Shanoa's page

Still short of breath and brushing off her clothes, Shanoa leans over to the professor, keeping her voice low. "Does he think we're someone else?"

No modifiers?

chase!: 1d20 ⇒ 15
chase!: 1d20 ⇒ 10
chase!: 1d20 ⇒ 14
chase!: 1d20 ⇒ 18
chase!: 1d20 ⇒ 6
chase!: 1d20 ⇒ 9
chase!: 1d20 ⇒ 5
chase!: 1d20 ⇒ 12

knowledge(nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Shanoa nods. "Yes, I saw it too. Don't lose sight of him!" She quickly follows the Tengu, keeping pace with it and trying not to draw undue attention to herself as she trails him.

Shanoa emerges holding a scrap of paper and nods at Karl. Got what we came for. Let's go."

Shanoa nods and places her hand on the man's shoulder. "Thank you, really. I believe you're really done your best - but children live their own lives and it's ultimately their own choice what direction they take. If we find your son, we'll do our best to help, but I think you know it may already be too late." She glances again at the ledger. "Do you know where we might find him?"

I'm just glad I've been rolling decent diplomacy rolls throughout all this. Hopefully it'll make up for the shenanigans ;)

Shanoa's eyes widen and she almost shrieks. After Karl kicks Rokannon, Shanoa springs into action, waving her arms around trying to dispel some of the smoke, then grabs a few arms and starts to forcefully lead them out the front door. "Oooookay, I think it's getting a bit too crowded in here. Why don't you all stand guard outside while I have a few words privately with the good shopkeeper." After shoving (none too kindly) everyone else out the door, she closes it quickly before anyone has a chance to protest and turns back to Zbraslav.

"I'm terribly sorry about all that. They mean well, they really do, they're just...well...I'm sorry." She shakes her head. "Look, at this point we don't know if your son was or wasn't involved in anything last night, but if he was he needs help. We're not out to get him, or you for that matter, we just want to make sure the Beast gets a fair trial and that nobody gets killed in the process. Now if you don't mind, could you start with what you know about your son's whereabouts last night?"

Good cop/Bad cop maybe?
diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

sense motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Shanoa shoots Karl a look before laughing heartily and smiles at the man. "Please, no need to be so defensive. I apologize, we didn't mean for this to be an interrogation - we honestly just want to help. If your son is mixed up in some sort of trouble, it's in your and our best interest to intervene, but we can't do that without your help."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

sense motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Shanoa smiles warmly at Hora, trying to help put him at ease.

I'd ask the questions myself but I've got a headache and can't particularly remember what it is we were going to ask him at the moment.

Shanoa nods. "At least for now I don't think they're going anywhere. We'll need to deal with them one way or another soon enough though." Without waiting to see if the rest are following, she starts walking back into town, towards Rook.

Shanoa's mouth hangs open at the revelation. "You know, occasionally I think it would be ok for me not to be right about things like this." She turns away as Karl empties his stomach and tosses her two untouched loaves into the bushes, scratching her head as she tries to remember anything important about hags.

knowledge(nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Once they're a safe distance away from the windmill, Shanoa speaks up to voice her concerns. "Something isn't right there. I had a hard time putting my finger on it, but it just doesn't add up. A windmill without a hint of flour on the floor, that somehow produces the most perfect bread, baked by perfectly beautiful women. Doesn't that seem just...a little too perfect to anyone else? And if these ladies inherited a fortune from this whole debacle, well doesn't that mean they had the most to gain from the town disappearing? I mean...I didn't sense that they were completely evil, necessarily, but that doesn't mean that there isn't foul play involved. I just...I don't know. I think we should keep an eye on them and be wary."

Shanoa feels distinctly uncomfortable and for the first time has a small clue as to why. I'll bring it up when we're outside and a safe ways away. She nervously edges her way towards the exit while Karl negotiates more loaves of bread.

knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Shanoa looks around, still distracted by some nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach.

sense motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

"Did you ever see any of the childrens' bodies?"

sense motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Shanoa takes the two loaves under her arm and turns to watch the conversation, content at the moment to let Darren do the talking.

