Razvan's page

I would like to submit for consideration, Razvan T'syn Half-Orc Rogue. Razvan played briefly in another campaign that suddenly died and has been reworked for this one. As always, I welcome any and all comments and I am willing to make any adjustments that may be needed. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Jubrayl
I have arrived in Magnimar ahead of schedule. The trip was uneventful thus explaining my speedy travel. I have obtained employ with the local brothal as a servant assigned to the stable. As one might expect, I have been given the most menial tasks as befitting my mixed heritage. The patrons, especially those of privilege, pretend the servants do not exist. The more menial the servant, such as I, the more we are pointedly ignored. This has been to my advantage in pursuing the task you have set me to. I hope to have more information when I join you in Sandpoint.

Ps. As you can see, I have returned this letter in the lockbox that you provided me. Surely you can provide a better challenge for me with the next lock….

Razvan snorted as he sealed the letter and placed it in the small lockbox. He had feared he would never pick the lock on the box. Jubrayl seemed to enjoy pushing his limits. It was in a kind fatherly way that was foreign to Razvan. Half-orcs didn’t have kind fathers or come to think of it kind mothers either. Razvan didn’t remember much of his parents but what he did remember was most definitely not kindness. Life in Ulgrin was difficult for everyone and deadly for a half breed like Razvan. In the early years, he survived by scavenging Ulgrin's garbage and filth. It was his mind that saved him from the brutal death most of the other scavenging children suffered. Ironically, that keen intellect likely inherited from his human parent was his advantage over the other orcs competing for survival.

He never looked back after leaving Ulgrin and hoped to never return. There was nothing for Razvan in all of the Hold of Belkzen. He wandered from town to settlement never welcomed and never staying long. As he traveled southwest, the dry desolate waste of Belkzen were left behind and replaced with more fertile lands. Humans replaced orcs but their attitudes were much the same. The humans were suspicious and sometime violently so, yet they were not as deadly ferocious as orcs. Some were actually kind. They offered Razvan a place in their family. They were the Sczarni and now Razvan was Sczarni too.

It would be difficult to explain our presence in the graveyard at night if we are discovered. I think we will draw less suspicion if we investigate during the day.

I do not relish being in a graveyard at night. There is something I can't explain....that feeling of being watched.

I agree with Iagon. What if we got a cold reception because someone in the temple is in league with the Whispering Way? We should look for the tools the professor spoke of and if needed we can report our finds to the temple later. We don't know enough about our enemies to know who to trust.

I hope the Paladin sees reason. I don't fancy the idea of doing this alone.

I am slammed at work but will make a post in the next 24 hours.

Razvan leaves the diplomacy to his peers

Razvan listens to Kara's story and quickly recalls the bloody V on the monument. He wonders if the bloody V is the work of this Splatter Man or some imitator hoping to prey on local superstitions. The half-orc is just about to speak up me they are interrupted by the clergyman asking them to leave. Once they are outside, Razvan speaks his thoughts.

I wonder if the bloody V that was discovered earlier is the work of this Splatter Man or perhaps some imitator? It might be wise to see if any locals names begin with V.

Did we lose Kara?

Noble fools....How are we going to get into that tomb if they are not willing to walk in the "grey" areas of life. I guess you develop ideals when you don't have to worry about survival every day. It must be nice.

Razvan begins to look at the books searching for anything concerning the Harrowstone prison and it's most infamous prisoners. He mumbles in orcish about the inflexible attitudes of his companions. The half-orc is obviously upset at being "thrown to the wolves" by Anselm.

Knowledge(local):1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

And how would you know Razvan is lying? It could be true...at least as far as Anslem is concerned.

Razvan slips comfortably into the role of a servant as he had done so many times before. He steps forward silently and speaks respectfully to the attending cleric. Clearing his voice, Razvan begins a carefully rehearsed speech.

