Absolutely - any and all of the potions in my possession, everyone is more than welcome to take.
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I'm sorry everyone, things have been getting busier for me, and - as you've probably noticed - I'm finding it harder and harder to post as of late. I'm really loving the game, and I really want to take Roland through the story - but if I can't keep up, and I'm potentially holding the game up, I'm thinking it might be better for me to bow out. :( This is a fine place for Roland to retire from adventuring and go back to his studies at the University, so it wouldn't be too disruptive, and this way I won't be bogging things down with people waiting for me. Maybe when things get a little more settled on my end, I can re-evaluate things, but for right now it may be for the best...
Roland has been taking notes in the back,keenly interested in the meeting but otherwise keeping quiet to this point. Indeed, he looks a bit pale and nervous in it's presence, but his curiosity has overridden any anxiety.
The Beast is indeed a marvel of science and magic, he thinks to himself. A true masterpiece. And yet shunned and rejected for its appearance if nothing else. Assuming, of course, that is indeed innocent of these crimes. Roland scribbles some more notes, then begins attempting to sketch the Beast for future reference.
Roland listens to the staggering amount of evidence being leveled against the Beast quietly, but with obviously growing concern. "Or would we be better served to question the witnesses against the Beast? We could journey to Morast, and seek out the witnesses here in Lepidstadt as well. What would be most helpful to you?" Roland interjects. "I believe we should, ah, focus on the evidence from Morast first. That's the part of the trial that begins in two days. The Hergstag evidence should be the next priority, then, ah, Karb Isle." Roland taps his chin with a finger. "It's possible we may even be able to buy some time if we can prove some of the first charges false." He sighs. "Assuming they are, of course, ah, false." "A much greater threat is pulling the strings here. Mark my words." "Normally that would certainly have to be the case, but the Beast is renowned for being a flesh golem of singular, ah, self-agency." He crosses his arms. "That said, it's very possible for even a free willed creature to fall prey to, ah, outside influence." Free willed is not the same as strong willed, eh? Roland loudly clears his throat. "At any rate, I should relish an opportunity to see the Beast first hand at some point."
Roland is happy to talk to Professor Rokannon on any topic, whatsoever. Expecting their might be more trouble during this investigation, he also makes a point to stop by the local armorers. As Roland also lives at the University, he'll head to his rooms and sleep "at home" tonight - the first time in months. It gives him an opportunity to begin looking over some stuff he had to leave behind before the trip to Ravengro. Before bed, he tries to brush up on his "Flesh Golem" lore.
"Are you willing to assist me in my efforts to make sure Lepidstadt remains a civilized city ruled by law and reason?" "Ah, yes," Roland nods. "As I was just saying to Professor Rokannon, I am definitely interested in finding the, ah, truth of the matter."
No worries, Haldhin! :D
Roland looks quite surprised as Professor Rokannon is led into the room. After the judge leaves, he hesitantly steps forward and offers a hand. "Professor, it is a pleasure to, ah, to meet you in person," Roland stammers. "I am Roland Savardson. I was one of Professor Lorrimor's, ah, students right here at the University. Your reputation precedes you, sir." Whether or not Rokannon takes his hand, Roland carries on. "We discovered that the Professor was murdered while investigating the ruins of Harrowstone prison..." He glances back at the others, trying to decide how much more he should say, then turns back and carries on in a lower tone. "We believe the, ah... Whispering Way may be involved." Roland turns back to the rest of the group. "It goes without saying that I am committed to finding out the truth of this, ah... matter. If there was a crime committed against the University, I should like to see the real culprit brought to justice." And you have good reason to give a beast the benefit of the doubt, don't you? Roland frowns and loudly clears his throat - a sign of sudden discomfort easily mistaken for impatience.
"Yes, there is a ritual that would free her soul. The priests would perform it for free, obviously. Freeing a trapped soul like this would be a service that any priest with a good heart would readily undertake." "Well..." Roland interjects, having been politely quiet up until now. "I think this must be a priority for us. Especially in light of what we just experienced at Harrowstone."
