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The chronicles of Team Big-hearted And Determined (B.A.D.)
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<blockquote data-quote="Echolocation" data-source="post: 8001892" data-attributes="member: 7011911"><p><strong>Downtime</strong></p><p></p><p>Between <em>The Dying Skyseer and Digging for Lies</em>, the players had an opportunity to tie up loose ends and hone their abilities. Below, I have written some highlights.</p><p></p><p><strong>[Group] Boat PARTY!</strong></p><p></p><p>The constables had a <s>party</s> professional gathering with their boat (the Mistrunner) docked on the shore. An apologetic Rhys (a contact who failed one too many fort saves against alcohol poisoning before meeting the PCs) offered Lisandra and Ella a tailored dress and a grenade voucher for the Kaybeau expo...what more could a woman want?</p><p></p><p><strong>[Group] Funerals...</strong></p><p></p><p>The constables attended several funreals: Effie (cause of death: Steelshaper), Armani Li Vecchi (cause of death: indirectly Team BAD who watched the Family member fall into swarming piranhas), and Cillian Creed (cause of death: Team BAD). Creed's funeral was exceptionally small, featuring the man's father, Miss Guava (a tea merchant who Cillian visited daily), and Creed's ex-RHC colleagues, the gunslinging Joaquin and witch Penelope. Both felt a degree of resignation, and wished they never bothered attending.</p><p></p><p><strong>[Group] Investigate Kell</strong></p><p></p><p>The party was keen to dig up dirt on Kell. Who am I to hold them back? I ran a few scouting missions (from book five) using only the party members. Ella identified several strongholds within Parity Lake, at the cost of attracting Kell's attention... This will add weight to Kell's actions in the next adventure.</p><p></p><p><strong>[Group] Attend a Rock Rackus show</strong></p><p></p><p>Of their own volition, Team BAD wished to observe the modern celebrity and discern whether Rackus could be a valuable resource for planar travel or if he is full of naughty word. They concluded the latter, after his rambunctious display.</p><p></p><p><strong>[Group] Dynamic Item Creation...</strong></p><p></p><p>We play using the dynamic item creation rules of Pathfinder. The group is insistent on trying to make items, despite knowing some of the DC's at lower levels are quite difficult. Under the instructions of Finethir Shinebright, an eladrin-wizard-turned-sheep, the party made a variety of mostly unwanted items. The events involved a gremlin who demanded to be turned into a belt, a mission to infiltrate a dubious warehouse to recover contraband leather, and the Dreaming bleeding through a rather mundane buckler.</p><p></p><p><u>+2 Belt of the Aged Singer</u></p><p><em>This Belt of Mighty Constitution +2 looks aged, and vehemently sings in a belting (pun intended) soprano. Silence and other such spells can suppress the sound as normal. Now proudly sings La Gazza Madra (written by Vossini in 342 AOV) in the entry halls of Kodrof Crestbeam's mansion.</em></p><p></p><p><u>+2 belt of slipperiness</u></p><p><em>This Belt of Mighty Constitution +2 is incredibly slippery. The bearer gains a +2 circumstance bonus on Escape Artist checks, on combat maneuver checks to break grapples, and to CMD against grapples (these bonuses do not stack with grease or other similar effects), but takes a –2 penalty on Sleight of Hand and Disable Device.</em></p><p></p><p><u>Bag, Handy Haversack (Proud)</u></p><p><em>Functions as a Bag, Handy Haversack, except its wearer can't grant or gain any benefit from the aid another action.</em></p><p></p><p><u>+1 Mithral Buckler of Deeply-Spoken Patriotism</u></p><p><em>Functions as a +1 Mithral Buckler, except the enhancement bonus only functions for those who care deeply for Risur. When espousing patriotic virtues, the bearer's voice deepens one octave.</em></p><p></p><p><strong>[Group] Dynamic Food Creation...</strong></p><p></p><p>Lisandra was interested in pursuing a new hobby: baking. Fortunately, the party is familar with two chaotic bakers, Pete (Fourth Yerasol War veteran, RHC constable) and Gary (a honey merchant with a habit of infusing pastries with his wizard wife's magical items). I jigged up a dynamic food/potion creation system, whereby baking goes awry due to Gary pouring mysterious potions into mixtures when nobody is looking. The party ended up with rather favourable <em>Cupcakes of Cat's Grace</em>.</p><p></p><p><strong>Custom feats</strong></p><p></p><p>I gave each player custom feat(s) to reward and further enhance their roleplay. When designing these, I also kept in mind some aspects of the 3-player party that required rounding out. To maintain balance, I considered each character's current attributes and scales the feats accordingly. For example, Angharad has a high Constitution.