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So, I think quite a few of you know the guy I'm talking about, but one of my fav youtube pianists does a remixed piano solo of Dearly Beloved from Kingdom Hearts every year, and it's getting on that time, and I'm super excited, and well, well JUSTTAKEALOOKATLASTYEAR'S

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bItsQnOxds0

I haven't played the games much, but I've always been a sucker for its soundtrack. Since I was on the forum when I had this musical epiphany, this is where I shared it. :P

["I vill go check on ze station. I have some mechanical knowledge, and zahs have a goot chance of restoring ze pover. I can't risk having ze doctor, nor any ozer researchers risk themselves out zere. And ve still need personnel here for security. Vith ze current situation, I am the only able free-hand available. You all vait here, I'll be sure to succeed."]

[spoiler]This roleplay is to get both Rina Goodsworth, and Sebastian Zweigart into the Edge Hotel RP as staff instead of travelers.[/spoiler]

The situation had been turning for the best since the Jameson group had stumbled on the third-party research on the zombifying infection. Their own work on a cure had skyrocketed in progress with the information. That alone would have been worth celebrating if not for the sacrifices made to get the this point; the Jameson staff was half of what it used to be, Rina and Sebastian being some of the few remaining members. They'd managed to set up a base lab on a forested hill near a substation, redirecting power from the station to power equipment and electrify fences in case of a sudden passing zombie horde. The cure research was progressing quickly, with recent batches showing some forms of symptom reversal. Without a doubt, it was close to completion. But things were never that easy up until now, and simply by the laws of nature, nor would they continue to be. A passing squall of a storm had caused a power outage, leaving the lab inoperable. They had no choice but to lay low and quiet in order to not attract attention and defend from stray zombies. But they needed to regain power as soon as possible. The cause was most likely some sort of damage to the substation.

"I vill go check on ze station. I have some mechanical knowledge, and zahs have a goot chance of restoring ze pover. I can't risk having ze doctor, nor any ozer researchers risk themselves out zere. And ve still need personnel here for security. Vith ze current situation, I am the only able free-hand available. You all vait here, I'll be sure to succeed."

Jared, the head butler, stood up and approached Sebastian before anyone could raise complaints or thoughts. "Sebastian, can I have a word with you a moment."

Sebastian was surprised, and took a moment to nod and set aside with the man.

"It has been a long trial that we have gone through together thus far, both before and during this apocalyptic event. we have never truly seen eye-to-eye, and have been at odds more often than not. But a good portion of that has been due to my pride, my stubbornness. I have recognized for a long while that you've acted well and rightly since the beginning of this disaster, and my pride kept me from admitting your accomplishments. I...was envious of you. Your flexibility. It is an ability so foreign to me, and one I'd looked down upon for so long, I did no accept its usefulness. Yes, I am flexible to, but not in the same way. Your reactionary decisions are what has kept a good portion of us alive until now. Seeing you go off on another dire task, I wanted to take the chance to...thank you. To express my thoughts. You have my respect, Sebastian."

Sebastian was stunned speechless, and could only stand there and listen. "Jared, I...no, zank you as vell. Yes, I have talent in reactionary decisions, but we would not have survived vith just zat. You always cautioned my lack of discipline, and truly, had I been in charge, ve very vell may have fallen apart. You are STABLE, Jared. It is vhy you are ze head butler, and no vone else. It is your discipline and leadership that has held zis group together. Yes, I had multiple moments of heroism, but you are ze leader. I could not have done it vithout knowing zings vould not fall apart vhile I acted. So zank you, Jared. You have my respect as vell."

The two of them, smiled and quickly gave each other a firm handshake. Collecting himself, Jared spoke, "Well, It would be best if I did not keep you. Time is of the essence. I trust you shall complete your assigned duty, as a Jameson butler?"

"You need not worry, head butler. You may leave it to me." Sebastian gathered himself as well while stating this, then properly nodded understanding. He walked to the other side of the room, grabbing a flashlight, then checked that he had both his combat knife and pistols in order before heading toward the door.

Ok, so this topic is for discussing how this heavily homebrewed system should work.

As a small amount of background, we (Mystic and I) had originally started making this out to be based on the Dungeon World system. This left us unsure of character skills and, honestly, most of the game specifics. But as far as roleplay, it looked to be great. However, part-way through making it, it turns out a whole other fanbase was much further along, to the point of it becoming an official rulebook. It's still in the works, but supplied all the world setting and character info we needed.

We had thought about switching to this system, but as it's only partially made and seemed to be fairly complex, we decided to just take from it to further our own. Luckily, they used similar die systems, so it wasn't too bad. The problem was that to base stats and attributes were around 50% different. Thus I've been puzzling over a conversion for the sake of our RP. Now that I finally have a handle on it, I've put together a rushed spreadsheet showing my thoughts.

The Spreadsheet in Question

Please ask questions and make suggestions for how this should be run, especially since we're on the threshold of combat already (wasn't expecting it this quickly)

Note that the main reason we stuck with a Dungeon World base was because it was similar to D&D in setting, which almost everyone here is familiar with.

Now then...Log Horizon AMA...START! :P

[?...What's a boy like ye doin' away from yer mum, lad??]

Chapter 1

Kin had always adored metalwork, and was even more keen toward weaponry. So as soon as he'd come of age to decide what he would train in as a profession, it was obvious what his choice would be. Hell, he was on the doorstep of the local blacksmith as quickly as he could sprint to it from his fourteenth birthday. And thanks to his passion, he learned quite quickly, even innovating to the point where his master declared him a journeyman after only a year, and fully trained in two years total. However, though Kin could smith common items and even armors to near perfection, there was one category of smithing that truly escaped him and remained mediocre. Sadly for him, it was the category he was most passionate about: weapons. He could get the materials well proportioned, but would either end up with a blade that was never truly sharp, or a blade that did not flex enough, thus decaying easily. They looked great, but were lacking practicality, and this annoyed him to no end. Finally, during his twentieth year, he stopped stubbornly denying that me MAY need more training. That he was lacking something.

And so, the young halfling left his home in the plains and traveled south toward the mountains to look for new teacher, specifically a weaponsmith. As for why the mountains, though a bit stereotypical, his young mind told him the best in metalwork would be dwaven. Well, for what he was looking for, Kin wasn't exactly wrong. It was an awe-inspiring experience for him when he first entered the cavernous halls of the city, especially as a craftsman. Though he did not work stone, the intricacy of every home, wall, decorum, and art was not lost to him. It was an immediate respect, which soon grew into a fervid love for foreign crafts and arts. The reason for the memorable impact was that it seemed the entire city was a single stone, carved away into its current form. Without a doubt, it had taken centuries to complete.

But Kin soon regained his focus; he had come here to find a master of weaponsmithing, and would not allow any delay. And so deeper into the city he went, looked at with some interest by the general populace. Though cordial, they certainly didn't welcome Kin into town with open arms. Why is he here? What has made such a young halfling leave his home? Who is this strange young man? Those were probably the common thoughts of those he passed. And rightly so, as he certainly stood out. He'd noticed it only moments after entering the city; it was very rare for anyone other than dwarves to live here. Even gnomes, which were nearly beloved as kinsmen to the dwarven race, were an uncommon sight. While desperately trying to shake off this discomfort and alienation, he finally found the place he desired. Though he'd expected more, after the grandeur of the rest of the city. It was essentially a hole in the wall, slightly in the back alley from the main thoroughfare. A small, two-room shop, quaint and overlooked. But it was the place, as far as Kin could tell. He had neither the patience to search more, nor the option to choose otherwise. And so, the young halfling stepped through the doorway.

