Tomáš Dušek's page

Hi, Jereru here presenting Tomas Ducek, a swashbuckler. He was in another Kingmaker game that died soon after the first pages, I hope you don't mind. Maybe the background is a bit extensive, but I had it done and didn't feel like wiping it; it can be read easily, me thinks, so I decided to leave it (just change what wasn't due).

I bet you really don't want to know I'm taking a s%%&load right now :P

Tomas can hear Pendrake shouting at him and some others who've taken advance.

"Clustering all together with the king in the middle? Yeah, good idea if they have area effects..." he thinks, but is wise enough to follow a direct oreder in the middle of combat, as much as it hurts his ego. "I don't want to star in the first court-martial of Krádira's history."

Double-checked, your sword is a +1 weapon. Do me a favor in the future and remind me of that.

Will do, sorry (in my mind it was so taken for granted a Level 7 swordsman would have a magic weapon).

What is Laszlo's 'main weapon'? It'll be there on the table in front of him unless he acts to retrieve it.

Laszlo has a Masterwork... something. Flail, I think. He basically fights summonning lads and buffing, so he only uses weapons as a last resort. Hence, he carries around whatever is avaliable at the moment, but doesn't really pay any attention to it. As long as his Holy Symbol is not peace-bonded, he doesn't really care. Of course, our beloved GM might make him repent in a horrendous way, but that is just part of the fun, ain't it? ;)

Regarding the removing of peace-bonds: Sorry, I understood 'use your knife, move action'. Didn't thought about a move action to free the knife (wait, how do I use the knife to free itself if it's peace-bonded to begin with? I would need a second knife! Which... would be peace-bonded, right? oh, well...)

So correcting my movement again.

... and I'm sorry, but may I ask where Tomas got that knife? If you're thinking it's a table knife, you wouldn't have that in the tableau; if you're thinking it's a standard knife or whatever that you had in your gear, again, simple (string) peace bond (as compared to the cord peace-binding on your sword). Plus, see above regarding movement and the tables you seem to have passed through.

I had the knife in my gear (all my PCs have one). Sorry but I don't understand what you mean with 'simple (string) peace bond'. In your previous post I've read using a knife made it a moce action. If I did something bad I can correct it, same as I'm correcting right now the movement thing (sorry but I didn't know at the time).

Edit: Regarding movement, Tomas will then use both actions to move around the tables up to, more or less, where William Lawsrick is (placing him there now).

Damn, the map! I actually explained my movement but forgot to do it on the combat map :P Okay, so headed now to post second's round actions and modify the icons according to it.

Tomas is trying to adopt a more or less decent stance for the portrait when all the maihem occurs.

"What is that?"

He quickly produces his knife and cuts the peace bindings on the sword, then closes his eyes for a second to commune with the weapon. "My father's..."

Typical slavic winter dish.

Actually, if you hadn't mentioned the horns I wouldn't have noticed them.

Oh, and sorry about Laszlo's post. I only now realised that you posted as King Chalm while I was writing (yes, took me a while, interruptions, you know...).

Given what King Chalm just said before me, probably Laszlo's response would be a bit different, saying he's at the King's service but suggesting their capabilities would be better suited for the second group.

"Coalhouse Porter" speaks Tomas to his own self. "I must remember that name, he seems to be quite a resourceful person."

Then the King has some words with them, and explains why the enterprise has been planned in the middle of bloody winter. "It seems this country is full of bloody backstabbers and opportunists" he thinks with disdain. "Though technically, I'm an opportunist myself. Only thing is I found the opportunity somewhere else."

After that, everybody seems to discuss what are they going to do and what are their skills, while Tomas has the terrible feeling that he is good... at nothing.

"Your Majesty, I am here to do whatever task you entrust me with."

While returning to his place, Tomas takes a second to look over the audience, trying to locate the half-orc that he saw before.

"Strange, I don't think I know any of this kind around here, at least among the relevant people in town. In any case, things are too important to commit any breach of honour, so I'll assume the numerous guards have done their job."

When his time to swear arrives, Tomas presents a serious face and moves and talks as the protocol states.

