Hi, guys. For my own reasons, I have decided not to continue playing, so please accept this as my formal withdrawal/resignation from the game.
Targan, from the original crew, it's been a pleasure and I wish you well on the boards and in RL.
Best of luck to the newcomers and the GM.
Happy gaming to all. :)
GM:
Can you please write Seka out of the game as I do not wish for her to be used as an NPC (I may try to rebuild her and put her forward for other recruitment drives). Can you also inactivate me from the game as I like to keep my campaign page just for the games I'm actively involved in. Thanks, kindly.
Seka's gaze moved across the wooden door and she carefully reached out and opened it to move inside their new home.
From just inside the threshold, the Aasimar turned her gaze about the space to see what there was in terms of room, sleeping chambers, furniture etc.
Perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
She heard Akkad's requirements and she quietly and steadfastly added, "You will make no further demands on the Lady Mayor. If we require additional things, we can provide them for ourselves or make purchases."
Seka began to move about the restored warehouse, again taking stock of what was there and what needed to be bought or constructed.
GM, how many rooms? What kind of furniture is provided, if any? Can you give us a rundown of what's inside? Thanks.
Alata seems confused at the idea of the home. "I was told travelers were to stay at inns? Is there a place for my horse?
Seka heard Alata's question and turned to answer her, "Yes, travellers may stay at inns. They may also have other places to rest and work from. We were given an abandoned building, a warehouse, where they once stored things like grain, fish and other goods, as reward for a recent mission we completed. It has been slightly improved to be a place we can sleep, eat and work from. I cannot say if there will be a stable, as yet. We will find some place for your horse, Alata."
Akkad wrote:
He gives the money each person paid into the meal back to them. Evidently he's considered it an insult for the others to have paid for the food for some reason.
As the arcane caster attempted to hand back her six gold pieces, Seka shook her head. "No, I prefer to pay my own way. I thank you for the courtesy, but respectfully keep my coin. Thank you, Akkad."
Akkad wrote:
Perhaps it would be best to focus on the new subject of conversation. You just mentioned a base, yes? How many towers does it have? Beds?
"It is modest accommodation - a repaired warehouse - so I don't believe it has towers. As to furniture, I cannot say, for this is the first time we will see it. The Mayor did say it would be brought up to basic living conditions."
Upon hearing their warehouse was ready to move into, Seka gave a relieved smile and thanked the mysterious woman, "Mayor Nerissa, thank you. We shall go this morning, look it over and move ourselves in. We will come to see you regarding the next contract once we're settled. Have a good day."
As the Mayor moved to exit the tavern, Seka turned to Targan, "This is good news. A home base to work from and return to and a new contract to undertake."
Looking to the others, she added, "Let us proceed to our home," and with that picked up her belongings and made to leave the Silver Spoon, heading in the direction of the town market. (The warehouse is situated on the edge of town near the town market.)
Seka just beat you to the punch, GM, and has initiated introductions in the above post. ;) Seka left 6gp on the table for her portion of the meal (just easier to share it across 5 people evenly.)
Seka had listened to Akkad and acknowledged him with a simple nod of her head. Whatever she thought on the subject, she kept to herself. For a time she ate and simply listened to the conversation between Alata and Gene, and noted Alata's loathing of all things Orc. The Aasimar looked across to the mayor's table and supposing they had given her some time to enjoy her meal, wiped her mouth on the linen napkin and stood up. "If you care for an introduction to the Mayor, please join me now," and waited a moment for those who would follow, leaving her coin on the table for her portion of the meal and drink (6 gp), and then made her way to the corner table.
She politely introduced herself to the blinded woman, although Seka believed deep down that the Mayor had other ways of sensing and recognising people.
"Good morn, Lady Mayor. We met yesterday - I am Seka of Captain Gnashbone's hired scouting party. I would like to introduce our newest members, if you are amiable to the presentation and company."
Seka paused to receive the Lady's approval before continuing. "By me there is Gene Pentti, Shadowhunter from the former empire of Cheliax; Alata, Huntress of the Fealindir tribe and Akkad Min-Alqadima, Princely Master Conjurer and his sagely outsider companion, Vimana. We've regrettably lost Ikkit and Jokulmorder from our ranks - they have moved on to devote themselves to more personal quests."
She was conversing with Alata on the way for food so it was easy to assume she'd moved/come with us. Still, she garnered no reaction inside a fancy eatery - a strange, large skeletal creature. I will assume she's with you unless otherwise stated from this point on. Thanks.
