Martin of Berwick's page

Hey, I'm really sorry to do this... But, I am struggling to find 5-10 minutes a day to get a post up, right now. I find I'm skimming, rather than reading, all of your posts, so I can get mine typed up and dash off to the next thing... which is neither respectful to you, nor how I'd like to be participating in the game.

As we are moving into the busiest time of the year at work, and I'm getting closer to some big personal life events, I don't see it getting easier in the near future. I think, to help you keep the game pace going, it would be best for me to withdraw.

If you need me to craft a post to make Martin's sudden absence less jarring, I should be able to do so. Just PM me what you need to happen. Otherwise, best of luck all! And I'm very sorry I won't be taking the journey with you!

Martin, aka The Crusader or Jonathan.

Sorry about the massive delay in posting. "Snow-maggedon" (the local news is a little tongue-in-cheek) in the southeast has made a mess of everything. Should be back at a normal schedule after today.

Raedwald of Broughton wrote:

"Where's your spirit of adventure, Bran? We just saw a bloody dragon! We had a chance to become heroes!"

Raedwald is clearly disappointed at the beast's escape.

"The dragon was harming no one. The old heroes in the stories killed dragons that were a menace to the land. That thing was merely hungry and territorial. I take no pleasure in killing things I can't eat, I'm sorry if that's unadventurous," Bran replies in an honest tone. "It was magnificent to see a live dragon though. I can't really believe that just happened..." There is wonderment in Bran's voice as it fades into silence.

"A pox on that dragon and all its kin! That beast will bleed out hidden in the canopy somewhere, and end up as food for the worms. Better it should have died here, and been mounted on my mantle. At least there its strength and beauty would have been honored for years to come!"

Martin kicks a fallen branch in frustration.

"You know, there's another alternative... If I were wounded and bleeding, I wouldn't hang about in the wilds. I think I would head for the shelter of home. Wouldn't you?" Martin starts back at the spot of the first attack, and scans the ground for the creatures tracks.

"Maybe instead of chasing it down, we could head it off by tracking where it's been..."

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Survival Check to track: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Snowstorm has snarled my posting. I'll get something up as soon as everything's running again. Just got my phone started charging.

"What a bother," Martin laments as he pulls his dagger. He bites down on the blade, holding it in his mouth as he grabs for purchase in the tree.

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Climb Check: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

"Why exactly would we just kill something that rare? It attacked us, but it's a predator and we're in its territory. Let it live. We've got a fine prize in this boar."

"A fine jest!" Martin laughs. "Having tracked and cornered and speared that majestic boar, there, we should also abandon it and hunt one of the sheep in the fields! Come, come. No more jests until we have finished this first majestic creature."

Martin picks up a small rock from the forest floor. "Unless we intend to cut down the whole damned tree..." He throws the rock with a disgusted look on his face and not much hope of success.

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Attack: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 1 - 4 = -1 ... yeah...

Martin moves beside Edward, continuing to surround the dragon as it savages the air around Sion. He sweeps aside the scrubby brush between them, and lunges at the dragon. He smiles widely as his lance bites deeply into the dragon's heavily scaled hide.

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Move Action - Move SE 5 feet.

Standard Action - Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Create a 5 x 5 grid with you at center square. You can attack anywhere that you can reach with 10 feet of normal movement. So, not the squares immediately adjacent, nor the squares at the corners (which would require 15 ft. move).

By the fae of Annwn! A real dragon! Martin suddenly had visions of placing a new epithet behind his name. Martin the Dragonslayer... has a nice sound.

He makes a half-hearted strike on the boar, no longer concerned about that particular trophy.

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Standard Action - Attack (flanking): 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 2 = 13

Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Move Action - Move 15 feet towards dragon.

oh don't worry. there's a lot of fight left in the boar. There's a reason history is filled of stories of nobles being killed by boars.

I have no doubt he would fight us! Especially as we have tracked and cornered him. But, the appearance of the dragon might be enough to instill panic in the poor little guy! =)

Martin hears the cry from behind him just as he lines up his strike on the surrounded boar. He ignores the distraction with a triumphant grin. Silly of them, really, to hope to keep me from claiming this prize! he thinks ruefully.

With a yell of exultation, Martin skewers the boar through the haunch.

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Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

I'm not sure if the boar would continue the fight, but I don't want to have it pinging us while we take on the dragon.

Martin stamps through the brush, twirling his spear to grab the attention of the boar and keep him turned as Edward moved up from behind.

