War of the Wyrms: Accepting Players

[Dramatic Flare]

@ Higs: ...please don't tell me you just confused philia with phallus. After rereading your sentence its the only thing that I can think of that you might have meant (as a bad pun, no less), and even a google search to see if I was indeed wrong isn't giving me anything other than the Greek rooted suffix.

@ Combined: You mean the one we haven't started yet?
Without the snark, you have a point. I shall start the role play by tonight. I'm only delaying because I've been on a creative roll of sorts, and some of our players might wind up being affected by the home brew material.
Still, I should stop delaying, as this is what killed the last role play. By tonight, I assure you.
Tonight being in about twelve hours or so, when I get back up from sleeping.

 

[Combined]

Snip, upon command.

My brain hurts when you make sense.

Snipette

I like snark. Do you like it? Snark is nice.

 

[Higurashi]

@ Higs: ...please don't tell me you just confused philia with phallus. After rereading your sentence its the only thing that I can think of that you might have meant (as a bad pun, no less), and even a google search to see if I was indeed wrong isn't giving me anything other than the Greek rooted suffix.

Hahahano. It's the Greek word, and it's almost as broad as "paganism". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philia
I always know what I'm talking about, because I don't talk about what I don't know of. So while your intention is good-natured, my mastery of the English language goes beyond what many native speakers possess. You would do us both a favour in suspending your tendency to look for reasons to think I have confused factors, because it's pretty condescending.

 

[tetron]

Otherwise it'd be like playing with strangers. All unfamiliar and awkward. You don't want that, do you? Mm?

It may just be the conversation that's going on but the second I read this I thought RP gloryhole.

 

[Dramatic Flare]

I can't seem to get the sections on Rules and World Time line to appear in the first post. Can anyone back me up on them not being visible?

@Higs: Fair enough, I'll try and mentally check myself. Condescension was not the intended spirit I wished to convey.

 

[Dramatic Flare]

Spoiler: Skill tutorial

Basic uses for the skills available to the player:

Acrobatics: Used for stunts and balancing on narrow objects. Can be used to escape from grabs and restraints.

Arcana: Used in magic rituals and the detection of magic. Used to gleam knowledge about some monsters.

Athletics: Used for jumping great distances, climbing, swimming, and escaping from grabs.

Bluff: Your ability to flat out lie and not get caught. Can be used to "feint" and gain combat advantage for a round.

Diplomacy: Used to determine your ability at getting people to like you, cool down violent situations, and earn information from particularly stubborn targets.

Dungeoneering: Used to recognize creatures from underground and such, as well as foraging in these situations.

Endurance: A character's ability to withstand elements, how long they can swim, and how they react against diseases.

Heal: Allowing the player to give first aid of stabilize the dying. Can even allow other players to use a saving throw as a free action

History: Grants information about past events, ancient structures and famous places. Can be used to recall bits of lore, and occasionally even specific knowledge about any of the above.

Insight: Allows a player to sense motives, outside influences upon a character they are familiar with, or to detect illusions.

Intimidate: Used to determine your ability to scare people. Can be done both in and out of combat, however will not work against targets that are not bloodied if in combat.

Nature: Allows a player to forage in natural situations, or to engage in a skill challenge to tame an animal. Allows players to glean knowledge about natural creatures. Allows players to perform natural rituals.

Perception: Determines how much a character can know, at a glance, about the situation at hand. Rolling high enough will allow someone to spot creatures attempting to hide. Can also allow players to hear whispers, occasionally.

Religion: Used for religious rituals, and is the direct way to glean knowledge about gods, demons, and the monsters related to them.

Stealth: The character's ability to hide. Against distracted targets, is simply against their passive perception. However will be an opposed roll against monsters specifically attempting to find the hidden player.

Streetwise: Used specifically in cities and settled areas. Determines a character's fact finding abilities and general knowledge about where the news on the street can be found. May determine ability to escape in towns.

Thievery: Straight stealing. Can be performed, after a successful grab, to attempt to steal objects off of an opponent. Also usually used to disarm traps and triggers, opening locks, and pick pocketing.

Spoiler: posting rules

- Posts will need to be written in third person. This is entirely for my own ease of use when the combat starts, as I can totally see waking up on a friday, after working 10 hours, and seeing everyone posted. If everyone uses "i" I would have to double check a bunch of times. If, say, Higurashi uses "Marisa does something fancy" I know exactly what to do on my end, right away.

