Kn(religion) Aid with Murob: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 = 17

Fa'zakar looks at the runes, and after his mutterings he exclaims, "Ah, Of course! Yes, if you transcribe these letters to the ancient Ubangi script, then juxtapose the palindromic signatures, it reads, 'If you be an ally, speak The Shadow Count's blessings and enter a home for the betrayed.' I wonder who the Shadow Count is?"

This question leads to a discussion between Murob and Fa'zakar on the esoteric origins of the name, eventually leading them to realize that the moniker "Shadow Count" and the symbol carved above the portal refer to the holy symbol and an alternate name for a fey Eldest known as Count Ranalc, a Chaotic Neutral demigod of shadows, exiles, and betrayal.

Slapping Murob on the shoulder, Fa'za explains to the rest of the group that this "blessing" likely refers to his method of worship, which is meditating in complete darkness, reflecting on those you wish to betray, or those who have betrayed you. "Put out the light, please. I have an idea!"

When it is dark, he says aloud, "I was betrayed by Dru Colin, an apprentice in the temple where I spent my youth."

(Let's see if this works!)

Grim understands burning everything to the ground, and is happy to help in that effort!!

The fighter will sling the greatsword across his back as a show of good faith, step into the center of the room, and look around. He keeps his mouth shut, but generally tries to look not-quite-so-immediately-intent-on-burning-the-whole-place-to-the-ground...
Diplo aid: 1d20 ⇒ 13
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

Once Grimaldus can get in a word, he notes to the others, "I sense a hint of chaos coming from the voice. If it is a dryad, that would make sense. All fey are chaos-tainted, but not all fey must be purged. I will back your play here..." He swaps the bow for his greatsword, and stands casually, but ready for combat.

Perc: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

"Yes, we come seeking knowledge that was taken without being earned or given freely. Our quest leads us to your walls and our request to aid us in our search." Grim tries the diplomatic approach first - in his latest 'full-circle' review by the Order, his abilities in empowering others and political savvy were noted as areas to improve. Of course, his towering stature, frightening appearance, and well-used weapons usually garnered an acceptable outcome...why all should he bother with the touchy-feely way of bards and courtiers?!!?

Maldor drifts off to sleep while Emily checks out the computer, his adrenaline finally wearing off and the exertion of the past several hours catching up with him. He dreams of his childhood, and one winter day when he, his younger sister Kayla, and his best friend Korvan made Christmas cards for their parents. Although they couldn't buy real cards, or even regular construction paper and parkers, they were able to scavenge some shiny paper and glitter and a bit of industrial-strength adherent to create their perfect (for a 10-year-old) cards. They also added a picture of themselves they snagged from a kiosk as a free gift. Even though the gift was handmade and worth about twenty cents, it was probably the best Christmas they had had, and certainly the best Maldor had experienced since he had been taken by the institute a year later...

(Merry Christmas, everyone!! I hope you have a wonderful day, filled with fun, family, and food!!)

Although being dragged out in the middle of the night was not an unusual occurrence in the station, they weren't usually accompanied by such loud pyrotechnic simulators. Maldor was quick to stand from his bed, but he was honestly suprised by the realism in this exercise. The bodies looked real, and the explosions had an extra percussive weight to them. This must be a major test - best be on my toes today... Maldor thought to himself.

But as the drill progressed, his perceptions didn't quite match his assumptions. Still, he didn't believe it was actually real until he awoke in the crashed transport. He hadn't had a chance to really examine the bodies from before - he figured they were just cadavers staged to look like combat casualties. Wouldn't be the first time...and Maldor had learned to curb his instincts to rush to the aid of the wounded after the staff started booby-trapping the bodies. THAT had been a rough week recovering from the bio-toxin!

So now, with a transport craft full of dead bodies and the girl from the station he knew only as Emily, Maldor finally started to accept the reality of their situation. Em's talking broke his haze, and the years of training kicked back in. "Are you OK? Hurt at all? Let me check..." Maldor checks her out for any obvious injuries, using the basic first aid skills he was taught.

"You seem to be fine. Look, something is happening here. I don't know if this is another test, or what, but we can't just wait here. I think we should proceed to this rendezvous and try to survive in a potentially hostile environment." Maldor notices the bag Emily clutches to her chest and the food cubes it contains. "You have food - good job. Check the bodies and any storage areas for useful gear. Skinsuits, knives, maybe a pistol or pulser. A medkit, or comm unit. Just like our training. Improvise, adapt, persevere. Five minutes and then we push off."

Maldor then scours the transport, stripping the soldier and pilot of their armor and any weapons and handing some to Emily. "Here, put this on under your clothes. If we can blend in with the local population, we should be able to move around in the dusk and dawn hours. Are you proficient with any of these?"

I've just sucked one year of your life away. I might one day go as high as five, but I really don't know what that would do to you. So, let's just start with what we have... What did this do to you? Tell me - and remember, this is for posterity, so, be honest. How do you feel?

I'm going out of town on New Year's Day and will be off the grid for a few days...please bot my character as needed Sunday to Thursday!

Happy New Year!

Damn, Hiro! Double 20s!! Shouldn't be much left after that!! Also love the Japanese soup analogy =)

confusion: 1d100 ⇒ 29

Grim's babblings take on a new sound. A worse sound. A scarier sound...

