The Second Draconic War - I

[Scorer]

This text is just to put the title where I want to...

The Second Draconic War


http://www.abpm.com.mx/scorer/tsdw-party.png

General Guidelines

- PbP Game using D&D 3.5 Ruleset
- Homebrew Campaign Setting
- 4-5 Players (Sallera, Lubirio, 02youeng, Hustlertwo, Strangie)
- Starting Level 1
- Rolled Starting Money
- Preferently Player Handbook Race/Class/Feats
- Nothing homebrew
- Abilities will be rolled (explained later)
- No Evil Aligments
- Multiclassing allowed without penalty at 2 classes
- All player Die Rolls should be visible. DM rolls will be done spoilered and should never be seen by players unless the DM allows.
- Homebrew Variations:
A) Additional Campaign Bonus Feat every 5x multiplier level (5th, 10th, 15th, etc)
B) Additional Campaign Bonus Ability +1 every 7x multiplier level (7th, 14th, 21th, etc)
C) 15% chance of stabilizing instead of 10%
D) Action Points allowed when unlocked. Which means you can't use Action Points until the're unlocked.
E) I have a table on how Natural 1s are treated. Will be posted later.
F) I will be using Rich Burlew's system of Diplomacy checks.
- Character Story Background Prefered (Will give you bonus XP points) Create mostly character stand-alone story. Geographic, historic, social data will then be adapted.
- Game tries to be a balance between RP, Hack and Slash and Puzzle solving.
- Character sheets should be on-line available.
- I will NOT start the story in a tavern.
- Please use ITALICS when your character speaks. Use plain text for character actions. You may talk Out of character here, but please don't metagame.
- You may (and I recomend) talk about race/class combo before creating character, so you find a good balance in your team. Consider this story is intended to reach epic levels in the last chapter.

Character Creation Guide

- You will roll your money as per Handbook rules, depending on your class choice. Then you can Puchase your gear freely.
- Rolling abilities will be as follows:
A) You will roll 10 times 4d6b3(Better 3 of 4d6). Roll in this thread.
B) Once you have your 10 results, ignore the best 2, and the worse 2. You then have your abilities.
C) You now can add 1 to any of the 6 results left.
D) Distribute Freely.
E) You may re roll all only ONCE. If you decide to reroll, you forfeit the first results.
- Hit Die at first level goes maximized. Then it will be rolled every other level.

Roleplaying Guide

- Although obvious, while roleplaying please avoid the urge to anticipate your fellows' actions, reactions, etc. This is a rude behavior and I beleive it is called godmodding in the general PbP forum rules.
- Please use ITALICS when your character speaks. Use plain text for character actions. You may talk Out of character here, but please don't metagame.
- The time limit for posting responses/actions/reactions/speech is 2 days. After that time, the game will procede as if the player decided to stay mute and innactive. In case a votation is taking place, his vote is null.
- The DM will never reveal target numbers (AC, DC, etc...). DM will only comunicate roll results.
- RAW will be followed as much as possible. If we find ourselves in a situation where RAW go against the rules of Real Life Logics/Physics, we can work it out.


Anything that passed me by, can be asked and will be answered gladly. (And new rules will be eventually incorporated.)

The most important Rule: Have Fun! (or be smacked by my whip :smallwink:)

Main image Avatars made by Rich Burlew, used under permission by the Board Rules as Avatars provided by Mr. Burlew himself. Rules found here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/announcement.php?f=29&a=1). However, if this image is violating the Forum Rules in any way, contact me to remove it inmediatly.

[Scorer]

List of Characters


{table]Player | Character | Class/Level | Sheet URL
Scorer | Dungeon Master
Sallera | Kern Sylis | Diviner 3 | Link (http://pifro.com/pro/view.php?id=3844)
Lubirio | Harry Longhorn | Monk 3 | Link (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=157084)
02youeng | Garth "Thunderscream" Reynord | Bard 2 | Link (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=7261)
Hustlertwo | Drace Sterling | Paladin 3 | Link (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=157269)
Strangie | Luis Castille | Rogue 2 | Link (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=163148)
Tanaric | Braem Athera | Druid 1 | Link (http://www.thetangledweb.net/forums/profiler/view_char.php?cid=34217)
[/table]



Progress

Prologue: Completed
Episode 1 - The Ilusionist: 67%

[Scorer]

Useful Data

Natural 1 Handling

Whenever in combat you would roll a Natural 1 in an attack with a weapon, a d% should be rolled. Depending on the result is the effect. Splash weapons maintain their RAW procedure. Natural Weapons are inmune to dropping. If a Natural weapon is broken, that means you can't use it until magically healed plus receive the damage rolled. This table applies to enemies as well. When using Masterwork weapons, substract 5 to the %roll.

{table]d% Result|Effect|Description
0-50|May Drop Weapon|Roll a Dexterity check. DC = (d% Result ÷ 2)
51-60|Drops Weapon|Roll 1d9 to know where it landed. 1 = Behind, and Turn clockwise. 9 = in your same spot.
61-90|Friendly Attack|Roll 1dx (with x being the number of friendlies in the battle) to see which friend you attack. Assign numbers freely.
91-99|May Destroy Weapon|Roll a Dexterity check. DC = (d% Result - 80)
100|Destroys Weapon|Nothing you can do about this, except buying a new weapon.[/table]

The Continent Map

http://www.abpm.com.mx/scorer/Masavian.png

This is supposed to be a papyrus map.

Siánodel - Artic woods region controlled by Elves.
Túrendel - Cold Wood region controlled by Gnomes.
Hojaté - Greenlands inhabited by Halflings.
Gratt - Defensive Islands controlled by Dwarfs.
Valtlán - Huge City controlled by Humans and inhabitated by some other races.
Teocán - Desert region inhabited by some rogue humans.
Úngart - Template to Warm Peninsula controlled by Dwarfs.

The grouping of tiny dots represent cities/towns/villages

1.- Taepec. You hired the fisherman here.
2.- Harpy Nest.


The World Map - Locked

[02youeng]

Rolling stats
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]

Edit: So, that's 15, 14, 14, 12, 10, 9. I'll use my point to make the 15 a 16, so final scores are:

16, 14, 14, 12, 10, 9

What characters are you planning on playing? I'd like to play a wisecracking, cunning bardy type. But, if others are planning to play casters, I wouldn't really be too useful.

[Sallera]

Interesting place to put the thread. :smalltongue:

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]

'Twill be a gnomish wizard, by the way.

[Lubirio]

Do we discuss character creation here too?

If so, abilities:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]

Aaaand I'm thinking of making a super intelligent Monk, who doesn't do much besides think a lot and pack a whallow every once in a while. :smallbiggrin:

[Lubirio]

I'm gonna go with the reroll:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]

that comes down to 13, 13, 13, 12, 12 and 12, very average...

[Scorer]

Don't forget you have a +1 Lubirio, aplicable to one ability score

[Lubirio]

Right, so instead of supersmart, he'll have a lot of common sense, with the added score to a 13 to make it 14 (which will be wisdom). Race will be elf, to keep it kind of easy, and he'll have a unique combat style, still looking to find the right one...

It shall be the 'Metered Style' monk fighting style, details in next post. :smallwink:

[Lubirio]

Metered Style:

Skill Bonus: Concentration
1st lvl feat: Defensive Metered Foot
2nd lvl feat: Offensive Metered Foot
6th lvl feat: Toughness
Requirement for 6th lvl Spec Ab: Concentration 9 ranks, Skill focus (any Str or Dex based skill).
6th lvl Spec Ab: you may take 10 on any and all Str or Dex based skill checks, even when normally not allowed.

Defensive Metered Foot:

Requirement: Concentration 6 ranks, Improved Unarmed Strike

Benefit: Choose an opponent as a Free Action. Each time this opponent misses you consecutively, you gain a cumulative +1 Dodge bonus to AC (max +5). If this opponent hits you, the bonus is lost. If this opponent misses you again, the count restarts at +1. This feat only applies on one opponent at a time.

Offensive Metered Foot:

Requirement: Concentration, Improved Unarmed Strike

Benefit: Choose an opponent as a Free Action. Each time you hit this opponent consecutively, you gain a cumulative +1 Insight bonus on attacks against that opponent (max +5). If you miss this opponent, the bonus is lost. If you hit this opponent again, the count restarts at +1. This feat only applies on one opponent at a time.

This is all from Dragon Magazine #337, page 97. Tell me if it isn't allowed, I'm fine with that.

[02youeng]

Well...if we have an Elf and a Gnome, you obviously need a Human to scare away the nasty big people.

I guess I'll be Garth "Thunderscream" Reynord, wandering Bard and epic mandolin player. More serious description after I draft his story

[hustlertwo]

Bollocks, I was hoping I could just reuse an Arena character. But I guess this gives me a chance to make one of the ones I never got to before.

So, how does this work, exactly? You roll stats, then pick a class based on them I guess?

[hustlertwo]

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]

Those seem like they would be bad rolls, yes?

[Lubirio]

since you drop the two highest and 2 lowest, I'd say reroll (this favors average rolls).

[hustlertwo]

How excellent! I thought they seemed unpleasant, thanks to losing the high outliers. I'll reroll...just as soon as my match against Yrik is over. If I get another chance to attack him before his greatsword of doom splits me in twain, I'll need some of the luck I didn't have here.

[hustlertwo]

FYI, if I'd been using a longsword or something, my luck distribution would have worked, rolled a 19. Not very helpful with a bow though, especially with a 1 on the damage.

In any case, I won't hold up matters anymore. I'm willing to accept some suggestions on a class, if anyone has them. From my previously made ones, I figure Train isn't all that fit for this, but Battle Janitor might since his 'rage' never wears off, or maybe Solus, as a ranged fighter who also has magic, although I might have him be a Fire Hobgoblin instead (LA+1, but sweet ability boosts, and fire resistance is nice). Fiorella is good if we're fighting tough guys, but wasted against common rabble since she has relatively few spells.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]


....dang. This means there's no chance I'll get the rolls I need to beat Yrik. But the odds were kinda against my winning anyhow, and I was pondering redoing Solus as mentioned above.

[Sallera]

Well, I'd be happy to put off facing Yrik again... he kinda out-barbarians Squirrel with that mountain rage. <<;;

Anywho, I think I'll take a reroll, just for the hell of it. Also, starting gold: [roll0]

[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]
[roll10]

There we are, that's a little better. 14, 14, 14, 11, 11, 11.

[hustlertwo]

For me, Squirrel is worse; higher AC, HP, and move so high I could run (so far away) and still be outmaneuvered. Higher Will save for the Color Spray, too.

Oh, and my numbers are:


(4d6b3)[12]
(4d6b3)[13]
(4d6b3)[12]
(4d6b3)[17]
(4d6b3)[12]
(4d6b3)[13]

17, 13, 13, 12, 12, 12. Do I get to pick which ones go where, I guess?

[Scorer]

I really would prefer to stick with basic race/class/feats combos Lubirio. I'm being a bit flexible in using other feat and spell sources, but absolutly no dragon magazines

It freaks me out! :smalleek:

hahahahahaha

By the way, Thanks alot to you all 4!

I promise this will be a great game! I'll put a lot of energy to it!

Nice bunch of rerolls by the way...

Now, I'll wait for you people to finish your character sheets, once everyone is finished we can procede with backstories.

