Hey guys! Sorry for being silen for so long, my computer broke down and I couldn't get it back online till now. I'll try to get back into the game this evening. Sorry again :(
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The shoanti sighs. "I am surprised to say this, but I think that's not a bad idea, Galford. I know you have a light step if you want it to be, and if there's nothing suspicious around we can go our merry way without any incident." He leans on his quarterstaff and shifts his weight a bit. "Or what do you say?"
"Not directly, no. It's just... I thought for a second that maybe he acted under duress? Doesn't sound like a goblin thing to do, I know, and maybe I just misread something in his behaviour." Tharjuk frowns a bit. "You are probably right and he just lives up to his name. I don't want to initiate problems when there are none."
"Well, thanks a bunch, Mr. Proudstump. We'll be on our way then. Keep save!" Tharjuk nods to the man and steps back, turning his attention to the group gathering around Irnk. "Somethings not quite right here I think. I get the impression that Proudstump is trying to hide an injury from us, and the way he acted at first... did anyone got a look inside the house by chance?" he asks after making sure he has some distance to the cottage.
"Sure a master tracker like you can give a bit more precise directions, Mr. Proudstump? We're not here to impose on you, but on behalf of Sandpoint increasing goblin problems." He makes an apologetic nod to Irnk at this point. "Please?"
"Unless someone's allergic, I'd say it needs some time for a reaction. There are several cures, but the most prominent one requires fomenting the area with a mush made from sword roots, which has a quite unpleasant smell." Tharjuk cocks his head curiously. "Why?"
"Those plants?" Tharjuk peeks onto the leaves the tengu is holding. "Let me see..." "I don't think they have any medical use, I'm afraid. I think that one here causes a nasty rash on naked skin, so be careful, we don't all have feathers." He winks at Galford.
On their way through the swampland, Tharjuk will keep his eyes open for any useful plants he could add to his pouch.
He will then join Sybil at the door, curious about the person who lives there and to possibly help with any diplomatic issues.
Tharjuk waves a hand at Avon. "Not that I think myself particularly wise, but even those with great insights still fail to overcome challenges from time to time, be it epic deeds or simple matters of everyday life." He pads his pouch. Listening to Shalelu, Tharjuk shows increasing signs of confusion. "Wait, if I may ask, so Irnk knows the lay of the land, but this Proudstump fellow knows it even better, and Irnk will show us the way to him?" Tharjuk raises an eyebrow and mutters something in Shoanti. Shoanti: Why to elves always have to be so mysterious and unclear... spirits, give me patience.
"Don't take offense so easily, Avan." Tharjuk doesn't step forward, but he is leaning on his quarterstaff with the weary expression of someone seeing something familiar. "Imagine the roles were reversed, would you simply back down from a group of bigger people coming up and talking about you in the third person?" He nods to Irnk. "I believe we have a misunderstanding here, partly due to the fact that we all are on our way to... deal with the recent goblin problems of Sandpoint, so finding one right here on the road was probably the last thing anyone here expected I guess. Name's Tharjuk, of the Shundar-Quah." Tharjuk doesn't change his posture or wave his hands, but looks at the goblin with a quiet smile on his face, curious how he'd react.
Although glad to have his pouch back, Tharjuk will pick a plant or two along the way, if something catches his notice. "Well, that is unexpected," murmurs Tharjuk at the sight of the goblin. "Is that the help Ameiko mentioned? I didn't even know there were goblins that dress like that." When the group closes in on the two figures, Thajruk will try to cast detect magic on the goblin, preferably when someone else is talking to him or her.
Sorry for being so late with my posting, I had written something and then forgot to send it - tab was still open when I accessed my PC at home. @GM: Tharjuk will have a keen interest in collecting herbs, not that I expect any mechanical benefits from it but just for some roleplaying fun.
Tharjuk nods to Sybil and extends his hand. "Tharjuk, of the Shundar-Quah. Nice to meet you in person, Sybil. Koya told me a bit about you, and I've seen you around, so it is almost sad we finally meet under these circumstances." He smiles. "Almost. As for the wisdom you attributed me so kindly with, I wouldn't dare to claim it myself for I know that I have yet so much to learn. That has become quite clear to me since I've stayed in this lovely town." If Ameiko hasn't seen his lost pouch of herbs, Tharjuk will accept this loss (for now), and buy a new pouch and a few rations from her. He will then go to his room, check his gear, and then go back for a small drink or two with anyone still remaining in the Rusty Dragon.