"I, Tomáš Dušek, son of Matej and Šárka, being of sound mind and without reservation, swear fealty of mind, body, and soul to the King and People of Krádira. I swear to bear loyal and true service to the King and People of Krádira, and to honor, preserve, protect, and uphold the laws, justice, and mercy of and for the People of Krádira against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and to bear true faith and allegience to the King and People of Krádira. I swear to faithfully execute the charges given to me, to protect and guide the people over whom I am granted rulership, guarding them in times of peril, nurturing them in times of peace, leading them in times of war, and governing them always with justice tempered by mercy, as the gods give me the wisdom to so do. This I swear to do until my final death, the world's end, or my lord release me."

No need to invent some other fancy words or titles - it is done, and a kind of vertigo assaults Tomas on his way back to his place. "I can't believe it's done. I'm not a Brevoyan anymore. It's done!"

"Interesting. I thought it was only here that happened, but it seems foreigners have the same way of thinking. Everyone happens to act as if their ways were the best or the only ways."

Tomas thoughts reveal a genuine interest. "I must take this behaviour into account in the next few months."

I'm quite curious about the outcome of the duel.

Tomas watches the duel with interest, and nods at Cvetko's first touch. "A classical move. Now let's see this stranger's response."

"His Majesty prefers a limited audience for this duel; unless you are well and truly invested in the outcome, please remain in the Great Hall."

Understanding that he is 'truly invested in the outcome', Tomas attempts to follow them to the Council Chamber. After all, he is going to share travel with some of the involved.

Damn, I actually thought I was posting here. Sorry, my fault.

:: The Duel ::

As a point of fact, Tomáš will lose sight of Lazar shortly after he asks one of his swordbrethren (the student that Khavortorov is distracted by) after the location of the Lord Mayor; alas, the crowd is too thick to be able to follow him without being either eight or nine feet tall or in the upper gallery.

Is it possible to be in the upper gallery? If so, Tomas would try to get there and have an 'eagle sight' of the situation.

I guess technically we lost three, then? Since everyone carries two PCs...

What I can think of right now are the guy who tried to sneak in something and Azrael. Then there are the others who don't speak, but they technically still in.

Tomas watches Lazar go to the Lord Mayor, then trying to reach the King.

-If these idiots had listened to me, they would have asked for permission before it was all crowded. After all, that is what they need first.

He then focuses back in this William Whatever. After all, the situation is going to be helpful, since they are spending some time together out in the wilds.

:: The Duel ::

Tomas knows this moment - the gala - is so important to him that he cannot afford to spoil it by some young brat's malicious words. He needs to be better than that. He tries not to turn his head and answer, and instead keeps focusing on trying to overhear some of what the seconds are negotiating - from a proper distance, of course.

:: The Duel ::

Tomas looks at the swordman who just adressed him.

"You'll have to do better than that."

He immediatly turns his attention to the conversation between the seconds.

Trying to find a way to stop the duel in a polite way, Tomas steps in and tries a wild shot.

"Well, sires, if you allow me just one word..." he starts, and quickly adds before he's interrupted or dismissed "I find myself in the need to remind you that you are in Lord Mayor Ioseph Sellemius' property, and that he's hosting a gala for King Chalm the First. Maybe you would find adequate to inform either of the two that some blood spilling is about to happen before them, in case they feel it improper."

Hoping these words to be enough, he nevermind adds "Also, if I were you I'd try not to injure myself much or else I could be impeded to participate in the imminent expedition. You can always set the matter in a future time, or elsewhere."

Tomas notices something is happening near the gear mannequins, and walks casually in that direction. Seeing someone facing three local nobles, he fears the worst. Which is confirmed when he hears the conversation at hand.

Not knowing what has happened, he dares not interrupt. He looks left and right, though, to see if he can find anyone with authority enough besides the king.

+1 to that.

"Are you a swordsman too? You stand a lot like I've seen the swordsmen here stand. Not completely, but a lot. Are you going to be in the expedition?"

Tomas smiles slightly before answering. "Yes, Your Highness, I am in the expedition."

He thinks carefully about what he's going to say next, pulling his chin for a second.

"I could say I am a swordsman, though I would be more accurate if I said I am an apprentice still. On the other hand, what man of worth is not constantly learning?"

