Midge looked over at the Sun priest. "Yeah, I'll bunk up with ya, I don't think there's much more to see here."

Standing up on the bench, Midge tries to flag down the serving girl as best as he can. When she swings by their table, the wizard piped up, "Honey, can you get a room ready for me and Solanis' favorite here?" he gives a nod in Cedric's direction. Calling out after her as she leaves, he adds, "Quickly, please. I can't bear to watch this any longer!"

OOC: Once the room is prepared, Midge will head there, saying a courtesy "good night" to those that remain at the table. 

Is it possible to add a new character instead of taking on one of these two? (This question is more out of curiousity than application, atm)

...was super clever! Nice wit, buddy! Well played... well played.

Hey! Just checking the status of this game. I think if it is a matter of waiting on two people to post, they should be NPCed or dropped. It's been more than a month since the last post.

Hey! Just checking in to see if this game is moving on to hiatus? We've hit posting deadline #2 with only Eol missing. Is it possible, Eol, to just put in a quick post that Cas meets the rest at the gate? Or, Lady Dark, can we just assume he meets the rest at the gate?

Hi Lady Dark,

Just putting up my schedule of availability for the next little while as we are starting to hit the summer season and my schedule changes for 4 months.

I'll be away during the following dates with no posting likely:

• May 18-22


• May 25-28


• Jun 1-3


• Jun 7-25


• Jul 13-29


• Aug 4-7

Feel free the NPC as needed.

Peace,

Ayrn

Aymani nodded once more at Girta’a. “Right! Stables by the gate. Ask for Old Peg. Thanks for having that prepared for us.”

Turning to the rest, “Eight hours at the city gate. Should give all of us enough time for what needs to be done. Head to Ghostwood, solve the mystery, be the champions – sounds like a good plan to me!” she said with a grin. “And you all have the look of making interesting travel companions. Should make for an exciting trip!”

“Now, I need to go. Got a few folks I need to kiss goodbye before I go.”

Aymani moved to leave, stopping only briefly to give Girta’a a light kiss on the cheek. “Thanks! You’ve done good in Lys’s absence. I’m sure she’d be proud of you. See you when we get back!”

Taking her leave, the gladiator moved swiftly back home, gathering a pack with the items she figured she’d need on the journey before heading to bed. Knowing from experience that her body would likely be even sorer tomorrow, the half-orc took the time to apply the ointment Seda had given her before settling down for sleep. She was excited, but lots of exciting things happened in her life and the gladiator had learned how to put an excited mind to sleep.

Waking up just before 6 am, Aymani quickly dressed herself for the day and made her way to the kitchen. Bojan had already left to shop for the meals for today, but Larisa and Martina were there eating their breakfast.

“’Mani!” Martina’s face brightened as the half-orc stepped into the room.

Aymani’s face reflected back the same brightness. “’Tina!”

The gladiator made her way to the toddler’s chair, and rested her head on the table near Martina’s bowl of oatmeal. Martina quickly got a spoon full of the porridge and proceeded to try and push the spoon into Aymani’s closed mouth while commanding the half-orc, “Open! Open! Open!”

The gladiator finally opened her mouth, taking in and devouring the oatmeal. Smacking her lips, the gladiator would look at the child with wide eyes and exclaim, “Yum!” to which Martina would giggle and giggle.

This had been their morning ritual for a while now. Larisa merely rolled her eyes and shook her head at the silly routine. “The lioness and her little lion tamer.”

Aymani gave Larisa a toothy grin and a little roar as she grabbed her own bowl of oatmeal. “Cesla has taken me out of the pits… three weeks at least, he said.”

“So I’ve heard,” replied the half-elf. “Probably for the best, I say. The way you’re carrying yourself, I’d say those ribs could use a break.”

The gladiator grunted her affirmation.

“And,” Larisa continued. “Bojan could use your hands around here a bit. The Firesands…”

“You mean those heavy-set dwarves from Ahl-Jhian?” Aymani interrupted.

