My congratulations to you and your new bride! And here I thought I was the wild one, but you were always the one to one-up me in that regard. I can tell that you're apprehensive about how the meeting will go, and there isn't much I can say to alleviate those concerns; you know the clan as well as I do. Gisi, allow me to welcome you, and Karash, do tell me more of how this came to pass.
Gisi places a calming hand on Karash's arm and says, "Beloved, I can tell the story if you wish, though I fear it's not very interesting,"
She gives Balasar a polite half-bow, "I was taken to the Dale from Tymanther in my youth, and I more or less grew up there. I worked as an herbalist during the warm seasons and took on additional work as a scrimshander during the cold ones. Karash's mercenary band came to my shop for both services."
Karash interjects, "Potions for fighting Yeti and weapons to look good while doing it." He gestures down to the hilt of his sword, a gracefully fluted ivory spiral inset with tiny draconic figures in combat.
She chuckles, "Just so. Over time, the professional visits grew longer and... less professional. I also had a secret weapon to keep him interested. As it turns out, you Delmirevs retained your palates as well as your fighting abilities from Tymanther. It's not like anyone else in Bryn Shander knew of or would dare to make Yochit. I... may have won him over with the offer of a meal or two. A year later and... hear we are."
Karash places a massive arm around his mate, "Pretty and talented! Honestly, could you blame me, 'Sar?"
He leans in and cups his hand in an attempt to whisper, but he's very bad at it.
"Truth told," he says, practically at normal speaking volume, "damn what the family thinks. I'm doing this visit for their sake, but if they want to leave such a treasure behind then they shan't have the pleasure of my company either! If they throw too much of a fuss, it's back to the Dale with both of us."
Guan Hao, sitting on a barrel nearby while eating an apple, knits his brows.
"Sorry, wait" he says, "I've missed something. You lizard creatures...mate? And have families? I always assumed you were the misbegotten lab experiments of a mad wizard."
He shoves the entire remaining apple, core and all, into his mouth, chews, swallows, and takes another from a barrel.
"'Sar..." Karash says, still smiling, "This is an unusually large monkey to be found outside of Chult, what tree did you have to cajole him out of? Does it do tricks?"
Clanship goes both ways, and if they won't have you and yours, then there's no need to stick around them and theirs. And if they disapprove of your charming bride, then they've become blinded by politics. For both your sakes, I hope all goes well in High Hills. Though, I admit I wouldn't mind having a good excuse to visit the Dale one of these days.
Tricks... he knows one or two. He'll steal food off your plate better than any monkey you've ever seen, and is quite skilled in the arts of decapitation and general bloodletting, though Rajan would manage to look down his nose at him, despite the height difference.
How much of a hurry is your caravan in? Have time to stick around for a few days and maybe have some fun?
Karash looks to Gisi, a pleading expression on his face, and she smiles in reply, "Of course we can stay for a bit. It will give me a chance to refresh my stock of herbs."
Karash pumps a fist in the air and roars in triumph.
"What did you have in mind, 'Sar?" glancing at Guan Hao and puts a claw on his sword pommel, "Do I get to play with the monkey?"
How does exploring a long-forgotten underground forest filled with unidentified rustling sounds strike your fancy? But first, introductions are in order. Karash and Gisi, this is Guan Hao. Guan Hao, as you have you no doubt gathered, this is my cousin Karash and his charming new bride, Gisi. Try not to kill each other if you can avoid it.
Do you know the local area already, or are a few more introductions in order first?
[Also Guan Hao is going to spend some down time cleaning and polishing the skulls from the enemies he's decapitated, and will start stringing them into a festive bandolier. And I would like to request that his new suit of plate, once ready, look something like what a Khorne Berzerker would wear - Google Image search to get the idea. Willing to pay whatever is necessary. Presentation is so important.]
Karash's eyes go almost feral for a second, and you see flames lick around his teeth. Then he pauses looks closely into your face. A moment later, he bursts into laughter, "Well said, friend ape! We are equally honored to be in the company of such a noble band of warriors."
[Also Guan Hao is going to spend some down time cleaning and polishing the skulls from the enemies he's decapitated, and will start stringing them into a festive bandolier. And I would like to request that his new suit of plate, once ready, look something like what a Khorne Berzerker would wear - Google Image search to get the idea. Willing to pay whatever is necessary. Presentation is so important.]
[-5 gp deducted for addition of styling and details]
Upon hearing the commotion, Gong makes an appearance to learn of the group's plans. He had intended on spending the next 30 days in quiet meditation or seeking instruction on infusing his new divine gifts from Pelor into usable goods (i.e. potions and spell scrolls), but he's not one to shy away from a chance to practice his skills in either the martial or healing arts.
OOC: what's the general process for "attuning" magic items - in this case, his new boots?