Tomas wanders through the room with a drink in his hands. He tries to study how people react to each other, what company they seek and what do they refuse. A good and wise strategy. Only that he is not good at it. Social reunions have never been his strong point. He can be diplomatic and social, of course, he just lacks the vision and the will for what he calls the 'twisted alleys of politics'.

So, being bored, he looks for someone to have a chat with, and suddenly he finds the perfect group.

:: Theodric, Darvan ::

"These, Your Highness, are very well aimed questions. One should always have interest in the reasons behind a man's decisions."

Tomas respectfully bows before Tobias.

"I am sorry for my rudeness, Your Highness. I am Tomas Dusek, from Restov, a loyal servant. I was just passing by and was amazed at your sharpness. And impressed by Vitez Theodric's narration as well, I have to say."

With that,he turns to Theodric and Darvan for just a second and bows slightly less deep than he did to Tobias Kowalskiy.

"Theodric, Darvan. A pleasure to see you again. Please, don't let me interrupt any you" he says. "I'll be just another avid listener."

Ok, failed to comment on it... because there's nothing to comment on it. But just in case... neither Tomas nor Laszlo are carrying or wearing anything magical. Anything. If there's something missing or if any problem rises, we'll see how to handle it, though I'd say a new king would be wiser than to show a weakness like that in front of his new subdits who are going to help him give birth to his new nation.

"Vitez Tomáš Dušek!"

Tomas enters the room at the very same time his name is announced.

"With him, Vitez László Nagy, Priest Servant of Seramaydiel."

Laszlo enters just after Tomas. They both salute the crowd with a gesture half way between a nod and a reverence. Tomas' one is slightly colder and more mechanic when directed towards the Aldori, though he performs a special, deeper one to King Chalm Surtova.

"Your Majesty."

Being aware that there are many other people waiting to get in and others who have not even arrived yet, all of them probably more important than him, Tomas walks gracefully to the place where he is supposed to wait patiently until the King declares the event started. Laszlo follows closely behind, though his attention is focused on trying to find out about the attendants' religious believes.

It is going to look artificial if that's what Tomas wouldn't do, and I did it just to have something to post. What he thinks is that he'll get to know the people on their way to the Stolen Lands. After all, all they can say now could be only lies or posing - he'll check how they act rather than what they say.

That is not to say I share his point of view, though. But, as I said, worry not - I am still active, here, alive and kicking and waiting for the real action ;)

Of course I'm here. I just have nothing interesting to post IC, only chatter between cohort and primary PCS, so I thougt that was adding nothing to the game but slowing it down. Also, I thought it would end up rather artificial if I just showed up at any of the places where you are right now. So, basically, I'm just letting you unleash it :P I'd like to read all the conversation and stuff, but I thought it would be good not to, since Tomas is not there to hear (thus saving me from ooc knowledge).

That is, basically, why I said yes on skipping to the party.

No, I can't think of anything really important. Lots of unimportant chatting, in my case, which I'm trying to save everyone from.

Na, I don't have any of those :P

Lol, I didn't want to check until I saw what the GM had to say about it. Once he's approved, let's have a look :)

Tomas takes a light stroll to the theatre. There he buys a pair of tickets for himself and Laszlo. "This will give us a good chance to ask the rich about those nobles from Mendev and the Khartorov lands. Besides, it could be the last time I can go to the theatre...".

Before visiting Laszlo for dinner and taking him to the theatre, Tomas decides to have a glass of wine at a tavern nearby. Who knows, he might find someone to have a chat with, either about the newcomers or about anything else.

"I must ask Laszlo to throw some inquiries about all those new holy people", he thinks as he is entering one of the inns. "He might know about them, who knows."

Tomas spends the next hours waiting for the meeting and having some couples of ale at the specific taverns where he knows he can get some information about the different groups involved in the march. A couple of coins here, a drink there and some help from Laszlo and Pavel should suffice to get at least the basics of some of their leaders.

PAVEL: "Don't worry, cousin. I have a couple of friends who..."

After the people start going back to their chores, Tomas starts doing all the preparations. Taking care of the expedition's materials, telling Laszlo all the details and getting ready for the dinner.

When he hears the name of his company, Tomas can't help showing a sign of relief. "Yes!"