"Introductions should be fine, but perhaps allow her the courtesy of finishing her meal before moving to her table and speaking with her. Targan and I are known to her so we could lead the introductions, if you'd like."
GM:
In the earlier encounter, Seka tried to learn the name of the mayor, but it wasn't mentioned during their conversation. Is that for a particular reason? I find it strange that we wouldn't have been told her name by now or even leading into the first meeting with her. (I'm also finding it strange that the PCs have to keep asking people their name when they (the NPCs) could very well introduce themselves. Shrugs.) Thanks.
You hadn't referred to her actually coming in and sitting down near the table (until now), so I wasn't sure and that's why I asked. Being this is a pretty decent/fancy dining establishment (the waiters etc are pretty well dressed), I thought they'd react to the presence of Vimana via the GM but again wasn't sure if she could be seen or was waiting out front of the tavern/inn, hiding and checking things out from there.
Is Vimana visible to the eye at present? Akkad asked for a table for five only and Vimana's thrown up a perception roll, so I was wondering. If she is visible, I would think she'd garner strong attention from the patrons, almost fear, due to her skeletal form (and because of recent attacks by Skeletons and Undead). Just trying to figure out who's there for rp sake/flavour. Thanks.
"Aye. She is the primary leader in town. She holds authority over the guards and local people to ensure the well being of all." The Aasimar wondered at the structure of authority and leadership in Alata's home land. She was wild, not like the folk in the urban settlements, for certain, and Seka made a mental note to explain things a little more thoroughly/clearly in future. The Elves grew ever more isolated when the world began to change and return to the wilderness and they were blamed for it. It shouldn't be surprising to you, Seka.
"I can assure you, there is no unnecessary attention in regards to my person. If these locals don't bat an eye at my elven features, a simple light show won't do any harm."
"You're only a half-blood. If any attention is to be levied, it would be on Alata. However, since you are new to Greywater Hollow, then perhaps you should heed my caution, Akkad."
Alata wrote:
"Are there enemies here?" She said reaching for her spear.
"There could well be spies. I cannot say for certain. You do not need your weapon at present, Alata. Let us break our fast in peace..."and quiet she thought to herself, aiming the private thought toward the conceited summoner.
Seka took one of the bowls with the hearty stew and spooned some into her mouth.
Noting someone of import, she discreetly pointed out the woman to the newcomers, speaking in lowered voice, "The blindfolded lady seated alone in the corner, there, is the town's mayor. We have spoken to her once - just yesterday."
Seka's opal eyes moved from Akkad to Gene and their magic tricks which meant to impress. The master conjurer's light display over their table would only draw unnecessary attention. Seka quietly sighed and steadily/discreetly advised, "Best we don't garner such attention, gentlemen," her opal eyes lingering on Akkad a little longer for his magic had been the more obvious. Targan had seemed more concerned with filling his hunger. At least it seemed Akkad had heard her say what their duties involved. The Half Elf's answer had made her grit her teeth - Is he always this arrogant and imperious?
"The shards may be of import, but if we are set to another task then that will take precedence. Here we do not get to pick and choose our duty." Seka lifted her mug of wine, now chilled by Gene, and took a sip.
"I've heard that story before. The tale of those swords is ancient, to say the least." He leans back in his chair and places his hat on the table. "This is the last place I'd be searching for those shards though. The swords aren't from here."
"Speaking of here," Gene clears his throat. "I still feel like I'm missing something. What exactly are we doing here? What's the mission? I'm a little confused as to why I was hired if these shards are already found."
Seka nodded at Gene's words and assessment as to town being the last place on earth - perhaps that was the reason Greywater Hollow was chosen.
She answered the fighter's question as best as she could,
"Greywater Hollow is a sanctuary and the people within and just beyond the gates have come under recent attack from the Undead. So, we have been hired by Captain Gnashbone to aid the harried city guards; to trek and scout into the wildlands and nearby swamplands to gather information on the Undead, especially locate the places where they gather the most, to discover those practising necromancy and to deal with the enemy head on before they get too close to Greywater Hollow. The shards were an unexpected find, but perhaps related to the increase in the Undead. We returned to town to make our initial report and learn more about the shards before continuing in our task. That is all we have been told of our duties so far."(Or so this player remembers ... I'm certain the GM will fill us in some more as the game progresses.)
