Talius Baryn's page

"Hold fast Judah, perhaps there is treasure to be had ahead. Brute, perhaps you should take a look? I'm certain you must be accustomed to such peculiar objects such as these, out frolicking about in the wilderness as your kind often does?"

Talius smirks, then leans his back towards the western wall - arms crossed.

"Perhaps we should move on, I do not wish to tarry too long in this place."

Talius takes a good look around before he takes a few steps back towards where they came from.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

But, he is apparently blind.

"It sure is nice with some water - and a bridge no less - during out delightful spelunking, is it not my friends?"

Talius easily reveals his mood and it would appear that he is quite enjoying himself.

"Hah, now these beasties won't be sneaking up on us. Remind me to pat my own back once we've dealt with them, wont you brute?"

Talius releases another deep red missile towards the spider farthest away.

Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

As the spiders burst out from the water, Talius raises his right arm towards the spider directly ahead of his position.

Words of meager power spew forth from his mouth, as his hand glows deep red; before a missile portraying the same color shoots forth and strikes the spider.

Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"It is a good thing that have my back, brute! I humbly accept your offer to be my guardian!"

After finishing his sentence, Talius takes out a small lump of wax from his component pouch, crushes it in his hand and lifts it up towards his face with both hands. He whispers a few words to it, then throws it into the water.

The sound of four humanoids splashing around in the water follows, not making enough sound to alert anyone on land - but enough to stir someone underwater.

"I don't know about the rest of you, but this room gives me the creeps. Talius shudders at the thought of what kind of beast the waters might hold.

We've spent a lot of time doing nothing, so let's just go with the spiraling staies wether they go up or down. I'm ready for some more action!

I vote for the spiral stairs, like previously stated - but will follow thevothersvwhere they chose.

Been idly waiting for one of the brutes or Alanthian to take point. As far as I can tell, we're exploring the rest of this level - probably with Alanthian taking the lead with his stealth and perception roll.

"What an excellent idea, Turan! Why don't we light this entire tower aflame, and prepare a delicious meal right here - from spidercarcases of course - for when every man and monster inside comes to join our bonfire festival?" Talius shakes his head as he ends his rant.

"I agree with Eowithe - let us explore the rest of this level then, seeing as we have already cleared it out partially."

Seeing the last spider fall to the combined might of the muscle in the group, Talius approaches Judah and whispers.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

He gazes around the room while he addresses the others, still soft in voice.

"Seems like we have hit a dead end, companions. Perhaps someone would scavenge the loot before we continue our tour of this place?"

Everyone alright? Had a good weekend?

Noticing that his Ray of Frosts have done little to nothing thus far, Talius sends another tiny ray of light from the palm of his hand, fluttering towards one of the spiders. Alas, another spell fizzles for the young wizard.

"Dearest me, this is not going well at all!" He rambles to himself, ever so softly.

Aiming to assist Turan, Talius let's loose a crystallized ray from his fingertips but the spell fizzles and vanishes before ever reaching it's target.

Just wanted to say that I am loving the maps Bigrin, they are very well done and easy to use.

And by gods, man - Turan, you're a powerhouse with the staff! (not to mention the others, everyone seems to bring potent abilities to the group!)

"Hold fast, friend." Talius pats Judah gently on the shoulder as he moves past. That's interesting, it seems like this one can't control himself in some way. I wonder if he's possessed?

As his stride comes to and end, the young wizard sends forth a tiny ray of light from the palm of his hand. It seems almost confused, as it whirls towards one of the spiders. As it lands, it bursts into a flash of pure, radiant light.

Talius moves up to the others, keeping close to Judah - while still paying attention to the group's rear. He mumbles a few hushed words to himself.

"Yes yes, brutes in the front - fantastic."

I believe you are correct, Turan - based on the sketch and what we can see, south and southeast should lead to the other entrance Natalya was talking about - while west leads to what seems to be a flight of stairs.

Talius stays behind while those of stealthier nature move ahead, keeping a wary eye towards the the rear.

For a moment it seems like Talius shrinks in size, obviously affected by both Eowithe and Turan's words. He shakes his head, tightens his back and again dons the smirk he wore during the last discussion with Sheila.

