Yes, absolutely. And to be clear, if you have communicated with me and/or posted in this thread, please CONTINUE to work on your character proposal through tomorrow night. Think of this as the "4th quarter" so to speak.
As this game is going more for a pulp/action/adventure feel, I am not planning on using any Sanity rules. I would rather not get lost in the dark/madness/horror side of things (though these will certainly show up, just not as the primary focus). Does that make sense?
Thank you all for your interest. At this time, I am closing recruitment to new applicants. Those who have either submitted or are in the process of working on a character should get it finished in the next 48 hours. I am very excited to get things underway!
A Call to the Bold: Opening Pandora's Box The year is 1935. A shadow stretches across Europe, cast by the iron fist of a rising power. Beneath the surface of political turmoil, another, more ancient darkness stirs. Whispers of stolen relics, clandestine cults, and mad science echo far and wide from the fog-choked alleys of London to the sun-drenched ruins of the Mediterranean. Whether drawn by fate, curiosity, or perhaps a desperate plea – these are the first threads in a tapestry of intrigue that threatens the very fabric of humanity. A sinister force seeks to unlock a power beyond mortal comprehension, and they are not alone in their pursuit. The agents of different forces, each with their own dark ambitions, lurk in the shadows, eager to seize any advantage. This is a call to adventure, a journey into the heart of pulp thrills, forgotten magic, and occult horror. Perhaps you are a hardened veteran wary of creeping fascism, a seasoned archaeologist with a thirst for forgotten lore, an occult investigator wrestling with the unseen, or someone touched by the strange currents of the era. You will decipher ancient clues, battle agents of the vile and greedy, explore forgotten civilizations, encounter terrifying creatures born of science and superstition, and stand against the encroaching darkness that threatens to engulf the world. Are you brave enough to peer into the abyss? Are you willing to risk everything to prevent what could be unleashed? Apply now, and let the adventure begin… Game System, & 3rd Party Content
Character Concept, Backstory, & Motivations:
Character Concept This is a chance to make a character that blends modern ideas with the fun of the medieval setting we all know and love. Be creative and have fun. I encourage you to start with a concept and find the mechanics to match, not the other way around. For those who have only played in a traditional fantasy setting but are interested in this game, I have included here a list of Character Concepts. Hopefully these help fuel the creative process. Backstory
Personality & Motivations
Alignment, and Morals
Connections
Character Creation:
Ability Scores Each player has 86 points to distribute between their six ability scores (not points buy, but actual total). You are required to have two odd ability scores at character creation. An example set would be: 18, 16, 15, 14, 13, 10. Race
You also have the option of using the standard human “+2 to any one ability score”, or you can select “+2 to one physical ability score, +2 to one mental ability score, and a -2 to one ability score”. Class
Archetypes
If you would like a 2nd archetype, it will take away abilities as per normal. Level
Traits
You may then select 2 traits as per normal, or 3 if you take a drawback. Skills
All classes that normally have 2+Int skills are increased to 4+int. All other classes are increased by +1. “Skill Unlocks” will be used. All characters will be able to select one skill at 5th level (and one more every 5 levels) with which they can use skill Unlocks [as per the Rogue’s Edge ability]. Classes with 6+int skill points will get to select two skill unlocks at each progressive milestone (2 @ 5th, 10th, etc]. Rogues get access to all Skill Unlocks for any skill they have the appropriate number of ranks in. A few additional skills necessary for a modern setting:
Feats
All characters start with one additional feat at 1st level, and gain one feat at every level (instead of every other). The only Item Creation feats available to players currently are Scribe Scroll and Brew Potion (though others may become available later through gameplay). Equipment & Firearms
A Little About the GM:
Greetings all, I am a 40-something man residing in Massachusetts (USA) with my wife of 12 years, 2 boys (both under 5), mother (in her role as ‘nonna’ to our boys), dog, and 4 cats. I am a restaurant manager, and have been working in hospitality for over 25 years. As for gaming experience, my early days started with storytelling games with my brother involving lego knights. This progressed in 1991 into HeroQuest and the ‘Black Box’ edition of Dungeons & Dragons. Soon after we dove into years of AD&D 2nd edition, and then 3rd Edition. When the 4th Edition / Pathfinder schism occurred, my gaming group resoundingly went with Pathfinder, and have remained loyal ever since. Though initially the ‘younger brother’ in my gaming group, after a few years I was given a seat at the head of the table, and GMing became my role of choice. Along the way, I also delved into the various White Wolf games, Call of Cthulhu, RuneQuest, GURPs, and many others. I spent several years involved with a LARP in Pennsylvania, where I was part of the “perma-cast”, did some writing, and event GMed a few events.
