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Hey folks. If be up for some Firefly, I was the pacifist mechanic with a duct tape obsession last year. I just need a time and location. I am a non-banquet person. I'll be charging my phone a bit, but I should be in/around Cascade 8 until 6. After that I will look back here if I have not heard anything.
It was an awesome time. Not a shot fired and no one died... I think... And the overhaul of the ship removed much of the duct tape and scrounged parts with newness. And I am glad it worked out that we didn't have to shoot the alliance properties guy, it all came together really well! Here's to the pacifist having the trump card for initiative!
I experimented with some item-making, and against my better judgement I come seeking feedback. Mostly auto-reject bin issues. Let the flaming commence. Item: Diplomat's Shakers
Aura: weak divination {caster level should have been here}
Description
When eating a meal using contents of the Salt Shaker, the user benefits as if he could Detect Evil.
Requirements: Craft Wondrous Item, Detect Chaos, Detect Evil Detect Poison, Mage Hand, Message, Cost 1,750 GP
I'm not really concerned about the computer simulation at the end, and hell even the match-ups are less important to me than other parts of the show. I enjoy watching what weapons would do to different things (pig carcasses, gel torsos ect...) because to me its more about really seeing how bad all these things would kill someone. I think it's easy in our day and age behind a trigger or a button, where most people's concept of warfare comes from video games and the media, to forget how hard people had to work to fight each other! I'm for the program, not only because I enjoy it personally, but also because its a reason to actually think about what these weapons/civilizations used to do. If you agree or disagree with the sim result is great, because either way most viewers will have several reasons why they think their side would win. Its entertainment, not scientific documentation.
There was a 'Swap Box' where people were able to drop tickets to events they weren't making it to, but I don't think it was really noticed by many people. Maybe a bigger sign/more notification about it would help. Next year! BIG SIGN for EVENT SWAP! Standby lists are great, but you run the risk of people doing the same thing as sign-ups, they standby for every event in hopes that they get into one. When three GMs come looking it gets complicated. All the hallway hopefuls worked out fine, at least from what I saw. I witnessed Josh Frost clear about a dozen people out of there (all into games) in about 45 seconds. The lottery/sign up system will improve with time. The only advice I would throw out, is even if you're not assigned to an event, show up. If there is something you want to do, check it out. About 5-10 minutes after events start, usually people are on the lookout for people to fill in. Next year! Limit on wait/start time, or plan for 10 mins for prep. If (for whatever reason) you can't make the 10 min then the seat should be up for grabs.
Sleep is not an option. Finals + Paizocon = excitement and stress. I will say I was not prepared last year for the awesome. This year I think I'm too ready for some awesome in my life! There is not enough awesome in the world these days, but, for the entire weekend this will change!! In a year I've gone from someone who really didn't know a whole lot about Pathfinder (except that I really liked the concept) to having a level 5 Society character, an entire AP finished, and a largely expanded gaming group of people I hadn't even met before Pathfinder came along. Paizocon is not only a a great event, but it really is a collection of some of the greatest creators, facilitators, fans and appreciators. It doesn't get much better. And this year I think there will be much more video coverage and pictures, so we can spread the fun to even more people. I can only hope everyone has as great a time as I plan on having! /endrant.
Perhaps there could be a way to get out new stuff on all the classes (rules, flavor, as well as variants ect) at once? For instance, the APs there are the small descriptions of class/races for the setting. What if, instead of having "Complete X" with a focus for any particular type of character/group of classes, why not include information for each of the classes based on region? I mean its something that already kind of exists (as I think of it at least) in the APs. I read the descriptions of races to get an idea of what the background of my character is going to be, Half-Orcs in Katapesh have a slightly different treatment than Westcrown, which is going to be different than Riddleport. Same thing with classes. With this each book is not a "Complete guide" by any means, but there can be something for everyone, as well as further detailing Golarion. I would be highly interested in books like this, and instead of buying dozens of ways to play several classes in one book, you could have a few different ones in every book, as well as having a context in which to apply why your character is different. Different locales are going to have different customs and codes, a Paladin from Cheliax is probably going to have a slightly different outlook on his life than say a Paladin from Korvosa. A cleric of Irori from Katapesh will probably have a slightly different perspective on their god than a cleric of Irori from Osirion. I think this could ease waiting for 3 years for your particular class/group of classes to come out with their own book. I think it could help people out with how they play their Society characters as well!
Yes we can count on Attic Whisperer. If not, I will annoy him until he remembers, and then we can count on him. We were actually talking about this just the other day.
In order to be fair, I can't start a runners-up list. Should more tickets become available, it'll be first come, first served. Sorry guys. :-( Could totally take that list, then get everyone on the list together outside the hotel. Then put them in like this ring, or, even better, like a DOME of such, then have a storm, with lots of lightning, and THUNDER, then have ninja-death-battles until there is a winner... there can be only one... or something... Actually those are all silly, cliche ideas. Could be entertaining though.
