DM Kathy Tuesday July 17th, 2012 11:42:15 PM
You return from Gnowsy Thornton covered in glory. And, in at least one case, Chicken a la King. Your victory is the talk of the school for days, and you finally get some sleep.
Shortly thereafter, Fizzle approaches you, looking a little glum. "The Floop doesn't like me," he says. "Or at least, he likes you better. Or he likes what you did together, or something. Was there really a flock of gargoyles? Anyway. I've turned the project in for evaluation, but he wants to belong to you after. So," he sighs a little. "So I guess he's yours." Then he seems to brighten. "But I learned a lot making him. I can make another. Even better! Yes, yes, I can see it now! Oh, excuse me; I've got to get back to work." And he putters off.
[OOC: Decision time. Keeping the Floop, or selling it?]
More changes follow swiftly behind. Carver, unexpectedly, drops out of the Adventurer track and goes back to pursuing a regular diploma. He still hopes to continue his education later, but he's decided against adventuring.
Meanwhile, your classmates in the Adventurer track have begun forming themselves into adventuring parties. Your rivals (Belorin, Zeliak, Holly-Iris, Neave, and Belhorn) form a company called the Claws of the Griffon, and announce their intention of moving to Windhorn Hamlet. Fizzle joins a group of mostly halfling and gnome students bound for Crescent Valley. They call themselves the Short Order, to the delight of some professors and the consternation of others. Royse seems to be considering his options, still lingering hopefully in your orbit. A tomboyish girl named Pinwheel also seems to be hanging around you a great deal.
Everybody seems to expect that you will form an adventuring party of your own, and the gossip is that you will opt for Plateau City. They seem to be waiting to hear what you're calling yourselves.
[OOC: You don't have to decide right away, or pick a name at all; it's just an option for role-play.]
Tanner Tuesday July 17th, 2012 11:50:31 PM
ooc: Hello, everyone. I spoke with Kathy and Jerry, and they have agreed to allow me to change my character. When I joined Legacy of Heroes, I was under the impression that this was going to continue as a school-based campaign. I was surprised when we began seriously discussing where the group was going to go after graduation. Carver is a bookworm at heart, so it was hard for me to reconcile him going off on an adventure. I designed him specifically for that purpose, and it just didn't seem to work after hearing about the move.
So, Kathy and Jerry have graciously allowed me to switch. I will introduce my character below. I know that adding a new character is always a little slow-to-warm, but I appreciate your forbearance. :)
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 Wednesday July 18th, 2012 12:19:14 AM "Hey, guys." A young woman plops down her lunch tray next to your group in the cafeteria. She has medium-brunette hair cropped short into a tomboyish look. Her eyes are the color of pine needles, with small flecks of silver near the iris. Her skin is touched by the sun, with sharp, angular features softened by youth. She is dressed in tight-fitting studded leathers, colored black and gray. She is of average height but lanky, with a wiry frame and straight posture.
You identify her as a young woman known as "Pinwheel." How she acquired this name and why she doesn't have a decent name like everyone else is somewhat of a mystery, but she has gone by that nickname for as long as anyone can remember. Even the faculty call her Pinwheel, which seems to justify it as much as anything. She is one of the rare students who studies stealth and subterfuge.
She speaks between bites of an apple. "I'm Pinwheel. I heard your team lost a player. Is there anything I can do to help rectify what is obviously a gaping hole in your roster?"
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 Wednesday July 18th, 2012 1:16:27 AM
Grell sizes up Pinwheel and thinks back to the practices he's had with her. She wasn't particularly strong, but she sure was light on her feet and absolutely wicked with that dagger of hers, specially if you made the mistake of letting her get behind you! Grell looks over at Vaniime. "What do you think, Van...might be handy to have an extra hand..."
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Wednesday July 18th, 2012 5:05:34 AM
Only recently part this confirmed community Ariach doesnīt want to miss his friends. With them, it should be possible to establish oneīs reputation. Still, he doesnīt respond at Pinwheelīs request.
What should he say?
That Pinwheel is a nice girl, but he questions her motives.
That someone who trains thieving skills has to be sneaky and devious himself.
That he could not understand how such a prestigious school like Maplehurst offers an education for scoundrels.
That it may be better Pinwheel would join the Claws of the Griffon.
But to prejudge a person is not part of the Codex. Therefore, he says nothing. Pinwheels will have the chance to prove her good intensions.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Wednesday July 18th, 2012 8:20:33 AM
Oh Fizzle, I am sorry. That was never our intent. I hope you know that. Wait, You're giving the Floop to us? WoW! That is so cool. I am sure that your next contraption will be really amazing.
Vaniime grins as Pinwheel sits, as she recognizes possibly the only student other than herself to have gotten into more uncaught mischief during their time at school. It is actually a wonder, Van thinks to herself, that we never got into anything together. Perhaps now is the perfect time to remedy that situation, she shinks as a grins speads across her face.
"[b]Hey Pinwheel. Had any "Fun" recenetly, or anything planned as a going away present?"
