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Stanis heads out at the news of riders, hoping for good news, but prepared to take part in the defense if not. "Does the rider carry a coat of arms or colors implying where it might be coming from?" Stanis shouts up to the lookout as he starts his ascend up the ladder.
I plan to celebrate with fishballs and whisky! Not at the same time tho. Beyond that, I dunno. Wanna go bowling, or is your leg still beb? Would be kinda ghey to just be on the computar all day on my birfday. Mord: Mmmm. Math. Have not touched anything more advanced than middle school stuff since I had to in high school. I am pretty sure that if someone asked me to do the algebra homework of a 9th grader, I would earn said 9th grader detention for sucking too much, along with a notification of concern to the parents. Working in a field where there are no textbook answers does strange things to one's head. Don't even remember what comes after 3.14 in pi. I guess not HAVING to remember stuff also is to blame, since the computer will instantly tell me that pi is 3.1415926535897932384626433832795... Now I am going to get back to work. Which sucks right now. Freaking errand boy/intern level crap for me until christmas. Lets get out and hunt us down a level! :P
Stanis retires to his little corner where he writes, on a stool next to a crate propped against the wall inside the bunk-room. "Will be hard to not prioritize the construction of a proper office. But first people need proper roofs over their heads. Would still be nice to have an actual chair at least, with some back-support." Diplomacy: He spends the next hour writing up a complete budget for the Swordlords to cover, and tries to formulate the letter so that it conveys the supplies as necessary and purposeful, facilitated in the legal wording of the mandate, with a projected return for the investment as a potential expansion into new land, having easily grasped the simple political purpose the band REALLY has been sent here for. "If there is a redeeming factor in having warriors as leaders, it would be the ability to give priority to security measures and obtaining strength for a relatively cheap price. Sometimes I feel truly blessed in being born in Rostland, where uselessness is frowned upon even among nobles." he stops and catches himself "Guess being stuck out in the sticks allows me to better appreciate the ways of Erastil." he chuckles and continues writing. Content:
Asking for:
- Hands proficient in carpentry, farming, masonry and smithing (last two preferably dwarven ones, as they tend to be lawful and have good work ethics). - Materials for construction (tools primarily), heavy draft horses to pull lumber, digging tools to make a well (not sane to rely on divine characters being able to create water 24/7). - One or more skilled guides and foresters that can guide and protect the people collecting lumber. - A master brewer to keep the warrior folk happy. - A smart teacher/scholar to teach the bandits some civilized skills, like reading/writing, basis of trades etc, as well as relieve my scribe duties, keep books, and perchance even serve as my apprentice. - Supplies to supplement the stocks, and a steady flow of it. Well satisfied with the letter, he signs it and casts Arcane Mark to authenticate it, and gives a groan of pain as his back gives a jolt of complaint about sleeping in the fields and working on a stool.
Stanis gives Kesten a sour glare at his derisive comments "By the same logic, if I allow mercenaries to build a community, it will be all about weapons, whores and ale, with no room for studies nor production?" he dismisses "Like situation more than like minded. I think I can safely say that very few here ARE like minded. Without it having to be an obvious comment on the gorge that spans the difference between intellectual prowess and schooling, but it certainly serves as one." he scorns and turns to Jhod and Ali. "I will write Brevoy for additional workers and funds in order to facilitate the success of our mandate, as well as notices to Nivakta and Varnhold, that we are receiving those who are skilled, and in need of employment. Meanwhile, we will have those trained in combat aiding trappers and hunters, to learn such trades, and protect them from the dangers of the land." he turns his attention to Jhod "As hunting and trapping are the domains of Old Deadeye, I would like for you to offer them blessings when going out, and provide advice and counsel. These men might well find some solace in the faith that will provide them with labor and a new life." Stanis turns to Ali and offers a smile "While your spirit and demeanor is hard to quantify in terms of value, there is no question of their value. Your effort to make everyone feel welcome is, to use an Erastil saying, the water that nourishes the tree so it may bear fruits. I think we should make you the face of our new community, as I believe it is easier to approach and speak with you than any other of us."
