Any interest in some PbP D&D in these parts? I know PbP games have a bad track record (I'm as guilty as anyone of making that the case), but I'm thinking that it would actually lend itself to a more "role-playing" type adventure than maybe tabletop face-to-face. It makes it easier to throw out huge blocks of exposition and description on the part of the DM, and I think people are more comfortable writing in a third-person voice than they are talking it out loud at a table (YMMV, IMO, etc.)
As far as system choices; I think anything from AD&D to 3.0 or Pathfinder would work reasonably well, with 4e a possibility, although it would pose the problem of playing out combat "abstractly". Still, we're fairly smart and I think we could come up with something should that prove the system of choice.
Next up would be the "scale" of the adventure (which would also somewhat dictate system). Starting out low-level in 3.0 is far different that low level in 4e, as we all know.
In order to make a good determination, I think that the general ideas of the game should be hashed out before-hand by potential players (call it collaberation if you must) so that we all know what we're getting in to. I have several ideas for plots/settings/etc. that I can cull through based on what the consensus is, assuming there is one.
So, questions:
1. Any interest?
2. What "power level" (1-5 / 5-10 / 10+)?
3. What system?
Once we get those knocked out, we can work on things like "hack n'slash / courtly intrigue / exploration / merchant campaign / whatever" and then go from there.
So, who's ready?! Eh? Eh?
Dude, I would love to get a PbP game going on this site again. :D
I'm just a little gun-shy since every game I've joined on this site has flaked out for one reason or another. I thought about offering to get a game going myself, but I know that I would get down if the game floundered and flaked while I was GM.
I'm down to make the commitment, as I actively try to have an optimistic outlook on life. :)
As far as the system, it really doesn't matter to me. Although, if the game's combat is going to be wholly abstract, then I would prefer that system isn't 4e D&D. As far as power level goes, I cool with any bracket.
If forced to choose an item from column A and column B, then I would say I would prefer that the system is Pathfinder since I want to get some play experience with this system (rather than just reading it), and, secondly, I would prefer power level 1-5.
Cool beans. I'll do my best to make sure the game (if/when we get one up) keeps moving forward. I'm also down with Pathfinder or 3.0 for that matter (almost the same) so we'll see if anyone else makes some noise. :)
Potentially on/off the internet still. I feel I can't give a commitment at the moment, though I would really like to get a game going. Potentially even running one. But everything in due time. :)
When you get a chance, look at the setting I posted here:
http://www.therpgsite.com/showthread.php?p=365864#post365864
I tried to give some of the flavor of the setting and whatnot, and included enough plot hooks and places of interest to keep us going for years - if anything in particular flips your switches, let me know.
If you decide on AD&D 2nd or earlier, let me know, I am all in for that.
While we are on the subject, and Drohem is in the thread, my sincere apologies for missing out on the Elemental Evil game on RPOL so much. I think I have school under control a bit better these days, so I will jump back in and become more active again.
Quote from: StormBringer;365910While we are on the subject, and Drohem is in the thread, my sincere apologies for missing out on the Elemental Evil game on RPOL so much. I think I have school under control a bit better these days, so I will jump back in and become more active again.
Thanks, and... Cool. :)
Ok, so Drohem is in, Stormbringer if we use 2e or earlier (my preference would be AD&D 1st since I never really played 2nd edition), but some day we need to give Pathfinder a whirl.
Anyone else?
I'd be interested if it was not PbP.
Ok, then, not an overpowering response, but you play the hand you are dealt. :)
Drohem, if you want to do some Pathfinder, I'd be glad to do a solo (to start) game, with some NPCs for support if necessary. Maybe getting it going will entice others to join. I don't recall the Fellowship starting out all together on page one, so we'd be in good company at least.
Let me know, and we'll proceed accordingly.
Sounds good, I'm down! :)
What's the starting level?
Which method should I use to generate ability scores?
I usually like to start around 5th level, to avoid the worst of the low-end grind. Max HP at 1st, roll thereafter, use whatever stat generation you prefer (I'm a pushover, what can I say). Starting cash at 2.5x, and we'll roll for a random magic item as well. I usually grant one re-roll (not for the whole item, but on one table) but you;re stuck with the second result.
We'll go straight Pathfinder instead of the variant classes I posted in the other thread, but I'm keeping the "magic items are more ub3r l33t" concept, including some bonuses if you use a spell book and staff for caster classes. See the other thread for the rough world outline. Note that in this world, there are no Dragons (Hydra take their place), goblins are the predominant humanoid monsters (I love the Pathfinder goblins), so if you Ranger out, plan accordingly. If you have any specific questions, fire away.
As far as your background, don't be afraid to 'help build the story" by including whatever details you like (within reason, Jor-El) and we'll see how they fit. or you can just be a pile of stats, your choice. ;)
Cool, I'll start working on a concept.
I note in the "Starting Levels" thread that you prefer 1st level usually - I have no problem with that if you'd rather go that way, just lose the "extras" mentioned above. :)
No, I'm cool with starting at 5th level. Especially, since I'll be the lone PC.
Is the random magic item a Minor, Medium, or Major?
I pretty much have a character finished. I'm just working on his background and history right now.
He's a gnome 5th level fighter named Murni Nacklewick.
I thnk there's a small table you can roll on to determine which catagory - there was in 3.0 and 3.5 at least. If not, go 33/33/33%
Quote from: Werekoala;370014I thnk there's a small table you can roll on to determine which catagory - there was in 3.0 and 3.5 at least. If not, go 33/33/33%
I rolled a Major (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2457549/) magic item which turned out to be a wand (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2457552/) of Fireballs (10th level) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2457612/) that has 43 charges (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2457575/).
I think that I'll keep this item for Murni. It could turn out to be useful in a number of ways. Besides, if I re-roll his magic item I could wind up with a one-use item like a potion or scroll.
In The World of Sinesens, is there a fairly standard Underdark with the normal players (i.e. drow, duergar, derro, svirfneblin, etc.)?
After a fashion, yes. Not so much Drow, but there are "dark underworld" forces that must be dealt with (typically Chaos-aligned of course).
Also, that Invisible Castle site is nifty!
Can I get in on this? I would only post seriously maybe three times a week.
You're certainly welcome to.
Murni Nacklewick's History
Murni Nacklewick had a fairly normal gnomish childhood and adolescence. He was unusually tall as a young child, but he grew into his lanky body during his adolescence and developed a very muscular frame. When he was old enough, Murni went to work with his father, Ninkin, and his older brothers, Finnab and Roymil, and learned the trade and skills of a miner. The family trade and life suited Murni well and he enjoyed this blissful and innocent time of his young life. He went to work for his family at the age of forty-five-years-old, and enjoyed it for about eight years. He even fell in love and had a romantic relationship with a beautiful gnomish girl named Bimina. Their relationship had gotten serious and, even though it wasn't said out loud yet, everyone was fairly sure that marriage was in their immediate future.
Murni's father had a dwarven business associate named Orlond Thovir, and from time to time they would mount joint expeditions for various jobs. These were usually fairly large jobs with anywhere from five to ten gnomes and five to ten dwarves. Ninkin and Orlond shared a love affair with gem mining, they were old friends who sometimes pooled resources and worked together on potential high yield veins. Murni had already went on two previous ventures and really enjoyed them since he traveled the farthest in life on those expeditions and saw new things and met new people. So when Orlond showed up again with another potential mine site, Murni was happy to go on the venture with his father and his older brother Roymil. The eldest son Finnab would stay home and run the family and its affairs while their father was away on this expedition. Although, this adventure was somewhat bittersweet in that he was leaving his young love Bimina behind for several months or more.
The first month was normal for this type of work. They had traveled far out into the hinterlands and set up a base camp nearby the scouted area. Then they went about the business mining. One fateful night, the camp was brutally attacked by hobgoblins from the Dead Moon tribe. It was an organized raid and it was over quickly, but not before several dwarves and gnomes lay dead. Murni watched his father get cut down trying to protect his old friend Orlond Thovir. However, the real horror was yet to begin for the survivors of the hobgoblin raid. They now began their new torturous existence as slaves of the Dead Moon hobgoblins.