“The same,” replied Larisa. “Well, the lots of them thought it’d be smartest if they all sit down on a bench together. Not gonna to lie, it was no small pleasure to watch them tumble over each other as them fell to the ground. But now we got a bench to repair.”

“Hmmmm,” Aymani said, stalling for a moment before letting Larisa down. “I’m actually leaving with a caravan this morning. Sorry, Larisa, I thought, ‘since I’m going be out of the pits for three weeks, I might as well find some work’ and so I did.”

“I see,” Larisa replied, trying to hide her disappointment. “Which coster took you on?”

“None…. Well,” Aymani thought a moment. “the temple of Astryliene. We’re on temple business, I guess. Heading up to Ghostwood.”

“Temple business?” the half-elf asked quizzically. “What business does Astryliene have in Ghostwood?”

“Not too sure,” Aymani answered truthfully. “I’m just there to guard the wagon.”

“Careful, then,” Larisa advised. “You know better than I what can lie in wait along the road.”

“Aye,” nodded the half-orc, taking her last mouthful of porridge. “I’ll be careful.” The gladiator gave the half-elf woman a kiss on the cheek and one on the head of the child before taking her leave. “See you when I get back!”

The gladiator had one more stop before she could go – Ceslav. As she hurried to the dwarf’s residence, she ran through her head how she hoped the conversation would go between them. She was anxious… she knew the dwarf was fine about her taking on caravan work, but she also knew dwarf also had no love for Ghostwood and likely would be please with her taking up Temple business.

A man-servant met Aymani at the door and escorted her in and brought her to Ceslav. The dwarf too was enjoying a breakfast, though his was more luxurious than Aymani’s had been – eggs, bacon, sausages, ham.

Ceslav looked up from his meal. “Aymani! Come, take a seat.”

“Thank you, Ceslav.”

“How are you feeling,” the dwarf inquired. “How are those ribs? Let me see them.” Aymani obliged, allowing her sponsor to see the colourful bruising that had formed. Ceslav nodded before continuing. “You come dressed for real battle though. Couldn’t rest for more than a day?”

“You know me, Ceslav,” replied the girl. “Gotta keep this body fit and you got me out of the ring for three weeks! You know I can’t sit for three weeks, running errands and fixing benches.”

“Aye,” nodded the dwarf. “I know you. Where are you heading and for how long?”

“Ghostwood,” came Aymain’s response. “And I don’t know how long yet. I wanted to let you know and I was wondering…”

“What is it, girl?” asked Ceslav. “You know I don’t go giving out coin, so what is it?”

“Well,” the gladiator pressed forward. “I was hoping maybe you still had a map from the days the Titans worked the paths between Watertown and Ahl-Jhian? Maybe a map I could borrow for this trip?”

OOC: I’m leaving it here for Lady Dark’s response. Regardless of his response, Aymani will head to the gate next and wait for the team to arrive.

Maybe a swarm of snakes or rats?

A pair of Worgs proved an alright opening challenge for my party of 4 1st level PCs... though they are intelligent.

Pack of wild dogs (Jackels or Hyenas)

Or a giant hyena (wild dog)

A giant boar (though it is CR 2)

A dire wolf

Or how about a Death Dog!!! CR 1 and non-intellegent!

A brown bear.

Hey guys,

sorry I haven't posted. I'm at home single parenting my brood this weekend. I thought I'd have time and space to post last night... and, well, I pretty much just crashed. I imagine it will be the same tonight and tomorrow too.

Lady Dark, if you want to move this forward, Aymani will be in favour of leaving in the morning with wagons. She wasn't prepared to leave tonight and has good byes to say before she can go.

Peace,

Ayrn

Mid-Afternoon at Haldred’s Bake Shop

"Welcome  to Girta'a, I'm Haldred's Bake Shoppe," she spluttered and instantly, even as the words escaped her, knew she was fangirling badly. She blinked, blushed, and suddenly laughed at her own foolishness. "I mean to say Welcome to Halfred's Bake Shoppe, and i am not only a huge fan of yours, I'm also Girta'a."

