Tatalia's page

Tatalia pants as her eyes first open, and she looks about her cabin with wide eyes. As she realizes where she is, she slowly closes them again and sits herself up. When she opens her eyes, it's to look out at the dawn.

"A good omen?" she wonders to herself as she stares at the light. "A reminder to not lose hope, perhaps..."

Quietly, Tatalia rises and gets herself dressed. She does not put on her armor, not just yet, instead wishing to grab a bite to eat before she starts her day properly.

What time was the Auction supposed to happen exactly, or did Tatalia not find out? If she doesn't know, I'll have her go and ask the Captain at the end of this post.

After she's had her meal, Tatalia aims to give Farnell a little more training, this time trying to ensure he knows how to handle his weapon properly.

I realize that he probably doesn't have weapon proficiency, so Tatalia will teach him that if that's true. Otherwise, if he DOES have weapon proficiency, she'll go back to focusing on teaching him panache + dodging panache.

By the way, the picture is far from done, but here's some progress art: CLICK.

I'm liking where the art is going, and I want to know if you have suggestions for Bronwen.

"I don't know what the Network will ask," answers Tatalia quite seriously. "And I need to do... something. I don't know what yet. I won't be a fool," she says, trying to reassure both the Captain and Bronwen, "but I can't do nothing, either."

With Luek's directions, Tatalia thanks Luek for his help and tries to get some sleep, though not before offering a prayer to Sarenrae and thinking about to write in her journal in the morrow.

A smile can't help but edge up the corners of the halfling's mouth, and she seems to appreciate the Captain's helpfulness and his tone. "We'll be in town at least until the Auction is over, I think," answers Tatalia, folding her arms behind her back. She steps a little closer to speak more quietly, adding low enough that only the three of them can should hear, "There will be slaves being sold at the Auction tomorrow, I've learned, and I don't think I can leave them to their fate in good conscience. I will meet with the Bellflower agent, and by some means try to do something for them. I wanted to make certain you had fair warning, in case things go awry."

With her smile turned sad and eyes to match, the little paladin takes a deep breath and continues: "Hopefully everything will go smoothly and we won't have to do anything too brazen. Where did the Network wish to meet exactly?"

Tatalia doesn't respond to Luek's question immediately. "You may have been right that it isn't for me," she says slowly. "I'll meet with the Bellflower representative gladly - will you still be in port, or do you plan to be gone by then?"

Alright, posted! And thank you, I mean that.

I've got to prepare for work, but there should an update to the art tonight. I'll post that version, and ask if you'd change anything when I post it. (It might have color at that point - not sure. Right now I'm waiting for the artist to fix some proportions, like Tatalia's height compared to the monster and Bronwen.)

Tatalia waits to discuss the matter until they are well away from the building, but then begins to explain what she's learned in full to Bronwen. She talks at length of the different groups, of the auction, and then, finally, of the slaves being held there.

"...and it's because they keep and sell slaves that YOU will be staying aboard the ship if I have to tie you to the mast!" she tells Farnell with a shake of her finger as they step onto the Slippery Elm. "You're clever and you're adventurous, and I can't say those are bad traits, but this time I need you to stay here so I don't have to tell your parents that you got sold to some Chelaxian slaver!"

Once she's chased him off toward his usual sleeping place, Tatalia turns to Bronwen. "I don't plan on letting a slave auction happen right under my nose," she tells the elf. "I don't want to be a fool about it either, but I will not stand idly by. We need to get in touch with the Bellflower Network immediately and see if we can arrange... something through them. Surely they must have a plan.

"And before you say it," she adds with a raised hand, "I know it's a distraction from our mission. But if I ask myself 'What would Connac do?' I know he would put every ounce of energy into freeing them."

Yeah, sorry. I mean, not entirely. Let me quote something I wrote for some other threads.

