Sholano's page

Well, guys, I hate to do this, but I think something's gotta give. My life has been a pretty constant whirlwind of busy lately, and I don't see an end to it anytime soon. I've pretty consistently been unable to keep up with my posting responsibilities 'round these parts, and sadly, non-gaming priorities have to come first. Never had to do this before, but I think I'd better call it before it gets really bad.

I'm really sorry to do it, especially after only having been around for such a short time (relatively), but I've got to lower the number of things I'm a part of, and PbPs are one of the first priorities to fall by the wayside - so, I'm afraid I have to tender my official resignation. Good luck, and crush some do-gooders for me, huh?

Ugh. I was gonna post something, but it's been a ridiculous week, and I am so tired I think I'm completely incapable of being clever enough to do Sholano justice. I can tell you that he's intrigued by the corpse in 1-4, specifically the tattoo - he'd like to try and figure out what that's about.

Sholano shrugs. "Or perhaps further exploration will yield some further significance. Either way, let's continue."

He looks around, trying to get his bearings. Pointing to the south antechamber, he says, "Let's check there next."

Rolling his eyes, Sholano mutters something about getting useful servants the next time and starts readying himself for the day's venture.

"Stairs. Wonderful." Sholano says, mingles relief and irritation in his voice. He hadn't exactly been looking forward to the idea of a climb up the mountain, but stairs had never been the slender thief's friend.

He spends a moment finding Hears-the-Father, hoping to pull out any information the boggard shaman might have of what awaits them above.

Eyeing Shendalyn, Sholano takes a step away from the wailing summoner and simply nods to Jethryk. "Aye."

As they peruse the notes, Sholano's face slowly twists into an expression of extreme irritation. "Nearly a full year? I do believe that may stretch the Cardinal's timetable a bit more than I'm comfortable with."

He shakes his head. "We should see if there are any other routes we might try before we commit ourselves to this course. It's possible these fool cultists missed something, or perhaps supplicants who hadn't already failed their...Prince can circumvent the ritual."

Sighing, he adds, "If we are forced to waste over two hundred days wallowing in this filthy place, then it seems to me adding a few more to finish exploring won't be a problem. Besides which," he finishes, spreading his hands in a gesture of futility, "We'll need to find these Eyes first regardless."

"A profane book, you say?" Sholano inquires with some interest, moving to Albina's side and inspecting the tome. "Fascinating. Anything to be learned from it?"

Sholano's eyebrows twitch at that last. "I think the motivational power of the right amount of currency might surprise you, lady Mariposa." He flashes her a quick, amused smile of commiseration, then goes back to contemplating their current issue. "That said, it certainly wouldn't be my first choice. I think I would have to decline that option unless we were certain, and it was the only reasonable way forward."

Was that there meant for the game thread, Albina? I started to respond IC, then realized what thread we were in.

Sholano shakes his head at Albina's query, slightly irritated with himself. "Sadly, not as much as I might like. It may be less risky to start by not disturbing the stone, if we can. Who knows what might be shaken loose?"

Sorry, VoV, I think we're all just a little lost on what our next move is. Unless we've missed something obvious, I think Mi'Dre and I at least are in agreement that we should move on upwards for the moment. Not sure about everybody else.

Their 'tour' complete, Sholano releases a deep breath. "Well. As interesting as these caverns were, it doesn't seem like we are to find our answers here. Shall we move on?"

Whoof. Big infodump is big. Well, I don't see anything we need to tackle immediately, with the boggards more or less on our side. What's everybody else think?

Sholano, much to his surprise, finds himself agreeing with Mi'Dre, although his eyebrows twitch at the idea of "taking care" of a demon lord. "Indeed. These creatures may not know much, but the threats of the general area should lie within their limited scope. We can use that."

Aaaand I'm back. Sorry about that, guys, internet was basically entirely gone from my vacation spot. Working on a gameplay post now, should be up in a bit.

Sholano only barely manages to keep the revulsion from his face as the boggards begin to lead Jethryk away.

I do believe I'll let this particular conquest slide.

Ugh. My bad disappearing the last few days, guys, it's been a hell of a week out here. Speaking of which, my internet is going to stay spotty for the next couple of days, but I should be able to keep up a halfway decent posting rate - if I'm lagging, feel free to shove Sholano in the appropriate direction.

As for the plan, I vote that we secure the caverns first. Not a fan of leaving who-knows-what behind us.

Then I guess he's sincere despite himself.

Not sure if I should throw out a Bluff roll on that last one. Sholano doesn't really care if they take the place for themselves, as long as we get what we're after, but he certainly doesn't intend to hold us to any deals made with the frog-man if it doesn't suit us later on.

Sholano nods with a gracious air, the benevolent lord granting his subject a boon. "Most certainly, your home would be yours to claim." For a while, at least...