Definitely check out the trip planner. Bus is pretty cost effective, don't know how much/any luggage you plan on bringing though. If you're pretty light on what you're carrying it could be a great option. If you're bringing more than maybe 2 small bags it could be a little more annoying. 560 Bellevue-Sea-Tac/West Seattle is the express route, think the transit center about half a mile-mile away from the hotel... Could cab it from there if you have lots of luggage, or could walk it. I think that might get you in the ballpark, and it would be much cheaper than cab fare. Another option could be to catch the Light Rail (right there at the airport) to Westlake, and catch a bus/cab from Seattle.
I found an article with some excellent advice on writing a mystery for an RPG group or in an RPG module. Hopefully it will help someone write the satisfying murder mystery Joshua Frost was looking for. Excellent article. Great advice for a murder mystery, or to write more mysteriously!
As far as the Non-Pvp, I personally tend to focus more on the module than on the acts going on along the way. I think of the Pathfinders as an organization like the FBI or something, but you're working with random other contractors on most missions. I think there would be a good amount of 'flexibility' both good and bad for most individuals who would join an organization as such. For example, PC1 goes to kill a slave, PC2 is uber-good guy. I would expect discussion about the issue well before any kind of action would be taken. Some of this discussion can be very entertaining and good role-play. Another way I think of it, is even if the situation went another way, even if PC2 doesn't stop PC1 in time, he'll feel bad about it, prefer to avoid PC1 in the future, but ultimately will just be thankful when the mission is over. The flip-side of this, say PC2 is attempting to save/rescue/recover something ect in such a way that PC1 is involved in combat. I would that PC1 would (unless otherwise advised) possibly attempt to avoid combat, to try to escape, or in attempt to survive, assist PC1 for the mission, and be glad when its over. I mean I know this is a fantastic fantasy world of black and white/good vs evil kind of stuff, but haven't we all had those people in the classroom/office/group of friends/sports team that we especially do not enjoy being around? Something we have to do that we don't like? I wouldn't quit my job because someone on my team was convicted of something, I wouldn't quit school if something bad happened in my classroom. Many people still watch Baseball with all the steroids, and I don't think anyone on Michael Vick's team quit when he was busted. It would be highly unpleasant, I would not like it, but I'd continue to do my job because thats how I make my living. Completing your mission is kind of the point to the Pathfinders, how its done is less important. If someone joins the Pathfinders and feels so zealous as to do something like attack someone because they don't feel something was appropriate (killing a fellow Pathfinder because they're going after slaves, killing a fellow Pathfinder because they're in your way ect) then I have difficulty understanding why that person would even join the organization at all. It is made clear that alignment is secondary to the mission as far as the Pathfinders go, it should be secondary for the player as well. The last point to toss out there, is that these are not exactly open-ended modules here. Character missions aside, you only have so much time to get through the module! Sometimes its easier to bite the bullet and watch something you don't like for the sake of continuing on with the story! Any particular decision I feel is going to be disruptive, I would possibly throw out to the group as a whole to get a consensus, and even possibly open a dialog as to how to get the issue taken care of. Sometimes even just making a casual kind of comment will let you know what kind of disruption your action will have on the party. I mean if it just happens alignment-wise your group might support you. If it is clear that you're not going to be supported, or its going to be a huge disruption, its time to start thinking of a way to work around it. Just thoughts. Attack away.
Georgetown could be a decent/fun option as well, if anyone likes comic books, Fantagraphics is down there (Love and Rockets, R. Crumb anyone?) I just got done with a project on them. Also there are a couple decent restaurants and quite a few bars mostly in walking distance on the strip. I'm not up to date on music events, but its not uncommon for some kind of show/band to be playing. There is a train station here you can catch from Westlake, and if you like to walk, its walkable, if not there are buses/cabs ect. If you were hitting up Sites in Seattle in general, parking is well... parking but most places have rates that are not entirely terrible in downtown, and downtown is kind of like a little nexus, lots of stuff. I'd also be glad to answer any questions/offer suggestions and such for anyone interested. As far as cash, Zux, I think 500 would go a pretty long way for sure. look forward to seeing everyone!
