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Varilien's eyes open and are met with Thawm's purple-and-green mismatched set. "Thank you," he says barely above a whisper, yet even that small noise sets off bursts of pain in his head. The pain is all the more bracing when he hears the half-orc threatening Dirissa - "Stupid big gnome!" - and he nearly passes out again. Somehow he manages to hold onto consciousness, and with a free hand he grips his holy symbol atop his hat, and vanishes.
Varilien finds himself having lunged too far forward in his first swing, and is rewarded with the half-orc's hammering blow to his exposed right temple. He drops to the floor hard, limbs splaying out in all directions.
Varilien spies the ratfolk limping away, but is brought back to attention by the half-orc viciously slamming Basil with a metal pipe. He drops his bow, pulls out his hammer, and with a loud "Brigh guide my strikes!", the professor lays into this new threat.
Varilien grimaces as the glowing bolt slams into Basil and detonates. Would have loved to get a look at that. These guys don't even appreciate what they've got here! He nocks another arrow, draws a bead on the ratfolk, and fires again.
The professor, seeing some small tech in their hands, wonders idly if they appear to be associated with the Technic League in some way.
I like how the professor calls for a righteous inquisition of divine justice by saying, "Hey! Knock it off!" :P
"Drat, nothing interesting here. Oh well, it won't be my first hunch that didn't pay off, and it won't be my last. I-" He is cut off as the new enemies burst into the room. Soon, the professor is dodging attacks and pulling out his own weapon to return fire. "Hey! Knock it off!"
Varilien looks on impassively as the last animal falls, then glances about the room. "Oh Dirissa, please hold a moment if you can." His eyes settle on the nearest mound of refuse. "Judging by the amount of detritus gathered here, I'd say these thylacines have been living here for some time. Who knows what they've inadvertently found in this ruin? I've got a hunch." He plunges his hands into the pile.
Varilien dashes past Basil as she blasts two of the canine creatures nearby. As he runs, he unslings his bow and nocks an arrow, before planting his feet, lining up his shot, and firing.
"What... are these things?" he asks incredulously to no one in particular.
Forgive me, you didn't lose another: every time I logged in it showed me the same set of posts, so I just assumed nothing had changed. Apologies! When the full round gets to me, I will post.
Varilien is utterly captivated by the sights and sounds of the ruins under Torch, and lingers more than once to make a sketch or write down an observation in one of his many notebooks. You haven't seen him switch it out for another yet, but you'd expect it will be necessary soon at the rate he's going. As the group arrives at their apparent destination, Varilien watches as, amidst the small arcs of lightning, Gauntlet deftly reaches forth and attaches the rod Khonnir had returned to them. Varilien draws an involuntary and perceptible gasp as the entire panel lights up, and after a moment to steady himself, he recognizes the Androffan text and shares it with the group. "Science and engineering - why would they separate these? Natural science is nothing if not pragmatic. And what are these - Docking? Crew? Aren't these nautical terms?" The professor is overcome with more questions than he can ask aloud, and he grows silent. His eyes shine with unconcealed excitement.
Had a busy day at work today, and I expect so tomorrow also, so I wasn't able to do some prospective shopping for Varilien. But I'll try to get it done. Even so, as a player I have no urgent need, since the character was relatively recently statted and equipped.
Are there any difficulties spending/trading silverdisks in Torch?
Like the others, Professor Dorianathi notices immediately when the mental interference (or whatever it is) ceases as the device powers itself down. He immediately begins sketching an image of the device in its shutdown state and makes a few notes in the margins. "I think it's fine to let them go, personally. Though not until I've finished searching the place," he says with a grin.
As Basil explains her reasoning, Varilien stands with arms crossed and a thoughtful frown. When she points to several critical points in the design and indicates that the circuitry might not survive shutting down the device entirely, his expression softens. "Hell, you're absolutely right. It's not worth the risk at all."
