I popped in here to apologize for my sudden disappearance at the end of last year.
Simply put, my life had a rather drastic change of direction, for the better luckily, and I kinda lost track with tons of things. Sadly that included this game.
It's good to see you are still going strong.
So again, I apologize for my vanishing and, well, have fun with it all.
Paval pays little attention to Garess as he talks.
"I'd suggest we travel parallel to the main route, preferably under some cover. That way we should be able to avoid being spotted by the bandits while we can keep a clear line of sight. It would be best if we spot them before they spot us. Having the element of surprise would be very helpful."
Paval nodded at Ahto, "First we need more information." He turns around to look for Sams. When seeing the man he shouts out for him, "Sams! Could you come here?"
Assuming Sams comes When the big man arrives Paval smiles at him, "Could you tell us which direction the bandit base is from here? How many days travelling is it?"
"Because humans are known for their excellent night-time vision. The archers will be next to useless. Even if the bandits carry torches it's still a literal shot in the dark."
Paval sighed. This would be a mess. "I'd say get the traps done, hide them well enough and make note of where you place what, for our own safekeeping. If the bandits approach without torches in an attempt to surprise us they'll get caught. If they come with lit torches we can spot them miles away and we'll be ready. That said, I still doubt they'll come at night." Paval had started pacing back and forth while he spoke.
"Ideally we'd find them out there. If their group has any decent size they'll be moving slowly. We'd find them but stay out of their way and wait until night falls and they make camp. Then we could burn down their tents and spook their horses, assuming they're riding. Maybe we could even befoul their supplies. Anything to help take them down before the fighting even begins."
Paval had been listening to the entire conversation, nodding along mostly yet now things got to a point he couldn't not step in.
"So wait a moment here. You, Garess, say they'll come at night, right? How are we going to use a catapult in the dark? Most of us can't see a thing then. For that matter, how will the bandits come? As far as I gather they're almost all human so they can't see in the dark either. Unless they carry torches but then we could spot them miles away. Wouldn't it make more sense for them to arrive in daylight?"
He looked at all others involved in the conversation. "Second, are we really going to just sit here and wait for them to come? For all we know it could be two more weeks before they show up. Besides, we can more or less assume our Chelaxian friend has their back so there is no telling what kind of support they're bringing, or how many. Hells, perhaps she gave them infernal reinforcements, we don't know. We need to know what's coming."
"Do they need to corroborate? He lead the bandits and we know they have committed murder in his name. Isn't that enough?" Time was an issue, probably, so getting this done with should be don e as quickly as possible.
"Besides that, I think we should find this Akiros fellow. He might be able to help us take down this Dovan fellow and eliminate the brigands in this area." He then lowered his voice again, "We also need to find a way to prevent the indentures from rejoining him if and when they attack. In fact, I think we should soon make rounds to see if they aren't sabotaging the outpost's defenses already."
Paval turns to Ahto and nods, "I think the most important part is we now know that there still is a bandit warlord out there for us to remove. As for this Dovan, I suspect he was some sort of lieutenant."
Turning back to the decrepit Staglord a soft smile appears on his face, "So this Dovan fellow stole the fruits of your hard labour. Help us take vengeance for you. Tell us everything you know that could help us take the backstabbing scumbag out."
Paval whispered back to Ahto, "I think we should play on his sense of pride. Something took what was his, that has to sting."
Paval then moves in on the vulnerable man, "They say you are the Staglord. I do not believe them. We have been told the Staglord is a powerful, fearsome man who leads his army of brigands and highwaymen without fear or remorse." Paval stands up straight as he talks, puffing up his chest as if to emulate the fearsome bandit king.
"Yet what I see before me now is nothing like that. All that remains is some snivelling sod begging for his death. You can not be the man they call the Staglord. That man would not be broken like this. So tell me then, who are you and why did you come here?"
"Wait!" Paval quickly moves in as he hears Ahto asks Sams to get the indentures. "Wouldn't you say we need to question him first? I for one would like to know how he ended up here and in his current state. Did someone depose him? It would be good to know if someone has replaced him and if so what kind of person we're dealing with."
In a single sweeping motion Paval's hand moves to stick his sword deep into the chest of the man he'd just been fighting, resulting in visible shock and horror on Paval's face.
Dead grandpa is a vengeful guy who doesn't like it when people attack his grandson. I guess that would work as a sort of accidental aid on Wonky's Intimidate check Aid on Intimidate:1d20 ⇒ 19
With the downtime of the site some time ago, the ridiculous work load at work and spending a lot of time figuring out my own next steps to get out of that shitty job and move to something better, I've been a bit distracted.
I should be back now, though I'm still figuring how to get to where I want to go (Simply put, I want to get into teaching but for that I need to get into a re-education program. For that I need a school to sponsor me, as that is how the system works).
The way Paval looked at the dead bear, then man then nothing could best be described as confused. Maybe slightly horrified, but mostly confused. He shook his head when he heard Wonky's words, as if trying to shake it off.
He then looked up, searching for the priest, "Kavken? You can come out now, the curse seems to be gone."
