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Game Master
(Smash)
10/4/2011 10:22:49 PM
PostID: 411484
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Your characters will be starting in Cauldron. The city of Cauldron is built in the middle of a dormant volcano. It is a frontier city in a hostile environment.
Cauldron's buildings are tightly packed and built from volcanic rock and wood. Cobblestone roads form concentric circles around a smal but deep lake of cold water which fills the volcano's basin. Although the town's sewage seeps into the lake, local clerics routinely purify the water for the cisterns in exchange for charitible donations.
A 50 ft. fortified wall encircles the city, tracing the outer rim of the volcano. Four roads and four city gates lead to other towns and the distant realms. Areas toward the rim tend to be the upper class families and elite merchants. Closer to the lake and center of town, the shoddier the construction and the population.
The economy of Caldron is mostly mines and plantations in the areas outside the wall in the surrounding land. Mines produce Obsidian and Diamonds. Plantations produce sugarcane and coffee. Other food and trade is imported from the outside.
Population ~7500 adults (80% human, 10% halfling, 5% Gnome, 3% dwarf, then everyone else)
Politics: Lord Mayor Severen Navalant elected leader of the town. Terseon Skellerang, captain of the guard.
Nearby Towns:
- HollowSky: Smallest of 4 human settlements with a population of ~ 500. Is notable mostly as the hometown of one of the region's benevolent nobles, Lady Ophellha Knowlern.
- KingFisher Hollow: Population 2300. Is the primary location for the regions plantations.
- Redgorge: Called because it is near an immense quarry of red pebble gravel. Today it is a mining and farming village. Many of the buildings lay in ruin.
This post last edited on 10/4/2011 10:31:30 PM 
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Game Master
(Smash)
10/4/2011 10:25:23 PM
PostID: 411485
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This initial chapter is for character setup and to develop any backstory issues, like how the characters know each other. Feel free to post your background.
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Game Master
(Smash)
10/18/2011 12:16:14 AM
PostID: 412369
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[OOC: Pre-Story setup]
Jessica Darkwood. You awake at the Lantern Street Orphanage. Another day in Cauldron starts and opens the 2nd anniversary of your stay at the orphanage. Your life at the orphanage is not as bad as the others. After your parents death, a family friend escorted you to Cauldron and left you with your Uncle. Although he tried his hardest, Your Uncle, Lamar Darkwood, the inn keeper of the Drunken Morkoth Inn, just couldn’t keep a child around. Unmarried, with a busy and successful business to run, he just couldn’t handle a child and her propensity for getting in trouble with all her ‘magic’ stuff. Thusly, he passed you off to the old Halfling headmaster, Gretchen Tashykk. Lamar pays Gretchen a few coins regularly to allow you to indulge your Evokation studies and to give him solace and freedom from his feelings of guilt. As a result, you have fewer chores and more meat in your stew than the other children.
At the Lantern Street Orphanage, there are a few regular
adults that you interact with:
-Jaromir Copperbeard, the gardener. (99 yo dwarf male)
-Neva Fanister, the nurse. (32 yo female human)
-Temar Flagonstern, the cook. (48 yo male human)
-Willow Atherfell school teacher (54 yo half-elf female)
Patch, the one-eyed Half orc janitor
In addition there are 20 or so orphans. In addition to your friend Kat and Randal there are a few notable others:
-Deakon Stormshield a male dwarf that seems old for his years. He’s been at the orphanage over 13 years and already has a beard. Acts like a bully sometimes, but you know him to really have a kind heart. His parents never returned from an adventure.
-Evelyn Radavec is a 9 year old human whose parents died from the filth plague that ran through Cauldron 7 years ago.
-Lucinda Aldreen doesn’t really like you. She thinks you think you are better than everyone else because you know magic. She’s a very superstitious type of person and you freak her out.
-Terrem Kharatys is a friend of Randal. Unlike Randal, he is temperamental and moody. You just can’t understand why he and Randal hang around together. He came to the orphanage as a baby, dropped off on the steps.
You have a sense that the elders are afraid of something that they talk about in hushed whispers when around the children. They seem more tense and vigilent than normal.