Tharjuk scratches hin chin thoughtfully. "While I am not eager to join a fight anytime soon, this goblin problems surely needs to be dealt with, and since I'm not planning on returning to the Shundar-Quah anytime soon, I might very well just come along to ensure nobody gets hurt." He looks at Gao and Sybil. "Especially for Dao, since I am in Koya's dept with my life. This may be a way to start repaying it." To Apex, he says in a lower voice: "You studied at a college? That must have been something, I always wanted to see how the southern schools differ from the way the elders teach the youth in my tribe. If you'd like to share some stories further down the road, I'd be interested. Especially since you carry the mark of one of nature's spirits, which..." he fiddles with his religious symbol. "Which reminds me of home."
Well, if he gets back his herbs, Tharjuk could concoct a mild sedative to help avan with his anxiety problems...
Avan is killing me here... awesome dialogue! :)
When it is clear that nobody is seriously injured, Tharjuk relaxes visibly. "The spirits be blessed, this could have gone a lot worse I think." He makes a jesting gesture towards Koya. "Please don't do that again to me, yes? Im still intent to repay the dept of saving my life, preferably not by saving your's in similar, dire circumstances." After making sure that Koya is ok, Tharjuk will try to catch up with Sandru. "I haven't been here that long so all I know are the stories from around, but did something like this every happen before?"
"If it is any comfort to you, I got my fair share of whispers and rumours as well. A savage Shoanti, this far south, living with an elderly woman? I'm sure Sandru was relieved when I rented a room in Ameiko's lovely establishment." Tarjuk touches a scar on his left arm with an absent look in his eyes. "Hard to believe how long I've stayed here by now..." When Avan steps up, Tharjuk gives him an irritated look, but he catches his wit quickly. "I believe you have, and I have seen you before as well. You work here, yes? Tharjuk, of the Shundar-Quah." He reaches out with his right hand. "You haven't seen a leathery bag with dried herbs around, have you? Seems I misplaced it, and the Rusty Dragon is the last place I haven't checked."
"Nice to meet you, Apex!" Tharjuk takes a seat. "Please don't mistake me for being nosy by saying you were not from here. I just noticed the other day that some people whispered behind your back, and to me it felt like a typical reaction towards an outsider." He smiles at her. "I am kind of an expert when it comes to people, or at least I hope to be, otherwise years of training and education would have been a waste... although Shoanti interactions are somewhat different from the way southeners behave, so it is quite possible I am making a fool out of myself right now." He looks at Apex, and then at Ameiko, expectantly.
Apex chokes on her food when she realizes the Half Orc is talking to her, and then sputters. Half-Orc? What the heck? Just because I'm a Shoanti and have tattoos? Wizards these days, I swear...
Tharjuk doesn't see Galford on his way, which probably means that somewhere someone is cursing the tengu's name. He enters the Rusty Dragon and scans the patrons briefly, before he spots Ameiko in the back. At the bar, a man massages his neck like he just woke up, and Tharjuk almost opened his mouth to say something about early drinking, when he remembered Avan. He was here yesterday... I think he works here? Well, whatever he does he must be good to be allowed sleeping at the bar. He gives Avan a friendly nod, before making his way to Ameiko. Behind her, he now spots that mysterious lady with the blue hair, obviously touched by a spirit of nature. Interesting. Maybe I can get her to talk to me, if she doesn't withdraw herself like yesterday. She must have quite the story to tell. "Warm sun and easy paths, Ameiko! I am sorry to interupt like this, but have you by any chance seen my bag of herbs and remedies? seems I lost ot somewhere yesterday, and this is the only place left to search... please tell me you have good news." To the blue-haired woman, he smiles. "I am Tharjuk, of the Shundar-Quah. Again, sorry to interupt like this. I have seen you before, but never got the chance to exchange words - you seem like someone not from around here, like me."
Question: are we allowed/should we use skill checks (Bluff, Diplomacy, Sense Motive) between PC's? I'm not thinking about creating problems, but I can easily see situations where someone might prefer to keep a secret, or try to figure out what's going on with the counterpart. I am cool with both skills and playing it out naturally, therefore my question :)
Tharjuk has switched rooms recently, since he didn't want to impose on Koya and give her some privacy again. He isn't quite sure what to make of Sandru yet, so he hopes this will help to smooth any resentments that might or might not be between the two men. He got a small room at the Rusty Dragon, which is a nice change of pace. Not that Tharjuk didn't enjoy his long conversations with Koya, but having easy access to music and songs visibly lifted his spirits again. Yesterday, he had teased Ameiko with one of his divine cantrips, watering down her drinks every now and then. It had taken her a while to figure out who was responsible, and they had a good laugh together. But it seems that Tharjuk somehow lost his bag of dried herbs, and since it isn't anywhere else he went today, it has to be somewhere in the Rusty Dragon. so right now, Tharjuk makes his way to the inn. He half-expects to see Galford on his way, for it has been several days since he last patched up the black-beaked tengu...
I have a real soft spot fo Sumerian myself, but I haven't found an online translator yet and running through PDFs and books for real dialogue is kinda tedious... :)
I was about to ask what kind of language that is, cool idea.