A word of caution…
Gameplay Expectations
Recruitment Timeline
Wow, there are some great concepts being tossed around. I am truly excited about all the interest. Working hard on the recruitment and support material, I am hoping to go live with it by Monday.
Good morning ladies and gentlemen, and happy Monday. As I continue to work on the recruitment thread, I thought I would take a few minutes to respond to a few PMS publicly, as well as address some of these questions about tech level. Setting: real world 1930s - in most ways, this game will be set in the world as it was. 99.9% of people go about life as normal, with know knowledge of magic, monsters, demons, or their like. The game will not have dwarves barkeeps or elves running wizardly schools. Historical accuracy: On the other hand, once gameplay starts, this will be an "alternate timeline" to history. Do not expect things to happen exactly as they did. And though historical figures may be used, they may be altered and/or in wholy different places that do not align with history. Your characters will visit real places, though it is unlikely I will have period accurate maps of streets, buildings, and their like. Technology level: the game will primarily use the appropriate tech levels of the 1930s. If you encounter a mad scientist, they may have unique creations, but these will most certainly not be the norm. You will not see soldiers running around with laser guns. Gender, ethnicity, and related concerns: I want people to be able to play the characters they desire, and the societal restrictions of the past will not be a constraint on the players. During gameplay at some point it is possible the party will encounter bigotry, but the offender will definitely fall into the villainous category. I am happy to speak 1-on-1 with each player and ensure an inclusive and enjoyable role-playing experience.
Hey, sorry. Been spending way too much time trying to build a character (I am so used to PF1e that I am getting myself hung up in 2e). I should have one finished up and posted on the next 24 hours. I am still leaning toward a fighter with a two handed weapon, but am also exploring barbarian, ranger, and cleric.
I just realized I never did my "intro", hopefully that has not been the holdup. The agent known as Ash by most is often a figure of mystery, for those who know him only in passing see a scarred, disfigured man who hides behind a hood. Yet they appreciate his skill in both mending wounds, and stepping into combat. For those who know his given name of Maxim, or his assumed surname - Ashvayne - they have likely learned the tragic tale of a penitent knight who survives to defend, but who failed to save those he loves the most.
Thank you all for your feedback. It seems like the interest level is as follows: 1st - Opening Pandora's Box
To that end, I will be creating a recruitment thread for Opening Pandora's Box shortly. For those interested in an FR game, I will likely start one in a couple months, once the 1st is up and running.
Tara, great question. Option 1 is meant to be a fun, exciting, action-pulp adventure - the players are heroes, and should feel heroic - it is definitely not intended to play up the bigotry, racism, and sexism of almost a century ago. In rare cases where bigotry is encountered, it will be portrayed as a negative aspect of an 'evil' character. I encourage players to create a character that fits the theme of the setting, not to be concerned about being targeted with negative or hostile roleplaying. In addition, any players that submit a character that might have any concerns will be discussed prior to gameplay to ensure we are on the same page and any personal limits are well known. I hope that answers your question. Hey Dorian and Parrot, great to see you still active on here. Had a blast rocking Rappan Athuk back in the day, glad you are still gaming together. I hope you will both apply to whichever game I settle on - right now its seeming like Option #1 is the leader.
To those interested in this game, yes, I am still working on putting together this recruitment, but it will be delayed by a couple weeks. I am away at a work conference this week, and last week got a call from my boss asking me to relocate 700 miles for a new position. When I get home tomorrow my focus will be on packing up my house and getting it ready to sell. I would expect the recruitment to be up sometime in mid/late September.
Ok, guess maybe my "48 hours" until recruitment was a bit overambitious. I am still compiling everything for the recruitment, and will bump this thread once it is posted.
Maxim's right eyebrow creeps up as he listens to the posturing between the techpriest and the acolyte. "This better not go sideways before we even begin.' His back eases a little as the pair seem to reach something of an accord. After the others have each had their say, he leans forward with a nod. "Maxim Ashvayne, Medicae and former sergeant in the Merydian Iron Guard. I am here to keep you covered, and patch anyone back together that gets in too much trouble." Turning back toward the vox unit, "Thank you Interrogator, this work will be done."
