Liraela the Inkweaver's page

Hey guys I’m sorry to do this, especially during this sore ofc story moment (though it feels in character for Lir), but I’ll be stepping down from this game. Feel free to have her stick around as an NPC until it makes sense for her to disappear.

Both my GM and work duties have increased as of late, and I don’t have the time to devote to everything I want to do. It’s been great fun, and I really am grateful for the chance to play her. Thanks, GM Peachbottom!

Oh, and be sure to kick Bartelby’s ass for me, would ya?

Apologies for the delay, been a busy few days. Will have a post up this afternoon!

Yeah there are a few that get it. Bard (light), Bloodrager (light and medium), Magus (light start, medium at 7th, heavy at 13th), skald (light and medium), and summoner (light). That's just base, I'm sure there are archetypes that give it for some classes.

I have played this system for too long, I think.

Xallis wrote:

If no one is claiming the +1 mithral chain shirt, Xallis would be happy to have it.

Can Xallis wear that without affecting his spellcasting?

I thought Icabhod might be interested in the armor.

Yeah, summoners have the ‘bard light armor casting’ clause, in their proficiencies.

I almost said Liraela wanted it, but the only real increase in usefulness is +1 max Dex over her current armor. And that wouldn’t even get her another point quite yet, so no reason for her to use it.

I also agree that returning home and sending workers is the best course of action, I don’t have any of those skills. I’m not exactly a trained carpenter or anything.

”Ah well, we have some news about that particular…’problem’.” Liraela says, knowing how delicate of a situation this is. ”We, how do you say it, ‘solved’ it?” she says,before realizing how that must sound to the tribune.

”But don’t worry, your baron is still alive and well, and has even been restored to his former human form. The curse has been lifted, by yours truly, and we are spreading the word so that Jambis may become a center of prosperity once more.”

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

If no one else needs it, Liraela would like the cloak of resistance and light crossbow for any ranged combat, and the elixir of tumbling might come in handy in some thief-like activities in the future.

Liraela’s eyes grow wide for only just a single second as they come upon the veritable hoard of treasure the ‘bandits’ produce. She hasn’t ever seen that much wealth before, outside maybe one or two of her old families’ vaults.
”A-ah yes. That will do nicely as a reward.” she says, clearly trying to keep her voice as calm as possible. ”And of course we’ll spread the word that the baron is back to the land of the sane. Benefits both you and us to do so!” she finishes with a laugh, clearly intent to tell tales of her work here today.

I have no intentions of raising a hand or even reporting them to anyone that would care.

They were all cursed as well, right cousins?

You don’t need to use a hero point reroll, Trevor. The first roll is high enough to activate the scroll and the second roll (using the caster level of the scroll) is enough to dispel the curse.

I think we did it!

Oh, just noticed he missed the DC by 1, thanks for the assist Henrika!

Liraela lays her eyes on the Baron beast after Trevor points it out, feeling her heart ache at the pitiful shape of a once great man reduced to ruins.

”This isn’t how your story ends.” she whispers, before freeing her voice. This time in common, so the spider beast can understand her.

Whispered winds, hear my plea,
Draw your gaze and stay with me,
See the snake with scales so green,
Leading you through fields unseen.

Once a baron, proud and strong,
Now a creature, bound by wrong,
In this tale, a chase unfold,
Through the meadows, bright and bold.

Gentle serpent, sly and swift,
Guide the beast, provide the lift,
Through the grasses, sunlight beams,
Chasing shadows, chasing dreams.

Eyes on me, feel the calm,
Let my song be your balm,
In this dance, find release,
Let your troubled heart find peace.

Follow now, leave the past,
With each moment, curses aside are cast,
In this song, hope is spun,
Till the healing has begun.

Stay with me, enchanted one,
In the warmth of the sun,
When the spell breaks, you shall see,
Your true self, wild and free.