He nods slightly to his companions and crouches down while waiting for Alanthian to return.

That actually made me laugh out loudly, Bigrin! I just want to depict Talius as somewhat of a beginner when it comes to dungeoneering. Sure, he's bonked some Goblins on his own - but being in a group for the first time doesn't exactly calm his, already overly, impulsive behaviour.

There's something called overacting though, and if anyone feels that this happens - please PM me and I'll sort it out. We're here to have fun after all.

Haha, very true indeed! It would seem Talius might be a tad too flamboyant in his demeanor!

I just wanted to say that I'm loving how Turan finds Talius rants distasteful!

Overly confident after the combat has come to a swift end, Talius' face dons a broad smile.

"I must declare, companions, that this battle ended before I could even break a sweat. Magnificent!"

He then proceeds to look around, but stays close to the group.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18

"T'was a good thing we did not alert the rest of the monsters living in this place, perhaps we should claim that benefit and use it to our advantage. As far as I can see, we have managed to infiltrate this place without anyone knowing - and as such, I believe we should carefully make our way to the stairs marked on the sketch we received. If we can sever the head before the body knows we are coming, we might be able to keep ours still properly attached."

Seeing the first of the blobs falling to the combined efforts of Alanthian and Turan - Talius was filled with confidence that the party would dispatch the second monster with ease.

"Hold fast, Alanthian!" He shrieked as he moved forward, striding past Eowithe while preparing to unleash another spell as he went.

Eventually he halted, raised his hand once more and unleashed another chilling, crystallized ray - this time against the remaining monstrosity.

Forgot to add my +1 BAB to the attack roll there, I'll not forget it later. Also was wondering, when counting squares towards the creature I believe I was within the range for Ray of Frost (25+5/2 levels = 30 at level 2, or would that be 30 at level 3)?

If not, then I really do apologize for my mistake and if possible, I'd like Talius to take a 5 foot step forward prior to casting the spell (if that's possible, or can I not cast if I move first?) - I'm still learning the quirks and didn't really get too much information from the rulebook.

Also wondering if you'd like me to use this spoiler for combat:

Just want to make sure I get everything right from the beginning, so I don't have to ask again later.

Following behind Eowithe, Turan and Alanthian - Talius notices the monstrous puddles forming ahead of them - shocked, he clearly has not encountered anything like it in his life, he mutters:

"What are those.. those things?!"

He raises one hand, flicks his wrist and points towards one of the muddy puddles. Emanating from his fingertips, a crystallized ray flies through the air - aimed directly at one of the puddles.

I believe I have already updated the mini stat block, let me know if something is amiss.

Disembarking from the vessel and setting foot on dry land once more, Talius dons his smirk and tightens his back - clearly quite happy with himself - having survived yet another encounter with the water element.

He readies his Quarterstaff in one hand, the other resting on Judah's shoulder - before he follows his companions. He halts a few steps behind Eowithe, giving her a nod that he is ready for what lies ahead.

Talius will follow behind Alanthian, Eowithe and preferably Turan (ahead of Judah).

Talius has the spell Light as a level 0 spell.

Much obliged Bigrin, thank you for pointing that out to me.

I am more inclined to as much roleplay as possible, perhaps a tad too much at times - but it's a welcome distraction from everyday life.

I'll make sure to do so in the future!

Seeing as how we have moved on, I will read everyone's backgrounds again, and take into play that Talius is now aware of what I presume his companions would tell him (feel free to state something you do not wish Talius to know, just yet).

Furthermore, seeing as how Bigrin has moved us along - I am guessing not all of us have the time to post multiple times a day. I for one can, and I am checking the forum every 2-3 hours CET+1 (except when I am at work, of course). Perhaps we should just post as often as we can, and if the conversation halts we either discuss what matters needed to be discussed here on the discussion forum - and Bigrin carries us a long as he just did?

@Bigrin: What are your thoughts on this matter?

Clinging to his seat in the waterweary vessel, Talius peers off into the distance - attempting to locate the entrance marked as "C" on Natalya's sketch.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

What do I see (if anything, not sure about the distance nor the conditions penalties)?