I have similarly loved both the Pathfinder Games by Owlcat, and am very hopeful for the upcoming Rogue Trader crpg. I was so disappointed by Inquisitor Martyr when it came out a few years back. History with 40k I got into 40k back in the late 90's, when my first army was Chaos Space Marines drawn from the 2nd Edition Chaos Codex. Since then I have played off and on across the multitude of editions. I have read all of Abnett's Inquisitor series (Eisenhorn/Ravenor/Bequin) and most of the Gaunt's Ghosts series. I am about a third of the way through the Horus Heresy portfolio. I have some experience playing and running the 40KRPGs, but no experience with Wrath & Glory. As such, I don't know much about the Gilead System, but am excited to learn. Character Questions
Below are a couple questions I posted in the Recruitment or Discussion thread:
Here we have Maxim ready for trouble...
Timber sports, sounds exciting! I assume that is like chopping down trees and axe throwing? Okay, linked HERE is the spreadsheet I started to look at our skills coverage. We have pretty decent support across most skills, with a gap in the "rogue-ish category (no character has the Finesse aptitude). The Assassin applicant pulled out, and the Desperado didn't finish - either of them would have filled the role. Below are skills that could use support. NO COVERAGE
LIMITED COVERAGE (1 character)
GM of the Hive Any consideration for each character getting a free Aptitude (to give us easier access to more skills), or perhaps a bonus couple known skills? Just a thought.
This looks to be everyone's current status: APPLICANTS
Withdrawn
I keep playing around with too many ideas, and it's slowing me down. They all build essentially the same mechanical character, it's just which backstory and role-playing vibe am I going for. * Doctor turned PDF because of alien/chaos invasion
I will try to get it finalized this evening.
I am still fleshing out my "frontier doctor - turned PDF medic", but figured I would update the applicant list. Please let me know if I missed anyone. APPLICANTS
Good day, I just saw you were re-recruiting for this campaign and thought I would express my interest. I rolled stats during the first recruitment, so will work from those. A quick question as I consider classes (paladin, rogue, hexblade warlock), are you allowing the update rule from TCoE to swap an ability score modifier from race? Thank you for your consideration.
Dark Heresy 2e is definitely the most composed of the d100 40k RPGs. The original dark heresy was flavorful but rough, and with each successive rule set (rogue trader, death watch, black crusade, only war), they works to clean it up. Dark heresy to e was the return to the beginning after everything that I've been learned along the way. It was actually moving in a pretty solid direction before it got canceled. P taking into account how cubicle 7. Up wrath and Glory, what they've done with Warhammer fantasy RPG, and where dark heresy 2e left off, I am cautiously excited to see what happens with Imperium Maledictum. That said, even if the rules release this month, it will only be the core set with no expansions. Probably smartest to start with dark heresy 2e, then make a move if and when we think the new system is good. Seems like there's definitely interest, let me put some ideas together.
Still filling in the details for the rebuild (I think I understand the demi-gestalt rules), but obviously wanted to dot in with my Avatar. I am going Alchemist / DG Brawler... Brewer first, Boxer second! Storm Dragon, Oblivion said before you only gain spellcasting from your primary class, not your subclass. That's why I went Alchemist primary, with Brawler as my subclass (as opposed to the opposite). Spending a boon feat grants you access to the subclass's spell list to use with your primary class's spell slots, not the subclass' casting itself. So, I *think* you could go Vigilante (Zealot) as your primary, then pick up Warlock (and another if you'd like) as your sub. You could then spend a Boon Feat to add the Warlock's spell list to the Zealot's, and then spend boon feats to gain the Mystic Bolt ability.
Hmm, I wonder if I could be the barkeep? 1 - Broken Broadsword - a tavern needs a barkeep!
Thinking about it, couldn't Another night at the Broken Broadsword essentially be all the other seven adventures? I mean, if something new happens every night, these could all be stories within the story.
Okay, I am toying back and forth between creating a halfling bard or a halfling cleric, both of whom would be followers of the Immortal Valerias (love, passion, protection, romance). I am off to work shortly, but will play around with builds a bit afterward and see which one strikes me better for the concept. I am very excited to see the possibilities with this game.
Dragonlance, god, that's a throwback to my childhood! I would love to hear what you are considering.
I cannot thank you all enough for all the hard work you each put in to developing an exceptional character. I wish I had the time to take on two games, and if the future presents the means for me to do so, I will revisit this list and recruit from here. Likewise, any casualties (OOG, no IG) will be replaced with players from here as well. The following six characters are the recipients of Aden Grimdawn's letter... Bharaz Silverhelm Dwarf Warpriest 4 (grumbaki)
If you would kindly all report to the discussion thread, we were can finalize some last details. To everyone else, best of luck in all your gaming endeavors, and may the D20 fall ever in your favor!