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Game Master
(Smash)
10/18/2011 1:23:00 AM
PostID: 412371
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Pitch and Ditch
You guys were the Jar-Jar Binks of Kobolds. You were born Kobold and tried to live the Kobold life, but you are ‘different’ and you didn’t quite fit in.. or were smart enough to know you didn’t want to fit in. The others were just so much more diabolical than you and you suffered at their abuse and schemes. Life in the Hookface clan was self-sacrificial work and toil for the clan’s ‘God’ Hookface at the abuse of the kobold task masters at the very worst or unrelenting boredom at its best. The only other creature lower than you, as social outcasts, are the slaves.
During months of toil, you schemed your own plans, your dreams, of what you would do if you both decided to escape the ‘kobold life’. What would you do rather than face another day of ‘dig’, cleaning the dung pits, or cultivating the fungus? However your class status didn’t allow you to join in on raiding parties or to see the anything outside of the Hookface’s mountain chambers.
Today is your lucky day. Word has reached you that the shaman TuckTux has summoned you and you will not have to ‘dig’ today. With 3 other Kobolds in the group, TuckTux starts to perform a ritual to prepare the patrol for success. Part of the ritual is a drink that makes you feel powerful, but a little dizzy. He describes it as a potion of ‘srength’. He paints your face with runes of ‘power’ with red paint, or maybe the blood of some animal. He then places a garland of herbs around your neck as ‘Protection’. When the ritual is over, the leader of the patrol enter and gives you your equipment.
”Your lucky day” the leader recites in Draconic. He’s bigger and better armored than you are, a product of the status and stature of the warrior class. “Let’s go.” Typical, they’re not real wordy..
You follow the bigger kobold to passages you’ve never used before. It leads toward a tunnel that exits the mountain As you shield your eyes against the bright sun, You’re clubbed from behind and knocked unconscious.
Pitch and Ditch awaken tied firmly to a pole. The 3 other kobolds that were in the ritual with you are also tied firmly to upright poles. The warriors are nowhere in sight.
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Game Master
(Smash)
10/18/2011 2:08:03 AM
PostID: 412373
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Aelonn
Leaving your family farm you travel toward the unknown. Although you search for Elves, there are very little that live in the mountain regions where Caldron is situated. Elves normally tend to hide in forests and environs that invoke their Fey nature. But you don't need to make that choice just yet...
One day into your journey, you were joined by an elderly man. His skin is wrinkled and weathered, but his green eyes sparkle with life. He wore an unremarkable, travel-stained clothing of leather and unbleached linen. The only thing that caught your eye as unusual was that he carried the Oerth Disc, his holy symbol. This symbol is a disk with a curved line representing the horizon, and an upturned crescent above that. When you asked his name, he would only reply that he was just a traveller. When you asked him about the symbol, he was more than willing to talk to you about the Striders of Fharlanghn.
From your time travelling the same road, you find out that the Striders of Fharlanghn are a loosely run organization of adventurers and explorers who watch the horizons for signs of great evil and strive to preserve the balance of power in the realms of the world. He mentions there’s an outpost of elf Striders in Cauldron.
From you, he finds out you are on a quest to find your elvish roots and place in life. ”It may not be an obvious choice and it may seem the wrong road, but I’m a good judge of character…and You would make a good Strider. There are those of like mind in Cauldron that can lead you toward the next step in your journey. But the choice is yours.” With that said, you part ways at a fork in the road.
Intrigued and somehow impressed by this unnamed traveller, you take the path in the road that leads toward the mountains. When you look back to see if you made the right choice, the traveller was gone.
This post last edited on 10/18/2011 2:12:06 AM
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Game Master
(Smash)
10/18/2011 2:16:46 AM
PostID: 412374
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Kelzanarr
[Not sure how to start you off. I need a background.]
This post last edited on 10/18/2011 2:24:51 AM
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Game Master
(Smash)
10/18/2011 2:23:41 AM
PostID: 412375
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Notes on My Text notations.
This color will be nomrally use to communicate game explainations
I'll use this color to communicate need to roll or call for an action by a player
Bold Will be used for character quotes
Ital. will be use for character whispers
:: xxx :: is a sound effect or character non-verbal noise e.g. ::sigh:: or ::Cough::
This post last edited on 10/18/2011 2:41:20 AM
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Game Master
(Smash)
10/18/2011 2:31:31 AM
PostID: 412376
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This is just some background story elements based upon what you already gave me and the adventure hooks. Once I get feedback from you, I'll write more detail to converge these stories together.
