Yeah busy season for me too. Also liked the concept, guess things just sort of crumbled. >.<
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So is this game dead? Work and holidays have been keeping me busy lately and if I don't see a new post it sort of slips my mind, sorry. x(
Anyone mind a roll call? Wondering how many of us are still playing.
I don't have the skills to make those rolls. Otherwise I am still here, just waiting.
Rakus listened and thought after he had prayed and studied for his spells. "Hmmm, well I speak Goblin. If we can tell which are opposed to Yoki and speak with them. We could arrange for their aid in taking his head. That would be better then going through the trouble of arranging for Rrriiip's tribe to aid us." As to Kayla's thoughts on the mantis. "The red mantis does not approve of regicide. A tribal leader does not fall under that, nor do warlords and their ilk which in the case of goblins are one and the same. Perhaps his method of attempted ascension was provocative, normally the strongest goblin leads. If a weak yet clever goblin used trickery to attempt to usurp or bred dissent then I can see the insult. But that is nether here or there. Anyway to tell Yoki's opposition from his supporters?"
Someone has to stand guard over those sleeping I would hope. Sense you waited a few hours sense we set up camp, Rakus is fast asleep at the moment. Don't expect him doing anything unless trouble comes to the camp and wakes him. Not a good idea. ;)
Rakus has pretty much gone to sleep so he can regain his spells come morning. For 8 hours he is out of action, that's the reason I have not posted as we have not reached morning officially.
Rakus was half way to getting up and loosing a spell when the two ladies take care of things. Oh well, that was his fate and his usefulness was very much lacking so it was coming all the quicker. "Well I guess getting things done before bed rather then in the morning is better. That said would you mind cleaning the body and making a stretcher to carry it." He gives a slight smile as if it was all business as usual. "Dear Rrriiip is not done helping us just yet. Once I have the right spells in the morning, we will have need of him again." He goes about examining the body for anything useful that the dead frog kin no longer needs. Using spells of detection while he was at it.
"I'll take the last lookout shift. The sooner I get my rest out of the way the better." He finds a defensible spot and settles in without removing any of his gear. Ignoring comfort over protection.
Are these monkey goblins custom? From what I remember they don't have darkvision, odd little difference.
Little surprised no one has rolled knowledge local for the monkey goblins to give info, Rakus asked repeatedly for it. Anyways back up plans it is for him, just needs to set them in motion. Message is a highly ignored little cantrip of great use. ;)
Rakus thinks a bit more before speaking. "Why don't we pull back for now and find a good place to camp tonight. In the morning I can prepare spells and we can make our choice with fresh eyes. Their is no reason to rush into anything. Maybe even a little night time scouting could be considered for those with proper night vision." A little time and things could be done properly, seemed they lacked information and an accounting of forces. He was not going to underestimate the goblins, more so a target of the mantis god.
Here is my plan for those interested. We kill Rrriiip and return to the city to collect our reward. Use some of the money to buy shiver then return to the tribe with their payment of fish and a small taste of the drug, around a single dose. Spin a nice story of how the monkey goblins ambushed us and poor Rrriiip got killed. We also did the honorable thing and brought back his body, after all traces of our involvement have been removed by way of Rakus' sculpt corpse spell before hand, to show our respect and appreciation. In fact we are willing to help the tribe get revenge on the goblins, we will even give them more of the drug upon our victory as a farewell gift to honor Rrriiip. >:) I am sure they could at least spare a patrol to help us avenge their comrade and teach those monkey goblins a lesson.
Unless the set up changes, Rakus does not like their chances of getting to Yoki. May have to pull back on this one and come up with something. That said, would anyone object to another plan involving Rrriiip and his addicted tribe this time around? Cause Rakus has something in mind if the monkey goblins seem to tough to crack with only our current group. :)
Rakus ignored the frog for the moment. "Xalyth, you may not be aware that not everyone can see in darkness. Does anyone know if the monkey goblins can as well? Or anything about them in detail?" He needed information or they would be forced to fight the tribe to get to Yoki. Not a pleasant thought considering it was the enemies domain, their home no doubt had some sort of defenses if not only their sheer numbers. They lived in the tree's, as such they already have an advantage of higher ground and the ability to move effectively out of their reach.
"I would think anything that ensures your odds of survival in our encounter with the monkey goblins would be welcome. Besides the terms of our agreement did not specify the extent of your aid. Even still nothing has been decided just yet. I am sure your suggestion will be considered." He was trying to squeeze more out of the deal. Not unexpected but the time was not right. If it was unpractical to seek out these trinkets then a day of planning would be better spent. Perhaps Yoki had rivals, no leader was beloved by all. If anyone had skill with traps then setting up a few for their retreat would be wise as well.
