Zelaria arrives at the Dragon after sundown. While the Orca was in dock, the bells were far more relaxed, and what few crew members there were remaining to maintain the ship took liberties in the galley. Discipline from the officers was less stringent, and interaction with others far more taxing, and with the festival approaching, her brothers were far more active than usual. Each element combined to make Zelaria weary to the bone, so much so that pulling her chair seemed a challenge to her frail arms.
None would ever mistake Zelaria for a professional sailor. Of her the more experienced crew said very little, at least those with wives and children her age in some port elsewhere on the Orca's call, that she was a professional wanderer, a moth. But her fingers were nimble and on the off chance she sung her voice was more often sweet than not, so they tolerated her on the whole. And it was rarely wise to antagonize the girl responsible for the stores of fresh water and keeping the food sound.
Zelaria offers a smile to assembly as she assumes her seat with a sigh. "Good eve," she offers brightly, tucking one slim leg up under herself when she sits. "Copper, what do you recommend tonight?" she inquires.
Been getting my VTT kingmaker back on track the last few days. In a few minutes I'll be shutting down to play a paladin in the game my husband started several years ago and we're almost all the way through now.
Hope to update and post sometime tomorrow, when I have nothing but housework to do.
Just so ya'll know, Telenor (my ISP here) hates paizo forums, and I'm having problems with posting anything with a dice function. it's a huge pain in my rear, but I should be able to get an updated sheet up sometime tonight.
Seeing that this map is faaar more friendly to us than the one Rysil posted
Zelaria knows something other than fear in the darkness, and that is that she cannot allow her friends to be harmed by what it brought. Her perfect faith in Desna lends her courage, and the prayer that spills from her lips is invigorating. When Zelaria closes her eyes, she can see bright moths flitting about in the darkness just behind her eyes, her Lady's heralds, as a pulse of magic delivers Her grace to her allies.
Standard Action: Cast Bless and each ally within a 50' burst centered on Zelaria gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects.
All drama is over now. We're down to a group of five from seven, and I'm running my kingmaker game on wednesday. They're going to... whatever the Stag Lord, I think.
At least, that's what I've got planned. If they want to derail me, they're welcome to. :P
Sorry I didn't get back. The online group I was in exploded quite dramatically today with some punk kid telling me that I didn't role play except to copulate with the barbarian, which was both insulting and blatantly false.
So... Drama kept me from thinking of much anything else. Thanks for stepping in Adrien. Of all the times for stuff to go south it has to be with 5 days left until I travel to see my husband again, right?
okie, i'm feeling more fresh, and will take a look later today, I promise.
Oh, heads up, I'll be traveling across several international borders Saturday through Sunday, and my posting times will be rolled forward to GMT +1. It's not likely I'll be posting much those days. Hope I do not get tossed.
Zelaria swallows her fear and attempts to assess the situation rationally. The globes of darkness lend the greatest challenge, and beyond that, the fact that a good many of her allies were scattered across the field. She breathes a prayer to Desna for luck, and gathers Her influence in a globe of magic at the tips of her fingers, which spreads to Adrien in a rush of energy and heat like star burst prickling his skin.
"May the Lady's grace guide your arm, to protect the dreams of those gathered here," she says and smiles weakly. "Now pray that Chance favors you as well."
Zelaria casts Guidance on Adrien, giving him +1 bonus to any one attack roll, saving throw, or skill check for the next minute.
well, i'm going to be running my game here in a few, and then i have to prepare for out of town travel for the next few days tonight. not sure how available i will be.
I first saw that movie when I was a tot. And then I watched it once every few years after, and then finally sat down and watched it at over 18. different movie every time.
Malcolm McDowell really enjoys the creep. Between that and Caligula... sheesh.
Zelaria Fort Save vs DC 15 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 that's some strong milk.
Zelaria Spellcraft 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Zelaria screams when the Dragon is shrouded in darkness, her heart fluttering in abject terror. There is nothing she fears more than total darkness, not even silence.