Tam, Mord, are you guys around still?
My wife's flight was cancelled, and she had to stay over in Cleveland, and will not be arriving until late today (monday), and will likely be doubly exhausted with her trip suddenly being almost 40 hours longer, coupled with jetlag. Just a heads up that it will likely be a while still.
Sleep goes away pretty soon. After level 4 it is completely useless and I won't prepare it anymore. But, as levels progress, I get into slow and confusion territory, which is... well... better. 4 is plenty if played as written. If mord just maxes his survival skill, we should be OK. Not like a ranger is inherently better at survival. And I cover the knowledge (nature) stuff. I imagine Stanis being kinda busy writing his logs and researching, like most wizards tend to be (hence the typically low cha for most wizards).
I know it is early to start city construction, but what the heck, we need housing for the reformed people, and Stanis wants a proper study, not having to sit on a bunk and scribe scrolls in candlelight. Especially next level when I am going to take Craft Wondrous Item, where I will be forced to sit for days at a time making stuff.
Diplomacy: "Come now, Kesten. What reason would a man like you come out here for if not to be free of the pecking orders of Brevoy? Your name is Garess, yet you sit here watching over a trading post and a band of officials making a map. Lighten up, and learn to see that even though not all are equal, all at least have potential, and given guidance, can achieve something of merit in life." he offers, still in the diplomatic corner "In fact, I would offer the first task right now: The old fort is getting a tad narrow for all the people now living there, and we could use some new structures around here. With Father Kavken being a priest of Erastil, I assume he is versed in rural trades such as carpentry, and could have these men build something. I believe offering to work together to build a community is among the best ways to welcome someone, in the eyes of Old Deadeye, no?" Stanis looks to the former bandits "And before you ask, no I am not sending you deep into the fey-riddled forest to collect wood. The less forested outskirts south of here will do fine." he turns to Jhod "Make sure to take acorns and nuts, and plant new trees in the field where you take them, so we don't inadvertently earn new enemies in the woods. Not that I think you would not have done this anyway, being a priest of the god of the hunt."
Diplomacy: Stanis interjects himself between Hans and Ali, shaking his head "Ali meant no offense by it, I am sure it was merely a clumsy attempt to deflect embarrassment. You were all intricate to our success, and without you, this might all have gone very different. This is just the kind of cooperation I was speaking of earlier, the kind that makes us ALL stronger, and able to withstand outside aggression. Well done, men. Well done." he steps over to Hans and slaps his arm in a comradely fashion "And if someone ever tells you to hold your tongue, know that we are all free to speak our minds, as long as we are prepared to deal with the consequences. And that goes for both free men and those serving time." He looks to the rest of the group "Let us bring a token of our victory here, so that we might give credence to our boasts over a well deserved mug later!"
Stanis stays back at 50 feet or so and recites a Silent Image spell from a scroll, making it seem like tall bushes sprouts from the ground along it's side and rear. Having already cast Enlarge Person, Mordecai is already large. Then he draws his crossbow, but keeps concentrating, not wanting to take a shot before the illusions have served their purpose.
I only have Enlarge Person that will work. Protection from Evil is no good against a bug. I say we lay the buffs out on the warrior, and keep him up. Since the centipede is huge, we don't get penalties for firing into melee. Meanwhile, I will create a silent image of bushes to let Tam sneak around it and get into flank.
Stanis prefers to take it down NOW, rather than have it come and help itself to sleeping companions at a later occasion. Unless he somehow knows that random encounters go away to never be seen or heard from again :P By prepare, Stanis meant buff before combat. So that everyone are rearing to go and we can focus on dealing damage rather than fapping about. Also, we can take 10 on tracking this bugger. He is huge, which means he is easily tracked.
Knowledge Nature: "Seems like a giant version of the common centipede. Judging from the drag-marks I would think it is a socalled 'Whiptail'. Their bite contains a potent venom that slowly paralyzes the victim, and it uses its tail to sweep the legs from underneath their prey..." he scowls "Insects are immune to spells that assault the mind, which means my spells are particularily ineffective. If we are to assault, we need to prepare. This monster is a dangerous foe. And one I do not want roaming around our doorstep..."