?...What's a boy like ye doin' away from yer mum, lad?? Spoke the old man from behind the counter. He sat at small table in the corner, papers sprawled out before him, with a pipe dangling from his mouth. Not that he could see more than the dwarf's lower lip, his braided beard and thick mustache masked most of the lower portion of his face. ?More so among dwaves and in a weapon shop. With this kind o' upbringin', do ye even HAVE parents? Someone screwed the pooch raisin' ya. What are ye, 19? 20? Come on, lad, speak up an' explain yerself.? Kin knew the dwarves to be terse, but this gruff attitude was an entirely different experience.

?I'm a smith, sir. I've mastered most of the basic craft, but was lacking when it came to smithing weapons. I've a love of weaponry, personally, so it frustrated me to no end to be unable to make useable ones myself. So I left my home in search of a teacher to show me what I lacked-?

?And ye thought I migh' show ya?? the man interrupted.

?Well...yes.? Kin tried to stand as confidently as possible, but from what was said, he'd been caught offguard and unnerved a bit. Thus it was a hesitant stance.

?...? The dwarf sighed. ?By Moradin's great forge, lad! Ye think I have th' time an' will to teach! Let alone a complete stranger tha' jus' WALKED in me door. In the evenin', no less. I'm tired, lad. So give it a rest.? He finished speaking by talking a relaxing few puffs from his pipe.

?It's not like it would be for long!? Kin began pleading. He would not be turned away like this. Not that easily. ?I'm no novice. In fact, I'm beyond journeyman in my craft. Certified as such. Sure, not well known, but I've never had a complaint.? This time Kin was confident in his statement.

The dwarf chortled in disbelief. Kin's confidence didn't even last a few seconds. ?Ye be a journeyman? Sure, ye may have the skill of it, I'll give ya that. But if ye think skill is all ye need ta be a respected craftsman, with good product, ye've got another thing comin'. Ye lack presence as a craftsman, lad. Yer still too green.?

?But I-?

?The answer's no. Now move along, if that's all ye wanted. I've got work to wrap up before supper.? the dwarf said while turning back to the work before him, paying Kin no more mind.

?I'm not giving up. I will have you teach me, one way or another, old man!'

The dwarf smirked, though didn't turn to address the halfling, ?Try all ya like, greenhorn.?

Downtrodden and belittled, Kin left the shop with the slam of the door. ?If he won't teach me, I'll simply observe! I'll visit and study his wares, watch him work, and try to gain access to a forge to practice. I haven't given up yet! I'll show him how green I am!? However, wih that final, morale-boosting cheer, the unexpected happened.

*prolonged growl*

...Well, maybe I should get a room at a nearby inn first. He told himself sheepishly, glad no one was around to have heard that. Thus, Kin quickly ran off to sate his hunger and rest.
______________________________________________

The following morning, Kin immediately headed to the weapon shop, this time entering without a moment's hesitation. The dwarf was astonished at Kin's quick return, but was even more surprised when the young halfling didn't even acknowledge him, instead heading straight to the shop walls to examine the weaponry displayed.

?...Lad, what're ya doin'? We both know you're not here to buy anything.?[/b] The dwarf said with a slight bit of impatience.

?I've got a name, old man, it's Kin. Kin Sheel. I'll be around for a while, so you may as well get used to that. And is that any way to treat a potential customer?? Kin turns from his examination at his last statement to show the dwarf a wry grin before goig back to examining a set of daggers.

?Heh.? The dwarf was surprised once more, though halflings WERE known for their wit. ?I'll only call ya by yer name if ya quit the 'old man' talk. We ALL have names, boy. It's Elros. Elros Ironhouse. And yer in me shop, so I've a right to ask when someone show up with ulterior motives.?

?Ulterior motives? I'm just looking over a fellow smith's work! Where's the wrong in that?? Kin announced plainly. The dwarf's suspicion remained, but the conversation ended and Kin was left to wander the shop. Honestly, Kin was happy. There were plenty of technique's he'd only heard of from his former master that he could actually see before him now. And, though geometrically simple, the dwarven style of weaponcrafting was a very intricate and beautiful sight to behold. The smith here was a veteran to the craft, no doubt about it.

Elros, had been right, though. Kin did have something else in mind, a second goal to his visit, and the opportunity rose a short while later. Someone walked in with a work order for the dwarf, an off-duty guard it seemed. From the looks of it, his warhammer was in need of repair. ?Good day, Elros. Was wonderin' if ye could take a look at me hammer. I notice it had some cracks in it, an' was wonderin' if it was still able to be repaired.? The guard handed it off to Elros.

?Ye really did a number on it this time, Beldak. Do ye even attempt maintaining it, wonder?? Elros gave him an accusing glare, then laughed when Beldak  began to fidget. ?Jus' yankin' yer beard! An' it's repairable, I can have it ready in an day or so. Will that do??

?More than fast enough! I can use a stand-in from the barracks until it's done. I'll come back around then. Ye've my thanks, Elros.? The guard, Beldak, said gratefully.

?Nothin' to it, jus' try ta take better care of yer gear from now on, or they'll get too brittle from the repairs.? The guard grimaced at the jabbing statement as he stepped out the door, and Elros stepped to the back of the shop to start the repairs. This was the moment Kin had been waiting for, the chance to watch him at work.

Kin snuck around and waited until the dwarf was focused before peeking in the door. First was the heating, for which Elros was furiously working the bellows to get the forge to a high heat. Once it was a proper temperature, he plunged the entire hammerhead into the coals of the forge, waiting until the metal glowed a light orange. Kin knew at least this much. The following procedure involved dipping the hammer into a barrel of powdered coke, or baked coal, which kept the air from causing surface faults while the cracks were hammered together for welding. Before hammering together, Elros made sure to constantly place the hammer in the neutral part of the forge's fire to keep the hammer well heated without overheating it. Kin knew all of this, and even the following hammer process, where he carefully welded the cracks together, cooled, then reheated the metal for the next set of cracks. It was all completely normal, even he did that. But there was something about Elros' motion and technique that Kin could tell he wasn't grasping. Kin then understood that it wasn't practice, nor forge knowledge that he lacked, but some sort of wisdom or understanding of the metal. Elros knew. And that's why he called Kin green.

?I really am still green...? Kin said aloud, which caused Elros to look Kin's direction. Kin seized, realizing he'd alerted his target of his presence, but the dwarf did nothing but look back at his work. He'd known he was there all along. Kin had no more reason to stay at the shop for the day, so he left, his mind furiously digging for answers. Halfway home, all he muttered was, ?It's going to be a long night.?
______________________________________________

Kin didn't show up at the shop up at the shop for a few days, but when he did, Elros was certainly in for a surprise. ?So the greenhorn returns...wha' in the nine hells happened to ye?? This reaction was not because the halfling went missing, but because of his current condition. Slumped over, weary, with large bags under his eyes. He was nearly a zombie by most counts.

?I couldn't sleep.? He yawned, nearly losing his balance. ?At all.? He sat down in one of the guest chairs near the door. ?Couldn't figure out what it was that I lacked and you knew. I see it but don't get it.?

Elros' eyes widened a bit. ?Wha'd'ya mean 'see it'? I know ye watched me a few days ago...wait, ye haven't slept in DAYS!? Moradin's beard, lad, wha's wrong wit'cha!? The dwarf was flabbergasted, to which Kin only returned a fatigued smile. ?...Well, ye certainly dun have a craftsman's presence, but ye do have a presence, I'll give ye that. Fine, I'll talk wit ye. So, what'd ye 'see'??

Kin was overjoyed that he made progress with the dwarf, but was much too tired to react. So he just tiredly explained himself. ?You do have more skill than I, but that's mostly through having more experience. I use the exact same methods, and understood everything you did, but there was something. Something else. The feel you gave off while working different than just 'making a weapon'. It was beyond forge knowledge and practical skill. I...I don't know what it was.?

