Magnar of Highhelm's page

I'd be up for continuing if someone else can find a new GM.

"May we speak to this Ketrezka?"

Satisfied, Magnar explains the situation.
"The guardsman Rodrik was murdered last night. The assassins tried to make it seem like a suicide with a note, but the handwriting does not match Rodrik's. We have a suspicion that he was investigating something and was killed because of what he found. His betrothed, Brinya, said he had a journal of his investigations and used to come here to write. We thought you might have seen this journal, or that we might be permitted to search for it."

"Greetings. I am Magnar of Highhelm, a priest of Torag. May I ask your name? Are you a servant of the Inheritor?"
Magnar isn't going to discuss the mission unless he is fairly certain that she is an Iomedean.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Magnar calls upon the power of Torag to heal Geim.
Murderous Command -> CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Channel 1 of 2: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Sheesh!
"How did wolves get into town? Let us alert some guards, then continue to the temple."

With only one left, Magnar gives his spear a try.
Longspear: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Geim, remember that you can use Touch of Law on your saves as well as on your attacks.
Although we are sort of in 'Block Initiative', I will wait to take my turn until after Geim goes. Will probably just use Touch of Law on him again but we'll see what happens.

Am I up?
Magnar moves and uses Touch of Law on Geim.
"Trust in Torag! He will guide your hammer."
Geim can treat all d20s as 11's for the next round. Would be good for Kílien but I don't think Magnar knows she can flurry.

I know we are not using a map right now, but Jorani has both Combat Reflexes (to take multiple AOOs even when flat-footed) and a reach weapon. Would he get any AOOs?

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Just a suggestion - it's pretty widely used in my experience that the GM rolls initiative at the beginning of combat, so you can jump right into whoever's turn it is, rather than spending a few days waiting for these rolls to come in. And if people have abilities to reroll initiative (like Tactics subdomain) they can do them retroactively or notify the GM ahead of time.

Knowledge (Local), untrained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

"A skilled forgery. We are dealing with trained professionals here. We should be on our guard. Brinya, I am convinced this note is a forgery and Rodrik did not kill himself. We will find out who killed him, and bring them to justice."
With that, he prepares to head to the temple of Iomedae.

Magnar examines the writing carefully. Perception, +5: 1d20 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 5 = 24

Does the handwriting match on the poem and the 'suicide' note?

"Thank you Brinya, we will go look for that journal. But in case we can't find it, do you have anything that Rodrik wrote to you? We might wish to compare the handwriting with this note here."

"She gave it to Rodrick as a token of her love, and he lost it. He had a replacement forged by Morninghawk - we found the receipt. I suppose could go talk to the smith. That's why the customer, Rodrik, commissioned a knife dedicated to himself - he was replacing the lost one."

"If there is a way to send a message to those who have passed beyond, we will. I would suggest a prayer if nothing else. His spirit might hear you. But it is my belief that somebody killed him before he had a chance to mend things with you. Most likely, his investigations were the cause. Either the plague house, or those white crosses or swords around town. We will learn the truth and we will avenge him. Did he share anything with you about his investigations? What he had found, or what he suspected?"

Pretty sure Brinya, the fiancee, will say that knife is not the Hopeknife she gave him - he had one commissioned to replace the one that she gave him and he lost. That much we know.

Knowledge (Local) untrained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

"Looks like we have a lot of leads to follow. Let's start by visiting Brinya as Kurst suggests."

"We'll talk to Omast about the Plague House and Rodrik's investigation there.
Were there any other investigations he was working on?
And did Rodrik keep records of his investigations? A journal, perhaps?"
Magnar stands near the human and puts a hand on his shoulder.
"If it wasn't suicide - if it was murder - we will find the culprits and avenge your brother."

Magnar nods. "She's going to think it's her fault. If she was angry at Rodrik for losing the Hopeknife she gave him. We'll have to tell her our suspicions that it wasn't suicide, and ask if she knows of enemies he might have had. But I think his investigation was the most likely cause of his murder. Maybe it relates to the orc movements somehow?"

