Shontar Hadove's page

short update: little one is all well and healthy, but very demanding. I won't visit anything gaming-related for another few weeks.

HF

We're expecting our son today or tomorrow. I'll be somewhereelse with my thoughts for the next couple days. Please skip or bot me.

Chao:
Bonus Feat: Acrobatic Steps
+1 BAB
+1 all saves
skills: Acrobatics, Perception, Sense Motive, Escape Artist
background skills: Knowledge (History), Craft (Calligraphy)
hp: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 = 10

Shontar:
Feat: Precise Shot
+1 BAB
+1 Will
skills: Acrobatics, Bluff, Perception, Survival, Intimidate, Knowledge (local)
background skills: Profession (Trapper), Knowledge (engineering)
hp: 1d10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

"It is nice to see some joy in these forsaken lands. But I'm not sure I want to see how orcs celebrate once things get wild..." Shontar says from the back of the group as they observe the reunion.

Shontar walked silently in the midst of the group. A strange surprise to those who knew him for a while, as he has always been a man of quick words.
Shontar tried to be reverent and his composure made it clear that he did have one or two inappropriate thoughts.

Shontar quickly reloades and shoots another bolt. "This one's gonna hit."

attack: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 6 - 4 = 15
damage: 1d10 ⇒ 7

Shontar bravely moves next to Kain into the line of fire and releases a crossbow bolt.

attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Ini: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Shontar readied his crossbow, while moving forward and hoped to see a target.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
"A laundry room. I find that very interesting. Not."

"If we hide now, we need to face them later. I don't see an advantage here. Better get this done. I mean they are dead already. Let's make it permanent."
Shontar readies his crossbow.

"That is very noble of you, new guy." Shontar repsonds more impolite than necessary. Nikolai has proven vry useful to the party already and Shontar knew that, but wasn't trusting enough yet to admit it.

Shontar listens closely to Nikolai's description. "Well, that sounds reasnable. I agree with your conclusions. Let's go on then."

Me too. I'll be slowing down for a few days. Mery Christmas to everyone in Europe, where it's already started :)

"This one's gonna hit!" Shontar claimsHe releases another bolt at the closest enemy and then reloaded.
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
damage: 1d10 ⇒ 1

"This is difficult with the darkness" Shontar says despite shooting at one that wasn't actually in the darkness. He releases another bolt at the closest enemy and then reloaded.
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
damage: 1d10 ⇒ 4

Ini: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
"Ha, I knew it. I've sensed them!" As he had his crossbow ready, Shontar immediately released a bolt at the closest enemy and then reloaded.
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
damage: 1d10 ⇒ 2

When Nikolai points at the wide golden ring or circlet incorporated into the metallic molding, Shontar's eyes gleam. "That would be a nice treasure to display in the town hall. Chao, go get it.", he told his friends with a grin, making clear that this is neither a request nor a sincere suggestion. He does however believe that Chao might actually be skilled enough to do so.

What's the skill check to retrieve the ring?

"Puh. Thanks. Aeh, yes, you may"
A startled and ashamed Shontar recovers from his wounds and his lost pride.
"Sorry guys, you know I don't really startle that easy. Chao tell them."
He's obviously very ashamed of being feared by this type of illusion not really understanding the concept of a haunt.

"Ahhhhhhh!" Shontar screams while running away around the corner in panic.
"Kain was right! The orcs have betrayed us. They're invisible and swarming us! Everyone get cover!"
Once out of the door, Shontar crouches against the wall and presses his crossbow against his chest.

Nikolai is mistaking life link for the Shield other spell

"What the..." Shontar was about to shout oud loud, when he saw his friend transform for the first time. But he kept his composure.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
"You're right, Bashuk. I can smell them." Shontar stops and brings his nose up high, as if he was a dog tracking something. He also brings his loaded crossbow up to his head.

Shontar quickly responds to Kain's suggestion. "Uh, oh, yesyes. That sounds good. You go up front with the new guy, Chao. I'll stay in the back with the countess. I'll protect her and can snipe safely and accurately from there."