[Scorer]

For me, Squirrel is worse; higher AC, HP, and move so high I could run (so far away) and still be outmaneuvered. Higher Will save for the Color Spray, too.

Oh, and my numbers are:


(4d6b3)[12]
(4d6b3)[13]
(4d6b3)[12]
(4d6b3)[17]
(4d6b3)[12]
(4d6b3)[13]

17, 13, 13, 12, 12, 12. Do I get to pick which ones go where, I guess?


Remember to add +1 to any one of them, and yes you can distribute freely.

[Scorer]

Oh, and Hustlertwo: I ask you to keep it on basic races/classes/feats... unless you really really really really want something like that...

Have you read the guidelines? :smalltongue:

[Sallera]

Here's Kern (http://pifro.com/pro/view.php?id=3844)'s sheet; working on backstory now.

[Scorer]

Here's Kern (http://pifro.com/pro/view.php?id=3844)'s sheet; working on backstory now.

Diviner? wasn't he a wizard? (or is it a small variant?)

I was just checking if everyone is alert (sure :smallredface:)

[Sallera]

It's just the term for a divination specialist.

[Scorer]

Hum... right... forgot that hehehehe See why I want Core only? :smalltongue: I've got more than enough with Core hehehehehe

[hustlertwo]

I read most of it, missed that part. Does Core include other SRD elements, or are we talking strict regular classes only? I guess with two Bards in the party (which seems odd, but I don't know anything about them, not exactly a popular Arena class), I shouldn't be another caster, and with only one big stat it seems like a physical class is the way to go, so I'll probably just be a regular Barbarian, then. Without the UA races, I guess I'll go Human, can always use a bonus feat, and skill points might matter more in this setting.

[Scorer]

Kern Checks Out

[Scorer]

I read most of it, missed that part. Does Core include other SRD elements, or are we talking strict regular classes only? I guess with two Bards in the party (which seems odd, but I don't know anything about them, not exactly a popular Arena class), I shouldn't be another caster, and with only one big stat it seems like a physical class is the way to go, so I'll probably just be a regular Barbarian, then. Without the UA races, I guess I'll go Human, can always use a bonus feat, and skill points might matter more in this setting.

Human Barbarian works out nicely! And yes, I meant Player Handbook Core, Cause SRD covers a bit more...

[hustlertwo]

I'll do up a whole sheet later, but here's how the basics should go:

Strength: 18 (with the +1 from altering an ability, big shock, I know)
Dex: 12
Con: 13
Wis: 12
Int: 13
Cha: 12

I'm also pondering a human Paladin, to do something different while still providing the team with a meat shield (unsure about Barbarians; move speed bonus is negated needing to stay with a party, and 1 rage per day is quite a limitation out in the world, plus free horse!). If I do that, switch the 13 from Con to Cha. Input on that is appreciated, don't trust the noob to make his decisions all on his own here.

Feats: Assuming no extra feats for flaws, since there are no flaws...

I'll either do Combat Expertise and Improved Trip if I'm a pally, or Improved Unarmed Strike and Deflect Arrows, my old standby, for the barbarian build. It's more valuable with a class that is partially protected from being flat-footed.

Edit: On second thought, unless there's strong sentiment against it, I'm just going to be the paladin. It's a class I'll never use in Arena because of the long delay in payoff, but here it seems fine. So again with the final stuff:

Strength: 18 (figuring it's still more important than Charisma, at least for now)
Dex: 12
Con: 12
Wis: 12
Int: 13
Cha: 13

Feats:
-Combat Expertise (mostly just to get trip, but one more AoO per turn could be important)
-Improved Trip (because without it, trip is pretty meaningless)

[Scorer]

A Paladin would be quite interesting in RolePlaying. As Mr Burlew states perfectly in OOTS, there's always the Mikos and the O'chuls...

[hustlertwo]

Is there a specific code to abide by, or basically just don't push old ladies down stairs and don't vote Libertarian?

You know, because it's the political version of a Chaotic alignment.

[Scorer]

As my first DM said to a fellow player (who did a Paladin) to be good doesn't mean you're stupid... To be lawful doesn't mean you can't reform laws

[hustlertwo]

Then that's the way it'll be. Count me in for Drace Sterling, human paladin with all the specifics mentioned before, sheet coming tomorrow if I get a chance. He'll likely be a decent fellow prone to the occasional fit of vanity and self-absorption (call him a softer and less dense Captain Hammer), and if I'm feeling cruel, I may have him talk in third person. Or rhyme.

[Lubirio]

Can I do a UA Variant Fighting style though? that's somewhat easier, and the one I want from there is kind of similar to what I want. (Undying Way) I'll have a sheet up later

[Sallera]

Alright, finished up the backstory; also made a couple tweaks to the stats.

[Scorer]

Can I do a UA Variant Fighting style though? that's somewhat easier, and the one I want from there is kind of similar to what I want. (Undying Way) I'll have a sheet up later

Mhhhh... I'll have to say no. Parents say, "it's hard for you, but is harder for me"

(And now I know how Kyeudo feels when saying no)

[Scorer]

Alright, finished up the backstory; also made a couple tweaks to the stats.

Great! Let's wait until everyone finishes their sheet so we can start together.

[Lubirio]

Allright, so a regular run-off-the-mill monk it is, I'll have great fun RPing. :smallbiggrin:

[Lubirio]

Roll for money:
[roll0]

[hustlertwo]

Money:

[roll0]

Is there a reroll here too, or is that just the abilities?

If that's it, I'll finalize my sheet and post it.

[Scorer]

Money:

[roll0]

Is there a reroll here too, or is that just the abilities?

If that's it, I'll finalize my sheet and post it.

Just the abilities, or we would be rerolling everything hehehehehehe

[hustlertwo]

Fortunately, I don't want to, 190 is pretty good with 240 as a max.

Drace Sterling, checking in to be checked. (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=157269)

[Scorer]

Fortunately, I don't want to, 190 is pretty good with 240 as a max.

Drace Sterling, checking in to be checked. (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=157269)

Everything checks up, except in skills. You have 17 skill points and should be 16 (already counting human bonus) and also, you need to list armor/shield check penalty

[hustlertwo]

Penalties are listed on the skills now, and it does add up to 16.

[Scorer]

Penalties are listed on the skills now, and it does add up to 16.

It adds 16 ranks, but not 16 skill points, Tumble is CrossClass for Paladin. Also, it would be useful for you if you rename your knowledges.

After that start working on your backstory and have it ready. Once everyone else finish their sheets, we can show the backstories.

[Lubirio]

Harry Longhorn (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=157084) ready to be played, still need to work on backstory though...

[hustlertwo]

What do I rename them? And I'll put my last point (not going to bother with Tumble, I think) in one of them.

[Scorer]

What do I rename them? And I'll put my last point (not going to bother with Tumble, I think) in one of them.

Paladins have:

Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty)
Knowledge (Religion)

That's what I like of spanish sheets, they have the names of all knowledges hehehehe

[hustlertwo]

OK, I'm done, then. And am I posting the backstory here, or what?

[Scorer]

OK, I'm done, then. And am I posting the backstory here, or what?

Have it prepared, when everyone's ready, then you all post it here...

[Lubirio]

You're all waiting for me then?

I'll get to work, expect it within an hour or so.

Sorry, I forgot I have Volleyball practice in 45 minutes and I need to leave in 15 mins... the practice is 2 hours, so I might be done in another hour after that, (doing the math, that's 11:30pm GMT+1). :smallredface:

[Scorer]

You're all waiting for me then?

I'll get to work, expect it within an hour or so.

And 02youeng, he hasn't posted link to his sheet yet. Don't worry, take your time, no one's whipping you around...

*hides whip*

And you're missing HP in your sheet Lubirio

[02youeng]

Rolling for money here. Will post sheet in a few hours, need to unwind after college.

[roll0]

...well, that really really sucks. 4 1's and a 2. Guess I'm starting with pretty much nothing

[hustlertwo]

Do we need any prior knowledge of the story for the backstory? Like what happened with the First Draconic War?

[Scorer]

Do we need any prior knowledge of the story for the backstory? Like what happened with the First Draconic War?

Nope, the First Draconic War is a forgotten myth by now. To do your backstory center on the character's character (as silly as it may sound). Don't worry about geographical, social, political data... If it goes very against the setting we can just adapt it. That's why you should center more on how you grew, your family, your interests, your personality, how you came to be a paladin and such...

[Lubirio]

fixed, HP (and speed), and edited my previous post to reflect my status on finishing the backstory. :smallbiggrin:

[Lubirio]

Allright, here goes:
Backstory (in pseudo-random order):
Harry grew up in a family of 13, he was the oldest so he had to take care of most of his younger siblings, he's used to being unnoticed, because he didn't get much attention when he was younger. It was this reason that he liked skulking in the shadows a lot and tried to steal things sometimes. His parents, at noticing this, took him to a nearby monastery to be absolved of all sin, but it didn't do him much good, he learned how to fight as unarmed as possible sure, and he didn't steal things anymore, except of course for the bow he trained with at night. He stole the bow of one of the guards, and practiced with it often a night, and studied that bow, among other ones so that he may craft one himself if the need arise.

Other things he learned at the monastery, is that you never want to be too eager to fight, be calm, think about what you're doing, and use lethal damage only as self-defense, and in the rare case that killing someone is justified, even then you should think twice about your actions. All life is sacred. Harry is therefore a vegetarian, but in rare cases will eat meat, if left out to die anyway, like a half-eaten deer carcass. By the time Harry left the monastery, he had righted himself, though still the sneaky type, everyone had his place in society, and some of those aren't very high. He strongly believes in the ppower of being inconspicuous, and therefore is only armed with his own mighty fists most of the time, if he can afford it though, Harry will buy parts to make himself a good bow.
Description:
Harry looks like any other man of adult age should look, not having any particular features worth mentioning to anybody, he fits in with a crows perfectly.
Personality:
Harry is very soft-hearted. Often misjudged for a beggar, he plays the part well.

[02youeng]

Sheet is done, link here (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=7261)

Will do the story tomorrow, sorry for slowing everyone down...not had the best of days

[Scorer]

Don't worry 02youeng, I have had quite a day myself...

Remember this is about fun, no one is going to be whipping you around just because you will do your backstory tomorrow...

*shows whip*

however, there are a lot other reasons :smalltongue:

[Scorer]

Sheet is done, link here (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=7261)



Everything checks out, except skill points... should be 32, not 36

[02youeng]

Fixed [message too short]

[hustlertwo]

An interesting band we have. An elf monk, a gnome diviner, a human bard and a human paladin. No ranged fighters to speak of (although I guess the Diviner will be one once he can afford the bow, since he got Point Blank Shot), but we have some nice slow burn classes that become more effective later on, and between the bard's buffs and my own, we're definitely protected against fear or most other status issues. If we can survive past the first couple levels, things should be going pretty well.

[Scorer]

I'm pretty excited myself! Looks a great team!

I just hope my minions are up to it...

*rubs whip*

...or they'll face my wrath! :smallmad:

[02youeng]

Right, here we go. Garth "Thunderscream" Reynord, [dirt-poor] Bard of wonder of surpise

Appearance
Standing at 6 foot even, Garth enjoys being taller than most others. It lets him show off his perfectly styled auburn hair, his deep chocolate coloured eyes, neatly trimmed goatee. A smile creases his face most days, lines crossing the white skin of his face from all the happy days, though scars on his left arm, and right shin, testify to times not so good.

