Hey peiple! My apologies and more for dropping away w/o notice. Unfortunately I won't be able too get this adventure underway...real life is kicking my arse hard. sorry guys.
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In the sitting room:
Spoiler:
A finely dressed porter opens the double doors, music and joyful revelry pour through as two serving girls bring in trays with choice meats, bread and a pitcher of wine.
"Compliments of the master of the house," says the porter. "He will see you after he has addressed his guests." For Gaius
Spoiler:
Gaius has heard of such customs elsewhere in Umbria, but here in Lukasport, such customs are considered superstition. A handful of guards were evident as Gauis entered, two at the front gate...three more patrolling the grounds, each in his own section. In the great hall:
Spoiler:
The musical introduction for the tumblers reaches a crescendo. Rupert Beard, flitting his glance about the room catches Cristoph's eye...and gives him a nod, his cup upraised. For Cristoph Spoiler: Christoph overhears, much as he expected, more than a few remarking about him. Traditionally only local elites were invited to the gala. One or two, remark that you must have wandered in from the food pantry. Other than that, he hears remarks about Solomon Beard's daughter...who is not here, and has not been seen at other social gatherings all season.
Wow...many apologies for the late start. Got hit with the work/new girlfriend/family trifecta. But we're on now...here's the first post... enjoy and hit me back here with any questions...
Part One: Night falls over Lukasport, with a crisp breeze and the tolling of bells. The Syrenfall district is crowded as usual, with the lilting tales of balladeers sailing through the air on threads plucked on taut lute strings. Voices rise and fall, and the wanton laughter of harlots punctuates the din rising up from the taverns. A stretch past Syrenfall, the Front grows quiet. No less crowded than the lavish quarters of Syrenfall, this place was teeming with dockworkers and sailors…now with nightfall, the city’s hidden economy springs to life. Gambling dens and taverns catering to those who shun the ample lamplights of the Lukasport, open their doors. Behind the ornate gates of the Sifford district, the gentry of Lukasport stream up Bonfire Street where stone houses extend in neat rows on a lane adorned with trees and polished oak benches. At the top of the hill, a large estate with a gated entry terminates the street. This is the estate of Solomon Beard, one of Lukasport's richest merchants…a man who has made his fortune acquiring and re-selling spices, textiles and…other things from distant lands. He is said to have boasted, that if it exists and not nailed down to the floors of Hades…he can produce it for sale. The garish opulence of his estate stands as a testament to his success meeting the promise of his boasts. The gates, the posts of which are sculpted in the shape of naked giants, swing open and permit entry to Solomon’s guests. Tonight is his annual gala, an event as regular as the seasons and as anticipated. Already the music fills the district and as in the city beyond Sifford’s gates, merriment and laughter shimmer in the cool evening air. The guests press into the great hall, lit with wondrously mirrored lamps from above, where musicians and prestidigitators entertain them. The food is served in an adjoining hall, where seating is provided at a series of round tables…draped in silk and adorned with silver. On the balcony above the great hall, flanked on either side by sweeping marble stairs, Solomon holds court with his wife on his arm and his son, Rupert at his side. His daughter is nowhere to be found. While Rupert's wife, Freya clings to her husband’s arm with a smile pressed onto her face, seemingly enduring the social event only barely. The center of the great hall is cleared and the musicians alter their tune, the evening’s first performance by The Tumblefoot Trio is about to begin. Till Tumblefoot
Spoiler:
On odd bit of confusion a few days ago brought news that the gala was to be cancelled – as stunning news as if it had been Spring that was failing to come to pass – but within a the week the affair was back on. Now the gala is underway and the guests seem to be enjoying themselves, waiting now for the much touted Tumblefoot Trio to perform. Gaius Octavian Cicero
Spoiler:
Gaius met earlier with a mage-scholar named Solonix, in connection with an assignment that will open the door to a position in the Keep of Knowledge. Gaius has been asked to pay a visit to Solomon Beard, and appraise an artifact he claims is of ancient design and that’s come into his possession. He’s offered to sell it to the Order, and Gaius is to make sure the device is everything they’ve been told it is. Imbolc Taloran
Spoiler:
His Master’s message spoke Rupert Beard who has reportedly returned from Gallowfae with an object given him for safekeeping by the Elves. This object is now apparently being sold! Imbolc is to inquire after the object, and the bearer’s travels in Gallowfae. Mort Timos
Spoiler:
Mortimer received a cryptic letter from his sister, Freya who is married to Rupert Beard, and living at the Beard Estate. She rambles on in her letter, of night terrors and constant fear of…she knows not what. Christoph Buhrer
Spoiler: Christoph saved Rupert’s life and the two had some drinks. Rupert seems a bit paranoid about strangers in the house and even tried to cancel the gala tonight. He promised Christoph good coin if he will mingle with the guest and be his own eyes and ears at the gala, aside from his father’s handful of guards.