The party will meet Jessica in Cauldron as part of the story arc
I'm setting up Pitch and Ditch to be rescued for the "life Debt" 'reason why you're in Cauldron' idea that I had. This may be either with Kelzanarr or Aelon.
Let me know if this works into what you are thinking or want to change some of the backstory.
This post last edited on 10/18/2011 2:36:04 AM
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Ditch
(sammichweasel)
10/18/2011 6:45:34 AM
PostID: 412388
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Without knowing Kelzanar's background, I can't make a full assessment, but it seems decidedly easy to have Aelonn stumble upon us poor trussed up kobolds. He also doesn't seem to be the type to appreciate a kobold's life debt, so we'd be following him doggedly without his permission ^.^
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Game Master
(Smash)
10/18/2011 9:49:34 AM
PostID: 412393
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That's good. I like it and will use it.
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Game Master
(Smash)
10/18/2011 10:03:17 AM
PostID: 412395
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Jessica Darkwood
I'll let you flesh out the Kat and Randal character's background. Something short please
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Aelonn
(dwightm)
10/18/2011 1:20:57 PM
PostID: 412412
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RE: Pitch and Ditch - sounds good to me. Since Aelonn is young, and pretty aimless at this point (and to follow the Jar-Jar Binks analogy), I think his attitude would be more Obi-Wan (amusement) than Qui-Gon (annoyance). "Looks like I've picked up a couple of pathetic life forms..." :)
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Jessica Darkwood
(onlie2005)
10/18/2011 6:25:32 PM
PostID: 412434
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Jessica had grown much in her last two years, now standing 4 feet 9 inches, but she was still lean and wiry. The now 13 year old girl had a full head of long, wavy, golden blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes that lit up her presence whenever she smiled or laughed. It was clear that over time she would develop into a beautiful and attractive woman. Although she was no dumb blonde and was more or less practical in dress and temperment.
Jessica may have had a relatively easier time at the orphange but if anything there were a few things that might make her less unlikeable or entitled. For one she was not used to being catered to. She did her chores and helped out as much as possible although on occasion she took a little bit of advantage of some of the extra things she was given such as more food or less chores. But rarely or if she were truly hungry or too tired. She was willing to share though. And she pulled her weight and was more helpful. She hated being treated as special because of her spellcasting abilities. The girl only used her magic in self defense or in the defense of others usually when life or limb was under threat and as a last resort.
The reasons for this is largely due to her earlier upbringing. Having travelled most of her life and learned to be self sufficient, the girl was not by nature a spoiled brat. She had also been taught to live by the code of doing unto others as they would do unto you. At least two of the orphanage were accepting of her and treated her with some respect and understanding. She was at least loyal to those who were close to her and generally was kind and helpful whenever possible. Hanging out with the other kids though was the norm during her 2 years of stay at the orphanage, like any other child. And like any other child she occasionally got into mischief but largely due to Randal and his friends while hanging out with her best friend forever, Kat whom she shared her intimate thoughts and fears and occasional gossip. She ignores Lucinda and does not let her get to her. Jessica was used to being judged by others under prejudice and has learned to deal with that by simply continuing to be herself and not reacting to it unless forced to do so when threatened with assault and battery. The girl also helps with the teaching of students, acting as tutor to those who wish it and even offering to teach a little bit of magic if allowed.
Jessica had noticed the tension of the elders recently and wondered what was going on. Naturally she asked but probably got no answer. She did talk about her concerns regarding this to her friends, especially Kat and Randal.
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Game Master
(Smash)
10/18/2011 9:14:29 PM
PostID: 412456
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Pitch and Ditch
Surveying your surroundings, the posts are in a semi-circular pit naturally carved into a rocky cliff face. The area is barren of trees and all around is dirt and rocks. Your backs are toward the cliff side of the alcove.
Your equipment has been tossed into a pile nearby.
Dried brown blood covers the poles and darkens the rocks and sand around each pole. Taking inventory of yourselves, you realize that it's not yours. You estimate it probably belongs to some of the scattered bone and skulls that litter what looks to be about a 100ft. circle. Each pole is about 10 ft. apart.
It feels like your heart is pounding, but is it because of trying to figure out what is happening to you or is it you mistake it for the drum beat that is heard coming from a distance? As soon as you realize that it’s because of the drums, a shape temporarily eclipses the sun. You look up to identify the cause of the shadow and see an image you’ve seen many times in the temples and tombs in the Kobold lair. It’s the shape of Hookface, God of the Hookface clan.