Personality
Garth is a happy man, by anyone's standards. He was raised in a comfortable home with loving doting parents, older sister taking care of him while the adults worked. Life in the city could be hard, but Garth grew up comfortably enough. While his mother worked as a seamstress, and his father as a potter, Garth would run through the city streets with his friends, playing heroes and villians. Quick to laugh, kind, though a little rash, with a healthy disregard of anyone "boring." He also detests living in the outdoors, or pretty much anything that's not a city. Garth enjoys his creature comforts, Especially a hot bath every night.

Background
Garth was born and raised in the city with his parents and older sister. When he was 11, his parents had saved up, and got him something he'd always wanted - a mandolin. He used to just stare into the window of the instrument shop, wondering for hours what it'd be like to perform for a crowd. When he got it, he played and played and played, annoying his parents and sister every day for years, even after he started playing some catchy songs. But he didn't care. He was happy with his mandolin.

At 16, he left his home. He was tired of living with his family - no matter how lovely they were - and wanted to see the world. With the money he'd earned, he bought a sword, a comfortable suit of leather armour, and joined a caravan travelling along the coast. Since then, he's been a wanderer, making coin in whatever city he's in, bartering his music for food and shelter, developing a type of magic, enteraining audiences with flashes of light, or ethreal choruses while he plays.

His nickname of Thunderscream came one night, whilst peddling in a tavern of a less reputable manner. A Hobgoblin threw him off the stage for refusing to play his favourate song [aside from the fact that Garth doesn't speak Goblin, he dislikes their style of music, calling it "noise."] Garth had a scroll prepared for such an occasion - a Scroll of Shout. With pure sonic force, he not only killed the hobgoblin, but also stunned his friends and blew out all the windows along one wall of the tavern. A small bounty still exsists on his head in that town, after he fled instead of paying damages.

I's done with making Garth. And now to the bar

Edit: Oooh, bards are profiecient with whips...

[hustlertwo]

Drace (why are we spoiling this, are we not allowed to read other people's stuff?)

Background

Drace Sterling Backstory:

Drace was an up-and-coming young holy warrior, the paragon of powerful pugilism with a strategic mind and dreams of fame and glory. Was being the operative word. Ten years ago, he was assigned as a bodyguard to a high-ranking priest in the Church, whose status was impressive but actual importance minimal. Seeing it as a promotion that would bring him into the public eye and provide an opportunity to heroically defend a vital VIP, Drace accepted, and the decade since has been fraught with the peril of boredom and fierce combat against the slowly advancing potbelly of prolonged inactivity. He has been paid well, and enjoyed his own boosted social standing as a member of the priest's entourage, but the action and opportunities to prove himself he craved have not been available. When his charge is forced to a lengthy bed rest due to an infected ingrown toenail, Drace finally summons what remains of his gumption and resigns. He plans to offer his still-substantial services as a guardian angel to any group that might need them, so long as in return he'll finally have a chance to get some proper scuffs on his armor and scars on his person.

His family background is that his father was a fighter-for-hire that kept Drace and his family on the move while he earned a decent but erratic living. He was somewhat well known in the smaller villages for his ability to not die in a job where such is the norm, something which Drace's young mind blew out of proportion as his father being a major celebrity of the region, fueling his later ambitions.

Description:

Despite a slight paunch from years of eating the rich foods of the upper class and a somewhat lax regimen of activity, Drace is an impressive physical presence, who keeps his appearance polished without even thinking about it due to years of doing it at the behest of his boss.

[Scorer]

Actually I told everyone to ready the backstory, and when everyone had it, then all post together....

But no one listens the poor mexican silly :smallfrown: (only Sallera)

DM Scorer

Ok, now everyone listen, You all have your Stories ready as I see... It is time that you post them... (in the open) Try to make it cinematic, just for fun... And remember to use the proper text format (described in first page).

After you post I will tell if any adjustment needs to be done, and give XP points for your creation.

PD: Color text means it is in DM mode...

PD2: New items added in Frontpage.

[hustlertwo]

How were we supposed to post together, synchronized watches or something?

Backstory (in-character, since I guess that's more cinematic, if that's not what you want, use the other version posted):

"I was an up-and-coming young holy warrior, the paragon of powerful pugilism with a strategic mind and dreams of fame and glory. Was being the operative word. Ten years ago, I was assigned as a bodyguard to a high-ranking priest at the Vaitlan Cathedral, whose status was impressive but, as I would eventually come to realize, largely ornamental. Seeing it as a promotion that would bring me into the public eye and provide an opportunity to heroically defend a vital VIP, I accepted, and the decade since has been fraught with the peril of boredom and fierce combat against the slowly advancing potbelly of prolonged inactivity. I was paid well, and enjoyed my own boosted social standing as a member of the priest's entourage a little more than was prudent, but the action and opportunities to prove myself have not been available. What can I say, even a paladin can find life among the richers in Vaitlan to be somewhat intoxicating (to say nothing of the intoxicants of the upper class themselves, whoo boy!) But when the old coot was forced to a lengthy bed rest due to an infected ingrown toenail, I finally summoned what remained of my gumption and resigned. I plan to offer my still-substantial services as a guardian angel to any group that might need them, so long as in return I'll finally have a chance to get some proper scuffs on my armor and scars on my person."

Random NPC: "That's....great. But we're not a band of adventurers or anything like that. We're more along the lines of drinking buddies. You ever think a tavern isn't the best place to find people who want to kill other people with you?"

Drace: "Quiet, you. I get introspective when I drink, and if no one's around to hear a monologue, then is it really a monologue at all?"


Back-Backstory, i.e. Things That Happened Before That Matter for Character Development but Aren't Interesting Enough to Get a Lot of Detail:

His family background is that his father was a fighter-for-hire that kept Drace and his family on the move while he earned a decent but erratic living. He was somewhat well known in the smaller villages for his ability to not die in a job where such is the norm, something which Drace's young mind blew out of proportion as his father being a major celebrity of the region, fueling his later ambitions. His father also added to this by referring to himself as the Terror of Teocan and the Unbelievable Ulcer of Ungart. Whether these names were created by a man with a large ego, actually given for his battle prowess, or were assigned by the other villagers to describe the elder Sterling's abrasive personality has been lost in the mists of time. All three are very possible options, however.


Description:

Despite a slight paunch from years of eating the rich foods of the upper class and a somewhat lax regimen of activity, Drace is an impressive physical presence, who keeps his appearance polished without even thinking about it due to years of doing it at the behest of his boss.

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

Great character creation. It has indeed personality well defined and has humor in your cinematic.

Adaptation to Setting: Your birthplace is Valtlán, the human great central city. Your father used to do jobs in Teocán and Úngart.

XP Points won by Drace: 400


(OOC: And what I meant with at the same time, was just what you did, now whoever posts next I give comments, adaptation and XP etc)

[hustlertwo]

I edited it, threw in some reference to the places and beefed it up a tad.

So, after the other three do this, does it start?

[Lubirio]

Are we supposed to interact with the other PC's or just make it independently of everyone else? In any case, here I interact with Drace:

As Drace told his story he sees a poor, very plain-looking beggar come in and take a seat, and after telling them he's a little tipsy, he asks the beggar what he's doing here, he is after all, a beggar. What he answers is far from what you'd expect, "I came here to have a drink, but as I see we're in the mood of telling stories, I have one of my own: I grew up in a family of 13, I was the oldest so I had to take care of most of my younger siblings, I'm used to being unnoticed because he didn't get much attention when I was younger. It was this reason that I liked skulking in the shadows a lot and tried to steal things sometimes, it's true, sorry to disappoint you. My parents, at noticing this, took me to a nearby monastery to be absolved of all sin, but it didn't do me much good, I learned how to fight as unarmed as possible sure, and I didn't steal things anymore, except for the bow I trained with at night. I stole the bow of one of the guards, and practiced with it often a night, studying that bow among other ones so that I may craft one myself if the need arise.

Other things I learned at the monastery, is that one never wants to be too eager to fight, be calm, think about what you're doing, and use lethal damage only as self-defense, in the rare case that killing someone is justified, even then you should think twice about your actions. All life is sacred. I am therefore a vegetarian, but in rare cases will eat meat, if left out to die anyway, like a half-eaten deer carcass, thrown on the side of the road. By the time I left the monastery, I had righted himself, though I still liked to be sneaky most of the time, like just now, you mistook me for a beggar, right? Everyone has his place in society, and some of those aren't very high, like mine. I strongly believe in the power of being inconspicuous, and therefore am only armed with my own mighty fists most of the time, these," as he showed them his mighty fists, "if I can afford it though, I'll try to make himself a good bow." As he was saying this, he was very animated, and laughed at their response when he showed them his fists. Good at heart, Harry soothed them by saying he would rarely use them for offense, as he told them before

I guess this kind of forces the campaign to start in a tavern, no?

[hustlertwo]

Well, you could edit it so we meet outside of the tavern (say, with you overhearing my story or something and catching me when I walk out). Seems like it would avoid the anti-tavern bias.

[Lubirio]

No, the anti-tavern bias is the point, he's mistaken for a beggar a lot, so I guess it seemed appropriate you would, especially since you're high up socially. :smallbiggrin:

[Scorer]

Hum.. no, no interactions yet. Will check your story throughly when I get back home.

[Sallera]

Backstory:
"So, what is't ye were wanting? My story for yours? Fair enough, I suppose. I'm a runaway, I suppose is the simplest way to put it. Merchantry? A bleedin' waste o' time. Served me insofar as to covertly fund my studies, but that was about it. S'not like the parents even noticed what I took, inept as they were in the trade. So aye, ran off - to school, even. Not very far, but the study of arcana has a tendency to keep one out of sight. And I enjoyed it, after all, that counted for a fair bit.

But even magic can get boring after three decades in the same town. Whenever I could spare the time, off I went to the docks, hearing what I could of elsewhere. Seemed like there were some damned interesting places out there, ya know? So soon's I could manage it, I got my approval from the higher-ups, and off I went. Signed on a dwarven warship, of all things. Cannae even remember why I chose it, in truth, but it was a good choice nonetheless.

I like dwarves, as it turns out. Not much in the way of loyalty or honour to be found in an arcane university, ye know? But the dwarves, they understand the value of such things. And they appreciate talent when they see it. I stayed on there for seven-ish years; we mostly patrolled trade routes, or played escort to explorers. 'Twas a good life, in truth, but the scope was too small for me. Six, seven years on one ship and I've seen most everywhere I'm going to. So when we ran into a batch o' pirates, organized and lead by who-knows-who, but competent for a change... well, the ship took enough damage that she won't be sailing any time soon, so I took me leave.

I figured, well, I've seen every coastline from here to the northern fjords, but I've not seen much inland. And seeing things - new things, at least - is what I do. S'why I'm here. And talking to ye, for that matter, because who knows the land better than the rabbits?"

Appearance:
Kern dresses in simple but well-made clothing in dusty shades, and with the brace of daggers slung across his shoulder and the quarterstaff he uses as a walking stick, few would take him for the mage he is. He wears his black hair long, tied at the back, exposing an angular face with deep-set blue eyes. Perpetually calm, and rarely worried by aught but the most grievous insults, he is constantly observing his surroundings, whether searching for the solution to a problem or simply taking in the sights.