Firstly, I’m going to be posting different versions of this in different games that I’m in, but I want to make sure that it’s known why I’ve been absent for roughly a week - from the whole forum, not just this thread. And it goes like this:

1.So, as I probably posted previously, my computer decided to go berserk and I needed to reformat it.
2. It then decided that a day or two later would be a great time to die altogether. Problematically, I have no other device capable of browsing the web.
3. Then my nieces chose to visit for a couple days, and I was spending time with them.
4. At the same time, my mom has been recovering from surgery, meaning I’m doing more driving than usual…
5. ...my car wound up needing some heavy repairs…
6. ...and work has frankly become pretty uncomfortable for me, so I’m actively searching for a new job.

With all that said and done, I’ve lost a lot of spare time and a LOT of money. I did replace my computer (and hoo boy is the new computer nice), but as such I’ve realized that I’m going to have to drop out of a few games.

I will be STAYING in this game if you will allow me, but I feel I needed to give an explanation for my absence anyway. I’m about to go to work, so expect a post after I finish.

I apologize for the inconvenience, and I sincerely hope there’s no bad blood caused by my absence.

Basically, lots of stuff happened IRL, I lost access to the internet, and I've rectified that. I'm cutting off roughly 1/2 of the games I'm in to make my new schedule work.

With that said, I am definitely planning on staying in this game if you'll have me.

Side note: I just checked my email last night (I got everything fixed up around yesterday) and the artist, she's... sent me some pretty nice stuff concerning the commission. I'll show it to you after it starts getting color, or do you only want to see the finished product?

That works. Expect a post tonight after work. Computer successfully cleaned.

On suspicion of my computer having a virus, I will be reformatting my computer. Expect 1-2 days of wait before I can post again.

But when I'm back I do plan on having Tatalia deal with this slave-related issue, though probably not with fire.

At this point, I believe I will be forced to make a Bluff check to NOT respond visibly to the word 'slaves' at the end.

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

There is a touch of a grin on the young paladin's face at first when she's asked if she's a 'total greenhorn.' That she made onlookers believe she was not one for a while puts a touch of amusement to her face.

But her mirth is given pause. There is a twitch in the halfling's face at the mention of slaves being sold at the auction. It's the sort of thing that may go unnoticed by the casual observer, but someone with a little luck, skill, or who's actively searching to see what she does might notice.

"Well, I consider myself enlightened," she says to the old sailor. "Thank you."

After that, Tatalia will try and share a bit of small-talk and get a little more general knowledge about Black Bay, but when that is done she'll rise from her seat and thank him again politely. Then she'll go and approach Bronwen and the boy and tell them, quietly, "Let's return to the ship now."

She plans on returning to the ship to make sure Farnell is safe and then to discuss a certain slave-related matter with Bronwen.

As Foghult speaks, Tatalia can't help but regard some of the groups in the room. She glances toward the Bellflower Network's representatives more than once, and toward the nobles and the Coiled Tail. She makes a few mental notes about each of those groups.

And, of course, the halfling does not seem comforted by the mention of a 'Council of Thieves.'

Taking 10 on Knowledge (Local) and Knowledge (Nobility) for a 17 and 16 respectively - what information does that tell me about the groups he's mentioned? Also, taking 10 on Perception to make sure Farnell hasn't run off and done something disastrous again, or that Bronwen isn't strangling him.

Tatalia offers a sincerely apologetic look when the old sea dog finishes. "Your information is worth more than I can offer as of now, Mr. Foghult," she says quietly, "but I will try to find a way to repay your friendliness. Perhaps, if you wish, I could mention your name to someone I know who has a ship to sell...

"However..." Her brow furrows, and she asks with curiosity, "May you make clear how this Auction works? I would rather make certain I understand it in full before I make poor decisions."

Btw, not sure if I said this, but if you ever want to run a solo game for me, I'm always looking for new games. It is a good way to get revenge on your GM, sometimes!

Hmmm. Depends on what sort of game would interest you.

