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Post by Rigil Kent on Oct 22, 2016 10:34:41 GMT -6
Is Tess going to be insulted if/when Andrei seeks out and potentially employs an Iomedae cleric to serve as his personal "chaplain"? He's not looking at replacing her as high priest or anything, but he's not really a devout proponent of either the Klingon god or the drunk god...
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Post by LabRat on Oct 22, 2016 16:28:52 GMT -6
Is Tess going to be insulted if/when Andrei seeks out and potentially employs an Iomedae cleric to serve as his personal "chaplain"? He's not looking at replacing her as high priest or anything, but he's not really a devout proponent of either the Klingon god or the drunk god... Depends on how you approach it. I highly doubt she would be insulted, but she may be a bit hurt if you are cavalier about it. I assume (at least from Tess' perspective-Andrei may think otherwise) that you are friends. From that perspective, letting her know what was going on beforehand would go a long way.
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Post by Rigil Kent on Oct 22, 2016 16:48:16 GMT -6
Oh, absolutely. He definitely considers her a friend ... truthfully, right now, he probably likes her better than the other PCs (what with Walker being a [Gollum] murdererrrrr [/Gollum] and Walays being ... well ... Walays and Babus being still a newb), so he's not going to be a dick about it. As to being "cavalier" about it, well ... he is a cavalier, so ...
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Post by LabRat on Nov 7, 2016 9:26:01 GMT -6
Tess' HP for 7th level
1cVvP9901-81-8
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Post by Rigil Kent on Nov 7, 2016 10:00:39 GMT -6
She picking up Leadership this level?
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Post by LabRat on Nov 7, 2016 10:46:06 GMT -6
She picking up Leadership this level? Yes, Sir!
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Post by LabRat on Aug 3, 2017 15:41:46 GMT -6
mbe5g3aU1-101-101-10·1-10
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Post by LabRat on Aug 3, 2017 15:44:08 GMT -6
^^ making Tess' Follower, so rolling for HP^^
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Post by LabRat on Aug 3, 2017 21:10:27 GMT -6
Sir Casimir Petrov with EquinoxNot entirely happy with his stats so I may tweak him a bit later on down the road. Ridiculously long background story I wrote about a year ago is below. Casimir 3-1.pdf (189.48 KB) Sir Casimir Petrov.pdf (49.24 KB)
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Post by Rigil Kent on Aug 4, 2017 10:12:48 GMT -6
Interesting. The alignment difference between him & Tess is rather interesting. I expect that Sir Casimir & Andrei will likely get along fairly well since NG & LG aren't that different and both follow Iomedae.
One thing that puzzles me is the level: you've got him at 3rd with the mount, but paladins don't get the mount until 5th level. As a 7th level character, I believe you're capable of having a 5th level Cohort ... depends on your Leadership score which should be ... hmm ... 7, I think. (Level (7) + CHA Mod (1) - Cohort of Different Alignment (-1) = 7, which means he can be 5th level. (Leadership score of 10 for Followers, so you can have 5 1st level ... acolytes?)
Is Casimir going to be actively adventuring alongside the other PCs?