Aymani smiled genuinely at Girta’a. The Baker’s daughter was not much younger than the gladiator and was one of her own kind. The girl’s attractiveness caught Aymani off-guard, and the warrior now found herself blushing at Girta’a compliment. “Ah… thanks!” she said with a slight smile before looking around at the baked goods for sale in order to avoid her captivating copper eyes. “I’m told the donuts are delicious here…”

The two made more small talk around fighting and baking, and Girta’a invited Aymani to the midnight meeting that Lus was setting up. By the time Aymani left, her heart was giddy with anticipation. She definitely was curious to attend this meeting and wondered about all the secrecy Lys was surrounding it with. But it was Girta’a that was making Aymani’s blood pump a little faster, the gladiator hoped the Baker’s daughter would be present later that evening as well.

Around Midnight at Haldred’s Bake Shop

Aymani found herself once again before Haldred’s Bake Sop, thought this time the warrior knocked. Girta’a answered the door and, this time, Aymani felt a little more prepared and smiled at the Baker’s daughter with warm confidence. She wasn’t prepared for Girta’a quick and urgent nod to come inside.

Once in, the gladiator looked around, let her eyes adjust to the light, as she took stock of the others present. Even as they followed Girta’a down into the cellar, Aymani was appraising them as she did her opponents in the pits, searching out the obvious and not-so-obvious signals that tipped her off on what type of person she was facing.

Once the lamps had been lit, Girta’a invited the group to sit. “I will answer any questions you may have,” Girta’a continued. “Get to know each other. I will return momentarily with some drinks and some food, and with luck we can have you on your way by morning."

Aymani’s gaze stayed with Girta’a, and she watched the Baker’s daughter leave while the gnome introduced himself. Aymani smiled slightly at Bory’s joke on his name.

When Bory was finished, the gladiator chimed in, returning her eyes back to table. “I’m Aymani, Lady Lys asked me to show up for this meeting. Any guesses as to why all the secrecy?”

Appreciate the description of Girta'a!

Also, Lady Dark, do you watch The Blacklist?... I just remembered reading your opening intro and the stranger eating the donuts reminded me of an episode of that show.

Lady Dark, can you post a rough description of age and appearance for Girta'a?

...and done!

“I present to you the victor,” The announcer stated, competing to be heard over the din of the crowd. “The Lucky Lioness.”

Aymani gave her signature “roar-and-kiss” move, roaring loudly and then grabbing the face of her opponent – tonight, a hulk of a woman from Port Sac knocked senseless, her cheeks puffy red and already beginning to turn the colour of bruised, her nose bloodied and broken, her jaw slack -- and kissing them on the lips, to which the gathered crowd cheered all the more wildly.

Not all battles in the pits ended this way, but Aymani had a string of five victories at the moment, all knock-outs, and was riding high tonight. Adrenaline coursed through her blood, the gift of her orc heritage, so she barely felt her own battered frame as she left the pit.

The Lioness knew she had taken a beating though. This night’s bout had been brutal. The woman from Port Sac was a beast, having at least thirty pounds on Aymani, and the Lioness felt all that extra weight behind each of the blows the woman landed… Aymani’s ribs were beginning to testify to the truth.

Time to see Lys!

Lys was Aymani’s frequent healer and regular confidante. The gentle woman from the Temple with the porcelain mask often came and watched the Lioness fight and nearly as often dressed her wounds afterwards.

Tonight was not to be one of those night, it seemed however, as only Ceslav and Seda met her outside the pit in Ceslav’s tent.

“Nice fight, ‘Mani,” Ceslav said, his voice like rough gravel. His massive hand patted Aymani’s bruised side and the half-orc sucked in breath. He looked up at her, all business. “Don’t feel like you have to let them hit you though.”