As Pinwheel mentions her desire to join their group, Van smiles as she looks over her friends and hears Grell's comments and can see Ariach's msigivings written all over his face, He really needs to work on that, she tinks to herself.Pinwheel is perhaps the best she has seen with a dagger in her time here at Maplehurst. And she wasn't half bad with that crossbow she uses as well, Van thinks to herself.
So Pinwheel, You don't have any other big plans for after graduation? Yeah with Carver deciding to pursue more academics we are indeed a person down, though I think we could actually use another body as well, articualrly a spell slinger of some sort. I would love to have you join us, but to be honest it would have to be a group decision."
Turning so she kind of faces Pinwheel as well as Ariach, Van continues.
"Pinwheel, I was very surprised you didn't compete in the preliminary competitions with your bow for a spot against Gnowsy, were you sick? Ariach have you ever had the chance to watch Pinwheel spar in the close quarter drills with her dagggers, she is quite something, she might actually be more agile than I am."
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 Wednesday July 18th, 2012 6:06:28 PM
Tuck is a little miffed that those jokers are calling themselves the Claws of the Griffon.
"Man, I can't believe you guys would besmirch such a dignified creature by naming your kiddie group after a fictitious part of the Gryphon," he calls after the new group. "They have talons, not claws. And there's not a shred of dignity amongst you dumbags. Won't the villagers be disappointed when you blow up their town. Incompetent..."
With red face and furrowed brow, he turns and huffs away. "I can't believe those losers picked that name of all the names they could have picked. My last name is Gryphon! I should have my dad blast them."
The rest of the day is ruined for him. Although he's thankful to Fizzle for the Floop, and he consents to Pinwheel joining the team with a disheartened grunt, there seems to be a dark cloud following him about.
"Can you believe they chose that name?!" He swats Grell's shoulder with the back of his hand. "I can't! Now I'm forever associated with them. Geez!"
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=13 ; Wednesday July 18th, 2012 8:35:19 PM
"I understand your frustration, Master Tuck. It is unfortunate that they would choose a name after such a noble beast. Like the group who named themselves, Mallard's Teeth, may the Claws of the Griffon be forever known as exemplars of idiocy."
Emrys hopes what he said improves the monk's mood. However now the pressure is on to produce the perfect name for their group.
DM Kathy Wednesday July 18th, 2012 11:49:45 PM
The girl called Pinwheel seems interested in joining your group. Ariach is concerned about the moral implications, but he really shouldn't be. After all, students in Maplehurst's Rogue program are held to the highest standards of ethical behavior--higher than the general student population. True, there's something a little...unsavory about a person who can bypass security so easily, but if she uses her powers for Good, so to speak....well, Ariach is still undecided.
The rest of the group seems at least open to the possibility.
Except, of course, for Tuck, who is busy seething over the name that the Claws of the Griffon have chosen. A deliberate insult? Or are they really that dumb?
Shortly before your classes are to end for good, Professor Lobrian calls your entire class to a meeting. You meet in one of the large lecture halls. Surrounding you are your peers--some adventure-bound, some not--all of whom you know, some of whom you have known since the Lower School. The mood is a curious mixture of excitement and dread. You are almost done with school forever! All that's left are.....oh yeah. Finals.
Professor Lobrian stalks to the front of the room, looking sour and put-upon. Without preamble, he begins.
"Next week, you will undertake your final exams. The schedule is being posted in the main building, and copies are available at the back of the room. When I've finished!" he adds as there is a general stir.
"You will all take written exams, and those of you not in the adventurer track will have oral exams. Those in the adventurer track will have a final test at the Monster Preserve. Your faculty advisor will have more information." He pauses. Sniffs disdainfully. "Try not to embarrass me," he concludes, and stalks back out of the room.
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 d20+12=14 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+12=22 ; d20=13 ; Thursday July 19th, 2012 1:31:32 AM
CAFETERIA
Pinwheel continues to munch her apple as she speaks, letting her other hand drop to her lap. "It was my turn for kitchen duty. Trust me, lecturing first-years on the finer points of peeling potatoes is not nearly as exciting as it sounds."
Let's try the right side first. Does Grell have anything?... Nope, his pocket is too far away. Ah, and he didn't see me.
She laughs at Vaniime's remark. "Yes, but I am a fish out of water in those dark forests. Maplehurst doesn't give the rogues very much lenience in practicing their trade."
And Ariach is on the right side... Yes. Perfect.
Pinwheel wipes her mouth on her sleeve. "But, they do give us some leeway as long as it is just practice. Well, off to classes." She stands and picks up her tray. "Oh, here Ariach." She reaches into her pocket and withdraws a whetstone. She places it on the table. "I think you dropped this in the hallway." She gives the big warrior a wink and continues on her way.
LECTURE HALL
Pinwheel purses her lips. She leans over to whisper to the group. "That's not good. He seems nervous." She taps her chin and nods. "I'm off to my faculty advisor, as the good professor suggested." She stands and waves before leaving row of seats. "Laters."
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 Thursday July 19th, 2012 4:24:26 PM
Wilma's fiery eyebrows elevated at the parting comment by Professor Lobrian.