As the group moves through the museum, Roland looks shocked at it's state. The word that it had been robbed is treated with equal surprise, but he remains quiet and allows Darren to do the talking as they approach the conference room. "Sorry, Doctor, but you said earlier that a beast is what robbed and vandalized the museum? What sort of beast, may I ask, and what was it after? We've heard a buzz of talk around town about this beast's trial -- is it soon?" "Indeed," Roland interjects. "And for that matter, what was stolen from our university?"
The journey seems to have been somewhat difficult for Roland, who's been a little on edge. Perhaps the experience in Ravengro affected him more than he's been letting on? Still, as the weary group arrives in Lepidstadt, Roland can't help but smile. "Ah, it's good to be home." He turns to see that Karl and Roland had been decided on where to go first. "We have business here, on behalf of the professor. Let's see it done first, then we can make our way to the University. And then, I'm buying a horse. These overland journeys take way too long!" Roland looks longingly at the university, but sighs. Karl is right. Better to be done with business first. Is Karl your boss now? Why don't you do as you like? A surprised expression crosses his face, and he shakes his head. It had been over a week since these internal debates had plagued him. Perhaps his was more tired than he thought. "Er, ah, yes," Roland walks over to join the pair. "Best to get the last of the Professor's wishes dealt with, first, I think."
Sorry, been a busy week at work. I'll be posting shortly.
Roland busies himself with his alchemy, while also helping Kendra (and probably Oorin) go through the Professor's books as she prepares to relocate. Any books of particular interest, he'll make sure to read and study - and he's happy to take a few off Kendra's hands if she's game. If Oorin - or anyone else, for that matter - is interested, now that there's time, Roland will also happily discuss and debate literature, history, natural history, the occult or any other number of subjects. Roland is notably more self-assured and confident while discussing intellectual pursuits. Roland also makes an effort to attend church for the next few weeks, but mostly just sits in the back looking a little bored. Twice, Roland also quietly slips out in the evening for a few hours and doesn't discuss what he's been up to. The second time, he returns pale and troubled. The next morning he's packed up some of his alchemical equipment, and pours a few vials of his blue serum on the ground outside, muttering that he's quitting the stuff. That grass turns blue and grows wild for days.
"Is this something you could do for me?" "Er, yes," Roland reaches out and touches the book, eyes alight with scholarly curiosity. "We have business at the university as it is."
Okay, I've put Roland's name next to everything I have in my possession. If I have a certain amount of something, I made sure to put a number (1) next to it. I would like to obtain a masterwork or +1 cane (club) if I can. I also note there's a +1 Chain Shirt in Lepidstadt that I've got an interest in wearing under my big heavy coat. I also just noted that I should have obtained a new Discovery at level 4, but Hero Labs didn't notify me because it assumed my "free Discovery" from an earlier reward counted for it. I'll update my stat bloc shortly to make note that I now have "Feral Mutagen."
Cool, it's working now.
Just put your name in the blue column. You should be able to type on the sheet - let me know if you can't edit it. Tried, but it won't let me type anything. :(
How do we claim stuff off the loot sheet? Roland, do you want the MW thieves tools or should I snag them? You're the guy with the Rogue levels, so I have absolutely no problem with you snagging those. :)
I was disappointed that Faiths of Balance did not include codes for Abadar and Irori who, by alignment anyway, could have had paladins. I tried asking if, in Golarion, those two deities don't have paladins but I couldn't get an answer from JJ. Actually, the Paladin Code of Abadar is in a sidebar on page 27 of "Faiths of Balance." :) As for Irori... looks like they accidentally forgot to add one to the Dragon Empire Primer.
The Faiths of Purity (and there's one in Faiths of Balance) book has a great writeup on the Paladin Codes of the various different faiths that support the LG knightly orders. Lots of good flavour that really shows how different the various Pathfinder faiths approach paladinhood. I've actually been itching to make a Paladin of Shelyn ever since that book came out.