Zelaria purses her lips and takes in the state of Adrien. She has not the greatest senses in the world, but it is not difficult for one used to being in close quarters with sailors to determine his gait and very forward manner of speaking that Aiden has likely imbibed beyond his limit. Zelaria steps forward and places her hand on his shoulder, on the opposite side of his sword arm, and has very little distance to lean to whisper in his ear.
Adrien, Perception 25:
"You should eat bread and drink only water from now on."
She lifts her head and touches her flat tummy with her hand and offers Belor a smile while she considers his companions.
Yeah... I know. I like cheese on mah crackers, but it is kinda depressing when I want to find like a normal looking girl exposing her midriff and all I find are big-booby-chans or like... actual child looking portraits.
After scouring her stew pot with warm water and soap, Zelaria rises from her stoop and stands to her full height beside the massive container, near equal to her trim waist. Sometimes Zelaria wonders if she is in fact the tallest halfling in the world, or... indeed, how her predecessor had managed to use such a pot on the ship. She exhales sharply and wipes her pruned hands on a clean dish towel, then uses it to mop sweat from her brow. Cleaning the galley and her tools after each successive meal is an effort, but one that she knew the crew appreciated when their seafood bisque did not taste like the remains of the chicken noodle soup.
Zelaria replaced the cover on the stove top, and fluttered her loose dress over her modest bust for ventilation. Most above envied her position as cook because she was able to remain below deck in the warm while they were climbing the rigging in storms, but Zelaria was also responsible for maintaining the heat without setting the boat aflame. She opens the grate and stuffs a rather large log on the embers, far too much fuel, she knew, ensuring that there would be little work to be done to stoke the flames when she returns, and removing her apron, moves to her little cabin beside the kitchen.
And finds it in a state of emergency. Zelaria knew that the boys were agitated about their impending return to Sandpoint, and had oft times before pulled such tricks as hiding her plain clothes so she felt some private shame leaving the ship in her soiled uniform, or her soap, once Eugeni had even stolen her charm anklet. Zelaria tries to remain calm as she picks up after their tantrum, knowing that acknowledging the behavior only encourages them to indulge in greater horrors.
Quite confident in the fact that she is alone in the galley, Zelaria answers their whispered conversation. Yes, she was going to town, and she did intend to see Balor. And there would be a festival for the opening of the Cathedral they had watched being built the last six months. Rhasadilara was working at Ameiko's Dragon, and she was well. Zelaria has recognized that even when behaving badly the boys are rarely malicious. The discipline inherent in supplying the ship's crew with nourishment, even if she was regarded as one of the lower members, has done wonders for the boys temperament as a whole.
Of course, they do not understand that the amount of time she spends cleaning reduces her meager shore leave, and theirs. Zelaria undresses to a chorus of groans, and quickly changes in her shore clothes. Two skirts dangle from her hip, stuffed into an overlarge and garish belt, the top being purple and underneath a layered patchwork of orange and pink washed so frequently they almost matched. Zelaria tucked the purple up against her hip beneath the belt, along with her coin purse, making it nearly impossible to pick without being noticed. Her top is jade and its large knotted collar resembling lace is almost as long as the hem, which leaves no part of her tanned stomach to the imagination, dull as it was lacking piercings and tattoos. She simply has not found the time to sit for one.
It is no great challenge to navigate the gang plank used for unloading goods, and Zelaria responds to the various cat calls from the crew with a cheery wave as she descends. Zelaria picks a round about route to the Dragon, admiring the general splendor of a Cathedral dedicated to her lady, as well as a stop by Sheriff Belor's office. She is quite surprised to find him at the Dragon. Seeing that he is occupied, she steps to the bar and orders a glass of milk, noting in her peripheral vision that the boys are flitting about the pretty girls. She waves to Rhasadilara, but recognizing that she is on duty, does little more than smile and acknowledge her presence.
"It appears that I have missed some celebration," Zelaria opines as she approaches the table, bending to help Copper to his feet, all four of them. "Good eve Sheriff, Talon," and slightly softer, "Adrien."
It's cool, I totally understand that we're all human. It took me a while to read through what people have actually posted and try to get an impression of their character through that.
