Variel Tahloro's page

"Greetings, Father. These hands are not a healer's, but I'm pleased to have been able to assist. As fortune has it, I'd treated burns and smoke a time or two.

The Lady Almah wishes to know the source of the fire. I don't suppose you know anything of the wagon, or those in it? And I will only speak with the patients if you feel it will not harm them. I had merely hoped that, as those closest to the fire, they might have some insight."

What self-respecting PC, given the opportunity, wouldn't choose to do something the GM didn't mention?

Neither charismatic nor skilled at tracking, Variel decided that his most efficient path towards obtaining the information his current employer sought lay in questioning the those who were closest to the scene of the accident, the burned guards. Hopefully, given his help at tending to them, they would be somewhat well-disposed to him, and if not, the halfling healer surely would be.

Afterward, Variel would inspect the burnt out wagon itself and see if his ... experience with fire and explosion would yield any insight.

Hoping that the previous successful heal checks will help, and possibly Alchemy or knowledge arcana for the inspection of the wagon.

Only if poison and bombs count as people skills. Variel does have survival, but isn't particularly good at it. He's the skill monkey/blaster for the group. Probably he'll try to help with the long-term care for the wounded.

Variel seems lost in thought as he absentmindedly gives his introduction

"Lady, I am Variel Tahloro, and I am a Duskwalker and purveyor of exotic substances."

Would Knowledge: Arcana or Nature reveal anything about 'Pugwampis'?

With the mercenary stable for the moment, Variel joins his efforts to that of the male. Knowing that his skill is probably far inferior to the healer's, he takes on the role of an assistant.

Heal Check (to aid healer): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

The slender elf was not likely to add much to the effort to move the second wagon, but he spied another area where he could help. While not a healer from the epics, Variel did know a few things, especially about treating burns, and rushed over to assist the healer.

Heal check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

An indifferent rider at best, Variel halted his own camel, asking the camel herder he had talked to earlier to tend to his mount and ran to the flaming wagon.

In Taldonic (Common)
"Sand!" he called out, "Use sand!" Working with exotic chemicals, he knew of some that would explode in contact with water, and sand was more plentiful anyway. Plus, burn victims would require the water.

Lacking any effective means to fight the fire (he was going to have to contemplate a solution for that later), Variel started working to move other wagons and property away from the burning wagon, hoping to limit the damage if the fire could not be controlled.

Variel smiles slightly at the dragon-kin, glad to be on his good side.
"I know not of bandits or gnolls, my fear is that her predicament is more subtle, and I would rather come unannounced and unlooked for lest our rescue imperil her further. Otherwise," Variel's hand tightened on the cruel-metal tipped whip at his side,

"I agree with you wholeheartedly."

Variel's heart leapt as Talahel made his pledge. He had no skill such as the tracker did, and was in no position to turn away such aid. Neither, though, could he afford it, and his years of slavery made him reticent to accept anything he could not afford. Slavery could last such a very long time for his kin.

In elven
"Very well," he said slowly, "I accept your pledge, and match it with my own to aid your searches to the best of my own abilities."
In Taldonic (Common)
"The person I seek is a human female named Haleen. She is an adventurer by trade, and rather capable at it, or so I thought. I owe her a debt that I doubt she comprehends, for she rescued me from a lifetime of slavery; I had been a slave sixty years already when we met, and our kind are long-lived." Variel paused, unsure how the group would take his next confession and added,
"She is my friend as well."

Continuing more briskly, "Some time ago, she vanished, leaving only a scroll with a suspicious plea for me to forget about her and continue with my life. This was not at all in character for her, and I determined that the scroll had been forced, somehow. Perhaps she left to try to protect me? I know not. However, I started seeking word of her or one matching her description. One of my Duskwalker contacts informed me that a person matching her description had been seen in Kelmarane, so here I am."

The elf seems drained, as if revealing so much had exhausted him somehow.

Variel continues to ride his camel, seemingly lost in thought. Actually, he was only mostly lost. He spared a little attention to file away the conversation between the elves and dragon-kin. As interesting as the conversation was, and as fascinating the opportunity to observe not only his own kind, but dragon-kin as well, Variel was wary of forgetting his true purpose.

He owed a debt to Haleen, and not dragon-kin, or his own kin or any arcane knowledge was going to distract... Wait, what was that?

