Sable Rose's page

I also hope everything is ok. I'm guessing IRL swallowed Dr. Evil up.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

I just realized Sable is now inside the stench area, so I'll roll the Fort save

Fort: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

I guess Sable is used to smelly creatures working around drunks as often as she does!

Question re: Magic Missile and Inspire Courage. IC gives +1 to damage rolls. So, with a three action MM is it 3d4+6 (ie: a +1 damage per missile), or is it 3d4+4 (ie: a +1 bonus for the spell)?

While the difference is minor at this point, with the way MM heightens it becomes a lot more significant at higher levels, so I figure it's best to ask now.

With a creature like this, Sable would prefer to stay as far away as possible and bring it down from afar. But, that's not an option now that it has Talindra in its tentacles.

So, she races forward, singing the kind of song that Talindra wanted her to sing in the tavern, one full of cheer and hope. It doesn't match her feelings, but she's usually able to mask what she feels when performing and project the needs of the dance, play, or song.

Actions 1 and 2 Stride 30 feet, thanks to Fleet, each time.
Free Action: Lingering Composition. We're level 3 now, so DC should be 18.

Performance: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

Action 3: Inspire Courage, with a success on Lingering, so it lasts three rounds.

I have 0 Focus Points, 2 Level 1, and 2 Level 2 Spell Slots left.

Yeah, heavy armor and the dwarf base 20 move speed can be slow. Ways to get around it can be the Fleet General Feet, for the bonus 5 feet to move speed, and once we hit level 5, he could take Unburdend Iron Heritage Feat, which just removes the armor speed penalty completely, and lowers any one other movement penalty the dwarf gets by 5 feet.

As far as I know, there are no body part injury-type rolls. Hydra's might have something along those lines, but I'm not sure. Maybe an Aid action to help someone with an Escape check, but again, I'm not sure.

As she sees the creature, Sable's first thought is to run for the alley to the right. It is a natural reaction, but she doesn't do it. She sees Billi move up cautiously, and Lenrelle runs forward more, at least in Sable's mind, recklessly. "Lenrelle! Stay behind Billi and Talindra!".

But, then her voice changes a little, into a chant-like song, her arm goes forward, and three darts of brightly colored force go flying, unerringly, into the creature.

"Here's more for you!" she yells out.

Three action Magic Missile!

Zapping!: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2, 4) + 3 = 13

Whoo!!! That should get its attention, even if that might not be the best thing!

Crit Specialization's not a rune effect. It's more of a training effect, which is why Martials get it earlier, then part martial, then casters. I'm not 100 percent sure if it would still apply when you shift the weapon, but it would in glaive form.

I'd rule it applied in shifted form since it is a class feature, but Dr. Evil would have to make that ruling here, since it's his game :)

Also, Talindra, don't forget that Blade Ally gives you the Critical Specialization Effect with that weapon, which is a little bonus when you crit. It varies by weapon ground, but getting it with a single weapon at level 3 is really early, and an advantage of Champion.

I do that too, with leveling, but because this is the first time we've had a level-up and an encounter before a long rest, I did not want to assume anything.

Do Lenrelle and I have our second level spells and slots, or just our first level ones? We haven't had a daily prep since levelling which is why I ask? Question two: Since we've been expecting trouble, do we have weapons out, or do we need to draw them?

Initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

My post assumed that we made it to Sable's place safely. Obviously, if we don't, that post can be time forwarded until after we resolve anything.

"I'm sure you guys can find an inn. Me, I'm paying rent, and so I'm going home. But, any of you who want to come along can stay the night. It'll be crowded, but I think it would be best to stay together, and it would be cheaper." Sable says, offering her home, perhaps in a strange way, as a base for at least the night.

Of course, she lives in a very different part of Korvosa than Perivolt does, and she leads the group there, doing her best to skirt any dangers. Once in her neighborhood, she pauses every so often, checking in at a local merchant to make sure they're ok, or hugging some of the streetwalkers, and trading some gossip. Sable's new hairstyle is remarked on more than once.