Sorta waiting on approval of my connection to the NPC in question from the GM before I post, but I see things are not moving a breakneck pace yet.
Copper (Including him as a character): Zelaria sees Copper as much of an individual as Rohan. She enjoys his company, and finds him a fascinating insight to Rohan’s moods when the man himself does not care to entertain. She believes that by treating him fairly, and warmly, she will be able to coax Rohan a little more out of the shell that he places himself in.
Rohan: Zelaria sees Rohan as a surrogate brother of sorts, if she could ever bring herself to speak of them. He has defended her in the past from sailors who were too deep in their cups and pressing physical advantage, but he has never made her feel as though she is incapable of her exerting her own will and decisions.
Adrien: Zelaria perceives Adrien as the sort of ideal that she and her brothers had in mind when they played at knights with sticks beside the road. She wants terribly to believe that he is a force of good that will remain so, and if not wholly chivalrous than courteous to the end. It is a lot to assume for a man she barely knows (I imagine that they would speak together when in town and in the company of Rohan and Copper), but she rather needs to believe that good guys really exist.
Talon: Talon can be godsend for Zelaria, as her brothers are constantly playing tricks on her by hiding her items. Also, he will be a fun partner to practice her quick skills with, juggling, playing minor “magic” tricks or even picking pockets. Her skills come more from playing with the harrow deck than from any thieving activity, but it will be fun to play off that sort of skill set with a character.
Esmerelda: The Varisian people love a storyteller, and Zelaria is no exception. She will come to know Esmerelda through their mutual profession, bringing back new recipies and techniques between stops to keep Copper sated with his favorite dishes, and to improve on her repoitiore. Zelaria will be very excited to travel with a fellow member of her tribe, and the possibility of creating a new story with her to add to the history of their peoples.
Rhasadilara: Zelaria would never abandon a female in need, and she would hold a special part in her heart for Rhasadilara, even if the woman is over a century older than her. She would wonder how she came to stow away on the ship, but would not pry because her very own arrival in Sandpoint is so murky to herself. Zelaria will be the first to support Rhasadilara if it appear she needed it, but would not pry into her history unless invited.
Noro: Initially Zelaria would probably have a difficulty finding some manner of relating to Noro. Her calm temperament is rather… jarred by very violent reactions, considering the violence in her past, but she will try her hardest to find some manner of exercise they can work on together. Zelaria is a passable hunter, and fairly dexterous, so likely they could find some common ground over the process of feeding the party?
Ties to Major NPCs:
Interestingly enough, I think Zelaria's greatest tie to an NPC will be Sheriff Balor. I imagine him being called to Bjorn's household to investigate the happenings, and having pity for the young Zelaria. Perhaps he even has knowledge of how she came to be in Sandpoint? With contacts in the government he was able to place Zelaria in a situation where she could live, and in relative safety, and continue to have a home, even if it was not necessarily with Bjorn and Iolana.
The I in Team:
It will be Zelaria's first priority as a divine caster to ensure that her party is always healthy. This includes feeding them right, in her capacity as a cook, and encouraging them to exercise and spar to keep limber, as well as periodic examinations. In combat, she will cast buffs so that they can perform at their best, and deliver bonuses to AC where they are needed, and guidance as she sees fit. Any healing, however, will be post combat.
Zelaria will make herself available to hear dreams and concerns from the party, calling upon her relation to Desna to interpret the visions in a healthy and cooperative way, even if she is not necessarily "wise." Ultimately, she looks to assume the mantle that her elder was training her in as a child, as the wise woman and fortune teller of the group.
Party Name: Judean people's front!
Oh-kay, really. Balor's Irregulars?
My name is Zelaria. I am this parties spiritual guide and protector. I will use my faith in Desna to shield my party even in death. I will find a way to bring them back if they die saving myself or my friends. These people are my friends and I will give them the Strength of my goddess always or suffer her eternal wrath as she casts me to be Lamashtu's plaything.
***
Hum... Six months, and ties to the main NPCs? Would this be all the main NPCs, not just Ameiko and Balor, but the mayor and the cleric as well?