"Your father's death in Kelmarane was hidden?" blurts out Variel.
"That is... interesting."

Variel pauses to consider what he knows of the folk assembled. Very little, in truth; in fact, one of his weaknesses as a merchant was his inability to read people well. Still, he might require aid to locate Haleen and a hunter of people could well prove crucial.

"I have come to Kelmarane to seek someone lost. Someone alive, I hope, but missing under strange circumstances. Perhaps there is a link." he slowly added.

Also noticing Auri eye the goat, Variel suppressed a smile also.

In Taldonic (Common)

"And your forethought and self-restraint are as great a comfort to us as our wariness is to you. I have no doubts that a creature whose heritage is as great as yours would scorn to acquire something as perishable as a meal.

On the other hand, it may well be that as Master Garavel has engaged our services, he might be persuaded that certain gifts might be seen as appropriate for such an auspicious occasion."

Variel carefully does not phrase his suggestion in terms of hiring the dragon-kin's services, and hopes that Garavel takes the delicately worded hint.

Bluff check to convey the suggestion: 1d20 ⇒ 16

For all that they had not been properly introduced to each other yet, Variel still thought it best to introduce Auri to Garavel. Tahlumilali Aurvreaanea's introduction had been somewhat abrupt.

Returning to the Taldonic tongue (Common),

"Master Garavel, I have the pleasure to introduce to you Aurichalcum, a friend and ally of Talhlumilali. I have no doubt that his presence bodes well for our purpose."

Turning to face the dragon-kin,

"Aurichalcum, may I introduce to you Garavel, the master of this caravan, who has engaged us to assist in the retaking of lost Kelmarane and in the establishing of a trading outpost there."

Variel stared at the miniature marvel for a long moment of pure wonder. He was loathe to speak, lest he mar the memory of this day. He took in his surroundings to etch deep into memory. The heat of the sun, the powerful smell of goat, the light glinting off bright brass scales and the soft, eloquent voice all contributed.

Then he began to chant in a sibilant tongue.
In Draconic

"Hail, bright one. Hail, heir to majesty and wisdom unsung by mortal tongue.
Apsu bless your hoard and Dahak fear your sting,
May the desert yield her bounty generously to you as long as life burns brightly."

A successful diplomacy check on a goat is much less embarrassing than a failed bluff check on a sheep.

Variel idly wondered if Rombard would feature more in Able's notes than the Templars. If he had had any skill in such things he would have tried to help the old woman corral the goat. As it was, though, he was most familiar with pieces of goat floating in jars, not live animals.

"Thank you for your time and your tales, Mistress Hadrah. May Abaddar smile on your journey and profit your flock."

Though more reserved, Variel is no less fascinated by the roll of the Templars. He would be tempted to commit the story to paper, if Able were not already doing so. As it is, Variel imprints the names and their meaning in his memory.

"Is there any connection between the Sultan's Claw and the Templars, or perhaps between the Claw and Nefeshti?" he asked.

Pleased not to have offended the camel herder, Variel thanked him and slowed the pace of his mount until he found a human woman looking after goats near the back of the caravan.

"Mistress Hadrah?" he inquired politely, "I am Variel of Katapesh. Your husband, has been entertaining some of us with tales of the Sultan's Claw and the Templars of the Five Winds, and suggested that you knew more than he, if you could spare the time."

"And is your wife with the caravan as well? Or does she remain at home, to guard and keep your abode?" Variel asked cautiously.

Humans had always seemed so foolish about such things as their mates, one minute obsessing and the next ignoring. He was still too young to be bothered about such things himself, but it never hurt to pick up what lore you could when you had the chance.

He supposed that perhaps learning about human mating might not help him much when his time came, but aside from Tahlumilali Auvreaanea, who was far too intimidating, there simply wasn't anyone to ask. And how would you bring up such a topic anyway, without sounding... adolescent?

It was far easier and safer to stick to collecting the lore of the land.

The Sultan's Claw is quite intriguing, and Variel does not mind pushing into the evening somewhat so long as the animals do not suffer for it. Curious to know more of the history of the landmark, Variel rides up close to the herder who spoke earlier, and matches his pace.

"Surely there is a tale or two to be told of the Sultan's Claw. Might you know one, or know one who does?"