</p><p></p><p>Angharad received his feat whilst the Old Stag gave him a palm reading at a Vekeshi meeting:</p><p></p><p><strong><em>Fables Told in Flesh (Angharad, Character)</em></strong></p><p><em>You were pulled through the vicious fey realm in your formative years, leaving your mind and body forever warped. Although not visible to most human eyes, your body has recorded your history, similar to the rings of a tree trunk or the sediment of a river. At times, the presence of a mere breeze on your skin or the sun glinting on a reflective surface is enough to bring the horrific knowledge of your travels to your consciousness.</em></p><p></p><p>You add your Constitution modifier to Knowledge (Nature) checks concerning creatures native to the Dreaming, and may make such checks untrained. You may add your Constitution modifier to Knowledge (Planes) checks concerning the Dreaming, and may make such checks untrained.</p><p></p><p>You may cast prestidigitation as a spell-like ability a number of times each day equal to your Constitution modifier. This spell-like ability is cast at your highest caster level gained; if you have no caster level, it functions at CL 1st. The spell-like ability‘s save DC is Charisma-based.</p><p></p><p>You can use your Constitution modifier in place of your Charisma modifier on: Diplomacy checks to persuade Eladrin, creatures native to the Dreaming, and known Vekeshi Mystics; Bluff checks to convince Eladrin, creatures native to the Dreaming, and known Vekeshi Mystics that a lie is true; and Intimidate checks to coerce Eladrin, creatures native to the Dreaming, and known Vekeshi Mystics.</p><p></p><p><em>Special</em>: As per the ruling on theme feats, you cannot train others to learn a Character feat.</p><p></p><p><em><strong>Sparks and Salves (Ella, Character)</strong></em></p><p><em>With your relatives huddled in the Cloudwood, you were sent home to collect ingredients for an old family recipe. Entering the silent house is surreal. In a moment of dread, you ponder if this is your family’s destiny—killed one-by-one until all that remains is you and this place. Suddenly, your ruminations are interrupted by laughter bellowing from the kitchen. You cautiously progress towards the impossible: the familiar scent of grease and herbs, the sounds of wrenches, bubbling, and a young Ella giggling at poorly-told jokes and chaotic instructions. It’s as if you have entered a memory, one of many that shaped your unique philosophy on technology. As you enter the kitchen, you find nothing but an empty table illuminated by the setting sun. You look to your hands, which begin to glow in a dull yellow light. Maybe they haven’t left you after all?</em></p><p></p><p>You may cast Demetriou’s Direction as a spell-like ability a number of times each day equal to your Intelligence modifier. Demetriou’s Direction functions as Guidance with three exceptions: Demetriou’s Direction may only be used to enhance a skill check, Demetriou’s Direction provides a sacred (rather than competence bonus), and Demetriou’s Direction provides a +2 bonus (rather than a +1 bonus) to Knowledge (Engineering) checks and Heal checks. Demetriou’s Direction is cast at your highest caster level gained; if you have no caster level, it functions at CL 1st. Demetriou’s Direction’s save DC is Charisma-based. </p><p></p><p>You can use your Intelligence modifier in place of your Charisma modifier on: Diplomacy checks to persuade known members of the philosophical faction; Bluff checks to convince known members of the philosophical faction that a lie is true; and Intimidate checks to coerce known members of the philosophical faction.</p><p></p><p><em>Special</em>: As per the ruling on theme feats, you cannot train others to learn a Character feat.</p><p></p><p><strong><em>Letter of the Law (Ella, Character)</em></strong></p><p><em>An esteemed education at Pardwight University allows you to understand legal jargon typically incomprehensible to others. You understand the power of law, and despise those who use laws to exploit the vulnerable.</em></p><p></p><p>You gain a competence bonus equal to your Intelligence modifier on Knowledge checks to recall, identify, and understand laws. You can use your Intelligence modifier in place of your Charisma modifier on Intimidate checks to coerce a target to obey the local law. You gain a +1 untyped bonus on attacks against humanoids with a lawful evil alignment.</p><p></p><p><em>Special</em>: As per the ruling on theme feats, you cannot train others to learn a Character feat.</p><p></p><p><em><strong>Fox in a Henhouse (Lisandra, Character)</strong></em></p><p><em>Nobles cannot help but divulge information to you, as they fall for your charms. This has given you reassurance in your abilities to smooth over scepticism directed to your or your allies.