He cringes as the water rocks the boat, even gently - and allows himself a hushed sigh, before he whispers to his companions.
"If we can find that blasted "C" entrance - we should make haste towards it, though ever so quietly. I do not wish to reveal our presence here just yet.

Positive that he has overslept, Talius stumbles out of his bed and prepares rapidly for the coming adventure. He makes sure everything is in order, from his spell book to his trusty quarterstaff - before he makes his way to the Lodge.

Upon his arrival, he sees that only Turan has showed up before him. He allows himself a calming sigh before he tightens his back and approaches the Shoanti, though this time his arms are not flailing.

"Ah, Tur-Turan! Yes! That is your name, most certainly! It seems that we are the first to arrive, splendid - splendid in deed!"

He places his hand, as he usually does, on his chest and takes a short bow to Turan and Sheila - before he grabs a chair and makes himself comfortable.

Talius turns for a second to Sheila. "I couldn't help overhearing that you have found a vessel for us to travel in, I am most delighted to accept said offer. Wonderous!"

He claps his hands and turns once more towards the Shoanti.

"Well then, I take it you are prepared for the coming adventure? I'll have you know, I've bonked a Goblin or two with this old thing a few times." He points to his quarterstaff. "But I fear we are up against more dastardly deviants than mere Goblins, so perhaps I can count on you should the need for a stronger arm than mine.. occur?"

He shakes his head, somewhat baffled at his own words, before he continues.

"Bah, where are my manners! We seem to have some time before the others arrive - perhaps you could tell me your story? If I should perish at The Crow, I would rather do so in the company of friends."

Talius gives Eowithe a nod before he leaves the room, making his way to the nearest shop where he purchases several items. He nods to the proprietor and leaves, making swift steps towards the nearest tavern.

"A glass of your finest wine, good sir!"

The young Varisian finds a suitable table in the corner of the room, not too far away from the bar should he want a glass or two more. He sits for a while, both feet firmly planted on the table while enjoying every sip just as much as the last. His spell book rests on his lap, while he ponders and prepares as he goes.

Talius spends most of the evening at the tavern, having a word or two with the tavernkeep (mostly concerning pixie dust) before withdrawing to his chambers once he is good and jolly.

Either at a nearby inn or at the lodge, of course - as Eowithe stated

Whoa there horsie, it seems that I have put the cart before the horse in this case! Perhaps one of my companions would be inclined to parley with our patron while I tug the reins of my steed?

I am guessing we will need two Rowboats at 50GP each for the journey - two in one boat, three in the other. I will subtract 25GP from my current holdings (of 30GP).

"This is most intriguing - Judah was it, yes - to have been blessed, or perhaps cursed, in such a way. Mayhap you have been touched by our lord the Lantern King, as his trickster ways are quite unpredictable."

Talius spends a few moments in hushed monologue with himself.

"Well, it is settled then! We sneak into The Crow at night, but first we must make preparations!"

"Seemingly I will have to spend most of my hard-earned profits on equipment for the task at hand, but I will gladly chip in for a boat - I fear my posture and reputation will take too heavy a blow should we swim (nor do I fancy water in particular either). I would gladly aid whomever to carry it, but I fear my presence is most certainly required at the tavern - seeing as how I have not had a proper drink for quite some time."

Talius turns towards Sheila, Natalya - then the other adventurers - one hand on his chest while taking a short bow.

"My ladies, companions - please do accompany me should your glands need sating as well. Perhaps we may take our leave for The Crow tomorrow, come nightfall?"

The young Vasirian shrinks back to his previous posture and heads for the door - leaving the question hanging in the air.

Talius will make his way to the shop prior to his stride to the tavern.

Alright, Talius picks up a Scroll Case, 4 pieces of Parchment, sells his regular rope and purchases Silk Rope, the Spell Components Pouch as stated before and the MW Quarterstaff (which he binds Ventriloquism to like he had on his previous QS). He also picks up x4 Potions of cure light wounds and x2 Potion of mage armor.