"What are your plans now that the threat of Harrowstone has been defeated? Do you plan to continue chasing after Petros' killers?" "Well, we are, ah, beholden to stay here with Miss. Kendra for a month, to see to her well being," Roland says. "This is as per the Professor's final wishes. Then we must return some valuable books to Lepidstadt, whereupon we are to be bequeathed a part of his fortune." I could return to my studies, with financial security at last! But what of the Professor's killers... should you not seek vengeance for your fallen mentor? I am a scholar. I do not hunt cults. The Professor was also a scholar. It didn't stop him. Roland rubs his eyes, and yawns - suddenly exhausted after the day's events. "After that, I don't know." He looks between Shanoa, Karl, Oorin, Franc and Darren, perhaps for some direction.
Take the 4 hp, add +1 for Con and +1 for Favoured Class - that's 6 total.
I will spend some of our down-time prepping more alchemical fire (of which I have one brewing, still) and acid, as well as some potions of CLW and/or Lesser Restoration.
He smiles sadly for a second, then looks up, "So, I should clarify, Petros and I worked for many year to unearth secrets... or whispers, some might say. Did you discover anything of that nature that bears repeating?" "Ah... yes." Roland looks around the rest of the group quickly, then volunteers some information. "The Professor had been at the prison at the time of his death exactly because he was, ah... looking into some whispering going on there." "It seems the restless spirits of Harrowstone were being... ah... kept in check by the power of the ghost of the old warden," Roland wrings his hands nervously. "He was... ghost-napped... by, ah, someone."
Roland stands, mouth agape, as the spirit dissipates before them. As he stares after Vasorianna, he once again traces the spiral over his heart.
"If we ever find the means to clense this place for good, I promise to come back and relieve you of this duty. You deserve rest, and I hope some day you get it." "Here, here," Roland nods, tracing Pharasma's spiral over his heart.
Roland slumps against the wall, shuddering. When he rises again, the effects of his serum have worn off and he has returned to normal. "We should return that badge to Vesorianna, and then head back to Kendra's to rest," He says in a raspy voice.
Will Karl back on his feet, Roland rises, dagger in hand, grim smile on his face.
But with the traffic around the Marauder, he can't quite land a blow.
The fool half-elf will be killed! I must save him! Roland ducks into the fray, pulling a potion bottle from his coat and practically shoving it into Karl's mouth.
Roland scowls, yellowish eyes narrowing. He points the haunt siphon at the Marauder's apparition and activates it.
Roland winces. That smarts. Like a hammer blow to the skull? "Ouch! Look sharp people, something's happening!" "Indeed," Roland draws his enchanted dagger, and wields his cane menacingly. "Our dwarfish ghost is certainly about." He nods toward the table. "Remember, the Marauder was trying to repair his wife's skull by collecting pieces from the skulls of his victims." Roland suddenly looks like he's been struck with inspiration, and re-sheathes his dagger, instead pulling out the remaining haunt siphon. "Come get us you little blighter."
Roland is already striding to the door confidently. "We must find the Mosswater Marauder and put an end to this."
Even with his focus being clouded by the potent serum, Roland still instantly notes the pentagram. As the others clang away at the Iron Maiden the rational part of Roland draws him to whichever point Oorin isn't checking. "This seems relevant." Destroy it! And with that, he kicks at the tools, scattering them to disrupt the arcane symbol.
Roland is only half a step behind Darren.
"I agree. Every day with those ghosts loose could mean more deaths in town. We must finish this." "Indeed. We'll all sleep easier when every last unclean spirit in this accursed hole is destroyed." Roland looks impatiently at the others. "The Piper, the Lopper, the Charlatan and even the Splatter Man have all shown themselves to be pathetic shadows," he sneers. "The Marauder will be no match for our combined might." Why the bravado? They weren't pathetic at all... so many lost friends... Friends? Who is your friend? Arthur? Michael? Roland rubs his eyes, a conflicted look suddenly clouding his features. Why am I having these conflicted thoughts? Is this the serum...?
Roland spits on the ground where the Splatter Man sank into the floor, then sneers. After a moment, the sound returns. "So cold... Is it, is it done?" "Not while the Mosswater Marauder continues to lurk in this wretched place," Roland smirks. He smacks his cane into his hand. "Let's find him quickly and put an end to his unlife as well." Karl is injured. He needs my help. The half-breed is strong. He'll survive. It's time to kill another ghost. I just need to give him an extract... It's not your problem! Roland frowns and rubs his temple. Then he pulls a vial from his pocket and slowly hands it to Karl. "Drink this. It will help."