Shanoa takes pause upon entering the overly clean mill, at once feeling something isn't quite right. Play along for now until I can figure out what's wrong here...

She fishes out a couple silver from her pouch and hands them to the talkative one, fixing her gaze on her and trying to discern her motivations. "It smells delicious - I'd like a few loaves."

activate SLA Detect Evil
sense motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

sense motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

Shanoa nods at Karl, then approaches the woman. "Hail. My name's Shanoa, I'm new in town and trying to get a feel for the place. Could you spare a moment to talk?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

Shanoa nods back at Karl. "Right, nobody goes anywhere unless at least in groups of two or three."

A paladin is one of the hardest classes to roleplay well, in my opinion, and not something that I think everyone can or should do. The potential for either annoying or pissing off the rest of the party is very strong, whether it's Lawful Stupid or Overbearing or Holier-Than-Thou. I'll take Naive Good anyday over any of those - so far I think you're doing fine.

Shanoa looks at Darren with a hint of amusement, her eye raised in a wry smile. "Just because we don't immediately involve government officials in everything doesn't make something illegal. But yes, first thing's first, we must take care of the children's bodies, talk to Gusttav, and then find Mr. Rook. We could split up to cover more ground - I think there's less chance of danger as long as we're in town and not alone."

Shanoa sits back, pondering. "Darren, we don't want to act too hastily, lest we tip our hand and the trail goes cold. I think before we do anything else we might want to look into Rook. Besides, it wouldn't do any good to go about spreading accusations to the town guard without more concrete proof."

Darren, I'm enjoying your character immensely.

reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Shanoa manages to keep her mount calm next to Karl and, after spotting the same thing he did, follows as best as she can through the stampeding crowd. She looks back several times to make sure the rest of the group is ok before moving alongside Karl.

Shanoa looks up at Karl after examining the corpse. "It's a wight, likely the origin of the rest of them in the area. This one probably died from bees or wasps, and became undead due to some curse or horrible thing he did. I suppose he manifested the cause of his death as part of his power.
"When this thing killed those children, they became its spawn and rose as wights themselves. This kind of evidence should be taken as a whole. Let us gather the bodies in one of the houses and fetch a wagon or cart to bring these back to aid in the investigation - and for proper burial."

Shanoa takes a moment to study the remains, hoping to have an answer to Karl's question about their foe.

knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Round 2

Attack modifiers: Divine Favor +1, Bless +1, Justice +1, Flanking +2
attack: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 17
Damage modifiers: Divine Favor +1, WoA +2, Precise Strike +1d6
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 + 2 + (6) = 15

Shanoa nods. "Give me a moment to prepare." Kneeling, she quietly whispers a prayer to her godess. As she prays, the mark on her back begins to glow with a pure white light, and she gets up and moves to the side to be able to flank with Karl. With a deep breath and a nod, she steps into the cloud, reaching out with her feelings to sense the presence of the enemy.

Casts Bless, Weapon of Awe, Divine Favor, and as a Swift Action activates Judgement (Justice). Will use Detect Evil ability to determine location, then attack.

initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Attack modifiers: Divine Favor +1, Bless +1, Justice +1. If she's flanking on her turn, add +2, but she'll probably get there before Karl.
attack: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 12
Damage modifiers: Divine Favor +1, WoA +2
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 14
All that and I rolled a 1!

As long as you're not in combat, yes

Shanoa follows alongside Karl, attempting to stay as quiet as possible as well.

Take 10 for 15 stealth

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
wow...should've taken 10

Shanoa nods at Derron. "I don't like the sound of that thing. Let's go."

knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17 Do I know anything about the big baddie?

Shanoa takes position across from Franc just inside the doorframe, out of sight from outside, readying her morningstar to attack the first creature to enter.

attack(flanking): 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 2 = 22
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 + (1) = 9

Shanoa grimaces. "More are coming. Quickly, into the house. We can bottleneck them as they come through the door and avoid being surrounded."

Shanoa nods silently and steps up next to Darren.

initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

She nods again. "They're flesh, same as you and I...just...dead. Arrows or any other weapon for that matter should be effective."