Thank is correct. Though I would love to declare a party at 12:01 am, there is a vast wealth of excellent applicants, so it is going to take a bit of time to decide. Oh, and let's have it both serious and playful, cause yeah, after all, this is a game....
It's the FINAL COUNTDOWN! With just under 9 hours to go, here is where the roll of applicants stands: COMPLETED CHARACTERS - MARTIAL
COMPLETED CHARACTERS - SKILLED
COMPLETED CHARACTERS - CASTER
CONCEPT or INCOMPLETE CHARACTER
EXPRESSED INTEREST
There is still a short window of time for anyone that is still finishing up a character to get it submitted, so let's get it done. I want to preemptively thank you all for the amazing list of characters, its going to be a hell of a challenge selecting a party, and were I at a point to run two parties side by side, I would. Sadly, that is not the case, and I will only be running one party. So, for the next 9 hours, we wait....
It's Saturday afternoon, there's a little less than 36 hours left. COMPLETED CHARACTERS - MARTIAL
COMPLETED CHARACTERS - SKILLED
COMPLETED CHARACTERS - CASTER
CONCEPT or INCOMPLETE CHARACTER
EXPRESSED INTEREST
Languages The link that Kamaloo post is an accurate assemblage of the languages as covered in the Forgotten Realms campaign material. It does still embrace the game-mechanic Common tongue (a systemic 'lingua franca' that makes RPGs so much easier) at my tabletop game did away with some years ago. I had planned to use it here for ease, but will discuss with the final party how to handle it. As written, it is nearly interchangeable with Chondathan, and Chondathan is the primary language from Waterdeep to the western half of the Sea of Fallen Stars (including Cormyr, Sembia, and the Dalelands), so, depending on the party we may adapt (and do away with Common) instead. With background skills, bonus skill points, and some pretty solid stats, I don't think people would be opposed. We shall see. Jereru Chondathan is the primary tongue of the city, with Illuskan a well-known second language, as it is the voice of both the barbarian tribes and seagoing raiders of the region. Cuan Yes, those are acceptable as well. Recruitment End Date I mentioned it in the initial recruitment post, but left that it may be flexible. Given that I have 14 completed applicants, and no less than 10 more in the works, I am going to officially say that Recruitment Ends at 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, January 31st. To that end, I also encourage all players who have expressed interest to work on getting your completed character posted soon. Keep up the creativity!
Announcing an update to character creation: Skill Points all classes that have 2+int skill points are being increased by 2 skill points. All other classes will increase by 1 skill point.
SmooshieBanana Thank you for compiling an applicant list, it's crazy to see how many complete characters there already are! Zahir I am sorry, but I am not interested in any monstrous PCs for this game. Kamaloo Apologies, it's Deft Maneuvers, and the details are all on page 34 of Elephant in the Room. Pad300 For consumable magic items (potions, scrolls, etc) you can create, you may spend up to 20% of your starting gold on crafting those. For permanent magic items, you can create 1 + 1 per level starting from the level at which the item creation feat was gained.
Variant Multiclass yes, players may opt for variant multiclass. Hit Points Once a final group is selected, players will role at that point, with a minimum in place (tbd). Deities Forgotten Realms Pantheon as of 3rd edition. If you can access a copy of the book “Faiths & Pantheons”, that will be the most accurate and complete source. DM me if you have further questions. Cerilis yes, I consider Piranha Strike to simply be the agile “other side” of Power Attack. Malinda it sounds like you are planning on using your rolled set rather than the 18 pt buy? You do realize that, before racial modifiers, your net bonus from your rolled ability scores is a +0. The 18 point set you can start with 10, 14, 14, 12, 10, 18 (final stats 8, 17, 14, 12, 10, 20). I like the concept but glancing through the build, it seems like you are battling the loop to get to something that would be much easier achieved by pursuing the Summoner class (especially where you can’t even summon a unicorn until 10th level). Your Eidelon could be a “unicorn”, and you build around summoning other Fey creatures as you progress in level until you get to the end game. Just some thoughts. FangDragon build your character with the stats you currently rolled. If you are selected and are distinctly above the rest of the party, we can adjust your numbers accordingly at that point.. Storm Dragon I am not sure what resources you initially looked at (later editions altered his portfolio), but Tyr is the god of Law and Justice in the Forgotten Realms, and would be an absolute perfect fit. Another solid choice would be Helm, the god of Guardians and Watchers. A third option would be the lesser known demigod Hoar, the god of Retribution and Poetic Justice. Toblacane a swashbuckler that uses a morningstar - that is awesome!
