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This character was made specifically for a council of thieves game which died due to DM disappearance (he later reappeared and explained, so no hard feelings.) Looking over my stats, I'm pretty sure he was built on a 20 pt. buy, even. Other than the potions of cure light wounds I received early in, I believe my equipment is what I rolled up, so that's easy to remove. Basically, this guy can be applied pretty much as is, barring any specific plot elements you choose not to apply. The DM was quite thorough and specific in creation requirements, so it ended up pretty detailed.
OHMIGOD. Inactive campaigns apparently don't register new messages! On a random whim I think to check my inactives, and what do I see? MOVEMENT on the horizon! Don't let it all grind you down, Djivan. I've had my share of jobs that monopolize my time, and I agree: they're not worth it. If the group's still around, or if you can raise them on a PM or whatnot, them by all means let me know! Welcome back, by the way.
Sounds like a good idea. I'll throw my lot in.
While I'll readily admit my inspiration comes in waves at times, I'll almost never turn down the opportunity to game more. You end up trying to start a campaign, myth, you let me know. You never know what I'll come up with.
Hmmm. It almost feels wrong to go get someone to replace the one who took all the effort to set this up. I hate leaving people out of things like this. But if we don't, then that's more people missing out than just the DM. So, with a heavy heart and all due gratitude and respect to Djivan, I agree with finding a DM. No idea what plans and plots will be lost in the transition though, and that's probably what saddens me most.
"You!" points at the orc. "CPR, stat!"
"NO! DON'T YOU DIE ON ME! CLEAR!" BZZZT!
Compromise. Spork.
*tumbleweeds*
Living and accounted for.
Maxis recoils in shock and disgust at the aberrant entity, and gives up on trying to make sense of it. Instead he hurries to keep up with the others in the middle of the marching order.
What kind of weird rhyme is that? Sounds like something some kind of ogre would say...uh oh. Maxis takes the time to find the most protected spot, and holds one of his bomb vials at the ready. Please dont let it be hostile...
welcome back, stranger.
Hey, abdominal disaster is a temporary thing, and then things are usually much better. At least, it's better than just sitting there congested, nauseated, and miserable for days or weeks at a time. I prefer to say "Oh, ok, you wanna play hardball? Let's do this. SUPERHOTNSPICYSYSTEMSFLUSH! GO!!!" And just blow it all up at once. Alchemy style. and then it's over, and everything's coo.
sounds that way. I got other games going, but I'm partial to this one. Show that cold/flu/nausea who's boss, Djivan. Chug some good, spicy hot sauce, preferably on chicken wings, and overload on the vitamin C via pure OJ. Always works for me.
Ok, so you a half-dragon or what? you pushin a hundred already? Must have quite the shelf life if 30's a baby in your book, eh?
<--Is 30, playing a character who's barely turning adult. thanks for bringing this up. -_-;
I'd say "sucks to be us" but....somehow that be both punny and ironically appropriate, no?
0_0; Imma back away slowly now; this is getting weird.
STAY. AWAY. FROM ME. *holds all his bombs ready at once.* Besides, I probably taste bad from getting sick all the time.
Tentacles don't cure illness. at best, they cause it. you orcs got some weird remedies...
yeah, I'd just as soon prefer NOT to be on the business end of something that's all mouth and teeth.
Maxis climbs off the orc's shoulder, taking her hand down to reach the floor, and scrambles through the entryway. "Don't fight what you don't need to, Mazon! Come on!"
ahh, I should have recognized PS work when I saw it. Got a buddy who's an absolute sorcerer with photoshop. Practically takes stick figures and turns them into full color glossies. It's uncanny.
Even with the application of the camphor earlier, Maxis still makes a face at the renewed putridity of the area. "Gods above...maybe we need to inspire Westcrown to find a better way to dispose of our waste. Hard to even breathe with this unholy stench."