That's some heavy shopping right there, but Talius' might as well spend most of his gold prior to the adventure, as there is little point dying a rich man in some forgotten dungeon.

All said and done, Talius' should have 30 GP 9 SP left if I calculated correctly and he should be at 28.78/100 Ibs = Light Load.

(Note: These actions are taken after talking to Natalya).

The smirk on Talius' face turns grim as Natalya explains what she knows about The Crow.

"I am not sure what my companions think, but at least I can speak for myself when I say that assaulting the tower head-on would be suicide. I suggest the five of us sneak in at section C - during the night and after we purchase a boat of course - then make our way to Ayala ever so quietly. This way, we might be able to sever the master's head without it's pets knowing."

Talius' eyes take a gander at the other members of his party, trying to determine if they agree to his suggestion or not.

"Should we manage to make our way inside the tower unseen, then perhaps my skill with illusions might be more beneficial to us as well. What say you?"

If Talius' posts are too frequent, do not hesitate with letting me know. I am still new to PbP and might be a tad too eager.

Hrmm, true - though then I would have to keep track of which of the two ends where properly manufactured then, we can't have that now can we. I fear Talius is confused enough as it is.

Just as he is about to leave, Talius halts at the door when Natalya begins to speak - his interest piqued by her choice of words. He combs his hair back carefully, tightens the muscles in his back and shoots his chest forward before turning around. With his handsome features much more prominent, the smirk painted on his face and his eyes glinting with intelligence suddenly make him appear less like a madman and more like a dashing young Varisian.

"I beg your pardon, my lady - but a hidden chamber in the Crow? So the remaining shards and long lost treasure are ours for the taking should we venture there?

The Hedgemage halts, places his hand on his chin and ponders for a second. He looks to the other members of his party, still keeping his smirk firmly imprinted on his face, before he resumes.

"Again I beg your pardon, I was simply enchanted by your shimmering beauty; could I perhaps ask what you know about the Crow and what one could.. expect.. from it's current residents?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Not entirely sure where to look it up in my books. I know Hero Lab lists it at 600.

Talius picks up a Masterwork Quarterstaff (600GP) and a Sack of Spell Components (5 GP), anything else you guys think I should pick up while I am at the Pathfinder shop? Perhaps some parchment for my Cypher Magic feat?

If memory serves me, we where given 1000 starting GP, where we not Bigrin? (If so, Talius still has 340 GP, 2 SP and 9 CP to spend).

Talius looks to Judah and Turan both, before meeting Sheila's eyes with his own.

"I can not speak for my companions, as such acts and skills are surely not a part of my repertoire - though I did have an uncle that.."

He quickly shakes his head as to gather his thoughts before he resumes;

"The terms and stakes are acceptable, we have an accord."

He bows deeply yet again, resumes his previous posture and searches his robe for something - the look dawning on his face contains a stressed expression.

"I seem to have misplaced my pouch of spell components; seemingly needed for the task at hand - perhaps, if you would pardon both my manners and mind, my dear new companions could enlighten me as to what Miss Vancaskerin had to say when I return - that is if they wish to hear what she has to say of course - while I make my way to the nearest shop?"

If the party does not mind, Talius takes leave to do so - if not he stays and purchases said item afterwards. What she had to say can be the topic of discussion when the party ventures onward.

Sounds like the two of us will have quite the adventure together then, Judah!

I enjoyed reading about every character in the party, it would seem that we are en route for quite the adventure!

Talius, obviously affected by Alanthian's words, leans over to him and whispers; though not soft enough for only him to hear the words;

"The distance between insanity and genius is measured only by success."

After a short pause he quirks and claps his hands together ever so loudly, like someone striking a cymbal long after a song has ended - and turns to face Judah.

Greetings and salutations! I am, of certainty or perhaps obvious knowledge, Talius Austere Baryn - Hedgemage extraordinaire!

He fumbles his hands a bit, trying to perform a greeting he has obviously picked up somewhere, though he has clearly neither practiced nor mastered it.

"Well then, it would seem as introductions and greetings are said and done, in due order and thoroughly addressed. Astonishing work, yes quite astonishing indeed - salutes and bows of deep posture are mayhap of little reward to contemplate gratitude for deeds and accomplishments explored and completed - but even so, let us not tarry for too long nor dwell on these events of past adventures."

