S'ala's page

My friends, time has come for me to withdraw from the game. I am sad to do so, but have recently had a promotion at work that has whittled down my game time. I have been scrambling for the last few weeks but always find myself behind or letting a group down somewhere given the limited time I now have.

Since I am still trying to honor the commitments of GMing the games I have, I have been forced to withdraw as a player, even from games I enjoy.

I am sad to leave this group I have played with for a long time, but I cannot keep my place here and do the role justice. Hopefully you will go on to tame the Stolen Lands and name a statue in S'ala's honor.

Good luck and happy gaming!

S'ala passes the weapon over to Walter for a good cleaning. "If you would be so kind, walter-friend. This one would be in our debt."

Since it is one of the few weapons he can use, S'ala looks to the others for permission before taking the MW silver dagger.

"This one could use such a weapon, unless the group has better use for it?"

If allowed, he sticks the weapon in the sash of his robes, at the ready should it be needed.

S'ala takes out his waterskin and tries pouring the water over the acid burns on Tristan, trying to dilute or wash away the burning liquid.

S'ala waits to see what has been left so hastily as Tristan unwraps the bundle.

S'ala looks around in vain for any sign of the monastery the others had talked about. So far the search had been fruitless, and it looked to stay that way. He like the shape and solitude of the claw-shaped tree, but was not expert on the natural world to know anything more about it.

Perception DC 20: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

"By all means, we should continue to the Monastery, exploring and mapping the lands as we go." S'ala agrees.

S'ala looks to the others, but reaches out to shake with the newcomer. "This one is not worthy of a name, but has been called S'ala by these, his new friends. You may use that name for me if you wish. Long days and pleasant nights to you Walter. You are well met in the wild."

S'ala is glad to see the others return. But he stays out of any discussion regarding loot distribution. He also eyes the newcomer warily.

S'ala keeps a close watch over the camp site, checking on Saren from time to time, in case his status changes. He is still suffering from Strenght damage from the spider venom, and is using the downtime to rest up as well.

Perception, keeping lookout: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Heal, checking on Saren: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Temp ability damage heals at rate of 1 hp for every 8 hrs of rest. Not sure if this guard duty is "rest" enough to help count?

S'ala nods at Tristan. "This one is armed with a spear to throw at enemies, but most of this One's training is at close range. I will watch over the camp, as you like while Strength returns to this One's limbs."

S'ala is at full hP,but still has 3 STR damage to heal back. Thanks!

Not familiar with the healing arts himself, S'ala tries to remember if he studied anything like what is described by Quince in his monastery.

Know Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Know HIstory: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

S'ala smiles weakly as Kevros checks on him. "This One will survive the wounds this time, but is still quite weak from the spider venom."

STR still down 3 points
Hp 13/16

Tristan is correct Sala, your non-lethal and lethal damage heals at the same time with magical healing, something tells me that your non-lethal damage should mostly be healed now.

I thought healing healed both, but couldn't find a link to support it anywhere. Can you? I'll take it in the meantime. Since NL heals at the rate of 1hp/lv;/hr, it would take S'ala 5 hrs of rest to heal all his NL, and since he was dealt it at the beginning of this combat, it probably wouldn't really be healed, but again, I'll defer to you and the magical properties of the Riverlands.

S'ala comes to groggily, between the bite, the venom, and the web punch, the spiders overcame him quite quickly. He smiles and thanks his friends for saving his bacon yet again.

With the latest dose of healing, S'ala is at 9/16 hp, but still has 9 Non-lethal damage on him, so in effect he is at zero hp. Enough to be staggered and disabled. He can heal the NL at 2hp/hr of rest, but can't while in combat obviously.

S'ala now at 4/16hp, but 9 NL keeps him unconscious.

Fort DC 17: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
STR Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Having been struck before for non-lethal damage, S'ala is already groggy when the spider sinks it's massive fangs into him. The bite and the venom, along with his bruised head, cause him to lose consciousness.

HP 1/16, but with 9 NL, S'ala is down.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
DC 17 Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

S'ala is able to see the spider coming and act in the Surprise Round. Additionally, he is able to avoid the pit trap.

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Surprise Round
S'ala closes on the spider, trying to get close enough for melee fighting in the next round, taking a smack by the web tentacle in the process.

S'ala will take advantage of Saren's aid to recover his thrown spear. "If you request it, I will go down into this spider lair, my friends."