"Now when have we ever 'embarrassed' him...?" she asked out loud, chuffing a breath of disbelief. The acolyte of Gargul shook her head. "Honestly!" Her sapphire eyes assessed Pinwheel and she nodded, a slow grin dawning over her face.
"I've seen you around," Wilma said, clearly amused. "I have to say that there were times that I definitely like your style." She chuckled at the girl's comment about peeling potatoes.
"If I were you, I'd just teach 'em to carve the spuds into skulls..." the redhead said, her smile turning sly, "...complete with a bowtie!" She waved to Pinwheel as the other girl took her leave, then turned to the others.
"I meant to ask about post-graduate plans before now," Wilma said in a more serious tone. "But...well...everyone is assuming that--since we seem to have made a great team these past few months--we're going to form our own adventuring group. So...are we..? If so, where are we going to seek our fortune? And...are we going to ask Pinwheel along for the ride..?" She tilted her head to one side.
"And--last but not least--whatever shall we do about that Floop..?"
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Thursday July 19th, 2012 4:33:03 PM
Ariach has great sympathy with Tuck. He can appreciate how angry Tuck must be on these dirty bastards who drag his family name through the mire. Ariach lays a hand on Tuckīs shoulder and says, "Donīt worry Tuck, nobody will associate "Claws of the Griffon "with the great house of Gryphons. That would be as if you compare day and night. "
Suddenly Pinewheel presses Ariachīs whetstone in his hand, telling him he lost the stone at the hallway. Apparently, his concerns had been unfounded regarding Pinewheel. Even if she just had returned a whetstone, it showed her good and righteous character. Maybe not all thieves are that bad. When Pinewheel leaves the room he says,
"If you ask me, our group could use someone like Pinewheel well. She is funny, honest and not unattractive. I was also told that she can fight.
I also think that we should take Royse with us. Apart from the fact that he constantly is around us, I think his soul is lost when he joins the "Claws of the...." with a view to Tuck he continues "you already know who I mean. He is a young man trying to do the right thing. With a little guidance from us he will find his way."
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 Thursday July 19th, 2012 5:44:12 PM
Tuck eventually moves from angry to sullen. Ariach helps to put the situation into perspective.
"You're right. Those jokers can't hold a candle to my father. Plus, they don't even spell it the same."
After a few deep breaths, he seems much improved.
Lobrian gives his quick confusing speech and Tuck makes his "What was that?" face.
"I think we work well as a group, Wilma. I'm definitely down with creating our own group. Pinwheel seems okay. We don't know much about her, but we can give her a shot and give her the boot if she doesn't work out."
"Where should we go?" He gives the others a strange look. "My father got his start in Dirt City. I would like to start there, too. There's nothing saying we have to be stuck in a certain spot. But I understand if others don't want to go."
"As to the Floop, I think we should sell him. He's unreliable and it's dangerous to have an unreliable form of transportation, especially when you're up in the air. He might bring us some coin that we can use to purchase better equipment."
"Well, do you two want to go see what Ganz has for us," he asks of Grell and Ariach. He accompanies them to their faculty advisor.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=18 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+12=17 ; d20+9=14 ; Thursday July 19th, 2012 8:10:01 PM
Emrys is pleasantly surprised when Pinwheel joins them at their table. Her skills and reputation have not gone unnoticed by the young bard. (knowledge [local]: 17) Of course, most things fail to allude his scrutiny. He can't help but smile when she speaks to the group. She is a living abacus. Emrys can almost hear those beads sliding and clicking together behind her eyes. (perception: 18, sense motive: 24)
'Ahhh,' he thinks, 'a kindred spirit.'
"That is good advice, Pinwheel. Several of us here should also take advantage of their respective professors."
After she leaves, Emrys will also add, "She comes from good stock, and highly skilled." Pointing at Ariach's whetstone, he also states, "In this short conversation with her, she exhibits honesty, respect for others, and a stalwart dedication to her classes. All virtues I find quite refreshing, especially after having to deal with the likes of those dognappers. I trust her implicitly." (bluff: 14)
Emrys gathers his things and heads off to prepare for his finals as well. While out of sight of his friends, he gingerly feels at his pocket to make sure the contents are still there. Once confirming they were, he smiles and continues on his way.
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 Thursday July 19th, 2012 9:41:29 PM
Grell grunts his disapproval of the rival groups name. Tuck was right, they must be completely stupid. He has a sneaking feeling that they're going to see the group again, and it was going to feel sooooo good to beat them into the ground! He smiles as Ariach comforts Tuck. This was shaping up to be a nice team! He grins as Pinwheel returns the whetstone to Ariach. She was a sly one and he liked that. Not like he liked Van...waaait a minute...where did *that* thought come from??? Crimson floods his cheeks involuntarily and he turns away, pretending to examine a seam on his uniform.