Variel watches as Talahel meticulously cares for his sword. Before long, though, his eye is drawn again to the plain longbow strung on his back. Though could use such a weapon, of course, he had never owned one, and the bow had become a symbol of his estrangement from his own people.

To divert himself from melancholy, Variel turned his thoughts to Talahel's remark about alchemical silver arrowheads. He was no smith, but he ought to at least be able to create alchemical silver. At least, he thought he could, given the proper material, tools, and time. Perhaps there was a way to dip existing arrowheads in the metal and let it cool, forming a type of coating? Such arrows were used only once, so it might be possible.

Thinking on how best to augment existing arrows, Variel returned to his tent and bedroll, sleeping next to his mule, to await the events of the coming day.

Though quite overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of Able's report, Variel follows along as best he can. Many of the creatures described are not native to the desert, and the owlbear in particular struck him as potentially alchemically significant. Though the method of delivery was disconcerting, there seemed to be much that was fascinating at the gnome's disposal.

"I must confess, master Able, that I had thought myself a traveler until I met you. However, I have never seen lands or creatures such as you describe. When your journey to Kelmarane is done, you might consider returning to Katapesh. There might be some few people I know who would be even more interested than I in listening to you. For now, though, I think perhaps I should retire for the night, to properly absorb all you have told me."

Variel, while also curious to know of the languages they speak in those strange lands, decides not to pursue that line of questioning for the night, afraid that the little gnome might again overwhelm him with his own ignorance.
Perhaps the strength of lore, like venom, should not be discounted because its wielder is small, he thought with respect.

Variel was slightly bewildered. In all of his (admittedly few) 80 years, he had never seen more than one of his kind at a time before, yet and and now, there were four of them! What would happen next? Would an entire clan join the caravan as well?

Variel was keenly aware of his status as one of the Forlorn. Unschooled in the manners and customs of his kind, not even yet an adult by his people's reckoning, he was intimidated by this elven and half-elven crowd. Wishing to stay close enough to the fire to observe the socialization rituals of his people, Variel finished grooming his mule and sat down next to the one person who didn't intimidate him, the gnome.

Presumably in common. Variel would speak to Able in the language that he heard him introduce himself.

"Master Able," began the elf, "I am called Variel. Among other things, I am a student of nature. It would please me if you would be so kind as to describe, in detail, all manner of flora and fauna you have come across in your travels. I would also be interested in any sketches you might have drawn as well." Variel, of course, is interested in any potentially poisonous or alchemical reagents Able may have run across, even if Able himself is unaware of their nature.

And I remember us remarking way back when we did character creation how it looked like this was going to be a party of elves.

If it's not too much trouble, could I ask that you guys make a note of which language is being spoken? Variel tends to 'collect' languages, and if he encounters one that he doesn't know, he'll attempt to start learning it, with appropriate in-game incentives, if possible. (I know that he'll probably only actually learn a language when gaining levels, but I'd prefer to start the lessons, and thus the relationships sooner rather than later.)

Variel lets his lips quirk upwards as he gestures to the six vials hanging on his belt. "Do you inquire of the vials, or their contents? The vials are but inexpensive glass, and of low quality for that.

The liquid inside, yes, I have distilled, but the creation is flawed, somehow. I had hoped to create a potion through simpler, and faster methods than the guilds wish to believe possible, but these are mere toys and have almost no potency. They do not last longer than a single circuit of the sun." Variel shrugs as if it were of no importance, but his violet eyes hold a hint of frustration. He pauses with his brushing to work out a knot in the mule's mane.

"Fortunately, my other wares fare much better."

Variel looked up as the half-elf approached him. His kind are rare in these seas of brick and sand, but the half-breeds slightly less so. His eyes rest longingly on the longbow before remembering his manners and returning the introduction.

In elven "Greetings Talahel Zstelian, I am Variel Tahloro, also of Katapesh. I suspect that I travel with this caravan for much the same reason as most; Garavel has hired us. I confess that I also hope to find something in Kelmarane that was lost." Variel starts brushing the mule while speaking.

"And you, Talahel Zstellian, have you hopes for our journey beyond those of a simple wage?"

Okay, the Google Site has been updated (Character 6), if all went well. Inventory and Backstory to follow.