Tharjuk didn't spend every minute in Sandpoint at Koya's, so I think he'd have been to the Rusty Dragon at least once or twice. Having met most of you by now seems reasonable (except Galford whom he knows better by now because bruises). A shared background doesn't really make sense since he is really a far cry from his tribe's territory in the north.
And here I was hoping to initiate a hot romance with Ameiko... damn.
@Meninite: I don't know how well they translate to PbP, but I have seen a rather highly rated homebrew for caravan rules somewhere (didn't read it though), maybe even on this messageboard. I announce at least a mild interest in fiddling with the caravan, without knowing the first thing about the mechanics.
@Galford: well, works for me. After healing up from the ambush and getting past his depression, Tharjauk might have patched up Galford once or twice. @Sybil: if you traveled to the upper north-west of Varisia, maybe? It is a far cry from the popular cities :) As for mixing up AP's, happened to me as well. Which is why I wholeheartedly support the motion of new AP's not to start in Sandpoint.
Tharjuk stepping in (I changed the named during the application process, saw the old one mentioned here and there). A shared background between characters sounds like a cool idea, although Tharjuk has only recently joined Sandpoint's community. I can see potential for some contact with Sandru and associated characters since Sandru and Koya are close. I plan to build Tharjuk primary as a healer, and secondary ranged controller (when such spells come online on the Cleric list), but I won't step on anyone's toes in that regard. Thajruk is pretty good in Diplomacy though, so I'd be happy to invest in social competences.
Thanks for having me, Meninite!
Oh dear, now the waiting begins. May the spirits show favor to the path I have taken!
@Alex Mack: A Shoanti brother, how nice!
Tharjuk Shundar-Quah re-applying for Jade Regent (from the other thread): Human Oracle (Life) with Shaonti background. Questions: 1. Have you played PbP(Play by post) before? I have played in two games before (not on Paizo), and am currently the GM of my own game here (Red Hand of Doom). 2. What is your Time Zone? GMT+1 (Central Europe, Berlin) 3. How often do you think you will be able to post per day? At least once, but most days multiple postings should be possible. 4. I'm thinking of a fish, which one? The funny one.
Greetings strangers, may your spirits guide you well. My name is Tharjuk of the Shundar-Quah, and I am blessed by Immonhiel, the Balm-Bringer, with the divine gift of healing. I heard that a great undertaking is being prepared here, and although being late to the necessary prayers and preparations, I would like to humbly apply for consideration. Let me recite the songs of my tribe and show you the lines of my tattoos, so you may judge my worthiness. Appearance:
Tharjuk is a handsome young man with gray eyes, dark skin, and long black hair. He is lean and hardy, but not as fast and strong as most of his kin. What he lacks in physical strength, he compensates with his charming and sociable personality. Intricate tribal tattoos are visible on his arms and breast, telling his personal story in the way of the Shundar-Quah. Origin:
Tharjuk was born as the only son of a Shundar-Quah hunter. As a result, his father had high expectations of him, only to be greatly disappointed by his son's lack of physical strength. Tharjuk wasn't clumsy, and he certainly learned to find his way in the wilderness, but a warrior he was not. And so Tharjuk was left behind time and again when the sages and warriors of his clan went out to judge a dispute or chronicle a feud between the other Shoanti clans. One of the old men, Chedhi, began to take care of Tharjuk during these times, and he tought the boy the ways of the spirit totems and the art of healing. Soon, Tharjuk got a reputation for having a blessing touch and became a respectable healer, but his father still looked at him with disappointment. But the Shoanti life is brutal, and even the Shundar-Quah have to fight their battles. Tharjuk began to travel alongside the warriors, to provide first aid during and after battle. When he was caught within a real battle for the first time, he wavered, scared out of his mind. Surrounded by the sound of the dying and the smell of death, his talents failed him. He almost ran in shame, leaving his tribesmen behind, had he not seen a mysterious old woman appearing on the battlefield. With a divine touch, she brought release to the suffering and restored health within the wounded. When she reached Tharjuk, she touched him on the head, and his mind was filled with awe. Then she vanished, like a spirit in the wind. With a regained vigor he had never felt before, Tharjuk continued what the mysterious woman had started and returned home with many survivors, although it seemed that his newfound spirit came at a cost, as he was somehow slower on his feet then before. Upon his description of what had happened, the elders recited the old songs and read within the signs of the shaman's oracle until it was clear that Tharjuk had witnessed Immonhiel the Balm-Bringer, a mighty spirit, coming down from the celestial battlefields. She became Tharjuk's patron, and he dedicated his profession as healer to her name.