Sunday 10 Lamashan, 4708 A.R. Researching in Riddleport: Day 70 A new Nightmare last night, more intense, much more intense than the one before. Darkness, fire, a voice in the dark... mocking me... As I meditated on our voyage back to the Filth Pile of Riddleport, we came across some 'friends' that wanted to 'negotiate' about some of our cargo. As they approached, it was the perfect opportunity! Perhaps two dozen of them crowded their rails as they threw their lines and planks and jeers. Luckily, their formation was as such that a well-placed explosion of fire easily halved their numbers. Really, I don't know what the brutes would do without me. Amongst them there was at least one or two casters, of course no one near my level of talent. They shared some of their parlor tricks with me, and, most likely, I will be coughing up bits of spider-legs for the next few days. As I count my wealth, I think House Jeggare would be quite proud. Even with the profit-sharing contract within our group, I have seemed to pulled ahead. When we arrive back in the Refuse-port I plan on investing in some apparel to enhance some of my finer qualities. As a side note, my considerable defensive preparations had little to no effect, I believe increased caution in the future may be appropriate. With the fortunes I have amassed, and my pragmatism always present, I will be sending instructions as to distribution of said wealth in case of my demise. Cannot have the brutes squabbling over it now can we. Toilday 12 Lamashan, 4708 A.R. Researching in Riddleport: Day 72 Ah if I had a heart, it would have been warmed with the activities of today. Trinkets and baubles and coin, after the Cleric and the brutes discussed and measured the weight, volume and amount of all of the items for value, we split everything according to our contract. I, however, still am pleased with the outcome. Even as I continue to display offensive power, the scholarly guise I wear daily has effected an air of 'helplessness' I believe, within the group. Defensive cloaks, rings, I have yet to even pick up a true weapon as of yet. Soon I will be more protected than even the late Glaive-brute. Speaking of brutality, we have contracted a new fellow to effect brutality in the Glaive-fool's absence. While I do not trust him, his hygiene is superior and he does effect what could appear to an outsider, a stratagem while in battle. I, however, do not trust him... he is bound by the profit-sharing contract now. As long as he continues his current level of civility, I believe I will let him live. In other news, I had been checking with my sources across Riddleport about recent happenings, when I came across the Urie-Brute. Being Varisian, he was seeking the thoughts of a fortune teller, by the always entertaining Harrow Deck. At first, I thought the priestess was aware of my presence, and was choosing to mock me. There was talk of betrayal and an evil one and many other statements that I were sure were directed at me personally. However, after noting some of the points of the Ranger's future, I was much obliged to have my own future read. I was quite curious if I was to be “The Betrayer” I had heard so much about. Her divinations caught my attention immediately when she read about my personal hobbies of dominating weaker minds, and how it had served me. I was momentarily off guard when she noted the reoccurring nightmares, and a recent occurrence involving the loss of many lives at my hands. Of course I was proud of that moment, the screaming crew of those foolish pirates, the ashes of their remains, the smell of burning... Forgive me, back to the task at hand. As entertaining as this all was, I am intrigued and almost alarmed as some of the things the priestess noted about the future. Perhaps you yourselves at the House should prepare for some intrigue of some kind. There will be a facade, and I will be involved in a struggle of power, I myself will be involved... a tyrant of sorts... You must hope you are on my side when that time comes.
From what I understand (and much to my displeasure) he is interested in the Paladin. Horrible, Horrible, evil-outsider-smiting paladins... Probably going to get some more reactions from people to post here, have quite a few friends I've been feeding Pathfinder stuff to who are in Iraq currently, I think they will be as excited.
Still kind of new to the boards here as well, greetings everyone. As far as high-level/ 'epic' content... its fun, but at the same time I kind of enjoy the world where the average person only has 8 hit points. I get a huge kick out of the thought of the PCs being some of the more powerful people in the world even at 12, 15 ect. Personally, depending on how its run, I really don't see a huge requirement for more high level stuff. 'Epic' level really can just be a matter of how the world is portrayed. I like the thought of very few 'level 20' characters in the world. Heck, like it keeps getting brought up, I don't think there should be dozens of people tossing Miracle and Wish out there. level 20 can be 'epic' in and of itself!
Quoted from the website I use to keep in touch with old military friends who are deployed/left the service ect. This particular friend was part of our group back when 3rd edition was the new thing. It has been a long time since talking to him, and he has been enjoying 4th edition... however he had never heard of Pathfinder... this was his reaction! Pathfinder!~
I downloaded the beta version of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Betatest and spent the last few hours “skimming” through the 410 pages… it reeks of quality, smells like adventure in the making. I am surprised and pleased at what I am seeing here. So those thousands of dollars I spent on 3rd Ed D&D isn’t going to waste? The release version of the book comes out in August so I won’t be printing out the beta version of the book. This gives me new and exciting options for running gaming groups while I travel. Namely to be able to easily run 3rd or 4th ed D&D without having to travel with 1000 pounds of gaming books. I think, Chuck, you are single-handedly responsible for thousands of dollars of lost revenue for Wizards of the Coast that I would have purchased. Don’t get me wrong, my 4th ed. books aren’t posted on E-bay, but I will seriously consider not getting many more 4th ed books since the quality of Pathfinder products really rings true for GAMERS not the mass population of people that might be gamers (4th ed’s intended demographic). I absolutely enjoyed this to the extreme, and just had to share it. I think it summarizes many of the awesome things about this game, and has that sense of "Hey a new book!" we can all relate to. Thanks Everyone at Paizo (to include the community!) --Charles Cunningham