Sorry to keep making changes and requests... No worries. I checked it out and I think it's fine...certainly suits your concept well. Also, you can use the Javelin...I don't really see why it's excluded. Game post will be up in a couple of hours, my apologies for the delay...it's been a busy morning.
Ill take that as a "yes choose spells as if you have complete access to the spell compendium".How does spells work in your world? Do clerics and other divine spellcasters have access to the complete spell lists? Or do you require some sort of feat, quests, special prayers taught by rare monestary etc?I recently got a hold of the Spell Compendium. Can we use that for spells?That's perfectly fine actually, I should have listed it before since I recently got my hands on a copy, so by all means...of course, this also applies for Gaius & Mortimer. Had a devil of a time getting onto the Paizo boards yesterday, dunno if I was the only one...but yes...feel free to use any spells you have access to from the compendium. First game post will be up late Sunday/or Monday AM...EST.
I recently got a hold of the Spell Compendium. Can we use that for spells? That's perfectly fine actually, I should have listed it before since I recently got my hands on a copy, so by all means...of course, this also applies for Gaius & Mortimer.
I've designed him to be a bit of a "showy" fighter, with lots of tumbles and feinting to catch his opponents unawares ... Good-good... taking ranks in Perform is a nice touch. Like the BG too, put me in mind of Conan's humble beginnings...the one depicted in the movie, that is.
Thank ye, I'll keep that in mind.
I'm happy to say that I've used the backgrounds/hooks provided to formulate a plausible beginning for all of you...and it doesn't take place in tavern! I'm working on a site that I can access from the office, to upload combat grids - 'cuz I'm a visual aids sort of guy. Also, I'm posting the city details and other common knowledge bits in my profile for easy access later... I won't be online this weekend, so I'm hoping we'll have all chars ready to go tomorrow, so we can start monday with a little chapter I like to call: The Dreadful Hour
That is a good deal of typing! I wish I'd logged on a little earlier to spare you that... someone directd me to crystalkeep.com and their Class summaries...so I'm up to speed. Long story short, this will work.
Okey, here's a little bit about the region outside of Lukasport...I'll admit it's a little thin...but we'll fill in the blanks as events require. Beyond the City Walls
Spoiler: Lukasport is situated on the Deepwater Coast, with the Umbrian Channel to the east, and Europa beyond. To the north of the city, ruin-pocked boggs stretch on for miles until a cliff drops to the fields of Boarsgrove below. Beyond Boarsgrove, the roads cross hilly terrain and ancient crags on the way to the Barony of Taeg. To the west, the Royal Road snakes its way through woods and lush fields to the capital city. After crossing the Idyll River, a handful of settlements dot the path across Umbria along the Royal Road. To the south of Lukasport, deep forests and placid villages lay upon mostly flat plains. Hear and there along the southern coasts, the watch houses of the Red Shields keep a vigilant eye for raiding parties 'gone astray'.
Wouldn't mind at all, looking forward to it. And, yes, I'm liking the group as well.