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Double move 30 ft. due north.

I confused your descriptions of Devizes and Imber. I thought there was another castellan. Ignore that last query.

Martin falls into line with the group as they exit the hall. He watches carefully as they seek out the trail, carefully considering the skill of his companions... particularly the new ones. Always good to know what they're capable of! he thought cheerfully.

"It's a great pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sion of Pitton and Edward of Cholderton. Sometime you must tell me of your homes. For my part, Berwick is a lovely peaceful place, and I confess myself eager to see her again soon."

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Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

"When might we have the pleasure of greeting our host?" Martin asks. "I would like to thank him for his hospitality."

The steward walks the newcomers into the hall, and leaves them to their own devices. Martin decides that must mean that the other young men are social equals. "It appears we will have some additional company on our hunt. I hope there is enough game to be of interest to such a fine company."

"Martin of Berwick, at your service, gentlemen. Shall we plan our hunt, then? Shall we spear a boar, or run a hart to ground, course hares, or cut a few fox tails? We may need a few more dogs... and a horn..."

I tried to post a quick note to let you all know that this weekend was going to be a killer for me, but I guess it got eaten by the post monster. End of month is a ton of work, and Superbowl is my busiest day of the year. Close to triple the sales we do any other day. The fact that end of month was on a Friday, followed almost immediately by SB was tough. Sorry about the delay!

Martin, always cheerful when he can talk, keeps a constant stream of conversation running, despite the obvious reluctance of his companions. Bran's tendency to dismount and jog beside his horse peaks Martin's interest until the singing starts. Martin spurs his horse to put a small bit of distance between him and the singing.

"You know, you have been provided with a lovely horse, and some marvelous birdsong. You may consider using them, when the opportunity arises."

Martin of Berwick wrote:

Why, oh why, is everyone hating on Martin??? He's not evil. He just jumped in to save Raedwald from himself! He's just a social climber, at a time of political upheaval!

Honestly, that's why I picked your character. The personality is a magnet for strong opinions facilitating good role-playing. ;D

Oh, I'm not worried about it. It's just funny, because he's a full-on support character (not yet, but eventually), and the presumptive party face. He should be the most likable one of the bunch! But, every single one put him at the bottom of their list! =)

Why, oh why, is everyone hating on Martin??? He's not evil. He just jumped in to save Raedwald from himself! He's just a social climber, at a time of political upheaval!

"You don't understand. You'll never understand. You don't grieve for the ones you lost," Raedwald says to Martin privately as he leaves dinner.

Martin's affront appears quite genuine. "You flatter yourself to believe that your love of family is greater than mine. I mourn those lost at St. Albans, and none moreso than my father and brothers. Shall I spend a fortnight wailing? Or a year? Perhaps a lifetime. Neither Berwick nor Broughton will wait for us."

"I measure myself the best of my brothers. But, do not doubt that I loved them!"

Quick intros are usually best. Are we treating them as fellow trainees under Sir Amig? or did we happen to meet them at Tilshead?

Martin of Berwick wrote:

Can you give any indication as to whether Diplomacy checks, or other similar checks, have any impact? Just so we have some indication as to whether we make any inroads with folks, or move them to a point where we could establish them as contacts?

Only if you desire to make them a contact. I role-play what the effect of your Diplomacy without telling you what their game mechanic attitudes are. When you want a contact, I'll specify their score.

cheers

Ahhh. Ok. I was under the impression that successful social checks were a required first step, even before the option to 'create' a contact.

I imagine Martin, with his high charisma and focus on social skills will try to generate quite a few contacts (though not so many that I can't maintain them). I strongly considered taking the "Friend in Every Town" trait for Martin. I kind of wish I had, now. =)

Can you give any indication as to whether Diplomacy checks, or other similar checks, have any impact? Just so we have some indication as to whether we make any inroads with folks, or move them to a point where we could establish them as contacts?

Aside from that I'm ready to move on. I'm looking forward to the hunt!

Also, it's really funny reading the German put out by google translate, it's all formal and sometimes doesn't make sense.

"Through the stones! As I said, not to hide, who you (formal) are, I never thought that you (formal) to everyone confess get to know!"

That's what I said, don't wear it out!

Edited the toast to reflect proper address.

