Welcome to the OOC and Discussion thread!
To recount, this adventure will follow:
Lilly, the half-orc Druid;
Kythas, the elf Ranger;
Avarthiel, the elf Wizard;
Kystra, the half-elf Oracle;
Dantes, the dwarf Monk.
I will start the adventure within 24 hours.
I have a couple of PbP-habits that you should be aware of. Feel free to contest them or ask questions if necessary:
First of all, in regards of skill checks, if you wish to use a skill, declare that you are using it, and do the necessary roll. As an example, if you decide to go carefully through the jungle, simply roll the perception check, instead of asking if you need to roll one. I will roll secret checks when necessary, and ask you if you have to do a roll, but help me save time by declaring and rolling as necessary.
Secondly, I ask that you follow this thread as much as the other one. This thread is named the OOC thread for a reason - please refrain from OOC-only posts in the IC thread.
Thirdly, whenever combat occurs, I will roll your initiatives,
calculate the average of your values, and compare it to the enemies' initiative. Because PbP combat easily gets confusing, there won't be individual turns. Instead, you act on a group initiative, and when you post, you act (with "I wait for X to do his/her move before I do Y" if necessary for your actions to make sense). When all five of you have done your actions, the enemy acts as a group, round over, new round. Does this make sense?
Lastly, I may add other rules for how I wish you do certain things in regards of skill checks and the like. This will not be sprung on you without warning, however. Your opinions do matter to me, and I am here to make this an enjoyable experience.
Now, let us congregate and discuss the Serpent's Skull adventure path, expectations, backgrounds, and everything revelant (and irrelevant).
dot....
Thanks for the opportunity to play Lilly. I think she'll be fun.
Bet you don't have many people taking Improved Initiative feat :-)
Dotting as well. Thanks Patcher! I'm really looking forward to it.
Your techniques for running sound good to me. I often play characters (like Dantes) who have a lot of knowledge skills. If I am trying to identify something (say a weird monster that I'm unsure is undead, abberation, regular dire animal, etc.), I'll just roll all the skills that may remotely apply (Religion, Arcana, Dungeoneering, etc.) and let the GM pick the one that actually applies. I figure this saves posting back and forth ("you rolled Dungeoneering, I need a Religion roll") and if you don't want me to know the category on a failed roll, I won't know which one you referenced. If you want it done another way, just let me know and I'll be glad to go that route.
"Skcreeeee"
Reporting In!
This is going to be great.
I gave the PbP habits you listed a very close read, (and then a re-read) Sounds like its going to be a fun time!
Thanks for the chance to play and can't wait to get started.
Thanks for including Kystra in this adventure.
I look forward to roleplaying with everyone. I am also happy to see that DM Patcher rolls PC initiatives and groups them -- it makes PBP combat flow so much better... I don't know why more PBP DM's don't do this.
There were a lot of good characters to choose from and I can see that not only trying to keep a class balance was a bit tricky, but also racial balance :) Go team elf!
Hello everyone! Thanks for choosing Avarthiel, DM Patcher, I'm very much looking forwards to playing with this group. I'm comfortable with the habits you talk about above.
Looks like Kythas and Dantes are providing the up front muscle, Kystra and Lilly are capable of healing, and I'll be buffing and exercising battlefield control - probably alongside Lilly. Is that what everyone else is expecting?
Feel free to chip in with suggestions either for Avarthiel directly or for how he can best contribute to group tactics.
Looks like Kythas and Dantes are providing the up front muscle, Kystra and Lilly are capable of healing, and I'll be buffing and exercising battlefield control - probably alongside Lilly. Is that what everyone else is expecting?
Yep!
I figure I will stick with upfront melee-fighting with the masterwork curve blade for at least the first level or five until I get my feats churning to start pelting everything with volleys of arrows. No sense risking friendly fire casualties by shooting into melee when some of my companions are under 8 HP!For now, I'll shoot when I have the clear shots and/or when it is best to do so.
Eyeball looks to be a pretty solid harasser and certainly has the staying power to soak up a hit or two. Not trying to get the little brightly feathered, flying lizzie killed or anything! =)
I can't wait to get started!!!
It's a cute choice for an animal companion. Is it normally allowed?
I will do some proper reading today on what the introducion will entail. Hopefully the post will be up within the evening.
Then go right ahead.