Oathday 24 Rova Researching in Riddleport: Day 54 The aftermath of prior events is quite chaotic. While most of the usual scum have been attempting to capitalize on the confusion, with the looting and the idiocy in the streets, the more industrious of us have started to make plans. The next few days will be spent gathering information on what the local groups plan to do as far as investigation. According to my studies, and local rumor, there should prove to be quite the supply of metal from the meteorite. I would find it interesting to survey the impact crater at least, and take some drawings. As scientific references they in themselves could prove useful and draw some buyers. And, of course, the wondrous amounts of Norqual. I will report in which groups plan to send expeditions. Be assured House Jeggare will have it's stake here. Toilday 28 Rova Researching in Riddleport: Day 58 The commotion amongst the town has focused into a rush of activity. Seems like anyone with a spare hand or coin is attempting to get out to the island. Of course we are no different, but I doubt I will have any difficulty finding passage. Someone with my skill and talent is always marketable. Perhaps I will not subject myself to this 'manual labor' that the others will, but of course I have my abilities. I've had some recurring dreams as of late. It is the excitement, I feel more alive at the prospects ahead than I have since I landed in this forsaken scum pool. Visions of fire, visions of power... excitement for the days ahead. Fireday 1 Lamashan Researching in Riddleport: Day 61 I believe The Golden Goblin may be something to leave behind. I am hoping to keep some modicum of ownership of course, if nothing else, it is a residence to continue operations from. By now you should have received the last of the observations of the Drow corpse I have sent. If it were not such a heavy body, with so much value, I would have sent the entire thing. Alas, it would have proven cost-prohibitive and the decomposition was already advancing. They appear to share many characteristics with their surface dwelling brethren. Perhaps they will perish as easily. Sunday 3 Lamashan Researching in Riddleport: Day 63 With some assistance of the contacts the brutes and the clerics have made, (we have carved quite the name out for ourselves here) we have found an expedition out to the Devil's Elbow. Personally I look forward to hunting the Drow, but am much more interested in the Sky metal. We had a reasonable dinner this evening, with some ruckus. But, as always, it seems I travel with my own ruckus as well. Advantageous to have these brutes. Sometimes I contemplate what it would take to train new ones. It would seem, with the barbarism aside... and the lack of higher-level thought... and the lack of hygiene... that these brutes are as trainable as any other animal! Anything violent comes our way, and they are right to it, straight away. Don't let my kind words deceive, however, I mostly despise their kind. I merely see the value in investing in their further survival, which is an investment in my own future survival. Moonday 4 Lamashan Researching in Riddleport: Day 64 We have arrived on the island. I am unimpressed. As soon as we arrived, we came upon some of the dwarves here who were employing a manner of survival tactics that I believe is called 'cowardice' the the rest of the world. In other events, I am of the understanding that the other expedition, of Cyphermages, is in need of assistance. Being that they are fellow magic users, and the Urie-Brute has a liking for one of them, we are going to proceed to attempt assistance. The voyage was short, but I did not much time to rest. The sleep I did manage was wracked with visions of darkness and fire... I feel as if it is meaning to manifest itself in me... Perhaps it is a side-effect of my heritage... perhaps something more? Wealday 6 Lamashan Researching in Riddleport: Day 66 The last two days have been very eventful. After my last entry, we found ourselves outnumbered against an unknown mass of aberrations of some type. Their speed and strength was quite unnerving, it proved a challenge to beat them back. As we fought, however, I became less interested in said aberrations and more interested in the architecture. Let it be recorded that a member of our house has been present in a structure, infested with aberrations, as the structure plummeted down a hillside! Yes, the entire ruined tower did fall right onto to ground... I don't know how I managed to survive, the Urie-Brute had set of slippers that aided him... but I was not as prepared. Not only did it crash down the hillside, it managed to hit the water directly and fragment. We lost a good amount of Sky metal, what we could salvage proved too heavy to haul to shore. I apologize for the missed opportunity, but I am alive to continue to study these events. But, as my masters in the house should know... The expenses of this venture are adding up... After recovering from our lesson in ancient stonework, we met back up with one Samaritha, Urie-Brute's female. They sent some kind of signal to alert a vessel to come. We left her there to continue our exploration, and tracked down what was Zincher's expedition out here. He is looking to collect some of the aberrations we fought, as well as some of the other aberrations that resemble undead. Quite an interesting classification of fauna arrived with the meteorite it seems. There doesn't seem to be much else out here except for them.