</em></p><p></p><p>You gain a untyped bonus equal to your Charisma modifier on Knowledge (Nobility) checks and a competence bonus equal to your Charisma modifier on Sense Motive checks against nobles identified by a Knowledge (Nobility) check. </p><p></p><p>Once per day, when you or your allies fail a Diplomacy check to persuade others, you may reattempt the Diplomacy check.</p><p></p><p>Once per day, when you make a Sense Motive check, you may roll twice and take the better result.</p><p></p><p><em>Special</em>: As per the ruling on theme feats, you cannot train others to learn a Character feat.</p><p></p><p><em><strong>Fox in a Foxhouse (Lisandra, Character)</strong></em></p><p><em>You cannot shake the nature of your upbringing. Whether consciously or unconsciously, you act with Father Otis’ wisdom. As a result, those who appreciate pleasant subterfuge are more easily swayed by your words.</em></p><p></p><p>You may add your Charisma bonus to Appraise checks to appraise clothes.</p><p></p><p>You gain a untyped bonus equal to your Wisdom modifier on: Diplomacy checks to persuade known members of the Family; Bluff checks to convince known members of the Family that a lie is true; and Intimidate checks to coerce known members of the Family.</p><p></p><p><em>Special</em>: As per the ruling on theme feats, you cannot train others to learn a Character feat.</p><p></p><p><strong>[Group] A gift from the capital</strong></p><p></p><p>After feedback from the group, it became clear the party would benefit from an explicit list of items their characters would be likely to have on their person. For example, I always let the party have a couple of handcuffs on hand. We introduced a retcon, each character always had a <em>Constable's Kit</em> on their person. The alternative name for the kit pays homage to another character played by Ella's player---Rivyn (from Ruins of Azlant). Ella's player was instrumental in the designing of the kit, so this was my way of allocating credit.</p><p></p><p><em><strong>Constable’s Kit (AKA Rivyn’s Repertoire of Reliable Resources Prototype B19A)</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>Cost </strong></em>- <em><strong>Weight </strong></em>-</p><p><em>In the founding years of the Royal Homeland Constabulary, a research assistant Rivyn theorised a collection of tools that maximised field investigation potential. After several versions, Rivyn arrived at a final set of items. Somehow, his formulation is so optimised that the kit is weightless.</em></p><p></p><p>Contains a map of Lanjyr, a map of Flint, a small primer on laws and constable conduct, handcuffs, basic writing supplies, a magnifying glass, evidence bags, gloves for handling evidence or potentially dangerous substances, a signal whistle to request aid, a compass, a tindertwig.</p><p></p><p><em>Special</em>: The Constable’s Kit is requisitioned from the Royal Homeland Constabulary.</p><p></p><p><strong>[Group] A gift from Hennet</strong></p><p></p><p>The group loved/hated Hennet so much, I couldn't let the story end at The Thinking Man's tavern. Hennet proudly sent the party a copy of his new book: <em>The Stone Fruit.</em> The book itself is worthless, and functions as 1 days supply of firewood.</p><p></p><p>The blurb: </p><p><em>When one is born into this world, the subject is contextualised into a predialectic self that includes reality as a reality. The subject is interpolated into a Solvonist obscurity that includes culture as a paradox. Several appropriations concerning post-textual destructuralism may be found within the archaeological unearthings of both society and mind. It could be said that the subject is contextualised into a subcultural narrative. This text is a dedicated pursuit into the refinery of the participant as observer, and observer as participant.</em></p><p></p><p>The review:</p><p>[ATTACH=full]122415[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p><strong>[Lisandra] Get to know the constable Gaethan</strong></p><p></p><p>Lisandra wanted to chat to the fellow ghosttalker, so we settled it offscreen:</p><p></p><p>CW: domestic violence.</p><p></p><p>[SPOILER="A chat with Gaethan"]</p><p>When the conversation with Gaethan opens one afternoon, he asks Lisandra if she has tried Pixieberry tea. Irrespective of her response, he prepares and pours two glasses offering one to Lisandra. As Gaethan and Lisandra both drink, they bond socially disclosing anecdotes of cases, though Gaethan frequently consults a notebook kept in his front pocket. Eventually, Lisandra discovers Gaethan is a masterful sketcher, and bond over the hobby. Perhaps even sharing sketches. Over the course of discussion, the topic of spirits come up. To summarise, Lisandra learns Gaethan was not born with powers, but received them early in life after witnessing his neighbour enter a fit of rage and brutally, yet accidentally, killing his wife. After the man fled his house, Gaethan snuck in feeling a need to check on the woman. Over the corpse, Gaethan noticed a near-transparent silhouette. He asked her what he should do. Thanks to the woman's instruction, Gaethan turned evidence over to the police.