Grell's final days at his beloved school draw shorter and shorter until he finds himself in the old lecture hall. Has it really been years since he first arrived in this very hall?! Grell looks around at the metal bleachers and the memories come flooding back. Not all of them are ones he's proud of...like the time he weighted down the Slug's practice sword during physical training...mind you, he really was just trying to stengthen up those flabby arms of his. But there were other, happier memories, like his first sparing match against Ganz or the time he bested the captain of the varsity team in a "practice" match his 3rd year. Soon they would be graduates and headed out on their own adventures. Though he's very excited about his future career, Grell is going to miss this place.
His small moment of contemplation over, Grell grins over at Tuck. "Hope it's something challenging!"
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Thursday July 19th, 2012 10:11:27 PM
After the lecture from Professor Lobrian, and his last little comment Vaniime can't help but think about what that was all about and suddenly a horrible thought pops into her mind. what if the "Claws" tried to do something that would get someone in their group in trouble again......
Her mind continues to race as she heads out to find her advisor, what if they tried to steal a final exam and planted it somewhere or found another way to make it look likeshe or one of her friends had cheated, or ....
DM Kathy Thursday July 19th, 2012 10:31:15 PM
Over the course of the next day or two, you find our your exam schedule and talk to you faculty advisor.
You learn that your "practical" final, to be held in the Monster Preserve, will mark the beginning of Beasting Day.
Most of the students are familiar with Beasting Day, that once-a-year celebration held in Plateau City. The druids and rangers of the Monster Preserve, charged with maintaining an ecological balance there, identify several monsters that need to be culled. The most challenging ones are teleported into Plateau City, where teams of adventurers hunt them through the streets with a great deal of noise and celebration. When the beasts are dispatched, the finest chefs in the city are standing by to make delictable dishes of the meat. It is a day of celebration, good food and drink, and not a little danger. Many ordinary citizens spend the day indoors. Some more adventurous ones follow the hunt in specially-designed "pillow carts" or open taxis, so they can watch the action.
However, some beasts needing culling are not quite challenging enough--or glamorous enough--for the adventurers of Plateau City. Occasionally, students from Maplehurst are brought in to hunt and kill these "smaller" monsters as a final test before graduation. This will be one such year. Your entire class (or rather, your entire class's Adventuring students) will be taken to the Monster Preserve. You will be divided into groups, and each group will be assigned a monster to hunt down and kill.
Excitement builds as this news spreads through the school. It's nice to have something to get excited about because the weather, which has usually turned sunny by this time of year, remains stubbornly gray and rainy. You swear it's rained more in the past week than it has all winter.
Meanwhile, the barristers arrive from Plateau City come to sign up adventuring groups as official allied adventurers of New Elenna. Students are encouraged, but not required, to sign the oath. (Essentially, the oath says you're one of the good guys, and New Elenna can count on you in times of trouble). The barristers seem to prefer signing people up by groups, but they will also accept oaths from individual students.
tl;dr: You're going to hunt a monster; it's raining a lot; you have an opportunity to sign up to be an official adventurer.
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 Friday July 20th, 2012 11:02:53 AM
After disappearing for several hours to speak with her faculty advisor, Pinwheel stops by the main hall to see the desks arranged for the barristers from Plateau City. She watches them for a few minutes, see the panoply of Maplehurst students making their way past or speaking with the representatives. She approaches and smiles. "Hello, there! I'm Pinwheel. Yes, like the toy. I'm strongly considering an adventuring career. Could you tell me about the terms and conditions of signing with Plateau City? It seems to be a referral system in exchange for rendering emergency aid. Is there a copy of the charter I could see?"
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Friday July 20th, 2012 11:27:24 AM
Heading out into the recruiting area with her friends to get signed on with Plateau City, Van looks around trying to locate Pinwheel and lo and behold she is heading right toward the Plateau City folks right where they are headed.
"Hey Pinwheel, We've been looking for you.We were wanting to know if you were still interested in joining our group, because if you are we would love to have you with us."
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 Friday July 20th, 2012 4:04:30 PM
"What kind of baddie will we face," Tuck wonders aloud.
"I think we should sign on as the good guys. What about you all?"
(OOC - I will be gone until Thursday. Could anyone take over Tuck for me? Thanks!)
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Friday July 20th, 2012 6:44:46 PM
"I agree with you, Tuck. To swear the oath is not only an honor but also our duty. It links us with all the good elements of New Elenna. But we should enter as a group. We would demonstrate that we are a unity."
With a nod toward Grell he continues. "Hopefully the chosen beasts, we will hunt, are really dangerous. I think this could be really beneficial for the start of our Adventure career."
After that Ariach sinks a little in his thoughts. *Of course I also hope that none of us get hurt. But I prefer to speak not loud - it could be misinterpreted - interpreted as fear.
Plateau City! We're coming! The group is really good.
There is Grell, the rough butcher who misses any sign of fear and caution. Tuck, a true master of unarmed combat. In our ideology we are two of a kind.
Emrys, the spell caster, whose songs fascinates all and whose knowledge is very impressive.
And then there are the girls.
One of them is Vaniim. The fiery girl is fighting as unconventional as she looks like.
Wilma, the lovely, beautiful .... ahhh ... priestess.
And now even Pinewheel, the girl with very special talents. And yes, she looks good too.
