Polyoinos's page

Hey folks - apologies for my absence over the last week, as I touched on previously was burned out with work.

Bad news is things are continuing to ramp up over the next month here in my Ops role, and I’ve a bunch of front loading to do ahead of my planned seasonal family vacation to Dubai for 2 weeks from 12-29 Dec.

Knock on has been I’ve been mentally wiped and struggled for motivation and impetus. I’ve always taken pride in being a player who didn’t just post for postings sake, and enjoy the role-play as much as the roll-play.

As such I’ve came to a hard decision that I’m in a real period of creative inertia and cannot (at present) give the games I play in the input and investment they so richly deserve.

With the exception of a couple of (very) long running games I’m taking the very, very tough decision to drop out of the majority of the pbp games I’m in.

Want to take the opportunity to thank you all for the creative collaboration, and particularly our illustrious GM Amazing Red who I must vex with a passion.

My hope is down the line in 2021 that I’ll be recharged and refocussed enough to resume indulging this amazing hobby of ours on a broader scope. As/when that happens I hope to be lucky enough to game alongside some of you again.

Meantime I sadly will bid you adieu, and thanks again for the patience, understanding and most of all fun and drunken memorable moments in the Age of Mythos.

Work has wiped me out this week guys, been a long weekend of duty calls and after action meetings. Likely to be closer to Friday before I'm in position to post. Please bot Poly as/when required.

Busy weekend on duty rota - head's burst. Will try and post on the morrow.

Polyoinos raises a bushy brow at Cyrene's capacity for wine, then refills the cup and passes it to Amphityron with a grin;

"Quaff and feel thyself bolstered o' wise Shadow Champion!"

Polyoinos offers his cup to the newcomer;

"Do you imbibe fair follower of Artemis?"

He bows thematically with a hearty chuckle;

"I am Polyoinos; Beloved of Bacchus. Scion of a Satyr, Woo'er of Amazons, Drainer of Casks, Liberator of Autolycus and drinking partner of Circe. And what should we call you Huntress?"

Indeed it was, and Bubo the mechanical owl.

Polyoinos frowns at the news of watchers, then with a nod pulls forth his Kylix and fills it from his wineskin;

"Hah. Yes of course my friend! Let us imbibe and lure our watchers with the bouquet of this vintage!"

Ninja'd

When the dark elf appears, the skald cradles the cup protectively and looks accusingly back at the archer;

"Not just Zeus I'll have you know! I am a loyal servant of Baccus! And as for hunting... it depends on the fare... I can root out the best taverna in any city, and have a nose for the holy grape!"

+1 on the old Harryhausen epics, plus any Swords and Sandals classics!

Polyoinos eyes the portal of the huge keep with interest;

"Perhaps we should pause here before entering? Has been a long day, best we gird our loins and slake our thirsts no?"

The rotund skald pats his supply of wineskins optimistically...

Polyoinos flashes a wide grin as the shades dissipate;

"Ho-ho! Our legend grows my friends! Vanquishers of fell biaiothanatoi escaped from Hades itself!"

Clapping the nearest shoulder with a meaty hand, the skald reaches for his wineskin;

"Friend Varocles, perhaps you should consecrate their remains? Let their souls rest? I shall of course imbibe to steady the nerves and toast our victory!"

Welcome guys - hopefully you'll disguise my tardiness of late.

Nik - always a pleasure mate, been too long :)

Undeterred by the apparition's evasive abilities, Polyoinos continues to bellow his song, stirring the blood of his companions as he presses home another attack;

"Fell shade of Hades! By spear, song or wand we shall end thee!"

Maintain Raging Song - Free Action; Melee Attack - Standard Action

Melee: +1 Longspear: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 1 = 14 Burn a Hero Point...
Hero Point Reroll Melee: +1 Longspear: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 = 27
+1 Longspear Damage vs Incorporeal: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12

Apologies gang - I've been trying to get back into the way of things... but it's been one step forward, one step back at times.

Appreciate the patience and will try and post more frequently.