Being comfortable at his position behind the Paval lashes out with his blade once more. It was easy, from his position the bear was a big wall of fur and there was no risk of hitting Ahto.
As someone who has suffered from quite severe depression himself, I'd say hang in there. You most likely already know this, but the fact she can't talk about it does not mean she doesn't care.
I don't really know you or her so it's impossible for me to do anything but make general statements you have probably heard hundreds of times already. Especially since I don't know her anxieties, which can complicate things.
Get help if you can. Be it professionals or family and friends. Preferably both. It's for you, for her and for your kids.
Time spent together helps and it doesn't have to be anything big (I think smaller might even be better). Going for a walk together could be enough.
Take time for yourself and make sure your kids also get time to relax, no matter how young they are. Your wife may have the diagnosis but you all share in her sickness.
I realise you might not be waiting for advise from some random guy on the internet but know that I mean well and my only desire in this is to get the best possible outcome for you and your family. I know how shitty these kinds of things are and I don't wish that on anyone.
If we can help you with your breaks we are more than happy to do so.
"Hexa, wait!" Paval almost shouts after Hexa as the lizardman runs off. "We're not going in there now. The bear would get the drop on us with this visibility."
A smile appears on Paval's face when he sees the priest's enthusiasm. He's less enthused by Wonky's idea though. "I'm not so sure on that. I do not fancy fighting some giant bear without being able to properly see it."
Paval seemed a particularly good mood the day after the storm. "I don't know if it was a sign from your lord but I do agree it's a good idea to set out. Now where did you think the temple was? "
Seeing the others are taking care of the wounded man Paval instead sits back and takes notes.
When it comes to the regular care of the man he chips in, adding to his notes when he comes to bring the man water. What he writes down are accurate description of the state of the man and how that changes over time.
"I haven't been properly trained either. The last true swordlord in my family is my grandfather. Something he just won't stopping reminding me of."
Yet is was grandfather who provided him with an edge at times. Strong swings from Garess that he knows he shouldn't have been able to parry he miraculously did. Truly it was a triumph of technique over brute force. AT the same time it showed Paval he still had a lot to learn. As a large part of his win was actually due to Garess defeating himself.
When the storm was about to hit they had to break it off to prepare. Paval aided Garess and his mercenaries. "That was a good duel, we should spar more often. Perhaps some of your men could also do with some practice beyond dummies."
Once more, sorry for my silence. Things have been a bit up and down for me here.
I'm also still struggling with Paval, his identity and his actual use for the game. I'm trying to figure out what to do as at the moment everything he can do someone else can do better, both in and out of combat. That has been bugging me for a while but I thought it would be a temporary thing and just a matter of finding his niche. I still haven't found it though.
EDIT: Imperious bloodline would be a great fit for Kalima I think.
Paval kept to himself while the others were busy talking to the priest and bartering with merchants. He only moves to his bunk after the others went in and gets up before the rest does.
By the time they get their breakfast he is already practising his swordplay. Those close by can hear him in having what sounds like a fierce discussion, yet there is nobody else there.
My original concept for Elena is as a Skald using the Red Tongue and either the Fated Champion, the Court Poet or the Urban Skald archetypes.
If that would not work for you I'm fine with something else though it should be noted that her formal education was as a noble lady so that should probably show.
There is one thing I'm very hesitant about though and that would be the intended awkwardness and residual tension between her and Paval. The two were a couple before knowing they were half siblings and those feelings have never been properly dealt with. They were simply told it could not happen as they were related then where pulled apart and told never to tell anyone about any of it (both their previous relation and that they were half siblings).
I'd be perfectly fine with figuring out how to do such a thing but it would be a complication.
I think the complication is the whole point of the story with Elena, and what makes it interesting. But I admit I'm not sure if I will do it justice . . . it would be an experiment. I am fine leaving that between you and DM Vayelan, should he decide that Elena makes her appearance. And perhaps she can appear as your own cohort.
The original idea was to have her as a cohort/back up character for Paval, in part because I'm still figuring out where to go with him character wise (I'm pretty clear on mechanics for a few levels onward). He needs some drive beyond anxiety and fear over what's happening to him.
As for doing the story justice, I'm not sure I will either.
The most important part is that you enjoy what you play and for that I think you'll have to make a character your own. So if you want to play Elena we'll figure something out that suits both of us. If not she'll stick around for later use.
Paval nodded at Svetlana, "Good, I'll write her as we figure out the housing. And you can drop the "sir" Svetlana, we're all friends here."
----
As the others talked to the cleric Paval simply stood back. He never got along with the priest of Erastil back home, that small minded fool was unbearable. So he left the talking to those less prejudiced.
My original concept for Elena is as a Skald using the Red Tongue and either the Fated Champion, the Court Poet or the Urban Skald archetypes.
If that would not work for you I'm fine with something else though it should be noted that her formal education was as a noble lady so that should probably show.
