Tellis Corinesten's page

DM Ray wrote:

I noticed that when I looked at them but ultimately, one says you have to have The Trickery Domain and one says that you can only have one Domain.

I think my point has got lost, possibly because I didn't express it clearly.

Each archetype, of cleric or any other class, involves giving up A to gain B, trades a negative for a positive.

Asmodean Advocate gives up one domain [among other things].

Evangelist gives up one domain [among other things].

If you take both you should lose 2 domains to get the negatives of both archetypes. That is the whole point of the rule you can't take archetypes that alter or replace the same class feature I think, you won't be paying the cost for both domains. Unbalancing? I think so.

Rule as you want, it is not really my concern.

DM Ray wrote:

Though I'm a big believer in real-life/logic-arguments-should-NOT-be-used-in-D&D

This is just theoretical.

I am of the opposite view, well mostly. It is real life logic that if you start with 10 arrows and have fired 4 you have 6 left. Everyone uses it in RPGs. You just have to, otherwise you can't figure anything out.

Real life logic should be used in RPGs unless it interferes with the heroic nature of the play or leads to excessive argument.

And true to my own philosophy, I better stop there. :P

Actually, I agree that you are right... They are incompatable. I originally read it that you had to take the trickery domain, but missed the part that you only get one domain.

Considering a priest with Evangelist and this archetype if it is allowed.

Interesting... let me think about what would fit well.

Agreed, we had a fun crew for a bit.

This is the second or third time things have halted, I agree this one is done.

"I apologize if I offended, I have just arrived in the city and literally know nothing about this Shepard person. Please forgive me... It just appears this Shepard person has taken notice of us, and I need to know whether I might be in danger or should be worried."

Smiling in a friendly manner, Tellis responds.

"Certainly, any recommendation would be appreciated! The vandalism was accompanied by a note, from a person calling themselves the Shepard... Would you have any knowledge of whom that might be?"

I will ask around and see if I can figure anything out about this Shepard or what this might mean. The dagger is cold-iron, so not inexpensive. The threat seems genuine.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

I think we were heading back to the house. Hopefully the GM shows back up.

"Let us return to the house and see what our mistress might have for us..."

Tellis looks at Edmund in total shock. "Edmund, you disgrace your noble blood with this lawlessness! Assault of a citizen? You profess to wish to join the Order of the Nail, yet you flout the laws of the city in this public fashion?" He nods at Leandric, "Agreed Leandric, we cannot countenance such behavior that might effect the lady's reputation... Let us get home before we are caused further embarrassment!"

Glaring at Edmund Tellis says quietly, "Did you not hear what I just said?"

He then stands with hands held open, placatingly, "Come now, nothing untoward has happend. The girl was witnessed stealing and has been turned over to the guard in an appropriate fashion. No one wants unnecessary trouble. Let us calm down and look to the authorities to handle things fairly, shall we?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Nodding at Marcus approvingly, Tellis says, "Of course, of course, the safety of the Ambassador is paramount. And, of course, anti-Chelaxian sentiment could foster a more threatening atmosphere for the one who represents Chelliax. A popular official is certainly safer than a highly unpopular one dispatched to a hostile foreign land..."

Not realizing any conflict had occurred, Tellis eventually returns good naturedly and shares what he has learned in the mean time.

"Well, it appears native Chelexians are... Not exactly popular in Korvosa right now. Apparently Ileosa lacks her sister's gift of knowing what is and is not a good idea to say, as she has been quite vocal about her dislike for this 'horrid backwater that is unfit for even pigs to wallow in.' We should avoid adding to this opinion and try to be more genial with the locals..."

"Based on this dislike, most of the populace is simply thankful that she won't get to rule in any real capacity. Despite the rumors of the King's horrific (and apparently incurable) disease, even if he dies, control of day to day affairs reverts to his seneschal, Nikolas Kalepopolis."

"On the ambassador front, it seems that the man sent prior to Lady Dressarosa was one Gregori Amprei, a man renowned in Cheliax for writing a 'travel' book speaking of the inferiority and dangers of more than a few countries, including Varisia. Much like Ileosa, he has been adamant in his dislike for this 'collection of petty hovels,' though this has not stopped him from buying a few select properties in the area for himself."

Finishing his drink he adds, "So it seems we shouldn't expect an overly warm welcome, but should try and repair the reputation of our great Nation in the eyes of these who should be our close allies."

Still gathering information...