Polyoinos nods in agreement, ignoring the stodgy gnomes response to his suggestion for a drinking session;

"Ships have rum! Not quite the holy grape, but it will suffice until we reach our destination..."

He pauses, then eyes their handler with a frown;

"The gnomic folk are free spirited and lovers of frivolity and japes. You strike me as a melancholy sort akin to our gloomy brothers... Tis a shame to have lost your zest for life. Mark my words Callie. I shall make thee laugh. It will be my Herculean Labour!"

I'll pass on the axe - sell it :)

Polyoinos nods approvingly;

"One of the fey folk, excellent! Your jocular sense of fun and wild abandon will stand you in good stead Liason Callie. Perhaps some team bonding o'er quart or four of wine would be in order?"

Haha - his Raging Song is more him verbosely singing... but for some spells etc (and in game RP) it'll be cool to break out the pipes!

Getting back into it proper gang - appreciate the patience.

Rejigged Poly's 5th Level Skills - Perform (Wind Instruments) as hoping to pack a Aulos - which also ties in with his new 2nd Level spell gained: Sound Burst (gives us some more offensive capabilities).

Regarding loot: Poly will take the two Runestones of Power if they are going a begging. Have we coin to spend? If so what's the share??

Polyoinos eyes the assembled patronage through bleary eyes. Quite soon after arrival he had managed to convince the Quartermaster to show him the stores of ambrosia and wine.

True to form, he had imbibed a sample or nine, and was left slumped and happy whilst his companions continued their orientation. (Figure that accounts for my lack of input lol)

Meeting with Baccus could wait, he trusted the Breaker of Chains and Drainer of Casks would summon him in due time.

Squinting at the question, the rotund skald chuckles;

"Polyoinos. Field Agent and Imbiber Extraordinaire!"

(Am mid-holiday weekend and slowly easing myself back into my games. Appreciate the patience folks :)

Polyoinos' grin widens at the mention of Baccus' blessing.

"Ho-ho! If the Lord of the Divine Grape gives his sanctification, then who am I to dispute. I too will commune with my patron... He tends to speak through the vessel of a carafe or three!"

The skald chuckles, clearly pleased with the turn of events;

"Rest assured Lord of Olympius, our appetites for wine, lovers and coin, will pale to the passion for heroism we exhibit! The sages will write of us and the bards sing of our deeds! When do we start!?"

Friends, just a heads up that my posting might be erratic this week. Got a bunch of RL stuff that is stymieing my creative flow and has frankly ground me down mentally...

I’m still missing my boy terribly, and while we’ve discussed getting another rescue pup of late, a sense of “replacement guilt” has weighed on me heavily. Additionally while gym's reopen in a week’s time here in Scotland, but it's been a long time coming, and that lack of “iron therapy” has been acutely felt of late in my mental wellbeing.

Lastly, but not least, I often set myself up as a defacto union rep in my workplace. Lately there’s been some issues that have put me at loggerheads with upper-management, whilst trying to do right by co-workers and the small team I’m responsible for. Sleepless nights and frustration has ensued, which has also contributed to my headspace being less than stellar.

I’ve taken Friday off, to bookend a bank holiday this weekend. Hoping to use the time to recharge and deload. If my posting is off, or I go awol for a day or three hope you’ll understand why in light of above.

Thanks ahead of time for your collective patience and understanding.

Gary/BD/Poly

Polyoinos takes the measure of the god before them, then bows theatrically;

"My Lord Zeus... I am Polyoinos; Beloved of Bacchus. Scion of a Satyr, Woo'er of Amazons and Drainer of Casks."

Sorry gang - for some reason wasn't getting updates :S

Polyoinos notes the young woman's approach and runs a meaty hand through his ribboned beard;

"Greetings and salutations fair maiden. Would it be remiss to ask who we are to see? And of course if you would be free for a amphora or two later?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15 ... the ol' rustic charm's a bit rusty lol

Polyoinos arches a brushy brow, then shakes his garlanded head at Varocles;

"Ho-ho. Our Shadow Champion has the right of it! To the Victors - the Spoils!"