"Getting the rocks may get us to Yoki and another day will allow me to prepare proper spells. Does anyone else know about monkey goblins?" The more information he had the better. Holding off a day would allow not only himself but everyone to prepare. His mind was already awirl with possible plans.
"Is there anyway to approach them peacefully?" Personally he doubted it but it did not hurt to ask and maybe the frog knew something he didn't.
Golarion has a guideline of morality which makes our own irrelevant, that's what we go by. At least I try to. Achaekek is lawful with evil as a byproduct rather then guideline for him, strangely enough the red mantis are more evil then their god, at least by my understanding and opinion. That said the red mantis never break a contract once made, a lawful attribute they mirror from their god's nature. Goes with their whole when we kill someone they stay dead policy in tow. If you hold no value or do not keep your contracts, regardless of their form, then you are not lawful in my book. But it's not my book, so I leave it at that. :) Looks like I got sidetracked so let me get to your question. Rakus does not have the gold to get them their fire powder, when he reports Yoki and Rrriiip's death along with all the other information concerning the tribe and their addiction. He would get their promised payment, giving Rakus the ability to buy the fire powder for the tribe as promised by way of his superiors reward. Rakus keeps his word if not in the way it was presented to their understanding. If they said they did not want him to inform his superiors for whatever reason he would have used it to drive down the price or leverage in some other manner. Rakus was whittling down the deal, getting as much out of it for as little to be put in. Every detail was an opportunity and way to gauge their position. If things had stretched out Rakus may have gotten the boggard tribe to go to war with the monkey goblins. Or maybe a patrol of the froggy's to serve as a distraction for when we assassinate Yoki. That high Int and Wis is not for nothing and he is a schemer. ;)
Personally I see that as skating lawful a bit. You agree to pay him, kill him, then take back your payment. Not letting it pass to his next of kin. To me that's chaotic as you never intended to honor the deal and have every intention of betraying just particular as to the matter of the order in which you do said betraying. Rakus was very careful with his wording and fully intends to honor his word to the letter and even made it clear in the terms. Their is no betrayal or deception, only the ignorance of the other party in their understanding of the agreement. Something he has no control over, influence on, or obligation to correct. They have whole threads on this topic, so leaving my 2cp at that. ;)
Rakus goes up to take a look as well. "Why four hours?" He whispers as he looks over the so called settlement, adding. "You would not happen to know which one is Yoki or how to pick him out?"
Once they are a good distance out of the Boggards territory and Rrriiip is a good distance away from the group he whispers. "Yoki is our priority. Once the monkey goblin has fallen then we can focus on other things. Just remember that the battlefield can be a very dangerous place." Even at such a distance he did not want to tip his hand to their target. In a perfect world the monkey goblin would die and their cold blooded guide could fall with him during the battle. In that event the tribe would get the full payment they asked for, the mantis do not break their word after all.
Rakus would have to bring up a few things later. He shakes the humanoids hand. "Then we are in agreement. Personally I would like to leave as soon as we can. But I do not speak for all my comrades."
"Arrangements can be made. If you aid us with the monkey goblins as well as guide us. Then we can inform our superiors of the aid given. They would be more inclined to grant your village some fire powder in compensation. The amount will be dependent upon your service. At the very least your village will get some rather then none, if our goal is achieved then your village will clearly get more. Does that seem reasonable?" It seemed things may run smoothly after all. The more help they could get with Yoki the better. A guide was good, another fighter was better.
Anyway starting to see why Rakus is LN and not LE. ;D
Rakus takes his chance. "That is exactly what we need. In fact we are searching for monkey goblins. A skilled guide would be vital and your reputation says as much." His manner is welcoming and earnest. Rrriiip could be just what they need to find Yoki and more importantly deal with the little monkey goblin without having to go though his entire tribe to get to him.
"Would you mind translating Elliana?" He would have to remember to get an accounting of everyone's language proficiency when he had a chance.
Rakus did not share their language, he knew draconic for most reptile humanoids but these were more amphibian. Which meant they likely didn't know it. Broken common would have to do he guessed. Placing a hand on his chest he speaks. "I am Rakus. We look for Grippli, called Rrrriiip." He keeps both his expression and movements as peaceful and welcoming as he can. They had more then one target in the jungle and making allies was by far preferable. A neat little plot was forming in his mind should things go well or a certain way. Achaekek demanded death, the manner was theirs to devise and choose.