There's this one setting I was working on with a lot of houserules that I'd love to test out, but it might be overtly brutal. We're talking stuff like:

1. E8 (level cap of 8; gain feats after that).
2. Little to no spellcasting for players, but the enemy has access to classes with full spellcasting. So, the player might be a bloodrager, or a bard at best, but the enemy has freaking wizards.
3. Given that, rules for dying are modified slightly. Basically, double the normal negative HP you'd have.
4. Automatic Bonus Progression, but fluffed as 'grit,' so your ABP doesn't allow you to overcome DR like a magic weapon would. You'd need special materials or an actually magical weapon to do so.
5. Given that players don't have full spellcasters, neither do friendly NPCs by and large - meaning that magic items are rarer, there's no magic mart, and healing is WAY harder.
6. No alignment.
7. I'd have to fix Paladins to fit the no-alignment system AND reduce the power of their Lay on Hands... or remove them. I love 'em, but their Lay on Hands actually breaks this.
8. Oh, and it's a homebrew setting with different varieties of human.

Does that interest you so far? This setting was originally inspired by the video game Battle Brothers and designed to be gritty, dangerous, and emphasize a sort of 'Man vs. S#+! that's way more powerful than he is' dynamic. There will be monsters, evil mages, necromancy, giants, things you cannot negotiate with, and battles that you HAVE to flee from... and you'd just be some guy with a sword.

As a solo game, this would probably make you either A) the head of a mercenary band, B) a solo merc, or C) one of the rank in file in a company of mercs. This was intended to be a small scale game (I.E. your mercenary band has maybe 4 PC-classed characters and 8-12 NPC-classed ones), but I could adjust it in whatever way you'd like.

If you're interested, I'll throw information at you about the setting.

"I think I'll do that," answers the halfling with a smile. "But is there more you can tell me about this place and these groups? 'Clannish' seems the right word, indeed."

"Tatalia is mine," responds the halfling with a smile, holding her hand out. "And I suppose it can't hurt to say that I'm doing one last favor for a very dear friend. I'm not certain if I should say more, at least in so public a place."

May I take 10 on Sense Motive? Both for him and for the room in general? Total = 15.

"Well..." Tatalia tries to find the best way to answer the question without revealing too much information. After chewing on it, she decides to say:

"I have been traveling to fulfill the final wishes of a dear friend, the nature of which I should not say. But I needed passage by sea, and there was a captain willing to take me aboard. Fortunate, perhaps, because several days into our journey, we encountered pirates..."

Tatalia will take this opportunity to tell a tale of the battle with the pirates without giving away any names, making sure to make it sound fantastic and grandiose.

Perform (Oratory): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

None right now, save another apology.

Oh, and: I was told that the artist would be able to start some time around the middle of June. Once started, I expect it'll take between 3-7 days for her to complete the piece.

Uhhhh... Whoops. Guess who was wondering why the thread wasn't updating and only just now realized it was I who was supposed to post all along? XD

No, her holy symbol is tucked beneath her tunic and armor. The chain on which it normally dangles is probably visible, though.

Tatalia makes note of the invitation she's offered by the bushy-bearded sailor, then looks to her companions. "I'll be back," she says to them before passing her two coppers to Farnell. "That should be enough for a spot of bread and water," she whispers quietly. Then she admits, "It's all I have left." Finally, she looks to Bronwen and says, "Please keep an eye on him for me."

With that, Tatalia makes her way over to the table with the salty old sailor.

Tatalia gives the wiry man with the shaved head one last cold look, then starts toward the back of the room. She chooses a table that's on the 'border' between the halflings and the more haphazardly mixed group - just deep enough in the haphazard group to be not where the Chelish man told her to go.

Tatalia turns her head and glances back at Bronwen and Farnell before she makes her decision.

Just wanting to see their reactions/expressions, or anything Bronwen might say.

Tatalia's glance flicks to the sign, then back at the man. She answers very simply, "I will not answer any of those questions. I will sit down where I choose and share a meal with my compatriots. You will not ask any further questions except what sort of booze I would like on my table. Are we clear, sir?"

Yep, that's all I needed to know! Hopefully the dice favor me,
because Tatalia is from Andoran and eff the Chelish rules! RAAAGH!