The life as a slave to the hobgoblins was an existence of pain and misery. Murni was strong and hearty which made them try even harder to break him, yet he endured. The first few months as a slave were terrifying and horrendous. Murni and the others were forced to watch as his older cousin Pilnor was given to the goblins in the Dead Moon tribe and was killed and eaten by the goblins. After eight months of slavery, there were only three survivors of the original mining expedition which were Murni, his brother Roymil, and the dwarven miner Orlond Thovir. It was only a couple of months later that Murni held his older Roymil as he died in Murni's arms. The only thing that saved Murni from being used up and thrown away by the hobgoblins was his father's old friend Orlond. The hobgoblins of the Dead Moon tribe were extremely interested in mining as it applied to warfare,
especially chief Murdasyk. Orlond was able to string along the hobgoblin chief for a while in doing projects that failed. Orlond insisted that Murni and Roymil be kept well because he needed them. They lived well when compared to the other slaves, although it was still a dirty and meager existence.
After almost two years as a slave, Murni found himself alone when Orlond was murdered by a political rival of chief Murdasyk. His status as an exempt slave ended and he thought that death was not long for him. He endured the hardship of slavery, even still when the hobgoblin slave masters tried to break him. Murni was close to giving up on everything when things went from bad to worse for him. Shortly after surviving two hellish years as a slave to the Dead Moon hobgoblin tribe, he was taken in the deep dank of the Underdark
and sold to duergar slavers. He was taken down and deep into the earth where the light of day does not exist or is even known. This is when Murni learned about real suffering and pain, as the life of a duergar slave, especially a surface gnome, was filled with torture and backbreaking work. Murni suffered under several twisted and demented duergar owners before finally being sold to his last slave master, the duergar wizard Gimkral Muladek.
Murni really suffered under Master Muladek. He was a relentless taskmaster with a proclivity towards violent fits of rage and anger. Master Muladek was a deranged individual whose focus was on magical research and experimentation. Murni witnessed many horrible and hellish experiments, and was forced to participate in some experiments himself. Despite Murni's natural survival instinct, strong will, and strong physicality, and after another year as a slave in the Underdark, he had finally given up all hope at life and
was resigned to die a slave. It was at his absolute lowest, and when he had abandoned all hope, that Mibbini came into his life. Mibbini was a young and gorgeous svirfneblin woman who recently was enslaved and sold to the evil duergar wizard Gimkral.
Murni had thought that he was in love previously with his first love Bimina, however, he learned that he really had no clue as to what real love was until he fell in love with Mibbini and she returned that love herself. Although he knows it sounds trite and he would never voice out loud, he life was saved by love- by Mibbini's love. Hope and life grew again in his heart and soul, despite his horrific environment. The young slave couple managed to keep
their secret love hidden from their duergar master for nearly two years. Gimkral became insufferable and more demented when he learned that his two gnome slaves were in love. The fact that they were in love and that Murni seemed to have his spirit revived fueled and fanned Master Muladek's rage and anger to burn white-hot. Gimkral focuses his anger on Mibbini and starts using her for his mad arcane experimentation, which was his fatal mistake. When Murni learned of her torture, he killed the duergar wizard his bare hands. He beat his slave master senseless with his hands and then choked the life out of the evil duergar.
Master Muladek's residence was on the outskirts of the duergar city, as wizards in their society were somewhat ostracized. It was only due to this twist of fate that Murni, Mibbini, and the other slaves of the duergar wizard Gimkral were able to escape into the deep dank of the Underdark world. Murni and several others of the slaves were able to overtake and kill Muladek's duergar household guards. Since Muladek's place was isolated and he was not well liked or accepted in duergar society, their revolt went unnoticed long enough to insure their escape and any pursuit. The group of escaped slaves wandered in the warrens and caves of the deep Underdark nearly two weeks. A couple of the escaped slaves had already died on the journey and it was looking grim for the survivors. Fortune shinned on them, even in the deep dark of Underdark, and they met a group of three svirfneblin
rangers. The svirfneblin rangers aided the handful of slave survivors and brought them to the hidden svirfneblin city of Arposandra.
Shortly after their recovery and convalescence, Murni and Mibbini were married. Murni was accepted into her family with open arms and love. As a wedding gift, Mibbini's grandfather gave Murni a magic wand, which was a family heirloom and powerful item. Mibbini and Murni had a wonderful life and spent nearly three years together before she died. They were very happy together and were expecting their first child. Although she had healed from the immediate effects of her slavery and torture, the arcane experiments left her body weakened. Murni lost his son and wife when Mibbini died during the birth due to complications. Murni felt even emptier than when he had given up hope years earlier as a slave to the cruel duergar. He stayed in Arposandra for a time, but the pain was too much for him and he started becoming resentful and angry.
Murni left Arposandra and the Underdark to return to the surface world with the blessing of Mibbini's family and the community. He was now part of the family and community, but those nearest him understood why he must leave and return to the surface world. Murni returned to his home and family on the surface. He was welcomed back into his family, home, and community with open arms there as well. Murni tried to find his way there and make a new life, but he found himself detached and hollow. In an attempt to shield his family from his pain and anger, he left birth family as well to take up the life as a wanderer and adventurer.
Character Name: Murni Nacklewick
Character Class/Level: Fighter 5
Player Name: Drohem.
Campaign: The World of Sinesens.
Alignment: Chaotic Good.
Race/Gender: Gnome Male.
Physical Description: Light pink skin, ice blue eyes, stands at 3'8" tall, and weighs 43 pounds. He has bright violet colored hair which is shoulder length, and he has a Colonel Sander's moustache and goatee that is also bright violet in color.
Age: 61-years-old (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2454296/).
Languages: Common, Dwarven, Goblin, Gnome, and Sylvan.
Experience Points [10,000]
=== Ability Scores === (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2454246/)
STR 15 [+2]
DEX 18 [+4]
CON 17 [+3]
INT 15 [+2]
WIS 15 [+2]
CHA 14 [+2]
=== Hit Points === (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2454257/)
Total Hit Points [60]: (hit dice +35; Con +15; favored class +5; toughness +5)
=== Saves ===
Fortitude save [+7]: (Con +3; fighter +4)
Reflex save [+5]: (Dex +4; fighter +1)
Will save [+3]: (Wis +2; fighter +1)
=== Speed ===
Speed [20 feet]: (gnome +20)
=== Defenses ===
Armor Class [21]: (base +10; Dex +4; size +1; armor +6)
Touch AC [15]: (base +10; Dex +4; size +1)
Flat-footed AC [17]: (base +10; size +1; armor +6)
Combat Maneuver Defense [20]: (base +10; bab +5; Str +2; Dex +4; size -1)
Flat-footed CMD [16]: (base +10; bab +5; Str +2; size -1)
=== Combat Statistics ===
Initiative check [+4]: (Dex +4)
Base attack bonus [+5]: (fighter +5)
Combat Maneuver Bonus [+6]: (bab +5; Str +2; size -1)
Melee attack bonus [+8]: (bab +5; Str +2; size +1)
Ranged attack bonus [+10]: (bab +5; Dex +4; size +1)
Hammer/hook 1-handed attack [+10; 1d6+6/1d4+6]
Hammer/hook 2-handed attack [+8; 1d6+5/1d4+5]
Hammer/hook 1-handed power attack [+8; 1d6+12/1d4+12]
Hammer/hook 2-handed power attack [+6; 1d6+9/1d4+9]
Hammer/hook trip attack [+8]
Light crossbow attack [+10; 1d6]
=== Encumbrance ===
Carrying Capacity: Light load 0-66 lbs; medium load 67-133 lbs; heavy load 134-200 lbs; lift over head 200 lbs; lift off ground 400 lbs; push or drag 1,000 lbs.
Encumbrance Level: Light (34.5 lbs)
=== Feats ===
Weapon and armor feats: Armor Proficiency (heavy, light, medium), Martial Weapon Proficiency, Shield Proficiency, Simple Weapon Proficiency, and Tower Shield Proficiency.
Fighter bonus feats (3): Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Focus (gnome hooked hammer), and Weapon Specialization (gnome hooked hammer).
Level bonus feats (3): Toughness, Double Slice, and Power Attack.