Just a heads up, not game related but rather website related: If you are trying to sign into your account, and Paizo fails to log you in, their recent update caused an issue with their cookies on your computer. Going to your browser settings, clear your cookies for Paizo, Then try to log in again, and all should be fine.
I think it's safe to say there is sufficient interest to move to a Recruitment Thread at this point. I am going to work to get my storyline together from all my material, and will be posting a full recruitment thread in the next few days. In the mean time, feel free to throw out ideas of what you might like to see in this game, and any questions you may preemptively have.
My apologies, the other players received an interactive response to their tomb/vision posts, I was awaiting something similar before progressing onward. Sorry for the confusion and delay. Gavin is now back with the group and has offered his vote of direction. With the rolling of the below hit die, I will have Gavin updated to level 2.
I had previously posted my item. I have tweaked that a bit, as well as written my death scene (and rolled a 2nd set of stats). 2nd set:
ITEM - Deathmask of the Warseer
ASPECT OF NOTE
DEATH
So it was, in their weakened state barely clinging on to life, that the dwarves’ of Hammerfall saw the rise of their ancient foe, the traitorous kinsmen known as the Duergar. They launched blitz strikes against the outposts overlooking the entrances to the Darklands. At one such outpost, the Forgefire Citadel, two dozen dwarven clansmen stood against a horde of more than three hundred Duergar. Horribly outmanned, the clansmen held firm. At the center of their battle line was one of the fabled warseers, and he seemed to bend the tide of combat to the will of his allies. Yet in time, even he could not prevent oblivion, and one by one, the twenty-four fell. Driven back from the citadel, the dwarves regrouped on the eastern edge of the chasm leading back to the city. Five remained standing, including the captain of the citadel and the warseer Kurdran. The Duergar, seeing their goal within reach, unleashed an abyssal ally upon the five, who tore into them with claw and fang. Bloodied and battered, Kurdran found himself alone. Stepping back onto the thin bridge across the hundred foot chasm, the warseer let the rhythm build in his chant and his heart. There was no other recourse, the Duergar could not be allowed to claim the foothold. A runner had been sent, but he would not return in time. No, this was the only way. He raised his hammer, and calling to the strength of the earth, he swung it down brutally into the side of the bridge. Several cracks emerged and strange shifting sounds echoed across the chambers. Two arrows found purchase in his thigh and shoulder. The hammer rose again, descending once more into the spidering cracks, causing large sections of the bridge to explode outward. A bolt of lightning slammed into his chest, but somehow he remained standing. He closed his eyes, could feel the pounding of the hammer, the fire kissing him from the forge. He carried the heart of his people within his own, and he knew without a doubt they would survive. Raising the hammer one last time, he thanked his ancestors, and let the hammer swing down, shattering the stone causeway that crossed the canyon. As the bridge crumbled beneath him and he fell into darkness, he could be heard chanting the rhythm of Hammerfall. In the end, the dwarves were able to turn back the Duergar, due in large part to the valiant stand executed by Kurdran and his comrades. Making their way deep into the chasm below the ruined bridge, the dwarves searched for their fallen warseer. The rubble was highly unstable, preventing them from digging down, but resting atop the pile was his mask... a mask that would become memorialized as the deathmask of the warseer. build: I have waited to build the character as you requested, focusing on the story. My ideas were for either a witch or magus, though other potential could be considered as well.