Ceslav, a dwarven male in the later years of his life, was Aymani’s sponsor and benefactor at the Pits. In another life, he had made his wealth leading the Titans, a mercenary group that once provided protection for caravans travelling overland through Ghostwood Groves and onwards to Ahl-Jhian and back again. Ceslav was also Aymani’s father’s last employer. When Aymani’s father was killed in action, Ceslav took on the role to look out for the young half-orc. Make no mistake: the dwarf didn’t give the girl a free meal. Ceslav wasn’t that kind of generous. What he did do was continue her father’s training, in a fashion, by sponsoring and promoting her in the Pits, and dropping her name amongst colleagues who needed some extra muscle for short term contracts. It was kindness, the dwarven way. “You’re gonna hav’ta make yer own way in this world, ‘Mani,” was the phrase Ceslav spoke most often to her.

Seda was one of Lys’ lads, a dark-skinned human male acolyte from the Temple who Lys often sent when she couldn’t come herself. “Let Seda take a look at you,“ the dwarf continued, taking out a leather pouch. Removing some coins from the pouch, he tossed the little leather bag to Aymani – her winnings for the evening -- and handed two coins to Seda. “Especially those ribs.”

Returning his gaze to Aymani, Ceslav said, “Look, you did good… but I’m taking you out of the Pits for a bit.” The half-orc began to protest, but Ceslav cut her off, “Three weeks for sure, maybe more. So make sure you stretch out those winning.”

Aymani knew better than to argue with the dwarf. His head was so hard, Aymani often dreamed of how it might make a great shield. Instead, she rolled her eyes and grunted a “thanks!” to Ceslav.

As he took his leave, Ceslav reminded Seda, “The ribs. And don’t let her push you around.”

Aymani scowled at the dwarf’s back before resigning herself to removing her top and laying out on the roughly-hewn wooden table so Seda could do his work. The dark-skinned human healer’s hands were cool to the touch, which felt nice against Aymani’s hot skin. Seda worked the salves and oils in with firm but patient hands, while Aymani lay in silence, reviewing the fight, remembering each blow as the acolyte touched the spot.

After nearly thirty minutes of careful work, Seda stepped away from Aymani. The half-orc had nearly fallen asleep under his care. Opening her eyes, she looked to the acolyte who was looking her body over, ensuring he had completed his work, before smiling gently at Aymani. “You’re good,” the half-orc smirked playfully at Seda.

“Thank you,” the dark-skinned man said, his face remaining professional. “I am finished. Though, my Lady Lys bid me to give you this salve for your continued use, should the pain persist, and this letter.”

Aymani sat up, her curiosity causing her to moan a little as she moved a little too quickly to retrieve the cream and letter from the acolyte. “Thank you, Seda. For these and,” she touched grabbed his hand as she slid off the table, “these. MmmMmm… so good!” She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, before playfully speaking in his ear, “You know that if you want to lay your beautiful hands on me, you don’t need to wait ‘til I’ve taken a beating, right?!.” Seda remained stoic in his demeanor, professional as always. Aymani winked at him, slid her top on and headed for home. “Bye, Seda!”

Not until her back was to him did Seda let a silly grin creep on his handsome face, as he whispered, “Bye, Aymani…”

…………………………………..

Aymani waited until she had returned home, the upper attic space of Bojan and Larisa’s establishment, the Salty Tusk.

Bojan was a good man, human, still in his prime. He’d been a friend of Aymani’s father, a mercenary too, but had left the fighting life to settle down, marry Larisa, a sweet half-elven woman with a smile that could melt winter. Together, with their two year old daughter, Martina, pulling on their apron strings, Bojan and Larisa ran The Salty Tusk, a tavern near the piers which catered to the mercenaries that commonly travelled through Watertown. The head of giant boar hung prominently over the fire mantle, a serendipitous trophy that near had claimed Bojan’s life had Kostya (Aymani’s father) not come to Bojan’s aid.

The proprietor owed Kostya a debt of gratitude, which he sought to repay by housing Kostya’s daughter. Not for free, mind you… the couple could not afford that kind of generosity. Aymani paid a gold coin a week to keep her room and was expected to help Bojan when she wasn’t on the road or in the Pits.

