Male Human Bard 6+2 : HP 51 : AC 14 CMD 16 Touch 12 Flat 12 : F +4 R +8 W +7 : INIT +2 Perc +11 CMB +4
Virgil puffs contentedly as he examines the document. "It is code. Taldan Naval Code. It uses short and long flashes of light or bursts of sound to pass messages when a spellcaster is unavailable. They've transcribed it into symbols. We're likely dealing with someone with military service history." He stares at it for a moment, silently mouthing as he deciphered. "There are three messages. First, 'We're here, is it safe?' Second, 'All Clear.' Third, 'Proceeding to drop site.'... We appear to be dealing with couriers of illicit goods."
Male Human Bard 6+2 : HP 51 : AC 14 CMD 16 Touch 12 Flat 12 : F +4 R +8 W +7 : INIT +2 Perc +11 CMB +4
"Hmmm... interesting. It's a code." Virgil holds the paper with one hand close to his face, squinting in concentration. With his other hand, he snaps his fingers. A cigar appears in his hand. He puts it in his mouth, snaps his fingers again, and a lick of flame appears from his thumb. He lights the cigar, puffing several times to stoke the embers.
Cast summon cigar, then prestidigitation to light it.
Male Human Bard 6+2 : HP 51 : AC 14 CMD 16 Touch 12 Flat 12 : F +4 R +8 W +7 : INIT +2 Perc +11 CMB +4
"What is this? A pittance! A pittance, I say! Where are the rest of my accoutrements!? OUTRAGEOUS!" Virgil gives the wooden box a kick with the side of his foot.
"Perhaps we will find the rest somewhere else... what is that?" He takes the piece of parchment with strange marks and examines it.
Male Human Bard 6+2 : HP 51 : AC 14 CMD 16 Touch 12 Flat 12 : F +4 R +8 W +7 : INIT +2 Perc +11 CMB +4
Dibbets wrote:
"Still... 'spose we all dinnae mind a bit 'o silk over tha arse end every now an agin... but I gots tae questionin... ken ye get doon inna dirty or ye jus a faded rose?" eyeing Virgil expectantly as though his wee monologue made perfect sense as it left his brain and went to be birthed by his lips...
Linguistics:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
The heavyset man nodded. "I've worked long and hard for my silk, Mr. Dibbets. I started at the bottom -- and while I may have grown a bit soft in my profession, I will get as dirty as is required to ensure our survival. That is no clashmaclavers. You have my word."
He turns to the human. "I was aboard a ship, sailing for the mainland to take a vacation of all things! Our ship was attacked by savage fishmen during the night. I was knocked unconscious during the scuffle. I awoke to these lugubrious surroundings."
He is overjoyed to see the door of his cage open. "Thank the stars! Freedom!"
Male Human Bard 6+2 : HP 51 : AC 14 CMD 16 Touch 12 Flat 12 : F +4 R +8 W +7 : INIT +2 Perc +11 CMB +4
"Talk funny? Talk funny!? Good sir, you are lucky I am not in the habit of insulting strangers, or else I would make disparaging speculations regarding the legitimacy of your birth." You see a rotund man in clothes that were once fine, but have been sullied with dirt and blood. His eyes are a deep blue, with small flecks of silver near the iris. His skin is fair and pale, indicating northern ancestry. He has a hawkish nose and heavy brow. His jaw would be prominent, if it were not for the jowls. He wears a mustache that covers his entire upper lip, and crosses his cheeks to join with his sideburns. He wears a cracked monocle over one eye.
"My name is Virgil Longstreet. Esquire. I am currently unable to greet you properly, due to these confining bars. His voice is thick with the accent of rural gentry. "May I trouble you for some assistance?"
Male Human Bard 6+2 : HP 51 : AC 14 CMD 16 Touch 12 Flat 12 : F +4 R +8 W +7 : INIT +2 Perc +11 CMB +4
In the darkness...:
The man takes the prybar hesitantly. "Virgil. My name is Virgil Longstreet. I suppose..." He looks at the bars and squints his eyes in focus. "I suppose I could try. I'm still a bit carfuddled from all of these happenings." He rubs his hands together, wedges the prybar, and gives a heave.
Str:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 Assuming +1 from guidance and +2 for the prybar.