[RAW: Attuning to an item requires a creature to spend a Short Rest focused on only that item while being in physical contact with it (this can’t be the same short rest used to learn the item’s properties). This focus can take the form of weapon practice (for a weapon), meditation (for a wondrous item), or some other appropriate activity. If the Short Rest is interrupted, the attunement attempt fails. Otherwise, at the end of the Short Rest, the creature gains an intuitive understanding of how to activate any magical properties of the item, including any necessary Command words.
The way I'm interpreting that is, you can take one hour to figure it out (or get a wizard to Identify it right away and skip this step). You then take a second hour to attune to the item. So a month is MORE than enough time. We might make exceptions for Sentient Items or something really special that might have a worthiness aspect to its magic, but most normal attunable items should be able to be synced up relatively quickly.
As for crafting, use the XGTE rules for spell scribing.
By the way: If you want to sell spell scrolls or potions as a side business, the way I'm running that is a little similar to how income works on properties. Up to about 4th level, it makes sense to spend business time creating and selling scrolls. If you want to find a buyer to sell that scroll/s roll a d100 for each week you are devoting to the business. If you are JUST ATTEMPTING TO SELL SCROLLS YOU HAVE ALREADY MADE for one week, add 10+your persuasion/charisma bonus to the roll.
1-10: You do not find a buyer, but you do still have all the scrolls you crafted during that time.
11-50: You found a buyer willing to buy the scrolls for the cost of creation.
51-60: You found a buyer willing to buy the scrolls for the cost of creation+25% creation cost
61-80: You found a buyer willing to buy the scrolls for the cost of creation+50% creation cost
81-90: You found a buyer willing to buy the scrolls for the cost of creation+100% creation cost
91-100%: This guy's desperate. You found a buyer willing to buy the scrolls for the cost of creation+200% creation cost]
Big advantage compared to property based revenue: Even if you make no money that week, you still have a useful item you can save to try and sell later, and there are no hirelings you need to pay.
Big disadvantage: The business does not run itself in your absence and the material costs are relatively high.
[At his first rest after divvying up the loot, Elaric attunes the Ruby of the War Mage, attaching it to the pommel of his short sword as per the item's description. He will study its properties through limited use and plans to consult with Wendell in the future about possible deconstruction, formulaic changes, and replication (per our earlier OOG conversation).]
My congratulations to you and your new bride! And here I thought I was the wild one, but you were always the one to one-up me in that regard. I can tell that you're apprehensive about how the meeting will go, and there isn't much I can say to alleviate those concerns; you know the clan as well as I do. Gisi, allow me to welcome you, and Karash, do tell me more of how this came to pass.
Gisi places a calming hand on Karash's arm and says, "Beloved, I can tell the story if you wish, though I fear it's not very interesting,"
She gives Balasar a polite half-bow, "I was taken to the Dale from Tymanther in my youth, and I more or less grew up there. I worked as an herbalist during the warm seasons and took on additional work as a scrimshander during the cold ones. Karash's mercenary band came to my shop for both services."
Karash interjects, "Potions for fighting Yeti and weapons to look good while doing it." He gestures down to the hilt of his sword, a gracefully fluted ivory spiral inset with tiny draconic figures in combat.
She chuckles, "Just so. Over time, the professional visits grew longer and... less professional. I also had a secret weapon to keep him interested. As it turns out, you Delmirevs retained your palates as well as your fighting abilities from Tymanther. It's not like anyone else in Bryn Shander knew of or would dare to make Yochit. I... may have won him over with the offer of a meal or two. A year later and... hear we are."
Karash places a massive arm around his mate, "Pretty and talented! Honestly, could you blame me, 'Sar?"
He leans in and cups his hand in an attempt to whisper, but he's very bad at it.
"Truth told," he says, practically at normal speaking volume, "damn what the family thinks. I'm doing this visit for their sake, but if they want to leave such a treasure behind then they shan't have the pleasure of my company either! If they throw too much of a fuss, it's back to the Dale with both of us."
Guan Hao, sitting on a barrel nearby while eating an apple, knits his brows.
"Sorry, wait" he says, "I've missed something. You lizard creatures...mate? And have families? I always assumed you were the misbegotten lab experiments of a mad wizard."
He shoves the entire remaining apple, core and all, into his mouth, chews, swallows, and takes another from a barrel.
"'Sar..." Karash says, still smiling, "This is an unusually large monkey to be found outside of Chult, what tree did you have to cajole him out of? Does it do tricks?"
That's the spirit, Kar! Balasar grins.
Clanship goes both ways, and if they won't have you and yours, then there's no need to stick around them and theirs. And if they disapprove of your charming bride, then they've become blinded by politics. For both your sakes, I hope all goes well in High Hills. Though, I admit I wouldn't mind having a good excuse to visit the Dale one of these days.
Tricks... he knows one or two. He'll steal food off your plate better than any monkey you've ever seen, and is quite skilled in the arts of decapitation and general bloodletting, though Rajan would manage to look down his nose at him, despite the height difference.
How much of a hurry is your caravan in? Have time to stick around for a few days and maybe have some fun?