The adventurers…
Yes, that's right, PsionicFox...I've decided to make my life insane keeping up one more...and a acrobatic halfling at that. Was it the guilt-trip? The vote of confidence? Well, it all helps...but the tenacity clinched it. Plus, look at that avatar...who could say no to that face? Who? *bawls openly* Ugh, work is conspiring to keep me from posting the Beyond the City Walls section...It's taken me all morning to write this... but I'll try and have that up tonight. I'll just need completed sheets for Christoph & Till, then we can begin. I know Wicht will be traveling next week, but if all are amenable, we can start in and introduce him during...PbP being what it is, I don't think we'll have gotten too far.
Oh, dang it PsionicFox! You're gonna make me cry...
Got ya, remember, drink plenty of fluids. LUKASPORT
Spoiler:
Population: 40,000 Politics: Mageocracy Growing out of the village of Lukas (c. AD 300), Lukasport has spread from a few homesteads along the deepwater coast, to a bustling city of travellers, tradesmen and scholars. The most impressive structure in the city is the Keep of Knowledge, the headquarters of the The Order of Mímisbrunnr. It is a minor fortress of whited walls that gleam on sunny days, and with three towers of equal height. The head of the order is the half-elvish Syndar Lirem’Syl, a wizard of great skill who is known for eschewing the historically public aspects of his post and spends most of his time in the bowels of The Keep. The head of the city council is Rhea Dillon, a successful merchant who owns a number of ships. She is one on three non-arcanists on the city council. The other seven are wizards, and only two of them are not members of the Order of Mímisbrunnr. The Captain of the Guard is Tor Gamlin, who is notable for his vigilance and foresight, that despite the fact that he is missing his left eye. The city has a few distinct districts: Syrenfall District Syrenfall was developed to commemorate the Lukasport’s 500th anniversary. At its center is a lavish walking garden with an ornate water fountain that feeds a brook that cycles through the garden. Outside the north end of the garden is a public stage where bards and troubadours sing and tell their tales late into the night. The surrounding shops, taverns and inns are all high quality (and not all of them expensive...), and frequented by adventurers and those who need them, or simply like to be around them. There are seating areas and plazas that radiate beyond the central businesses, all patrolled by Guardsmen, and reportedly the stealthy Veiled Guards. The notably unremarkable building that houses the city council can be found in this district. Laerad District The district that houses The Keep of Knowledge. Schools both magic and mundane can be found here, in-between shops selling magical wares and exotic materials and arts from all over the world. Sifford District The walled district that houses the wealthiest families in Lukasport, and on Sifford Hill, the local noble: Duke Piers Umber, keeps a mansion, although he seldom stays there. The Front District Named after it's iconic street, Front St., The Front is where the docks and warehouses are located. A couple of cheap watering holes as well, if you're tough enough you can actually find an honest card-game here...the regulars don't suffer cheats for long. Helmhand District Not far from The Front, Helmhand is named after the rich sailing merchant responsible for many of the districts buildings. Many business fronts and merchant-class homes. The financial backbone of Lukasport. Bledston Corners Once an affluent district where wealthy merchants competed with the ornate architecture of their townhouses, Bledston suffered riots during the brief famine that followed the Blight of Estervale to the West. The wealthy fled the district, which is now home to refugees and off casts of every race. This is a high crime area where the City Guard holds post outside to keep the worst of the rabble in.
BEYOND THE CITY WALLS...
I'll be working on the character today - will post more details when I have 'em. ooooh a Stormlord…coolest PrC name I think. To The Archivist: Would I be correct in assuming that Rema (Rome) lost the war with Carthrage and is now merely a protectorate? Yes, Remans still manage a good bit of pride at how long the city held against the Carthaginians and their allies on the Italian peninsula. Carthaginian military presence has increased in the aftermath of a horrible, bloody barbaric invasion from the East, led by Morning Bane cultists. Torillan, this invasion would have touched Germania as well.
Looks good, and thanks for the heads up. The adventurers…
I'll post the promised Lukasport regional details in a bit...
