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Still here :)
Congratulations Game Master, and good luck Arruk. Texas huh? Sounds hot ^^
"Why, nobility is my specialty, sir! In Egorian, my typical clientele consists of aristocratic, typically, but not limited to, tourists, visiting the opera. I have even had the pleasure of chauffeuring royalty a few times as well!." Vance boasts with barely contained rapture as he leads the way back out of the house and through the window. He has every faith his carriage will exceed Justimar's, and his other compatriots' for that matter, expectations. The carriage is his pride and his honor. As the carriage comes into view, Vance changes back into his customary subservient tone once more, but basks gloriously in the reactions of the diverse party: "In anticipation of your wish for a ride back to town, your papers await you inside, sir." Before you stand a magnificent view, the like of which you have never imagined. The sheer intensity of pure chelish manufacture before you conjure up either the intense pride of a nationalist, or the rumbling dissent of an antagonist. At first glance, the carriage seems to be constructed of Arcadian marble in dark red hues and black, with sharp lines, narrow points and brutal, jagged spikes. However, a closer inspection under the sun reveals the truth; the timber has been polished in such a way as to achieve this effect. You doubt you would be able to scrutinize this in the night, however. The door bears iconography, on one side the cruelty of the Tines, and on the other a portrait of her Infernal Majestrix Abrogail II boldly kissing the air at the viewer. Chelish people may recognize this duality as the methodology "The Kiss and the Lash" taken to either extreme. The doorhandles of the carriage carries the likeness of the Chelish flag's circle forged from red gold, and at the front by the driver hangs two bull's eye lanterns in the shape of imp's heads, with the light coming from their mouths, like Comedy and Tragedy one laughing; the other woeful. Upon entering, you confront a scene of such seemingly fragile beauty, you fear you may break it simply by glancing. Of course the notion is quickly dispelled as you find yourself staring, yet nothing has broken. Black leather and red silk cover most of the interior that can comfortably hold four people; two on opposite sides of a wooden table suspended between floor and ceiling by taut, yet unobtrusive strings that manage to keep the table roughly plane during even a rougher ride. On this table, next to a built in candelabra, lies Justimar's papers. Pulling the carriage are two foreign looking horses, each with a fire in their eyes suggesting both their wildness and their intelligence. One is a jet black stallion, and the other an auburn mare with a mane like rippling fire. Anyone who know anything about Varisia, or horses, recognize them as Varisian broncos. "Welcome, ladies & gentlemen, to The Kiss and the Lash!"
Like Amatsu, Vance does not wear the badge, but has it with him should the need, or the inclination, arise. "What do you mean "great things"?" Vance directs sententiously at the girls, and, voice heavy with sorrow, continues with a sigh and a shake of the head, "Sounds like more blood spilled, more lives lost, to me." He hadn't meant to follow Justimar, it just happened, and even Vance was slightly taken aback as he realized this. It may be tougher to shed the subservient attitude, apodted over the course of his still short life, than he had hoped.
Rolls:
Writing now. Apologies for the delay.
With his carriage restored and his horses cared for, Vance rumbles down the dusty dirt roads of Longachre towards the ruin that is Ash House, taking care to go at a slow pace, so as not to kick up too much dust and dirty the carriage all over again. While he had not expected Razelago to call on them quite so soon, he much preferred this immediacy to the alternative of waiting, and was humming softly to himself in anticipation. Seeing the Ash House in the daylight hours, Vance truly takes note of the dilapidated state of the manor. Not where he would have held secret councils, that's for sure. Not expecting to stay long, Vance simply ties up the horses to a nearby tree, placing the carriage in the shade, and walks in through the windows. "Sir, I must confess to some reservations on this as well. Why use us for a job such as this? I was under the impression our endeavors would be strictly, or at least chiefly, covert." Vance adds his voice to support Justimar's position, albeit not his motives. Rolls:
"A kind offer, miss Staelish, but I have a room at The Last Stand, and will be retiring thereto. I thank you and our host for this exquisite feast, and wish you all a very pleasant evening indeed." Vance takes the cue and, after donning his feathered hat, bows with his customary Varisian flourish. Without waiting for any potential company, Vance steps out into the night. He walks toward town thinking of his new luxury whip and the gold clinking in his now bulging pouch; of his new companions, disparate as they may be; of this strange town of untapped potential. Despite his reservations with Razelago, Vance feels the pull of his heritage, recognizing it instinctively – he was born for travel and adventure. Tonight, he would sleep soundly.