S'ala's throws his spear as the spider is tricked out of it's lair. This time is throw is true, striking the spider dead center, and causing gooey ichor to flow from it's abdomen.

"That is the way this One was trained to throw!" S'ala says. "I have done my spear-master proud!"

Spear Throw: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

The monk then takes an unarmed defensive position ready to attack if the spider somehow survives the initial fusillade.

"Throwing the rock, and then everyone firing at it, worked well last time. Let's see if it works again."

S'ala motions to the others to prepare their weapons as he and Saren begin hurling rocks at the other trapdoor.

S'ala stands overwatch while the others explore the spider lair and accompanying loot.

Guessing I picked up the spear in Round 2? If so, S'ala will spear at the nearby spider.

S'ala rushes up to the nearest spider, driving it deep into the nearest arachnid.

Spear Thrust: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Spear Dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

If I don't have my spear, then use siangham, forSiangham: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

S'ala creeeps across the bone pile, to recover his spear. As he walks, he has a siangham out in case another trap door opens.

S'ala launches his spear at the spider as part of his readied action. but the heavy ash haft falls short of the mark.

S'ala Spear: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Seeing is throw off the mark from the get go, S'ala rushes forward to follow after Saren, invesigating the trap door. I'll be on the defenseive until we see the instigator here.

Spear in hand, S'ala readies an action to throw at the first sign of spiders.

"This One put his lot in with the others, wise Master Quince. A man may change is behavior, and become more than a beast. But a beast will always be one."

"It is seemly to slay these man-eaters, while looking to rehabilitate any men we actually find."

"This One proposes to do much like suggested by Friend Saren." S'ala begins looking for good sized rocks or bones as suggested and demonstrated before.

Ring of protection or other magical armor protection.

Mobility

MW monk weapons

S'ala looks for any sign of the spiders, or a nearby lair like a trap door or cave or crevice.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Sorry, if the trip to the monastery is a red-herring, but S'ala would be interested in any fellow monks in the area, their ways of discipline, and their place of sanctuary.

I don't see the harm in him going off by himself, and I'm not asking for the whole party to come along. Go ahead and do what you need to instead of coming, S'ala will be back soon enough.

"This One did not know a monastery was in the area. I would join with you to see this place. Can you mark it on wise Quince's map?"

Not sure if you saw this before, but S'ala is intrigued to know more about these fellows and will tag along if they allow it, and if they don't he will be rather suspicious.

S'ala eyes the brother monks suspiciously at first, listening and watching intently to see if they give away any tell-tale signs of being untruthful.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

If he is reassured of their honesty, he greets them with a bow. "This One did not know a monastery was in the area. I would join with you to see this place. Can you mark it on wise Quince's map?"

If he is not assured they are being truthful, he will ask, "What is your discipline that you would so disguise yourselves and slink through these lands like bandits. Have you know pride in our order?"

"Shall we give them the opportunity to surrender first? Surprise is important, but we don't know these men have done any wrong, do we? If we choose to fight, this One is less capable mounted than many and his prefer ence is to fight on foot."

Pumpkin pie.

S'ala will not bring the wagon then, per Kevros' suggestion. He will instead find Saren.

"You gave good counsel regarding the execution of Happ. Will you ride with us to find these other bandits reported by Vale? There are perhaps enough here to keep an eye on the encampment since we are paroling most of the prisoners."

"Well spoken, wise Quince. Yes we should map the area as we go. Perhaps Vale will be kind enough to guide us to the spot he saw the ruffians; though he need not get mixed up in any struggle unless he wills it."

S'ala goes to prepare his things, including taking enough food and blankets for a night away, so they can get that entire corner mapped if necessary.

S'ala would bring the captured wagon as well and tie an extra mount to the back. The wagon can be used to haul and the extra mount if they need speed to ride down the bandits.

If north is to the diagonal top, isn't South east along the road and veritably off the map?

"If we have spotted bandits, then it is good policy to root them out. We haven't explored or mapped that direction anyway. I vote in favor of finding those that Vale had spotted."

"What trade items do you carry, little one? Our outpost is in need of a few things, perhaps we can work a deal?" says S'ala.

S'ala maintains his stoicism during most of the exploration. He looks over the merchants warily, not trusting of many in this strange land. He looks for any tells or give-ways that they may not be trustworthy.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

If he is satisfied they are telling the truth:

If he thinks the group is lying:

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With the kobold, S'ala dismounts and reaches out his hand to the little fellow, trying to act harmless and non-threatening.