There is one thing I'm very hesitant about though and that would be the intended awkwardness and residual tension between her and Paval. The two were a couple before knowing they were half siblings and those feelings have never been properly dealt with. They were simply told it could not happen as they were related then where pulled apart and told never to tell anyone about any of it (both their previous relation and that they were half siblings).
I'd be perfectly fine with figuring out how to do such a thing but it would be a complication.
Paval smiled as he received the letter. If only the caravan master knew who had written it, it would have been carried in on a velvet pillow. That it wasn't was better though.
The smile quickly faded after seeing what was written within though and Paval couldn't help but sigh at the bad news. He then folded the letter and put it away in one of his pockets. There was no point in answering right away so he wouldn't. Maybe in a week or two.
Instead he made his way over to Svetlana, "I was wondering Svetlana. Would you be able to use an extra set of hands around here? I mean, now that this place is getting set up more and more I'm thinking of asking my mother to come this way so that I can be sure she's doing well. The thing is though that she can't bare doing nothing. She is a great seamstress and I find she can do most things she puts her mind to. I do think I might wait with asking her until we have more quarters set up though."
At the mention of amputation Paval held his hand close to his chest, something the hand did not object to. He then decided to drop the pretense, "I don't want to get rid of him, he's my grandfather. I do want more control back as he behaves like an old lech. Last time we were at the outpost I could only just stop him from groping Svetlana."
Paval seemed rather nervous, "Ah yes, uhmm. Let's say, hypothetically, someone made a deal with some ancestor spirit. In exchange for knowledge the spirit got to ride along, only as a passenger. But now the spirit is more and more manifesting it's own will, to the annoyance of his descendant. Would you know of a way for that descendant to get more control back? All hypothetically of course."
As he gets to the end of his question Paval is restraining his right hand, which appears to struggle, with his left.
Paval had been silent for quite a while, riding at the back of the group. Any who looked at him would have seen him simply staring off in the distance while his right hand was gently petting the horse's neck or stroking it's mane.
When the others were inspecting the gold vein a stepped of his horse and started talking, just as Wonky did, "Ahto, do you have sometime? I have a problem probably best addressed by someone with your..." Only then did he realize he was talking at the same time as Wonky, "Oh. sorry."
Sorry for being gone for quite a while. It was a combination of technical problems (new PC that didn't work as flawless as it should, and still doesn't) and personal issues.
Simply put, in the past I have suffered from depression. While that is mostly behind me I do occasionally slip and I need to act on that to make sure I don't fall back. This time that all took a bit more work than it usually does.
With everyone else surrounding the boar Paval moves around the back of the beast, leaving room for the enlarged Sams. From that position he lashes out with his blade.
As he moves in to strike his boot gets snagged behind a protruding root, causing his swing to go wide.
Move Move around the boar into flank Standard Attack with duelling sword Attack:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10Damage:1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Paval moves with the group, hands on the hilt of his blade. He then turns his head, thinking he heard something. Then he shakes his head and smiles, sure it was just the wind or some squirrel or the such.
Happy holidays indeed. For me, I'm looking at our 2nd day of Easter. For some reason, we have 2 days of many holidays here (easter, passover, Christmas)
I'm fine with exploring a bit more. We need to map more, especially the outpost's immediate surroundings.
Paval spent most of the time at the outpost practicing his sword forms and growing slightly annoyed as the spirit of his grandfather is becoming more assertive.
When they come upon the moon radish patch and the moaning kobolds Paval has trouble stifling a laugh. "It appears our scaly neighbours overindulged. Or perhaps their systems aren't suited for these things."
He then turned to Hexa, "Maybe it would be best if you talk to them? I think they look up to you."
Paval has the letter to his half sister requesting her to make her way to the outpost.
Ahto had sent his report to the high priest of Abadar in Restov so there might be a reply to that.
Wonky was looking for thieves' tools and artisan tools for weapon making.
That's all I could find.
As for what to do till the merchants arrive, Paval is eager to get moving again. He has very little to do at the outpost.
EDIT: Just a side note, in case Paval's half sister does arrive with the caravan (up to you GM). Expect a whole lot of awkwardness between them. They (secretly) were a couple before they knew they are half siblings and those feelings aren't fully gone on either side, despite their best efforts. Nothing inappropriate between them, just awkwardness.
Wonky's appearance conjures a smile upon Paval's face. He then nods at the comments from both her and Ahto. "I'm quite decent at the design and everything myself but I never learned to put those designs into practice. I think it would indeed be a good idea to send a request for skilled workers. Maybe after we clear out the remaining bandits?"
That would also be the point he'd send for his mother to come over, though he was afraid she and Svetlana might get along too well.
After spending some more time walking around the encampment, getting an idea of how things were going, Paval moved to Ahto. "How are the prisoners doing? Any of them skilled?"
He continues without waiting for an answer, "I think we might need to figure out a way to attract trained carpenters and masons if we want to build this place up. Perhaps they could even train the indentures."
Paval offers the big lizard-man a smile, "I'd like them prepared yes, not like this. Now if only I could remember my mother's recipe using oranges. Maybe Svetlana knows it. And maybe she also knows if we can get oranges imported from Taldor."