As my father always said, [The selection of your group will make a major contribution to your future career - choose well and wisely.]
I do not think that he meant that the group should have the most beautiful girls around.*
As Ariach notices his broad grin, he blushed with shame.
Such thoughts are clearly not part of the codex.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 Friday July 20th, 2012 11:17:25 PM
"So that's our name, then, Tuck..?" Wilma said with a teasing gleam. "Hi, there--we're...The Good Guys...?"
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 Saturday July 21st, 2012 2:15:36 AM
Grell smiles as Van invites Pinwheel to join their group. He had a feeling she would fit in just fine.
As the barristers begin showing up, Grell becomes more and more excited. He paces around the campus yard like a love sick puppy dog, more than ready to get out there and prove himself. He literally beams at Tuck and Ariach. "Oooooh man, I hope it's a Beholder! Man, that would be soooooo cool! You know, my Dad took out one once. Or maybe it'll be a troll! How cool would that be? I mean seriously, you could have almost endless fun playing Karraja with a kokpar that regenerates?!! Grell is so excited that he's not even aware that he's slipping back into sections of Orcish heritage not all that commonly known.
As Ariach gives his speech about the group, Grell smiles and nods enthusiastically...UNTIL Ariach gets to the part about Wilma. Could he possibly have heard that right?! Did he just call her......beautiful?! There Ariach finishes up with a blush, and Grell's jaw hangs open ridiculously. He quickly calls the warrior over, making sure to pull him out of ear shot of his bossy, overbearing big sister. Speaking in the lowest whisper, Grell speaks with clear concern. "Ariach...I count you as a friend and a brother. And believe you me, I don't just throw that term around. So, as a brother, I am warning you to steer clear of Wilma. Don't let that red hair and those long eyelashes deceive you. My sister is NOT kind and sweet. Trust me, she won't bring you anything but heartache."
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 Saturday July 21st, 2012 7:42:24 PM OOC: I might be wrong, but I think that Ariach was thinking to himself as opposed to saying anything out loud...and boy, is Wilma looking forward to getting Grell in a headlock and giving him noogies like she did when they were little kids.... ;D
Oh well, I'm pretty sure the looks and the blush would have tipped him off anyway. :)
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Sunday July 22nd, 2012 8:10:51 AM
OCC: Wilma is absolutely right. Ariach didnīt call out his thoughts loud. But his foolish smile, his looks and his behaviour in the past maybe have uncovered his reals thoughts.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=13 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+9=14 ; Sunday July 22nd, 2012 11:49:01 AM
Before he lets himself be known, Emrys scrutinizes the barristers from Plateau City. He looks for symbols, signet rings and so on in order to see if he can figure out who they are for the purpose of flattery. (Perception: 13. Knowledge [local]: 20)
Emrys introduces himself the only way he knows how ... bless is soul. "Greetings most honored barristers of Plateau City. Welcome to Maplehurst. You see before you," with flamboyantly gesturing, Emrys refers to his surrounding friends, "the very best that Maplehurst has to offer. I am Emrys Myrridanmyl, son of Archdruid Myrridan the Wild - Gold Dragon, Knight of the Realm, Friend of Dragons and Lord of Culverheart. We eagerly sign your charter and await our move to your fair city. (Diplomacy: 14)
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 d20+11=18 ; d20+11=23 ; Sunday July 22nd, 2012 10:56:55 PM
Pinwheel gives a snarky grin to Van. "Does the Pontifex of Alemi wear a big hat? Of course I want to join!"
Though briefly distracted by the encounter between Grell, Wilma, and Ariach, it is Emrys' introduction that draws most of her attention.
Ah, we have a 'creative.' She looks to the barristers for any clue as to their reception of the bard's grandiose entrance.
Sense Motive 17 [Dice roller weirded-out on me. That was supped to be a +10 modifier and only rolled once.]
DM Kathy Sunday July 22nd, 2012 11:13:15 PM
You pepper the barristers with questions, and they have ready responses. "You promise to obey the laws and do your best to help people," one explains to Pinwheel. "And you promise to come to the aid of new Elenna if you are called. In return, we keep you on our list of adventurers of known good character, which can help you avoid trouble with certain municipal authorities." He doesn't quite cough Dirt City under his breath, but you do get the idea.
"We prefer to sign up adventuring groups rather than individuals...am I to understand that you wish to enroll as a group?"
He sits patiently through Emrys's and Pinwheel's introductions. He doesn't seem notably impressed. He's probably been doing this for years, and has probably met any number of wet-behind-the-ears adventurers who think they're all that. He gives a rather pained smile, then continues.
"If your group doesn't yet have a name, we can sign you up together anyway; just notify us of your name when you've decided on one. If you really are going to Plateau City after graduation, that will make things easier." And with that, he prepares the paperwork, takes your oaths, and signs you up.
[OOC: If you choose not to sign the oath, let me know.]
Meanwhile, your exams grow ever closer. Students spend long hours studying; they form themselves into study groups and quiz one another over meals.
