The number of times my character has been belittled,
GMEDWIN wrote:
Liath goes onto to the other ships and starts to collect rope that is completely unnecessary.
or ignored,
Liath Jasmine wrote:
Her family's blood boils up within her and before she can spare a conscious thought her twin steel-clad fists are lunging at the remaining guard. She bares her sharp fangs and an in-human snarl escapes her raw throat.
GMEDWIN wrote:
Nura moves in quickly with her blade and kills the second guard.
and now it seems that even basic rules about spells are ruled to the detriment of my character without foreknowledge.
Wisdom
Bonus Spells
13 1st
14 1st
Were it just one instance, that's of course forgivable, but for some reason I'm not welcome here.
Liath claps as Zaheed makes the door submit to his will. "Oh joyous day! What a feat of strength to mark this journey!"
A problem nagels her at the back of her mind, and she approaches one of the foemen that surrendered. "Know you, when we encountered your brethern in the barracks, I did my best to tie them fast, lest we need to slay them all.
If we all are now to be friends, I would see no need to keep them so fettered.
If you will give me your word that no arms will be taken up, I would give leave for you to go and release them."
One of the rickety wings of 2E is the discussion of optional rules, simply because the system tried a plethora of rules, rather than just coming out with another edition.
Given this, most times it's best to either forgo any optional rules altogether.
If we're going to be talking about what optional rules would be our druthers, I'd like to put in votes for Character points and Subabilities. =)
@DM: I'm burning with curiosity about something. Since you say that you DM PFS also...why start a game in 2E? I had thought the general opinion was that 2E was thoroughly eclipsed by all that came before it, but it seems I am wrong about that?
"Nay nay! Let it not be so!" Liath cries as brave Zaheed is sticken by the enemy. "The battle is only just begun and the adventure just born for so noble a warrior to draw his last!" she monologues as she makes her way over to Zaheed.
To my knowledge, there are Attacks of Opportunity in 2E. If there are, there might be an optional rule that I've not heard we're using.
At Zaheed's side she kneels and lets a warm healing light flow into him.
Liath lets out an inhuman screech of pain and rage as the only man of skill or speed amongst the attackers scores home a hit that would slay a normal man.
But she is neither man nor normal. Even as the blade, red with her blood, cuts back for another swing, she is already flailing, punching, her arms working like pistons to beat her foeman to a bloody pulp.
Fadilah says, "These fine fellows won't sleep forever - someone may wish to tie them up."
Liath's lips curl into a smile. "Peradventure, I may be of some service here."
One at a time, Liath uses her skill at Rope Use to loop bonds around each sleeping form, tying them securely to their beds, so when they wake they will be as still as the sheets they lay on.
Liath was still gazing appreciatively at the magical, moving waterfall and gave the guards but little attention. Indeed, her first thought was that she might ask them if they knew anything about the history of this place and if they had a hand in its creation.
But as swords are drawn and blood is spilled, such thoughts are burned away in a red tide of battle-rage. Her family's blood boils up within her and before she can spare a conscious thought her twin steel-clad fists are lunging at the remaining guard. She bares her sharp fangs and an in-human snarl escapes her raw throat.
Liath was but newly come to the ways of desert survival, and was still looking up a section of 'edible plants' when Zaheed espied a trail. "Hm? Oh, ah, yes yes, you have the right of it, of course."
"Ah, those ruins! Ah, yes, I have read of them often. Wonderful historical value.
I believe the famous Abu Nuwas wrote extensively of them. Unless I miss my guess, they should be East, Northeast, peradventure a 4 day walk, for one of your stature, should it please you."
She pauses in making a brief repast, if it is not needed if the stranger takes off, having gained what he sought.
Later in the morning, Zaheed approaches Liath as they ride. "This current task, to steal the brass ledger from Yodfah, which we have undertaken with no proof of the cause beyond the simple offering of coin, would be the death of all of us, if we do not have a very good plan. I admit to thinking that the surest way to get to Yodfah is to simply tell him what we know, to approach directly with news that someone wants vengeance against him. We know nothing more than that - only what we were told, which is not necessarily the same as truth. Indeed, by withholding key information - most notably how the woman has come to know about the existence and location of the ledger - she has given us all the leverage we need to convince Yodfah that we may be trusted. After that we may do as we wish."