"Yes," says Magnar, "I don't think it was suicide either. Just a hunch. If an investigator is murdered, a good place to start is to follow up what he was investigating. The Plague House? If this note is a fake, and I think it is, somebody wants us to steer clear of there. So that's where we should go. But we should to go Brinya first, I think."

Magnar keeps an eye on the surroundings, looking for anybody poking around or acting suspicious.
Of course, this situation is bound to attract attention, but he's interested if there is anybody acting more than just curious. Like somebody trying to cover some tracks.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

That note should say 'The Plague House', right? The Ramblehouse is the inn where we are? The Plague House is where he had said he saw a troll.

Magnar is still suspicious.
"Awfully lucid writing for somebody who was up all night drinking. Oh, it gets better, first drinking, then fighting three trolls and receiving no injuries? Something stinks about this. We'll have to break the news to Kurst that his brother is dead, but I don't think it's suicide. I'm sure I missed something. Maybe there are samples of his writing we can compare. Or maybe he was under some magical effect.
And we will also have to tell this Brinya - looks like he commissioned a Hopeknife to replace one she gave him but he lost.
AND we'll have to check out the Plague House. Lots to do."

Magnar wants to be sure. He notes details of the blood pool, the position of the body, the position of the knife, and tries to reconstruct the scene. Was Rodrik sitting, standing, or lying down when he did the deed? Which wrist did he start with? Are there other significant recent injuries?

Note that I don't actually need answers to these specific questions - really just "Does everything fit"? Magnar is being very meticulous and got a 20 on his Heal check.

As Magnar does his watch, he sees the crosses or swords.
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Perhaps he can make something of them, perhaps not.

Magnar wakes with the halfling's scream. He runs to see the problem.
"No! Rodrik!"
He tries casting Stabilize, but it is too late.
"Stay back! Don't disturb the scene - it may not be what it looks like."
He casts Guidance on himself, then examines the body, the position of the knife, and the blood. Does it seem like Rodrik killed himself, or was he murdered?
Heal check to play CSI:Trunau
Heal, Guidance: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 1 = 20

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Knowledge (Local) (Untrained): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Magnar makes the rounds, checking the fortifications and listening for sounds beyond the range of his Darkvision. When it is time for his watch to end and another shift to take over, he goes back to the Ramblehouse.

I hope the others didn't get into too much trouble.

FYI, Steel Soul is just to spells and SLA, not poison. Glory of Old is to all 3.

Magnar looks concerned. "A drink or two, sure. But a contest? If Kílien is right and orcs are on the move, they would likely attack at night. We cannot have Trunau's defenders inebriated or hungover."
He tries to dissuade Rodrik and Kurst, "What kind of shape will you be in for your watch shift?"
In an effort to be friendly, he partakes a bit, nursing his drinks and trying to convince them to slow down. Once he's finished two, he says, "Torag forbids it. In another time and place, maybe, but responsibility comes before pleasure. Good night, Rodrik, Kurst. Let's check out the Plague House in the morning."
He calls to the innkeeper, "Cham, save me a room, or at least a bed. I'm going to go take watch shift."
He leaves the tavern to head to a watchtower. He'll come back to the tavern to sleep afterwards.
While dwarves are known to be fond of drink, they can also be tiresome stick-in-the-muds when it comes to responsibility, so I don't think Magnar's behavior is unexpected here.

"Let's be sociable, Kílien. It takes years to earn a dwarf's trust - we may earn these humans' trust after only one evening at a tavern. They do have lookouts posted, and hopefully also have scouts up and down the roads."

I'm pretty certain the AP wants us to investigate the troll and also follow up on Rodrik's story before we get to the "orcs are invading" element, so let's go with what it expects.

Greaek is a relatively new GM (middle school student if I am not mistaken) who just started running 5 PbP campaigns at once. Let's not go off the rails too much.

"If Rodrik wants to bring along Kurst and maybe Omast tomorrow with us, that might be good. It gives people pride to take a role in defending their own town.
So I don't mind going for a drink with Rodrik in half an hour, then maybe staking out the Plague House tonight and watching, with a plan to go in tomorrow with the humans."