The brutes play their games. I, however am resting after another engagement with the aberrations. The brutes can heal, and the cleric can restore them, but they are still learning the value of spell craft. Oathday 7 Lamashan Researching in Riddleport: Day 67 The visions of fire continue. I am beginning to enjoy them. It would seem they are manifesting themselves in my abilities. The latest one that persists is one of Azmodeus sending a challenge of a horrible monstrosity... I fight it for what seems like days... and then I awake. Since it began I find channeling flame comes much more naturally. Similarly, in a bizarre side study, I've begun examining ways to improve the performance of this crossbow I've been carrying. It is cumbersome, I am attempting to design something more elegant. But back to the matters at hand. Earlier we followed Zincher down to a peculiar cave He brought with him no guard, no protection. We decided to enter this cave to see what he had been hiding. Drow. A larger contingent. I would number them between eight and twelve, and they had control over a demon of some kind. They dispatched it against us, and the brutes struggled when the found they could not harm it. Nothing a few spells could not handle, and while they struggled in the dark against the Drow, I attempted to finish the demon. It would eventually flee... We encountered a ghostly being of an avian sort, a ghastly thing whining and complaining of being trapped. Mortals. It went on to tell us of a story where she was killed by the first attempts to settle this place. Her lover proceeded to throw himself off of a cliff, and this did not please her. We withdrew from the tunnels and explored the site on which he was believed to have disappeared. I wish it would had been one of the other brutes, but the Urie-brute was the first to make contact with this being. Its touch alone bled him of his life, he looked horribly weakened, almost if starved and pale. We attempted to speak to it, the Cleric bound it with his will (which was quite entertaining to say the least) and attempted to question it. Our questions were met with nothing but threats. We eventually departed. We continued our exploration of the caves, against my suggestion. The Urie-Brute was quite weak, and I myself had not time to rest. Brutes will be brutes. We faced more of the Drow, stronger. One even managed to dispatch the Glaive-Brute. With few spells, and even fewer options, I managed to hold a position out of harms way, and waited for a time to strike. I was without recourse, however, when the bridge was destroyed, and the Glaive-Brute plummeted to his demise. Such a beast as this “Orca” I have not seen, it would seem that the Drow are adept in twisting creatures to their will. Most of us managed to escape with our lives. We continued our exploration, and found several tomes, some of which I should be able to form an abstract and summary after they are translation, and send them on to you. I will take a few requests if we have some early bidders on some of this Noqual. Serious Inquiries only. Starday 9 Lamashan Researching in Riddleport: Day 69 Today was a bizarre ending to our stay on the Devil's Elbow. And none to soon. I write to you as we are sailing away from the Devil's Elbow, back to the Cesspool of stench, Riddleport. Perhaps the Sneaky-Brute was angry about the loss of his friend, or perhaps he had not sated his blood lust. As we returned to the camp yesterday evening, he Immediately disemboweled Zincher's head protector. From his report the thug was some kind of spy for another criminal organization. However, soon after that, the Wight from the Lighthouse appeared to claim his threat on the Cleric. It was an entertaining battle, however I did not get a chance to truly unleash my power onto it. Between the Cleric binding it, and the brutes repeatedly chopping it as if it were some kind of spectral lumber... it was destroyed. It appears that this also released the avian specter from her prison as well. How 'heartwarming'. If I ever found myself as some kind of undead, I would only hope I would be focusing on more important things than some love story, or hanging around where I died. I would at the very least pray to Azmodeus or any other god that would listen to grant me the ability to strike down my enemies in their life. I suppose mortals don't really know what to do with themselves after their paltry lives are over.
As strange as it may sound, the greatest thing about Paizocon to me was... It was like a gigantic preview of what Pathfinder/Paizo is all about! I went from hearing about some adventure paths to meeting, conversing, and partying with everyone... in the space of 1 weekend. Needless to say I'm very happy to have met all of you! (I didn't ever get to be the werewolf either, also I was the seer a couple times, awesome.)
Thank you everyone! As someone who is new to Pathfinder, this convention was quite the experience. Every person I talked to about anything (Paizo related or not) was extremely enthusiastic and emphatic, an atmosphere of people who are enjoying eachother's company! Not only did I leave there awestruck, but I left there knowing that this community is not one you will find just anywhere. I look forward to a year of getting to know Pathfinder, and while it was sad when it was over, there is still an excitement for the future. There needs to be more of this in the world! Next year!
Greetings Fellow Pathfinders. I am new to the world here, but am definately enjoying it so far. In my first adventure path, I decided I wanted to write something about what happens behind the scenes with my character. For those familar with this adventure path, please enjoy! If, however, you are not, beware of spoilers! Here I have collected some of the thoughts of one Maladar Morax, Chellaxian Sorcerer of Tiefling heritage and Infernal bloodline. This slightly preceeds the arrival of our heros, when Maladar first arrives to investigate the strange blot in the heavens. In his travels he meets fellow heroes, 'respected' collegues, and notes his great finds and achievements in his correspondence to House Jeggare. Without further ado, I give you:
. . .
