Mattrim Messana's page

Hi Everyone,

I've been popping in weekly to keep an eye on things. I'm really sad to see it end, just wanted to add how much fun I had as well playing and watching. This was a real gem of a game.

You did a fantastic job Devon.

Thanks for the awesome words and for understanding everyone. I'll certainly be checking in on the game from time to time, and if I find myself in a position to return I most certainly will (and thank you for the offer).

Cheers ^_^

Hey everyone, sorry for the delay.

So, I've got bad news. At this point (well for a while now, but I've been hoping to fix things) I feel like I'm not really able to keep up with things. And, unfortunately, it's not getting any better with some classes I will be taking coming up that will leave me with even less time than I've had.

So, at a certain point one has to be honest with themselves, and with everyone. If I'm being honest, I really don't think I can keep making regular posts in a way that is not stressing me out (in the sense of trying to make time out of the way for it, not because the game inherently stresses me out) and not hurting the game for all of you. Especially when you could expand to someone who would be more involved and help keep things rolling.

I do want to say that I've had a lot of fun with this campaign, everyone IC and OOC has been an absolute blast to be around and I've really enjoyed playing Matt as well. So I don't want you, Devon, or anyone else to feel like it was anything personal or that I've not been having a good time. This is purely on my end (it's not you, it's me... but really).

I apologies to have to drop out like this and I'm more than happy to try and keep up with things until we can get to a point where an easy transition could occur, classes aren't going to be in full swing for a week or two (I wasn't originally planning on taking more coursework, this is kind of a last minute decision, which is also why there hasn't been any updates on the matter). So let me know what I can do to help things along and I'm open for doing with Matt whatever you please. If he wanders off, if he sticks around, if he becomes a bad guy, etc. All is certainly fine with me.

Again, I just wanted to say that everyone here is really fantastic, there are some great characters here, you all really are great and I hope that game continues to be very excellent for each of you.

Sorry for the lack of posts, been busy. Only going to get busier this weekend as I will be driving a lot, a wedding of a friend to attend. So will likely not post much, but I'll try and stop in as I can (probably later at night or when it's not my turn to drive).

Matt listens quietly, grunting his agreement with the middle grounded plan of handling the local agents. He had little interest in seeing undue violence done, yet it was best to be smart, life could be hard at times.

Clearing his throat, groaning inward at, Matt shrugs. "Personally, I would like to know more about her affairs myself." He then closes his mouth to wait and see.

Waiting and seeing was what Matt liked to do.

I've also imagined Russian myself as well xD. NPC's huh? Gonna need some time, certainly some Slayers, certainly. Maybe a few exotics as well... Hmmm. Anyways.

Matt ticks his finger, disappointed in the lack of focus on the reporting Ranger. He shrugs inwardly. Patience is best, perhaps it is best to leave for last.

Hearing the news of the Grig Matt perks up as well.
I too would be interested in hearing what the Grig has to say... Though I have no objections to Kressle speaking first."

Matt will spend his time on the trip, to and from, trying to help produce better maps of the area that they explore, paying attention to notable wildlife, hazards, landmarks, and "beasties". Marking such things down to give to Anton later on for proper conversion from his rough sketches into more "elegant" maps.

Matt shrugs his shoulders still trying to figure out all of this talk, slightly more comfortable than he had been. "I do not personally, if Lord Ra'hl seems satisfied, and the rest of the council seems satisfied, then I am satisfied."

Matt's eyes narrow at the mention of spying, his leathery face crinkled in thought as he ponders Abera's words, the dance of the words leaving him somewhat confused. Otherwise he remains silent for the moment, unsure of how to respond.

Matt suppresses a small smile at Anton's antics and then nods to Osk as if to say "all good here" before sitting up slightly straighter in his chair.

I'd love to, Rise is on my bucket list of AP's to play, but unfortunately I am currently too swamped to join anymore games.

Bass Adder... LOL
Matt takes the various news in silence, other than the occasional drum as his bony fingers play across the table, subconsciously feeling the wood beneath. After some consideration and some meaningful looks at Ra'hl over the dignitaries, Matt speaks up.