The rotund skald chuckles, then drapes a meaty arm o'er dwarf and warrior each;

"My friends... We should imbibe, indulge and imbibe some more... to honour our honour and to tell tales of our adventures to any who would listen and marvel!"

Sorry been up to my eyes at work.

Good to go tho'

Level Up

5th Level Feat: Skald's Vigor

Skald Increases:

+8 HP (1/2d8+1) +2 CON +1 Favoured Class

Spell Kenning 1/Day

+1 1st Level Spell: TBC
+1 2nd Level Spell: TBC

+5 Skill Ranks (4 +1 INT): +1 Rank in Bluff, Diplomacy, Knowledge (Nature), Knowledge (Religion) & Perception

+2 Background Skill Ranks: +1 Rank in Lore (Circe) & Lore (Wine)

Loot

Checking over the Loot Sheet I'll definitely claim the Ring of Protection +1; 1 off Potion of Barkskin +3 & the Runestones of Power.

"Ho-Ho! This is case for celebration I think! A feast perhaps? Or wine and debauchery my friends? What say you!?"

Polyoinos shrugs his meaty shoulders, with a wistful grin;

"Ho-ho. Nothing much to tell. We drank, we sang, we slumbered, then did it all again. For a forlorn Queen of ill repute, Circe made for a good companion in gayety and salacious behaviour King Jason!"

Polyoinos nods his garlanded head;

"Aye Queen! Listen to our gloomy Kyronai... Stay a awhile longer. Let us all drink and make merrier!"

Polyoinos adjusts his floral wreath, that had been knocked asunder by the noctural adventures.

He grins at his companions, then looks quizzically at the absence of Circe;

"Hail my friends! Where is our comely Queen this morn? Did you non-imbibers not keep watch, as myself and Shadow Champion did for her handmaids?"

He chuckles bawdily, then collects an half filled carafe and drains it;

"Ahhhh. Hair of the hound, much needed! Now seriously, where is Cerce? Still abed after your herculean efforts lads? Har!"

Polyoinos grins, then claps Amphitryon's armoured shoulder;

"Ho-ho! Aye we shall drink this fair Queen under the table!"

He knocks back his own cup of wine, soaking his beard as his smile widens!

Sorry all - work dropped the hammer on me, then was in a socially distanced catch up with friends last night.

Polyoinos snaps from his thoughtful torpor when drinks are mentioned by Circe;

"Ho-ho! Indeed! Let us celebrate your return with grape and grain!"

The skald joins her in drinking with gusto; engaging the sorceress in conversation between draughts;

"So Queen Circe... What now? We remain mere heroes in the eyes of few, but we indeed have the potential to become to talk of tavernas and subject of songs! Perhaps your plans will... guide us in how we can best accomplish legendary fame... and assist you of course?"

Polyoinos shrugs his meaty shoulders with a apologetic grin;

"Her tale seem honest enough King Jason. Both sides talked, and both sides listened. Her words with not without merit... tho' her disregard for the grape and carnal delights I could offer were somewhat disappointing... You of course are a man of culture and open mind..."

The stout skald offers Jason a cup of wine;

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12 Ah...

Latest development is tapping into that trope of a fellowship splitting for the greater good, then to reunite.

I would be trusting you lot to find a way to free Poly from back in the "real realm".

Polyoinos mulls another option;

"Queen Circe. Does this realm have vineyards? Does it support the growth of the holy grape? If so I would consider changing places with you... Given time I would transform the place to an epicentre of drunken mirth and debauchery... "

He smiles warmly, then eyes the comely queen;

"Remember Dionysus is the breaker of chains. He, and we who serve, rescue not only the flesh but the heart and spirit. It would be fitting for me to allow you this grace, and allow this realm to become wild and uncultivated."

Polyoinos eyes the Queen curiously;

"Do you not wish some company Circe? Let us be your friends... allies... perhaps more if it is your whim... You have plans for an army o' comely Queen? Perhaps we can aid you somehow?"

I was thinking the opposite - time to take down the gods! :)

Polyoinos too listens to her plan and vengeance to be wrought upon the gods;

"All gods? Surely not Dionysus!? I addition to him being the god of wine, he is also a liberator of both flesh and soul!"