Moonday, 1 Arodus, 4708 A.R. Researching in Riddleport: Day 1 Riddleport is annoying at best, but I do think it may be full of opportunity. I find the the 'civilization' down here only a step or two from complete chaos and crime, while perhaps proving a barrier to the collection of gems of research information, may allow for other 'techniques' to find out what is really going on. It does make sense that I had to stay awake all those years in school, but learning Thassalonian was still a pain in my tail (literally at times). I find the hype about these cyphergates to be interesting but slightly moronic, the black blot on the horizon would definitely alert me more than some ages-old gates that have not been active in centuries if not millenia. I find that many I speak with here are distracted less by the arcane, and more by their own agendas. This may work in my favor. Wealday, 3 Arodus, 4708 A.R. Researching in Riddleport: Day 3 I still don't understand why the blot would, of all places, arrive here. The more time I spend amongst the misanthropes and dirt bags of this city, the less I think of it as a target for any magic user. I've personally concluded that if this is the result of any kind of magic spell, it is not any that I am aware of! I've spent time at the Fishbowl and the Free coin district. Generally people are more interested in entertainment and spectacle than that of which looms above their heads. Why Riddleport? Maybe the gates? Maybe the Gas Forges? I hear they go pretty deep? Too deep? Silly dwarves. I am starting to think this whole 'research' assignment as a joke or prank of some kind. Why Riddleport? I should be asking "Why me?" I am thinking that I may follow up on this "Golden Goblin" place soon, and of course for the sake of inquiring I will subject myself to the "House of the Silken Veil" at some point. As a side project I think I may attempt to find a way to get a fighter into the Arena, it is a very popular site here, and perhaps some success there could bring in some of the right kind of people, people looking for info, people like me. In fact I may have glanced a former employ of mine recently, drowsing himself a the tavern, probably wasting himself away. Fireday, 5 Arodus, 4708 A.R. Researching in Riddleport: Day 5 I find my current living conditions no longer acceptable. After 5 days in this cheap hovel called an Inn, I've decided that I must move on to an environment suitable for writing and comfort. This place does not even have a proper desk, and the lighting is all wrong for these reports. I've still been in the process of observing the life here in Riddleport. Perhaps I am misguided, but I am searching for a connection somewhere, why these people, maybe someone hidden among them, would invite abnormalities... and if so, which? I'm sorry let me take that back, plenty of the people here are inviting malaise and abnormality of all sorts... I intend to spend the next day and night looking for a fellow Tiefling here by the name of "Lavender Lil" Perhaps she might prove to have some insight... and if not, perhaps a lead in the right direction... Toilday, 7 Arodus, 4708 A.R. Researching in Riddleport: Day 7 {BLANK ENTRY} Wealday, 9 Arodus, 4708 A.R. Researching in Riddleport: Day 9 It was worth it. I've gained more 'insight' than I had bargained for while questioning Lavender Lil. She mentioned a name, some player down here I guess might be important, but alas, I've seemed to have misplaced my notes from that night! I plan on making it up soon however, as this Tournament approaches. I did make the acquaintance of one Shorafa Pamodae, who seems to know a little about how things work down here to say the least. While personally I envy the niche she has carved out in this particular area using her 'craft' I am still formulating ways to use it to our advantage. While not of particular use at the moment, this may require follow-up at a later time. Fireday, 12 Arodus, 4708 A.R. Researching in Riddleport: Day 12 I surmise my suspicions may have been correct. I am told an agent of house Thrule will be either arriving or has arrived... Perhaps people searching for answers. I Will attend a tournament of sorts today, at the Golden Goblin. I am expecting to see some out of work or out of luck individuals to employ, and I have the coin to back myself. Perhaps I will find someone 'intelligent' enough to sign a contract of employment to wind up in the arena. If they are 'intelligent' enough to expect to change their luck through chance, they should be pliable to my suggestion. Of course I just need to get to know some of these familiar faces once again, gain 'trust' of sorts. At least enough 'trust' to effect some type of bond, then I will see if I can exploit any kind of use or information out of them. Have to start somewhere of course. Sunday, 14 Arodus, 4708 A.R. Researching in Riddleport: Day 14 Things have started to get interesting to say the least. While 'investigating' the tournament (which was quite cleverly put together) I seemed to hit the jackpot of old acquaintances. First, the 'Urie the Ranger', of course with the drinking and the gambling... his uncouth nature made him easy to find. He did not recognize me at first, but we easily were reacquainted when money was mentioned. The same went with a certain man of a similar uncouth nature in much the same state, one with a history of violence who may prove to be unpredictable later. The Cleric of Azmodeus. While I did not see prowess on the tables or cards, the Cleric did prove useful later in the night. I did find him more wrapped up in counting his 'winnings' than old times. Other than the two animals and the Cleric, I did run across another 'associate' who I may be working with in the near future. His gift for the mercantile belies other skills... one way or another he's going to steal something, I'm sure of it. Of course as I herded them over to some of the gaming tables, we had our "Interesting moment" of the night! Thugs and some excuse for a wielder of the arcane attempted to make off with the jackpot. Short work was made of them of course. And it has worked in such a manner to find us in the employ of what appears to be a mid-level entrepreneur of sorts. I don't think this is a move up any kind of social food chain, but I see potential! Toilday, 16 Arodus, 4708 A.R. Researching in Riddleport: Day 16 I have spent far to many hours among the misanthropes and beggars of Riddleport. I have been tasked with telling others of the virtues of this Golden Goblin, and sending them there to patronize the establishment. I am choosing to treat the experience as a demographic study of course. For instance, I've yet to come across a 3rd tiefling yet! However others here seem comfortable with my appearance. I know I must have seen more of them around somewhere... I do understand while I was out the brutes were allowed to indulge and flourish their base natures and 'escort' some poor drunkards from the establishment. While I do not enjoy the fact that they are the closest things to 'Allies' here, I do take solace in the fact that they are accosting beings other than myself. Fireday, 19 Arodus, 4708 A.R. Researching in Riddleport: Day 19 I find the repulsive slime of this town to be less agreeable by the hour! Yet... tolerable in a manner. Perhaps I am losing my sanity, perhaps I am