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

Lubirio: Good story! It's got a.. curious way of forming personality. (I am not saying it is bad, just curious). First of all, you don't meet Drace and tell him your story. It is your character telling the story to the players, me included. Be careful not to play others' actions/rections etc...


As Drace told his story he sees a poor, very plain-looking beggar come in and take a seat, and after telling them he's a little tipsy, he asks the beggar what he's doing here, he is after all, a beggar. What he answers is far from what you'd expect,

This doesn't affect now, as we are just beggining and you actually didn't have interaction with Drace, but be careful in the future.

Adaptation to Setting: You come from the northern artic regions of Siánodel and were sent to a monastery in Túrendel.

XP won by Harry: 380

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

Sallera: Excellent background. Nice accent, usually happens when spending much time with dwarfes. I like this attitude building you made with Kern.

Adaptation to Setting: You were born in Túrendel and met Harry (Lubirio) many years ago when he was student of the Local Monastery. It's been many years since you last saw him. You travelled to Úngart where you sailed to the new lands to the south with the dwarfs. After your ship was destroyed you are headed towards Valtlán.

XP Gained by Kern: 420

[02youeng]

My turn then, I 'spose

Garth

"Well, is it my story you be wanting? Then let me buy you a drink - beautiful women like you shouldn't pay for anything." With a sweep of his hat and a low, graceful bow, Garth leaves the lady, returning with two goblets of wine. "I'm a bard, as I'm sure you know - I saw you at the front of the crowd, never seen you here before. Where did you hear about me? Ah, no worries. I know my fame has spread here. Time to be moving on soon, though..." The tall, handsome human, with the enchanting chocolate brown eyes, auburn hair and the graceful goatee, magically shaped and tended, stares wistfully out the window, into the cold dark night. "Unfortunetly for me, this town is a little too close to another I graced previously...something about me owing them money for shredding half a tavern out of self-defence...eh, I'll stop boring you."

"I'm a city boy at heart, never lived outside of one. My parents were the poor worker types...mother a tailor, father a potter. No real stories...just a loving family. My sister, on the other hand...she'd fight guys older than her, and she'd win, too. She was a tough broad...always liked her. Anyways, I'd stare all day into the window of the instrument shop. On my 11th birthday, my parents got me what I always wanted - a mandolin, my mandolin. For 11 years now, I've been playing, learning the magic of music..." With a flick of his wrist, and a few musical inflections, he created a small burst of colour, the smell of apple blossoms draping over them both, "But I've never managed more than parlour tricks...I think it's time for an adventure. I need to test myself. Sadly enough...adventure isn't my strong point. Need some friends, and strangely enough, not many people want a lasting friendship with a minstral. My life is a series of one-night stands in a way. Since I was 16, I've truely known few people...ah well, next town, next time, I always say. I like this life, music and fun instead of work. Care to join me on my way, beautiful?"

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

02youeng: Excellent story! Will fit perfectly! Also, personality drawn pretty well...

Adaptation to Setting: You were born in Valtlán and you have traveled all the continent except for Úngart. You are currently in Tikal, the small town Southwest of Valtlán.

XP Gained by Garth: 400

[Lubirio]

Now that we have everyone's stories set, can we see a mp with all those names you pointed out?

[02youeng]

Oh thank thee, wise DM

[praises]

[Scorer]

Time to start the game!

First of all, thanks again! I will try to use RAW as much as possible (mainly SRD), however if in some point we find those pretty common absurdities that go against Real Life physics/logic, we can work a solution together.

Also, I'm allowing spells from other source books. I will also allow Prestige Classes from other source books. The ban on Dragon Magazine remains.

Please check the Frontpage, it has new items, including a map with descriptions on geographic places.

DM Scorer

Cinematic mode (Insert Mystical Epic Music)

Long ago the dragons inhabited the Earth and even sometimes darken the skies because of their mighty numbers. Dragons were divided by their ideals. Metallic Dragons were kind and eager to teach their magic secrets to other races. Chromatic Dragons didn't share this optimism, they beleived the other races would eventually control magic so well that would try to destroy all of the dragons. This evetually led to a conflict between dragons, and finally led to a Massive War between the two sides.

Finally, the Metalic Dragons managed to seize the victory with many loses on both sides. For this, the remaining Chromatic Dragons were banished. The wise elder Metallic Dragons decided it was time to leave the world to the emergent species and races: Orcs, Halflings, Elves, Goblinoids, Gnomes, Humans, Dwarfs, etc... The decision was made to prevent another terrible war

This is a forgotten myth by now. But the tides of destiny are about to show that even the wisest of the dragons can be proven wrong...

End of Cinematic

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

Garth: After buying the last drink to that beautiful woman, she says:

Woman: Can we walk outside?

You both walk outside, the moon shines with it's full splendor and she says:

Woman: It must be the drinks, but I really want to kiss you...

She is closing on you, closes her eyes and in the moment she's about to kiss you someone pulls you from behind.

Valtlán Guard: So, it is here where you've been hiding scum.

When you turn around, there's a full squad of Valtlán guards. There's nothing you can do.

Woman: Sorry, they paid a good prize. I really need that money. It's for my son.

The guards disarm you and knock you out.

Nothing you can do for now

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

Meanwhile, Kern is returning home after a long trip. You see the Large City of Valtlán the last stop before returning home.

Upon arraiving to the city edge, you (Kern) see a familiar face you never thought you would see again: Harry Longhorn

You both may interact

[Lubirio]

((I assume character dialogue is in a specific colour, and actions not in that colour, for sake of making it eaasy to see what is talk and what isn't? if that's so I'll take Sienna :smallwink:))

"Kern!? What are you doing here? I thought we said farewell a long time ago, what am I glad to see you!" Harry rushes to Kern as he said this, shaking his hand eagerly, expecting an explanation for showing up where Harry didn't think he'd be.

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

Drace: you have been waiting for some time for some interesting job to do. Finally after some weeks, you receive a message from the Royal Crown of Valtlán. They request your assistance on behalf of the King.

You then procede to the Castle. When you're aproaching you see a bunch of Valtlán Guards that are punching a defenseless Bard. They seem to be abusive bullies.

You (Drace) may interact

[hustlertwo]

((Sounds like a good system, I'll go with green, since it looks like blue and orange are taken, and there aren't a whole lot of other colors that don't make eyes bleed. And I'm assuming we can fill in NPC dialogue for the small stuff to keep things moving, if not, disregard and I'll stuff it all into one dialogue block.))

Summoning the deep and official-sounding voice he had used to make troublesome servants quake for so many years, Drace confronts the guards: "Now, see here, what's with you fellows? If I wished to see a bard beaten for no reason I'd go visit my cousin Barry and watch his wife smack him around."

Guard 1: "Piss off, gramps. Isn't your business what we do with trash like this."

Drace: "Trash? I know you deceive me, 'cause here's a surprise: I know that you have 'cause there's magic in my eyes. Specifically, I can tell this battered bard is an all right sort. You, you, and...you, however, not so much. Perhaps you wouldn't give off the stink of an evil aura if you spent less time handling others so roughly. Or yourselves, for that matter. The gods see what you do and they think it's disgusting."

Drace produces a document from his pack.

"For those of you who can't read, this says I'm to report here to be of assistance to the King. Certainly my spotless record of keeping the same dignitary alive for more than ten years has been noticed, and I'll soon be placed in charge of the lot of you. And you can bet there will be some rotten apples plucked from the tree of guardianship when that happens. Now leave this man to collect his remaining teeth and testicles in peace, or have at you!"

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

At the moment the guards see the Royal Crest and the Wax signature, they become palid and form up to you.

Guard 1: Sorry sir, but he is a well known criminal and we were just trying to... hum... get information from him.

EDIT: (OOC: Yep, filling small dialogue from NPCs is ok (that was mostly the only thing the guard would've said anyway hehehehe), unless it goes completly against the setting =P But, it is very very forbiden to do so with other Player Characters)

[hustlertwo]

((Yeah, I figured as much with the PCs. And presumably no major character NPCs you would come up with. Just random this and faceless that.))

Drace's nostrils flare at this obvious fabrication. "You were trying to get my armored boot up your ass is what you were doing!"

He composes himself and chokes back his anger.

"...or at least that's what I would say if I was as rash and ill-tempered as your lot of brigands. Information cannot be easily given when there's a fist halfway down your throat. Let me visit with this man, and see if he does know anything of value, though from the looks of him I doubt it. Rest assured, if I find him guilty of any misdeed or believe him to be untoward in his answers, I will deposit him with the proper authorities without delay."

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

Guard 1: Very well sir, he's all yours. (to the rest of company) To the barracks!

They leave. Once they go away, the bard starts to wake up, but he is quite wounded...

[02youeng]

Garth coughs, blood staining his hand as he raises it to his face. Groaning, he rolls onto his back, looking up at the tall Human, regailed in efficient looking armour. He mumbles up at him "Evening sir...would you be a saviour, or a better-mannered guard wanting some alone time with a lonely traveller? Cos I think those men had more than their share of me..." He closes his eyes, holding his with one hand, absently searching the ground nearby with the other, trying to find his mandolin.

[hustlertwo]

((Didn't see that 02 posted, but I think it works well enough as is.))

Drace kneels beside the injured man.

"You seem to have had a rough time of it. I'm sorry I can't offer you any proper aid, none to give. For a bard like you, the best cure might simply be to find a warm bed, fill it with a warmer wench, and see if that's good for what ails. But I must ask, did you give these men cause to abuse you so? Have I defended the honor of a man who has none?"

[Lubirio]

((On a side note, I think it makes more sens if we make the actions italicized, instead of the words, like in script form, but not really, you know what I mean?))

[Scorer]

(OCC: Lubirio: It looks nicer to italize the speech, and in the frontpage it says to use italics for speech. And by the way, this is getting good! :D:D:D)

[02youeng]

Garth finds his beloved instrument, holding it tight to his chest, sighing with relief. Opening his eyes again, he sits up, crawling up to the wall of the alleyway, leaning against it. "I believe they were...questioning me about an incident in a tavern a few days from here. A Halfling assaulted me. He found my repitoire of songs...distasteful. Have you ever seen a man killed by pure sonic force? I distrust my skill in hand-to-hand combat, so I resorted to an expensive scroll...a spell simply called "Shout." The Gobbo was ripped apart, but I stunned the entire room, and blew out an entire wall of windows. I fled...there was no time for negotiations. It seems they didn't value this muscian's life more than the collateral damage to the bar. Make your own choice as to my honour. Right now, I value my life a lot more. Thank you, sir..."

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

Forgot to tell, (sorry) change the hobgoblin for another race, I'd suggest halfling. The reason is in this continent there are no humanoids (Orcs, Goblins, hobgoblins, etc)

[02youeng]

OOC: Done and will remember that

[hustlertwo]

((Good to know, my post will require some alteration since I was picturing human guards.

And edited.))

Drace frowns after the bard has told his tale.

I can't say as I find your method of handling the situation to be entirely appropriate. I would think there were better options available to defuse the situation than magical slaughter and causing wanton disorder and property destruction.

He then brightens a bit, and gives a small chuckle.

However, I've seen how bad things can go for those of your trade when the alcohol flows freely but the notes are not to a creature's liking. You might wish to throw caltrops on the stage before you perform next time. I'm perplexed as to why they would consider the halfling's death of such interest. Was he a person of some importance who lost his head in the wake of your melodies, instead of the common rabble I'd expect to act in such an uncouth fashion? Or was the complaint filed by one of the surviving audience member who didn't like your high note of pain?"

