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Third Exam


DM Ian - The Beginning of the End of the Beginning 
Friday October 11th, 2013 11:36:19 AM
The Fists retreat to their rooms to ponder the battle, as well as their sergeants' attitudes. Why had they been so angry? Why was Trimmack trying to hide it? And why were their enemies simple recruits? Only a few of the people they fought had stood up before leaving -- neither of which were the two that Prudence[/b ] and [b]Carver respectively decimated.

Worried about her actions, Prudence lingers behind at the battlegrounds, peering over at the man with a smoking circle on his chest. The cleric kneeling over him seems to be praying rather quickly and fervently, eyes screwed shut. Finally, after what seems like an eternity to the sorcerer, the man on the ground takes a huge, shuddering breath, coughing as he tries to sit up. The cleric pushing him back down onto the ground, muttering, "Hey now, careful, careful..."

The cleric, a young half-elf, looks up at Prudence and smiles. "Gargul won't have this one today," he calls out to the sorcerer. "He's gonna be okay,"

Prudence Only
Highlight to display spoiler: {Prudence hears another cleric call out from nearby. Looking over, she can see one of the fighters that Carver downed. He seems to be lying in something that stains the ground dark, and the cleric leaning over him is crying out for help. Before she can get a better look, Sergeant Trimmack moves in front of her, his arms crossed in front of his chest. "Go to your room, Grundle," he mutters softly. "You need your rest." He takes Prudence gently by the shoulder and leads her away from the scene, blocking her view from the fighter that lay on the ground.}

After what is the longest break the Fists have received during their training (although, it is still only about four hours) they all get knocks at their doors, with their sergeant crying out, "Up and at 'em. Fifteen minutes, recruits. It's time for your last trial."

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8 
Friday October 11th, 2013 11:56:14 AM
As William wakes up, he grumbles, as he didn't have enough sleep to rememorize the spells... (To double check, I assume with PFinder we still need 8 hrs of rest to rememorize our spells, right? I can't do much with 4 hrs, right?)

He says a quick morning prayer, brushes his teeth, makes himself presentable, cleans his room and heads out to muster...

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) 
Friday October 11th, 2013 1:43:52 PM
Pru is somber as she returns to the group's quarters. There had been no time for morning prayers this morning, so she does them now. She takes longer than usual in her devotions, saying special prayers to each god in turn, rather than choosing two or three as she normally does. She can't help but feel that she has something to atone for.

By the time her prayers are finished, she is starving. She hadn't eaten at the conclusion of the stealth trial--it had still been night-time--but now her stomach is ready for breakfast.

But the group has been told to stay here, so she stays. She cannot rest. She paces, still distressed over the most recent trial.

"Live fire," she mutters. "Live fire. They put a spell on the weapons, but not on my rays, or William's eagle, or Nikolai's fists. Why did they do that?"

By the time the group is called, Pru is sick with worry and tired with pacing. And hungry. And her Mage Armor has worn off. But at least she is presentable. "Let's get this over with," she says, and once again gathers her gear.

Nikolai and Bliss, your Mage Armor has worn off as well.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) 
Friday October 11th, 2013 2:56:19 PM
Cameron is sad he didn't get a chance to hide and listen to the Sergeant's discussion, so he heads back to the barracks. He sees Pru pacing and rubbing her tummy so he produces some of the fruit and bread he wrapped up when he went to get breakfast after the last trial. He also eats a little something and gets some rest.
He also refills his quiver from the weapon store room on his way back to the barracks.( Can Cameron trade in his 2 kukri for a Heavy Shield and a Longsword, both small, While he is in the weapon's storeroom? I don't have the cash to cover it but can leave my Alchemist's Fire behind to cover the exchange, if that's OK.)
When the next muster is called he rolls out of bed and into his armor. A quick weapons check and he is off to the Great Hall for the next test.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 4 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK) 
Friday October 11th, 2013 4:15:34 PM
Four hours gives Tinker some ability to move around the bruise on his chest, but he is still not his best. He belatedly realizes that he never thanked the others in the Fist for covering for him and healing him, and he should do something about that. As they get ready, he calls over to Linden. "Thanks for the healing on me back there, Linden. I think I'd still be laying there if not for your magic."

The others are quiet, but tired and drained of spells like they are, Tinker chalks it down to fatigue.

The dwarf trots to the assembly area and moves to his position in Trimmack's Fist.

.................

4 healing on non-lethal (1 per hour)

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 9/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Friday October 11th, 2013 4:23:22 PM
(OOC: My previous posts questions weren't answered. Additionally, hit points return with a full days rest, so I'm suspecting that Linden is not yet back up to full?)

Linden reprepared before sleep, but he's happy that he managed 3 hours of rest. A short nap as it were. He's had time to sober up and now that his head isn't foggy and is clear, the feeling is unpleasant. "Final test. Okay." Is all he can manage.
He dons his armor, gathers his replenished supplies and heads out with his Fist.

Spells and Things

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 9/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Friday October 11th, 2013 4:26:32 PM
(OOC: What of the damage taken was 'real' damage? It matters quite a lot cus Linden may heal up from his SacBonds, or at least in a minimal capacity.)

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) 
Friday October 11th, 2013 8:13:25 PM
OOC
It was nonlethal, as was said many times. Nonlethal heals at 1 point per hour.
Linden, you prepared shield other again... did you get rings for it?
Is rebuke death a power of your god? Just curious, I haven't seen it before.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C) 
Friday October 11th, 2013 8:15:50 PM
Carver, having had a bunch of practice strapping on his gear, does so yet again.
"Sargent, where do we report to? Or just form up outside the barracks?"

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 9/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Friday October 11th, 2013 10:10:50 PM
(OOC: Dang it!!)

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 9/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Friday October 11th, 2013 11:23:29 PM
Spells and Things

OOC: So, I think it's fixed.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) 
Friday October 11th, 2013 11:27:53 PM
Nikolai dozes but Pru's pacing keeps any deep sleep at bay. The announcemnet of the final test comes somewhat as a relief. "Good. It'll be over soon, then Sgts. Trimmack and Helmbane can come clean," he mutters as he slips on his shuriken bandolleer again.

While heading to their muster spot, he tries to console Pru.
"You can't let it bother you, Pru. You were obeying orders. You did what you had to do to keep yourself and your friends safe. You'll worry yourself sick if you aren't carefull."



Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)  d20+8=27 ;
Saturday October 12th, 2013 10:36:24 AM
Not knowing what the next test will be, but remembering that he had wished he had had one, Bliss looks around quarters for a blanket, a basket, and a broomstick. He wraps the basket in the blanket, ties the blanket to the broomstick, and declares, "I'm a right proper bindlestiff, I am!"

He giggles.

Perception to search for the blanket, basket, and broomstick. 27! Woot!

Hopefully well accoutered, Bliss follows the crew to the next test.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 9/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Sunday October 13th, 2013 12:18:07 PM
Linden looks groggily at Prudence after finishing his prep. "Feel as bad as you want dear. The natural order is not to kill but survive in our case. Guilt cleanses. Let it work." His speech is slurred from lack of sleep.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8  d8=6 ;
Monday October 14th, 2013 3:23:00 PM
Chk in

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 4 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK) 
Monday October 14th, 2013 3:59:11 PM
TInker is uncomfortable. Sure the little sleep, the grit still in his leather armor as he took a dirt nap, and the bruise on his chest pains him, but it is more than that.

"I'm not going to make the excuse I did it 'cause I was ordered to. My actions, my responsibility." He didn't say it to anyone in particular, more reaffirming to himself really. Yet the words make him feel better for some reason.

The Hall of Heroes... again -- DM Zach 
Monday October 14th, 2013 4:08:48 PM
DM post will be late today sorry.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) 
Monday October 14th, 2013 6:11:15 PM
"There is some level of comfort in the awareness of survival, whether ordered to or not," Nikolai quips out loud not no one in particular but winking at Tinker

The Final Test -- DM Zach 
Monday October 14th, 2013 6:32:13 PM
The two Sergeants come back in the room, looks of anger and disgust still on both of their faces. Nonetheless they keep their emotions in check and deliver orders.

Trimmack uses a commanding voice that is neither harsh, nor comforting to address the group."Put your last test from your mind. You did better than expected and are to be commended. I understand that you are all currently tied for first with the group that you seem to be well acquainted with Beat them in this final test... and you will graduate with honor."

Helmbane interjects in his typical, gruff voice. "Lose, and nobody cares. Nobody remembers second place... ever. You all aren't losers... I don't expect ya'll to act as such."

Trimmack eyes Helmbane with an icy stare before continuing. "Like I was saying, hurry to the Library for your final test. We will meet you after the final exam in the Hall of Heroes. Good luck."

With that your Sergeants glare at each other as they walk out of the room. You have about 10 minutes to make it to the Library.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 9/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Monday October 14th, 2013 6:47:24 PM
The library. How hard could this be? A group we knew, and who knew us. Tied for first. No one remembers the losers. Fantastic.
"Well, silver is better than gold in my book. It's harder than gold to bend and lusters and patinas beautifully. Gold is boring."
He moves off when the others do.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) 
Monday October 14th, 2013 7:35:41 PM
Hmmm, I wonder if we will be going head to head with them in the library. Minotaurs and half-orcs are not known for their mental agility... leaving the elven cleric to keep them afloat. Best not to underestimate them though, somehow I think they got the better of me when we traded information,because they did way better in a stealth drill than I would have guessed, and that sure wasn't an aquatic retrieval we went on last round. Their half-orc is tricksy it seems.
Cameron leaves his gear and pack on and heads for the Library. For all they know the library could only be the meeting place and they are to head from there to somewhere else. His mind races with the possibilities of what their next task could be.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C) 
Monday October 14th, 2013 8:07:31 PM
Carver makes sure that everyone has their gear, and then follows them to the library.
"I'm expecting the minotaur group, and I truly hope we prove smarter than they are. Lets win this thing, and do ourselves proud and give our Sargents something to be satisfied with, because I really don't see them ever completely happy with our efforts...."

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) 
Monday October 14th, 2013 8:59:49 PM
Pru gratefully takes some of the fruit and bread from Cameron. "It's a good thing somebody was thinking ahead this morning," she says. "Thank you, Cameron."

Still, she is troubled, and the final test comes as something of a relief. "The library," she says as they set out. "I suppose this will be about knowing stuff. It's a good thing we have William on our side." She looks around. "Does anybody else know stuff?"

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8 
Monday October 14th, 2013 9:18:36 PM
William shakes his head at the sergeants odd pep talk... Not a real way to motivate a group... and he's in agreement with Linden on that...

However, at the sound of their next location, he perks up and smiles broadly at Pru... "Yes, library... One of my favorite places and if it has to do with figuring things out, I'll be in my element... It's about time we having something besides combat as a trial..."

He'll go up with the others to the library, and once there, see if he can get an idea of what's going on in the 10 minutes before the fun starts...

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) 
Monday October 14th, 2013 9:50:53 PM
Nikolai swiftly put on his gear again, letting his thoughts about what the two sargeants were upset about dance to the back of his mind. It sounded like they were going to be sparring with words and knowledge this time, not with sharp or blunt things, unless you got into tossing books about.

The books he was most familiar with was his father's books on military tactics. The books he had spend most of the past year studying was on anatomy, where to kick or punch with most effect. This last test intrigued Nikolai.

He smiled at William's exhuberance and fell in with his Fist heading towards the library.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) 
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 12:18:58 AM
Bliss shoulders his bundle on a stick and heads to the library.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 9/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 3:50:46 AM
As they walk, the cleric idly plays with words. "Library.... liberty....laboratory.... labrynth.... uh oh. Labrynths and minotaurs. Not good." It seems his threads are worn when he's sober. Or maybe he's onto something. They would soon see.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)  d20+2=16 ; d20=17 ; d20+4=5 ;
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 4:04:08 AM
Perception 16 to check out the opposition before they start.
Sense motive 17 to see how confident they feel about this test.
Bluff 4 to seem sullen about his group's chances to beat the other group

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 4:38:29 AM
(OOC: Forgot to fix hp in the last header. Did it here. I believe its 1 of non-lethal point per hour, four hours, means Linden healed 4, bringing it to 13 of 14. Never received a response on the granted powers. I assume a full day has to pass to regain those, correct?)

DM Ian As it is not explicitly stated on the SRD, I assume Domain Powers are regained upon praying and regaining spells.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 4 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK) 
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 10:00:13 AM
The dwarf may be in Trimmack's Fist, but he pays attention to Helmsbane. Yah, that's how a dwarf is supposed to act. Tinker files away the gruff, honest way Helmsbane lays out the options like a slab of meat on a butcher's table. No beating around the bush for a dwarf!

Tinker shoulders his pack and weapons, ready for bear (or bull in this case). He has no special affinity for the library, just another tool like his lock picks. Yet that gets him thinking, he is pretty good at finding things...