</p><p></p><p>Lisandra learns a few more anecdotes surrounding consultations of spirits, which unlike the previous anecdotes are recalled with vividness. Gaethan knows his memory and mind are failing him. Sometimes he finds it hard knowing whether he is talking to a person or a spirit. As a precautionary measure, he treats each person with respect and care, just in case they have recently died. As the conversation wraps up, Gaethan asks Lisandra if she's tried Pixieberry tea.[/SPOILER]</p><p></p><p><strong>[Lisandra] Check up on Dale</strong></p><p></p><p>Every time Lisandra visits Dale in Reed's old residence, the front yard is more and more decorated with a bizarre collection of toys, freshly baked goods, lit candles, and chalked sigils. Although Lisiandra may initially be worried for Dale's mental health, he assures her that according to his thesis, these seemingly-benign tokens have kept ill-meaning spirits from the folk of the Nettles for decades. Dale sends a collection plate weekly to Nervard's Cloudwood camp, in which children and adults alike donate their favoured keepsakes in order to keep the Hill safe.</p><p>Reed's dining area has been transformed into a study. Written on one chalkboard is Nervard's final vision. On another, are several sigils that Dale has been practicing. Books are scattered throughout the house documenting the Bleak Gate, inhibiting planar travel, and combatting creatures of the damned. It is clear Dale has resorted to less conventional texts for his work. Even books documenting Triegenes' (the Clergy's god) defeat of the demonocracy lay open.</p><p></p><p>Dale has been focusing his efforts of combining Nettles' wards against pervasive evils, such as toys and a nice meal, with combat prowess. Lisandra spots a nearby sword with a teddy bear strung at the hilt. As Dale explains his thoughts, he speaks with the same unrelenting fervour he explained his thesis with. It's clear has hasn't quite figured it out yet, but he's optimistic he'll get there...in a year. He reminds Lisandra that academic breakthroughs can take decades. The absurd arguments weaved by Dale may leave Lisandra concerned, but he assures her that the spirits of the Hill can't possess him so long as he is surrounded by childhood toys.</p><p></p><p><strong>[Group] Interviews</strong></p><p></p><p>Bartholomew Pryce made it clear to Team BAD that he intends on writing a special issue on Macbannin's corruption in the <em>Pryce of Progress</em>. He made it clear that the Team could answer his questions, or he would seek alternative sources for information that may...misconstrue the constable's character. Despite the heavy handed threat, the party was compliant and Lisandra's and Ella's players sent me quite in depth answers to Mr Pryces questions.</p><p></p><p>When interviewing Avvakir, who's player is no longer involved in the campaign, it became clear that Avvakir was feeling disillusioned with the RHC. Every time he tries to do something for the people of Flint, the Inspectress Margaret Saxby shuts him down. After a rather vocal departure with the Lady, Avvakir took indefinite leave after this 30 years of service in Flint. He now turns his efforts, and rather successfully, to dragging in his bestie Roland into the affairs of the dockers. This sets into motion a longcon of...</p><p></p><p>[SPOILER]The deva Avvakir being killed by the governer later in the adventure. He will be groomed and trained to work against the party and furthering the Ob's goals. Towards the end of adventure nine, this will become apparent when Avvakir joins the fight against the party. However, the deva has a big heart, and the party will have an opportunity to appeal to his comradery and turn him against his master.[/SPOILER]</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]122418[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]122419[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p><strong>[World] Pemberton</strong></p><p></p><p>For whatever reason, I equated 'folksy' with 'Ber', so on the Coaltongue, Pemeberton insinuated he was born in Ber. Reading ahead, I don't think this is the biggest issue, but I did want to make it clear Pemberton is invested in Risur's industry. Morever, I wanted to add a sense of foreboding. The party despises Pemberton and Gale's subertfuge at Goodson's wedding has created a vaccuum of power the Beran is more than happy to fill.