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Ugh. One of my posts last week got lost somehow. Mea culpa. Was travelling over the weekend. I'll get caught up tomorrow
Welp, didn't take long for Christoph to give up the game.
Ok, megapost is up. I'm all caught up and posed a question for Sunny
At the weaverworm's lair:
"Oh..." she answers his query, "it, uh... kinda just came to me? Sometimes, when I hold an object that someone found meaningful in life, I just, kinda, like know things about them. You know?" Christoph's stern demeanor softens for an instant, fast enough that anyone not looking for it might well miss it. "We can hope. Perhaps Pharasma hasn't taken him yet. Only She knows his true fate. This ability of yours is curious." "Hunh...psychometry. That's a very rare talent." His eyes flicker to Rhia as she explains, then back to Aliseya. Not for the first time, he ponders, Clearly no ordinary Varisian soothsayer... new power on new power... nothing to do but our task, I suppose. Taking a moment once the retrieved bodies are settled, Rhia sits beside the body of the hunter woman first closing her eyes for a moment. As she opens her eyes, they glow with an ethereal white light as she rests a hand on the corpse's chest, breathing out as her exhalation flows into the woman's mount like a sudden inhalation of breath as her magic calls across the veil. "Why were you here?" Christoph tenses, the magical nature and the possibilities of what Rhia is doing shocking him. She wouldn't... As the corpse begins to answer, he watches sternly from nearby with his arms crossed. The habits of long years as a hunter of necromancers are not so easily set aside. If he is bothered by the sights and sounds of a broken body being coerced to answer, he doesn't show it. "I lost my way... when... diabeł w szarości... bewitched me......."] The language, never forgotten but rarely spoken and only with trepidation, catches him off guard and he takes a moment to remember. Devil in gray?, he glances at the dead weaverworm and nods at it, "diabeł w szarości, is the devil in gray in the local tongue. Appropriate." At the end of the interrogative, he waits for the body's final slump to go and study for a moment. "Well enough. Deftly done, Miss Van der Geist. I don't think I'll ever be comfortable with that." He glances at Sookie for a moment and arches an eyebrow with the faintest trace of a smile on his lips. "Let's see that these two laid to rest."
Christoph sighs in relief as they make it to the hut and his pessimism is proved wrong. He "I'm glad your hope was proved justified, Miss Belododia. I have the bad habit of always fearing the worst." Trailing the others into the house, he positions himself to keep an eye on their horses -and snake- from a convenient window. Otherwise, Christoph let's those whose social grace might recommend them in good company break the bad news. He stays further back, and tries to avoid looming darkly behind the others in the man's hut. He bows his head and murmurs, "I'm terribly sorry for your loss, master Marduszi. Both miss Van der Geist and I are Pharasmin agents if you would like us to say some words." Despite his best efforts, he finds himself constantly following Sunny's eyes as they flit about the room from shiny to shiny like a magpie. If I don't break my habit of watching what my companions watch, I'm going to go insane. Kjell would be rolling and laughing if he could see me now - skurwielu. He smiles fondly at the thought of his mentor.
He comes to the same conclusion as Aliseya after a moment's reflect. He glances at her, "You're a font of knowledge, miss Belododia. I had to think on that for a moment before I recognized it." Christoph, likely surprising no one, opts to 'rough' it as he has innumerable times before. He takes the time to prepare an alarm before he sleeps and keeps his weaponry close at hand.
Waking refreshed, Christoph opts to spend his time before the funeral in meditative prayer. The past weeks had been trying and the familiar routine of silent prayer and readings from his worn copy of The Bones Land in a Spiral are a balm. After one unexpected and blushing encounter with Sunny's morning routine, Christoph makes a point of facing the hut for the remainder of his meditation. Lady of Graves help me, have I met anyone sane since this quest began? Relieved that propriety has reestablished itself for the funeral, Christoph offers his condolences a final time. At the ring, he shrugs and says, "I only know that nobles are more likely to have the time to get into trouble that requires my attention. Not much else."
As they ride, he makes a point of keeping the newcomer in his sights. She's coming with... but we never did figure out why. His natural propensity for suspicion flares at the mention of the name Lorrimor. He asks, casually as a suspicious inquisitor can, "Who is this Master Lorrimor you're looking for?"
Sorry for the extended absence! I did have some computer problems/work stuff/health issues but I think I'm back in a better place. I'm going to try and get caught up here tomorrow/Weekend. I wrote a big catchup post back when I last posted on discussion and lost it and then the rest kind of cascaded. :( I really like his character, especially the background we came up with together. I'm glad! I really like him too. He's probably my favorite character background that I've played. Looking forward to getting going again.