One of the earliest finals is the Magic exam (that is, Knowledge Arcana). It is held in the Magic building, where upstairs you first met the Floop. The exam is downstairs, in one of the larger lecture halls. Tuck and Emrys are present, along with a few dozen other students.
You are absorbed in your exam when you start to notice....a smell. It's an unusual smell: acrid and sweet at the same time. Then you hear cries of consternation from somewhere in the building, followed by the sound of running feet, and something falling over with a crash.
tl;dr: The barristers sign you up; you can choose a name later. Finals start, and something has interrupted the Magic final. If you don't have ranks in Knowledge: Arcana, you probably are not there.
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 Sunday July 22nd, 2012 11:16:52 PM
Pinwheel signs enthusiastically, adding a heart above her 'i' and a flourish to her capital 'p.'
During the proceedings of the Magic exam, she is likely to be down near the kitchens again.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Monday July 23rd, 2012 10:33:45 AM
Yes we are wanting to sign up as a group though we don't yet decided uopn a name.
She quickly sings her name to the oath and then steps back to allow someone elso sign up.
Hey Guys if we are to be a force for good why not work that into a name. Something like the Guardians of Goodness.....
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Monday July 23rd, 2012 5:53:25 PM
Ariach also signs the contract. He is relieved seeing most of his friends signing it too. Especially the fact that Pinewheel signs the contract suprises him.
Ariach likes Vaniimeīs proposal to name the group Guardians of Goodness. "I think the name fits."
Then he follows Pinewheel. He never thanked her for the return of the whetstone. It was time to fix this.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 Monday July 23rd, 2012 7:54:13 PM
Wilma signed where the official indicated, smiling to herself. As soon as she and the other go through their finals, they'll be a real, live, official adventuring group! Her parents didn't really go to Plateau City too often, so there was the added benefit of being able to establish themselves without being in the shadow of the famous Emerald Dragons.
Not that Wilma wasn't proud of her parents, but now she and Grell would be able to prove to themselves that they were adventurers in their own right.
"All that...AND we get to be the Good Guys...!"
Could the day get any better..???
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+13=28 ; Monday July 23rd, 2012 8:17:21 PM
(Since Emrys is in the final, am I supposed to roll? Here we go, just in case. Knowledge [Arcana]: 28.)
Having completed his Arcana final in good time, he sits there with his quill feather tickling his nose. His mind is on thoughts and ideas for names and places he would like to go. The sudden disturbance drops him earthbound from his flights of fancy. He looks at the others in the class to gauge their expressions. His keen elven ears hear the patter of running feet. Emrys rises from his chair and looks out into the hall. If the mystery has yet not revealed itself, he will continue on to find out what it is. He hurries along, but is careful to look around corners before proceeding onward.
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 Monday July 23rd, 2012 10:28:36 PM
Grell smiles happily as he signs the contract. It was finally his turn to make an impact on the Wold and he intended to make the most of it. Look out Plateau City, you have NO idea what's headed your way!! He looks down smugly at his signature (with it's crude block letters that are different sizes no less...penmanship had never been his area of expertise!). Just a couple more dumb tests and he'll be on his way!
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 Monday July 23rd, 2012 11:29:03 PM
Pinwheel overhears some of the discussion as she leaves for the kitchens. She twists her face a bit as she walks and thinks to herself. The Guardians of Good? The Good Guys? Ugh. Those names would mark us as rubes as soon as we set foot in a place like Plateau City. The last thing we want is to paint a big target on our chests. I'm going to have to suggest something that sounds more professional. After all, we're going to be adventurers, not church bake sale organizers.
DM Kathy Monday July 23rd, 2012 11:38:28 PM
You sign up to be adventurers of New Elenna, still trying to think of what to call yourselves. Vaniime sugests Guardians of Goodness, which seems to enjoy some mild support.
[Your DM remembers that you had once thought about the Something Vanguard, so in keeping with wanting to sound like "good guys" will suggest the Righteous Vanguard. Or the Virtuous Vanguard if you're into that whole alliteration thing.]
Meanwhile, finals are underway, and the Magic final is proving to be more exciting than exams usually are. Emrys tries to ascertain the cause of the smell; it seems to you like an Alchemy final project going horribly, horribly wrong. You are just wondering whether to leave the building when Professor Bounderly appears at the door of the lecture hall. "Everyone outside, please," she says briskly. "We can finish the exam later. Leave your papers."
You dutifully troop out into the rain, and are able to watch as the smoke pouring out of an upstairs window turns from pale green to delicate pink and back again. Nearby, a female student with singed eyebrows and green-splattered uniform says mournfully, "It was supposed to be a new room-freshener. Now what am I going to do?"
The reaction is eventually stopped, and the Magic students are able to complete their final. The rest of the final exams happen without incident--or at least without any incidents as spectacular as that one.
[Let's see how everybody did on their exams. Please make a roll for each Knowledge skill you have ranks in. Feel free to post an interpretation of how your finals went.]
The rain continues, and your classmates begin to grow anxious. Nobody wants to hunt monsters in the rain.
tl;dr: You take your finals. Make a roll for each Knowledge skill you have. It is still raining; will it affect the monster hunt?
