Sirian Rogarvia's page

Hey guys,
I am going to be at a con. Starts friday night aus time (about 30 hours from now) and goes for three days.
I'm going to try to keep posting during that time, but I might be a bit more spotty.
Bot me if needed :)
Cheers

Awesome! Hope your next week is better than the last one, then :)

Memorise
1: shield of Faith
1: magic weapon
(d1): bless
0: virtue
0: guidance
0: stabilize

potential problem: just realised that while Sirian has four buff spells for Osmond (SoF, MW, virtue, guidance) all are ranged TOUCH.

I suggest only one door be open and both Osmond and Sirian be behind that one.

He can periodically cast virtue on Osmond, virtue on himself and guidance on Osmond.
When the bandits rock up he can cast SoF and MW, then if still nothing cast virtue and guidance.
Once the bandits come through he can slam the door, Osmond can attack.

Sirian attempts to talk Oleg into offering free food and board, if necessary, using his Abadar-given gift of the gab and a little divine Guidance.
improve attitude 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
ask for favour 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Sirian attempts to be a gentleman, eats a small meal and turns in early so as to try to get sufficient sleep despite the queasy churning in his stomach every time he thinks about the next morning.

I appreciate the offer, but I think we just don't have that sort of money.

Dawn Awaits!

Not a problem :)

Um, are we still good?

You and me both thinks Sirian as Oleg explains how he can't fight, but keeps his face set.

Sirian wonders if Oleg is trying to keep enough distance that he has some deniability if this whole thing goes south.
Sense Motive 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"Raitimir makes a good point. I'm sure you have an inventory you can show us, but we also need to know if there are any other weapons or armour you have." Sirian nods to the top of a tower "For example, do those catapults work?"

I'd prefer bless to bane, and might be better off issuing inspiring commands or healing than casting. Otherwise sure :)

Sirian's metaphorical ears prick up at the mention of the word 'crossbow'

That is a reasonable worry. I guess it would be up to Osmond.
It will be easier to get down from a wall than to get up on it.
Remember that if they get into AoO range with you, you'll need to cast defensively.
I'd be happy to take a hit or two on Sirian, but am worried that we could be in trouble if the healer goes down.

Sirian would probably plan this for hours (or tens to hundreds of posts), but *I* think that'll get boring :)
If we're talking out of character, here's a boil down of what he'd suggest.

If we have a lookout or two we'd have a few rounds prep. I'm also assuming closing (or opening) a door is a full round action.

I like Kari's plan. Assuming we follow it, then the bad guys'll walk in and be focussed on her and Svetlana. I'd actually be tempted to have Oleg not there (still a cat-fight :p ) and have Oleg close door #2, and Sirian close door #1.

I suggest Osmond be readied to charge behind Sirian's door, and Ratimir be above the gate.

Ratimir can then shoot the bow guy, or anyone locked outside (if they don't all come in).

Osmond can charge the bow guy - hopefully having been the target of Shield of Faith and maybe Magic Weapon a few rounds before. Ideally he'll be mounted.

If Oleg and Sirian have ranged weapons, they (and Ratimir) can then cover the bandits. Sirian has a sling, and Oleg's stores have a longbow.

Perfect situation the bow guy walks in and gets wiped out in the surprise round. The bandits draw (provoking AoO), are helpless against Osmond, realise they are trapped and covered, and surrender.

Happy with other plans too though :)

If anyone gets injured, Sirian can heal them (he can exempt 4 bandits from healing). Alternatively he can buff Osmond each round, cast a spell, or use his sling. He's okay with a sling, but that does not do much damage. He can also buff one person a round.

"I don't know" says Sirian "I've got a feeling we're going to want everyone who can hold a weapon in this fight. Especially if we can get some ranged weapons."

Sirian turns to Oleg,

"So Oleg, what can you and Svetlana bring to this little ambush?" Sirian smiles warmly "A man who comes out to bandit country to run a trading fort must be pretty handy with a weapon."