[02youeng]

"I believe it was the barkeep who objected first. Then after he shouted "50 gold for the bard's ears!" everyone in the room objected, quite heartily. The Halfling wasn't anyone of import, as far as I could tell...just a common thug around the town. The caltrops might be a good idea...though if I could hide them with illusion, it'd stop them giving off the wrong signals. Will have to learn that trick someday.

Time to take up your other piece of advice...bed, though I doubt the bloodstains add to my charming good looks, or my way with words. Should you want me, ask for me here - I'm looking for something new, something adventurous. I imagine I'll be in town for a week or two more. And if I can repay you for shooing away those....kind fellows, I'm in your debt. And now, to the bar. Staggering to his feet, he shakes his head as if trying to dislodge the headache building, before limping back into the inn. "Oh, and the name's Garth. Garth Reynord, or "Thunderscream." I've heard that a few times in the past couple of weeks."

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

There are no taverns around, only inns

(OCC: What can I say? I dislike taverns :smalltongue:)

[02youeng]

OOC: Once again, fixed

[hustlertwo]

An interesting tale, Mr. Reynord. And I rather suspected you'd be in town for a while; the shape you're in, you don't look like you could make it anywhere else. I too have recently found myself seeking a life with a bit more adventure and a bit less of watching an old gnomish priest drain the pus from his toes. Once I discover the nature of my royal summons, I may call upon you again. The name is Sterling, Drace Sterling. Be sure to send for me if you find yourself troubled by overzealous patrols."

Drace winks as he turns to depart.

"Or overcritical audience members, for that matter."

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

Drace: You leave the bard and walk towards the entrance of the castle. Before reaching the bridge that makes a way over the pit that protects the Royal Castle, you hear someone whispering at you.

Unknown voice: Mr Drace Sterling? If you're responding to the Royal summon, it is me who you must talk to...

When you try to find the source of the voice you see what others would call a little girl. A female Halfling is hiding behind some crates.

Halfling Female: I know this may be startling, but it is how must be done. We must go talk somewhere else, it is not safe here.

[hustlertwo]

((I just realized that I'm in a land where apparently Small people are the majority population, and I'm a Medium who already gets a +4 to his Trip check thanks to the feat. Seems like a good sign for the battles to come.))

Drace scratches his head.

While I admit I didn't really expect my arrival to be greeted with pomp and circumstance, I didn't think I'd end up skulking around in the shadows either. But I suppose you don't seem like you mean any harm, so I'll go along with this new development."

He follows the halfling.

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

Drace: You follow her and she suddenly stops.

Halfling Female: This is a good spot. My name is Abogralia, I work as a secret agent for the Royal Crown. The reason we summoned you is to perform a secret mission of the utter importance. We are trusting in you given your records, we know you are a moral and ethic man.

She draws a small map.

Abogralia: You may know that the King Zenal gave a speech to the people yesterday, well, that is not the King. The King left the Capital City in a cover mission. However, we haven't heard from him in days. We are organizing patrols to search for him, quietly... No one must know the King is missing.

You are being assigned to Taj Marshes which is beyond Braval Lake, southeast of here. You will need at least 3 more men to go there... This is for the trip.

She gives you 50 Gold Pieces.

Abogralia: Buy some provisions for you and your men with this. And keep the mission secret please.

[hustlertwo]

((Sooo...status check...I guess everything's going good? Don't know what the timetable is for all this, or whether we should be moving it along faster or slower.))

Drace's eyes go wide as he hears the scenario unfold.

"I had heard that the king looked rather unwell in his last appearance. But a doppelganger? Something serious must be afoot. I shall attempt to assemble a group worthy of such a mission, and if His Highness is in those marshlands, we will locate him or perish in the effort. I will meet you back here when I have something to report, either positive or negative.

He takes the gold, being sure to stow it separate from his personal savings, and returns the way he came, going to the inn to search for the bruised bard.

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

Before you leave, the Halfling tells you:

It's not a doppleganger, it's an ilussion from our trusted Ilusionists... He is actually one of them disguised.

[hustlertwo]

"Ah, I see. I can't imagine what would be so dire as to require the King's personal attentions, nor who would apprehend him without making public their demands and exposing the illusion. But those are questions that can wait until after we have confirmed that he is alive and well. Good luck to your other search parties, and we will speak again."

[Scorer]

OCC: For now we're done with Drace. Time to wait Kern and Harry.

[Sallera]

((Sorry for the delay, I'm away from home this weekend, been traveling around a fair bit.))

Kern

The gnome reaches out a casual hand at the monk's greeting, rather bemused by the elf's enthusiasm. "'Lo again. Been a while indeed, ha'n't? As to what brings me here, what else? Wandering, of course, same thing that brings me anywhere these days." He raises an eyebrow at the monk. "And what about yourself? Same as usual?"

[Lubirio]

"Well, it isn't anything else!" Harry said, laughing. "You wanna go out and have something to eat? I'm starved." while saying this, he put his arm around the little gnome, not caring about how awkward it might look because of the height difference. As they were walking he talked about everything that happened since they last saw each other.

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

Kern will probably accept the invitation, however, if not, we may rewind.

As you two walk in the city, you hear your short term stories. You see a nice inn, which has a dinning room. It is NOT a tavern. Looks very nice, with people of all ages who go there to eat deliciuos home-made food. As you enter and sit down, you see a bard (Garth) asking for a job at the other end of the dinning room. After a bit of negotiating, the tender accepts, and as you two enjoy your meal, you have a chance to listen to the bard's music, which is outstaniding.

The evening goes smoothly, when a pair of guards enter and sit down looking for something to eat as well.

Guard 1: Check that out!

Guard 2: Is him that bard scumbag that caused us trouble with the captain, ain't 'im?

Guard 1: (shouting) That music sucks! I bet your head makes a better noise against a window!

They stand up looking for a fight with the bard. The tender shouts "Not here, not here!"

All except Drace, is your go.

[02youeng]

The bard sighs, smoothing back his hair with a bruised hand. He calls to the men "Now gentlemen, you've already tried to fight me, and been scared off by your captain once also. And now you're challenging me in front of a whole room of witnesses? Should I be calling for your commander, or will you be apologising to the barkeep, and leaving for the night? Either way makes no difference to me." Garth goes back to his playing, shifting his weight a little so his sword is free of obstructions, his fingers twitching to play one of his more enrapturing melodies...he flashes the guards a cheeky smile before looking away from them, tapping with his foot along to the beat.

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

They seem to have forgotten how to speak "common" because they keep advancing towards you.

[Lubirio]

Speaking to Kern, Harry said "This good man seems to be in trouble, we need to help him." Drawing his shuriken, he made sure he had a clear path between him and the guards.

[Sallera]

Kern

Kern snorts as the guards continue their advance. Stepping out in front of them, he raises empty hands with a smile on his face. "Did ye not hear the keeper, hmm? Keep your disagreements to the streets, rather than damaging something valuable." A small twitch in his right hand is the only tell visible before a bright flash of coloured light emerges from both hands, directly toward the eyes of the guards.

Color Spray, DC13.

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

Rolling Save

[roll0]


The guards look to your hands and suddenly they just stay there looking to the nothing. Some other people in the closer tables do the same...

[hustlertwo]

((They don't fall unconscious? Must be higher level than us if all that happens that they're stunned. Also, boo on combat exclusion! Oh, and since it never came up before, do you get XP if you defeat an enemy but do not kill them?))

[Scorer]

((OCC: You get XP on defeats (not necesarilly kill 'em) however we need to see what happens next, ball is on their court now. The question is the definition of "defeat"))

[02youeng]

OOC: Ooh, new avatar. That's gonna confuse me for a while

Garth sinks into his song as the men approach...strumming those familiar chords, a fast, lively beat to raise the spirits and quicken the blood...extending the almost arcane sizzle to everyone who'd help him. He grins as he sees the burst of colour, the guard's advance stalled. Placing his mandolin on his stool, drawing his longsword, he calls to the strangers across the room from him "Can you finish the fight you've started, or shall we call for aid?"

((For 5 rounds, +1 to hit, damage and saves against fear))

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

When you say such, the tender shouts:

Tender: No fighting in here. Either you settle your disputes peacefully, or you step outside.

((OCC: What new avatar? :smallwink:))

[hustlertwo]

((So the songs keep their effect after he stops playing? Makes 'em a bit more helpful than I thought. And did you do some offscreen rolling about how long Color Spray influences them?))

[Scorer]

((right now I'm waiting to see if they're going to attack, leave, pay for dinner or not, stare and laugh at the guards until they recover from the effect...))

[hustlertwo]

((I assumed as much. I'd chip in with a suggestion, but since Drace is presumably not around while this is happening, unless he shows up when they step outside or something, I'll have to keep my mouth shut.))

[Sallera]

Kern

Taking the uncomprehending guards' wrists, Kern turns them around so they're facing the door, then gives them a little push and returns to his seat.

[Scorer]

DM Scorer


Eventually, the other people stunned by the spell recovers, and a few minutes later the Guards reappear in the inn, frankly confused. They're so confused that they don't even try to attack you or insult you. They just sit down and take their meal.

The tender aproaches Kern and Harry


Tender:Enjoyed your meal? That'll be 5 sp each.

At the same time, Drace appears at the entrance of the inn.

[hustlertwo]

Drace recognizes the bard and calls to him, taking advantage of the break in his performance without realizing the cause.

"Ho there, Sir Raynord! If you wish to do more with that blade than threaten your listeners, come see me when your performance is finished, I have a job that might be up your alley."

[Sallera]

Kern

"Not bad, not bad at all. Been on the road so long I'd forgotten what a proper cooked meal tastes like." Emptying his purse into one hand, he grimaces as only four silver coins fall out. He turns to the keeper with a apologetic half-smile and holds out the silver. "I don't suppose you could dock a coin for dealing with those troublesome customers?"

Diplomacy: [roll0]

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

The tender looks upon you and ponders a bit.

Tender: Ok, I guess it is ok, 4 pieces each then...

[Sallera]

Kern

"My thanks." Handing over the coins, Kern looks over to where Drace is standing. "Hmm... clearly I shall have to find a new source of coin before commencing any further wanderings. I wonder if the good sir has need for another on this job of his?"

[Lubirio]

((:smalleek: Harry has no money, should've thought of that))

After thanking the tender for the meal he walked up to the duo now talking, and said, "We were interrupted by some troublesome guards, he was going to use it for self-defense, not for threatening his customers, as far as I know." Defending the bard who made the wonderful music.

That's right, he hasn't paid...

[hustlertwo]

Drace sits at an unoccupied table and pulls out the 50 gold given to him by Abogralia.

I don't suppose the king would begrudge me a simple meal on his dime.

[Lubirio]

"Hey! Listen to me! I was telling you this nice man with his beautiful music was nearly assaulted by two guards, for no reason that I am aware of!" Harry nearly yelled at the man now sitting at a table playing with a sack of gold. Getting a little angry, Harry tried not to show it.

[hustlertwo]

((Didn't realize you were talking to me, thought you were still addressing the bartender.))

Drace looks a tad bit disturbed as he eyes the haggard monk.

You appear to be an honest sort, and that bard certainly does seem to invite trouble upon himself. You also seem like you might have mange. I'll gladly pay for your meal if you don't, you know, touch me. No offense.