With an extra spring in his step and a still woozy head, Tinker trots with his Fists to the next test.

The Final Test -- DM Zach 
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 4:52:14 PM
The Team makes their way into the the Library.

The Library is massive, but then you already know that. The Citadel spared no expense in the creation of this library. Books on nearly every subject can be found. Some are new books written by contemporary scholars, others are dusty old tomes that are several hundred years old and yet others are original works that cannot be found elsewhere. The Library has tens of hundreds of thousands of books and seating for all of the graduating students and then some.

When you arrive there are students sitting in a range of positions with any number of books around them and in their arms. Some looks confident, quickly looking over specifics of a bit of information they already know, while others look panicked and as if they have never seen the material they are reading before.

The know it all elf proctor from the two exams before is present and smiles lightly, clearly in his element. "The next test is simple. It is a final, cumulative exam on everything you have learned in your past 3 years of training. Everything from marching formations, to extra-planar creature vulnerabilities, to advanced linquistics, to minor Dwarven nobles houses in the Scab may be on this test. You all have 10 minutes to cram for this test. There will be 500 questions divided up among 15 different disciplines. Either brush up on what you don't know... or revisit what you do... or take a nap. It is not my concern. Regardless... in 10 minutes the exam will begin. You will have 8 hours to complete the exam."

Everyone begins scrambling in a mad panic trying to find a specific book, or a book on a specific topic. Thankfully, with such a large library, finding a book on the topic you want is rather simple.

OOC:Ok, you all can pick one topic represented by a skill from you character sheet. If it is a Class skill that you have no ranks in, add the +3 bonus as if it was a class skill. If it is a class skill you have ranks in... you get a +2 bonus. If it is not a class skill and you have no ranks in it... you get to add a +1, If it is not a class skill and you have a rank in it... you get to add a +2. This is only good for the examination and expires upon turning your test in.

Please write down the skill you want to increase and the bonus you get to it. If you wish to come up with a clever book title for what you found and even a bit about the author or something, feel free. You may also describe the book in as much or as little detail as you like.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) 
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 6:23:02 PM
OOC
Is this part the studying part or the exam part? You tell us to pick a skill and describe a book on the topic and gave us bonuses, but not what to do. Do we roll a skill check on this skill? If we do what is it representing, our cramming in knowledge of that skill or our part in the exam?
Are there any skills we can not use on the exam, like use magic device or profession bartender or something?

DM Zach: This is the studying part. You can pick any skill but only 15 will be on the exam. You might pick a skill that doesn't get asked. That happens in real life sometimes. You study for what you think will be on an exam and the ... It isn't."

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 4 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK) 
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 6:38:40 PM
"A comprehensive exam based on everything any of us have ever learned in the last 3 years. Sounds like the more diverse each of our training is, the better it will be for the team."

Tinker lays out his thoughts to see if anyone wants to bite. "Seems like taking just a minute to see if we can cover all our doors will help us out in the long run."

(Tinker's idea is to quickly list everyones skills and then pick books for each to improve little known areas.)
...................................

Acrobatics +7
Appraise +2
Bluff -1
Climb +6
Craft +2
Diplomacy -1
Disable Device +10
Disguise -1
Escape Artist +7
Fly +3
Handle Animal -
Heal +2
Intimidate -1
Know (Dungeon) -
Know (Engineer) +3
Know (Local) -
Linguistics -
Perception +6
Perform -1
Profession*(Engineer) +6
Ride +3
Sense Motive +2
Sleight of Hand +9
Spellcraft -
Stealth +7
Survival +2
Swim +2
Use Magic Device +3


Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) 
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 6:55:27 PM
Automatically, Pru starts toward the familiar Magic section of the library, but then stops. "Maybe William should be our magic guy," she says thoughtfully. "And I can research Planes?" She sighs. "They probably won't ask what to do for a colicky horse, which is a pity."

[Pru's trained skills are Knowledge Arcana, Knowledge Planes, Profession Farmer, and Spellcraft. Her high stat is Charisma, so she can do a decent job with Charisma-based skills, even untrained.]

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C) 
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 7:08:48 PM
Carver, stoically stands there as if thinking, which he actually is.....

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) 
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 7:55:01 PM
Nikolai likes Tinker's idea. Having grown up around the Fist, he names off some of the most common Mailed Fist skills that he remembers being used : Craft, Diplomacy, Handle Animal, Heal, Knowledge {all and millitary tactics), Profession(soldier, engineer),Ride, Spellcraft, and Survival.

"My strongpoints are:
Acrobatics +9
Appraise +1
Bluff +0
Climb +2
Craft +0
Diplomacy +0
Disguise +0
Escape Artist +2
Fly +0
Handle Animal +0
Heal +3
Intimidate +0
Knowledge: History +0, Religion +0
Perception +9
Perform +0
Profession +0
Ride +6
Sense Motive +7
Spellcraft +0
Stealth +6
Survival +3
Swim +2

He volunteers to pick up a book on Survival unless there is a greater need elsewhere.

While the others tick off their areas of expertise, Nikolai notices a student stumbling to a table nearby with a huge tome. The student has an arm in a sling and can barely cary the tome. Nikolai hurries over to help the student and takes the tome, which, even with two arms, is a challenge, and plops it on the table with a loud FLUMP.

At first he thinks the tome is a general catch all of everything but then he sees the title.

The Mailed Fist and You: Health Care when it matters the most, from the simple paper cut to Raise the Dead an who pays for it.

Nikolai turns pale and returns to his Fist.

OOC: Sorry guys, I just couldn't resist the hillarity of it. :}

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8 
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 9:51:50 PM
(LOL Jonathan!!!)

William's skills are as follows. Based upon his best skill, he'll pick Spellcraft (+8), get a +2 bonus due to having a rank in it so his total bonus = +10. (If someone else is better qualified then him at it, then he'll switch to Linguistics and take the same +2 bonus and end up at +10 also...)

He'll take a book on "Improving your Spellcraft for dummies" and read through it as quick as he can, focusing on the table of contents, reading the headers for each chapter, focusing on bold items, etc.

Acrobatics +2
Appraise +4
Bluff +0
Climb -2
Craft +8
Diplomacy +0
Disable device
Disguise +0
Escape Artist +2
Fly +2
Handle Animal
Heal +2
Intimidate +0
Knowledge Arcana +8
Knowledge
Dungeoneering +8
Knowledge (History) +4
Knowledge (Local) +4
Know (Nobility) +4
Knowledge (Nature) +4
Knowledge (Planes) +8
Knowledge (Religion) +4
Linguistics +8
Perception +3
Perform +0
Ride +2
Sense Motive +2
Spell Craft +8
Stealth +2
Survival +2
Swim -2


Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) 
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 10:12:12 PM
Pru nods when William heads for the Magic section. "I'll take Planes, then," she says. After a short search, she returns with the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Outer Planes, which has "Don't Panic!" printed in large, friendly-looking letters on the cover.

"Easy for them to say," Pru says of the Don't Panic! advice. "They're not taking a final exam."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) 
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 12:11:34 AM
OOC: LOL, clever, Kathy. I like it.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 3:22:50 AM
Linden isn't much of the recreational reader, but he like this library. His favorite section is the one labeled.

Merchants, Marketing and the Military Complex

He goes right to it and pulls out a familiar tome. The gnome merchant. A guide to retaining you gold.

The cleric flips to the third chapter. Is that REALLY Domi's thumb in a jar?! How to avoid false relics. And he begins to read.

(Sense Motive 7, class skill +2, for a +9)

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) 
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 8:47:48 AM
Bliss knows the exact book he needs! It is a small book, a tiny book, a diminutive book, really, a fine book. It has the strange and wonderful habit of blending in with the other books, hiding out in plain sight. From hard experience, Bliss knows you can't just waltz up to this book. You can't just blunder through the stacks and grab it. No, to find this book, you have to sneak up on it!

Fortunately, that's no problem for Bliss.

Moving like a shadow, flitting from shelf to shelf, Bliss finds his book and brings it to a table for a final perusal before the exam. He reads the cover, although he knows what it will say:

Cover! Concealment! Combat!
A comprehensive compendium of the capabilities conferred through concentrated contemplation of the crafts of camouflage, inconspicuosity, cloaking, and encroachment, as conveyed by El. Z. Yac.

Bliss smiles as he opens the book by the old sneaky gnome, and quickly finds one of his favorite passages ...

The diligent student will not neglect the practical utility of cover, for it not only provides the opportunity for stealth, as does concealment, but actually assists and boosts the practitioner's ability to remain hidden. Moreover, where smoke or foliage or shadow cloaks and conceals all equally, cover offers its benefits in disproportionate measure to the advantage of those of a, as some might say, lesser size. An upturned table may offer a minotaur but partial cover; a human, cover in the conventional sense; but a gnome, improved or total cover. And with the advent of magicks that offer storage of objects in containers that when full are both smaller and lighter than their contents -- most notably the garments created recently by the aptly named Troublefinder -- the amazing potential of carrying your own cover opens avenues for stealth that beggar the imagination. And this disproportionate advantage is both inversely and geometrically proportional to the size of the student, for not only does a decreased size confer its own substantial advantages to the practitioner, but, as is here described, a decreased size makes cover more efficacious and more easily obtained.


Bliss grins as he reads this section of the text and remembers the practices that his Aunt Priscilla taught him. He resolves to continue to hone the lore she tried to drill into his hard head, and then to take advantage of the verbose and highfalutin, albeit clever, lore of the ancient and wise Yac.

But first he has a test to take! He gets to work as soon as the proctor gives the signal, tackling the questions that focus on the stealthy arts.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) 
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 9:57:13 AM
Oh, should have mentioned that Bliss has a base 1 rank in stealth +3 class +4 size +4 dex +3 feat +2 test benefit = total +17.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 4 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK) 
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 10:03:47 AM
Tinker sees and hears that most people are brushing up on things they already know. Harumph. Tinker decides to find a book that has stuff that he AUGHT to know in his profession, but haven't really bothered to look at. He finds a small pamphlet, easy enough to read and digest in a couple of minutes as it falls out from between two tomes.

"Talking and Listening: The Art of Babbling On And Letting Others Think You Are Foolish When You Are Actually Pumping Them For Information" by Kendy Pipewood

Funny name, thinks Tinker, but it reminds him of his fostermother, Posiepocket, and how she could wheedle anything out of Tinker by not saying much at all. It becomes an interesting read...

...................

Read Pamphlet ; +3 Knowledge Local for Test (Know:Local is a Class Skill where Tinker has 0 ranks.)

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) 
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 1:20:23 PM

As Bliss looks around, he gets the idea that his friends are studying for the things they do not already know.

"What fun is that?" he mutters to himself.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C) 
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 1:24:12 PM
Carver decides finally what book to go get and read up on....

The Blitzkrieg, How Calvary can win your battle almost before it starts.(subtitled: guiding with your knees, leaving your hands free to kill your foe) (skill bonus to Ride)
The inside page has a grand illustration of a knight in full armor mounted on a fully armored charger.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8 
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 3:34:06 PM
Checking in

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) 
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 3:41:27 PM
Cameron selects a book on Mounted Combat. Being small he had not considered fighting mounted before their last exam. Feeling the freedom and ease of movement, plus the added ability to close range, or open it up that Carver was able to show Cameron makes the Halfling want to develop it further.
The book's title is Mounted Archery, Combining Movement and Archery to Win a Battle.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) 
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 4:02:39 PM
oops the book will attempt to improve my ride skill, +3 for class +3 for dexterity +2 for the exam total of 8

The Final Test -- DM Zach 
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 5:38:21 PM
"Time is up, please place your books back in their respective places and find and open desk so that we may pass out the examination." calls out the annoying elf proctor.

There are tables, desks, and chairs of all shapes and sizes. Some large enough for a 1200lbs minotaur to sit in comfortably while others seems as if they would be the perfect size for Bliss.

It takes a few minutes for all of the students to get into position, but very soon the proctor and his assistants are handing out the tests. The examinations look to be about 75 pages thick!!! Ink and Quills are available at each of the desks as well.

"Anyone found cheating will be recycled back an entire year assuming they are not outright expelled from the Fist. You have 8 hours to complete the examination. When finished leave your examination on your table and exit the room. Meet in the Hall of Heroes in 8 hours. You may begin, and may the odds be ever in your favor."

With that everyone scrambles to open the first page and get started.

Some of the more interesting questions were as follows:

1) Utilizing the Dwarven Formalized Measurement Standard, 9.75lbs of Mithral is worth how many lbs of Adamantine? (Appraise Skill to answer.)

37) What is the proper way to break a young colt from nipping (biting) when said animal is under the age of one (1) year of age? (Handle Animal Skill to answer.)