Tatalia smiles up at the man and none-too-subtly taps at her longsword. "Well, I thank you for the invitation, but I believe we can find our own place to sit, sir."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

When you say other groups of tables, you mean ones that have lots of other people (humans) around them, right? I'll post I know the answer.

Yeah, I've been enjoying it a lot. The whole "alias just for the journal" thing should be a good tip there. I haven't done 1-on-1 campaigns before, so this is pretty neat and enjoyable.

I'm going to start chewing on what I want for the picture - the angle, the perspective, etc. - and then make the commission official. I doubled checked to make sure I had the money set aside already and I do, so.

A thought flashes through Tatalia's mind and she grimaces. "I pray it's not what I imagine, or I would be forced to act." Nevertheless, she starts toward the door, her stomach grumbling. "I hope two coppers are enough for something to eat..."

I think that'll be enough. She can probably be kept in the background of the picture where her shadowy appearance can blend in more easily, perhaps with an arrow flying out.

Also, IIRC, the light came from Tatalia's lantern (which was left on the ground).

Also, try this link. Crying gnome alert. She does great backgrounds and is good with light so I'm hoping to make this action scene stand out because of the lantern.

Gonna post in the morning, but as an aside I've been enjoying this solo game enough that I'm going to be commissioning some art of Tatalia - but also, because of the scene I'm choosing, Bronwen and a certain mud elemental. In a certain spooky looking dungeon-like secret cellar.

Do you have a detailed description for Bronwen that you'd like to provide for this? Or more details on the room in question? I'll be trying to send the artist some information tomorrow after work, and will be communicating with them over the course of a week or two.

(As an example of the artist's work, they made this portrait of another character of mine at one point. Which I was pretty happy with, since they made a terrific background and worked with me despite me giving them... that character to work with.)

Tatalia squints at Bronwen, then at Farnell. "Alright," she says slowly, "but if you try running off again I'll do the ear thing, mark my words. I will!"

Tatalia can't see very well in the dark, so she follows behind Bronwen, doing her best to keep Farnell directly in front of her and in sight as often as possible. Inwardly, she knows she could use her lantern, but wonders if perhaps that would be a bad idea.

I'm assuming there are pretty much NO other lights around, right?

Tatalia begins leading the others away from the warehouse. She stops only for a moment to remind Farnell, "I'm still going to have to drag you back by the ear," giving him a narrow-eyed look. "This isn't funny!"

Tatalia focuses, then glances over to Bronwen. "Is there something you're looking for here? Or should I start dragging him back?"

"It's merely circumstantial," Tatalia explains, holding a hand up with as polite a smile as she can muster. "My name is Tatalia, and my companions and I don't intend to bother you. If you would lower your weapons, please?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

THIS BOY! AGAIN!

It isn't often that Tatalia wears a look that can kill a man, but at the moment, she does. "Farnell!" she snaps in a no-nonsense manner, pulling her hand away from her sword and shaking her finger at him. "You listen here: I told you I'd take you with me some distance, and I will, but you shouldn't have snuck off the ship! Now, tell me why I shouldn't drag you back aboard it by your ear! Right now!"

Making the roll and seeing what happens!

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

As she walks, Tatalia's hand slowly drifts from near her sword's hilt to on it. She can't quite place why this is - but it feels necessary.

"Perhaps," Tatalia says as she makes her way down the gangplank. "I'll admit, I'm glad you're here. I can barely see in this darkness."

Yeah, she's going with her sword strapped to her belt, and she's keeping a hand near the hilt. She's not certain about this place, but she figures people are practically expected to be armed in such a shady locale.

Tatalia seems a bit surprised by the words "lady of your quality." "But I'm -" Tatalia doesn't have time to finish whatever objection she has. The conversation moves on. Either way, she shakes her head and smiles.

"I'll take your advice and sleep in the cabin, though I'd like very much to see more of this place first. Thank you, Captain - and you really are far too generous." However lady-like or unlady-like it may be, the halfling gives the old man a grateful hug (well, as much of a hug as someone as short as she can give) before Bronwen steps out from the shadows.