FYI my laptop is down and I've had some issues with my login. Will get a post up as I can. Tonight out tomorrow probably.
In fairness, it's hard to beat a rogue with sneak damage. :D I'm going to try :)
Happy Thanksgiving to those in the states. I've had a few busy weeks of work leading up to a vacation this week and then I got Covid while travelling. It's been a mild case (congestion, mild cough, intermittent headache) but it and some weird technical glitch so that I couldn't login via my laptop delayed my posting.
The whispering sounds of the harp echoing through the forest momentarily enthrall the Speaker. He feels that he should remember the melody and he strains to remember where he could have heard it before. Losing himself in it, he even almost crosses The Boundary into the memories of the before-times; he almost opens a door that hasn't been opened in many long years. A sense of warning, like a bell going off and overriding the haunting melody, breaks his ensorcellment when Zelda breaks cover. What on earth? With the fog on his mind clearing, the overwhelming feeling of alarm makes the next deduction trivially simple. The Speaker curses, "Dawnflower's dung! She's enchanted." Sparing no further glance, he tosses Jitter's reins around a the knot of a tree and says, "Be ready and make sure noone else follows. There's still that thing in the tree. I'm going to try and break the enchantment on her." With bow in hand, he pauses only a moment to chant in prayer and the holy Spiral, glowing soft white, appears above his forehead for a moment before dissipating.
He then follows Zelda at speed, keeping a wary eye on the forest, and wracking his memory and lessons for any hint of what creature may be luring Zelda into the forest.
Hi, sorry I'm here just been brutally busy. I'm trying to get caught up.
Congratulations on the new role! Sorry for my absence as well. I'm working to close multiple projects at once on top of a bunch of personal stuff. Please feel free to DM-PC me as needed for the next 2-3 weeks. Looking at a reply now.
Sorry to hear you're sick Naught. Hope you and yours recover well! As far as the wall goes, napkin math suggests it'll take Christoph about 3.5 minutes to break it down but Sookie should do it much faster.
I doubt it will help me all that much here. :)
- with your attack rolls, you'd probably have to roll a nat 1 to miss even with cover, LOL. I think you jinxed it with this kind of talk.
Forgot to add it as a description in my post that I was altering my Judgement to protect against acid.
I'm not completely out of resources but uh... running on fumes for sure.
Thanks for the well wishes. He's out and doing better now.
Christoph scowls at the wall as he finds himself admiring the ingenuity of the count. This was simpler when he was just a dangerous madman. And thanks to this, he's now a brilliant madman; an extraordinarily brilliant madman, even. One who still has a great deal of explaining to do. With a moments more lingering for anything they might have missed, Christoph shrugs and says, "We should be cautious. This just proves that the count is particularly brilliant." He gestures to the waiting Waxwood, saying, "When you're ready, up?"
Christoph spares a glance at the rising forms supporting his companion. It doesn't look good. No, it doesn't. Undead of a sort? More to look into. Distracted as he is, he doesn't see the swiftly swimming form until it bursts from the bottom of the pool of water. He begins to try and sort out what he's seeing even as his reflexes have him asking his goddess for her favor. "Fate's favor me, Lady of Graves."
With a growing sense of resignation, Christoph stifles a small sigh. Lady of Graves preserve me. What have I gotten myself into? Here's another one that's mad as a-" He winces even as he thinks it, "-hatter." Fetching out his spear, he takes point again as they continue their exploration.
Glancing through the room, he quickly takes stock of the situation and starts to turn over possibilities. I've that grappling arrow. Might be useful if we need to but I'm not sure everyone could follow me up. With those thoughts in mind, he fetches a copper piece from his coin pouch and chants the rote words in prayer, "Illuminate my path, Mistress of fate." Satisfied with his spell, he tosses the coin towards the center of the room to illuminate anything that may be lurking down there.
Aliseya's revelation catches him as he was about to say something else. He shuts his mouth and pauses a moment, then says, "That seems like enough to call this attacker a member or a servant of the Way." There's nothing I can do for them. I should have seen signs of the Way's activity but it's too late now. Pharasma judge them justly. Returning his attention to the dark, waterlogged room he found himself in, he says, "I have an arrow that serves as a grappling hook and rope. I suspect we can go up that way if we can all climb the rope. I think we should swim across first though. There might be a better way up."