The whole PoW is unstable in my opinion, which I like to think is as acceptable as anyone's. Not saying Kayla is specifically. As I said I don't hold it against anyone. If I did I would have brought it up. Don't like strawberries too but I don't bring that up ether out of the blue. This time doesn't count.......really...... (>.>) don't judge my strawberry hate. P.S. Did we get two weapon fighting for free? I thought it was only exotic weapon proficiency. P.P.S. I may or may not have asked this before but, are we using the language rule system?
"We should try speaking to them. We do not need the locals fighting us on their terms and land the entire time we search for one target." The red mantis were assassins not armies. They fought with surgical precision, only striking down those in their direct way.
Rakus draws his crossbow and fires at one of the giant insects.
Rakus looks the man over before speaking. Catching him in the lie he says simply after a prayer to Achaekek. "Nice try, want to make a real offer or should we find a merchant that knows better then to test the red mantis in their own city."
Well I want to find out the egg's worth before thinking about anything to do with it. Not to mention we have three in total. If it's cheap then I say we hatch and raise the little sucker to be a nice mount, with the ability to cut people to shreds on an order. :) What did you forget we are not nice people? xP
Shopping: Buy:
Sell:
Rakus had made his way outside, he never intended to search but remain at the entrance. Watching and overhearing the interaction, he spoke. "You would not burn if you were found unworthy. But nether would you leave, not as you entered anyways. As you have been summoned there is nothing to fear. I make no promises for the future mind you. Now it is best not to keep the priest waiting." He turns to return, still having thoughts whirling through his head.
Rakus remains stone faced and with someone already helping the priest he does not move. He had bore witness to his god's will directly, their were implications to consider. The least of which were the names of soon to be dead people, the mantis endlessly killed for their god. A handful of names was hardly worth noting in the grand scheme of things. What took up his thoughts was his and the others place, was it simply good timing or perhaps more. Were the names meant for them directly or not, to much was in question. He needed answers and he would press them once the priest was able once more, as well as in a respectful manner. He liked his head were it sat and while anyone attacking a priest of the mantis was one thing, a fellow priest doing so was another.
Rakus quietly translates for those that do not understand. His studies were very focused, he rarely cared for things like politics or local cultures personally. It meant he needed to do more leg work when it came to information gathering and local integration but such was the job. Everyone had parts to play, his was nether blade or scout. "Anyone happen to know anything about these names?" He said in a whisper, out of respect and caution he did not want to unintentionally break whatever commune the priest was having.
Not the first game were this system has been used for me and personally I don't mind. As long as things remain fair and balanced as a whole then more power to you. A little recognition to those that put the extra effort in is great in my book. So long as you don't forget us little people. ;)
Growth. Pain. Fallen. Those blessed will fall, in honor or disgrace, one among their number will be no more. Prophecy. Payment. Retribution. The way of the mantis, long known and ever present. Rakus nods and follows the priest without hesitation. "Of course." He did make a note that one of their party was missing. He would not bring it up unless it was relevant. He trusted that the many undercover mantis or guards were watching little Kayla somewhere. The Red Mantis did not let even their celebrations get in the way of their duty, as it was often the best time for their enemies to strike or gather information. It was fortune or lack of expertise on his part that he was not chosen for such duties. Offense and planning was so much more enjoyable then defense and counter infiltration.
MVP Vote: Weon Areum For many reasons but I would like to point out because she could argue with Rakus and not make it personal. Or try to plot his death. :D
Rakus gives a nod of respect before presenting the chest with both hands, on bended knee before the Pagoda's master. He did not take in the cheers or attention, that meant nothing to him. Glory was not the way of Achaekek, completing your task and accepted duty was. Until the chest was taken by the priest, his mission was not over and nothing else mattered.
Rakus keeps a look out as he get's closer to his destination. While he was sure provoking the mantis in their home was suicidal in the worst way, it was his nature to be careful. Other thoughts crossed his mind as well, getting the egg identified and appraised as well as the coming interaction with his fellow clergy. His curiosity at the contents of the chest was little.
Rakus stops and puts out a hand to his side to block Xalyth. "We have assassin vines up ahead. May want to avoid them."
Rakus won't get his MT on til 7th level so I hope we get there at least. ;)
Rakus traces the beast tracks and finds it's near by nest, along with it's prizes. He retrieves the trio and hands one to Kayla. "For the killing blow." He then hands over another to Zaphani. "For blood sacrificed." He pockets the last into one of his many inner folds. Sparing no words for himself. "We should keep moving, the body will draw attention. How deep are your wounds Zaphani?" He walks back towards the path as he speaks. |