I may not be able to start the campaign tonight after all - if you don't see the IC link in this thread today, I promise it will start tomorrow.
Sounds good! I'm looking forward to it.
I'm not sure if Dantes would be a solid front line fighter, but he should certainly work well with Kythas. But he'll always do his best to keep the others safe.
Will be waiting with Elven patience and steel for the fun to begin DM Patcher!
Hopefully there will be more than enough flanking and aid another bonuses coming Kythas's way to make up for it... :)
Not necessarily so!
If we're clever enough, we can make them in character!
Well Avarthiel considers you both as staunch defenders :)
Okay, all done except equipment. I'll think through a few scrolls that Avarthiel has brought with him - I think that's probably the best way to spend my starting gold.
I apologise once more for delaying the start of this adventure. It's almost 3 AM over here and with some recent drama here on the forums I just can't focus enough to create the opening post.
I will start it tomorrow. I promise.
No worries or hurries!
Here is some information about the other passengers that are travelling with you on the Jenivere.
Aerys Mavato, Broody Half-Elf Alcoholic
This severe half-elven woman boarded in Port Peril, where she immediately got into a scrape with a crude sailor. She spends most of her time in her bunk, seeming to purposefully avoid fraternizing with the ship’s other passengers.
Aerys is a trim, athletic woman with short dark hair, tanned skin, and fierce blue eyes. She dresses in tightly fitted leather armor and favors dark clothing and tricorn hats. The few times you have seen her, you get the impression she spends most of the day drunk; the smell of alcohol is always present on her breath.
Alizandru Kovack, Captain of the Jenivere, Disciplined Autocrat
A Chelish man whose family has made the Magnimar to Eleder run for generations, Captain Kovack is pleasant enough with his passengers, but a strict disciplinarian when dealing with his crew. He is strict, but generally very competent.
Alton Devers, Free Spirit and First Mate
The Jenivere’s first mate is friendly with both passengers and crew, but he sometimes seems to chafe under the strong discipline of Captain Kovack. Of all the crew, he is the friendlist to the PC's.
Gelik Aberwhinge, Gnome Writer, Braggart and Bard
A sharply dressed gnome from Magnimar, Gelik spends much of his time writing in the ships’ common areas, and takes every opportunity to tell long-winded stories, boast of past journeys, or quip about anything in his field of view.
Gelik is a spry, energetic gnome with blond hair and a neat goatee. He dresses like a noble at all times (“If you can’t take the time to dress properly, no one will take what you have to say seriously—and they’d be right not to!”). With liberal use of prestidigitation, his fine clothes always seem freshly cleaned. Only the ink stains on his fingers break the illusion of a proper gnome nobleman (“If you don’t have ink stains on your fingers, no one will take your writing seriously—and they’d be right not to!”). Gelik has something of a cruel streak, and a tendency to mock others.
Ieana, Varisian Scholar and Loner
A bookish Varisian scholar who tends to keep to herself, Ieana is traveling to Sargava to explore the ancient ruins there. Rumours aboard the ship alternately suggest that she’s the Jenivere’s owner, a Chelish agent, or Captain Kovack’s secret lover. Ieana keeps mostly to
herself, and grows more intent on her studies with each mile the ship travels closer to Eleder. A small and quiet woman, Ieana has shown no interest in socialising or making friends on the voyage, but causes no trouble.
Ishirou, Rugged Tian Swordsman
A scruffy human of Tian heritage, Ishirou boarded at Bloodcove and waits to reach Sargava with a quiet eagerness. Aloof but not rude, he gives the impression of one who has had a hard life but find himself currently without direction.
Ishirou is a rugged Tian man who appears much older than he is, with graying hair worn in a ponytail and a perpetual scruffy beard. His clothing and armor are well kept and clean, but obviously of low quality. Only his sword, a beautiful katana, has any real value. Ishirou is fiercely protective of it, as it is his only material link to his cultural heritage.
Jask, Prisoner aboard the Jenivere
A prisoner loaded aboard in Corentyn, Captain Kovack sees to this taciturn human’s needs with curt courtesy, but insists he be left alone, sequestered in the ship’s brig.
Jask is a middle-aged, plain-looking Garundi man with hair starting to gray and watery eyes.
Rambar, Jenivere Chef
A taciturn man from Senghor, Ship’s Cook Terillo has served in that capacity aboard several ships, though apparently not on account of his culinary skills, which seem to be limited to watery soups.