The skald fishes for his wineskin, then gulps a draught before continuing;

"What would be your plans for wine and debauchery in this new-world-without-gods you will fashion? Will the casks of the gods be open to us mortals? Will the nymphs still exist to frolic with love-drunk men? This is the crux of things to me Fair Queen!"

Polyoinos remains on his knees, but ;

"Consider first we did not break into your abode. We announced our presence, but no answer came... Concerned you may have been requiring assistance, we entered seeking you out... As for Belach and Arachne. I bear grave news..."

The skald bows his head solemnly with a dramatic pause;

"We met your servants and rightly were challenged on our purpose. However Arachne's monstrous nature overtook her and a fight for the ages ensued. Regretfully our combined might overcame theirs."

Will burn a Hero Point for +8 luck bonus - need her to buy our twist on the tale.

Bluff: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 8 = 25

Polyoinos' eyes widen at the arrival of Circe, he clears his throat with a grin and speaks;

"Queen Circle... Your bountiful beauty is truly legend. I am Polyoinos; Beloved of Bacchus. Scion of a Satyr, Woo'er of Amazons, Drainer of Casks and most recently I shall admit Liberator of Autolycus..."

He bows dramatically, with a wistful look to the sorceress;

"I... We... freed him so he could take us to you. We wished to meet the legendary Queen of this realm. To pay her proper homage. Alas I feel Autolycus duped us into acting as mere stooges so he could rifle your belongings... We are not petty the petty thieves our company would damn us as."

Knelling before her, the skald proffers;

"I ask of you Queen, whose clemency is as esteemed as her comeliness, to spare us the indignity of lives as rodents and hear our tale. I can but offer you my voice, my wine and my carnal prowess... in whatever order you pleases you!"

Bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Polyoinos grins and claps the self-styled King of Thieves' shoulder with a wry wink;

"Boudoir you say? Ho-ho... Perhaps Queen Circe would entertain one who can woo amazons! A jug of wine, a ribald tune and she would be mine! Lead on my friend!"

Polyoinos wonders what the value of Circe's necklace is in quarts of wine...

Knowledge (Local) DC12: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Polyoinos looks at the imprisoned wretch, brow furrowed, then raised in recognition;

"By Baccus' Hairy Flanks! Gentlemen - note the magnificent mustache. If I am not mistake this is Autolycus; King of thieves! Do not worry my felonous friend liberation and libation are at hand!"

Perception DC20: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Unusually Polyoinos allows himself to focus between bouts of daydreaming of amazons and the divine grape.

The rotund skald shoots a look to his companions;

"Did you hear that friends? Seems we have a hungry prisoner inside these walls somewhere! By the hairy flanks of Dionysus, he'll be parched too!"

Concerned, the Bacchanal bellows a reply;

"Ho Friend! Guide us to you! We bring you wine and modest fare to slake thirst and hunger! We can release you from your bondage too if you so wish!"

True - just got to remember to cast spells more lol.

Kyronai wrote:

Varocles Seaworthy wrote:

The Bard and the Skald can use those Runestones.

You're right, of course. I have no idea why I said that, other than that my brain is mush from homeschooling and WFH at the same time.

So now, just the Skald. Makes loot distribution easier for those particular items.

Guess I'll take them - unless we get more for selling/trading them off?

Stay safe - enjoyed the time alongside you chief and look forward to doing so again down the line.

Casts Goodberry as a 1/day spell ability: [dice]2d4[/dic]

Polyoinos harvests a quartet of ripe grapes from his garlanded head and offers them to his companions with a broad smile;

"These my friends... these are fermented fruits. The holy grape. They revivify the body and gird the soul.... but ware, for they are somewhat potent!

Each of the alcoholic Fermented Fruit heal 1hp and make you tipsy and somewhat foolhardy (+1 bonus on saves against fear effects for 1 minute).

Nah you have it mate.

Polyoinos grins as he claps his companions shoulders in victory;

"Ho-ho! Our legend grows indeed... We should rest. Toast our victory with some of the holy grape, then a night's sleep before facing their queen."