"We should go ashore, yes," Tatalia agrees, stepping up toward the elf. "It's night, but I think we can spend a few hours out and about before retiring back here to rest."

"Is there anywhere you'd suggest I go, Captain?" Tatalia asks as she stares at the hidden port with a scrutinizing gaze. Unlike Bronwen,
she does have trouble seeing. "I'll need to find some sort of lodging, if any is available... I won't ask to use the cabin here any longer - you've been more than gracious as a host.

"And then we'll need to arrange that meeting. How soon do you think they'll meet us, if you had to make a wager on that?"

I'll assume that was pretty much the end of the conversation with Trilla, probably with Tatalia just adding something along the lines of 'just keep it in mind'.

"I hope, at least, to use that need to make a fair trade with them. If I can get into the city and rescue some people from slavery while I'm at it, I think... we'll be off to a good start." She almost says 'I think Connac would be proud,' but isn't sure if those are the right words to use around Bronwen.

Either way, Tatalia grips her scabbard with a wry grin, a fancy coming over her for a moment. She curbs her enthusiasm and adds, "Don't worry. As much as I'd love to stay and help the Bellflower Network for a long time, Connac's mission is still our priority. We'll only be doing this to enter the city."

Also, what's the date in-game again?

She'd have focused on teaching him how to dodge and parry. Mechanically, I suppose she'd be trying to get him a Swashbuckler's Panache pool with the 'Dodging Panache' move.

Intelligence: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

"I am nervous," the halfling admits, twisting her fingers around her holy symbol. "Afraid, even. But I was taught that bravery isn't the absence of those things, but the act of overcoming them. Being nervous is not a fault."

The paladin thinks for a moment as she regards Trilla, then says, "You know - it's never, ever too late to change professions. You haven't been doing this long, I know. I suppose I haven't either." Tatalia smiles up at Trilla. "But you're a good person, I think, like everyone aboard this ship. Just remember that your feet are never chained to one path, no matter what has happened or what choices you've made. You can always find another if you wish to."

After this conversation with Trilla is done, Tatalia will go find Bronwen and make sure she knows Tatalia's plans (meeting with the Bellflower Network to see if they can arrange their entry in return for helping them). Tatalia really hopes that if anyone has access to the gear they'll need to stay hidden in the city, it's the Bellflower Network.

Sorry about that day without a post. Monday's tabletop game stretched out to be something like 6-8 hours long, depending on whether you count the pauses and BSing. Much fun, but I didn't have much focus when I finished.

Can we assume that Tatalia trained Farnell some during the last day?

Tatalia stares at the distant shore with a grim expression. A breath of relief escapes her as the young man speaks, and she nods before turning to him. "Thank you, Trilla. How soon do you believe we'll be docking?"

"Go make sure you've made any farewells you feel you should, Farnell," Tatalia urges, gesturing for the boy to go. "Then have yourself a light meal and wait for me down below. We'll start training today."

Once the boy leaves, Tatalia turns back toward Luek. "I have no orders to give," the halfling says. "Though the sooner we can arrange that meeting, the better. I hope to arrange passage home for the boy through the Bellflower Network, if I can negotiate it. If they can help slaves back to Andoran, they can help him as well.

"I know you are a good man, but having seen what the seas have to offer, I fear he may be at danger aboard the Elm as well as in Cheliax. For now, I'd rather keep him where I can see him." Tatalia bows her head in respect to the old sailor. "Thank you for having me aboard, Mr. Crowel. I know we've yet a ways to go, but your kindness has been a true blessing. I only hope that one day you can put your days of smuggling behind you and pursue less dangerous, more legal ventures."

Thanks for waiting. Retail be ROUGH.

Tatalia tries very hard to make a good judgment on Farnell's words. A torn, uncertain look stretches across her face, and she covers it with her hand, pinching her nose. Finally, she heaves out a sigh and mutters a phrase in Halfling:

"Alright," says the paladin as she pulls her hand away from her face. "I'll take you, but only under a few conditions: one, you need to prove to me you understand exactly what you're getting into. Second, when I say it's time for you to go home, you will go home. And thirdly..." Tatalia gives Farnell her most serious look. "You have to hide from danger. Don't try to fight, don't try to do anything that could get you hurt, and I'll let you come with me.