Drace thinks for a moment.

On the plus side, a fellow of your...unique fashion sense probably wouldn't mind wading around in a foul bog for a while. How about you and your wee comrade rest yourselves here for a while? I have an offer to extend to the musician when he is finished, and you might want to hear it as well.

Party money spent: 1 gp (paying for my meal and mooch over there). 49 gp remaining.

[Lubirio]

((Well, it works out this way fine. :smallbiggrin:))

"I'll be glad to hear it, and thanks for the meal. Harry sits down at Drace's table, beckoning Kern to come over as well. "By the way, I'm Harry Longhorn, pleased to make your acquaintance." Harry says as he extends his hand in greeting.

[Sallera]

Kern

Finishing the last of his drink, Kern approaches Drace's table, a hand raised in greeting. "'Lo there. Kern Sylis, quite possibly interested in being at your service some time in the near future."

[hustlertwo]

Drace shakes the grungy elf's hand gingerly, as one would handle a live snake. He is sure to move his hand underneath the table before wiping it off on his trousers.

Drace Sterling, glad to meet you, Harry. And I'll be sure to say hello to your little friend, too.

He says hello to the gnome. Then he leans in and speaks to the two in a conspiratorial whisper.

I suppose I won't need to wait for the bard to tell you of my offer, he can simply hear it from one of you or myself later on. I can't necessarily divulge what few details I have of our goal, but the short version is that a man of some importance may be lost in the marsh area near Braval Lake. Taj, I believe the locals call it. It may be dangerous, or it may be utterly uneventful. Either way, this sack of gold has been provided to aid us in the endeavor, and I am willing to make these funds available to those who would accompany me, as well as any spoils of war or rewards which we earn along the way. There are only two stipulations: you must tell no one what you have heard, or of what we may see on this mission. And the second is that some of Harry's share of the money needs to go towards a good long bath.

[Lubirio]

Leaning back ever so slightly Harry said conspirationally, "I'll be glad to take that bath if it makes you happy, friend. And on that offer, I'll see what I can do to help you here, if Kern here thinks it would be worthwhile as well, what do you think Kern?" Having said his share, he looked to to see if the bard would be coming anytime soon so they could tell him of the mission as well. "Besides, I wasn't going to do much else besides look for an adventure in this city anyway." Harry concluded, smiling.

[Sallera]

Kern

Kern smiles slightly at Drace's conditions. "Works for me. I'm all out o' coin, and I've never been to that place anyway."

[hustlertwo]

Then it sounds like we have an accord. Once our bard brother has been briefed, we'll see what provisions and equipment are needed before we set off.

Drace gestures to the flail on his belt and the shield strapped to his back.

As you can see, I have most of what I require to deal with any treacherous situations we encounter, aside from mundane provisions such as food and water. All I should need is a gold piece for a sling and some bullets, and the rest of our communal fund can be dispensed however y'all wish.

[02youeng]

Grinning, he bows towards Drace, and sheathes his sword, before finishing his arcane tune, leaving the crowd clapping and cheering. Finishing his performance with an flourish of magic - his last Presigititation of the day spent on creating a flash of purple light and the smell of exotic spices...

He steps down, walking over to where his rescuers have gathered. Grabbing a chair from the next table, he drops down into it, happy but obviously tired. "Thankee kindly, wizard...saved me a lot of trouble there. And...thank you too...Mr. Beggar elf...So...what's the grand conspiracy?"

[hustlertwo]

To make a short story shorter, the opportunity you mentioned to find an adventure beyond dodging city guards is upon us. We're off to the Taj Marshes to search for a man who may or may not be there, and we've received an advance on this task. Right now we're deciding how it will be divvied up; while I'll take my fair share of any spoils we have in our travels and trials, right now I seem somewhat more liquid financially than our compatriots, so I'll forgo most of my gold from this so others can get anything they need, such as a bow for our friend Kern, perhaps. So, Thunderscream, do we set aside a portion of these proceeds for you, or will you say nay to destiny?

[Lubirio]

At mention of a bow Harry brightened up, "I can make bows for us if need be, and I'd like some gold to make myself a decent bow, as I have none." Harry said this in such an animated way that it seemed he had a near obsession with bows.

[hustlertwo]

((Monks can use bows?))

Unless any oppose this, I'd say Harry can take the amount he needs from the petty cash, then.

[Lubirio]

((No but Elves can :smallbiggrin:))


"You can tell me who wants/needs a bow as well, I will be happy to make them as well. For starters, I will make myself a Shortbow, if we should get any more cash before we start I'll make a Mighty +1 Composite Longbow"

[Sallera]

Kern

The gnome nods and taps one of his knives. "I've only ever used a crossbow, which I believe would be a rather different - and difficult - task to construct. However, I've been alright with these so far. Unless we really have nothing better to do with the remainder of the money, we may as well pass; a good crossbow is expensive."

[hustlertwo]

Just so long as there's someone to back up my blade with a bow, I'm content.

Drace pauses a moment.

Embarrassing as it is to admit, I am rather wilderness-challenged, so I don't know much of what is needed when traveling into uncivilized realms. What should be procure in the way of foodstuffs, water, and other comestibles?

[Sallera]

Kern

"Trail rations and waterskins, for a start, plenty of each. We're headed into a marsh, so fowl should be easy enough to find, but always best to have a backup plan, and standard rations keep well enough. Good sources of water may be harder to find, so we should bring as much of our own as is feasible. We'll want a lantern and a few pints of oil to go with it, or torches if that's too expensive, but wind can be a problem with those. I suppose I can provide magical light if it is.

We'll want a pot for cooking, and I'd grab a whetstone if you don't have one already, or a hatchet; wet, green wood's going to work hell on our blades. Hmm... oh, rope. Bring plenty of rope." Having tapped off each item on his fingers, the gnome now looks up again, raising both palms in a shrug. "Have I missed anything?"

[hustlertwo]

If I knew whether you missed anything, I'd likely not be sitting here with a blank stare on my face, dreaming of stabbing a foul beast with my blade. I'd suggest Kern buy the supplies for the party, and they can be carried by myself, and also Harry, as we seem the most physically able of the group. How much money remains?

There was 48.8 gold before the bow and travel supplies, so figure it out from there.

[Sallera]

Kern

"Hmm, let's see, tools for bowmaking, materials, food, plenty of water, miscellania..." The gnome's fingers fly over empty air as he calculates. "About one gold, seven silver, and nine copper pieces left over. But I can dock a few things off the list if you need money for something else."

[hustlertwo]

Excellent. If you want to scribe out a list of what's being bought, it shall be purchased forthwith, so that we might begin our journey.

[Sallera]

Kern

"I've not parchment or ink with me, but if ye can provide, certainly."

((artisan's tools, materials for shortbow, 15 days trail rations, 8 waterskins, handaxe, whetstone, 100ft hempen rope, hooden lantern, 10 pints oil, iron pot))

[hustlertwo]

((I don't quite understand what I saw in the Craft skill section of the SRD, but I'm hoping that's something that doesn't necessarily have to be RPed, it doesn't seem to fit with the story that we sit with our thumbs up our bums for weeks on end while a bow gets made. But if necessary, I'll edit this to reflect the time we have to wait.))

The list will be remembered, and the items procured. Unless anyone has something to say, I suggest we retire for the night, and if all goes well, we shall set out on our journey tomorrow.

[Lubirio]

((with a DC of 12, a check of [roll0], multiply them together and see if it adds to 30, if that's the case, I'm done this week, any multiple of 30 it adds up ro and I'm done in less time.))

"I guess I'll get started on the bow then."

((I'm done in 1/6 of a week (12x15 is 180, and 180/30 is 6), can we say that's tomorrow?))

[Sallera]

((It's actually 300 - you put the price in silver. But we probably don't want to wait a week and a bit for you to make a bow, so I'll leave this one to a DM call. Perhaps you can make it as we travel.))

[02youeng]

Garth perks up when he hears the Paladin's promise of adventure, then grimmaces as he learns what "adventure" entails. "You know, if I didn't feel like I owe two-thirds of my present company for helping me out in a sticky situation, I'd refuse to go, right? Even if it were the king we were trying to rescue. Destiny...heh. I could write a song for that, if I found it. But I doubt we will find anything more noble than mud in a swamp.

I've no idea how much of what we'll need, so don't ask me. If we need, I can supply light for us, for a short amount of time...no more than 20 minutes a day, I'm afraid. However...I have a," the bard stops for a second, thinking of the right word, "knack for using magical items. A few times I've used clerical scrolls whilst travelling with traders between cities...fighting off ambushes, you see. I can't promise anything, but should we find anything...let me know." Garth looks visibly shaken at the admission - and slightly ashamed.

[Scorer]

GM Scorer

((OCC: It is ok if he crafts the bow, however the time he spends crafting it will be meanwhile you advance on your mission))

[hustlertwo]

((Yikes, seriously high UMD mod. Does that allow you to use spells that aren't from the bard list if they are in a scroll or wand, then? Oh, and I'm assuming this is everything, and we can start the travel part of the story now. Scorer will have to fill us in on what path we're supposed to take and all that, I guess, and rule on the bow, although if he says no to overnight crafting, I like the idea of us doing it on the road.))

Drace grins a bit as he needles the bard.

I can understand your reluctance. After all, if we weren't so desperate, we likely wouldn't be asking for the aid of someone who seems more at home murdering melodies than monsters. But even if it is nothing but a fruitless tromp through the muck, it must be done, and fast. Even news of our failure to locate this person will be of use, in that it eliminates one more possible location they could be. As for your admission, there's no shame in being competent at something. Even for a bard. Most certainly, any such items we come across will likely find their way into your possession, as you seem most apt at manipulating them.

Drace then begins mentally reviewing the list of sundries that will be needed for the journey.

I will likely carry most of the water and food, although everyone should probably take a little in case the unexpected occurs and we are separated. Or worse. The tools for weaponmaking can go with those who will use them, and the rope and pot can also travel among my belongings. As the handaxe can be a decent weapon when necessary, it might be best to go with the bard as a backup to his blade. Finally, I would say the lantern and oil should travel with our mage, as he seems the only one who will usually have a hand free to carry it. Or the bard. Hopefully that takes care of all of our arrangements.

[Lubirio]

((Making it during our travels will be fine, just inform us when it's done. :smallbiggrin:))

After deliberating for a while, Harry decides to chip in his bit.

"It would seem so, and I'll be willing to carry something as well, since I won't carry much besides the bow I'll be making and the tools I use to do it."

[Scorer]

GM Scorer

However is going to do the purchases, must declare it (similar to Arena).

The city has a lot of commerce, so you can find listed prizes and a few discounts.



((Roll d% for every item you're buying, if you get 1-10 in die result, you get 50% discount over SRD listed price))

[Lubirio]

((I vote Garth does the buying, he has by far the highest diplomacy modifier, if that counts at all...))

[Scorer]

((Diplomacy won't work now))

[02youeng]

Garth regains his customary smile, perking up a little. "It's not that I'm embarrassed...just was mistaken as actually being a cleric of Pelor before. When a dying man asks for you to pray for his passage to the God's realms...bit unerving. Just...don't do that, and I'll be fine."

[hustlertwo]

OK, nice group reminder not to ask Garth for praying if you die. Even better would be not to have any dying done on my watch, but no one knows what the future holds. I shall go make the purchases, and return posthaste.