His voice turns stern for a moment, imperious and commanding. "But betray us before our work is done and we are on our way, and you will wish you had fallen with Slays-Nine-Men."

A bit over the top, perhaps, but then, I don't think subtle is this fellow's strong point.

Sholano nods to Albina, inspecting the sword himself as he contemplates how to answer Hears-the-Father's question.

Not bad, not bad at all...matter at hand, Gale, matter at hand.

"We shall be restoring many things to their former glory, not only the Horn," he says grandiosely, dropping the boggard's speech patterns. "But to do that, we will need to delve deep within. If your tribe proves to be a help, they may share in the rewards we reap."

Hah. Not likely, but I suppose they might.

With a wholly unnecessary flourish, Sholano whips his rapier to one side, flinging most of Slays-Nine-Men's blood from the glittering weapon. He checks to make sure someone with magical talent is pulling anything useful from the chief's corpse, and then, pulling a small cloth from his sleeve, he wipes down the blade, eying Hears-the-Father. "Yes. Hears-the-Father makes wise choice to help pink ones, bane-wogs will be stronger for this. Now."

Dexterously sheathing his blade once more, he smiles a predator's smile at the shaman. "Take us where we want to go."

I'm fairly certain there's a space somewhere in there for Sholano to get a flank in - if I'm wrong, then amend this to drawing and firing a shortbow.

Taking in a deep breath, Sholano dives and rolls into place to lunge at the frog chief's unprotected side.

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Sneak Attack: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 1) = 12

Seriously. Yow.

With a flick of his wrist, Sholano flings the innocuous-looking pouch directly at the boggard chief's feet.

"Here you are, mighty chief!" he taunts.

Touch Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Sholano's attempting to pass on a not-very-secret message to the rest of the crew that it's time to cut this guy's throat, while he readies a tanglefoot bag for throwing.

It's time for that murderin' you folks like so much. Let's get to it.

Sholano gives Slay-Nine-Men a little bow, using the movement as an excuse to take another step back away from the chieftain, casually reaching back for his pack as he does so. "Of course, mighty chief. Me show you special shiny, gift for great chieftain from our lord. Same gift we bring for everyone who stands in our way."

Emphasizing the last few words for the rest of the group's benefit, Sholano withdraws a small bag from his pack and holds it out to the chief, waiting calmly for the frogman to take a step forward and claim it.

Come and get it, you simpleton.

Bluff: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25

Sholano barely restrains the urge to retort something sarcastic at Shendalyn about that last remark, but he manages and smoothly continues on, nodding. He considers for a moment, then edges back a step and responds, "Pink ones help Hears-the Father, do good service. Then help pink ones through Horn, yes?"

A silly attempt, was it? We'll see about that, my lad.

Stepping forward beside Cruxcarr, a look of utmost respect on his face, Sholano bows low to the boggard; Slays-Nine-Men if he was tracking their crude grammar correctly. Cruxcarr had already taken the lead on this one, and while perhaps not the tack he might have taken himself, it was a line he could run with.

"Greetings, mighty Slays-Nine-Men; and to wise Hears-the-Father as well," he says, nodding to the older boggard lurking further back. If that wasn't the name of some kind of shaman or wise man, then Sholano was a dwarf. It wouldn't do to ignore such a creature, chief or no.

"As you can see by our handiwork thus far," he continues, gesturing to the treant's fallen trunk, "We are not, sadly, in a position to take the time to negotiate with your great people today. We have urgent business within, and cannot afford the delay that talking this out would cause."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 (Hopefully with some bonuses from dead treants) There's the stick...

"But simply because we are in a hurry does not mean that we must be at odds. We can offer the chance to be on the winning side in a conflict that will soon shake this part of the world to its core. Stand aside, and we have no issue; but help us today, and I can promise that your aid will be returned manyfold."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27 And there's the carrot.

Whoop, sorry, missed the notification of more posts somehow. Back into the thick of it.

Sholano give Shendalyn a mildly amused look. "Oh, are we up for talking now? Somehow I'd gotten the impression we were just going to slaughter our way in."

Sheathing his rapier with a wholly unnecessary flourish, he moves up to observe the frog-man's exit and hopeful return. He nods to Jethryk. "Aye. If they need killing, better to do it here than on their turf - although I would rather see if they can be of use first. That is, if we can restrain our homicidal urges, this time...?"

If Jethryk hasn't already murdered it, I'll be terribly surprised, but technically, I go first, so...

Growling to himself, Sholano lunges in with a twisting sort of motion, doing his best to throw the treant's defenses off.

Ew, the 24 didn't hit? I don't think I'm gonna be an awful lot of use here (for what little remains). Of course, I am trying to stab a tree with a rapier, so that pretty much makes sense, magical or not.