adapting to this society. Time may tell. It would seem there is an intrigue of sorts going on between one Clegg Zincher and the owner of the Golden Goblin. Amateur at best by Chellaxian standards, but ironically it did result in an injured Cleric and a field day for the Brutes! A Cindersnake, obviously brought in from somewhere up north was planted in the bath! I do find it entertaining that the 'Ranger' couldn't sing to it a lullaby. Moonday, 21 Arodus, 4708 A.R. Researching in Riddleport: Day 21 I write today only to add nothing new to report. I still loath the stench of this place. I treasure the thoughts of freeing myself of this assignment... and perhaps another visit to "Lavender Lil" Wealday, 24 Arodus, 4708 A.R. Researching in Riddleport: Day 24 Still have not found time to observe the blot directly for any amount of time, but have run across enough people in my dealings with the public that I am hoping to project an image people will recognize, and perhaps with time, I can wield some kind of social status. With a lot of time... Also it would seem Ranger Brute has found a new potential mate. Seeing humans and their sorry excuse for courtship has possibly proven the most entertaining highlight as of yet. The wench is a 'Wizard' of sorts, although I am not yet familiar with her abilities. I will report more on this later, especially if I can get my hands on her spellbook. I don't know where she comes from, but she does not seem harmful to our goals at this time. I think perhaps someone else to identify these mundane excuses for magical items would ease the feeling of actually being a peasant down here. Fireday, 26 Arodus, 4708 A.R. Researching in Riddleport: Day 26 I am seriously reconsidering how to cooperate with these brutes. I am not above violence of course, but if I didn't miss my mark, I do think at least one of my co-workers here is a sadist! And once again not one to judge a sadist's utility, there are times where violence does become a bloody hassle! We were sent on a task to retrieve something from some of the unsavory locals (are there any other kind?) and it became an complete bloodbath. I managed to escape unharmed, but I have clearly dropped my guard here. The Cleric, quite impressive in ability, was attempting to start up an opportunity for a persuasive effort by myself, when the stealthy fellow managed to sloppily ruin it for everyone. They killed everyone standing, then went back to sack the place later! I mean we did accomplish our goals in a manner of speaking, but the loss of potential exploits and revenue have disturbed me. I feel we may wind up killing those who we may just need information from! Brutes! All of them! Moonday Arodus 29th Researching in Riddleport: Day 29 The bodies continue to pile up. At least on this particular occasion, the brutes made with the violence after the priest and I had managed to get the information out of this scum. Not without a particularly masterful deception that I had managed to pull off. Of course the brutes did prove a distraction. Seems we are crossing into the realms of loan-sharks and novice crime-lords... Makes me curious about how deep our employer's problems may run. As far as the blot, there was an interesting event today. Trivial at most, the weather vanes in the town began acting strangely, pivoting around and pointing at the abnormality. As far as I have researched I do not see any resemblance to any evocation, illusion nor any divine schedule to date. Oathday 2 Rova Researching in Riddleport: Day 32 Working to bring others into the Goblin proves to be more of a chore daily. Of course I've found my ways to make use of my time among the riff-Raff here in this cesspool. Seems from time to time people have actually heard of brutish exploits from certain Golden Goblin employees... to include a certain 'Devilish' fellow. I've met a few other 'Sideshows' as of late. Perhaps my kind is not as outnumbered as I had originally concluded. Speaking of oddity, there was a wave of sorts today. I don't know how an aerial phenomenon would effect the seas as such, but it may be worth noting. The wave (I am told) was somewhere between 5 and 10 feet when hit the shore, and made it a good distance into the town. Too bad it didn't take more of the stench with it. Starday 4 Rova Researching in Riddleport: Day 34 I am spending my day with a pocket full of coin, and hundreds of people to exploit. What more could I ask for out of this landfill excuse for a metropolis. Personally, I am hoping if this blot is going to remove anything from the realm, it will be the scum sucking good for nothing beggars of Riddleport! Toilday 7 Rova Researching in Riddleport: Day 37 It seems as if the Brutes are becoming aware of things other than smashing. Although they have passed the evolutionary bar of using tools, I think basic linguistics still escape them, much less the use of language with the an arcane accent. Today's scumbag happened to look like one of our Korvosan friends, but even more petty. Seems he was sent with some minions to 'confiscate' some of our employer's property. The barbarism that followed was quite entertaining, as it took me several attempts to find the way to 'influence' this fellow. Of course once I had convinced him to hand over his shield and cloak, not to mention stop the fighting in general, the brutes immediately imposed their violence upon him. I think one of them was actually salivating. However, the situation was fairly clear-cut, and I don't think we will have the same issues with this particular group of fools. However, while transporting one of the unconscious imbeciles back to the Goblin, a peculiar hail of sorts hit us. Now I wish I could say it was the typical druid-gone-wild type weather... or even the 'I'm an ill-tempered deity and I will punish you now' type of magic, but that would not be the case. Not only did the stones expand to the size of small boulders after several moments, but they evaporated like ice cubes in the desert (but faster) Quite curious to say the least... Fireday 10 Rova Researching in Riddleport: Day 40 The Anomalies of late continue to weigh on my mind, however I have found myself feeling more as if things are looking up. The gold goblin is doing quite well, and I think eventually it may make for a profitable venture. The blot continues to menace me. I blame it for the difficulty sleeping lately. I've not quite taken to the drink like some of the others, but have been tempted. The brutes continue to drag their knuckles, and I am told by one of my contacts the sneaky one has commissioned some new weapons. How exciting. For the time being it seems they contain themselves. I am pleased. Moonday 13 Rova Researching in Riddleport: Day 43 Continuing to build business contacts with the locals. I think The Goblin will be profiting well for quite some time. I hear the brute with the stick has managed to 'convince' some of our 'fellow entrepreneurs' to 'further consider other investment options'. I am glad to see the meat slab being productive. Has become easier to drop certain names around town to arouse conversation. The blot continues to vex me. I blame my recent headaches on it. Then again it could be the 'intelligent conversation' with my colleagues The cleric has been asserting a management position at the goblin, which will prove advantageous.