Christoph reflexively returns the scholar's bow with one of his own. The habits of years as an acolyte are not easily undone. He listens to Istivan's narrative with the careful scrutiny of a Pharasmin inquisitor.
Nodding at the appropriate times, he grows increasingly grim (somehow possible despite all the setbacks and difficulties so far) at the news. "It certainly seems to point to the Way. Can you describe the mask, Mister Langa? Might be some iconography that's significant."
"Thank you for sharing what you know. As I said, it's a long road back even mounted. Call it six to eight hours ride if you're a decent horseman and if you want your horse to survive. Whatever has happened in Lepidstadt is out of our hands, unfortunately. I can direct the Voices to investigate when we can get word out-" He grimaces, "-but I don't when we'll be in contact." He studies the newcomer for a moment before offering a hand to shake, "Don't know what your intent is, but if you were intent on providing assistance you might as well join us now."
Contrasting with the multitude of beautiful young woman stands the still tense armored man. His swarthy complexion, somewhat difficult to tell in the shifting shadows of the dark hallway, and violet eyes mark him as of Varisian stock. Clad in red and black travelling garb atop breastplate armor, the man finally seems to relax (if only a little). With his stocky build, he seems shorter then he is at five foot ten. He begins to coil the rope and untie his hammer as he waits for his turn to introduce himself with a smooth economy of motion. When he finally speaks, his accent is an amalgamation of Caliphas poshness, rustic Ustalvian drawl, and singsong Varisian, "I'm Speaker Christoph Metzger of the Voices of the Spire. If what you say is true, then I fear greatly for the judge. I can't think of anyone but the Whispering Way that would have attacked them." Finished with his task, he puts away the rope and hammer. He continues in a fatigued voice, "I don't think you could return to help them in time. As Zelda says, it's too far. As "for Lorrimor's associates", I believe you must mean these three" He gestures to Aliseya, Zelda, and Naught. "What was the nature of your meeting with Judge Daramid?"
I'm more asking if you guys were planning on having an ability already built-in (like a Cleric's Channel to heal ... which seems unlikely since we're all Evil). Unfortunately I don't have any healing planned aside from maybe picking up Cure Light Wounds. I may swap out Charm Person for that depending on if we need it or not. That may be a good idea anyway thematically (near term goody two shoes shouldn't be charming people with spells). Edit: It occurs to me it might be useful to summarize where I envision my character going mechanically. Hjalmarr: Thematically, I'm shooting for an officer or sergeant type character with the bardic performance being more in the form of barked orders/suggestion instead of music. Arcane Duelist helps provide some solid buffing abilities and I'll have the skills to be a party face. The Anti-Paladin adds resilience and enhances the combat, particularly if I go NOVA and Smite something. In combat, I'll wield a weapon (preferably dwarven waraxe) and shield. I plan to help provide combat debuffs for everyone to take advantage of in the forms of Riving Strike (-2 penalty on saving throws vs spells/spell-like abilities) and Stumbling Bash (-2 AC). Between that, my bardic buffs, and my Antipaladin abilities like Aura of Cowardice (no more fear immunity in a bubble around me) we should have battlefield advantage.
I'm itching to move things along, and hope you all agree. I'd like to see us try to keep up with my original 3-5 posts per week rule from everyone, if we can. Sounds good to me. :)
Pretty sure this place has cursed my dice... oof.
Christoph, shaken by the day, silently admonishes himself as his shot goes wide. [i] Taking more careful aim, he looses again.
Guess Christoph is fairly rattled then :P
Christoph gapes in alarm at the sudden gale summoned by the now withered-looking young woman. It's one thing to know... another to see. Lady of Graves grant us our allotted time. Unsure what to do, he settles for the practical as he hustles to help the battered Rhia. Not wanting to move her if she's badly injured, he looks her over with a professional's eye as she hangs suspended.
The spiritualist's fall elicits a gasp from the inquisitor which soon turns to a sigh of relief. Unnerved by the sight, he starts to cross but the wild swaying of the bridge halts him in his tracks. It calms, and he offers another hand to Sookie. To help the heavily armored knight. And not to calm his own iron-bound nerves. Yes... yes that's it. Gulping, he carefully makes his way across carefully.
Peering into the dark, Christoph's eyes strain in vain to spot something lurking in the dark. On even greater edge, he picks his warily into the ruined room. The shattered remnants of furniture and the chunks of broken masonry revealing the floor and night sky beyond leave little to the imagination about what had happened in this room. The soft clink as Naught steps on -something?- a metal cylinder that gleams in the darkness. A skittering in the darkness ahead, and an insectile monster appears from the debris. It twitches, clearly intent on approaching, but in his nervous state Christoph's already swift reflexes are lightning fast. He chants a prayer to Pharasma, calling for her to judge his foe justly even as he draws his powerful longbow into an arc. With a snap, an arrow hisses through the darkness at the creature an instant after it appears.