=== Skills ===
Skill Points [20] (fighter +20)
Skill ranks maximum = 5
Climb* +3 (Str +2; trained +3; armor -3; ranks +1)
Handle Animal +6 (Cha +2; trained +3; ranks +1)
Knowledge (dungeoneering) +9 (Int +2; trained +3;ranks +4)
Knowledge (engineering) +9 (Int +2; trained +3;ranks +4)
^Perception +6 (Wis +2; gnome +2; ranks +2)
Profession (miner) +11 (Wis +2; gnome +2; trained +3;ranks +4)
Ride* +4 (Dex +4; trained +3; armor -3)
^Stealth* +5 (Dex +4; size +4; armor -3)
Survival +6 (Wis +2; trained +3; ranks +1)
Swim* +3 (Str +2; trained +3; armor -3; ranks +1)
^Use Magic Device +4 (Wis +2; ranks +2)
^ Non-class skill
* Armor and encumbrance check penalties may apply to skill checks.
=== Racial Spells ===
1/x day each spell as 5th level caster: dancing lights (DC 12), ghost sound (DC 12), prestidigitation (DC 12), and speak with animals (DC 13).
=== Money ===
Starting Gold = 400 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2454261/)
Platinum- 0
Gold- 3
Silver- 4
Copper- 5
=== Magic Items ===
Wand of Fireballs (10th caster; 43 charges)
=== Weapons and Armor [21 lbs] ===
Hammer, gnome hooked [1d6/1d4; crit 19-20/x3/x4; 3 lbs; bludgeoning or piercing; double, trip; 20 gp]
Crossbow, light [1d6; crit 19-20/x2; range 80-ft; 2 lbs; piercing; 35 gp]
Breastplate [AC +6; max Dex +4; armor check -3; 15 lbs; speed 20-ft; 200 gp]
Bolts, crossbow (20) [1 lbs; 2 gp]
=== Equipment [13.5 lbs] ===
*Backpack [0.50 lb; 2 gp]
Bedroll [1.25 lbs; 1 sp]
Blanket, winter [0.75 lb; 5 sp]
Chalk x5 [--; 5 cp]
Everburning torch [1 lb; 110 gp]
*Explorer's outfit [2 lbs; --]
Flint and steel [--; 1 gp]
Mirror, small steel [0.50 lb; 10 gp]
*Pouch, belt [0.125 lb; 1 gp]
Rations, trail x5 [1.25 lbs; 25 sp]
Rope, silk (50 ft) [5 lbs; 10 gp]
Sack (empty) [0.125 lb; 1 sp]
Sewing needle [--; 5 sp]
Signal whistle [--; 8 sp]
Waterskin [1 lb; 1 gp]
* = worn on person/in combat.
=== Gnome Racial Traits ===
-- Constitution +2, Charisma +2, –2 Strength -2.
-- Small: Gnomes are Small creatures and gain a +1 size bonus to their AC, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, a –1 penalty to their Combat Maneuver Bonus
and Combat Maneuver Defense, and a +4 size bonus on Stealth checks.
-- Slow Speed: Gnomes have a base speed of 20 feet.
-- Low-Light Vision: Gnomes can see twice as far as humans in conditions of dim light.
-- Defensive Training: Gnomes get a +4 dodge bonus to AC against monsters of the giant type.
-- Gnome Magic: Gnomes add +1 to the DC of any saving throws against illusion spells that they cast. Gnomes with a Charisma of 11 or higher also gain the following spell-like abilities: 1/day—dancing lights, ghost sound, prestidigitation, and speak with animals. The caster level for these effects is equal to the gnome's level. The DC for these spells is equal to 10 + the spell's level + the gnome's Charisma modifier.
-- Hatred: Gnomes receive a +1 bonus on attack rolls against humanoid creatures of the reptilian and goblinoid subtypes due to special training against these hated foes.
-- Illusion Resistance: Gnomes get a +2 racial saving throw bonus against illusion spells or effects.
-- Keen Senses: Gnomes receive a +2 racial bonus on Perception skill checks.
-- Obsessive: Gnomes receive a +2 racial bonus on a Craft or Profession skill of their choice.
-- Weapon Familiarity: Gnomes treat any weapon with the word "gnome" in its name as a martial weapon.
-- Languages: Gnomes begin play speaking Common, Gnome, and Sylvan. Gnomes with high Intelligence scores can choose from the following: Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Giant, Goblin, and Orc.
=== Fighter Class Features ===
-- Bravery +1 (Ex): Murni gains a +1 bonus on Will saves against fear.
-- Armor Training 1 (Ex): Murni reduces the armor check penalty by 1 (to a minimum of 0) and increases the maximum Dexterity bonus allowed by his
armor by 1. Murni can also move at his normal speed while wearing medium armor.
-- Weapon Training 1 (Ex): Double weapon group. When Murni attacks with a weapon from this group, he gains a +1 bonus on attack and damage rolls. Murni also adds this bonus to any combat maneuver checks made with weapons from this group. This bonus also applies to Murni's Combat Maneuver Defense when defending against disarm and sunder attempts made against weapons from this group.
Holy crap - with everything this poor guy has been through, you want me to come up with challenges for him?!
Good job, really good.
Quote from: Werekoala;370780Holy crap - with everything this poor guy has been through, you want me to come up with challenges for him?!
Good job, really good.
Thanks. :)
Hehehe.... Just throw some hobgoblins and duergar at him. ;)
In working through creating this character, I really like some of the minor changes from 3.5 D&D. I really like how the skill system was redone, sort of a cross between 3.5/4e D&D. I also like the changes to the Favored Class/Multiclassing rules. However, the two changes that I really like are the new Fighter class features and how the special combat maneuvers have been combined under the CMB and CMD scores.
Ok, that's Drohem - anyone else interested? If so, sing out now - if not, we'll get this ball rolling in the next 48 hours or so.
Quote from: Cranewings;370193Can I get in on this? I would only post seriously maybe three times a week.
Come on in for the big win! LOL
Murni could use an adventuring buddy. :)
Wandering - hardly the life for a gnome; but then, your life has been far from normal.
This part of the world is luckier than most, from what you've heard from travelers and extended family members in the past. Here, there are beautiful forests with green meadows and fast-running streams, fed from the snows that cap the Cobalt Mountains (where your family made its living, and beneath which your soul died). Game is plentiful, and on the whole, life is good in this region. You know that the Cobalt Mountains stretch for several days travel North and East, the forest follows the curve of the range to the east and south, and to the west the green lands extend for about a week of travel. After that, it turns to rolling, scrub-covered hills and eventually gives way to blasted desert and rock. Somewhere far to the south is a vast sea, and human and elven settlements and cities.
Choose your path, Murni Nacklewick. And set a goal, if you have one.
(Anyone wanting to join later can be encountered along the way. Feel free to ask more specific questions about what lies in a given direction (though your specific knowledge will be a bit limited), and I'll also post a map later this evening.)
Murni sat on his log near his morning campfire. The fire was already out, but the embers were still hot and radiated a little heat to clip the morning chill hovering around Murni. He clasped his luxury item in both his hands to warm his fingers, a steaming cup of coffee. He held close to his face so that he could smell that sweet aroma as well.
Speaking out loud to himself, Murni says, "well Mr. Nacklewick, it appears that you are at a crossroads of sorts and must make a decision. What will you do?"
Murni sat a while longer thinking about his choices, and enjoying the morning. The sun had barely come up over the horizon but the birds of the forest have already been awake for a while and going about their business. He listened to various calls and songs and put himself in a trance of sorts, focusing past his dilemma until it faded away and the sharpness of Nature and Her bounty filled him up.
After what seemed longer than it actually took, Murni finishes his cup of coffee, sighs at the empty bottom of the cup, and says out loud to himself, "west it is then Murni."
Once he breaks down his camp and polices it to his satisfaction, he adjusts his pack and belongings, puts his back to the sun, and starts walking westward.
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee219/Speaker1066/PbPOverlandPlayerMap1.png)
This represents the world as you know it from personal experience and from tales told by people you trust. Each hex is about a day's travel, depending on weather and such.