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]122416[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]122417[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p><strong>[Party] The repercussions of dealing with arsonists...</strong></p><p></p><p>The party cooperated with most criminals in book #2. They even gave the half-dragon arsonists safe passage in exchange for information on Cillian. I didn't want to let them entirely off the hook. Later in the Summer months, Dima regretfully showed the party an article. As she handed it over to Angharad, she scrunched her face: "I didn't know when to tell you. There were bigger evils", she assured the party, "do not be too hard on yourselves".</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]122420[/ATTACH]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Echolocation, post: 8001892, member: 7011911"] [B]Downtime[/B] Between [I]The Dying Skyseer and Digging for Lies[/I], the players had an opportunity to tie up loose ends and hone their abilities. Below, I have written some highlights. [B][Group] Boat PARTY![/B] The constables had a [S]party[/S] professional gathering with their boat (the Mistrunner) docked on the shore. An apologetic Rhys (a contact who failed one too many fort saves against alcohol poisoning before meeting the PCs) offered Lisandra and Ella a tailored dress and a grenade voucher for the Kaybeau expo...what more could a woman want? [B][Group] Funerals...[/B] The constables attended several funreals: Effie (cause of death: Steelshaper), Armani Li Vecchi (cause of death: indirectly Team BAD who watched the Family member fall into swarming piranhas), and Cillian Creed (cause of death: Team BAD). Creed's funeral was exceptionally small, featuring the man's father, Miss Guava (a tea merchant who Cillian visited daily), and Creed's ex-RHC colleagues, the gunslinging Joaquin and witch Penelope. Both felt a degree of resignation, and wished they never bothered attending. [B][Group] Investigate Kell[/B] The party was keen to dig up dirt on Kell. Who am I to hold them back? I ran a few scouting missions (from book five) using only the party members. Ella identified several strongholds within Parity Lake, at the cost of attracting Kell's attention... This will add weight to Kell's actions in the next adventure. [B][Group] Attend a Rock Rackus show[/B] Of their own volition, Team BAD wished to observe the modern celebrity and discern whether Rackus could be a valuable resource for planar travel or if he is full of naughty word. They concluded the latter, after his rambunctious display. [B][Group] Dynamic Item Creation...[/B] We play using the dynamic item creation rules of Pathfinder. The group is insistent on trying to make items, despite knowing some of the DC's at lower levels are quite difficult. Under the instructions of Finethir Shinebright, an eladrin-wizard-turned-sheep, the party made a variety of mostly unwanted items. The events involved a gremlin who demanded to be turned into a belt, a mission to infiltrate a dubious warehouse to recover contraband leather, and the Dreaming bleeding through a rather mundane buckler. [U]+2 Belt of the Aged Singer[/U] [I]This Belt of Mighty Constitution +2 looks aged, and vehemently sings in a belting (pun intended) soprano. Silence and other such spells can suppress the sound as normal. Now proudly sings La Gazza Madra (written by Vossini in 342 AOV) in the entry halls of Kodrof Crestbeam's mansion.[/I] [U]+2 belt of slipperiness[/U] [I]This Belt of Mighty Constitution +2 is incredibly slippery. The bearer gains a +2 circumstance bonus on Escape Artist checks, on combat maneuver checks to break grapples, and to CMD against grapples (these bonuses do not stack with grease or other similar effects), but takes a –2 penalty on Sleight of Hand and Disable Device.[/I] [U]Bag, Handy Haversack (Proud)[/U] [I]Functions as a Bag, Handy Haversack, except its wearer can't grant or gain any benefit from the aid another action.[/I] [U]+1 Mithral Buckler of Deeply-Spoken Patriotism[/U] [I]Functions as a +1 Mithral Buckler, except the enhancement bonus only functions for those who care deeply for Risur. When espousing patriotic virtues, the bearer's voice deepens one octave.[/I] [B][Group] Dynamic Food Creation...