Aymani didn’t complain. Bojan, Larisa and Martina were the closest thing the half-orc had to family.

As Aymani entered into the tavern, many of the patron’s eyes turned towards her and quieted down.

Bojan announced her, “See, here now, standing at five victories in as many fights… the Lucky Lioness!”

Aymani pumped her fists in the air and gave a little victory dance. Many in the room burst out in applause.

Bojan said, turning back to his guests, “I believe some of you lads are buying a round for rest, eh? Never bet against the Lioness!”

To which many in the room replied in a loud voice, “It’s just bad luck!”

Aymani gave them her signature roar to more hooting and hollering. As she made her way to the stairs, she greeted many of the patrons, knowing most by name. Sometimes she loved the attention, lots of times she just wanted to drop into her bed. Every time, though, she took the time to chat up the patrons whether she felt like it or not. It was just good for business and Aymani wanted help where she could.

Finally making it to her room, Aymani lit the candle beside her bed and opened Lys’s letter. She had been eager to read it since Seda had handed it to her. The Lady of the Temple regularly wrote her notes of encouragement when she couldn’t be present at her fights and Aymani had come to cherish the masked woman’s words of wisdom. Not at all like Aymani’s mother, Lady Lys reminded the young half-orc of her father.

Aymani smiled as she read,

“My fiercest friend…

…………………………………………………

It was nearly mid afternoon by the time Aymani found herself in the Market District on the doorstep of Halfred’s Bake Shop. The half-orc gladiator, left cheek now a pretty purple-yellow-brown bruise, stepped into the shop and asked for Girta’a.

I'm 30 minutes or less from posting... my apologies for the delay.

Are posts due today or tomorrow?

Just checking in. Been a crazy week.

Awesome intro, Lady Dark. Looking forward to this game too!

I'll probably wait on posting until Aymani receives her letter.

Peace,

Ayrn

Feel like this thread has gone cold for a bit.

Lady Dark, do you have a start date in might?

Hi Dark Lady,

I was thinking Aymani was originally from Port Sacrifice and the product of a love affair between a married human noble woman and her half-orc bodyguard. When Aymani's mother discovered she was pregnant, she ran off and hid with Aymani's father, had Aymani and together they lived in the shadows of society.

They managed to do so for 15 years. However, when Aymani was 15 years old, her mother was murdered. Aymani's father believes it was an honour killing, perpetrated by his wife's two older brothers.

Soon after, Aymani's father moved the two of them to Watertown. She's spent the last 5 years in Watertown, 3 of them on her own. Her father died while on a mercenary job nearly 3 years ago.

That's her rough backgound. I also toyed with the idea that she has a mentor who is a devotee of the Living Storm.

Peace,

Ayrn

Name: Aymani Aset, aka The Lucky Lioness

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral (w/ Good tendencies)

Race: Half-Orc

Gender: Female

Height: 5 ft, 7 in

Weight: 145 lbs

Eyes: Grey-green

Hair: Black, mid back, straight

Age: 20

Description: Aymani looks like this image, but dresses like this image.

Class: Barbarian

Level: 1st

Experience: 0 XP

Racial Features

Size: Medium

Speed: 30 ft

Darkvision: 60 ft

Menacing: Proficiency with Intimidation skill

Relentless Endurance: If reduced to 0 HP, but not killed outright, drop to 1 HP instead. Long rest to refresh this ability.

Savage Attack: Roll one extra damage die if she rolls a critical.

Class Features

Unarmoured Defense: When not wearing armour, Armour Class equals 10 + DEX Mod + CON Mod.

Rage [2x/day, 1 minute duration]: Advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws; Resistance to bludgeoning, piercing and slashing damage; Increased damage with melee weapon attacks using strength.

