Valko van Richten's page

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Valko finally manages to stifle an unwanted commentary on the ridiculousness of their antics. Instead, his annoyance at least partially mitigated by the return of his vision, he walks casually towards the others and sighs before indicating Ferit's departing and enlarged form with a 'after you' flick of his hand. Just survive. You can survive. After they've all died you can report back to the Lodge. Who knows? Maybe the next team will listen to reason. Or maybe I'll just retire to Sothis. Sothis is still warm? Warm as a Fire-Bleeder, actually. Maybe Sothis isn't a good idea.

Valko fastens a bolt in his crossbow and forms the caboose on the train making after the retreating wererat.

Just to touch base here, as I think most here are already aware, I'm pulling out of most of my games. I'd like to give it a week or so to decide officially on this game if that's alright with you Crusty.

Can he crouch against the wall and get adequate cover? Basically just want to stop being a target for more bad stuff hah.

Valko reels back down the hallway that brought them here, unwilling to find himself ended by an angry hive of rats due to the antics of another. He presses his back to a wall and slides carefully away from the fighting, looking for solid cover from any future projectiles.

Not that he's any use in a fight to begin with, but blinded on top of cover/shooting into melee/whatever else doesn't add up to much to contribute atm.

Out of town until Monday Night, taking a trip with the family and catching a Browns game.

Valko rolls his eyes and spares a knowing look Ferit's direction. "Did we get all of them? None made it further in?"

"Don't worry, my stair-ascending challenged compatriot! There are far worse things below than rats and people masquerading as rats. When reached we have that bridge on this grand adventure, I assure you I shall insist on having you at the fore, blundering and maddened every step of the way. Although, I feel it pertinent to ask, have you made arrangements? Last will and testament? Is there a missus Felston at home I should contact in the likely event of your untimely and predicted demise in the depths of a Thassilonian ruin beneath the sea itself?" Valko is already counting the warrior's money in his head.

"Worry not, my fellow cypher! You'll be impaled on some sort of horrible trap before too long and worries will no longer be your purview. Or maybe you'll be devoured by a den full of wererats that were unnecessarily tipped off to the approach of a cadre of Shalasti infiltrators who had spent the grand portion of the past two days planning an assault that evaporated in a single instant of impatient ignorance due to an ex-gladiatorial nincompoop I predicted would perform thusly on the day of our first meeting!"

Keeping that 10 feet of breathing room handy, btw; haha!

Valko, with a healthy does of snark, calls up ahead to Radyx "Are you sure you were in the Serpent's Run? Sure it wasn't the Serpent's Crawl? The Snail's Tail? Maybe the Turtle's Dash?"

Remaining 10 ft. behind Radyx, safely out of reach of his weapons haha.

Almost as an afterthought, Valko's ears hone in on the wheezing huff and whine of Renfeld making his way up in the rear of their number. Rolling his eyes, the Ustlavian half-elf calls out, "Renfeld, stay with the boats! You're about as useful as a tumor in that shape anyways."

Valko continues after Radyx, torch in hand.

Looks like the ACG stuff is on the SRD now. Cool if I rebuild Valko as an Empiricist? Won't change much overall, just loses the poison stuff and shifts some emphasis away from alchemy.

"You're!" Valko corrects with a smirk, though the half-elf is thoroughly confused by the slow moving human's criticism of his own pace.

I'm just following 10' behind Radyx for the time being.

"I look like I'm about 50%"

Honestly, unless you're going all-in with DM keeping tabs on everyone's HPs instead of the player, insisting on in-character explanations isn't necessary (imo). I'd rather just leave that to the tactical/gamist part of play.

Totally understand. Thron can attest to the complete and utter inability of our usual gaming circle to keep track of any sort of healing items.

My mistake. Wands only weigh an ounce, not a pound. I'll take the CLW then.

I think I'm like right on the edge of encumbered, or I'd gladly hold on to both.