D%:

Handaxe: [roll0]
Tools: [roll1]
Lantern: [roll2]
Bow materials: [roll3]
Whetstone: [roll4]
100 feet of Rope: [roll5]
10 pints of oil: [roll6]
15 days of trail rations: [roll7]
8 waterskins: [roll8]
Iron pot: [roll9]

[Scorer]

((nice rolls, that bow is going to be even less expensive. Now list the final costs to see the gold spent, and else. Oh, and I don't give instructions on how to get there, you have to find your way.))

DM Scorer

Once Drace finishes his buying trip he reunites with the rest of the team and tells them about the great discount he found buying the bow materials and he also received a Continent Map for free while buying rations.

((you can find the map in the front page))

[hustlertwo]

((Half price on the pot and bow materials, then.))

We were at 48.8. -6 for handaxe, -5 for the tools, -7 for lamp, -2 for the rope, -.25 for the pot, -.02 for the whetstone, -1 for the pints of oil, -8 for the waterskins, -7.5 for the rations, and -12.5 for longbow materials=6.53 gold remaining. Definitely feel free to check my math here.

[Scorer]

((math seems wrong, it gets -0.47, not 6.53 for me, which would indicate someone has to put 0.47 from their pockets))

[Lubirio]

OOC:
Making a bow requires a third of the price in raw materials, not half, so in the end it does add up. And I suggest we do OOc stuff like this from now on, or make a different OOC thread.

[Scorer]

Everyone vote on Lubirio's initiative please

Should we spoiler OOC? should we make a new thread?

I vote that it works fine as we have been running til now

[Lubirio]

It gets confusing though, and all the other games I'm in either have the OOC spoiler thing, or 2 different threads. I have no objection to keeping it this way though...

[02youeng]

I'd vote for spoilered, only one thread to watch, but keeps it out the way

[hustlertwo]

((I'm fine with OOC being in parentheses, and then we keep spoilers separate for stuff involving rolls or combat actions. Don't really need a new thread, unless one is wanted so we can talk about what's going on. As far as an official vote, I abstain on the grounds of not caring enough one way or the other. Now since I did the math on the stuff and whatnot, someone else can have the fun of figuring out who carries what based on load capacities and need.))

[Sallera]

OOC:Money discrepancy came from getting longbow materials instead of the original shortbow. Just get one less ration, that leaves us with two copper.

[Lubirio]

OOC:
So unless our great DM Scorer vetoes it we'll have it in parenthesis, and I'll try to figure out who carries what in the near future.

Edit: I get a longbow then? sweet! (duly noted, 14 trial rations)

[Lubirio]

OOC:
Allright, here is the equipment list of what we bought and who is carrying it, then each of our their total carrying weight (including personal gear), we all have light load:

Groupgear:
Artisan Tools: 5lbs Harry
Longbow: 3lbs Harry
14 Trail Rations: 14lbs Drace
Handaxe: 3lbs Garth
8 waterskins: Garth
Whetstone: Kern
100ft long Hempen Rope: 20lbs Harry
Hooded Lantern: 2lbs Kern
10 Pints of Oil: 10lbs Kern
Iron Pot: 10lbs Drace

Drace total weight: 88lbs (LL 100lbs)
Harry total weight: 37lbs (LL 50 lbs)
Garth total weight: 36lbs (LL 56lbs)
Kern total weight: 26.25lbs (LL 28.5 lbs)

Feel free to redistribute any of this as necessary, but I feel I did a pretty good job. :smallbiggrin:

[hustlertwo]

((I'm still not convinced that my totals were off. Someone will have to point out to me how we don't have 6 some gp left, because everything appeared right by the SRD prices. Keeping in mind that essentially the bow materials are 1/6 of the price of a longbow, as it's normally 1/3, and we got it half-price.))

[Sallera]

OOC:Your totals were correct, but the remaining money I stated was based on buying materials for a shortbow, not a longbow.

[Lubirio]

OOC:
I can do fine with a shortbow, evening out the total weight of Garth and me nicely, and making the crafting time a lot less.

[hustlertwo]

OOC:Your totals were correct, but the remaining money I stated was based on buying materials for a shortbow, not a longbow.

((It doesn't matter, I started from the 48.8 gp left from the original 50 after paying for 2 meals and 20 sling bullets. Your estimates weren't included, since they didn't take into account the discounts. Also, change my vote to staying with parentheses, I just realized I don't feel like typing out spoiler tags.))

[Lubirio]

((OOC:
I've gotten good at typing out spoiler tags... Anyway, you guys haven't decided if my distribution of group gear is good or not, so... is it?:smalltongue:))

[hustlertwo]

((I honestly didn't notice it. Looks good, didn't realize we had so much stuff though. Hopefully no treasures we find are particularly heavy. Oh, and I sorted out the items I'll be carrying, and reflected the purchases on the sack of communal cash. Oh, and I came up with 86 lbs. instead of 88 for my new load.))

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

You have been several hours in the inn, (Drace went to buy items, then everyone is settling who's gonna carry what.) It is now sunset.

OCCAnd about the voting, spoilered won. Let's try this for a while, but I really think the parenthesis speed up typing.

[hustlertwo]

OOC:

Can we just go ahead and fast forward to the next day and leave? I was fine with not fighting when there was exposition afoot, but after all these mundane preparations I really need to kill something before I forget why I bothered with them in the first place.

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

The tender approaches and says:

Tender: If you're going to spend the night here at the inn, it will be 2gp each. I wouldn't recommend you to leave at night, it is dangerous in the path to Lake Braval

[hustlertwo]

Drace, recently returned with the party's provisions, turns to his fellow travelers.

Given our slight shortage of funds for the fellowship, the fact that I'm too much of a tightwad to pay for you hosers out of my personal stash, and the urgent nature of our quest, shall we be off? If so, we shall have to leave the city from the southeast, as that's the direction we must travel in to reach the lake and the marshlands beyond it.

[02youeng]

Garth chuckles, still bloodied, and a little sore from his previous beating. "No rest for the wicked, eh? Let us be off then, with all haste - so I may learn not to leave the comfort of a warm, well-stocked inn again!" He fetches his satchel from behind the counter, and carefully stows the water skins, moving his few possesions to his pocket, or tucked into his belt, dropped the axe into a spare hoop designed for an off-hand weapon. Garth was only using one of his scabbards so far.

[Lubirio]

I have no objections to leaving now, as I understand you don't feel like paying for us again, and I' eager to go on an adventure."

Harry looked at the tender, then said

"Thank you for your kindness today, we are in your debt."

[hustlertwo]

OOC:

OK, for some reason I thought I saw that the guy was recommending we go at night, not discouraging it. So we can stay; technically I only have to pay for me, everyone else can take the remainder of the petty cash.

Drace turns back to the tender.

As you can see, we have no qualms about trekking through this territory at night. But if you were to give us a discount on lodging for the night, then at least you would earn some money from us. If not, we will simply be on our way, and your rooms might end up going empty.

Roll:
I guess this would be a Diplomacy check, like it was for the others? If not, apply it to Bluff, or whatever else seems appropriate. If I can't roll anything here, disregard, and we can either stay or go depending on the wishes of others.

Diplomacy [roll0]

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

OCC:

Just as a note, remember we're using Rich Burlew's Diplomacy system


The tender looks at you with a resolved expression.

Tender: What do think you're trying to pull kiddo? I said 2gp, and 2gp is what it costs to maintain this. What do you think that would happen if I try to go all charmy with my maids to try to pay them less? This is one of the best inns in town and I intend to keeping it that way, so it is 2gp each.

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

Should you decide to go walking through the night, remember that you need a light source and make several listen and spot checks. Judging from the map, the Braval Lake is one day away walking.

[hustlertwo]

OOC:

Remember that I have no idea what that means.

I guess this is why I became a paladin instead of a negotiator. Come on then, motley crew. Let us stay the night to give our battered bard a break, and then tomorrow morning nothing shall stand in our way.

[Sallera]

Kern

"Stay the night, eh? You paying? I'm out o' coin meself, and we've naught but a couple coppers left from our collective funds. I've no problem sleeping a few miles outside the gates, if we need to."

[Lubirio]

Harry

"I'm sorry to mention this again, but I'm also out of gold, and I have no trouble sleeping outside the gates as well, I opt for sleeping outside."

[hustlertwo]

Remember, we have 6.something gold left, so we can cover this. Just a question of whether it's worth it.

Outside....hmmm...there's bugs, but then we can keep the few gold we have left. I guess I'm for it. None of us have to worry about issues with sleeping our armor, after all.

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

As the party starts the way to Braval Lake, the night starts to cover them with a dark shroud. As soon as they leave the city, they find a way to light up their path (Tell me what that is). They walk for a few minutes. They spot a very humble house, alone in the outskirts.

[Sallera]

Kern

Holding up the lantern, Kern notices the lone house off the pathway. "Looks like someone didn't feel like paying property taxes."

[hustlertwo]

OOC:

Seriously, what are the special Diplomacy rules? I searched for them on the forums but nothing came up.

And yet it's a palace compared to a rock under a tree. There are no outward signs of habitation, so I suggest we see for ourselves whether anyone is home. If not, it does not seem untoward to use the building as a temporary shelter.

Drace knocks on the door of the hut.

Hello? We apologize about the late hour, but if anyone is inside, we would like to inquire about whether you are willing to share your roof with a few friendly strangers?

[02youeng]

OOC:
Diplomacy rules (http://www.giantitp.com/articles/jFppYwv7OUkegKhONNF.html)

Hehe, it's gonna be weird, going from the Arena to here. For one, the Search skill might actually be important.

"Let us have a look then...I already dislike being out here." The bard shivers, wrapping his cloak tigher around him. He walks slowly up to the building, peering into the window, looking for signs of habitation, already fantastising about going home to a hot bath and a warm bed.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

OCC
There diplomacy rules are in GAMING section, RULES AND MECHANICS they make much more sense to me than original SRD ones. Ninja'd

As you come close to the little house you see an old man sitting in a chair outside. You notice the house is too small for even one person. The old man is staring at the horizon and without looking at you, he says:

Old Man: So, you finally found your way, eh Garth?

You (Garth) look at the old man and recognize him as an old childhood friend called Micen. He was the one that took you to that musical instrument shop.

[hustlertwo]

OOC:

I think I get the gist of the Diplomacy thing, then. So I likely missed with the bartender because being with the others, we'd likely have a -2 relationship mod since several of us have caused disruptions, and the deal I offered was probably only Even or so (the benefit of some money vs. the risk of having rooms taken up by people who aren't paying full price). If I'd offered him a good deal, assuming he's a level 1 whatever with a low Wisdom mod from being a mere townsperson, my roll might have been a win.

Drace turns to the bard.

Well isn't this a thick slice of coincidence? I suppose you should introduce all of us, Garth.

[02youeng]

Garth splutters, completely taken aback, not even knowing where the old man had been for years, let alone seen him. Pulling everyone into a line in front of Micen, he quickly introduces them. "Um, yes, this is Drace, a mighty paladin, the Gnome is Kern, and...I'm still not sure who the elf is. Sorry about the smell." He quickly forgets all about his new compainions, talking excitedly with Micen.

"Where have you been all these years, Micen? How have you been? I haven't seen you in years...you showed me some chords, then left just days later. Where did you go? Did you hear I left town when I was 16? Went my own way? I learned a lot more since you saw me..." The bard witters on in the same way for many minutes, oblivious to the world.