Your first day of travel is relatively easy; this close to home, there are a number of trails and tracks, made by hunters or woodsmen. By day two, the trails start to fade a bit, becoming more akin to animal tracks, and by day three, the undergrowth is to the point that it begins to hamper travel a bit.
By mid-day on day 4, you notice the woods are starting to thin out a bit... and you also notice a haze in the air, that smells of woodsmoke. Something nearby is burning (or has burned very recently).
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee219/Speaker1066/PbPOverlandMapDay4.png)
Nearby, you hear a whimpering sound, like that of a hurt animal... or maybe a person...
Cool maps and perspective from the PC's point of view! :) (oops. Didn't want to interrupt - sorry)
Thank you, sirrah. You're welcome to join in at any time of course (as in anyone else).
Quote from: Werekoala;371637Thank you, sirrah. You're welcome to join in at any time of course (as in anyone else).
Thanks. Thinking of running a game of my own, actually. ;)
Sweet, save me a spot. :)
Quote from: Werekoala;371623Your first day of travel is relatively easy; this close to home, there are a number of trails and tracks, made by hunters or woodsmen. By day two, the trails start to fade a bit, becoming more akin to animal tracks, and by day three, the undergrowth is to the point that it begins to hamper travel a bit.
By mid-day on day 4, you notice the woods are starting to thin out a bit... and you also notice a haze in the air, that smells of woodsmoke. Something nearby is burning (or has burned very recently).
Nearby, you hear a whimpering sound, like that of a hurt animal... or maybe a person...
Murni stops in his tracks and looks and listens around him sharply, trying to discern if he's walking into a trap or not. He also tries to determine the exact area that the whimpering sound is emanating from in relation to himself.
========================================
OOC: Murni's Perception check = 9 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2465720/).
I completely agree with Benoist, maps from the player perspective are cool. :)
Aside from the gentle breeze that is beginning to pick up a bit, you really don't hear much. The wimpering seems to come in short bursts, like who or whatever is making the noise is trying to hide it but isn't having a lot of success.
Since you took the time to stop and look, you do see that the smoke seems thicker to the north, about 50 to 100 yards or so, and it looks like the trees thin a bit in that direction.
After waiting a moment to assess the situation, Murni's heart sinks a little bit in his chest. He hopes he's wrong about what is going on here, but he steels himself for the worst.
Murni speaks out loud in a gentle and soft tone, "please come out, I mean you no harm. I will not hurt you, and only want to help."
The whimpering stops, then a snuffle. From behind a nearby fallen log you hear a quivering voice.
"You... you don't sound like one of them! Oh please, sir, if you are not some brigand, please help!"
You easily make your way quietly to the log and peer over - behind, well concealed, is a gnomish female, her face pale and her blouse stained red with blood. She appears quite weak.
"My name is Murni and I'm no bandit," Murni says in a gentle tone, "how many did you see? Are they still there? You're hurt, can I take a look at the wound?"
==========================================================
OOC: How old does she appear to be? Murni looks at her wound if she lets him. It is a bleeding wound that requires first aid to stop using a Heal check, or, is she just wounded (i.e. down hit points)?
She struggles to sit up, and you can see there is a nasty stab wound in her side. She gasps, and clutches it.
"Oh, sir, it was horrible... goblins! We've never had any problem before.. but... they came, I don't know how many, and started to kill and burn and... it was horrible!"
You know that there are bands of goblins all along the front of the Cobalt Mountains, of course, but for the most part they don't initiate hostilities, and they certainly don't roam this far into the forest (that you know of). You DO know, of course, that they are overly-fond of fire, so that part adds up...
Murni kneels down next to the gnomish woman, and sets down his light crossbow, hookhammer, and backpack. He digs into his backpack and takes out his knife and cuts several strips of cloth from his bedroll. He dresses her wound in order to stop any bleeding. After he finishes bandaging her wound, Murni cocks and loads his crossbow and hands it to her along with his quiver of bolts.
"Now, you please stay put here Miss," Murni says in a more assertive tone, "this is pretty good hiding spot. I'm going up to take a look now. I'll be back for you shortly, don't you worry none, alright?"
Murni leaves his backpack, quiver of bolts, and light crossbow with the woman. He stands up and adjusts his breastplate and makes sure it's tight and fitting properly. He kneels back down and picks up his hookhammer, and takes a moment to look at her to make sure she understood what he had said.
==========================================================
OOC: Murni will take a Standard action and do first aid on her wound as if it was a bleeding wound, just to be sure. Murni's Heal check vs. DC 15 = 16 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2466905/).
You make your way to the clearing, where the burnt remains of a small gnomish house are smoldering. There is a barn and a fenced in stockade area for small animals (the barn has a few arrows stuck in the side, and scorch marks, but it didn't catch fire). No animals are in evidence. In the yard in front of the house lies the body of an older gnomish man, covered with cuts and gashes and with some burns evident as well. Clearly, he gave it his all in trying to defend his farm. You do not see any more bodies outside, at least.
In the damp earth of the farmyard, you see some tracks - boots, a few bare feet. Hard to tell exactly how many where here. There is one larger set of prints however, more akin to a man-sized foot than a gnome or goblin.
Blast it to the Nine Hells! Murni thinks to himself as he walks up the body of the gnomish farmer.
He looks up to the house and walks up to the porch with purpose. Once he gets to the porch, he stops and looks in the windows and listens trying to discern if anyone is inside the house.
After a few moments, Murni says in gnomish with a firm voice, "I am Murni Nacklewick come to aid any survivors, I'm coming in so don't shoot."
Almost immediately after uttering his last word, Murni's tone goes cold and steely as he yells in Goblin, "I am Death and your miserable existences are forfeit. Come out and meet your death with honor, if you can, you cowardly sons of bitches!"
Murni counts to ten slowly in his mind. When he's finished, and if he hasn't heard or seen anything from inside, he walks through the front door of the farm house with his hookhammer in hand.
==========================================================
OOC: Murni's Perception check = 26 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2467095/).
(Well, the house is burned down, its the barn that is still standing...)
You stride into the barn - here, the smells of the farm animals are strong, but they are overpowered by the scent of blood and something else... the stench of goblins. Clearly a huge struggle took place in here, but there are no bodies, and no animals either. Bits of fur and flesh are here and there...
As you examine the barn, you find a piece of cloth, fairly thick and coarse, with a symbol on it; a black three-fingered hand in a triangle. There is stitching around the edges, like maybe it was sewn onto something and was torn loose in the fight.
Murni stuffs the piece of cloth into his belt pouch and hustles back to the hiding spot with the gnomish woman.
As he gets close enough for her to hear him, he says in Gnomish, "it's Murni, don't shoot. I'm coming up to you now."
Once he comes up to her, he kneels besides her and sets down his hookhammer, and says gently, "please let me see your wound again?"
As Murni examines the bandages for fresh bleeding, he asks her, "what's your name? How many are in your family, or how many were working the farm? Where's the nearest farm to here?"
Her wound is bad - without real help (or magic) she's in danger of dying; you don't know how long however.
"My name is Mina...Longfurrow. My father and two brothers and I live here. There is another family a quarter-day travel south, and several more near them. We're the northmost that I know of."
She squirms a bit and tries to sit up further.
"My father...? What about Winim and Radid, my brothers? Are they...?"
Murni sighs wearily, looks Mina in the eyes as he puts a hand on her shoulder, and says gently, "your father is dead, and there's no sign of your brothers. The house is gone, burned to the ground. The barn is standing, but all the livestock has been taken. Our first priority is getting you to a safe place and find a healer for that wound. I'm going to make a litter for you."
Murni stands and starts searching for two fairly straight pieces of wood roughly four to five feet in length. Once he's found two suitable sticks, he gets his bedroll out and fashions a make-shift litter to carry Mina and his gear. Finally, after he's satisfied with the litter, Murni gently places Mina in the litter and gets ready to move. He loads his backpack at Mina's feet on the litter, and puts his hookhammer along side of her. He hands her the unloaded crossbow so she doesn't accidentally shoot herself, or him while traveling. Finished with all his preparations, Murni picks up the litter and starts trudging his way south to the other homesteads that Mina told him about.
It doesn't take long to make a simple travois and secure her. Although she is still conscious she is mostly silent during the ordeal, and before long you are on your way.