"I believe Ra'hl speaks wisely with the Wizard tower. Perhaps not too far out though? It would not do us much good if people fear for their safety. If we leave it close enough we could someday, if all goes well, incorporate it into future construction? Of course, such things aren't well established in my skill set, so I would take the advice of Anton on such matters personally.

As to the South, I think establishing a foot hold into the area to operate from perhaps would be a wise start? They could report back to that location instead of having to move to and from Stagfall, to save time and supplies. Otherwise I agree with you myself, I think keeping the groups in close proximity and doing regular check-ins among themselves will hopefully alleviate some of the dangers."

Matt closes his mouth at that point, his voice growing strained from the longer speech. He continues to drum his fingers, though much faster as he wondered about their guests, beneath that though, excitement at the thought of the South drove a certain energy through his body.

Glad to see you back El Ronza :).

I spent about a month doing field work in the Rockies a couple years back, I can relate. I was pretty out of shape and smoked a couple packs a day, so going from that to having to hike daily carrying research equipment up those trails was the closest I think I've ever felt to death. It is absolutely beautiful and death was well worth it.

@Grand Master Pirate
Noted!

Matt hurries into the gates of Stagfall, running a bit late. Formalities and dutifully showing up on time were things the young man seemed likely to never fully grasp. Having spent the day off hunting with Saber, something he did whenever the opportunity prevented itself, his mood was fairly pleasant and relaxed.

Saber trails in behind him, the large cat happy with Two-Legged pack brother. This new life was very strange to Saber, living within the confines of the walls of the fort had seemed terrifying at first, then curious, then boring. Thankfully Matt's jobs allowed the Tiger enough exercise to find the current conditions acceptable. Though that didn't stop the Tiger from bumping into one of the gate guards playfully as they duo strolled in.

As Matt approaches the Tower he nods to Saber, who breaks off, quietly moving towards the stables to bother the horses, a favorite past time of his, only for Two-Legged pack brother to give a sharp command. Saber, somewhat disgruntled at the loss of his play time then plops down into a shadowy corner, his tail swishing back and forth as two glowing eyes look out from the shadows as his pack brother disappears inside.

Matt moves through the interior quickly, nodding at the guards and sighing at all of the formalities and decorations. Stepping into the chamber, Matt nods around the room meeting eyes with the closest thing to a smile you would get from him, before giving in to a hug, exhaling air from his lungs before the squeeze came. His new favorite game was trying to hold out against the hugs, it was one he rarely won but he tried all the same.

Matt then finally moved over to his simple wooden chair and sits down, His eyes fleetingly pour over Rah'ls more elegant chair, something that always drew his attention like a sore thumb. Finally he palms the compass momentarily, a habit he performed when stuck inside as a distraction.

You asked.

Doh, I didn't think about Mithril. Maybe later, +1 armor isn't that expensive to replace.

Oh well, Saber has Matt, I'm sure he will deal. Eventually, someday a long time from now, maybe though.

We really need to get on this Tiger army... See, it'll be great, it'll be the bestest army you ever saw, let me tell you. There will be Tigers... and tigers... and they won't eat or attack anyone, EVER! In fact they will be the most loyal tigers you ever saw, and they will keep all other countries at bay from coming in, making New Rogarvia the greatest place ever! And you know what, Tigers like to grapple, our instructor likes to grapple, eh? He can teach them all the fine art of making a grapple.

But every, man, woman, and child will have their own tiger, or tiger cub, or similar large cat!

You just wait, the Owlbear is just the start.

Oh, I have a game tomorrow, I'm Co-DMing, so I probably won't post till later or Friday. But I will try.

FRIEND :)

Poor Kitty is lonely.

Okay, all done for me.
Compass of Navigational Supremacy
Handy Haversack
2x Cloaks of Resistance +1
1x +1 Falchion
1x +1 Agile Breastplate
1x Traveler's Any Tool
1x Wand of CLW (50 Charges)

Things in the nearby region that Matt would be interested in spending time on:
He would have went back to that undead water spirit to make sure it's soul was put to rest.
And the Undead near Stagfall are not high on his list of things to continue existing.
Owlbear (not Bugbear ^_^).
Maybe look about for a "friend" for Saber.