Seka silently glanced at Akkad before moving inside the establishment and then to the large table by the fire. She discreetly waved to Alata to come in and take the seat beside hers. When the man asked for their orders, she simply added cordially, "Your house wine will do well enough and the stew does sound good. Thank you... Apologies, I do not know your name. I am Seka."
She listened as the arrogant Akkad spoke of the shard of the orb of power (or from one of the swords) belonging to his family and its theft, along with other treasured items. Seka did not know whether to believe him or not but kept her tongue still on the matter.
Upon Gene's question, in lowered voice she answered with the little knowledge she had, "A very long time ago, a holy blade came to be crafted to fight demons, devils and the fell monsters most difficult to kill. It was designed to eat the souls of those slain by it. Alas, the holy blade became tainted and corrupted and in turn so did its wielder. Because of this, a second blade was crafted, an unholy blade designed to destroy the first. There were many deaths and, with the passing of time, both blades became things of legend. So, there were two blades: A holy blade turned evil and an unholy blade used for good. We have the shards of both, although as yet, no one can tell which shard pieces belong to which blade."
"To have wings at all is a sign of a blessed bloodline. Ancient legends speak of people directly blessed by the spirits. There is no higher honor," Alata says reverently.
"I am descended from the noble Garuda. Their celestial blood flows through my veins, so I thank you, Alata."
Akkad Min-Alqadima wrote:
And not to worry, my dear lady Seka. Vimana is quite well behaved. Though, perhaps the glory of a creature brought forth by a master conjurer is a bit to take in? Of course it's understandable. You may have a moment to bask in our presence if you like."
Seka's silver brow shot up at the Half-Elven male's words. Surely he had said this in jest? Bask in their presence? Seka was taken aback by the man's haughtiness. Her next words were measured as she replied, "I am familiar with summoning, Akkad. If you say you are a master conjurer, then you and Vimana will be of benefit to the party." Seka wondered how Targan had taken the Half-Elf's words for the dwarf was not versed in tact and openly admitted to it.
Since it appeared all were eager to eat, Seka took note of the priest's recommendation and gave notice they would be leaving presently.
"Kyras, thank you for giving us leave to rest here, last night. We look forward to hearing your determination on the shards. Please keep them safe. We will return soon."
And with that, they began to move out of the temple.
Will incorporate the eatery's name once we have heard from the GM via Kyras Azrin.
Targan wrote:
Muttering aside to Seka. "Zheng vanishing doesn't surprise me, but Ikkit making trouble in the swamp is a concern. He was acting strange about those voices he heard.."
Turning slightly and looking down at the dwarf, she replied discreetly, "Agreed. I hope Ikkit was not corrupted as the holy blade was. We will learn more once Kyras' friend has finished studying the shards. The sooner we know what we are dealing with, the better."
"About a day or so," says Gene, waiting for the others to say how long they've stayed before speaking himself.
Seka nodded her head and gave him a friendly smile. "We have not been in town much longer than you. It seems we all have much to learn about Greywater Hollow and the wilds beyond its walls and gates."
Least Targan seemed happy to greet the one called Gene.
Kyras Azrin wrote:
it's not forbidden, i'm just not used to it, heck being called Father Azrin is a bit much sometimes...
Having heard what the priest had said to the Elf, Alata, Seka was unsure of how she should address the holy man now as she had been referring to him as Father Azrin. Still, Targan sought wholesome food and Gene concurred so she asked the local priest,
"Err, Kyras, can you direct us to a reasonable tavern where we may find hot food to break our fast?" The Aasimar smiled politely and then waited for his answer.
Sorry for any slow response - I'm at work and it's a busy Friday for me.
Hearing Targan's clumsy/indelicate question, Seka discreetly shook her head and quickly made to smooth any wounded feelings, "These are our new companions, Targan. They have come from outside of Greywater Hollow. Please help me make them feel welcome." It wouldn't do to start off on the wrong foot with their new companions.
Diplomacy to smooth over any ruffled feathers ;):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Alata wrote:
"...One as touched as you must who I am looking for."
Alata looked wide-eyed at Seka's wings as she spoke to her.
Looking back at her silvery, feathered wings, Seka smiled and replied, "They are more decorative than functional, unfortunately. However, I will help any way that I can." Then changing the subject, she asked, " Are you tired? We have yet to break our fast, perhaps you would all like to join us?," casting her gaze about all in the group.
Alata cocks her head to the side when the Chelish man offers his hand to shake. She tentatively copies the others and shakes his hand.