It’s only a DC 15, but with Henrika’s -2, there may be a chance. Had to try! I’ve got 12 rounds available per day, which should be plenty for Trevor to finish the spell if it works.

Perform (sing): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

Fair enough! Will get my post up in a few hours. No one do anything hostile while I’m away!

Interesting idea. I'll let you try it.

The Baron does have a high Will save, so it's not guaranteed to work, but if he does fail, I'll allow the casting of break enchantment to not break the fascination, as long as no one else does anything hostile.

I think that’s what I’ll try. Can’t post fully until this afternoon but if I come up with an actual song for her to sing to him, could I use a hero point to make him roll twice and take the lowest?

I’ll write a short song for the occasion anyway, but it can’t hurt to ask.

Any potential threat to the target allows the target to make a new saving throw against the effect. Any obvious threat, such as someone drawing a weapon, casting a spell, or aiming a weapon at the target, automatically breaks the effect.

Does this paragraph mean that fascinating him won’t work during the casting of the Break Enchantment, or only when he finishes casting?

If that doesn’t work I could always try to make Trevor invisible with Vanish or my Disappearing Act performance and see if this thing doesn’t have blindsight or something.

The first roll (activating the scroll) isn’t even that important, since something bad only happens on a natural 1. Can just keep trying (assuming he doesn’t try to eat us but we have ways of subduing him long enough to let Trevor try a few times).

50/50 (almost) is actually way better odds than I was thinking, I’m okay with buying a scroll and giving it a try. Especially with hero points, the likelihood it works is fairly high.

Tychus Marcaius wrote:

If I mathed correctly, a scroll of Break Enchantment is only 1,250gp. I don't mind buying one it it stops these people from committing banditry.

The only problem with this is that you have to make a caster level check against a DC of 11 + CL of the effect. The scroll would have a CL of 9, so it's not exactly guaranteed.

This might be a 'come back and fix it later' problem if we can't find a true love to kiss him. (And no I'm not doing it, so don't even ask)

GM, was this info correct? Or is there some specific change with this case what would make it automatic? I’m just not sure how viable buying a single use scroll is if it isn’t likely to work.

We might be better off hiring and escorting someone that can cast it out here. Would cost 450 per spell cast that way, instead of 1,250. Might have to negotiate with him/her for other favors to get them out here, but there are plenty of things we can promise.

If I mathed correctly, a scroll of Break Enchantment is only 1,250gp. I don't mind buying one it it stops these people from committing banditry.

The only problem with this is that you have to make a caster level check against a DC of 11 + CL of the effect. The scroll would have a CL of 9, so it's not exactly guaranteed.

This might be a 'come back and fix it later' problem if we can't find a true love to kiss him. (And no I'm not doing it, so don't even ask)

Given that Trevor seems to have found someone, I suggest we all go speak to whoever this mysterious person is before continuing our attempts to break into places. Not that I’m opposed to breaking in, mind you.

Realized I used an outdated bonus for Lir’s disable device, it’s actually +14.

Liraela sees Navia struggling with the last lock of three, and decides that maybe she could try it.
”Hey, let me give it a shot. Throw that little helpful spell on me too, would ya?”

Disable Device: 1d20 + 1 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 1 + 14 = 28

Disable Device: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Liraela manages to find a way to relock the trap door to make it safe to walk on again.

”Careful now, ladies and gents. This place seems like it’ll be a bit dangerous.” she says, before noticing the triple locks on the door to the north. ”Oh, now that looks interesting…”

”It seems as if that’s all we’ve been dealing with lately: dead things and undead things and monsters. We truly are masters of a backwater place that’s been ignored by everyone around it, aren’t we?” Liraela says, shaking her head.

”Let’s get on with it, then.”

Acrobatics, spider CMD+2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Liraela takes the chance given to her by the haste spell to slip her way through between the two closest spiders, lining up her blades with Henrika's distraction.