Sir, I bring a request from Swordmaster Galin, a dueling master of the Malkenclaw dueling fraternity of Lepidstadt University. Swordmaster Galin wishes me to bring word of the condition of a fraternal member's tomb. I have been instructed to give a donation to your church in the amount of 50 pieces of gold for past and future care of the tomb that is located at the intersection of Eversleep and The Black Path. I would like to visit the tomb today so that I may return to and report to Swordmaster Galin with all haste.

Razvan counts out 50 pieces of gold and extends them to the attending cleric.

Bluff:1d20 ⇒ 16

Razvan watches the scene unfold knowing that his companions are better suited to diplomacy than he. The half-orc pays particular attention to the clergyman trying to gauge his reactions to Iagon.

Perception:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
Sense Motive:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

This town gives me the creeps. It feels so unnatural.

Razvan clears his throat,"Perhaps we should continue before we draw too much attention to ourselves."

Razvan begins heading towards the church glancing over his shoulder to make sure the others are following.

I think our fearsome foursome is capable of handling the task at hand!

Seems that the gangs is all here, except for Jen who it seems to have mysteriously disappeared....spoooooky!

I am still here too.

Razvan nods as Anselm approaches him. He hesitates as if he is unsure of how to phrase his response. It is clear that whatever the subject it is one that the half-orc is not entirely comfortable with. He looks again at the symbol of Anselm's patron.

"I have faced danger my whole life. In the city of Urgir every day was a struggle to survive. When I left the city and eventually the Hold of Belkzen behind life did not become much easier. At least not until I met the professor. I have been hunted before but I have never felt such evil as I feel here. It scares me. You seem so confident and I wonder if your patron gives you comfort.", Razvan stops for a moment and looks Anselm in the eye,"Perhaps you could tell me about your patron? Perhaps teach me a prayer?"

I sound like a scared child. This is pure foolishness. As if some knightly patron would care about a half breed thief. I am sure she favors heroes and I am no hero....

Before Anselm has a chance to respond, they are interrupted by the song of the five Varisian girls playing jump rope. The words of their song send a shiver down Razvan's spine. Time seems to slow and the air becomes heavy as if some wave of evil has washed over Razvan. Iagon's voice snaps the half-orc back to his senses. He watches the girls intently hoping to make some sense of the hauntingly strange situation and waits for a response to Iagon's question.

Sense Motive:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Razvan is both relieved and disappointed that Kendra is remaining behind. He finds the mixture of feelings to be confusing. The confusion gives way to frustrated angst focused on the groups delayed departure.

Why haven't we left? Why am I so agitated? I need to calm down and focus. How can Anselm be so calm and focused....so heroic...?Is it his faith?

"I will wait for you all outside,"Razvan whispers not really wanting to draw attention to himself before he gathers his pack and leaves. A gleam catches his eye as he walks past Anselm, it is the symbol of the paladin's patron. Razvan hesitates for a moment and appears on the verge of asking Anselm a question before he loses his nerve and continues outside.

Razvan will follow Anselm to the church and keep a sharp look-out for anything unusual

Perception Check:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

I will be following the noble paladin to the church.

Anselm looks like a hero. Certainly that is what Kendra wants...what every woman wants. I am no hero. It is past time for me to go but who will keep an eye on Kara.

Razvan listens to Anselm's speech with a growing respect for the paladin. The growing respect battles an angry jealous feeling as he imagines that Kendra must be enchanted by the charismatic paladin. The half-orc attempts to deal with the guilt of his internal conflict by convincing himself that he doesn't about Kendra's or any other woman's romantic feelings.

"I will go with you,"Razvan replies before cursing his situation in orcish.

There should be tracks....if this was done by a mortal creature. Is this the work of some spirit? I should let the priests and wizards deal with this...why am I still here?

Razvan looks at Kendra and knows the answer to his unspoken question. He listens to the Paladin with respectful attention. When the Paladin's gaze lingers on him, Razvan holds his gaze and nods his consent to accompany the Paladin.