Male Human Bard 6+2 : HP 51 : AC 14 CMD 16 Touch 12 Flat 12 : F +4 R +8 W +7 : INIT +2 Perc +11 CMB +4
In the darkness...:
The inmate in the other cage rouses slowly. In the darkness you can just make out that he is rather rotund. "Wha-- what in tarnation?" His voice even sounds rotund. "I say, I say, what is that zingeration in the next room? Wait. Why can't I move?" His voice is thick with the accent of rural gentry. He moves a bit, coming wearily to his feet. "I was last on a ship. What am I doing in a cage? What is this embranglement!? You, good sir! Where are we?"
Male Human Bard 6+2 : HP 51 : AC 14 CMD 16 Touch 12 Flat 12 : F +4 R +8 W +7 : INIT +2 Perc +11 CMB +4
Those are great ideas! I can use suggestion through bardic performance, and honeyed tongue is very useful, but I think I need at least one combat spell.
How about a whip made of legal documents that gives paper cuts?
Male Human Bard 6+2 : HP 51 : AC 14 CMD 16 Touch 12 Flat 12 : F +4 R +8 W +7 : INIT +2 Perc +11 CMB +4
Cap'n Voodoo, I was feeling creative and designed a spell that I think fits my character. May he use a custom cantrip?
Summon Cigar
School conjuration; Level bard 0, sorcerer/wizard 0
---
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components S
---
Range personal
Taget, Effect, or Area see text
Duration 1 min/level
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no
---
You summon a finely-made, lit cigar into your hand. This cigar is real and can be smoked or chewed like a regular cigar. The cigar may be set down, but if it is ever more than 5 feet from the caster it disintegrates into ash. At the end of the duration of the spell, the cigar disintegrates. If a caster casts the spell again, the previous cigar disintegrates. The cigar may be used to light easily flammable objects within reach as a full-round action.
Male Human Bard 6+2 : HP 51 : AC 14 CMD 16 Touch 12 Flat 12 : F +4 R +8 W +7 : INIT +2 Perc +11 CMB +4
@Kaul - That archetype is very thematically appropriate! But with Well-Versed I can use Perform (oratory) in place of Bluff, Diplomacy, and Sense Motive (Expanded Well-Versed), so the bonuses the archetype would give me would go to waste since I could not apply then to Perform checks. It also frees up skill point to by letting me just boost Perform.
@Steve - I will be taking Greater Spellcasting from the PF6 Codex, which will give me access to 3rd-level spells.
Male Human Bard 6+2 : HP 51 : AC 14 CMD 16 Touch 12 Flat 12 : F +4 R +8 W +7 : INIT +2 Perc +11 CMB +4
Here is my work in progress. I lost some time this evening to parenting duties. I will have him finished tomorrow.
Virgil Longstreet, Esq.
Gentleman, distinguished lawyer, and recent target of outrageous allegations of forgery, embezzlement, and inappropriate relationships with elderly widows. Simply outrageous! I strongly condemn any assertion that I inserted my name as a beneficiary into the wills of my clients. There is no proof! Furthermore, my recent acquisition of several racing horses, a collection of fine art pieces, and a summer villa are due to entirely to wise investments. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a ship to catch. I am going on extended vacation, and will be unavailable for further questions.
Here is the submission for Tanner Nielsen. I am available to post 1-2 times per day. I prefer to resolve differences with others players with civil discussion. We're all here to have fun! Since we're evil bastards in this game, a nonlethal duel might be necessary if there is gridlock. I draw a firm distinction between myself and my characters, and I do not take it personally if something happens to my character that I don't like (as long as the game is fair). I want to join your PbP campaign because it looks awesome! Having a chance to play a villain is always a nice break from goody two-shoes heroes.