Attack, +1 kukri: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 1 + 2 = 20 Damage: 1d4 + 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + (5, 2) + 6 = 14

"In a pinch I can use it as well, should the situation arise. Truly a generous reward for a service performed. Perhaps your church isn't that bad after all!" Liraela exclaims, clearly poking some good-natured fun at Tychus.

Night swan things

Her face twists in concern after seeing the letter, clearly bothered by it. "A shame, I was hoping we could come to some sort of agreement with the Swan. Doesn't seem all that possible anymore, I suppose."

She pinches her nose with two of her fingers, clearly lost in thought.
"We should probably deal with her now, in one way or another. Before things get out of hand."

Still taking advantage of her positioning on the snake, Liraela lashes out with a flurry of strikes intended to end this things existence. A shame, she really likes snakes. Just not when they're trying to kill and eat her friends. Friends. What a weird word to think, much less to say. A thought for another time perhaps.

Attack, Main Hand: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 1 + 2 = 25 Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 5 + (4, 3) = 13

Attack, Main Hand, Hasted: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 1 + 2 = 28 Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 5 + (1, 2) = 12

Attack, Off Hand: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 1 + 2 = 18 Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 5 + (6, 4) = 17

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Liraela uses her enhanced speed to get around on the other side of the left hand snake (hopefully dodging any bite coming in) and attempts to stab it in the back.

Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 1 = 27
Damage: 1d4 + 6 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + (4, 4) = 17

”And when a crime deserving of said firmer hand is laid in front of us, I will not hesitate to use it. This one and the previous one, however, did not require it.”

She relaxes her accidental aggressive posture upon seeing Trevor’s, and takes a deep breath.
”Are we in agreement then? Or is there anymore to say?”

”Leniency? It’s not leniency to force him pay back the costs of his mistake. It’s a fair and just punishment, exactly as it should be.” Liraela says, her voice not showing any of the cheer it usually has.

”We are enacting the exact penalty that is required, and no more, while also providing the path to not making this particular mistake again.”

So obviously this crime judgement hits a little close to Liraela’s childhood, which is why she’s a bit heated about it and so insistent that the punishment be as light as possible. Don’t worry, though, she doesn’t see it as malevolent. She trusts the group enough by now to chalk it up to not being educated on certain lifestyles and what it requires.

To put the punishment Liraela suggests into perspective, you make half of a Profession roll per week in money (speaking of which, I need to start singing for money weekly around the county, every bit counts!). The average farmer has a +9 in his profession skill, which means that even on a 20, they’re only seeing 14.5 gold pieces per week in return. And obviously they won’t roll 20’s every week, so there will be times when he doesn’t get paid even that.

The punishment of having to repay the 100 gold pieces is actually a significant penalty to a random commoner and will likely take up to 10-15 weeks (or even more depending on rolls) to repay, all the while still trying to make ends meet for his family.

Think of it less like leniency and more of Liraela trying to solve the main reason why she feels like the group is here: the poor quality of life in this area. She does intend on killing the count, after all. For now anyway, unless plans change.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
Hero Point Reroll: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27
Bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

Liraela will hand the letter around the group before handing it to the guards to take along with the 200 gold, should her 'cousins' wish to give any input upon it.

"I put my vote forward for a simple fine equal to the amount of goods this man has accidentally taken from our good friend the Count. If need be, I will personally lend him the money to pay the fine directly to the Lotheed estate, and he can pay me back in time."

Later, at the trial:

I wish it weren't so, but he knew what he was doing...

Liraela is absolutely aghast at Tychus' words when they speak about the findings in private.

"Are you insane? Knew what he was doing? Do you mean providing food for his family? This man deserves to die because he decided to take a single deer that the Count would likely never even see in his entire lifetime?" each sentence escalates in the heat with which she says it, but it's clear her anger is not aimed at Tychus himself. "I will not allow this man to be wastefully sacrificed to satiate one insane man's massive ego. I will march and kill the count himself before I sentence anyone to death for a crime like this."