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 d20+10=23 ; Tuesday July 24th, 2012 12:16:34 AM
Pinwheel takes her examination on the significant mercantile, military, and political organizations extant in the greater world - both legitimate and dubious. After all, no self-respecting rogue would be unaware of the major power players. As my advisor always says, "There are three kinds of sods in the world -- those who can be your mates, those you can peel, and those that can put you in the dead-book. Know the difference."
Knowledge (local) 23
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+13=21 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+10=28 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+13=19 ; d20+12=24 ; d20+15=30 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+12=28 ; d3=1 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+14=17 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+14=25 ; Tuesday July 24th, 2012 1:10:29 AM
Exhausted and at his wits end, Emrys becomes even more exasperated when he runs out of ink and breaks his favorite quill from all the testing.
Knowledge [arcana]: 21 Knowledge [dungeoneering]: 18. Uses Recall ability to reroll: 17, that really sucks. Knowledge [engineering]: 28 Knowledge [geography]: 31 Knowledge [history]: 19. Uses Recall ability to reroll, then opts to use Lore Master 1/day ability: 33 Knowledge [local]: 24 Knowledge [nature]: 30 Knowledge [nobility]: 18. Uses Recall ability to reroll: 29 Knowledge [planes]: 28 Knowledge [religion]: 14. Uses Recall ability to reroll: 25.
(Lore Master ability is 1/day and allows to take20 on any knowledge skill.) (Knowledge [Memory Subdomain] Recall (Su): 5/day. Any creature touched. Allows reroll of any one Knowledge skill.)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 d20+4=13 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+4=21 Tuesday July 24th, 2012 7:31:24 AM
Sitting for her exams Vaniime can't help but wish she were outside, even in the planted set piece gardens of the school, doing aything beisdes taking these tests. With a heavy sigh and a glare for the professor she turns back to her exams and completes then with just a few moments to spare. Satisfied with all but her relligion exam, (Wilma was going to be so disappointed in her for that one but thank the gods it wasn't one she needed for graduation). Surprisingly even with the interuption and the smell Van did well on her Arcana exam. Finally finished, Van heads out to find her friends.
Knowledge Dungeoneering DC 13 out of 24 Knowledge Geography DC 18 out of 25 Knowledge Nature DC 21 out of 25 Knowledge Local DC 14 out of 24 Knowledge Religion DC 6 out of 25 Knowledge Arcana DC 21 out of 24
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 d20+8=26 ; d20+6=8 ; Tuesday July 24th, 2012 12:41:39 PM
Wilma hurried from her Religion finals to her History class, passing the rather noisome mess that had been somebody's Arcana finals. Unfortunately for her, the History professor insisted on the class remaining at its location right next to the smelly disaster while his students took their final exam, and--try as she might--Wilma found it impossible to maintain her concentration with that horrible smell permeating the air.
"I can't believe that I said the former King of New Ellenna was called King Cleo...!" Wilma moaned on her way out. A coughing fellow student patted her on the shoulder as they hastily left the area.
"Never mind that--" he replied, "--I wrote a paragraph about how important 'Platter City' is to the Wold's adventurers!"
At least Wilma hadn't been the only one distracted by the odious odors...
OOC: Wilma kicked butt with her Religion knowledge by getting 26 out of a possible 28; but she totally boofed her History exam by getting only 8 out of a possible 26.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 d20+2=11 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+6=17 ; Tuesday July 24th, 2012 6:13:08 PM
The tests are a welcome diversion for Ariach after his failure in the competition. Fully motivated, he takes the questions for his local history exam. A short look is enough to determine that he hasnīt learned enough. He just answers half of all questions. Unfortunately not the performance he had expected.
In the following test about dungeoneering he does much better. Still, he gets very angry about his examination and admonishes himself to take up a book to deepen his knowledge in the future more often. Hoping his friends did better he looks for them. (knowlegde history:11, knowledge dungeoneering 18)
TUCK: Accustomed to being able to focus even under the most adverse circumstances Tuck has no problems to stay focused. He is so concentrated that he nearly doesnīt notice the smell and the cries. Using the short interruption to refresh himself he manages to deliver an excellent exam.
Also in the field of local history, he has no problems. His meticulous preparation was certainly responsible for his success.
(knowledge arcane:24, knwoledge history 17)
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 d20=10 ; d20=8 ; d20=17 ; d20=16 ; d20=15 ; Tuesday July 24th, 2012 10:30:57 PM
Having only the bare minimum of training in most subject, Grell finds himself having extreme difficulty with the history sections of the exams. Good thing the exams didn't way too heavy for the fighter's section.
OOC: Grell has no knowlege skills, but it sounded like fun, so I went ahead and rolled. Use them for what you want.
DM Kathy Tuesday July 24th, 2012 11:29:45 PM
You manage to make it through your finals, and although you have ideas on how you did, you won't know for sure until the results come back.