The professor makes his way around the warehouse, checking shipping labels and confirming the contents of the various crates scattered around the room. The others seem to be talking behind him, but his focus is turned to the task at hand - that is, at least, until Gauntlet shouts, "NO WAIT!" Varilien's head snaps toward the commotion as he sees Basil open the box. He immediately stops his search and takes cover behind a nearby crate, but after a few moments, when no explosion is felt and no screams come from his allies, he comes out and wanders over to the newly unearthed device. After everyone has deliberated as to the purpose and operation of this technological contraption, the professor clears his throat. "This entire device is fascinating, but I am especially interested to know where this third mystery location is. We know it's close, and it seems to be linked to both Torch and Scrapwall. And Garmen mentioned that the woman who gave it to him to watch was probably still in the caves under Torch. Perhaps she has possession of the third device, which would explain its proximity. And as for this," he says as he indicates the device that Basil just uncovered, " I wonder if it is not acting as a conduit between this woman and her far-away allies. Shutting it off might cut her off from them, while also perhaps ending these blasted headaches."
Even as Garmen surrenders, Varilien remains invisible for a few more moments before his form reluctantly reappears, bow drawn and aimed right at the thugs from 15 yards away. He keeps his bowstring drawn until Garmen's lackeys are tied up, at which point he finally relaxes his posture and lowers his arm. He mostly listens and takes a few notes in one of his journals as the others begin to take turns questioning Garmen. He does, however, take a long time to explore Garmen's warehouse, seeking signs of anything interesting.
Varilien sprints along the catwalk, each breath sending sharp reminders of what were likely to be bruised ribs. He narrowly dodges Basil and comes to a stop shortly thereafter on the catwalk. He feels a wave of healing emit from Thawm, and a bit of relief sneaks into his mind. He then grips his holy symbol, asking Brigh to manifest her own energy through him.
Varilien grits his teeth as the thug ambushes him from behind. The man's punches hurt surprisingly more than the professor would have expected, and he lets out a grunt of pain in response. "Not a great place for this fight," he mutters to himself, rapidly assessing the situation. He summons forth power from Brigh to aid him in engaging in the better part of valor.
Status: +1 to AC for the duration of the judgment (i.e. duration of the fight) Invisible unless R5 stops me with damage
Is that 6 damage from the thug's fists nonlethal or lethal?
Varilien hears the buzz but shrugs off the strange effect. "It's definitely not empty," he says wryly to Keldor, then steps in as he pulls his bow and an arrow to match. He spots the two hostiles on the catwalk with him and takes aim at the one closest to him.
Dorianathi hears the gentle click of the latch and eases the door open quietly while gesturing Gauntlet/Keldor in, per their request.
Brigh had graciously granted the professor her divine sight, yet after a short span no indication of potential threats had become apparent. He looks to the group after Gauntlet's knock is met with a similar silence, and as Dirissa calls for someone to open the door, he does so - slowly, and as quietly as he can.
Yeah - whoops, don't often play one of the Detecting classes. At least now we know there's not a mob of succubi in there!
That reminds me, anyone else planning on using the Technologist feat? 'cause I mostly wanted it to work with Knowledge (Engineering), with maybe a rank or a few ranks in Craft (Mechanical), but I could get Disable Device too, if we don't have anyone... Well, I have the Technologist feat/Craft(mech)/Know(eng) thing going on, but both as a player and character I'd welcome a second person with that strength. It might even open the door to taking on long-term lofty crafting projects or other outside-the-box things.
Same! I'm fine with moving on w/ 4 for now and picking up a 5th when/if someone responds with a "yes, I'm in."
"Second floor sounds good to me," the professor pipes up. "Look, the boards there aren't even really barricading the door. It's a good bet that this is the actual entrance used by the gang. We should be cautious - when we get to the landing, I will check if any members are just beyond the door before we open it."
"Darissa, what is this place?" he says after a few moments. "This is where you all... sleep? Work?"
No problem. Get everything in order first!
"I think that would be best. I'm eager to learn more about why the torch has disappeared, but I don't want to go in blind if Baine can help us out." The professor clearly is responding to Whisthawk, but he gazes around the entire Foundry while he's talking, taking it all in.
With that, the professor offers his hand to Sanvil in a gesture of good will. "Great! I look forward to working with you in the future. Oh, and if you don't mind, let me know if any other League folks come into town, eh?" He finishes with a smile. When Trett leaves, Varilien will tell the others, "Thank you for backing my play. I know you don't know me yet, but I have to follow my lady's teachings - can't waste a good intellect if at all possible. Of course, a lot of the time it's not possible, especially when the Technic League is involved..." He trails off with a meaningful silence.
"I see," begins Varilien, "I'm sure in this capacity you've seen wonders unimaginable and made discoveries that would rival those at the center of the Starstone Cathedral."