Christoph looks at the pair of love birds in clear askance. In here with us and with who knows what lurking in the shadows and in this stink. Youths! Just inexplicable... Sniffing, he nods in agreement with Zelda, "Makes sense to keep 'em, sure. Just thought it was weird. But maybe it's just that the nobles are batty like Sookie says. I don't really interact with them much unless it can't be avoided. And yea, let's get moving. Finish securing the rest of this building and then move on towards-" He gestures vaguely in the direction that Aliseya had pointed, "-whatever is waiting us over thataway."
Bending over after slinging his shield over his back, the Pharasmin inquisitor retrieves a pair of yellowing documents laying on the floor. With a frown, he recognizes the familiar look of the documents from earlier that day. "Odd that there would be invitations to the Ascanor lodge just laying around here... I'm not a fan of coincidences like this." With a sour grimace, he shakes his head in disgust as possibilities of ambush and misdirection swirl through his mind. He glances that the Varisian dancer as she does her reading. Haven't seen those in a while. Not since... He cuts off the painful memory, focusing instead on the current and practical. "Danger ahead shouldn't be a surprise given that creature, like Naught says. I'm loath to get distracted when we're just to be resting here, but I like the idea of leaving an enemy behind me even less." Christoph, distracted with concerns about threats, seems to miss the import of the second hand conversation between the Spiritualist's great aunt and the rest of the party.
Slowly lowering his shield, Christoph remains tense but is no longer in a fighting stance. He looks in askance at Rhia as the others speculate as to the nature of her ancestral coterie. She is a Van der Geist and they're staunch allies of the Pharasmin church, but this is... troubling. To say the least. The chatter among his allies does little to distract him from his thoughts until Rhia speaks up again. Nodding, he adds, "A bone to pick is understating it. If you're an enemy of the Way, then I welcome your assistance." And better to have you under my eye until I understand these spirits of yours... He adds mentally to himself. "If there's nothing else of interest in the room, let's continue looking around. I've words this Count needs to hear."
Christoph bows to the Holy Sister, tracing the spiral on his chest. He follows the Acolyte out without further word, clearly lost in contemplation of her parting advice. As they pass the the room where Father Yemianov lies prostrate, the young Speaker pauses midstride and gazes at the old man a long moment. He kisses the silver ring on his right hand, murmuring, "I will not fail you, Father" The moment seems to end with the same suddenness with which it began. If anything Christoph seems to be moving with more determination. At the door, he stops only long enough to return the acolyte's bow before stepping out of the temple's gloom into the brisk morning air. Bewildered, Christoph looks askance at the unusually dressed woman who'd just buffeted his shoulder with what felt like metal gauntlets. Just how strong is she? I'm not a weak man, but Pharasma preserve me. He clears his throat and replies, "Metz is fine, if you insist. Metzger would also be fine. Or Speaker Metzger if you're looking to be formal. I would like to think I couldn't be mistaken for a woman with tree-trunk-like legs, but here we are." "Yes, first Zelda, then Jitters and your own horses, and then we can be off. I've a few arrows that need targets and I won't begrudge making a few more." Christoph reaches a hand over his shoulder and runs it through a bouquet of fletchings that seems to multiply before your eyes.
Just studying the thing causes screaming tier pain and it's a curse of sorts? Nah, Christoph's passing that up the food chain to an actual healing cleric type.
Christoph arches an eyebrow as the new details surrounding the trial slowly become clearer. Unsure what to make of this new band which he was preparing to commit himself to his eyes wander back to the clock. Something about it had struck him as odd. On closer inspection, he notices the writing that he'd discounted initially as decorative motif were in fact hieroglyphs. Just like when I served as an acolyte. A shame I don't know what they mean. And that scarab... with its wings... and I'm not sure what to make of that eye. I suppose the honorable Judge must be a student of history and far-off places. Certain that there was some meaning to the symbols, but not willing to interrupt his host to ask, he makes a mental note to investigate later. "I am committed. This is the role for which I have trained and I will not shirk my duty now." Christoph's studiously calm acceptance of the task seems slightly forced, but his voice is even. "It seems we're all resolved to the task. I gather that you know something about what the way is up to? Or perhaps where they will strike next?"
