Shadrick's page

Agreeing, it has really been a joy to be part of this group. I'll miss our adventures, but RL has to come first for all of us, of course.

I share Narekk's concerns, to be honest.

The well-played characters and good GMing are great, but it's so hard to really stay in the midst of the character or what's happening in the bigger story when it's moving at such a reduced pace.

Also not intending the proverbial bucket of ice water, but definitely concerned.

Oh my goodness!! Congrats!!
The game will still be here when you come back :=)

Shadrick, observing the fine blue robes this man is wearing jumps to the logical conclusion that he may be quite well off, and therefore, may have it in mind to give them a reward for saving him.

"Yes, our more-than-a-country-bumpkin caster is quite the natural talent as are all of our company from the massive and mighty Narekk to the diminutive but dangerous Ellizza to the grandiose gunslinging Tobar to myself. But is there more you seek than a discussion of the arcane, Master Foxglove? Some other reason you wanted to see us?"

Are you seriously just trying to bull your way into getting a cash reward for simply doing the right thing?

Considering the number of times you've objected when I took money for doing the wrong thing you should be delighted!

(Sigh) Sad but true.

Wow, Narekk snuck in there between when I started typing and finished the post. Probably would have phrased it a bit differently, but the idea would be the same. Shadrick likes getting paid :=)

"So glad to see you're whole again," Shadrick says to the lovely innkeeper. "It would be a shame to see such beauty marred in any way," followed by a wink, a kiss of her hand and the voice in his head berating him for being a foppish clod.

Shadrick then is informed of Father Zantus having someone wanting to meet them and someone they want to meet. As his companions return, Shadrick shares this news.

Shadrick offers the viewpoint that someone wanting to meet them is probably someone who has heard of their great exploits against the goblin horde and wants to admire and reward them. That being the case, he suggests meeting that person first.

Shadrick pops up pulling his hands up defensively, then looks around realizing where he is.

"My friends," he says flashing broad grin at his fellows, "thanks for looking after me. Didn't see that mangy dog of theirs," and he shakes his head. "Still, we make a rather great team, wouldn't you say?" and without waiting for an answer, he moves forward.

"Fair lady Ameiko," he says, moving towards the lovely innkeeper, "Are you well? Do you need more healing? I might know a spell or two," he says, self-confidence oozing from his voice.

Shadrick hangs limply between the two locals carrying him towards the temple. If he were awake to know it was happening, he would surely be appreciative...and possibly sing a song about them...

Ahh! 5 points of damage takes me to -1. Guess it's time to stabilize.

Shadrick is feeling confident looking at the damage he has done to the goblin, but isn't watching the goblin's goblin dog.

Watch out, you fool! comes a too late warning in Shadrick's mind.

The skald drops to the ground with the bite.

Stabilize: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Yes! Stable! now I need heals, please!

AoO with throwing axe: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Actually, I just looked at the map and noticed I'm small on the map, so if that indicates the enlarge person has worn off, I would havea 16 to hit and 3 damage, I believe

After taking a swing at the fleeing goblin, Shadrick moves around in an arc to avoid an AoO to come up behind the goblin dog and get a flank from Narekk.

Throwing Axe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

And with that swing, Shadrick sings the final verse of the song...

Goblin whined and goblins cried
Goblins cut and goblins bled
Goblins flee they have no pride
Now the goblins all be dead!

This round ends Shadrick's raging song

Shadrick will be out of raging song after the next round, just FYI.

Shadrick takes a 5 foot step away from the goblins though I think I still provoke from one and begins doing an intricate gesture and then brings his hand together because touch spells involve touching and suddenly seems healthier and renewed for the fight.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Slightly healthier and marginally renewed for the fight, yet he continues with his singing all the while.

Goblins stabs are needle pricks
Goblin stabs don't even stick
Longshanks swing with strength and might
Longshanks know best ways to fight

Shadrick moves forward singing and swinging.

Single Axe: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Shadrick is targeting the goblin furthest forward using his 10 ft reach.

Shadrick swings a mighty axe
Knocks the goblins on their backs
If goblins live beyond today
It's only 'cause they run away

Didn't know if we were re-rolling inits or just using the previous ones, but I'll roll it (twice, thanks Narekk) just in case.

Init: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Init: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Shadrick would begin singing as his standard whenever it does come to his turn (3 rounds of raging song remaining).