"I think I've read about these things. As long as we don't get in their path, they should leave us alone...I hope. Let's get through that gate and try not to appear threatening." Or tasty... Maxis does his best to move to, and possibly through, the gate, at the least trying to keep the burlier combatants between him and the creatures.
perception:
"those rats are huge. I wonder what they've been eating down here..." hope it's nothing too mutagenic. "Oh hey!" Maxis points at the bloody sign on the floor. "There's the next marker. Pointed straight towards that gate. Let's hurry before anything worse comes along."
Bomber? I never thought I'd have to use these as weapons...I guess I'll be getting in some field testing whether I like it or not...
perception:
"I don't think anyone would have any good reason to come down here alone. If not for our circumstances, I don't think I'd find a reason to come down here EVER." And Milani forbid I ever have to again....ugh. "Anyone see any more of the sword markings? I was pretty sure we'd followed them..." Then again, it is a hideout. They're probably some space apart to make sure at least SOME people can't find it...
Maxis's relief at the application of the camphor is unmistakable. He tries to find a spot in the middle of the marching order. Wish I'd known we'd be down here. Never had to use much of my mixtures for myself; I'd have brought something for this. I hope they've got a safe hideout down here; the sun's probably down soon, if not already. Looks like this...swordsman? Knows what he's doing; maybe he really was someone great? I hope s-whoa! Maxis's pondering is interrupted when he almost trips over a loose piece of rubble. Ok, time to calm down and watch where you're going, Maxis.
Maxis keeps the sunrod held above his head, trying now to hold his nose instead. He Follows behind the swordsman, keeping eyes open in the direction not travelled, alert for ambush.
...But apparently his eyes sting from the fumes of the sewer...
Maxis covers his mouth on entering the sewer; the odor is overpowering to his finely tuned senses. the young halfling almost vomits more than once. It's like every failed mixture I've ever made ended up here...wait...it probably DID...Milani's mercy, its....ugh... "If we're curing Westcrown, I think I'll start with better anti-nausea medicine." Maxis holds up one of the vials he receives for a few moments, as if gazing at the very particles that make up the liquid.
Oh, these'll come in handy. On Janiven's suggestion, Maxis's eyes light up and he reaches into his pack, producing a vial of his own vermin repellant to hand to Janiven. "Here. It's not nearly as useful as a healing potion, but I don't like letting people walk away empty-handed in a deal. Besides, you might be glad you had it down here. Just apply to the skin and stay together. Most of the pests should keep their distance. Most." Really wishing I had a cold right now...oohhhhh...
Too late to back out now. I guess I wanted adventure..time to eat from the plate I've filled, I guess. "Let me see what I've got." Maxis rummages through his pack for suitable ingredients. "Ah! this might help."
"Hope Janiven doesn't plan to come back to this inn for awhile. It might never smell the same. Heh heh." After handing off a few dashes of powder and liquid, Maxis follows Janiven to the trap door. "No going back now! If they catch any of us we'll never see the sun again. Let's go!"
Maxis quickly stashes his wayfinder in his pockets as the youth scrambles in the door. His eyes widen a bit at the mention of the knights. Arael...if the knights get custody, it's all over for him. they'll probably try to pin things on us, too. Even with no crime committed in just being here, they'll find something to accuse us of. This is getting bad, quick. But if he doesn't know us, he can't tell them anything, can he? I mean, we haven't broken any laws just sitting here talking... Maxis' gaze snaps downward to the wayfinder. that might be a problem. Would they take it if they came here? Would I be arrested for this? Would they do anything to Father because of me? Gods what have I gotten myself into? Janiven! this is suddenly a bad place to be. If the Dottari or the knights come around here, there could be any of a million excuses for them to carry us off in chains or worse, no matter what we say or do. If any of our assumptions or conclusions are anywhere near correct, you must have a backup plan for things like this, right?
yeah the forums were misbehaving for me too for the last couple days.
"She's right, Ozer. You couldn't do it alone, but now you have backup. Surely the lot of us can make a bigger dent in this city's problems?"