- To make things easier when the combat starts, include a spoiler box at the end of your post with your roll plus your modifiers. It will look cleaner for a role play and prevent me from having to go back and find your die roll when things get busy. Also on this subject is roleplaying your die roll, but that is something I'll write about later.

Spoiler: World Timeline

In the glory days, the old days, the empire of Paxia ran across the known world. They conquered lands, men, and kings. For four thousand years no one challenged their rule. Like most empires, Paxia fell not to an external threat, but to it's own corruption.
Lords and Nobles broke free from the trappings of Paxia. At once, a thousand miniature rebellions swept across the whole of the empire and left much of it in ruins. Nobles fought not only against Paxia, but against themselves, and lawless mercenary units that found plentiful ways to make their claims to fame by stealing a keep from a noble and ruling tyrannically.
But some did not fight each other. Near the Eastern edge of the Empire, in a region called Eratonia, the nobles banded together with themselves and their men to hold what they had. As much of the rest of world descended into chaos, Eratonia remained safe, and managed its internally affairs with surprising disregard for the proper ways many lesser nobility thought themselves privy to.
For the next hundred years, Eratonia absorbed nearby cities and regions as its own power grew, and no one else's power grew to stop it. What was the left of the Capital of Paxia became the Church, who established itself throughout much of the region by use of accepting all religions. Every religious school and every town congregational was owned by the Church, until when at last Eratonia and the Church met their borders together, Eratonia had no choice but to agree to peace- or face national rebellion.
The other border of Eratonia was against the small nation of Arkel. Arkel, the only nation to stop the spread of Paxia. It was not due to comparable size, but due to geography. Arkel was protected by a solid mountain range, and to solidify this the dragonborn of Arkel made deals with Dragons- the Dragons would lead them as an Oligarchy that held sway over most dealings in the nation, but the original king had to retain at least part of his power. Seven Dragons agreed, and formed the seven houses of Arkel. The four most warlike took mountain keeps that ran the border between Arkel and Paxia, and these lords have defended the realm with themselves and their Dragonborn for more than a thousand years.
It has left a bitter taste in their mouths.
Eratonia has not aided that situation. The border skirmishes between Arkel and Eratonia were as frequent and bloody as those of Arkel and Paxia. Eratonians have gained a rather negative view of Dragonborn in general. Not everyone is a rascist, but one can not help but feel the hard eyes that fall upon any Dragonborn passing through most streets.
Lastly, there is the Collective. No one knows much about them, except that if you have something that needs finding or doing and have the money to pay, the Collective can find it or do it. They are individually tough, and it groups deadly.
Collective members always are odd appearing. their eyes are totally black, and intricate runes pattern their bodies, and frequently have odd masks.
They are usually found in the seedy portions of cities, or within Merchant houses with few scruples.
Our story starts on the northern border of Eratonia, near the barbaric lands of the once great Paxian Empire.

Example combat posts.

Salasar the Dragonborn roared at the trio of goblins in front of him even as they charged the group. he let his breath go, and let it be filled with acid. Shifting forward, he let his wicked scimitar come down on the goblin in front of him.

Spoiler: OOC

Minor action: Dragon breath.
@ goblin d2: (attack roll)
@ goblin c3: (attack roll)
@ goblin d4: (attack roll)
damage: (damage roll)

Move action: shift to e2.

Standard action: guiding strike
@ goblin d2: (attack roll)
damage: (Damage roll)

Dio shifted back from the wolf harassing him- the wizard wasn't going to last much longer. Shifting into a run to cover the great distance, Dio used every last ounce of speed he had to reach the wolf pinning his friend to the ground though he could do nothing while waiting to catch his breath at this moment

Spoiler: OOC

Move action: Shift to h3.

Standard action: demote to another move action. Run to a12.

minor action: none.

 

[Dramatic Flare]

OFFICIAL GAME START:

It was a cold and rainy day to be adventuring. Whatever your reason, you have come to the city of Silha. It is the border city between Eratonia and the rugged, unruly north. You are aware there is some good paying mercenary work to be had.
There are shops, taverns, and likely as not a guild of some sort for almost every group of people. People of religious persuasion will be able to find aid and respite at the cathedral that dominates the center of the town. This is also the best fortified city on the northern border, home to the largest garrison in the area.
You all have banded together for your various reasons, be it to see the world, find a sibling, or simply garner some cash. You have traveled with your party long enough to be reasonably certain they won't kill you in your sleep, but short enough you don't that much about each other personally.