"Is this how all humans greet?"
Seka quietly smiled at the question, wondering if the Elf had spent much time around humans. She answered in a quiet manner, " Alata? Some, not all. As you will discover, each person has their own way of addressing and connecting to others."
"I see. Thank you, Captain." Ikkit causing mischief by the northern swamp? That didn't sound like him ... Aye, he was curious, but suspicious behaviour? Had the shards corrupted his mind? She hadn't seen any of sign of it the previous day, but who knows what transpired over the course of the night. She was sorry to see them go, especially Ikkit, but there was nothing to be done about it now. She only wished them both well.
She watched the Gnoll Captain walk out of the main chamber and the Aasimar turned her attention back to the head priest and the new folk.
Composing her features, she addressed them, "It is true, we have possession of the shards. And as Father Azrin has said they are being examined by a qualified companion of his as we speak. We shall know more soon enough." She smiled and continued, "Have you been in Greywater Hollow long?," the question was posed to all the newcomers.
Seka had risen well before dawn, with the merest trickle of light coming in through the gaps of the old shutters. It did not matter that it was still dark, for her eyes could see well enough. She dared not try to pass Targan's installed noisemaker and wake the dwarf, whose snores even now filled the chamber. So, she moved to the window, opened the shutters and sat down upon the cold stone floor, cross legged. She began her meditations first, contemplating the mysteries of nature and felt the cool/fresh air upon her face/skin connecting her to the spaces outside. Once she was done with preparing her druid spells for the day ahead, she sent out her whispered prayers to the Walker of Worlds, gently brushing the symbol of the emerald trumpet and road around her neck, preparing her cleric spells for the day. She lived between both worlds and yet as a World Walker herself felt they were connected. She rose and left the shutters open. There was an urn and bowl on an old dresser by the wall. She quietly spoke the words, gesturing toward them with her hand, and filled them with water. Pulling her grooming kit from her pack, she partially undressed and washed/wiped the grime from her body and face - she showed signs and the smell from their excursion into the swampland the previous day. She used the soap and cloth and sponged her body and wings down. When the water was dirty, she carefully tossed it out the window into the small garden/rockery below, careful not to hit any passing priests for they were up and preparing for their day ahead (she could see dim lights in the various chambers below). She refilled the urn and bowl and quickly washed her hair and the feathers at her temples, glad for the freshness of the water and the cleanliness of her person. Once done, she dressed, brushed and braided her long, thick hair in a single plait, tossed the dirty water out the window again and put her kit back inside the pack. She lay down on her side on the cot and closed her eyes, resting a little more until she had to get up and speak with Father Azrin.
It was not soon after that she heard the movement and sound of the door and noisemaker and swiftly sat up to Father Azrin's annoyed voice bidding them to meet with Captain Gnashbone and some others below. Seka rose, straightened the blanket on her cot, collected her belongings, placed her weapons on her person and then noted the absence of Ikkit and Zheng. Strange she hadn't noticed before - perhaps too occupied with her prayers, meditations and ablution. There was no time to query it now and made her way downstairs not to keep the captain of the guard waiting.
Gnashbone wrote:
You all meet in the main room, the guard captain leading a group of three people. by the way if you lot are gonna be staying in the town doing work, i recommend teaming up, otherwise i cant let any of you take contracts, to dangerous for any less than a team of four . with that the guard captain depart leaving the five of you alone with the priest and each other.
Seka greeted the Captain and looked upon the three err four strangers, listening to the officer say they would now be teamed up and working together. Her eyes took in the particular feline skeletal form of the creature behind the one named Akkad Min-Alqadima. She heard his title mentioned beforehand but it did not matter much to her if he was noble-born or one of the common folk. Is this creature his pet? It did not seem to be wanting to harm them so she did not react to its presence.
"Well met. I am Seka of the Silver Wings." The druid-come-priestess bowed her head respectfully.
(You see a tall woman of slim/trim build before you. She appears human but has a beauty that is otherworldly - a nose slightly angular, eyes large and opal in hue, long, (braided) silver hair and brows, graceful silver feathers scattered at her temples. The nails on her hands are long - akin to talons, and there are small, shimmering silver feathered wings protruding from between her shoulders. Her skin is fair and she moves with a graceful air.)
Turning to the departing Captain, she asked curiously, "Captain Gnashbone, a moment please. What has happened to Ikkit and Zheng? Have they been assigned elsewhere? They left without word."