"Best not get caught with those papers on you then, yes? If you wish, I can keep them safe while you complete your task." Vance stifles a yawn as he unveils, revealing his prodigious beard, and turns the veil into a makeshift strop for the crossbow so he can sling it onto his back.
Now that they are out of the woods, so to speak, Vance relaxes once again, and ckuckles at Arruk's words. "What does that make us, then?" he smirks genially, but before anyone has a chance to respond, he continues at Justimar, "I'd love a drink myself, but since you wish to go alone, I suspect you have a different motive. What are you planning, sir?"
Alright! Finally got my hands on Ultimate Intrigue. I will start reading once I hit homebase, and keep you posted on whether or not I wish to retrain.
"Choose your words carefully, Louslik. Treasonous talk such as that may land you in a whole different sort of trouble." Still fuming, Vance sheathes his sword once more as he casually inspects the office. He is particularly insterested in the documents flying about, and hopes to catch a glimpse of any official seals or marks related thereto. "Truly, I am sorry for the loss of your dogs. However, I cannot help but notice that you failed to answer the lady's query." He casts a perfunctory glance first to the lacerated bulldog, then to Amatsu, and, unwittingly and unnoticed, shudders. Rolls:
Vance follows swiftly, Almost stepping on the half-orc's fingers in the process. Upon Cimri's mouthed words, Vance walks up to the door, "Stand down Louslik, you're surrounded. You know why we're here, but there's no need for you to be hurt. Let's be civil, yes?" Accentuated by the audible sheathing of his sword, Vance's accent gives the threat a savage authority.
Rolls:
My apologies, I've had a busy weekend :) I will post as soon as I am in front of my computer and not on my phone (Roughly 6-10 hours from now). Been a joy reading the posts so far though ^^
In my experience, the games that start the most explosive are the ones that die. A slow start may just be good for bad.
Alright, my post is finally up. It took some time for me to be happy with it, it being the introductionary post and all, but I think I got it :) Also, with Ultimate Intrigue just released, I think Vance might be a better fit as a Vigilante rather than a fighter. With your permission Game Master, I may propose a build change over the course of the week. Or I may just multiclass into it eventually, we will see. I need to read the class first after all :)
Five uneventful days of travel on the dusty road from Egorian to Longacre had tarnished the carriage. Much of the once pristinely polished timber had taken on a matte lifelessness; a wheel had lost a spoke and ran unevenly across the lonesome road, bumping with every turn; the team was covered in a layer of sweaty dust, tails wagging mindlessly at flies much more aggressive than their city kin. But this exhausted little expedition trekked ever on, carrying the most precious of cargo of all: a sense of purpose, a shred of hope, and a flicker of excitement. In short, the beginning of an adventure. For the first time, Vance could see the elusive light at the end of the tunnel. Not just because Longacre was finally visible on the horizon, but because of the prospects the small town promised. The imp had been vague, even moreso than was usual, but there were unmistakable hints at fortune in the future. So long as he served. Vance was used to serving. As a coachman, it could indeed be summed up as the purpose of his profession – and Vance resented it. Nobility, and other wealthy patrons, constantly attempting to frame him to further their own plots, treating him as no more than a collateral pawn in their games; the arrogance and the haughty attitudes of those that believed themselves better than him; and the complete disregard with which they treated him. One day, he would serve no more. Before reaching Longacre, Vance changed from his dirty travel clothes to his proper coachman's dress. His new clothing clean, fitted and well cared for; his sturdy boots of varisian aurochs leather always freshly shined; a great and well-groomed beard braided from the chin down covered half his face, and a widebrimmed, feathered hat covered his short, military-fashion haircut; a loose cotton coat covering a simple white shirt giving him a stately and official look, even with his unorthodox kaleidoscopic scarf. After all, he would have to look his best to find a proper artisan to fix his beloved carriage. He would attract no decent patronage in its current state. While waiting for his carriage to be properly conditioned, Vance spends the day looking for a hotel or an inn to keep his belongings, and attempts to learn more about Longacre and the task at hand.
Silent throughout the exchange until introductions, Vance bows low in the typical Egorian fashion – but with a small Varisian flourish – as he takes on the role of a man born to serve. "It is an honor to make your acquaintances, sirs. Madams. Vance Magravi at your service. Still bowing, Vance speaks silently and with a varisian accent. Unlike his coachman's garb, his current attire is much simpler: a dark blouse and trousers with a veil covering his beard and a mask covering the rest of his face. A single sword hangs at his hip. "What do you propose we do about the dog then, sir?" he adresses Justimar.