Issa shifts in his chair at Martin's comments, "Militias are nothing compared to soldiers. Militias can never be trained to stand in a shield wall. They are farmers or craftsmen." He takes another swig and continues, "We train recruits how to fight in the wall. They need strength, endurance, and coordination with the others. Fortunately, I only have only one recruit, so my men take care of him."

At least militias grow their own food... Martin mentally sneers. However, he keeps his ingratiating smile bright as he responds. "I'll defer to your experience in this matter. The shield wall is certainly a powerful formation on the battlefield."

But, what of the hamlet facing bandits? Or a coastal town under threat of Saxon invaders?

As though the conversation behind him was mirroring his thoughts, he overhears Raedwald.

"Squire, are you complicit in what the Saxons have done?"

"Only if my blood determines my guilt... God's bread, how can I live up to men like you?"

Raedwald's tone is somewhat rambly and despondent. He notices Bran's strange look and bows his head.

"Forgive me, milord. I fell from my horse yesterday, and I suppose I may still be addled from my skull bouncing off Sarum's cobblestones."

"Yes, yes," Martin interrupts. "Sorry, my lord. He's been babbling odd things all day long." Martin turned a harsh whisper towards Raedwald, "Durch die Steine​​! Als ich sagte, nicht zu verstecken, wer Sie sind, habe ich nie dazu gedacht, das sie zu jeder erfüllt bekennen!

"May I pour you a bit more of this excellent wine, Sir Elad? Perhaps a toast?" Martin stands and raises his glass, "His Excellency, the Young Robert, and the Countess Ellen of Salisbury!"

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Perform (oratory): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Martin is just attempting to deflect the rather negative attention that Raedwald is drawing from the room. I'm still feeling out the modes of address for nobility, so apologies if that's not how to refer to them.

Martin always enjoyed introductions. There was so much he could learn from an introduction. Mundane things like names and houses, of course. But, more importantly, what a person thought of themselves and what they wanted you to think of them. What they thought of you, and what they wanted you to think they thought of you.

The introductions today were brief and perfunctory. That told Martin a great deal. Sir Elad was not a man tied to his accolades, and the squires were not of a social standing to deserve more. Sir Jaradan was overwhelmed by his new station, and was somewhat delirious with it. Issa was a commoner of considerable rank, and seemed to be much respected by his men.

Martin bows low over Jaradan's wife's hand. She is a woman of fantastic beauty. He moves past quickly. His natural lasciviousness and talkative charm had inspired quite a bit of jealousy in the past, and he could not afford such a thing at this moment.

"I'd often counseled my father that a closely trained militia would be a valuable commodity," Martin chats with Issa. "Give me an overview of your training regimen. I think I could incorporate it into the Manor at Berwick. A capable sergeant is the absolutely necessary first step, I imagine." Martin gives a half-bow and an off-hand salute to Issa.

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Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Diplomacy with Issa: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

No worries. I doubt Martin does either. I'd rather get them in roleplay than create one just to suit my needs, anyway.

Never know what kind of opportunities may come up! Isn't political intrigue fun!

Martin stretches and yawns in an elaborate way, drawing back the attention of those few whose eyes had wandered. "Your pardon, lords and lads. But, our good Marshal is no slouch when it comes to training his wards. He has all but run us to ground, and I shall need a great deal of sleep to rejuvenate. And so, I bid you all a good night."

Martin's good humor returned, he makes a sweeping bow to the table at large. As he approaches the door, he locks heels and makes a much more formal and traditional bow to the Castellan. "My humblest thanks to you, Sir Cadfannon, for your gracious hospitality."

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I'm ready to proceed to the morning's journey.

Contacts are for you to manage. You can develop them and track them on your character sheets. You can link your list to the Gameplay post where you got them and their current score.

Seems like it must be NPC's in the game. Probably we do not make them up. Although, the rules offer the option to start with one.

The DM is just putting the bookkeeping on us, with some reasonable accomodations... namely linking to the posts where we acquire and improve our relationships with our contacts.

I'm quite intrigued by the possibilities.

It takes fully twenty minutes of raucous laughter to break through Martin's shell, but eventually the food and drink and conversation wear down his introspection...

"... so we slipped into the granary while her Pa was busy hunting us in the fields." Martin paused while the chuckling around the table subsided. "Well what else could I do? It was pouring rain, and we were soaking wet." Martin stopped and took a few bites of his meal and a swig from his horn.

"And...?" prompted one of his listeners.

"And what?" Martin put on an exaggerated look of mock innocence. "The maidens of Berwick are as pure as the sunshine!"