The rooms are so big, we don't need to glue each other together to fit the group through a narrow tunnel like usually.

Shontar listens to the report of finding nothing. "That's good, I guess. Let's not waste any time and head in. No need for stealth, our presence is surely no secret. Chao and I will thoroughly look out for anyone that might be watching."

Perception once the group is inside: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

"That's quite an impressive building. But I've seen bigger. My family manor surely can match this..." Shontar kept on talking gibberish while they walked through the manor.

As Nikolai takes point and starts scuoting and looking for traps, Shontar adresses Valda.
"I'm a good scout myself, if I may say so, but this new guy from the university seems eager to prove himself. Let's see what he can do. We need every capable hand we can get in these foreign lands."

Shontar listens thoroughly to the new guy and nods heavily. His gestures suggest he knew all of this already and is confirming Nikolai's statements.
Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

"How do we handle their darkness and light sensitivity? I and many others here do not see well in darkness."

"Yes, I guess they are. But child? How old do you think I am? You Aasimar are hard to judge, but chances are, I could be your grandfather."
Shontar paused the conversation to study the more importants matter again. He looked around, watching for any surprises and followed the negotiations for a minute. Hearing they went on in a meaceful manner, he turned his head back to Valda.
"I'm sorry. I am well versed in many languages, but yours isn't one of them. The Sign we can teach you. Chao will be thrilled to do so and he's a patient teacher, too. Won't ever shout at you, you know?"

<"Greetings I am Valda, did I hear the countess correct are you known as Shontar?"> She gestures towards Chao, <"Is the quite one your servant?">

Surprised to hear the nature tongue, Shontar startled. He tries to play down his surprise and answs in Sylvan. "Greetings, Valda. Yes, my name is Shontar. I am from Kyonin and I am assisting the countess in her endeavors. It had been quite an adventure so far."

"That is a clever move, to help them with their problem." Shontar says to Valeska in Sylvan so that only she understand. "Could have been my idea, I must say." Surely I would have suggested the same in a minute

He nods to Chao into Valeska's direction. The monk understands the notion and follows the countess as a sort of bodyguard. Clearly Shontar didn't want to put himself in the frontlines.

"I don't like out exposed position, sitting on the horses. I can't get an accurate shot off, if needed." Shontar nervously looks around for some strategically better locations. Eventually he withdraws his ideas. He seems to truely believe his crossbow would be a reasonable weapon at this distance.

By the mention of travelers on their back, Chao, Shontar and Kain turn around simultaneously. All three of them very alert. The last thing we need is an ambush and being flanked.

"No, Gargan, certainly not. At least noone we would know of. Kain, any ideas?" Shontar looked worried at the military strategist in their midst.

He keeped eyeing them like a hawk.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

"Now that my elven eyes have locked on to them, I believe they are no threat. They're only two and only one of them looks like a knight or something. Even if the other one was a wizard, I could probably knock him off his horse with my crossbow."

We have two characters that speak sign language...

Characters:

Jovich Zilybar Gnaz Male Halfling unchained rogue 5 (Eldritch Scoundrel)
Robert Henry: Valda Aslougsdottir female Aasimar Paladin 2 (Warrior of Light/Hospitaler] / Oracle of life 3 (Spirit Guide)
Joker 27: Alberich Orstana male human Unchained Monk 5 {Windstep Master)
Dread: Andru Cardei male Human Cleric of Desna
KingHotTrash: Nikolai Lukresh Male Human Investigator 5 (Empiricist)
Revolving Door Alternate: Farishta Male aasimar warpriest of Desna 5
Digger: Anca Florescu Female Aaasimar Cleric of Nederi 5 bare bones
Ridge: Dargys male Half Orc Evoker
Ioc: Tarson Lierdein male Dhampir Ceric of Abador 5
Losonti Meraki Hannan Female tiefling cleric (ecclesitheurge) of Nocticula 5 (Redeemed)
Torilgrey Aleksey Rostmonov Male human cleric of Iomedae 5

If I have forgotten anyone or gotten information wrong, please let me know.

some of these are incomplete sadly

You've seen similar shooting from hunters who suddenly found themselves set upon by their would-be prey.