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Post by LabRat on Aug 4, 2017 11:09:11 GMT -6
Interesting. The alignment difference between him & Tess is rather interesting. I expect that Sir Casimir & Andrei will likely get along fairly well since NG & LG aren't that different and both follow Iomedae. I have never been a big fan of alignment. I understand why it is there, but it has never set well with me. I have also never been a big fan of a Cohot always being like a devoted Podrick ala GoT (don't get me wrong, I still love Podrick). So I pitched the idea to N8 for the sake of interesting RP moments, and he waived the alignment requirements. It may end in epic disaster but having two characters being oil and water yet still be devoted to one another will be interesting. One thing that puzzles me is the level Well, that's because Casimir's creator is an idiot that works too hard. For whatever reason in my head 5th level translated into a 3rd level character. It was so weird because I kept looking at him and I wasn't happy with it...because my subconscious was yelling at me that he needed to be 5th. ::Sigh:: I'll fix him tonight. This is also based on a 15 point buy so if the GM changes it, then I'll have to rearrange his stats anyway. IIs Casimir going to be actively adventuring alongside the other PCs? Right now the answer is a strong maybe. He is a rather situational combatant so if we go dungeon crawling then he is only useful to a degree. I would say though that if something were to happen in town (like an owlbear attacking and wrecking house) then he would be in play. I foresee him eventually taking over the role of General to free up Andrei from having two duties. He would be a guy you could trust to hold the fort and keep people in line while we are away. But if the situation is tailored made for a Paladin, then he would tag along. The aim is to find balance since the GM really doesn't care for Leadership, and I don't want to overstep my bounds as a player
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Post by LabRat on Aug 4, 2017 11:59:06 GMT -6
bcTgV4In1-101-10
Level 4 and 5 for Casimir....because I'm stupid1-10·1-10
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Post by Rigil Kent on Jan 12, 2018 11:44:14 GMT -6
Ridiculously long background story I wrote about a year ago is below. Kind of tempted to try and do the same for Andrei and Liliya, but if I do, need to knock it out fast since I think my Traveller run on Saturday begins next week (presuming we don't end up going long again this Saturday...) ETA: You know, you might want to put that bit of prose on the Portals...
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Post by WxMAN on Feb 5, 2018 10:02:40 GMT -6
Tess has made a deal with the devil (me) - wherein she has given up two class skills of my choosing in order to gain a class skill she does not have. So from now on, she no longer has Spellcraft and Appraise but has gained Perform (Oratory).
If anyone else ever wants to make a deal with the devil - the offer is always open.
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Post by Gigermann on Feb 5, 2018 10:24:51 GMT -6
If anyone else ever wants to make a deal with the devil - the offer is always open. Have to meet at a crossroads, yes?
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Post by Rigil Kent on Feb 5, 2018 11:23:04 GMT -6
Heh. That means three of us will able to give pretty rousing speeches (that I'm aware of): Andrei, Tess and Walays. Seems appropriate that the ruler, the 'reverend ... oh, man. Tess needs to have a kid so we can call her the Reverend Mother like in Dune.
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Post by LabRat on Feb 6, 2018 12:59:18 GMT -6
Heh. That means three of us will able to give pretty rousing speeches (that I'm aware of): Andrei, Tess and Walays. Seems appropriate that the ruler, the 'reverend ... oh, man. Tess needs to have a kid so we can call her the Reverend Mother like in Dune. You think Reverend Mother is going to fly when she struggles with her current title?
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Post by LabRat on May 29, 2018 10:00:30 GMT -6
8th level Roll
_uQQOAgV1-81-8
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Post by LabRat on Aug 11, 2018 20:30:59 GMT -6
Tess' 9th level character sheet. She is now Cleric 8/ Holy Vindicator 1. After speaking with the GM, she is going to retrain Improved Initiative and replace it with the Extra Channel. However, considering that we leveled up in media res, it won't take effect till after this chapter. Tess 9.pdf (133.99 KB)
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Post by LabRat on Sept 7, 2018 10:30:01 GMT -6
Tess 10th level HP:
QLmOrQDP1-101-10
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Post by LabRat on Sept 17, 2018 8:39:57 GMT -6
Posting this here so I can remember what I'm doing the next time we play:
To Do: -Speak with the Nomen about the soul-sucking sword. See if this can be used to bring Casimir back -Return to Beldame with Nimbleshank's head, get geas removed -Use the sword on Casimir, hopefully returning him back to normal and not a zombie (which Tess would have to obviously put down) -Speak to Walker (or maybe J'Varis since he is "forrest-y") about visiting the fae in order to see if they have information regarding the people responsible for killing a unicorn and taking its horn -Go shopping with loot money, retail therapy at its finest
Addendum Figure out the meaning behind the green hairs we keep picking up Potentially save sister?
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Post by LabRat on Aug 7, 2020 9:07:43 GMT -6
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Post by LabRat on Sept 9, 2020 10:25:26 GMT -6
I'm going to do something a bit different. Each month I'll reply to my question, I will also post a Gorum sermon for the month, as well as a Toast to Cayden for the month. I'll back track a bit and start with February. March and April will follow. Keep in mind what while I am posting the answer to my question, assume that the PCs don't know what Tess is telling people unless I actively say so. However, any PC can attend worship for Gorumm or Cayden so it is only fair that I post what Tess is preaching.