When the group reaches her building, she leads inside, to a door on the first floor. "It's a mess. I don't make enough to hire a maid." she quips as she unlocks the door, holds it open, and ushers the group in.

Sable gestures to the left. "The kitchen and bathroom are that way.". Both rooms are small, with the sole table and pair of chairs in the apartment crowded into the kitchen. "The door to the right is my room." Sable adds.

She also wasn't lying when she said it was a mess. Clothes tossed in various places, clearly things she just pulled off after a show and hasn't gathered up yet. Shoes and boots all over the place. But, what might draw the eyes most is how she's changed the living room.

There's no couch. No living room table, no chairs, nothing you'd expect. Rather, she has built - or had a built - a small stage that covers at least half the room. It's well-sanded, and varnished, so that it's perfectly smooth, and in the center is a single metal pole that is secured to both the stage and the ceiling above. Clearly, she practices her routines at home.

"Make yourselves at home." Sable calls out. She makes her way to her room, pushing the door open, and is soon back with spare blankets and pillows. She then leaves the door open, sitting at a desk with a large mirror, and grabbing some scissors to use the mirror to finish her haircut.

She's also easily able to hear and conversation, and add to it, should people want to talk.

I think that the way you plan to use Blade Ally is very creative and interesting.

Sable would offer the use of her apartment for a rest spot, but I don't want to post until I know if I should post us getting there, or if it should just be an offer and then do a walking there post.

Basically, I don't want to post too far ahead and step on any of Dr. Evil's plans, so I'll wait for some guidance as to what would be ok.

Yes, it's Blistering.

Profile's updated now.

I was not expecting level 3. It was quite the nice surprise. I'll be profile updating in a few minutes, but here are the key changes.

Sable's Reflex save will jump 3 since it goes to Expert and the same for Performace to Expert.

Her General feat will be Fleet, which increases movement by 5 feet.

She gains 2 level 2 spell slots and 2 spells. She also gets to choose a first level and a second level Signature spell. Also, as part of level up, she can swap out of a spell for free with one of the same level.

She's going to swap Magic Weapon for Magic Missile.
Her signature spells will be Biting Words (L1) and Blazing Invective (L2).
Her new spells are Blazing Invective (which lets her set people on fire with her words, which just feels soo Sable), and Dispel Magic. Dispel is a decent utility spell, and if I have it, Lenrelle can use her prepared spell slots on other spells.

Thanks for keeping us in the loop, and good luck with the transition!

There doesn't seem to be much fighting, at least so far, on the streets, and for that Sable is glad. Maybe groups they have not run into today have been out here to calm things down. She can hope at least.

She does stay alert, however, ready for trouble should any pop-up.

"I was curious." Sable replies, and leaves it at that.

'She's probably not our girl. We're still stuck backstage." the bard thinks to herself.

"Is Sabina an artist by any chance? Does she paint?" Sable asks. She doesn't think it's very likely that his ex is the girl they are looking for, but she doesn't want to discount the possibility.

I think escorting him to the fortress would be prudent.

Sable leans back in her chair a little. "What's her name? Maybe we can check on her to make sure she's ok with all the trouble. It might help you to find out if she is safe, and she has no reason to not see us."

Sable flashes a smile to Talindra, but for the moment she stays quiet. She appreciates the effort that the Champion has shown and fears that if she were to speak, she'd undermine it. So, for now, the bard keeps her mouth closed, and also keeps an eye out while the others get a chance to eat.

Sable's been impressed with how readily Talinda has slipped into the role of Neffi and led Grau along, and then the scene may very well be ruined as she worries that the performance will come crashing down. She finishes the last of her stew, drains her cup, and then slides her chair back, just in case she needs to get to her feet quickly.

I think it makes sense, too, for a different reason. His being surrounded by three people might cause negative reactions, even with him as drunk as he is.

Sable keeps eating. While doing so, she's doing two things. The first is making sure no one else gets the table so her friends can eat. The second is keeping an eye out, just in case the conversation draws the sorts of attention that could be dangerous.

Welcome back!