Sorry on your uncle :(

Aren't there undead near by? I'm okay with the location but Matt's going to be very displeased if he wakes up with some creepy crawling creature in his Hay Bale with him. -_-

That sounds really awesome actually, never thought about anything quite that spectacular. 100% approval here.

I think Warden would make sense personally.

Okay, round 2:

Bugbear:
If Cuddles wants to seriously try and do the mount bit. Matt will certainly do his best to make that a reality. If not, or the Bugbear seems less than eager then some sort of guardian for forward exploration patrols. It's got Scent, Darkvision, and a good Perception.

Symbol of Office:
I'm thinking an otherwise simple wooden compass with a Tiger engraved on the back of it. Matt wouldn't want some big gaudy thing, he would want something practical that was worked for efficiency. Perhaps it can be mountable on his belt or pack, easy to see and also access.

It ate my post! Bah Humbug!

Okay... So short version.

All looks good, I'm excited IC/OOC to be the "High Explorer" sounds neat.

Owlbear-> Will think on, maybe friday night with ideas. I'm liking the idea to train it to some extent or another. Maybe turn it into a caravan guard or something. It's gotta look somewhat scary (not as much as Cuddles of course), that's half the battle right there.

Object of Office-> .... Gonna need to think on that as well.

Oh and Devon, what were you thinking with the Owlbear? What sort of "options" should I be thinking here.

...Does anyone else have any brilliant plans? I was thinking about trying to train it to be helpful. Of course Mattrim would want to have it exist in the most "humane" conditions possible. Which also means not letting it or others unnecessarily risk blood. Or more horses... *weeps* those poor, poor horses.

Oh and ze Tiger and Hunter should both be leveled now.

Still here! Wednesdays and Thursdays are my heavy hitter days. Feel free to skip or GM-Dominate Matt on those days if things are going. I try to keep up, but it doesn't always happen.

Okay, let's see. I like the combo Monarch/Council styled idea.

Ra'hl as King sounds great.

I'm all for whatever we can do to make the more monotonous parts of Kingmaker less time intensive for all the reasons that everyone has said. Devon, your idea, if I understood it correctly (still not fully awake) sounds fantastic to me.

Oy, we are level 4, woo! I'm going to be cleaning a lot this weekend, have a temp roommate moving in on Sunday, but I'll try and get Matt and Sabes leveled up tonight or tomorrow.

Oh and Duska :). If it's okay with you, I'm going to assume Matt has (if a month has passed) warmed up to you mostly at this point. Maybe not perfect, but friendly enough. Perhaps Saber changed his mind. Mostly because I'm not very good at playing a constant Grump it turns out.

And Cuddles does what he does: Single Target Lockdown. I'm going to need a way to gain a miss chance or something. My AC is abyssmal.

Well, on the plus side, either you will be able to Barkskin yourself, or I will. It is, at least, a short term fix.

Yea remind me to never have you guys face off against one creature at a time ever again...

lol, I would imagine this group to be very effective against single targets in general.

Full Steam Ahead!

Matt starts trotting at half stride, keeping a readied action to drop an Entangle should Dova somehow, against all odds, escape his current perCuddlement.
Uh, if Entangling is possible that is. Otherwise, full steam ahead Skipper. Oh and if I entangle, intent would be to catch Mr Dova without (or minimal) friendly fire and to use it's massive difficult terrain to try and cut off/limit his escape.

Stuck with confusion, amusement, and frustration with himself at the strange events of the day and the 'accidental' loss of horse life. Matt heads back to the main courtyard to survey the happenings at the moment, staying away from the front, his eyes finding themselves on Kressel, the woman's previous smirking fanning his irritation with himself.

Will catch up tomorrow, been running a bit behind.

Hope Vacation is going well Ra'hl!

Matt, smiles at Duska and Ra'hl in thanks to both before summoning another beetle and attempts to get the Owlbear someplace where it will be out of the way and can be secured (preferably with no horses).

He, for the moment occupies making sure the creature is safe and not going to cause any more harm either at this point (if such a place exists, if not he will try and coax it back to it's original cage).

If that all goes well, Matt will return to observe the happenings in the courtyard.

"Ra'hl, wait a second! It isn't behaving like most creatures of that type do!"
Oh well, it was meant to be more of a distraction for getting to the stag lord anyways (not that it mattered). Soooo

Matt rushes forward doing his best to try and intervene, drawing his sword as he moves just in case.