The young Varisian man twists and rotates his hand in a courteous gesture towards Eowithe, and resumes.

Pardons and apologies for myself and those partially inclined to duels of mind and tongue, though ever so delightful and refreshing they are - why yes, that reminds me of previous thoughts already thought too many times before. Hrrm.. Where was I? Oh! Yes, please do continue (as my mind is about to overflow of curiosity): you where about to bedazzle our minds with information concerning the task at hand, where you not?"

He looks to Eowithe, then Alanathian, then Sheila - anxiously awaiting an answer.

While roaming his hands and fingertips across inconsequential items around the room, Talius' interest is suddenly peaked and he jumps to from hearing the words "Artifact of Thassilon" - humbly, though it seems like he is in grave pain in doing so, he awaits Eowithe's sentence to end before he turns around to face her. He pauses as Alanthian ends his sentence as well, before he bursts into response.

"Artifact of Thassilon? Bah! Tomfoolery! There is no such thing. Tales all and naught but."

The Vasirian man dressed in red and black robes brushes past both the broad Shoanti-like tribesman and the elven man's outstretched hand. He approaches Eowithe with swift steps across the floor - halting closer to her face than what is custom and common courtesy.

"That is why I am here, most certainly - yes of course. Why would you indicate otherwise? Or perhaps you did not? Such questions are too far from hand though closer than needed. Hrmm. You have found a part of this artifact? May I see it? Touch it? No. Perhaps not, perhaps that would not be required, though clearly any indication to purposes found and revealed would perforate substances of doubt and mystery - no! Tell me, indulge and sate my interest (perhaps I am unaware or already in possession of said knowledge); where and why does your quest and mine, now ours; take us from and to in the approaching future?"

His eyes wander the faces of those present, tilting his head slightly in doing so, while squinting as if it aids him to understand an awaited response.

Talius Baryn ducks the doorway and enters the room - unaware of those already present - while pointing his index finger at said doorway and squints.

"I am aware!"

His eyes wander the room and suddenly grab hold of a tall, black haired woman. With new energy he approaches her flamboyantly with arms flailing.

"Hello, hello! You must be Ms. Heidmarch! Yes, certainly! You have changed your appearance since the last time I saw you no doubt - but who am I to judge a book by it's cover! Hah! And these must be my new companions!"

He takes a long deep bow and continues.

"They say some people can tell you the character of a man from the way he introduces himself, and in light of such knowledge: allow me to do so with proper manner; Hedgemage Talius Austere Baryn at your service. You simply must pardon my manners prior to said disclosure, I was simply admiring that infernal thing you have hanging there, fine day for such activities if you do not mind me saying - fine day indeed, yes yes yes. Now then, with duties of introduction said and done - allow me to enlighten your mind as to why the man that stands before you does intently do so at this point in time (these people seem to keep up just fine, duly noted Talius - duly noted indeed), when previously stated delightful activities would be just as worthy pastime as current and future endeavors alike. Words have reached mine ears well of young adventurers (like myself no doubt) in dire need of assistance. Of course, of course - I must mind my ways and tongue and deed, as your needs and mine entwine and align - come then, yes yes come - let us stride onward as friendly travelers and cohorts or allies or all; towards ends suited and met in due fashion and to be duly done."

He takes another deep bow before he wanders off to explore the room.

Greetings and salutations everyone, I am very happy to be able to take part in your continued endeavors. I salute your successes so far and hope to be a prominent participant in the challenges ahead.

I should be able to post quite frequently as I am a student (though work might hinder me occasionally). Also; like I posted in my application in the recruitment forum; I am a fresh Pathfinder and PbP player - so I might ask a few questions now and then in the discussion forum to make sure I get everything right. My head is firmly placed in the rule book to make sure I get most things right.

I will spend the remainder of the night making sure Talius is firmly up to date and that everything is in order.

Very much looking forward to this!

Thank you for the reply Bigrin, I will be sure to post some introduction dialog as well as work a bit on his backstory when I get home.