This Is Just To Say
By William Carlos Williams

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold

(My poor son, a math major in college, had to sit through an hour-long discussion of this poem in a Lit class. He said he wanted to gouge his eyes out...I tend to agree!)

And that, my friends, is why you never haggle with a pirate!! =)

Nice call on busting the mirror, BTW!!

Fa'zakar will follow Evelyn rather than lead after that last comment about his race...although it could make for an unusually funny, and awkward, encounter.

The khajiit looks at his paws for a long while after Sheogorath spoke to him, flexing each finger and claw slowly. The far-away look in his eyes tell an observant one that he is remembering, or perhaps relearning, great things. Finally, he comes back to this present and, looking around, sees the chest. He checks it for traps, then sees if it is locked. He will attempt to pick the lock if it is...
Perception vs traps: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Disable Device: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Linguistics: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 9 + (1) = 11
Bluff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Hagnar is stunned with the new mission coming from the robot. He thinks for a moment, then attempts to bluff the robot with a counter-order.

"Negative designation. Override designation Alpha Prime Foxtrot Nine.
Goal: Preserve forge and red redoubt.
Goal: Assist Pathfinder Society with reclamation efforts.
Goal: Prevent Aspis Consortium from gaining access to red redoubt.
New Designation: TIG-0 act as steward of red redoubt.
Confirm override designation."

He then holds his breath and waits for the outcome...

Good thing Grim is standing guard duty outside or his chuckles at the lordling would seriously undermine Kishara's dialogue!! =)

"I didn't mean to jog him so hard..." he says sheepishly. "Besides, you look good in red!"

Yay! Kish and Grim together again!!

Maldor had never been asked to be part of anything in his life! He was always the outcast - always the oddball. To be invited to join this fine group of highly talented folks was...well...it was heady stuff for a young man used to bullying and laughter at his inept physical skills! And so, with a bit too much gusto, he practically yells, "YES! Yes - I'm in!"

And then, as he realizes he spoke too loudly into the stillness of the room, he turns a bright crimson color and tries to melt into the background, playing the anonymous outsider still. Perhaps, he thought, they made a mistake. But he had clearly seen his name on the envelope, now tucked carefully away into his belt pouch, and he had just accepted the invitation, so it was too late anyways. He was going to be an adventurer!!!

Congrats, and Happy Day!! Good to know there are other 'distinguished' gents online - not just the youngsters =)

Wrote up a Character Background for Daeris. Have to say, I'm quite enjoying playing her! ^_^

bluedove - you always have the coolest characters!! And you play them so well, which makes me always want to game with you =)

So consider me your official Paizo PbP stalker... ;-D

xoxo
Andy

"At last - a night in a bed that doesn't move!" Adrianna says, a little more breathy than normal. She sounds more like a whining teenager than a trained Pathfinder. "Come, Amris - let's get our rooms and a hot meal and a bath. I have to wash the stink of the sea off..."

You remember her volunteered part in the trading partner scenario, and she seems to be taking a firm grip on it as she proceeds up the path to the front door of the inn.

Hi everyone! Meet Rhanloi's friend, Adrianna! A young martial artist from a distant land, she comes armed with a sharp mind, sarcasm, and the belief she is always right. Oh, and she can kick your face with one foot without even leaving the ground.

Based on my loving daughter, who called me "an old fart" on my birthday...and was an AAU Tae Kwon Do National Champion in forms and/or sparring 4 years in a row. =)

I think I changed the 2 trait thing when we started recruiting mid-term and I don't know why I had it at one, except that was probably what the original game had that started this mess in the first place =) At this point, if you don't have 2 traits, go ahead and pick another one so you DO have 2 =)

Grizelda determines there is a moderate divination magic about the belt, and it helps the wearer discern the truth of things. She is not able to make heads or tails of the language / writing on the belt itself. it appears to be an ancient set of symbols or runes. Perhaps with more study...

Hey GM - can we vote for our top three characters? Or four? There are so many really cool concepts put forth I don't think I could narrow it down to just two!

Draw weapon is only a free action if you have a BAB of +1 or more...of course, I will try to stay out of melee combat so won't need to draw another weapon =)

Happy Thanksgiving to my favorite players!! I was bragging on you all yesterday to complete strangers =) As we were stuck in a car for almost 3 hours trying to get home...

Here I am, all dolled up and nowhere to go!!

Whaddya think? Did I do the conversion right?

nice. So while we're swapping military jokes...

Have you ever had a seagull supervisor? He (or she =) swoops in, makes a lot of noise, eats all of your donuts, craps on everything, then flies away.

Ouch! But I can see a wonderfully dysfunctional relationship between us:

"I'm your elder and you should listen to me, you young whippersnapper."

"Bite me old man - come near me and I'll turn you into a newt!"

"What?!? I was tossing fireballs around before you were born! You should respect your betters!!"

"Yea, whatever...toss this!"

Here spidey spidey!! Say hello to my little friend.. (and yes - that IS both a short joke and a movie reference =D

Yeah - who knew the dice would be loaded to simulate your ordinariness? =) Maybe when you all go up a level it will revert to normal??

I know I like to read everything but can 'compartmentalize" it for role playing :-)