Thankfully, there is a track heading south from the farm, which makes the going easier. Your journey takes a half-day and, by the time you begin to see signs of civilization it is growing dark. A well-made fence parallels the track for a distance before opening into a farmyard. You see small children running near a chicken coop, chasing hens, and a female gnome is on the front porch scooping butter from a churn. She stops when she sees you turn into the yard and calls out over her shoulder.
"Farel, we have a visitor!"
You barely make it five steps before a rather tall and muscular male steps onto the porch. He has a short-bow casually not-quite-ready for use in his right hand, and a pipe in the other. The children seemling vanish, and the woman continues to clean out the churn.
"Ho, traveler!" he calls out to you. "A fair evening is upon us. What say you let me help you with your burden - it looks like you couldn't take another step with it!"
A well made threat, but a threat nontheless...
Murni stops and through heavy breathing says loudly, "I am Murni Nacklewick, and this is Mina Longfurrow. She's wounded in a bad way and needs to be seen by a healer. She says she knows the people that live here, and I thought it best to bring her to people known to her. Her father is dead and her brothers missing. Goblins raided the Longfurrow farm and burned down the house and took all the livestock."
There is just a moment of hesitation, then Farel (you assume) comes down the steps at a heavy jog and helps you lower the trevois. "Best leave her here for a moment, son. Saffy, my wife, will be along with..."
He is interrupted by his wife who has appeared by his side, bearing a small jar.
"Hush, you old fool... oh, Mina!" she gasps "Poor child, what have they done!"
She begins working at removing the dressing from the wound.
"Farel, water, now." Stern, but not frantic. Her husband puts a hand on your shoulder, then dashes off for the small well.
The bandages form a pile on the ground, and the wound begins to ooze fresh blood through the caked-on mess from earlier. Saffy opens the small jar and digs a dollop of clear paste out with one finger. She begins to work it into the wound, causing Mina to gasp as she does so. "Hush, child, this won't take long."
Farel returns with a bucket of water and one of the children appears with clean cloth - he must have told them to bring it while he was out of earshot. His wife wets the clean material and begins cleaning the area around the wound. Farrel hands you a ladle of water. "Here, son, you look a bit wore out."
He gently tugs your arm. "Let her do her work, you come have a seat on the porch and tell me everything."
Murni takes the ladle of water with a grateful nod and greedily drinks it down. He dips the ladle again, pours it on his head, and puts the ladle back into the bucket.
He wipes the back of hand across his forehead to wipe off any excess water near his eyes, and simple says to Farel as he follows him to the porch, "aye."
Murni sits down in one of the chairs on the porch and takes off his breastplate and sets it down next to his chair. He stands up and lets his shirt air in the cool evening air for a few moments, and then sits down. He takes off his boots and sets them down on the other side of the chair.
He leans forward and says in a somber tone, "as I said, I am Murni Nacklewick from Waynottin to the southeast. I came upon Mina hiding in the bushes and wounded. I stopped the bleeding for a bit and followed the smoke to the burned down farm house, and her father's body. The barn is standing, but it was used by goblins. All the farm's livestock is missing, as well as her brothers Winim and Radid. I am sorry, but Mina never told me her father's name. In the barn I found this torn piece of cloth. It looks like a patch or insignia of some kind."
Murni stops talking and reaches into his belt pouch and fishes out the piece of cloth he took.
He reaches over and hands to Farel and says, "now, I'm no tracker by any means, but luckily the soil was moist and there was a lot of mud. I found several booted and bare feet tracks of gnome or goblin sized persons. However, there was one set of larger foot prints the size of a man or so."
Murni watches Farel's reaction to seeing the piece of cloth as he continues speaking, and questions Farel, "please, Master Farel, do you know her father's name? May I please rest here till dawn?"
He leans back into his chair and says, "do you recognize that symbol on the cloth?"
Farel listens to your story, puffing on his pipe (he offers you tobacco if you are of a mind to join him). He takes the patch and looks at it closely.
"Hm. Well, that looks more than a little like the symbol of the Black Claws... a mixed clan of goblins and hobgoblins that gave us trouble a few years back, came in from the mountains and would raid farms from time to time. Haven't seen or even heard of them for probably 15 years. Once we killed off their Chief, Gobsmack, they weren't much for fighting anymore. They weren't really much for patches, though - they barely wore loincloths or chain shirts, much less had a need for emblems."
He hands the cloth back to you and resumes puffing.
"Mina's pa was a good man, name of Weel. Wife died a few years back, and his boys stayed on to help keep the farm up, well past marring age to hear some tell it (he casts a glace at his wife, still working on Murni in the yard). Good family, good boys. Murni spent the last few years being the mother of the family. It'll be hard on her once she realises what's happened."
He scratches his beard and pauses, gazing to the north.
"Well, I reckon I'd best warn the settlements to the south. I'll send Brownhop once the sun is fully down, he'll be able to spread the word. You can stay here as long as you like, young man, and we'll have some supper before long. I'll be glad of your hammer should the Black Claws decide they need a few more slaves tonight..."
Murni takes the offered pipe and tobacco gratefully. He lights the tobacco while Farel starts talking, and puffs it up to a good and even burn. He takes back the patch and stuffs it back into his belt pouch. He sits and enjoys his smoking while listening to Farel.
Once Farel finishes, Murni takes a puff of smoke and says in a distant tone of voice, "the Black Claws, you say."
He shakes his head slightly, leans forward in his chair, and says in a more present tone, "Weel Longfurrow. Well, Farel, the Black Claw tribe has made a serious blunder in timing and location as their wicked ways touched me. I will kill many of this Black Claw tribe in the name of Weel Longfurrow. I will stand guard with you tonight, and at dawn's first glow I leave to return to the Longfurrow farm and pick up those tracks hopefully. Since their bodies were not found, there is hope that Winim and Radid are still alive."
Murni sighs heavily and leans back in his seat, takes another puff of smoke, and says in a resigned tone, "I'm glad to hear that you can warn your neighbors as soon as possible, as that takes one worry off my mind. Another is the body of Master Longfurrow. Do you think you can head over tomorrow and get his body for burial before scavengers take to it? I want to follow the trail of these murdering bastards as soon as I get there, and burying him will take some time by myself."
Farel nods and stands. "I'll head out with you in the morning and deal with Weel. You stay here while I get write a letter and get Brownhop on the way. Saffy will probably be done shortly and she might need your help getting Mina into the house."
He disappears into the house, leaving you with your thoughts as the light grows differ and fireflies begin to appear in the darker bushes at the edge of the yard. It isn't long before Saffy calls you over.
"She's sleeping hard now, so we can get her into the house. She'll be fine in two day's time, physically at least. Good thing you found her when you did, though."
You help carry her into the house, a two-room affair, quite comfortable and clearly well lived-in. A fire is going in the hearth, and a cookpot is steaming away, ready for emptying. you place Mina on the lower bed of a bunk, apparently one of the children's bed.
"There, now, she'll keep fine there. I'll tend to her through the night, but for now we need to get food in you and the rest. Go out back and get Farel, I'll get supper on the table."
Out back, you find Farel finishing attaching a scroll tube to a large brown rabbit (as in quite big - not big enough to ride, but probably a good 25-30 pounds). It twitches its whiskers as you approach, and Farel scuffs its forehead.
"Ok, Brownhop, you know the way. Safe journey."
The rabbit sprints off into the darkness. Farel nods.
"That'll take care of that, then. Let's get some grub, eh?"
A genuine smile appears on Murni's face when he sees Brownhop. He's always loved animals, and Brownhop reminded him of childhood animal companions.
Watching the large rabbit take off into the growing dark, Murni says somewhat absently, "aye, Mistress Saffy says it's time to supper. I'd surely appreciate a good home cooked meal about now. I've had naught but a simple traveler's breakfast this morning, and a nibble of hard tack here and there while coming here."
Murni walks quietly back to the house with Farel for supper.
Supper is a somewhat muted affair, but you can tell that usually it is probably a noisy and chaotic affair. Good food, farm food - nothing fancy, but you won't be hungry again until lunchtime most likely.
After dinner, over pipes, Farel advises; "I'll take the first watch, since I imagine you need some sleep. I'll wake you around moon-set (2 am or so)."