Sasha, Optimistic Adventurer from Mediogalti
This red-haired human boarded the Jenivere in Ilizmagorti. Since leaving Mediogalti Island, the woman’s somber demeanor has gradually faded, revealing a boisterous and optimistic personality. None have yet questioned her about her missing left pinky finger.
Sasha has tousled red hair and mischievous green eyes, and is extremely attractive, in a somewhat manic way.
Thank you Kythas, that's good to hear.
DM Patcher: Not a problem mate, get to bed! I'm off for some mountain biking any moment now anyway :)
Couple of thoughts about the NPC passengers and crew, Avarthiel has been on board for a pretty long time now.
He has left Alizandru to get on with captaining, stayed out of his way, but generally approves of his disciplined approach.
Avarthiel is friendly with Alton, and has enjoyed his company, but is frankly glad that Alton is not in sole command. Not a leader.
He has had a few conversations with Gelik, who is an interesting person with some magical skills. However he's spent less time with the gnome since he overheard Gelik putting Ieana and Alton down.
Avarthiel has tried a number of times to start a conversation with Ieana, based on their mutual fascination with Mwangi ruins. She has been polite but distant.
Since Kythas spends so much of his time in the Crow's nest, he hasn't had the opportunity to mingle much with the passengers. To be honest, he doesn't really have much desire to trade words them either, being of the "pick-them-up and drop-them-off," mentality.
The Cap'n: Kythas is a bit nervous around him. He's been dressed down several times about his drinking and attitude, and was nearly left in Bloodcove because he incensed a large human to such violence that he threw the smart-mouthed elf overboard and caused a considerable delay in travel time to retrieve him. The threat of "If the Cap'n finds out, you're..." carries considerable weight when used against Kythas and will almost always suffice to shut him up. The Cap'n is probably the only human that Kythas has any real respect for.
The Mouth: Kythas feigns politeness with the first mate while trying to avoid him at all costs. He finds the man's overt friendliness and "Yes Sir!", "Whatever you say, Sir!" and "Aye Aye, Sir!" attitude to be considerably grating. Kythas wonders if the man is capable of shutting up at all and looks forward to his occasional moments of brooding when the Cap'n pushes his free-wheeling nature too far.
The Boy-Girl-Half Blood: Although Kythas got a chuckle out of watching her beat a recently pressed...er, hired deck-swab to a pulp, he pays the gender confused half-elf little thought. She fights like a man, has the haircut of a man, wears a hat that screams "I'm waiting for a revolution to break out!" and yet wears such tightly-fitting leather that even this scrawny elf has stolen a second glance at her backside.
Naturally, her drinking doesn't faze him one way or the other.
The Convict: The Cap'n says to steer clear of this old, worn-out human so Kythas obliges. He rarely visits the brig anyway, (unless he's a guest there) so he probably hasn't exchanged word one with the ragged man.
The Angry Shrimp: Kythas has a certain fondness for anything that's not human, so he immediately took to the foppish gnome. The fact that he was also a vain, vile-tempered and spiteful little bugger served only to elevate his standing with the equally vitriolic elf. Kythas shared a few hours and a bottle of Elven Wine with the arrogant gnome, trading thinly veiled insults and belittling the world around them.
The Old Human: Kythas hasn't interacted with this decrepit-looking human who appears as though he is about to keel over with age before he reaches his destination. He has, however, taken note of his finely crafted, foreign-made blade.
Crazy-Eyes: Kythas had the chance to speak with this odd woman on a few occasions since her boarding. None of said occasions were particularly pleasant for the wild elf. Especially the time she somehow shimmied up the rigging and got into the crow's nest with him while he was passed out one early morning, and he awoke to find her standing, unsupported, on the rim of the nest, arms outstretched like she was Queen of the World and eyes brimming with what Kythas could only attribute to pure insanity. He is not ashamed to admit that he is somewhat nervous around her.
The Reader: A human that keeps to herself AND doesn't get involved in everyone else's business is a human that Kythas can respect more than most. He has obliged the bookish Varisian's wishes for solitude and has not uttered a word or courtesy to her on the entire voyage.
On those rare occasions when Aerys is on deck, Dantes will keep a discreet eye on her. If she’s drinking that heavily, he’s concerned she might go overboard: accidentally or not.