Fighting back a bout of nausea, Valko is overcome with agitation when the light of the everburning torch begins to approach from the level below. A colorful diatribe begins to materialize for Renfeld's misstep, when the half-elf sees that it is the ex-gladiator ascending, rather than the sickly lab assistant he expects. The red that had begun choking Valko's features manages to deepen.

After a few muttered vulgarities, he finally manages to say, "Well done! The entire compound is no doubt on full alert now, as I see you have lost the struggle with piecing together what such a complicated phrase as 'advance quietly' means."

Valko stomps past Radyx and angrily swipes the everburning torch out of Renfeld's hands. Then turning, he gestures up the stairs exasperatedly and whines, "Hop to it, then! Go show the Tower Girls how 'they do it in the arena'."

While Valko cannot see up ahead, he notes that Ferit's orcish eyes are not so limited. The half-elf presses his back to a nearby wall and waves Ferit over. The Ustlavian points to his eyes and shakes his head before indicating the pillared hall beyond.

Valko signals a full stop to Ferit while he creeps quietly forward to deal with the tripwire. . .

Disable Device: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

Valko continues ahead of the main bulk of the group, glad to have Ferit nearby in case something manages to get the drop on the scrawny Ustlavian. He curses mentally when he hears Radyx making a racket behind, hoping the lout doesn't draw the ire of whatever manner of sentry has been posted to watch for intrusion.

As the pair of skulkers approach another stair, this one curving upwards out of sight, Valko nods ready to Ferit and pads noiselessly ahead, eyes drinking in every minute detail of the surroundings.

Is taking 10 on Stealth/Perception fine, or would you prefer it be rolled individually?

If the former, Valko's got a 26 on Perception (27 to spot traps) and a 20 on Stealth. I'll drop those values in the stat line somewhere if Taking 10 is cool. And if not. . .

. . .Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33 (Trapfinding +1; +4 to distinguish statue-like creatures)
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Valko gives the entryway a quick once-over, knowing full and well this level has been picked clean. The lack of sentries, however, gnaws at his paranoia. "Natalya's ex-accomplices have likely seen to the ruin's ancient deterrents, but there's no telling what surprises they have added to the place. Perhaps, rather than subject the muscle to said surprises, Ferit and I should advance quietly to ascertain what dangers lie ahead."

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18

"Fortunately for us, I'll be present for our delve into the piling. The Crow itself will pose no threat to us so long as none choose to blunder blindly into every hidden nook and cranny of the place. We should also consider the vision my own Shard has shown me, I think. . ."

Valko will recount with as much clarity as possible what he saw while being shown the location of the second Shard. Speaking of which, any Knowledge rolls I can make for any of the creatures I saw during that?

Knowledge (Dungeoneering, History, Local, Planes, or Religion): 1d20 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 11 + (1) = 29

Valko shrugs at Radyx's response, then says, "I'll leave the riveting discussion of what forms of violence are newly available to us to those among our number already predisposed to demonstrations of a particularly physical bent. We've already enough muscle to lift the fallen remnants of the Irespan itself skyward, so I will dare to venture a small glimmer of a hopeful guess that Master Taros has rendered unto our number the services of individuals capable of solving problems by way of actions not confined solely to the realm of thugs and brigands. By the grace of Lissala, I might further set myself up for soul crushing disappointment by daring to hope that, among these new cyphermages whose talents shall be subsumed by our own grand spectrum of capabilities, there exists at least one that is actually capable of decrypting a cipher!"

The Ustlavian half-elf listens intently as the new additions to their number introduce themselves. In particular, his curiosity is piqued by the drow among their company. His own elven heritage imposes no discrimination against the ebon-skinned elf, but Valko is curious as to what circumstances brought the fellow into the fold. He wore no slave brands, freed or otherwise, so it was unlikely he was purchased from traders at Sandpoint.

Abruptly, Valko says to Remiandiv, "A free drow in Shalast? I think I should like very much to hear recounted the tale of what allowed that to be a truth. Although, given the nature of our mission, I should think we will all be very willing to accept the services of one such as yourself."

