As he wandered the streets of Magnimar, he passed close by a strangely marked statuette, peering at it, he felt a pull to look closer, Marks of the gods….or power long lost…this is a mystery to unravel…. he shook his head, trying to disentangle his own thoughts from whatever was laying in there as he abruptly turned away and headed for Heidmarch manor.
Arriving at the lodge/mansion/home he marveled at the manicured lawns, and seeing several goats being tended by a young Varisian boy, waved calling out, Good day! in his native tongue. The half-elf mounted the stairs, and leaned his spear against the doorframe as he knocked and was admitted.
Sheila Heidmarch stood atop the stairs, sweeping down toward Eskander with her smile radiant through her home Ask about the Monuments… his eyes widened with panic, now that he was back in his homeland, was this going to happen more? Greetings Captain Heidmarch, I’m Eskander, the half-elf introduced himself to her in Taldan, I’m told you were assembling a team here in Magnimar, and needed a scholar and a historian, I’m versed in some ancient Ancient? Jistikan? Osiriani? Boy, you have a strange view of time….languages, and since I’m from Varisia overall, thought I’d see if I was a good fit he stumbled through that last part all in a rush, trying to figure out what to say next and keep his train of thought.
Polly's backstory, personality, and appearance are done! Many thanks to DM Dickie for allowing that to happen by extending the deadline. Here's her IC post. Hope you enjoy!
Polly was delicately blushing off a coat of dust likely older than all of Magnimar from a rather imposing looking monument when she heard her mentor call her name from across the associated rubble of their evacuation site. Despite the monument's strong pull on her interest, the gnome managed to pull away from the statue and rush towards the elder Pathfinder's voice.
When she finally found the human, Cassada immediately gave her a smile and directed Polly to take a seat at a nearby stool. Her mentor was an aged human with a decidedly wizened face that contrasted sharply against her lively inquisitive eyes. Even now, after hours in deep in the site, those eyes still kept their usual glow. If anything they seemed to have only grow brighter as the day went on.
"So what's the news Cass? Find something interesting? Well everything here is pretty interesting. I actually was right in the middle of dashing away some stubborn dust from that HUGE statue of Lord So-And-So. Might reveal who he actually is! I'm thinking he might be an early Runelord of Wrath given that the area was once part of Bakrakhan, or at least I think it is, still not entirely sure about that, but maybe he wasn't even a runelord at all since I don't really see any specter of power indicting his rank but then again half the statue is gone and its still covered with runes of authority and reverence that imply some kind of high rank so maybe-"
Cassada cut her off with a strategic clearing of her throat. The gnome realized immediately what that meant and gave the human a sheepish look and an apologetic blush along with it. [b]"Oh. Sorry. Got carried away there. Forgive me."
The old linguist shook her head like a grandmother trying to soothe a guilty child. "No apologies are needed, Polly. You made a lot of good points actually. But I did want you to know something important."
That perked the young gnome's interest as her long eyebrows shifted upwards. "Really? What is it? Oh are we finally heading to Riddleport! I always wanted to see the Irespan in person. The sure size of the thing. And all the runes! No one has managed to decipher half of it yet. There's some much we could-"
Cassada cleared her throat again and with came another round of apologies from Polly. When she was done Cassada finally said her piece. [b]"What I wanted to say is that I've been told by the Venture-Captain of a vital mission that requires society members with a certain expertise," she said matter-of-factly before looking intently into Polly's eyes and adding, "And I put forward your name, my young apprentice."
Polly's promptly turned into massive blue plates. "Really?! You think I could help? But I'm still just an apprentice. And then are the all the others projects I did to do and my magic is alright but what am I going to do in a fight? Oh and what about you! You need me to help with the evacuation here. Plus, there's my parents. Gods. They might get worried if I'm gone for long. I mean, they would be happy that a got a mission but-" Not thinking it even possible, Polly's eyes seemed to grow even bigger as they started to slightly tear up.
Without missing a beat the elder human put a wizened hand on Polly's shoulder. "Hush now, child. And wipe away any tears or fears you may have. You've done more than earn the right to be part of Heidmarch's mission. Your knowledge is vast and without hubris and your magical talents have only improved since I first meet you but more importantly than all that you have the heart and courage of true scholar. Your worthy. Remember that."
Polly sniffled a bit and wiped away a few more loose tears from her face but her expression had turned into a wide smile. "Thank you, Cassada. Thank you truly. If not for you I don't even know what I would be doing. Probably back to juggling, or stonecutting, or maybe I might have started to Bleach-"
[b]"You would have been fine, my dear," Cassada interrupted kindly.
On her part Polly could do nothing but nod her head at that. "Maybe. But thanks anyway... and for for this chance. I'll make you proud. I swear it."
Cassada's reply was a smile and a few more kind words. "You already have Polly. You already have."
Alright, she's done now. The IC post is in her profile.
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Of course there was, given that one of the three men who cornered her forcibly slammed her into a wall. A shorter man man leaned into her ear.