Karash looks to Gisi, a pleading expression on his face, and she smiles in reply, "Of course we can stay for a bit. It will give me a chance to refresh my stock of herbs."
Karash pumps a fist in the air and roars in triumph.
"What did you have in mind, 'Sar?" glancing at Guan Hao and puts a claw on his sword pommel, "Do I get to play with the monkey?"
Gisi sighs.
How does exploring a long-forgotten underground forest filled with unidentified rustling sounds strike your fancy? But first, introductions are in order. Karash and Gisi, this is Guan Hao. Guan Hao, as you have you no doubt gathered, this is my cousin Karash and his charming new bride, Gisi. Try not to kill each other if you can avoid it.
Do you know the local area already, or are a few more introductions in order first?
Seeing the opportunity to end the burgeoning conflict, Gisi answers, "We'd love a tour!"
The distraction though, seems unnecessary. As Balasar describes the ruins, Karash's eyes light up, "Underground forest you say? Rustling? YES!"
Gisi places a hand on his arm, and he pulls up short, "Tour first, then adventure."
[if anyone wants to make introductions, or accomplish any tasks in town, I'll pause here and resume posting tomorrow, 9/27]
[Elaric is spending nearly all of his time in the ruins and so will meet everyone when the group reaches the mercenary camp]
Guan Hao walks up to Karash and places a firm and friendly hand on his shoulder.
"You seem a strong and worthy ally. You and your hideous female bondslave are welcome to join us in our quest for glory."
5
Guan Hao, could you please confirm your passive perception?
[Also Guan Hao is going to spend some down time cleaning and polishing the skulls from the enemies he's decapitated, and will start stringing them into a festive bandolier. And I would like to request that his new suit of plate, once ready, look something like what a Khorne Berzerker would wear - Google Image search to get the idea. Willing to pay whatever is necessary. Presentation is so important.]
Guan Hao's Passive Perception: 11
Karash's eyes go almost feral for a second, and you see flames lick around his teeth. Then he pauses looks closely into your face. A moment later, he bursts into laughter, "Well said, friend ape! We are equally honored to be in the company of such a noble band of warriors."
[-5 gp deducted for addition of styling and details]
[5 GP added to the 25 GP refit for a paint job and gilding]
Upon hearing the commotion, Gong makes an appearance to learn of the group's plans. He had intended on spending the next 30 days in quiet meditation or seeking instruction on infusing his new divine gifts from Pelor into usable goods (i.e. potions and spell scrolls), but he's not one to shy away from a chance to practice his skills in either the martial or healing arts.
OOC: what's the general process for "attuning" magic items - in this case, his new boots?
[RAW: Attuning to an item requires a creature to spend a Short Rest focused on only that item while being in physical contact with it (this can’t be the same short rest used to learn the item’s properties). This focus can take the form of weapon practice (for a weapon), meditation (for a wondrous item), or some other appropriate activity. If the Short Rest is interrupted, the attunement attempt fails. Otherwise, at the end of the Short Rest, the creature gains an intuitive understanding of how to activate any magical properties of the item, including any necessary Command words.
The way I'm interpreting that is, you can take one hour to figure it out (or get a wizard to Identify it right away and skip this step). You then take a second hour to attune to the item. So a month is MORE than enough time. We might make exceptions for Sentient Items or something really special that might have a worthiness aspect to its magic, but most normal attunable items should be able to be synced up relatively quickly.
As for crafting, use the XGTE rules for spell scribing.
By the way: If you want to sell spell scrolls or potions as a side business, the way I'm running that is a little similar to how income works on properties. Up to about 4th level, it makes sense to spend business time creating and selling scrolls. If you want to find a buyer to sell that scroll/s roll a d100 for each week you are devoting to the business. If you are JUST ATTEMPTING TO SELL SCROLLS YOU HAVE ALREADY MADE for one week, add 10+your persuasion/charisma bonus to the roll.
1-10: You do not find a buyer, but you do still have all the scrolls you crafted during that time.
11-50: You found a buyer willing to buy the scrolls for the cost of creation.
51-60: You found a buyer willing to buy the scrolls for the cost of creation+25% creation cost
61-80: You found a buyer willing to buy the scrolls for the cost of creation+50% creation cost
81-90: You found a buyer willing to buy the scrolls for the cost of creation+100% creation cost
91-100%: This guy's desperate. You found a buyer willing to buy the scrolls for the cost of creation+200% creation cost]
Big advantage compared to property based revenue: Even if you make no money that week, you still have a useful item you can save to try and sell later, and there are no hirelings you need to pay.
Big disadvantage: The business does not run itself in your absence and the material costs are relatively high.
[At his first rest after divvying up the loot, Elaric attunes the Ruby of the War Mage, attaching it to the pommel of his short sword as per the item's description. He will study its properties through limited use and plans to consult with Wendell in the future about possible deconstruction, formulaic changes, and replication (per our earlier OOG conversation).]
[Balasar introduces Karash and Gisi to Wendell and Bruna, then follows their lead as to who else in town the pair should be introduced to].