Christoph waits at the door of the urban mansion, unsure that he'd found the right address. Looking again from paper, to the nearby street sign, and back again he concluded that he had in fact arrived at the appointed meeting point. We start the hunt for the Whispering Way in the richest of Lepidstadt's city center. Oddities abound. The door opens for him and he finds himself greet by a gnome in formal apparel. Declining, politely, the offer to take his coat, Christoph allows himself to be led up the stairs from the entry hall and into the elegantly decorated living room.
Trailing a few paces behind the gnomish manservant, a stocky man whose build belies his true height steps tentatively into the room as if uncertain that he should be there. Tanned and road-worn, it would seem obvious from his unusual eyes that he is Varisian, but his heavy-set build and thick beard seem at odds with that idea. When He thanks the manservant for showing him the way, but his accent has nothing of the lilting tones of the People. For those who are adequately traveled, you'd have sworn he spoke with a southern Ustalavic inflection. Despite the luxurious surroundings and prestigious company in which the stranger finds himself, he appears more ready to fight to the death on a battlefield then to attend a meeting in polite company. With weapons peaking out from over his shoulder, belted at his waist, and clinking softly against the shining breastplate as they dangle from a bandolier across his chest, he could readily be mistaken for a walking armory. His long crimson and black travelling coat, along with this intimidating panapoly, gives the man an aura of restrained menace.
Christoph's violet eyes, another mark in favor of a Varisian heritage, flicker over the guests already in attendance appraisingly. So very young... The cheery greeting of the smallest of the young women draws from him a reply, "Errr... hullo?" His momentary impression of over-sized ears and unusually thick hair piques his curiosity, but his scrutinizing gaze is drawn to the commanding voice of the dignified older woman greeting him. With military precision, he bows low and replies, "Thanks for the invitation, Magistrate Daramid. Father Yeniaminov is a good man and I hope to prove of some use." At her insistence, the Speaker casts about for a chair that doesn't appear damageable with the array of weapons hanging about his person. Clearly unsatisfied with his prospects, he takes a moment to remove a subset of his gear and carefully stow it in a corner. To those who look closely, it seems that his bow case is unusually small for the spear, bow, and array of other weapons poking out the back of it. Apparently satisfied that he won't damage his host's living room, he carefully takes a seat with the metallic clank of armor on armor. He replies to her inquiry, "Ah, thank you. Some tea would be appreciated." Clearing his throat, he nods in greeting to the others in the room. Running an idle hand through the dark black of his charcoal beard, he says after a moments contemplative pause, "Sorry, I should introduce myself. I'm Christoph Metzger, Speaker of the Voices of the Spire. Good to meet you, Aliseya. And you, Miss...?" He trails off meaningfully as he waits for Naught to introduce herself.
Alrighty, ready to join up with the group.
Looking forward to getting going. :)
Alrighty, got my actual profile together now. Made a few minor changes to my gear (more armor, less toys).
Welcome! Im excited to get to play with both of you ^w^ Likewise. I've been reading the group's adventures. I just got past Naught's gardening trip and (unsuccessful) attempt to recover d'Shiny. In other news, this is where I'm thinking of going with Christoph's crunch. Christoph:
Christoph Metzger Male human (Varisian) inquisitor of Pharasma 7 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Player's Guide 38) NG Medium humanoid (human) Init +8; Senses Perception +15 -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+5 armor, +4 Dex, +1 natural) hp 55 (7d8+17) Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +9 -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed 30 ft. Melee dagger +7 (1d4+2/19-20) or . . dagger +7 (1d4+2/19-20) or . . mwk shortspear +8 (1d6+2) or . . mwk shortspear +8 (1d6+2) or . . mwk silver morningstar +8 (1d8+2) or . . wooden stake +7 (1d4+2) Ranged +1 adaptive composite longbow +10 (1d8+3/×3) or . . composite longbow +9 (1d8+2/×3) Special Attacks bane (7 rounds/day), judgment 3/day Inquisitor Spell-Like Abilities (CL 7th; concentration +10) . . At will—detect alignment, discern lies (7 rounds/day) Inquisitor Spells Known (CL 7th; concentration +10) . . 3rd (2/day)—channel vigor, second wind . . 