Liath is somewhat taken aback by Zaheed's words. Was it not him who confirmed that this man Yodfah was a thief most foul? "But was it not you who said this Yodfah was a thief most foul?" Liath states. "By my view, peradventure we are but performing a deed most galant. We do merely procure evidence of this man's duplicity, and bring it to a knowing citizen who, I'm sure, will use it in a manner to bring about justice in...whichever way is most prudent. I guess?
Now that you mention it, the woman was quite scant on details. She simply said that someone was cheated, but did not say in what manner they were cheated, or by what amount.
I concur. I see no evil to ask this man to explain his side of the story, and perchance to put to rights what this tale is. If he is a man good and true, surely he will not mind producing the books so we may gaze upon them and know his heart.
And if he is as low and base as we are told, there is always time to crush the life from him and take from his leavings whatever we desire," she finishes, her voice never wavering from her airy sing-song delivery.
***********meanwhile, back at the ranch*****************
"Oh nay nay, good Fatim ibn Turbaaannnn. Peradventure I am only newly come to this region, and am not so familiar with the cities as a native might. So and hence, alas I know not this Sokkar, nor which direction it might lay.
Of course, one of my companions may of course know more, but alas, I am fein to wake them as we are in the middle of a journey most perilous, and we all of us must needs catch as much rest as we are able.
If you would but care to wait for them to wake, you would be free to ask them as you see fit.
If wait you do, will you take refreshment? I can provide water in plenty, and would you take salt?"
Liath was not yet fully enmeshed in this Bond of Salt, but she reckoned it a puissant thing, and had vowed to make efforts to work it in, as things seemed to be.
She considered waking another of the group, but they did need their rest, and if charlatan he was, the day that a scion of the House of Borak could not handle one charlatan was the day she may as well cast herself into the sea.
Still, it was wise to be careful
She scanned about the camp to see if he had allies creeping about at the perimeter ready to launch themselves once he used himself as a distraction.
For that is what she would do, did she try this approach against a mark.
Liath had been poring over her notes, trying to ensure that she had gotten everything for the journey. While others were talking, she was scribbling small notes, most of which were 'this might be improved with a sheep.'
"Methinks our current task can be delayed anon for this favor. We are in need of rides anyway," she says mostly absentmindedly.
"Very well. I shall go and procure the needed foodstuffs and provisions for our journey.
Um, do any wish to contribute coin to the mutual pantry?" Liath asks, unsure if she'll have to pay for the whole expedition herself.
Liath's shopping list:
5 lb butter 1gp
5 lb dates 1 gp
100 eggs 8 sp
5 lb figs 1 gp
10 lb oregano .5gp
10 lb basil .5 gp
5 lb olives 4 gp
5 lb raisins 1 gp
1 lb sugar 1 gp
20 lb rice 2 gp
10 lb salt 1 gp
200 salted fish 2 gp
1 lb paprika 1 gp
250 gal. tun wine, common 10gp
Liath was quite during the lion's share of the journey, the anticipation of finding so monumental a find combined with the monotonous and familiar drudgery of sea travel seemed to cancel each other out and left her tongue with little else to dwell upon. The appearance of the sea-horses could not even move her muse to action.
But as the bard (whom she still did not trust) reminded them that they would be at sea for a fortnight, a spark ignites within her and she is again analyzing the situation.
"Oh my! Peradventure that shall require provisions for some time!
Oh my friends, I have seen the prices that merchants charge for these so-called 'iron rations' and have wept with anguish! Such a princely sum for so paltry and tasteless a meal can not be counted!
Allow me to provision us for the journey. It doth seem to me that were we to go to the merchants directly and order what foodstuffs we consider goodly, rather than simply buying through a middle-man set on naught but profit, we shall enjoy ourselves immensely more, and be rich in both belly and pocket in the offing!