"Well, Oi need a silver club or sumfin before we head to the Crow," he comments to the others after his laughter subsides.

Valko considers for a moment, then says, "If necessary, I can lend to you my own dagger—pure silver and of ancient Thassilonian make. While I am very partial to it, I would have no problem lending such a thing to you in the interest of keeping a hive of rat-women from gnawing at me."

I'm ready to proceed whenever; no rush, though

Okay, I boughtses:

light crossbow w/ 20 bolts (37 gp)
a deluxe dungeoneering kit (130 gp)
an alchemy lab (200 gp)
paid Renfeld 3gp to cover 10 days of payment

I'll let someone else carry the kit (any volunteers)? It's 15 lbs. Part of the parcel is an everburning torch.

Valko rises with the sun, as he often does, setting about his morning routine with gleaming eyes and zeal. The brand of the Cyphers will soon grace his right forehand, and his first actual assignment would soon be underway. The Shard of Pride—one of the very shards forged by Xin himself—hangs around the half-elf's neck much as it had Natalya's just a night prior. A wide grin splits the Ustlavian's face as his runs a thumb gingerly over its coppery surface. Pride. That singular sin seemed at home more than any other in his hands. He would claw his way to prominence. This is only the beginning.

A prolonged groan and a series of whimpers announces Renfeld's presence. Valko rolls his eyes and calls out "Enter, Renfeld! Stop lurking about the hallway like a pea-brained simpleton!"

The door to Valko's bedroom opens and closes, admitting the lurching form of the half-elf's trusty assistant. "Master?"

"I've chores for you, Renfeld. That outdated collection of broken pipes, cracked mortars, and squirrel dung we made do with has outlived its usefulness. You are to make your way to the markets and procure some items more in line with ou— MY new standing." Pressing a simple bit of parchment with a short list of quickly scrawled items, Valko ushers Renfeld out the door and pulls the door closed behind him.

______________________________

Bowing to the newly introduced cyphermages, Valko says, "I extend greetings to our new companions. As you have been informed of, we seek to gain entrance into one of the ancient pilings that once supported the Irespan that looms over Magnimar. While Miss Vancaskerin knows of the way into the place, where the Tower Girls have taken up residence, the true purpose of our visit will carry us far beneath the scope of what Natalya knows of the piling. As such, I have come prepared. . ." Valko gestures to Renfeld, whose buckling knees gladly deposit a large bundle of goods onto the table.

"At the moment, we should decide on our method of approach. I would recommend we wait for cover of night, in the interest of not losing an entire day to preparation."

Only thing I can see Valko going for would be the extra backpack honestly (and that itself isn't gonna get much mileage with him). Armor is too heavy for him to bother with.

I am going to purchase a light crossbow and 20 bolts with his share of the money. So he can. . . like. . . kinda do something occasionally.

Option 1 sounds fine. I'll have to go a'considerin' things what fer t'purchase.

Valko remains silent for several moments, head slightly bowed and eyes closed. He appears as if in a deep concentration, and nothing that occurs within the room elicits any reaction from the half-elf. Finally, his eyes open again. An infamous glimmer of self-importance returns to his bearing, and he turns to face Taros again with a wry grin upon his face.

"Your assumptions have proven accurate. This artifact has shown me where one of its siblings reside—a black sliver of adamantine. Perhaps more fortunately, it is not so daring a trek as one might imagine. In fact, the Shard rests beneath the very city we now stand upon: Magnimar."

At his feet and pacing back and forth along the length of the dining room, Valko continues, "Of course, there's more to it than that. It currently rests somewhere beneath the Irespan—the ruined bridge that stretches out into the coast. It was once supported by several pilings, but most have since fallen into a similar state of disrepair. Fortunately for us, The Crow—the piling we seek—still stands. It lies far beneath and hidden away upon a Sihedron altar. But here's where things get tricky," Valko starts, approaching the table to lean over with palms planted upon its surface. "The upper chambers are occupied by women dressed in leathers. As the vision descended deeper into the lower levels, I became confronted by several other creatures. The speed of my clairvoyance made proper glances a rarity, though beyond a blob of babbling flesh chained to a wall, the most common thread seemed to be small, blue skinned humanoids with a penchant for surgery and vivisection. More surprisingly, Fenster and those of his cronies we spared were there—among others I do not recognize."