?...I've changed ma opinion of ya, Kin. Ye've got quite the good insight. Ye'll make a fine smith once ye get more experience. But ye're right, I believe ye are missing somethin' rather important for this craft. And it's not somethin' I can teach ye. Let's find out, follow me.?

Elros leads Kin back to his forge, digs around and hands the halfling a couple iron ingots he gathered from his supplies. ?I want ye to make a sword, Kin. Ye can use whatever's here. Well, none o' the expensive stuff. The dwarf chuckles. ?Show me what ye think a sword should be! I'll be minding the shop, lemme know when ye're done.? And with that, Elros walked out, leaving Kin in front of the forge, a bit surprised.

But regardless of his feeling and doubts, Kin got to work. He got the fire to a workable temperature, heated the iron, removed the first iron ingot once it glowed a golden yellow and immediately began hammering out the form of the blade. After multiple reheats, folds, and draws, the form of a longsword blade finally took shape. Next was the pommel, for which he only needed half an ingot, if that. The other half would make the guard. Thus he heated the ingot slightly hotter than to ?forging heat?, then took his time to carefully separate the metal into two workable portions. After cooling one of them, he began forming the pommel, pounding it into a disk shape and fitting it around the end of the now-cold tang of the sword blade. Similarly he measured and worked the metal for the crossguard, drawing and punching it so that it fix around the tang and tightly held the base of the blade. For the next day, taking a few breaks to either eat, rest or allow Elros to work the grinder, Kin spent his time grinding all parts of the sword. Then, finally wrapping the exposed tang in leather and a small amount of wire to form a completed hilt, it was completed. By then it was already evening of the following day, around 36 hours had passed.

?Haaaa...complete.? Kin took a moment to look over the sword. Simple, yet well formed. It would do.

Having heard the grinding and brushing stop, Elros stepped into the back. ?Ah, ye're finally done, eh? Well, let's see it.? The dwarf steps up to take a look, examining it thoroughly and testing its composition. ?Hmm...certainly as a nice form and good finish...but it's no good for combat. Best as a decoration.? Kin's heart dropped at the news. Though he'd expected it, to hear it after all that work was a large blow. Elros, seeing the expression, decided it was best to explain. ?You certainly know your weapons, Kin. It's fantastically designed. But the problem lies in the fact that it needs to be used. It has the form of a sword, but not the practicality of one. You could say the spirit, I guess. There's too much carbon in the blade from forging, so though it looks great, it's somewhat brittle, meaning it won't last long. You might have used too much coal dust flux, increasing the carbon content. Though that's not the biggest problem, if anything that's a slight error that could be fixed with reforging. Overall, you designed it to look like a sword, not be one. It doesn't look like it is made for taking blows, it's not flexible enough when struck on the edge, and too flexible when struck on its broad side. It'd work as a practice blade, but not a real one. Tell me, Kin, have you ever been in a fight and actually used a sword??

Kin had heard all of this critique before, but it had never helped. But with Elros' last question, it hit him. ?No...I've never been in combat.?

?Ah...I thought as much. Kin, how are ye supposed to make a great weapon if ye don't know what its use is like first hand? That's what ye're missing.?

Kin was speechless. It's not like he'd never thought about fighting before, and not like he didn't know how combat worked. But was being in a fight really that different than not when it comes to understanding a weapon? Elros saw his response, and followed up with a recommendation.

?Kin, take a break from smithing. Join the town's vanguard, I'll recommend you, and let them know why. Learn to use a sword and patrol around outside the city with the guard. I can't teach you what you want to know, but that can and will.?

Kin stared at him a moment before replying. ?A break from smithing? Learn to fight? You really think that's going to make me better?? Kin was VERY suspicious of the advice. ?This isn't some plan to get me to leave you alone, is it??

The dwarf roared with laughter, ?A few days ago, it would have been. But now, no. I do think it will help. And when ye've done that. I want ye to come back and reforge yer sword. I'll keep it until then.?

Kin sighed a long sigh, ?...Combat, huh? Risking my life to improve my craft...I suppose there are worse reason to endanger myself.? He looked up at the dwarf, putting his hand out in front of him, which Elros took immediately in a handshake. ?Elros...thank you.?

?Don't thank me yet, Kin. Ye need to come back alive, first!? He said with a challenging grin.

Kin returned a grin of his own, ?Ha. I guess you're right.? And so, with a wave, Kin walked out the door once more, heading to a different kind of battle.

For those who weren't the players, I decided to post the notes instead of the summary because of a couple reasons.

One, this is NOT how the session happened, because players are unpredictable, spontaneous monsters that trample upon DM dreams. Jokes aside, only like half the dialogue actually happened, and I thought it'd be worth a laugh for the players to see what they missed.

Two, to show exactly how much I "winged it". Sure, the notes are organized, but they certainly don't read like a book. And I had no solid encounter stats, just descriptions :D

Anyways, enjoy, and comment away. Especially the players. Tell them what REALLY happened :P

There will be a follow-up forum mission to this, where anyone can join in, so keep your eyes peeled! The more, the merrier (and more difficult)!

A Strange Visitor

The morning was a bright and cheery one. The guild was full of lively chatter, the smell of baked goods and eggs wafted from the kitchen, and there was no sense of peril nor any sort of disturbance. For about 5 minutes. One of the guards from town walked into the hall, looking upset and was that...annoyed?

?Hate to bother you guys so early in the day, but we've a troublemaker near the front gate. Some traveling hack of a wizard looking for some help with experiments. Damned stubborn, too. Turned the brave soul that accepted blue, and now no one wants to deal with him.? The guard let out a sigh.

?But noooo, he won't have that. The guy says he's desperate, and after we tried to throw him out of town for disturbing the peace, he set up a wall of force or somethin' and now no one can get within 10 feet of him. Says he won't move until someone agrees to help him. But no one in their right mind would. Who knows what'd happen.?

At this point the expression on the guard's face was plainly one of begging, ?Would a few of you deal with this prankster of a wizard, whether by force or doing what he wants? I figure there's a few of you guys who can safely deal with a guy like this.?

Introductions and stuff happens

Guard leads group to the wizard.

The town seems mostly normal on the way to the gate, but you soon realize your error. Not by sight, but sound. The roaring clamor of a mob of townsfolk, a mixture of booing and heckling, resounded through the streets, and upon turning the corner you could see the large, upset gathering of people. It was so large you couldn't even make out what they were yelling at, though you knew it must be the wizard.

Let them respond if they wish.

?Alright, alright, everyone aside! Guild members are here to clear this up!? Though his voice definitely penetrated the racket the crowd made, it took a long while for people to register it and move out of the way.

When they did, it became apparent that you were not dealing with any ordinary individual. He was sitting down, with one leg pulled in, the other pushed out in front of him; he had his arms crossed over his one upright knee, a finger tapping on his forearm. The first notable feature was his large, wide brimmed, leather hat which seemed well worn, and had been patched a couple times at least. The second was the ungodly oversized backpack beside him, which you could see was stuffed to the fullest with trinkets, materials and random items. The oddities didn't stop there, however, as you took a look at the man's garb. His scarf and cloak were rugged and frayed, but the clothing under those was vibrant with various shades of greens, yellows and blues. The man himself was older, but fit; you'd guess he was around his fifties, with the gray showing in his long, unkempt black hair. His eyes shone a light shade of blue, but instead of an icy feeling, it was as though you were looking to the sky. Though that may've been due to the mischievous glint in them. His skin had a slight wrinkle to it, not to the point of sagging, and a fair tan.