Alright, I'll be home today, but I might not have time to post before tomorrow. I'll try to make it happen though :)
Alright, I've taken an approach mildly different from usual with Vance. Instead of writing out his full background, I've only detailed the crossroads that lead him to the beginning of the campaign. This allows for fluidity in his background details for the sake of the game. That said, if you'd rather have a full summary background, I can do that as well. It is my hope to do so in the end, but simply for character generation, this seemed a much smarter path. Path to Service:
An imp shrieked gleefully as it flew towards the startled horses. My whip cracked and its glee turned to anguish in a howl. “What was that for you meanie!” it yelled in a high pitch. “I didn’t do nuffin!” It was an uncommonly ugly thing. Harelip and skin an irritated red, with nipples pierced by rings of a strange green metal. It had no horns, as was normal for its kind, but its bat like wings were the color of pig’s skin. “Stop harassing my horses, or you’ll have worse than that.” Voice like ice, I tapped the blade at my hip lightly. “I hear your kind doesn’t take too well to silver.” The imp’s yellow eyes narrowed. I might have talked big, but if this was someone’s familiar, I was in big trouble. This kind of work always but me on edge, and I hated it. Worse, I hated my father for putting me up to it over and over again. “I daresay I’ve got the right man!” the imp exclaimed after a moment, breaking into a smile with teeth that reminded me of the tines. I shuddered. Smiling wider, the imp continued. “Say, do you know what you’re transporting?” My mouth went dry, “No clue.” Sweat trickled down my back despite the evening cold. I did not know, but I knew it was some sort of contraband. This imp might just be the doom my father’s work was sure to buy me, although much sooner than I would have liked. “That won’t do at all.” The imp said. “Why, I know, and I hafn’t even seen the box!” It shrieked that gleeful shriek again, looking me in the eyes as it circled the anxious horses. A strange calm took hold of me. I realized that my choices were really very limited: Kill the imp, bargain with the imp, or end up on the tines. I recognized the calm as a sense of purpose. Bargaining was not my strong point, but with a little luck I could kill the imp without further incident. Hells, I really wanted to strike my blade into its twisted little heart. “There are two hellknights heading your way. They haf sensed the thing in your carriage and are coming to investigate. If you want, I can vouch for your innocence.” The imp brought me out of my reverie. Panic almost took me, but then I grasped the imp’s words. “What’s the price?” The imp had offered up a bargain on its own, I would be a fool to hesitate. Yet trepidation festered in the back of my mind. “Why, the details are much too intricate to discuss before it is too late for you.” The imp hovered over the horses as it spoke “In short, though, you will offer your discretion and your serfices to my master in a simple matter in Cheapside.” It looked at me patiently, waiting for me to state my agreement to its terms. Seeing no other way out, I assented. “Ah yes by the way, your accomplices are going to take the fall. Hope you’re ok with that.” It laughed and I saw the unmistakable shapes of two hellknights at the end of the street. I really hate devils. Thus started my work for house Thrune, and I must say now, a few years later, that it sure beats working for my father. Lawful work keeps my conscience clear, and better monetary compensation keeps my pouch lined golden. Background: Vance's father, Lukain Magravi, is a Varisian of Scarzni heritage. Lukain makes a living in Egorian by working closely with Zandros and his Goatherd, as well as other criminals. Vance has tried to change his ways multiple times, but to no avail. Lukain is a staunch Desnan. Vance's mother, Eudomia Tauranor, is dead, but she used to be a famous opera singer. His father has never revealed the details of her death to him, but Vance suspects that it has to do with his father's illicit activities. Lukain and Eudomia met in Korvosa during Eudomia's first tour to the fringes of Cheliax and beyond. They fell in love, and Eudomia employed Lukain as her personal, designated coachman, and bought a beautiful Korvosan carriage to ride in. Lukain renounced his criminal ways to become her fulltime driver until the time of her death, moving with her to Egorian. This is the same carriage Vance drives now. Notes:
It could be interesting if Vance's father is on the other side of the conflict, and they clash at some point during the Adventure. Vance doesn't like devils at all. He also doesn't particularly like House Thrune. However, as a second generation immigrant, he does what he has to to survive.
I still don't understand the need to personalize a player's guide. Now it's just infuriating.
I will be writing up the following character idea: Vance Magravi – a coachman – is tired of serving as a dispensable tool for various rich snobs, and decides to take an active approach to changing things up. When an opportunity presents itself (the start of the campaign—assumption) he takes it. I'm not certain about much, but I am certain of this: He is half-chelaxian-half-scarzni, he is a coachman, he upholds the law stringently, and he has an unhealthy fascination with blood/gore/violence. At this point I'm not even sure what class he is though, so I still have a good deal of work ahead of me.