94) You are ambushed and your Fist Mate takes an arrow to the chest that goes through and through. He has a sucking chest wound. How do you treat it? (Heal Skill to answer.)

113) Various symbols have certain benefits and powers when casting specifics spells. What is the preferred symbol when casting a high level summoning spell? (Knowledge: Arcana skill to answer.)

157) While traveling in the Scab you come upon an exceptionally large underground cavern system. Statistically, what is the most dangerous creature you will encounter? (Knowledge: Dungeoneering Skill to answer.)

196) DrakesMeade is located in what area of the Wold? (Knowledge: Geography Skill to answer.)

233) Lord Orion Palance was most know for his valor in what battle? (Knowledge: History Skill to answer.)

286) Construction of Thankasiss Citadel was completed in what year? (Knowledge: Local Skill to answer.)

317) Kingsbane is toxic to all creatures except? (Knowledge: Nature Skill to answer.)

339) Princess Valerie Elbany is heiress to what minor principality? (Knowledge: Nobility Skill to answer.)

395) List the name of all the gods and powers in the Wold. (Knowledge: Religion Skill to answer.)

412) On what realm would a lantern archon be most commonly found? (Knowledge: Planes Skill to answer.)

451) The Ignan words for "Mailed Fist" are? (Linguistics Skill to answer.)

476) The three indicators that a mage is about to cast an offensive spell are? (Spellcraft Skill to answer.)

499) Moss grows on the North side of a tree in all forests except for three. Name those three forests. (Survival Skill to answer.)

OOC: Ok guys, just give me a skill check for each of the 15 questions asked. I will "grade" your papers and give your your scores tomorrow. It is possible to get partial credit on the questions as well. Feel free to role play how you felt about the test, how long it took you to complete etc. Did you finish in 2 hours? Did it take your right up to the last minute? Did you not finish? Also, you can RP leaving and going and waiting for everyone to meet back at the Hall of Heroes for tomorrow's post.



Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C)  d20+1=5 ; d20+4=20 ; d20+3=23 ; d20+1=21 ; d20+1=12 ; d20+1=10 ; d20+1=18 ; d20+1=7 ; d20+1=16 ; d20+1=13 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+1=10 ; d20+5=19 ; d20=11 ; d20+1=11 ;
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 6:55:42 PM
Carver, licks the tip of the quill, then dips it into the small inkwell. He begins by reading the first question, then the second and so on until he finds one he thinks he knows about.

1) Utilizing the Dwarven Formalized Measurement Standard, 9.75lbs of Mithral is worth how many lbs of Adamantine? (Appraise Skill to answer.)
5

37) What is the proper way to break a young colt from nipping (biting) when said animal is under the age of one (1) year of age? (Handle Animal Skill to answer.)
23
94) You are ambushed and your Fist Mate takes an arrow to the chest that goes through and through. He has a sucking chest wound. How do you treat it? (Heal Skill to answer.)
20
113) Various symbols have certain benefits and powers when casting specifics spells. What is the preferred symbol when casting a high level summoning spell? (Knowledge: Arcana skill to answer.)
21
157) While traveling in the Scab you come upon an exceptionally large underground cavern system. Statistically, what is the most dangerous creature you will encounter? (Knowledge: Dungeoneering Skill to answer.)
12
196) DrakesMeade is located in what area of the Wold? (Knowledge: Geography Skill to answer.)
10
233) Lord Orion Palance was most know for his valor in what battle? (Knowledge: History Skill to answer.)
18
286) Construction of Thankasiss Citadel was completed in what year? (Knowledge: Local Skill to answer.)
7
317) Kingsbane is toxic to all creatures except? (Knowledge: Nature Skill to answer.)
16
339) Princess Valerie Elbany is heiress to what minor principality? (Knowledge: Nobility Skill to answer.)
13
395) List the name of all the gods and powers in the Wold. (Knowledge: Religion Skill to answer.)
8
412) On what realm would a lantern archon be most commonly found? (Knowledge: Planes Skill to answer.)
11
451) The Ignan words for "Mailed Fist" are? (Linguistics Skill to answer.)
10
476) The three indicators that a mage is about to cast an offensive spell are? (Spellcraft Skill to answer.)
19
499) Moss grows on the North side of a tree in all forests except for three. Name those three forests. (Survival Skill to answer.)
11

Carver taes most of the 8 hours to answer the majority of the questions and when he gathers with the rest of his fist, "My cramming was a complete waste of time, unless we got different questions. There was nothing on there that I saw that was about riding at all, unless it was on how to handle your horse, like that biting question."

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)  d20=18 ; d20+7=19 ; d20+3=16 ; d20=17 ; d20=17 ; d20=18 ; d20=3 ; d20=16 ; d20=16 ; d20=9 ; d20+3=14 ; d20=18 ; d20+1=9 ; d20=10 ; d20=12 ;
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 7:05:35 PM

1) Utilizing the Dwarven Formalized Measurement Standard, 9.75lbs of Mithral is worth how many lbs of Adamantine? (Appraise Skill to answer.)
Appraise 18
Cameron knows this one without having to check. Uncle Morgan and his clan were accomplished metal smiths

37) What is the proper way to break a young colt from nipping (biting) when said animal is under the age of one (1) year of age? (Handle Animal Skill to answer.)
Handle Animal 19
Surprisingly, this was covered in the mounted combat book that Cameron had just read under the header of "choosing the right mount"

94) You are ambushed and your Fist Mate takes an arrow to the chest that goes through and through. He has a sucking chest wound. How do you treat it? (Heal Skill to answer.)
Heal 16

113) Various symbols have certain benefits and powers when casting specifics spells. What is the preferred symbol when casting a high level summoning spell? (Knowledge: Arcana skill to answer.)
Knowledge Arcana (untrained) 17

157) While traveling in the Scab you come upon an exceptionally large underground cavern system. Statistically, what is the most dangerous creature you will encounter? (Knowledge: Dungeoneering Skill to answer.)
Knowledge Dungeoneering 17
Green slime was the worst thing you could encounter ever, anywhere. Everyone knew that.

196) DrakesMeade is located in what area of the Wold? (Knowledge: Geography Skill to answer.)
Knowledge Geography (untrained) 18

233) Lord Orion Palance was most know for his valor in what battle? (Knowledge: History Skill to answer.)
Knowledge History (untrained) 3

286) Construction of Thankasiss Citadel was completed in what year? (Knowledge: Local Skill to answer.)
Knowledge Local (untrained) 16

317) Kingsbane is toxic to all creatures except? (Knowledge: Nature Skill to answer.)
Knowledge Nature (untrained) 16

339) Princess Valerie Elbany is heiress to what minor principality? (Knowledge: Nobility Skill to answer.)
Knowledge Nobility 12

395) List the name of all the gods and powers in the Wold. (Knowledge: Religion Skill to answer.)
Knowledge Religion 14

412) On what realm would a lantern archon be most commonly found? (Knowledge: Planes Skill to answer.)
Knowledge Planes 18

451) The Ignan words for "Mailed Fist" are? (Linguistics Skill to answer.)
Linguistics 9

476) The three indicators that a mage is about to cast an offensive spell are? (Spellcraft Skill to answer.)
Spellcraft (untrained)13
Clearly the answer to this was that you were fighting the mage, he rises his hands and mumbles something arcane sounding. Duh.

499) Moss grows on the North side of a tree in all forests except for three. Name those three forests. (Survival Skill to answer.)
Survival 12

After 5 hours Cameron finishes with the questions he "knows". Surprisingly there were quite a few his training had prepared him for. He spends another hour and a half answering the few that are left to the best of his knowledge and then closes his exam. He hops down off his seat and heads to the baths, knowing he doesn't have enough time for sleep before his next muster, but wanting to get cleaned up. He takes a hot bath and returns to the barracks and puts on his dress uniform for the Muster. He has just finished squaring himself and his bunk away when it is time to head to the Great Hall. He arrives right on time for muster.


AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 4 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK)  d20+2=7 ; d20=5 ; d20+2=16 ; d20=4 ; d20=15 ; d20=12 ; d20=2 ; d20+3=5 ; d20=18 ; d20=9 ; d20=2 ; d20=16 ; d20=13 ; d20=15 ; d20+2=6 ;
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 7:15:22 PM
Tinker goes to an empty desk, uncomfortable already that it is near the middle of the room without any walls to safely put his back. With much noise, he divests himself of his backpack (rattle, rattle), urgosh (crash!!), crossbow (clatter!), and frowns at the not-so-hidden smirks off the less encumbered about him.

He squirms in the chair, trying hard to deal with his nervousness and boredom. A test? Paper and pencil?

HARUMPH!!!

It takes Tinker most of the 8 hours to complete and though the dwarf did put down an answer for each question, nearly every page has a doodle on lock picking or escaping manacles or a smug thin elf being placed on a rack with 2 centaurs, 2 halflings, a half-elf, a dwarf, and 2 humans poking at him with sticks...

Tinker ends with a frown. Even when the questions were in an area he was more familar with, they were so crazy, he couldn't get them right! The dwarf takes a deep breath and lets it out. "There ain't no dishonor in defeat, just in not trying or not getting back up."
..........................

1) Utilizing the Dwarven Formalized Measurement Standard, 9.75lbs of Mithral is worth how many lbs of Adamantine? (Appraise Skill to answer.) Appraise = 7. One point Nine Five pounds of Adamantine

37) What is the proper way to break a young colt from nipping (biting) when said animal is under the age of one (1) year of age? (Handle Animal Skill to answer.) Handle Animal = 5. Bash it with a fist every time it tries to bite.

94) You are ambushed and your Fist Mate takes an arrow to the chest that goes through and through. He has a sucking chest wound. How do you treat it? (Heal Skill to answer.) Heal = 16. Open the inside of a water bladder and staunch the wound.

113) Various symbols have certain benefits and powers when casting specifics spells. What is the preferred symbol when casting a high level summoning spell? (Knowledge: Arcana skill to answer.) Know: 4

157) While traveling in the Scab you come upon an exceptionally large underground cavern system. Statistically, what is the most dangerous creature you will encounter? (Knowledge: Dungeoneering Skill to answer.) Know: 15

196) DrakesMeade is located in what area of the Wold? (Knowledge: Geography Skill to answer.)Know: 12

233) Lord Orion Palance was most know for his valor in what battle? (Knowledge: History Skill to answer.)Know: 2

286) Construction of Thankasiss Citadel was completed in what year? (Knowledge: Local Skill to answer.)Know: 5

317) Kingsbane is toxic to all creatures except? (Knowledge: Nature Skill to answer.)Know: 18

339) Princess Valerie Elbany is heiress to what minor principality? (Knowledge: Nobility Skill to answer.)Know: 9

395) List the name of all the gods and powers in the Wold. (Knowledge: Religion Skill to answer.)Know: 2

412) On what realm would a lantern archon be most commonly found? (Knowledge: Planes Skill to answer.)Know: 16

451) The Ignan words for "Mailed Fist" are? (Linguistics Skill to answer.)Linguistics: 13

476) The three indicators that a mage is about to cast an offensive spell are? (Spellcraft Skill to answer.)[bSpellcraft: 15[/b]

499) Moss grows on the North side of a tree in all forests except for three. Name those three forests. (Survival Skill to answer.) Survival: 6

7,5,16,4,15,12,2,5,18,9,2,16,13,15,6 = 145 TOTAL

7,16,5,6 = 34 = Skill Check not including UnTrained Checks.



AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B)  d20+1=12 ; d20+2=6 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+1=11 ; d20+1=16 ; d20+1=2 ; d20+1=10 ; d20+1=19 ; d20+1=18 ; d20+1=14 ; d20+1=16 ; d20+1=21 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+1=4 ;
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 7:55:27 PM
Before answering the first question, the pencil breaks and he needs a new one. He looks around and raises a hand. "The pencil broke. Can I get three so I don't bother youn again?"
..................................................................................................................................