Virgil Longstreet
LE Human Male
Antipaladin (Tyrant, Virtuous Bravo) of Asmodeus
Campaign Trait: Heresy
"So you are with the church." Virgil walks over and sits cross-legged in front of the woman. She had been presented as a potential initiate into the cult of Asmodeus, but her story hadn't added up. They had found a dagger and a holy symbol of Mitra under her shirt, and she was now bound and gagged. He picks up her dagger from the floor, and uses it as a pointer to emphasize his words. "That was sloppy, little assassin. Which I suppose is just the cherry on top, compared to being captured your targets." He taps the flat of the blade on her cheek. "Sloppy. Sloppy. Sloppy.... What shall we do with you now, little assassin? Your only currency is sharing how you found us, but my dagger here will get that for us for free. Won't we, little dagger?" He traces the point up and down the woman's cheek. His voice is a high-pitched sing-song, as a parent would to a young child. "The little dagger will be used on the little assassin, until all of her secrets are shared. Then what? Will we kill her, little dagger? Will we keep her as a puppet in a cage? Will we do horrible, lurid things to her body and spirit? We will slice off little pieces and make her eat them?" He laughs a deep, belly laugh and smiles, his eyes wide with anticipation. "There are so many possibilities, little dagger! Perhaps we can have more than one? Yes.... perhaps we can have all of them. Perhaps we should start with the slicing. Yes, little dagger. Yes."
He leans in closely, staring into her eyes, and whispers. "Tell me how you found us, little assassin. Or I will make you eat your own ear."
......
"See? That wasn't so hard." Virgil pats the woman on the shoulder and smiles. "And don't worry, my little dagger and I won't brutalize you. That would be barbaric. No, you earned a quick death." In a blur of motion he grabs the woman's air and thrusts the dagger to the hilt through her chin. "Because I am a gentleman."
Description:
Hair: Salt and Pepper
Eyes: Blue
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 150lb
You see a well-groomed man with short-cropped gray hair. His eyes are a deep blue, with small flecks of silver near the iris. His skin is fair and pale, indicating northern ancestry. He has small freckles on his nose, high cheek bones, and a strong jaw. Despite his prisoner's rags, he holds himself dignified and aloof. He is tall, with a lanky frame and straight posture.
Background:
Virgil was born the third son of a viscount in a coastal trading city south of Daveryn. Which viscount and which city are of little importance. All you need to know is that the family already had their heir-and-a-spare, and had little use for Virgil. He was purposely steered away from leadership, and received none of the grooming in politics, trade, and stewardship bestowed on his brothers. Virgil was encouraged to develop scholarly pursuits, with the intent that someday he would serve the family admirably as a barrister or an accountant.
Virgil did not accept their mediocre goals. How could he? His ambition would not allow it. He used his endowment to hire sages, tutors, and weaponmasters to train and educate him. He spent his daylight hours in rigorous study and practice. If his family would only offer him a life of drab indolence, then he was determined to make his mark elsewhere. Perhaps as a mercenary or an adventurer, where his skills and courage would determine his success rather than the whims of his family. His activities drew the scorn of his brothers and chastisement from his parents, but ultimately they were content to leave him be. After all, he was not the heir, and could be indulged his hobbies.
After several more years of training, Virgil thought himself ready to set out on his own. He made his farewells, such as they were, arranged his affairs, and packed his bags. He was determined to set out for the Borderlands and find fame and fortune with his sword. However, fate dealt him a different hand. He had been watched for the past several months by patient and observant eyes. Eyes that saw potential and ambition. That night as he slept in bed, he awoke with a start at a hand on his shoulder. Three men stood over him in black robes trimmed with crimson. Only one of them spoke. Virgil recognized the voice of the house stablemaster, but the familiar servility was gone and replaced by a voice calm and powerful. The man told him that he had been watched, weighed, and found worthy of service -- service to a master who would reward him for his talent and courage. A master who saw the burning desire for power in his heart. A master who could elevate him above his brothers on a whim. A dark, and terrible master. Asmodeus.
Virgil felt red-hot truth sear his heart. His mind filled with visions, promises of glory. He fell to his knees and proclaimed himself ready for service. That very night the house stablemaster initiated Virgil into the cult of Asmodeus, and his first task was the kill the family priest of Mitra in his sleep.
The old priest was the first of many to die at his hand. Virgil was subtle and well-spoken, and used his tongue and family standing to open doors that brute force could not. After his ninth victim -- a nosy lieutenant in the town guard who patrolled near their secret altar too frequently -- Virgil was ready for formal induction. Nine victims, nine circles of Hell, and he had earned his reward. He was inducted as a templar of Asmodeus, a blackguard. His head was anointed with the blood of his nine victims, he intoned the prayer he dutifully memorized, and dark energy flooded his soul. He was reborn.