[Lily] - "Cayden's grace upon you. I appreciate you have an unusual view of faith, priestess. I feel as though Erastil and Cayden best represent our kingdom, unless you feel that we are destined to build a great army and crush our enemies as I would expect Gorum would command. What are your plans for our kingdom?"
Response to Lily: “It is true, there are those who are deeply rooted in Erastil, and Cayden’s zeal for life also flows through the shieldlands. However, these are tumultuous times, and many have taken up the mantle of Gorum’s teachings. I do not believe that we would have not been as successful settling the shieldlands without Gorum’s approval and influence, and so I continue to serve the Iron Lord in whatever capacity for the good of our kingdom. It would be hard for you to deny the good times that you see before you. As far as the plans for the kingdom, well, that resides with Lord Voronkov, and ultimately I do pledge my sword to him. But if it were me, my hope would be that we build a kingdom that is a bastion of strength and honor, that every denison is confident in their own being, that good ultimately triumphs over evil, and our enemies would think twice before banging their swords at our gates. My hope is that our kingdom doesn’t just survive, but actually thrive. If we uphold ourselves to these ideals, then I see no reason why it would be unjust to expand our borders for as long as we see fit, as Cayden puts it, for the glory and adventure and to route out those that only harbor evil in their hearts.”
Gorum's Sermon for February: “Today I urge you to find moments of triumph in each of your lives. It is easy to look upon the warrior and acknowledge that his skills are honed, his sword gleams with a deadly edge, and his mount is a fierce beast. It is easy to look upon the warrior and say “Ah, yes, that one has the might of Gorum behind him.” And yet, there are thousands like him who ride into battle only to be defeated. Do not assume that because you think Gorum will be pleased with you that you actually have his blessing. And just as importantly, do not assume that you are unworthy in the eyes of the Iron Lord. On the same day that warrior rode into battle only to fall by the sword, I tended to a farmer, one who had been injured by a wolf. That farmer was protecting his livestock from attack. The farmer faced the beast who had gnashing jaws, and claws made to tear flesh, but he did it without the protection of gleaming armor, without the speed of a steed underneath him, and without a honed blade. He only had a dagger, and a will to stand his ground; a fearless might with which he faced the wolf and when the beast lunged for his throat, he struck with his meager blade. Now tell me, how is that less worthy in Gorum’s eyes, than fierce battles that clash over unclaimed land? I, for one, do not believe that it is. And that farmer could easily have been any one of us, staring down a wolf with only a small blade and an iron will. So think about those displays of courage when you think that warriors only gain Gorum’s favor. Think about your triumphs and hold on to them whenever you feel your courage begin to waver. For that is the Iron Lord lending you his strength.”
Cayden's Toast for February: Let us raise a glass to adventure and to those who seek it. Let us drink to those who overcome adversity in order to embrace glory and the freedom of discovery. Each and every one of you are capable of great things, of having hearts that are longing to seek out the bounty that life has to offer, to learn the secrets that she keeps, and know of wonders that sleep just beyond the horizon. Embrace that fire that stirs within you every time you face the dawn and realize that today is a new day. So let us drink to new beginnings, let us drink to adventure that awaits those that wish to seek it, and let us drink to Cayden, whose blessings be upon those who live life to its fullest.
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Post by LabRat on Sept 9, 2020 10:31:08 GMT -6
For March:
§ [Amli] - "With your leadership, worship of Gorum has a strong presence in the Shieldlands. Unfortunately, most people are fairly steady in their faith, so recruiting people to the cause will be more difficult - especially in this time of relative peace for the kingdom. How would you like us to approach the coming months to keep our membership strong and growing?"
Response to Amli: My dear friend, I have often contemplated on the same thing. Come to the sermon next week, and see what I have to say on the matter.