Razvan watches the currents of the river in silence and thinks. He turns his attention back to the end of the blood trail. The half-orc kneels and lowers his face to the ground sniffing like some hound on a hunt. His hands gently probing the ground around the blood trail moving aside foliage searching for any subtle clues his eyes may have missed.

The trail of blood ends here or should I say starts here. I imagine the animal was killed here then taken to the monument since we found the source of the bloody trail, the dead animal, still at the monument. If the animal was killed at the monument and left there then there would be no blood trail. If they took to the river then the trail is going to be cold. All I can do now is look for tracks to the North and South but there is no guarantee that any tracks I find are from whoever defaced the monument. It seems that the river leads out of town to the South so I will start in that direction.

Razvan will look for tracks to the South and if he does not find anything he will search to the North.

Survival(looking for tracks):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Razvan calls his companions attention the headless rat and the bloody prints next to it.

This is the likely source of the blood on the monument.Razvan says as he holds up the headless rat by the tail. He then points to the bloody prints on the ground, The prints may lead us to our culprit.

Razvan attempts to follow the bloody prints relieved that there may be a mundane rather than a supernatural explanation for this particular mystery.

Survival Check(tracking):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Razvan slowly circles the monument scrutinizing first the monument then the ground around the monument. Searching for anything that might seem out of place.

Perception:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Razvan examines the book closely running his fingers lightly around the lock. Satisfied that the lock is not trapped, he removes a tension wrench from his belt pouch and inserts it in the the lower portion of the keyhole. Razvan lightly applies torque to the tension wrench clockwise and inserts a a thin pick into the upper part of the keyhole feeling for the pins. Before he can make significant progress there is a panicked knock at the front door. Razvan quickly removes the tension wrench and pick from the keyhole and returns them to his pouch. He then quickly hands the book back to Iagon as the village messenger relays his urgent summons. Razvan looks to each of his companions and then finally to Kendra.

This sounds urgent...

Were you able to open the book that was locked? The Manual of the Order of the Palatine eye? May I see it?

If the book as not been opened then Razvan will check the lock for traps, disarm any traps in needed, and attempt to pick the lock on the book

Perception(Check for traps):1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21
Disable Device(trap):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Disable Device(open lock):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

What did you discover?, Razvan inquires annoyed by the Paladin's dramatic teaser.

On a mischievous whimsy Razvan adds All we discovered on our nocturnal expedition was that the stew at the local tavern is to die for!

Razvan wakes feeling more tired than when he finally feel asleep. He is unsettled by the confusing dream. The feeling of being watched causes him to look about the room as he chides himself for his paranoia. Hearing the creak of doors and footsteps, Razvan guesses that at least some of his comrades are awake. He wearily goes to join them.

When he sees Kara, Razvan is suddenly concerned about his disheveled appearance. His pulse quickens and he contemplates returning to his room before he is noticed. The talk of dreams causes his face to burn, images of Kara and Kendra flash through his mind. The feeling of being watched becomes overwhelming as Razvan remembers the voice.

My dreams were troubled too. I feel as if I am being watched. It was as if something or someone was trying to find me. Demanding to know my name. I don't like being watched.

Razvan gazed enviously at the large bed occupying the center of the opulent room to which he had been shown. The bed looked warm and luxurious. The plump mattress was undoubtedly stuffed with down feathers and likely would have been the most comfortable mattress the half orc had ever slept in. Instead, he moved to a corner of the room opposite the door and with clear path to the room's only window and settled down with a resigned sigh.

Why am I here? What business does a half-breed thief have playing at Knights and Maidens? As if I could ever be a hero and win the maiden's heart. I must be a damn fool for coming here...a damn fool for staying...I am no hero...

Nightmares of a ghastly Professor pointing an accusatory finger at Razvan proclaiming loudly to all, "Youuu arrre nooot woooorthy!", are fueled by the half-orc's worst fears combined with the startling events of the day. Finally, he settles into a dreamless slumber.

Snoring away!