Sandpoint:
During a long trip across Varisia, Tharjuk and his fellow tribesmen rested shortly in Sandpoint. A huge gathering of the Shoanti was threatened by a petty feud between two war-chiefs, and the Shundar-Quah wanted to resolve the issue with diplomacy rather than greataxes. During his stay, Tharjuk befriended an old woman named Koya. Her mother had just passed away, a fact that amazed Tharjuk quite a bit considering that, from his point of view, Koya herself was an elder. But he tried to console her, telling of the living spirits in every thing. It was then that Koya smiled and revealed to him her devotion to Desna. Tharjuk in return told her of Immonhiel and his epiphany, and he asked Koya many questions about Desna's nature, intent on proving that she had to be a spirit of nature. They talked for hours. When Tharjuk had to leave, Koya followed his group, inspired by his stories to make a little trip of her own to take her mind off things for a while. To her great surprise, she found the Shoanti men only a few miles outside of Sandpoint, most of them dead. Warriors send by one of the troublesome war-chiefs had intercepted the Shundar-Quah legation with an ambush. Koya rushed to help the dying men, but she could only save three of them, one being Karjuk, whom she barely stopped from entering the afterlife. The two other Shoanti left Sandpoint in a rage, to bring their elders news of death and betrayal. Only Tharjuk stayed behind, tired of yet another upcoming clan war and the shedding of blood. He often visited Koya, thankful for his timely rescue, and their talks gave both of them a little comfort in their individual melancholy. Days turned into weeks, and with time Tharjuk became his old self again – except that his thoughts now turned to the realms beyond Varisia.
Character:
Tharjuk has a charming and engaging personality. He seems to have a knack when talking to other people, no matter their background or profession, that goes beyond his good looks. In this way, he embodies one of his tribe's ideals. Maybe due to his profession, which forces him to deal with death and disease on a constant basis, he has developed a dry, sarcastic humor, but he enjoys a good joke and he never knowingly insults other people's beliefs. Although he absolutely believes in Immonhiel, the Balm-Bringer, Tharjuk sometimes questions the usefulness of his profession, giving that violence and bloodshed never seems to end. During these moments, he feels powerless and self-delusional. It never lasts, and the day might never come that Tharjuk really breaks with his beliefs, but it is something he is carrying in his mind.
Statistics:
Tharjuk Shundar-Quah Male Human Oracle 1 (Life) CG Medium Humanoid (human) Init +2; Senses Perception +1 -------------------- DEFENSE -------------------- AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 13 (dex +2, armor +3) hp 10 (1d8+2) (+2 Con) Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +3 -------------------- OFFENSE -------------------- Speed 20 ft. Melee quarterstaff -1 (1d6-1/×2) Ranged light crossbow +2 (1d8, 19-20/x2) Special Attacks channel positive energy 5/day (DC 14, 1d6) Orace Spells Known (CL 1st; concentration +7) 1st (4/day) – cure light wounds, bless, endure elements 0 (at will) – create water, detect magic, detect poison, light Oracle's Curse lame (20 ft. base speed) Mystery life -------------------- STATISTICS -------------------- Str 8, Dex 14 Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 18 BAB +0, CMB -1, CMD +11 Feats Extra Revelation, Selective Channeling Traits Rescued (Koya), Focused Mind Skills Diplomacy +8, Heal +5, Knowledge (nature) +4, Spellcraft +4, Survival +5. Languages Common SQ Oracle's Curse (lame), Revelations. Combat Gear Quarterstaff, light crossbow, 10 bolts, studded leather (29 lbs).
Alternative Racial Trait:
Heart of the Wilderness: Humans raised in the wild learn the hard way that only the strong survive. They gain a bonus equal to half their character level on Survival checks. They also gain a +5 bonus on Constitution checks to stabilize when dying and add half their character level to their Constitution score when determining the negative hit point total necessary to kill them. This racial trait replaces the skilled racial trait. Traits:
Rescued: At some point in the past, you had a terrifyingly close brush with death. Whatever the peril was, you would have certainly died if not for the swift actions of Koya or Shalelu, who intervened just in time to save your life. You’ve never forgotten this, and remain fiercely loyal to the NPC who saved you. If Koya saved you, she did so by casting a healing spell on you just before you died, and as a result you gain a +2 trait bonus whenever you use cure spells to heal damage. In addition, you gain a +1 trait bonus on all attack rolls against foes that threaten your savior. Focused Mind: Your childhood was dominated either by lessons of some sort (whether musical, academic, or other) or by a horrible home life that encouraged your ability to block out distractions and focus on the immediate task at hand. You gain a +2 trait bonus on concentration checks.
Revelations:
Channel (Su): You can channel positive energy like a cleric, using your oracle level as your effective cleric level when determining the amount of damage healed (or caused to undead) and the DC. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 1 + your Charisma modifier. Spirit Boost (Su): Whenever your healing spells heal a target up to its maximum hit points, any excess points persist for 1 round per level as temporary hit points (up to a maximum number of temporary hit points equal to your oracle level).
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