Gorum's Sermon for March: “...I will be the first to admit that I am pleased with our time of relative peace and prosperity. I hope that everyone has taken advantage of these quiet times. Yes, enjoy what you have. But do not forget what brought you here to a time of plenty. It was your strength. It was your courage. When the undead army was at the gate, did you back down? No! When you heard the call to arms, did you hesitate? No! When you knew that you were going to defend to the death, did you cower? No! So never forget that it was those moments that brought you here today. You feast because you were ready to sacrifice everything during the hour of need. Understand that yes, enjoy what you have, but do not confuse that with complacency. The sacrifices of yesterday bring forth the bounty of tomorrow, and so do not allow yourselves to grow soft with rich food and good drink, do not allow your swords to dull with time, do not allow your armor to rust with age. Complacency opens ourselves up to failure. And failure is not an option in the eyes of The Iron Lord...”
Cayden's Toast for March: “Today we raise a glass to each other; our friends, our family, our loved ones. To fellowship and camaraderie. Even though we may be different, come from different regions, worship different gods, have different views, together we were able to settle the shieldlands and make something out of nothing. There is no calling greater than the call of adventure out of the unknown. Look around at what we have been able to accomplish together. I know this draws a smile from Cayden’s lips because his blessings are upon us each and every day. So raise a glass to your neighbor, raise a glass to those that have helped you in your time of need, raise a glass our benevolent and just Lord Voronkov (because gods know, he needs it), and raise a glass to The Accidental God, for he is a constant reminder of how good things come to those who go searching for it.”
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Post by LabRat on Sept 9, 2020 15:38:11 GMT -6
April:
Alena: "Mother Tess. I am not a worshipper of Gorum but your willingness to help even us prostitutes is very appreciated. Recently, a group of Gyronna worshippers were arrested. While I am not one of them, I do worship a goddess who has misconceptions about her and may be seen to be like Gyronna. I don't want to be thrown into prison for my worshipping of Calistria - should I leave the Shieldlands? Can I stay without fear of persecution?"
Tess’ Reply: Ah, Calistria. Even I know of Cayden’s attempt to gain her favor and in turn took on the Test of the Starstone. I view Calistria to be as multifaceted as those that worship her. For it is one’s own free sense of being to interpret the will of the gods. We share a kinship in that Gorum worshipers have their own stigma, and yet here I am making sure that ladies of pleasure are well taken care of because that is my duty to the people. One that I believe is good and of pure intention. So I ask you, Alena, worshipper of Calistria, what are your intentions? Not your god’s, but your own? How do you interpret and act on divine will in your everyday life, because I can attest that actions are the product of your belief. The ones who were arrested acted against the wellbeing of the people here and therefore there were consequences. I do hope that you recognize the difference between yourself and those that want to cause harm to others. If you do, then I foresee you spending many years here, if that is your choosing. If you don’t then I can help you in your journey to try to walk a better path.
Gorum’s April Sermon: “What I am about to tell you may seem blasphemous to some, but really, when has that stopped me from saying it before? So I will say this to you all; Power can beget weakness. Let me repeat that for you: Power can beget weakness! Now, I know some of you are asking how can I say that so freely when I am talking about the teachings of Gorum? Because, you see it happen over, and over, and over again. How many corrupt rulers do you know about? How many people who were good people allowed power to twist their minds and tarnish their souls? They succumbed to the temptation and more often than not, they fell into the abyss, never to be heard of from again. Isn’t that what happened to the Stag Lord before he was defeated? So now I ask you, was it really power they had in the first place? If you feel like you are in the position of power and the path which you walk is easy, I can promise you, you do not have power at your disposal...it has you at its disposal. Great power comes with a great burden. You struggle to earn it, and you struggle to hold on to it, all the while struggling to keep true to yourself. Because power comes with trappings of temptation and greed, and it is so easy to rationalize corruption again and again until you become a prisoner of that power. So true power can only be found in those with virtuous hearts. For they are the ones who have the strength to utilize it but not succumb to it, which makes all others weak by comparison. I cannot think of a better way to appeal to our Iron Lord….”