"My goddess - Brigh, the whisper in the bronze - values discovery and intellect, and would want me to preserve yours." He raises his hammer and cups the head in both hands, staring with reverence at the holy markings symbolizing his diety. After a few moments, his head whips up suddenly, eyes once again fixated on Trett. "Yet as much as she loves discovery, she despises those who would steal such discoveries from others, or who would try to hide such knowledge from others. The League is known for such things." He grimaces at the word "known," hammering on the syllable. "So this I ask of you: Do not report what you have learned of us to the League. Do not report what we have found. And do not attempt to steal from us, ever." He then slams the hammer down on the table, providing a thunderous punctuation. "If you can manage that, you can keep on seeing unimaginable wonders, and peerless discoveries, because we'll keep bringing them to you to look at. But most importantly to you, you can keep breathing." He stands defiantly facing Trett.
The professor has been standing in silence, eyes fixed on the man before him. Despite his focus, despite his mission, he allows himself several glances at the technological items taken from Sanvil's person.
Assuming Sanvil seems to be telling the truth throughout this whole conversation, Dorianathi is fine letting him go - with one additional topic to discuss. "Before you leave, Trett, I must ask what the nature of your relationship with the Technic League is. Were they in the ones that installed your neck implant? Your pin identifies you as one of them, or as someone in allegiance with them. I must know." The typically lighthearted professor slowly takes on a grim visage as he embarks on this line of questioning.
"Yes, yes, see? Sanvil, I think that's a reasonable expectation - will you submit to a search?" The professor continues to affix Trett with an unbending, but not overtly hostile, gaze. "These aren't my things, so I can't speak for everyone, but is that an agreeable solution for all of you?" Out of the corners of his perception, Varilien watches Trett's hands for any sign of attack.
"Sanvil, Keldor, hold on. This doesn't have to get ugly. Now," he says, turning his full attention to Trett, "you know, and I know, that you can explain away being in here, and even going through these people's things wouldn't necessarily get you put away by the authorities here. But skewering one of us with your blade there? Frankly a lot harder to explain away. And that's if you make it out of this room, which isn't a sure thing either. Do us all a favor - drop the sword, and let's talk. I didn't come all this way, seeking a knowledgeable person such as yourself, to lose that knowledge in a wasteful act of violence."
As he talks, the professor moves forward slowly, placing himself between Keldor and Sanvil. He never breaks eye contact with the latter, and does not raise his hammer.
The professor follows Keldor and Dirissa into the Foundry, immediately spying the man very clearly rifling through things that don't belong to him. Odd that he would be doing this in such plain sight. Pretty brazen, unless... Suddenly the man's features and Baine's description line up. "Pardon me: are you Sanvil Trett?" Varilien steps forward, smiling, hammer down by his side. "What, exactly, is it that you're doing here?" He gestures broadly with his free hand at the ransacked bags.
I'm in, posted in the roll20 chat.
No problem at all!
"Truly remarkable." He holds it soberly. "It certainly would have special significance for any worshiper of Brigh, myself included, and I must admit I would honor such a gift. I don't know that I could take a thing of such great value freely, though - but if what Baine tells me of your expeditions is even a quarter true, then perhaps the offer I planned to make you will offset this hammer's value." He spreads his arms wide. "I'd like to-" At that moment, Val runs in yelling about the Foundry. As the others take off, he gives Baine a wry grin, and runs to catch up, still holding the magical hammer.
"'Forlorn?' I suppose so, though I never adopted that property for myself. It's hard to see friends and colleagues pass on into Pharasma's judgment, often with work unfinished, or unpublished. But then again, the feeling is not so different from studying the works of a long-dead intellect, knowing you'll never meet her at all, that no more tomes will be authored by that mind..." The professor stares off for a moment, before snapping back to the conversation. "But anyhow, no offense taken. The term fits. As for my 'priesthood,' I don't know if I've earned that one. I obey the Whisper's directives, and by nature I'm inclined to follow her teachings, but I lead no worship, conduct no ceremonies. I simply strive to recover technologies, mechanisms, and knowledge which might otherwise be lost to the world." He smiles again. "And then I study them, and share those discoveries - which I suppose is precisely what my Lady asks of me." At the offer of the hammer, he seems taken aback, but he does study and inspect it for some time, gauging its weight distribution and analyzing the geometric design of the head. It seems to apparently be of even better quality than his own. After a few moments, he asks, "This is of excellent craftsmanship. Where did you come to find it?"