Sleep comes easily and quickly, and although you have some bad dreams - almost flashbacks to your own days of captivity - in them, you seem to have some control over your captors, and are able to defeat them in a satisfying way.
About the time you find yourself in a deep sleep, Farel is gently waking you.
"Up, now, time to stand watch. There's some hot tea on the fire if you want a cup or three - it helps."
(make a Perception roll for me please)
Murni gets up and thanks Farel for the tea. He gets dressed and puts on his breastplate. He makes sure that his crossbow is in working order and loads it. He sets it down next to him while he drinks a cup of tea.
===============================================
OOC: Murni's Perception check = 7 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2470448/).
((FYI - I will be out of town today through Sunday (back around mid-day on Monday) but I'll try to get updates during that time as best I can - need to keep momentum up!))
You pass the night without incident, taking an occasional walk around the property to stay awake and alert. Before long, the eastern skies begin to lighten, and you hear movement in the house.
Farel comes out in a bit, still stretching and puffing on his ubiquitous pipe. He is already dressed in well-worn leather armor, with his bow slung on his back. He shuffles off to his tool shed, calling over his shoulder:
"Mornin', Murni. Breakfast on the road if that's ok - wife's got some fruit and cheese, plus some hard bread from last night, and she's putting together a pack of goodies for your trip."
He rummages for a minute, coming up with a pair of shovels, handing you one.
"Alright, then, go grab the grub and we'll head out."
Murni smiles and says in a casual tone as he takes the shovel, "no, that suits me just fine. I'm itchin' to get a move on myself."
He goes into the house and gathers his belongings. He takes a last glance over at Mina, and then goes and accepts the trail package from her gratefully.
"Thank you much, Mistress Saffy," he says as turns to leave the house, and then continues is a somber tone, "I hope that I see you again."
Once out on the porch, he ties the shovel onto his backpack. He adjusts his equipment and backpack, and then goes and meets with Farel.
The return journey is considerably shorter, and you arrive back at the Longfurrow farm well before noon. Farel finds a spot near the remains of the house and begins digging a grave for Weel.
"Damn shame - good man, good family. His sons... they'll be having a time of it I'm afraid. What are your plans, lad?"
Murni settled into digging a grave, and removed his shirt which revealed many scars crisscrossing his torso and shoulders. He starts digging methodically to conserve his energy.
At least I have a shovel to dig this grave today, Murni thinks to himself as memories of burying others flood to the forefront of his mind.
Murni looks up at Farel while digging and says, "aye, hopefully they're still alive. My plan is to find the trail, follow it, and find Weel's sons. I'll take stock again if I've made it that far."
Farel nods as he continues to dig.
"It's quite a thing, for a stranger from the East to take up a cause that should rightfully be borne by their family and friends. You look to have lived a hard life, and I won't pry more than would be expected, but I want you to know that you don't have to do this. Once Brownhop gets done with his rounds, I'll be meeting with the other family heads to plan for defense of the farms and to organize an expedition."
He pauses and wipes his brow with a rag from his pocket, then leans on his shovel.
"That said, having eyes on the ground and a knowledge of the lay of the land would help make the expedition more - effective. I can't stop you from doing what you feel needs to be done, but I can ask that you not take any actions that might further endanger the boys. If you can get them out... well, that's all and good, and it would be appreciated. Just know we're only going to be a day or so behind you."
With that, he resumes digging.
Murni jams the head of his shovel into the ground, takes out his handkerchief, and wipes his head and face.
"You're a good man, Farel," he says as he looks up, squinting in the brightness of the midmorning sun, "I was a slave for many years, and was treated cruelly. That's how I got these scars."
He sighs and continues, "I can't change what's been done, but what's right is right. I'd like to think that I'm no fool, Farel. I'll try to find them, and do what I can by those boys. If I can do anything at all, depending on how many Black Claws' there are in their group."
He shifts so that the sun is out his eyes, looks Feral in the eyes, and says confidently, "no, if I can't do anything by myself, then I'll drop back and hook up with you and the others. Although, you shouldn't leave your farms unguarded. This could be a prelude to an ambush of all the farmsteads in the area."
After another hour of work, the hole is filled and prayers are said. Farel rests on a nearby stump and puffs on his pipe.
"Ok, I guess this is where we part ways for now. Before you go, take this..."
He fishes a small jar of clear paste, like Saffy used, from his pack and hands it to you. (Heals 1d6 (+1d6/24Hrs)), 5 applications)
"I'll take a bit to look around here, see if maybe there are any more clues, then I'm back to the farm before dark. If all goes well, by this time two days from now we'll be coming along behind you. Maybe with a bit of luck, we'll meet you on the way back with the boys."
He clasps your forearm nods tersely.
"Give 'em hell, son."
"Thank you," Murni says genuinely to Feral as he clasps the gnome's arm, "and thank Mistress Saffy for me. I hope to see you both again soon enough."
He puts his shirt and breastplate back on, and checks the straps to make sure that his breastplate is fitted well enough. He puts on his backpack and adjusts the straps correctly. Once he's satisfied with his preparations, he gives one final nod to Feral and starts traveling in the direction of the muddy foot prints are pointed.
Fortunately, the ground is still damp enough to retain footprints for a good way up the trail, and with your mind focused on your task at hand you find that the journey is swift. Before you know it, it is almost dark...
You can probably continue tracking, although without a light source it will be pretty difficult. Or you can camp for the night and continue in the morning. (I'd show you on the map where you are but I don't have it handy - figure you're about 1/2 way into the hex just north of the farm.)
Seeing that his ability to continue is only going to get worse, Murni starts looking for a suitable spot to camp for the night. Once he finds a good spot, he sets out his bedroll and his loaded crossbow right next to it. He settles down to rest for as long as he can. He will try to get up before dawn's first light and be prepared to move as soon as he polices his camp area. He finds a branch with leaves and uses it to stir up his tracks and sleeping spot in the ground.
You settle in for the night, grabbing a bite to eat before dozing off for a bit...
(Perception roll please)
OOC: Murni's Perception check = 8 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2480059/).
You doze off, weary from a couple of days of hard work and travel, and with fresh-baked (well, day old) bread in your tummy. You dream fitfully of dark underground places and dancing lights...
Muttering voices, high-pitched and familiar - there are goblins in the dark. Nasty, grasping little creatures, always fighting each other for scraps of this and bits of that, trying to secure favor with their masters. The squabbling grows louder, and you realise - slowly - that this might not be a dream...
Suddenly, you snap awake - the chittering, gibbering voices stop, but there is no mistaking that smell. They are there, staring at you... five of them.
(http://worldofalidor.com/4th-ed/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/pathfinder-goblin.jpg)
They are armed with short, chopping weapons, much like meat cleavers, and they seem to have been trying, unsuccessfully, to rummage through your gear without waking you. Their beady red eyes are easy to make out in the darkness.
One of them snorts - "Get 'im, boyos!"
(Initiative roll please)
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee219/Speaker1066/PbP%20Maps/SiteoftheGoblinSkirmish.jpg)
Didn't see an OOC thread for your game, but if you have room I wouldn't mind joining up. Sorry if I'm intruding, let me know if ya have an OOC thread I'm just not seeing.
Nope, we just kinda jumped right in, convention be damned. You're welcome to join. I think I gave the guidelines up-thread. this might be a good time for you to put in an appearance, actually, maybe drawn by the sounds of battle or whatnot.
Quote from: Werekoala;373622Nope, we just kinda jumped right in, convention be damned. You're welcome to join. I think I gave the guidelines up-thread. this might be a good time for you to put in an appearance, actually, maybe drawn by the sounds of battle or whatnot.
Ok, I will look things over and try to have a character by tomorrow afternoon. Is it Pathfinder? I only have the Alpha, how different are the official rules?
It is mostly 3.5 withsome tweaks. Since Drohem has more experience making a character (1 to my none) I'd defer to him as to the actual differences. :)
Quick vote - should we split this off to an "IC" thread to keep it from cluttering up for now?
Quote from: Werekoala;373630It is mostly 3.5 withsome tweaks. Since Drohem has more experience making a character (1 to my none) I'd defer to him as to the actual differences. :)
Quick vote - should we split this off to an "IC" thread to keep it from cluttering up for now?