Shadrick would be moving with the others and walking in a fashion to exaggerate his giant status (stomping, plodding, being sure to stand up as tall as possible), because goblins are short and why not? He would also not be inspiring courage if it takes a round or two to move to the next source of trouble, but would use his first action to resume singing whenever they arrive at said source of trouble.

Without a map, I'm not sure, but I think I should be able to step into flank with Narekk on the warchanter. If not, please subtract 2 from my attack roll

Shadrick smiles maliciously while he sings and steps up to attack the goblin warchanter that is now focused in on Narekk.

Goblin singing is the worst
Goblin voices all sound cursed
Goblins sound better if instead
All the goblins are made dead

Single Axe Attack + Flank: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Pausing sounds just fine.
Happy holidays, everyone!

Correct, Narekk. I forgot to update it. Sorry. It's the first time I've had a character be enlarged.

Shadrick, just to mess with the warchanter, acts for a moment as if he'll fall, but then attacks him instead Trying to make it fit in with the earlier narration I caused through my error.

Axe 1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Axe 2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

If the first hits and topples the warchanter, Shadrick would use the second attack on any goblins in reach (5ft step + 10ft reach)...of course, that's irrelevant now that I see the rolls...

And, of course, he keeps singing

Goblins look like balls of snot
Write of goblins steal their thoughts
Stomp the goblins, gross and rude,
make the goblins doggy food!

4 rounds of raging song remaining

Didn't update AC or HP with the song and enlarge. Sorry about that. It's up to date now.

Shadrick attacks the goblin that hit him...

Axe 1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Depending on if he hits and finishes off that goblin, he'll 5 ft step within range of another if he can and attack OR he'll hit the original target again if the first hit didn't drop it.

Axe 2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

and of course, he continues singing.

Goblins have such flabby arms
Goblin cuts, they do no harm
Longshanks stab with strength instead
Longshanks make all goblins dead!

5 rounds of raging song remaining

Shadrick keeps singing while approaching the goblins. When he is within his 10 ft reach of a goblin, he swings both axes.
If the first hit takes down a goblin and he is close enough to hit a second, that's what he's do.

Axe 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Axe 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

And all the while, he keeps singing.

Goblins smell as bad as hogs
Goblins not as smart as dogs
Be a goblin? No. No thanks
Rather be a tall longshanks

6 rounds of raging song remaining

"You can make me a giant?"

Oh great, your size will match your ego.

"Yes, my dear, I would like that," Shadrick responds with a smile.

Moving toward the goblins as soon as he's super-sized with the intention of slicing them down (and while still singing tauntingly).

This looks like fun!

And a chance to save people?

Oh yeah, that too.

And Shadrick draws his axe as he moves toward the goblin attacking Ellizza.

"I'll protect you, my dear," he says with a charming smile, and he launches into song.

Goblin faces look like dogs
Goblins take their baths in bogs
Goblins don't smell clean, of course
Goblins smell as bad as horse

Why are we singing instead of swinging the axe?

These beasties hate dogs and horses. I just compared them to both. They'll come to me and we just cut them down now. Plus, my singing is very encouraging.

Oh yes, I'm sure the gnome would rather be encouraged than protected. Kudos

Just watch me work my magic, negative Nancy!

Raging song is in effect. +2 to str and con, +1 to will save, -1 to aC for anyone who accepts the song and you can't do concentration or cha/int/dex things with it and only have acrobatics, fly, intimidate, and ride

"Well, my terrifying friend, we'll just have to make sure you get plenty of chances for great deeds then!" responds Shadrick with a smile.

"So," he says, turning back to the group as a whole, "shall we head out for the consecraty thing?" and he gulps down the mug of mead.

Loved your RP on that, Narekk

Are you going to try to sing our way out of trouble as usual?

But of course!

Shadrick hops on top of the group's table using it as a makeshift stage and pronounces, "Yes, ladies and gentlemen, witness the awesome might and power of Narekk the Nasty!" and he begins singing...

Narekk the nasty
Is large and quite smashy
but he really is
a teddy bear at heart

He's a hero through and through
and a friend forever true
he's the nasty
orc Narekk"

"How about a round of applause for the hero, ladies and gentlemen. The kindly orc who put and end to drunken violence!"

Perform: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Hooray for decent rolls and good bonuses! Hopefully we don't end up in jail.

"Would you like us to restore order, Lady Ameiko?" asks Shadrick, putting his hand on Narekk's shoulder as if to indicate that "us" includes the muscled "orc." He then looks around at the rest of the crew flashing a broad smile as if to encourage them before turning back to Ameiko.