Perhaps if someone of a silver tongue were to accompany me, the venture would go even doubly well?"
srsly my dudes, 10gp for a week of dry rations is nutso considering that 100 salted fish is only 1 gp.
"Don't say I didn't warn you..." Liath murmurs as she spies the fantastical creatures bearing down on them.
"Fortunately, it doesn't look like those creatures are born purely of the water. Perhaps if we display some initiative we shall be able to outrun them!
Unfurl all sails and bank the rudder hard right," she calls, heading amidships. "Anything with the head of a wolf can not be all fish."
She tacks the mainsail hard astern, trying to steal the wind and get some speed before the onrushing foe.
Nura tells Zaheed where he can stow the fish. You continue sailing northeasterly towards Muluk throughout the night. The next day in the morning the sun seems nice and bright.
Off the starboard bow you about 20 feet from your ship you spot a group of 11 animals that look to have the body of a seal and the head of a wolf. This group seems to be swimming towards you ship.
A seamanship check would've allowed us to get away from swimming animals that we couldn't see until they were 20 feet away from us?
I did not know that was possible and would have preferred if that was mentioned as a possibility.
Liath puts a gentle yet restraining hand on Zaheed's arm. "Have a care, love. I have read many stories, and in each a beast of a wondrous nature always brings doom to those who treat them harshly.
"Are you saying I'm not treating with him honestly?" Liath says, looking like a duck struck on the head.
She stands a while, in ulfish thought.
"We, some of us, have recently been given 750 coins by a wondrous being for setting him free, a good deed in itself. I am apt to take that as a sign by Learned Zann that goods deeds are rewarded by universal coin. What say we offer him such a like amount, 750, in return for his full service?
If he disagrees, we'll not kill him, but go looking for a guide. If every bard in every tavern can read a map then I should think if we look in a cartographer's shop we should be able to secure an honest expert's labor for a like amount.
Does that seem reasonable?"
Seeing as how dad would've killed both the bard and the warrior, she thought this a moment of personal growth.
She moves off and motions for the others to join her in a huddle. "I like not this charlatan's ways. I do not think he is worthy of an equal share...however that lands. This is no chest of trinkets or sack of coins. The river is a magical place, but holds little intrinsic value that can be carted away. Perhaps the waters heal when carried with someone, but who would know? More like the place is most valuable for the location, which could be secreted and sold to high bidders.
For this troubadour to think himself of an equal share when we have both map and ship rubs me poorly.
I say we offer him 500 coins.
And if he does not take it let us kill him where he stands so he troubles us no more.
There are always cartographers to be had. We will find one of an easier nature."
For the nonce she is serious, and her prior frivolity is burned away like morning dew in the hot day's sun. It seems that rage has a way of focusing her.
The group of you seem to stare at the parchment map for a fairly long time trying to get a handle on what landmass you are staring at and where it might be located.
A half-elven Rawun passes you by who looks like he was about to set up to play a set in the establishment with his zither, seeing the difficulty you are having with the map and says, "Salutations ladies, I am Kadin al-Zor al Faddi a humble musician and rawun and I am well versed in map reading, may I look at that map?"
"Uthman, Zaheed, this is Kadin al-Zor al Faddi. He has agreed to aid us in reading the map to find The River for the recompense amount of...."
Liath trails off and taps her chin cutely. "I'm sorry, good sir, but exactly how much recompense are you planning on charging us?"
She didn't know if it was her father's intrinsic paranoia, or something that someone said, but she was suddenly wary of the musician coming along for his own means.
Liath seems confused. "Are there...more?...corsairs that we need to go after?" she asks, her mind not really focused on anything expect the search for The River.
"And you are very kind and also gracious, peradventure I have no greater need for panoply but if you would give my largess to Zaheed I would be ever so grateful."
