That Galardil is originally from the Northern Kingdom as previously posted in the Recruitment Thread.

So, just tossing out some stuff here. Feel free to take it, leave it, whatever.

As mentioned, I see a connection between Jarenion (Eol's mage) and En'Aranthea (Vanadia's bladesinger). Eol and Hammer are working on a connection that ties in Galardil (Hammer's cleric of Kith-jora)... which to me, suggests that the three of them probably knew one another in the sylvari lands.

As an aside: Vanadia, I would assume that En'Aranthea returned to her homelands via ship following the events of The Guiding Light... if nothing else, to bring news of Tal'Anor's death.

Danon (Tuned_Out's cleric of Merca) would have most likely been tending the helpless and downtrodden among Ertain's cities, which is most likely how he would have met Rae (full name Miraenya, Reralae's paladin of Falloes), who has a similar mission in life. In fact, I could see the two of them getting along very well due to the religious similarities.

Blair (Brundel's thief) would have been easy to come cross in Ertain. In fact, due to his run of bad luck, it's very possible that Danon and/or Rae may have ministered to him. Not sure if he's the kind to accept charity, but I get the feeling that he's needed it more than once in the past.

The question, then, is how did the two groups merge, and what led the sylvari into Ertain?

The easiest answer for me would be an edict from Megilindar Nost that sent En'Aranthea into human lands, as it is quite common for them to be sent as agents of the sylvari throne on various missions. If the three were traveling companions at this point, had shared an adventure or two, it would make sense for them to accompany her.

Mission in human lands accomplished, and Bob's your uncle. Yes?

My impression is that the group has been together for at least six months.

Again, I am open to input/change suggestions.

I will leave this question entirely up to the players, but if I had to guess, I would guess that En'Aranthea would be the best fit for the leader role of the party. She has the skillset and has served in a similar role before. Bladesingers, by the nature of their training, tend to make excellent leaders.

That being said, I recall her personality being a little more reserved, so she may not wish that mantle.

Likewise, Rae would be an excellent fit; paladins - by nature of their own skills, their forceful personalities, and their calling - are natural leaders. Rae is a humble person, however, and might be reluctant for such a role, regardless of how good she might be at it. That being said, the reluctant leader certainly makes for an interesting read.

Finally, I could see Jarenion making the argument that, as the most intelligent (and eventually, the most powerful) member of the party - combined with his natural arrogance and high opinion of himself - he should lead the group. For some reason, D&D groups tend to be lead by warriors or priests, but there is no reason that a mage could not be an effective leader (save perhaps the fact that it would be foolish for him to actually lead the way... more of a "command from the rear" situation).

I don't see Danon as the leader; he is humble, and more of a healer/helper than a commander.

Galardil, to me, seems completely uninterested in that sort of responsibility, preferring more to commune with nature than to lead adventurers.

Finally, I don't see Blair in that kind of role, either. Too much personal baggage, more interest in other pursuits. Just not the best fit.


Decide among yourselves, of course. I don't care who leads, or if you decide to go by committee forever. Up to you, just figured I'd weigh in on the subject.

As I have stated earlier, Galardil is searching for his Druid twin brother who has disappeared and failed to meet him in the Southern Elf Kingdom to celebrate their 75th birthday together.

Galardil could know Eol's character because he and his brother live in the Northern Elf Kingdom and have waged battles against Goblins because their father was killed by Goblins and their mother died of a broken heart over the death of her husband.

So heading back to the Northern Elf Kingdom or even the Central Elf Kingdom, Galardil could have crossed paths with Eol's character and decided to travel with him in hopes of finding his brother etc.

He is not interested in leading the group, just hopeful that by some chance with his joining other adventurers, when he finds his brother he will have an extended family to help him if there is some kind of battle that would ensue if his brother is a captive, or worse!

Just a note for you, Hammer. Sylvari adulthood is generally recognized once the hundredth birthday is reached. 75 would make you the equivalent of a teenager.

Not a big deal, I know but probably one you should be aware of.

I realize he is still a 'Teenager', but one who had to grow up quickly through the adversity of the death of both of his parents

Plus he is Half Syl, so however that equates ???

Half syl, I forgot. My bad!

He's a man grown.

I have gone ahead and made a post to the game thread. At this point, consider yourselves officially introduced.

Yeah, we have some rules technicalities to work out and I have to get the official character sheets done (two down), but I see no reason that we can't start posting.

So, have at it!

Rae is humble, but she wouldn't actually be opposed to the position. She'd probably defer to her fellow Sylvari's advice and or leadership in particular, recognizing that they've probably had a greater amount of experience in the world than she has. En'Aranthea might be more comfortable with that sort of a position if she doesn't go for the position of being party leader.

That being said, I could see the position almost being that of an unofficial leader, so to speak, if Rae took it. Acting as the party's voice but deferring to others if the situation fits within their knowledge or skills more than her.

(insert political ramble asking for election here... sorry, couldn't resist )
Rae stands before the assembled group, a woman on the slightly shorter side, dressed in body armour (type to be determined), her oaken hair held back by a leather headband that covers the tops of her pointed ears. Standing up carefully on top of the treacherously tilted soap box, she speaks, "If I am made leader, please know that I will hear everyone's voice. I will be open to options, and I know that there is no one, perfect way for every situation. If I speak on behalf of the group then know that I will do my best to do so fairly." Rae pauses, her normally bright emerald green eyes misting over as she considers her thoughts a moment, a finger raised to her lips before she looks back up to the group, "I can also bake cookies." She adds as an afterthought, "Thank you."

Hi all,

Sorry for the long silence - I am shifting from one long project at work to a bunch of short term ones, which is why I feel "free" enough to pick up another game.

En'Aranthea is not only Sylvari, but as as common for bladesingers, of noble blood, so a lot of her reticence in a previous campaign was one part youth, one part natural reserve, and one part syl noble snottiness to non sylvari Some of her adventuring since then will have blunted some of that, but it is a part of her personality.

I like the idea of having connections between characters, so knowing Eol's sister, if only by reputation is a great way to explain the familiarity between characters that the players already have

As for leadership, this player tends to towards collaboration, and bladesingers, who usually travel solo in diplomatic roles, are used to having to take charge in emergencies, so in the absence of a declared leader, En'A will gradually make more and more suggestions until she is eventually leader, or is working with someone who makes good decisions anyway.

If anyone truly wishes to lead, En'A will cede the position.

I'll post Character details tonight

Squee.


That is all.

Firstly, Blair has no interest in becoming group leader. As previously stated he has far too much baggage and his decision making is poor. He sees himself as a professional just doing a job for the party.

Secondly, I would be interested in talking further about Blairs possible link with Rae and Danon. They could very well of met him when he was in the deepest of his months.

Hey Olan

Do you allow Players in this game to post dialogue and thoughts with different colors ???

I will probably wait on some of the others to post before I do, unless I get real inspired in the next couple days!

Good question, Hammer.

I personally prefer to use the "book model" - dialogue goes inside of "quotation marks", and thoughts go in <i>italics</i>.

Examples:

"Stranger," the big man spoke, "you have three seconds to explain why you're on my land, or I'll start shooting."

Geez, Stan mused, I don't think we'll be able to say much in just three seconds.
I really don't care for multicolored text in a game thread, but I'm not going to hold it against you.

Please note that everyone's character may own one potion of your choosing... though I reserve veto power. If you try to really cheese things out (potion of superheroism, potion of titan strength, etc), I reserve the right to deny you a potion, period.

I'm thinking things like potions of cure light wounds, potions of invisibility, and similarly powered items.