"A troll, you say? Such beasts are very dangerous, but there are none better than dwarves at dealing with them. We will investigate. Stay back, my good man, and let us check it out first. From what I have heard from the Player's Guide this Plague House sounds like no place for children to be exploring. Try to keep them away from it if you can while we investigate."

Magnar's comments above may count as an Aid Another for +2 to Jorani's check.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Magnar responds to Rodrik, "Odd goings on? Well they might have to do with orcs and they might not. But we may be able to shed some light on those matters if you can bring yourself to trust us. I swear by the Father of Creation that I am on the side of the people of Trunau against any orc incursion."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Magnar looks a bit annoyed at his 'victory' for a brief second, then glances back at Ruby and smiles. Humans are so sentimental. Not the way I'd teach the young, but ah well, it is their way.
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Magnar shakes the human's hand.
"Well met, Rodrik. I do not know how long we will be here, but we have a most important message for Halgra."

"Well, Jorani, the Father of Creation crafts his tools. And sometimes a tool is put to a use it's not meant for. One can use a forge-hammer to pound nails, but it's really not the best for that purpose. It sounds like you have found the task you are meant for?
I myself did follow the path of the priest. Though I have run into some resistance from those in Highhelm who are more focused on defending what we have rather than reclaiming what was lost. Geim knows of what I speak, and shares that goal."
He nods to the humans. "Greetings, Rodrik, Kurst. May the best team win."
He moves up and grabs the rope.
Does the dwarven Stability bonus help us at all here?
So now just waiting for Kílien's rolls.

"Good idea, Kílien. Humans like their ceremonies. Let's participate, then warn Halgra. If the orc attack isn't imminent - like in the next hour - they would be angry at us for ruining this day for Ruby."

@Kílien: Whoops! My bad for having skimmed the scene-setting post too quickly.

Magnar nods to the archer, "Oh yes, Halgra. That's right."

He is then is taken aback as Ruby calls to him.
"Uh... a game? But hadn't we best prepare for the orcs?"

He is willing to go, and moves through the crowd.

"Is that so?" says Magnar with alarm, "Geim, you may get your wish sooner rather than later. We should warn the humans. Who is this Chief Defender?"
The cleric takes up his longspear.

Magnar takes a look at the dwarf who dresses like an elf. No armor? In orc territory? He sees the holy symbol of Erastil and thinks A ranger or scout, maybe?
"Greeting. I am Magnar, and I greet you in the name of the Father of Creation. This is Geim Bloodmaul. We have traveled together from Highhelm."
There is pride in his voice as he says the name of the great city, the impenetrable Sky Citadel that has stood strong for thousands of years.

"Trunau forever!"
The cleric of Torag raises his voice in a cheer, though he is somewhat disturbed. Looking around town, seeing the number of half-orcs, he thinks I suppose not every human woman cornered by orcs manages to go through with the hopeknife. Some get captured and... and then we get half-orcs. Isn't that better than using the hopeknife, though? Where there is life there is hope, and even a half-orc may become a defender of Trunau. It is not my place to decide. I suppose the humans must choose for themselves.
Orcs of Golarion and the Giantslayer Players' Guide both make clear that this is a very common origin for half-orcs.

Magnar is wearing his armor and has his weapons with him. The longspear leans up against a nearby building, while his warhammer is at his belt. Since Trunau is technically within the Hold of Belkzen, he is always on his guard for an orc attack.

Did I miss the forum on Myth-Weavers? I am new there, trying to navigate the site. Anyway, we seem to be back now.

There is one possible Stealth trait, Highlander. As a regional trait it conflicts with Glory of Old, but then again he already has a trait bonus to Reflex saves from Roll With It, and the other two saves are his strong saves. So he could give up Glory of Old. Stealth also has a faction-associated trait, regional traits for Nidal and the River Kingdoms, and campaign traits for other APs, none of which apply.