Retroposting response:
Stanis gently takes Ali by the shoulders and shakes his head "Your father's drunken ignorance is not at all accurate. People like you, who are able to freely feel and direct life are more commonly sharing blood with creatures of the heavens, beings of so perfect virtue that goodness and life swirl around them and reside in their very souls. Your respect for life, and care for the well-being of all those around you only serve to reinforce this theory." he smiles and invokes a Prestidigitation cantrip to wipe the blood from Ali's face "I am sure the church of Nethys, nor the masters of the various academies, would not approve of calling wizardry 'breaking the rules', but I cannot exactly say it is untrue. We basically learn how the multiverse works, down to the smallest detail, and then follow formulas that allows us to undo these laws to replace them with those of our choosing. I was as terrified at the concept when I began as I was enamored." Stanis explains with no small sense of respect for the power that magic holds. Upon being asked about Brevoy, he seems to require a moment to find the words "There are some poets, but they are by large and far outnumbered by gruff masters of the blade. And those who squabble outnumber those again. But there are those who indeed fit your description, warriors who see the virtue of art, and make maidens almost swoon. Sadly, the emphasis on the sword shapes Brevoy more than the emphasis on most anything else." he shrugs and looks to the others "It does teach one to appreciate a good person when one comes along though. Which I think is a healthy way to see the world." Stanis looks at the tracks and ponders if anything comes to mind.
Stanis shakes his head "I did my service to Restov through serving in the guard, aye, but I was never much of a warrior. My skill with the crossbow was mediocre, really, but out here, somehow, it seems I am able to hit just about anything I aim it at. My guide in life is Abadar, guardian of civilization, and his favored weapon is the crossbow..." he trails, then smiles sheepishly "Or maybe it's just luck." Stanis decides to stay up and takes a seat next to the fire, poking it with the spent bolt to make it blaze again, looking at Ali as the boar is being butchered "But, if you don't mind me prying, I would like to know more about [i]your[/] magical talent. I have a certain understanding on how it works, invoking positive energy, drawing magic from the air with seemingly no preparation. As if magic itself is in your blood and being, secrets no-one ever told you, yet somehow, you know... am I correct so far?"
Stanis sits and stares at his crossbow in disbelief for a while. He had never been much more than middling in the training, missing almost as often as he would hit anything. Completely mediocre. Now, his every bolt seem to hit for devastating effect, as if Abadar himself was guiding his hands. "I guess I don't NEED my magic to be harmful for devastating my opposition." he jests with a chuckle "I think we should bring back what we can of this beast. Wild boar is among the finest meats you can find."
I killstole? YEAH! WHO THE CROSSBOW MASTA!? :P
"ALI! GET BACK! MORD! HELP HER!" Stanis shouts, voice shaking with alarm while his fingers move through intricate motions of spellcasting, in an attempt to rob the beast of it's senses for a second with a Daze cantrip, not having time to put it to sleep proper.
No problem on my part. If someone was planning to stab us in the back, I am sure one of our SM senses would be tingling for a hunch.
Stealth: Stanislaw opens an eye at the noise, slipping from the bedroll as he sits up as quietly as he is able, cocking his crossbow with a bolt and nodding for Notarius to fly up and get an overview, hopefully spotting whatever is approaching, as Stanis blinks the sleep from his eyes.
I say we expand towards/into the kamelands in a wide swath, so we don't miss any dangerous monsters or bandit cells that might give us a headache when returning to lick out wounds when exploring later.
Stanis explains the mites again, as he did before Ali joined the group; least of the dark fey, more a nuisance than a threat to civilized people, resilient towards weapons not made of cold iron, able to place minor hexes on people with their bulging eyes. "If anyone needs to learn a trade, I am a decent teacher of theory, well versed in most any sagacious field of study. Most any trade needs a good backing of knowledge. Not to mention that I can teach how to read and write in several languages." he offers as he helps himself to a large helping of the stew, smiling at the hearty fare which is common enough for a Rostlander like himself. "Hey, Mordecai, Tam, James, come and have something to eat! A fire is as good a symbol of unity as any."