Sholano barks a bravo's laugh and lunges in with a quick doublestep, stabbing twice in swift succession as he aims for the gaps in the tough bark.

Don't get me wrong - I'm definitely not complaining about the choice. Totally valid character decision. I'm just noting that this is the sort of thing that will make my character considerably irritated. Me, I like party conflict, at least when it doesn't lead to game-split/unwarranted PvP.

Vov - Oh, Sholano's perfectly content to watch the violent people do their thing, then step in when the dust settles. He hasn't yet got a bead on just how much the Cardinal is on to him, and he doesn't want to push the envelope by getting the others killed - yet, anyway.

This is also a great excuse for me to not backstab people who get on Sholano's nerves, and thus end up slowing down/disturbing the game.

And Set; Yeah, that's exactly what I was headed for, once we could tell we'd earned the thing's trust.

Oh, Sholano and Shendalyn are totally not going to get along very well. That should be hilarious.

Also, on a rules-y note, that'd be Sholano five-foot stepping backward and taking a total defense action.

Sholano, mouth open to continue his mock conversation, is left with his jaw hanging in surprise. He stares at Shendalyn with mingled confusion and frustration for just a moment, quickly hidden behind a chuckle and an amused shaking of the head.

Bloody fool! The Cardinal didn't say a thing about dragging along a moron looking for fights we don't need!

Stepping back, he lays a hand on his rapier and settles down just slightly into a defensive pose, watching the beginning battle carefully for his moment to join in.

Sholano turns his profile slightly and mutters back, "Fair enough, but I say we start aiming high and then talk it down if necessary. Always easier to climb down then up."

And a Bluff check, durr.
Bluff: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Excellent.

Sholano takes careful note of the tree-thing's reaction as he and his companions walk away, and subtly revises his approach to the situation. He makes carefully sure that he takes a position where his back is partially facing the treant, just enough that it's obvious he is not speaking to it, but with his expressions in easy profile view. He nods to Albina, as if responding to an inquiry, and silently gestures towards himself with the hand away from the creature's sight. He raises his voice, then, speaking in a casual tone, just barely loud enough to be overheard by the creature. Seemingly addressing his companions, his voice projects the purest of earnest intentions.

"The guardian seeks only to protect this place from further evil? We are of a purpose, then - in fact, perhaps he can even aid our quest! If we can safely cleanse the Horn of its ancient evil, then there would be no need for his vigil, yes?"

Enjoy Hawaii, sir. Not my favorite place in the world (lived there for a while, don't recommend it), but it's a great place to vacation.

Still disguised as human using the circlet, but Sholano will also apply some mundane techniques, enhancing their effect with the circlet. None of this for anything too outlandish - he's just attempting to make himself unrecognizable from before. For reference (although I doubt it will come up), this should make even people who see through illusions have to see through the regular disguise as well.
Disguise: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (14) + 25 = 39 +2 from disguise kit, 41 total

A different man emerges from Sholano's tent in the morning. Quickly flashing the group the same impish smile, he winks at you and sets to dismantling his gear and placing it all in his pack, making it clear that this must be Sholano in disguise - but he seems entirely changed. His skin tone is darker, his features more angled, and his hair shorter and differently styled. Even his build seems to have changed, for he stands taller and fills out his shirt with a few more muscles.

He looks up at the somewhat-intimidating spire with an appraising look, snorting softly in irritation.

I do hate this part.

No worries. I suppose offspring must take precedent over managing imaginary villains.

Sholano, giving them all a conspiratorial grin, bows with a grand flourishing gesture toward the road. "Onward to glory, then."

At Albina's suggestion, Sholano looks thoughtful, and opens up one of the panels on his pack. Checking inside for just a moment, he nods, and agrees to go along for the trip to town.

No such thing as over-prepared, after all.

Sholano will go ahead and pick up one more antiplague and one more antitoxin, assuming both are available for the purchasing. If anyone asks, he simply gives the "over-prepared" line above, possibly with some dark hints about Lanos's trading rivals if they get too nosy.

Actually, Sholano hadn't even intended to reveal the existence of the map to you folks until we'd dealt with Elise. He would much prefer to a)reveal his success at finding said map to you folks with a dramatic flourish as we were about to start searching for it, and b) report back to Elise that they had found the place in record time.

That first ship may have sailed (damn you, limited editing time!), but that second one is definitely the case.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Sholano, bemused that this woman is being given the task he'd already begun the groundwork for, flashes his best encouraging smile, and starts laying on the flattery.

Never anger your information broker. That road leads down a sharp cliff.

"I'm sure you will be more than up to the task. Is there a specific way we might recognize your agents, lady Zadaria?"

Diplomacy to improve her attitude: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

After some perfunctory haggling, mostly just on principle, Sholano gladly takes the key, feeling rather smug, and quietly slips upstairs to investigate further.