The former if it works, the latter if the lure doesn't work. If 18 seconds is enough to do so.

Matt growls in frustration at the owl bear as he completes his incantation, sending a fearsome Or not... Fire Beetle after the Owlbear to try and draw it away from the remaining horses.

The beetle glows in tantalizing fashion, momentarily puzzled with no clear enemy to fight.

If it happens to move, I will try and shut the stables if possible. If not, the Beetle will go bear hunting.

Matt standing in the doorway still, begins drawing forth green hued magical energies as the silhouettes of a Rat, Dog, Dolphin, Eagle, and several other creatures of nature start to rapidly appear and disappear about him.. Going to start casting Summon Nature's Ally 1.

Sorry Dow, I 100% missed your post xD. Feel free, it means less to catch up on for me when checking periodically.

That being said, I'll be hitting the road tomorrow so I will try and check during lunch at work and right after work before I leave. But feel free to keep things moving. Matt won't actively harm the Owlbear unless it gets involved with Allies or "innocents". If anything he will seek to help it should it be attacked by bandits (though not if the fight looks suicidal).

Maybe we will get a new "pet/friend" out of this :)
(One can dream...)

Matt will not try and stop the creature, if anything he will try and keep a step ahead of it to make sure that no allies or any of the "indentured workers" have the misfortune of stumbling into the Owlbear.

Matt moves back and gives the creature a wide birth to see what it will do with it's freedom.

Just FYI, my girlfriend's parents are in town visiting till Thursday and then I'm seeing some old family friends all of next weekend. So posting might be a bit low.

Well alright then, this can only go well.
Matt attempts to pull the Iron Spike that is holding the door shut out.

Nice KO on Mr Stags. That was... not quite what I was expecting, lol.

Matt continues into the room. Moving up to the cage itself, slightly memorized by the being of primal brutality before him. He begins to inspect the cage more closely to see if appears to be locked (composition, etc). No creature deserves to be trapped.

So... What's the door and cage like containing this thing?. The Owlbear is calm? Was it calm from the get-go? Does it look hungry? Let me know if I need to roll anything on those.

Matt approaches the Owl-Bear cautiously, doing his best to make eye contact with the creature as he walks towards it.
Perception to Inspect Owlbear Cage: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

So what do I know about Owlbears from my 21 on Knowledge Nature earlier. How does this Owlbear look, ready for tea and crumpets?
Assuming I can get close enough.
Wild Empathy: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 2 - 4 = 17

Well of course I want to poke around, who doesn't like to poke around.
Matt gives a small nod to Anton before trying to separate from the main group, with their attention being drawn to Cuddles.
Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
[dice=Perception for anything "noteworthy"]1d20+9[/dice]

It's all good, I can understand being pretty busy.

Oh, oh; what's going to happen? Things are getting real for Ra'hl and Duska. ^_^

It's all good on Sabes, some times people look at a Tiger and go "he looks dangerous, I don't think I want him in here. He might try and kill our leader or something." Clearly those people are overtly paranoid and need to take a breather, but such things can't be helped (I'm sure there will be lots of opportunities for him in the future to shred into enemies).

Unable to help himself, Matt gives the Lieutenant a dangerous smile after his back his turned before casually following after Cuddles. Staring in forever amazement as Cuddles carries a truly astounding amount of weight, Matt begins to assist, for the time being, with moving the equipment into the storeroom.

"Good, I think. I believe you are right, the bandits do need hugs today. Hopefully there will be some for you to hug soon. One in particular I think really needs your hug, he will probably have a big mouth and speak a lot. Maybe yell at the other bandits. But we haven't seen him yet. I'll be sure to tell you though, so you can hug him real well..."

Matt casually glances out of their hiding places towards the working men, waiting for an opportunity where the guards are not watching.

Yeah, don't mind my quietness. Just waiting for Shaman business to help jump into that front when it comes time.

Mattrim snorts.
"No, they definitely do not appear to be living up to their reputation. Perhaps some could be useful, what better way to win a fight than to turn the other wolves against the alpha.

Cuddles... if you could decide between hugging a bandit and hugging a wooden pole, which would you like?"