Regarding the contract: If the bandits don't KNOW any trades, they will be given the choice of unskilled labor (aka the worst spot on the food chain) or go out and range for food, or serve as guards. In a case of attack, they should all be doing their best to defend their new residence. Stanis is all about reforming people, but he will under no circumstance agree to coddling former criminals. We should head back to the trading post to drop them off, I think. A larger party moves slower, and requires a lot more food. Then we can pawn off some crap and place some orders for better gear, like armor upgrades, and a shield for Mord, as he took EWP (Bastard Sword). We should be able to load the rest of the unused gear up on horses and haul it up to the post.
Was thinking about Tam's post, how we are kinda acting like legally sanctioned slavers, if you strip away the "illusion of choice". I feel that good (and particularily LAWFUL good) people are not only obligated to do what they can to help people. But good is a motivation, and a force, not a straightjacket. As Stanis is willing to trust these people, and offer them a chance, he is also willing to end those who oppose the forces of good and order with their every fiber. Like the maxim goes "All that is needed for evil to win, is for good men to do nothing", something an int18 scholar realizes rather well. However, I think it is very much within the line of reasoning of Tam's character to think in such lines, as he is likely not reflecting on the forces of good and evil, have little grasp on how the forces of the cosmos works, and have spent much of his time having fun and learning his skills. A chaotic good character will often focus more on practical freedom and self-determination than greater society, as empathy usually trumps empirical evidence in such characters. (Just like how I play my chaotic gorum cleric, who doesn't even acknowledge "civilized" society as a viable way of life, hamstringing its common people by keeping them powerless.) Good and decent folk should strive to oppose evil. Preferably by redeeming those who are not corrupted enough to be swayed completely (low level people who don't even detect as evil with the Detect Evil spell) and destroying the truly corrupted (people who DO radiate evil when detecting them, especially the truly vile ones who live and breathe evil, like evil clerics, evil outsiders, undead and such). At least that is how I perceive good. Lawful: Kind and dependable, but stern. Neutral: Your average goody-two-shoe that will try to make the best for everyone. Chaotic: Has his own take on good, and follows his heart.
Stanis chuckles at Tam's suggestion "There is something amusing about the picture of using booze for bandit bait. Not a bad plan. But as the men here say, the bandits tend to avoid the depths of the forest, which means that we have a much easier job of protecting ourselves. An attack needs to come from the south-east, as no bandit is dumb enough to use the South Rostland Road, as the damn Aldori patrol that stretch... so we can take our time, let their tempers ferment a little, and make the bait nigh irresistable before we take them on." he gives a wry smile before looking to Ali "Like you said, with our forces, defensible positions, the magic of a cleric of Erastil, Kesten's blade and Kayla's potions should prove a formidable defense." he turns to look at the bandits "And now that we are bolstering OUR numbers, the odds should be good indeed." Stanis invokes a cantrip and makes a piece of parchment hover before him as he starts penning it "By the power vested in me by the Dragonthrone Mandate, fourth paragraph, I hereby offer you full pardon for your crimes, pending a three year reformation period wherein you will abstain from any criminal behavior in order to prove the validity of your conformation. In this time, we are obligated to provide food and shelter, as well as meaningful employment that might sustain you when the reformation period is over. Failure to heed these terms will be judged on an individual basis, and may lead to a termination of this contract in cases of grievous assault or worse." he recites as he writes. "Gentlemen, I am hereby formally offering you a new chance in life. Failure to adhere to these terms by a third party, I.E. other brevic citizens, will earn them legal repercussions as if you were legal citizens. In layman terms, we give you work, food and shelter, as well as the protection of the law. And in return, you behave and try your utmost to become good citizens. If you turn this down, I am obligated, by the same law that allows me to offer you pardon from your crimes, to leave here with your heads..." he finishes and holds the document out for them to read and sign... if they are at all able to.