At some point along your observation of this man, you all had thought, ?No wonder they called him a hack.?

As you approached, the man stood, then gave a smirk, ?So? Are these people going to help me with my tests, guard? If not, would you like to throttle me again? Well...? he grinned as he knocked against his force wall, ?Good luck with that.?

The guard grimaced and stiffened. You could tell he deeply hated this fellow, though with provocation like that you couldn't really blame him.

The wizard laughed, ?Honestly, such closed-minded folk here! You just turn ONE person blue, and suddenly they're at your throat, threatening exile or prison!? As follow up, he mutters semi-silently to himself, ?I TOLD them it'd wear off in a few hours...?

?Anyways, good day, newcomers! The name's Magnus Hermansen. I deal in exotic magic goods and materials, as well as any homemade product I deem worthy of sharing with the general populace. Wherein lies my trouble. I need to be sure my homemade materials actually do what they're supposed to. But alas, I've no apprentice nor other subjects of any kind on which to test them.? Magnus sighed dejectedly.

?The rest were scared off when my salve to remove skin blemishes ended up turning the woman blue as a side effect.? He rolled his eyes, ?By the gods, it still did its job. But seemingly a TINY pigment change is the end of the world here.?

?Anyways, you look like reasonable, adventurous people. Would you be willing to help me out with a few of my prototype goods? I'll make it worth your while with some sort of already-tested good of your choice. I've got QUITE the selection, as I'm sure you've noticed.? He pats the 3-foot bag beside him.

Tests:
- Tablet of Dreams
First is this pellet here, it take your subconscious' most deeply rooted emotional symbol and makes it reality. It SHOULD bring about the object of your greatest desire as far as happiness. All you need to do is put it in your mouth, bite it in half, and spit it on the ground. I know, not classy, but bear with me. Also, note it won't bring about anything like ?raising the dead? of the like. Just material desire.

50% chance of being an object of pure happiness for them, or a creature/object of pure fear. If between 40-60, a bit of both appears. Fears, due to subconscious tampering, become monsterous.

Golas ? meat/rotted meat golem
Gandin ? ponies (plushie that was torn apart by jealous friend as a child)/toothpick construct
Calista ?  Shiny things (small pile of gems/art/gold worth 100g)/Giant spiders/birds/cats (being eaten)

If joy, no bad effects, and they gain the item. Fear means they're shaken, and take another stack every time their feared creature attacks them. Golems/constructs have construct qualities, and weaknesses based on their element. See large animated object: http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/animatedObject.htm
For Calista fear (Choose based on how many fails): http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/monstrousSpider.htm

- Ring of Abundant Energy
This ring should allow the wearer to run faster, lift more, jump higher, and only feel hungry half as often. I meant it as a messenger or travel aide. Who would like to wear it?

Wearer goes under the effects of enlarge person (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/enlargePerson.htm) and Confusion http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Confusion

Must either do half health in damage, or wearer must successfully roll to move normally and remove the ring.

- Cloak of Invisibility
Now this is more of a standard item, but I used my own incantation and components. Ones that are MUCH easier to come by. So if this works, it'll be quite the break-through! Please, whoever first wishes to try, here.

First time wearing it: Upon closing the cloak over yourself, it suddenly goes transparent, but only on the inside. The wearer can see through the cloak, but cannot see any people. Almost like they're...invisible. Oh.

From the outside, you see the wearer walking around, semi-hunched over in a brown cloak. Nothing has changed.

?Oh, it's inside out. Put it on the other way!?

Second time: Inside, nothing happens. Outside they disappear. Sort of. You see the wearer's skeleton wandering around, nothing else.

?Nope, not what I want. Great for haunted houses though. Ok, thanks for your help, you can remove it.?

Upon taking it off: This time, you seriously disappear. And the cloak drops to the ground.

From the wearer's point of view: Your scenery has completely changed. I mean completely. You're not even on the ground any longer. Looking below you, it's at least 60ft before you hit the ground. And you ARE falling. You can see the crowd all gathered around the cloak you dropped.

DC 20 Tumble or Jump to convert 1d6 of damage to non-lethal
Other characters can do a DC 15 Reflex to attempt to catch the character, converting another 1d6, but taking 2d6 themselves

Total damage without reduction: 6d6

Hand out random, mostly cosmetic items of each character's desire. (Wizard will refuse until it's a feasible item).

On the way out, he is either shaken down by the guards, dropping a vial into the gutter, which breaks. Sooner after, he flies away.

["Oy! You lot! Back away, and no one gets hurt. The lady obviously wants nothing to do with you."]

The shout came from over there! The halfling told himself, sprinting as quickly as he could. There had been a shriek while he had been traveling back to the guild, and as dusk was approaching, he knew it couldn't be the good kind. And he was right. Upon turning into an alleyway, he saw three men gathered around a woman; it was obvious this wasn't a friendly gathering. The men had blonde, black and brown hair, and were well built and tanned, but certainly held themselves like scum. Hardly the most charming group. All he could see of the woman was fair skin and auburn-colored hair. And torn clothing.

"Oy! You lot! Back away, and no one gets hurt. The lady obviously wants nothing to do with you." Kin warned, slowly approaching them.

The three whirled around in surprise, then shortly afterward, laughter. "What was that, shrimp? You think you can take on all three of us? We were just having some fun, all four of us, so it's none o'yer business!" The one who seemed to be their leader, the black haired one, shouted back, with the other two grinning and nodding beside him. From the tears in the woman's shirt sleeves, it was an obvious lie, and her pleading eyes confirmed this. Plus, it was indeed true. They were large for humans, he was your average halfling. Cockiness aside, they were right that he was at a disadvantage.

"Hey hey, look at that sword! It's nearly twice his size! What's he doing carrying that? Haha. Bet he's just some little errand runner, carrying that for his master." One of them, the blonde, joked, nudging the the black haired leader. The black and brown haired ones laughed in response, and the last one spoke, "Little one, as ma' buddy here said, this is none o'yer business. Move along and leave us." Kin sported an irked grin at the statement. He was going to try to just scare them off, but now he wanted to hurt them. Not kill, but definitely wound. But they aren't worth using my sword on.

"Ah, you're right, there's no WAY I could use this, right?" He looks around and notices a quarterstaff-like dowel on the ground against the wall, which he picks up and brandishes. "This'll do. Now, make me leave." He says menacingly. At which they laugh. The leader speaks up, "Hey, would you look at this? The rodent thinks he's hot stuff!" The chuckle, then brandish their own weapons. The leader has a proper sword, while the blonde has a dagger and the brown haired one has a club. "Let's cool him a bit."

The first to act was the blonde, which Kin had to admire, as it was quite a quick thrust. However, Kin caught it along the outside of his 'staff', and immediately twirled it on top of the man's arm, forcing the thrusting arm downwards while simultaneously bringing the other end of the rod up under the thug's chin. This sent the man off balance and led him to tumble off to the side and into the wall, dazed on the ground. The other two quickly changed their stances in surprise, though Kin couldn't praise those at all. "Too many openings...this isn't fun at all." He grumbled to himself. He was even rusty with his staff-work, it'd been decades since he'd seriously wielded one, so this was truly a let-down. He was proud of the bruise he'd caused on the one he'd hit, though; at least his strength had improved.

The next to attack was the club-wielder, the brown-haired man. Seems he'd gone for accuracy over power, using a horizontal swing that was tough to side-step or parry. But Kin wasn't new to such things. He ducked slightly, using his height to his advantage, and deflected the club at an angle with the staff above him. The blow bounced a little high and caused the thug to spin too far with the force of his blow, his arm flung high by the force. This left his striking side open, and his arm blocked his view of a counter-attack. Kin quickly thrust the staff into the man's side, propelling him back past the leader.