As you walk up, you see a slim elf wearing a collared khaki shirt with sleeves rolled up to the elbow, talking to Khonnir. The gear affixed to his hat and the ornate gray-white hammer dangling his belt seem to identify him as a follower of Brigh. The hammer shakes slightly every so often as he frantically jots down notes in a leatherbound journal. "Trett, yes. I would very much like to meet him and ply his mind about the technological and mechanical devices that have passed through his shop. Of course, I must leave some secrets to discover for myself. Why, that's half the fun. The wilds surrounding your town are practically saturated with knowledge waiting to be unearthed! As you well know, of course. A scholar's dream. I-" The elf speaking with Khonnir cuts off politely as new people approach, covered in burn marks and grime, and all the other hallmarks of adventuring. He grins immediately. "Hello! I expect you're the people Baine was just telling me about. Let me just say, it's quite a pleasure to make your acquaintances! Uh, forgive me - introductions first, of course. I am Professor Varilien Dorianathi, of the esteemed University of Lepidstadt." He gracefully tucks his inkpen into the journal, and extends his right hand by way of a polite greeting.
Absolutely!
Sure thing - they should all be there now. I may play around with formatting to cut down on the amount of information shown, but all the useful info will be there.
Thank you very much! There were a lot of good applicants to choose from. :)
Hello everyone! Excited to join you all on this AP. :)
Added character summary, personality, and appearance to my Profile (and quoted here below). Character Summary:
An elf Indiana Jones, except a mathematician and engineer instead of historian and archeologist. Played largely like a rogue/investigator (roguish and knowledge skill monkey) but with a divine bent. Appearance:
Professor Dorianathi is a tall, slender elf with short black hair and hazel eyes. He sports a khaki button-up shirt with two breast pockets and its sleeves rolled up. An inkpen with frayed feathers sticks out of one of these pockets, with an accompanying bulge implying a vial of ink to go with it. The shirt is tucked into loose-fitting, dark brown linen trousers over a pair of common boots, and the whole thing is capped by a large-buckled leather belt. Atop his head is a wide-brimmed, feathered hat; a small stylized gear is attached to the hatband, easily visible.
His hands paradoxically combine long, thin fingers with a callused palm, suggesting that he has spent many hours writing... or crafting, or fighting, you're not sure which. The pen in his pocket, and the ornate hammer dangling from a strap on his belt, and the chain shirt he carries with ease seem to indicate all three. From his backpack sprouts a bouquet of papers and parchments, some of which are covered in scribbled notes, sketches, and makeshift blueprints. Personality: Varilien has a wry sense of humor, a very dry wit. He is a highly engaging conversationalist, and clearly an elf of insatiable intellectual curiosity. He loves to learn, and just as enthusiastically shares his findings and interests with anyone who will listen - and sometimes a few who would rather not. He finds himself lost in thought from time to time, giving the impression of absent-mindedness, but in actuality he is keenly aware of his surroundings, and his mind is simply taking it all in and categorizing the sensory inputs. Varilien enjoys no alcoholic beverages, which cloud the mind unnecessarily in his view, but is an otherwise adventurous eater and drinker.
I am terribly pleased to introduce you to Professor Varilien Dorianathi (Grimtongue). Nex, if you are able to find the time to read and review it, I would be very grateful. Note that I am still working up the appearance and personality. Just a quick question in the meantime. He is someone who has been on numerous research excursions in Numeria and has worked with Brigh devotees for years. If I have put a point in Linguistics for him, is Androffan an allowable language for him to take? Character Sheet:
Varilien Dorianathi Elf inquisitor (none) of Brigh 3 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Player's Guide) N Medium humanoid (elf) Init +6; Senses low-light vision; Perception +11 --------------------
AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 14 (+4 armor, +3 Dex)
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Speed 30 ft.
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Str 10, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 15, Wis 16, Cha 10
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Low-Light Vision Can see twice as far as the normal radius for bright, normal, and dim light.