"But, you said it was raining!"

The mischievous smile crept back on Martin's face. "Why, so I did..."

There was an eruption of laughter around him as his meaning became clear. Martin accepted a few slaps to the back, and sat back contentedly as a few more pounded their drinking horns on the table in appreciation.

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Diplomacy or Perform (oratory), to ingratiate himself with the crowd: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Are we going to carry the game forward during recruitment?

Maybe just pick up our new member(s) en route, or at one the castles we stay at?

Martin lags behind the others as they head towards the barracks. During the final days of their training at Salisbury Castle, Martin had made a bit of a game of arriving last to dinner, and trying to turn as many eyes as possible his way as he entered the hall. Sadly, the novelty had worn off after the first few successes. But, his dismal performance in the race had him bristling.

As he measures his pace to allow his compatriots an advance, an old woman suddenly blocks his path.

"You're squandering your gift!" she hisses.

The Crone, Martin blanches. He had never known the woman's name. He honestly doubted she had one. She had come on as some sort of teacher at Berwick, though her lessons to his brothers had been of the most mundane sort. But, she had seized upon Martin the moment she had arrived, and had tried in earnest to impart all sorts of obscure and arcane knowledge to him.

"I am training to be a knight," he whispers harshly. "And you do not belong here."

"Hmph. You are a child playing with sticks. There is no power there. Your voice! Your voice! There is power in your voice!"

"If that is true, then why do you not hear me when I tell you to 'Go Away'!"

"Say the words. Claim your power. Say the words!"

"No!" he says louder than he intends. Martin does not know what the words meant. They sound like gibberish to him. He doubts he could ever find out. Anyone who would understand the language would not be someone he could trust. He only knows that she greatly desires him to recite them. Never, he tells himself for the hundredth time.

He pushes past The Crone. "If you do not leave..." He turns to face her, but she is gone. He would never admit it to anyone, least of all himself, but he is afraid of the The Crone. She has power. And for some reason, something beyond the desire maidens normally have, she wants him to join her.

.......

Martin enters the barracks in an somber, introspective mood. He stops and bows in a distracted sort of way to Sir Cadfannon, and sits in silence to eat his meal.

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Just setting the stage (and giving some explanation) for Martin's eventual transition into Bard...

Raedwald bristles at Martin's words. He couldn't tell if they were a compliment or an insult. Knowing Martin, probably both.

Lol! Yes! That, gentlemen, is exactly what I'm shooting for with Martin! I really hope you'll enjoy it and play off of it. If it ever starts to grate your nerves, please do not hesitate to let me know, and I'll reign it in. =)

Martin finishes his cleansing by dumping the bucket of water over his head. Though he speaks not a word, it is clear he is listening closely as Bran and Raedwald bandy about in the Saxon tongue.

As the water cascades off of him, he shakes his head back and forth violently sending a spray of droplets. As he drips dry, he pulls his pants and tunic back on, leaving his long, dark hair hanging in thick, damp ringlets.

I like to think I'm as Briton as you are.

"It is dinner time for gentlemen. Die Barbaren können als gut zu essen, nehme ich an."

Martin claps Raedwald on the shoulder, smiling as he says, "Versuchen Sie niemals, sich zu verstecken, wer Sie sind."

Martin bows with a flourish, hoping he had avoided incensing the Knight Marshal. "By your leave, Sir." He joins the others in washing up for the meal.

Sir Amig stops and turns around to respond to Martin, "I've reports of bandits from the Crokwood and Blakemoor Wood. And what Salisbury 'estates lie poorly managed,' Martin?" His demeanor darkens as you feel that offense could be taken by that question.

Martin's smile vanishes as the thunderclouds gather on Sir Amig's brow. "Not Salisbury estates, my lord," he raises his hands in a placating gesture. "Though my thoughts turn more frequently to the fields of Berwick, I am content that they are safe and bountiful. It is a testament to your strength and leadership that it is so."

"But, we are an island amidst a sea of chaos. Even Fand* herself cannot guess what enemies may arise from such a sea. I look to you, our captain, to guide us through these trials."

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Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

*Pagan Sea-goddess

And how WILL we be having kids in this campaign?

Well, you see... When a PC and an NPC really love each other... =)

On a serious note: Just to help me get a feel for the situation.... I was under the impression that there was a pretty significant power vaccuum, not just at the top, but at the manorial level, as a result of the fall-out from St. Albans. That was sort of the intent behind Martin's statement. Not to make an enemy of anyone.