"If you can show me you understand how dangerous this place is we're going, and if you can promise all that - and you mean it - I will bring you with me. I'll even show you a little about fighting with a sword, but only if swear that you'll do your best to stay safe. Deal?"

Going to post after work. Will be back in roughly 11 hours.

Another roll post - what sort of hunch does Tatalia have about what he'll do if she doesn't take him? Does she think he'll try and start his own adventure again by, say, sneaking off the ship and into the city of Manaket? Or sneaking back aboard this ship as it's headed to Cheliax?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Actually, crap. That's a bad roll. I'll make a proper post in the morning.

"That... I would appreciate it, yes," Tatalia says. "Thank you, Captain."

But Farnell comes up as they're speaking, and Tatalia turns to him. She offers the child a smile, then motions for him to join her and the captain.

"This ship will be sailing toward Cheliax," Tatalia explains, "and the other to Manaket in the south. Cheliax is no safe place to be, so we think you should go aboard the vessel sailing south." Tatalia gives Farnell a very serious look. "But it could be a while before you see your family - you would have to stay with the crew for some time, and they'll eventually be able to bring you home.

"If that sits well with you, that's what we'll do. But perhaps we can arrange for a letter to be sent to your family. What would you like to tell them?"

She's leaving out the possibility of him following her. She wants to see if he brings it up himself, and see how he reacts in general. She's still not sure whether he should go with Luek's crew or not, but she agrees that it's far safer than going to Cheliax. (But then again, he's apparently made enemies with pirates, and who knows what else.) Her final decision will be made here, though.

"That is... a good idea," Tatalia says after a pause. "Though I don't know how I'll find them. But they take halflings out of Andoran - bringing one in seems a bit more dangerous, and would take some convincing."

Tatalia thinks on what Luek says of Bronwen, and adds quietly, "Just remember that whatever her faults, she was quick to help when the pirates attacked. She's..." The halfling starts to add something else, but doesn't.

She changes the subject again. "I will have to see if the Bellflower Network is willing to help, I suppose - if I can find them."

She probably WOULD know of that... I'd like to take 10 on Knowledge (Local), giving me a 17. What all does Tatalia know? Perhaps there's a circumstance modifier for her having been the child of an escaped slave, and for being from Andoran?

"Plenty," Tatalia mumbles. "More than I'd like to.

"It is a stretch of my code, and the idea is abhorrent, but I could go dressed as a slave." The halfling's voice betrays all her discomfort with the idea. "But that is a last resort. I do not wish to be a symbol of Chelaxian tyranny while in this city.

"If there were some magic I could use to make myself appear... appear as something else, something not a halfling... that would make this task far easier."

That sounds good for the leveling. And yeah, I wouldn't mind seeing the fourth option presented, and having Bronwen suggest option 2 makes more sense than Tatalia knowing about that specific magic item (to me at least).

Thanks! I enjoy writing 'em.

"It will be safer there," agrees the halfling with a nod, but she looks uncertain. "I worry, though. You were attacked once on the sea - that could happen again. I would feel best if I knew he would be heading to Andoran as soon as this business was concluded, but you owe me nothing, so I cannot ask that."

Rubbing her hand across her face, the young paladin settles on suggesting "Maybe we should ask the boy. He's old enough to understand, child though he may be. I wasn't much older when I tried to fight off a group of muggers in an alley." Tatalia can't help but snort.

By the way: I was wondering how leveling will work in this game. I'm assuming levels arrive at points that fit the plot.

I do want to go ahead and make it clear that I'm cool with any pace of leveling - including instituting a level cap at any level you choose (even the current one, though I doubt that's your intent). Heck, if you wanted to run this as an E6 or E8 game, I'd be fine with that as well; and I'd be just as fine leveling all the way to 20.

What were your plans?