1) Utilizing the Dwarven Formalized Measurement Standard, 9.75lbs of Mithral is worth how many lbs of Adamantine? (Appraise Skill to answer.) 12

37) What is the proper way to break a young colt from nipping (biting) when said animal is under the age of one (1) year of age? (Handle Animal Skill to answer.) 6

94) You are ambushed and your Fist Mate takes an arrow to the chest that goes through and through. He has a sucking chest wound. How do you treat it? (Heal Skill to answer.) 22

113) Various symbols have certain benefits and powers when casting specifics spells. What is the preferred symbol when casting a high level summoning spell? (Knowledge: Arcana skill to answer.) 11

157) While traveling in the Scab you come upon an exceptionally large underground cavern system. Statistically, what is the most dangerous creature you will encounter? (Knowledge: Dungeoneering Skill to answer.) 16

196) DrakesMeade is located in what area of the Wold? (Knowledge: Geography Skill to answer.) 2

233) Lord Orion Palance was most know for his valor in what battle? (Knowledge: History Skill to answer.) 10

286) Construction of Thankasiss Citadel was completed in what year? (Knowledge: Local Skill to answer.) 19

317) Kingsbane is toxic to all creatures except? (Knowledge: Nature Skill to answer.) 18

339) Princess Valerie Elbany is heiress to what minor principality? (Knowledge: Nobility Skill to answer.) 14

395) List the name of all the gods and powers in the Wold. (Knowledge: Religion Skill to answer.) 16

412) On what realm would a lantern archon be most commonly found? (Knowledge: Planes Skill to answer.) 21

451) The Ignan words for "Mailed Fist" are? (Linguistics Skill to answer.) LINDEN CAN'T USE LINGUISTS CAN HE? 4 which is the last roll on the roller list

476) The three indicators that a mage is about to cast an offensive spell are? (Spellcraft Skill to answer.) 9

499) Moss grows on the North side of a tree in all forests except for three. Name those three forests. (Survival Skill to answer.) 14

...............................................................................................
Linden finishes and sets the paper aside, puts down the nub of the one remaining pencil (cus they brought him a sharpener too), and waits patiently. He thinks back to a few questions and slowly places his head on the desk. "Should have gotten THAT one. Bummer. DrakesMeade? Did we even study that one?!" He is talking into the desk. "I need sleep." Then he stands plunks away to the Hall.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)  d20+1=2 ; d20=3 ; d20+3=15 ; d20=12 ; d20=20 ; d20=17 ; d20+1=4 ; d20=17 ; d20=6 ; d20=15 ; d20+1=15 ; d20=15 ; d20=20 ; d20=10 ; d20+4=21 ;
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 11:36:53 PM
Nikolai puts away the book he had chosen to study, "Survival of the Fittest or the Smartest? How to Survive in Forest or Desert with a special chapter on the Crying Wood". The special chapter was mostly blank except for one sentence, Just don't even think it.

Survival Skill +3, +1 study = +4
He takes the test from the assistants and wonders how many trees died in the making of their third test. 'I hope they didn't die in vain...'

1) Utilizing the Dwarven Formalized Measurement Standard, 9.75lbs of Mithral is worth how many lbs of Adamantine? Appraise Skill +1 = 2

37) What is the proper way to break a young colt from nipping (biting) when said animal is under the age of one (1) year of age? Handle Animal Skill = 3

94) You are ambushed and your Fist Mate takes an arrow to the chest that goes through and through. He has a sucking chest wound. How do you treat it? Heal Skill +3 = 15

113) Various symbols have certain benefits and powers when casting specifics spells. What is the preferred symbol when casting a high level summoning spell? Knowledge: Arcana = 12

157) While traveling in the Scab you come upon an exceptionally large underground cavern system. Statistically, what is the most dangerous creature you will encounter? Knowledge: Dungeoneering Skill = 20.

196) DrakesMeade is located in what area of the Wold? Knowledge: Geography Skill = 17

233) Lord Orion Palance was most known for his valor in what battle? Knowledge: History Skill +1 = 4

286) Construction of Thankasiss Citadel was completed in what year? Knowledge: Local Skill = 17

317) Kingsbane is toxic to all creatures except? Knowledge: Nature Skill = 6

339) Princess Valerie Elbany is heiress to what minor principality? Knowledge: Nobility Skill = 15

395) List the name of all the gods and powers in the Wold. Knowledge: Religion Skill +1 = 15

412) On what realm would a lantern archon be most commonly found? Knowledge: Planes Skill = 15

451) The Ignan words for "Mailed Fist" are? Linguistics Skill = 20

476) The three indicators that a mage is about to cast an offensive spell are? Spellcraft Skill = 10

499) Moss grows on the North side of a tree in all forests except for three. Name those three forests. Survival Skill +4 = 21

Nikolai smiled at the next to last question, He had just perused the chapter Forest Anomalies and knew the three instantly. Most questions though he just scratched his head. The first question he just scribbled his age. He should have known the answer to the biting colt answer but he had never known one to bite. His father had such a way with horses that was never an issue.

He nearly laughed at the Ignan word for "Mailed Fist". There was a joke, the details he could never remember right, that had it as a punch line, that he had heard years ago and that punch line stuck in his memory even though the joke itself didn't.

And it went that way through the whole test, up and down. Spirit high then low as questions came and went. Finally, right up near the Time mark, he wrote his name on the test and handed it in.

He would have to have several drinks to wash away the gnawing angst of the test or else he'd agonize over it until the results were posted, however long that took!



Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) 
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 11:39:48 PM
OOC: anyone think of Rimmer when he took his Officer's test, first Red Dwarf Episode, before they all get killed? I just felt like Rimmer, lol.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Thursday October 17th, 2013 12:00:19 AM
OOC: "Are those memory enhancers, Rimmer? Those are illegal." "All I'm doing is memorizing this converation!"

"Constantly fails the exam. I'd hardly call eleven times constantly!"

Fantastic series! Jon, I have a greater respect for you, a fellow Dwarfer!

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)  d20+1=19 ; d20+4=6 ; d20=20 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+1=12 ; d20+1=16 ; d20+1=3 ; d20+1=2 ; d20+1=4 ; d20+1=8 ; d20+1=19 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+1=3 ; d20+5=20 ; d20=20 ;
Thursday October 17th, 2013 12:20:35 AM
Pru stands back a little as students scramble to find desks. She's not particular, so she takes whatever desk seems to be available. She takes out her pencil, pen, and ink, and sets them neatly on the desk.

When the test arrives, she works through it methodically, carefully considering each question before writing her answer. She finishes with about 20 minutes to spare, and uses the extra time to double-check her answers.

1) Utilizing the Dwarven Formalized Measurement Standard, 9.75lbs of Mithral is worth how many lbs of Adamantine?

(Appraise: 19) 5.1 lbs [OOC: Kathy has no idea what the answer is, but Pru just might. :)]

37) What is the proper way to break a young colt from nipping (biting) when said animal is under the age of one (1) year of age?

(Handle Animal: 6) Use a special bit that prevents biting.

94) You are ambushed and your Fist Mate takes an arrow to the chest that goes through and through. He has a sucking chest wound. How do you treat it?

(Heal 20; natural 20) Do not remove the arrow, as it can cause further bleeding. Turn the victim on his side so that the uninjured lung is uppermost. Find something nonporous to place over the wound to assist in breathing. Treat for shock, and call the medics. [OOC: Kathy is guessing here, but Pru obviously hit this one out of the park.]

113) Various symbols have certain benefits and powers when casting specifics spells. What is the preferred symbol when casting a high level summoning spell?

(Knowledge Arcana: 24) Pru carefully sketches the symbol onto her test paper, and gives its name in Common and Dwarven.

157) While traveling in the Scab you come upon an exceptionally large underground cavern system. Statistically, what is the most dangerous creature you will encounter?

(Knowledge Dungeoneering: 12) Rival adventurers. People are more dangerous than most animals you can encounter.

196) DrakesMeade is located in what area of the Wold?

(Knowledge Geography: 16) [OOC: Pru probably knows this, but alas, Kathy does not.]

233) Lord Orion Palance was most know for his valor in what battle?

(Knowledge History: 3) All of them, Katie.

286) Construction of Thankasiss Citadel was completed in what year?

(Knowledge Local: 2) ???

Kingsbane is toxic to all creatures except?

(Knowledge Nature: 4) Halflings.

339) Princess Valerie Elbany is heiress to what minor principality?

(Knowledge Nobility: 8) Rowena

395) List the name of all the gods and powers in the Wold.

(Knowledge Religion 19) Pru lists the gods and powers, and sketches a few of their symbols.

412) On what realm would a lantern archon be most commonly found?

(Knowledge Plains: 11) The Lands of Rest

451) The Ignan words for "Mailed Fist" are?

(Linguistics: 3) Mailed Fist

476) The three indicators that a mage is about to cast an offensive spell are?

(Spellcraft: 20) 1. His hands are in the classic "power fold" position [Pru provides a sketch]. 2. He begins an incantation with one of the 7 Words of Invocation [Pru lists them]. 3. He brings forth a spell component. Bat guano is an especially bad sign.

499) Moss grows on the North side of a tree in all forests except for three. Name those three forests.

(Survival: 20, natural 20). [Pru lists them. Kathy has no idea. :) ]

After the exam, Pru heads to get a real meal, massaging her cramping right hand.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Thursday October 17th, 2013 1:45:29 AM
OC. Lol. Kathy.

The Final Test -- DM Zach 
Thursday October 17th, 2013 9:15:30 AM
Nice, Kathy!

I have all the exams graded and with your scores... just waiting on William to post his answers. If someone will send me an email when he does I will try to get the final post up for the day... I actually have a day off today so my post can be most anytime.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) 
Thursday October 17th, 2013 11:33:32 AM
Wait for Bliss!

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)  d20+1=14 ; d20+2=6 ; d20+2=19 ; d20+1=20 ; d20+1=20 ; d20+1=9 ; d20+1=10 ; d20+1=4 ; d20+1=4 ; d20+1=16 ; d20+1=18 ; d20+1=12 ; d20+1=7 ; d20+2=6 ; d20+2=15 ;
Thursday October 17th, 2013 11:47:03 AM
Bliss absentmindedly pockets his little book and grins in anticipation of acing this test. But as he leafs through the questions, he gets puzzled, and then angry. What? No questions about the art of being stealthy? Nothing about how to set up an ambush? How to spot an enemy? How to sneak up on a foe? Not even anything on how to make weapons or adjust armor? Huh!

Bliss's face settles into a scowl, and once upon a time he might have given up, or run away, or made some protest. But three years in the Fist has made him into a soldier ... one who knows how to follow orders. He gets to work, taking pretty much the whole time, trudging through it one question at a time.

Scowling.

1) Appraise - 14

37) Handle Animal - 6

94) Heal Skill - 19

113) Knowledge: Arcana - 20

157) Knowledge: Dungeoneering - 20

196) Knowledge: Geography - 9

233) Knowledge: History - 10

286) Knowledge: Local - 4

317) Knowledge: Nature - 4

339) Knowledge: Nobility - 16

395) Knowledge: Religion - 18

412) Knowledge: Planes - 12

451) Linguistics - 7

476) Spellcraft - 6

499) Survival Skill - 15

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8  d20+4=23 ; d20=20 ; d20+2=9 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+4=20 ; d20+4=20 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+2=7 ;
Thursday October 17th, 2013 3:18:20 PM
(OOC - DM, I love the test questions! Very cleverly done and I'm sure it took a great deal of work. Adds a lot to the adventure!!)

William smiles at the thought of taking a test, as he's a bright young man and used to excelling in these academic exercises... He works patiently and methodically through the test, taking almost all of the allotted time, checking and double checking his answers before being the last (or nearly last) person to submit his answers...

1) Utilizing the Dwarven Formalized Measurement Standard, 9.75lbs of Mithral is worth how many lbs of Adamantine? (Appraise Skill to answer.)

He remembers reading about that in chemistry, and answers... (Appraise = 23)

37) What is the proper way to break a young colt from nipping (biting) when said animal is under the age of one (1) year of age? (Handle Animal Skill to answer.)

He's not fond of most animals, except the summoned ones but he remembers studyone one in anatomy... and answers... (Handle Animal - Natural 20!)

94) You are ambushed and your Fist Mate takes an arrow to the chest that goes through and through. He has a sucking chest wound. How do you treat it? (Heal Skill to answer.)

He scratches his head and has no idea... Heal - 9

113) Various symbols have certain benefits and powers when casting specifics spells. What is the preferred symbol when casting a high level summoning spell? (Knowledge: Arcana skill to answer.)

This is in his element, so he smiles and knowingly answers... Arc 23

157) While traveling in the Scab you come upon an exceptionally large underground cavern system. Statistically, what is the most dangerous creature you will encounter? (Knowledge: Dungeoneering Skill to answer.)

He knows this answers to, and writes... Know Dung - 27

196) DrakesMeade is located in what area of the Wold? (Knowledge: Geography Skill to answer.)

He's not real fond of maps - Answers 7

233) Lord Orion Palance was most know for his valor in what battle? (Knowledge: History Skill to answer.)

His uncle Sir Joshua, told him about Lord Orion once... Know Hist - 21

286) Construction of Thankasiss Citadel was completed in what year? (Knowledge: Local Skill to answer.)

He's never heard of the place... answers 12

317) Kingsbane is toxic to all creatures except? (Knowledge: Nature Skill to answer.)

He thinks he might have an idea, as he tried it out on a summoned creature to test it... Know Nat - 20

339) Princess Valerie Elbany is heiress to what minor principality? (Knowledge: Nobility Skill to answer.)