I don't need any more normal weapons, but I'll aid Zaheed's check...however that works. :/
"Oh." Liath for once is caught tongue-tied and for a moment simply stares at the small fortune now piled in front of her. Gingerly she stoops down to investigate it.
Finding it really real, she bundles it all into a pouch and stands, only now regaining perspective on whats going on.
"Oh no!" she cries at the Djinn. "Peradventure could you enlighten us we would be ever so grateful!"
"Oh joy! Oh rapture!" Liath squeals as she claps her hands and jumps up and down. "Oh joy and rapture! Goodbye, master Djinn! Farewell on thee journeys to...wherever it is your are bound! Do think upon us with favor in the coming centuries! Perhaps we shall meet again, you never did know!"
Liath beams with a happy smile at how they have taken a significant step forward in their questing quests.
"Oh now we must be bound back for the tower! Othman and Zaheed, you have been such a boon to us, surely you will agree to accompany us to see this thing through?"
That she might now have leave or authority to bring others on board the ship just never does bother her head.
Liath's eyes go wide as she sees the large gash in Uthman's side. "Oh my goodness oh my goodness! Peradventure you have been dealt a savage cut and all but sliced in twain! Allow me to rectify this as reward for toeing the battle-line so bravely!"
CLW!:1d8 ⇒ 5
Nodding at her good work, Liath inspects the area. "Are we quite concluded here? Have we gathered enough camel dung to return to our duties?"
Hee. No worries. I think we're all still getting used to 2E. =)
As Nabila leans in to heal Liath, she hears her murmur gently.
Nabila:
"I'll come back for you father. And you will suffer."
Liath wakes up and rises, batting her eyes rapidly, like a teenager getting up from a nap.
"Oh! Peradventure I must have been dealt a more harsh blow from the terrible monster than I had envisioned.
Are all of us in good health? I seem to be somewhat poorly so I must needs see to my own tempers."
Liath concentrates on her body, and lets her knowledge of healing and magic flow through her.
CLW!:1d8 ⇒ 8
"Ah! Now I am restored. In my dreams am I correct that I heard someone desire the creatures' poison? I believe I can adjudicate such a transaction."
Liath strolls over to each corpse and flexes her orcish musculature. For a moment her exposed skin on arms and back stand out in stark relief as if a porcelain doll of carved limestone was suddenly attacked by tree roots.
She casually rips off the lower third of the vertebrae making up their tails, allowing for the poison sack to be removed without doing it harm, and brings it over.
"Here you are, good Zaheed. You should get this into a sack so you do not injure yourself, I should think. You have our gratitude for thy efforts in slaying these foul beasts.
Are we ready to continue our search for the needed supplies the good blacksmith requires?"
Is everyone's hp correct? And could everyone please put them in the format of current hp/max hp? I can triage better knowing who is done what from how much.
Meh. Given the mathematical impossibility of 2nd lvl characters making that roll, I just gave it over to judicial modification of the save. OF course the DM is free to create/modify monsters so they resemble nothing in the MM. (This one time a guy ran trolls that HEALED when exposed to fire and acid. Good times....)
You can mod saves for the save to be "save vs. magic at +2" or whatever.
Given that the deadliest venom comes from the smallest scorpions, it's perfectly understandable to the poison save for very big scorps to be at +9 or somesuch.
"No father, I promise I won't talk to him again...please let him keep his other arm," Liath murmurs into the uncaring sand as Nabila brings her into stable unconsciousness.
Oh yes, I've no call to complain that we have a random encounter. Indeed, we should have more! =p It was just a question of scale that was the point.
This might just boil down to the odd bistro-math of DND where they'll make a table for PC level 1-4, even though a 4th level party is FOUR TIMES MORE POWERFUL than a 1st level party.
True story: This one time I was in a game, we were all first level, just out of town on our first adventure hook. We leave town and have a random encounter.
It's a troll.
Well we didn't want to disappoint and turn down our very very first encounter, so we unload at range, and we do quite well, we think we could pull through.
Then the DM says 'Oh, yeah, the troll has barbarian character levels' and wipes us all out.