The darksteel mask worn by the dwarven warseer was a masterful piece of craftsmanship. Perfect symmetry from one side to the other, with not a hint of indent or imperfection left from the untold number of hammer blows it took to forge the piece. The polish of the strange metal almost seemed to absorb light, yet the thin, finely detailed runes etched into its surface emanated a faint, pale blue glow, an echo of the arcane power that once resided within. Death scene to follow
still in Zelkor's Ferry:
In her joy, Sawen picks Brand up from the bar as she kisses him, much to the jubilation of all watching. When she finally ends the kiss and sets him down, he wobbles with stars in his eyes. Though a man, the lad had clearly never been kissed like that before! When Sawen returned with the ring and slid it onto his finger, his expression turned to one of surprise. Yet, it was not the surprised look of one looking to escape the situation that had just occurred, but rather, of confusion in the reality of a moment that was never to exist in his life. The ring was obviously too large for his finger, so he tore a shred of cloth from his pouch and looked it inside the base of the ring to make it fit. Then he smiled back at her, and somehow, while still standing on the bar, grabbed Sawen and half dipped her into another kiss. It was an amusing sight, or would have been, were the emotions not so visibly genuine. In the moments after, as Bristleback jubilantly shook Brand's hand, the young halfling smiled up at he giant of a man. "Oi, I'll be back alroight! Got a bride teh marry now! Wait, so... does dis mean I git teh call ye Pah?" He chuckles as he asks the big innkeep. ----- In the morning, Brand finds Bristleback privately for a few moments. "Sir, umm, ye warned me about deh dreams. I figured dey'd be, well, scary, or sumting. But, maybe it didno' work fer me. I tink I was sum animal, in a bee-utiful forest. An', I was 'ungry. An' dare were mushrooms! I cud smell 'em, like I've ne'er smelled 'em 'efore! It was glorious! An' I dug 'em up, an' ate a whole lot o' 'em." Brand abruptly stops, realizing he was getting excited. It was strange, but so real, and delicious... Shaking his head, he looked back up at the innkeep. "Is dat okay? I didno' fail sum family test, did I?"
Brand had been rather jovial during the ship's journey to Riddleport, even moreso than his normal self. He spent a good deal of time telling tales of their escapades to the sailors, who no doubt enjoyed the entertainment.
Drinking a big mug of ale as his companions determine what all to sell, Brand looks up at the comments made in his direction. "Tank ye, Tal. I'm a gettin' married?! I dunno if I believe it. An' Aurora, I confess, I was surprised by de ring, I'll confess teh dat. I like deh lass, roight propah, an' was 'opin' fer sum kind o' future wit 'er. But, I meen, 'ad ye asked me when we left 'ere a few weeks past if I saw meself gettin' 'itched soon, or ever, I wudda laughed at ye. But den, dat's cause a me past. I was born a slave, an' lived as gutter trash, dare's no 'ope in life fer one such as me teh live deh normal life. But de lass, she sees in me sumting, an' well, maybe I ken be dat man one day. She knows me goals, an' proposed all de same. So, I guess I'm gettin' married in two moons. Ye all best do yer darnedest teh keep me alive, lest ye face Bristleback's ire!"
still in Zelkor's Ferry:
Brand had been in the tavern during Sawen's outburst, and clearly caught her father's gaze on him. He decided not to step into the situation that evening, and was rather subdued compared to other days. The next morning, well after the rising hours when the tavern room was quiet, Brand found Sawen. After a bit of playful flirting, he climbed up on a bar stool and sat down on the bar, putting him at eye level with the young lady. "Sawen, lass, ye tink I came 'ere fer a bit o' shiny gold, o' magical rings teh adorn me 'ands? Sure, I tell gran' stories eh entertain yer patrons, it's in me nature. But a treasure 'untin' glory seeker? I tought ye tought better o' me den dat. I cum from nottin'. Me mah an' pah, dey were slaves in Cheliax. An' I was born teh dem dare. We served cruel masters, dat consorted wit devils an' dare ilk. Me pah, one day 'e angered deh master's son - gave 'im to a pet monster teh watch 'im be torn apart. Me mah fled wit me dat night, an' after sum time, made it teh Westcrown. She 'oped teh book passage on a vessel leavin' the accursed place. Dat never 'appened. Took a knife in deh gut. I was seven, an' alone on deh streets of deh City o' Twoilight." Brand pauses for a moment, cocking his head but still looking at Sawen. With a long sigh, he continues. "Somehow, I made me own way in dose years. Beggin' an' scavengin', an' hidin' in lil holes no one ken follow ye down. I got bigger, well a bit, an' ran wit a gang o' teeves, til dey got pinched. By den, I could manage well on me own, an' 'ad never liked dare tactics, so I kept teh meself mostly. Shared me spoils with deh young lads an' lasses like I'd been, de urchins an' orphans. But still, deh rulers o' Westcrown were like me old masters, cruel devil worshippers who plagued deh lil people. I cudn't change dat, least, not yet. But maybe, if I got a lot better at sneakin' an' fightin', an' I found some friends, maybe den I cud make a dif'rence. So I set out teh do just dat. Managed teh win me way on teh a ship dat 'appened teh be 'eadin' teh Magnimar, an' off I went." Brand scratches the back of his head, then chuckles a bit. "Got meself in teh a scrap or two pretty quickly dare, an' was out o' dat city in a flick. Ran in teh sum 'adventurers' in a roadside tavern on a rainy noight. Dey were 'eadin' up teh Riddleport, an' from dare were plannin' to raid deh temple o' sum demon-cult. Well, sounded like roight propah trainin' fer me plan, an' a few adventurers brave enough teh face demon cultists in dare own temple, well dey cud be roight good friends. Dat temple... well, it ended up bein' Rappan Attuk, an' de folks I arrived in town wit were dose adventurers. Sad teh see so many of dem gone, only Aurora an' Tragershen from de original company are left. It's terrifyin' down dare, it is. But, I must face it. Fer in it's terror, it can make me de man I need teh become. An' if, in preparin' teh face deh lords o' Cheliax, I kin destroy Orcus' un'oly temple-dungeon an' its many 'orrors, den so be it. Dare's no place in Golarion fer such evils." With a smirk, he reaches up and touches her face. "But lass, ye need no' fear, cause... I ain't dyin'. I got far teh much teh do. An', I'd 'ave ye by me side trough it, if ye can stan' me messy mop o' 'air."