2nd (4/day)—force anchor, ghost whip[OA], huntmaster's spear, invisibility, silence (DC 15) . . 1st (5/day)—cure light wounds, divine favor, expeditious retreat, heightened awareness[ACG], keep watch, protection from evil, shield of faith, wrath[APG] . . 0 (at will)—detect magic, detect poison, disrupt undead, guidance, light, read magic . . Domain Repose (Souls[APG] subdomain) -------------------- Statistics -------------------- Str 14, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 10 Base Atk +5; CMB +7; CMD 21 Feats Deadly Aim, Improved Monster Lore[UM], Outflank[APG], Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Shake It Off[UC] Traits corpse hunter, fate's favored Skills Climb +6, Craft (alchemy) +8, Craft (bows) +10, Craft (traps) +9, Heal +10, Intimidate +9, Knowledge (arcana) +7, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +6, Knowledge (nature) +7, Knowledge (planes) +5, Knowledge (religion) +11, Linguistics +2, Perception +15, Profession (scribe) +7, Profession (soothsayer) +7, Ride +8, Sense Motive +16, Spellcraft +9, Stealth +14, Survival +10, Swim +6 Languages Common, Elven, Skald, Varisian SQ monster lore +6, solo tactics, stern gaze +3, touch the spirit world (7 rounds), track +3 Combat Gear potion of bull's strength, potion of cat's grace, potion of cure moderate wounds (2), potion of cure serious wounds, potion of hide from undead, potion of lesser restoration, potion of protection from evil, wand of cure light wounds, holy water (2); Other Gear +1 mithral chain shirt, light wooden shield, +1 adaptive composite longbow (+2 Str), arrows (40), blunt arrows[APG] (20), composite longbow (+2 Str), dagger, dagger, mwk shortspear, mwk shortspear, mwk silver morningstar, wooden stake[APG], amulet of natural armor +1, cloak of resistance +1, cracked dusty rose prism ioun stone, cracked magenta prism ioun stone, efficient quiver, handy haversack, headband of inspired wisdom +2, belt pouch, candle (10), flint and steel, grappling arrow[UE], hammer, holy text (Bones Land in a Spiral)[UE], manacles, masterwork backpack[APG], masterwork tool, masterwork tool, necklace of garlic bulbs (2 lb), silk rope (50 ft.), silver holy symbol of Pharasma, spell component pouch, sunrod, undeath aid kit, wooden holy symbol of Pharasma, heavy horse (combat trained), backpack, bedroll, bit and bridle, blanket, feed (per day), hemp rope (50 ft.), holy text (Bones Land in a Spiral), mess kit, portable alchemist's lab, pot, riding saddle, saddlebags, soap, trail rations, waterskin, wooden holy symbol of Pharasma, 105 gp -------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- Bane (+2 / 2d6, 7 rounds/day) (Su) Make the weapon you are holding a bane weapon. Deadly Aim -2/+4 Trade a penalty to ranged attacks for a bonus to ranged damage. Detect Alignment (At will) (Sp) Detect chaos, evil, good, or law at will. Discern Lies (7 rounds/day) (Sp) Discern Lies at will Inquisitor Domain (Souls) Judgment (3/day) (Su) Variable bonuses increase as the combat continues. Monster Lore +6 (Ex) +6 to Knowledge checks when identifying the weaknesses of creatures. Outflank Increase flank bonus by +2 if flanking ally has same feat. If you crit, ally gets an AoO. Point-Blank Shot +1 to attack and damage rolls with ranged weapons at up to 30 feet. Precise Shot You don't get -4 to hit when shooting or throwing into melee. Rapid Shot You get an extra attack with ranged weapons. Each attack is at -2. Shake It Off Gain +1 to all saving throws per adjacent ally Solo Tactics (Ex) Count Teamwork feats as if your allies had the same ones. Stern Gaze +3 (Ex) +3 to Sense Motive and Intimidate. Touch the Spirit World (7 rds, 6/day) (Su) Allow touched weapon to harm incorporeal targets. Track +3 Add the listed bonus to Survival checks made to track. -------------------- Jitters CR –
If anyone has any comments or thoughts let me know. I'll prettify it in my profile once I've finished tweaking it.
Hey folks, I'm looking forward to braving the horrors of Ustalav together. Brod's departure leaves the party without much in the way of arcane ability. I don't have the time at the moment to properly evaluate the ramifications of this, though offhand I believe we should be good for a while. It may help to prepare/know spells like detect magic or to have ranks in Spellcraft, but I believe Aliseya (at least) can passably do these. I'm inclined to think we could probably manage with some ranks in Use Magic Device and scrolls. I'm not sure if anyone has those at the moment. Christoph will have full ranks in spellcraft, so he can contribute there at least. I am open to recruiting a sixth PC who is an arcane caster, if you all would prefer that? I'm good with this if that's what we'd like to do.