I am assuming that since it took Tellis an hour to gather info, he sin't available for this.

I'm assuming Tellis is still off gathering information at this time.

I will be less available than normal for the next couple of weeks due to Holiday travel. I will still try to post at least once a day, but if I am holding things up please take an action on my behalf.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Tellis will be gathering information for an hour, so the rest of the group can chat/move along without him until it is time to go.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Very good! Tellis shakes Marcus's hand as an equal, hoping to set the stage for a fruitful partnership.

Turning to Edmund he smiles, nods, and answers, "His uncle was a high level church official, and so they had access to remedies that returned him to fitfulness. Next time we might need to take more permanent measures."

"In the mean time, let me check with the barman about what is going on..." Tellis heads to the bar to examine the situation and engages patrons and staff in light conversation, taking his time to wander the paths of interaction and trying to glean what news there may be in the city.

Tellis is beginning to use gather information specifically as it relates to about Lady Dressarosa Arvanxi's arrival, her sister, and anyone associated with them. He will keep at it for the afternoon, drinking and enjoying himself and his new companions while trying to find out what is going on.

GM: Would you like to roll these sorts of checks in secret? He would retry several times as long as time allows.

As he follows Edmund to the table, he turns back to Tellis, knowing it polite to continue conversation. "What brings you to the Lady's service?" It's a good question, and one that's served him well. Intelligent and proud men always like to speak of themselves, given a chance.

He doesn't yet sit. He'll wait to let the nobles take their preferred chairs.

Looking at Marcus squarely for a moment, Tellis seems to ponder something then speaks. "Direct, yes. I like that. Well Marcus, I will be honest with you. And know that this sort of honesty is rare between men of our stations, but since we are companions I think it is correct."

"Among the nobility there are two things that are valued above all, bloodlines and wealth. My bloodline is strong, nearly impeccable. Unfortunately, wealth is something that my family lost several generations ago. In truth, I am half a nobleman. Were I a woman, I would likely be married off to a rich merchant with delusions of having children in the nobility. That rarely works out as intended. For me, I have to change my own position in the world. For that, I have my wit and my skill with a blade."

"In truth, your circumstances are exactly what brought me into the Lady's service. You have been rewarded for heroism. However, should I have done the same my bloodline would create a greater result. Had I done the exact same act as you under the same circumstances, I may have been granted new lands and titles, along with honors and celebration."

"Simply put, coming here with her Ladyship in this manner puts me in a better position to be a hero. It is a mite bit mercenary and surely a gamble, but one where the rewards might just outshine the risks. And even if nothing truly exciting happens, my willingness to take on such a task will gain me prestige and reputation at home. Such things can be currency among the nobility."

"And know this Marcus... I am one who understands the value of friendship. My companions in such a venture would likewise be well rewarded for their continued heroism, in fact the perception of the nobility and common man working together could increase the prestige and reputation we gain. You could even find yourself elevated to the Peerage under the right circumstances. It can be a matter of being the right person in the right place at the right time."

I think we are having a good opportunity to flesh out our characters from an RP perspective, and heading to the Inn for a bit should provide further opportunity for that. I for one don't mind a little push in a certain direction from a GM in order to keep us on course, however. The plot line seemed to give us some free time to gather information at the local tavern and that's what Tellis is about while he tries to build bonds among his new companions.

"Shorline it is then! Lead on young squire!" As they walk, Tellis has notticed how the pesant hero seems disorentied by their banter and the societal differences. In an effort to include him, Tellis sidles up beside Marcus and takes his arm in the fashion of a close comrade.

"Now Marcus, while we are all here to protect her Ladyship, you are the only one who has successfully saved her life so far. The rewards you have been given are thus well deserved, but I can only imagine that your sudden elevation in Society has left you somewhat dizzy... so I let me give you my word: While we travel together, you may trust me as friend and brother-in-arms. A blade drawn to you is drawn to me as well. I hope I can earn the same from you."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Skipping over the early statemnt, Tellis focuses on the latter hoping to get beyond the talk of Hellknights and rebel provinces. "Exactly Leandric... we need information. And what better place to find what the common man thinks than a good tavern."

Laughing in a genuinely friendly manner, Tellis continues on as if Edmund had merely continued his own jest with his "straight-man" recitation about life and death, while not discounting the validity of the teifling's statement. Tellis claps Edmund on the back and places another hand on Marcus's shoulder. "Well said Edmund... and Wine! That is a fine idea! Come Marcus, and the rest of you! Let us see what fare Mr. Ruttle can find for us... he seems quite capable, after all. Rutland! Come now, lets be off!"