"It seems you're worth something in a fight after all. But that don't mean nothin'. I've trained with the guard, so I'm not like those two." With that, the man takes a side-long stance, holding his sword in a parrying stance, as though fencing. Kin smiled, "'With the guard' you say...I'd say you didn't train long enough. Though I admit it's a good stance, it's not right for the situation." This time, Kin is the one to charge in. "Like you could properly block a long weapon like a staff like that!" With both hands, Kin swings the quarterstaff toward the man's back. The man responds by whipping his sword circularly down and around so the staff is pushed upwards.

"Good!...But!" Kin exclaims, enthusiastic that he found some who could receive his blows. The 'but' was because Kin had a double weapon, and was able to redirect his momentum to the other end, bringing the entire staff full-circle with himself as the pivot point. Spinning, Kin brought the pole back around in a swift thrust, landing right into the thug's gut. The man staggered backwards, but was still on his feet. "Hmm, still on your feet? Not bad, not bad." He wanted to keep going, but Kin's weapon was at its end. It had multiple cracks along it now from all the blows it'd received, and was ready to break. "Tch, looks like this thing's done." He flung the wooden pole back to the side. The lead thug began to laugh, "Now what, shrimp? You're good, I give ya that, but you're useless without a weapon!" The man gathered himself and assumed a charging stance.

"Ah, well, I didn't want to kill, but you don't seem like a wimp. Guess I could get serious and drop the facade." With that, he draws the greatsword, Azure Fury, from its place on his back, causing everyone still conscious (the black and brown haired men, and the woman) to gasp in some way or another. "Kin Sheel of the Guild of Galas'nor accepts your challenge!"

The man's guard drops slightly, his mouth hanging open for a moment. Suddenly, recognition appears on his face. "Wait, Kin Sheel? you mean the one from the tournament?" Then brown haired man chimes in behind him. "The Mad Sword of Galas'nor? Gods, man, we're done for." They both drop their weapons, hoping to be spared any more pain. We're done, Kin, sir. We know when we're outmatched, I saw how you fight with that thing." He said pointing to the greatsword.

Kin grimaced with disappointment, "Tch, shouldn't have announced my name. Damn dueling habits die hard...I wasn't even gonna use the enchantments!" He spouted out at them. "Gah, well whatever, you lot get out of here and don't try anything like this again. It's shameful." Kin slid Azure Fury back in it's scabbard as the duo grabbed their unconscious friend wordlessly and left.

The woman ran up to Kin in thanks, giving him a solid hug, which he quickly pushed himself away from. "Hey, hey, hey! No need for that. I didn't do any of that for you. Glad you're alright and all, but really now, what got you in this mess to deal with people like them?" All the woman could manage was a "Huh?" as Kin continued on. "I just don't like trash like them creeping around in my city. Either get some discipline or get out!" There were a slew of emotions in the woman's face: confusion, pain, joy...annoyance. She couldn't figure out how to respond as she was more or less told-off and ranted to by this odd, but somewhat known halfling.

She gave a sighing chuckle, "Honestly, you're exactly as people say you are; you reputation certainly precedes you, Kin Sheel. Either way, you did save my life, so you have my thanks. My name is Luiza Budny. I help out at a tavern around the corner, The Sword and Barrel. I'll be glad to treat you to a drink as thanks." The woman did a small curtsey in her muddied, slightly torn barmaid outfit.

"The Sword and Barrel, huh? Good name!" He gives an awkward thumbs-up, obviously because 'sword' is in the name. "But no can do. I've got to get back to the guild." Luiza looks at him in surprise, especially turning down a free drink. She thought it was a good offer, and DID want to show thanks. "I...see...well, feel free to drop by if you're around, the offer stands. She says, regaining a bit of cheer."

"Yup, you too, if you see guys like that around again, feel free to come get me, or anyone, from Galas'nor. We'll be happy to help. Don't be a stranger!" Kin says, thrusting his hand toward her for a handshake, to which she responds hesitantly, thrown off-guard. He really is all over the place...so rumors can be true. was all she could think. With that, they part, and Kin walks back to the main road.

"That was quite well handled, young man." An older voice called out from behind him. Kin quickly, and guardedly, spun around to meet the stranger voice. It was an elderly, balding man in a brown cloak. He seemed well traveled, and there was a presence surrounding him...he wasn't ordinary. "You've quite the martial skill. Many would be envious of such a thing."

"But not you...?" Kin responded, getting an elderly chuckle from the man.

"Quite the wit! No, not envious, but you have my respect. Tell me, young one, from all your experience and training, what do you think a sword is? Where does a blade's true strength lie?"

Kin was dumbfounded for a few moments, having not expected such a question, then he began to think and observe. The old man's eyes were sharp, and a smile crept onto his face while he watched Kin. This was a serious question, not just a random whim. "What is a sword, huh? That's a very loaded question. On one hand, it's from its creation, however the smith manages the metal and refines the blade, what materials it's composed of, the smith's mastery  and knowledge of his craft. On the other hand, it is the wielder. Does he understand the blade's ideal use for what it was made? Is he well versed in the basics of swordplay? Does he have to proper strength and dexterity to wield the blade to its potential? But as for what a sword is...it is a keen, unforgiving edge. Blind to right and wrong, it only cuts its target."

The old man had been nodding as Kin had spoke, waiting for the complete answer, "Mm, a good answer. But not perfect. It is too closed-minded a definition. You've only addressed the wielder, the smith and the sword. It's a good start, better than most I've come across, but what of the environment and the target. I find it rather comical you left those out when you used them earlier. You sized up your opponents, and, despite being outnumbered, chose not to use your own blade, but instead an improvised weapon. A sword is not determined by any of these, however. They are only things that determine its use, only parts of a sword. Though it is true a sword is an edge, you've labeled it too heavily. Here, it's best if I just show you. The old man moves, retrieving...nothing from his cloak. Only his bare hands, open and obviously empty. He crouched slightly, lifting one arm backward and to head level, the other lowered below his waist, palm up. "Come, attack me. With your greatsword, of course."

Kin knows he's serious, but his mouth drops, "You want me to attack you when you're unarmed? Old man..." But before he continued, he saw the mans expression and complete silence. "...Very well." The man smiled as Kin drew his blade and prepared to attack. Kin saw there were no openings. He was barehanded, but there were no openings. "Oy, this is insane...who are you?" Only silence followed, though the man was still smiling calmly. Kin shrugged. And ran. And slashed in the best way possible that he could think. Horizontally, toward the shoulder of the lowered arm.

The motion was very hard to follow, and technique hard to fathom. The man stepped forward and used the lowered hand to lift the blade with the back of his wrist, while ducking. The blade sailed over, missing. However, it wasn't over yet. He grasped the pommel of the blade and pushed at the back-edge of the greatsword with his other, open palm. This created a pivot point where Kin gripped his blade and caused it to swirl toward his own shoulder. Kin tried to dodge but could not completely escape the counter, which was his own strike. Thus the sword bit into his arm. It wasn't a horrid wound, but certainly was no scratch.

His sword dropping to the ground, still held in his other hand, Kin jumped back. "Gah! Ha...what in the nine hells was that!?" The old man returned his hands beneath his cloak and smiled. "That was my sword. Well, one of many. You see, young man, a sword isn't any one of those things we discussed. It is all of them, with the wielder as the focal point." Kin was panting after the strain of their quick duel, but at that response suddenly started laughing. "Interesting! I believe you've proven that point well. Now answer my other question. Who ARE you, old man?"

The old man simply smiled at the wit and prowess of the one before him, My name is Udom Suttikul, and I am a traveling Swordsage. I've been looking for someone to teach what I know of the Sublime Way, as a sort of successor. And I do believe I have found him. He says staring into Kin's eyes.