Alright, I'll be posting after work and dinner. Should be up in roughly 12 hours :)
Aesthetically:
I would also like it if the different tabs had the same rules in regards to code-prose. Some tabs follow different rules that I think look dumb. Examples like line distance and lists that don't jump into the post for clarity. (like in the gameplay tab, god that's frustrating) Quality of life:
Macros. Instant paste-in of saved text you use often, such as attack and damage rolls, saved to your alias. This could stand in completely for the signature idea above.
Recruitment reopened! We're in need of 2 players for this game, as we've lost our paladin/ninja and our cleric. We would like a character with a connection to the divine, and I would personally love a character utilizing one of the occult classes (not kineticist). The only changes to the OP in regards to character creation is that the Occult Adventures Playtest is no longer valid as your additional source book, however Occult Adventures is available by default. I feel it prudent to mention that it is my fault that we lost the 2 players initially. I disappeared with not a word, and has only recently returned to finish what I started. I can safely say that won't happen again though :) This also means, however, that we have not actually started the module yet, so you have all chances to get the full experience. I look forward to playing with you.
Also, Kaimain coouldn't beat a roll of 29, so I didn't bother rolling.
It is most likely that I won't be able to update the next two days. We're celebrating a good friends passing of an important exam, and alchohol is involved.
Recruitment update: Recruitment is closed (and has been for 3 hours). I'm reading everyone's amazing character bios, and I'm pleased with the quality so far. Look forward to the next update in 21 hours where I announce the selected characters.
Foreword: Hello, I'm DM Runge. Or at least that's what I call myself, for I am not much of a PbP-DM yet. Therefore, in the spirit of getting my feet wet on this scene, I'd like to run a few modules, starting with "Carrion Hill" by Richard Pett. This is the recruitment thread for that module, and below I present the rules and expectations for the game. In the long run I hope to get to run and finish a few of Paizo's published Modules, one of my own small adventures, and perhaps even one of Paizo's published Adventure Paths – but that's still far into the future. I'm looking for 4 characters for this module. Prologue: A city where no city should be, a bastion of strangeness at the heart of nowhere, the city of Carrion Hill has long loomed over the surrounding swamps in eastern Ustalav, yet its rulers have shifted many times. Often enough that only a few sinister scholars and curious minds know the true nature of the hill's original inhabitants—vile and depraved cultists of the old gods. Yet this morning, a dreadful recrudescence rises from the depths of buried nightmare in the vaults below Carrion Hill. A monster stalks the twisted alleys of the city, spreading panic before it and leaving destruction in its wake. Can the Carrion Hill Horror be stopped? You are members of, or hired by, the Chtonian Chroniclers, a special Pathfinder Society subdivision dealing with lore related to the Dark Tapestry, and have been assigned to Carrion Hill. Your task is to learn more about the strange monster, and take measures to prevent potential disaster, in case the monster is, in fact, connected to the Dark Tapestry. Chtonian Chronicles:
The name of my small series of psuedo-realated games, sharing the same themes. As a new PbP-DM, I thought it prudent to pick a theme, start out small, and expand from there. In keeping with that line of thought, I've opted for games related to lovecraftian horror, the occult, and the Ustalav area of Golarion. Therefore, I've invented a subdivision of the Pathfinder Society – The Chtonian Chroniclers – to act as a common hook and red thread throughout the series. As I run more games, I collect and arrange more and more official lore on Ustalav, the Dark Tapestry, and the Occult in general. This compillation is the Chtonian Chronicles. Characters:
Characters begin play at 5th level and with 10.500 gp. Your most expensive item may have a value no higher than 5.250 gp.
Post the name of your book of choice along with your character.
After assigning ability scores, apply your racial benefits to derive your starting ability score at 1st level. You cannot roll your ability scores.
Complex characters are welcome, but take care not to expect disproportionate character development. After all, you're signing up for a 36 pages module. Play:
There are a few expectations and details in regards to actual play, as lined out below.
I'm going to hold you to the same standard as I hold myself: I expect you to post as often as is needed, adjusting to the pace of the group, as set by me. I plan to post at least once per day. When you do post, I expect you to push the action/story/RP or leave/pick up RP hooks. If our pacing changes to the point of negatively impacting your ability to keep up, I hope and expect that you will talk to me earlier rather than later. I promise to do the same if our positions are reversed.
Recruitment closes: Saturday, 30 May, 21:00 CEST
If you have any questions, please post them here or send me a PM, and I will do my best to respond in a timely manner. I look forward to playing with you. |