Dantes is a sober, hard worker. He likely does little to draw the ire of the captain, and keeps a respectful distance. Dantes will spend more time around Alton, observing in his spare time to learn more about ocean going travel.
Dantes admires Gelik’s fastidious nature, seeing a kindred spirit in that regard. He will politely listen to any stories that he cares to expound on, and he asks periodic questions that show that he pays close attention to the tales. He mentally tries to separate fact from fiction, but never says anything that would cast doubt on the gnome’s sincerity. If duty calls him away, Dantes will politely excuse himself and then return, politely prompting the bard to continue, citing exactly the point of the story they were at when interrupted.
Dantes will largely avoid Ieana, knowing he has so much else to do, and preferring to be engaged with someone who wants to be engaged, such as the gnome. If opportunity allows, he’ll note what she’s reading or writing, but he won’t go out of his way to pry. He pays no particular attention to Rambar, any more than any other crew member, unless he does something to draw his suspicion.
The same goes for Ishirou. He’ll give him his distance. Noting his obvious attention to his blade, he’ll offer to fetch whetstones and/or oil if he doesn’t appear to have his own for its care on the voyage.
Jask draws Dantes’ attention from the moment he boards. A Garundi, being transported prisoner by a Chelish captain on such a long voyage? Something is not right there, something that rails against Dantes’ values. During the trip, he’ll look for opportunities to pass the brig when he knows the captain is engaged elsewhere. The first time, just to make eye contact with him and get his measure. Each subsequent time, he’ll quietly ask a single question before moving on, posing a different one each time he can . “Are you well?” “You’re needs being met?” “Got family?” “Do you know where you’re headed?” He’ll pause for an answer before returning to his duties.
He’s not entirely sure what to make of Sasha. He’ll watch her from a distance, being polite when interacting. He won’t go out of his way to engage or avoid her.
Kystra and Ieana have some commonalities. Kystra also tends to be a bit of a loner, but is capable of playing up social graces when needed. Having heard about Ieana's interest in ancient ruins, Kystra will try to politely inquire about any information she may have of whether the ruins might be Azlanti origin. Kystra will tell Ieana of her Azlanti heritage and of her personal quest to learn more about the long since vanished culture.
Gelik also appears to be a possible source of information on the Azlanti and possibly some of their ruins. Kystra quite enjoys hearing about all history though, Azlanti or not, so its likely Gelik may have some knowledge to entertain her with. The more knowledge he has to provide or speak of, the greater Kystra's fascination with the gnome and his travels will be.
Nice, everyone. Particularly like Kythas' pet names for people!
I've updated Avarthiel's equipment. He's paid 12.5gp per first level scroll on the assumption that he crafted them himself. Speaking of which I should add Scribe Scroll to his feat list!
I think that, circumstances permitting, Avarthiel will take many of the crafting feats. Though maybe a big adventure in a swamp won't provide ideal circumstances for learning to create magic rings and wands!
EDIT: Of course, I deliberately chose spells that Avarthiel doesn't have, so he can't have crafted them, so they cost 25gp each. Dumdum :)
Ooops!
Nearly forgot the most important crew member on the ship!
Cookie: Kythas just doesn't understand this tubby fellows inability to perform the single task he is appointed to. He fancies himself a cook, but Kythas can barely differentiate between which cauldron contains the stew and which contains the laundry. Speaking of which, how the heck can he peel half a hundred tubers, (it should come as no surprise that Kythas gets volunteered for this task often) and yet not find a single morsel of one in his ration bowl?
This is a list of all the cities the Jenivere has visited. For those of you who aren't crew members of the Jenivere, could you post or recap which city you boarded on?
Magnimar, Varisia
Kintargo, Cheliax
Pezzack, Cheliax
Corentyn, Cheliax
Ilizmagorti, Mediogalti Island
Ollo, The Shackles
Quent, The Shackles
Port Peril, The Shackles
Bloodcove, Mwangi Expanse
Senghor, Mwangi Expanse
If you have this information mentioned in your backgrounds, I apologise for missing this. I've come down with a throat- and ear-infection, and my body is a bit wrecked.
Kystra, you only have 2 out of 3 traits.
Please read the above post and specify your boarding locating (in this thread, preferably) before you make your first post - those of you who are with the Jenivere crew (either by trait or backstory) don't have to do this.