Go.

 

[tetron]

As soon as the party had arrived at Silha Rhogar had ran off by himself. This had become his routine at all the towns they went to; Find a nice bar, get the bartender to let him perform there, and build up his reputation so the townspeople would be friendlier.

Rhogar had chosen a bar that was known to be frequented most often by elves. This was because his robes were usually enough to get him in without any trouble, and a few elven songs were enough to keep his cup of ale full.

As Rhogar stepped up to the stage whispers came from the people in the tavern "What's that dragonborn doing?" "Is he going to sing?" "Can dragonborn sing ?", all eyes were on him as he cleared his throat and began to sing an elven song; the song was one of his favorites, it was one that praised Corellon and wished happiness and good fortune on his followers. Rhogar, after finishing his song, said a short prayer to Corellon before waiting to hear the tavern crowd's reaction.

 

[Higurashi]

After a long trudge through the cold rain, Marisa had definitely felt the need to lift her spirits and had followed Rhogar to the pub. During their so far short journey together she had actually been looking forward to seeing him perform in front of a crowd.

She enjoyed the teachings of Corellon a good deal, as she, herself, was also able to see beauty in most things, and as such respected followers of the god. Marisa also admired Rhogar for being able to conjure energy enough to not only put on such a show after their travelling, but also do it with good zest.

Listening to his song also soothed her mind, for she was troubled. While she hoped the patrons of the establishment would be able to see past their prejudice and enjoy Rhogar's performance, she had come here after her trail of her supposed brother had gone cold. Silha was a place that attracted a lot of rough people, mercenaries included. Nevertheless, she was obligated to visit the cathedral. Although it was possible to find a lead here, she was now more focused on finding some purpose to her existence here in this cold, rugged place. With a look at Rhogar that signalled she would rendezvous back at the pub later, she walked out into the rain once more.

The streets were a blurry mix of shady individuals and the mud that flowed down the road. As she took heavy steps down a path that should lead to the centre of the town, she could take note of several possibly illegal activities. Either they didn't have a police force here and the garrison wasn't concerned with the state of the place, or these people actually didn't indulge much in such activities, despite appearances. She decided to suspend her judgement of the situation until she knew more.

As the area before her opened up to reveal the cathedral of Silha, Marisa's spirits lifted. The glory of the faithful shone even through the obscuring deluge and past dreadfulness, she thought. With a smile, she swung open the doors and entered, met with splendid colours and humid air.

It was grand. A sight that lent much comfort to her mind, further enhanced by the contrast of her journey. She closed the door behind her, immediately changed her demeanour from rough to humble, if by nothing else than habit, and glided up to the pews further down the aisle. She knelt on the floor, bowed her head and closed her eyes, relishing the restful effect the atmosphere had on her body and soul, and began mumbling a lengthy prayer for Avandra to herself.

 

[Combined]

As everyone dispersed, Wulfstain stood for a brief moment, letting the heavy rain fall down on him. Raindrops disappeared in the dark crevices and jagged curves of his steel armour, which were covered by only the poorest of robes.

He took out his book, carefully wrapped in thick cloth and opened it to a certain page marked by text and a thousand little footnotes. He lifted it upwards and stood for a moment, in complete silence, as a few onlookers pointed at him and laughed, probably making a clever commentary about dwarves.

In this dark road, in the mud, he stood and prayed to his War God - a slow, sonorous prayer to bring justice upon the wicked, to give strength to the faithful and to bring about the miracle of a thousand battles to this earth. This attracted a sizable crowd, most of which wanted to make fun of the mad dwarf.

After he was done praying, he attempted to get through the crowd, which merely pushed him back, laughing as he stumbled about and fell over in the mud. He stood up again and carefully made his way through more pleasant elements of the crowd, until finally he was through and disappeared into the alleys.

These were filled with villains of all sorts. Wulfstain's appearance, however, was far more acceptable here, in the dark underbelly of the world. He looked with contempt at the people in the shadows. He was weary and easy prey for some of the faster denizens of the back-alleys. But, this time, he was lucky, managing to avoid confrontation.