He thinks that his uncle Sir Joshua courted her once... Know Nob - 20

395) List the name of all the gods and powers in the Wold. (Knowledge: Religion Skill to answer.)

He scowls, as the answer is that there is only 1 but he knows the teachers will disagree... Know Rel - 6

412) On what realm would a lantern archon be most commonly found? (Knowledge: Planes Skill to answer.)

He remember learning about how to summon them... Know Planes - 13

451) The Ignan words for "Mailed Fist" are? (Linguistics Skill to answer.)

He mumbles a few of the words he can remember from intermediate Ignan class - Ling - 12

476) The three indicators that a mage is about to cast an offensive spell are? (Spellcraft Skill to answer.)

He quickly answers this, as the book he read discussed it... Spellcrft - 25

499) Moss grows on the North side of a tree in all forests except for three. Name those three forests. (Survival Skill to answer.)

He could care less where moss grows, as you'll never see him eat it nor look for it... Surv - 7

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) 
Thursday October 17th, 2013 4:09:25 PM
OOC
Well , it looks like most of us can treat a sucking chest wound. I call that a good sign.

The Final Test -- DM Zach 
Thursday October 17th, 2013 5:04:54 PM
Everyone makes it out of the exam at different times. Some fairly early, others are forced out at the end of the allotted 8 hours. One way or the other everyone makes it back to the Hall of Heroes. The proctors began grading the exams as they were turned in so it is expected that the grade's will be posted in short order.

All the students and the Sergeants are waiting in formation in the Hall of Heroes.

The Proctor walks in and begins speaking. "The good news is... the vast majority of you passed. Unfortunately, three of you will be returning to training for a period of one year to better prepare. Recruit Harper, Recruit Moantusk, and Recruit Thrusk, please leave your respective Fists and follow Master Sergeant Redforge to your new class."

The silence is deafening as the three recruits are escorted out of formation. None of those recruits were from the Team that you are tied with.

The Proctor continues, "I shall post the list of names... everyone can see their score if they like. Regardless, just know that you all passed. You are all dismissed and are on Liberty until the Graduation Ceremony at 1000 hours the morning after tomorrow. Sergeants, take command of your Fists!"

Trimmack and Helmbane both snap to attention quickly and say in unison, "When I give the command to fallout, fallout and form up at the list to learn your grade. Fallout!"

Unfortunately it seems that all the other Sergeants had the same idea. It is mass chaos around the list with a bunch of pushing and shoving. The list goes from highest score down to lowest. The highest someone made was a 76. The lowest score is two people who made a 35. It seems that must have been the cut off score. The third highest score out of everyone belongs to Cameron, who made a 73.

Everyone elses score can be found as follows.

Cameron -73
Nikolai - 67
William - 64
Carver - 60
Linden - 57
Prudence - 54
Bliss - 50
Tinker - 40

Your Team average, for those who can do math quickly is 58. The average score of all students was a 51%. You guys scored above average... but was it enough to take first place. And where did the group you were tied with score. They all seem to be rather happy about their scores... but without knowing all of their names... it is impossible to tell. It seems the female from their group that Prudence spoke with scored the highest with the 76.

In the meantime it seems the group has options on what to do for the next two days.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) 
Thursday October 17th, 2013 5:30:47 PM

Bliss passed, but he knows he did not help his team.

Eyes blinking fast, he tells his friends he's sorry he did not do any better, and runs off.

==========

Bliss spends the next couple days thinking about how he needs to do better. Learn more stuff. Get some help, for gosh sake. He prays a lot to Gargul. He visits the library and reads what he can about witches. He meditates on the things his Aunt Priss taught him.

OOC: When he levels, Bliss is taking a level of witch. This is setting him up for that.

==========

OOC to the DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {Did you notice how I slipped in some accidental larceny in my last post? "Bliss absentmindedly pockets his little book and grins in anticipation of acing this test." So he has his study book in his pocket, if you do not mind. He won't find it or realize it until later. Is that okay?}

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) 
Thursday October 17th, 2013 6:53:06 PM
Tinker gets to the list and starts looking towards the middle, and goes down, down, down... His face becomes more and more stoic as he stands there with others calling shouting and jostling. Finally, he moves away, and returns to the barracks areas, but only to drop his rucksack, urgosh, and crossbow in their place and then he is gone again, making his way to the armory and a familiar worktable.

For the next two days, Tinker doesn't say much, just the odd grunt in response to a question. Eats when he needs to, sleeps when he needs, and spends most of his time holed up in the armory tinkering with locks.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)  d20+4=5 ; d20+4=12 ;
Thursday October 17th, 2013 7:44:55 PM
Cameron is shocked by his placement in the individual testing. He never "studied" the topics they were tested on, but did pay attention in lecture when the instructors were going over things they wanted their recruits to know. Turns out Cameron has a pretty good memory after all. He heads to the Last Assignment and after a drink or two finds a card game going on at one of the tables in the back. He sits in and starts talking the ears off of the other players. Once he has them distracted in this way by making them think he is just an annoying know it all who never shuts up he starts to systematically win hand after hand, using his wits and ability to bluff. (Cameron starts learning to use oratory, a skill he will soon rely on quite alot)
Perform Oratory 5
Bluff 12
(as I see it, the multiroller hates me and the straight no frills dice are my friends. This could prove problematic)
If any of his Fistmates show up he politely leaves the game to go sit and talk with them, catching up on the exams and what they thought their new assignments would be.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)  d20+9=15 ;
Thursday October 17th, 2013 11:13:01 PM
OOC: the test concept was a great idea. I loved the questions. Too bad you couldn't have all 500 posted, Bliss, surely, would have found some on Ambush, Sneaking, Spotting, and anything else he wanted. :}

IC: Nikolai was pleased at their overall score but it still left the question as to which Fist came in 1st place overall. Then Helmbane and Trimmack's attitudes earlier came flooding back. The halfelf looked grim for a moment until he managed to push those thoughts away again. He needed a drink!

At the Last Assignment Nikolai goes straight to the bar. "A Grape Nehi please, and make it a double," he asks the bartender. He takes a long gulp and looks around to see who else is trying to wash the last 8 hours away.

Perc +9 = 15
OOC: who's there? anyone from their rival Fist? Who's glum, who's celebrating?

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) 
Friday October 18th, 2013 12:05:00 AM
Pru winces a little when she sees her score, but then, she never claimed to be the brains of the outfit.

She feels bad for Bliss, though, when he apologizes and runs off. The halfling seems like such a child at times. It isn't just his small stature--Cameron is every bit as small, but Pru never thinks of him as a child. It's that Bliss can act so young, as if everything is still new. Between the childlike behavior and the "virtue name," it's sometimes difficult for Pru not to think of Bliss as a younger brother.

If she can catch up to Bliss, she sits down next to him. "Hey, Bliss, remember that Stealth test?" she asks. "Remember how great you and Tinker were, sneaking up so close? You guys were so good at that. I actually couldn't see you, and I knew where to look. The other team never had a chance."

"I'm not sneaky like that," she continues, "I'm not very good at it. But, see, that's the great thing about being on a team. Nobody expects anybody to be good at everything. You're good at sneaking. Tinker's good with locks and things. Nikolai and Carver and Cameron are good fighters. William is really smart. Everybody has things they're good at."

"Please don't feel bad about the written test. You and me, nobody expects us to be super-smart. We have other stuff that we're good at. That's why it's good to be part of a team."

If she can, she tries a similar tack with Tinker, reminding him that his skill with locks and traps is valuable to the team, and nobody can be good at everything.

She spends the next couple of days trying to follow some kind of routine--prayers in the morning, followed by exercise and target practice and studying, all leading up to prayers in the evening. Pru likes routine, and doesn't like being at a loose end.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) 
Friday October 18th, 2013 12:10:13 AM
Bliss smiles shyly at Prudence.

"Thanks, Miss Pru," he says. "That sure is nice to hear."

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C) 
Friday October 18th, 2013 11:25:09 AM
Carver, having passed is satisfied, but goes and finds each member of his fist, not both fists and speaks to each, giving them a boost if they need it and knocking them down a peg if they are too full of themselves, but it seems none are.
He will spend time after catching up on his rest, cleaning his armor and then between the Last Assignment and the practice field with his lance. He is trying out different methods continuing his charge after an attack..... (setting up his next feat choice)

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Friday October 18th, 2013 9:25:47 PM
Linden is thrilled to have passed. In fact, he goes to 'relax' before graduation.



William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8 
Friday October 18th, 2013 9:52:01 PM
WIlliam's thrilled to have passed too, and congratulates everyone who passed, and tries to comfort those who failed. He's disappointed himself in not ranking higher, and understands Bliss' frustration, but at this point, he's just glad that everyone in their fist passed and is graduating... And he'll take this kind of testing any day rather than a fight against archers and spearman...

He joins those at the bar and aids Prudence in cheering up Bliss and others...

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) 
Friday October 18th, 2013 11:04:23 PM
Friday post.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) 
Friday October 18th, 2013 11:06:27 PM
Cameron returns to the Barracks that night to find Tinker missing. A late night of drinking Thinks the halfling. When morning comes and Tinker's rack is still empty, Cameron becomes concerned. He grabs a second breakfast after he eats and goes looking for the Dwarf. Knowing his Fistmate's fondness for the forge he heads there to find Tinker scowling at an assortment of locks. Cameron gives the dwarf Breakfast and talks to him about the exams.
" You heard Sergent Helmbane right? This isn't combat and all that matters is passing. You know we couldn't have succeeded at the first trial without you to open those locks right? No matter how long we held them off we wouldn't have gotten the scroll. We make a great team, and we are going to do great things in the Mailed Fist. We entered that last exam tied with one of the most physically imposing teams in the class. I'd like to think we are smarter than them, but if not we are the "second winners" as Bliss would say. Not bad for a team the rest of the school thought of as underdogs eh? We all passed. Get some rest and enjoy a couple of days of Liberty. Who knows when we will see this kind of time off again."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) 
Saturday October 19th, 2013 1:52:01 AM
After his double Grape Nehi, Nikolai relaxes a bit and chats with Cameron when he comes over, taking a break from his card game.
Congratulations, you are Top of the Class. We'll call you Professor from now on," he nudges Cameron. "It was a heck of a test. I'm surprized my score is as high as it is. I guess being in a family that is deeply involved in the Fist, I was exposed to more things than I was aware of."

After Cameron goes back to his card game, Nikolai seeks out a quiet place high atop the Citadel's battlements and sits, cross-legged, and under the night sky, goes into a deep meditation. His young mind can't assess all the questions from the test but he goes over the Stealth Test and Combat Test and starts to make plans for his lessons to cover his weaknesses.

For sure, if he could master the snatching of arrows out of the air, he would not have been tagged in the Stealth Test. If he could master the art of Tripping, he could gain a better advantage over the enemy. Things to work on.

The next day he gets to visit with the rest of his Fists and encourages them all. It takes a while to find Tinker but finds him through Cameron.
"Tinker," Nikolai speaks over the hammering, "from your work here, and your invaluable skills in the first two tests, it is clear you are much better in action than behind a quill. I'd much prefer a sharpshooter cool in battle than a smarty at a desk any day."

Nikolai leaves it at that, hoping that the three years prior had build enough maturity in Tinker to get through the next few days.

He meets Bliss but he already seems cheered up some by Pru. It was good to see his fellow Fist team memebers working to encourage and cheer each other up.

It still weighed on his mind, though, Trimmack and Hellbane's attitude the other day. Once the graduation ceremony is over and they find out their final standings, he'd have to confront the two and ask what that was all about.

Meanwhile, there's a graduation to get ready for and his family was coming to attend. He concentrated on arranging accomodations for their stay.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) 
Saturday October 19th, 2013 11:42:43 PM
"Thanks", responds Tinker, and "This is relaxing. I like knowing how things work." The taciturn dwarf doesn't say much more.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) 
Sunday October 20th, 2013 1:04:19 PM
In the days leading up to graduation, Cameron is busy. Something Tinker said struck him as very true, and very important, so he does his best to make it happen.
The day before graduation, Cameron writes an invitation to each of his new teammates and leaves it on their pillow, this includes both Sergeants. It is to meet in one of the unused barracks rooms this evening at dinnertime. Cameron has further arranged with some of the Citadel staff, through various wagers and gambling debts he has forgiven them to have a family style meal laid out in this barracks room. Tinker said he liked to "know how things worked" and Cameron could not agree more. He plans this dinner to get to know his new friends and his new Sergeants, so that they may better know what to expect from each other.
He hopes they all will attend.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) 
Sunday October 20th, 2013 7:16:50 PM
Nikolai finds the note Cameron left on his bed.
"Hmmm... this invitation calls for a bath," he announces and makes sure he is showered, wearing his best clothes, and waiting outside the appointed place on time.