"Fear not little one, we are not like the other men in these lands. We come to make this place safe. Now stand and tell us your story."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

S'ala speaks as the group breaks bread together. "If we are to make this area safe for our settlers, we must pacify the local humanoids. To that end, this One respectfully suggests going to the kobold dens and either working out a pact, uprooting them, or ending their presence here. These creatures have a chaotic nature and will be thorns in our side continually otherwise."

After finishing his daily meditations, S'ala readies his horse. Once the tack is prepared, he rides out of the fort, planning to sketch a quick map (major landmarks only) of the lands immediately surrounding the outpost.

"With this map, we can fairly divide and distribute land to the prisoners cum settlers. We should draw lots for choice of parcels and set a fair price if one wants to sell out or if any outside settler wants to buy in to the farming village. It may also be wise to see if there are any pastoral skills like blacksmiting, coopering, among the new settlers."

He draws in the fortress, and begins to layout out a grid of land parcels big enough for a man to work with a road in the center.

What landmarks (streams, rocks, hills etc are in the immediate vicinity? if it matters...

S'ala is not around for the execution or the burial preparations, as he stayed in the fort. Quince may remember he said they would discuss Saren's application as a Warden at the next meeting which would not be right away.

S'ala refrains from joining the others during the execution and so misses all that goes on out there. Instead he finds a quiet corner, and sits staring at the wall, meditating on the cost of bringing civilization and the rule of law to the wild parts of this world.

"It is written 'One bad apple spoils the barrel'. It may be that is the case here. If we eliminate Happs, maychance the others will fall back into line. This One is firm in his belief that a life should be spared, and if I were against killing the bandits before, I am moreso against killing those who may be nothing more than foolish followers."

"If the men are still not repentant after the loss of their leader, then they may follow him to the axe. This One says, withhold your judgement of doom a moon or so, wise Quince, and let the better angels of your mercy hold sway for a little while."

"More blood needs must be spilled before our job is done, let us not be in a hurry to add to it. This One's vote is for a stay of execution for these two based on Saren's word."

S'ala nods his understanding of Quince's statement. He approaches the warrior and says:"The others have agreed they are remiss in not seeking your report on the behavior and conduct of our prisoners before dispositions were made. They seek to remedy that error now before irretrievable punishments are made. Please come brief us."

"As to a membership in the charter, that would have to be discussed and taken to a vote from all members, which we do not have time for at this instant. It will be brought before the Wardens at their next meeting which may be as soon as tonight. I do not know if you will wait until the next meeting to make your decision to depart, but those terms are fair and reasonable. You can choose to stay or go, but This One would prefer you to stay."

He pats the big man on the back and encourages him to come forward to share what he will during the absence of the rest of the group.

"So we are agreed to seek mighty Saren's opinion, and to ask him for inclusion in the Wardens? Kevros and Tristan, what say you?"

S'ala nods again at Quince recognizing the man is swallowing his pride to forgive the insult from before, something that no man finds easy to do.

Seeing that he hasn't quite convinced the fighter, S'ala hurries over to where the others are gathered. [b]"As This One suspected, Saren is more hurt over our failing to ask him about the prisoners, which he watched over, and also our failure to include him in the Wardens which he thought he deserved. This One believes he could be retained if an offer was made, and if we asked him about his experience guarding these prisoners before sentences were carried out. What say you, wise friends?"

Sense Motive DC 12: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Perception DC 13: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Before leaving, S'ala will try to pull Saren aside as he's packing his gear.

S'ala nods sagely as Saren chooses to leave the group. "Each man must follow his own path, but Quince speaks wisely. While I do not condone the execution of these prisoners, the greater good is served if a message is sent to other villains in the wild places. You should reconsider your departure, friend Saren, but if you will go, may you walk the righteous path. Perhaps we will meet again."

He claps Quince on the back, but will not attend the actual executions, chosing instead to ride out to the lands around the fort, looking for good parcels to lay out as farmland for the repentant parolees.

S'ala will leave the others to their grim work, and instead go to an inside chamber and meditate on the morality of capital punishment and if the means ever justify the ends.

Note, this is not a political statement on my part, just a feeling of how the character would react given his sanctity of life considerations.