Cayden’s April Toast: “Today, we drink to our adversaries. For what is triumph without tribulation? What is good without evil? What is peace without unrest? There is no glory without trials and tribulations. For was it not Cayden who took on the Test of the Starstone in order to ascend into godhood? Did he not cross over the pit of the unknown to take on the deadly maze? Without the test there would be no god to raise a glass to. There would be no causes to fight for, or trials to overcome. Without adversity, we cannot unleash our true selves out into the world. So raise a glass to your enemies, raise a glass to your fears, raise a glass to the evil that walks this earth, because without them, life would be quite dull indeed!”
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Post by LabRat on Sept 14, 2020 14:41:05 GMT -6
May-
Question for May: [Kamen Dobrev] - "Mother Tess. May Gorum guide your blade. Rumors are circulating that Fort Drelev is in a weakened state, that beast and barbarian hungrily eye the fort. The Shieldlands is strong and growing quickly. We have the manpower to take Fort Drelev in a glorious battle and let the slough know the might of Gorum. Our militia grows tired of hunting down poachers and sees a prize in the west."
Tess’ Reply: “While I appreciate your drive and your willingness to honor Gorum by bravery and blade, know that you are young and have a limited perspective in terms of the way of the world. I know you have never been to Drelev, but I have just returned there myself. The area that surrounds Drelev is harsh indeed, with a great number of hardships, and yet Drelev has been able to outlast them all. What does that say about Drelev, then? Do not underestimate a kingdom that was built on these hardships, for it is a kingdom that is worthy in Gorum’s eyes, even worthy enough to be a potential ally for our cause. I am about to depart to address these additional threats to see if something can be done for our mutual benefit. In the meantime, sharpen your blade and prepare yourself for a potential position in my clergy upon my return. It is time we gather our strength and become Fort Voronkov’s Swords and Shields. If you deem yourself ready to take on an entire kingdom, then surely you can stand against some of my more seasoned members. And if you lose, well, remind me to tell you a story that happened to myself, many seasons ago.”
Gorum’s Sermon for May: "...So many of you think it is Gorum’s will to engage in neverending battle, to go from one conflict to the next, thinking that one more victory would gain favor in the eyes of Gorum. In reality, what it really does is let you fall from his eye and into Pharasma’s cold embrace. For what farmer toils in the field all day, what hunter never stops pursuing his prey, so why should a warrior always be engaged in war? If you are The Iron Lord’s champions then he would want you to do well. The continuation of hardships and strife will always be out there. There always will be battles to win, external threats to conquer, glory to be had, opportunity to seize, but if you are not in a condition to hold onto it, then it is lost. Even the greatest warriors have to rest, to eat, to heal, and yes, even to think. There is no shame in waiting for a more advantageous moment. There is no scorn to be had at peacetime. There is no resentment with measures of diplomacy. These are just spokes in the wheel of conflict. Without them, the wheel would never keep turning, and life here would be cut bitterly short. Strife takes on many forms, and we must be resilient in how we conquer it, for it is better to feed oneself adequately for a lifetime, than to choke at a single feast. And so we must be patient, we must grow stronger and when that fateful day arises underneath a crimson sky, we shall see our enemy on the horizon, and make no mistake, we will be ready..."
Cayden’s Toast for May: "Friends, today let us drink to what we have in our glasses. For it was ale that fueled Cayden to become the accidental god, it was ale that he wishes to imbibe even after he ascended, and it is ale that serves as a symbol of good times and camaraderie. For spirits are the great equalizer, enjoyed by commoner and gentry alike. Ale is there during our times of great joy and during times of great sadness. It is a constant in our lives and one that must be acknowledged and celebrated! So drink to what is in your glass, my friends, for Cayden would want us to pay tribute to this marvelous gift from the drunken god!"
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Post by LabRat on Sept 18, 2020 11:11:37 GMT -6
I have been meaning to do this for a while, but yeah, busy! I’m writing out a blurb about what Tess has been doing this year with all of the things that have been going on in her life and with the shield lands. This is mostly to help the GM with RP elements. I stuck it here for ease of access.