Shontar had a short flashback, remembering hunts where he was caught off guard. He, too, had to rapidly fire his bolts into many directions instead of aiming precisely. Apparently I'm not the only one knowing how to react in such a situation. One needs great skill and composure to react in such a way.

"Be careful. The arrow pattern tells me, they knew what they were doing. They were fending off a surprise attack." There is an aweful lot of self-esteem in Shontars voice.

After another moment he looks at Gargan and his men. What weapons do they carry?

"Halt, everyone!" Shontar says loudly raising his hand as if being in command.
"We're being watched. My elven eyes spot two orc archers hiding crouched among the bracken."

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Apparently Chao and Shontar who ride side by side, look in the same direction.

"Well Kain, you were right. Someone clearly scratched off the 'r' and 'g' on this sign."

In Sylvan he adds silently "And dumb orcs just went with it..."

How much longer is it, Gargan?"

We didn't have many difficult combats, so we are not in the position to cry for healing or some specific help. I guess, as always, play what you want.

and Shontar is mechanically the "squire." In practice, Shontar is the social character and Chao is the combat character.

"How dare you say that. Have you not seen my mighty crossbow and listened to my stories"?

Back2topic:
At foremost we need to fill the (important) role of High Priest, as one player disappeared.
If the DM is opening a second slot, you should aim for the rulership roles of Royal Enforcer, Grand Diplomat (currently very fitting where we are in the story), Magister or Treasurer, as these are our weak spots :)

Shontar Hadove wrote:

I think, we lost Faun. Maybe we can find a substitute? Might help our interactions and get on a little faster

Does anyone have players they can recommend or reach out to?

Not really. If nobody does, we should reopen recruitment and mention that we need a high priest.

I think, we lost Faun. Maybe we can find a substitute? Might help our interactions and get on a little faster

"If whatever is inside has the orcs spooked, maybe we should avoid it, too? Just saying. Not that I am afraid, but you know, unnecessary risks and all..."

Shontar and Chao have been wary of the orc band. They made sure there was always some distance between them and no way to get an axe into your back.

"Is there anything you like to do in your time off?" Shontar grinningly asks Gargan a few hours into the ride.
are the orcs on foot?

Once camp is set up, Shontar devises a plan that makes sure no single orc is the sole night watch. He puts four shifts of two hours into place with each shift including an orc - they're good muscle if needs must after all - and a party member.

He then leans over to Valeska and whispers in her ear.
"Valeska, I think his information is a good first proove of his value. But don't throw too much at him at once."

Shontar listens carefully to the very open orc. He stands in the second row but now steps forward.
"Hello, I am Shontar. And I just wanted to say that you're a very knowledgable man. We appreciate your openess about your kind. You may believe us that we have no ill intentions in your lands here. But we want to get know our neighbours, so to say."

Shontar who doesn't see his role in diplomacy continues to whisper into Valeska's ear. "What kind of token could that be?"

"We should not show them any wealth. They might decide otherwise." Shontar says to the group hanging behind Kain. While slowly drawing his crossbow from his back.

"we do outnumber them, but I'm not sure how much help the goblin and Miss Kindler would be..." Shontar advises Valeska in a whispering voice while leaning over to her.

"Well, that's quite a trip you made. And what a story to tell, am I right?" Shontar tried to encourage the poor goblin, who was obviously anything but dangerous, but quite self-sufficient.

Shontar answered with a nod.

"We should focus on the orcs first. That's what we've come for. If Igaz turns out to be useful and honest, we can make him an official citizen, can't we, Valeska?"

"Well, I guess, he seems friendly. I guess, we can share this place with him tonight, right?" Shontar asks the group.