Sirian jumps when Kari transforms

He nods in agreement with Ratimir

"You're right, Ratimir. Our first priority has to be the lives of ourselves and our hosts. Osmond; I am indeed a chosen divine channel of Abadar. So long as they're not actually dead I should be able to bring them back. Do what you have to, don't worry about hurting them."

"I can channel some of Abadar's speed, wisdom and insight, as well as his holy energy. I am a reasonable hand with a crossbow. I've had some basic weapon training, and some basic armour training. Best way to use me is to put me in the middle of where you want people to stay alive and let me use my sling. If Abadar speaks to me, I will relay it to you."

Sirian returns Kari's smile, and when she asks her question rejoins quickly "Our charter only requires us to execute those who engage in unrepentant banditry."

Sirian looks away for a second and then back
"I've never killed anyone. oh I trained with the crossbow, same as everyone. I went hunting a few times, but never really got the taste for it. If there's a way out of this that doesn't involve killing, well, I for one would like to hear it."

"Alright - I heard some of what you were saying. Tell me what I'm missing."

Extending his index finger he recaps
"Setting a trap is easy. We can hide behind the doors until they ride in, then close them."

Holding up a second finger
"Two, we don't know how many bandits there will be, but expect there to be five or less."

Holding up a third finger
"Three, while they appear to be complacent, Kari has a legitimate worry that they may work out we are here before coming in, so we cannot guarantee surprise."

Holding up a fourth finger
"Four, there is a camp with an unknown number of bandits, but at least 6 more, that is probably within a day's travel. They know our location, but we do not know theirs."

Holding up his thumb
"Lastly, including Svetlana and Oleg we should have the edge in numbers, ranged weapons, arcane support and divine guidance."

Sirian reads the charter avidly, then reads it again.
Then, uncharacteristically, he swears.

Waving the caravan off, he comes to rejoin the others, handing the Charter over with a quick "Be very careful with that."

I'm with Osmond!
And I like Kari's interesting speech patterns and accent :)

"Marcus, wait: you have something for us" Sirian holds out his hand for the charter.

Damn. Plan B it is then. Only way to use them now is to send the bandits out to ambush them.
Sirian looks at the retreating back of Obediah
Three kids, you say Obediah.
He considers
I won't do it unless I have to.

Sirian closes in on Kari, leaning in close and speaking quietly so as not to compete with Osmond's questioning.

"You make a good point Kari."

With a look of sympathy on his face he adds "If you need to talk, I'm here. But you're right - our first priority is wining."

With that Sirian leaves Osmond to continue questioning Svetlana on tactical issues, and walks towards Obediah, petitioning Abadar for help in this next, difficult task.

Yeah, Guidance.

Obediah knows Oleg. I wonder how well the rest get on with him
Sense Motive, how well disposed is everyone to Oleg 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10. For that matter how well disposed are people to Sirian? 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Timing his walk to arrive during a break in the conversation, smiling Sirian approaches the group with hand outstretched to shake hands with everyone. He calls them by name, looks in their eyes, shakes hands with an honest grip, and mentions some anecdote from the trip.

When he has shaken hands with the drivers and with Milton, James, Paul and Marcus, he shakes hands with Obediah.

"Obediah, you've taught me a lot about care of horses over the last couple of days, and I have to say I never realised why it was so important not to let them overeat during breaks. Would you mind giving me a hand with my horse?" in a much quieter voice "I'd like to talk to you about something."
Assuming this is okay and he can get Obediah away from the others

"Obediah, you obviously know Oleg well. I've been talking with Svetlana, and things here, well, they're not good. My little group is going to help him out with some trouble here, but we may not be enough."

he pauses, and calls upon Abadar's guidance and silver tongue to ask a favour

"I need you to be here tomorrow. Have a wagon throw a wheel, or something. I know you can think of a reason to delay the trip back."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Sirian can feel it coming in the split second before Ratimir speaks

No! Don't promise we can help her against an unknown number of assailants!