The first part of the year was rather difficult for Tess. With her sister once again gone missing and Casimir’s desire to leave to find his goddess’s favor, Tess throws herself into her work instead of trying to deal with the realization that her sister’s trail had once again gone cold, and there was no telling if Casimir would ever return. Tess worked diligently for months being a servant to the people, preaching her views on both religions, and slowly gaining a following that embraced her unorthodox ideals. She worked with Andrei and Liliya in order to make sure their needs were met for the upcoming marriage ceremony, and slowly formed a friendship with Liliya as they discussed their different takes on their faith.
When Casimir came back, Tess had such a range of emotions, she didn’t know how to process. She was equal parts hurt, furious, relieved, and concerned. Seeing Casimir as a broken man was heart wrenching to her. Ultimately her desire to help restore him won out, and so she endeavored to help Casimir with the long journey of healing by endeavoring to reclaim his faith, or making peace with the way things are. She made an effort in identifying and contacting Iomedae clerics within the region that would have some insight on Casimir’s condition. She would also have a discussion with Andrei on Casimir’s behalf, asking to give him an official position in the kingdom, that way he can regain his sense of purpose and confidence. Trying to get Casimir to return to the man he once was, was trying during the best of days. Tess had to fully embrace compassion and understanding and above all else, patience, which is something she was never really good at. Their journey during those months were turbulent and arduous, but Tess doggedly would not give up on Casimir, even though she knew their future could very well be in jeopardy. Regardless of where their relationship stood, at the end of the day, Tess fully believed Casimir was someone worth saving and that the world could only benefit by him being present in it.
The return of Casimir and Tess’ oratory during the marriage of Andrei and Liliya became a pivotal point of time in Tess’ life. She became more confident in her abilities as a cleric/high priestess and as a servant to the people. Even though Tess never stopped embracing the passions associated with the zeal of life, her demeanor tempered somewhat and she became more focused in her purpose. She shouldered the religious responsibility of the kingdom fullying believing that the success of the kingdom were in the hands of strong people, who believed they could unify to uphold the ideals of goodness. The benefits of putting so much time and effort during those long winter months were coming to fruition, and she had a healthy following of worshippers and set about making a clergy to take care of things when she was away. The clergy consisted of members who ideals aligned with Tess’ and had earned their right to hold their position through tests of wills and strength in battle. The clergy had two factions; one side to handle the more martial aspect of Gorum, while the other to help the denizens of the kingdom in religious matters as well as see to the people’s needs. One day during her morning benediction, she asked Gorum to show her a sign to see if she was in his favor. Soon after, the scars on her arms began to split and blood began to flow freely. Tess was emboldened by this, especially when she learned she can control the flow at will. It bolstered her belief that she was doing the right thing while leaving a trail of righteous blood in her wake.
Tess also spent many nights at the local inn professing the freedom to pursue life’s adventures as Cayden would want it. Soon the inn has been getting quite crowded with boisterous merrymaking. Having heard of rumors of a mysterious temple dedicated to Cayden in Mivon, Tess decides to commune with her god in order to gain more insight. After that session, she decided to seek out the temple in Mivon as well as begin efforts in constructing a brewery in honor of the accidental god. While her time spent in the kingdom during the winter was fruitful and beneficial, Tess was growing restless. Upon hearing of the royal party making its way to Drelev as well as a potential boggard threat, she soon began to prepare for the long journey with great enthusiasm.
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Post by LabRat on Oct 26, 2020 9:27:19 GMT -6
Level 11 HP
vmXrcV4h1-101-10
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Post by LabRat on Jan 23, 2021 20:16:03 GMT -6
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Post by LabRat on Jan 25, 2021 12:41:23 GMT -6
Tess' To-do list after the defeating the Tiger Lords at Armag's tomb
1. Figure out more about the sword
2. Commune with Gorum for potential answers
3. Show sword/head of Armag to any Tiger Lord captives and see if she gets any response/information
4. Try to convince Andrei that they need to march against Drelev's rulers
5. Talk to Dragana, see what her plans for the future are and what she plans on doing
6. Talk to Casimir, get his take on the Drelev incident and Tess completing the trials
7. Have a drink and properly pay respects to Cayden
8. Contact her Council of 7 and update them on everything
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