Actually I was thinking of it more being a cleric of the Grim Reaper herself. I don't know if this would fit within a specific religious group (specifically the CULT OF THE MORNING BANE). Maybe be a strange and misunderstood loner? It could be a transplanted faith from Europe, wouldn't have too many adherents in Umbria...and probably would be interpreted differently by different groups. The Druids might believe Valdis to be an aspect of nature...Morning Bane cultists might believe Mortimer is an apostate member of their own cult. BTW, kudos for including potential hooks.
Reporting in so far...
-- In addition to common and whatever racial bonus languages you choose, you will have a regional bonus language for your birth nation. A note about me as a DM, I do appreciate character hooks and background details. Also, without blatant spotlighting I do like to give each character a place to shine...like in the best ensemble fiction. Oh, PsionicFox...I'll keep you on a wait list as we're currently full up, but I'd have to look into the racial subs, as I don't have the Races of books. I do like the gypsy Halfling idea.... Tomorrow I'll be posting some detail on Lukasport and the surrounding region.
The discussion thread is up, here's the link. .
Realms of Umbria ...And here's the discussion thread for our game, for throwing around Character ideas and questions, in short all things OOC. For those of you considering demihuman races, feel free to use any of the sub-races shown in that race's monster listing Once you've got you concept more-or-less fleshed out, please have your character 'sound off' in the format below. Name:
I'm re-posting the character creation details here. Looking for 4-5 non-evil characters, Level 6
Sheets: We'll use profile alias here since they're so handy.
To answer your questions: Language Yes, aside from regional languages, there is a Common language based on early Elvish. It takes the place of Latin in Europe as a root language. Religious Militia Yes and no, there are Orders of Soldiers organized usually by rich nobles to serve the faith...often in protective duties. However, in regard to THE WAY OF THE EMBRACING SUN, there is no central authority, instead local councils of Twelve arbitrate matters of faith and answer collectively to the first council in Palestine. Individual orders vary in many ways, just as regional councils - so your background may have been a good experience or not, depending on your preference. Aside from the orders, there are of course monarchies, local nobles and such who have their own secular forces. Invisible Castle I've no problem with it, the other link is a recent discovery, and just wanted to share. ArchLich: Rogue/Cleric? I'm glad that you've decided on Cleric...One might come in handy, and I don't mean as a Medic. Although, I hope our multi-class fighter/rogue will be up to the task of saving you all from traps. :> ...insert evil laugh here... Adventure Locales The adventure will start off with some intrigue in Lukasport, but will lead to adventures int he wilds, both below ground and above. Hitpoints Full HD at 1st and 2nd lvl., then use these average hp (d4=3, d6=4, d8=5, d10=6, d12=7) for the remaining levels. If however you'd like to take your chances, feel free to roll.
Excellent, glad to see all the interest.
Torillan - Fighter-type (Yeah, just core races.)
I'm tempted to open a 6th slot, but I think 5 is what I can handle. I'll wait and see how balanced the party is. I'll open up a discussion thread soon, and link to it here.
You are in the city of Lukasport, in the realm of Umbria. This is the most cosmopolitan of cities, schools of wizardry crowd the plazas, taverns and inns catering to travellers from Europa across the channel serve the finest fare and feature the greatest bardic talents. Since the Blight of the Estervale, the breadbasket of Umbria, desperate souls have filled the streets of Lukasport in search of opportunity, or simply escape to the lands across the channel and beyond Europa's war blasted lands. What brings you here? What will you find? Adventure? Riches? Danger? This sounds quite open-ended, but there is an adventure in mind. One with plenty of danger, a bit of intrigue and some interesting twists before it's all done.
In brief, Umbria is the kingdom occupying the southern half of Great Umbria. This is basically and alternate world with fantasy elements. The regions of Europa aren't worked out yet, and as long as you don't mess with the simplified cosmology, and Earth-like geography, you can invent anything out there you need for your background. One notable difference in the world beyond Umbria, and mind you I'm no Harry Turtledove, is that Remus, not Romulus lived to found an empire...Reman and not Roman. This empire did not fare as well against Carthage and hence, faded from history as The Cartheginian empire prospered. Here's some setting detail, for you to look over: REALM OF UMBRIA
Looking for 4-5 non-evil characters, Level 6
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