Round 3 Grinning, and eerily silenced, Roland pulls the magical dagger from inside his coat, and stabs at the ghostly murderer.
Roland had also been quietly looking over Oorin's shoulder when the gnome pointed out the letters, and put together their meaning just as the others were, but was wrapped in his own thoughts. Why is there no R... I wonder? Does the Splatter Man consider me no threat? He shudders. Or does he want someone to live to spread his legend. When the rats appear, though, the alchemist snaps back to attention. He is startled as Karl and Franc quickly dispatch two of them, and winces as Oorin lets lose with a volley that destroys another. As the horrifying visage of the Splatter Man emerges from the bloody wall, Roland's hand finds it's way into his pocket and emerges with a vial of blue serum.
Roland chokes down the concoction, and doubles over with a gasp. Round 1 It only takes an instant for the serum to course through Roland's body. He rights himself almost immediately, his eyes having turned slightly yellow, his skin taking on a pallid tone, and his veins seeming to glow faintly blue. He looks... bigger. And he smiles, all trace of his wilting dread gone. He levels a finger at the ghost, hefting his cane in his other hand. "You're about to wish you'd left this mortal world after the fire, Splatter Man," he sneers. "You believe in the power of names, wretch? Well be sure to remember ours when you arrive in the Boneyard!" Roland snarls and swings his cane at the rat...
... and it bounces off the floor with a crack. Roland seems unperturbed, grinning, eyes wild. Yes. Kill the vermin. Kill all the vermin.
In spite of his high state of nervous paranoia, Roland is still too focused on Darren's mystery voice to notice anything amiss.
"Which shall it be? Roland, can you sense any more of the restless dead?" "Unfortunately, the, ah, extract I was using to help detect negative energy forces has worn off. I'm afraid I'm not much help this time."
Despite my somewhat erratic posting schedule, I am fully committed to the game at present and have every intention of staying on if I'm welcome. :) As my character's backstory is tied to the university at Lepidstadt I think it would pretty lame of me to bail out before we go there. Item-wise I'm pretty set right now. Maybe a nicer cane (read: club) at some point? I'm not too fussy and can work around what we find for the most part. My further discoveries will lead me toward natural attacks anyway...
Roland keeps quiet as the others divvy up the treasures they've found, leaning against a wall and trying to stop trembling. I am amazed I've survived this far. If the others weren't here... He glances back, noticing for the first time how shaken Shanoa is, as Karl and Darren offer her words of encouragement. Perhaps I am not as cowardly as I think if the others are as frightened as I am... ... or perhaps you should use some serum. That will calm your nerves and give you confidence. Roland looks down to note he's clutching a faintly glowing vial of blue liquid and gulps. Yes. Some serum would be good right now. The alchemist shakes his head and pockets the vial, turning to the others. "I, ah, believe I still have one of those siphons in my pockets somewhere, Karl." He wrings his hands a bit, nervously. "Well. Three down." Even as he says the last two words, Arthur, Michael and Cassandra come to mind. Three down, indeed.
Roland breathes a sigh of relief as the Lopper ceases to exist, and sheathes the magic dagger. "Did you guys hear something just now?" Roland's ears perk up and he looks around. "I'm afraid not... what did it sound like?" Even as he asks, his ears strain to see if he can hear anything unusual.
Watching the others batter the Lopper's form, Roland has been watching the ghost's movements, trying to get a handle on it's unearthly movements. He makes another half-hearted stab toward it's form.
Why can't I predict this monster's movements?
Round 3 Frowning, Roland attempts another surgical strike at the Lopper's ghostly form with the dagger.
And again, without even looking at him, the spectral serial murderer moves like fog around the blow.
Round 2 Roland strikes at the Loper's exposed side again, as the creature focuses on Darren and Karl.
The wiry apparition seems to ooze around Roland's attempts to strike it's flank, effortlessly avoiding his untrained attack.
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