Proficiencies

Saving Throws: Strength, Constitution

Armour: Light, Medium

Weapons: Simple, Martial

Tools: Disguise kit, Drums

Skills: Acrobatics, Athletics, Intimidation, Perception, Performance

Languages: Common, Orc

Equipment

Glaive

Handaxes (x2)

Javelins (x4)

Explorer’s Pack [Backpack, Bedroll, Mess Kit, Tinderbox, Torches (x10), Rations (x10 days), Waterskin, Hempen Rope (x50 ft)]

Drums

Gladiator Costume

Belt Pouch with 15 GP

Brass belt buckle with a lioness head (a gift)

Complete Etiquette for Ladies: A complete guide to visiting, traveling and entertaining, with hints on courtship, marriage and dress by Samuel O. Beeton book, with a pressed four-leaf clover and a leather, water-proof covering.

Ability Scores

Strength: 16

Dexterity: 14

Constitution: 16

Intelligence: 10

Wisdom: 10

Charisma: 15

Combat Statistics

Total Hit Points: 15

Current Hit Points: 15

Special: When reduced to 0 HP and not killed outright, drop to 1 HP instead. Usable 1x/day.

Darkvision: 60 ft

Passive Perception: 12

Active Perception: +2

Initiative: +2

Speed: 30 ft

Saving Throws: Strength +5; Dexterity +2; Constitution +5; Intelligence +0; Wisdom +0; Charisma +1

Saving Throws w/ Advantage: Strength (when raging)

Total Armour Class: 15

Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing (when raging)

Melee Attack Options:

Glaive - +5 attack, 1d10+3 damage, two-handed, heavy, reach 10’

Handaxes (x2) - +5 attack, 1d6+3 damage, light, thrown, ranged (20/60)

Javelins (x4) - +5 attack, 1d6+3 damage, thrown (30/120)

Special: When raging, add +2 to melee weapon damage

Ranged Attack Options:

Handaxes (x2) - +5 attack, 1d6+3 damage, light, thrown, ranged (20/60)

Javelins (x4) - +5 attack, 1d6+3 damage, thrown, ranged (30/120)

Skills:

Acrobatics +4, Animal Handling +0, Arcana +0, Athletics +5, Deception +1, History +0, Insight +0, Intimidation +3, Investigation +0, Nature +0, Perception +2, Performance +3, Persuasion +1, Religion +0, Sleight of Hand +2, Stealth +2, Survival +0

Impulse,

Not sure if you were using the standard point buy system as well, but if you were, I think you still have one point remaining (which you can really only use to up your STR or WIS:

STR 8 = 0 pnts

DEX 16 (15+1 for human) = 9 pnts

CON 13 = 5 pnts

INT 14 (13+1 for human) = 5 pnts

WIS 10 = 2 pnts

CHA 14 (13+1 for feat) = 5 pnts

Totals to 26 points.

Peace,

Ayrn

Hey Impulse (and Eol),

I think Eol's character's skill proficiencies go like this:

Skill Proficiencies

• Acrobatics (from Fighter) +5


• Athletics (from Fighter) +3


• Insight (from Acolyte) +2


• Perception (from Race) +2


• Religion (from Acolyte) +4

The rest of the skills are fine, I think... the bonuses are only from the ability scores.

Also, Eol, I think you still need to list which languages your character is fluid in. You get Common and Elvish, plus 3 other languages of your choice.

Additionally, which fighting style did you choose?

Peace,

Ayrn

Sorry, not completing tonight. Still undecided.

I have a female half-orc barbarian gladiator who fights with a glaive. Here's the image I have in mind. Lady Dark, are there gladiator pits in any of the three large cities?

I also have a female lightfoot halfling monk who fights with a spear. I imagine her to be from the city out in the desert and part of a wandering troupe of circus monks. Does that work, Lady Dark?

I have this image in mind for her. Or if a travelling monk circus doesn't work so well. I have the same halfling as an urchin from Watertown, with this image in mind.

I'll finish up tomorrow.

Editted last image's tag... points to the right place now.

Any chance, either from Lady Dark or the players, of posting up the Ability Scores and Skill/Tool Proficiencies of the characters? I'm interested in seeing the overlapping places and the gaps.

I'll finish mine today... still undecided.

Peace,

Ayrn

Eol, which background did you choose? Acolyte?