The shape flys in an orbit above the alcove and although you never actually attended to Hookface, you imagined that he would be much, much bigger.
This post last edited on 10/18/2011 9:16:36 PM
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Game Master
(Smash)
10/18/2011 9:31:04 PM
PostID: 412458
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Aelonn
While foraging for food off the main path, in the mountains near Cauldron, you are warily drawn toward the sound of drums. Their beats end before you can determine their exact position, but in curiosity you follow the last known direction toward thier sound.
As you crest a low ridge, the area opens up into a hill top plain before it is again broken up by yet another cliff face.
In the far distance you espy 5 leaf-less 'trees' in the distance. Definitely out of place since all you've seen in the last couple days as far as vegitation have been shrubs and patches of low grasses.
You think you see movement, but it could just be the haxe of the heat off of the rocky dirt mountain side.
You too are suddenly caught in the eclipse of the sun caused by the flying.. dragon?..
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Game Master
(Smash)
10/18/2011 11:29:17 PM
PostID: 412466
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Kelzanarr
You don't know what force is driving you, but you know Tempus for whatever reason has brought you back .. to another mortal life.. to his service once more.
Perhaps you fate is to avenge your own 'death' by the same Fire Knives assassins that killed a young girl's family. Perhaps Szass Tamm and his minions are a key to a future conflict that Tempus wishes to avoid or dispatch subvertly
Whatever Tempus wishes you will do without question. Your faith is unquestionable, but his methods are purposefully vague, revealing your destiny one page at a time. Tempus tests your patience. Maybe, that is THE lesson he wants you to learn, patience....
Imprinted in your mind is a name and a destination. Jessica Darkwood & Cauldron. Who is the Jessica? What is the connection to Cauldron? Questions and no answers.
"You will just need to go. You will know what to do." is the internal voice that talks to you.
The sound of drums interrupts your reflection. You also follow the sounds.
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Game Master
(Smash)
10/18/2011 11:52:41 PM
PostID: 412468
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Jessica
You find Kat crying. Sobbing she tells you through her tears that Randal is missing. She's looked all over but could not find him.
Gretchen calls for a headcount and you're all summoned to the bed chambers. When all is said and done, 4 children have disappeared from the Lantern Street Orphanage. Gretchen dispaches Jaromir to fetch the town guard and soon the orphanage is swarming with new faces and activity in search of the missing.
Gone are Randal, Deakon, Evelyn, and Terrem. They're beds were slept in, but in the night they vanished. From overhearing the questions and answers from the 'investigation' you gather that these have not been the only disappearances in Cauldron in the past few months.
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Game Master
(Smash)
10/19/2011 12:03:24 AM
PostID: 412469
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Pitch and Ditch.
You know that Hookface is a powerful red dragon who once terrorized the area around Cauldron. He has not stirred in quite a while, and in fact you've never seen him. The Hookface Clan of Kobolds worship the dragon as a God and their purpose is to serve him... as the Kobold Shamans interpret his needs. You've always were led to believe that the mountain caves you inhabited was the upper levels of Hookface's lair.. but you've never been down to the lowest levels where it is said he lives.
OH and btw....
Possibly a optical illusion caused by the heat and haze, but off in the distance you see a lone figure stareing back at you.
This post last edited on 10/19/2011 12:09:00 AM
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Ditch
(sammichweasel)
10/19/2011 5:37:21 AM
PostID: 412480
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Thinking faster than he has in his short life, Ditch realizes that this is probably what happened when Tiztak never came back that one time when he left dressed like they are now. Oh no! HOOKFACE EATS KOBOLDS!
The realization shatters what little reasoning he had to remain with his clan. His face screws up in an image of anger, sadness, and a whole lot of fear.
Using words he's only barely scraped together from those that were allowed to go on raids, he begins shouting!
"HALP! Ditch no like be dragon kibble! HALP!"
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Kelzanarr
(cooneypete)
10/19/2011 8:26:22 AM
PostID: 412488
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A tall figure appears on the scene--a tall, purple-skinned humanoid wearing a robe and bearing a massive axe.
"Forsooth! No dragon shall stand before the might of Tempus! But, lo, what drums do I hear?" He looks down at the kobold on the scene. "And you are?"
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