Awesome, thank you! I'm looking forward to it.
Alright, PM'd Cyber and replied to the recruitment thread. He should join shortly.
The Beforetimes:
Dropped gracelessly to the ground, Godfrey is clever enough to suppress any grunts of pain as he hits the rugged and stone infested road. He lays still, willing the caravan to continue onward without him. As he lies, the back of his head stinging from the impact of the hard road, he contemplates his newly won freedom. Certainly no spell of mine... no. But who's? And for what reason. As the clattering of the wagon fades into the distance, he stands shakily and hurries off the road into cover. From this new vantage point, he looks up and down the road, then makes a quick survey of the area around. With his sense on highest alert, and adrenaline from the sudden escape rushing through his veins, the crack of a twig behind him sounds like a gunshot. Turning rapidly, he finds himself face to face with a beautiful woman. He opens his mouth to ask her who she is, but is silenced by a small shake of her head. She apparently doesn't want me dead, for the Mitrans were going to see to that. That's an improvement, I suppose, so let us see how far a noble manner gets me. Bowing as regally as he can manage in his current rags, he looks back at the woman with a sly grin. She beckons, and he follows her.
"Well surely you must pass along my most gracious thanks to my host. Certainly it is rare enough to find good hospitality alone, much less hospitality of the sort involving saving my life. And to you as well, Madam, my thanks. I look forward to speaking with the both of you, soon." Godfrey nods politely to the woman as she leaves. Turning to study the room in more detail, Godfrey gives a reluctant nod of approval. So a wealthy benefactor who is not opposed to engaging the Mitran dogs in what is frankly an open matter. How curious. Running a hand over the finery laid out on the bed, he nods his approval again, still perplexed by his sudden change in fortune. And he appears to know my precise fittings. A very well informed benefactor, at that. The grumbling of his stomach breaks his train of thought, and he hurries to see himself cleaned up. After a bath (divine!), he shaves his ragged three day-old stubble and orders one of the servants to cut his hair. Finally satisfied that he is again in good order, he sits and enjoys his first decent meal in what felt like eternity. If this benefactor is trying to impress me... he has succeeded. Most curious indeed.
Godfrey Leitner, former prisoner of that shining paragon of virtue and law known as Talingarde, is bored. Intellectually, he knows that his boredom is a far better turn of fate then the alternative. He knows that by now echoing screams as he burned alive would have been greeted by the hypocritical cheers of the Mitran sheep. He knows that his very soul would be condemned to the oh-so-tender mercies of the Source of Lies, Geryon. And yet he is still bored. Never a hedonist, Godfrey found the ongoing luxury of his quarters to be pleasant enough. What he lacked, however, was mental stimulation. It had been years since he had gone a day without seeking some new arcane secret or snippet of forbidden lore. Now locked away and ignored by his mysterious rescuer for a day and a half, he found himself pacing restlessly. The sudden knock on his door -in fact the first noise from outside his room he'd heard since the mysterious woman left- startles him. He throws open the door, eager to meet his host at long last. Another liveried servant stands before him. In a strangely monotone voice, the butler says, "If you will follow me, his Lordship will see you now." Without another word, the man turns on his heel and makes his way down the hall. Tutting in vexation, Godfrey casts one last look in the mirror -sufficient, but far from exemplary. This will need rectifying.- before he leaves to follow the servant.
For the other PCs as Godfrey enters the room:
Entering the room is a tall, well built man with coal brown hair that is nearly impossible to distinguish from black in the flickering light. His long angular face narrows to a strong pointed chin. His brows sit heavily above his dark hazel eyes. His tight-lipped smile, certain in his own superiority, is fixed as are the lines that frame it.
As he enters the study, Godfrey's eyes alight with greed and he immediately begins to scan the titles of books that line the walls. This benefactor of mine may well be a man or woman after my own heart. And if he has no love for Mitra... well my capture may well be a profitable accident after all. A chuckle bubbles from deep within his chest, and it takes him a moment to realize that there are already people in the room. Sitting next to his beautiful rescuer is a handsome, well-dressed man that he assumes is his benefactor. He bows deeply to the man before taking a seat, his eyes already skimming over his fellows. A younger man, a tiefling, and a trio of beautiful young woman sat looking back at him. He nods politely to each in turn, though his eyes linger on one in particular. That blond girl , surely I've seen her before? Unable to place the connection, he turns to listen to his host. But enough with the pleasantries. You must be curious why I've helped you. Rest assured this is no random act of altruism. I have brought you here for a reason. Godfrey's lips quirk in momentary amusement. I would think not... but what reason? I am the last high priest of Asmodeus left on the island of Talingarde. Once the Prince of Nessus was rightly revered alongside the other great powers. Now, the king of Talingarde has become a puppet to Mitran fanatics who wish to destroy any religion that does not bow to their insipid sun god. Godfrey's eyebrows shoot up and he whistles softly. That certainly explains some things.