He made his way to a nearby tavern and sat outside, underneath a small roof. He leaned against the outside wall of the tavern and closed his eyes, thinking and resting, preparing himself for the next fight.

 

[TheGhostOfSin]

<spoiler=OOC, just a note> I don't really know how to write Fantasy, so I shall be ripping off Pratchett at all times. If anyone doesn't like it or feels at it doesn't fit then I'll stop.

Lemnosk stood at the door of the tavern, while not necessarily as strong or brave as other doorguards*, he looked the part. Which was all you really needed, most people aren't going to cause trouble when someone that can breath fire tells them not too, especially when that someone towers over everyone and could fit your whole head in their hand.

Secretly he was terrified of every single person that came within arms reach of him, praying that there was no trouble so he could just get his gold and go somewhere else, he didn't like it in Silha, it rained far too much.

It was a few hours ago they had arrived, he had spotted a particularly loud and busy pub with no-one at the door, The ever money hungry Lemnosk spotted the opportunity, and went straight in.
Normally he had to make more effort for getting a job, what with most peoples hatred of his race and his general shabbiness, but this bartender was in desperate need, he couldn't handle this much chaos.
After being very loudly told about and shown the new Doorguard, everyone seemed to come up with the idea that being rowdy was overrated and all they wanted to do was have a quiet drink, go home and maybe not get killed and eaten if that wasn't too much to ask.

* Doorman is considered a stupid word, it implies Mankind guards doors. What Tavern owner in their right mind would hire a human to guard something in a world where Trolls, dwarves, Dragonborns and such are commonplace. Also, and much more importantly, most species work for cheaper than your average Human.
** Not praying to any gods mind, Lemnosk didn't really bother with the gods. It wasn't that he didn't believe in them he just went by the logic that if he were a god he would have better things to do than be prayed at and would be mighty annoyed if his important God work was interrupted by foolish praying.

 

[Dramatic Flare]

Spoiler: DM

Tetron, make a diplomacy check, and I'll tell you how much your audience enjoyed your music.

To Ghost: Your writing style is fine, but let me explain something. I'm the guy running all the NPCs. I tell you whether or not the bartender would be willing to hire you. I also tell you what requirements there would be for taking this job.
I'll let this one go. Let's just say the bar keep was having a bad day and two of his doorguards were inexplicably missing so he could use some sudden, extra back up, but this won't be a permanent job.
I say this not to discourage you, but simply so that in the future, you would frame such requests into questions or to simply find the barkeep in what looks like a rowdy bar, and ask him if he needs help so that I, as the barkeep, can respond.

Also, as a wizard of talent, you would be getting a much bigger pay check smashing up thieves than guarding a door. And when your party finds some work to do as a group in this town, you do want to be ready to go with them. Splitting the party is certainly possible, but it is discouraged and much more work on my end.
If that makes any sense.

 

[MasterSqueak]

Spoiler: OOC

Sorry, but I'm just not going to have time to keep up with this. I'm dropping out now so that the RP can go on unhindered.

 

[tetron]

Spoiler: roll + OOC

15+4 Yeah I got done typing and looked over my skills to find out that I didn't have a perform skill or anything that I thought would really affect it. If I had known my diplomacy was gonna affect performances I would've raised it. Is it just me or does 4E seem more geared towards rollplay ?

 

[Dramatic Flare]

Spoiler: OOC

It's not just you. The biggest issue I have with those sort of comments, however, is that its always, always, always the players who make the game, not visa versa.
Also, when you level up next I'll be allowing some reworking of everyone's character, as they find things that don't work they way they wanted to. After that, though, the only retraining allowed will be one feat or ability per level, as the book says.

The crowd is of a mixed reaction. Some of the crowd curl their lips and go back to their drink, ignoring the presence of the dragonborn upon their meals. Others are pleasantly surprised, and rather enjoyed the music. If nothing else, this was a good way to find out who are not willing to let their grievances against the dragonborn go, and who are more open minded.
An older looking half elf leans his chair back to get near Rhogar.
"I'd be careful there, lad. Not everyone here is friendly to your types. Especially with the trouble up north."