Her fervor cools off a little bit as she begins to think rationally. "What is the price of one of these prized deer? Could we send a letter to the Count explaining it was an honest mistake with repayment for the lost game?" she says, her eyes hiding some of the fury she still felt.

@Xallis: I’ll get a full RP post up this afternoon after work, but if I’m reading your intent correctly (Inscribe Magical Tattoo), I was planning on taking it at level 7, yeah. Would’ve taken it this level but my caster level is actually only 4, not the required 5.

During the festival, Liraela spends a considerable amount of time among the crowd, making sure people are having a great time. This festival was her idea, but somehow it had gotten turned into this "show of combat". That's fine, let the fancy lords and ladies march around in their martial prowess bragging, Liraela had better things to do.

Like listening to who the people are discussing, what the crowd's mood is, and if there are any threats hidden amongst the innocuous festival-goers.

Sense Motive, crowd, improve Subterfuge DC 21: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

I don’t think they’ll believe us that it was the Night Swan. We (regrettably) left them alive, and they think a large (given my illusion) group of bandits attacked and stole from them.

We’ll have to think of some other plan, if we want to save the actual bandits in the Beggarwood. Which I’m not saying that we should, just throwing it out there.

Okay wait, don’t we know who the Night Swan is? Or at least, one of the people acting under the name, that is.

The assassination attempt on the Baron at the party earlier, didn’t Icabhod disable the trap that Lucretzia set for the Baron? Wasn’t there that black feather that might have been left behind intentionally? Either she is the Night Swan, or they’re actually a group.

I’ll probably have Liraela look into this with this social round when I get a second to get a proper post up. See if she can dig anything up on Lucretzia or her past.

"Ah, that's much better." Liraela says as the small group of thieves (because that's what they are) runs away from her impressive group of bandits and the rest of her actual party.

Once they've been gone for a bit, she'll dismiss the illusion and move over to the wagon.
"Now what do we have here?"

Anything interesting or is it just the harvest half they stole from us?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

”Oh come off it, you’re a bad liar, and your party magic tricks are not that impressive. Why don’t you stick from stealing from poor people? Wait, did you think I didn’t know?” Liraela says, laughing boisterously.

”You are no better than us, really, so why don’t we just skip this step and move onto the part where we take everything you’ve stolen and we decide to let you live?”

Turns out Ravithra listened! What wonderful rolls.

Liraela says a small prayer to Ravithra before the group heads out. ”I recognize I don’t ask for help often, oh Mother of Nagas, but these people we’re about to rob truly deserve this. I ask that you grant us your karmic blessing, and help us dispense justice.”

With that done, she sets about helping any of the group that needs help with disguises, particularly Navia. ”Oh come here, you. I have the perfect idea!”
Disguise: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
She does an admirable job at hiding her true form under the clothing and mask that Xallis provides, and then takes on the form of a burly female (disguise self doesn’t change your voice) bandit, as intimidating as she can manage.

Once they reach the camp, she will cast vanish, giving herself some time to sneak around the other side of the camp from the party. After that she will use silent image to create as many illusory bandit figures as will fit inside her allotted eight 10-ft cubes around the edge of their camp. (DC 14 to disbelieve if interacted with).

After that’s done, she’ll pop out of her invisibility in front of the men and begin the plan.
”Evening gents. I see you haven’t been the most attentive group of guards, seeing as how me and my gang have you surrounded. Why don’t you just hand everything over nice and easy, and no one has to get hurt?”

Bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

We'll just ignore that possibility and hope that we don't have to so unfortunately murder them all. Couldn't be helped, really!

I also have my sleep venom, if we actually are going the nonlethal route. Could use the hat of disguise plus my singing to distract them and then surprise attack them with the rest of the party. Sleep only lasts a minute but that should be enough to grab the cart and run off with it.

I’ve got two uses of Sleep Venom a day, and we have three of the Styx oil, and there are five of them, so it seems as if this is the perfect plan.