Maxis sits down, retrieving the wayfinder in both hands and returning to a more thoughtful gaze. "No, I'm not actually a pathfinder, much as I'd wish otherwise. I received this with a letter from someone in the society who found out I'd been looking at Delvehaven, the run down lodge they used to run here in Westcrown. I don't know who they are, but they wanted me to use it. Maybe it means the Pathfinder Society really is looking to help, or looking to return. I don't know. But this thing is a reminder of everything I want. I've never been the adventuring type because I wasn't taught to be adventurous. I've been too slight and fragile to endure the rigors of adventuring, or so I'm told, at least." turning his eyes down from the wayfinder to his pockets, however, his expression grows slightly more bold. "but maybe with my alchemy, and with 'our' alchemy, I just might have a way past that.
dialogue. character development. witty repartee. a very colorful and flavorful party we're stirring up here, no?
This isn't good. everyone's starting to argue and belittle each other like kids. This could get ugly. Think, Maxis. there's got to be something to say here to bring this group together before they start fighting each other... I know what it's like to be afraid. I've been a fragile boy among a fragile race. I've had to watch my step, still my tongue, and mind my health like a hawk ever since I was born. Only by some miracle did my father even find me in the woods as a newborn. All the tyranny, all the monsters, all the suffering I've seen has been a fact of life. I've never known anything different. It's always been this way for me. for all of us, really. But it doesn't have to be. We all know what it means to defy the house of Thrune. We know the risks. We know exactly what we face if we make a misstep or a slip of the tongue. And yet, here we are. I think, deep down, honestly, we all knew why we were coming here, and even if we didn't, we all knew why we wanted to. The halfling looks to Shannon, his sympathy plain in his eyes. You lost everything, didn't you? Before you even had a chance to call it your own. You were wronged and you know it. Now there's nowhere left to go but down. You deserve a better chance--a fairer chance, and I think you know it's here. He then turns to Mazon. You saw there was something more than the primitive fate you were born to. You see new strength, a new path. You know there's a better way than what you were stuck with, and you have every right to walk that path, regardless of who tells you not to. Ronwn next receives an empathetic countenance as maxis closes his fists. You know something's wrong. I can tell. You just know that the way things are right now is just not right. And I can tell there's part of you that just can't sit still in the face of it. A big enough part that you came here today, and haven't yet left. You want to change it too. A downcast gaze reaches Ozer. You wanted to help. you wanted to prove that you were one of the good guys. I wasn't there to see what you faced, but if it wore you down like this, then that just means it was a challenge worth facing, and an evil worth overcoming. But I think you and I have figured out your only mistake... His last words hanging in the air for just a moment, Maxis' eyes drift downwards to the table as he completes the thought that is surely on everyone's mind. You tried to do it alone. The young halfling pulls out the battered wayfinder and gazes at it longingly. I came here because I know what to expect if I continue on with my life. Hiding indoors, filling orders for potions and salves, running home before dark, hailing Asmodeus when the clergy walk by, and bowing out of the way of those bullies in their spiky armor while this city gets poorer, sicker, and more afraid of itself. As his words continue, his face twists into dissent and something resembling anger. Finally he slams the wayfinder down on the table. Maxis folds his arms, casting a steely gaze towards his host. I won't be a timid boy all my life. I will change something for the better, come hell or high water. Whatever plan you've got, Janiven, I want in."
enjoying it here for sure. Just hope I can keep it up...
"Wait a second. I think I see where this is going, but are we sure we know what we're talking about? I mean--" Maxis rapidly scans the room for other ears and eyes before continuing. "I don't really care for the house of Thrune either way; they're never really done anything to me, but I do get nervous around those knights, even though they're supposed to be protectors of the law and people. that's not right. And the shadow creatures just don't belong here. I don't have lots of proof, but I feel pretty sure that they tie back to Thrune, too. Still, we're basically talking about making war on the ruling house of a whole city. Father taught me that it's not wise to boast unpopular opinions when you're surrounded by critics, and the knights are really critical about this kind of thing." "I mean, I'd like to see a better Westcrown, too, but...are we sure this is a good idea?"