Up to you WK, I'm good either way. I actually have the PF Beta, so I'll make a character with that and ya'all can point out anything I might have done wrong there.
I just went ahead and bought the official pdf. Commencing making the character now.
Ok, let's split if off for clarity. Look for "Let's Get This Party Started - IC" to continue from the goblin encounter.
Quote from: Sigmund;373634Up to you WK, I'm good either way. I actually have the PF Beta, so I'll make a character with that and ya'all can point out anything I might have done wrong there.
Glad to have ya aboard, Siggy. :D
I have both
Pathfinder Beta and
Pathfinder. Once you're done with your character, I'll check to see if there's anything that needs tweaking due to differences in the Beta and final version.
Cool, I'm thinking a dwarf druid or magic user, but I'm leaning towards druid.
I'm at work now, will be done and home around 1ish pm and will creat the character then.
Had to go out for a bit, it's taking longer than I hoped due to having to type everything out for the character sheet, but I'm working on it and he's mostly done numbers-wise. He's a dwarf druid named Grimrock.
Grimrock was born, as any dwarf, underground. He spent his youth in his father's forge, as many young dwarves do, but felt drawn to the raw ore rather than the worked goods his father tried to teach him to make. He travelled with his father to a human town as his father had been hired to work the forge there after the death of the town's previous smith, at least until a human (and less expensive) replacement could be found. While playing near the forge, Grimrock fell, knocking loose an iron bar and some coals from the hot fire and was badly burned along his face and neck. the healer was summoned, but could do little to help the lad once infection set in. Through wandering the nearby forest for herbs the healer had made the acquaintance of a hermit who he felt could help Grimrock. Willing to try anything, Grimrock's father bundled him up and carried him into the forest, with the healer leading the way. The hermit turned out to be a druid, who healed the dwarven boy, and kept him for several days to be sure the infection was gone. To Grimrock, it was as if he were seeing the world for the first time, and when his father arrived to take him home, he announced he was staying with the hermit to learn his ways. Although sad to part with his son, and not understanding the boy's choice, Grimrock's father was relieved his son was well, and glad that he had found a place in the world. He has burn scars on the left side of his face from the accident, but truly appreciates the burns as the path by which he had found his true calling. Upon embarking on his training as a druid, Grimrock gave up his dwarven name and gave himself the name Grimrock, which he feels better fits who he is. He's thoughtful, and a bit distracted. He talks to trees and animals occasionally. His hair and beard are long and black, and he's often a bit dirty and unkempt. He likes rocks, although not always for their value to others, but for their own beauty and unique qualities. He can be friendly to others, but is rarely jovial or frivolous. Grimrock reveres Nature, seeing the world as inter-connected and seeing magic even in the mundane. Earth and Stone are, of course, his favourite elements of Nature, but he truly reveres anything which lives and grows in, on, or even above the Earth. He enjoys sharing his views, but his eccentric and gruff nature and scarred face inhibit his social skills and so he has spent most of his time wandering the Land and exploring. He considers any beings as enemies that lack respect for the Land.
Character Name: Grimrock
Character Class/Level: Druid 5 (favored class)
Player Name: Sigmund
Campaign: The World of Sinesens.
Alignment: Neutral Good
Race/Gender: Dwarf Male.
Physical Description:
Age: 55
Languages: Common, Dwarven, Druidic and Sylvan.
Experience Points [10,000]
=== Ability Scores ===
STR 14 [+2]
DEX 16 [+3]
CON 14 [+2]
INT 12 [+1]
WIS 19 [+4]
CHA 7 [-2]
=== Hit Points ===
Total Hit Points [46]: (hit dice +31; Con +10; favored class +5)
=== Saves ===
Fortitude save [+6]: (Con +2; druid +4)
Reflex save [+4]: (Dex +3; druid +1)
Will save [+8]: (Wis +4; druid +4)
=== Speed ===
Speed [20 feet]: Regardless of encumbrance (dwarf)
=== Defenses ===
Armor Class [17]: (base +10; Dex +3; shield +2; armor +2)
Touch AC [13]: (base +10; Dex +3)
Flat-footed AC [14]: (base +10; armor +2; shield +2)
Combat Maneuver Defense [18]: (base +10; bab +3; Str +2; Dex +3)
Flat-footed CMD [15]: (base +10; bab +3; Str +2)
=== Combat Statistics ===
Initiative check [+3]: (Dex +3)
Base attack bonus [+3]: (druid +3)
Combat Maneuver Bonus [+5]: (bab +3; Str +2)
Melee attack bonus [+5]: (bab +3; Str +2)
Ranged attack bonus [+6]: (bab +3; Dex +3)
Club +2 [+7; 1d6+4/1d4+4]
Sling [+6; 1d4/1d3]
=== Encumbrance ===
Carrying Capacity: Light load 0-58 lbs; medium load 59-116 lbs; heavy load 117-175 lbs; lift over head 175 lbs; lift off ground 350 lbs; push or drag 875 lbs.
Encumbrance Level: Medium (66.5 lbs)
=== Feats ===
Weapon and armor feats: club, dagger, dart, quarterstaff, scimitar, scythe, sickle, shortspear, sling, spear, all natural attacks of any form assumed with Wild Shape; any light and medium non-metal armor (padded, leather, or hide), wooden armor altered with the Ironwood spell, any wooden shield (except tower shields)
Level bonus feats (3):
- Combat Casting; +4 bonus on concentration checks made to cast a spell when casting on the defensive or while grappling
- Eschew Materials; Cast any spell with a material component of 1gp or less without the component
- Natural Spell; May cast spells even while in a form that cannot normally cast spells
=== Skills ===
Skill Points [25] (druid 4+Int mod/level=25)
Skill ranks maximum = 5
Climb* +3 [rank=1, str +2]
Fly* +5 [rank=2, dex +3]
Heal +5 [rank=1, wis +4]
Knowledge (nature) +6 [rank=5, int +1]
Knowledge (geography) +2 [rank=1, int +1]
Perception +8 [rank=4, wis +4]
Ride* +4 [rank=1, dex +3]
Spellcraft +4 [rank=3, int +1]
Survival +9 [rank=5, wis +4]
Swim* +4 [rank=2, str +2]
* Armor and encumbrance check penalties may apply to skill checks.
=== Money ===
Starting Gold = 250 (191.3 spent)
Platinum- 3
Gold- 20
Silver- 7
Copper-
=== Magic Items ===
+2 weapon (club)
=== Weapons and Armor [43 lbs] ===
Club +2 [1d6/1d4; crit x2; 3 lbs; bludgeoning]
Sling [1d4/1d3; crit x2; range 50ft; bludgeoning]
Leather [AC +2; max Dex +6; armor check 0; 15 lbs; 10 gp]
Heavy Wooden Shield [AC +2; armor check -2; 10 lbs; 2 gp]
Sling Bullets, 30 [10 each parcel; 5 lbs. each (15 lbs.); 1sp each (3sp total)]
=== Equipment [23.5 lbs] ===
*Backpack [0.50 lb; 2 gp]
Bedroll [1.25 lbs; 1 sp]
Blanket, winter [0.75 lb; 5 sp]
Explorer's outfit [8 lbs; --]
Flint and steel [--; 1 gp]
Holly and Mistletoe
Ink (1oz vial) [--; 8gp]
Inkpen [--; 1sp]
Map Case [.5 lbs.; 1gp]
Paper (10 sheets) [--; 4gp]
*Pouch, belt [0.125 lb; 1 gp]
Rations, trail x5 [1.25 lbs; 25 sp]
Rope, silk (50 ft) [5 lbs; 10 gp]
Sack (empty) [0.125 lb; 1 sp]
Sewing needle [--; 5 sp]
Signal whistle [--; 8 sp]
Thunderstones (5) [5lbs., 150gp]
Waterskin [1 lb; 1 gp]
* = worn on person/in combat.
=== Dwarf Racial Traits ===
-- Constitution +2, Wisdom +2 Charisma -2.
-- Medium: Dwarves are Medium creatures
-- Slow and Steady: Dwarves have a base speed of 20 feet, but their speed is never modified by armor or encumbrance.