Kin blinks a few times, then pointed to himself. "You want to pass on your swordsmanship...to me?" Kin grinned with more excitement than he'd ever had in his life. Finally gathering himself, he used something he had not in a VERY long time. Disciplinary etiquette. Bowing his head slightly, he spoke, "I am in your care, Swordsage Suttikul."

["What tHE HELL!?"]

A breeze?

The player was confused at this sensory feeling.

Why do I feel wind? I'm indoors!

He opened his eyes. Low and behold, he was NOT indoors. He was lying back-down in the grass and dirt. Grass and dirt that were unfamiliar.

Quickly, the man sat up and looked around.

"What tHE HELL!?"

This wasn't home. There were trees, and ruins, a-and...wait, something was familiar. This layout, and the way buildings were designed.

"...Elder Tale? This is Elder Tale, right? While looking around quickly, he noticed something move out of the corner of his eye. He quickly grabbed out at it, but then flinched in a slight amount of pain. "N...no way..." What he'd grabbed was his own tail. A fox tail.

"...This is definitely Elder Tale. Without a doubt. And I'm Kuwan..." At this point, his hand was on his head. Where he found his fox ears, confirming his identity. He was currently in the body of his avatar in the MMO "Elder Tale", Kuwan of the Fox Tail race. Which means he's on the level 1 character he'd literally just created when he bought the game yesterday. Well, was it yesterday? It's hard to tell what time has passed considering he just woke up in an entirely different world.

Now that he knew, sort of, what the world around him was like, he began to wander. Luckily, it seemed he was fairly close to the city he'd been in before he'd logged off.

"So this is Elder Tale's Seattle..." Kuwan noted aloud, looking up toward the skyscrapers, which only got higher as the hills rose from the waterfront. Though, most of the buildings were worn or partially destroyed. It was a ruined setting, after all. Something stood out to him while looking at those buildings; there was a sale sign. For ungodly sums for money, but these buildings could be bought. That's not what he thought strange, however. The sign was a hologram, as though it was virtual.

He froze where he stood. Is this a virtual world or reality? What is this!?

As though to test this fact, he attempted to open his character menu. Just as if he was in the game, the menu popped up, displaying all of his stats, and his friends list (though it was empty). At this, he sighed dejectedly.

As he walked further into the city to see if anyone else was in the same predicament, only a single thought constantly reappeared in his mind.

What the hell is going on!?

The Sheet

[spoiler]

Kuwan
Level 1 Male Fox Tail Druid

Hair: Brown
Eyes: Yellow
Height: 5'10"
Build: Lanky
Age: 27


Memory points: 100

13,9,5,14,10,16

Str	| 5 |	-2
Dex	| 9 |	0
Con	| 10 |	0
Int	| 13 |	1
Wis	| 16 |	2
Cha	| 14 |	1

Subclasses:
Scribe
(Instrument Crafter)

Skills:
Totem Grace (Druid)
Heartbeat Healing (Druid)
Heal (Healer)

Racial Mods:
1 Magic use per 5 levels
Unable to learn Cure Bloom (Druid)

Traits:
Clumsiness
Music Lover

Pre-Apocalypse Knowledge:
Music Composition
Saxophone (Jazz)
[/spoiler]

A pale yellow light was flooding the room, accompanied only by the drone of the nearby devices. Or at least that was all that could be perceived. Vision was cloudy and tunnel-like, sounds were dampened as though they were distant, and Vladimir's whole body was numb. He couldn't even tell if he was moving; but when he tried to turn his head he realized the fearful truth. He couldn't move.

In his panic, it all came rushing back to him. Vladimir and his family barely scraping by, on the verge of starving to death on their farm. The strange traveler that handed him enough gold to last them a lifetime in exchange for his body. Leaving his wife and child to enter a strange keep miles from home. Finding out the traveler was an outcast mage doing unorthodox experiments. Being unable to back out for his family's sake. Resisting the mage's attempts at persuasion to use his body. And then the coersion...the concussion had sent him reeling to the ground, and then everything went blank. And now here he was, paralyzed and senseless, on what he imagined was a lab table. What a number of poor choices to have made...Was it really worth it?

He was broken from his reminiscence when a shadow moved in his peripheral vision. No doubt the mage. Moving back and forth between his bench and the table, standing over the torso. But what was he doing? His glasses were fully reflecting the light in the room, making them seem like sources of light themselves, almost ghoulish in the way they glowed. Likewise, his instruments glinted in the low light, though their shape was blurred. Straining and focusing, it seemed they were callipers. Surgical callipers. Just as it was dawning on him what such tools entailed, he saw the light glint off his tool with a different color than the pale yellow of the room. Red. Blood. His blood.

Fear gripped Vladimir as he realized the extent of what was happening, and he screamed out in terror. Or at least he tried. But nothing moved, and his voice didn't sound. He was helpless to watch as this strange madman meddled with his body, in ways that nightmares could never reach.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


The screaming was ceaseless that night, starting suddenly, and only ending momentarily for sharp breaths. It wouldn't be surprising if it had roused the whole floor. Of course, this is why he'd requested to be placed in the basement of the guild in the first place. His eyes were wide open despite still being unconscious, staring fearfully at the ceiling as he cried out. He was holding the bedding in a deathgrip, and his body trembled in stress and terror, as though he were using all his strength. The was cold sweat beading across his entire face and body, as he lay there motionless, despite the trembling.

["Fellow guildmates! I have returned from my day in the shops bearing good news! I have in my possession a magical item that I am not in need of, one which many of you may be envious of and eager to have!"]

Kin quickly climbs up on a chair in the middle on the guild's main hall, clears his throat, and begins his announcement. "Fellow guildmates! I have returned from my day in the shops bearing good news! I have in my possession a magical item that I am not in need of, one which many of you may be envious of and eager to have!" With that he holds the necklace over his head with pride and confidence. "A necklace of FIREBALLS!"

Though he had gotten the attention of many in the hall, he had hardly captured their hearts. Many looked at him in confusion, or even giving him the 'not again' eye roll. He was used to that though.

"This baby here holds five small gold spheres that can be removed and thrown. Upon hitting a target, the sphere will erupt into a fireball whose power depends on the size of the sphere thrown. This one has three different sizes, two very small spheres, and two slightly larger ones, and one of medium size. Even the smallest still pack quite a punch, though!"

Now people looked at him somewhat in fear. "What? It's not like I'm gonna start throwing them INSIDE the HALL!" Now the looks were those of mistrust. "Oh, come on!" He blurted out. It was his turn to eye roll.

Kin clears his throat again. Anyway...I'm looking to sell this explosive piece of jewelry. After debating my idea with the one who appraised the items, he told me that 550 gold is a fair price. Any takers!? Note, that if your take damage from fire there is a chance it could set off this item, so I recommend this for anyone NOT in the front lines of battle."

[spoiler]
Price asked: 550g

Necklace of Fireballs - Type II
This item appears to be a string or cluster of spherical beads, sometimes with the ends tied together to form a necklace.

(It does not count as an item worn around the neck for the purpose of determining which of a character's worn magic items is effective.) If a character holds it, however, all can see the strand as it really is—a golden chain from which hang a number of golden spheres. The spheres are detachable by the wearer (and only by the wearer), who can easily hurl one of them up to 70 feet. When a sphere arrives at the end of its trajectory, it detonates as a fireball spell (Reflex DC 14 half).

This necklace holds: 2 spheres of 2d6 fireballs, 2 spheres of 4d6 fireballs, and 1 sphere of 6d6 fireball.