I have another PbP-preference rule that you need to be aware of:
In regards of skill checks and take 10s: the rules specify that the only skill you cannot Take 10 with is Use Magic Device. I, however, feel that this can break immersion in regards of Knowledge skills (since the DC is 10 for a large quantity of information - such as being able to identify every stone, mineral or metal; or identify every single dangerous construction; or identify somebody's ethnicity or accent; or know historically significant events...which means everybody with a 10 in int knows all of that...) and as such, you also cannot take 10 on Knowledge skills unless you have a class skill that permits this.
I may allow it if you have a rank in the Knowledge skill, however - do you have any thoughts on this?
Take 20 rules apply as usual.
Please read the above post and specify your boarding locating (in this thread, preferably) before you make your first post - those of you who are with the Jenivere crew (either by trait or backstory) don't have to do this.
I have another PbP-preference rule that you need to be aware of:
In regards of skill checks and take 10s: the rules specify that the only skill you cannot Take 10 with is Use Magic Device. I, however, feel that this can break immersion in regards of Knowledge skills (since the DC is 10 for a large quantity of information - such as being able to identify every stone, mineral or metal; or identify every single dangerous construction; or identify somebody's ethnicity or accent; or know historically significant events...which means everybody with a 10 in int knows all of that...) and as such, you also cannot take 10 on Knowledge skills unless you have a class skill that permits this.
I may allow it if you have a rank in the Knowledge skill, however - do you have any thoughts on this?
Take 20 rules apply as usual.
Love the Knowledge skill rules. Might steal it for my tabletop game. Lilly and Eyeball boarded in Bloodcove. I'll be driving till about 11:00 PM Eastern time, so won't be able to post a lot today.
This is a list of all the cities the Jenivere has visited. For those of you who aren't crew members of the Jenivere, could you post or recap which city you boarded on?
Corentyn, Cheliax
Unless there is a closer location to the Whisperwoods.
In regards of skill checks and take 10s: the rules specify that the only skill you cannot Take 10 with is Use Magic Device. I, however, feel that this can break immersion in regards of Knowledge skills (since the DC is 10 for a large quantity of information - such as being able to identify every stone, mineral or metal; or identify every single dangerous construction; or identify somebody's ethnicity or accent; or know historically significant events...which means everybody with a 10 in int knows all of that...) and as such, you also cannot take 10 on Knowledge skills unless you have a class skill that permits this.
I'm good with this -- it potentially makes my character more useful :)
Kystra, remember to pick an additional trait.
Kystra, remember to pick an additional trait.
Thanks. Added Failed Apprentice.
In regards of skill checks and take 10s: the rules specify that the only skill you cannot Take 10 with is Use Magic Device. I, however, feel that this can break immersion in regards of Knowledge skills (since the DC is 10 for a large quantity of information - such as being able to identify every stone, mineral or metal; or identify every single dangerous construction; or identify somebody's ethnicity or accent; or know historically significant events...which means everybody with a 10 in int knows all of that...) and as such, you also cannot take 10 on Knowledge skills unless you have a class skill that permits this.
I may allow it if you have a rank in the Knowledge skill, however - do you have any thoughts on this?
However, on a point that you didn't address, I think that they should still be allowed to Aid Another on Knowledge skills, unlike Use Magic Device. I've often been on one end or the other of someone helping another to remember something by bouncing the question back and forth.
Thank you for providing such an interesting story for me to read! I couldn't help chiming in, but I shall now return to my previously scheduled lurking. /lurk
Actually, that's not correct. You can use Knowledge skills untrained, as long as the DC is under 10.
There's nothing saying you can't use aid another with Knowledge skills, so that's fine with me.
I can't believe how many times I re-read that section without noticing that wording and realizing its implications. See, I kind of skipped over 3.x, and that's a perfect example of why I want to play in (and um observe) some games before DMing, even though I really want to do that eventually. Thank you and sorry!
I am 40, been playing D&D since 1983, have almost 20 years over 2 marriages worth of being nagged at without pay and another combined 20 years of bar-tending, supervising, food service and call-center customer service work at insurance AND cable companies for nowhere near enough pay.
Trust me when I say I will have heard worse than anything you can throw out there, intentionally or not. (I was, in fact, blamed for 9/11 by a particularly venomous caller once) So there will be ZERO in the way of hard feelings, I can assure you.
I also appreciate it greatly when let known that I am performing under par or crossing a line in my role-playing.