-- Darkvision: Dwarves can see in the dark up to 60ft.
-- Defensive Training: Dwarves get a +4 dodge bonus to AC against monsters of the giant subtype.
-- Greed: Dwarves receive a +2 racial bonus on Appraise skill checks made to determine the price of nonmagical goods that contain metals and/or gemstones
-- Hatred: Dwarves receive a +1 bonus on attack rolls against humanoid creatures of the orc and goblinoid subtypes due to special training against these hated foes.
-- Hardy: Dwarves receive a +2 racial bonus to saving throws vs. poison, spells, and spell-like abilities
-- Stability: Dwarves receive a +4 racial bonus to their Combat Maneuvar Defense when resisting a bull rush or trip attempt while standing on the ground
-- Stonecunning: Dwarves receive a +2 bonus on Perception checks to potentially notice unusual stonework, such as traps and hidden doors located in stone walls or floors. Receive a check to notice such features while passing nearby, whether actively looking or not.
-- Weapon Familiarity: Dwarves are proficient with battleaxes, heavy picks, and warhammers, and treat any weapon with the word "dwarven" in it's name as a martial weapon.
-- Languages: Dwarves begin play speaking Common and Dwarven. Dwarves with a high intelligence can choose from Giant, Gnome, Goblin, Orc, Terran, and Undercommon.
=== Druid Class Features ===
-- Nature Bond - Earth Domain (5)
* Acid Dart; standard action; target any foe within 30ft with ranged touch; 1d6+2 damage; 7/day
* 1 extra domain spell/lvl; 1st = magic stone, 2nd = soften earth and stone, 3rd = stone shape, 4th = Spike Stones
-- Nature Sense - +2 bonus to Knowledge (Nature) and Survival
-- Wild Empathy - Diplomacy with animals; 1d20+3 (druid level 5 + cha mod -2)
-- Woodland Stride - Move through any sort of non-magical undergrowth at normal speed and without damage or other impairment
-- Trackless Step - Leaves no trail in natural surroundings and cannot be tracked; can choose to leave trail if desired
-- Resist Natures Lure - +4 bonus on saving throws vs. supernatural abilities of fey and vs. spells and effects that utilize or target plants
-- Wild Shape - ability to turn self into small or medium animal (all creatures using the animal type) and back 1/day; 1 hour/druid lvl (5 hours); cannot speak in animal form except with other animals of the same general grouping as new form
Spells [4/3/2/1, wis bonus - 1/1/1/1]:
Orisons [4] - Detect Magic, Flare, Light, Stabilize
1st [4] - Cure Light Wounds, Entangle, Obscuring Mist, Produce Flame
2nd [3] - Barkskin, Bulls Strength, Flame Blade
3rd [2] - Call Lightening, Cure Moderate Wounds
I checked out the Druid class from both sources and they look identical, so you're good.
I brought this here so as not to clutter up the IC thread...Quote from: Werekoala;374064Also, you are not "pinned" per se, even though you (and the goblins) are now prone (them from essentially jumping on top of you), that was more of a descriptive than technical term. :)
Cool, gotcha. :)
Just so as we're not waiting for other to post first, I was waiting for you to update. :)
So how does Grimrock look WK? Do I need a more comprehensive background? I've thought about some details, but really the meat of it's already in the post with his numbers. Nothing spectacular about him really, just a tree-hugging hippy dwarf with a temper :D
P.S. Looked over the setting info, but anything else I need to include culturally, or fix even?
Also expanded the BG a bit. It's a bit cliche, but as long as ya'all are ok with it I don't mind being a bit cliche :D
He looks just fine, Sig. There are plenty of small dwarven families all along and deep into the nearby mountain ranges. You know of one large dwarven stronghold (Stonesmite) set solidly into the face of the range where is begins to bend to the north, but you've never been there personally.
K, just let me know when ya want me to jump in.
Did the giant goblin hit Murni with his +4 AC bonus applied?
He had a 22 total (18 +4) vs. your 21, or did I miss another add for you? I was going off the character sheet on page 3 of the thread.
Quote from: Werekoala;375423He had a 22 total (18 +4) vs. your 21, or did I miss another add for you? I was going off the character sheet on page 3 of the thread.
No, just asking. :)
Oops, sorry about that WK. I didn't realize that I double posted that question. :o
This is a life-and-death situation for Murni, and I just want to make sure that Murni gets everything coming to him- good or bad. :) I wasn't trying to be a dick.
I didn't think you were, worry-wart. :)
Murni is going to chase that goblin down, thinking he can out endure the goblin in a long distance foot race.
However, if this goblin is destined to get away no matter what, then just say so and we'll go from there. :)
Hehehe.... or, Murni's angel on his shoulder could just do it for him. :D
Just an FYI...
My wife is due to give birth any day, so if I suddenly disappear for a few days that's the reason. Our son is due May 12th, so it could be any time now. :D
'grats! Just waiting for Sim to fly away with his message...
Grats.
I didn't realize ya'all were waiting on me. Is it morning yet? Grim can't change shape again until morning, it's only 1/day. Plus I have to do get spells back too.
It'll be a few hours until morning, but we can hit the FF until then unless your guys have something to do before then.
Yeah, I cool with FF to morning. The only Murni wants to do now is get some sleep. :)
Ok, good with that too.
Quote from: Drohem;378150Just an FYI...
My wife is due to give birth any day, so if I suddenly disappear for a few days that's the reason. Our son is due May 12th, so it could be any time now. :D
OK, we're at Stork Attack threat level Red today! FYI. My wife is giving out the signs.
Congrats and good luck!
Have fun with it Dro, everything will be fine :) Being a Dad rocks.
Thanks! :)
We saw our regular doctor yesterday, and my wife was sure the doctor was going to send us straight to the hospital. However, it wasn't to be. She wasn't dilated far enough yet. The doctor scraped the membrane to help things along and said in a couple days it should happen.
Hehehe...our son just popped a surprise drill on us yesterday. I guess he was just testing our readiness,... or, just screwing with us! LOL
My son was born on 05/14/2010 at 12:26 p.m. MST. Both my wife and son are doing fine. We just got back home from the hospital. My son passed all his tests with flying colors. We're getting settled back in at home and resting. :D
Quote from: Drohem;381139My son was born on 05/14/2010 at 12:26 p.m. MST. Both my wife and son are doing fine. We just got back home from the hospital. My son passed all his tests with flying colors. We're getting settled back in at home and resting. :D
CONGRATSTo you, your wife, and your son. Best wishes for all of you.
Now the real work begins... :D
Hehehehe... yup. Thanks, bro. :D
Well alrighty, congratulations!
Congrats Dro! That rocks!
Quote from: Drohem;381139My son was born on 05/14/2010 at 12:26 p.m. MST. Both my wife and son are doing fine. We just got back home from the hospital. My son passed all his tests with flying colors. We're getting settled back in at home and resting. :D
Was he born with dice in hand? Congratulations
Hehehe... that would be cool. Thanks! :)
Just would like to interrupt here to say...
Happy Birthday, Drohem! Have a good one, bro! :D
Aw shucks, thanks man! :)
Yes indeed, happy birthday.
Awesome, you and your little one have birthdays close to one another. Same with my son and I, ouors are 8 days apart, love it. Happy birthday!
Werekoala, are you waiting on us for something? :)
Been busy these last few days, we'll move along shortly - sorry for the delay.
No problem. :)
Just wanted to make sure it wasn't a deal where both parties are waiting for the other party to post first.
So, are you finished with this game Werekoala?
No, sorry, I'm trying to juggle too much here lately and that's not fair to you guys, I'll get back on the ball.
Just wanted to say that I like reading your adventure guys.
One of the best elements for me is suspense: is Mok going to betray our heroes or if is he genuinely on their side :)
I'd say the real suspense is wondering if I'm going to post another installment. :) I'll pick up the pace though, I think I'm finally about back on track in the "Real World"(tm).
Hehehe... right on. :)
*Bump* :D
Come on, Werekoala, let's get this rolling again. :)
I'll see what I can do after Thanksgiving. I know it doesn't take much effort, but I don't have ANY at the moment... :P
Sounds good. :)