Sable stays at the group's table as she takes the chance to eat. She has a suspicion that they'll be out somewhere that night, and she wants to make sure that she's ready for it.

"No. I'm hungry. I'm not cheerful, and even if I was, with my city on fire, it's not the time for happy songs. You, or Lenrelle, should go talk to him. I don't feel sympathy, at all, for yet another person not doing their job." Sable's voice is barely a whisper, to ensure that it does not carry past their table.

I know, but I'll save those for life and death moments.

LOL. The dice roller hates it when I roll diplomacy!

Sable orders a stew and water. Something simple and not likely to addle her mind should there be fighting ahead that night.

But, she also says to the barmaid "Has Grau been in today? I know a friend of his, and I was asked if I check up on him given everything."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

"It doesn't hurt to check the tavern." Sable says.

"I hate to bring up the obvious, but if he's a city guard, he's likely somewhere else today. If he wasn't working earlier, he's surely working now as it's getting dark, and the riots are likely to start up. We can check the tavern if you'd like, Talindra, but don't be disappointed if he's out on the streets somewhere."

After Sable points out the situation in the city, she adds "Most of the people she mentioned are male, while your Mistress said our target was female. We should perhaps also put the girl artist she mentioned on the top of our search list.

While I am not against extra people, I'd lean toward giving Perivolt's players IRL a chance to let him come back. I know it's not a given, and at just four, we'd have to adjust tactics a bit.

But, again, I'm not against adding someone else.

So, Nara gives four leads, but three of them are men. Lyddia told us that the artist is female, so if she was not lying to us, Nara's four leads are really only one lead.

Or am I missing something?

I agree with the others that we will miss you. I hope your hiatus isn't too long and that you can come back and join us again!

"I'm not even sure that they will let us get close to the Castle. Especially at night, more so if there are more riots when the sun goes down. We need shelter I think, and my place is by Eel's End. I don't know if there is anyplace closer we can stay for the night." says Sable.

"Of course the Queen could be corrupt. Anyone can be corrupt. You could argue that we are corrupt. After all, just last night we killed five men, only one of which we knew deserved it, at the command of a ghost who didn't tell us she was one until after we murdered for her. Now, I want to be clear that I don't have an issue with what we did. Lamm earned his death, and since his men were willing to let him feed kids to a gator, I think what we did was justified. But, someone else might see it as corrupt. I would caution, though, to not assume the girl is innocent. She might be. She might not be. The Queen might be, and the Queen might not be. Until we have actual evidence, we need to keep our minds open. If we don't, we end up pawns."

Sable then turns to Talindra with a smile. "I'm fine. It's just not time for long hair. I've seen too many people pulled down by long hair in a bar fight, and since fighting seems quite likely, I'm making it a little harder to grab me. As for your Mistress Lyddia, she's just scared. Nothing is wrong with that. I'm scared, too."

When Talinda asks her how they can help, a smile creases her face. "The irony of a Champion of Shelyn asking a stripper what to do is not lost on me. But, the answer is nothing. We can't help the people. We don't have the resources. We can help people we run across, but for the city as a whole, we can't do anything. Instead, we find the girl. If she's innocent, we help her. If she's guilty, we figure out what to do what her then, and maybe we get answers either way.'

As she speaks, she wracks her mind trying to figure out if she knows anyone who might have connection to artists the nobility would hire.

Society: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

When the group emerges from the Sanctuary, Sable is across the street, back against a wall of a building, a pile of her hair in a semi-circle around her feet. When the group comes over and relates the events within, she purses her lips.

She first looks to Billi. You gave the dagger of the - or a - serial killer to someone you just met, and took her at her word that she knows, or suspects who the killer is? Did you ask why she didn't turn him in before all this if she knew? Then she points you at a judge? What if she is the, or one of the killers?"

After hearing the task that was given to them, Sable laughs and laughs, then shakes her head. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to carry on like that. It's just so insane to me that someone who thinks that asking people to go home is a risk, but sending us after this girl is safe."