Also, I tend to post a LOT, however, in the morning between 6am and 1pm-ish EST I am usually asleep, so if I miss this brick of time, just take note that I will respond shortly after waking to resolve any unspent actions.
If necessary, you can take my action if it is critical that the plot advances in those hours. Keep in mind that Kythas is reckless, will tend to move quickly to defend his dwarf and elf companions and focuses on stealth and perception when leading his party through the wildnerness.
Cool, I'll head over there later today. To set expectations, I live in NZ and so post at fairly strange times compared to most people on these boards. I'll almost always post daily, but won't always be able to take part in the back-and-forth banter style posts.
If I do get held up I'm very comfortable with another playing taking an action for me in combat, or the party deciding and moving on in a non-combat setting.
My only bugbear in role-playing is dealing with intra-group conflict. I know it's a valid role playing that some people really enjoy, but I struggle with it. It helps me if people talk about it in OOC so that I'm sure it is intra-character rather than intra-player conflict.
Finally, in terms of where Avarthiel boarded I think it was Magnimar. I am a bit fuzzy on the geography of Golarion (perhaps I should get round to buying the inner sea guide?). I originally thought of Avarthiel as coming from the Mierani forest, and I'll stick with that.
Thank you for the information, I'll make sure to communicate properly throughout the campaign.
I agree with Avarthiel - intra-party conflict ruined one of my CotCT games before it even properly kicked off, and the problematic player also brought the conflict to be intra-player too.
Communication is key. I feel halfway hypocritical for saying this, but I do earnestly believe this - so if you have any concerns, raise them here in the topic.
Thanks Kythas. For clarity, the comment about in-character conflict wasn't directed to you, it was just a general note. Like DM Patcher I've had a recent game that faltered very quickly once the characters started seriously disagreeing.
I think playing with Kythas is going to be fun, and I really like the dynamic way you bring the environment and NPCs into the scene.
On a more practical note, has anyone bought any survival supplies etc? Avarthiel hasn't at all - I assume all his food comes from the ship's cook so I spent down to his last few gold on scrolls :)
Why would we bring survival supplies. We're only on a simple boat trip? :-).
At our National Sales Meeting for the next 3 days, but should have some down time, and am anxious to get started...just might not have a lot of time for extended "Role" playing for the next three days...but Eyeball and myself will catch up.
No additional supplies here.
Kythas has grown to depend too much on the Jenivere and his coin to get him through the last few years.
And no prob Avarthiel! I didn't figure it was directed at anybody in particular. =D Thank you for the compliments too. My inner DM always tries to paint a bigger picture.
I admit I was sad to see you go in the Kingmaker recruitment thread - you were one of the strongest candidates and would have been picked if you were still in the run, even if you were a necromancer (shunted into a team with a Paladin).
In addition to what he has on his person (clothes and two pouches), he's just got a sack with a little food and water, a change of clothes and more shurikens. Unless you're character has cause to have that sort of gear (a guide with their own favored gear, or a prospective explorer that's unsure what they'll find at the other end), it is not unreasonable that they might not be equipment for something like that. We'll be fine; we can improvise what we need.
An entire day passed with only 2 people posting - is something happening in the world that I'm unawares of, or is the roleplaying not interesting?
I have a favour to ask of you: in circumstances where you feel as though you cannot post (if you feel as though there is nothing to do, or no "room" for your actions, or if you're not sure what to say), I ask that you post anyway. Voice concerns in the OOC thread if necessary. I wish to get a momentum going, and the only way I can fix any sensation of feeling a bit left out is if I'm made aware of it.
I'm asking this because this slowed down for no reason - and in some of my other games, some players express it is because they "don't know what to do." Please attempt to act anyway. Right now, we're in a roleplaying stage. I wish to see you interact, or explaining why you prefer to not bother with the others, or what have you.
If you wish for the shipwreck to occur soon enough (spoiler *gasp), then I also wish to see this being the reason for your silence. Please communicate with me, and with us.
Patcher, a couple posts back I indicated the information I would like to have pursued from Ieana and Gelik. Would you like me to roleplay the interactions in the RP thread? (I would have pursued this information a long time ago... well before the last week of the journey, but if it fits better to RP it out now, that is fine too).
It certainly is getting lonely over in the IC thread. =)
Out of town and hotel Internet down. Will post when I can