If the necklace is being worn or carried by a character who fails her saving throw against a magical fire attack, the item must make a saving throw as well (with a save bonus of +7). If the necklace fails to save, all its remaining spheres detonate simultaneously, often with regrettable consequences for the wearer.[/spoiler]

[Round X in progress - Still to move:]

It was about two days before you made it out to the site of the ambush, though the journey had not been a rough one. The turn of events was immediately obvious; arrows riddled the ground, blood and scorch marks marked the gullies beside the road, as well as the roadway itself. And then there was the wreckage. The coach that had been carrying the merchants' goods was smashed and off to the side of the road. All that remained was the remnants of broken crates, nothing of value left behind. Even the oxen, though assumed to have also been slain due to the pools of blood in front of the coach, were missing.

Efficient and deadly, that's all you could think. There was not a single body of whatever had attacked. This only meant that the perpetrators were bound to be somewhere nearby. All that was left was to search. Though the only real options were to venture into the forest on either side on the road. Where exactly, you couldn't say.

[spoiler]
Rolls/Effects/Summary:
[spoiler]

[/spoiler]

Stats:
[spoiler]

Round X in progress - Still to move:

Free turns
Kryas: 0
Lyolf: 0
Annial: 0
Ryine: 0
Katia: 0

Damage Dealt

Spells/Abilities/Potions used since the day:
Kryas

Lyolf

Annia

Ryine

Katia

Party HP - Lethal|Non Lethal
Kryas: 18/18|18/18,
Lyolf: 29/29|29/29,
Annia: 36/36|36/36,
Ryine: 38/38|38/38,
Katia: 9/9|9/9,

[/spoiler]

Map:
[spoiler]

[/spoiler][/spoiler]

[?Hey, Galas'nor! We need some help out here. Got ya a roughed-up merchant with a story to tell!?]

It was a drab, overcast day in Ternadan, but the warmth and general mirth within the halls of the Guild of Galas'nor kept the depressing weather at bay. Whether it was drink, food, banter, or friendly competition, everyone was enjoying their day as they saw fit. The feast a few days past had set the entire town into a peaceful mood, accompanied with amazement; it was a once in a lifetime experience to see a turkey that large cooked in the town square.

Yes, everyone was in good spirits despite the weather, until unsettling news reached the hall's doorstep.

The call from the guard echoed from the doorway, ?Hey, Galas'nor! We need some help out here. Got ya a roughed-up merchant with a story to tell!?

From the sound of it, the guard didn't believe the story, and was trying to get a freelancer to look into it. Then again, that was common enough. It's not like the town guard could leave the city without some sort of proof.

They stumbled in the guild hall, and it was obvious that at least SOMETHING happened, whether the tale was true or not. The merchant looked utterly exhausted, there was blood all over his clothes, some of it his, some not, and there was a nice cut along the side of his head, going right above his ear; it wasn't life-threatening, but remained noticeable. His garb, otherwise, was certainly that of a traveling merchant, a standard, middle-class, brown belted tunic, with fine leggings and a red cape. If it weren't for the blood, you would say he was doing well for himself.

After sitting down, and taking a swig of a good, warm drink, the merchant began to explain himself. ?I'm Bran, a member of the Winding Roads Traders that just started up in Taelthan to the East, only a few months ago. We deal in leather goods mostly, but we had just gotten license for trading spices, and even reagents for magical and alchemical practices. Due to Ternadan's reputation, my partners and I decided it'd be best to try our luck supplying the shops here in town, so we headed on our way. This was our first shipment, and honestly we had a good amount of our success riding on it.

The merchant paused a moment, composing himself. ?We had hired mercenaries to guard us, but everyone knew the route between our towns was nothing to be feared. Your very guild took care of that bandit problem a while back. The most we feared were maybe some goblins or small dire creatures, it's the low riverlands after all, in the opposite direction of the swamps. Nothing that couldn't be handled, nor anything that organized themselves exceptionally well. That's why we were surprised.? He stated, suppressing panic, obviously still traumatized from the events. ?Why hobgoblins, let alone a warband of them, would ever be here, I don't know. But they were, and they were waiting.?

The guard broke in, ?Ya got to have that wrong, they'd never come this far north, too wet. They'd rather stay by the desert borders, in the hills, everyone knows that!? The guard exhales, calming himself. ?Even if he was seeing things, something got to 'im. So would you guys mind rounding up a band of your own to check out what happened over there? It's not safe for travelers with things like this.?

?It was hobgoblins! I know what I saw, I'm not daft!? Bran yelled, ?They were the raiding type, too, efficiently trapped us, killed everyone, and ransacked our caravan...only reason I got away is because I can run decently. Anyways, there were so many spice and reagent crates, though some of them were probably destroyed. But I beg of you, recover any that you can! I'll pay well for each crate, a good margin of whatever it's worth. Here's the sigil that'll be on the boxes. If we don't get our stock back, we're ruined...? At that, he proceeds to slump and go silent, devastated by the weight of his own words.

The trade sigil

The Assaulted Caravan
DM: Linwelin
Suggested players: 4-6
Suggested Level: 4-5
Max players: 6
Length: Short
Summary: Skirmishes, Boss fight
Goal: Rout the hobgoblin warband
         Recover any found merchant supplies
Rewards:
1000 coins (split between the party)
500 coins/crate (split between the party)
1500 exp (split between the party)
100 exp/crate (split between the party

[Here I come, my new home-away-from-home!]

Roman was practically sprinting to the club lab. Here I come, my new home-away-from-home! Right before he bursts through the door, he takes a second to compose himself. I wonder what kind of people will be in club? I wonder if anyone else likes magnets. I hope they like magnets, no one else will debate with me about them, which I really miss doing with one who taught me in Russia. At least my brother would humor me... With that final, rather pathetic though, he straightens himself, and opens the door.

He enters, holding back his giddiness, stepping purposefully. As he looks around, he asks, "This is research club, yes?"

[Shandon Crystalslayer's Progression]

Shandon Crystalslayer's Progression
Level 1

Shandon Crystalslayer

Male Dwarf Cleric/Monk
Lawful Neutral
Deity: Fharlanghn

STR: DEX: CON: INT: WIS: CHA:

14 17 15 12 17 12

+2 +3 +2 +1 +3 +1

Size: Medium
Height: 4'3"
Weight: 190 lbs.
Skin: Olive
Eyes: White
Hair: Black

[spoiler]
Used the stat roller on the web site, 4d6 value no modifiers, dropped the lowest.
[4d6] 5, 1, 4, 5 = 15 = 14
[4d6] 6, 6, 5, 4 = 21 = 17
[4d6] 6, 4, 4, 2 = 16 = 14
[4d6] 6, 4, 1, 2 = 13 = 12
[4d6] 6, 5, 6, 5 = 22 = 17
[4d6] 4, 5, 1, 4 = 14 = 13

Hit Die: d8
Hitpoints: 9
Hitpoints per level: 1d8 +1 (con - Quick)
Level Adjustment: +0

Speed: 20 feet (Quick: +10ft)
Armor Class: 10 +3 (dex) +3 (wisdom) +2 (defensive fighting) = 18
Armor Class: 10 +3 (dex) +3 (wisdom) = 16
Touch Armor Class: 10 +3 (dex) + 3 (wis) = 16
Flatfooted Armor Class: 10 +3 (wis) = 13

Fortitude save: +2 (class) +2 (con) = +4
Reflex save: +2 (class) +3 (dex) = +5
Will save:   +2 (class) +3 (wis) = +5

Cold Resistance: 0
Fire Resistance: 0
Electricity Resistance: 5
Sonic Resistance: 0
Spell Resistance: 0

Initiative: +3 (Dex) = +3

BAB: +0
Attack (melee, Quartstaff): +0 (BAB) +2 (str) = +2
Attack (missile): +0 (BAB) +3 (dex) = +3
Attack (unarmed): +0 (BAB) +2 (str) = +2
Attack (defensive fighting): -4
Damage (Quarterstaff): 1d6 +2
Damage (unarmed): 1d6 +2

Grapple check: +0 (BAB) +2 (str) = +2 
Light load: 58 lb. or less
Medium load: 59?116 lb.
Heavy load: 117?175 lb
Lift over head: 175 lb
Push or drag: 875 lb

Languages:   Common, Dwarven

Feats:
Bonus: Improved Unarmed Strike
Extra Turning

Class abilities:
Turn undead: 3+1+4 (feat)= 8 turns per day. Turn 2d6 + Cleric level + Cha HD of undead. The ones nearest the caster. Currently turned
                      undead can be ignored if turning again.
Flurry of Blows -2/-2
Aura (Lawful)
Channel Energy (Cure): Can make any unused spell slot a cure spell at a moments notice.