"So, to sum it up, we have been asked to find a girl who may be part of a murder cabal, or she may be innocent. The Queen's people may - or may not be looking for her. If they are, it may be to arrest her, or to kill her, and that all depends on if the Queen is guilty of murder herself, If she is not, and we have no evidence that she is, she is doing her job by bringing in the girl. If she is guilty, and we bring the girl here, we place a target on the Sanctuary."

Sable takes a breath. "The girl might have answers. She might not. We have to find her to find out. To do that, we have to know her name at the very least. If she was doing the King's picture, she has to be known among the nobility. Perivolt, do you, or your family, know any patrons of the arts that could recommend an artist to the King? An artist like that would be more likely to run in your circles than in mine."

Those are interesting questions, Billi. Here's my take.

Sending us to find a girl that the Queen might want to kill and bringing her back to the Sanctuary, or even somewhere else on behalf of Shelyn, is definitely getting in the way of the Queen's plans, should she be evil. After all, she is offering to pay us to do this. That means that if we do it - and we should - she's the one giving the orders.

The second question, I'd say would be no. Helping people out, and calming them down, is not getting in the way of any plot. It's just helping people. If the Queen wins, she won't care if Shelyn's church sent people home when they were rioting, but if they get in her way, and she is evil, she's likely to strike back.

I want to say again that I like the plot hook. I think it's very interesting. I just don't see, from a narrative perspective, why someone who is choosing to do nothing out of fear the Queen will be mad if she stays on the throne, would deliberately take an action that would draw the Queen's ire. If I want to ensure I don't get someone's attention, I don't go out of my way to get into their most important business.

It might just be me. Maybe my way of looking at things is just unusual, I don't know.

The plot hook confuses me a lot because of who is giving it to us. This is not meant to say I won't go along with it, but it seems to invalidate everything she had said to this point.

First of all, the king died last night in game. How would someone who has stayed in her sanctuary heard anything with that level of detail?

More importantly, she refused to send one or two people out to calmly ask people to go home, out of fear that it would have the temple picking a side, but then she asks us to actively get involved against one side on her behalf?

It just seems off that she categorically refuses to do something very low risk, and then asks us to do something crazy high risk for her church after.

Again, if the party wants to explore this hook, I'm all for it. It seems interesting, and it could be a lot of fun. But, coming from /this/ NPC, it feels like a narrative disconnect. If it had been something being talked about as a rumor as we came into lunch at Perivolt's, it would make sense.

If we went to Seranrae's church, checked up on the kids, and heard the rumor there, it would make sense. But, for someone to say 'Oh, no, we won't do something easy because we're afraid the Queen might get mad at us." and then say a minute later "By the way, go directly interfere in the Queen's plans, should she be evil, and bring the girl she is looking for right here.", just doesn't make sense to me.

I don't hate you at all. One of the main reasons that Sable stepped away was so that she wouldn't explode at Talindra's boss in the city, out of respect for Talindra!

It's also why she turned back to say that if Talindra felt the task was worth doing, Sable would help.

I agree. It's been a lot of fun!

One might expect that Sable would explode. She does not. She simply turns and walks for the door, but at the door, she pauses and turns back to Talindra.

"This is your family and your home within the city. If you find that the task that she needs help with is a worthy one, I'll support and help you without reservation and to the best of my ability."

She leaves the small church, walks across the street, and rests her back against a wall. It does not look like things will calm anytime soon, and she knows she'll be in the middle of it. This is home after all, and she has family and friends to try and keep safe.

But, she's seen enough bar fights to know that hair can be a weapon, and she takes out her dagger. By the time the others emerge, Sable is partly surrounded by the locks of her formerly long hair, cut raggedly short, and likely to be touched up to make it look better when she has time to sit and something to balance the mirror in her pack on.

Since Billi shares his information with us later, I'll post a reply to him once we are all back together.

I LOLed IRL at your laat post Perivolt.

"I don't believe you need to take sides to be helpful, Mistress." says Sable. "We've helped people, and have not taken any sides. We saved a man's life on the way here just as an example. Some of your, and the other churches' people out on the streets, spreading calm and helping people visibly would make a world of difference and you would not have to make any political statement."