OOC:
Hmm...with the axe and the skins, I'm at 64lbs - 6 pounds over my light load limit. WTB Bags of Holding!

[Scorer]

OCCSorry to keep you waiting, had a terrible day yesterday hehehehe

DM Scorer

Micen greets everyone and goes inside, he has his own mandolin. He starts playing a musical tune. You pay a lot of attention. You're learning the new song, and suddenly he stops.

Micen: Did you just heard something?

Everyone tries to listen and find the source of the sound

DM rolls (aka, not for your eyes)

Move Silently:[roll0][roll1][roll2][roll3]
Hide:[roll4][roll5][roll6][roll7]

[Lubirio]

OOC:
Do we roll our own Listen checks, or were the DM rolls our listen checks?
In any case: 1d20+6
oh right, parenthesis in roll names doesn't work...

[Lubirio]

OOC:
Trying again: Active(?) Listen - [roll0]

[02youeng]

OOC:
Eek, I'm scared already, I failed miserably at my Listen check earlier. And, no worries Scorer, had a day like that today

[roll0]

[hustlertwo]

OOC: [roll0]

[Sallera]

OOC:[roll0]

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

More DM Rolls

Kern spot [roll0]
Harry spot [roll1]
Garth spot [roll2]
Drace spot [roll3]


(Will post in a minute based on roll results)

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

When you listen you find out that 4 shapes are approaching from different places. Kern only notices 3 of them. They appear to be trying to loot the ol' man house as you only see them armed. They're still deep in the dark to identify them.

(Battle music starts)

Roll Initiatives!!!

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

OCCGiven the nature of the Play-by-Post system, I will make one roll for all 4 enemies

Enemy Initative Roll [roll0]

[Sallera]

Init: [roll0]

[hustlertwo]

So none of us have night vision? I thought that gnomes did, but I'm only going on memory there. In any case, they must be fairly far out to not be within the range of the lantern's light. [roll0]

Drace doublechecks his flail and shield, as well as casting a glance to see if his guisarme was still fastened to his back.

So this is real-life fighting. It's a lot less sweeping and dramatic than I expected. But knaves so cowardly they would loot this old man's cottage should be put to rout easy enough.

Drace raises his voice and addresses the unseen antagonists.

Criminal pestilence, come forward and lay down your arms or prepare to die in obscurity!

[Scorer]

DM Rolls


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

OCC
As you can see, I'm burrowing the coordinates from Arena. However, unlike Arena, coordinates beyond visible also exist:

Examples:

-F -E -D -C -B -A A B C D E F

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

X Y Z AA AB AC

24 25 26 27 28 29

Will post it later on frontpage.

Btw, have you seen the picture in the frontpage? You look nice in stick figures :smallbiggrin:


http://www.abpm.com.mx/scorer/b01.jpg

The Brown square represents the little house

@Kern

You see enemies on B3, S1 and A15


@Drace, Harry, Garth

You see enemies on B3, H26, S1 and A15

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

Your start area is anywhere in the grass in the area from U16xZ21

[Lubirio]

OOC:
[roll0] And I do not have my bow yet, correct?

I will start in U21. Aiming to take on the one at H26

"Each of us take on one of them, we'll see what happens from there," Harry said, watching the figures suspiciously.

[02youeng]

OOC:
Hey guys, I's here. I guess I live in a different time zone to you, you all seem to be awake at the same time. I live in England, so...

[roll0] - starting in U16

Garth draws his sword, whirling around at the sound of people in clanky armour trying not to clank. Vaguely seeing them in the distance, he smiles wanly, rolling his shoulders a few times, before taking his sword in a high, two-handed grip. "How brave of them, sneaking up on an old man's house in the night. Shall we teach them something of valour?"

[Lubirio]

OOC:
I live in GMT +1, Netherlands, it's in my sig...

"That we shall, good bard."

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

So, initiative is:

Harry
Enemy
Garth
Kern
Drace


It's your go Harry

[Lubirio]

OOC:
Unless I specifically say otherwise, Harry will always deal nonlethal damage with his unarmed strikes. :smallwink:

do we do turns here like we do turns in the Arena? seems logical and easy to do it that way, maybe add some RP as necessary.

Harry wasn't involved in the conversation too much, and therefore noticed the enemies approaching them first. In response he tells his friends "I hear it too, I'll go search them out.", and hustles his way closer to them, where he makes sure anyone coming near him will be unconscious before long.

Harry - Round 1

Move U21 --> O22.
Ready action to use stunning fist after making a 5ft step on anyone who comes within 10ft of him.

[Scorer]

occYep, post as in the Arena while in combats

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

Enemy Turn 1

Three of the subjects get closer, to S7, F7, and G15

The four individuals throw javelins on you...

2 Attacks to Garth

Attack 1
[roll0]
Damage 1
[roll1]

Attack 2
[roll2]
Damage 2
[roll3]

2 attacks at Harry

Attack 1
[roll4]
Damage 1
[roll5]

Attack 2
[roll6]
Damage 2
[roll7]


End of Turn

[Scorer]

Crit Confirm on Garth attack 1

Crit Confirm
[roll0]
Extra Damage
[roll1]

[Scorer]

DM Rolls

Rolling Nat 1 of enemy[roll0]

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

After the javelins are launched, one of them lands on Garth, injuring him badly. One of the attackers missed by too much, and the javelin ended behind him.

Your go

[hustlertwo]

OOC: So Garth's unconscious, I guess? I assume that means he can't do anything, so Kern is up.

[Scorer]

OCCHe can stabilize, it does count a lot more here

[hustlertwo]

OOC:

I guess that's true. Although that happening in the turn order probably wouldn't matter much right now. And I did notice the picture on the first page, very nice.

[02youeng]

OOC:
2nd time on the floor doing nothing so far today...

[roll0] [1=stable]

[Sallera]

Kern

Spitting a curse, Kern makes a few hasty gestures over his chest, and a slight distortion can be seen in the air around him. Moving to stand in front of the fallen bard, he drops into an easy fighting stance, quarterstaff held at the ready.

Cast Mage Armor.
Move to T16.

[Scorer]

OOC:
2nd time on the floor doing nothing so far today...

[roll0] [1=stable]

Remember you've got 15% chances of stabilizing here

[hustlertwo]

Drace

I charge to T-8 and swing my flail at the enemy in S-7. (So +2 for attack, -2 to AC)

[roll0]
[roll1]

[hustlertwo]

Remember you've got 15% chances of stabilizing here

So for this turn, to keep things equal I guess he should then roll a 1d20 and have only one number set to stabilize, to provide the extra 5%. After that, d% with whatever 15 number range set to stabilize.

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

Drace: That's a miss

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

OCC:I rather have him double roll his 15% chance the next turn. If the first stabilizes him, will count as the one he just did

@Drace

Once you come in close visual contact, you can barely see in the darkness a humanoid shape, with pig-ish nose, green skin and a Falchion in the back

[hustlertwo]

OOC:

Heh, all that prep time and exposition and there's a decent chance we could just suck and die our first time out in the field.

[Lubirio]

OOC:
oh, wait, it's my turn! :smalleek:

With a mighty roar that deafens the skies, Harry runs at the enemy that threw a spear at him, aiming to immobilize him.

Charge, with stunning fist, rolls:
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

(I'm asuming you charged the closest to you.)

Enemy 2nd Turn

They all draw their falchions... (you may take you AoO)

The ones in front of Drace and Harry take their attacks

Attack vs Drace
[roll0]
Damage
[roll1]

Attack vs Harry
[roll2]
Damage
[roll3]

The other attacker moves from F7 to P11

and the last one charges Kern

Attack vs Kern
[roll4]
Damage
[roll5]

Micen starts singing a song that makes everyone feel stronger (+3 to attack and damage) Then he moves toward Garth and Cures him ([roll6])

End of Turn

[hustlertwo]

OOC:

I wish I could say we don't need the sudden old guy deus ex machina (I'm assuming you didn't intend him to be part of the fight, since he wasn't in the initial init rolls), but Harry's now down to 1 HP, so without it, yeah, we probably would have lost. Or at the least, one or more of the party would have expired. Also, I don't think we get AoOs, SRD says drawing a weapon is a move action that does not provoke them.

[Scorer]

OCCI would've sweared drawing caused AoO. And that's not a Deus-ex-machina! It's a Scorer-test-battle =P

[02youeng]

OOC
w00t! Go team Bard! [silently prays to Snuggles the Death Kitty for mercy and vengence]

Garth stands slowly, groaning in pain, smiling a little as his short-term mentor stands over him. Back on his feet without a scratch, he runs to the closest villian, brandishing his sword wildly. "Have at you! This is the last time I get bloodied and kicked to the kerb! Have at you!"

Actions:

Move action: Stand up
Move action: Move to P10

Turn done

[Sallera]

Kern

Deflecting the sword's swing off to one side, Kern steps back and draws a blade, sending it spinning toward the bandit.

5ft step to U17. Draw dagger.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Crit confirm: [roll2]
Crit damage: [roll3]

[Lubirio]

As a response to being hit, Harry returns with a series of punches intended to drop the creature.

Flurry of Blows.
1dd20-1
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
If crit:
[roll3]
[roll4]

[Lubirio]

Redo-ing Attack 1: [roll0]

[hustlertwo]

Drace

Trip attempt on my enemy, factoring in the +3 to attack, and a +1 mod for the +3 to strength. Not that I know how it affects me way out there, or how he could do it the same turn as a spell, but I really don't know squat about Bards, especially level 5 ones (assuming, by the CLW mod).

That music...I suddenly feel like less of a useless limp-wristed pantywaist! Let us rally and put these foul beasts to rout!

[roll0] vs. Touch AC (+4 base Strength, +3 attack bonus, +1 for added Strength mod due to +3 Strength)
Opposed strength roll for the trip [roll1] (+4 Strength, +4 Improved Trip, +1 for same Strength boost)

[hustlertwo]

Oh, and automatic melee attack, if the trip is a success:

[roll0] with opponent's AC -4.

[Lubirio]

I forgot to add the bonus to my rolls, add those in when you determine the total effect. :smallwink:

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

First, he's not level 5, that's the max you get for CLW...

Second, Lubirio, your turn is after Drace (but it is ok to leave it at that now)

Third: Everyone now can see the creatures completely, they're green-ish-skinned, with a nose similar to a pig, they smell bad.

Fourth: Kern hits and makes the enemy fall unconciuoss

Fifth: Opposed strenght check for Drace [roll0] (18 in case the forum screws rolls)which misses trip

Sixth: Lubirio hits and makes 4 damage to the creature, and remains standing.

Seventh: Enemy Turn!

[Scorer]

DM Scorer

Enemy 3rd Turn

The enemies in front of Harry, Garth and Drace make their attacks:

Vs. Harry
[roll0]
Damage
[roll1]

Vs. Drace
[roll2]
Damage
[roll3]

Vs. Garth
[roll4]
Damage
[roll5]


End of Turn

[Scorer]

So, initiative reminder:

Harry
Enemy
Garth
Kern
Drace

[02youeng]

Garth leans back, the mighty swing barely missing his face. He laughs, striking back at the pig-faced creature - "Orcish scum? No wonder you fight without any honour! Come pig, let me show you steel."

Standard action: Swing at the thug in front of me, snarling
[roll0]
[roll1] [sword in both hands]

[roll2]
[roll3]