Razvan wrinkles his nose at the thought of eating last weeks merchant. He marvels at Kara's ability to coax information out of the normally distrustful natives. As time slips away, Razvan has to stifle a yawn. The long hours combined with the emotion of the last two days are beginning to take a toll. Only rest will help.

M'lady, the hour grows late. Perhaps we should retire for the evening?

Razvan waits for Kara to politely excuse herself so that they can return to the Lorrimor estate for some much needed rest. There is a momentary temptation to return to investigate the false crypt yet the thought is quickly dismissed.

It seems that we shall be denied our clandestine adventure tonight. Perhaps our quest shall be better advanced by resuming our original plan and seeking out information. At this late hour, the patrons of the local tavern may be ripe for cunning interrogation. Shall we?

If Kara agrees then Razvan will accompany her to find the nearest tavern.

Razvan accompanies Kara outside into the night. Once they are far enough from the Lorrimor estate, Razvan speaks softly to Kara:

M'lady, the Professor mentioned in his journal that he had discovered that there were tools to defend against spirits in a false crypt in the Restlands at the intersection between Eversleep and the Black Path. I do not think our friend Iagon would approve of "borrowing" tools nor I think it prudent to draw too much attention to an investigation of the false crypt. I would suspect that this false crypt must be relatively safe given the Professor seems to have explored it without incident. Would you care to take a detour from our planned excursion?

If Kara agrees then Razvan will proceed with her to try and locate the false crypt. Once they get close to the location described in the Professor's journal, Razvan will attempt to locate the Professor's tracks. Provided that they are able to find the false crypt Razvan will attempt to determine if there are any traps or occupants.

Survival Check (tracking the Professor):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Perception(find traps):1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20
Perception(determine if anything occupying crypt)1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

If Kara does not want to explore then Raz will join the others in doing some reading and research before bed

What have I been drawn into? How could you place such responsibility on my shoulders? I am no hero. Did you think the Priest and his unyielding moral code or the noble Paladin would inspire me to be something more than I am? What a cruel jape to surround me with beautiful women as if they could see past my monstrous visage. Damn you Professor!

Razvan welcomes Kendra's interruption of Iagon's rebuke of his suggestion that the priest compromise his moral code in the slightest way so that innocent life might be protected. His agitation is quickly replaced by an excited nervousness when Kendra genuinely offers to house their confederacy. He is even more pleased when she offers him the key.

Thank you for your kind offer M'lady Lorrimor. The day has surely been long. However, as weary as I may be I fear I will get little rest. Perhaps a walk in the fresh air of the growing twilight will aid me in finding some measure of peace.

Turning to Kara and Anselm,As I stated earlier, your company would be most welcome on my walk as I fear solitude may give way to sullenness in this difficult time.

Indeed, my take was that although I was given the key the chest was opened and inspected by all.

Razvan addresses the group, "It is clear the Professor has decided that we should work together. I was not in the habit of questioning the Professor when I served him and I will not start now. We are to protect M'lady Lorrimor that much is clear. Apparently, the tomes the Professor has tasked us with returning to the University are neither virtuous nor legal. It would obviously be dangerous for them to be connected to M'lady Lorrimor."

Razvan looks at Iagon,"I think the Priest should store the tomes with his possession. That way if they are found and there is trouble we limit their connection to M'lady Lorrimor. The Priest can claim that he is under holy orders to return the books. Not the strongest cover but it should suffice for now."

Not waiting for the Priest to consent, Razvan continues,"We need information. If the Professor's death was not accidental then we need to know who killed him and why. It will be more difficult to protect M'lady Lorrimor from unknown foes. I suggest that the Scholar and the Priest remain here and see if they can find any of the Professor's notes regarding the Harrowstone Prison where he was killed. I am sure that the Professor must have a book or two concerning the Harrowstone Prison. They can also keep an eye on M'lady Lorrimor. I will accompany the Paladin and the Harrow Card reader to see if we can find some answers in town. That pair should be charming enough to loosen the locals tongues, if anyone of us can. The Paladin's shiny virtue will likely be the fastest way to resolving their suspicion of strangers...and make no mistake we are strangers. I can act as the a servant and keep an open ear and watchful eye, it is a role I have played many times. I think it best to start with Father Grimburrow and Councilman Vashian. Grimburrow seems sympathetic to M'lady Lorrimor and I would guess he may know a bit about Harrowstone. Obviously, the Professor trusted the Councilman enough that he entrusted his will and the contents of the will to him."