Brand leans against the rail of the vessel as they talk. "Oi, I tink yer roight. Dare 'ounds be chasin' us down dare in deh water! Look at dare teeth!" He smiles while pointing down to the sharks swimming around the side of the vessel. "In all seriousness, if demon-worshippers be anyting like devil-worshippers, I'd 'ave teh agree. Dare all a roight dirty lot, an' we need teh keep our wits about us!"
His strength continuing to return to him, Brand re-enters Zelkor's Ferry like a conquering hero. His already lively personality rises to a new level, with boastful yet eloquent storytelling shared each night at the tavern. From his flying assault with Joden on the bandits who had taken their camp to fearlessly facing down the demon-cursed black skeleton, or disarming the magical trap and riding the falling block to recovering the glowing skull from the pool, Brand accents each moment to show his bravery, heroism, and unending luck. He uses Gelver's mad rants and reenactments surprisingly well to accentuate his storytelling, and seems to be throwing more than a little charm at Sawen as she flirts with him in turn.
Perhaps surprisingly to the others, Brand's stories also present each of them in a heroic light, from the timely arrival of Bedlam charging into battle against the worgs to Tragershen blinding half the would-be robbers with a single spell. Though he paints himself at the center of his stories, the others note that he never claims another of his companion's deeds as his own, and gives them all great praise and honor in the stories. Perhaps to Anzath's great displeasure, her lecturing of Brand regarding his comments about her and Tal seem to have the opposite effect, as he whispers of a budding romance between the two at several points in his stories, though never in any vulgar terms (nor does he in fact mention either of them fleeing in fear). Quite the opposite, he paints them as two kindred souls, both of whom lost their allies to the horrors of Rappan Athuk, and yet both found their way to the same company, and perhaps to an understanding companion in one another. At some point during Brand's daily wanderings, he likely finds himself drawn into one of Aurora's lectures on faith and magic. He chuckles, poignantly replying, "Aye, ye cen lurn magik throo years o' study, or ye cen devote yerself to a god, an' maybe day will answer ye prayers. Or, ye cen get lucky just playin' wit magiks, an' POOF, be able teh cast spells, like me!" On cue, he waves his hands theatrically and touches a lingering wound on his arm, causing it to immediately heal up!
Happy to be here! And the busier I am, the more I need to play. It helps me relax from the stresses of work. I am having a lot of fun with Brand. Trying to type in a Cockney accent is definitely interesting, but home it is coming through in an entertaining way for everyone. And as for his mindset, well, he is a street urchin blessed with uncanny luck, and a slightly less than average intelligence, so it's act first and think later... @GM Parrot, glad you are enjoying teaching. I miss it, though admittedly not the bureaucracy. And I have no interest in going back into teaching in North Carolina - definitely not a pro-education state. @Tragershen, a Bavarian themed alpine town? Sounds like a nice place to have "down the street"...
Wow, a man posts in the morning then had to work a crazy day, and wakes up the next morning to a whopping 20 posts!! Boy you all got active yesterday!