Seeing as you already have a metric f*ck-ton of profiles, why not? Your GM profile is gonna be cluttered otherwise, if you are going to make such profiles for each and every NPC that is gonna matter. Edit: Posted. I am also saying we should explore a little more, especially the areas where the bandits will likely approach. Lawyering is scary business. The document more or less gives us legal grounds to do whatever we want, with some creative interpretation.
Stanis takes a second to ponder before nodding "If we manage to keep an alcoholic from his booze, his withdrawal should make him prone to poor decisions, like sending his men out on hopeless endeavors. His leadership might be compromised, and there might be in-fighting. The less WE have to deal with, the better... but," he looks to the north with a frown of worry "it might inspire him to attack the trading post, if he learns we are behind this..." "What say you all?"
Diplomacy: "We are going to trust you because you are going to give us an oath. A promise to turn a new leaf, and work for the betterment of yourselves and those around you. You are strong and capable men, and you have the power to do so much if you only put your minds and hearts to it. Instead of being pissed on by a violent drunk and his sadistic pet rapist, you can be men looked to as EXAMPLES that children will be called on to emulate!" Stanis gestures widely, indicating them all. "Men not consumed with hatred and evil must feel something when thinking such thoughts, I believe." He smiles to Lem, who has been among the more talkative "I have faith in people who wish to better themselves. That is why my magic does not kill, but rather subdues without injury, and aids my friends." he looks to Mordecai and the dead bandit "But I admit that those who spit on this generosity, quickly earn my anger, as the maxim about wizards goes."
Stanis smiles "We all are here by choice. Any one of us COULD have disregarded the needs of civilization at large and assumed roles of parasites, blights on the good and decent folk that are not afraid to EARN their lot in life, rather than steal it like some filthy thief in the night." he shakes his head "But we didn't. We chose to take on a mission to champion the good and decent folk, to earn our keep, and cure these lands of the disease of banditry." Knowledge (Religion): "Gorum, war-father and lord of battle, here kneels a fool, willingly submitting to his death, thus mocking you. Calistria, lady of lust and trickery, here kneels a fool, bereft of guile, not even trying to fool us, thus mocking you. Hanspur, lord of the rivers and keeper of all who fare on them, here kneels a fool, who has blighted your domain by preying on those who revere you, thus mocking you. Should any of you find him deserving still, take him to your side and make of his decrepit soul what you wish." he sneers at the bandit "But I also offer this fool to Gozreh, for with all the sh*t he spews, this man should be ample fertilizer for your trees, and maybe you will not find fault in an ANIMAL." he turns and gestures to Mordecai "He is all yours.
Stanis nods and steps over to the bandit, his softer side gone in place of a stern glare "Do you serve a deity that I might petition for you? Or will you be content in being judged for your ill deeds and lost in the Boneyard to all eternity, unmourned and forgotten?"
Stanis smiles "I have a plan." he points to the booze "This seems like a lot of alcohol for a small camp, and it is en-route to your boss, I assume?" he looks to the bandits for confirmation.
Also, dem rolls O_o Just know I am going to stumble across my own feet next combat.
Diplomacy: Stanis heads over to the bandits after Kressle has been put into the ground "My name is Stanislaw Branthorn, sage and cartographer of the expeditionary exploration team of Brevoy, by mandate of the Dragonthrone Regent Noleski Surtova and the Swordlords of Restov. he says with an air of authority, to ensure the bandits knows the gravity of their situation. "Our orders are to chart the region in preparation for expansion, as well as stamping out unrepentant banditry by the means of sword or rope. Gentlemen, your deaths are at hand, lest you are willing to give up your ways, and accept reformation in order to rejoin lawful society." he picks up one of the silver stag amulets and hold it aloft "I have been able to piece together that you are all united under some manner of leadership that uses this symbol, and the first step towards redemption will be to give any and all information you are able to give on this leadership. We will then proceed to undo the presence of said leadership, so other bandits will not feel compelled by force to keep up their business at the threat of violence." he assures them "Criminal hierarchy tends to be the same in the wilds as in cities, as far as I have seen; cruel and petty men use force or promises of easy wealth to rally those who have no way to sustain themselves, making sure the ranks are swollen with people who are in too deep to leave safely, enforced by people who get a kick from it." he gestures to Kressle's grave "And I know that without a force to maintain that grip, far fewer feel the calling of crime. So what say you, gentlemen? Are you ready to resume the lives of warm beds, smiling neighbors, decent meals every day, and more boons that is common fare for civilized people?"
