, if it turns out that I am hindering the group in some way, I will cease the hindering.

Thank you. If it turns out that hiding is deleterious during social encounters, please stop doing it.

Lens is going to do something else.

We come as representatives of Abadar… thrice-blessed be his name! Lens examines the strange creatures with unabashed curiosity.

You are a police-thing? He adjusts the feather in his hat as he considers. Your senses must be extraordinary.

He turns to his fellow Pathfinders. A demonstration. With so many powerful beings in the vicinity, perhaps skulking about isn't so wise. Futile at best; misunderstood at worst. A little louder, he continues: You see, I'll never be able to find you, Zwei… I concede that you a master of stealth! You've won! Ha, ha, ha! In a normal voice, he continues: But I posit that the beings we're to deal with in this place can see you, Zwei… and that they see you right now. He whispers: And if we're being followed by a third party, perhaps these Monitors can be put to good use…

He turns back to the monitor. As a representative of Abadar (thrice-blessed be his name), of middling standing with the Eternal City, I request that you inform me as to how many humanoids you saw pass through the portal yonder, and how many you discern right now. It is a matter pertinent to our task, which is one involving the rescue of beings trapped in an unraveling demiplane. I suspect there is one halfling hidden nearby — and possibly another being. Can you confirm for me, please?

diplomacy: 1d20 + 27 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 27 - 2 = 44

As a player I want to accommodate the sneak around playstyle, especially if the player has invested heavily in the skill (Lens is often hiding in images/objects, himself, I get it), but would prefer the player work with everyone to make it happen in a way that is fun for everyone and not potentially damaging to the diplomatic nature of our mission. I worry that the beings we'll be dealing with in social encounters are very powerful and will be able to spot Zwei easily, meaning he's effectively only hiding from his own team. Maybe sneak around, but come out into the open for social encounters as a sign of good faith? Just a suggestion!

Lens cranes his neck around as he pantomimes an exaggerated search for hidden creatures following the group.

But we already have a Zwei!

Shall we? While the flame burns, Lens winks at the worried petitioner and steps confidently through.

Let us complete the ritual, and then allow Esfir to conduct us to the nearest portal!

Seconded!

I have infinite questions, Esfir, but a greater need to attend to my own immediate impulses. Thus, I believe it is expeditious that we part ways.

The mesmerist turns to Ruby:

Do you also see the good auspices? Ex quadrupedibus! An honest equine has crossed our path! By the hoof on the head, I have waited long enough for this reading, thanks none to the thrice-blessed — thrice — blessed — whatever! This precise time is propitious! We must get it done!

Lens will do a reading! Also, of course he's not telling the truth about knowing auspices and such :)

Lens glances about, wondering what Ruby is looking for. He notices the small box, which he suspects is a harrow deck.

bluff to convey secret message to Pathfinders: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (7) + 29 = 36

I'm sure we'll find what we seek, if everyone works together.

Message: can the team help Ruby? He assumes Ruby is looking for something that's needed for the Harrow reading, which he would still enjoy — even here on Axis.

Ahh, I see.

Lens straightens his shirtcuffs as he wracks his brain for information on the Empty Court; he fails to come up with anything useful. Well then. Well, well, well then… He frowns. Does anyone know about this "Empty Court"? It might be time to head off to the Axiomites, yes? Assuming, that is, we can travel there — or anywhere on this plane — in a sensible amount of time.

What was this formal reprimand for, wise Esfir of the 14th Order, 289th Echelon of Abadar's eternal retinue?

Lens is happy to assist on diplomacies, especially if that's a place where a particular player has invested resources/ feats! This goes for all the skills. Cooperation is a key part of PFS.

If it helps, like many other mesmerists Lens's focus is bluff: +29 after the planar trait adjustment. His Intimidate is +21 right now. He's also invested 9/9 ranks in Linguistics (+12 adjusted), UMD, and has a +13 modifier in perform oratory with the annoying planar adjustment.

Just noting that here, so we can coordinate better if something like this comes up again.

Yes, thrice, thrice, thrice-blessed! I am Lens Lark. Do you have a name? Please, tell us where Hao Jin is, or, barring this, where those who might know of her can be found. Lens does his flouncing bow again.

Lens will also auto-aid Aquila on diplomacy; +25 modifier after the planar alignment adjustment.

Lens laughs aloud at the joke. And yes, good Kramac, there are so many scoundrels and liars in this sad world, that one must learn a little legalese to protect oneself. Lens's smile is tight, and doesn't reach his eyes. Axis will be a nice change of pace.

earlier

Lens bows politely to the small figure with the bow. Welcome!

now

After Ferqyr finishes, Lens rolls his eyes and titters. Oh, how we all love an indemnity clause! "Give up you rights, or go home." Well, Keeper, Lens Lark's soul is spoken for, and his mind will live elsewhere if the living body is damaged. There is no harm in granting you security against an infeasible scenario; it costs me nothing.