But the words are spoken

Well, it might not be the smart thing to do, but it is the right thing to do.

"Absolutely." confirms Sirian, doing his best to appear confident "You're going to be okay, now."
Bluff 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

At Svetlana's revelation Sirian looks appalled and taken aback.

Perception. How defendable does this place look: walls, weapons, soldiers, etc.1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Hmm - should be good roleplaying in that for both of us then :)

No - fair enough. I'm just hoping that I am reading it correctly.

Thanks

If I leave the wagons they may intend that as breaking with them. If I don't go now, though, I threaten the unity of our new group.
Taking a deep breath and intoning quietly a hymn to Abadar, Sirian finally feels ready, and prepares to make a good first impression.

"Hello! We're the latest party from the sword lords, sent out to found order in the chaos. Looks like we're going to be neighbours.

"I'm Sirian Rogarvia, Cleric of Abadar, God of Trade. This is Ratimir, and I gather you've met Kari and Osmond already."

Diplomacy+guidance+silver tongue1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

What are the lead guard and the lead wagon driver's names please.

Sirian turns to Kari as they approach Oleg's and quietly says
"Kari? We're about to be introduced to this 'Oleg', but we've been on the road for a week. I believe you said there was something you could do about that?"

"Oleg's," the lead guard says.

Well, that's it. Thought Sirian. Time to make lemonade, if by some miracle of Abadar I don't get killed first.

Hope this is not a problem
As they exit Sirian attempts to preach hope and optimism. He channels healing energy at anyone seeing them off who appears to be injured.
Perform:Oratory 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

During the trip he attempts to befriend the guards
Diplomacy1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Sirian repeats the ritual with Ratimir and Kari, then hurries off.

"Alright, I'll be back as soon as I can."

He walks to Osmond, holds his key in one hand, says "Abadar guide your steps." and extends his hand to shake

Nostrus: if you want to have the gate locked to him, and his things piled up in the stable, I'm good with that too.

"And here I have two people I might otherwise have represented."

Sirian sighs

"I need to return to the temple. I need to check the Books of Law, sell everything I own that I can't carry, get my horse, try to borrow money from my Brothers and then have a last, good meal and bath before we set off."

He looks at the ragtag group in front of me

"Anyone who wants a good meal or a bath is welcome to come with me. I'll be rebuked for bringing visitors, of course, but what are they going to do to me now?"

Assuming Sirian follows to find where the camp is
"As for me - I am a lawyer. I tried to reform the system and fight the corruption endemic to this fair country." He smiles deprecatingly "I suppose I should take it as a compliment they are going to this much trouble to get rid of me."

Sirian considers He cannot order me, but if I object to such missionary work my moral authority within the church will be questioned forever.
He looks at the food, and the cramped room
He wants me to refuse. That gets rid of me immediately. Conversely if I accept I am likely to die, but have a hope of returning with even greater power within the church...

"What is there to ask? I'll return to the temple and pick up my gear, and meet your wagon at the southern gate tomorrow morning... Unless you were planning to invite us to dance?"

Damn. Have to hold my temper. Don't provoke him.

A man in glorious gold and white raiment enters, a golden key on a necklace around his neck. A blink of the eyes and all resolves itself. Not gold and white raiment, but the yellow and white archaic merchant's robes of a priest of Abadar. And judging from the fact the key is gold-painted wood, likely a very junior one.

The priest looks around the pantry and pauses for a second.

Damn. Lander Lebeda knows the church well enough to know that suggesting an underbanker belongs somewhere like here is a terrible insult. So presumably he wants to insult me to get me angry, or to feel helpless. He's had a meal made available, so he is still covering hospitality, and probably had to get this pantry set up. That means he's thought about this a bit. And that means he wants something. That means he's going to ask me for something, and is hoping I'll say no.

With a beaming smile on his face the man walks confidently over to the halfling, stops just short and thrusts out a hand to shake in merchant fashion.
"Hello! I am Sirian Rogarvia, underbanker of Abadar."

Checking in!