"Questions?"

"Gladly!" Valko replies. Following Taros' instruction, the half-elf grips the shard firmly in his hand and focuses on the Sihedron of legend; an artifact whose likeness will soon grace the very hand that now clutches the Shard of Pride.

Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 10 + (5) = 32

I also have 4 garnets and a fancy dagger from the paradox box I need to appraise. I'll be putting the garnets back into the shared loot pile, btw, given the change in Drawback/Traits. Probably keeping the dagger, assuming it's mwk.

Cautionary tale to the newbloods: Valko is a douchebag, unlike his totally awesome player. Also, he's a frail little child in combat. Please be gentle.

Also, in regards to the valuables we recovered (including the garnets Valko pilfered) I can spend time appraising them this in-game night.

I can identify any potions or alchemical items by holding them for 1 round and making a Craft: Alchemy check (Take 10 gets me a 20).

Valko allows those in the room to briefly touch the Shard of Pride in order to glean the nature of its properties. When Natalya awakens, he raises an index finger before his face and says, "I think it should be made abundantly clear that I took every pain to ensure you reached this place intact. And also, I was not the one that hit you. . . for what it's worth."

"That is irrelevant at the moment," the half-elf shrugs before continuing, "given that there's a gang of thugs out for your—and probably our—blood. Rather than spending our time in an eternal winter dispatching whatever greasy, pustule riddled filth they deem fit for hiring for the deed, we should see about nipping this in the bud. As fortune would have it, we happen to have a decent little array of freshly-minted Cyphermages with quite a bit of experience in nipping. What we need from you, Ms. Vancaskerkin, is a location and details about said location."

Moving this discussion here:

Not only does carrying the shard (Not necessarily wielding it!) grant you a +2 insight bonus to all skills and a +2 insight bonus vs Illusion spells, but it also allows you to cast Major Image once per day using your character level as the caster level.

In addition, the Scarlet and Blue Ioun Stone imbedded within it still works for whomever is holding it - as a result, by holding it you gain a +2 enhancement bonus to your Intelligence Score. The skill the stone is linked to is Knowledge(History), granting you full ranks in that skill as long as you hold the shard. However, the bonus to intelligence is only considered a temporary bonus until the first 24 hours of you carrying it has passed, so you gain no additional extracts per day until after the 24 hours are gone.

Removing the Ioun Stone from the shard destroys the stone.

I would super-awesome-love to keep this for Valko if there are no objections. He's a skill monkey whose primary ability score is INT, so it's right up his alley (no, not that alley).

Working on leveling up now. I think I'm going to just drop my Drawback and one of my Traits. I'll continue to roleplay Valko as a bit greedy without letting it negatively impact wealth distribution—keen on rewards, maybe pocketing a gemstone here or there, etc. I really don't want to screw over the rest of the players on loot, honestly, and the drawback is pretty stout (it basically removes Aid Another from my list of actions permanently).

I can't remember what your rules are for leveling up Crustypeanut. If we are allowed to roll, I'll go with that. If not, lemme know and I'll edit it.

2nd Level HP: 1d8 ⇒ 7

BAB +1
Ref +1
Will +1
Skills: 11 (6 [Class] + 4 [Int] + 1 [Favored Class])

• +1 Acrobatics
  
• +1 Appraise
  
• +1 Bluff
  
• +1 Diplomacy
  
• +1 Disable Device
  
• +1 Escape Artist
  
• +1 Heal
  
• +1 Knowledge: Geography
  
• +1 Knowledge: Local
  
• +1 Perception
  
• +1 Stealth

Class Abilities:
Poison Lore; Poison Resistance +2
1 additional extract (1st level)
New formula: blend

Valko laughs a bit as Ferit's handiwork is brought to bear against Natalya. "I forgot to mention that part, did I? How dreadfully forgetful of me!"