Did I misunderstand that part of the setting?

Martin clutches Quintus' hand in return. "No need for modesty," he quips. "Revel in your victories."

"What is the state of the roads between here and Imber? Have bandits and footpads taken hold while so many estates lie poorly managed?"

Martin trots his horse into the yard right behind Raedwald. Bran and Quintus, already dismounted, stand beside their steeds who have already caught their breath. Martin urges his horse up beside Raedwald, and reigns him to a stop. "Well done, you two," Martin nods, unsure of who had won.

A race? What kind of test is that? At least we know, if the battle turns, who will be the fastest to quit the field... Martin smiles through his derogatory thoughts.

Yes.

Also, just to clarify, do you want all 'mechanics' placed at the bottom of the post? Or should some things be included in the meat of the post?

Example:

Martin places his hand on the hilt of his sword. "I'll not suffer your insults. Pay us the money owed or it will cost you your tongue." Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 Martin pulls the blade half-way from the scabbard, stepping to the side of the warlord, placing him between himself and his allies.

While we are discussing formatting:

DM Jubal: How do you generally handle combat? Do you go strictly in order of initiative, or do you use initiative blocks? Do enemies operate on the same initiative, or will they go individually?

Hey, um, how do I get different color texts in my posts like your dice rolls and OOC stuff?

Raedwald, here is a great guide to play-by-post gaming: linked for your convenience.

Down below the box you type in to post, right below "The most important rule", is a line that says "How to format your text". Click on the box that says "Show" and it will give you instructions.

[b]bold[/b]
[i]italics[/i]
[ooc]out of character[/ooc]
[dice: 1d20 ⇒ 1[/dice]

These are probably the most important.

Martin's background has been updated.

Martin takes his time mounting the horse, and wheeling him through the castle parade grounds. He canters well behind the group as they move through the town, his horse wickering and balking at every obstacle. It is a long time before he negotiates the winding path out of the town gates and into the open field.

Once through the gates, Martin stops fighting the reins of his horse, and simply plants his spurs deep in the beast's sides. Once the horse is in full stride, there is no stopping until Martin wheels him back into the enclosed space of the castle walls.

Not an auspicious start... glad to be underway, though!

Yeah, part of the narrative style is to leave openings. That may be why I like it. But I can definitely lock down the scene and the npc a little more strongly. I'll get it done tonight.

He's not in a monastery. He's in a festhall (and quite drunk). The priest is just delivering the news of his family's near total demise. I can easily change that, though, if you prefer. What's an appropriate title for a spiritual leader of the pagan variety? "Druid" seemed too high a position for such a small task. Or should I just make him a secular functionary peon?

Martin - Arrogant prick. Also to be avoided if at all possible.

Martin suggested some relationships, and it appears Bran would be a foil. A better question is how can Martin not be a foil to Quint and Raedwald?

I guess that depends on how much weight anyone gives to his arrogance. I'm not sure I really intend to play him as classically arrogant, anyway (in the sense of "I'm the best" style of arrogance).

Keep in mind that as landed gentry, there is an element of 'divine right' that we all adhere to. Martin is not a kinslayer. He was resolved to his station, and determined to rise above it, before the deaths of his father and brothers. Now, though, he is certainly convinced that he has the divine right to rule his lands (and any others he can obtain).

As I stated somewhere already: I am mature enough to recognize the difference between things that make good character flaws, and things that make for bad gaming. I have no intention of bogging down the game by being constantly adversarial. My expectation is that Martin will usually be in agreement with the party, but just a little more determined to gain power/wealth/advancement with every action.

In any event, it looks like Martin will be the sole caster, primary healer/buffer, and likely the primary face of the party. That should be plenty of fuel for pride, even though it makes him somewhat less capable at combat at low levels.

You'll get some missions. Fight in battles, tournaments, and duels. Play political intrigue.

As a group, you should develop something in your relationships that keeps you together and protects your lives, but it's OK to be rivals and not best of buddies.

I wouldn't mind developing something of a friendly rivalry with one other character. The most likely candidate would be whoever is the most successful in combat at the start. If you are familiar with the Order of the Cockatrice edicts and abilities, this would never sit well...

That said, I don't want to become a foil for the whole group. So, best to tread lightly in this area. It may just play out as a lot of internal thought monologues, rather than actions to start.