Razvan pauses a moment and then as if it just occurred to him states,"I guess it would be wise to look for a place to stay and acquire provisions for our stay..."

DM Ayrphish,

Are you a "stickler" in regards to carrying capacity? I am currently carrying a light load but wanted to know for future reference.

Thanks

A pain wells in Razvan's throat and tears sting his eyes as he sees the effect his question had on Kendra Lorrimor. It is soon followed by a tumultuous feeling in the stomach that commonly follows the realization of a mistake that cannot be corrected. A flood of heat surges up Razvan's neck and ears. The rhythmic pounding of his own heart is uncomfortably noticeable echoing in his own ears. Razvan is jealous as he watches the paladin move to comfort Kendra. Suddenly resolved to take away Kendra's pain, Razvan stammers pleadingly:

M'lady...I, I didn't mean...mean to upset you so....please, please do not cry...so, so sorry...please forgive me...

His face did not show it but the half-orc was surprised that he had been included in the Professor's will. Razvan had served faithfully and competently but none of his service seemed of such significance that he would have imagined himself worthy of the Professor's regard. As the others begin the solemn journey to Lorrimor estate, Razvan slips away.

Stealth:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

So many question...Why did the Professor include me? How did he die? Why were those people so afraid? This is just the sort of mystery that would have intrigued the Professor...Just the sort of things I would have reported to him.

After slipping away, Razvan wanders Ravengro listening to whatever chatter he can overhear particularly whispers regarding the Professor's death. He does not tarry long before working his way towards the Lorrimor estate.

Perception:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Razvan arrives at the Lorrimor estate feeling somewhat out of place among the other guests. He is cautious to reveal his connection to the Professor and remains as quiet as possible. When the opportunity presents itself, Razvan speaks to Kendra:

M'lady Lorrimor, please forgive my intrusion on your grief. I received news of your father's passing and funeral service and hastened to be here yet received no word of the circumstances of his passing. If it is not to painful might you be able to tell me how your father passed?

Diplomacy:1d20 ⇒ 11
Sense Motive:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Razvan waits restlessly for someone to speak. The silence has grown long and uncomfortable. The moment seems to last an eternity. Finally, Razvan looks pleadingly at the Paladin as he seems the most likely to speak.

Razvan lets out a breath as the crowd slowly moves away. He was thankful for the intervention by the Charismatic Paladin. This situation is certainly more than it seems. Everything had happened so quickly. Razvan strains to listen to the mumbled conversation of the departing crowd hoping to learn something.

Perception:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

As the crowd moves too far away to hear, Razvan replays the entire encounter over and over again trying to remember anything he may known about the leader of the discourteous mob that slandered the Professor.

Knowledge(local):1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Sense Motive:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Razvan steps forward without hesitation and speaks in a voice strained with grief.

"I served your father. He showed me great kindness. I would be honored to return that kindness now."

I am very excited to be a part of this group! Thank you Ayrphish! I think my "crunch" is complete but I would welcome a review and suggestions from anyone willing to do it.