I think Alata and Seka should get along swimmingly despite some theological quibbles. (I'm interested in a conversation between a Gozreh worshiper and a more nature spirit religion.)
I think they'll be fine as Seka is also a cleric, worshipping the Walker of Worlds, so religious conversations would be okay and not cause much contention. Seka's travelled far and wide across the world as a scout and messenger and being Alata and Seka are both long-lived (Seka's an Aasimar)...they may become firm friends.
Alata wrote:
Also I see why you guys picked me: you needed another woman in the party.
I never even thought of that. I simply found Alata intriguing and also curious as how she'll play alongside the rest of us. As of late, in half my games, I'm the only female character among the males so I'm used to it. Not to say I wouldn't welcome another female (this includes the eidolon Vimana, too)...It'll change the dynamic a little now (being the group is balanced in gender). :)
"Aye, I hear you. We will talk some more in the morning." And with that, Seka moved to one of the cots, removed her boots, weapons etc and placed her pack by the bed, and then promptly lay down to sleep as morning would come too soon and with it her prayers and preparations for the day.
Ikkit also found a purple like shard on the shores of the river/swamp, so wouldn't that mean 4 types of shards?
This is your narrative on it: Ikkit, on your watch you find an odd purple glass-like shard among some stones on the shore. the outer part of the shard is smooth and rounded. It feels odd in your hand, almost dangerous. It feels as if it's throbbing in your grip.
"Good, thank you," she replied to it only taking a day.
Seka does as bid and barely touched the various shards and carefully placed them inside the silken sack before Azrin placed them inside the silver box.
At the mention of cots, Seka inclined her head at the offer and looked to her male companions, "We could do with some sleep for the day has been overly long. I am fine with sleeping on the cots here in the church. What say you?"
Really just want to know what Targan wants to do at this point. GM, will you be writing Ikkit and Zheng out during the night ...or will they leave quietly without a narrative?
I'm still a little confused about the shards that Ikkit has in his possession and that Seka is taking once his character formally leaves the game.
Ikkit found a purple glass-like shard back at the swamp/river. He also took the shards of glass from the destroyed sphere that was raising the dead inside the castle ruin? These are two different shards, separate from the two sword shards?
Collecting the various shard pieces, Seka gave them over to Priest Azrin but not before warning him, "Be mindful of these shards. They came from a sphere we destroyed which raises the dead. There is a voice that comes from them, which speaks, whispers into the mind of the handler. How much time will you and your friend need to study and examine the shards so we know when to expect them returned?"
Just wanted to check to see that you were aware that arcane magic is very weak in this world due to its current state and that all arcane spells will take a full round to cast as it takes more time to gather the energy to cast. I mention this, in particular, as you said your guy would be buffing allies. Thanks.
@Here4daFreeSwag: The proposed idea of re-rolls was only for hit points and not ability stats as those of us from the original recruitment didn't have re-rolls of 1"s so it's hardly fair to allow new players/characters that advantage. If people are unhappy with their rolls, there's always the alternative 15 pt buy. Thanks. :)
I appreciate you reworking your char to a straight theurge. The GM, Targan and I will look over everyone's sheets shortly.
I understand your reasoning/motive for selecting a level of cleric. What I had trouble comprehending is why you chose Nethys when it was mentioned that he had disappeared and clerics from his flock had no access to spells and alike (and if I was GM I would have deemed that clerics could not also channel because there would be no divine connection to fuel/support the energies). With the two classes you had chosen, your char would have had both hands tied behind his back and that wouldn't have been much fun nor helpful.
I know Nethys is a typical choice for wizards, but there is another you could have considered, for example, Soralyon, whose portfolio of worshippers include arcane spellcasters and historians.
If you would still like to take a level of cleric using another god, then that would be fine and more effective in game as you would have access to divine spells, domains and channelling.
@Alata: The world changed one hundred years ago and over this time frame the wild areas expanded and overtook the world, overrunning/reclaiming most of the urban areas. The few pockets of civilisation that do remain are ruled by those who hold the power.
@Zeladaris: May I ask why you made your cleric a worshipper of Nethys when Nethys isn't around anymore in this world, isn't answering prayers and Clerics of Nethys will not receive spells or domain powers immediately? That doesn't really help the party out much, I'm afraid. Combine that with a wizard and arcane magic is very weak in this world and it takes an arcane caster a full round to cast all spells, it is rather limiting.