Wealday 15 Rova Researching in Riddleport: Day 45 Promise hidden in disaster. Today one of the locals decided a show of force against us would be a good idea. It was! For us at least. The brutes immediately took to their recreational activity with glee while I attempted to gather their numbers. I believe it was multiple groups to attack, which says to me there could be a sense of jealousy about our group, I mean that many expendables actually coordinating with each other must of taken every bit of mental power they could spare! Speaking of those lacking mental ability, our stick-wielding brute almost met an unexpected demise, were it not for our fellow Chellaxian cleric I believe all would have been lost. I counted their number at somewhere around a dozen, but between arrows, glaive, dagger and spells their number proved meaningless. I have proven to have the skill of distraction, bending our attackers attention while the others rejoice in their brutality. Perhaps I should stop writing as I may be sounding as if I had enjoyed the whole chaotic mess. Who would have thought I'd be reminiscing about a brawl. Times have proven to be odd... Fireday 17 Rova Researching in Riddleport: Day 47 I have managed to secure a small residence away from the goblin. Not as if I've acquired anything other than coin, but I'd like to be elsewhere if we are raided again. Urie our Ranger Brute, has agreed to share a domicile and has recently begun training a scrawny beast of the canine variety. I do think that I could kill the thing with a single finger-flick, however I do find it easier to sleep. Having a beast in the house is almost as good as warding all the doors and windows, but cheaper. Moonday 20 Rova Researching in Riddleport: Day 50 The weak continue to perish beneath our feet. Curse the cripple once known as Saul, may his soul be tormented for all eternity, perhaps someday by myself personally. While I never liked the braggart, I did not think him intelligent enough to construct a ploy the way that he did. If I had thought him formidable as this I would have arranged his destruction long ago. This trip has been a study in treachery as much as an un-knowable blot in the sky. I forget who managed to finish the fool, but I did enjoy the look in his eyes as his so-loyal beast trainer set the dog on him. He died a brutal death and his corpse torn to shreds. However enough about his demise. As the usual, we were asked to check out a meeting of some 'competitors' of course we were prepared for trouble, but we did not expect the ambush. Wererats of all things. I suppose they were the only fools left that would take Saul's side against us. They were easily dispatched, but it did shed light on the situation. I did receive your correspondence, and did comply. Staying close to the cleric has proven the best course of action, as receiving several arrow wounds to what some would call 'my dirty sideshow face' proved annoying but not fatal. The setup was amateur at best, by using some stealth and trickery we put down many of the defenders. Saul's choice to hide instead of run was a foolish one. We claimed the deed to this cesspool, but the mystery seems to begin here. There is a door leading to what I believe are underground tunnels, common in Riddleport. We will begin our search tomorrow. I hope to have something more than criminal dramatics in the port town on my next entry. Toilday 21 Rova Researching in Riddleport: Day 51 I'm sure word has probably reached you by now, but I did want to send my personal report as well. Information is sparse on the actual aftermath, but I did want to notify you of something that may or may not have proven to be true. The geological features of the caverns beneath our newly conquered building were quite unlike anything I am familiar with. the same could be said about the fauna as well. As I am currently engaged in arranging my next step to investigate this situation, I do not have time to return to the archives, but I do recommend that we have our best scholars begin retrieving what volumes we have on the legends and stories regarding The Drow. It is quite the suggestion I am aware, but there was no illusory magic at work when we made contact with this being. I thought I hated elves as it was, but this particular type has particularly dangerous. While I am not familiar with the poison she was using on her crossbow bolts, it did seem potent. I have not found any factual evidence of her intentions, but I would assume that she was either a scout or lookout of some kind. When we initially found her she seemed to be studying part of the cyphergate, and it was almost as if she was attempting to remove some of it. She did break away after initiating combat, and proved difficult to pursue. The stick-wielder gave immediate chase, leaving some of her unusual minions to delay us. As she made way up the gate, I managed to hit her with at least two bolts, but ultimately our barbarian managed to crush her. I was looking forward to a formal questioning, but I don't think there is even enough for a reanimation of any worth. I'm not sure if she herself initiated the events that destroyed the Devil's Elbow, or if she was attempting to escape them. Either way I fear that the evil stirring in our midst is not something we can truly prepare for... |