As they make their way into the Cypherlodge, Valko proudly—if irritatingly—marches along the front of their number full of self importance. He pulls the seat at the dining table across from Taros out and presents it to Ferit so the orc can deposit the dead weight he has been lugging. Then, turning to Taros, the half-elf says, "I can see that you're well on your way through dinner, but I do hope you've saved some room for a bit of missing informant."

"Granted, it was no easy task. It involved a bit of bribery, seduction, and slaying—all the usual intrigues of navigating the filth-choked streets this city plays host to. Fortunately, as you can see, I was able to ply a good bit of deception in order to get our missing person recovered and intact." Valko pulls out another seat at the table and plants himself in it. He folds his hands atop propped elbows as he leans forward, continuing, "We tangled briefly with some Sczarni in the employ of a lady belonging to the Tower Girls. They spoke of our guest here having parted ways with them on less than amicable terms. Indeed, she seems to have stolen something from them."

Gazing up towards the woman near the chimney, Valko calls out in a shrill voice, "You could always just come down and give us some information instead of being killed horribly, you know!"

Going to go ahead and replace the alchemist fire I threw so I can be lazy and not edit my char sheet.

What kind of ranged weapons do the dead thugs have?

Valko's head rotates quickly to take in the strange lady holding onto the chimney above. Seeing her lob the object towards Natalya—and seeing Hoosible subsequently lob the object right back at the launcher—a devious grin plays across the Ustlavian's face. He twirls a vial expertly in his right hand as he dares an approach closer to the woman assailant.

After marching forward roughly thirty feet, Valko looks up to where she maintains her perch and says, "You there, on the chimney! Be on fire!" The vial of alchemist fire sails end over end through the air towards the half-elf's intended victim. . .

______________________________

Moving 30 ft towards Chimneychanga
Standard to throw a vial of Alchemist's Fire at her.
Ranged Touch (Alchemist's Fire): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Valko casually approaches behind Natalya and her retinue of thugs. He begins fishing around in his bags for one of the alchemist fires he keeps for just such occasions.

Double-Move to n2

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Valko carefully picks his way across the support beam, wanting desperately not to find himself dumped into the positively wretched pit of offal below. Hearing Natalya ahead of him, Valko curses mentally, though manages to reply loud—and unevenly, thanks to the effort of balancing as he moves forward—enough for those outside to hear, "Apologies, Lady Vancaskerkin! While some have wits that could use a good sharpening, I assure you that they are all very eager to help escort you safely back to our manor, where we can begin discussing how best to counter the efforts of your enemies. More importantly, they are all highly trained and extremely formidable—it would take a veritable army to overcome their prowess!"

Calling out more loudly, the remark intended for his fellow Cyphermage newbloods, "I have assured the gracious lady we will see her safely to our manor. You will all do your duty, as you have been trained!" Valko finally emerges behind Natalya, carefully stepping around her. He is surprised to see that the thugs outside are intact, and more curious about the commotion than he was previously.

Double Moving to q10

Valko follows the source of the sound, a brief annoyance flashing across his face before being replaced by what has, up to this point, been remarkably calm. Practically eating out of my hand, and they decide to lay siege. . . great!

Hoping to downplay the commotion outside, and wrongfully assuming his fellow Cyphermage initiates have lost patience and are attempting to force entry, Valko bows politely and extends his left hand to Natalya, saying "Even now the undesirables of this part of town ply their barbarism on the streets. I beg you consider my offer, Lady Vancaskerin; my associates and I have much to offer, protection chief among them. Your protectors are free to come along as well, of course, though the goblins will draw unwanted attention in the streets above. . ." The Ustlavian half-elf's hand remains proffered to Natalya, hoping she accepts the offer. If luck persists, he might even be able to clear the front door before the chaos outside catches up with him.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 1 + 2 = 23 Hooah!