He contemplates the man's offer, silently running his mind over the possibilities offered by the future the Cardinal describes. Oh yes, this could be precisely what I had in mind. The chance to free myself from the absurd foolishness imposed by the fearful and weak-willed. There's a price to be paid, of course, but that is not so unexpected... The violent raging of the tiefling woman break his contemplation and bring his attention back to the present. He watches her tirade dispassionately, dismissing her anger as the unthinking rage of the unimaginative. As she finishes her screeching, the subtly smoldering anger of Adrastus Thorn proves far more intimidating. There is no histrionic flight of fancy behind his words, only certainty and confident menace. Godfrey is not surprised as the woman is brutally slain. The sudden split-second shifting of the man's companion, however, elicit a small gasp from the arcanist. Still surprised by the woman's fiendish nature, and suddenly much more wary, Godfrey casts only a cursory glance at the newcomer. Reflexively, his courtly training kicks in and he nods politely and offers, "Charmed, I'm sure. Godfrey Leitner at your service, Triss. And of course at yours, Silas." He eyes the corpse on the ground a moment, then continues, "Yes, I think you'll find I, for one, have a stronger attachment to the mortal coil then that one did. And of course, the offer is tempting in and of itself." He pauses to gesture grandly, as if envisaging the glories and riches that could be his should the succeed, "To be Lords of a new land freed from the pusillanimous, feckless mewling of the Mitran's is enticing. Power, wealth, and more would be ours for the taking. Yes... most glorious indeed." Godfrey turns back to Adrastus Thorn and asks the man directly, "This, of course, if we can actually seize control of the land. The sheep may whimper before we wolves, but there are enough of them for us to choke on." He pauses here, studying the man who demands his fealty. Little enough choice... His eyes dart to the corpse and then back. "But I think you may well have the vision. It will be a monumental task, but those are the only ones who rewards are worth reaping. Better to die, spitting in the eye of those who have wronged me then to sit in a corner and whimper like a whipped cur. I, for one, will join you." The dramatics of the moment are somewhat ruined as he continues, "Well, for two I suppose. Silas did already. Three, perhaps, if that young woman's inane mumbling can be interpreted as a granting of fealty."
Raphael listens a few lingering moments to the back and forth between Augustine, Reyes, and Halycon silently. Between the social event earlier, the chaos of the attack, and, the stress of saving the Spymaster, Raphael's mind felt numbed and slow to react. He bowed and made his goodbyes, turning over what he'd heard, and sidling away to a quieter corner of the warehouse. A brazen attack on the institution of our country... but to what ends? Perhaps a visit to Emile may be in order. His musing was interrupted by the rushing arrival of the guard. He nods his approval as he sees the formidable Francis Albert enter the warehouse. Hrm... I think my duty here is clear, though I doubt I will make a friend in the doing. Watching him for a time, he approaches in a relatively quiet moment. "Greetings, Monsieur Albert. I don't wish to interrupt your work longer then I must so I'll be blunt. The attack was multifaceted and I believe you will wish to debrief all currently present, among others. There also exists some lingering danger in the form of a device, whose destructive power for the surrounding area would be catastrophic, but the precise nature of which I am unclear. Caution is clearly warranted, but Doctor Sanz and Monsieur Langlais can elaborate. I will be here if you have further questions." He pauses a moment, waiting to see if the investigator had any questions, before making his way around the warehouse in search of Estelle Bellerose.
Level 5
On a good note, we may soon be a five-man party once more. You'll hear more from the player shortly, I hope :) Careful speaking of the devil, you may manage to summon him from thin air. :) I'm back! I apologize to everyone for disappearing on you and for not letting you know that I was occupied. I had some major life events popped up that made me drop most everything and by the time those were in a more sane place, I hadn't posted for a few months. I should have found the time, but my mind was far from the game. Mea culpa! It looks like I might have paid for it though by missing some exciting times.
Ok, so I didn't quite get it done last night, but I am finally caught up and hopefully will not disappear like that again. Sorry for the disappearance and thank you for having me back. :) |