Smiling broadly to diffuse the tension, Tellis adds, "Well, until you take your vows, Edmund, let us enjoy the free time we seem to find ourselves with. I for one could do with something besides ship's fare. Mr. Ruttle, perhaps you could recommend an inn or tavern? And please join us if you would."

And that will make it even easier for this crew to celebrate the peasant hero and avoid a bit of intra-party class war...

Examining their new home...

"Hmm.. well. It appears the adventure begins. Once more into the breach and all that. I'm guessing that we don't have a proper cellar or pantry here, so perhaps we should see about that Inn we discussed earlier."

With the conversation turning towards more infernal interests, Tellis chimes in reciting what might be practiced line attempting to use humor to deal with a delicate situation in Chellish society: "Oh the Hellnights serve a invaluable role for both the Empire and Prince of Law, and it is a true sacrifice they make giving up both their senses of humor and propriety to achieve this noble task."

Know Local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

After saying proper goodbyes to the Ambassador, Tellis says, "Lead on Mr. Ruttle..."

As they set off and are well away from the guards, Tellis adds, "Edmund, I believe that woman dueled Vencarlo Orsini himself to a draw. Apparently he wasn't her type and took offense to her rejection. Was a fight to behold I have heard...

Perception = Hangover I think...

And Tellis simply couldn't comprehend that he possibly could have been classified as a servant. Just not possible enough to even be a consideration that occurred to him.

At the mention of servants, Tellis looks around. "We are meeting others then? Very good. Please lead the way Mr. Ruttle, the Lady would like to rest before meeting with her sister." Tellis gestures for Mr. Ruttle to lead the way.

A bit of red in his eyes show the time spent last night drinking with the sailors and trying to learn that silly game with the knives, yet Tellis still walks beside the lady and Edmund with the lazy grace of a strolling nobleman. "Yes, of course... Mr. Ruttle." Tellis rolls his shoulders stretching mildly now that he is outside the confines of the ship. He appears to look around the docks for the lady's contact, with her hand safely in the crook of his left arm and his right hand free to draw steel if needed on the rough-and-tumble docks.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

"Come now Edmund, let us not frighten the lady. We are off the ship and surely the true obstacle has passed. Now we just find this... Ruttle and then a nice inn perhaps. It will be good to get something not stored in a ships larder for weeks.."

Google docs works well... That said, I have found that PbP runs much better with maps, otherwise people end up waiting for multiple posts to illustrate the scene dragging things out.

Tellis is: Glad to be aboard, it would have been embarrassing to return to his peers after his glib announcement... Slightly surprised that Edmund is glad to be non-human, but I suppose we all must embrace our disabilities... Interested in learning about Hiram's culture as it is quite exotic for one from the heart of the empire... Glad Sclivian is along so no one will expect him to attend to clerical tasks... Enchanted that a peasant hero such as Marcus is along, surely that will fit well into the bardic recitations of the group's exploits... Uncertain about Leandric because Tellis's father cursed the name numerous times in drunken fits claiming things must have been forged, which would be a sin that Tellis would never countenance - Fortunately, Tellis considers his father both an inveterate liar and a horrible judge of character.

Tellis has honestly never seriously thought about the issue of slavery. His family hasn't owned any due to their lack of finances and he simply wouldn't distinguish between a paid servant and a slave. That said, he would likely pay servants rather than purchase slaves both to avoid the risk of a failed investment and to be able to continue to incentivize good performance through rewards.

Tellis would likely see Enmund as a bit of a kindred spirit, both have noble blood but are unable to perform the role of noble at the time. However, Tellis doesn't fully approve of Hellknights as he considers their intimidating violence a bit gauche. He (naively) doesn't understand why such force and intimidation are necessary to promote what is already a fairly ideal society.

Tellis doesn't consider himself a true diabolist or devil worshipper because Asmodeus is a god not a devil in Tellis's eyes. That said, the Infernal Compact is working and using bargains with devils to one's advantage is both lawful and seems to work. Kind of like hiring an overy aggressive/vicious guard dog.

That said, Tellis would cultivate relationships with eveyone and make efforts to get along. The only issue would likely be someone who wasn't interested in working together to further the group's interests in an orderly fashion.

Please consider Tellis Corinesten as an applicant. I've never played the AP before and have looking for such an adventure with a suitably Chelaxian flair.