Unfortunately, Virgil's new service lasted less than a week. His last victim had been the favorite nephew of a Knight of Alerion, and keen minds began to notice a pattern to recent deaths in the city. They smelled diabolism. None other than Sir Balin of Karfeld was sent to investigate. Against such experience and power, Virgil's local cell stood little chance. They were found, arrested, tried, and condemned to death within three day's of the inquisitor's arrival.
In short order, Virgil was stripped of his titles (little that they were), disowned by his family, and loaded on a wagon bound south for Branderscar Prison. Alone. The other members of his cell were executed in the public square with little preamble. But Virgil? Virgil was a member of the gentry. His was a life of privilege and great expectations. He was supposed to be an example to the people! His death would require ignominy to serve as a cautionary tale to the faithful.
Despite the loud pronouncements of his guilt and impending doom in his home town, his journey to Branderscar was uneventful and quiet. No gloating or mocking, the guards considered him already dead. He arrived at the prison, was processed quickly, and found himself in a prison cell with several others. Slated to burn at the stake for heresy. Despite his grim predicament, he was filled with confidence. His service to Asmodeus, though brief, had been faithful and heartfelt. He could face his master with pride. Though, if by chance, the days of his service were extended... he would welcome the chance to again wield his sword in the Darkfather's service.
I am still very interested in playing in this game, but real-life has been frustratingly busy lately. I have the basics of my character down, but still need to flesh out minor things like equipment, traits, etc. If I can submit this as a placeholder while I fill in the rest of the character, I would really appreciate it. Thank you.
Male Human Bard 6+2 : HP 51 : AC 14 CMD 16 Touch 12 Flat 12 : F +4 R +8 W +7 : INIT +2 Perc +11 CMB +4
"So where do we go from here? There seems to be more to explore and discover underground, but would take us far from our current goals. I believe turning east toward the Hinterlands would be best, and try to pin down which goblin tribe is behind these shenanigans. Do you think Tsuto would be able to shed more light on this? I'm certain we could.... persuade him."
Male Human Bard 6+2 : HP 51 : AC 14 CMD 16 Touch 12 Flat 12 : F +4 R +8 W +7 : INIT +2 Perc +11 CMB +4
We're doing fine, everyone. Thanks for the well-wishes! My work and school are being very accommodating and letting me take two weeks off. So the feedings every three hours and endless cycle of diapers isn't so bad when we can take turns napping.
Male Human Bard 6+2 : HP 51 : AC 14 CMD 16 Touch 12 Flat 12 : F +4 R +8 W +7 : INIT +2 Perc +11 CMB +4
Oh, no. I don't mind at all. ;)
Round 2:
"AGAIN!" Virgil channels dark energies through his symbol of Abadar.
The map is not loading for me right now. Please move me to an appropriate spot where I will catch the monster but not get Mint-Gum-Commercial close to it.
Channel Energy 1d6 ⇒ 3 Will DC 18 for half damage.
Male Human Bard 6+2 : HP 51 : AC 14 CMD 16 Touch 12 Flat 12 : F +4 R +8 W +7 : INIT +2 Perc +11 CMB +4
"Stay here, Iodem!"
Round 1:
Virgil races up the northern stairway (full 30 ft.) and grips his holy symbol. "Sentire tenaci damnationem!" He points an accusing finger toward the demon and a bubbling of crackling black energy pulsates from his symbol of Abadar and washes over the demon. When the bubble reaches Virgil's companions, it seems to twist and pinch like a sausage casing to avoid touching them.
By my count, I should be at least 30 ft away from Iodem and out of range for him to be hit by my channeling.
Channel Energy1d6 ⇒ 6 Will DC 18 for half damage.
Sense Motive 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Male Human Bard 6+2 : HP 51 : AC 14 CMD 16 Touch 12 Flat 12 : F +4 R +8 W +7 : INIT +2 Perc +11 CMB +4
I was completely fine until one moment a few hours after the delivery. The baby came around 10 in the morning, and that evening my wife zonked out. It was just me and him in the dark room. I suddenly felt the universe focus its attention on me and my stomach dropped. I made this. I am responsible for it. Very unnerving, but it quickly switched back to love and pride.