"Milk, please," Zelaria orders. The liquid was rare on sea voyages. When Zelaria bought it for the crew it was gone within days, far too quickly for her spells to keep it fresh. Also, Zelaria had never drunk alcohol, but if the example set by sailors was any indication, the distraction would be too much to manage the children and her own mind. At the moment they fluttered through the crowd, playing some game of tag, though more often staring at better developed women. Zelaria blushed and looked to Copper again, and petted his single copper scale.
"Priestess?" Zelaria repeats, then shakes her head. "No, not as such, as I understood it then, or now," she says and smiles sadly, "but Her calling is strong in my blood."
Zelaria listens as Copper details their relationship in four short statements while stuffing his small face and wonders where it all goes. "It is easy to be the prettiest girl in a crew of mostly men," she observes humbly. "Here there is far more competition, in both my offices."
Zelaria notes the behavior of Rohan's companion and smiles faintly, broadening when he meets her eyes rather than being consumed by the garish colors that decorate her slight frame. She speaks a spell and reaches and touches his arm, and Desna's healing light marches up his skin like several hundreds of starbursts exploding just above the surface, curing him for 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 damage x2 if you were doing non lethal.
"It appears my lady Desna favors the bold in games of chance," she says and smiles at Adrien.
Zelaria takes the seat Copper offers, tucking her skirts beneath her knees, and pulling her braids back should he like to rest on her shoulder. She is slightly pained to see Rohan attending his cups more than his company, but recognizes that the sport was something between men, and his melancholy is unlikely to be extinguished by her ministrations, at least in public.
"What fare has the Dragon to offer that keeps you from my galley?" she asks Copper instead, reaching out to pet beneath his chin. "Or should I be asking what haven't you eaten?"
For all her zeal for the festival, and the opening of the cathedral, Zelaria has been loath to leave the Orca very often. While the crew worked to unload their supplies they still required food, and as the cook, she could not very well abandon her post. This is the excuse she made for herself as she hid in the galley.
A pair of baguettes Zelaria purchased from a local bakery swung violently in the air near the range where she was reducing fish stock. The boys were whispering about adventure, having completely forgotten about the reason why Zelaria had taken work aboard the first ship that would have her several years ago. Being aboard a ship had taught Zelaria a fair amount of discipline, there were schedules to adhere to, and the absolute mortal dread that should her secret be discovered it would be rather easily dealt with by persons whose greatest interest was profit, not empathy.
Zelaria plucks the baguette from Eugeni's hands, and after removing the heels cuts it into three equal lengths for the Captain and his mates sandwiches for the afternoon, then quickly stuffs them with less obnoxious vegetables, cheese and a more than generous serving of meats. Ethan giggles and places his on the bench before swinging his hip up and over it, watching her work. Eugeni, of a decidedly darker bent, tugs sharply at her braid then pinches her side painfully. Zelaria has learned not to react to these incidences in the years since she has left Sandpoint, reinforcement only encourages her brother's bad behaviors.
After feeding the officers, Zelaria opens the galley to the crew. She receives several appreciative winks for the quality of the soup she has made, and the freshness of the bread. Without an oven she cannot bake her own, and though it cost a few coppers more per day, Zelaria is more than able meet the expenditure to please the crew.
Zelaria's last duties for the afternoon are fishing the bones from her stock, clearing the bench and wiping down the galley for the next shift. Having performed them, she steps back into the tiny sleeping loft seemingly built just for her (she understood that a halfling had been the resident cook before herself) and changes from her heavy apron and sodden shift into a swirl of purple and orange skirts and a jade top that takes full advantage of her narrow shoulders and the naturally dark complexion of her skin. She feels the eyes of the crew on her as she steps out onto the deck, and quick and agile she darts down the wide loading plank between workers bearing loads, and slips down to the Dragon to meet Copper and Rohan. She blinks at the state of him, and his new companion? and looks to Copper.
"I am fairly certain that those bruises were not present when you left the galley this morning, else I am far less perceptive than usual."
It's a relatively quiet morning at the harbor in Sandpoint. The seagulls wake with the fishermen, squealing for food and circling around the fishing boats as they are prepped for the day's catch. Several more smaller boats are mooring at the docks, crab and shrimp fishermen, for the most, in larger boats, bringing in several days haul for the local eateries.