Swallowing the last bite of bread, Maxis once again stands in his seat, this time a more thoughtful confidence in his eyes. "The origin of alchemy has always been up for debate. Who discovered it, how and when, will probably be questions for some time. But you're right about its purpose. Alchemy is the science of transformation. I want to use it to purge all the weakness and illness from my body, but I never thought it would be of use to purify a whole city." Maxis looks down at his pale hands, furrowing his brow for a moment. A grin then shoots from cheek to cheek as he looks up with brighter eyes. "Then again...if Westcrown is supposed to be a glorious place...if all it takes is some knowledge, some purification...then we'll just have to mix up an experimental batch of experts until we get a stable social reaction, then throw our little vial of glory right at the heart of this city's illness! Wow. that was...ungraceful. like a bad pun, but in run-on sentence form. Didn't even manage to keep the same line of analogy throughout. On a roll tonight, it seems.
removing impurities...mixing and purifying chemicals is easy. Purifying people is as easy as giving them an antitoxin or alkali salts. But that's not what he means. Fixing a whole town...is Janiven really asking us to change this whole city? Just the five of us? I don't even know where to start with something like that... Maxis munches on the bread absentmindedly as he observes the talk at the table. A heavy drinker who used to be some kind of hero. A healer who seems to know about nature and magic. An orc who's crazy enough to actually hunt the shadow beasts. An actor who can sing. And...me? I just mix ingredients. How do I fit into all this? Is this what I keep hoping will happen? Is this how real adventures start? At the thought of that word, Maxis reflexively reaches between the folds of his apron, laying a hand on the battered compass that kept his mind racing at night. Why did I bring you? What am I really hoping for here?
jeez, talk about some epic intros. Totally different flavor from my previous PBP experience. gotta love it.
Heh, don't worry about that. I have far better ideas for that.
Maxis quickly glances around the table before standing in his seat to better present himself. "My name is Maxis Molderbin. I'm an alchemist; I can make all sorts of devices, mixtures and potions, and I've done a lot of studies on various topics, both mundane and arcane. I know some medicine, and I'm pretty good at figuring out how things work, be they magical or mechanical." Maybe she means for us to fix the city? It's a weird group, but maybe with the right planning we could actually change something? Okay okay, let's not get too crazy here. Let's just wait and see where this goes. but wait, what did she mean 'if anything goes wrong?' Uh oh... tuning out his internal monologue once again, Maxis realizes he is standing completely still and starting at the table in front of him. Hoping to play off the awkward silence as purposeful, he gives a cursory glance around the table, an approving nod, and confidently resumes sitting. Yeah, good job there, public speaker. Either you look like an imperious official waiting for applause, or you look like a dope who forgot where he was standing.
Maxis feels the size and atmosphere of this place weighing down on him, and does his best to put on a steady face, though it's apparent he's excited. Whether from fear or anticipation is anyone's guess. Making a point of giving all traffic a wide berth as he maneuvers between furniture and people, Maxis almost seems to pop right up from underneath the table between Shannon and Ronwn, like a puppet in a show. "Hope I'm not late. Did I miss anything? are we starting?" oh she offered a drink. what should I get? what does she have? should I ask for something strong? No, father will be furious if I'm home drunk. Tea? it's what they're all drinking. hmm, should I try to stand out more? Maybe I should see if she has any Rumboozle, or dragon punch whiskey! That's got to make an impression! "Some tea would be good, thank you." Coward! "Is this really okay, meeting so close to sundown? Father said you needed people with talent, but you didn't say why you wanted to meet so late." I just hope I'm not gonna have to sprint home. It's a bit farther than usual. I might have to use that formula I made...
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