The Final Test -- DM Zach 
Sunday October 20th, 2013 11:09:44 PM
The Sgts and most every recruit can be found at the Last Assignment that evening. All the talk is that the families who have come from far and wide have been set up in quarters in the town nearest the Citadel and will be allowed time to visit tomorrow.

OOC: Apologies for a late and short post. I'll post in detail tomorrow. Rough weekend.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) 
Sunday October 20th, 2013 11:35:55 PM

Bliss looks a little downcast at that news. He does not have any family who will be showing up. All his sisters are dead. His mom is in Gargul's jail. He ran away from Aunt Priss and she does not even know where he is.

Oh well. Maybe someday, after he becomes a witch he can find her, look her in the eyes, and not be ashamed.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) 
Monday October 21st, 2013 9:55:56 AM
It is late, late at night when a weary dwarf glides into the barracks and to his bunk for a few hours of sleep. His darkvision spies the folded paper on his headrest, and curiosity sparked, dirty hands open and tired eyes read.

And a smile creeps across Tinker's face.

It is gone in an instant, but the dwarf thinks that Cameron is clever to couch the invitation in Tinker's own words. Yes, he'll want to know more about the group, too. At the appointed hour, a clean and groomed Tinker comes to the Fists party.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) 
Monday October 21st, 2013 11:05:51 AM
Bliss finds his note from Cameron in his sheets when he is making his bed. He promptly sits down to carefully pen a response. "Yes, I will surely attend," he writes to his friend.

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) 
Monday October 21st, 2013 12:52:14 PM
Pru tells herself, rather severely, that it is wicked and selfish to envy her teammates. She should be happy for them, that they have so many friends and family members coming to their graduation. And she is happy for them....it's just that she would like to have a few people coming for her.

But she does not, and there's nothing to be done about it. She prays to the gods to make her a better person, to be genuinely happy for her friends without this little knot of selfish sorrow for herself. But it doesn't seem to go away.

The invitation from Cameron puzzles her a little, but she attends the gathering.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C) 
Monday October 21st, 2013 1:52:40 PM
Carver, truly hopes that he has remained missing and no one from home shows up. Of course it's too late for them to interfere in his life for the next few years anyways.
When he finds the note, he nods and plans on attending, he continues he charge practice during the days between the testing and graduation.
He cleans up and puts on he best clothing, arriving shortly before the appointed time.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8 
Monday October 21st, 2013 2:59:15 PM
William swaps family stories and looks forward to seeing his uncle Josh at the ceremony. He empathizes with those who have no family coming and tries to cheer them up.

A Family Feast -- DM Zach 
Monday October 21st, 2013 3:42:08 PM
The Sergeants are informed of the "meeting' and choose to attend.

There is quite the hearty, down-home, family style meal prepared.

There is a whole Turkey, Pig and Duck, with any number of fruits, vegetables and cheeses. There are also some sweet cakes for desert. Nothing extravagant, but filling and quite delicious.

Everyone is seated and seems to be waiting on Cameron to kick the meal of with either a speech, prayer, or nod.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) 
Monday October 21st, 2013 3:50:37 PM
Cameron does his best to have a dish from each of his team mate's homelands at the feast, plus as much ale, mead and wine as he can beg or borrow for the event. He wonders if anyone will come to his graduation, surely the Mailed Fist has sent his progress reports home to his Uncle Morgan. He looks forward to seeing him again before he embarks on his first tour of duty. Until then though he busies himself with plans for the team get together.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)  d20=20 ;
Monday October 21st, 2013 4:33:01 PM
( and Cameron posted while the DM was giving HIM a nod to get the ball rolling. Sooo...)

Once everyone has entered and taken their seat, Cameron calls for them to let him speak for a moment. The Sergeants probably have this information in his file, but his teammates may not know it.
" I asked you all here today so that we may get a 'better understanding of how things work', to borrow Tinker's well used phrase. We have pulled together as a team through our final exams and done well, knowing little about each other except what we may have heard in the past three years as rumors. I would like us to deepen our relationship by sharing what makes each of us tick with one another. Share as little or as much as you want, but please try to give us a feeling of why you are here and what you hope to accomplish both through the Mailed Fist and in the future. If we know these things about each other I believe we can work even better together and truly get what we want out of the Mailed Fist and each other."
"Now it would be rude of me to ask such candor of all of you if I wasn't ready to lead off this storytelling session. So, refresh your drinks, fill your pipes and let me tell you how a halfling came to be raised by dwarves and ended up sitting in front of you today."
Cameron does what he told them all to do. He refills his mug with mead and his pipe with tobacco. Once it is smoking merrily he begins.
" My parents were two of a company of adventurers. They found themselves in a small kingdom in the contested kingdoms where a retired adventurer had made a rather stable and benevolent government. An outsider had recently overthrown him, and the people were not in favor of this. The people were now heavily taxed and imprisoned if they spoke out against this tyrant. My parents found themselves coming to the aid of a paladin that stood for the people. His name was Morgan Steelshaper. As you may gather from my name, he is my adopted Uncle. The details are unimportant but the adventurers were finally able to overthrow the usurper and help the people create a government where that type of oppression should never happen again. The people loved them for it and they became wealthy enough to retire comfortably from the tyrant's plunder. They all separated and went on about their lives."
" My parents married and began raising bees and making mead. I was their first child and they cared for me very much for the first 10 years of my life. At that time the went to a gathering of their of company of adventurers to revisit their glory days. Deep in a project, Uncle Morgan arrived late, very late to the party. He found none of his friends there and a band of mercenaries waiting for him. He divided and defeated them all and headed straight to my parents home, since they were the only ones to have any children. His logic was that if the others had been attacked as he had, then the people behind it probably wanted all traces of the group removed. "
" He arrived at the same time as the mercenaries sent after me. He managed to defeat them as well, but at the cost of a serious wound that he could not heal. He spirited me away to his ancestral home and raised me as his own son. His father did not approve both because I was no dwarf, and because he knew my father's roguish reputation. He became more tolerant when I chose to follow the path of the paladin, but again was disappointed that I followed Pantheon, Uncle Morgan's patron, rather than Domi whom the dwarves revered."
" I came here to solidify the fact that I could stand on my own and to hopefully one day use the resources of the Mailed Fist to find those responsible for taking away my parents. With that knowledge I could bring them to justice to pay for their crimes. Having explored the warrior nature of my uncle, I think I also harbor more than a little of my father's roguish side. I believe I will be studying a bit of arcane knowledge and other topics so that I can know more and help out with intelligence gathering and recording the tale of our deeds."
Perform oratory 24 (natural 20)
By this time Cameron's cup is empty and his pipe has gone cold. He tells the story with a note of sadness. Clearly he remembers his actual parents, and wishes he knew them better. But just as clearly he is very fond of his Uncle Morgan and does not regret have grown up with him as a role model.
" Who would like to go next? Don't be shy. We have food and drink enough to last the night and are all eager to hear about each other."


Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) 
Monday October 21st, 2013 5:19:13 PM

Bliss raises his hand, then stands up on a chair and says in a matter of fact way ...

"My first mom was a monster who ate people. I never met her. My second mom adopted me and my four sisters and taught us how to be good. Then a bad man stole us away and killed my sisters. I got lost in a real dark place and then I died."

"My mom brought me back but she did not have permission from Lord Gargul, so she had to go away to make it right with him. My Aunt Priss did not much like that, but she took me in and taught me how to be a witch like her. Some witches hate Lord Gargul, some love him. I decided to honor Lord Gargul because my mom did. I knew my aunt would hate that, so I ran away to the Fist. Now I'm thinking I gotta make it right with my aunt, so I'm going to finish my witch lessons and show her I'm a good student after all."

Bliss grins. "Plus I wanna be really really sneaky, and witches got tricks to make me even sneakier!"

Then he sits down, and heaps his plate full of cookies.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) 
Monday October 21st, 2013 6:35:57 PM
"Wow, you actually died?! Was it scary? What was being brought back like? Now I have so many questions my head might pop. Wow."
No wonder Bliss was a little funny sometimes, like he was still a kid. Imagine dying. Cameron couldn't quite wrap his head around it.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) 
Monday October 21st, 2013 6:53:37 PM
Nikolai, having a little more mead than usual, takes the initiative and stands to tell his tale.
"Some of you may know, and others may not, that both my parents are members of the Fist. My father, Alexi Komonov, is a Commander in a Wolf Cavalry Regiment. My mother was in the Rough Rider Mounted Arcane Regiment until kids came along. My Grandfather is a retired Captain of an Infantry Regiment, as was my Great Grandfather. My ancestry's membership in the Mailed Fist goes even further back. So it would seem natural that I would also join, but not so. My father left the Fist for a while and became a Protector of a settlement called Bryn Baraz located in the Uncharted Lands. He returned to the Fist where he met my mother. Maybe growing up surrounded by Fist members caused me to rather push away the idea of being a member myself. I lacked the riding skills of my father and the desire for combat of my grandfather. But I did enjoy athletics. I was fortunate to have parents well off enough to have such leasure time after my studies to engage in athletic endeavors. My mother was wise enough to see that I would be better suited for activities not found at home and sent me off to a monastery to learn athletic endeavors from the Masters.

Upon my birthday that brought me to the Mailed Fist recruiting age, I received a letter from my father inquiry of my intentions. I had had many hours of Meditation and as my birthday approached, searched my true desires for my future. I found that as much as I enjoyed life at the monastery, I missed being outdoors and exploring even more. I also didn't want to disappoint my father, so it was good that I had already decided to join the Mailed Fist. I like the freedom of movement without clanky encumbering gear and I love to explore. I've read up on the Ranger Units the Fist also have so I will be studying much about them also."

Nikolai sits down and takes another gulp of mead, nervous sweat beads sliding down his forehead. He takes a deep breath as his nerves begin to settle.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy) 
Monday October 21st, 2013 8:32:55 PM
Pru stares at her plate, feeling a little intimidated. She had no idea her teammates had all these illustrious ancestors. And Bliss had died! She'd had no idea.

When it's her turn, she rises, and clears her throat. "I'm not anybody special, really," she says. "We were farmers--Ma and Pa and me and my brothers and sisters. Um, Verity, Righteous, Pious, Faith, and Mercy. We worked hard and us kids went to school, and of course we honored the gods. It was a good life.

"But then, things started catching on fire whenever I was around. I wasn't doing it on purpose, but I guess I was doing it without realizing. But I didn't know it at the time." Pru is beginning to think she's not telling the story very well. She realizes with a little jolt that she's never told it before--not the whole thing, start to finish. "Ma and Pa were really upset. Well, we all were. We didn't know what was happening. We thought it was demons, because of the fire. Ma and Pa were afraid that the demons would get me if they didn't do something. So they punished me, a lot. They figured if they punished me hard enough, the could make the demons leave. But it didn't work.

"So, then they took me to Brother Talford, the village priest. He cast some spells, and said it wasn't demons. He wasn't sure what was causing the fires, but he told Ma and Pa he was sure it wasn't demons.

"So we went home again. But the next morning when I woke up, Ma had my bag packed already. Pa was hitching up the horses, and he was going to drive me to Akli, where there was a Mailed Fist post. They had already decided." Pru sighs. "There were five other kids at home," she explains, "and Mercy was just a baby and Faith is...well, she's kind of slow and doesn't always understand things. And it was dangerous, all the fires. So Ma and Pa had decided I couldn't live there anymore.

"They still thought that if I was punished enough, the demons might leave. So that's why they thought of the Mailed Fist. The discipline, you know. The Fist is very strict." Her voice is wobbling at this point, but she presses onward. "So, Pa drove me to Akli, and left me at the post. And they didn't know what to do with me. I was too young to take the oath, and I set fires without meaning to.

"But they took me in anyway, and let me work in the kitchen for my room and board. And Captain Choster--he was the post captain--he sent for a mage to help me get the fires under control. And I found out that it wasn't demons at all, but elemental fire. But it was too late to make any difference.

"Then, when I was old enough, I took the oath, and now here I am." She sits down. She's not sure she made a lot of sense, but it had been the best she could do.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) 
Monday October 21st, 2013 8:51:51 PM
" I hear one lie in your tale Prudence. A lie that overshadows the hardship you have had, for which I am sorry. You said you were not special. That's the lie. I think being able to make fire from nothing but your willpower is pretty special. Fire is one of the most life filled elements of them all. It breathes, it eats and it can both create and destroy. It can even move on its own. Of all the elements I think it is closest to being alive. And that's pretty special."