[/B] Lisandra was interested in pursuing a new hobby: baking. Fortunately, the party is familar with two chaotic bakers, Pete (Fourth Yerasol War veteran, RHC constable) and Gary (a honey merchant with a habit of infusing pastries with his wizard wife's magical items). I jigged up a dynamic food/potion creation system, whereby baking goes awry due to Gary pouring mysterious potions into mixtures when nobody is looking. The party ended up with rather favourable [I]Cupcakes of Cat's Grace[/I]. [B]Custom feats[/B] I gave each player custom feat(s) to reward and further enhance their roleplay. When designing these, I also kept in mind some aspects of the 3-player party that required rounding out. To maintain balance, I considered each character's current attributes and scales the feats accordingly. For example, Angharad has a high Constitution. Angharad received his feat whilst the Old Stag gave him a palm reading at a Vekeshi meeting: [B][I]Fables Told in Flesh (Angharad, Character)[/I][/B] [I]You were pulled through the vicious fey realm in your formative years, leaving your mind and body forever warped. Although not visible to most human eyes, your body has recorded your history, similar to the rings of a tree trunk or the sediment of a river. At times, the presence of a mere breeze on your skin or the sun glinting on a reflective surface is enough to bring the horrific knowledge of your travels to your consciousness.[/I] You add your Constitution modifier to Knowledge (Nature) checks concerning creatures native to the Dreaming, and may make such checks untrained. You may add your Constitution modifier to Knowledge (Planes) checks concerning the Dreaming, and may make such checks untrained. You may cast prestidigitation as a spell-like ability a number of times each day equal to your Constitution modifier. This spell-like ability is cast at your highest caster level gained; if you have no caster level, it functions at CL 1st. The spell-like ability‘s save DC is Charisma-based. You can use your Constitution modifier in place of your Charisma modifier on: Diplomacy checks to persuade Eladrin, creatures native to the Dreaming, and known Vekeshi Mystics; Bluff checks to convince Eladrin, creatures native to the Dreaming, and known Vekeshi Mystics that a lie is true; and Intimidate checks to coerce Eladrin, creatures native to the Dreaming, and known Vekeshi Mystics. [I]Special[/I]: As per the ruling on theme feats, you cannot train others to learn a Character feat. [I][B]Sparks and Salves (Ella, Character)[/B] With your relatives huddled in the Cloudwood, you were sent home to collect ingredients for an old family recipe. Entering the silent house is surreal. In a moment of dread, you ponder if this is your family’s destiny—killed one-by-one until all that remains is you and this place. Suddenly, your ruminations are interrupted by laughter bellowing from the kitchen. You cautiously progress towards the impossible: the familiar scent of grease and herbs, the sounds of wrenches, bubbling, and a young Ella giggling at poorly-told jokes and chaotic instructions. It’s as if you have entered a memory, one of many that shaped your unique philosophy on technology. As you enter the kitchen, you find nothing but an empty table illuminated by the setting sun. You look to your hands, which begin to glow in a dull yellow light. Maybe they haven’t left you after all?[/I] You may cast Demetriou’s Direction as a spell-like ability a number of times each day equal to your Intelligence modifier. Demetriou’s Direction functions as Guidance with three exceptions: Demetriou’s Direction may only be used to enhance a skill check, Demetriou’s Direction provides a sacred (rather than competence bonus), and Demetriou’s Direction provides a +2 bonus (rather than a +1 bonus) to Knowledge (Engineering) checks and Heal checks. Demetriou’s Direction is cast at your highest caster level gained; if you have no caster level, it functions at CL 1st. Demetriou’s Direction’s save DC is Charisma-based. You can use your Intelligence modifier in place of your Charisma modifier on: Diplomacy checks to persuade known members of the philosophical faction; Bluff checks to convince known members of the philosophical faction that a lie is true; and Intimidate checks to coerce known members of the philosophical faction. [I]Special[/I]: As per the ruling on theme feats, you cannot train others to learn a Character feat. [B][I]Letter of the Law (Ella, Character)[/I][/B] [I]An esteemed education at Pardwight University allows you to understand legal jargon typically incomprehensible to others. You understand the power of law, and despise those who use laws to exploit the vulnerable.[/I] You gain a competence bonus equal to your Intelligence modifier on Knowledge checks to recall, identify, and understand laws. You can use your Intelligence modifier in place of your Charisma modifier on Intimidate checks to coerce a target to obey the local law. You gain a +1 untyped bonus on attacks against humanoids with a lawful evil alignment. [I]Special[/I]: As per the ruling on theme feats, you cannot train others to learn a Character feat. [I][B]Fox in a Henhouse (Lisandra, Character)[/B] Nobles cannot help but divulge information to you, as they fall for your charms. This has given you reassurance in your abilities to smooth over scepticism directed to your or your allies.