Brand chuckles as he walks, pulling out a fruit cake from a vest pocket and snacking as he does. Turning, he quietly speaks, "I'd been 'opin' fer a quiet walk back, but seems dat won't be deh case. Aye, Anz an' I 'ill scamper in teh de trees on deh roight, as ye engage. Dare's a lot o' dem, so it'd be best teh gang up on a few, put 'em down fast. Moight scar de udders off." Turning to Elma's guards, "Dey's gonna try teh get 'round us, don't let 'em. Oh, an' e'ryone, I got an' idea. Just play along..." When they are about sixty feet from the ambush point, Brand loudly blurts out, "Blast it, Bedlam. What'ye put in deh purridge dis mornin'?! It's tearin' me up! I gotta find me a tree 'efore I shart meself!" Brand starts tugging at his belt as he walks into the woods.
Brand is tired and weak, and most looking forward to a long night's sleep. That desire is put on pause though as he listens to Elma seemingly refer to their findings as her loot and them as some kind of hired hand. Brand slowly walks over to her, placing his hand atop the skull. "Elma, p'rhaps ye missed de part where we delved in teh de depths o' Rappan Athuk an' faced de 'orrors wit'in. Where I disarmed a multitude o' insideous traps teh recover dis skull. An' where an accursed corpse nearly tore de life from me body. Now, ye said ye'd work as our broker, an' keep a camp fer ease at de entrance, fer dat I tank ye, an' it earns ye a cut. But we did already save ye twice, an' we are de ones taken on de risk, so we'll be seein' de lion's share. So, p'rhaps a bit o' negotiatin' is in order..."
Brand looks up at Aurora, and with deeply honest eyes and a soft tone shares his gratitude. "Tank ye, lady Aurora. Me bones still be feelin' offaly weak, but I tink I can at least manage teh get teh me feet now." Slowly, Brand places one hand on the side of the empty sarcophagus and the other atop his mace-cane, then pulls himself unsteadily up onto his feet. "When I was a lad, I took wit de gray fever. Most terrible, ye see. Felt weak fer days, cud barely lift me 'and. Kinda feel like dat agin now, ye see? So yes, I tink de camp wud be a gud idea." As they make their way out of the chamber, Brand smiles up at Talathel and Anzath. His tone is weak but genuine and playful, lacking any resentment or malice. "Now, weered ye two get off teh in such a 'urry? I mean, ye boat gut yer pale, almost gray skin an' pointy ears. An' course, Tal, yer a lad, an' Anzath, well, yer a lass, so I understan'. An' danger, it gets de passion pumpin'. Juust, next time cud ye save yer lovers' trist fer a moment when we ain't facin' down a demon-possessed skeletal 'orror? Tanks. "
Slowly, meekly, with trembling hands, Brand resheaths his swords. The halfling looks frail, and horribly gaunt. Still shaking, he reaches down to pick up his walking stick that he uses as a mace but instead collapses onto the ground around it. As Bedlam Howie's over and offers the two potions, Brand smiles. "Much obliged... Dat said, de lady's 'and is still aglow, an' I be wonderin' if dat ain't a spell dat can break de dead... An' mend de livin'? If'n dat's de case, here's no use in wastin' yer potions as she's already cast it. Now, would one o' ye be so kind as teh 'elp me teh me feet? Seem teh be a wee bit weak at de moment..."
Brand smiles at the armor as he wraps up the pieces in a large cloth sack. "Oi, dis armor is mighty fine. Needs a bit o' oil an' a scrub, but a roight fine piece o' craftsmanship. P'rhaps a collector would pay a 'efty sum fer it?! De sword as well, would make a noice set. Yes indeed. Dough, if'n any ye be wantin' it fer a blade, twould be good fer dat as well." Brand hefts the sack, which looks massive in his hands, on to his back with an audible grunt. "I'm all fer pushin' on, but maybe we should lighten our burden first. We 'ave a lot dat can be sold... An' as Tal said, new weapons an' armor cost a pretty coin!"
Wow, sounds like a really fun concept for a game that will be both continuous and yet evolve. I feel like a grumpy Dwarven Smith / priest would be a perfect addition, but the concept is penalized be cleric being the only class (core/base/alt/hybrid) that uses different stats for its special abilities and spellcasting. My tabletop group plays with Channel for clerics being based on wisdom rather than charisma (the warpriest getting it in the form of fervor, which uses wisdom, providing proof that it need no longer be charisma based). Would you be open to such an adjustment, given that its sole purpose is to allow increased healing of party members?
He had hoped to slip forward and put his blades to good use against the evil priest, but after Bedlam's explosive knocks her to the ground, Brand decides it might be better to aid Anzath and Tal by dealing with the suit of armor. He makes a quick step across the front of the desk , then trusting in his innate luck, let's go with a flurry of thrusts.
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