 

[tetron]

"Yes, Arkel will someday have much to answer for." Rhogar stated, as he ordered a drink from a passing barmaid and got his flute out of his bag. With flute in hand he got back on stage and played a few notes before proclaiming, "This next song is dedicated to the dragonpets of Arkel, may their mountains forever hide their cowardice." After this he played a few more notes and began to sing a common song about a fool, stopping every few verses to play the flute. "There once was a dragonborn named Ale, his teeth were yellow and his skin was pale. This is the story of how only half of him wound up in jail." In this song the fool runs around town playing nasty tricks on people, then runs home to hide behind his mother's skirt when the guards come looking for him. During the song the fool is constantly praising the speed of his legs, saying that nothing can keep up with them.

One day the fool runs into a low hanging tavern sign and, much to his surprise, his upper half is knocked off his legs. His legs however keep running and the fool's upper half is arrested and taken in by the guards. The story goes on to say that to this day the fool's legs, with nothing able to catch up to and stop them, are still out there running around and playing tricks on people. "So should you see a blur go by, stop to make sure nothing's awry. And if you see the fool's legs I would advise against chase, because you stand to lose more than just a race." At this last part Rhogar tapped the flute against his legs and mimed them running off without him.

Spoiler: roll

10+4

 

[Dramatic Flare]

Spoiler: DM

Okay, two things.
I have two more players waiting in the wings, so our party is actually fine.
And I'm not going to find jobs for you guys. You've written some nice introductions, and if I felt like leading you around by the collar, I certainly could from these introductions, but I'm not going to unless I really, really need to.
In other words, for this role play to get moving quick like, you're the ones who are going to have to get out of the car and push. I'll just tell you where the car goes.

Also, geography note to make things a bit clearer: Arkel is on the eastern border, and you're on the northern one. I realize you guys have no way of knowing that until I mentioned (since I don't have a map up), but I'm making sure this is clear now.

Most of the patrons simply treated Rhogar as background music at this point. With his statement of disdain for Arkel, he was likely to be treated in a somewhat better light by most of the crowd, but none of them seemed all that interested.
The older half-elf went back to his beer as he learned that Rhogar wasn't a fan of Arkel.

 

[Kelethor]

Deasil grumbled to himself as the rain came down upon his head. his hair had become slick from the water, and his boots soaked. "it could be worse" he said to himself, but thinking of all the ways it could be worse did not seem to alleviate the problem. how he wanted to be out of the rain, and more importantly, Away from all the hustle in the streets. in the back of his mind a nagging, persistent voice told him that all these poor shmucks seeking an escape from the rain would make an easy mark. as he walked, he weighed the options in his mind."it's cold, wet, your hungry and tired" he said to himself as he walked down soon to be flooded pathway. "just find an Inn, a nice bosomy maiden, and a place to rest your feet for a while". in the beginning it all seemed perfectly logical. but a thought occurs. "you'll need coin to pay for that nice bosomy maiden, Deasil" he wrung his hands together. it was time to get to work. first things first. find a nice mark

(id like to make use of my thievery skill DM, and nik the pocket of a close by peasant. someone who doesn't look like they could smash my face in if they caught me, preferably)

 

[tetron]

Quickly growing tired of singing for an unappreciative crowd Rhogar steps down from the stage, stretching out his still weary limbs before tucking his flute away in his backpack. He walks over to the counter where the bartender is tending to his business and, beckoning the bartender to come closer, he calls out to the bartender while leaning forward onto the counter. "Hello there friend". Magic fills Rhogar as he speaks, and his words are friendly and soothing. "I have a question for you if you don't mind. I was wondering if you might help point me in the direction of some mercenary work to be had around here, preferably the type with good danger and just as good pay."

Spoiler: diplomacy check

Encounter power used: Words of Friendship. 11+9 Total: 20

 

[Higurashi]

<spoiler=OOC>figment? Awesome. Didn't consider figment might be interested in D&D. =D
As for the GM, I've been busy is all. Hope you don't think I'm directing your NPC's too much now, but I figured I might as well speed it up.

...and grant clarity to see injustice where it is present.

Slowly opening her eyes, Marisa stood up and refocused on reality. She was ready to seek work. The bishop was holding a silent mass further up. She strode up when he was finished and knelt.

"Your holiness. A wandering paladin trained in a monastery of Avandra on the outskirts of Eratonia seeks work. I am Marisa Mishann.
My hand is yours to direct."