Valko offers an elaborate bow, playing the part of a respectful dignitary to the inflated ego of the woman before him.

"Of this woman Ayala I have no knowledge of significance, I fear. Nor have I any designs on that which you hold precious in your. . . demesne," Valko says, looking around the wretched building as if the walls themselves might secrete some horribly contagious disease. "Though as I stand here, the peculiarity of it all strikes me quite thoroughly. Such a place as this is certainly beneath one such as yourself. And these servants? They're not fit to scrub a latrine, let alone to share in your presence. Already have they proven themselves horribly insufficient in rendering you worthwhile protection."

Hoping he's not overplaying it, Valko continues, "I believe my companions and I could do a much better job at providing a buffer between you and your jealous rivals. Better yet, we are set up in the Alabaster District. Far more suiting accommodations, don't you think?"

Valko nods calmly. "An agreeable enough arrangement. I will accompany you inside."

After a few steps forward, Valko hesitates before saying "And not that I do not trust your hospitality, but if I do not emerge in a reasonable amount of time, my friends out here are going to be let off their leash, so to speak. I would prefer we keep things civil, of course." With that, the Ustlavian steps forward to accompany the dullard inside.

"Oh, I disagree gentlemen," Valko starts, remaining at the rear of his fellow Cyphermage congregation as he summons an air of authority about him. Valko extends a finger with his right hand and points towards the building behind the guards before continuing, "Fenster is not a man who appreciates being misled. And misled he has been."

Through a feigned grimace of disdain, Valko says "He was kind enough to allow someone to disappear from the usual circles of Magnimar. One might say he was downright magnanimous in this arrangement, especially given the nature of those who actively seek out his tenant—people who possess more clout than she or Fenster combined."

Valko folds his arms over his chest and regards the guard who spoke to him directly. "In short, sir, the price of rent just went up. And I'd suggest paying immediately. There's no telling how many bidders are lining up to get their hands on the current occupant."

Bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
+ Inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 3 = 19

Unfortunately, I generated Valko entirely by random roll, which landed me with the Avarice Drawback. If we do an even split at all times, that means my drawback will be in effect 100% of the time.

Double-whammy: Aid Another is about the only thing Valko can reliably contribute to an actual fight, and that Drawback puts the nix on it.

Unless Crusty wants to let me trade it out or drop the Drawback and a trait, then I'm fine with that.

"Derro snatching people off of the streets? It seems unlikely. . . then again, Nidalese slave traders seems unlikely as well." Valko rubs his chin thoughtfully for a moment. His keen eye appraises the disposition and brutish nature of the larger bulk of his current companions. They seem more than adequately equipped to dispatch such a nuisance, and there would be substantial reward for the endeavor.

"After we have located this missing woman, we can turn our minds to finding the truth of these disappearances." And then I can turn my mind towards earning my just reward for successfully solving another of Magnimar's mysteries!

"That malformed, diseased nugget of a wretch of a man is carrying enchanted possessions? Curious! How delightfully unexpected." Valko's eyes seem to glimmer and come to life a bit more than his decidedly glazed over expression during the fighting that had taken place. That he had so totally opposed the violence in the first place seems to not factor into his gleeful demeanor even slightly.

"You know, gentlemen, I think our pay grade just increased. What say we confiscate these possessions? As Cyphermages, it is our duty to acquire and. . . *ahem* catalogue any relics we should come across." Valko turns to Renfeld, whose flinch and tormented eyes know the command before it is given form. "Renfeld! Relieve these simpletons of their ill-gotten goods. And wear your gloves, man. They are crawling with filth."

Valko is mostly just going to watch for the time being. He's no good in a fight, and certainly won't risk infection getting close to the band of thugs. More precisely, simply Holding until something develops to warrant his intervention.

Valko simply watches from where he stands in disapproval. "Let's see if they can manage not to kill our only lead."