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C) 
Monday October 21st, 2013 8:58:12 PM
Carver eats his share and probably a bit more, he'd been exercising hard the past couple days. Once some of the others have spoken he stands and drains a goblet of wine before he starts....
"When I was younger I was taken on a raid with my clan, a raid into the Liontaur lands. I slipped away from the group and got caught in a hellhound trap, it took me hours and a lot of bleeding to to extricate myself from it.
When we returned home from the raid, my parents and aunts and uncles began comparing my mistakes with one of our ancestors, a very brave lady who saved her entire command with a sacrifice of herself in a battle against the Minotaurs. This continued for another two years, when I became an adult in the eyes of the Wold. This led to my leaving home and joining the Mailed Fist.
On my way to join the Fist, I met one of my relatives. We had an interesting conversation that lasted until dawn, when she said farewell and faded into the nether. It was the Ancestor who I was being compared to, she gave me her blessing and I've been here since, learning the ways of the Fist, although I have turned down joining the Centaur Regiment more times than I can remember.
I don't need them telling me to give up my dreams."

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Monday October 21st, 2013 9:41:34 PM
"We've been in school three years and now you are interested in our stories? I doubt we'll even see each other after graduation." He eats part if an apple turnover. "I'm not suited for the Fist. The Druids just thought I could learn, um, about the world here. Bedsides, my story is boring."

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) 
Monday October 21st, 2013 9:43:38 PM
Bliss looks serious when Cam when he asks if it was scary to die. "I was real scared and cryin and stuff when I was dying. I was real sad and I wanted my mom and my sisters. After I was dead I wasn't scared any more, just lonely. It was all dim and shadowy, and I felt like I was a shadow. Aunt Priss says some halflings are 'touched by shadow' and maybe that's why I came back as a halfling. She says that's maybe why I'm good at hiding in shadows."

"It's a lot better being alive than dead, so I'm glad my mom came back for me, even if it did make Lord Gargul mad."

"Miss Prudence, I think you are special, and you are also nice, which is even better than being special," he says to Pru when she comments on not being special.

When he hears all the names of her sibings, be perks right up. "Hey! One of my sisters was named Faith, too! They were Faith, Hope, Grace, and Joy! I sure miss them. I bet you miss your brothers and sisters too."

After Carver tells his tale, Bliss laughs and waves at him. "Hey Carver! You MET a ghost, and I WAS a ghost!" His wide grin shows that he means no disrespect with this silliness.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) 
Monday October 21st, 2013 9:45:41 PM
Bliss says to Linden, "Sure you're suited! Look how good you did in all the tests!"

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 1:33:47 AM
The centaur looks at the halfling. "Those were in, um, a controlled setting."

"And you were never dead." Says the centaur skeptically.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) 
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 5:37:40 AM
Bliss looks blankly at Lindy. "Huh?"

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) 
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 10:20:31 AM
Tinker, a nice meal and a couple flagons of ale making his feet feel toasty, clears his throat. It wouldn't do for a nice evening like this to be ruined by argument. "Don't call Pru a liar", he grumbles, but puts it aside to keep the evening light.

"You are up front and good shield brothers", he declares, including Prudence in the sentiment, "and sounds like we all have our reasons for joining the Fist. I'm no different."

"I was an infant when found in a destroyed caravan, and raised by a gnome family in the village of Trader's Corner in Culverwood. Only dwarf I knew before joining the Fist was an old thief-catcher named Unrak Ironfist and he became my first teacher. I got old enough and asked about my parentage, 'cause, you know, dwarves are big in ancestry and parentage. Only thing Jaspertink and Posiepocket were able to tell me was a the charred bassinet that held me said 'Daemar Torvalsson'. So I joined the biggest organization I could to find out who I am and who my ancestors are."

Even at ease among friends, Tinker's hands play with a small iron puzzle game.

A Family Feast -- DM Zach 
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 1:24:36 PM
Keep it going if you like. For this encounter I will relax the ban on multiple posts.

DM Post to come later.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) 
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 4:20:11 PM
Cameron looks sheepish at first, but as he speaks becomes more and more convincing and sure of what he says.
" You and she both know I didn't mean it that way Tinker. If you don't then I cry your pardon. Prudence is special and I can't allow her to think otherwise. Just because she isn't what her parents or her family expected her to be doesn't mean that she hasn't turned out to be great. My father would probably pass out laughing if he saw me as a paladin. He and Uncle Morgan never saw eye to eye. But they worked toward the same goal and that was enough for them to respect each others ways and be friends. That's all I meant."

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C) 
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 6:39:54 PM
"I took his calling her attention to a lie, a good thing, because each of us, no matter how small or big, how physical or mental our abilities, each and every one of us has a gift we've brought to our teams.
She dismissed that gift as nothing special, she is incorrect because that gift is what makes her special, other than what makes each of us special.
We are all special, we are a team, we proved that during our exams. Not a single one of us excelled at all of the exams, but as a team we exceeded and excelled in all three of them, due to the fact that each of us brought our gifts to the test."
Carver refills his goblet and raises it.
"A Toast, to the best best damn team of our class, no mater if we are the top fists or not. We watched each others back, covered for our fists weak points, and sacrificed no one just to win."

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 6:47:46 PM
"And maybe you were. That would be shady. And bogus. Cus it's creepy you might have been dead, but nifty that you got better." He smirks at halfling, knowing he got him once.

"But remember class. Death leaves a mark. Physical and mental." The cleric puts it together. "Aw. I see. You are twitchy and bonkers. Okay. I believe it. You were dead. HARSH!"

His invite to his family was likely lost or ignored. None of his family have shown up... until.

"COUSIN!!" In trots a very young and extremely gorgeous palimino with red hair, freckles and bright blue eyes. "I was almost here at the academy to join, when I got a bird from mom. So I hurried up and galloped the rest of the way." She smiles and the familial resemblence is apparent. They must all be fairly attractive with that same smile.

Linden seems stunned silent. "Mika? You can't be old enough..."

Mika interrupts, "Just turned 17 a month ago."

Linden is actually silent at this stage. A first in a long while.

Mika canters in and hugs her favorite cousin. "Congrats!"

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)  d20+8=15 ;
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 7:51:39 PM
Cameron turns to the sergeants and asks, " Would either of you share something of your past with us? We are looking to you for leadership and to help us navigate the world once we are on assignment after this exam period. Tell us what we are in for and what you expect from us. You can see we are not the 'expected' type of recruits, but we adapt pretty well and need your guidance for direction ."
Diplomacy 15

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8 
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 8:12:11 PM
William enjoys hearing everyone's story and appreciates their opening up to each other. He knows this will be great for their team building and efforts in the future...

When its his turn, he shares, "Well, I wish my story was as exciting as many of yours... I was born in a castle ruled over by my uncle Sir Joshua. My father was one of the knights serving under his older brother, while my mother was a local physician for those in the surrounding villages. I think dad and my uncle wanted me to follow in the family line, but I took after my mom, who was a slight, small woman. I was always skilled in the arcane rather than physical activities, but dad and uncle Joshua helped me learn how to face my fears and the unknown. Since we were nobility, they wanted to give me a title to fit my personality since it was obvious I wasn't going to be a knight. We had an excellent wizards guild nearby and they paid for me to train with the wizards, which is where my speciality at summoning was discovered. However, when I graduated from the training, I wanted to make my own way rather than relying on my uncle or dad for my sustenance. This, I came to join the fist and see if I could earn the title I was given as a birthright..."

A Family Feast -- DM Zach 
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 8:55:27 PM
Trimmack smiles then takes a sip of wine. "Certainly. As I may have mentioned before, I have been with the fist for a little over 7 years. I was born out of wedlock. The bastard of a minor noble and a bar maid. I lived with my mother until I was 12. When my mother passed I sought out my father, who reluctantly convinced his brother to apprentice me to the miller who was in his employ. I hated it and ran away at 15. Lived on my own until my 17th birthday, and have been here ever since. I fall into the no family category." Trimmack takes another sip of wine and looks expectantly at his Dwarven counterpart.

Helmbane looks up from his mug and shrugs. "Been in the fist for... decades... twenty something years. As far as anyone in the fist is concerned... that is when my life began. Nothing before the Fist is relevant to me." Helmbane falls back into his mug silently.

There is plenty more food and questions to go around.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy) 
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 10:22:51 PM
The conversation seems to have passed her by, but Pru needs to make one thing clear:

"I am not a liar!" she says.

She smiles at Bliss, a little wistfully. "Yes," she says. "Yes, I miss them very much."

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) 
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 10:23:48 PM
Harumph. It is pretty obvious that Tinker did not pick up on Cameron's nuances or non-verbal communication, that he took what was said at face value. And that he immediately jumped to Prudence's defense. But the explanation has its desired effect, and the dwarf is mollified.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) 
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 10:35:19 PM
Nikolai wonders why Linden is so scheptical at Bliss' story of having died. He leans over to his fellow Fist next to him on his right and whispers "My father died once. He told us the story how he was in a place called Hook City and was killed by some evil minotaurs in service to a murderer. Gargul and Domi argued over something my father refuses to talk about and my father ended up back in Bryn Baraz. So if Bliss said he died and was brought back, it is most likely true, even if against Gargul's will."

Nikolai eyes the gold coat and white mane and tailed female cenatur cousin of Linden's. Although his father knew centaurs in the Fist, being a cavalry officer sometimes put them at odds with each other despite his high respect to the race. So Nikolai had not had any contact with centaurs until he joined and came here. But female centaurs were quite uncommon in the Fist, or anywhere else that Nikolai could think of. And a pretty one at that!

After Trimmack and Helmbane share (what little) story of theirs, Nikolai barely contains himself to ask the two why they were so angry at them after the second test. But since the atmosphere seemed already a little 'charged', so to speak, he put it off one more time.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) 
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 11:09:25 PM

Bliss is careful to stay away from the strong drink. He has learned his lesson!

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 2:41:20 AM
"Mika, have you learned what your class schedule is yet? These guys, ur, Seargants might eventually be your instructors."

The young female centaur grins, looks at the dwarf and trots up. She extends a hand. "I'm Mika Brightmane Briereburr."

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) 
Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 6:20:15 AM
Bliss is too shy to say anything to Seargeant Trimmick, but he listens intently to the story of how he too was a runaway who joined the Fist. Maybe they have something in common.

The halfling waves to the new centaur. "Hi miss! It is nice to meet you."



William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8 
Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 4:41:55 PM
William listens intently to the sergeant's stories, as that'll help him understand them better. He nods at the appropriate times of the tales... Since Bliss is part of his squad, he'll also defend her if needed, though it looks like that it was resolved...

A Family Feast -- DM Zach 
Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 4:55:36 PM
When it seems that everyone has finished with the conversation, the Sergeants excuse themselves. This gives the Team some private time for conversation or a chance at some more rest.

There is also the Last Assignment.

OOC: No rush... but when you guys are ready, let me know so I can advance the story, otherwise, I will keep letting you guys do as you want.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) 
Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 6:32:55 PM
Cameron listens to the others tales for awhile longer, the sweet taste of mead in his mouth and a nicely tamped pipe of tobacco in his hand. He wonders idly if Uncle Morgan could do more in finding the family Tinker named in his story. Uncle Morgan's family was old and knew many of the dwarven lines.

Cameron sat up straight, realizing he had been dozing. Too much drink and a full belly to boot. He excused himself and headed to bed, thanking the staff that had helped make the party possible. He forgave all the gambling debts they owed him and called it even.

He then retired to bed wondering what it felt like to die like Bliss had, or to be able to simply call a flame to hand like Prudence could, or to have flesh and blood relatives raise you like Nickolai. And then he fell deeply asleep.

OOC
I'm good to go with Graduation. Thanks for indulging the party idea, I think it went great.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) 
Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 7:27:47 PM
Tinker enjoys the evening, secretly looking forward to meeting Cameron's foster Uncle Morgan. Sounds like a dwarf he could learn from. And Tinker is amused that the halfling knows more about dwarves than Tinker! :-)

ooc: I'm fine with moving on.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) 
Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 8:30:45 PM
After all the stories are told, Nikolai briefly feels like maybe too many of his family are going to attend. He had no intention of putting anyone ill at ease, but he also realised that there was no way he'd be able to keep them from coming anyway.

So, with a sigh, he allows himself to enjoy the remainder of the party. He especially spends time with Pru. His mother, being a wizard herself, taught him much of the art of magic, but even though he has much understanding, he just never had the skill to work it. So he spends time with Pru talking about how she manages to control her power and how does the 'power' feel like.

All the while he visits with the others he keeps steeling glances at Mika, but only speaks to her if she approaches him first. Finally he heads back to the barracks. Graduation Day will be hectic and he wants to be rather fresh in Mind and Spirit.

OOC: ok with me to mosey on. :)

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C) 
Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 11:21:45 PM
Carver finishes his wine, and since he's been trying to avoid Centaur contact he nods to Linden's relative and excuses himself quietly and quickly. He doesn't want to be recognized and his where-a-bouts announced to his family.
He doesn't consider Linden a Centaur, at least not at heart, he has no purpose it seems, so the fact he is a Centaur sort of just vanishes and it's just Linden doing his thing, which most of the time is confusing enough on it's own. Now with his relative here, she may pay more attention to Carver and that could be bad.....