You're dragging them into a barfight?

It'll be fun!

Even for the gnome who's in danger of being trampled even without a barfight?

Shadrick turns back to the group, his eyes settle on the gnome, "Stay close, dear Ellizza, I'll keep you safe."

"Well, perhaps all is not lost in your search for arcane, my dear," Shadrick responds. He then waves Ameiko over.

"Ameiko, our wonderful hostess, I believe my orc friend is ready for another drink, and since you're here anyway, the darling gnome here has expressed an interest in arcane learning. Is there anywhere in town where she could accomplish this goal?"

So, is this your attempt to get rid of the gnome?

Nonsense! We can accompany her and meet more people in town. Being better connected helps increase the odds of performing and of cheaper lodging.

(Sigh) There for a moment I thought you might have had an interest in the arcane learning, or better yet, have felt a moral obligation to help provide protection for the poor gnome who is in danger of being lost and trampled in this festival crowd.

What? Oh. Yes. Those things too.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Shadrick turns his attention back to the gnome.

"So, beautiful Ellizza, you have told us where you're from, but you remain a mystery. Well, color me intrigued. What brings you to Sandpoint?" and he gives her a warm and encouraging smile.

Shadrick laughs at Narekk's mention of the potential need for two kegs just for their table and gives hima warm pat on the shoulder saying, "We'll get along just fine, Narekk. Just fine indeed."

Then turning his attention to the gnome, he added, "You're more than welcome to join us, my dear. Always nice to have another lovely face at the table," he says, intending to flatter both the gnome and Ameiko.

Flirting with both? At the same time?

I'm talented.

"Many thanks, milady Ameiko. May I say your generosity is matched only by your beauty," says Shadrick, taking her hand and gracing a kiss across the back of it assuming she allows him to do so.

"In answer to what brings me to Sandpoint, I'm ever seeking new stages and new audiences. As for my friends here," he says, gesturing across the table and pausing a moment as he realizes that the gnome had joined them at some point, "I've not heard why they've come yet, so I guess we'll learn that news together." And he turns his attention towards his party members, though takes a moment to throw a wink Ameiko's way.

Flirting?

She has a place where we can perform, get food and drink, and rest for the night. Yes. I'm flirting.

"Pardon us," the elf offered as somewhat of an afterthought as he and his group nearly trampled a gnome. They then continued into the tavern.

Maybe we should buy that poor dear a drink. Or invite her to join us. She looks lost and alone.

Yeah, let's impress all the ladies by having a burly orc and an adorable little gnome. I don't think you think these things through.

Or maybe I think with other parts of my anatomy... came the response which was ignored as usual.

They made their way to a table and the "orc" introduced himself as Narekk.

"Well met, Narekk, my name's Shadrick," the elf says with a beaming smile, while simultaneously signaling the serving wench for a round for him and his friends.

"As for fights," he continued, "I certainly don't go looking for them, but I'd prefer to have you on my side rather than against me if one did break out, eh fellas?" he said turning to the two locals he'd invited along.

In the back of his very cluttered mind, Shadrick was already writing lyrics to a song about Narekk the Nasty to endear him to the crowd if need be.

"Pretty sure I can manage the first round, at least. My reputation as a great performer has preceded me..."

Or arrived as soon as you opened your lying mouth.

"so I'm pretty sure I can finagle a free drink or four," and the elf flashed a conspiratorial wink at the human.

"So, are the other two of you interested in some comradery, drinking, and possibly a bar fight? Not that we'd start one, but you never know..."

Small towns. One consistent thing about them is that news travels quickly. Therefore, the whispers about the beastly orc wandering around town quickly reached the tavern where Shadrick was drinking (and bragging with very little basis in reality).

"An orc, eh?" the elf asked. "Perhaps I should look into this," and he stood up from the table enjoying the sounds of admiration from the ladies.

Are we walking into a fight? Elivain asked in a tone that was more concern than worry.

Nah, he's been wandering around town and hasn't hurt anybody yet. He's obviously friendly...or at least not violently inclined...which is pretty much the same thing for an orc. Let's go see if he wants to join us for a drink.

And the elf walked out of the tavern.

It was quick work to find the large form of what the locals were calling an orc. He was...something else. Shadrick wasn't sure quite what, but not orc. Not all orc, anyway. Some locals seemed to be nearby and interacting with him.

He heard the orc say something about a challenge and about drinking.

Our type of fellow!

Your type anyway, muttered Elivain.