[OOC: Everybody should have at least one Knowledge skill. At character creation, everybody got an extra skill point that had to be put into a Knowledge skill. Every time you have leveled up (so far), you got an extra skill point that had to be put into a Knowledge skill. Also, all Knowledge skills are class skills for everybody (for now). I know I've explained this before, and I swear that at one time, Grell had a knowledge skill (otherwise I wouldn't have approved his character sheet). Can everyone please double-check and make sure they're not shorting themselves?]
In the meantime, you prepare for your trip to the Monster Preserve. You are not terribly surprised when Professor Goodnight informs you that you have been assigned to the same group, and will be hunting one of the more advanced monsters. You're a little ahead of most of your classmates, thanks to your adventures this year.
The day finally arrives, and although the morning is gray, it isn't actually raining. At the moment. You and your classmates pile into coaches for the short ride to the Preserve.
You step through the gates to find an array of very tough-looking rangers and druids. They're an intimidating bunch, and you hesitate for a moment. A friendly voice calls: "Hello Vaniime! All ready for graduation?"
You turn to see a young half-elf woman, clearly the youngest of the rangers here--only a few years older than most of you. Vaniime recognizes her as Quila Souhn, a former Maplehurst student who was in her last year when you started in the Upper School. She helped you then, when most upperclassmen ignored you.
[Some of the rest of you may also know Quila; you can decide for yourself if she's somebody your character would know.]
tl;dr: You're at the Monster Preserve and your finals are over. Also, make sure you got your extra Knowledge skill point. If you don't know what that means, you'll need to read the whole post.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=25 ; Wednesday July 25th, 2012 2:01:52 AM
While they approach the preserve in their coach, Emrys had prepared a orison that should come quite handy in this little hunting expedition. "I'm about to place upon each you an incantation that should spare us from becoming the hunted out in the wilds. We shall leave no tracks, not even in the most mired bog. Nor shall we leave a scent trail." He thinks the latter being probably the most important. A few of his friends are quite tart at the moment, especially within the enclosed space of the carriage. "I will replenish the magik every hour."
When he emerges from the coach to face their greeters, Emrys goes out of his way to be cordial but maintains a serious and nonchalant facade. He knows these are serious people and he wants to earn their respect. However, today he isn't wearing the colors of his school, but instead his elven, darkwood-plated, leather armor and over his shoulders the mantle of Culverheart, a symbol of a towering, white tree with long, twisted roots. A mark the local rangers and druids should know very well. (Diplomacy: 25)
(The spell cast on each party member is 'Pass Without Trace'. No tracks or scent for one hour. Can not be tracked without magical means. This spell can be recast, it's a 0-level orison for Emrys.)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Wednesday July 25th, 2012 4:24:22 PM
Van is a bundle of nervous energy as they make their way to the monster preserve. She mentally goes through what equipment she has and physically pats each location to ensure that the object is really there.
Bounding out of the coach she eagerly leads the way through the gate only to come to a complete and sudden stop as she sees those who are there to greet them. Sudden feelings of misgiving come over her when she suddenly hears a familiar voice ring out from the back of the group.
"Hey Quila, glancing around at the other rangers, Yeah I think we are anyway. You look well and it looks like you travel in august company these days." So what's in store for us, or can't you say?"
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Wednesday July 25th, 2012 5:32:58 PM
Ariach spends the early morning polishing his armor and his shield. Fully equipped and prepared for any eventuality he struts to the waiting coaches. Upon boarding he notices that he should have left his quiver in his room. Due his promise and without a bow he will not shoot an arrow in the near future. But such trifles as his forgetfulness or the bad weather cannot spoil his good mood that day.
As they walk through the gate Ariach sees Quila.
*Quila? Is she a Ranger? Or is she a druid?*
Ariach cannot remember. In any case, she had left the school recently. Maybe she would give former schoolmates some informations. This could be useful. Therefore Ariach decides to stay behind Vaniime who seems to know Quila a little better.
Tuck: Tuck feels great joy when he thinks about the upcoming battle. As he sits in one of the coaches beside Grell he winks at them slyly.
"Oh man! I'm curious against which creatures we must compete. "
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 Wednesday July 25th, 2012 10:22:10 PM
As they travel to the Preserve, Grell is as giddy as halfling in an unguarded storeroom. He chats happily with Tuck along the journey. "Oh, man, whatever it is, I hope it's got *massive* claws and teeth...tons of teeth! This is going to be the BEST day EVER!!!"
Once they leave the carriage, Grell keeps quiet as they approach the gate, though his anticipation is difficult to conceal. Grell checks the straps of his armor time and again and shifts his massive sword on his back. Finally, he settles into a stance and shifts his weight from left foot to right foot and back again as he anxiously sniffs the air around them.
OOC: I'm very sorry about the Knowledge skill. I have no idea how I missed that. I'll go back and change the sheet and submit my roll.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 Wednesday July 25th, 2012 11:06:17 PM
Wilma smiled, happy to see that her brother was looking forward to their test of mettle. She only wished she could recall Quila better--Wilma had been so involved in trying to pass her various tests, quizzes and competitions that meeting the young instructor completely slipped her mind. She gripped her quarterstaff and shifted her weight from one foot to the other, anxious to begin their field test.
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