(carry on o DM's)

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Thursday October 24th, 2013 3:43:04 AM
Linden eats and drinks with everyone else, not really understanding the reasons Mika have given as to why she was there. Something about her mom and dad not liking how she fights with her siblings and really not liking that she left at all. Seems this female centaur hopes to be a warrior someday soon. She has a sharp eye for others who pay attention to her, not oblivious to the fact she's attractive. She smiles at Carver and talks with Nikolai when time permits. She pats Bliss on the head and says he's cute. She seems to have an admiration or her older goofy cousin. She even glances at Pru.

"Mika, it was wonderful to see you. See you at the ceremony. I have to sleep now." The cleric hugs his young cousin and moves off to bed.

(OOC: Thanks DMs for your patience!)

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) 
Thursday October 24th, 2013 6:31:06 AM

Bliss wakes from his doze and looks around. The seargeants have gone. Cam, Linden, and his cousin are off to bed. He sees Nik talking with Pru about magic stuff. He comments to Will, Tink, and Carver, "Gee, this sure was a swell party. I wish I had not fell asleep before Cam left. I have to tell him his party was great."

He yawns, but still tries to stay up with everybody else. If anyone talks with him, he'll stay awake, although fatigue makes him a bit loopy. Or if it is quiet, he'll fall asleep again.

OOC: Thanks, ready to move on!

Prudence Gundle (Kathy) 
Thursday October 24th, 2013 10:26:21 AM
Pru enjoys the food and conversation. She readily explains to Nikolai about her magic--about arcane flux and how she can sense it and control it, how she learned to shape it into spells. She talks to her other teammates, too, and generally feels that the party ends too soon.

[Ready to move on; thanks!]

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Thursday October 24th, 2013 3:57:17 PM
In the morning, well, after graduation, Linden will show his cousin the grounds and where to enroll.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8 
Thursday October 24th, 2013 4:24:22 PM
William enjoys the rest of the festivities and graduation, says good bye to his uncle and goes to bed, saying his prayers and then nodding off...

I'm ready to move on too...

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C) 
Thursday October 24th, 2013 8:08:51 PM
(checking in)

A Family Feast -- DM Zach 
Thursday October 24th, 2013 9:20:41 PM
No post. Very sick. Will post tomorrow I hope.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) 
Thursday October 24th, 2013 11:05:06 PM
OOC: Sorry Zach, get well soon.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) 
Friday October 25th, 2013 6:57:13 AM
All OOC: Oh baby, I threw out my back and I can hardly hobble around the house. Sorry, sweetie, I tell my dear wife, the honey-do list has to wait! Worked from home yesterday. Probably I'll do the same and call it a sick day today.

All of which is to say, totally sympathizing with you, Zach! Take care and rest up!

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) 
Friday October 25th, 2013 1:46:11 PM
Zach, gotta stay off all those sweets at the party in the Last Assignment! Take care and be well!

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8 
Friday October 25th, 2013 3:44:59 PM
Checking in.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) 
Friday October 25th, 2013 4:06:32 PM
OOC
I sympathize with you both. My back has been in various stages of "out" Since I went back to work. Today was particularly bad. Feel better you two. I will be Icing it and blowing up Tanks most of the weekend.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy) 
Friday October 25th, 2013 6:47:28 PM
Checking in for a Friday post. Everybody get better! This instant! That's an order! :)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) 
Friday October 25th, 2013 9:11:51 PM
I threw my lower back out several years ago while cleaning the tub. Now I've got to watch it everytime I bend over and sometimes I can't really bend over. Last weekend I worked on my compost bin, back was sore all the next day. My wife won't let me play soccer anymore.

You two be careful and get well.

DM Ian - And So, We Move Along... 
Friday October 25th, 2013 10:46:02 PM
As the party begins to wind down, there is a knock at the door. Sergeant Helmbane lets himself in, quickly followed by Trimmack. While the dwarf is as stoic and reserved as ever, Trimmack seems to be quite happy, a rather large grin plastered on his face. Plastered. For some reason, that word seems to fit rather well.

"Fists!" Helmbane calls out, standing almost at attention. "Graduation is bright and early tomorrow. Best head out and get a good night's rest so you look... well, rested." Clearly, speeches do not come easily to the dwarf.

"Fall in, Fists," Trimmack calls out. The Sergeants separate as you all fall into line, standing at attention. At one end of the room is Trimmack's Fist, consisted of Recruits Prudence Grundle, Daemer (Tinker), Nikolai Komonov, and Linden Brereburr. On the opposite end, Helmbane stands proud with Recruits Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper, Makellan Skyrunner (Carver), William (The Courageous) and Bliss.

(That is, assuming none of these characters have left yet.)

Trimmack looks upon each of his Recruits with pride. In a sudden moment of sobriety, he begins to speak. "I can't tell you how proud I am of each of you. Tinker, your fast hands carried your Fist through the first challenge. Komonov, your father would be proud of how you fought today. Breburr, that holy power of yours is something I've only seen a few times, it's incredible. And Grundle... don't think about what happened on the battlefield today. Everything's okay."

On the other side of the room, Helmbane is also speaking with his Fist. "I can't lie, you did well today. But you know what? If any of this today had been real, if you hadn't been using blunted weapons and Gargul's blessings, half of you would be dead. In the field, doing well isn't good enough. You need to excel." He pounds his fist into his open hand, taking a moment to glare at each of you. "Tomorrow, you graduate. But do not think that somehow makes you better. You'll still be the same recruits you are today."

Trimmack takes note of his counterpart's heavy gestures and shakes his head. "Watch out for Helmbane. He seems like a tough person to please."

Unfortunately for the human sergeant, his comments are a bit too loud. The dwarf picks up on it and grits his teeth, growling, "And if any of you turn out as cocky as that one, I'll make sure you wake up every morning with a hill giant on your chest. Dismissed." Grumbling obscenities too obscene to repeat, Helmbane storms out the door, stomping down the hall, out of sight.

The smile fades from Trimmack's face as he lets out a small sigh. "Dismissed," he mutters, slowly following the other sergeant out the door.

----------------------------------------

The next day comes all too quickly. The suns shine brightly upon the Citadel, a cloudless sky promising a warm and pleasant day. The Recruits are all awoken by their respective Sergeants.

Trimmack's Fist sees their Sergeant poke his head in, saying, "Graduation is in an hour. Don't bring any of your equipment, and try to look nice. There are going to be some important people there."

Helmbane simply yells from outside the door, shouting, "Graduation is in one hour, Recruit. Look nice and don't bring any weapons. Don't embarrass the Fist by looking sloppy, everyone is going to be here today."

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) 
Friday October 25th, 2013 11:15:46 PM
Once Sergeant Helmbane leaves the room Cameron says" I like tough to please. I was raised by Dwarven metalworkers who saw me as too small and too weak and I managed to gain their respect. It will be work and it will be worth every drop of sweat. The hardest prizes are the most satisfying."
In the morning Cameron wakes up early and washes up before the Sergeants make their appearance. He says his prayers and dresses in his full dress uniform. Beret on straight, goatee neat and trimmed and boots polished he is ready for graduation. He can't wait for graduation to be over so that he can get to see his uncle afterwards..

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8 
Saturday October 26th, 2013 10:04:29 AM
William smiles at the gruff sergeant, knowing that he's about to graduate and has done his best to please his squad leader... When he releases the squad, WIlliam again congratulates his friends and says, "Again, good job everyone and I'm proud to be a part of your squad... I'm looking forward to what our future holds..."

The morning of graduation, he dons his uniform, says his prayers, and makes sure he looks the best he can... He leaves and then joins the others on the parade grounds...

Prudence Gundle (Kathy) 
Saturday October 26th, 2013 4:53:56 PM
Pru is somber as she makes her way back to the team's quarters. Her sergeant's words do not fill her with confidence. Tinker, you ruled the first challenge. Komonov, you fought well. Breburr, your magic is incredible. And Gundle....don't feel too bad.

A look of determination crosses her face. The rest of her fist shouldn't have to carry her. She resolves that they will never have to.

Since the sergeants made such a point of looking their best, Pru takes the time to re-braid her hair. Sitting on her bunk, she undoes the tie and works her hair loose, patiently working through any tangles with a wide-toothed comb. Unbraided, her hair spills around her like a mantle. She brushes it quickly, conscious of the time, then with practiced motions, she divides the mass into three sections and carefully re-braids it, standing to complete the braid and tie off the end.

When that's done, she shines her boots and makes sure her uniform is spotless before joining her fist as they leave for the parade grounds.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) 
Saturday October 26th, 2013 8:51:00 PM
Tinker listens with one ear at Trimmack and Helmbane, just enough to know he needs to look good and have no visible weapons in graduation. Giving boots a buff, clothes a brush, leather a supple waxing, he turns to his own body needs. This consists of a bath, some powder in strategic places, and braiding his beard into a formal knot halfway down his chest.

The dwarf likes his Fistmates and the Fistbrothers in the other Fist too. He lines up with Nickolai, Linden, and Prudence, ready for yet another formal parade.

.....................

Wearing Leather Armor and Explorers Outfit equipment only.


Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)  d20+7=27 ;
Saturday October 26th, 2013 11:06:26 PM
Nikolai remains unmoved during Sgt Tremmak's speech but when both are gone a broad grin spreads across his face. How Sgt Helmbane's Fist manages to keep their composure he's uncertain but glad he's not directly under him. His own father was stern, but more like Trimmak.

Sense Motive on Pru: d20+7 = 27!

But Nikolai sees immediately Pru's unhappy demeanor. Not sure of the real reason, he tries to help.

"Pru. You were telling me about magic and how tricky it can be. How you have to get everything right or the spell could backfire and cause harm to you and your friends. It would seem that warriors like Sgt Trimmack and Sgt Helmbane don't quite appreciate you talents. It is of most important for you to know that we appreciate your talents. Like my mother, when you gain more confidence and learn more difficult spells, they'll learn to show you more appreciation. In the mean time, be assured we are very pleased to have you with us and we see your magic as an integral part of our success."

He blushes then, clears his throat, and heads to the barracks.

Next morning Nikolai is up early, before the call to Graduation call. He gets his corner in ship-shape and has his Dress Uniform on, nice and pressed. He did all this rather without putting too much thought into it, being very tidy coming naturally to him due to his 15 years in a military household and 3 years as a recruit.

An hour later he lines up with his Fist. His heart begins to accelerate with anticipation. A note from his father indicated they had arrived the day before and were well accomodated, meaning that his preparations were appreciated.

For all practical purposes, this wasn't just his Graduation, but his Initiation as a young Man, now independent, cutting the apron strings. It felt weird at the same time exhilarating!

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C) 
Sunday October 27th, 2013 9:29:05 PM
Carver is up earlier than the 1 hour warning. He spent a full 10 minutes on each hoof, making sure they had a mirror like finish. Then he washed up his hair and combed it, and brushed his hide, adding a light misting of oil to make that sheen as well. About the time that the sargents gave the one hour warning, he had started washing his arms and hands, getting them spotless. Pulling on his formal uniform shirt he made sure the seams were sharp and crisp.
He pulled a silver and black quartered Caparison from his storage chest with a gold embroidered gauntlet in a closed fist centered on it. He made sure that it also was straight and even.
"Is this gear all straight, I'd hate to show up and look askew." He asks to the barracks in general.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) 
Monday October 28th, 2013 7:08:22 AM
Bliss immediately makes sure his weapons are in tip-top shape, even though he is not bringing them. He gets out his best dress uniform (ie, the clean one) and makes himself as spiffy as three years of military training have taught him to be.

Then it is off to the ceremony!

===

(OMG! I had a dream in which I was playing Bliss in a face-to-face game! We were fighting giants, and I wanted to use one of the giant chairs as cover for hiding behind and sniping! I kept trying to recalculate my stealth mods, but I kept losing track of all of them in my head! There were too many! Plus the cover from the chair gave a cover bonus to stealth? Then the giant saw me and was going to attack and the DM was rolling to hit, and I was like "Wait! I'm sniping! You did not even roll a spot check to see if he sees me! LOL!)

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B) 
Monday October 28th, 2013 1:34:31 PM
Ooc. Post to come this evening.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8 
Monday October 28th, 2013 2:39:43 PM
Chking in

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) 
Monday October 28th, 2013 4:30:17 PM
"Looks good to me Carver"

OOC
Cayzle, you have serious issues.8)
I never remember my dreams but I am sure I have similar issues too. Mine probably involve large fighters and saying " Wait, I get an AoO on each of those guys as they close because I have combat reflexes!" or something.

DM Ian - And So, We Move Along... 
Monday October 28th, 2013 4:52:25 PM
Incoming...

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