Traits/Flaws:
Quick: +10 base land movement speed/-1 hp per level
Elemental Bloodline - Air: +5 resistance to electrical energy, can telekinetically move air/electricity within 15ft of himself (non-damaging,
                                          minor effect). Take +50% from earth-based damage, elemental aura causes discomfort to others: -2 to all
                                          Diplomacy/Disguise/Gather Information/Handle Animal checks.

Spells:
Domain:
Luck - Reroll check once/day
1 - Entropic Shield - Ranged attacks have a 20% miss chance

Travel - For 1 round/cleric level, cleric moves freely, despite impairly effects, is if using freedom of movement spell
1 - Longstrider - increases speed by 10ft for 1 hour/level

Divine:
0th level - 3 per day
Commonly prepared: Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Mending, Read Magic

1st level - 1 + 1 (Plus 1 domain spell)
Commonly prepared: Cause Fear, Doom, Inflict Light Wounds, Magic Stone, Sanctuary, Summon Monster I,


Skills
12 skill points at level 1
3 skill points per level after
*Denotes a class skill

Appraise INT: +1 (int) = 1
*Balance DEX: +3 (dex) = 3
Bluff CHA: +1 (cha) = 1
*Climb STR: +2 (str) = 2
*Concentration CON: +2 (con) = 2
*Craft (?) INT: +1 (int) = 1
Decipher Script INT: +1 (int) = 1
*Diplomacy CHA: +1 (cha) -2 (Trait) = -1
Disable Device DEX: +3 (dex) = 3
Disguise CHA: +1 (cha) -2 (Trait) = -1
*Escape Artist DEX: +3 (dex) =  3
Forgery INT: +1 (int) = 1
Gather Information CHA: +1 (cha) -2 (Trait) = -1
Handle Animal CHA: +1 (cha) -2 (Trait) = -1
*Heal WIS: +3 (wis) +2 (skill ranks) = 5
*Hide DEX: +3 (dex) = 3
Intimidate CHA: +1 (cha) = 1
*Jump STR: +2 (str) = 2
*Knowledge (Arcana) INT: +1 (int) +2 (skill ranks) = 1
*Knowledge (History) INT: +1 (int) = 1
*Knowledge (Religion) INT: +1 (int) +2 ( skill ranks) = 1
*Knowledge (The Planes) INT: +1 (int) = 1
*Listen WIS: +3 (wis) = 3
*Move Silently DEX: +3 (dex) = 3
Open Lock DEX: +3 (dex) = 3
*Perform DEX: +3 (dex) = 3
*Profession WIS: +3 (wis) = 3
Ride DEX:  +3 (dex) = 3
Search INT: +1 (int) = 1
*Sense Motive WIS: +3 (wis) = 3
Sleight of Hand DEX: +3 (dex) = 3
*Spellcraft INT: +1 (int) +2 (skill ranks) = 3
*Spot WIS: +3 (wis) +2 (skill ranks) = 5
*Survival WIS: +3 (wis)  = 3
*Swim STR: +2 (str) = 2
*Tumble DEX: +3 (dex) +2 (skill ranks) = 5
Use Magical Device CHA: +1 (cha) = 1
Use Rope DEX: +3 (dex) = 3

Equipment
Holy Symbol
Quarterstaff
Backpack
Bedroll
Traveler's cloak
Waterskin
[/spoiler]

[spoiler]

[/spoiler]

Sheet for Editing

Name Roman Ilya Pajari
Age 16
Race White (Russian)
Gender Male
Hair color Platinum Blonde
Eye Color Green
Height 5'11"
Weight/build 180 lbs/Fit, but lanky

Favorite things
   MAGNETS
   Commoners

Hated things
   My father's business

Personality
   Means well, but due to his upbringing has no social tact among middle and lower class people. What he thinks is a compliment to another, his inherent condescending attitude could turn it to insult. The only time he speaks without his inherent bias is on the subject of his passion, magnetism.
Background/ general personal history*
- Ran away from family to avoid being married off (mainly to escape the family business), for the sake of my true love, magnets.
   - This left behind my supposed fiance.
- Got to New York to meet with my brother who had been studying abroad, only to find that my father's contacts stretched even to the Big Apple.
   - From there I laid low by going upstate, and with my brother's help enrolling in a small    town's high school, Washington High School in Traverseward, to continue my education.

Family/Relations
   My brother: Pyotr Yevgeni Pajari
   Fiance: Larisa Anzhela Kaminski

Image:
[spoiler][/spoiler]

[Do not think of the past, Vlad...today is a big day, and that sob story won't help you right now. You've traveled decades, across many lands, taken in only to be thrown aside under superstition. But today, today you've found a new chance at a home. The rumors speak strongly of how open minded this place is, how backgrounds and ethnicity meant nothing compared to one's moral standing and will. Yes, today, after countless years of wandering, you have a chance to start your life again.]

"Never before have I felt such comfort at night...if only I could feel such comfort elsewhere once again."

The confinement had not been pleasant, but Vladimir had gotten the compensation he desired. The irony of it all was a thing of beauty, but everything, all that happened, kept him feeling confined. He had gained his freedom, killed the man who had held him. Yet, he still remained the result of an experiment; he was tainted beyond repair thanks to that bloody wizard. However, it was useless to despair. He was what many dreamed to become, so even if it wasn't HIS dream, he should make the best of it.

At least that was his intention, but he soon realized it was harder than it seemed. He was unable to walk comfortably in broad daylight; he became ill, and even wounded, when he came in contact with symbols of purity. And then there was worst part, the thirst. He did not crave blood so much get sick without it. There was no unholy frenzy when he went without the drink, but the weakness was unpleasant to say the least. It was obvious that discretion was his ally now. He would never have a normal life again. The only relief was that there was no one else involved in this change, no abandoned or threatened family to unnerve him even more. Solitude was possible, and with how things were, quite likely. But was it the right thing to do? Turning his back on the world in self-defense felt so...cowardly. Sure, he would not be welcome at first glance, he probably wouldn't even be accepted after the second glance, but history has always shown that oddities, such as how he was now, went mad without any prior guidance. His former captor was proof enough of that. And that was one thing he did NOT want to mimic.

Vladimir shook his head, throwing himself from his reminiscence. Do not think of the past, Vlad...today is a big day, and that sob story won't help you right now. You've traveled decades, across many lands, taken in only to be thrown aside under superstition. But today, today you've found a new chance at a home. The rumors speak strongly of how open minded this place is, how backgrounds and ethnicity meant nothing compared to one's moral standing and will. Yes, today, after countless years of wandering, you have a chance to start your life again.

And so Vladimir Ludwik knocked on the doors to the Guild of Galas'nor, anxious and hopeful.