You need to fail a climb check by 5 to fall. Failing by 1-4 just means you stalls and do not make any progress. Which in and of itself is pretty horrible if you are stuck climbing in combat and wasting a round. Stanis is not interested in any of the loot per se, but will suggest we bring it all in order to sell it.
Uhm, as I have run this AP before, I feel compelled to tell you that Detect Undead is a spell that will have minimal benefit. Bless, Liberating Command, Protection From Evil and Sanctuary are all superior choices, in my experience. Not that I want there to be meta or cheese, but as a spontaneous caster, being stuck with mostly useless spells is kinda boring.
HP: , for 5+1(con)=6, new total is 13 Skills:
+1 cantrip, +1 spell slot lv1.
Sorry that I have not been overly active of late. In the process of moving, and got lots of work both at my job and in private, renovating the new place. Stanis is all about the civilized approach to justice, and will offer clemency to anyone who displays a true or at least convincing desire to conform to the ways of good and order. Being the goody two-shoe he is. @Mordecai: My RL group of munchkins have proven to me that dealing anything less than 100 points of damage/rd as a dedicated combatant at lv8+ is pedestrian. Sword & Board fighter in my KM game WILL hit on most all his 7-8 attacks, he WILL deal over 150 damage, and he WILL have you prone if even a single one of those attacks are critical hits. But it usually doesn't matter, as the wizard will have won the battle in round 2 >_>
Just pure luck that I managed to find ONE good item that helped my paladin. Otherwise, we were laughably underequipped, and had to rely on buffs as no-one had iconic gear. Had I not been able to get my sword enchanted on demand, he would be stuck with a masterword one, as we did not find ONE 2handed weapon that was worth using. Also, suspense of disbelief: Why in the nine hells would anyone craft gear no adventurer (who are the only ones who reliably can afford magical crap) would ever buy? (Wand of <any save or lose spell>, I am looking at you) Rather than stuff that adventurers REAAAALLY wants.
You're right, and it is my bad, for saying the spell goes off TWICE. BUT, it actually fizzles. Mord moved beyond the range of the spell, when I look back at positioning. So... yeah. Dude is still medium. Gotta remember telling him to stay within 30 feet next time >_>
Game is telling me I should have rolled an archer, apparently :P
While the enlarge spell might not seem as needed now, it still goes off, and probably scares the poor bandit that is left on the ground half to death. Then Stanis levels his crossbow at the tree-borne sentry and lets a bolt fly. Relative concealment:
My actions: If I can get two without casting in melee: Color Spray
Buffs are a-coming Mord, just needed to waste a move action to get on my feet. Protection from Evil is touch :/
Stanis completes his Enlarge Person spell, and make Mordecai large, +2 str, -1 AC, 2d8 weapon damage, +2 CMB/CMD. He uses his move action to rise from kneeling, and his standard to move to AA14 to take cover behind the stump.
Stanis drops the sleep spell so it catches Turquise and Green (Will DC15), then he draws a scroll and starts casting Enlarge Person, targeting Mordecai.
Stanis starts casting his sleep spell, which will be completed on the start of his next round.
@Tam: Higher ground is +1 to hit in melee if you plan to stab him Hope you guys take down Mr Purple so he can't interrupt the sleep spell.
Stanis prepares beforehand with a casting of Mage Armor out of earshot, and tries to sneak up to Z19 (so the bandit has to wade through difficult terrain if he is going for him) with a stealth of . He stays crouched (+2 to hit him with melee, -2 to hit him with ranged and starts casting the spell when in position, targeting his 10 burst on the Y/X/6/7 intersection, getting all three red 5-point star baddies.
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