Shanoa shakes her head gravely. "No, there will be no conversing with the creature. Once they rise, they become twisted by evil and undeath, barely more than a beast."

knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Shanoa nods at Franc. "I know them as well. Be wary of their touch - they are dangerous foes."

Yep, 5 is a fine number. We're not really lacking in any particular role at the moment either, so if we were to open up recruitment again we could pretty much leave it open to anything.

Thanks for the good times playing with us. At least your character's alive and well should you ever be able to return.

That said...do we want to look for a replacement or are we good with the group as is?

Shanoa rushes over when the trap springs. "Karl! Is he alright? Does he need healing?"

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Still not sure what to make of this place, Shanoa wanders into the graveyard, brushing aside the foliage to look at names. "What was the name of the child that was killed by the bees?"

survival: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Arriving at the town, Shanoa dismounts and looks around curiously. "I wonder what we should be looking for..." She looks inside some of the houses, idly kicking through the rubble.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Can't fail check

Without turning back to him, Shanoa reaches up and pulls her long dark hair in front of her, revealing the large image of a rose on her exposed back. "I can't imagine it's anything like what you've faced, but I grew up an outcast too. I would've done anything just to feel like I belonged, or that I just looked like everyone else. I at least know what it's like to be different from everyone else, and the pains of being alone."

She turns to face him before continuing, now showing her exposed back to the rest of the room.

"That was my life until I met a man who became my friend and taught me much about the world. He's likewise had an impact on every one of us here, and while he is no longer with us, we're all trying to do our part to help those around us just as he helped us.

"Yes there are many bad people in the world. But there are others who retain some of their childhood innocence and strive to see the good around them. There is good to be found scattered among all the hate."

Pausing and turning back to look over her shoulder, Shanoa asks, "Do you have a name?"

sense motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Shanoa hesitates, a look of concern on her face. "I know you must be tired, living a life as you have. But this is a large world, and I've traveled enough of it to know that people aren't the same everywhere. If not here, perhaps there's somewhere else that will accept you, where you can live in peace. But you'll never know if you give up now."

She pauses for a moment. "I really do want to help you, but I also can't force you one way or another - it's ultimately your choice and your life. If you don't want to talk to me, I'll respect that decision, but know that if you ever change your mind I'm ready to listen."

She steps forward, tentatively, and reaches through the iron bars to touch his arm. She whispers a single word and allows a measure of divine grace to pass through her to the pitiful creature, smiles, and turns away, making ready to leave.

Casts Guidance. Not really expecting much of an effect in game terms, mostly doing it for flavor.

Shanoa frowns. "Justice you say? What kind of justice is it if you didn't do it and the real criminals go free? You being locked up here or being killed won't stop them from murdering and plundering as they wish. If you believe in justice, help us know the truth."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Shanoa steps closer to the beast and tries to speak in as soothing of tones as possible. "You aren't a horrible beast, are you? I know you must be frightened, but we're here to help you. Can you understand us?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

Shanoa looks deeply into the beast's eyes, trying to discern its true nature.

She alternates between detect chaos, detect evil, detect good, and detect law abilities while they speak. Would knowledge arcana or knowledge religion give me any information about him?

Shanoa nods at Roland. "I agree, we should investigate the evidence and talk to any witnesses we can find for each of the crimes, starting with Morast."

Shanoa extends her hand as well. "I wasn't formally apprenticed to the late professor, but he did teach me much. As Roland said, we discovered some disturbing information about his death and the group that caused it, and continue to investigate them where we can. Meanwhile, I would also see this matter of the beast dealt with properly - I would hate to see an innocent punished unjustly for the crimes of others."

Shanoa watches the conversation with interest but says nothing, trying not to let her own feelings influence Darren's ultimate decision. When he finally announces his intentions to free the spirit, she catches his eye and gives him an approving nod.

I would be happy with a +1 enhancement on my Morningstar

By the way, I'm on vacation, having survived a rather stressful several weeks intact, and am almost finished catching up reading the bit I missed here. So far it looks like mostly dialogue that I'm sorry I wasn't able to contribute to, but at least can be hand-waved easily enough to say I was there all along but didn't really have anything else to contribute to the conversation.

I'm just a few days behind present now and I'll make sure and get a post in there either tonight or tomorrow morning.

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