[/I] You gain a untyped bonus equal to your Charisma modifier on Knowledge (Nobility) checks and a competence bonus equal to your Charisma modifier on Sense Motive checks against nobles identified by a Knowledge (Nobility) check. Once per day, when you or your allies fail a Diplomacy check to persuade others, you may reattempt the Diplomacy check. Once per day, when you make a Sense Motive check, you may roll twice and take the better result. [I]Special[/I]: As per the ruling on theme feats, you cannot train others to learn a Character feat. [I][B]Fox in a Foxhouse (Lisandra, Character)[/B] You cannot shake the nature of your upbringing. Whether consciously or unconsciously, you act with Father Otis’ wisdom. As a result, those who appreciate pleasant subterfuge are more easily swayed by your words.[/I] You may add your Charisma bonus to Appraise checks to appraise clothes. You gain a untyped bonus equal to your Wisdom modifier on: Diplomacy checks to persuade known members of the Family; Bluff checks to convince known members of the Family that a lie is true; and Intimidate checks to coerce known members of the Family. [I]Special[/I]: As per the ruling on theme feats, you cannot train others to learn a Character feat. [B][Group] A gift from the capital[/B] After feedback from the group, it became clear the party would benefit from an explicit list of items their characters would be likely to have on their person. For example, I always let the party have a couple of handcuffs on hand. We introduced a retcon, each character always had a [I]Constable's Kit[/I] on their person. The alternative name for the kit pays homage to another character played by Ella's player---Rivyn (from Ruins of Azlant). Ella's player was instrumental in the designing of the kit, so this was my way of allocating credit. [I][B]Constable’s Kit (AKA Rivyn’s Repertoire of Reliable Resources Prototype B19A) Cost [/B][/I]- [I][B]Weight [/B][/I]- [I]In the founding years of the Royal Homeland Constabulary, a research assistant Rivyn theorised a collection of tools that maximised field investigation potential. After several versions, Rivyn arrived at a final set of items. Somehow, his formulation is so optimised that the kit is weightless.[/I] Contains a map of Lanjyr, a map of Flint, a small primer on laws and constable conduct, handcuffs, basic writing supplies, a magnifying glass, evidence bags, gloves for handling evidence or potentially dangerous substances, a signal whistle to request aid, a compass, a tindertwig. [I]Special[/I]: The Constable’s Kit is requisitioned from the Royal Homeland Constabulary. [B][Group] A gift from Hennet[/B] The group loved/hated Hennet so much, I couldn't let the story end at The Thinking Man's tavern. Hennet proudly sent the party a copy of his new book: [I]The Stone Fruit.[/I] The book itself is worthless, and functions as 1 days supply of firewood. The blurb: [I]When one is born into this world, the subject is contextualised into a predialectic self that includes reality as a reality. The subject is interpolated into a Solvonist obscurity that includes culture as a paradox. Several appropriations concerning post-textual destructuralism may be found within the archaeological unearthings of both society and mind. It could be said that the subject is contextualised into a subcultural narrative. This text is a dedicated pursuit into the refinery of the participant as observer, and observer as participant.[/I] The review: [ATTACH type="full"]122415[/ATTACH] [B][Lisandra] Get to know the constable Gaethan[/B] Lisandra wanted to chat to the fellow ghosttalker, so we settled it offscreen: CW: domestic violence. [SPOILER="A chat with Gaethan"] When the conversation with Gaethan opens one afternoon, he asks Lisandra if she has tried Pixieberry tea. Irrespective of her response, he prepares and pours two glasses offering one to Lisandra. As Gaethan and Lisandra both drink, they bond socially disclosing anecdotes of cases, though Gaethan frequently consults a notebook kept in his front pocket. Eventually, Lisandra discovers Gaethan is a masterful sketcher, and bond over the hobby. Perhaps even sharing sketches. Over the course of discussion, the topic of spirits come up. To summarise, Lisandra learns Gaethan was not born with powers, but received them early in life after witnessing his neighbour enter a fit of rage and brutally, yet accidentally, killing his wife. After the man fled his house, Gaethan snuck in feeling a need to check on the woman. Over the corpse, Gaethan noticed a near-transparent silhouette. He asked her what he should do. Thanks to the woman's instruction, Gaethan turned evidence over to the police. Lisandra learns a few more anecdotes surrounding consultations of spirits, which unlike the previous anecdotes are recalled with vividness. Gaethan knows his memory and mind are failing him. Sometimes he finds it hard knowing whether he is talking to a person or a spirit. As a precautionary measure, he treats each person with respect and care, just in case they have recently died. As the conversation wraps up, Gaethan asks Lisandra if she's tried Pixieberry tea.