Though no stranger to desert travel, this was Variel's first caravan, and he was unaccustomed to traveling in such a large group. Or to eating goat. Variel had had the foresight to acquire and bring his own pack mule, which was mostly laden down with food and water, yet saved this hoard against future need.

Though profit was not his motivation for this journey, he would not object to making one if the opportunity presented itself, nor would he turn aside any chance to acquire the raw materials so necessary for his business, and a pack mule might greatly increase the measure of any profit. Or provide a mount for Haleen, should one be necessary.

Tall and thin, Variel was dressed in simple, practical desert gear to keep out the sand and ward off some measure of the sun's fury. A handful of small vials dangle from his belt, and a cruel whip tipped with metal rests coiled at his side. His elven features are spoiled by the very human mustache and goatee and his human mannerisms. Presently, he is quietly feeding and caring for his pack mule, checking the harness and equipment for a good fit, speaking quietly in the tongue of angels to it the whole while.

Speaking calming words of safety and friendship in Celestial to the mule.

Ditto the thanks.

I tried editing the site to include my character, but it didn't save any of my work; probably because I'm not familiar with the process yet. But losing a couple hours work left me discouraged enough I'll wait and try again later.

I'm all for making it easier for the DM to run a game for me. :)

By getting your characters done do you mean up on the site that Havoc just linked? I'm not familiar with that process, but I'll do it if someone walks me through it.

Many thanks for running this game.

Tariel, poison merchant and sometime Nightstalker is ready for the caravan to leave.

I don't think any of us do. I'm especially proud of this character and really want to play him. I don't think he'd really work as well anywhere except in Katapesh.

I'm still here. Shall we start considering other options for DM's? We had one other volunteer, as I recall, and Tordek and I were exploring other options.

Okay, sorry about the delay. I'm still out of town, but I'll be back tomorrow night. In the meantime, Variel's stats are updated and should be ready to play.

Well, I can't think of too many happy people who would leave a happy life to go adventuring.

Will rework my stats. Am out of town right now without access to my books, but my traits are already in line.

Havoc, I'm glad that I switched to Alchemist, then, so your fiance can create her oracle.

Tordek, thank you for your help, especially for the link to the Pathfinder wiki. I have a better idea what's going on in the region now.

Ronin, okay, switched around my languages, again, subject to your approval. The bonus languages are Celestial, Draconic, Gnoll, Gnome (professional interest, since gnomes are enthusiastic alchemists) and Ignan (I'm trying to justify it as professional interest). My build really needs Weapon Finesse, but the Scorpion whip just adds so much to his image and flexibility in combat.

Also, do you anticipate any down time in the adventure? Variel has a craft to maintain, after all. I really wanted for him to start off with poisoned darts, but couldn't afford it. But you can 'create' poison using craft alchemy checks.

Even without down time, his perfect idea of treasure would be encountering local flora and fauna useful to him in his craft.

All in all, glad that people are liking the concept and flavor, and I look forward to chatting with our paladin.

Azten, looking over your character sheet I found a couple things that really struck me as odd. First of all, a paladin as a Duskwalker agent? Do you know what they sell in the Nightstalls?

Secondly, a paladin with a wisdom of 8? with Cleric as your other favored class? You do realize that you won't be able to cast any divine spells at all, right?

Maybe you have a really good backstory or something, or maybe just a couple of strategic typos.

I suspect that Ignan would be a good language to know, but I don't really think Variel would have access to it. Sounds like my bonus languages would be Celestial and Gnoll (options from race), Kelish, Tien, and Vudrani (due to profession).

Looking in the campaign setting...

The main languages in Katapesh are Kelish, Osiriani (which Talahel knows), Common, Tien, and Vudrani.

I hope this helps.

This does help, but now I need to know what Kelish, Osiriani, Tien, and Vudrani are. :)

Gnoll is on my list to learn, but I don't think I have access to any outsider languages except Celestial, which I'm not really sure makes sense for my concept. I'm not familiar with Golarion, so I'm not really aware of any local languages that I could learn beyond what's in the Core book.

I think a paladin would have an interesting time in Katapesh to begin with. Variel's trade is perfectly legal. Might be fun to debate the point in Celestial, come to think of it.

Okay, here's a character sheet in progress for the poison merchant. Open for suggestions and criticism. Seeking advice about bonus languages to learn.