"That's enough outta ya? We know ya stole that coin from us and we want it back!"
Krystal feigned innocence and shrugged slightly. "You sure it didn't just drop out your pocket? You seem like the lot with a lot of holes in your..."[B]
A blunt pain in her ribs curtsy of a strong punch sends her sliding down as she wheezed in pain. She held up both hands in innocence. [B]"Okay, okay. Just give me some time to take it out." She slowly reached down her pants, bringing out a small silver coin as she forced herself back on her feet. The man snatched it from her almost instantly to examine the prize.
"Joining the Pathfinders was a mistake. We could have used someone like you. Now no one can protect your winnings."
Thankfully, it seems like the men were so enamored by the coin they never picked up that Krystal picked up some dust with her other hand. The only warning they got was her reply. "About that..." Sand blanketed the area, blinding the three as she quickly picked off the coin back in her possession. "I'm doing just fine on my own! Her hands grabbed the arms of one man and pulled while leaning one leg forward to trip him. The end result was all three men toppled on top of each other as she made a break for it, running down the street a bit before turning the corner. A few distant shouts of cursing was all she heard before they were out of earshot.
She took to the roof just to make sure that no one could follow her before taking a look at the coin herself. According to her boss, this tin of metal was used by the ancient runelords millennia ago. Crazy world, she thought as she smirked. May someday they will trust her enough to head out on her own. And then the real fun can begin...
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I cannot express how hard y'all made this, lol. I'm still going through everything, and seriously considering two tables just because there are so many fantastic characters I'd like to see in action. Just wanted to check in and let you know I'm reading and rereading everything to give it a fair shake. But it might take longer than Tuesday to figure it all out, so just be patient! :)
Thank you for your thorough consideration and the chance of running two tables, DM Dickie. :)
Thank you for the thorough researching. I appreciate your efforts. I enjoyed development of Anansi the Spider. Thank you for the opportunity.
There are quite a few characters here that are fun looking!
Take all the time you need!
Haha yeah, that always the hard part!
I don't envy you with all the choices you have to pick from.
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Just to let folks know where my thoughts are right now:
I'm trying to ensure both tables are covered with useful skills and abities, but also that they both have their own feel to make each game unique. Table 1 and Table A so that no one claims they're the top group or the primary universe lol.
I've also resigned myself to picking 6 for each. It requires little extra work on my part beyond upping quantities of goons or slapping advanced or special templates/maxing HPs of boss types. Typically someone drops from a game early, so that should at least help with attrition.
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After quickly perusing posted characters:
--CHA is very plenty, no shortage of faces.
--Dex is pretty high, int seems popular as well.
--Possible most in demand skill may well be perception, perhaps followed by heal.
--Combatants appear to be more Dex rather then STR flavored.
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Just to let folks know where my thoughts are right now:
I'm trying to ensure both tables are covered with useful skills and abities, but also that they both have their own feel to make each game unique. Table 1 and Table A so that no one claims they're the top group or the primary universe lol.
I've also resigned myself to picking 6 for each. It requires little extra work on my part beyond upping quantities of goons or slapping advanced or special templates/maxing HPs of boss types. Typically someone drops from a game early, so that should at least help with attrition.
Thanks for committing to doing all this work!
Just to let folks know where my thoughts are right now:
I'm trying to ensure both tables are covered with useful skills and abities, but also that they both have their own feel to make each game unique. Table 1 and Table A so that no one claims they're the top group or the primary universe lol.
I've also resigned myself to picking 6 for each. It requires little extra work on my part beyond upping quantities of goons or slapping advanced or special templates/maxing HPs of boss types. Typically someone drops from a game early, so that should at least help with attrition.
For what its worth, I am always happy to supply GMs with tailor-made NPC-Rivals/Mini-boss-squads in particular! It is actually fun to get owned by your own creation.
Just to let folks know where my thoughts are right now:
I'm trying to ensure both tables are covered with useful skills and abities, but also that they both have their own feel to make each game unique. Table 1 and Table A so that no one claims they're the top group or the primary universe lol.
I've also resigned myself to picking 6 for each. It requires little extra work on my part beyond upping quantities of goons or slapping advanced or special templates/maxing HPs of boss types. Typically someone drops from a game early, so that should at least help with attrition.
I've thought a lot and struggled with my decision, but I've decided to withdraw my application. I think it's admirable to want to include everyone, but I'm not fond of two identical AP tables running concurrently.
I wish everyone the best and happy gaming :)
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I really, really had a hard time with this y’all! I’m still second (triple) guessing my selections here, but it’s time to just close my eyes and push the button.
Table A will be:
Eskander, Izabelia, Mallory, Polly, and Saria, Zadira
Table 1 will be:
Alara, Anansi, Ambriel, Caroliss, Krystal, and Ragnar
I’m not kidding when I say that I wish I could take everyone, thank you everyone. Happy gaming!