Today is a very special day for the harbor master, a boat is coming from *larger location to be determined* Rohan, you have any ideas? and the fees for docking will be significantly higher than the local fisherman can afford to pay. And then there is the influx of trade that is to be expected from such a landing, as larger ships bring passengers, and thirsty sailors. Of course, Sheriff Balor has been informed as well, as drunken sailors often cause problems for the local militia. Very few are above rebuking an out of hand scuffle, but for the most, unless there is great cause to believe combatants will harm innocents, the militia are not paid well enough to interfere in the affairs of outsiders.
Besides, all available men will be needed on hand to man the upcoming Swallowtail festival, as the influx of merchants and tourists has already started, swelling the ranks of potential pick pocketing victims on the streets, and potentially the towns coffers for their patronage.
you know what we could do, what Rohan and I did in our first recruitment thread was kind of set the stage through RP so we got that flirting sort of stuff out of the way.
I'm a gm sometimes, and not to step on our's toes, but to set the scene, it could be as simple as Rohan and Zelaria's ship getting in to port, and Esmerelda is there to get the morning catch, or perhaps the latest news?
Just an idea, though... would be more... organic than going "oh hey, i should know you from x" and then when we open our mouths, our impressions are completely inaccurate.
Hmm, or perhaps she could be working on a ship's galley, which might explain why she knows Rohan and Copper better? A lady who is of Desna might be welcome aboard a ship, and fresh water and cure lights are always good, too, in case of PIRATES yargh!!
Not to put your efforts Esmerelda, I just think that TWO PC's in one spot with very similar stories might try to chew up the scene around each other, and Ms. Ameiko is the owner.
I'm thinking to tie my gal to Ameiko she might have been working in the Rusty Dragon for some time, earning her daily bread while her haunts fling it from her
As I recall Rohan was a sailor, right, could be he's been to town more than a few times, and shyly tried to chat Zelaria up at some point, while Copper did so more suavely and ate her bread and food like a champion.
I really don't like reading backstories because it feels like cheating, and I'd rather get to know your character through actual interaction than knowing everything laid bare. Rohan has a bit of an edge there because he knew Zelaria the disco/rave light Dreamspun Sorceress and her backstory has not changed very much.
Rohan might recognize this little lady's name, but her new guise is an Oracle. I obviously need to trim her back from a previous game, and do some more mechanics stuff, but the backstory is there.
She's got the haunted curse, and I made her haunts her dead brothers, or... maybe not, maybe that's just how she perceives them as. It was real fun writing that for the few weeks I could and I would like to explore it more.
Zelaria thinks quickly on her feet, moving 30' feet in the direction of the fleeing goblin and casts Ghost Sound Will Saving Throw DC 15 to make the goblin believe that there is a group of tasty dogs right behind him, should he be inclined to turn and seek out new prey.
Yeah, it's all I got, and doesn't eat up a spell slot, really, sorry.
Zelaria does not have a status spell in effect, but she is not blind to the fact that Adenel has taken a hit from a goblin. She moves towards the combat with the intention of employing her Color Spray spell for its maximum effectiveness. The will saving throw for Zelaria's Color Spray is DC 16.
yeah. sometimes it sucks being low on initiative. but! didn't want folk waiting around for the standard clericy buff, and no matter what that was what she was going to do. healing in combat is a waste of actions and spells :P
Uh... 151d4? ummm... OOH! I see, no space between!
Zelaria steps away from her attackers, and with the party gathered about her, raises her voice to the heavens and chants. Her allies find themselves surrounded by a shimmering illusion of brilliant stars and are imbued with holy energy, granting them a +1 morale bonus on attacks and saving throws against fear effects.
Zelaria frowns at the riddle that they have been given. With references to night, her immediate reaction is to consider the priest of Desna, but she scarcely knew any who paid any particular attention to harming wrongs...
"A priest of Abadar?" she hums and considers her companion. "Scarcely born of the wilds, however, or known for their ferocity..."