Spells known0 - Acid Splash, Create Water, Detect Magic, Guidance, Light, Oath of Anonymity, Read Magic, Resistance, Stabilize
Background:
Professor Varilien Dorianathi has been a professor of mathematics at the University of Lepidstadt for 30 years. A native of the Ustalavic county of Caliphas, the curious elf got his start as an amateur mathematician and tinkerer; he was offered his highly-desirable position after publishing a widely-read paper which theorized a new type of metal that could be used architecturally, as well as for ships, weapons, and even constructs. Although his findings were ultimately flawed (his assumptions did not incorporate recent scientific analyses of Numerian "skymetals") but the logical procession was sound, and his theorems were recognized as novel. Varilien accepted the offer almost immediately and moved to Lepidstadt shortly thereafter.
After a short time working in the department, Professor Dorianathi embarked on what would turn out to be the first of many, many research sabbaticals in Numeria. Although the first few visits were primarily to learn more about the country's famous skymetals and to refine his metallurgical theories, he soon found different reasons for being there. On his second visit, he developed a professional relationship with a cadre of Brigh worshipers whose notes furthered his own knowledge immensely. The fascinating theories and questions they posed led him to correspond regularly via letters after his return to Lepidstadt. Professor Dorianathi was able to bring back new and surprising knowledge from these sabbaticals, and the University continued to provide funding and freedoms for his excursions. From his third visit onwards, these sabbaticals were fully collaborative workshops, spending months in scientific investigation beside the disciples of Brigh. And soon enough, Brigh - the "Whisper in the Bronze" - began whispering to him directly. Never having been much for religion, the professor nonetheless found a growing devotion to Brigh, whom he began to see as a patron muse for his mathematical inquiries. Little by little, her Numerian adherents taught him about their divine mistress during their many experiments, converting him slowly into a fully-fledged believer. They also shared whispered concerns about the widening influence of the Technic League, and how this organization had taken to seizing and hoarding any technologies scavenged by Numerian citizens, including those obtained and studied by the disciples of Brigh. Dorianathi carried these dark omens home with him, yet after leaving Numeria, his concern lessened as time passed. He continued his correspondence with his various contacts in Numeria, and made plans for another sabbatical, this time to Torch to see the forging of skymetals in action. Yet, while on the road to Numeria, he received two unsettling rumors: that the eponymous torch had been extinguished, and that the Technic League was to blame. Professor Dorianathi is even now enroute to Torch, to put his considerable skills toward both investigating the disappearance of the torch and recording copious notes about whatever technologies he discovers. Build Notes: Starting Abilities STR 10, DEX 14, CON 12, INT 13, WIS 14, CHA 10
Alternative Racial Traits Human-Raised (repl. Weapon Familiarity): Gain Skill Focus as a bonus feat. Clandestine inquisition Secrecy is required of the faithful in lands where your deity’s worshipers are hunted. Sleight of Hand is a class skill for you. Clandestine inquisition Disappear (Sp): You can become Invisible as per the spell as a standard action. The invisibility lasts for (inquisitor level) rounds or until you attack. You can use this ability (3 + WIS mod) times per day. Cunning Initiative class feature Add (WIS mod) to initiative in addition to (DEX mod). Adventuring Skill Ranks: 24 ((6 + INT mod) * 3 levels) 3 Bluff, 3 Diplomacy, 1 Disable Device, 2 Disguise, 1 Heal, 1 Intimidate, 1 Know (arcana), 2 Know (religion), 3 Perception, 1 Ride, 3 Sense Motive, 2 Stealth, 1 Survival. Background Skill Ranks: 6 (2 * 3 levels) 2 Craft (mechanical), 1 Craft (sketch), 1 Know (engineering), 1 Linguistics, 1 Sleight of Hand. Other Skill Bonuses +3 to Craft (mechanical) from Skill Focus feat, +1 morale to Intimidate from Stern Gaze class feature, +1 to Know (arcana) from Mathematical Prodigy trait, +1 and class skill to Know (engineering) from Mathematical Prodigy trait, +2 to Perception from Keen Senses racial feature, +1 morale to Sense Motive from Stern Gaze class feature, class skill to Sleight of Hand from Clandestine inquisition. Feat Origins Technologist (character level 1), Skill Focus (Craft (mechanical)) (Human-raised racial feature), Weapon Finesse (character level 3), Shake It Off (inquisitor level 3 bonus teamwork feat) Three extra 0-level spells Taken from 3 elf inquisitor favored class bonuses (Add one spell known from the inquisitor spell list, at least one level below the highest spell level the inquisitor can cast.)
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