Razvan observes the sudden flurry of patrons entering the tavern. It is an odd collection to be sure. The first was a man whose smell of sweat and dirt gave testament to a day spent in hard labor. The laborer's blood shot eyes and slurred speech suggested that his current drink was not his first. Razvan tensed as the laborer jostled another patron knowing that it could easily lead to a melee on such an emotionally charged evening. The building tension was suddenly forgotten as the door slammed open. A gust of wind momentarily dimmed the candles. Someone rushed to close the door but stopped short as a garishly dressed gnome emerged from the gloomy night and made a boisterous entrance. The gnome enters shaking his soaked clothes and hat free of rain oblivious to the shower that he is unwittingly giving to the surrounding patrons. Some locals have a murderous look in their eyes. Violence was sure to ensure until the appearance of two women whose pale blue complexions caused many patrons to swear and cross themselves in vain attempts to ward off the malicious spirits. Most looked worriedly to the self proclaimed Paladin assuming that he would be the first to react if indeed the newcomers were spirits from the beyond.

Razvan takes advantage of the paladin's dramatic soliloquy and moves away from the group.

Fools! Do they think this is some traveling troupe's stage? Flaunting the Professor's business for all to hear! Who knows whose attention this will draw?

The hairs on Razvan's ears rise as the half-orc notices the wind has suddenly ceased its howling. Thin fingers of mist curl under the door like some spectral hand reaching into the room. A clash of thunder and flash of lightning cause more than one patron to issue a startled scream ending the surreal moment.

"Only the dead would be out on a night such as this,"Razvan whispers as the first drops of rain begin to fall against the windows. The half-orc rogue can't shake the feeling of being watched. For a brief moment, Razvan's chest tightens in a paralyzing fear. His neck flushes from the shame of being unnerved by a stormy night and a paladin's boastful tale of a likely exaggerated encounter with some zombie.

Perhaps I am on edge because of the Professor's death...

Of course her reading is too vague for me to gain any insight but she passes the "sniff" test. I am not too sure of these others though. Likely some pampered nobles using the Professor's funeral as an excuse to socialize away from their own little worlds.

"Been beat my whole life," Razvan snorts dismissively," not expecting that to change anytime soon."

Razvan sits silently as the women begin to chatter about themselves. Probably the result of too much drink but definitely dangerous with so many ears around. Razvan knew the smart play was to distance himself and slip back into the shadows. He also know that he couldn't leave lambs to the wolves. Razvan cursed himself for sitting at the Harrow table.

"Professor listened more than he talked. Guess he didn't like strangers knowin to much of his business. Smart man if ye ask me. He was always careful not knowin when someone might be about wishin harm on another. Once heard him comment that wine loosens the tongue and dulls the mind. Smart man."

Razvan discretely inspects the Harrow card reader's hands as she addresses the man claiming to be a Paladin. The hands can tell alot about a person if you knew what to look for. The wealthy had few scars and soft supple skin free from the callouses that hard labor brings. Scholars often showed subtle discoloration from inks and burns gained from long hours of studying books by candle light. Ironically, the poor hard working wretches' hand revealed the least protected by a camouflage of scars, callouses, and dirt. There were clues everywhere for those who cared to look.

"Will I conquer mighty foes?"Razvan barks.

Hide in plain sight. Give the crowd what they expect, a brute, and be unforgettable. Will she tell me that I am a mighty warrior and reveal herself a charlatan?

A sudden howl of a wolf that seems unnaturally close causes several patrons to startle. Someone adds wood to an alreading roaring fire mumbling about a chill in the air. None are moving to leave the safety of a well lit room for the foggy road.

Razvan watches the Harrow card reader from the shadows. A shiver runs down his spine as cold wind blows open a door as the Harrow card reader begins. It feels wrong as if someone unseen was watching.

I wonder if she has any real talent or if she is just another Sczarni charlatan preying on the superstitious fools flooding town for the funeral.

Razvan lumbers forward and gives the beastial grunt most strangers would expect from a half-orc,"You tell me future? I pay you good coin but no trick!"

I would like to submit Razvan for your consideration. I developed this half-orc rogue for another campaign for which he was not chosen. Razvan is intended to be non-stereotypical half-orc in that he is more intellectual and skill based and not some mindless brute despite his bestial appearance. He would seek to fill the skill role. I will be updating Razvan's background later today or tomorrow. I would welcome any feedback or suggestions.