He pauses. I am here to help the Pathfinder Society, learn about the famous Hao Jin, and save the tapestry and its inhabitants. These goals do not seem to conflict with yours. I agree to operate in a matter befitting the Church of Abadar and its subsidary affiliates — to the best of my Actual Knowledge at this moment in time.

With all seriousness, he intones: …Aye.

Any knowledge checks on the Plane of Axis or Eternal City, for what we know in character?

Lens reads the letter and opens the satchel.

Is there time to do Caravan Bond/ a Harrow reading with Ruby? Lens will also implant a trick in our main frontliner if they permit. Kramac?

Lens does his routine again (flouncing hat, shallow bow, voucher), when Barnette appears. What a… substantial bat. His name is Lark, did you say? A cousin of mine? Ha, ha, ha!

Lens Lark smiles and listens carefully to everyone's ideas on Hao Jin, but privately wonders if she offered her prisoners safety and a better chance at happiness than the world might otherwise give. Whether they knew or not might not matter… at the very least, the original circumstances may have been more complex than they now seem, thus requiring a flexible application of ethics — or, at the very least, something less than hyper-zealous egalitarianism… Much like myself, after all, Hao knew better — in such situations, common strictures of morality need not apply.

But he keeps these thoughts to himself.

Lens grins at the paladin. Lens Lark. Here, as circumstance dictates, with a promise to behave himself as circumstance dictates.

Lens considers. I wonder, do the beings in the tapestry know they're there? Perhaps we're all in another tapestry.

Forefinger and thumb on chin, Lens considers the Harrow Deck. Hmmm… Yes… that very last part… divine guidance is the most tricky step…

The feather in his hat flounces and his blue eyes gleam as Lens looks around the room. He bows with casual swagger.

Lens Lark — prognisticator, reader-of-things, finder-of-things, therapist, metaphysician, and honest upstanding gentleman — at your service!

He shoves a voucher into each of your hands. A free reading or session for friends! Please, stop by my office here in the city, or visit my little mansion out in the Taldan countryside. I do love guests. Kramac, I'll even do a reading for Beak, if she wants.

He turns to Aquila. A Knight-Captain! It's so good to be in the company of other upstanding citizens. Awesome character art, by the way.

Lens eyes Ruby's harrow deck. Of course, Ruby, of course. You know, my friend Seravnia also does these Harrow Readings, but absolutely refuses shows me how it works. He shakes his head sadly.

Lens would totally like a reading and help out with the Caravan Bond, assuming time permits.

He snaps his fingers. Oh! While I have managed to learn much about the legendary Hao Jin, I've never traveled in the tapestry myself.

When the sending comes, Lens is slouching in his candlelit office, idly jiggling a thin sheet of metal — part of his fortune-telling booth's many internal mechanisms. (This particular one creates the sound effect of a tiny thunderstorm rattling behind the cheap velvet curtains).

Invoices are scattered across the desk; these are for various services rendered: prognostication, palmistry, scrying, omens, astrology — all payable to LENS LARK — all brazenly overpriced — all addressed to persons of various repute.

He roars for his porter: LERCH! Get the fortune-telling machine out!

He leaps up. Vault… of Abadar… He scratches his chin. Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 Abadar… Jostlyn… He sits down. Grand Council… Abadar… Vault… Jostlyn… He shivers.

He roars for his porter: LERCH! Put the fortune-telling machine away!

Someone downstairs curses while Lens doffs his nightgown. This exposes his left arm, which is covered shoulder-to-forearm in occult swirls that seem to slowly undulate in hypnotic waves. On very close inspection, a keen observer might note that each invividual whorl is composed of Infernal script, woven so tight that it looks solid from a near distance. Lens's mithral shirt stretches over his potbelly; he snaps his finger and suddenly it looks like a creamy cotton tunic with delicate yellow trim. He pulls on his beeches, his most comfortable mud-stompers, his favorite feathered hat, and his fox-fur cloak.

On the way out he grabs a stack of vouchers that bear his exact likeness. He presses one of these against his forehead for several seconds and then bends its corner up, giving it a subtle mark. He chuckles darkly to himself and steps out into the misty street.

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Lens will share all the above info with his teammates when they convene.

Player Name: Doug Hahn
Character Name: Lens Lark
Character Number: 232159-10
Faction: Sovereign Court
Day Job: diplomacy: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (7) + 27 = 34

Also let us know if there's anything about your PC we should know. My post above pretty much says it all!

Archer might be cool.

@GM BrOp: Turns out I'll be GMing this scenario on March 20th (I will start prepping about a week beforehand). I signed up to play this before I realized that. Is this okay with you? While I can separate player knowledge from character knowledge, I wanted to check with you and be upfront about this in advance.

I'm happy to be here with the scenario author as GM! I'll be bringing my level 9 mesmerist.

This particular character has never done play-by-post before; usually Lens gives everyone at the table a free fortune reading voucher (which may or may not be implanted with a trick); he also inhabits a creepy fortune telling machine from time to time. We'll see how well this translates to the text medium. Lens happens to look exactly like the person (William Blake), pictured on the fortune telling vouchers.

Please let me know if you have any questions about my character or the archetype.