Hey, if a barroom brawl breaks out, as they tend to do, you know you want that beastie on our side.

Fair point. And the elf came walking confidently up to the enormous orc-ish character.

"Greetings, big fella," the elf said in a friendly tone. "Looks like we're both new to town. What say you and these fine fellows join me in the tavern over there for a drink?" Then, he added to the "locals," "Maybe you two could tell us a little more about Sandpoint and the festival?"

A handsome blonde elf with a wild look in his eyes scans the festivities. He is clad in leather armor and has a throwing axe hanging at each hip and a lute slung across his back.

Maybe we should secure lodging before we do anything else? said a voice in his head.

Nah, too much fun to be had first, Elivain replied a different voice in his head.

And with that, he set off to try some of the free food, chat up some of the lovely women in town, and casually share tales of his "great success as a bardic performer" to ensure lots of performance opportunities while he was in town.

Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

"...and the ladies would swoon and the men would dance. Why, when I'd launch into a heartfelt ballad, even the hardened veterans of war would find tears in their eyes. Oh, help young lady. No, this spot isn't taken, please join me."

Absolutely ready and willing to go!

Okay. Shadrick would be coming to town for the chance to perform (and maybe some adventure and maybe some ladies and definitely to hit some taverns)

Okay, level and equipment appropriate Shadrick reporting for duty.
Are we going with the idea that the heroes are random strangers who arrive in the same place, or do we want to have some sort of adventuring party/traveling companions concept?

Doesn't look bad at all...just one thing, Shadrick. You start at level 1 with your class average for starting gold (105g for a skald).

I'd recommend making an alias of Shadrick and making him level 1, that way he doesn't have to have all these posts under his belt and he can properly participate in PbP Society events. I don't mind that you're using a Society character, I just wanted to you know that this is technically a homebrew.

Speaking of Homebrew, the only houserules I will imply are as follows:

A double natural 20 (nat 20) on an attack and critical confirm will automatically do maximum damage.

Hero Points can be turned in for an automatic nat 20 on any d20 roll, but only before the actual roll is made. Your maximum Hero Points are equal to your character level.

Should your character suffer an untimely end, funding for a proper spellcasting can be found or scrounged up for revival. In the event of funding being unavailable, a new character can be made with GM permission.

All divine spellcasters, regardless of magical origin, must have a holy symbol of their preferred deity. If the deity has an affinity for a different material than wood (ie iron for Gorum, gold for Sarenrae, etc.), purchasing said material will provide a bonus based on divine spellcasting class. Clerics will add a +1 to the DC for their Channel Energy, for example, while Inquisitors will recieve a +1 to social skills (Intimidate, Diplomacy, Bluff) as long as their holy symbol is shown.

This character (Devis Goldheart) is the GMNPC, and while he isn't a PC, he is your hook for what you need and/or want to do. He's the one you go to if you need assistance for the story.

He's not actually a Society character. I just used a character spot where I've thrown a bunch of GM credits from Society play and don't have an actual character, so rebuilding him won't be an issue.

Okay, this is my skald. Feel free to peruse him. I'll have to do some reconfiguring to make him work for this. He was created for an adventure that was starting at 4th level, so I'll have to reconfigure things, but imagine him lower level and he should work pretty well, I think.

Excellent. Per RAW, the occultist can only have 1 summoned creature at a time with their focus power. Since I know it's a plausible character, I'll keep moving forward with character creation. I hope to have her posted sometime tomorrow.

Decided I like the levity of this character, so I'll just shelf him and wait for a more fitting game for him. I'm working on putting together a new character, but wanted to just double-check that you were okay with a few things. She'll be a sylph. Any issues with the less common races? If I'm reading your comments accurately, the backstory making it logical and interesting is the only real requirement with less common races, but just wanted to make sure I was reading you correctly on that.
Additionally, she'll be an occultist focused on summoning. Will the addition of summoned beasties be viewed as a negative? I just know some GM's are less keen on summoning builds, so I thought I'd double check that it wouldn't be an issue.

Okay, thanks for the feedback. I'll review the character build and idea and see if I can make it fit this scenario more effectively. My first thought while reading your comments was that I think I got more caught up in the fun of the skald and didn't portray as much of the depth I saw in the character. I'll either rework this character or try a different entry. Thanks again for the specific feedback!

Agreeing with Lena, character creation is just good fun!
Anyway, I've revised Shadrick so he's ready for your consideration. He's an elven skald with a one level dip into the feral hunter archetype of the hunter. Looking forward to reading your feedback.