Could take Additional Traits instead of Combat Reflexes at 1st, then have: Defensive Strategist (Religion), Fate's Favored (Faith), Roll With It (Campaign), Highlander (Regional), and Gifted Adept (Magic - for Magic Vestment), with the drawback of Vainglory.

@Kílien: if you want Dwarven Hatred Style, you'll have to drop the Giant Hunter alternate racial trait. It replaces Hatred, which you need for the feat. Even just the first feat in the chain is great for fighting orcs, turning a +1 to hit into +2 to hit and damage (that stacks with Favored Enemy or Dedicated Adversary).

@Jorani: I don't think you can get Disruptive unless you plan on taking six levels of Fighter down the road. Not all teamwork feats are combat feats, but some good ones are. Also, there's an alternate Favored Class Bonus for dwarven bards that gets you the ability to cast in Medium armor by 10th level. I don't know if we'll have access to well-stocked stores, but that would let you cast in mithril fullplate (you'd still need proficiency to not take the ACP on attack rolls, but that's either a feat or a dip away).

Re:UMD - Magnar's Touch of Law ability is great for UMD checks once somebody gets fairly good at it. Anybody could pick up the skill, but Jorani will be the best at it due to the class skill bonus and non-negative Cha. There are several spells and magic items to boost skill checks, and being able to "Take 11" on UMD is nice.

Magnar pretty much needs Deific Obedience at 3rd and Skill Focus (Knowledge - Religion) at 5th. His feats after that are up in the air.

I really like the Bodyguard plan. Magnar will be very happy to help others improve their defenses. This is much more in character for him than "Oh I see you ignored defense to focus on offense, so I'll endorse that strategy by taking all the attacks." Instead, he gets to help PCs defend themselves. Much better. And a party where everybody has decent AC means he doesn't have to spend all his spell slots healing. He's certainly willing to heal, but at least it won't be the only thing he does.

Magnar's low-level combat tactic will be using Touch of Law on himself as a standard action, then moving into position to get AOOs with the longspear. That is 3 AOOs per round, each of which he can treat as an 11 on the die (13 to hit at L1, or 14 vs orcs). As our opposition gets bigger and the AOOs stop coming, he'll switch that out for warhammer and shield. Also happy to use Touch of Law on others - it is great for UMD, for archers, for PCs making a lot of saves, and some others.

Down the road, we might look to all take Escape Route. Or at least the melee fighters. It is excellent for getting into position against creatures with reach.

Geim and Magnar have a very similar backgrounds and goals. Both thinking of Skyseeker? I might have done that if Magnar was the primary melee type, but as it is I think he will go for Exalted. It seems likely that they know each other and have come to Trunau together.

I see that Kílien also has Glory of Old, so she is also from the Five Kings Mountains? Did she spend any time in Highhelm?

Jorani is from Janderhoff, so wouldn't know the others, but his background training as a cleric of Torag will give him a way to relate to Magnar.

The three of you all could be decently good at Stealth. I could put ranks into it if that's an approach we want to use. I don't see any easy way to get it as a class skill (I would have to give up Glory of Old to take Highlander, and Fey Thoughts doesn't fit the character) but could take Skill Focus (Stealth) down the road which closes the gap between class skill and not. Or craft Shadow armor.

Changes to Magnar: I think I can drop Con to 14 to boost Int to 12 and Cha to 9. Put the extra skill point into Diplomacy. Swap Fate's Favored for Defensive Strategist (a Torag religion trait). If I want Fate's Favored back, I can take the Additional Traits feat down the road.

Can you open up the Discussion thread? And would we be allowed to make any adjustments before getting started? I might switch around a couple of ability points or traits now that I see the party we have.

Sweet!
All-dwarf party (or at least dwarfy enough for +4 AC vs giants). Bard, cleric, ranger, monk. Looking forward to it.

Cleric of Torag, ready to go. All there in the profile.

I didn't assume any pre-game crafting of armor. It would save some money, but we have max gold already and I didn't want to be greedy.

I thought about making a gnome Fey sorcerer, but I was kind of hoping we might get an all-dwarf party.