"I think that is a reasonable course of action. We have the Wig of Disguise to aid one of us in the act of surprising him. I suggest that I use the wig, given my unique appearance and my words to distract him from his course and have you all lay in wait. I have some experience with disguises, but that only matters if anyone else sees us doing it."

"He won't have the chance to rob from anyone else after we're done with him." she finishes.

Updated Lir's character sheet for level 5, decided to take Silent Image instead of Grease, as it both fits her better and we have at least one person with Grease. Let me know if you see any mistakes!

"I am hesitant to engage in outright banditry or theft,

"Well, I'm not." Liraela answers through the message spell. "This man is clearly not even a true tax collector, I intend to take everything he has. Leaving anything behind would ruin the intention to make it seem like banditry. We can spend some time cleaning out some existing bandit camps afterwards to make it look like we care."

"In fact" she continues, somehow managing to show her irritation through the magic. "If he somehow mysteriously ends up dead I would not lose any sleep over the bandits enacting their vengeance."

If you’re not down for the unique improvement, can redo it with one of the stated ones.

I’d like to take this chance to attempt an unconventional improvement on my Subterfuge. In a fun little roleplay moment, Liraela will try to make it seem like she did help with the crops, but instead played the role of the ‘leader’. Organizing things and such, but no actual physical work.

Bluff DC 21, Rank 3: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

Liraela spends the harvest day amongst the people doing the arduous work, and definitely does the work alongside them. She is an incredibly valuable worker to the effort, as she directs carts and workers to specific crops and makes herself look like the work couldn’t be done without her.

When the tax collector shows up Liraela doesn’t object, but upon learning the truth of him she immediately makes plans to hunt him down and take back what is rightfully theirs.
”Don't you worry, Onora, we’ll fix this. Or, rather, the bandits in the woods will fix this.”

Side note, are my persona numbers correct? Only having 4 seems low, unless I did other things with some phases. Just want to check!

So sorry for the lack of post, super busy weekend. Getting one up now.

I absolutely think we should rob this tax collector of everything he has, and if he ends up dead at the end of the night with a dagger in his back? Eh, these things happen.

Would also like to spend 2k gp to get my other kukri magical.

Gonna sit down after work tomorrow and put Liraela through PC Gen, see if there are any mistakes with her. I think there is at least one with her skill points.

Liraela listens to the entire conversation, somewhat aloof and not really stepping in until towards the end. She moves over to the baron and places an arm on his shoulder comfortingly.

"Excuse my frankness, Baron, but as someone who wishes their parents had paid more, well any, attention to her as a child. You are doing fine, and will do fine."

She waves a hand around dismissively at any argument he may see fit to bring up. "Believe me, friend, you'll figure it out."

If you need an extra hand for a few days, I can pay Stachys a visit and show you just what an old man can still do."

"Well, we certainly wouldn't say no. Would be a good optics opportunity, at the very least."

Liraela would like to retrain her Finesse Training from Daggers to Kukris, which will cost her 5 days and 250 gp.

She'd also like to purchase one +1 kukri and one masterwork kukri (curse you, lack of funding!) for her new class feature, though I think I have to head to Lotheedar for that, as it costs 2,000 GP to have one enchanted. At 2,308 GP for the magic and 308 for the masterwork, that leaves her entire costs at 2,866. Leaving her with 307 GP. We need to rob a bank or something!

"Ah, thank you. I had been feeling slightly under the weather." Liraela says upon being cured the next morning. "I very much appreciate that."

Diplomacy, gather info: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
Whew, almost didn't make it!

Liraela shares what she hears about the baron and his mother with the group, putting the question of his legitimacy to consideration.
"We probably shouldn't spread this rumor, or truth whatever it is, any farther than it already is. If we wish to keep him on our good side that is."

since I think we learned that he is generally opposed to subterfuge.

sad sneaky snake noises

I agree, though, he's likely a good place to start.