[/SPOILER] [B][Lisandra] Check up on Dale[/B] Every time Lisandra visits Dale in Reed's old residence, the front yard is more and more decorated with a bizarre collection of toys, freshly baked goods, lit candles, and chalked sigils. Although Lisiandra may initially be worried for Dale's mental health, he assures her that according to his thesis, these seemingly-benign tokens have kept ill-meaning spirits from the folk of the Nettles for decades. Dale sends a collection plate weekly to Nervard's Cloudwood camp, in which children and adults alike donate their favoured keepsakes in order to keep the Hill safe. Reed's dining area has been transformed into a study. Written on one chalkboard is Nervard's final vision. On another, are several sigils that Dale has been practicing. Books are scattered throughout the house documenting the Bleak Gate, inhibiting planar travel, and combatting creatures of the damned. It is clear Dale has resorted to less conventional texts for his work. Even books documenting Triegenes' (the Clergy's god) defeat of the demonocracy lay open. Dale has been focusing his efforts of combining Nettles' wards against pervasive evils, such as toys and a nice meal, with combat prowess. Lisandra spots a nearby sword with a teddy bear strung at the hilt. As Dale explains his thoughts, he speaks with the same unrelenting fervour he explained his thesis with. It's clear has hasn't quite figured it out yet, but he's optimistic he'll get there...in a year. He reminds Lisandra that academic breakthroughs can take decades. The absurd arguments weaved by Dale may leave Lisandra concerned, but he assures her that the spirits of the Hill can't possess him so long as he is surrounded by childhood toys. [B][Group] Interviews[/B] Bartholomew Pryce made it clear to Team BAD that he intends on writing a special issue on Macbannin's corruption in the [I]Pryce of Progress[/I]. He made it clear that the Team could answer his questions, or he would seek alternative sources for information that may...misconstrue the constable's character. Despite the heavy handed threat, the party was compliant and Lisandra's and Ella's players sent me quite in depth answers to Mr Pryces questions. When interviewing Avvakir, who's player is no longer involved in the campaign, it became clear that Avvakir was feeling disillusioned with the RHC. Every time he tries to do something for the people of Flint, the Inspectress Margaret Saxby shuts him down. After a rather vocal departure with the Lady, Avvakir took indefinite leave after this 30 years of service in Flint. He now turns his efforts, and rather successfully, to dragging in his bestie Roland into the affairs of the dockers. This sets into motion a longcon of... [SPOILER]The deva Avvakir being killed by the governer later in the adventure. He will be groomed and trained to work against the party and furthering the Ob's goals. Towards the end of adventure nine, this will become apparent when Avvakir joins the fight against the party. However, the deva has a big heart, and the party will have an opportunity to appeal to his comradery and turn him against his master.[/SPOILER] [ATTACH type="full"]122418[/ATTACH] [ATTACH type="full"]122419[/ATTACH] [B][World] Pemberton[/B] For whatever reason, I equated 'folksy' with 'Ber', so on the Coaltongue, Pemeberton insinuated he was born in Ber. Reading ahead, I don't think this is the biggest issue, but I did want to make it clear Pemberton is invested in Risur's industry. Morever, I wanted to add a sense of foreboding. The party despises Pemberton and Gale's subertfuge at Goodson's wedding has created a vaccuum of power the Beran is more than happy to fill. [ATTACH type="full"]122416[/ATTACH] [ATTACH type="full"]122417[/ATTACH] [B][Party] The repercussions of dealing with arsonists...[/B] The party cooperated with most criminals in book #2. They even gave the half-dragon arsonists safe passage in exchange for information on Cillian. I didn't want to let them entirely off the hook. Later in the Summer months, Dima regretfully showed the party an article. As she handed it over to Angharad, she scrunched her face: "I didn't know when to tell you. There were bigger evils", she assured the party, "do not be too hard on yourselves". [ATTACH type="full"]122420[/ATTACH] [/QUOTE]
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The chronicles of Team Big-hearted And Determined (B.A.D.)
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