Immediatly after it, he tries to discern who of the ones around him show that same sign, and thus relate their faces to their groups.

"Well, my father used to say, if you can't win with swords, you haven't used enough. Of course, I agree there are quicker and more effective methods, but one should use the resources at hand. And here in Restov, swords are a plentiful resource. One just needs to use it."

Tomas smiles at Darvan's response.

"Yes, exactly. When two men are going into the wild together, they should know what to expect from each other."

Turning his head to Theodric and with a genuine gesture of ignorance, he asks quitely.

"I beg your pardon?"

Overhearing some parts of the conversation, Tomas can't help get a bit closer and adress the group he's focused on.

-Excuse me, mesdames et messieurs... My name is Tomas Dusek, at your service.- He bows gently. -I... couldn't help but to hear by chance a bit of what you were saying, and I was amazed at the fact of finding someone using two swords at a time.

Tomas looks at everyone involved, but focuses his attention on Theodric and Darvan.

-Are you by chance looking forward to be accepted in the march? If so, and we both get to be at it, I would be very pleased to witness such a feat.- Tomas smiles, and is about to go on but hesitates at the very last moment.

-Na, let's not mention testing or anything related. There'll be time for that.

Sadly, his sense of competition is too high to avoid replying to Danvar's proposition, a fact that he uses to somewhat make-up his interruption in speech.

-Sir, it would be a pleasure to spar with you. If we're going to settle a new nation together, we should by any means be close to each other and, in my humble opinion, nothing strengthens ties better than a good sparring, don't you agree?

Tomas, not being able to listen much appart from fragments, has a look around to see if he spots someone famous.

This is the link to my previous honour roll: Link

Dice rolled were +2 -4, for a total of 1+7+2-4=6

Actual honour should be 12+7+2-4=17

I've already sent a PM to TWO and will change that on my alias, as well as add the Fame rating.

Laszlo will also roll and change the alias accordingly.

Noticing that a group is forming, and that more and more people are attaching to it, Tomas moves near all of them to try to overhear something. He knows it's not the most polite of things but, after all, rumours are the everyday of high nobles and kings. And if he's going to go to the Stolen Lands during Calistril, he might as well be a bit informed of who's going to go with him.

-So this is the day...

Tomas is wearing a nice red cape. It is cold, really cold today at the Red Table Square. Actually, he wouldn't have been here if it weren't for the fact that the announcements were about to be made.

Yes, today, Tomas is about to know whether he and his people are accepted into the march for the Stolen Lands. A lot of things cross through his head.

-Look at all these people. Looking for a chance, just like me. Elves, dwarves... I see quite a motley here. Who knows? Maybe one of them is going to save my life out there in the cold... or maybe take it.

Trying to distract his mind from these bad omens, Tomas has a look around the people to check if he finds someone known.

Oh, by the way:

Honour: 1 + 7 + 1d10 - 1d6 ⇒ 1 + 7 + (2) - (4) = 6

Tomas needs to have done more than just fought a bunch of duels against Aldori students for the past zillion years; Chalm would look at that, say "so what? Roundfile him" and move on to the next person. Tomas and every other PC needs to have proof, a good number of months' proof, which means at least a couple levels' worth (and Tomas didn't 'have a cohort' before that time, note) - proof that he can work with other people, give orders and have them willingly obeyed, take orders and obey them willingly, talk things out with people both more and less experienced than him, and show from past example that he will be useful to the king. 'Field experience,' 'part of a group,' and 'good reputation' are all specific things that have come up before, and I should not be needing to reiterate them here.

Ooooookay, now I get it :) Sorry about me forgetting your mention, it was a bit long ago.

Hi to everyone!

Tomáš Dušek - Requiem of Wolves - A pair of adventurers said to have left or been kicked out of their former group, though it's possible the rest of them had been killed.

Ok, so if I understood correctly, this means that Tomas and Laszlo are perceived as those mentioned adventurers, right? Otherwise I don't see the relation with their backgrounds.

So... I guess we get to post on the Gameplay section?

Not using Hero Lab, sorry. Is it very expensive? I have created some Excel sheets for personal use when I make characters, but if HL is not a money sink I might think about getting it.